Chapter Text
Perfect. Fucking perfect.
Wanda stared at the document in front of her. Or rather, the proverbial chains in front of her. A marriage contract in return of being the majority shareholder in her family company. That wasn’t even the worst news. What she hated the most about this situation was who she had to marry. Fucking Nyx.
She briefly thought about Nyx as a person, fighting the natural rage and irritation that usually followed. Nyx, was a name that she had chosen for herself. Nobody knew much about her. Other than the fact that she had recently transitioned, she was considered a weirdo, both before and after her transition. It wasn’t necessarily the fact that Nyx used to be a boy that irked Wanda. In fact it was probably the only thing that Wanda probably respected about the woman.
It was the fact that transitioning didn’t change how much of a fucking brute and freak she was. Nyx was known for getting into fist fights with teachers in their undergrad, arguing with random people, and much more. However, she had vanished for the first two years of their Masters. They were a few weeks into their third year when she re-surfaced. Everything about her was different. Her features, her demeanour.. everything. She no longer got into fights, in fact, she barely interacted or did anything. Just a ghost, ignoring everyone and everything. It made Wanda’s blood boil at how weak she had become.
Wanda glared at her adoptive father, Steve.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” she growled. “I am not getting married to.. to that psychopath.”
Steve frowned, “Wanda… I thought your generation was supposed to be more progressive than that-.”
Wanda shook her head in frustration, “It’s not about what she is, Steve. But rather who.”
Before Steve could interrupt, Wanda continued.
“She’s a fucking brute. Nobody has seen her attend a single class in the past six years. Not to mention she completely vanished the last two years of her undergrad and somehow still graduated. She just hangs out in that fucking oversized leather jacket of hers, smelling of dirt and some other shit. She constantly has bruises on her knuckles like she’s in a fucking fight club. She doesn’t have any friends, nor is she interested in making any. Natasha had even approached her to try to be nice but she told my best friend to go fuck herself. I’ve never seen her in a single class. She just.. fucking haunts the university.”
Steve looked a little apprehensive, but his expression was enough for Wanda to realise that he wasn’t going budge. Letting out a low scream of frustration, she paced around the room.
“Just tell me why.” Wanda demanded, “Why her.”
Steve looked down, slightly ashamed. “Hi-her grandmother practically raised Peggy.”
Wanda’s demeanour softened, it wasn’t often her adoptive father spoke about his wife. She’d passed long before Steve had taken Wanda under his wing, but she could tell it was still a… sensitive topic.
“They were pretty close, Peggy and Victoria.” he continued. “Needless to say, Victoria was.. rich. Even by our standards.”
That made Wanda raise an eyebrow. High praise coming from the man who could easily be in the top 5% of the world’s richest people.
“Well, before Victoria passed. She’d made her will known. Knowing her son and his wife, she’d left all her money to Nyx. I’d.. I’d approached Victoria a few days before she passed. She’d given me the seed money to start our empire. But under one condition. An unconventional marriage clause for her grandso- ahem, granddaughter. Or else I’d have to pay it back.. with interest.”
Wanda gulped, her heart beating faster by the minute. “That can’t possibly be legal…?”
Her father shrugged helplessly, “The deal was a long time ago. You and Nyx were still in middle school and I was so sure I’d be able to pay her back.”
He smiled fondly, “Even as kids, she was the only one you couldn’t get along with. The one you couldn’t persuade.”
Wanda rolled her eyes, “That’s cause she always has been a stubborn, self-centred, conniving little freak.”
Just thinking about her made Wanda let out another groan of frustration.
“How much?” Wanda demanded, “Just how much would you have to pay her back?”
Steve sighed, leaning back as he took out his calculator. Wanda stared at him as he did some quick calculations before showing it to her.
Wanda couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped her. “What the fuck?”
“Language.” Steve chided, half-heartedly.
Wanda couldn’t help but roll her eyes, sighing in resignation.
“Fine.” she conceded as she signed the document besides Nyx’s, “But we’re only going to be married on paper, right?”
Steve somehow looked even more miserable than before.
“Yeah.. about that…”
X—X—X—X—X
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”
Steve sighed, “Four years and I have yet to put a dent on your cussing.”
Wanda paid him no mind. A fucking apartment? Sure, it was a penthouse. But a fucking apartment?
“Let me guess, this was one of the stipulations her grandmom made?” she asked.
