How Long Could This Go On?
It’s everything you ever want
It’s everything you ever need
The soft glow of the television cast Kate’s silhouette on the couch, along with the golden lump of fur curled up beside her. It was the only light in the dark room, reflecting the quiet stillness, the only sound being Lucky’s occasional shuffle on the couch and Kate’s soft singing voice.
Kate had been lounging on the couch ever since the sisters had left her earlier that morning. Yelena had finished her breakfast around 8 a.m., and now, nearly 12 hours later, it was 7 p.m. The hangover that had weighed on her earlier had dissipated after a heavy meal, but the fatigue and emotional exhaustion lingered.
“And it’s here right in front of you,” Kate sang softly, nuzzling into Lucky’s warm fur. “This is where you wanna be.”
The golden retriever gave a soft bark before settling comfortably on her lap, finding his favorite spot on his owner.
Kate mindlessly scratched behind his ear as she watched Hugh Jackman’s character watch his daughters grow up, all while hugging his first and last love close.
“Do you think I’m making a mistake?” Kate asked Lucky with her eyes still on the screen but her mind elsewhere, “She’s happy. You saw how she was smiling this morning right?”
Lucky let out a loud whimper, pawing at her lap. Kate raised her hand just in time to avoid his sharp nails from scratching her.
“I know, I know,” she sighed, her voice heavy. “It might not be because of me but her happiness is all that matters bud.”
Lucky howled softly, the sound almost pained, as if disagreeing with her. Kate stared at the television as the credits began to roll, her expression thoughtful.
“She was here this morning but I miss her too, bud.” Kate closed her eyes and rested her forehead on him as her thoughts scrambled messily in her head.
Lucky whimpered again, his eyes searching hers, and Kate hummed softly in response, nodding as if she’d come to a decision.
“You’re right,” she said, breaking the silence. “I should write.”
Lucky panted happily, as if that was exactly what he had been thinking all along. He hopped off her lap, allowing Kate to stretch, grab a pen and paper, before settling back into the couch.
Two stanzas in and a couple (a lot) of tear drops later, Alma shuffled into the living room, breaking the quiet, to tell Kate she had a visitor. Startled, Kate quickly folded the poem, her fingers clumsy as she wiped her tear-streaked face with the end of her sleeve. She pulled a purple blanket over herself and Lucky, trying to collect herself as she waited for the unexpected guest to appear.
“Wanda?”
“Hey Kate.” Wanda greeted as she walked in and made herself comfortable on the arm chair across from the dark-haired girl.
“What are you doing here?” Kate asked, blinking in confusion, “not that I’m not happy to see you…but why?”
“I wanted to check up on you. You weren’t doing too well last night.” Wanda said as Kate looked back with wide eyes.
“Last night? What do you mean? Did I say something?” Panic settled into Kate’s chest—she had no memory of seeing Wanda after the beer pong game.
Wanda shook her head. “No, you couldn’t even talk. Not with the tears that were rolling down your face,” she said, her tone soft but worried. “Did something happen?”
“No,” Kate said too quickly, shaking her head in denial. “Nothing happened.”
Wanda wasn’t convinced. “Kate, it was your celebratory party. Those weren’t tears of joy. Even Natasha was worried. She wouldn’t let me go upstairs with you two,” she frowned, studying Kate, who seemed to be avoiding her gaze.
“I just had too much to drink, that’s all. Nat kept giving me drinks, and I took them. I guess I got a little emotional.” Kate mumbled, trying to brush it off.
Wanda didn’t miss the way Kate’s eyes were baggy and swollen, even in the dim light. “Are you feeling okay? You don’t look so good. Have you been drinking water today?”
“Yes, Wands,” Kate grumbled, rolling her eyes. “You sound just like Natasha.”
“Natasha was here?” Wanda raised a brow.
“Yeah, she stayed the night. Yelena came over too and made breakfast this morning—eggs, bacon, hashbrowns—”
“Kate?” Wanda’s voice cut through, her attention suddenly focused on something near Kate.
“What?” Kate questioned obliviously what Wanda had her eye on.
“What’s that?” Wanda’s eyes were locked on the folded poem sitting beside Kate, Yelena’s name clearly visible. While talking, Kate had been making big gestures with her hands causing her blanket to reveal the piece of paper.
