As It Was

As Wanda stormed away, you practically had to sprint to keep up with her. “Wanda, will you just stop?” You called after her, sighing when her steps didn’t even falter.

“Why don’t you go back to flirting with the bartender? You don’t need me there for that.” She shouted over her shoulder sarcastically. 

You rolled your eyes at her response and looked around nervously at the spectacle you two were creating. Not an ideal situation for two people in hiding. “Wanda,” You hissed when you were finally able to get a hold of her hand and pull her to a stop. “You’re being ridiculous.”

Almost immediately Wanda pulled her hand back and stared you down. “She kept touching you and you didn’t stop her.” Wanda deadpanned.

Slight irritation began building at your temples as you watched the people around you stop and stare. Without a word, you took Wanda by the hand and began pulling her to walk, only receiving slight protest from the woman. 

Eventually you reached the small flat you two were supposed to hide out in for the next few days until you had to move again. 

It wasn’t until you were both safely inside that you finally dropped Wanda’s hand. “Do you realize how childish that all was? To think you used to call me reckless.” You said disbelievingly with a shake of your head as you spun around to face her.

Wanda sputtered, obviously not expecting your words. “You were flirting with someone else right in front of me!” She shouted defensively as she tried to shoulder her way passed you. 

Again, you rolled your eyes and advanced forward towards her until her back was pressed against one of the walls. “I wasn’t flirting with anyone.” You said calmly as you placed a hand on either side of her head, so she wouldn’t be able to leave. “All this because you’re jealous, Maximoff?”

Her eyes fell to your lips as she swallowed thickly. “I’m n-not-” She shook her head. “You know what? I was. I had every reason to be.” She responded honestly, her words sharp.

For a moment you just stared at one another. Unconsciously leaning in, longing to give into what you both desperately wanted. Needed. “We’re not together. You have no reason to be.” You told her quietly as you backed away. 

This was only the first couple of weeks of being on the run with Wanda and each implication of letting her back in made you uneasy which often led to you lashing out to push her away. 

You couldn’t fight when she looked at you like that though. 

“Y/n.” Wanda called as she followed after you. You busied yourself with picking up pieces of clothes around the space, refusing to look at her. “We might not be together, but-”

With your guards up, you couldn’t help the bitter retort that slipped passed your lips. “I wonder why that is? Oh, right… It involves you and a red robot.” You chuckled humorlessly with your back towards her. “So, again, no. You have no reason to be jealous.”

Pain filled Wanda’s eyes, but her resolve didn’t waver. “You can use that against me as much as you want, it’s the truth. Us not being together is my fault, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m in love you and that I’m going to keep trying… And I’m going to get jealous if other people flirt with you.”

There was silence that hung in the air for a moment until you felt her wrap her arms around you from behind. Each movement was hesitant. You tensed at the contact and could feel her begin to pull her arms away, but your hands over hers stopped her. 

You relaxed into her arms as you allowed yourself to accept the embrace. “I’m sorry.” You mumbled.

Wanda’s brows furrowed as her arms around you tightened. “For what?”

Nervously you worked your jaw as you tried to choose your words carefully. “For lashing out. Wanda, I wasn’t-…” You paused and took a breath. “I’d never flirt with someone else. There isn’t anyone else. There couldn’t be. I’ve tried.”

There was slight tension in Wanda’s body at your admission that you’ve tried to be with others. She quickly let it go in hopes of hearing the words she’d long for fall from your lips. “Why?”

“Why?” You echoed back to her in confusion. 

Wanda rested her chin on your shoulder, her eyes glimmering hopefully. “Yeah. Why couldn’t there be anyone else?” She probed.

You hesitated, knowing the feelings were there but you were far from ready to acknowledge them. “I can’t-… I’m not ready yet, Wanda.”

It was as though you could hear her hope shatter at your feet. “That’s okay. I can wait. I’ll wait forever for you. Just know there’s no one else for me either. I love you. And if I have to fight an endless number of bartenders for your love then I’m ready.”

