Several Nightcaps Later // WandaNat Bartender AU

10

After she and Clint took care of the body, Natasha rambled on to Wanda about the gang, her mission, Pietro's involvement. It was better to rip off the bandaid now, and besides, Wanda was already involved. The only thing she left out was her idea of Wanda assisting the mission. Though she only sustained a minor injury, and the man seemed to be one rogue agent angered with Pietro, Wanda was too close to the situation. The two now sat on the roof of the hotel, a cool breeze causing Wanda to shiver.

Twiddling her bandages, Wanda took a deep breath, eyes shutting. "This is real shit, isn't it, Natasha?"

Natasha knew what she meant. "Yeah, it is, Wanda. This isn't a game. My job, my life, it's dangerous. People get hurt."

"I can't believe how stupid I was..."

"What do you mean?" Natasha made her way to sit by the bartender, eyes full of concern. She placed a tentative arm around the other woman, but was careful not to crowd her.

"I should've seen that Pietro was in trouble," she shook her head. "And with you. I thought being a spy was just a fun game of pretend... you know, wear a wig and fake a terrible accent... it's not. This isn't a game."

"You're right, it's not. But you've realized that a lot quicker than I did." Natasha pulled up her shirt, revealing a puffy scar on her hip. "My first week in the field, I made a stupid mistake. Thought I could take on an entire task force by myself. I couldn't, and I paid for it."

Scooting closer to Wanda, Natasha took her non-injured hand and continued. "My life, Wanda, isn't just a joyride. If you're gonna be with me, you need to know that. I'm gonna get hurt, sometimes I'll be lucky just to make it home."

Wanda took a long time to answer. She kept examining her bandages, then lightly ghosted her fingers across Natasha's scar. Her eyes never met the spy's, her expression tough to read.

"Natasha..." Wanda started, now leaning her full weight on the other woman, exhausted. "For so long I just wanted excitement, something else, and then you walked into my bar."

"Do you still want that? Excitement?"

The bartender took a steadying breath, cupping Natasha's cheek, the moonlight glinting off of her light eyes.

"For once, I know exactly what I want."

Wanda kissed her, softly and slowly, only breaking when Natasha was smiling too broadly to continue.

"But, um, to answer your question," Wanda chuckled, in better spirits now, "I think I do. I'm just a bartender, but if I could help at all..."

Natasha leaned back on both hands, elbows extended, mulling over what to tell Wanda. She was no spy, but Wanda was a smooth talker, and tougher than Natasha gave her credit for. A few questions for Pietro couldn't hurt...

"Wanda, if you want to help, I do have an idea..."

Natasha explained her plan. Wanda would wear a wire, meet up with Pietro, preferably somewhere that was not the bar, and alone. Natasha and Clint would observe nearby, close enough to jump into action if needed. After explaining, Natasha told the other woman there was no pressure to say yes, that it would be dangerous, and she would understand if Wanda had reservations.

"I'm tired of having reservations, Natasha. I gotta get Pietro out of trouble, and helping you is definitely a plus." Wanda smirked. "I'll do it, on one condition."

"And that is?"

"You have to say yes to this next question."

Wanda rose dramatically, dropping down to one knee in front of the other woman, voice dripping with exaggerated emotion. Natasha raised an eyebrow, asking the other woman what all this was.

"Natasha Romanoff," she paused for dramatic effect, "will you be my girlfriend?"

Natasha shook her head with a gleeful chuckle as Wanda busted into laughter. "Yes, yes, fine. But only so you'll help my mission."

Wanda smiled broadly and kissed the other woman sweetly, tangling her fingers in red locks. After breaking off the kiss, the bartender plopped down next to Natasha, leaning her head on the other woman's shoulder.

"Seriously, though, I'm happy to help. I owe it to Pietro," Wanda said through a yawn.

"That means more than you know," Natasha responded, eyes on the horizon outstretched in front. "I'm proud of you, you know."

"Really? Why?"

"Not many people would've handled today as well as you did. You're no spy, but one day, maybe you could be."

"Yeah?"

"Well, with my partner retiring, there'll be an opening."

"God, what a dream," Wanda said sleepily, "watching you kick ass every day. Thanks for saving me earlier, by the way. I don't think I told you."

"I'm just glad I was there."

"Oh please, I could've taken him."

"From what I recall, you were cowering behind the bar."

Wanda laughed despite herself. "Too soon."

Natasha planted a kiss on Wanda's forehead. "You were caught off guard. You definitely could've taken him."

When Wanda didn't respond with a joke of some kind, Natasha looked down to see the other woman asleep, a soft snore escaping her lips. Natasha's heart leapt, and she stayed as still as humanly possible. Wanda had been through a great ordeal today; she deserved some rest.

With no more conversation, Natasha was left in the quiet with her thoughts. She prayed that she wasn't putting Wanda in too much danger; that this was the right decision. After all, Wanda agreed, and now she knew what she was dealing with. Wanda felt like she owed Pietro a debt, so who was Natasha to deny her that? It would be fine, Natasha reassured herself, ignoring the sinking feeling in her stomach.