Marvel imagines

You wrapped your fingers into his, allowing him to lead you into the next ‘room’. This time, you were in a town square. You looked around for the past Walker but didn’t see him. “We should keep moving,” he said quickly.

“Sure,” you murmured, forcing yourself to stop searching for the memory of him and to look for the way out.

You ignored the yelling in the distance, though you were sure this was the beginning of the scene. Instead, you scanned the environment, trying to find anything out of place. The mirror had been warped in the nursery. Something had to be wrong here, too. Quick enough, you locked onto the reflection of the water in the fountain at the middle of the square. “The water’s wrong!” you exclaimed. “That’s our way out.”

It was too late, though. In the minute it took you to find the exit, the memory of Walker had run into the square, chasing a man at an unnatural speed. He was dressed in his Captain America suit and was already covered in blood. Your surroundings suddenly came into your recall, and you realized where you were. This was the moment that Captain America first killed.

You’d seen death before. There was no obvious reason for Walker to pull you to his chest, to avert your eyes. Your blood was hot in your veins, filled with adrenaline. The sounds of metal hitting flesh and bone echoed grotesquely in your ears, seeming to never end. “It’s almost over,” he whispered, though you weren’t sure if it was more for your sake or his. His entire body shook as he was forced to relive the moment he took another man’s life.

Even after the noises stopped and the scene reset, he held you to him. His breath continued to come in rasps, refusing to settle. Instinctively, you brought a hand to the nape of his neck, settling your fingers into his short hair.

"John, we need to go," you reached up to whisper in his ear. You looked into his glossy eyes, watching as they finally focused on you. "We need to go through the fountain before it goes again." He nods, allowing you to lead through the crowd.

The screaming had begun again, so you had to be quick. The ripple in the water was small, but you knew it would break you through. "You're gonna have to trust me," you said, gaining a small nod of approval. That was all you needed. With your hand still in his, you jumped into the fountain, pulling Walker behind you.

You hit the ground hard, knocking all the air from your lungs. It wasn't often someone landed a hit on you, let alone knocked your air out, so the feeling caught you off guard. Immediately, you threw yourself upright, gasping in air that refused to expand your aching lungs. "Shit," Walker panicked, immediately moving to your side. He set his palm on the center of your back, rubbing circles. "Just breathe, you're okay." "I'm okay," you whispered. "Shh, just breathe."

As you caught your breath, you took a look around. You had emerged in what seemed to be a hotel bathroom. It looked just about like any hotel bathroom you'd seen in your many years of life. The bathroom wasn't what you remembered about that night. As soon as you stepped into the bedroom, the memory overwhelmed your senses. "I'm gonna be sick," you gagged, running back into the bathroom. "I don't know where we are right now," Walker said, still taking in the room. You rasped in a breath. “This is mine.”

The hotel door flew open, a man and woman stumbling in. You barely recognized yourself, but you'd recognize the face of that man anywhere. He wasn't a good man by any means, but had done nothing to warrant what happened next other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He knew just a little bit too much about someone with enough money to make him disappear.

And you were sent to make that happen.

You pulled him to the bed, throwing him down before climbing on top of him. His hands dragged up and down your skin, far too fast and hard to possibly be pleasurable. Still, you had moaned at the time, throwing your head back and grinding further into him. You'd needed to sell it to get him to remove his trousers. When they'd finally hit the floor, you excused yourself to the bathroom to 'freshen up'. The syringe was in your purse, already filled with the perfect amount to stop the man's heart. It sank into his thigh easily and only took a moment to take effect.

They'd paint it as an overdose. There was a whole crew of people in the cleanup department, and they were just as good at their jobs as the widows were at theirs. You didn't have memory of that, thankfully, and the scene reset with you walking out of the hotel room, shutting the door quietly behind you.

"I found the ripple," Walker finally said, refusing to meet your eyes. You'd forgotten he was there, witnessing the worst moment of your life right beside you. You nodded, throat too tight to say anything.

It was in the mirror again. With a single hit from the butt of his gun, it shattered, revealing the rest of your team on the other side. Walker led you through, fighting his way through as he did. This room attacked you, but quickly settled.

Bucky was the only to realize you’d come through together, scanning both of you before catching your eyes and quickly diverting his. Walker still hadn’t dropped your hand.

Nor did he as you crossed through the rooms of Bob’s memory. Even as he shot Bob’s abusive father, his other hand was still encapsulating yours.

You were separated in the final room. Yelena and the rest of the team were talking Bob through his struggle with the Void, but Walker’s eyes never left yours. You were panicking, and he could tell. The feeling of entrapment was pulling you back to your punishments in the Red Room, to the suffocation.

“You’re okay,” he yelled. “Just breathe. It’s almost over. Just breathe.”

You couldn’t breathe. Not while you were confined. The edges of your vision blurred. You could barely see Walker now. He was fighting against his restraints, eventually ripping through them. Then he was at your side, releasing you.

You gasped, drinking air into your lungs as quickly as you could. “Come on now, we need to get the hell out of here.” He helped you up, wrapping one of your arms over his shoulders to help you walk. “I got you.”

The moment you touched Bob, it was over. You woke up back in sunny New York, the entire thing no more than a nightmare. You stood, despite the dizziness you felt at the sudden change. Walker stood close to you, studying you before turning to Bob, who looked finally back to normal.

“You were great in there, Bob,” he said, possibly the first genuinely kind words he’d ever said to the man. “Ah, thank you,” Bob smiled. Then his face scrunched slightly. “In where exactly?” Everyone shared the same what the fuck look, before he spoke again. “Sorry, I’m just a little fuzzy.”

Yelena shook her head. “We’ll deal with that later. First, we deal with her.” She pointed to Valentina, immediately hunting her to the other side of a large tarp. You followed, emerging to at least a hundred reporters. “What the fuck?” you whispered to Walker, who just shook his head.

