AURORA

Mind Reading

A week later

Aurora's eyes fluttered open to the soft morning light filtering through the window. The events of the previous courtroom night were a blur, but Wanda's steady presence and the safety of the safe house gave her a semblance of peace. She sat up slowly, noticing a cup of tea on the bedside table and a note in Wanda's familiar handwriting: "I'll be back soon. Rest up."

She took a deep breath and swung her legs over the side of the bed, feeling the plush carpet under her feet. The house was quiet, a stark contrast to the turmoil in her mind. Aurora made her way to the living room, where she found Kate Bishop casually lounging on the couch, her bow and quiver propped up beside her.

"Hey," Kate greeted with a warm smile. "You look better this morning."

Aurora managed a faint smile in return. "Thanks, Kate. I feel...a bit better."

Kate stood up and walked over, her demeanor both confident and comforting. "Wanda asked me to keep an eye on you while she’s out. Thought you might like some company."

Aurora nodded, grateful for the distraction. "I'd like that. It's been a rough few days."

They spent the morning talking about everything and nothing—Kate sharing stories about her latest escapades as Hawkeye, and Aurora slowly opening up about her struggles. Kate's presence was a balm to Aurora’s frayed nerves, her easygoing nature and quick wit providing a welcome relief from the dark thoughts that had been haunting her.

---

Meanwhile, across town, Yelena was pacing in front of the courthouse, her phone pressed to her ear. "Mia, we need to talk. Now."

Mia's voice came through, tinged with annoyance. "Yelena, what's going on? You've been acting strange."

Yelena took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure. "It's complicated. Just meet me at the diner down the street."

A short while later, Mia slid into the booth opposite Yelena, her expression a mix of concern and frustration. "What's so urgent?"

Yelena glanced around, ensuring they weren’t being overheard. "Mia, I need you to trust me. Aurora is not okay, I can’t explain everything right now, but I need your help to keep her safe."

Mia's eyes narrowed. "You've been keeping secrets, Yelena. How can I help if I don't know what's really going on?"

Yelena sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I’m trying to protect you. The less you know, the safer you are."

Mia leaned forward, her voice dropping to a fierce whisper. "I’m not a child, Yelena. I can handle the truth. Stop shutting me out."

---

Back at the safe house, Wanda returned to find Aurora and Kate deep in conversation, their laughter filling the room. She felt a pang of jealousy as she watched them, her heart clenching at the sight of Aurora’s ease with Kate.

"Hey, Wanda," Kate greeted, noticing her standing in the doorway. "We were just talking about old missions."

Wanda forced a smile, pushing her jealousy aside. "That’s great. Aurora, how are you feeling?"

Aurora looked up, her eyes brighter than they had been in days. "Better. Kate’s been a big help."

Wanda nodded, her heart heavy. "Good. I’m glad."

---

That evening, back at the safe house, Mia arrived unexpectedly, her face set with determination. "Aurora, we need to talk."

Aurora looked up, surprised. "Mia, what’s wrong?"

Mia took a deep breath, her eyes filling with tears. "I know you’ve been lying to me about your mental state. Why didn’t you tell me the truth? And why am I finding out about your powers now?"

Aurora felt a wave of guilt. "Yelena(she paused)...I-I didn’t want to worry you. I thought I could handle it on my own."

Mia shook her head, her voice breaking. "You don’t have to do this alone. We’re all here for you, I'm here for you. And if you have powers...that's so cool girl!"

Aurora’s eyes down to the floor "yeah...I didn’t mean to shut you out. I'm sorry"

Mia pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly. "I want to be here for you but no more secrets."

As they embraced, Aurora felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Wanda watching from afar.
___
The next morning, the safe house was filled with a quiet energy. Aurora felt a renewed sense of strength and determination, she felt powerful. As she moved through the house, she noticed Wanda in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.

"Good morning," Aurora greeted, her voice soft but warm.

Wanda looked up, a smile spreading across her face. "Morning, Aurora. Sleep well?"

"Better than I have in days," Aurora admitted, stepping closer to Wanda. "Thanks for everything. You've been amazing."

Wanda's eyes twinkled with affection. "Anything for you. I’m just glad you're feeling better."

"I'm going to bring you breakfast in bed...go" Aurora smiled and went back to her bedroom. Wanda came in knocking at Aurora's door. "Come in" she heard from inside, so she stepped in. Aurora wearing her bathrobe. She paused, her eyes locking with Wanda's. "So are you going to join me or stare at the wall until I'm done?"

Wanda's breath hitched, she recovered quickly, a smile on her lips. She took a minute before answering. "Nope..." Making a pop sound with her mouth shaking her head slowly, blushing. " I'm kidding darling, you blushed though" Aurora pointed at Wanda's cheeks. "That's just mean" Wanda looked at her but quickly turned her gaze back to the ground.

Aurora made her way to the bathroom. As Aurora filled the tub with steaming water, she lit a few candles for her to feel at ease.

Aurora slipped into the warm water sighing with contentment.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Kate and Yelena were having a heated discussion about the latest mission. Mia watched from the doorway, her expression thoughtful.

"You know, you could take a break," Mia suggested, stepping into the room. "Not everything has to be about missions and fighting."

Kate chuckled, her eyes lighting up as she spotted Wanda emerging from the bathroom, eavesdropping their conversation about Wanda joining Aurora for a bath."You’re right, Mia. We could all use a bit of downtime."
____

Aurora stepped out of the bathroom catching Wanda sitting alone in her bedroom. "What happened?"Aurora decided to talk to her. Wanda stood up, turning to look at her. "Your thoughts are just so loud." Aurora sat where Wanda was. "Well, good thing you're ignoring them" she smiled. Wanda stopped her movements sitting next to her, her eyes still on Aurora's. "You're scared of me and you didn't tell me" Aurora surprised by what Wanda just said. "You read my mind" Aurora replied in disbelief. Wanda stopped looking at her lost in thought. "We talked about this" Aurora continued after not getting a reply from her. Wanda stood up almost immediately now mad at Aurora. "You are scared of me, Aurora!" Aurora stood up taking a few steps back sighing. "I'm not" Wanda got closer to her. "Why don't you cut the shit and tell me why, why are you scared of me" Aurora just stared at her not saying a word. "I thought you trusted me" Wanda now fed up by Aurora's actions. "Of course, I do" Aurora smiled weakly at her. Before Wanda could say anything Kate opened the door stepping inside. "Heyy..." They both turned to look at her. "Did I interrupt someth-" Aurora interrupted her " No, I was just leaving" Kate tried to hide her smile. Aurora took her clothes and went past Wanda. Wanda watching her leave speechless.

A/N: Why the drama😭