“Oh, that? It’s nothing,” Kate lied, hastily trying to push the paper further away.
“Can I see it?” Wanda asked.
“No!” Kate quickly blurted out.
“Kate…” Wanda’s voice was firm now.
“I was just gonna thank Yelena for breakfast, you know? She didn’t have to make my favorite hashbrowns—” Kate lied horribly as she internally screamed at herself.
“Enough about the hashbrowns. Give me the poem,” Wanda insisted, her eyes narrowing with a challenging look.
“Poem?!” Kate squeaked, her panic rising.
“That’s what it is, isn’t it?” Wanda pressed with a raise of an eyebrow.
Kate stammered for a moment, then tried again. “Uh, yeah. Actually, Yelena must’ve left it here or something. She probably got another envelope from her secret admirer.”
Wanda let out a disbelieving huff. “Why would she get another envelope when she already knows who it is?”
Kate’s heart skipped a beat. She froze, unable to meet Wanda’s piercing gaze.
“Or does she?” Wanda challenged with a knowing glint in her eye, “Kate, give me the poem.”
Reluctantly, Kate handed over the half-written poem, watching as if in slow motion while Wanda unfolded the lined paper and read the words carefully. The room was thick with tension as Wanda took in the words silently.
When she finished, Wanda looked up at Kate, her face filled with sympathy and concern.
“Kate…” Wanda began gently.
“Yep, that’s me. I’m Kate.” Kate replied weakly, her voice barely above a whisper as she failed to avoid the inevitable conversation that was about to occur.
“Kate,” Wanda said again, shaking her head. “It’s you.”
“Yes, I am Kate.”
“Katherine, why are you like this?” Wanda shook her head, “You’re her secret admirer.”
“I’m sorry. I use humor to cope.” Kate mumbled to herself before accepting defeat, “Yeah, I am.”
The dark-haired girl bit her lip in anticipation for her friend’s reaction but Wanda’s expression only softened.
“Are you okay?”
Kate blinked, surprised. “Wait…you’re not mad?”
“No. I have questions, but they can wait. I’m more worried about you. Are you okay?” Wanda repeated, her concern deepening.
Kate’s shoulders slumped. “Do you know about Dani?”
“Yeah,” Wanda nodded. “I was there when Yelena confronted her about ‘her’ poems. Is that what last night was about?”
“I was going to tell Yelena,” Kate sighed. “After the game. Your brother even helped me plan it. But it turns out she was heading on a date right after.”
“Wait, my brother knew? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Wanda…” Kate raised an eyebrow.
“Right, not the point,” Wanda muttered, shaking her head. “But you have to tell Yelena, Kate! You have to tell her it’s not Dani.”
“I can’t,” Kate said, her voice cracking. “Have you talked to her since the date?”
“I haven’t had the chance,” Wanda admitted.
“Well, she was telling us about it this morning. She was really happy, Wands.”
“She won’t be happy when she finds out Dani’s been lying.”
“You sound just like Natasha,” Kate remarked, not missing the way Wanda blushed at the comparison. “But no, I can’t do it.”
Wanda took a deep breath, her frustration evident. “Okay, if you can’t tell her it’s you, at least tell her it’s not Dani. You owe her that.”
“And destroy something that’s making her happy? No,” Kate said firmly before grabbing the poem gently from Wanda’s hands. “Besides, I just needed to get it out of my system. I wasn’t planning on giving it.”
“Kate…” Wanda began, but Kate cut her off.
“Wanda, please. Don’t say anything. I’m begging you. Talk to Yelena first and see how happy she’s been. You’ll understand.”
Wanda paused, clearly torn. After a long sigh, she finally relented. “I won’t, but fine. I won’t say anything. But I hate that I’m keeping this from her.”
“I know,” Kate whispered, guilt washing over her. “I’m sorry I put you in this position. I wasn’t planning for you to see that.”
➳ ⧗
Wanda thanked the concession stand worker, her hands full of snacks as she distributed them to the group. MJ and Peter grabbed their large popcorn and favorite candy, while Pietro, with a smug grin, held his oversized slurpee.
“Can I try?” Peter asked, eyeing the towering drink in Pietro’s hand.
