Where your loyalties lie (Two New Bartons book 2) (completed)

I'm not gonna leave you here - Wanda

Cap crosses the room to Sam. He opens the door with a key - the same one those who come to get him everyday use. Although, that's probably used now. 

I turn my gaze back to where Loki just vanished from. Out of the corner of my eyes, I watch as Cap lets Sam out, but my concentration is far from there. It's on the last words Loki spoke before Cap burst in: "I don't care about everyone. I care about you."

Normally, I feel some kind of discomfort from Loki whenever he extends any help or advice, and he's never given any warm, fluffy feelings before. But this time was different. This time, conviction and determination were all that billowed off him. I don't let myself ponder the other, deeper feelings.

It's not worth it.

Love only leads to pain.

I look up to see Clint crouching in front of the still-locked door to my cell. He's mouthing something, but I can't tell what. I can't hear anything. Can't feel anything. Everything's numb. 

Then I blink and the world comes back into focus. 

"Wanda!" he's saying. "Can you hear me?"

I give a brief nod. 

He sighs, and I feel his relief pound into me as he slumps against the door. "It's gonna be okay, sweetheart. We're gonna be out of here soon."

It's horrible and selfish, but I can't stop myself from begging, "Please don't leave me."

His relief shifts instantly into shock. He twists around to look me in the eye. "Of course we won't leave you! We'll get you out as soon as Cap is finished making heart eyes to Sam."

I don't laugh at his weak attempt at a joke. Just shake my head. "No. You can't."

"Can't what?"

"You can't get me out. I-" my voice breaks off in a choking sob, "I have to be here. It's the only way you're safe."

"What do you mean?"

Before I can answer, Cap is unlocking the door and Clint is running in, right to my side. I pull away from his touch.

"It's okay," he says gently. "I'm not going to hurt you."

"But I might hurt you," I mutter, not meeting his eyes.

Clint shakes his head. "You won't hurt me. I trust you, Wanda."

"Why?" The question is quiet, more a breath, a sigh, a sob than a word, near inaudible. 

But he hears it. 

"Because I know you. You are good, and kind, and gentle, and strong. And you trust me to take care of you, and I have done a terrible job at that. You've done a better job protecting me than I have protecting you. I can't protect you Wanda Maximoff. But I can trust you. With everything I have."

Tears drip down my face, but still, I won't let him touch me. Still, I won't look at him. 

"I tried to kill him," I whisper. 

"You did what you had to do."

"No. No, you don't understand."

"Then help me."

I'm openly sobbing now. "I couldn't stop it. I couldn't control myself. What if it happens again? What if I kill someone? What if I kill you?"

I can't go on. I wish I could move my arms, hide my face in my hands, keep him from seeing the tears. I feel weak, like I could break at any moment.