Then the bomb dropped. The New Avengers bomb. The one that trapped you to this for the rest of your life. Your life that was somehow entirely different than it was this morning. Including a brand-new room in your new home, the fucking Stark Tower.

None of this sat well, leading to your thoughts overwhelming you when your eyes wanted nothing but sleep.

It was half past three when you heard the knocking. It was soft, not nearly enough to wake you had you been asleep. You weren’t asleep, though, and you were sure that the man on the other side of the door knew exactly why.

You didn’t bother to crack it first, instinctively pulling it all the way open. “Walker,” you give a false smile. “Have your nightmares brought you to my door?” He smiled back, though it was tinged with sadness. “Don’t they always?”

You swing the door open, all the invitation he needed to follow you inside. You pat the bed for him to sit down. He’s hesitant, but eventually does. It’s barely a faux-pas when the bed has only been yours for a few hours anyway. “I’m sorry you had to see my shit, Walker. If I’d known we’d go in together, I never would’ve gone.”

He shook his head. “I’m the one who should be apologizing. You had to relive it and I did nothing. I should’ve gotten us out faster.” “I would’ve just seen it tonight anyways. I see it every night.” “Was he your first?” “In a way. He was my first mission. The first death on my hands happened long before that.”

Walker said nothing now, just watched as tears started to brim.

"I never wanted this," you choked out. "I never wanted to be a fucking superhero." You laughed through the tears. "Not that I ever was one."

"You've done good, no matter what you want to believe."

"I was a Widow for seven years before Natasha and Yelena shut the program down. I wasn't the best fighter or manipulator, so I had to use my body for most of my missions." You took a deep breath. "The man I killed wasn't a bad man. He didn't threaten the planet or even the Black Widows themselves. We were outsourced, Walker. I killed that man because it was in my boss's financial interest." "You didn't have a choice," his nostrils flared. "We always have a choice." "And we've all made the wrong one before." The words pain him to say and for the first time since his rooms, you can tell he's hurting. "Why'd you kill that man?"

It took him a moment to find the words. “I had just taken the serum. I knew they had Lemar and it seemed like the only way to save him at the time. I watched as he was kicked through a support beam and it just took the life out of him. I literally saw the light leave his eyes. And then I was left with one of the people responsible and I just… acted.” He took a deep inhale. “And even now, I don’t regret it. In every lifetime, I’d kill him in that square. I know it's the wrong choice, the one that will lose me everything. But I will make it every time.”

"Then it's not the wrong choice, John." “Isn’t killing always the wrong choice in their eyes? The powers that be who decide if we’re good or bad?” “I don’t think it’s that simple.” “It is to them.”

Neither of you spoke for a long time.

"I don't want to do this anymore," you said softly, wiping your tears before they could hit your cheeks. "You're done then. It doesn't matter what the fuck Valentina said. She's on a short fucking leash, anyway. You'll stay here with Bob and live a normal fucking life because you deserve it."

You shake your head. "That was never going to be an option for me, Walker, and you know it." You turned to face him, jaw quivering as you fought back the pain you never allowed yourself to feel. "I have no identity, no family. The Red Room built a weapon they never planned to remain on this planet. The incinerator would've been a kinder death than the one planned for me. I wasn't built to stick around for the long run."

Walker stared at you for what felt like ages. His breathing was steady now. “I could be your family,” he whispered. Your lip quivered. “You don’t mean that.” “I don’t say anything I don’t mean.” “You could be free from me, Walker. Free from all of the shit I carry. I could leave right now and you'd never see me again” “I’ll never be free from you. I think you know that.”

He’d always been kind to you on your missions with him. You’d expected coldness from him but was always met with warmth. Probably more than anyone you’d ever known.

“I’m not a good person, John. I’ve done worse things than most people can think up.” “Then let me help carry the burden of them. Just let me in.”

Neither of you would be the first to move, both too scared the other would run away. That this was some sick joke.

“Do you trust me?” he asked, voice small. “With my life.”

Slowly, he brought one hand to the side of your face, caressing your cheek with his thumb. It was gentle, and soft, and nothing you’d ever experienced before. Anytime you’d been close to a situation like this before, it had been rushed and sloppy and ended with someone dead.

No one rushed you now, not even John. You had a feeling he would be content with just this. He wouldn’t push you, not when he was so intimate with your past. Especially not now that he’d lived it.

You leaned in first, slowly, giving him time to retreat. He didn’t. Once you were close enough, he pulled you in, meeting his lips to yours. He grabbed a fistful of your hair as he kissed you, switching between grabbing and releasing as he melted into you. His other hand was restless, trailing over your arm and side, wanting to touch as much of your skin as he could.

You were much more still, content to wrap your fingers in his hair and hold it within your grasp. Especially once he let out a small groan when you pulled on it.

It had been so long since you'd been touched like this, since you'd been touched at all. You wanted more. Wanted to erase the memory of what you'd been forced to do with a memory of what you chose to do.

Your hands moved from his hair to the buttons of his shirt, quickly working them through the buttonholes. "Stop," he whispered, holding onto your hands. "We should stop." "I want to," you said, voice shaky. "I know. Just not tonight. I don't want to rush." You couldn't even argue, you were too spent. "Stay with me?" you asked, shimmying under your comforter. He nodded in concession. The mixture of his warmth and the sheer exhaustion of your body immediately welcomed in sleep.

It was your idea to finally tell them. Which made the freak out you were currently having so much worse. You didn't know how to tell them. Not one of them had been in a serious romantic relationship since you’d moved in together. Bringing one up felt forbidden. Wrong.

Especially one with your coworker.

Bucky wasn’t worried, of course. So many years on the planet and he’d stopped giving a fuck about taboos about twenty ago. You, however, had only been alive for some twenty and change - far less than everyone else in the tower, but especially him.

“Aren’t workplace relationships, like, a big no-no?” you ask, slightly grounding your feet as you got closer to the living room. “This is barely a workplace, doll. And if we had an active HR department, they would’ve put a stop to Valentina fucking her assistant ages ago.” You still hesitated, grinding your feet into the ground like a dog who didn’t want to go on a walk. “Seriously, what if they’re all pissed at us.” Bucky sighed, turning to face you. “Honey, if they’re pissed at us, they’re pissed at us. We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, but I really think it’s time.”

