Chapter 7
The Common Room…
Katarina scoffed as the pair entered the common room where the rest of the avengers awaited, “all this for me? I’m flattered.”
No one said anything as she walked further into the room, everyone was either too nervous or unsure of how to start. Wanda was the first to stand and address the young girl, “I know you are still loyal to Strucker, and I know you can’t stand the sight of me right now. I just wanted you to see in person the opportunity we are presenting you.” she turned back, gesturing to the rest of the team.
“I want you to know friendship and trust Katarina, that is all I’ve ever wanted for you since I met you. Please, just reconsider your choices.” Wanda’s green eyes were full of begging.
Katarina looked between her and all the other members of the Avengers team, Bruce and Steve looked at her with calculating expressions as to whether she will actually take Wanda up on her offer, even Vision was there though he looked a bit lost, Tony eyes were mainly set upon the cuffs that Bruce made wondering just how extensive her powers went, and Natasha and Clint were glancing between Wanda and herself.
After a long moment of silence Katarina finally gave her answer, a quiet “okay…”
“Really?” Wanda felt her heart lighten.
“Don’t expect me to be mushy about this, I’m only doing this because of certain reasons.” Katarina straightened her posture, trying not to give anything away about how badly her induced dream affected her in front of everyone else.
“Soo, can I get these taken off now?” She held up her cuffed hands.
“Sorry Sabrina Spellman, but until we feel we can trust you the cuffs stay on.” Tony said from his side of the room.
“What’s the matter metal head? afraid that I’ll break your mind with a snap of my fingers?” Katarina smirked teasingly.
“Okay, okay, let’s not escalate things. Wanda, why don’t you show Katerina to her room.” Steve suggested before standing and leaving the room to head to the gym, not knowing how else to go about the situation until he became more familiar with Katarina and witnessed for himself that she did want to change her ways.
Everyone sort of dispersed after that, Natasha offered to walk with Wanda and Katarina but the witch politely declined. The pair walked off in the direction of the elevator, once inside Katarina decided then to open up to Wanda about her sudden change of heart.
“I had a dream about Strucker, I saw what his vision for the world was. And-” She choked on the next words that formed in her throat, “and it scared me.” there, she said it.
Wanda internally smiled, she’d hoped that her meddling would have played a part in changing Katarina’s mind. And it looks like it did, on the outside though she feigned concern. “Do you believe this is a true prognostic?”
“It’s Stucker, of course it is. But the thing’s I foresaw… they were awful…” Katarina shuddered, her eyes taking on a vague haunted look.
Wanda laid a comforting hand on her shoulder, the younger girl flinched at first but relaxed when she realized it was Wanda’s hand. She looked at the red haired woman, her violet eyes holding so much pain and emotion. “I don’t want to go back… I can’t- I don’t want to keep living like this Wanda.”
Wanda embraced her immediately into a hug, perhaps she pushed a little too hard with the mind altering but if it got her to see Strucker for who he really is, it was a small price to pay. Nevertheless, she embraced the teenager for however long she needed which was only a moment longer. “I will help you, you’ll never have to go back. I promise, maley tien.”
Little shadow, that was Wanda’s nickname for her. Katarina used to love it as a child, it made her feel special and loved. Katarina straightened herself, her cheeks taking on a faint red from embarrassment. The elevator then signaled their floor, Wanda led the way. “I asked for your room to be across from mine, I hope you don’t mind.”
Katarina shrugged. Wanda opened the door for her so she could step inside, Katarina was a bit taken back by the size of the room. It was big with a large window that overlooked the city, a large soft looking bed with crisp white sheets. The bathroom was nearly as equally big, it also had a window that overlooked the city, a rather decent sized tub and shower. The closet; which was already filled with clothes, was a big walk-in with a built-in mirror inside. She felt like a princess.
“Wow… metal head sure knows how to pick his homes.” Her comment made Wanda chuckle.
“Let me know if you need anything.” The witch said as she took Katarina’s hands in her’s, entering a code on the cuffs allowing them to fall off.
“But- I thought Stark said?-”
“Tony tends to be a bit… dramatic, you’re allowed to have the cuffs off so long as you are supervised. It’s temporary until everyone feels they can trust you fully.” Wanda sent her an apologetic look.
“I get it,” Katarina shrugged, “I did try to kill you and your friend sooo…” she trailed off.
“They’ll come around, it took them some time to trust me.”
“Remember, I’m across the hall if you need anything. There’s already some clothes in the closet for you.” Wanda bid her goodbye and left Katarina in the privacy of her room. She took in her new surroundings, this was honestly one of the nicest rooms she’d ever been in. The first thing she wanted to do was soak in the enormous bath until the water went cold, and that is exactly what she did with a nap to follow.
For the first time in her life, Katarina slept soundly without any nightmares. Her dreams this time consisted of starry night skies, a rainbow bridge and a figure on the other side of the bridge with their hand outstretched toward her. She woke before she could reach for the hand, confusion marred her face but it quickly went away from the sound of her stomach demanding food.
Taking in her room one more time, a small part of Katarina felt like she could perhaps get used to this lifestyle. She hopped out of bed in search of Wanda for directions to the kitchen, she was absolutely starving!