𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐑 | 𝐁. 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐒 |

thirty

THE evening settles comfortably around the trio as they relax in Wanda's cozy room. Madeleine is sprawled across the couch, her legs stretched out over Vision's lap, and her head resting comfortably in Wanda's lap. Wanda's fingers gently comb through Madeleine's hair, a comforting, familiar gesture that helps Madeleine unwind as she recounts the events of her and Bucky's recent mission. 

She describes everything: from the tension that had simmered between them for so long to the unspoken feelings that finally broke through the barrier. Wanda listens intently, her soft giggles interrupting the story now and then.

"So," Wanda grins, her tone teasing, "you're telling me you two just fucked the problem away?"

Madeleine laughs, rolling her eyes. "Well, yeah. I guess you could say that."

Wanda raises her eyebrows, her curiosity getting the best of her. "Okay, so I've gotta ask. Was it good?"

"Wanda!" Vision interjects, looking from Wanda to Madeleine with a bewildered look. He's not used to these kinds of conversations, but Wanda just laughs, feigning innocence.

"I was just asking, Viz. Just curious!" she says with a playful smirk, nudging him lightly. Madeleine can't help but join in, the three of them sharing a warm, easy laugh. But as the laughter fades, a thought crosses Madeleine's mind, and she glances between Wanda and Vision with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"So  speaking of...how do you two even do that?" She trails off, unable to hide her curiosity.

Wanda's eyes go wide as a blush creeps up her cheeks, but she stifles a laugh. "It's... complicated," she says with a smirk, the hint of a blush still present. They exchange a glance, both knowing the intricacies of her relationship with Vision are anything but simple.

Vision, now visibly flustered, clears his throat, his face taking on an almost comically serious expression. "I, uh... think I need to talk to Mr. Stark about some... updates." His attempt at an excuse is transparent, and Wanda and Madeleine both dissolve into laughter as he stands up, giving them a slightly exasperated, yet affectionate, look before leaving the room.

As the door closes, Wanda giggles, her cheeks still rosy. "I think you may have scared him off."

Madeleine feigns an innocent look, biting back a grin. "Who, me? No way."

They both burst out laughing again, and when the laughter fades, the air between them feels lighter. Wanda leans back, running her fingers thoughtfully through Madeleine's hair. " You're really done with Roxanne, then?"

A shadow passes over Madeleine's face as she considers the question, her voice turning more serious. "Yeah, that whore is done for good."

Wanda nods, understanding the weight behind Madeleine's decision. "I get it," she says softly, and then pauses, tilting her head slightly. "But it must've been strange. Facing her after everything."

Madeleine sighs, her brows furrowing slightly. "It was worse than strange," she admits. "She actually looked... disappointed when she found out Bucky wasn't the father of her kid. Like, genuinely hurt. I can't understand how anyone could be so twisted."

Wanda's expression shifts, a mixture of sympathy and sadness as she listens. "I know how it feels to want children with someone, so badly..." She glances away, the hint of a melancholy smile touching her lips. Her voice softens, and the pain in her eyes is hard to miss. "But even so, I'd never hurt someone I care about just to make it happen."

Madeleine watches her friend closely, reaching up to give Wanda's hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry, Wanda," she murmurs, the words sincere. "If anyone deserves that happiness, it's you."