The Neighbor

Chapter 79

The morning sun bathes the villa in soft light, the morning hues dancing across the room as the ocean outside hums its soothing rhythm. You're cocooned in the comforter, its weight and warmth grounding you as your eyes wander lazily over the waves. The gentle sounds of Wanda in the shower water splashing against the tiles fill the air, a peaceful contrast to the buzzing of your phone on the nightstand.

You glance over, seeing the name Natasha flashing on the screen. A small smile tugs at your lips as you answer, the phone propped on a pillow. Natasha's face appears first, cool and composed as always, but a small smile graces her lips when she sees you.

"Look who's finally awake," Natasha quips, tilting her head slightly. Behind her, you can hear the muffled sound of Yelena grumbling about something.

"It's eight in the morning here," you counter, chuckling softly. "Some of us are on vacation, remember?"

The screen shifts abruptly as Yelena's face appears much too close to the camera.

"Vacation," she repeats, her tone dripping with mock disdain. "Must be nice while some of us are stuck in this boring, godforsaken—Natasha, what is this place? A prison?"

Natasha's voice is dry. "It's the avengers compound."

Yelena waves her hand dismissively, her face still far too close to the screen. "Whatever. Feels like a prison."

You laugh, shaking your head. "Lena, maybe hold the phone a little farther away? I don't need to count your pores."

"Oh, so now you're a comedian," Yelena retorts, adjusting the phone slightly but still managing to keep her face comically close. "Must be all that fresh ocean air. Making you funny, huh?"

"Funny and relaxed," Natasha adds, her tone softer now as her eyes study you. "How are you holding up?"

The change in tone doesn't escape you, and you shift slightly under the comforter. "I'm...I'm okay," you reply, your voice honest but still tinged with uncertainty. "This trip's been good for us. For me."

Yelena snorts, leaning back enough that you can finally see more than just her forehead. "Well, duh. You're in paradise. But seriously how's it going? Really?"

The sincerity in her voice catches you off guard, and you take a moment to answer. "I think I'm... starting to feel like myself again," you admit quietly. "Wanda's been amazing, as always. She's been really patient."

Natasha nods approvingly, her expression softening. "Good. You deserve this, bubs. Both of you do."

"Yeah, yeah," Yelena cuts in, her voice exaggeratedly casual. "But don't get too used to it, okay? You'll come back, and we'll have to hear all about how the sunsets were so romantic and how the water was crystal clear—"

"It is crystal clear," you interrupt, laughing. "And the sunsets are gorgeous."

Yelena groans dramatically, slumping back in her chair. "Of course they are. Kill me now."

"Don't listen to her," Natasha says, rolling her eyes at her sister. "We're happy for you. Both of us."

"Speak for yourself," Yelena mutters, but the small smirk on her lips betrays her teasing. "But fine. I'll admit it. You look...less terrible than usual."

"Wow," you reply, feigning shock. "That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me, Lena."

"Don't get used to it, bubs" she shoots back, smirking.

Natasha shakes her head, her voice turning gentle again. "We're just checking in. You know we're here if you need anything, right?"

"Always," Yelena adds quickly, her voice quieter but no less sincere.