The fires of the Citadel still burned in the distance, casting an orange glow across the night sky. Wanda Maximoff stood amidst her gathered resistance fighters, her crimson eyes reflecting the light as her thoughts churned. The battle was over, but the next steps weighed heavily on her.
That's when the figure emerged from the shadows—a woman with fiery red hair that gleamed like molten gold in the firelight. Her presence was commanding yet graceful, her piercing green eyes locking onto Wanda with a look that spoke of quiet confidence.
"I've been looking for you," the woman said, her voice smooth and steady. "Wanda Maximoff."
Wanda's gaze narrowed, her grip on the Chitauri Scepter tightening instinctively. She scanned the woman's posture, noting the calculated ease in her stance. This was no ordinary intruder. "And you are?"
"Natasha Romanoff," she replied with a faint smirk. "But you can call me Natasha. I think we need to talk."
Wanda tilted her head, studying Natasha carefully. For a moment, she said nothing, her mind swirling with unexpected thoughts. She couldn't help but notice the woman's beauty—how her fiery hair framed her angular face, how her green eyes glimmered with intelligence, and how her black tactical suit accentuated her strong yet elegant figure.
It struck Wanda as strange, this sudden admiration. She had never given much thought to beauty before, especially not in this way. She frowned slightly, turning the thought over in her mind. Men had always seemed… unremarkable to her. Looking back, she realized she had never found the male form particularly compelling, nor had she ever sought out their company beyond necessity.
But women—Wanda realized now that she had always trusted them more, preferred their presence. She thought of Eska, her fierce loyalty and quick wit. Of her mother, the warmth and strength she had once known. And now, of Natasha, standing before her with a quiet power that made Wanda's heart skip a beat.
"This is new," Wanda thought to herself, the corners of her lips twitching into a faint smile.
"You're beautiful," Wanda said aloud before she could stop herself.
Natasha blinked, momentarily caught off guard. She was used to compliments, but not like this. Men had lusted after her body for as long as she could remember, and it disgusted her. But coming from Wanda, it felt… different. Natural.
"Thank you," Natasha said after a beat, her smirk softening into a genuine smile. "I don't usually hear that from other women."
Wanda shrugged, her crimson eyes glinting with a touch of humor. "Then they're blind."
Natasha chuckled, shaking her head. "You've got a way with words, Maximoff."
"Wanda," she corrected. "If we're going to talk, you might as well use my name."
Natasha nodded, crossing her arms as she stepped closer. "Alright, Wanda. Let's get to the point. You've caught the attention of S.H.I.E.L.D."
"S.H.I.E.L.D.?" Wanda repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"The Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division," Natasha explained smoothly. "Our mission is to safeguard the world from threats—both seen and unseen. My boss, Colonel Nick Fury, was particularly impressed by how you handled Hydra. Taking out a major base of their operations isn't something many people can claim."
Wanda smirked faintly. "It wasn't exactly subtle."
"No," Natasha agreed, her green eyes gleaming with amusement. "But it was effective. And that's why I'm here."
Natasha glanced at the gathered resistance fighters, then back at Wanda. "Colonel Fury has a project—a special mission called the Avengers Initiative. We're looking for individuals with extraordinary abilities to help protect the planet from powerful threats. You're exactly the kind of person we need."
Wanda crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "You want me to work for you?"
"Not for us," Natasha corrected. "With us. There's a difference."
"Right," Wanda said dryly. "And why should I trust you?"
Natasha smiled, a hint of challenge in her gaze. "You shouldn't. Not yet. That's why I'm staying here for a while—to help you get this kingdom of yours in order. Consider it a gesture of goodwill."
Wanda tilted her head, studying Natasha once more. There was something disarming about her—a mix of charm and sincerity that made it hard to dismiss her outright. "You're going to help me set up a government?"
"I've had some experience in… destabilizing regimes," Natasha said with a smirk. "I figure it's time I try building one instead."
Wanda couldn't help but laugh softly at that. "Alright, Natasha. You've got my attention. Let's see what you can do."
The days that followed were a whirlwind of activity as Natasha integrated herself into Wanda's efforts to establish her rule in Sokovia. With her tactical expertise and sharp mind, Natasha quickly proved invaluable. She helped organize the resistance fighters into a proper militia, advised on political strategies, and even assisted in drafting plans for Sokovia's reconstruction.
"You're not half bad at this," Wanda said one evening as they reviewed maps of the region.
"High praise coming from a queen," Natasha replied, her tone teasing.
"Not a queen yet," Wanda said, her voice softening.
"Soon enough," Natasha said, her green eyes meeting Wanda's. "And when you are, Sokovia will be stronger than ever."
Throughout their time together, Wanda found herself drawn to Natasha's presence. The witty banter, the quiet moments of camaraderie, the way Natasha carried herself with unshakable confidence—it all left an impression that Wanda couldn't ignore.
One evening, as they stood on a balcony overlooking the rebuilt streets of Sokovia, Wanda finally voiced what had been lingering in her mind.
"Thank you," she said simply.
Natasha raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
"For helping me. For believing in this." Wanda gestured to the bustling streets below. "In me."
Natasha smiled, her expression softening. "You've got more strength than you realize, Wanda. I'm just here to help you see it."
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