The rise of the White Widow

Becoming an Avenger?

I'm lying in bed, buried under the blankets, when I hear a knock on my door. It's Nat. She's come to get me up, like she always does. I don't want to get up, though. I don't want to face the day. But I know I have to.

Nat doesn't say anything as she helps me out of bed. I know she understands. She lost people too, in her past. We head to the Avengers gym, where she's set up a light training for me. I'm not sure I'm up for it, but I go along with it anyway. Maybe it will help me feel better.

Surprisingly, my body isn't hurting as much as it has been. My parents did a number on me, physically and mentally, but I'm slowly healing. It's a relief to not be in constant pain.

As we train, I feel a sense of release. I'm able to focus on something other than my grief and my problems. Nat is a good coach, pushing me just enough to challenge me but not so much that I'm overwhelmed.

But even as I'm doing the exercises, I feel a faint urge to harm myself. It's a feeling I've been struggling with for a while now, ever since my brother died. I know it's not healthy, but I can't seem to shake it.

Nat doesn't seem to suspect anything. She's focused on helping me get back on my feet. And I appreciate that, I really do. But I'm not sure how much longer I can keep up the facade.

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The next day, Nat and I head back to the Avengers gym for another training session. I'm feeling a bit better than yesterday, but my mind is still clouded with grief and guilt.

As we start the warm-up routine, I can tell that Nat is watching me closely. I try to focus on the exercises, but my mind keeps wandering.

"Hey, Alex," Nat says, breaking me out of my thoughts. "You seem a little distracted today. Is everything okay?"

I hesitate for a moment, not sure if I want to burden her with my problems. But then I realize that Nat is my friend, and she's been through her own share of pain and loss.

"I'm just... thinking about Hayden," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "And... other stuff."

Nat nods, a look of understanding on her face. "I get it. It's tough to deal with all of that. But you're doing great, Alex. Just take it one day at a time."

I appreciate her words of encouragement, but I still feel overwhelmed. We start the workout, and I try to throw myself into it with all my energy. But I can't seem to shake the feeling of sadness that's weighing me down.

Nat doesn't say anything more about my distraction, but I can tell that she's keeping an eye on me. She adjusts the workout, making it a little easier than yesterday, and I'm grateful for the reprieve.

As we finish up, Nat gives me a pat on the back. "Good job, Alex. You're making progress. Just keep at it."

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After our workout, Nat and I head to the kitchen to get breakfast with the other Avengers. I'm feeling a bit more relaxed now, and I'm glad for the chance to hang out with my friends.

We sit around the table, chatting and laughing as we eat. Tony is telling a story about one of his adventures, and everyone is listening intently.

But then my attention starts to wander. I'm not really paying attention to the conversation anymore. Instead, I find myself stealing glances at Wanda, who's sitting across from me.

I've always admired Wanda's strength and her abilities. But today, something feels different. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I feel... drawn to her in a way I haven't before.

I try to shake off the feeling, but it lingers. When Wanda catches my eye, I quickly look away, my face flushing with embarrassment.

Nat notices my discomfort and gives me a concerned look. "You okay, Alex?" she asks softly.

I nod, not wanting to make a big deal out of it. But the truth is, I'm not sure what's going on. Am I developing a crush on Wanda? Is that even possible?

I'm still eating my breakfast with the Avengers, savoring the taste of bacon and eggs, when I feel a tap on my shoulder. It's Doctor Strange, the one who saved my life when my parents nearly killed me. He wants to explain to me and the others why I woke up from being brain dead. Apparently, I have some sort of powers, but I already knew that. I decide to keep quiet and listen as he speaks, not wanting to draw attention to myself.

Doctor Strange begins to explain the nature of my powers to the group. He tells them that I have the ability to heal myself quite quickly if my wounds are treated to. As he speaks, I feel a sense of pride and excitement welling up within me. Finally, I have an explanation for the strange things that have been happening to me lately.

I glance around the room at the Avengers, trying to read their expressions. Some look skeptical, while others seem intrigued. But one thing is clear: they all want to know more.

As Doctor Strange finishes his explanation, I catch his eye and nod in silent thanks. He nods back, understanding the weight of what he's just revealed.

After Strange departs, I retreat to my room and collapse onto my bed, feeling exhausted and drained. As I lay there, feeling lost in my own thoughts, Wanda suddenly enters the room, causing me to raise an eyebrow in surprise.

"Hey," she greets me softly, her expression full of concern.

I force a smile, attempting to appear normal despite the turmoil within me. "Just wanted to check if you're okay," she adds, her voice gentle.

I try to reassure her, despite the fact that I'm not alright. "I'm fine," I lie, nervously fiddling with my sleeve and pulling it down to conceal the scars and cuts on my arm.

"Good to hear it," Wanda replies, her smile still present as she turns to leave the room.

Soon after, Nat enters my room and offers her own perspective on Wanda's behavior. "She can be a bit socially awkward sometimes," she explains, her own smile warm and reassuring.

I nod, but remain preoccupied with my own struggles, still absently playing with my sleeve as I try to cope with the overwhelming emotions within me.

Nat gestures for me to follow her, and I am surprised when she leads me into the Avengers meeting room. As I walk in, I see a man and a woman sitting at the table with the Avengers. Nat introduces the woman as Maria Hill, and I can't help but notice the way she looks at her. As a trained spy, I've learned to be observant, and Nat's behavior around Maria doesn't go unnoticed by me. And I'm introduced to Fury as well.

Fury begins to speak, and I try my best to focus on what he's saying. He mentions that they've been keeping an eye on me and that they see a lot of potential in me. My heart races as he mentions the possibility of me training to become an Avenger.

Nat steps in, asking me to take my time and consider the offer. I nod, grateful for her understanding. The loss of my brother and the scars my parents left on me still weigh heavily on me, and I need to take time to heal before making any big decisions.

As I leave the meeting room, Nat pulls me aside. "What do you think?" she asks, her eyes hopeful.

I shrug, trying to play it cool. "It's a lot to think about."

Nat nods, seeming to understand. "Take your time, Alex. We'll be here when you're ready."

I smile, grateful for her support. The Avengers have become like a second family to me, and the thought of being able to fight alongside them is both terrifying and exhilarating. For now, though, I need to focus on healing and getting better. The rest can come later.