“Actually, this was Nyx’s only condition.” Steve said, avoiding all eye contact.
Wanda’s head snapped back to him.
“What.” she said lowly.
“Hey, you gave your condition, too.” He said, raising his hands placatingly.
“Applying for a divorce under the event of any form of abuse is not a fucking condition, Steve.” Wanda seethed. “It’s basic human decency.”
“That’s not something you’re going to have to worry about.” came a voice from the door.
Both Steve and Wanda spun to the door, finding Nyx standing there. Wanda could almost hear her teeth crack with how hard she clenched her jaw.
“Nice of you to show up, jerk." Wanda growled.
Completely ignoring Wanda and her comment, Nyx walked up to Steve. In the back of her mind, Wanda noted that in the few years that she had seen Nyx properly, the woman seemed to have changed considerably. Her features seemed… softer… more feminine, for sure. Her wavy brown hair had grown significantly longer. She must have gotten something done because there was no way someone could change this much in a few years.
“I swear on my life that I will never lay a hand on Wanda, Sir.” Nyx told Steve with a level of sincerity that made Wanda freeze.
“I won’t ever intentionally hurt her in any way, nor will I ever make her feel unsafe or unwelcome.” she continued.
Wanda was slightly taken aback. That’s the most she’d ever heard Nyx speak since middle school. Much to her dismay, Wanda found that she quite enjoyed her now-wife’s voice. It was just as raspy as before, but softer. It didn’t immediately make her want to smack the brunette in the face. Any thoughts of appreciating Nyx vanished the moment their eyes met.
Wanda felt her body tense as Nyx took a step in her direction. The woman reached her back pocket for something as she spoke.
“If I ever break that rule, feel free to shoot me.” Nyx said, holding out her hand to Wanda.
Wanda’s eyes widened as she glanced at Nyx’s hand, it held a gun of some kind. There was a flash of moment around her and the next thing she knew, Nyx was thrown to the floor and her dad was in front of her.
“Oh my god, I am so sorry.” Steve said as he rushed to help Nyx from the ground. “I just saw the gun and my body moved before I could think. I apologise, are you okay?”
Nyx got up without taking Steve’s hand, nodding.
“Don’t worry sir, I’ve had much worse.” the woman said with a smile.
That didn’t comfort Wanda. Quite the opposite, she could feel a tingle run down her spine, and not the fun kind. Her heart was beating too fast at the sight of the weapon.
“Where did you get this?” Wanda demanded, grabbing the gun from Steve to inspect it.
“It’s mine.” Nyx said casually, “I have a permit and everything. All above board.”
“New rule.” Wanda said, gritting her teeth as she thrust the gun against Nyx’s chest. “No weapons in my house.”
“Our house.” Nyx corrected.
Wanda glared at her, not moving her hand. With a sigh, Nyx nodded, taking the gun back.
“No weapons.” Nyx promised.
“Wonderful.” Steve said, clapping his hands. “With that, I’ll leave the two of you to- uh.. mingle. Wanda, Nyx. Congratulations on your marriage, I’ll have the certificate and paperwork sent in tomorrow.”
And with that, Wanda watched her dad walk out the door leaving her alone with her freak of a wife.
There was a brief moment of silence before Wanda glared at her wife.
“Just because I’m your wife on paper does not mean we’re in a relationship, you hear me?” Wanda snarled.
Nyx looked at Wanda with a neutral expression, nodding.
“Don’t worry Wanda.” Nyx said flatly, “I’m not jazzed about being married to a fucking bitch either.”
Wanda hadn’t felt it when her hand moved, but she certainly felt the sting on her palm as a loud crack echoed across the hall. Her heart was pounding. In all twenty seven years of her life, she had never raised a hand on another person.
She clutched her hand as it throbbed, her breathing slightly erratic. She watched Nyx, who had barely moved. Frozen in the position of the slap.
Wanda knew she overreacted. There was absolutely no reason she needed to do that. Not to mention the fact that Nyx still had her gun, however, for some reason Wanda knew her wife meant what she said to Steve. She’d never hurt Wanda.
“Nyx, I’m so sor-“
“I apologise, Wanda.” Nyx said, looking at the ground.
Wanda stared at her, dumbfounded. “…What?”
“There was no reason for me to say that. I was out of line. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” Nyx continued, moving towards the kitchen.
