Avengers: A Darker Shade of Scarlet

Time Cast a Spell on You, But You Won't Forget Me (NSFW)

The rolling green hills Thor and Dean appeared on were bathed in sunlight. The scent of sun and grass abounded, completed the pastoral serenity they found themselves surrounded with. Dean stepped forward and Thor followed, reaching for his hand.

"It's beautiful here," Dean said as he looked out into the expanse of land and smiled. "Just like back home."

"Indeed," Thor agreed. "It feels similar here. Slow and easygoing."

Dean thought about Wanda living in a place like this and felt a warmth spread through his core. The notion of a woman who had weathered far too many hardships, far too many losses, living among this pastoral paradise brought so much peace and joy to him. "Wanda deserves to live in a place like this."

Thor had experienced extremely conflicting feelings where Wanda was concerned. He hated her for the heartbreak she had caused Dean. He feared the power she wielded for what it could do to his family. He pitied her for her losses. But now he mostly hoped for her peace.

Together, they walked until they could see a house in the distance. It was nestled among the hills and a nearby lake. A narrow little road passed it. A pair of bicyclers pedaled by and waved and greeted the woman in the yard as she scattered chickenfeed for the hens. She tossed a handful to the ground and waved at them as they passed along, a bright smile on her face.

Dean's heartbeat sped up and a sense of anxiety hit him. "Wanda," he whispered.

She was dressed in blue jeans, boots and a simple green tank top. Her hair fell down her back in a French braid and she wore an expression of serenity as the hens gathered around her. She didn't wear makeup, but Dean always felt she didn't even need it. She was radiant with just a smile. And when she smiled there was something in her expression that Dean hadn't seen in her in such a long time- joy.

Thor looked over at Dean and smiled at how captivated he was. He gave his hand a squeeze and Dean looked over at him and returned his smile. He hoped that seeing Wanda this way would give Dean comfort.

Two little boys ran from the hills on the other side of the house and Wanda turned and waved at them. One of them presented her with a bouquet of wildflowers he'd picked. Wanda brought them to her nose and inhaled, her smile broadening. She knelt and pulled both of the boys into her arms for a hug. Then she stood up and walked with both of them into the house.

As Dean watched Wanda walk away, he reached out across the distance with his mind, feeling for her emotions. What he found brought tears to his eyes.

"How does she feel?" Thor asked, knowing his husband was using his power.

Dean dabbed at his eyes. "She's happy. She feels safe and loved. And she loves them."

Thor pulled Dean into his arms and looked down into his face as he ran a hand through his hair. "Does this put your heart more at ease?"

"It does." Dean stared off at the endless vista of serenity and took a deep breath.

"What are you thinking about?"

"I wonder what it would be like to live this way. To do what Wanda's done and leave the Avengers behind. To just live simply. No more fighting."

Thor stroked his beard in contemplation. "I do not know. I have never envisioned such a life. Is that what you want?"

Dean smiled and shook his head. "No. There are too many dangers out there for me to just stop. Besides, having Magni and Modi just makes me want to protect the world even more."

"You know that you could stay at home with the boys," Thor offered. "And leave the Avenging to me."

Dean frowned up at him. "Are you suggesting that I become a homemaker?"