You wanted to. Obviously. The sneaking around had grown ridiculous. It was worse than your teenage years, the way you snuck Bucky into your room, or vice versa. You tried to space out the nights together, but it was rare you spent one alone. You nodded. “It’s time.” “Thank you,” he sighed, leaning down to place a kiss on your forehead.

You followed him into the living room, where the rest of the team was already seated. Bucky had been the one to call them all in on a Saturday morning, much to the dismay of everyone. Way to start things off on the right foot, Barnes.

“Okay, guys. We have an announcement,” Bucky starts, clapping his hands together to get their attention. You stood at his side, hands nervously clasped together. “Holy shit did you knock her up?” Walker asks, earning a scowl from both you and Bucky. “I’m a hundred years old, Walker. I don’t think my shit can do that anymore,” Bucky monotones. “Gramps can’t get it up,” he leans into Yelena, drawing a fierce giggle from her. “Okay, fuck you, Walker. We’re dating,” he says, finally spitting it out.

The response is immediate, a mixture of gasps and disbelief. “No!” Yelena protested childishly, stomping her foot. “She’s mine!” “No the hell she’s not,” Walker chortled. “She’s as much mine as she is yours, Belova.” You open your mouth to protest but Yelena beat you to it. “That’s not true! She fell asleep cuddling you on the couch. She fell asleep cuddling me in my room during a sleepover!”

This was becoming something very different than you’d imagined.

Bob chuckled. “Well, if that’s our baseline then I guess she’s mine, too.” “That was like two times!” you interrupted. “She fell asleep on my shoulder on beach mission trip. Very romantic-like,” Alexei added, exaggerating his words. “That was totally different!” “Uh, I was there, too!” Ava chimed in. “Thank you, Ava!” But she wasn’t done. “She and I split all our meals which is much more romantic-like.”

“I make her tea every morning and bring it to her in bed!” Yelena bursts in again. “And most of the time she lets me stay.” “You don’t cook her breakfast, though,” Walker interrupts. “That’s all me.” “She hates breakfast!” Bob laughs. “She’s a lunch girl. Which she always eats with me.”

“Hey!” Bucky finally interrupted, voice carrying over the crowd. “None of those things were romantic. She can still do those things with you. I’m not her jailer.” “So we can still kiss?” Yelena crossed her arms, staring Bucky down. Your jaw dropped. “Well, that’s a lot different,” Bucky stammered. “And why the hell didn’t you lead with that?” “Because it was one time and it was for a mission!” you exclaimed. “What if we need to do it for a mission again?” she whined. “I can do it,” Walker chimed in, which caused Yelena to physically recoil. “Damn, okay.”

“If you two have to pair up for a romantic based act of espionage, which we have to stop doing, by the way, then you can kiss my girlfriend,” Bucky sighs. Yelena squeals, running over to you with kissy lips. Bucky stops her in her tracks. “Not on a mission right now, Belova.” “Buzzkill,” she says under her breath. She pulls you to sit down beside her, nuzzling into you. You lean into Walker on your other side, who wraps an arm around you. Bucky pinches the bridge of his nose watching the three of you, his annoyance overwhelmingly obvious.

Wanda had perfected your morning routine. She would help you out of bed and to the bathroom as soon as you woke up. You were still able to move around on your own for short periods, so she was able to prepare a quick breakfast while you got ready. Even so, you groaned as she helped you to your feet, trying to fight off the sudden wave of vertigo that washed over you. “You okay, love?” Wanda asked, steadying you. “Yeah, the room’s just spinning. So nothing out of the usual,” you laughed. “Do you need me to stay with you up here?” she asked, pushing your hair away from your face. “No, I’m fine, promise,” you lied.

It took you twice as long as it normally did to do your morning routine. Every sudden movement was met with dizziness and every concentrated task took twice as much effort. Wanda was at the door when you finally left the bathroom. With far too much patience, she helped you down the long flight of stairs. When you first bought the house, the stairs were one of your favorite parts. You imagined children one day running up and down it, filling your home with life. Now, it only brought you pain.

“Here you go, sweets,” Wanda said gently, setting down a bowl of oatmeal on the table before you. “Thanks, darling,” you answered, staring at the only other dish on the table. A saucer sat just to the left of your breakfast, covered in drugs of various shapes and sizes. “Let me get you a glass of water,” Wanda said, placing a gentle kiss onto your temple. While she moved about the kitchen, your eyes remained fixed on the pills that were supposed to save your life. Instead, they were slowly ending it. Once they were in your system, you would be but a shell of yourself, unable to move more than a few inches lest the nausea overcome you. Even worse, the drugs simply weren’t working. The doctors hoped it would weaken the disease, but they only seemed to weaken you. “Wanda?” you called out. “Yes, my love?” she responded, immediately at your side. “I’m going to stop the medicine. I think it’s time.” “What are you talking about?” Wanda asked, her smile immediately dropping. “It’s not working anymore and it’s draining out all of the life I have left.” “Dr. Conners said it was natural for you to feel like that, it means the medicine is doing its job,” she reasoned. “No, Wanda. I’ve been taking it for months now and he’s confirmed I’m only getting worse.” Wanda’s eyes brimmed with tears. “I’m not ready to stop trying. I can’t lose you.” “I’ve lived a good life, Wanda, a very good life. I don’t want to spend the rest of it wasting yours. You deserve a good life, too.” “I have a good life,” she promised. “I would take care of you for the rest of my life if it meant we got to spend it together.” You grabbed her hands in yours, pulling them to your lips. “We both know I don’t have long left. I would happily give up a few extra months of suffering to get a few good days with you, Wanda. It’s all I want.” Wanda took back her hand, quickly using it to brush away the tears that threatened to fall. “You take those pills today, we’ll talk about it more when I get back.” “Where are you going?” “To talk to a friend.”

