The front door closed softly behind them as Lexi and Wanda stepped inside, both slightly winded from their morning run. The air between them was lighter now, their laughter still echoing faintly from the streets they'd just left behind. "Not bad out there, Stark. I think you almost kept up this time," Wanda quipped, a glint of amusement in her eyes.

Lexi smirked, pushing off the wall. "Almost? Please. I let you win." Wanda raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Oh? Should I slow down next time, just to make it fair?" She pulled her hair tie loose, shaking her head free as Lexi leaned against the wall, catching her breath.

Lexi's smile lingered for a moment, but then it faltered, replaced by a flicker of something more vulnerable. Without a word, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Wanda, pressing her face into Wanda's shoulder.

Wanda froze for a second, caught off guard before she melted into the hug. "Lexi?" she asked softly, her hands coming up to rest on Lexi's back. Lexi's voice was quiet, barely above a whisper. "Thank you." "For what?" Wanda murmured, her tone gentle as she rubbed slow circles between Lexi's shoulder blades.

"For everything," Lexi said, her voice trembling just slightly. "The last few days... you didn't have to do all that. Staying with me, making sure I was okay, talking me down when I wanted to scream at the world." She paused, her grip tightening. "I don't think I would've made it through without you."

Wanda's heart clenched, and she leaned her cheek against Lexi's head. "Lexi, you don't have to thank me for that. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. You mean—" She caught herself, hesitating before continuing. "You mean a lot to me."

Lexi pulled back just enough to look up at Wanda, her green eyes shimmering with emotion. "Well, I mean it. You've been my rock through all of this, Wanda. I... I don't want to let go right now." Her lips quirked into a small, almost shy smile. "You're too comfy."

Wanda let out a soft laugh, brushing a stray strand of hair from Lexi's face. "Oh, so that's why you're holding on so tight? Because I'm 'comfy'? Not because you're secretly in love with my hugs or anything?"

Lexi rolled her eyes, though her cheeks flushed faintly. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Maximoff. I just... really like having you around. Is that so bad?". "Not at all," Wanda said, her voice dipping into something quieter, more teasing. "In fact, I could get used to you not letting go. Feels nice."

Lexi smiled, her head leaning back against Wanda's shoulder as she closed her eyes. "Careful, Wanda. Keep saying things like that, and I might never let go." Wanda's laugh was soft and warm, her arms wrapping more securely around Lexi. "I wouldn't mind."

For a while, they stayed like that, standing in the quiet of the hallway, with only their breaths and the faint hum of the morning filling the space. Lexi didn't want to move, and Wanda had no intention of making her, but she finally loosened her arms around Lexi, giving her a warm smile as she stepped back as an idea came to her mind. "You know," she said lightly, brushing a hand through Lexi's hair, "we've been pretty active today. How about we take it easy tonight? A movie, maybe?"

Lexi perked up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Movie night? Done. But only if I get to pick the snacks. Actually—" She paused, her grin turning sly. "Why don't I treat you to some real food? You've been taking care of me all week, Wanda. Let me do something for you for once."

Wanda tilted her head, clearly amused. "Oh, really? And what exactly is this 'real food' you're planning to treat me to? Because if it's you sneaking off to buy fast food, I'm going to veto that right now."

Lexi huffed, crossing her arms. "Hey, I was thinking something nice! Maybe sushi. Or Italian. Or... something that doesn't involve me cooking because, let's be honest, you don't want me near the stove."

"That," Wanda teased, "is probably the smartest thing you've said all day. But no need to go out of your way, ангел. How about I cook instead? It'll be faster, and I'll make something I know we'll both enjoy."

Lexi blinked, caught off guard. "You really want to cook? Wanda, you've been running circles around me all week, cooking all the time. Shouldn't I be spoiling you for once?" Wanda smirked as she pulled the apron from the drawer, brushing past Lexi to start pulling ingredients from the fridge. "I've got something new in mind."

Lexi raised an eyebrow, leaning against the counter with a playful grin. "Something new? Should I be worried? I mean, I've had your cooking before, and yeah, it's amazing—borderline illegal how good—but experimenting? Bold move."

Wanda tossed her a mock glare as she pulled out a few vegetables and a block of tofu, laying them on the counter. "You wound me. Where's your faith in me, ангел?". "I have faith," Lexi shot back, holding her hands up defensively. "I'm just saying, if this experiment goes south, don't blame me for ordering takeout after."