“No, you should’ve gotten your own,” Pietro shot back, pulling the straw protectively toward himself.
“I just wanted a sip!” Peter pouted, his expression pleading.
“What flavors did you mix?” MJ asked, looking curiously at the strange concoction.
“Blue raspberry and root beer,” Pietro said, proudly slurping his drink. “The only right answer.”
MJ raised an eyebrow. “That’s a weird combo.”
“You’re weird,” Pietro retorted, sticking out his dark-stained tongue at the girl.
Wanda managed a small smile at their banter as they headed back to Pietro’s truck. Blankets were already laid out in the truck bed, ready for their outdoor movie night. The warm air of the summer evening wrapped around them as they prepared for The Breakfast Club, Kate and Pietro’s all-time favorite movie. Kate had even raved about it the last time they all rewatched it together, sharing inside jokes with Pietro.
But tonight, Kate couldn’t make it.
The quarterback couldn’t be here because tonight was Yelena and Kate’s baking night, something the group of friends knew to not bother inviting the pair during these nights.
So why did she spot a familiar blonde chatting with a cheerleader (that wasn’t Natasha, unfortunately) heading towards them from a distance?
“Is that Yelena?” Peter’s question broke through Wanda’s thoughts, his voice laced with confusion.
“And Dani,” MJ added, her tone noticeably less enthusiastic.
Wanda’s stomach dropped as she watched Yelena and Dani approach, chatting casually. Yelena wasn’t supposed to be here with Dani, she was supposed to be with Kate—laughing, baking, and keeping up their usual tradition. The sight of Yelena so cozy with Dani, the cheerleader who had taken credit for Kate’s love letters, made Wanda’s blood boil. She swallowed down the frustration, but it simmered under the surface, barely contained.
“Oh, hey guys,” Yelena greeted, her voice laced with surprise at seeing the group gathered by Pietro’s truck.
“Hey, Lena. Dani,” Pietro responded, his smile disappearing as he acknowledged the cheerleader, who shot them all a wide grin.
“I didn’t expect you guys to be here.” Yelena commented as Wanda hummed in response.
“Yeah, The Breakfast Club is playing so we knew we had to stop by.” Pietro responded casually.
“We would have invited you, but I thought you were busy with other plans tonight.” Wanda added with a tone that was obvious that she was referring to her plans with Kate.
Yelena shifted uncomfortably, clearly hearing the tone in her friend’s voice. “Well, Dani wanted to check it out, so…”
“Yeah,” Dani cut in, smiling sweetly. “I asked YelYel here if we could come. I’ve never been to an outdoor movie before, and so far—”
Dani’s words were drowned out by the loud, obnoxious slurping of Pietro’s slurpee. Everyone turned to look at him as he continued to drink, eyes wide with exaggerated innocence.
“Sorry,” he mumbled, though his face betrayed a hint of smug satisfaction.
“Well,” Yelena glanced back toward the concession stand, awkwardly shifting on her feet, “We’re going to go grab some snacks.”
“Enjoy the movie,” Dani chimed in with a wink, before draping an arm around Yelena’s shoulder as they walked off. The sight made Wanda’s skin crawl, and her jaw clenched reflexively.
“Hope you don’t,” Pietro muttered under his breath.
“Wait,” Peter said, his face scrunched in confusion as he watched Yelena and Dani disappear into the crowd. “When did that happen?”
“Long story short,” MJ began, her voice thick with irritation. “Yelena found out Dani was her secret admirer, and now they’re going on dates.”
Peter’s eyes widened in surprise, glancing between the others for confirmation.
“Seriously?”
“Yeah I know I wasn’t expecting it to be her either.” MJ commented in disbelief as the couple got into a conversation about the topic, mostly MJ catching up Peter on the whole situation with Yelena wanting to find her secret admirer.
Pietro and Wanda exchanged a glance at that moment, the silver-haired twin narrowing his eyes, silently questioning his sister.
You know? His expression asked, a mix of surprise and curiosity clouding his features.
Wanda gave a subtle nod, her face troubled, her eyes heavy with the burden of the secret she’d been keeping. Pietro sighed deeply, his lips pressing into a thin line as he processed the situation. Without a word, he slung an arm around Wanda’s shoulders, giving her a small squeeze, then gave Peter a hard pat on the back.
