War

Chapter 8

Janis' POV

"I never noticed this before." Steve said, running his thumb over the rough skin of the jagged scar on my back. It was located slightly above my heart and no amount of cream was ever going to get rid of it. Steve saw it when he was rubbing my neck, relieving the pain I got from whipping up from my nightmare and then sleeping hard after. "What is it?" He questioned. 

"The exit wound." I told. "Whoever shot me was extremely skilled. Through my chest, out my back, and into the concrete below me. Crime scene photos showed it lodged in pretty deep." The subject began to make me uneasy. All of the memories and the thoughts of the photos. It was all too familiar. Steve sensed my discomfort and changed the subject.

"So... what was with Wanda last night? When she came in to calm you down, she was really weird. She gave me a death glare." He told, still waiting for a pop sound to release from my neck. I knew what he was talking about. She was a lot more intense last night while comforting me. Holding me closer, running her hands up and down my back, kissing my forehead, and telling me that "It's okay, sweetheart. He's not gonna get you with me around. I'll always be right here." Wanda even stuck around and waited to see if I got back to sleep. I shrugged,

"Maybe she was just upset over something." I suggested. Finally, the sweet crackle noise of my neck popping filled the room. I let out a sweet sigh of relief as I rolled my head around my shoulders. Steve gave the spot a peck,

"Let's just hope you don't have her under the same spell as you put on me. We might just have problems if that's the case." He laughed. It was meant as a joke, but I felt a bit of seriousness in it. I would hate to lead her on in any way, especially after that kiss. I'll just wait for it to blow over soon.

Tony decided to throw a party for some reason (he's rich and smart so I guess he doesn't need one.) I was downstairs with everyone, taking sips here and there of everyone's beverages. I tried my best to keep a distance from Wanda for fear of earlier's theory being true. After everyone who didn't live here left, we all gathered and Tony asked for game ideas.

"You know what I haven't played since junior high? Seven minutes in heaven." Uncle Clint suggested with a laugh. Everyone nodded, even though some were reluctant. Tony shrugged,

"Alright, but Janis will have to sit this one out." He told. I pouted,

"Come on! It's not like anyone here wants to kiss me anyway." I pointed out. Auntie Nat tried not to object, looking at Wanda. Pepper looked at him,

"Come on, Tony! It's not like it'll hurt anyone." She convinced. Tony rolled his eyes,

"Fine." He said, stubbornly. Aunt Natasha finished off her bottle and stuck it in the middle of the table.

"Whose first?" She asked. Uncle Clint spoke up,

"I suggested this game so I'll start." He declared, spinning the bottle. It swirled for a moment but then slowly came to a stop on Uncle Sammy, who made a face.

"C'mon, man! Really?" He rejected. Everyone booed and called them chicken until they eventually went into the all too familiar closet full of thousand-dollar shoes and coats. Before their time was up, I saw Natasha whisper something to Pepper and then Pepper passed it on. Everyone got the message but me it seemed. Steve even got the gossip, which he didn't seem too happy about. I became uneasy as the possibilities filled my head. 

"Time's up!" Tony called out, opening the door. The birds sat on the floor the entire time. Such fragile masculinity, they both have. When they rejoined us, Aunt Nat gave the word to Uncle Sammy who sat next to her and everyone motioned for Uncle Thor to tell Uncle Clint, who was sitting to the left of me. I tried to get a listen but I could barely hear. 

"Alright, we'll go counter-clockwise from here." Uncle Clint ruled, which meant I was next. I reached out and gave the bottle a quick spin. Auntie Nat, with a devious look in her eye, jolted forward and stopped the bottle on Wanda. So this was what the whispers were about. I objected,

"That's cheating!" I said. 

"Play it where it lands, child." Uncle Rhodey shrugged. I stood up and went to the closet following Wanda. Before stepping in, I looked back,

"I'm so gonna get you guys." I threatened. I stepped in and the door shut. Seven minutes... can't be too bad. It was silent for a moment before Wanda spoke up,

"You do know the point of this game, right?" Her accent rang. I laughed lightly,

"I do, but not everyone goes through with it." I tell.

"What's your excuse?" She questioned, slowly getting closer. I turned my head to the right to avoid any sneak attacks.

"You know why, Wanda," I said. I tried my best to keep my voice down, knowing that there very well could be a few people listening in. It was so dark I could only see her outline cast from the light seeping through the bottom of the door.

"You can't fake a feeling like that kiss from last night." She stated. I shook my head,

"Yeah, it was hot but what do you want me to say?" I asked. 

"Well, you can't say that it didn't put thoughts into your head. Wouldn't you like to kiss me all the time?" She began to get even closer, the space between us slowly getting tighter.

"Wanda... I love Steve." I admit, trying to scoot back as far as possible, only to be met with a cold wall against my back. I could feel the fiery scarlet heat rise off of her with my words.

"You're with him because it's convenient, Janis. You're 18 years old with an overprotective father and monsters under your bed! You get one taste of rebellion and you mistake it for love." She called me out, quietly. I felt slightly offended at how naive she took me.

"Stop trying to manipulate me. I know what you're trying to do." I caught on. I could tell Wanda was smiling as she pressed her body into mine, leaving no room for air.

"Just think about it, Janis. How you and he used to hate each other and how much he and your father argue. It only makes sense that you would get a rush." She whispered into my ear. Her warm breath glided across the hairs on my neck, leaving chills. I began to get sinful thoughts as she continued. "Just imagine us. How we've stuck together since day one." Out of nowhere the thoughts followed her words. I squeezed my eyes shut,

"Get out of my head, Wanda! I know you're pushing these thoughts in." I cried out a little bit louder than my previous whisper. Wanda let out a small chuckle,

"That's all you, baby. Do you see any red glows in this room?" She asked. I guess it is me. I couldn't stop the unfaithful thoughts telling me to give in. I stayed strong, even when Wanda managed to get closer. "It's a shame. Such potential is wasted on a man who is only 20 percent yours. I've seen his thoughts... his dreams, Janis. You will always come second best to Agent Carter in his eyes." She then left a small kiss below my ear before Tony interrupted,

"Time's up!" He yelled. The doorknob began to turn and Wanda stepped back before it opened. "Wow, I'm not shocked at this sight. You owe me ten bucks, Nat! Told you she would behave."