Black Widow: Dark House

25. "Going In Circles"- The Friends Of Distinction

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**- thoughts/ memories

Wanda visited Ana the next day with breakfast and to continue their memory sessions. Wanda could now control which memory she processed with Ana, but still felt as if she was experiencing the memory rather than just observing. It was a grueling process for them both as Wanda searched her memories, trying to find a hint or some clue that would lead them to the Red Room.

Wanda brought her own breakfast with her as she walked into the room.

"Good morning" she greeted.

"No" Ana responded curtly, holding her hand out for the bag of food.

Wanda recoiled a bit, "I think the proper response would be 'good morning Wanda', so you want to try that again?"

"No", Ana's hand still outstretched.

"But-"

"No" Ana growled and finally swiped the bag of food from Wanda's grasp before sitting down at the small table in the corner of the kitchen.

Wanda rolled her eyes and sat down with a huff across from Ana as she ate.

"Did you sleep?" Wanda asked.

"No" Ana said shortly.

"I could help you with that" Wanda offered.

"You're in my head enough as it is. I'll be fine" Ana replied, taking a bite off her fork.

"Tasha came to see me. I suppose you had something to do with that?" Ana said, looking up at her as she cut into some pancakes.

Wanda shrugged, "I just recommended that she see you. That's all. I didn't tell her anything" she assured.

Ana let out a breath, still sour about this reliance she now had on Wanda. It was a mind-boggling experience to have someone know your memories better than even you did. It left no room for deceit, for protection, or privacy. Wanda had unknowingly laid all her secrets bare. And part of Ana hated her for it. But Wanda had worked hard to assure Ana that she wasn't the kind of person who would abuse the situation.

"I know you hate me, but I would never do that" Wanda insisted.

Ana rolled her eyes, "I don't hate you" she lied, "I just... hate this" she gestured to the space between them, "hate that I have nothing blocking you from me. You are privy to memories and secrets I've worked hard to burn out of my brain. Do you know what that's like? To just be ripped open like that?" she said, her anger rising.

Wanda eyed her, "would you rather I'd left you in darkness? Not knowing?"

Ana went quiet for a moment, unsure of how to answer.

She shrugged finally, "In some ways yes. But it does no good to dwell at this point. Let's just get this over with" she said, pushing her plate away from her.

Wanda sighed, and scooted her chair around the table, placing her hand on the side of Ana's face, the warmth seeping into Ana's skin as she closed her eyes.

Tony had gone to meet with Fury in Zurich, checking out a lead so she hadn't been able to confer with him about letting Ana have some more freedom. Yelena recovered well, thanks to her athleticism, and some fancy growth reagents that Bruce cooked up. She wasn't at 100% but she was close. She had told Natasha that she wanted to try to hit the gym tomorrow. Steve and Bucky had offered to spar with her during their training session.