"Alright," Pietro announced loudly before trying to shake off the tension that Dani caused. "Let’s go enjoy this masterpiece of a movie!"
As the four friends settled comfortably behind the truck, bundled under blankets with snacks in hand, Wanda found herself slipping away from the moment. She zoned out, her eyes fixed on the glowing screen ahead, but her mind raced elsewhere. Her frown deepened as her thoughts spiraled back to Yelena and Kate—the two people who she cared for deeply were caught in a tangled mess.
It had been four days since Wanda had discovered the truth, four agonizing days of keeping her lips sealed after stumbling across Kate’s half-written poem. Kate was Yelena’s secret admirer. The realization had hit Wanda like a punch to the gut. It was so obvious, she should’ve known, especially with being their friend for years now.
She had gone to Yelena after that, just to see how things were going, just to ask about her first date with Dani. Yelena had smiled, and had spoken about how good the date was, but there was something off, something in the way she talked that didn’t sit right with Wanda. Was Yelena really that happy, or was she just convincing Wanda? Or even herself? Or worse—was she already too swept up in the illusion Dani had created?
Wanda had promised Kate she wouldn’t say anything. She had agreed to stay quiet, to let things play out, but now... now it felt like the weight of that secret was suffocating her. For the past four days, it had eaten at her, gnawed at the back of her mind every time she saw Yelena laughing with Dani or heard Kate’s quiet sighs when she thought no one was paying attention. Kate was putting Yelena’s happiness before her own—something she always did, Wanda realized bitterly—but Yelena was being deceived, and it wasn’t fair.
Wanda's thoughts flickered back to earlier, to seeing Dani's arm around Yelena’s shoulders, and the way Yelena had smiled—just a little too wide. It felt wrong, all of it. Yelena and Kate had a tradition, a bond that went back years, and yet here was Dani, slipping into Yelena’s life while Kate stood silently in the background, hurting.
The thought made Wanda’s stomach twist.
What kind of friend am I if I let this continue on? she wondered, her brow furrowing in frustration. Kate was selfless to a fault, and Yelena was too wrapped up in the idea of love to see the truth, but that didn’t change the fact that Dani was manipulating her, and Wanda hated watching it happen.
I have to do something , Wanda thought, her chest tightening with a mix of guilt and anger. She didn’t know how much longer she could keep this secret, not when Yelena was starting to drift away from Kate, not when it was becoming clearer that Kate wasn’t going to stand up for herself.
Wanda couldn’t stand by much longer. She had to protect her friends—both of them—even if it meant breaking her promise to Kate.
➳ ⧗
“Calm the hell down, what is your problem—Wanda?”
Natasha's voice was a mix of surprise and concern as she opened the door, staring at the redhead who had been pounding impatiently.
Wanda’s face was flushed, her breathing rapid as she practically burst into the house. “Is your sister here?” Her tone was sharp, almost frantic.
Natasha blinked, momentarily thrown off by Wanda’s urgent demeanor. “Um, no. You just missed her. She’s out.”
“With Dani?” Wanda’s voice dripped with sarcasm as she ran her fingers through her hair, a gesture of frustration and exasperation.
Natasha nodded, her expression turning to one of confusion and concern. “Yeah, she’s with Dani. What’s going on?”
“Fuck,” Wanda muttered under her breath, her frustration evident. “I need to talk to her now.”
“Okay, hey now, let’s take a breath,” Natasha said, trying to calm the girl down. “Why don’t you come in? Have you eaten anything? We have leftover spaghetti from last night.”
“No, I ate already.”
“Alright, well come in anyway,” Natasha insisted, her tone softening. “I’ll make you some coffee. You like it iced with oat milk, right?”
Wanda’s tense expression softened slightly, a hint of relief visible as a blush touched her cheeks. “Yeah. Okay, that sounds nice.”
As Natasha moved to the kitchen, Wanda followed her inside, her fingers drumming restlessly on the table. She watched Natasha with a mixture of impatience and gratitude as she prepared the coffee, the rhythmic clinking of cups and the hum of the coffee machine.
“So what’s wrong with my sister? Is something going on?” Natasha asked, her curiosity piqued as she glanced at Wanda.
Wanda shifted uneasily, wringing her hands. “I just— I need to tell her something.”
