Meeting Claudia || Pietro Maximoff & Malia Tate

Meeting Claudia

Malia felt her stomach knot as she and Pietro neared her house. This was the first time she was brining someone home since the accident, the first time she was introducing Claudia to someone who could more than just another friend. Nervous was in no way enough to explain how she felt. There were so many ways this could go, so many ways this could end in disaster. The night had started out so beautifully. He had taken her out to dinner, not one of those five-star places but not a diner either. He had even shaved for the occasion, and she couldn't help but notice how different he looked without facial hair, or how different he looked in a light blue button up instead of his usual attire. It was somewhere in the middle of the date, somewhere where she was so caught up in the way he looked, the way he smelt, and the way he spoke towards, the way he treated her that Malia blurted out "Do you want to come home with me after this?"

He was stunned, to say the least, but smiled widely as he said, "I'd like that."

She just didn't tell him what he'd find when they got home.

She looked to Pietro who walked next to her. He smiled when he caught her gaze, and swung their intertwined hands. She couldn't help it then, smiling back. Really smiling. This was the first time she felt like this, happy and somewhat ready to move on since the accident. Pietro was amazing, kind and funny and passionate about the one's he loved. Wanda was his everything, the very first thing on his list of priorities, but he made sure to make space and time for Malia. She was important to him, not just a casual affair. That was why she decided to bring him home. Malia wouldn't be a side occasion for Pietro. She'd be an everyday, first in the morning and last thing at night. Even though she doubted this, deep down a part of her knew he was the right one to bring home.

"This is me," she said as they approached the door. She let go of Pietro's hand to get the keys out of her bag, but stopped short from opening the door. She closed her eyes, and then turned to face him, being met with a confused expression when she opened them again.

"I'm not expecting anything to happen, if that's what you're worried about, Malia," Pietro said, laughing towards the end. She could've melted then. He didn't even expect to have sex. God, could he be more perfect?

"What? Oh, no. I mean, well yes. Just," she breathed. "Just please don't bolt straight away when I open this door."

He tilted his head, now slightly scared of what might be revealed on the other side. Malia spared one more look, before unlocking the door and pushing it open.

They entered, and Pietro took in the house. It was a double story, and extremely homey. It was decorated simply, which was a huge contrast to the way Tony decorated the Avengers Compound he and Wanda were staying in. He was about to compliment Malia on her house, when he stopped short upon noticing all sorts of toys strewn across the lounge room floor. Footsteps were heard then, running fast from the upstairs area. He turned to Malia to ask about the toys and little footsteps, when a little girl around the age of five bolted down the stairs and ran straight into her arms. "Mommy!" She shouted, throwing her arms around Malia. "You're home!"

"Yes, baby," she giggled, putting the girl down, crouching, and running her hands through her hair. "I missed you. Were you good for grandpa?" She asked.

The little girl nodded enthusiastically. "He fell asleep watching the news upstairs."

Malia laughed. "I'll wake him later."

"Mommy?" Pietro couldn't help the surprise in his voice. The little girl turned around to face him, the same confusion on his face matching hers. Apparently she hadn't noticed him before. Malia's ease around the girl turned into a nervous stiffness as she turned to the man standing before her. He looked between the girl and Malia, noting the similar big brown eyes and dark hair. Pietro raised his eyebrows.