**

It was hours before Wanda returned. She had helped you back into bed before she left, making sure you were as comfortable as possible. In her absence, you spend most of your time sleeping. You probably could’ve slept for a few more hours, but you were jolted awake by the loud slam of the front door. Loud sobs rang through the house, followed by rapid breathing, and then quiet. Wanda deserved her privacy, so you feigned sleep as she opened the bedroom door. “I’m back, my love. Sorry I was gone so long.” You pushed yourself into a sitting position, fighting through the pain. “It’s okay. Who did you go see?” “Stephen,” she smiled. “I think he’s going to be able to help you.” “How?” In the months since your diagnosis, you had tried every remedy on the planet. It was costly, but thankfully Tony had set up the Stark Fund to protect ex-Avengers, whatever need be. “He knows of a girl who is able to travel across universes. There must be one out there that has the remedy to save you.” Your heart fluttered, filled with hope you hadn’t felt in months. “What’s her name?” “America,” Wanda smiled. “I’d love to meet America, to thank her for her help.” Wanda’s smile faltered. “There’s only one problem – she isn’t able to control her powers yet. I don’t know how long it would take to train her, but we really can’t afford that uncertainty.” “What are you going to do?” “I’m going to take her powers to use myself. It will be the fastest way to get the cure.” “You can do that?” “I believe so. I was able to harness Agatha’s.” “And America is okay with it?” you asked.

She remained silent a moment too long. “You can’t take this girl’s power against her will. It’s not right.” “No, what’s not right is allowing you die while I watch. You really think this girl’s life is more important than yours?” Wanda’s words turned your veins to ice. “What do you mean – her life? What are you going to do to her?” “What I must.” With every ounce of strength, you stood, grabbing onto your wife. “Wanda, please stop. My life is not worth that price.” Tears stung your eyes as you looked into hers. They were deadest, refusing to look anywhere but you. Her jaw trembled as she spoke. “Yes, it is.”

With a flick of her wrist, you were pulled back onto the mattress. The weight of her magic pushed you down, though you don’t know if you could even stand on your own. “Please, Wanda, don’t do this,” you cried out. Your words met deaf ears. “I love you,” she whispered, before exiting your room. You screamed until your throat was raw. When you were unable to scream, you cried, the tears flowing down your cheeks in neat tracks.

Despite the pain, you screamed when the portal opened. Wanda stood at the edge of the portal, fighting both Stephen and a young girl in a blind rage. Your screams caught her attention, distracting her long enough for Stephen to restrain her. “Let me go!” she screamed, squirming in her restraints. While Stephen restrained your wife, the girl’s attention landed on you. “Please don’t hurt her,” Wanda begged through sobs. She snapped her fingers, harnessing her energy into releasing you from your restraints. Even with all your power, you knew you wouldn’t be able to save yourself.

The girl stepped through the portal. “America?” you asked. “That’s me,” she answered hesitantly, stopping at the edge of your bed. “I’m Wanda’s wife,” you spoke, quickly adding on your name. “I figured,” she said with a small smile. “I’m sorry about all of this. She would do anything for me, even if I begged her not to.” “I understand. My moms were the same way.” Stephen’s voice carried through the portal. “I can’t hold her much longer, America.” “Wanda,” America called out. “What do you want?” she asked fearfully. “I’ll do anything, just don’t hurt her.” “You need to give Strange the book. It’s hurting you.”

You stood, helping Wanda to her feet. "Ready to tell the boys goodnight?" Wanda smiled widely. "More than ready." You wrapped your fingers around hers, leading the way up the stairs.

Billy and Tommy had already settled into bed, both looking incredibly sleepy, despite their protests just minutes ago. You sat on the edge of Tommy's bed, tucking him in tightly. "How's that?" "That's good," he yawned. "Perfect," you said, standing to kiss him gently on the forehead. Wanda had done the same for Billy. "I love you both," you said, blowing kisses to both of your boys. They caught them, bringing an immediate smile to your lips. "I love you, too. Forever and always," Wanda spoke, teary-eyed once more. "We love you, too."

Once downstairs, Wanda pulled you into a kiss. It was soft and passionate, leaving you clinging to her. "What was that for?" you smiled. "I just haven't done that in a while," she smiled. "I've missed you." "I was only at the store for an hour," you laughed. "It felt like much longer."

Her eyes suddenly lost focus, then regained it just as quick. "I need to go somewhere. It's urgent," she insisted. "Is everything okay?" you ask, your heartrate quickening. Even though she had been officially retired from the Avengers, they still asked for her assistance every so often. "Everything's fine. I'll be back in no time - I promise." "Okay, be careful, beautiful. I'll be here when you get back."

With one more quick kiss, she was out the door.

While you waited, you cleaned up the remaining dishes from dinner. When Wanda still hadn't returned, you began to worry. "Tony?" you asked once he had finally picked up the phone. "It's way outside of office hours, Maximoff. This better be good." "You're not with Wanda, are you, by chance?" "Why would I be with your wife? I'm not that scummy." "No, I thought she might be on a mission or something? She left the house late tonight and I haven't heard anything from her. I was hoping she was with you." "Sorry, kid. I haven't reached out to her in months. The other guys have been handling crises pretty well these days. If you don't find her soon, call again, and I'll help however I can, though." "Thanks, Tony. Sorry for calling so late."

Only a few moments after you hung up the phone, there was a loud thud on the front door. "Wanda?" you called out, reaching for one of the kitchen knives. "It's me," she called out weakly. "Wanda," you cried, running to the door. When it opened, you gasped at the sight before you. Wanda was covered in blood and had small cuts glittering her body. All that blood couldn't possibly be hers. "Wanda, what happened?" you cried, pulling her through the doorway.