You turned in her arms. “I know.” You replied softly, knowing there was nothing else you could say. You leaned your head against her chest. “Have I shown you this song?” You questioned hoping the music could say what you weren’t ready to vocalize yet.

Wanda knew what you were trying to do and couldn’t help the smile that appeared as she listened to the song softly fill the room around you with the words you couldn’t say. 

“You’ll still be looking out for me, when my mind is a mess and my heart’s not there…”

A tired sigh escaped your lips. “Okay, Charlotte. We’ve gone through books, we’ve played with toys, we’ve eaten. Momma just wants a little rest.” 

Despite your plea, the baby in your arms continued to cry. If the cries from downstairs were any indication, Wanda wasn’t having better luck with Billy.

With another sigh you continued rocking the baby in your arms, absentmindedly humming along to a tune in the back of your mind. After a moment or two of quiet humming you noticed Charlotte’s crying slow down ever so slightly as she stared up at you curiously. 

Deciding to take the risk, you began softly singing while continuing to rock her in your arms. “…  But I’ll be coming back to you, ‘cause you smell like home and your love’s still there.”

You noticed the tears come to a halt as her eyes began to droop contently as you quietly finished the song. For a moment you just watched her sleep peacefully in your arms, vaguely wondering where that song came from. All that was attached to the song were flashes of Wanda in moments you didn’t recognize. You couldn’t help but feel like it was out of place.

The confusion took a back seat to your excitement though. 

Carefully you rushed downstairs, eager to show your wife the accomplishment. “I did it! I got Charlie to sleep!” 

Your eyes widened with dread as soon as the words left your mouth. Wanda turned to you happily, her smile dropping when she saw your expression. “Y/n, wha-” Her words were cut off as the baby in your arms began to wail, having been woken up from your shouting.

A small smirk appeared on Wanda’s face as you shut your eyes and attempted to compose yourself. “Not a word.” You warned as you began rocking Charlie again. Your shoulders slumped in defeat.

Wanda made her way over to you and pressed a sympathetic kiss to your cheek. “Rookie mistake, Y/ln.” She teased lightly.

Everything in you wanted to kiss the smug smirk right off Wanda’s face. “Is it Y/ln or Maximoff? We are married.” You quipped back.

Wanda’s cheeks tinged pink at your response as you blew her a playful kiss. “Maximoff.” She answered shyly, keeping herself occupied with Billy. Your heart swelled at how easily her reply came.

You grinned when you noticed the way you were both bouncing the babies to the same rhythm. “Care to dance, dear?” You asked jokingly as you wiggled your eyebrows at Wanda.

An amused laugh escaped her lips. “It’s almost like we’re on a date.” She said sarcastically. 

“What sets the mood more than our twins crying endlessly?” You responded in a mock seductive voice.

Wanda looked at you with faux hooded eyes. “Nothing gets me going more, sweetheart.” A particularly loud cry from Billy broke the playful mood as you both sighed in unison. “Darling, do you mind grabbing their binkies?” 

You moved to place Charlie in her crib as Wanda did the same for Billy. “Of course not. I’ll be right back.” You rushed out of the room as Wanda turned to face the two crying babies.

“Now, I know parents aren’t supposed to take short cuts, but I think this situation calls for one. Don’t you?” Wanda ran a nervous hand through her hair as the crying got even louder. “So… Go to sleep my babies.” She waved her hands, yet the two babies continued crying.

Once again, she waved her hands, and nothing happened. The babies did begin giggling though. Wanda placed her hands on her hips in annoyance. “Well, I don’t think it’s very funny. Why won’t you do what I want?” The moment was interrupted as you entered the room again.

“I have a special delivery of binkies for a Billy and Charlie Maximoff!” You declared as you walked over to the cribs with the items in hand. You gave one to each twin and for a moment it seemed to appease them. 

Wanda breathed out in relief. “Look, I think it’s working.” As soon as the words left her lips the twins spit out the binkies and began crying again. “Y/n, what are we doing wrong?” Wanda questioned dejectedly with a pout.

You wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. “Don’t worry, love. We’ll figure it out. I think we just need some more practice.” 

