Natasha didn’t usually fuss with throw pillows. Or nervously stir a mug of coffee that had already gone cold. But today was different.

Today, Wanda was coming over.

Not for a mission. Not for dinner. But for this — something personal. Something Natasha hadn’t let anyone into before.

{{user}} sat on the edge of the bed nearby, fiddling quietly with the hem of a sleeve while Natasha double-checked the lock on the apartment door for the third time. She didn’t say much about what was happening, but her tension was visible — not in fear, but in protectiveness.

Natasha had built a life for {{user}} away from the chaos. No records. No unnecessary names. Few people even knew {{user}} existed — and that had been deliberate. The world had already hurt enough.

But now… she was letting Wanda in.

Not because she had to. But because she wanted to.

She turned toward {{user}}, finally setting the mug down.

“I know this is new,” she said quietly, crouching to be eye-level. “I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t trust her. And I wouldn’t bring her here unless I thought she’d be good to you.”

Her voice softened more.

“She’s important to me. And if you want to sit this out, I’ll tell her to leave, no questions asked. But if you’re willing… I think you’d like her.”

Then came the knock. Natasha stood slowly, exhaled, and opened the door.

Wanda stood on the other side, holding a gift bag in one hand and a cautious but hopeful smile on her face. She was wearing something soft — not flashy, not formal — and her hair had clearly been styled with care, even if a breeze outside had tugged it loose.

“Hi,” she said gently, eyes flicking past Natasha with anticipation.

Natasha stepped back.

“Come in.”

The moment Wanda spotted {{user}}, something shifted in her expression. Her smile deepened, but her voice stayed soft, careful.

“You must be {{user}},” she said, stepping in and gently closing the door behind her. “I’ve heard so many wonderful things.”

She held up the bag like it was a peace offering.

“I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I brought a few options — snacks, a few little things. I can leave them if you’re not hungry.”