She burst into tears. "I don't know what happened. Someone got in my mind. It was like what Professor X can do, but it definitely wasn't him." She gasped for air. "I killed him, I killed all of them." "Shh," you soothed. "It's alright." You pushed her bloody hair away from her face. "Whoever was controlling you, are they gone?" She nodded. "It wasn't just anyone controlling me, though. It was me. At least, I think it was. When she saw you for the first time, I could feel everything. Same with the boys. I felt like I hadn't seen you in years." "That was her before?" Wanda nodded. "I tried to take control back, but she was too strong." "It's okay, let's get you cleaned up and then we'll figure out how to deal with this."

You helped Wanda into the tub, quickly cleaning all of the blood you could off of her. Her cuts appeared superficial, which you were thankful for. "You're not hurt, are you?" you still asked. "Not physically."

Wanda had only just pulled on a clean set of clothes when you heard what sounded like a tornado downstairs. "Stay with the boys," Wanda instructed before running down the stairs. The boys in question were already at your side, also startled by the loud noise. "What's going on?" Tommy asked, clinging to your leg. "I don't know," you answered truthfully, hugging both of your boys tightly.

When you heard the first crash, you bolted down the stairs, baseball bat in hand. Your Wanda lay crumpled against a wall, while another Wanda stood over her. Though she shared the same physical features as your wife, your wife she was not. Her eyes were dark, missing the sparkle that your Wanda always had. You ran to your wife, holding her gingerly in your arms. "Get away from us!" you shrieked at the stranger in your living room. Billy and Tommy also bundled down the stairs, throwing their toys at the intruder. "Get away from our mom!" they yelled. "Stop that," she pleaded with the boys. "It's me."

When they ran out of things to throw, both boys ran to your side, standing protectively in front of their mothers. The other Wanda's expression softened. "Please leave us alone," you cried. Against your wishes, your wife stood, limping to her doppelganger. She said but a sentence to her before she crumpled to the ground. The portal that she had come through swallowed her up, leaving you alone with your family. "Is she gone?" you asked. Wanda nodded. "For good this time."

Peter inhaled deeply, taking a moment to regain himself. “Thank you for this. Just seeing myself, well my other self, happy gives me some hope. Even when he’s lost in thought, his eyes wander to you. I’ve only known him for a day and I can tell he loves you more than anything.”  You blush ferociously even though you need no reminder of how much your husband loves and cares for you. He was the most attentive man you’d ever known. Every second that wasn’t spend saving lives was spend with you. Peter made it very clear that you would never be unloved by him. “Do you think you’re ready to go back in there?” Peter smiled slightly. “We have people to save. I’m ready.” 

Within two more hours the antidotes were ready and the plan was made. You were to stay in the school with MJ and Ned, protecting them if necessary. “Do you still have it?” your Peter asked softly, both hands placed on your arms.  You nodded. “Never leave home without it.”  Peter kissed your forehead quickly. “That’s my girl.”  “Good luck,” you called to all three Peters, watching as they crossed through the portal Ned made. 

Through the portal, you watched the three men for a few moments. Even though the stakes were higher than anything they’d faced before, it seemed like they found comfort in each other. Your Peter had never had siblings, but now he had two. Your eyes didn’t leave Peter until the lightning started.  “Okay, Ned, close it,” MJ said, the bright shocks of light illuminating in her irises.  Ned kept motioning with his hand, but the portal refused to close. “What’s wrong?” I asked.  “It’s not closing,” Ned choked out.  “Have you never got it to close before?” MJ asked. “You never have!” “It’s just always closed. I don’t know why now is any different!” Ned countered.  “Why would you volunteer to do it if you didn’t know you could!” MJ screamed, flinging her arms in frustration. 

You were so focused on their argument that you almost didn’t see the lizard heading straight toward you. “Get back!” you yelled, pushing both of them safely behind you. As soon as the lizard broke through the portal, you extended your left hand, using the machine Peter had made for you to shoot a bolt of energy into his chest, causing him to collapse instantly.  “What was that?” MJ screamed.  You pulled up the sleeve of your dress to show a wired contraption sitting snugly against my forearm. “It’s a miniature energy-making machine, like what Doctor Octavius was perfecting before it went wrong. Peter gave it to me to protect myself. One shot and whoever I’m fighting is stunned, at least for a while.”  “That’s an arc reactor!” Ned exclaimed, shaking MJ at the thought.  “A what?”  “I think he’s waking up!” MJ said, pointing to the fidgeting lizard on the ground. 

“What’s going on here?” a man yelled at the other side of the portal. He had salt and pepper hair, with a goatee and a stern look.  “Dr. Strange,” Ned gulped.  In the ten seconds the interaction took place, the lizard had woken up, sending a chilling hiss into the air before charging. “Go!” you yelled, pushing MJ and Ned in front of you. Dr. Strange stayed behind, holding the lizard off somehow. 

With the wind hitting you and the sight of a thousand foot drop before you, your brain began to fog. You shakily grabbed onto one of the beams for support, breathing quickly and shallowly. “Hey, you’re gonna be fine,” MJ said, grabbing onto you. With her support, you made it to the wide end of the structure, the cube held tightly in your hands.  “Are you okay?” the youngest Peter asked all of you, hugging his girlfriend tightly.  “We’re fine,” she said a little too quickly.  The middle Peter landed beside you. “Keep this safe,” you told him, handing him the box. The youngest Peter saw it first, “Bomb!” he yelled, batting the cube out of his hands and behind you. He wasn’t quick enough, however, as the explosion cast each of you forward, into the night sky. Time seemed to slow as you freefell. Your eyes finally locked with your Peter’s, who was currently at the top of the monument. A scream ripped through his throat as he dove for you. 

There was no way he would make it. 

He was still a hundred feet away and the ground was growing closer. You closed your eyes tightly, wanting your last sight to be your husband. A gasp ripped through your throat as a pair of arms wrapped tightly around you, pulling you upward. With all the courage you could muster, you opened your eyes. Peter held you tightly in his arms, now standing safely on the ground. But it wasn’t your Peter, it was the Peter you had first met on this earth. The Peter who had lost his love in the same way you were almost lost. The Peter who found hope in your husband’s happiness. “You saved me,” you breathed.  “I did,” he answered, just as breathless as you.  “Thank you, Peter.” He lowered you to the ground, tears of his own threatening to spill over. “Are you okay?” “Yeah,” he smiled. “I think I am.” 