"Takeout," Wanda muttered, shaking her head as she grabbed a cutting board. "You Starks and your takeout. One day, you're going to learn that good food comes from love and effort—not a delivery driver." Lexi stuck out her tongue, earning a quiet laugh from Wanda.

Wanda smiled, reaching out to cup Lexi's cheek. "Hey, letting me cook for you isn't some grand injustice. Besides, I enjoy it. And it'll give me a chance to make something special—just for us." Lexi hesitated before sighing dramatically, a playful grin tugging at her lips. "Fine, fine. But I'm helping. Even if it's just setting the table or taste-testing everything you make."

"Deal," Wanda said with a laugh. "Let's get changed first. No way am I cooking in running clothes." As they headed upstairs, Lexi's mind raced with excitement. Wanda's cooking for her always felt personal and special, and the thought of spending the evening together made her chest feel warm.

She quickly swapped her workout clothes for a cozy sweater and leggings, throwing her hair into a messy bun before bounding back down the stairs. Wanda wasn't far behind, dressed simply in a soft knit top and jeans, her hair loose around her shoulders.

"Alright," Wanda said as she rolled up her sleeves, "let's make this special. But first, we need to grab a few things." She glanced at Lexi, who was already moving toward the door with a playful bounce in her step.

"Field trip?" Lexi asked, tossing Wanda a grin over her shoulder. Wanda nodded, grabbing her jacket. "Just a quick one. We'll be back before anyone even realizes we're gone." They made it to the front door, but as Wanda reached for the handle, Vision appeared, phasing through the wall with his usual calm expression but an unmistakably firm stance.

"Girls," he said evenly, stepping directly into their path, "I cannot allow this". Wanda's brow furrowed as she turned to face him. "Allow what, Vision? Running to the store?" Vision clasped his hands in front of him. "Precisely."

Lexi frowned, crossing her arms. "You're kidding, right? Since when did grocery shopping become a crime?". Vision tilted his head, his voice still calm but resolute. "Alternatively, you could order a pizza." Wanda's eyes narrowed as she stepped closer to him. "Vision, are you not letting us?"

"It is a question of safety" Vision explained, his tone unwavering. Wanda's voice sharpened, her Sokovian accent becoming more pronounced. "I can protect myself.". "It's not only your safety," Vision clarified, his gaze moving to Lexi briefly before returning to Wanda. "It is a question of protection for both of you. Mr. Stark has expressed concerns about potential risks. Until the Accords are on a more stable foundation, public outings should be avoided."

Lexi raised her eyebrows, a mix of confusion and irritation crossing her face. "So, what, we're under house arrest now?" "Not arrest," Vision said diplomatically. "Precaution." Wanda crossed her arms, her frustration mounting. "And what exactly do you want, Vision?"

Vision hesitated, his composed voice softening. "For people to see you both... as I do."

Wanda blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his sincerity, but Lexi broke the silence with a loud, exaggerated groan. "Okay, well, that's officially the most awkward thing I've heard all week." She turned to Wanda, smirking. She turned to Vision, raising an eyebrow. "If you wanted to hang out that badly, you could've just asked. This whole dramatic speech thing? Not your best look."

Wanda chuckled softly, but her attention remained fixed on Vision. She shifted subtly in front of Lexi, her protective instincts kicking in. Lexi, oblivious to Wanda's tension, added, "And seriously, Vision, the 'I can't let you leave' bit? Real Twilight Zone vibes".

Before Vision could respond, the sharp thwack of an arrow embedding itself into the wall startled all three of them. Wanda reacted instantly, flinging a knife across the room with her powers. It stopped mid-air, mere inches from Clint Barton's face.

"Whoa, whoa! Guess I shoulda knocked," Clint said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Clint?" Wanda said, her voice sharp with surprise. "What are you doing here?" "Disappointing my kids, mostly," Clint replied dryly. "I was supposed to go water-skiing. But Cap called. We need you. Both of you."

Lexi folded her arms, her expression wary. "What's going on, Clint?" He sighed, gesturing with his bow. "Trouble. You've seen the news. This Accords thing isn't going away quietly, and we need everyone who can fight. That includes you."

Lexi frowned. "I don't exactly scream 'combat specialist.'" "You're an Avenger, Lex," Clint said firmly. "And a Stark. You've got the tech, the brains, and you're not afraid to call out the BS when you see it. Cap needs that right now.". "You want me to go against my father?".