Wanda stood, frozen in place as she watched Nyx take an ice pack out of the freezer and walk back to her. She handed the icepack to Wanda and finally looked at Wanda in the eye.
“For your hand. Make sure it doesn’t swell.” Nyx said. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I’m going to go have a shower.”
Wanda said nothing as she watched Nyx walk to the stairs. Her mind replaying Nyx’s expression when their eyes met. She couldn’t stop the pang in her chest as she recalled the emptiness in Nyx’s eyes.
If there was one thing Wanda knew, it was that she had to apologise.
X—X—X—X—X
Wanda was scrunching her hair dry as she walked into the bedroom. Part of the condition was that they share the bed. Sleeping on the floor or using the couch would be considered a breach and they’d have to pay a pretty hefty fine. Fucking weird-ass, pervy grandmother.
It was fine. Wanda could just put a pillow between the both of them. However, Wanda froze upon entering their room. Instead of being in her pyjamas, Nyx was standing in the walk in wardrobe wearing shorts and a T-shirt, holding up a pair of jeans.
“Going somewhere?” Wanda asked playfully.
Her smirk dropped the moment she saw Nyx flinch.
“Yeah.” Came the response.
Wanda inhaled deeply, “Look. About earlier, I’m really so-“
“Don’t worry about it. It’s fine.”
Wanda suppressed the twinge of annoyance at the interruption.
“It’s not fine.” Wanda said slowly. “I was just saying-“
“I forgive you.” Nyx stated, her back still facing Wanda.
“Will you shut the fuck up and let me finish?” Wanda snapped.
She did her best to hold it together, even when Nyx visibly sighed and nodded. Wanda took a deep breath, calming herself.
“Can you please turn around so I can apologise to you, face to face?”
Nyx turned around, her reluctance to make eye contact only seemed to piss Wanda off further.
“I’m sorry, Nyx.” Wanda said genuinely. “I raised my hand at you. That’s not okay. Not to me. I won’t do it again.”
Nyx gaze briefly met Wanda’s before she nodded. But Wanda felt off. Nyx’s eyes were still empty. Her expression implied she wasn’t completely… present.
It should have pissed Wanda off, instead, the ache in her heart returned. Her eyes went to the pair of jeans Nyx was holding.
“Are those jeans.. yours?” Wanda asked, confused.
Nyx nodded, handing them to Wanda to inspect while she went further into the wardrobe to check for a matching top.
“They don’t look like they… uh.. fit.” Wanda said, a slight blush on her face.
“Huh?” Nyx turned back, confused. “I wore them yesterday, they fit my hips perfectly.”
Nyx watched Wanda’s face turned a brighter shade of red.
“I don’t mean fit your hips.” Wanda said awkwardly. “I meant… there.”
Nyx watched as Wanda’s eyes fell lower, towards her- Oh.
The woman barked out a laugh as she tossed something towards Wanda.
“I’m going to be tucking, Wanda.” Nyx said, a hint of amusement on her face.
She watched as Wanda’s eyes grew wider as the redhead read the instructions, her eyes flitting from the instruction section back to Nyx.
For some reason, Wanda felt the urge to whisper, despite the two of them being the only ones in the place.
“Does it hurt?” she asked.
Nyx shrugged, “Sometimes. If you do it wrong or stay tucked for too long.”
The ache in Wanda’s chest seemed to grow even more, “Why do it then?”
The amusement left Nyx’s face, her eyes flitting to the full length mirror. Wanda watched her take a deep- almost pained breath. As though the act of seeing her own reflection was a sort unwarranted reminder. Wanda’s breath hitched when Nyx looked straight into her eyes, an intensity she hadn’t seen before. But there was something else there, too. A strange emotion Wanda couldn’t seem to place.
“Because the alternate is death.” Nyx replied flatly. “Now, if you wouldn’t mind, I have to change.”
Unable to say anything else, Wanda nodded and walked out of the wardrobe, sitting on her bed as she contemplated what the other woman had just said.
When Nyx walked out, she found Wanda sitting on the bed, waiting.
“Can I help you?” Nyx asked, hesitantly.
“No.” Wanda answered, standing up. “But I can help you.”
Nyx raised an eyebrow.
Wanda let out a sigh, “Look. Just cause we don’t like each other doesn’t mean we have to constantly argue. Let’s face it, we’re stuck with each other for the foreseeable future.”