Your Peter joined you not a second later, wrapping himself tightly around you. “I’m so sorry,” he cried.  “I’m okay, Pete. I had someone looking out for me.”  Peter turned to his brother, pulling him into a tight hug. “Thank you for saving her.”  “I think she really saved me.” Your Peter pulled apart from the other, turning to look at you. “I know exactly how you feel.” 

You blushed, aching to get the attention off of yourself. “So, it’s over?” Your Peter shook his head. “Green Goblin is the only one left. This world’s Peter has him under control, though.”  “Um, I don’t know if he does,” the other Peter said, eyes locked on the scene unfolding before him.  “No,” your Peter breathed as he picked up the goblin’s board. He took off immediately, throwing himself between Peter and the goblin, catching the board before it sliced through the monster behind him. He didn’t say a word to his younger counterpart, instead holding the board until Peter threw it down himself. 

Two days passed with no progress. With all the cash in your pockets, you were able to hole up in a cheap motel at night, spending every ounce of daylight searching for the other Peters. The nights brought only hopelessness. Your mind wandered every possibility, including the bleakest - Peter never crossed and you were stuck here. Your heart ached for him as you lay alone at night for the first time in years. 

On the third night as you lie alone, Peter sits up in his separate bed, staring intently at the wall in front of him. “We need to leave,” he insisted.  “What’s wrong?” you ask as he takes off his outer layer of clothing, revealing his spider suit.  “I don’t know yet, but I know we need to get out of here.”  Before his hand could reach the doorknob, a shot of electricity burst through the window, hitting both you and Peter. All the air in your lungs left your body as you hit the wall in the back of the room. Static filled your veins, causing each muscle in your body to sting. Everything was blurry, but the shots of electricity were as clear as day. Peter dodged each one, finally managing to entangle the man in his webs.  “Let’s go!” he urged, pulling you to your feet. You couldn’t stand on your own, relying fully on Peter, who finally opted to just carry you. “I’m gonna swing you now, okay?”  You nodded, holding the man as tight as you could. He used one hand to swing, the other clutching you tightly to him. It must have been miles before he landed, setting you both down in a quiet alleyway. 

This time, Peter was quick. As soon as he saw the sparks, he pushed you behind him, dropping immediately into a fighting position. These sparks, however, were different. They were circular and opened up to a different location, with two kids staring intently at you. “What is that?” you ask.  “I have no clue, but I think we should go into it.” “Are you sure?” you asked, trusting that the intuition of the man matched that of your own Peter.  “Yes,” he answered before leading both of you through the portal, which closes immediately upon you entrance. 

“Peter?” the boy asked, a puzzled look on his face.  This Peter took of his mask, to disappointed expressions from the rest of the room. “You’re not Peter.”  “Why are you in the Spider-Man costume?” the girl asked.  “I am Spider-Man, just not from this universe,” he explained.  “Prove it,” the girl pushed with crossed arms. This time, Peter chose to walk up the walls, landing gently just inches from you.  “Does that prove it to you?” he asks.  She nodded. “And you are?”  You smile. “Not from around here.”  She smiled softly. “Figured. I’m MJ.”  Your smile falters. “I knew an MJ once. She was one of the best women I ever met.” After only a moment, you give the girl your name, too.  “I’m Ned,” the boy with her smiles. 

Peter finally speaks up. “How did we get here?” “Oh!” Ned exclaims. “We were looking for Peter. Our Peter. I cast a spell and it opened up to you.”  Your heart fluttered. “Could you do it again?” Ned nodded before raising both hands and circling one around the other. “I wish Peter Parker were here right now.” 

In a flash of golden light, another portal opened. On the other side stood the man you’d been missing ever since waking up here. His eyes softened as they met yours, immediately crossing through the portal.  “Peter!” you yell. Before the portal behind him closed, you were in his arms. “I thought you were gone.”  “Hey, calm down,” he said, gently wiping the tears streaming down your face. “Everything’s going to be okay.” As he wiped your face, he noticed the gash on your forehead. “What happened to you?” “Electric man,” you murmured, already feeling sleep starting to overcome you. “Electro,” the other Peter spoke. “He’s one of mine.”  “He got to you already?” your Peter asked.  “Not even an hour ago,” Peter answered. 

“Do you have a first aid kit?” your Peter asked Ned, who nodded before grabbing it from under the sink. MJ pushed a chair over to you, which Peter helped you sit on. “There you go,” Peter said as he dropped on one knee before you. He pulled out a gauze pad and poured a generous amount of alcohol onto it. “This is going to sting,” he warned.  “I can take it.”  Peter laughed before gently pressing the gauze to your own, pulling a hiss through your clenched teeth. “It’s almost over,” he whispered before removing the cloth. He finally covered it in a bandage. “Good as new.” 

“I know where we need to go,” MJ says after talking with the other Peter.  “That’s perfect,” your Peter said. “Does your grandmother mind if she rests here while we go?”  Ned shook his head. “She can stay in my room. It’s just down the hall.”

“Why are you really here?” “I’m worried about tomorrow.” “You’re going to be in and out in five minutes flat. I promise you’ll be fine. There’s really nothing to worry about.” “I’m not worried about me, Tony. I’m worried about you,” you say, pushing yourself up to look at him. “I’m always worried about you.”  “Hey, I’m gonna be fine. You don’t have to worry about me,” he says, wrapping both arms around you.  “I do though. You mean everything to me.”  “Trust me, I know how you feel. I’m always worried that whoever’s after me will go through you. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with.” “I think that’s an exaggeration.”  “Trust me, it isn’t.” He pauses, choosing his words carefully.  “I think I’m in love with you, and that scares the crap out of me.” 

