Ethereal

Chapter 10: Escape

A sigh escaped her lips as she stood against the wall, with her arms crossed and eyes screwed shut. She could hear the distant conversation and laughter of the other Avengers coming from the other room.

She put a hand on her chest and released another deep sigh. Being that close to Hela felt like a dream. And having to get caught like they were two rebellious teenagers making out behind the school was the most embarrassing thing she's experienced.

She stared at her heels, she was standing all alone in the hallway outside the kitchen. After getting caught, Hela left her and ran away like a chicken.

Why was she the one that needs to explain?

No, fuck that. Why does she have to explain?

She is a fully grown adult, she gets to do whatever she wants with her life. She doesn't need the permission of others, especially those who have betrayed and hurt her.

"Hey..." Natasha walked out of the kitchen holding two glasses containing vodka while Steve followed behind her, avoiding the blonde's gaze.

Serena exhales sharply before turning to see them

"That was very awkward." Natasha starts

"Yes, I agree." Serena took the offered glass

"We should forget it, keep minding our own business, and continue our day."

"Agreed. This day never happened."

"I don't even know what day it is."

"I don't even know who you are."

"Too far but good." Natasha stepped aside and stopped shielding Steve from the blonde "He promises not to say anything if you don't scratch his shield and hurt his ego again."

Steve glanced at the redhead with a disapproving look. He frowned at her but when his eyes landed on Serena, he cleared his throat and straightened his posture.

Serena nods "No promises are made."

Natasha smiled "Nice conversation"

Serena shook her head "It was a bad one. You are a horrible conversation starter, woman."

"Forgive me, then. I learned that from you."

"I am not a horrible conversation starter."

"You start a conversation by threatening people or when in the middle of killing one. What's worse between that and a dull one?"

"The dull one." the blonde casually replies

The redhead shrugged "Yeah, you're right"

Serena nods with a smug look on her face

"Don't look so smug, I still caught you making out with your girlfriend in the hallway."

"I was not making out with my girlfriend!"

Natasha turned her back to leave, she looked over her shoulder then smirked "You called her your girlfriend, do you hear that?" she pointed at her ear "I hear the wedding bells ringing!" she teased

Serena shook her head in disbelief, she glanced around the hallway and then drank the vodka in one go, slamming the glass on the kitchen counter before taking her leave.

She stood outside the door, leaning against the frame while watching Penelope happily play with the other Avengers. She lets out a relieved sigh upon seeing the happiness written all over the little girl's face as she sat on top of Vision's shoulders with a small tiara on her head.

It was refreshing to see a child happy.

"You never mentioned you were a mother."

Serena looked over her shoulder, seeing Hela standing behind her. She didn't sense her come nor did she hear footsteps approaching.