Falling

Fall Out: Signing

Steve sweeps the hair off my face and kisses me softly.

"I love you, Sweetheart." He whispers.

I think I say it back, I am not sure. All I know is that when I wake up Steve is gone.

There is so much to do before we go to Vienna, but first breakfast. I drag myself off the bed and to the bathroom. My hair is a mess, I didn't put it up in it's usual bun over my head, and now is tangled and frizzy.

Eshe gave me a whole wakandan hair care line to try, and it just has been the best thing anyone has ever given me. My hair has never been healthier and longer than now. If I were to straighten it, it would be pass my ass, and it would probably take me ages to do, so I never do it.

I lift the hair up over my head, and there it is. I smile when I see the faint little purple mark over my ribs, right below my breast. I have come to learn that Steve likes to leave hickies here and there. Nothing big or painful, just little marks that I find the day before to remind me how I got them. It makes me smile.

After a shower and morning routine, I go out to the kitchen for breakfast. Since my cooking skills are legendary, Wanda has taken over the job to feed me in the morning. It started little by little. A bowl of cereal before practice, a toast and coffee, to eggs and waffles. I think is her way to say she likes me and that we are friends. Also, she is at ease in the kitchen.

"It gives me a task to focus on and I get to do something with my hands that is not..." she told me once, she swirled her power between her fingers. "This."

My way of getting close to her is showing her new music and taking her out when she feels up to it. Just last month the three of us, Nat, Wanda and I, went to an Imagine Dragons concert.

I find the two ladies in the kitchen, Nat reading the newspaper, Wanda making scrambled eggs.

"Good morning." I cheerfully say as I enter.

Nat slaps my ass as I pass her without even lifting her eyes.

"Hey!" I point my finger. "No touching the goods if you are not going to pay for them."

Wanda smiles.

"Orange juice anyone?" I offer as I open the fridge door.

"I will have some." Wanda answers.

"Alright." I grab the glasses and serve the drinks. At least I am useful like this.

"How was you guys' visit to Clint's family?" They had gone a couple of weeks before the mission but we hadn't had time to catch up.

"They are good." Nat puts down the paper.

"The baby is really cute." Wanda adds. "He is walking now."

I was not the only one Pietro saved that day. Nathaniel Pietro Barton just recently turned one, and he is a bundle of giggles and big brown eyes. He wouldn't have the opportunity to meet his father if it wasn't for Pietro.

"Do you all want to watch a movie tonight?" Nat proposes. "Before we leave tomorrow for the Accords signing."

"What about a scary movie?" I suggest.

"Yes!" Wanda plates the scrambled eggs and a piece of toast and I set the glasses of orange juice on the table.

"What about Chinese?" I say. We all sit around the kitchen island and start to eat.

"No...Thai?" Nat pitches in.

"I could go for some noodles." Wanda adds.

We agree on Pad Thai and egg rolls. I text Steve, wishing him a safe trip and asking him to call me when he gets the chance. London is 5 hrs ahead of New York.