You heart flutters in your chest. “I love you, Tony.” While the words had never been spoken aloud by the two of you, you had been aware of them for a while now. You portrayed your love through action, but tonight everything was spelled out. The word ‘love’ was able to do funny things to your heart. 

Tony pulled you closer to him, kissing you on the forehead. “Get some sleep, and I’ll try to, as well. Everything will be fine tomorrow.” “I know it will. Just be careful.”  “I’m always careful.”

F.R.I.D.A.Y. woke you up only 3 hours later. “Good morning, boss. The plane leaves in thirty minutes.” That was your cue to leave. You got ready quickly, meeting the rest of the team on the roof to board the aircraft. Today’s mission would be much more difficult than usual. You were only ever called in as backup as Tony hated the idea of you actually on the ground. With telekinesis you could often complete the mission from base, but this time was different. You needed to be close to control them. They were different, stronger, than anything you’d fought before.  “It’s gonna be okay,” Tony said as you loaded into the carrier. “I promise,” he said before gently kissing your forehead. 

You claimed the copilot’s seat, which was reserved only for you. Tony sat in the pilot’s seat, effortlessly navigating the jet until it was safe to go into autopilot. Upon doing so, he reached and grabbed your hand, squeezing it gently. “We’ll be there in ten. You better suit up.” Tony stood. “And that goes for all of you, not just the sexy one in the front.” 

Cap dropped in first, scanning the primary defenses. Nat, Clint, and Thor went next, with Bruce dropping shortly after. Last were you and Tony - set to go straight into the threshold and disable from within. That was mainly your job, but Tony would never let you go without backup. Like he said, you would be in and out within five minutes. A piece of cake, really. 

“What are we dealing with?” Tony asked as you scanned the area.  “I’m not sure. I think it’s a hive mind. No wonder I had trouble reading it before. It’s incredibly strong, but interconnected.”  “So they’re out there fighting-” “Aliens,” you finished for him. “They’re fighting a system of interconnected aliens.”  “Beautiful. Go ahead and shut ‘em down.”  “Okay, but once they feel me in their mind, they’re going to attack. Every single one of them is going to come straight to us.” 

“Well, then, I guess we better be fast,” Tony said, closing his helmet. “Alright team, you all need to make your way back to us. And you better beat the aliens.”  “Aliens?” Nat asked.  “What do you mean, ‘aliens’?” Cap added.  “Alright, go ahead,” Tony said, giving you the all clear.

Your middle and pointer finger on your left hand connected to your temple, while you placed your right hand onto the ground, sinking your energy into the core. It was tiring and painful, and it’s affects were deadly. You were only ever called on scene to capture or kill, and both took a hefty physical and mental toll on you. When your waves connected to the hive, you could feel its pain. It crept into you the way your powers crept into it. The pain and anger boiled in you, ripping a scream from your throat. You could hear commotion surrounding you, but it was blurry and undecipherable. Every ounce of strength you had surged out of you, until, finally, it was calm. 

You collapsed onto the cool ground, aching for sleep, but your mind stayed conscious - slowly allowing your surroundings to sharpen.  “Come on, you’ll be okay,” you heard Nat say in the distance.  “We need a med team to our current location. Quickly,” Steve added. 

For who?

You tried to sit up, but your vision blurred and mind ached. “You just need to rest,” Clint said, clearly to you this time.  “Who’s hurt?” you ask, squeezing your eyes shut in order to numb the incessant throbbing.   “Everyone’s fine. You just need to rest now. We’re getting out of here soon.” 

You opened your eyes quickly, fighting off the pain that was building in your head. At the other side of the room, Tony sat against the wall with something metal lodged in the right side of his stomach. “Tony,” you called out weakly.  “Hey, sweetheart,” he responds, voice as weak as yours. “Are you okay?” Your head is getting light and the room begins to darken around you. “I’m okay.” You begin to slump over, but Clint catches you and lifts you into his arms. “Tony, I-” you say, before losing all consciousness. 

You’re in the medical ward of the Avengers facility when you finally wake up. Your head and arms have multiple cords attached to them, hooked up to a variety of machines. They all beep at different times, further disorienting you. “Where’s Tony?” you ask one of the nurses writing down your vitals.  “He’s in another ward.”  “Can I see him?” “He’s recovering now, miss.”  The machines beep rapidly as you begin to raise your fingers to your temple. You had sworn long ago never to use your powers like this, but you were desperate. 

Desperate and stupid. 

You fall asleep after Ned’s fourth knock-knock joke, Peter’s eighth pun, and the ninth play of All Star. When you wake up, the car is parked. Ned shook you slightly and you sat up, becoming aware of your surroundings. You were at a hotel. You got out of the car and stood beside Peter at the trunk. He handed you your bag and you accepted it with a quiet ‘thanks’. After the car was unpacked you went to the front desk where May checked you all in. 

“Where are we exactly?” you ask.  “North Carolina,” Ned answers. “Halfway to Orlando.” May walks over to the three of you, key cards in hand. “What do you kids want to do? We can order pizza or find a restaurant close by..” “Pizza,” the three of us said instantly. “That was quick,” May laughed. She unlocked the first door, while Peter unlocked the second. The two rooms were adjacent, so you could be close, but not too close. You set down your suitcase before running to Peter’s room and jumping onto his bed. 

“Why did you take a nap? Now you have too much energy, and we all know that’s when you’re most annoying,” Ned states.  “First of all, rude,” you state. “And second of all, it’s not my fault I got bored when you two nerds started talking about math. You know I can’t even add right.” “She’s right. I took math with her in high school and she thought 15+8 was 24.”  “That was one time!” you exclaim. “And it caused me to almost fail our final so you know it’s a sore subject, Peter.”  Peter raises his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. Maybe we can go to the pool after pizza or something to burn off all your extra energy.”  “OR,” Ned begins,” you could go now, so she falls asleep before she eats six slices.  “Why did we bring him again?” you asked Peter.  “I’m going to go get changed before you two start throwing hands,” Peter replied, going into the bathroom.  “Who does he think he is?” you ask Ned, before returning to your room. 