“How romantic.” Nyx commented, sardonically.
This time, Wanda didn’t hold back an eye roll. “Did you even listen to what I said?”
Nyx nodded, “Yeah. Fine. I agree. How about this, tomorrow, since the both of us have a day off, we can sit down and come up with some ground rules? But now, I need to finish putting on makeup, cause i’m already getting late.”
“Fine.” Wanda conceded, “But I’m doing your make up, so sit down on the bed.”
Before Nyx could get out another word, Wanda grabbed her and sat her down on the bed and straddled her lap.
“I don’t want any complaints. I’ve seen your makeup at college and it’s fucking pathetic.” Wanda scolded as she opened up both Nyx and her makeup kits.
Nyx scowled, “I’m well aware. Need I remind you that neither you, nor your friends really hold back on commenting on my appearance, voice, posture- heck. anything.”
Wanda tilted Nyx’s head up as she worked on the lower half of her face first.
“You make it too easy.” Wanda commented offhandedly. “Now close your eyes.”
When Nyx complied, Wanda took a subtle moment to let herself admire Nyx’s features. The brunette really did have beautiful features. Long lashes, smooth skin (save for a random scar under her left eye). Despite her eyes being closed, Wanda always enjoyed how Nyx’s darker skin would make her hazel eyes pop even more. She was brought back to reality when Nyx shifted impatiently underneath her.
“What’s taking so long” Nyx grumbled.
“I’m deciding eyeshadow colour.” Wanda said with faux-annoyance, “Now hush.”
Wanda kept her smile to herself at the sight of Nyx grumbling but complying nonetheless. It took a few more minutes before Wanda finished, an odd sense of satisfaction.
“Done.” Wanda said, grabbing Nyx’s hand and guiding her to the mirror.
Nyx opened her eyes, a look of surprise taking over her face as she looked at herself.
“It looks…” Nyx began.
“Amazing? Wonderful? Artistic?” Wanda chimed.
“…normal.” the brunette finished, a look of awe on her face.
Wanda’s face fell. “Normal?” she asked lowly.
Nyx nodded, still looking in the mirror.
Wanda grit her teeth. “Get out.”
Nyx’s gaze flit to Wanda’s in confusion.
“Wha-“
“Get out.” Wanda seethed. “You have a party to go to, right. Get out of here. Fuck off, you ungrateful bitch.”
Nyx turned to Wanda, apprehensively. “Wanda, I-“
“Just… go.”
With a sigh, Nyx left wordlessly. Wanda didn’t let herself relax until she heard the main door close.
X—X—X—X—X
Beep beep beep beep
With a loud groan, Wanda reached for her phone to turn off her alarm. Much to her dismay, it wasn’t her fucking alarm that was ringing. She opened one eye to check the time and let out a groan of frustration. Seven in the fucking morning. On her day off. She was going to kill Nyx. In her sleepy state, she slammed her hand to Nyx’s side, hoping to lob off the other woman’s head or maybe break a rib or two. Unfortunately, neither happened as her palm slapped against the empty bed.
Wanda jumped out of bed, pulling the blanket completely off. She grit her teeth as she saw a completely untouched side of Nyx’s bed. She refused to heed to the concerned part of herself, instead choosing to focus on the anger. Since Nyx’s phone was here, she were clearly home. She reached for her phone and called Natasha, knowing if she were to see Nyx right now, she’d break the no hitting promise she made.
“Someone better be dying” Natasha groaned, answering the call. Her voice still raspy implying that she, too, was fast asleep.
“I’m going to kill her”, Wanda growled.
“Trouble in paradise? “ Natasha teased, “Aren’t you supposed to wait a few years before trying to kill each other?”
Wanda flopped back down on the bed with a groan.
“It’s not funny, Nat.” Wanda whined, “Today’s the only day this week I get to sleep in.”
“You and me both.” Nat grumbled from the other end.
Ignoring her, Wanda continued, “And what’s worse? It isn’t even Nyx that wakes me up, it’s her alarm. That twerp never even slept.”
“Well what did the phone alarm say?” Nat asked curiously.
Wanda sighed, looking at Nyx’s phone. “it just says ‘Meds’.”
“That sounds important.” Nat noted.
