10 Things I Love About You

I look into Wanda's emerald green eyes, raise my glass and clink it against hers.

"Happy Valentine my love."

The sweetest smile appears on her soft pink lips and a warm feeling goes through me. It doesn't matter how many years we have spend together, she still manages to make me feel like I'm the luckiest person alive.

"Happy Valentine's day sweetie. What made you decide to plan a trip to New York and how long ago exactly did you book our table at Eleven Madison Park*?" She makes a gesture to the overly expensive restaurant we are currently seated in.

"Oh, I didn't. Tony owed me a favor and I thought my favorite girl deserved a special Valentine." I lean forward and press a kiss on her lips.

Wanda closes her eyes for a second, savoring the kiss, before suddenly snapping them open, having clearly read my mind. "You sneaky bitch!" she gasps, pulling back.

"What?" I ask, putting on the best fake innocent face I have. If I wanted to look actually innocent, I would. But I was going to enjoy this little game of us.

"This is cheating Natalia!"

Wanda using my real name was a clear message that she was not happy with me, so I quickly grabbed my glass of red wine and took a big gulp. I was not particularly fond of an annoyed Scarlet Witch.

"The agreement was that we would only give each other self made gifts this year."

"And I did, I promise!" I held up my hands in front of me, to show exactly how innocent I was.

"Oh, are you going to make this dinner?" She raises her eyebrow at me, thinking she has the upper hand.

"This is a gift to the both of us darling. We're going to enjoy it together, aren't we?" I have her cornered and we both know it.

She narrows her eyes at me, knowing she has lost the battle. "You and your silver tongue."

A big grin crosses my face and I grab her hand, pressing the softest kiss possible on the top.

"There are a lot of things this tongue can do you know." A wink accompanies my words and I can see a soft blush creep over Wanda's cheeks.

"Stop it Nat, not when we're in public!"

A giggle leaves my lips. She's the only one in the world who can turn me into someone as carefree as this.

We get interrupted by the approaching footsteps of our waiter. It's a young girl and I can see that she is very nervous. I guess serving 2 retired Avengers is a stressful task for someone who probably hasn't been working here for very long. Thankfully this is a refined location and she treats us like she does her other patrons: respectfully and professionally without asking any questions. The same goes for the other people dining here. Of course they gave us a curious look when we walked in, but after that they focused on their own tables again. Wanda offers the girl a sweet smile and treats her as kindly as possible. After taking our order she leaves us alone once more.

"So, back to the matter at hand." Wanda takes my hand into her own and places a small gift inside of it.

It's wrapped in crimson red paper, a color that never fails to catch my attention. Despite the excitement bubbling beneath the surface, I maintain my composure, my fingers moving deliberately as I carefully peel back the wrapping paper. Each motion is precise, controlled, betraying none of the anticipation building within me. With practiced ease, I reveal the contents—a sleek box adorned with a delicate bow. I meet Wanda's gaze, a silent acknowledgment passing between us, before I lift the lid of the box with steady hands. Inside lies a silver ring, its band glinting softly in the light, crowned with a crimson stone that captures my gaze. Despite the rush of emotions stirring within me, I maintain my outward calm, a testament to years of training and discipline.