Wanda leaned into you. “Maybe. Or maybe we just need some help.” As if on cue, the doorbell rang and in strolled Agnes before either of you could even open the door.

“Hiya, kids.” She greeted lightly as she walked over to the couch and threw the bag that was in her hands onto it. “I was just on my way to jazzercise when I heard your new bundles of joy were on a sleep strike.”

You frowned slightly as you watched the exchange, confused as to how she could have possibly known that. “Oh? Who told you that?” You questioned skeptically.

Agnes turned towards you with a playful smile. “Um. My ears.” She teased. You forced out a laugh because it felt like what you were supposed to do. “Anyway. Auntie Agnes is here, and I’ve got a couple of tricks up my sleeve.”

Wanda sighed in relief. “Oh, Agnes, you’re a lifesaver.” 

Relief was the opposite of what you felt as you watched Agnes step closer to your children. The thought of allowing a stranger to watch them put you on edge. Wanda watched you in confusion. “Actually, you know what? I think we can manage.” You stepped in front of the crib protectively with a tense smile on your face. 

For a moment Agnes shifted uncomfortably before she turned to face Wanda, an unsure look overcoming her features. “Um… do you want me to start over?”

Both you and Wanda exchanged confused glances. “I’m sorry?” Wanda replied, her brows furrowed.

“You want me to hold the babies?” Agnes questioned as she picked up the bag she had previously placed on the couch. “Should we just take it from the top?”

Tension hung in the air as Wanda let out an uncomfortable laugh. You laughed along uncertainly, not knowing what was going on. “Don’t be silly. Y/n, I think Agnes can handle it.” Wanda looked over at you with wide eyes. Almost as though she were pleading with you to let it go. 

The smile on her face made the comment seem much more easy going than it really was. You stayed silent as Agnes made her way over to the twins once again.

“Fussy babies, meet buns of steel. We dare you to stay awake.” Agnes joked, easily falling back into her carefree nature. Something felt off about the situation as you observed the way Wanda amusedly watched Agnes rock the twin’s cribs. 

Everything about the moment seemed over the top. Forced. 

“Wanda.” You called her over to where Agnes would be out of ear-shot. “What was that?”

A tentative smile overcame Wanda’s features. “What was what?” 

You bit your lip pensively as you thought over what had just occurred. “That. With Agnes just now. What Agnes said… the way she looked at you. Like she was waiting for instructions.”

Wanda reached over and gently tugged your lip until you released it. “I think she was just confused, love.” Wanda answered softly, as she reached over to caress your cheek. “She seems fine now.”

Out of reflex you found yourself leaning into her touch. Despite the comfort of the action, your mind remained conflicted. You could faintly hear Agnes making jokes, but none registered to you over the haze in your mind. “It’s just so strange.”

“Oh, that’s not fair. It’s not Agnes’ fault she has an unusually high libido.” Wanda said with an amused smile, assuming you were replying to Agnes’ comment.

You placed your hand over hers and pulled it down, so your intertwined hands rested in the space between you. “Wanda. Did you really not see what I saw?”

Again, that look that you’d found yourself becoming all too familiar with overcame Wanda’s features as her eyes flooded with worry. 

Commotion in the kitchen interrupted the moment as you both turned to find Agnes riffling through the liquor cabinet which she assured you was for the babies. Wanda turned back to you more composed. “Y/n. The twins haven’t slept in days, you and I both needed a break and Agnes was just being neighborly. Be here with me.” She pleaded.

Your response felt automatic, like the words were a promise you had made to Wanda before. Like the words were something she needed to hear and you unconsciously knew it. “I’ll always be here for you, Wanda. Unconditionally and always on your side.” You reassured her sincerely, placing a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. 

Wanda’s eyes shone with unshed tears at your words. “Do you hear that?” you questioned before she could form a response.

Her eyes followed you skeptically as you moved forward. “Hear what?”

“Absolutely nothing!” You exclaimed excitedly as you made your way over to the cribs. 

Wanda eagerly followed after you. “They finally fell asleep!” She took your hand in hers as you both leaned over the cribs only to find them empty. “Where are the twins?”