“I know.” Wanda groaned, standing up. “Now I have to go look for her in this humongous penthouse that I haven’t yet explored.”
“Penthouse?” Natasha asked, her voice dripping with curiosity.
“You should come over!” Wanda said excitedly, “I have to discuss rules and stuff with her. Maybe you can help mediate? Make sure I don’t strangle her?”
Natasha agreed far too quickly. The two of them spoke about the events that took place yesterday as Wanda made her way down. Hopefully getting some coffee before she had to properly go look for her wife. Unfortunately for her, she spotted Nyx covered in a thin blanket on the sofa in the main hall.
“I found her,” Wanda whispered, “She slept on the fucking couch?”
Wanda made her way down the spiral staircase, looking at Nyx’s hidden figure. A tuft of her brown locks were visible, the rest hidden underneath the large, grey cloth. Wanda felt a flare of irritation at Nyx’s actions. Now the both of them would probably have to pay a fee to whatever fucking lawyer overlooked the terms and conditions. They could probably see it through some hidden cameras. Wanda poked Nyx’s hidden figure, frowning when the woman didn’t respond. Didn’t even budge. She may as well be dead. The only way Wanda knew Nyx was alive was because the outline of her back was visible, it was expanding and contracting slowly.
“Is she okay?” Natasha asked, probably interpreting the silence as a cause for concern.
Wanda scoffed, “She’s fast asleep. Curled up into the sofa.”
“Is that sentiment I hear, Maximoff.” Nat asked, a hint of teasing in her voice.
“Absolutely not.” Wanda retorted, “Anyway, how long until you get here.”
“Just entering the elevator to your building. Lucky for me, you now live just a block away. Okay, the calls gonna get cut. I’ll see you in-”
Wanda sighed, putting her phone on the coffee table. She poked Nyx again, frowning when the woman let out a soft groan.
“Nyx,” She called out, her voice gentler than she anticipated. “Come on, wake up. Nat’s almost here.”
Irritation flared up her spine when Nyx only responded with a soft grunt, her breaths evening out once again. Wanda stood up, using her foot to move the coffee table a few feet away. She giggled to herself mischievously as she grabbed the blanket, yanking it hard enough that Nyx toppled off the sofa and onto the floor with a soft thud.
Wanda’s voice died in her throat as she saw the sight of her wife, covered in bruises, her top torn in several places, and soaked in blood. Wanda scrambled back, falling backwards as flashes of her past took over her vision.
Her heart was pounding, she could feel it throb in her head. She was going to be sick, nausea making her head swim. She couldn’t see the penthouse, nor could she see Nyx. No. All she could see was the beaten, broken body of her brother.
The smell of urine, blood, and trash filled her senses. The feeling of asphalt and pebbles poking into her palms.
This.. this wasn’t possible. Pietro.. He wasn’t.. he wasn’t supposed to be here. He was supposed to be in his hostel. He couldn’t… She couldn’t feel Piet’s heartbeat.
She’d put her hands on his face, but it was cold. Too cold. People shouldn’t be cold. She wanted so scream. She was. It was hard to tell. All she could focus on was the sight of her brother. There were sirens. Ambulance? Police? It was hard to tell.
When she felt hands on her shoulders, Wanda instinctively raised her hands. She- she couldn’t let them catch her too. They’d kill her. They’d kill her just like they killed Pie-
“Wanda.” came a voice.
It felt familiar. Safe. She felt a different set of hands, this time, open palmed against her hands.
“Come back to us, Wanda. Please.”
She knew that voice. The slight rasp. The smooth, calm cadence. It felt nice. So nice.
Soon, those hands moved up her arms and wrapped themselves around her in an embrace. The first thing that she felt, warmth. She nuzzled into the embrace, letting the words sooth her frantic heart. She could briefly hear two voices, one coming from the person embracing her. It was so soothing. She couldn’t help it. Exhaustion took over and the last thing she felt was being picked up.
X—X—X—X—X
Soft
Wanda nuzzled further into the warm, soft body. Inhaling deeply and letting out a hum at the familiar scent. The feeling of fingers scratching her scalp had her melting further into the warm body.
“When’d you get here?” Wanda mumbled, her voice muffled by Natasha’s clothes.
“A few minutes after the call was cut.” Natasha replied, her fingers continuing to scratch Wanda’s scalp.