May was on the phone so you took care to be extra quiet as you went to the bathroom to change. You walked out with a towel around your waist. Peter stood in the doorway between the two rooms, already changed. “The pizza will be here in 45 minutes,” May announced. “I’m guessing you’re going swimming?” “Yeah, we’ll be back in a little bit,” Peter replied.  “Okay, don’t get into any trouble. Oh, and Peter, take your cell phone. If something comes up, call me.” Peter nods, showing her the phone in his hand. 

The three of you exit the room. “She’s really protective of you, isn’t she?” you ask.  Ned laughs. “Yeah, you should’ve seen her face-” “Ned!” Peter yells. “Stop talking!”  “Oh, right, sorry.”  “You two are so weird,” you state, throwing your towel on an empty chair.  “You’re the one who’s friends with us,” Peter states before jumping into the pool. You sit on the edge, allowing your legs to adjust to the cold water. Ned had already gotten into the hot tub. He hated the cold more than both of you. 

Peter emerged, rubbing the water out of his eyes. “It’s really not that bad.”  “Then why are you shaking?”  “Why aren’t you?” “Because I’m smart and decided to adjust to the water before I jumped in.”  “‘Smart’. Sure,” Peter laughed. He swam backwards to the edge of the pool, then beginning a set of laps. You watched how quickly he moved through the water, soon getting enough stamina to jump in yourself. 

You emerged with a yell. “Peter, it’s freezing in here!”  “I wouldn’t say freezing,” Peter began, swimming over to you.  “I would. I can’t feel my toes!” With that, you splashed him. He gasped, and retaliated. You wiped the water from your eyes and continued splashing until you saw the looks from the adults staring at you. 

“I’m going to the hot tub,” you said, climbing out of the pool. You sit across from Ned, allowing yourself to sink into the hot jets.  “Had enough of Parker?” Ned asks.  “Yeah, I didn’t want to babysit any longer than I had to.”  “Are you guys talking about me?” Peter asked as he sat down beside you.  “We would never talk about you!” you exclaim, while gently nodding your head in Ned’s direction.  “Hey!” Peter said, gently pushing you.  “Kidding! Kidding!” 

After a few more minutes, Peter looked at his watch. “Pizza’s probably here by now.”  The three of you waddled back to the room, trying not to slip on the slick floors. Peter knocked on the door and May quickly opened it. “It’s about time you got here. I almost had to eat it all by myself. Now, go get changed before you get water on the carpet.” 

You emerged a few moments later in a loose shirt and shorts. Joining Peter on the bed, you grabbed a piece of pizza. Peter flipped through channels and you settled on a cooking show.  “No way is that guy a real chef. Look how bad he flavored his dish,” Ned exclaimed.  “Ned, we’re eating cold pizza at 10 p.m, I don’t think we have much room to talk,” you replied.  “They just announced that he was the faker,” May said, eyes glued to the t.v.  “Called it!” 

After you finished off the pizza, you decided to call it a night. 

You woke up to Peter standing over you. You gasped and pushed yourself up. You looked over to see May still asleep. “Peter, what are you doing in here?”  “Ned’s snoring and I’m about to drill a hole in my skull.”  You sighed. “Why didn’t you just wake him up?” “I did. Four times.”  “Get in, I guess. But, sleep on top of the sheets so we don’t touch. Don’t need May getting any ideas.”  You felt the bed indent as Peter laid beside you. “Goodnight (Y/N).”  “Goodnight, Parker.” 

When you woke up again, it was to an empty bed. Peter had presumably left before everyone else woke up. After a quick shower and change of clothes, you returned to your bed. Peter sat beside you, waiting on Ned to finish getting ready. “We need to be out of here by ten, so we can meet Tony in Orlando by seven.”  “Who’s Tony?” you ask.  “Stark,” May replied.  “Oh.”  “As soon as Ned is ready-” “Wait, why are we meeting Tony Stark?”  Everyone just stared at you for a moment and you started to wonder if you were the crazy one. Doesn’t every college student just invite superhero billionaires onto their trips to Disney World?

“Remember, I had the Stark internship when I was in high school. He hired me as a full-time employee and now we’re like, super close,” Peter explained, a bit too nervously if anyone asked you.  “Ah yes, because you always invite your boss on vacation with you.”  “He goes on vacation with all of his employees.” At this point in your conversation, Ned and May had found convenient ways to exit the room. 

“Why are you lying to me, Peter. I thought we were close,” you say, only exaggerating a tiny amount.  “We are close! And I’m not lying, I-” “Peter, did he pay for this trip? Because I hadn’t really thought about it up to this point and I know that you didn’t buy them because we’re all broke college kids.” Peter sighs. “Okay maybe he did. I don’t want people to know that he and I are that close so I don’t go sharing that information with everyone,” Peter said very quickly. 

By then, the information had all clicked in your head. Of course. The answer was so obvious. “If I tell you, you can’t tell anyone, though. Promise?”  “Obviously, Peter. I already connected the dots. You’re-” “Spider-Man,” Peter nodded. “Tony’s secret nephew,” you said simultaneously. 

The two of you stared at each other for a moment, both floored by the others statement. “You’re Spider-Man?!” you practically screamed. Peter put his hand over your mouth. “Can you keep it down. As much as I would love for the entire hotel to know, it kind of defeats the point of a secret identity.”

You pulled his hand from your mouth. “Why didn’t you tell me?” you asked, now at a much lower volume.  “Because I didn’t want you to worry or put yourself into danger.”  “Put myself into danger? You’re the one who went to space, Peter!” “Shh, (Y/N)!” “Okay, sorry. You were right, I am worrying a tad. But that’s only because I love you.” 

You and Peter both registered your words at the same time. Peter was the first to speak. “I didn’t want to tell you because I love you.”