BLACK & RED | NATASHA ROMANOFF X READER | MARVEL

4

It was around 11pm that same night, and I felt hunger surging through my stomach just as I settled got into my bed.

Annoying, but can't be ignored.

I got up out of my bed, throwing an 'Avengers' branded hoodie over my tank top t0 make my way downstairs and into the kitchen. When I got there, I saw a girl peering into the large pantry. She grabbed a box of cereal and turned around to see me.

"Oh, hello!" She greets, unexpectedly, "I didn't see you there. Apologies."

"No, no. It's okay," I reassure, "Wanda, right?"

"That would be right, yes." Wanda settled onto a kitchen island stool, reaching for a box of cereal. "You're also a nighttime snacker?" She poured herself a bowl of cereal.

"Yeah, you could say that," I chuckled, joining her at the counter.

"Grab yourself a bowl, and I'll make us some gourmet..." She examined the cereal box, "...honey-glazed Frosted Flakes."

"Honey-glazed Frosted Flakes sound great," I agreed, fetching a deep bowl from the cupboard and placing it on the counter as she poured the milk and cereal.

"Oh," I groaned playfully, watching her, "milk then cereal?"

She glanced up, tilting her head in confusion.

"Well," I continued, "I'm just saying... it's odd."

Wanda slid my bowl over and started eating hers. "You know, pouring the milk first is better. It really keeps the cereal crunchier."

"I'll believe it once I taste it." I dug my spoon into the bowl and tried Wanda's snack.

"And?" She asked, intrigued.

"Okay, you're right. It is much crunchier." I admitted.

"Here I am, right once again." We both laughed.

We continued to chat and enjoy our midnight snacks. "So, you like living here so far?" Wanda inquired.

"Yeah, I do. Everyone is so welcoming and kind... I've never been treated like this before."

"I'm glad," she said warmly. "And we're going to have a great time getting to know you even more tomorrow night."

"Oh, right. The party."

"You don't sound too excited," Wanda teased.

"No, I am!" I paused, reflecting, "it's just... you all have been so amazing to me, and I really don't feel like I deserve it all."

"Alana, please! You're one of us now. Of course, we're going to treat you like you're part of the family. Because you are!"

"Thanks, Wanda. I'm happy we've gotten to talk."

"Why don't we get ready together tomorrow? You can come to my room at 7, and I'll doll you up, all pretty."

"You know what? That sounds great."

She cleared our dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher. "We should really get back to bed. Try to get a bit of rest," she suggested.

"That's a good plan." Wanda walked me to the elevator, and we bid each other goodnight. I returned to my room, brushed my teeth, and climbed back into bed, closing my eyes for the night.

———————

I got out of the shower the next evening and put on some sweats to walk over to Wanda's room. I hope she has an extra dress for me, because I don't have many clothes at all.

I knock on her door hesitantly and she immediately opens it, as if she was waiting for me there.

Her hair was pinned up in curlers and her makeup half-done as she opened the door, "Alana! I've been waiting for you!"

Apparently she has been.

"Come in, come in! I have the perfect look for you." I oblige, and enter, taking a seat on her bed. She lays out a stunning, skin tight, shimmering black dress with a slit down the leg.

"Oh wow, Wanda. Are you sure this isn't a bit much?" I asked, scrutinizing the elegant gown she had picked out for me.

"No, not at all. Trust me, after seeing how Tony Stark hosts these events, you might feel underdressed if anything," Wanda reassured me, putting the finishing touches on her makeup. "Go ahead, try it on."

I nodded and retreated to the bathroom to change. Slipping into the gown, I marveled at how it fit almost perfectly, accentuating curves I didn't even know I had. Stepping back into the room, I held my hair up and asked, "Can you zip it for me?"

Wanda nodded and delicately zipped up the gown. As I caught sight of myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but murmur, "Wow..."

Wanda slipped into her own dress, a light grey gown with subtle ruffles that complemented her effortlessly. "What do you think Vision will say about this?" she asked, twirling slowly.

"He'll love whatever you wear," I assured her with a smile. She returned the smile and turned to the curling iron that was heating up. "Mind if I give you some beach waves?" she asked.

"Sure," I replied, taking a seat as Wanda expertly styled my hair, giving it a glamorous yet natural look. After adding a touch of mascara and lip gloss, she declared, "You're all set."

With a bit of time before the party, Wanda snapped a quick picture of us together for her Instagram story. "I really need to catch up on social media..." I sighed, feeling a bit out of my depth.

"Don't worry about it," Wanda chuckled. "You look amazing, Lana. Anyone special you're trying to impress tonight?" she teased.

I shrugged bashfully. "I don't know... It's only been a week since I arrived."

"Well, as long as it's not Bruce," Wanda teased further, "he's had a thing for Natasha for years."

"What?" I exclaimed, surprised. "Bruce and Romanoff?"

"Oh yeah," Wanda confirmed, applying one final layer of lip gloss. "He's smitten, but she's never reciprocated."

"Interesting..." I mused, still processing this new tidbit of information. "Alright, let's go! The party's starting," I said, following Wanda out of the room.

We met Steve waiting for the elevator, dressed impeccably in a navy suit with a black tie, his hair slicked back. "Ladies," he greeted with a smile, taking Wanda's hand and pressing a kiss to the top of it. "You both look stunning."

"Thank you, Steve," Wanda replied graciously as we stepped into the elevator, Steve joining us.

"I think everyone's already down there," Wanda remarked.

"Well, this look doesn't come naturally," Steve chuckled, earning a smile from both of us.

As the elevator doors opened, revealing the grandeur of Tony Stark's party venue, we stepped out into a scene of opulence and excitement. Music floated through the air, mingling with the chatter of guests dressed in their finest attire. The room was adorned with sparkling lights and decorations, a testament to Stark's flair for extravagance.