Wanda moved slightly, stretching her body. She frowned as she opened one eye, she was back in bed. Her head on Natasha’s shoulder as her friend watched TV.
“I’m not wearing my pj’s.” Wanda commented, sleep slowly fading.
She nuzzled further into Natasha, practically climbing on top of her best friend. She felt Natasha chuckle underneath her.
“Yeah, well your previous clothes were.. dirty. And after Nyx dropped laid you in bed, she practically ran the moment I started to remove your top.”
That caused Wanda to freeze, memories returning. She sat up quickly, her eyes frantically searching. She looked back at Natasha.
“Nyx-“
“Is okay.” Nat interrupted, sitting up and cupping Wanda’s face. “She’s okay, Wanda. She’s safe and she’s alive. She’s in the kitchen making us lunch.”
“Lunch?” Wanda echoed.
Nat leaned back, a frustrated sigh escaping her. “Stubborn one, your wife.”
“Stop calling her that.” Wanda pouted, “We’re just married on paper.”
Natasha raised an eyebrow skeptically, “Sure didn’t seem like it earlier.”
Wanda leaned back, confusion and suspicion taking over. “Explain.”
Nat smirked for a brief moment before her expression softened, “You had a panic attack, detka.”
Wanda nodded, she had figured as much. It must have been a pretty intense one for her to pass out for hours.
Natasha sighed as she rolled off the bed, standing and stretching. Wanda noted offhandedly that Natasha was wearing Nyx’s old tshirt. A brief pang of jealousy flared through her chest before she swashed it.
My clothes wouldn’t have fit Nat, anyway. She told herself.
“Well, you were pretty far gone.” Nat continued, “Your eyes were completely unfocused. I tried calling out to you but you couldn’t hear me.”
A troubled look came over the Russian’s face, “When I tried to reach out to you, you slapped my hand away. Anytime I tried touching you, it ended in you screaming and hyperventilating even more.”
Wanda swallowed, her chest aching in guilt. She froze when Natasha shot her a knowing look.
“Then Nyx spoke to you. And both of us saw you visibly calm at her voice.”
Nat let out a chuckle, “You should’ve seen the look on her face when I encouraged her to reach out to you. She was scared out of her wits. She told me she’d probably make things worse, hurt you by accident.”
Wanda looked away, memories slowly coming back.
“Much to both of our surprise, you let her touch you. We could see your breathing slow as she spoke to you. And in an unexpected twist, you fell into her.”
Wanda’s gaze snapped back to her friend’s, a flush taking over the sokovian’s features.
“I… what?” She asked, shocked.
Nat nodded, “She tried to put her hands on your shoulders but you just… smushed your head into her chest. Your hyperventilating had stopped.”
Wanda fell back onto the bed, her face burning. “Kill me now, please.”
Natasha let out a loud laugh, “Not a chance, lover girl. Now come on, you need to eat. I think your wife is done cooking.”
“You’re gonna make me regret you inviting over for the day, aren’t you?” Wanda groaned, walking to the door with Nat.
“Actually,” Nat said impishly, “Your wife invited me to stay over for a day or two. Said it’ll probably be for the better.”
“I’m gonna kill her.” Wanda growled, though without any malice in her voice.
“Sure you are.” Nat snorted, clapping Wanda’s shoulder before pulling her to the stairs.
Together, the both made their way to the kitchen, where Nyx awaited their arrival.
X—X—X—X—X
Natasha was the first to make it to the kitchen, Wanda trailing behind slowly. She was still feeling weak from the panic attack. She half considered going back to bed, but the aroma of food made her tummy growl and her feet walk to the kitchen faster.
It was a gorgeous kitchen. Sleek forest green slate countertops, a large island with stools on the other end of the island. It was practically a professional grade kitchen. Wanda found Natasha sitting on a stool, talking about her classes casually with Nyx. What surprised Wanda more was that Nyx reciprocated, nodding and commenting every now and then.
“I just can’t figure out how to go about it!” Natasha complained.
Nyx walked to a cupboard, reaching high up to take plates. The act exposed her mid-riff. Wanda froze as she caught a glimpse of fresh scars, bandages, and large bruises.
“What the fuck happened to you?” Wanda exclaimed, her voice louder than expected making her cringe.
Nyx ignored the line of questioning, grabbing the plates and bowls. Wanda’s nostrils flared at the blatant act. She looked at Natasha, who gave her a look that very clearly implied ‘I’m staying out of this one.’
