AURORA

Lipstick

The afternoon sun streamed through the kitchen windows, casting a warm glow over Wanda and Aurora as they moved about, preparing lunch together. The scent of freshly chopped herbs filled the air, mingling with the aroma of sizzling vegetables. They worked in sync, sharing smiles and occasional touches that conveyed the deepening bond between them.

As Wanda stirred a pot on the stove, Aurora came up behind her, wrapping her arms around her waist and resting her chin on Wanda's shoulder. "This smells amazing," Aurora murmured, her breath warm against Wanda's ear.

Wanda leaned back into Aurora's embrace, a contented smile playing on her lips. "Well, it's a team effort," she replied, turning her head slightly to capture Aurora's lips in a soft, lingering kiss.

Aurora deepened the kiss, her hands sliding up to cup Wanda's face, drawing her closer. The kiss grew more passionate, filled with the unspoken emotions they shared. The world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in each other's presence.

Just as things were heating up, a loud knock on the door startled them. They pulled apart, breathless and flushed, exchanging a glance filled with both frustration and amusement.

"I'll get it," Aurora said, her voice slightly husky. She gave Wanda one last quick kiss before heading to the door. "Aurora wait-". Wanda called but Aurora was already opening the door.

Aurora opened the door to find Kate standing there, a mischievous smile on her face. Before Aurora could greet her, Kate's eyes zeroed in on her lips. "Is that lipstick on your lips?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Aurora frowned, confusion flickering in her eyes. "Lipstick? I don't wear lipstick."

Kate's smile widened. "Exactly. So whose lipstick is it?"

Aurora's mind raced, quickly putting the pieces together. Her cheeks flushed as she realized what Kate was implying. "Wanda's," she admitted, a small, bashful smile tugging at her lips while wiping it away.

Kate chuckled, shaking her head. "I see. Things are getting serious, huh?"

Aurora glanced back toward the kitchen where Wanda was, then turned back to Kate with a soft smile. "Yeah, they are."

Kate's expression softened, a hint of wistfulness in her eyes. "I'm happy for you, Aurora. Really."

Aurora stepped aside, inviting Kate in. "Thanks, Kate. Do you want to come in? We were just making lunch."

Kate hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Sure, I'd love to."

As they walked into the kitchen, Wanda looked up and smiled at Kate. "Hey, Kate. Long time no see."

"Hey, Wanda," Kate replied, her tone friendly. "Smells good in here. What's on the menu?"

Wanda laughed. "Just some vegetable stir-fry. Nothing too fancy."

Kate settled onto a stool at the kitchen island, watching as Wanda and Aurora moved around the kitchen, their ease and comfort with each other evident in every glance and touch. She felt a pang of longing but quickly pushed it aside, focusing instead on the happiness of her friends.

"So, what brings you here today?" Aurora asked as she handed Kate a glass of water.

Kate took a sip, her gaze thoughtful. "I just wanted to check in on you. It's been a while since we hung out."

Aurora nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, it has. Things have been... busy."

Kate's eyes twinkled with understanding. "I can see that."

They spent the rest of the afternoon chatting and catching up, the atmosphere light and filled with laughter. As the sun began to set, Kate stood up to leave, giving both Wanda and Aurora a hug.

"I'm really happy for you both," she said sincerely.

"Thanks, Kate," Wanda replied, her smile warm. "We should do this more often."

"Definitely," Kate agreed. "Take care, you two."

As Kate left, Aurora closed the door and turned back to Wanda, who was already tidying up the kitchen. She walked over, wrapping her arms around Wanda from behind and resting her chin on her shoulder.

"That went well," Wanda said, leaning into Aurora's embrace.

"Yeah, it did," Aurora agreed, placing a soft kiss on Wanda's neck. "I'm glad she's okay with everything."

Wanda turned in Aurora's arms, looking up at her with a smile. "Me too."

They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other's presence, before the timer on the oven went off, pulling them back to reality. With a shared laugh, they returned to their task.

_____
The next day dawned with a clear, bright sky, the morning air crisp and fresh. Wanda and Aurora decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather to visit the graves of their fallen. They walked hand in hand to the cemetery, a sense of solemnity settling over them as they approached.

Natasha's grave was simple yet elegant, adorned with fresh flowers and a small plaque that read "Natasha Romanoff - Friend, Sister and Hero." Wanda knelt down, her fingers gently tracing the engraved letters. Aurora stood beside her, her heart heavy with the weight of loss.

"I wish things were different," Wanda murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "She gave everything for us. For the world."

Aurora placed a comforting hand on Wanda's shoulder. "She was the first person that accepted who I was...what I was..." she said softly. "I'll always be grateful for that.."Aurora placed a kiss on Natasha's picture letting a tear fall.

They stood in silence for a few moments, paying their respects to the woman who had sacrificed so much and a lover even though she used to say "love is for children".

Then they moved on to Pietro's grave, which was not far from Natasha's. Wanda's twin brother had a similar plaque, with the words "Pietro Maximoff - A Brother's Love is Eternal."

Wanda's eyes filled with tears as she knelt beside Pietro's grave. "I miss you every day, Pietro," she whispered. "I wish you could see how much has changed. How much I've changed."

Aurora stood quietly, giving Wanda the space she needed to grieve. After a few minutes, Wanda stood up, wiping away her tears. She gave Aurora a small, grateful smile, and they continued their walk to another part of the cemetery.

Their final stop was at Mia's grave. Aurora's breath hitched as they approached, memories flooding back. Mia's grave was adorned with a small, intricately carved angel and a plaque that read "Mia - Always in Our Hearts."

Aurora knelt down, her fingers trembling as she traced the angel's delicate features. "She was so full of life," Aurora said, her voice thick with emotion. "I still can't believe she's gone."

Wanda knelt beside her, offering silent support. Aurora's shoulders shook as she wept, the pain of loss raw and palpable. "I'm so sorry, Mia," she whispered. "I wish I could have done more. I wish I could have saved you."

Wanda wrapped an arm around Aurora, pulling her close. "You did everything you could," she said gently. "Mia knew how much you loved her. She wouldn't want you to blame yourself."

Aurora nodded, her tears mingling with the earth as she clung to Wanda. They stayed there for a long time, letting the grief wash over them, giving themselves the space to feel the full weight of their loss.

After a while, Aurora took a deep, shuddering breath and stood up, pulling Wanda up with her. "Thank you for being here with me," she said, her voice still shaky but filled with gratitude.

"Always," Wanda replied, squeezing Aurora's hand. "We face everything together, remember?"

Aurora managed a small smile, the warmth of Wanda's presence offering a measure of comfort. They walked back home in silence, hand in hand, the memories of their loved ones etched deeply into their hearts.