AURORA

Strange Behavior #2

The next morning dawned with a fragile peace settling over the safe house. Aurora, nursing a slight hangover from her impromptu whiskey session the night before, stumbled into the kitchen. She grabbed a cup and poured what looked like tea, but the sharp scent suggested otherwise.

Wanda, who had been observing Aurora closely since last night, entered quietly. She raised an eyebrow at the sight of Aurora's choice of morning beverage. "Tea?" she inquired skeptically.

Aurora looked up with a sheepish grin, clearly not fooling anyone. "Hair of the dog," she admitted, taking a sip and wincing slightly.

Wanda sighed softly, her concern deepening. "Maybe you should stick to actual tea. Or water," she suggested gently, keeping her tone non-judgmental.

Kate, entering the kitchen with a yawn, glanced between Aurora and Wanda. She leaned against the counter casually. "Rough night, huh?" she remarked, trying to inject a note of levity into the situation.

Aurora chuckled weakly, rubbing her temples. "You could say that," she muttered, avoiding Wanda's probing gaze.

Kate hesitated for a moment, then decided to lighten the mood with a flirtatious grin. "Well, if you need a distraction from the hangover, I'm here," she said teasingly, hoping to draw a smile from Aurora.

Aurora managed a small smile, appreciating Kate's attempt to cheer her up. "I'll have it in mind, thanks Kate" she murmured, touched by the gesture.

Yelena, entering the kitchen with a more serious demeanor, caught the tail end of the conversation. She nodded in agreement with Kate's sentiment. "She's right. You need to take your mind off things," she said bluntly, pouring herself a cup of actual tea.

Aurora looked at Yelena with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "Thanks, Yelena," she said quietly, sensing the genuine concern behind Natasha's sister words.

One hour passed they all talking and laughing about different topics after a while Yelena starts talking about Natasha.

The mention of Natasha brought a shift in Aurora's thoughts. She set down her cup, suddenly serious. "You know, it's time to move on," she said, almost to herself but loud enough for everyone to hear.

Wanda frowned slightly, recognizing the weight behind Aurora's words. "From Marcus?" she asked softly, already knowing the answer but wanting Aurora to voice it.

Aurora nodded, her expression resolute. "And from Natasha," she added quietly, her voice tinged with sadness.

Wanda stared at Aurora surprised by her words, Kate too.
Yelena nodded in understanding, her gaze softening. "Natasha wouldn't want you to dwell on her forever," she said gently, echoing Aurora's sentiments.

Aurora looked at Yelena gratefully, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I know," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

The conversation was interrupted by Mia's sudden return to the safe house. She pushed open the door, only to be met with the sight of a slightly disheveled kitchen and the lingering aroma of alcohol.

Mia's brow furrowed as she took in the scene. "What happened here?" she asked incredulously, eyeing Aurora with concern.

Aurora glanced up, suddenly self-conscious. "Just a little post-battle celebration," she replied weakly, attempting to downplay the situation.

Wanda exchanged a knowing look with Mia, silently communicating her concern. "We should clean up," she said firmly, taking charge of the situation. "And then maybe talk," she added, casting a meaningful glance at Aurora.

As they began to tidy up the kitchen, Aurora leaned against the counter, her thoughts swirling. She glanced over at Wanda, who was watching her closely, and felt a surge of gratitude for her friend's unwavering support. Clearing her throat, she turned to Wanda with uncharacteristic vulnerability.

"I'm sorry for last night," Aurora began, her voice wavering slightly. "I just... I needed a distraction."

Wanda approached her gently, placing a reassuring hand on her arm. "It's okay, Aurora," she said softly, offering a comforting smile. "We all have our moments."

Aurora nodded, her eyes welling with tears. "I miss her, Wanda" she admitted quietly, her voice breaking.

Wanda pulled her into a gentle hug, holding her close. "I know," she whispered, feeling Aurora's pain as if it were her own.

As they stood there, the rest of the team quietly cleaning around them, Aurora allowed herself a moment of vulnerability. It was a small step towards healing, one that she knew would take time.