Rolling her eyes, Wanda called out to the brunette again. “Nyx.”
Nyx stopped moving, looking up at the ceiling and sighing. She turned her gaze to Wanda, irritation dissipating at the sokovian’s look of concern.
“What happened?” Wanda asked, her tone significantly gentler. “We need to know, please.”
Nyx took a deep breath, nodding in assent. “I was… mugged.” She said carefully.
Natasha frowned, “What did they take?”
Both Wanda and Natasha picked up on Nyx’s hesitance. It seemed clear that the woman wasn’t afraid of what happened, but was afraid of telling the two of them.
“Nothing… They took nothing.” Nyx said, her voice soft. “It wasn't- they.. They thought I was… something I’m not. They felt like I somehow lied to them.”
Nyx met Wanda’s eyes, the defeat in her eyes making Wanda’s blood boil. Though, perhaps for the first time, it wasn’t directed at the woman in front of her.
Natasha stood in indignation, “So they assaulted you because you’re-“
“Yep.” Nyx cut in. “Anyway, lunch is ready.”
Wanda didn’t move. Didn’t say anything. She barely realised that Nyx had moved the food to the dining table, that she was sitting there. Nyx, sitting at the head of the table while Wanda and Nat sat on each side. She was brought out of her reverie when she saw the dish being served.
“Is that… chicken paprikash?”
Nyx froze mid serve, her expression almost nervous.
“I… uh.. I thought something familiar might help” she said meekly, “So I called your dad and he sent me the recipe.”
“Seemed a little too excited to share it, too.” she frowned, mumbling to herself.
“You did this… for me?” Wanda asked.
“No, I did it cause I know Nat loves to eat sokovian food.” replied Nyx in a deadpan manner.
“You’re absolutely right.” Natasha said in between mouthfuls. “I fucking love Sokovian food.”
Neither Wanda, nor Nyx noticed the fact that not only had Natasha helped herself to a rather large quantity of food, but also that she almost finished said serving.
Wanda helped herself to some and took a bite. She let out a moan of appreciation. “Holy fuck that tastes good.”
Nyx froze, mid bite. Only resuming eating when Natasha elbowed her playfully.
“I’m- uh.. I’m glad you like it.” Nyx said, her eyes focusing everywhere but at Wanda.
“Like it?” Wanda laughed, “New rule. You make all the food from now on. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.”
Nyx raised an eyebrow, “That doesn’t seem very feasible. Plus, we literally have a chef.”
“Doesn’t matter. It’s my marriage condition.” Wanda said, digging into her food even more.
Wanda failed to notice the shy smile Nyx had. But Natasha did.
“Speaking of...” Nyx said. “We should probably get that started, too.”
“I think,” Nat spoke up, startling both Nyx and Wanda, “that this conversation deserves some wine for the two of you, and a lot of Vodka for me.”
Nyx stiffened imperceptibly, “I don’t drink.”
Wanda frowned, “What about Yelena’s birthday party? You drank there..”
Nyx looked at her impassively, “You mean when you and Kate poured about a gallon of beer on me and then convinced the asshole trio to throw me into the pool?”
Natasha raised her eyebrows, “Where was I?”
Nyx didn’t even look at the Russian when she replied, “Getting your brains fucked by Maria in your sister’s bedroom.”
Nat’s face turned a deep shade of red as she stared into her plate. “I wasn’t the one getting fucked.” she mumbled in protest.
“I only did that it because you called Jarvis a limp-dick loser.” Wanda retorted, her voice raising in volume.
“Was I wrong?” Nyx demanded, an eyebrow raised.
Natasha’s curious gaze turned to Wanda as well. The sokovian felt her face burn at the sudden shift in topic.
“How would you feel if I said that about any of your boyfriends?” Wanda asked.
“I’m a lesbian, Wanda.” Nyx replied flatly.
“You know what I mean.” Wanda said snapped.
“Any girls you currently have your eye on, Nyx?” Natasha interrupted, an attempt to change the course of conversation.
Nyx kept her eyes on Wanda, “No, Natasha. I can’t think of a single person I feel even a modicum of affection towards.”
Blood rushed to Wanda’s face. She stood up, glaring at Nyx, and stormed off.
Nyx sat there, fuming, while Natasha slowly slipped her water.