“Mommy? Momma?” You both spun around to find the twins no longer infants but rather toddlers. You both recoiled slightly in shook, not expecting it in the slightest.

Agnes chuckled. “Kids. Can’t control ‘em. No matter how hard you try.” She said lightly as she took a drink from the glass in her hands. 

Both you and Wanda leaned down and opened your arms as the twins each rushed into the offered embrace. Wanda picked up Charlie as you picked up Billy. 

You shared a brief glance with Wanda and despite all the confusion you felt, your heart had never felt more full than in that moment. Wanda. The twins. That was all that mattered to you. All your unanswered questions could wait.

_________

“Good morning, my beautiful family!” You greeted cheerfully as you wandered into the kitchen, your steps faltering when you noticed the unfamiliar dog in Wanda’s arm. “Good morning dog I do not know. Who’s this?”

Wanda placed the dog back on the floor as she made her way over to you and leaned in for a short kiss which you easily reciprocated. “We’re not quite sure actually.”

Unexpectedly, Agnes entered the home before you could reply. “Hi, kiddos!” She greeted, carrying a dog house in her arms. 

Your brows furrowed. “How did she know that we would need a dog house.” You mumbled to yourself as Wanda pretended she didn’t hear.

Agnes placed the dog house on the counter as she leaned down to be eye level with the twins. “My kitchen window told me someone got a new pooch!”

Wanda turned to smile brightly at the twins who smiled excitedly back at her. “I have always said I wanted a dog.” You added quietly to yourself. Wanda looked back at you and winked.

“Have we named him yet?” Agnes asked enthusiastically.

Billy and Charlie both turned to watch the dog curiously sniff at the electrical outlet. “How about Sniffy?” Billy suggested happily as Charlie nodded along with her brother.

A small spark in the outlet caused the dog to whimper away. “How about Sparky?” Agnes countered jokingly.

“Well. Should we make it official?” Wanda asked as she raised her hand and flicked her fingers, a collar appearing out of thin air. Charlie eagerly took the collar from Wanda’s hand as she and Billy rushed to put it on the dog.

Your eyes widened in shock at her actions. “Wanda,” You hissed. “Agnes is right there.”

Wanda waved her hand dismissively. “She didn’t notice. She didn’t even notice when the twins went from babies to 5-year old’s.” She finished with a laugh.

A frown formed on your lips at her flippant attitude. Conflict began building within your mind. “That’s not what we agreed on when we first got here. What happened to wanting to fit in? You made no effort to hide your abilities.”

In response Wanda shrugged slightly. “I’m tired of hiding, Y/n. And you shouldn’t feel you have to hide either.” Much like the day before she caressed your cheek.

With hesitation you wrapped your fingers around her palm and gently brought her hand down from your face. “Wanda, you and I are usually so in tune, but right now… I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me.” 

Once again worry flooded the eyes that you loved so much as Wanda stared back at you. Her mouth opened to respond when-

“Is Sparky our dog, Momma?” Charlie asked you hopefully as Billy pouted by her side. Wanda schooled her features as she turned to face the twins.

You nervously ran a hand through your hair as you avoided answering the question. Thankfully Wanda took over. “Billy, Charlie, your mother and I don’t think you’ll be properly ready to care for an animal until you’re at least…” Wanda glanced back at you for help.

You faked a cough to mask your answer. “10.”

“10 years old.” Wanda finished, holding up ten fingers to emphasize her point. You nodded along in support but deep down you knew you wanted to keep the dog as much as the twins did. You had always wanted a dog, but life always seemed to always get in the way. You could vaguely remember Anna trying to convince you to keep a stray you had seen on the street.

As you were lost in your thoughts, you noticed Billy and Charlie exchange knowing looks.

Your eyes widened with realization of what they were about to do. “Wait, a minute! No, no, no-” The protest fell on deaf ears as the twins aged up despite the objections coming from both you and Wanda. 

“Let’s just hope this dog stays the same size.” Agnes joked as she handed Sparky over to you. You couldn’t help the smile that overcame you as Sparky licked your face. Wanda watched the exchange with adoring eyes. 