Natasha’s eyebrows knit together, sensing the urgency in Wanda’s tone. “Something that’s clearly urgent.”
“It’s about Dani.” Wanda said, her voice tight with tension.
Natasha stopped her movements abruptly, “What about Dani?”
Wanda’s eyes darted around the room, avoiding Natasha’s gaze as she struggled to find the right words. She decided to keep her answer short.
“She’s not the secret admirer.”
Natasha’s eyes narrowed slightly as she seemed to process Wanda’s words, “What do you know? Do you know who it is?”
Wanda hesitated. She wasn’t sure if Natasha knew, and while she desperately wanted to tell Yelena, she wasn’t sure if it was her position to tell Natasha.
“I... I’m not exactly sure. I just know it’s definitely not Dani.”
Natasha nodded slowly, a thoughtful frown on her face as she resumed making the coffee. The quiet clinking of the spoon against the glass and the soft hiss of the coffee machine filled the silence between them. The air was thick with unspoken tension as Wanda’s fingers drummed restlessly on the edge of the table.
When Natasha finally set the iced coffee in front of Wanda, she offered a small, appreciative smile.
“Thanks,” Wanda whispered, her voice barely audible as she took the cup with a grateful nod
“No problem,” Natasha replied, her gaze falling on Wanda, who was visibly shivering despite the warmth of the room. The redhead was dressed in a thin top and leggings, hardly enough to fend off the chill.
Natasha's eyes softened with concern. “Do you want to borrow a hoodie? I can get you one.”
Wanda looked up, slightly confused. “What?”
“You’re shivering,” Natasha said, her voice gentle but firm. She reached out, her fingers tracing the goosebumps on Wanda’s arm to illustrate her point. “I can see your goosebumps.”
“Oh, no, it’s okay,” Wanda protested weakly, but Natasha was already moving.
“I’m getting you a hoodie. Mama likes to have the house really cold during summer so I’m sorry about that,” Natasha said as she looked over her shoulder briefly.
Wanda hesitated for a moment, then, with a small sigh, decided to follow her. She climbed the stairs and found Natasha in her room, searching through her closet with a determined look.
Wanda hovered awkwardly at the door frame, feeling slightly out of place as she watched Natasha pull out a large hoodie.
“Here,” Natasha said, handing it to her. “This one is pretty big on me, so it’ll be nice and baggy for you if you’re into that.”
Wanda accepted the hoodie with a quiet “Thank you,” slipping it on. The fabric was warm and soft, and a faint, pleasant scent of green apples filled her nostrils. She took a deep breath, savoring the comforting aroma.
As she glanced around Natasha’s room, she realized she’d only been here a few times before, usually accompanying Yelena when her friend needed to borrow something or just hang out. Natasha’s room was understated yet personal, its light red walls adorned with an array of trophies from her gymnastics and cheerleading days. The shelves and side tables were cluttered with various awards of different sizes and styles, each representing a moment of achievement.
One trophy, in particular, caught Wanda’s eye.
“What is this?” Wanda asked, her gaze fixated on a trophy that seemed distinctly different from the rest. It was homemade, crafted from what looked like ordinary household materials, with Natasha’s name scrawled in uneven letters at the base.
Natasha smiled wistfully. “Ah, that one’s special. It’s from a long time ago. I broke my arm during a gymnastics competition, so I couldn’t finish my routine and got disqualified. Yelena was really upset, and she felt so bad that she gave me this trophy. She called me the ‘winner’ even though I only performed for like twenty seconds.” Natasha chuckled, her eyes brightening as she recalled the memory.
Wanda smiled softly.
Across the room, a corkboard was plastered with photographs. Some showed Natasha with friends like Laura and Jane, others with her family. The majority were of Natasha and Yelena, capturing moments of shared laughter and adventures. Among them was a family picture that included Kate, perched on Alexei’s shoulders, wearing a cap and holding a football. The sisters stood in front of them, their hands raised triumphantly, their faces alight with pride.
“Don’t look at it too close. I need to clean up.” Natasha said with a light-hearted tone.
“You know,” Wanda began, her tone light and casual, “I’m surprised your room isn’t as neat as I imagined it would be.”
