ALWAYS & FOREVER

You Are My Peace

Wanda opened her eyes, disoriented. Instead of the cold, dark castle where she had just destroyed the Darkhold, she found herself in a warm, sunlit bedroom. She sat up slowly, taking in her surroundings.
This wasn't her own bedroom - the furnishings were elegant and refined, a far cry from her bedroom in cabin. And the sense of peace and domestic comfort was something she had rarely experienced.
A soft sigh from beside her drew Wanda's attention to the man sleeping soundly next to her. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the familiar features of Stephen Strange.
Memories flooded back - not her own, but those of this other Wanda, Stephen's wife. They had built a life together, a home filled with love and family. Two beautiful children, a son and a daughter, who were the light of their lives.
Wanda always knew she and Stephen shared a deep, unbreakable bond. But seeing it manifest in this way, in a world where they had built a life and a family together, filled her with a profound sense of wonder and longing.
Wanda reached out, almost involuntarily, to trace the curve of Stephen's jaw. He stirred at her touch, eyelids fluttering open. When he saw her, a brilliant smile spread across his face.
"Good morning, my love," he murmured, pulling her close and pressing a tender kiss to her lips.
Wanda melted into his embrace, savoring the warmth and comfort of his arms around her. This was a Stephen she had never known - relaxed, unguarded, overflowing with affection. No longer burdened by the weight of the world on his shoulders.
"The kids let you sleep in, I see," Stephen teased, nuzzling against her neck. "They must have worn you out yesterday."
Wanda let out a breathless laugh, her fingers carding through his soft, dark curls. "I suppose they did."
She marveled at the easy intimacy between them, the casual way they moved together. There was a deep, unshakable trust and understanding that spoke of years, even decades, of shared life.

A sudden patter of small feet interrupted the moment, and Wanda looked up to see two excited children rushing into the room.
"Mama, Daddy, you're awake!" the little girl exclaimed, scrambling up onto the bed to hug them both.
Wanda's heart swelled with a fierce, protective love as she gathered the children close. The boy, with his father's dark curls and her own bright eyes, cuddled against her side, while the girl peppered her face with enthusiastic kisses.
This was a life Wanda had never imagined for herself - a family, a home, a chance at the happiness she had always craved. And as she held these precious beings in her arms, she was struck by a profound sense of longing.
This wasn't her reality. These weren't her children, her husband. This idyllic world would slip away, and she would be left alone again.
But for now, in this fleeting moment, Wanda would savor every second. She would cherish the love that surrounded her, the sense of belonging she had never known.
As the evening drew to a close, Wanda found herself nestled on the plush sofa, Stephen's arm draped comfortably around her shoulders. The children had been whisked off to bed after a lively bedtime routine filled with giggles, hugs, and the promise of one more story.
Now, in the peaceful quiet of the living room, Wanda allowed herself to truly relax. She leaned into Stephen's embrace, savoring the warmth and security it offered. His fingers traced soothing patterns on her arm, and she felt the tension slowly seep from her body.
"You seem miles away, my love," Stephen's soft voice broke the silence, laced with a hint of concern.
Wanda turned to face him, offering a small, wistful smile. "I'm just... taking it all in," she murmured, her gaze drifting across the cozy space. "This life, this family - it's all so perfect. I can hardly believe it's real."
Stephen's brow furrowed slightly as he studied her, his hand coming up to tenderly caress her cheek. "Of course it's real, Wanda. This is our life, our home." His lips curved into a gentle smile. "And I'm so grateful to share it with you."
Wanda's heart clenched at his words, a pang of longing coursing through her. She knew, deep down, that this wasn't her reality, that this idyllic existence was not truly hers to keep. The knowledge weighed heavily on her, a constant, nagging reminder that she would have to leave it all behind.
"I know," she whispered, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his lips. "And I cherish every moment we have together."
Stephen responded to her kiss with a fervent passion, his arms tightening around her. Wanda lost herself in the familiar warmth of his embrace, allowing the world around her to fade away. In this moment, there was only him, only them - a blissful respite from the turmoil that awaited her in the life she had left behind.
As their lips parted, Wanda gazed up at Stephen, her eyes shining with a bittersweet mix of love and sorrow. She knew that she would have to say goodbye, that this dream-like existence would soon shatter, leaving her alone once more.
But for now, she would hold onto this precious moment, this stolen slice of happiness, for as long as she could. Because when the time came to return, the memory of this life, this family, would be the only thing that kept her going, a glimmer of hope in the darkness.
With a deep, steadying breath, Wanda snuggled closer to Stephen, letting the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat soothe her. For tonight, she would simply be - a wife, a mother, a woman who had found her place in the world.
Tomorrow, she would face the harsh realities that awaited her. But for now, Wanda was content to lose herself in the dream, savoring every last second before the curtain fell.