Fire and Ice

Part 7: Settling

(Briar)

After my confession and explanation, the room exploded into questions, and I sighed uncomfortably as I stared down at the table, trying to field them all at once. Thankfully, however, I didn't have to.

"That's enough, for now." Natasha's voice was firm as her arm wrapped comfortingly around my shoulder, pulling me into her slightly in a protective maneuver.

"Natasha, we're just trying to..." Tony started a sentence, but this time Wanda cut him off.

"She's right. Briar has just gone through something traumatic, and she needs her rest. We can do this later." Steve nodded in understanding, and even Tony looked as though he was having second thoughts. Wanda and Natasha exchanged glances over my shoulder, and the witch stood up suddenly, taking my hand and pulling me up gently with her. "I'll show Briar to a room."

I followed as she led me out of the room by the hand, and I gave up trying to remember how we were getting to wherever it was we were going. An elevator ride, at least three hallways, and countless amounts of doors later, I found myself in front of one that Wanda was opening for me. "You can use this room, for now." She smiled as she gestured me inside.

I glanced around as she flicked on a light without actually touching anything and I chuckled. "Now that's a neat trick," I glanced at her. She was leaning on the doorframe, her arms folded neatly over her chest, a smirk growing on her perfectly shaped lips. I blinked at myself when Wanda started laughing. Then I remembered she could read minds, and I felt my face flush red immediately. "I'm sorry," I mumbled, embarrassed. I looked up as Wanda began walking toward me, a big smile on her face.

"Don't worry about it." Her voice was barely above a whisper as she continued moving in my direction. I stood my ground, which earned another low chuckle from the witch in front of me. "It seems Natasha got a head start," she murmured, now mere inches away. I couldn't keep the smirk from my lips.

"Oh yeah? How so, Maximoff?" Wanda's smile widened.

"Shut up," I didn't have time to respond before her lips found mine, and I melted instantly into the contact. Wanda's lips were soft and delicate and gentle. Natasha's were strong and commanding. I caught myself thinking about..." That can happen, you know." Wanda pulled back, breathing heavily, her forehead leaning against mine. I blinked.

"Wha..."

"Shh.." She placed her palms on my cheeks as her lips found mine again, her tongue gently finding its way into my mouth, and I wrapped my arms around her waist. Her fingertips brushed against my temples, and I immediately felt a warm sensation spreading, radiating from her fingertips. I pulled away, attempting to catch my breath.

"Are you doing that?" Wanda chuckled and licked her lips.

"I can do more than turn on lights, Briar." I gulped, but Wanda backed slowly away from me. "If you need anything, my room is the one to your right." I smirked, but paled instantly as she continued. "And Natasha's is on your left. I felt what seemed like my heart stopping momentarily at the realization that my living quarters were sandwiched directly between these two women. Women I had made out with. Today. I smiled and nodded as Wanda exited the room, waiting until the door closed behind her before exhaling a shaky breath. What the hell was my life now?

(Natasha)

I sat on Wanda's bed, waiting for her to finish getting Briar settled, smiling at the realization that they were both just on the other side of that wall. I didn't know how this was going to play out – not really. These things were sticky and complicated, and I didn't want to get my hopes up. At the same time, however, I couldn't stop thinking about them. Either one of them. I was just starting to unintentionally work myself up when the door opened suddenly, and Wanda's smile was the first thing I noticed.

"How'd it go?" I asked, smirking, wondering if I already knew the answer.

"You're right, she's a good kisser." I smirked. Good for her. "And she's already thinking about it." I bit the inside of my cheek, feeling the hope inside of me suddenly before I managed to squash it back down – just in case.

"As good as me?" I didn't have to ask, but I couldn't help it. Wanda's green eyes twinkled playfully.

"No. But different." I nodded, understanding what she meant. Wanda and I had been together off and on for some time now. Years. Things were familiar, which was a blessing as well as a curse. But kissing Briar, even under the guise of a distraction to let me help her has awoken something inside of me that I hadn't felt this strongly in quite some time. Wanda smiled, walking towards me and sitting beside me, her head resting on my shoulder. "I know what you mean." I chuckled, wrapping my arm around her slowly.

"You need to stop doing that," I grumbled playfully. Wanda poked me in the ribs right where she knew I was ticklish.

"Stop thinking so loud." She countered. The smirk spread instantly across my face.

"Make me."

(Wanda)

Before my eyes had completed the full role they started, I smashed my lips to hers, immediately cupping her face in my hands. She inhaled sharply and I smiled at the smell of her. She smelled like home. Comforting. Warm. Protective. Her hands wrapped around my waist as I straddled her, deepening the kiss. Natasha pulled back playfully.

"You smell like her." I grinned.

"So do you." Natasha growled and leaned forward, tracing her tongue over the outline of my ear.

"Not for long." I giggled and pushed her away.

"Not now, silly." Natasha groaned and flopped over onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling.

"You're killing me, Maximoff." She was so dramatic when she didn't get her way sometimes. It was cute. I scrunched my nose at her, pecking her softly on the cheek.

"It will be worth the wait, Natasha, I promise." Natasha's eyes darkened as she stared up at me.

"I know it will." I playfully pulled her up into a seated position again.

"Now go get some sleep Natasha. We have a big day tomorrow." Natasha stood and raised her eyebrows.

"We do?" I couldn't help but smile.

"We do."