Late Night Encounter
Wanda Maximoff wandered through the quiet halls of the Avengers compound, her footsteps barely making a sound. She mindlessly wandered around, lost in thought, her mind a whirl of memories and possibilities, when a door to one of the workshops creaked open.
Standing in the doorway was Henry Stark, his welding goggles pushed up onto his forehead, revealing a pair of curious, slightly tired blue eyes. He blinked at her, momentarily surprised.
“Oh, hello Wanda,” the 18-year-old said, his voice warm and welcoming despite the late hour. Wanda couldn't help but blink in surprise at seeing another person up in the middle of the night, but from what she had heard Henry Stark seemed to be a night owl.
Henry tilted his head slightly, studying Wanda’s expression. “Couldn’t sleep either?” he asked, his voice gentle.
Wanda shook her head, a small, tired smile playing on her lips. “No, I couldn’t.”
Henry nodded in understanding. “I get it. Most of my childhood was spent helping my mother in her lab. My bedtime varied quite a bit,” he said with a chuckle. “Much to Pepper and Rhodey’s displeasure.”
Henry glanced back at the open door, then back at Wanda. “Do you want to come into my lab?” he asked, a hint of hesitation in his voice.
Wanda blinked in surprise. Henry was known to be very territorial about his lab, rarely allowing anyone inside. She hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Sure, why not?”
Henry stepped aside, allowing her to enter. Wanda followed him into the dimly lit room, her eyes immediately drawn to the hologram of a suit hanging in the air. The suit was a striking mix of Iron Maiden’s ruggedness and Batman’s sleek design, pitch black with gauntlets and a full retractable head visor.
“I was just going over some upgrades for my suit,” Henry explained, his voice filled with a mix of pride and exhaustion.
Wanda studied the suit, her brow furrowing. “How long have you been awake?” she asked, concern evident in her tone.
Henry rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “About two days,” he admitted.
Wanda sighed, shaking her head slightly. “You need to take better care of yourself, Henry.”
He gave her a small, tired smile. “I know. But there’s always so much to do.”
Henry yawned, leaning against a nearby table for support. “So, why are you up so late?” he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern.
Wanda hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. “I’ve been having nightmares,” she admitted softly. “For the last few months.”
Henry’s expression softened. “I get it,” he said quietly. “When I was eight, I was kidnapped and ransomed to my mother and father, It was terrifying. I remember being so scared, thinking I’d never see them again.”
Wanda’s eyes widened slightly. “What happened?”
Henry’s gaze grew distant as he recalled the memory. “Batman and Robin burst through the roof’s window. It was like something out of a movie. They took down the kidnappers and got me out safely. But the nightmares… they stuck around for a long time.”
Wanda nodded, feeling a connection with Henry’s story. “It’s hard to shake off those kinds of memories.”
Henry sighed, giving her a sympathetic look. “Yeah, it is. But talking about it helps. And knowing you’re not alone.”
Wanda took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting the pain of her memories. “I’ve had nightmares about Sokovia,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “Sometimes, I dream that Pietro didn’t survive. That he actually died there instead of making it out alive.”
Henry’s expression grew even more sympathetic. “That must be incredibly hard, Wanda,” he said softly. “I can’t even imagine what you and Pietro went through during the battle against Ultron.”
Wanda nodded, her gaze distant as she recalled the chaos and destruction. “It was… overwhelming. The fear, the loss, the constant fight for survival. And seeing the people we cared about in danger… it was a nightmare in itself.”
Henry leaned closer. “You were both so brave. Facing Ultron, trying to save as many people as you could… it must have taken a toll on you.”
Wanda’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “It did. And even now, the memories haunt me. The what-ifs, the close calls… they all come back in my dreams.”
Henry reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay to feel that way. What you went through was traumatic. But you’re not alone, Wanda. You have people who care about you, who understand.”
Wanda looked at him, a small, grateful smile forming on her lips. “Thank you, Henry. It means a lot to hear that.”
Henry nodded, his own smile gentle and reassuring. “Anytime. And if you ever need to talk, or just need someone to sit with you, I’m here.”
Wanda felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. “I appreciate that. Really, I do.”
Henry glanced at the clock, then back at Wanda. “So... do you want to watch a movie to pass the time?” he suggested, a hopeful smile on his face.
Wanda considered it for a moment before nodding. “Sure, that sounds nice.”
The two of them made their way to the living room, the compound eerily quiet in the late hours. Henry picked a random movie from the extensive collection, not bothering to check the title. They settled onto the couch, the soft glow of the screen casting gentle shadows around the room.
As the movie played, Wanda found herself not paying much attention to the plot. Instead, she felt a sense of calm wash over her, the presence of her fellow Avenger providing a comforting distraction from her troubled thoughts. Before she knew it, her eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted off to sleep, her head resting on Henry’s shoulder.
Henry, equally exhausted, soon followed suit, the steady rhythm of Wanda’s breathing lulling him into a peaceful slumber.
The next morning, the first rays of sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the living room. Nikolai and Anastasia Romanoff, who had come to check on their fellow Avengers, paused at the sight before them. Wanda and Henry were fast asleep on the couch, Wanda’s head resting gently on Henry’s shoulder, both looking surprisingly peaceful.
Anastasia smiled softly, nudging Nikolai. “Looks like they had a long night.”
The two Romanoffs exchanged a knowing glance before quietly retreating, leaving Wanda and Henry to their rest.