Back To Me // WandaNat AU

The Morning

"Surprise!" Wanda exclaimed, rousing Natasha from her slumber. Upon blinking her sleepiness away, Natasha was greeted to the sight of a full spread of food neatly arranged on a tray, Wanda presenting it with pride.

"Breakfast in bed?" Natasha rasped, kissing Wanda before taking the tray. "Is today some sort of holiday? Am I forgetting an anniversary?"

"No, darling. I just love you."

"Perks of dating an early riser."

Wanda kissed both of Natasha's cheeks. "And a really good cook."

Natasha relished every bite, not wanting the moment to slip away. This was probably one of the nicest things anyone had ever done for her. That was, until Wanda did another nice thing. She was good at that, remembering the little things. Like how on rainy days she would remind Natasha to bring her umbrella, or when she would randomly buy flowers at the grocery store just because. Wanda romanticized everything, memorized every detail of people she loved. Natasha wished she could do the same.

"Carol not an early bird?" Natasha asked, sitting down a table away from Wanda, digging into her complementary hotel breakfast.

Wanda groaned. Of course they stayed at the same hotel. She wanted to ignore the other woman, but honestly, she was sort of happy to see her as well. Things hadn't ended smoothly. Maybe, at the very least, this could be closure.

"No, she's not."

Encouraged by the dialogue, Natasha continued. "Where'd you meet her, anyway?"

"Work."

"Which is..?"

"None of your business."

"Come on, Wanda, you were never one for secrets."

"Maybe I've changed."

Natasha sighed. "I hope so. I know I have." She sipped her coffee before continuing. "What'd you end up doing after school, anyway? You write that book like you always wanted? Get into acting?"

Wanda flinched almost imperceptibly. "I'm, um... I'm a high school English teacher. Coach the girl's soccer team too."

"It suits you."

"You think so? You don't think I'm destined for something more, like you always used to tell me?"

Natasha cut to the chase. "Look, Wanda. I said a lot of stupid shit when we were together. I know better now. Your destiny is up to you. And if your destiny is lecturing kids about The Scarlet Letter, then I support it all day long. But I can't say I'm not shocked. You were always such a dreamer."

"Yeah. I was." Wanda picked at her breakfast. "What about you? You a secret agent now?"

"If I told you, I'd have to kill you."

Wanda's head snapped up, and Natasha broke into a small laugh. "Kidding. But yeah, I work in communications now for the CIA."

"Well, at least it was worth it," Wanda replied bitterly, sighing.

"What was worth it?"

Wanda shook her head. "Never mind."

"So, um, how long have you and Carol been together?"

Wanda bristled. "Why do you ask?"

"Because I'm gonna win you back, and I want to know what I'm up against."

"I'll give you this, Natasha, you certainly have gotten bolder."

"Told you I've changed. I'm not that cocky kid anymore, and I'm gonna prove it."

Natasha took her leave, throwing out her garbage and leaving Wanda to her thoughts. Deep down, Wanda always wondered what would have happened if she stayed with Natasha. Would she have settled, would she have compromised as much? Would she be in a different career, in a different city?

Carol's gruff voice shook Wanda from her musings.

"Wanda, where the hell did you put my watch?"

"I'm sorry, what?" Wanda asked, mind not fully present.

Carol rolled her eyes. "My watch. I know you've seen it."

"I'm sorry, Carol, I haven't."

"Guess I'll find it myself. Like I always do."

Carol stomped off, muttering. Wanda sighed and ran a hand through her hair. Carol was a good woman, but easily angered, short fused. She was passionate and loving, but also incredibly tiring. Maybe it was time for a change.