“That was a lie and you know it.” Natasha noted casually.
Nyx let out a groan, dropping their head on the table with a thud.
X—X—X—X—X
“I’m sorry, Wanda.”
“You know, Nyx. You seem to be apologising a lot.” Wanda snapped.
Nyx let out a frustrated laugh, “I’m trying to apologise, dude.”
Wanda stared at Nyx, sitting up in their bed with her arms folded, saying nothing. She knew she was acting childish. She knew Nyx didn’t mean what she said. But that doesn’t mean the Sokovian was going to make it easy for her.
Nyx walked to her end of the bed, sitting down. The proximity was enough for Wanda’s traitorous heart to flutter. Nyx had opted to change from her bloody clothes into a more comfortable oversized sweatshirt and some sweatpants. It was a burgundy sweatshirt that exposed off her collarbone to a frustrating degree. Her eyes moved to Nyx’s lips only to realise the woman had been talking.
“Wait, what?” Wanda asked.
Nyx looked at her in confusion, “Did you not hear anything I said.”
“I couldn’t hear you, you were too soft.” Wanda muttered.
Nyx rolled her eyes, instead of speaking louder, she shuffled closer. Wanda’s breath hitched at the sudden proximity. Nyx was laying on her side now, her head being held by her hand. Wanda moved to mirror her position. She definitely didn’t shuffle a little closer than necessary, and she most certainly didn’t notice Nyx’s eyes glancing down at her lips before meeting her eyes again.
“Can you say it again?” Wanda asked, her tone soft.
Nyx nodded, her eyes slightly wide. Wanda smirked inwardly at the instant complacency coming from the brunette. She could definitely work with this.
“I’m sorry about that.” Nyx said earnestly. “I’d.. I’d like to start new.”
“Oh?” the sokovian asked, a slight smile on her face.
Nyx gulped, “I know we’re only married on paper. I know that our past is.. nothing but arguments.”
Wanda hummed along in agreement.
“But I’d like to- uh… I’d.. uh…” Nyx stammered, her breaths becoming a little shorter.
“Go on, Nyx. Keep on talking, I’m listening.” Wanda said, her tone soft.
Nyx squeezed her eyes shut, “I’d like to honour this marriage. I know we have a rocky start, but can we at least start by trying to be friends?”
Wanda raised a teasing brow, “And just what do you mean by honouring this marriage, Nyx?”
Nyx looked like she’d rather the earth swallow her whole. Taking a deep breath, she looked deep into Wanda’s eyes.
“I’d like for us to be together.” She said, more firmly. “Others don’t have to know if you don’t want them to. But I don’t want you to be seeing anyone else, and of course, the same goes for me. I’d like to take you on dates.”
A raised eyebrow from Wanda had Nyx faltering.
“That is, uh, if you’d like to go on them.” Nyx corrected. “I’d like to get the opportunity to build a proper future. However you like it. We can decide as we go.”
“So.. uh, what do you think.” Nyx asked, sheepishly.
Wanda pouted mockingly, “I thought there wasn’t a single person whom you felt a modicum of affection towards?”
Nyx looked away, her face that of embarrassment and shame.
“I was lying,” She whispered, “I’m sorry Wanda.”
Wanda gently grasped Nyx’s chin with her forefinger and thumb, and guided it so Nyx could look properly at the Sokovian. Nyx looked at Wanda with an expression so vulnerable it made Wanda’s breath hitch.
“I won’t be like the other girls you’ve been with.” Wanda warned.
Nyx gave her a sheepish smile, “I’ve never actually been with anyone… ever.”
Wanda’s grip on Nyx’s chin tightened slightly, she looked at the brunette with a heated gaze.
“Never?” Wanda asked, affected.
Nyx’s eyes lit up as she picked up on the insinuation, and nodded slowly.
“Words, Nyx.” Wanda commanded.
“Never, Wanda.” Nyx breathed, her eyes mirroring the heat in Wanda’s. “I’ve never been with anyone. You’ll be the first.”
“That is if you’ll have me.” Nyx added. She looked at Wanda with complete devotion and vulnerability, one unlike anything Wanda had ever seen before. The feeling went straight to Wanda’s core.
“Will you be with me, Wanda?” Nyx whispered, “Will you give me this chance to honour our marriage.”
Wanda waited a breath, before smiling slowly.
“Yes.”