"Kid, you know this isn't just about sides. You think the Accords are flawed—I get it. But right now, we need everyone who's willing to step up. That includes you. Cap's counting on it." Before Lexi could respond, Vision phased through the wall to block Clint's path. "Clint, you should not be here." Clint raised his hands in mock surrender, then turned to Lexi.

Clint rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on. I retire for five minutes, and everything goes to hell." Vision stepped closer, his tone calm but resolute. "It is not safe for them to leave the compound." Wanda crossed her arms, her gaze narrowing. "And who decides that? You? Stark?"

Lexi hesitated, biting her lip. "What exactly are we walking into?" "Does it matter?" Clint said simply. "If we don't do something, it's only going to get worse." Wanda watched Lexi carefully, sensing her inner conflict. Placing a gentle hand on Lexi's arm, she said softly, "You don't have to decide now. But we need to go."

"Wanda," Vision began, turning his attention to her, "it's for the protection of both of you. The world is unstable right now. Public sentiment is volatile. If something happens, we may not be able to contain it." Wanda stepped forward, her voice steady but laced with warning. "I can protect myself. And Lexi."

"Not just your safety," Vision clarified. Wanda softened for a moment, brushing Lexi's arm protectively before turning back to Vision. "We're not staying here. Clint wouldn't be here if it wasn't serious."

Vision stepped in front of them again. "Please reconsider." Clint exhaled sharply. "Listen, we don't have time for this. The longer we wait, the worse this gets." "Clint," Vision said, his voice tinged with warning, "you know I can't allow you to take them."

Clint smirked, pulling out an arrow and nocking it casually. "Yeah, yeah. You're unmovable, unstoppable, and I'm just a guy with a bow. We've done this dance before." Lexi leaned toward Wanda, whispering, "Is he about to get his ass kicked? Because I'm grabbing snacks if so."

Wanda gave her a warning look but couldn't entirely hide the amusement in her expression. Before Clint could act, Vision phased closer, his expression growing stern. "Clint, don't make this difficult."

Lexi nodded, her resolve hardening. "Alright. Let's do this." Vision stepped forward again. "Girls—please stay. It's too dangerous." Wanda's hands glowed faintly as she moved to shield Lexi. "Vision, don't make me do this."

Vision's expression faltered. "If you leave... people will only fear you more." Wanda's voice softened, but the steel in her tone remained. "I can't control their fear. Only my own." With a burst of energy, Wanda sent Vision crashing through the floor, leaving a gaping hole in his wake.

Clint whistled low, peering over the edge. "Uh, you're cleaning that up, right?" Wanda ignored him, grabbing Lexi's hand as they moved toward the door. Lexi smirked, glancing back at the rubble. "Remind me not to argue with you."

Clint grinned, following them. "Smart move, kid. Now let's move—before he phases back and starts giving us another lecture."

═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══

"ангел... ангел, it's time to wake up." Wanda's soft voice filtered through Lexi's sleep. Lexi stirred, her lashes fluttering as she opened her eyes. Wanda's hand shielded the sun from Lexi's face, creating a small shadow. Her face was a picture of calm concern, framed by the soft glow of morning light.

"Hi," Lexi mumbled, her voice still groggy but accompanied by a small smile. "How do you feel?" Wanda's gentle voice carried a hint of worry. "I'm okay," Lexi replied, stretching slightly. "Good." Wanda smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Lexi's face. The tenderness of the gesture made Lexi's cheeks flush lightly.

"You scared me there for a second," Wanda added softly. "I thought the headache was back". "I'm sorry," Lexi said, her voice tinged with guilt. Wanda's relief was almost tangible as she brushed a stray lock of hair from Lexi's face. The small, tender gesture made Lexi's cheeks flush, her heart warming at the quiet affection Wanda always seemed to offer without hesitation.

"Good." Wanda's voice was soft but firm, the words filled with care. Then her tone shifted slightly, her eyes darkening as she spoke again, quieter this time. "You scared me there for a second. I thought the headache was back." Lexi winced, a twinge of guilt piercing her heart. "I'm sorry."

Wanda shook her head, dismissing the apology. "It's alright. Come on." Her hand gently brushed Lexi's shoulder before she stepped back, offering Lexi the space to gather herself. "We need to keep moving."