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Somewhere in Italy - A Few Months Later
Astrilde hadn't realized just how small Midgard was until the rogue Avengers and herself had to try to lay low. They were surrounded by people who could easily recognize them, as well as governments that wanted them captured... or dead. The stress of it all weighed heavily on all of them, but they persevered. After all, if they were quitters, then they would have been doomed a long time ago.
Right now, they were camped out in a shady, run-down hotel. Natasha, Wanda, and Astrilde had opted to room together, saving the minimal amount of money the rogues possessed. That, and the girls felt safer together, even though they were a deadly force if messed with.
Wanda and Astrilde sat on one of the three rickety beds in that very moment. The sandpaper-like sheets brushed up against Astrilde's jean short clad legs uncomfortably. Yet, the company was perfect. Natasha had, thankfully, decided to join Cap and Sam in the stolen quinjet to discuss the group's next options. That left Astrilde and Wanda to their own devices, giving Astrilde plenty of time to admire the young woman before her.
Astrilde glanced at the woman she loved. Wanda was rubbing her neck, an action that happened frequently after her imprisonment. A flash of anger flashed through Astrilde's heart at the idea of the Raft prison. It was quickly calmed, Wanda's happiness more important than Astrilde's anger.
"We'll get through this, Wanda." The Asgardian's voice was soft. The walls of the hotel were thin, and she didn't need anyone overhearing her conversation. Wanda coughed in surprise, moving her hand away from her throat.
"... I know." Wanda sounded unsure. Astrilde sighed, grabbing the other woman's hand carefully. She looked the other girl straight in the eye.
"Do you know how I know this?"
"Please." Astrilde paused. She urged her powers to connect from Wanda, just to show her how Astrilde's next statement would be true. Wanda looked shocked, having never witnessed the princess' power in action. Fear and anxiety coursed through Astrilde's veins, but she willed herself to speak.
"Um... this is hard to say. I know I've said it before, but that was a spur of the moment and... I just... don't want this to end like all the times I've seen these types of affections going." Astrilde took a deep and calming breath.
"Scarlet, I love you." Wanda looked taken aback by Astrilde's second confession. That gave the Asgardian enough time to start doubting herself. Oh gods, Love ruins everything. Now Wan-
Lips met Astrilde's own softly. The feeling ceased all thoughts in her brain, forcing her into the moment, away from her worries of the past or future. She kissed back, desperate, yet still unrushed. Wanda responded by humming into the kiss, wrapping her arms around Astrilde's neck.
Countless days- months- of love was poured into the kiss. Unspoken thoughts and feelings were shown. In that moment, the two were vulnerable. For once in hundreds of years, Astrilde saw how truly amazing love was. It was unbreakable, yet so very fragile. No matter how cheesy that sounded, Astrilde had to admit it was true. Sometimes it was okay to be cheesy.
Slowly, they parted from the kiss. Their hands became laced yet again. Astrilde's mine felt clear, clearer than she thought possible.
"I love you." Astrilde's eyes darted up from their entwined hands as Wanda's words. Despite herself, her powers read the Scarlet Witch, wielding one answer. Wanda loved Astrilde.
Their newfound love wouldn't be easy, but they were determined. Both believed they would have their happy ending. In that broken, worn-out hotel room, they had done it. They had fought, and conquered, their Philophobia.
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La Fine
Thank you for joining me on this journey to finish Philophobia! This story has been rocky, but it's been fun as well.
I can officially say that Philophobia ended on Februrary 14th, 2019 (and the edits finished October 13, 2019).
