Escaping Maximoff

Silver Soul

I finally had a family.

Sitting in Wanda's bed, my back pressed against the oak headboard, I decided that I was happy – not the fake happy you tell yourself is enough, the real kind. Because everyone deserves someone like Wanda in their lives, and now I really had her in mine.

Throughout my time with Wanda Maximoff, I'd learned what true fear was. I'd face a million spiders, I'd float through the dark void of space – do anything if it meant I wouldn't have to lose her. Love is a dangerous thing. I understood why Wanda had done the things she'd done. I was her weakness, and she was mine.

She was tired, drained of her power after having to heal herself once we'd removed the handcuffs, but she was smiling — that damn smile that cleared the sky of dark clouds, and calmed the crashing waves of the ocean. Her pajamas hung loose on her malnourished body, a sight that pained me more than any physical wound. Not even the purple marks left by Hayward's strong grip left an ache so debilitating.

I slid down the bed and pulled the covers up to my nose, a coping mechanism I had always relied on as a kid. The warmth of the duvet calmed my tense body, but my chest was still knotted with worry.

Wanda placed her book down on the bedside table before lying down, facing me as I stared up at the ceiling. I could feel her eyes burning into the side of my face, but I couldn't bear to look at her, afraid I might start crying. In a tender attempt to get my attention, she pulled the covers over both of our heads, creating a barrier from the rest of the world.

In darkness, I could finally face her. As she spoke, her warm breath, minty fresh from brushing her teeth, fanned against my face.

"What's up stinky?" She asked gently, the comforting low tones of her voice bringing a sleepy smile to my face.

My fingers brushed against the mattress cover, a loose thread capturing my attention. It was far more interesting than talking about my feelings. I shrugged, lifting the covers with the movement and letting a small beam of light enter our fortress.

Her arm reached across my body so her hand could press soothingly against my spine. "Talk to me."

"I just missed you," I whispered into the darkness, my words swallowed by the never-ending black. Wanda's hand moved to my face, her fingers smoothing the crease on my forehead.

"I missed you too."

I smiled bashfully at her words. I still couldn't believe Wanda cared about me. The thought that she was truly my mother sent a swarm of butterflies fluttering in my stomach, their tiny wings beating against the soft tissue.

She chuckled. "You're such a goof."

I was thankful for the lack of light hiding the blush that spread across my cheeks.

"Shut up," I mumbled, swatting away the hand that was trying to boop my nose.

"Don't be embarrassed; it's cute," she said, placing a quick kiss on my forehead, finally satisfied.

I felt her reach to pull the covers down but I stopped her, grabbing her arm lightly.

"Wait."

She paused her action and I felt her reposition to give me all of her attention.

"Promise me something," I breathed out nervously. Even though deep down I knew what she'd say, a small broken part of me doubted her love.

"Anything, y/n. You know I'd promise you the universe if you asked."

"Just tell me you won't ever die," I said quietly, curling up at the thought of ever losing her.

"Y/n..." she sighed sadly. I felt her shift closer so that her forehead was pressed against mine, her voice closer than before. "I wish I could."

"I need you. Please." I closed my eyes, focusing on the heat from her body.

"I know that it's scary. When Hayward pressed that gun to your head in the clearing, trust me I've never been so terrified in my life. But that's a feeling everyone will have to face one day. I can't promise you that I'll be in this world forever, but I can say that I'll choose to spend every second of the rest of my life with you. If you want me to, of course. I don't want to be one of those overbearing parents who smother their kids," she laughed at the last part.

"I want you to," I said, trying to make the most of the moment when a yawn escaped me.

"I'm not surprised you're tired. Playing Just Dance with Jimmy must have worn you out," she chuckled.

"I don't play just dance, Wanda – I conquer it."

"Oh, is that what you call it? I just thought you looked like a headless chicken, with your flailing arms and everything. I'm only glad he didn't ask you to do karaoke; that's something I wouldn't be able to recover from."

My mouth hung open in shock and horror, completely appalled by the insults flying my way.

"I'll have you know I've been told I sound like Ariana Grande," I retorted, frowning seriously at her, even though I knew she couldn't see.

"Hmm, I'm sure you have," she said sarcastically, ripping the covers from off us and exposing me to the harsh light.

"Ahh, my eyes," I joked.

"Stop complaining," she chuckled, turning off the light and pulling me into her embrace. I relaxed in her arms, our legs intertwined and our bodies pressed close together. Her face rested against the side of my neck, her lips pressing gently on my skin. "I love you, y/n"

"I love you too, Wanda."