Natasha raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “Hey, watch your mouth, Maximoff,” she said with a laugh. “I don’t really bring anyone in my room. So, I just don’t care.”
“Oh, no boyfriend?” Wanda feigned nonchalantly as she pretended to analyze the photographs on her drawers next.
“No boyfriend.” Natasha confirmed before adding, “Or girlfriend.”
“Oh, okay. Cool.” Wanda shot up at the mention of ‘girlfriend’ and tried to hide her smile by keeping her back to the redhead.
Natasha’s eyes narrowed playfully. “You think me being single is ‘cool’?”
Wanda flustered, stumbling over her words. “No, that’s not what I meant—”
“Relax, Wanda,” Natasha interjected, her smirk widening. “I’m just messing with you. Besides, not having a boyfriend or girlfriend doesn’t mean my bed isn’t warm when I want it to be. And it’s been pretty warm lately.” Natasha’s teasing tone made Wanda’s cheeks redden further as she tried to suppress a pout at the thought of Natasha being involved with someone else.
Wanda’s eyes flicked around Natasha’s room one last time before landing on a familiar envelope on the desk. The name “Yelena” was neatly written on the front. Her eyebrows shot up in recognition as she reached for the envelope, flipping it over to see it was sealed with clear tape. She turned to Natasha, a mix of urgency and confusion in her gaze.
“What is this?” Wanda asked, holding up the envelope.
Natasha looked up from where she was organizing her things, her face impassive. “Seems like it's for Yelena. You can read, Maximoff.”
Wanda’s frustration was back and it was clear on her face. “But where did you get this?” Wanda’s eyes narrowed as she held up the envelope, her fingers trembling slightly.
“What’s it to you?”
“Please, Natasha. Is this a new poem from Yelena’s secret admirer? I need to know.” Wanda spoke softly.
Natasha hesitated, her gaze shifting to the envelope before finally nodding. “Yes. Yelena hasn’t received it yet.”
Wanda bit her lip before asking slowly, “Did Kate give this to you?”
“Why would Kate give it to me?”
“Natasha, please cut the crap right now. I’m tired and frustrated–I know it’s Kate.” If Wanda wasn’t so frustrated from keeping the secret, she’d be laughing at Natasha’s expression.
“Okay well you should’ve said that in the beginning!” Natasha sputtered out.
Wanda’s shoulders sagged as she glared at the envelope. “I didn’t realize you knew too! What does the poem say?”
Natasha’s eyes flickered to the envelope again. “It confirms that it’s not Dani.”
“Great. So, we’re going to give this to Yelena, right? This was your plan? Let’s put it in her room.”
Natasha sighed,“Wanda, wait.”
“What? What is it?” Wanda played with the strings of Natasha’s hoodie as she waited for a response impatiently.
Natasha hesitated, “It doesn’t only confirm that.”
The realization dawned on Wanda as she looked at Natasha.
“It also confirms that it’s Kate.”
“Yeah,” Natasha admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Wanda’s frustration morphed into determination. “Okay, well, what are we waiting for? If Yelena is going to find out, this is the way to do it, right? That’s why Kate gave it to you.”
Natasha’s shoulders slumped. “Well…”
Wanda’s eyes narrowed as Natasha avoided her gaze. “She doesn’t know I have it,” Natasha confessed.
Wanda’s face twisted with disbelief. “Did she tell you to keep quiet, too?”
“Yeah,” Natasha said, her voice strained with regret. “I hate it. Yelena’s my sister, for God’s sake, but Kate means a lot to me, too. It’s been eating at me, which is why I took the poem.”
Wanda sighed heavily, her hands resting on her hips. “Well, that’s why I’m here, too.”
“When did you find out?” Natasha asked.
“The day after the football party. I went to see Kate.”
Natasha’s eyes widened. “You know, Yelena wasn’t here last night either?”
“Yeah, we ran into her and Dani at the drive-in,” Wanda confirmed, a frown on her face as the memory replayed in her head like a movie.
Natasha’s face softened. “You should’ve seen Kate’s face when she got into the car yesterday. She was devastated.”
“Even more of a reason to do something about this.” Wanda asked, her voice firm as she waved around the paper.
“Yeah,” Natasha said, nodding with determination in her eyes. “Yeah okay, come on.”