This Is Stella's Reality

July 20, 2015

The grass on the island was lush, soft beneath my feet as I laid in the open afternoon air and watched Loki try and fail to teach Wanda simple magical commands.

She couldn't transfigure, make potions or draughts, or spin lies so profound that for a moment, they became true. However, she could manipulate energy and influence the mind.

All magic is, is a matter of will. Perhaps her abilities would come in time. She was still young, and her powers had only just begun to grow. There was time for her to learn, for her personality to evolve and her will to strengthen.

Bucky settled down next to me. His fingers played with the tips of my hair. I hummed, "Buck, would you still think I'm hot if I cut my hair off?"

"Duh? What the hell? Of course I would. Are you tryin' to shave it all off?" He asked with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes. "No, it's just too long now, and I have a lot of split ends." I frowned as I inspected my hair. It was also incredibly hot in the summer months here on the island. Less hair, less heat stroke.

He smiled at me and ran his fingers through my hair. "You know, doll, I could cut your hair for you."

I didn't know if I trusted the tone in his voice. I eyed him suspiciously, "And when was the last time you cut a woman's hair?"

"Uh," he was seriously thinking for a moment, "1930s? I cut my ma's hair once."

"You're really filing me with confidence, darling."

He grinned at me, "Watch it, or I'll fill you with something else."

I slapped his chest and rolled my eyes. "Shut up. Everyone on this island can read minds except for you."

"They've already seen worse if they're in my head," he winked. A smile was still on his lips as he looked up at the clouds. "Seriously, though, I'll cut your hair if you want."

"Don't trust him with scissors," Loki scoffed as he and Wanda walked over to us. "The girl is tired. We're done for the day, goddess. Thank you for your hospitality."

Wanda nodded eagerly. "It's beautiful here. Thank you for letting me come and train."

"Anytime," I said. I saw a lot of myself in her. She was sweet and eager to please. Her abilities grew every day, so it wouldn't be long before she was able to do all she couldn't do now. "You know how to get here if you ever feel like stopping by."

"Why can't I be trusted with scissors?" Bucky asked with a gleam in his eyes.

Loki glared at him. "Why do you think you should be trusted to cut a goddess' hair? Persephone will smite you if you fuck it up.

Bucky laughed, "Mom said she likes me, and I have her eternal blessings."

"So long as Stella loves you. She may not after you hack her hair off," Loki teased.

"Are you two done?" I asked as I sighed and walked Wanda to the door. Loki stayed behind for a moment, still arguing with Bucky over whether or not he has the ability to cut my hair.

Wanda laughed at them. "Are they always like that?"

"Loki hates everyone, and so does Bucky, so, yeah," I said. She laughed again, bright and much happier than when I had seen her last in Sokovia.

Her eyes lit up at every word I said, as if she were hanging on to every syllable. She had a kind smile, warm and innocent with youth.

"Wanda," I said suddenly. She turned to me with wide eyes. My tongue clicked, "Could I invite you for dinner one night this week?" I asked.