_____________

“Thanks for helping me set up this new computer, Y/n. No one else around here feels comfortable leaving the typewriters behind.” Ellie explained as you finished connecting all the wires. 

You smiled in response. “And… done!” You exclaimed plugging in the final wire. “What do you say? Shall we surf the internet?”

Ellie giggled as she stood behind you. “Cowabunga!” You clicked one of the keys. “Look, we’ve already got an electronic mail!” She excitedly pointed to the notification.

Unable to help yourself, you laughed at her response. “It’s an E-mail, Ellie.” You informed her as you opened the message which the entire office chillingly began reading in unison. Something about Dr. Darcy Lewis’ findings and a ‘Maximoff anomaly’. 

Discomfort filled your body as you desperately reached forward to shut off the computer. At the last moment you noticed Ellie reach forward at the same time. The computer gave off a spark as you made contact with it.

You fought to keep your eyes open as the paperwork spread across your desk seemed to grow the more you got done. “That’s it. You’re about to pass out. We’re done. Let’s get you back to base.” You indistinctly heard as someone gently lifted you from your seat and wrapped an arm around you to steady you.

Typically, you’d protest, but the exhaustion prevented that. “As my mentor would say, I can do this all day.” You mumbled sarcastically, leaning heavily into the support.

“You’re cute.” The compliment was soft, like you weren’t supposed to hear it. 

Feeling bold, you turned to face the woman. “Are you flirting with me, Agent Fletcher?” You teased in a mockingly shocked tone.

A blush spread across her cheeks. “That depends, Agent Y/ln… Is it working?” She questioned as she looked up at you from under her lashes. 

You fought back the guilt that lingered on the surface as you flirted back. You had no reason to feel guilty. This was a part of healing. Moving on. And you’d be lying if you said you didn’t feel an attraction to the other woman. “I don’t know. I think I’m going to need a bit more to make a qualified decision, Amelia.” 

Amelia slowly leaned in, giving you time to pull away. You didn’t. 

When you finally got back to your apartment you slid down the wall and pulled your phone out of your pocket. On numb fingers, you began dialing the one number you knew that you’d always have memorized. 

The phone rang and just as you were about to hang up a voice spoke out. “Hello? Who is this?” A sigh escaped your lips when the familiar voice filled your ears. “How did you get this number?”

You didn’t respond even though you wanted to. Finding resolve to stay away from her was taking a toll.

 In the morning you could just blame it on being sleep deprived, but for now you could admit just hearing her voice put your mind at ease. 

“… Y/n?” She finally whispered out. You quickly ended the call and tossed the phone to the side. You felt an odd sense of satisfaction when you heard it crack on impact. It was a burner anyway. 

As much you didn’t want to admit it, the love was still there. Your heart would always go back to Wanda. No matter how hard you tried to pull away. 

With a gasp you looked around, finding your mind in the office once more, the dream-like memory fading rapidly in your mind. All you remembered was that Ellie was in this one. 

“Y/n. Please. Please you have to help me.” Ellie balled her hands into the front of your shirt suddenly, her eyes wide. “How long has it been? What happened? Please!”

Your eyes widened as you could feel yourself become overwhelmed. “Ellie! I don’t- I don’t understand. What are you talking about?” You stuttered out anxiously. 

You met her panicked eyes as she yanked you by the shirt. “You have to stop her!” 

Ellie’s grip on your shirt tightened even more as you attempted to back away. “Stop who?”

“She’s in my head! None of it is my own. It hurts. Make her stop.” Ellies face crumpled in pain. “MAKE HER STO-” In a panic you pulled her hand down by the wrist and connected her with the sparking computer again. Almost immediately her features returned to normal. 

With shaky hands you released her wrist, your heart racing with fear. “Say, if you’re so good with computers, what else are you good with?” She flirted and for once you preferred it.

Wordlessly you stumbled away and over to your desk to gather your things. You didn’t know what was happening, all you knew was that you needed to get back to Wanda. Now.