Solitude

9| You

Late-night thoughts keep swirling around your mind.

Wanda's head rests on your shoulder. Your fingers gently play with her hair, hearing her even breathe. The dimming fire throws dancing shadows on the walls. You close your eyes, wanting to remember the peacefulness forever.

A quiet yawn reaches your ears. Wanda sighs deeply, snuggling deeper into your embrace. Taking a glance at her, you notice her eyes are completely shut with her lips parted slightly. The moonlight brushes through the curtains.

"Let's get you to bed, princess." You whisper, trying to wake her up from her light slumber. "You deserve a soft bed rather than an uncomfortable couch."

She groans. "You're comfortable."

You chuckle, experiencing a small déjà vu. The redhead presses her nose into your chest. Waiting another minute, you gently peel her off your body and move her up. Wanda shakes her head, weakly trying to pull you back into her arms. Your heart flutters. 

"Very comfortable."

She's more cuddly than you thought. Keeping that in the back of your head, you focus back on the given task. Bring her into her bed. She'll thank you for it in the morning even though it doesn't seem like it at this moment. Wanda follows you but only if you keep an arm around her middle, letting her keep a bit of body warmth from you. Nothing better than that.

You guide her to the bed, carefully helping her under the covers. Wanda holds your hand, tired eyes fluttering open and shut. Watching her quietly, she grins and squeezes your hand. You return it, rubbing your thumb over the back of her hand. Her skin is so soft. 

"Do you want to stay?" She asks, her voice barely audible. "I can make room for you."

"As much as I love that idea, you need to have a good night's sleep without me this time. I promise you, we'll talk about it tomorrow and maybe your bedside will be warm tomorrow night." You press a kiss against her forehead. "Goodnight, Wanda."

She mumbles something incomprehensible, smiling in her sleep. You brush a stand of red hair out of her face. Peacefulness paints her face. Her nose twitches adorably as your fingers run over her cheek. Tugging the blanket a bit higher up to her chin, you rise off the mattress as quietly as possible.

With one last glance, you return to your room. Thankfully, you found a spare mattress under Wanda's bed since the couch hasn't all dried yet. It is dry enough to sit on but you don't want to risk an infection. Sneaking under the covers, you stare up at the ceiling. The night turned out better than you had hoped it would. Everything feels right. 

With the image of her smile, you fall into a deep slumber.

~

The sound of chirping birds wakes you up. Pressing your fingers over your eyes, you turn around on your side and groan. You hate to wake up in the middle of an already bright room. 

With a newfound lightness, you disappear into the bathroom. You can't be fast enough, quickly brushing your teeth, and styling yourself enough to not like the mourning grouch that you are. What is that weird new feeling inside your chest? Of course, the events of the last few days changed a lot…but still?

Blaming the feeling in your chest on the sudden change of events, you walk out of the bathroom and towards the kitchen. Wanda must be awake because the door is not fully closed, letting a hint of freshly brewed tea escape the room. 

Entering the kitchen with a small sigh, your eyes naturally land on the redhead who's sitting in her usual spot beside the window. She gazes outside, watching the birds swarm around the cabin. Hearing your footsteps, her attention immediately moved toward you.