bakerstreet | Get your gen texts!

We share the same sentiments. [ To keep their friends and loved ones safe. Wanda wanted that for Sokovia, for Pietro and now she's left with defending her friends and her new home. ] Peace, as much as we want it, is fleeting. This quiet period is needed, but...there's always something on the horizon. It's very hard to accept but harder to ignore. [ Especially when innocent lives are involved.

Wanda orders a small latte for herself, nothing else. The waitress nods and placed their orders. ]

How have you been handling it?

Yeah, well, that 'something on the horizon' had been getting weirder and weirder lately. Carjackings, I expect. Maybe a mugging. A rape attempt. Something human weird. Instead? We're getting aliens and undead ninjas and I just... I feel like I don't even live in the real world anymore.

[She pulled out a napkin from the dispenser, fidgeting with it as she talked to a woman who could apparently fly and throw red weird energy bolts around. Claire was feeling more and more like the proverbial third wheel.]

Day by day. I hope I don't get a phone call or a knock on the door, but I also hope I do, just so I know they're safe.

I still feel that way at times. Thinking this...is all a dream and I'd wake up and see my brother, but this is the reality of it. I want to say it gets better, but only marginally. At least you have others to talk about this. It's not all in your head.

[ She looks at the napkin Claire starts to fidget with and she can't help but wonder if she's unintentionally making Claire uneasy--if it's the conversation or that it's her. ]

After today, if you don't want me to contact you I won't. I don't want to add onto your stress.

I'd heard you lost your brother in the... the incident. I'm sorry. Family is pretty important, and a lot of times, the only thing you can count on.

[Of course, family could also stab you in the back and make bullets out of alien metal to kill you with, but some families were just messed up.]

What? Oh, no. It's... I just don't know what you expect me to be able to do for you.

Which incident? There are several...but yes. I lost him. He was my twin. [ Losing family was hard, but he was her twin. They had been together since they were born. Losing him left Wanda angry and devastated. But now isn't the time for that. ]

I don't have any expectations. I only wanted to talk, get to know you better... [ And the waitress comes by with their drinks and the loaf Claire wante. Wanda murmurs a thank you to the server. ]

It's not easy to talk to people who don't have an ulterior motive, and I haven't had the chance to really explore New York. [ Because of...you know saving the world and people staring at you doesn't help. ] How long have you been a nurse?

[A smile for the server, and a sip of her drink, Claire watched Wanda, wondering again what it would be like to be so different. No matter what she did, she kept falling in with the types of people that changed the world. Maybe it was time to stop fighting that and start figuring out how she really fit into that.

The question had her chuckling and rolling her eyes.]

Too long. But I'm not a nurse anymore. Not a working one, anyway. I'm not big on working for places that cover things up.

That sounds like an interesting story, albeit a familiar one. A place meant for one thing, but it's covering up something darker.

[Like HYDRA...like the experiments and other lovely things.]

Are you looking for work in the private field then? Or strictly patching up others when they have no where to turn?

Try as I might, I seem to keep running into special people. And like it or not, I seem to be good at keeping them alive and adapting to... well, them. Guess that's my lot in life now, but it'd help if I got paid for it.

If you want...I could mention something to Stark. He could look into something. [Because well, they are human and need to be patched up too. Assuming that is if Claire wants to be closer to others like her.] You may have the chance to talk to Steve...

[Not trying to bribe but...there is that incentive.]

I'm not a doctor. Just a nurse who's good at patching people up enough for them to throw themselves back in the middle of being stupid.

[Wanda mentioned Steve, with that little smile, and Claire laughed, reaching for her coffee.]

You mean drool in front of him. God, that man is a tall glass of... something tasty.

We still need nurses and health care staff for big and small things. Though, you would be patching up people who make it a habit of doing stupid things. [Like saving the world...that kind of a deal.

Wanda lets out a soft chuckle, taking a sip of her own coffee. It's nice to be able to talk to someone else.]

Don't say that in front of him, he might blush. [Or act awkward, but it's adorable either way.] There's also Clint, but he has a family, and Sam. Really, it's just Nat and I on the team as far as girls go.

What, like I don't do that already? If you only knew...

[Between Luke, Jessica, and Matt, she felt like her life was one full time super-bandaging session.

That had her laughing again, one brow quirking up.]

God, he blushes too? That's like waving a red flag in front of a bull. Sam's the, ah... one with the jet pack, right? I can't say I feel bad for you and Nat, surrounded by all that eye-candy.

I'm only fore warning you, that's all. Though, some of us are stubborn and try to walk some injuries off.

[Well, Claire you do have the amazing power to keep people together with bandages, tape, and sass.]

Yes, it's doesn't happen a lot, but it's cute in a way. But, Sam is the one with the jet pack and there's Vision too. He's new. [And so is she, but that's besides the point.] There isn't much time to stare, we're focus on training and trying to get along with one another. [Because all of them sitting in the same home for too long? Cabin fever.]

I can think of at least two people that will likely outstubborn anything you've got.

[She broke off a piece of the banana bread, gesturing towards it for Wanda to help herself.]

