Alex's POV

I'm in that in between state where I am aware, yet I've kept my eyes closed not ready to wake up, when I feel some movement on me. The fuck? Oof. That felt like an arm.

I don't remember going out last night..

I guess I should wake up fully.

Ugh. Damn sun blinding me.

Some auburn hair..

That's when the smile grows on my face as I remember I had come over to the compound to see Wanda last night. I guess we ended up passing out while watching a movie.

I wrap my arm around her tighter, smiling wider when she snuggles impossibly closer to me. I kiss the top of her head, soaking up the moment.

Then I stare up at the ceiling.

What am I doing?

Coming over here last night was not even a question. I heard Wanda needed me and that was it.

But what is that suppose to mean? For Wanda and I? Does it have to mean anything more than friendship?

Do I want it to?

Fuck, I don't know. We've only been talking again for a couple of weeks. She- she destroyed me. I let her have my entire heart, then she crushed it. Stepped on it without a care.

It was really hard to get past it. Took me months and many roads I shouldn't have gone down. My friends brought me back. Helped me realize I was worth more.

Am I making a mistake by letting her in again?

What if all of this is leading to the same thing and I'm just going around in circles, letting her have this huge hold on me?

Breathe.

There's no reason to freak out. I let all of that go. I did, I forgave her and the lot of them. To the best of my ability.

But I also didn't expect this; for her to come back into my life.

Never thought I'd see her again.

Then she was there.

And it was like my heart and my head both just burst at the sight. Heart going into hyperdrive, head fuzzy without so much as a thought but her.

Anything I thought would happen, went out the window. I thought I'd be able to keep my cool. Say hi, bye, then get on with my life. That is clearly not what happened.

But I'm happy about it. I'm glad she's in my life again. I've missed her and the connection we've had. I'm trying to make all the right moves, for her and for me.

It's something that's becoming hard to do.

Because this is a round about way of saying I want this; her in my arms every morning. Getting to take care of her. Love her.

And it's terrifying.

Fear can be a good thing. It stops us from doing things that could end our life or put us in sketchy situations. It tells us there's something wrong.

But this is a different kind of fear. This is one of those fears that's just keeping us one step away from something amazing.

And what is life if we don't take those chances? If all we ever do is protect ourselves? Play it safe? We end up in a shell. And soon it isn't just a protective case but a wall, a fortress no one gets to see beyond, not even ourselves.

If we don't push ourselves, if we let our fear control us..

I don't want to let it.

So what does that mean?

"Good morning," mm yup, I've missed her raspy morning voice.

"Good morning, sunshine," I answer back, kissing her forehead on instinct.

My eyes widen in fear. I may have decided I want more, but that doesn't mean she wants it. Whether Nat thinks she does or not, we didn't talk about it. I may have over stepped a line.

As if I didn't when I kissed her previously. But that was on impulse?

Relief washes over me when she smiles. She then adjusts herself so she's practically laying on me. Okay, I don't hate this.

What I don't expect is for her to kiss me smack on the lips.

It's only a moment of surprise before I sink right into it, getting lost in the feeling. She pulls away far too soon.

I can't help it, I have to ask, "what was that for?"

Then panic settles on her face, "uh- I. I am so sorry. I don't know what came over me. I shouldn't have done that."

I reach up, pushing back the hair that fell in front of her face, "you definitely don't have to be sorry. The kiss was.. amazing. I just wasn't expecting it."

Her cheeks start to redden, so she buries her face into my chest. I can't help but laugh at her adorableness. I start running my hand through her hair, "don't go hiding on me, now."

She finally peeks back up at me, "I guess it was a thank you for coming over yesterday to be with me. And for staying the night."

"Well, if that's how you're going to thank me, I'll be here everyday," I joke, a tease playing at my lips.

She slaps my chest lightly.

"Ow, hey! That's personal property!" I laugh lightly.

"Yeah, my property."

Woah.

We are both a little surprised at that.

I open my mouth like I'm going to say something, but nothing comes out. Her face is redder than a tomato, but she's too shocked to even move. At least I know I am.

It's a stand off.

"Wanda, I thought you might want to-"

The abrupt interruption catches our attention and brings it to the door where a very flustered Steve now stands.

"Shit. Sorry! Um.. I didn't- I didn't see anything," he literally covers his eyes, "I- I'm gonna go. Um, breakfast is downstairs. Sorry!" Then he closes the door and rushes away.

Wanda and I look at each other before busting out laughing. Thank you, Steve, for easing the tension.

"Did you want to get some food?"

"You want the team to see me?"

"I think Steve already did."

"Oh, no. But he didn't see anything!" I mock the great Captain America.

Which gets her to laugh again, making me smile.

"If you are okay with it, I'd like to eat breakfast with you, and the team.. well, whoever sees us.. let them know we're.. friends?"

Safe. She's being safe. I nod my head, "okay.. yeah. Let's get some breakfast."

She peels herself off of me then offers her hand to help me up. We both already had sweats on from last night as, contrary to what Mr. Stars and Stripes thinks he saw, nothing happened beyond some cuddling.

We made our way to the elevator and down before entering the kitchen. Where everybody is apparently having breakfast at the same time.

I'm assuming Steve told everyone Wanda had company, I'm also assuming he did not know who it was accompanying her.

His face is red. Everyone is half shocked, half impressed. Some are smirking. Some look.. upset?

"Uh, hi." I give a small wave before Wanda pulls me over to the food so we could plate up.

"Alex? I.. didn't know you were here," Tony says with a tight smile.

"Yeah. I was kind of.. hanging out with Wanda." Well, that doesn't sound suspicious.

"Right. So glad you could join us," sarcastic? I'm thinking so.

"Me too," but I'm genuine.

Without even moving, Wanda had gotten me a plate of food and was ushering me over to the table.

There just happened to be two seats open next to Nat to her left. Spencer was sat at her right.

"Hey, Alex," Nat smirks.

"Hey, squid!" Yeah. For some reason Spencer likes to call me that sometimes. Something about me and tattoos. Squid- ink - tattoos. I also like the animal, so I guess..

"Hi, Nat." I don't smirk, I smile. "Hey, Spence."

"So, Alex. How long are you here for?" Clint asks, trying to be nice.

"Oh, um, I had just come for the day, really."

Tony scoffs, "more like an over night. Just leading her on again."

I'll let it slide.

"Well, that's too bad. We were all going to hang out today. Would have been nice if you could join us," Clint says, looking from me to Wanda.

He's a strong figure in her life, he's looking out for her. Seems as though they've talked about it before as he's trying to be encouraging instead of the overprotective dad I'd expect. Seems to y took that role?

"Oh, I wouldn't want to-"

"You should stay," Wanda practically whispers.

I furrow my eyebrows looking over to her. She isn't looking at me, just pushing around her food. Is she nervous I'd say no?

"Do you want me to?" I whisper back.

I see her nod her head briefly.

"Uh, yeah. I'll stay," I look back over to Clint who gives me a smile.

"Great. Just what I wanted; a day with a should be convicted criminal," Tony doesn't even bother to hide his tone.

I go to defend myself, but I'm cut off.

"Hello, losers!" I know that voice. Too well. I can't.. I don't want to turn around. But what else am I suppose to do? I'm stuck here.

My breath catches in my throat as I see her blonde hair up in a messy bun, a smile plastered on her lips as she goes to hug Nat.

It's the first time I'm seeing her since..

And just like Wanda, the response is not what I'm expecting.

I'm not trying to, it just happens.

But next thing I know, my arms are covered in flames.