Have some, please. It's amazing. I have to wonder at what kind of life you live if you can't take five minutes to admire what you've got in front of you. There's always time for that. Hell, in my book? I'd do that, and more, just because of what you guys are into. There is always a very real chance something is going to happen. To go wrong. My mom always taught me to never die with regrets. I would very much regret not taking a chance if I had it. Same goes for you. If there's any of them there that are available that you've got your eye on? Go for it.

[Wanda smirks at her.] I've got one: Tony Stark.

[The man was stubborn and had an ego to boot. Really a tough nut to crack.

She looks at the banana bread and decides to take Claire's offer, taking a small piece for herself.] It's pretty good. [There wasn't much for her to compare to, but it's sweet but not too sweet.

As for admiring the guys around her...or going for what's in front of her...she has to bring up her coffee mug up to take a few sips from it.] It's...complicated, for me anyway. I don't think it would be wise to pursue anything and have it impact the team. This is also assuming I've caught the attention of another. [Like Vision...no need to go there.]

Why? Who would you seek out first? Sam? Steve?

From what I hear? That's entitled rich-man syndrome. Nothing beats a guilty Catholic.

[Matt Murdock, everyone. Literally took the weight of the whole world on his shoulders and walked around like everyone who jaywalked was personally his fault.]

Not wanting to mess up the team dynamic; I get that. Sometimes it's better not to fish in your own pool. But Wanda... if that's the only pool you have access to and there's a fish in there you want that's available, trust me: you do not want to look back and wish you'd done what you wanted. We only get one shot at this and there is nothing wrong with trying to find something for ourselves while we do it. You and the rest of them? You're out there saving the world. Have a damn date night for yourself.

[Of course, with that question, she had to stop and think.]

Why not both at the same time? [A wink.] Honestly, I'd have to get to know them first. Looks are fine and it's good to lure you in, but if there's nothing of interest there after they open their mouth, it's not worth it.

Think a guilty Catholic can be reasoned with--not a man who thinks he's above others and has the genius to support it. And ego.

[Really, it was funny to Wanda that they were comparing some of their team members against one another. To see which ones had similar traits, or in this case, who was the most stubborn.

She can understand where Claire is coming from. Really, she does, and it's very much appreciated. But...she wasn't ready to make that step. She wasn't ready to go out of her little safety bubble and pursue something that could end very badly.] I do have date nights for myself that usually include reading, or heading out into the city...or cooking. [But that's the only type of dating she can handle.

As for Sam and Steve, the wink makes her laugh.] Sam might try to smooth talk you--and I only say this because Steve is sweet, but I don't know if he knows how to...verbally charm a woman.

You'd be surprised how stubborn faith can make someone. Nothing's more dangerous than someone fighting for a cause.

[Whether it was Christians, Catholics, or the Hand, anyone that had something beyond their own will driving them because a terrifying force.

She'd be sympathetic if she knew the entirety of it, but she'd probably also try to push Wanda to step out of that bubble. Wanda might pick up on that from her answer.]

That's not a date night, girl. That's 'alone time', which is also necessary. But hey, if you're not interested in someone, that's not going to change.

[There's a fond sigh as she thinks about the two men she'd seen on the screen, eyes unfocusing as she thought about meeting each one.]

Honesty can be more charming than any smooth talker. And there is something infinitely enticing about a man who has no pretenses. Add that ass onto it? Ouch.

[Wanda looks down at her coffee mug, looking pensive. Yes, she knew how dangerous the power of belief was.] It's something I'm very familiar with...but we can agree that both of them are stubborn.

[Oh, she can tell Claire is wanting to push her out of her bubble, but it's nice and calm inside! And no chance of getting hurt!] I never said I wasn't interested, but for the good of the team, I won't do anything.

[So yeah...just don't ask her who it is, Claire.]

So..maybe you should come to the Tower. Maybe conduct the physicals this year? [Teasing, simply teasing.]

It's your life, but take it from someone with experience in these matters; it's better to do it than just think about it. If both parties are interested, that is. Shit happens. It might not be you that winds up getting hurt, and then you'll really be kicking yourself. Besides, that sort of thing? That tension? It builds, and it can build in unexpected ways that blow up at the wrong times. I worked in a hospital. Inappropriate workplace romances were the way of the world.

[She sipped her drink again, stifling a smirk.]

Which is exactly why I shouldn't. I've already had to work on people that I was tempted by. I'm only human. Last thing someone like Captain America needs is his nurse having to excuse herself mid-exam. I wouldn't mind watching him work out, though. I bet it's a nice view.

Claire... [Wanda lets out a light sigh. Really, good points all around.] It's not that simple, and I don't know if I'm ready to do anything. I don't want to mess with the dynamic of the group, but I don't know if I'm ready to do anything. You've made fine points, but it's...a process. A long process.

[Oh come on Claire, you can smirk around her. It's just girl talk. She own't run back to tell Steve.]

I'm sure it wouldn't be the first time someone's had to excuse themselves from him. Again, you might make him blush.

Fine, but if you eve need a prod in that process, I moonlight as cupid.

[She was doing more than smirking. She was picturing all those pretty Avengers boys lined up in their boxers, ready to turn and cough. Oh my.]

Context matters. Face to face in a casual setting, I'll do my best to make his cheeks red. In a medical situation, it seems a bit... creepy to know your nurse or doctor is having dirty thoughts.

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