Dumpster #3: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

[trashmod]

Holy shitballs, look at us go. Welcome to Captain America fandom's resident wretched hive of scum and villainy: ROUND THREE. AKA Bad Guys Do Dirtybadwrong Things To Your Faves, AKA the Hydra Trash Party kinkmeme. As usual, BLANKET NON-CON AND NSFW WARNINGS apply: just assume going in that everything in this landfill is unfit for human consumption.

Rules in brief: don't be a jerk except to fictional characters, warnings for particularly fucked-up garbage are nice but not required, thou shalt not judge the trashiness of thy neighbor's kinks unless thy neighbor is trying to pass off their rotting banana peels and half-eaten pizza crusts as a healthy romantic dinner for two, off-topic comments may be chucked out of the dumpster at management's discretion, management's discretion decrees that omegaverse, soulbond AUs, D/s-verse, non-superpowered AUs, and dark!good guys AUs are off-topic.

[Round 1] [Round 2] [Fill post] [Chatter post] [hydratrashmeme Pinboard archive (maintained by greenkirtle)] [Round 3 in flat view (comments in non-threaded chronological order, most recent last)]

Round 3 is closed; comments and fills in existing threads are still welcome, but all new prompts go to Round 4.

Comments

Fill: Gemini (1/?)

[(Anonymous)]

There are tubes running in and out of her brother. It was disturbing to see him so quiet, so still. He was so full of movement. She thought back to their rooms, to the sharp spikes that covered the corridor outside their cells to stop him from escaping. To stop him running. He moved, that was natural. Seeing him like this, it was like he was already dead.

She'd seen him be experimented on of course, they watched sometimes as the other was cut open, their insides exposed to the world. Some days seeing that made her feel sick. Other days it just was a reassurance. His heart was still beating, and that meant he was alive. When they were in their cells, they couldn't see each other, and unless he was screaming loud enough to hear, she couldn't know if he was alive or not. That was the worst. In comparison, this wasn't so bad. The medical team were being gentle.

She stood quietly nearby. She didn't interfere, wasn't close enough to cause a problem, but anyone who tried to get her to move would be quietly redirected. The man she had made destroy a city was standing there, leaning in and carefully stitching her brother's chest closed around a bullet hole. She had hurt him, and now he had her greatest vulnerability in front of him. She felt sick.

"Here." A soft voice spoke to her, and Stark was standing there. The man who she had destroyed, who had caused all of this, and all of what followed was by her hand. All of it was because of her. She had angered Stark, and that had made him vulnerable. He had defended himself by building the robot, and now her brother was shot. All because of her.

"Here." He repeated, and she was realising he was holding a glass out towards her. If her brother hadn't been so exposed, she would have checked what was in it. But as it was, her brother was open on the medical table. She had to drink whatever she was given. She took a sip of it, and was relieved to find that it was water. She took another sip.

"You want to stay by your brother?"
"Yes." She said quietly, and Stark nodded.
"Alright." Captain America called out from where he was pacing, not as close as the others. "But come back a little? Let the doctors work, you can watch."

They were asking her to, and she didn't want to cause a problem. So reluctantly she walked back from her brother.

Another man walked up, and she couldn't immediately place him. Captain America's mind had shown a glimpse of him, and she tried to remember, without probing his own mind.
"I'm Sam Wilson." He told her, holding out his hand, and she shook his hand shyly.

"Hello Sam." She greeted him softly. “Wanda Maximoff.”
"I'm going to be helping out with you and your brother, if you will let me. Steve tells me you can do some pretty special stuff."

She nodded.
"I'm willing to assist the Avengers in any way that I can." She said quickly. She looked at her brother, laying on the table, and knew that she meant it.

"That's good." Stark smiled at her. "Cap said you did well in the fight, you know?"
"I'm not working with Hydra any more." She said quickly. "If you're willing to help my brother, I'll work with you instead."

"We're going to get him better." Stark promised. "I'll sort out a set of rooms for each of you, and-" She didn't hear the rest of what he was saying. Her heart was racing, and she was gasping for air. She was frightened. She was terrified, her heart racing, and there suddenly didn't seem to be enough air in the room. She whimpered, the room seeming to spin, and she felt Sam's hand on her shoulder.

She fought down the urge to flinch as Sam helped her to sit down on the floor, and he was crouching in front of her, his hands resting on her shoulders. She felt sick.
"Breathe." He demanded, his voice calm. "Breathe in..." She obeyed, following his words.

Sam paused, then looked at her curiously.
"Was it the separate rooms?"

Ashamed, she nodded, and he smiled at her.
"Tony, we could get them a shared room right?"
"Well, I guess-but I've got so many empty-"
"Stark." Sam's voice was suddenly harder, and Stark backtracked.
"Yes." Stark answered. "We can give the two of them a shared room."

That made it easier to breathe, and she managed a grateful smile.

Re: Fill: Gemini (1/?)

[(Anonymous)]

Other days it just was a reassurance. Oh, I like this!

Re: Fill: Gemini (1/?)

[(Anonymous)]

This is so good!

Fill: Gemini (2/?)

[(Anonymous)]

(Just a tiny warning that at one point in this Wanda prays - while I know that in the comics the twins are Jewish, based on her actions in the movie I felt this fitted with her character. (Also I don't know what it says about my writing that that is what I'm warning for here))

It was three days before her brother was allowed out of the hospital wing, and even when he was allowed he could barely walk. He edged down the corridor, shaking a little from exhaustion as he stepped, as though all his energy was being spent on every tiny movement rather than his normal racing.

She was beside him, his arm around her shoulder, and she was grateful for the touch. It made him feel real. He looked alive now, still pale, but no longer close to death.

The room had been set up by Stark pretty much as soon as the chance had arisen, but she hadn't visited yet. Visiting her room would have involved leaving her brother's bedside, and she hadn't been willing to do that. Her brother needed her company, even when he was out of consciousness. He needed the support, and she was determined not to let him down.

"Are we nearly there?" He asked softly, his voice quiet but firm. He was exhausted. Stark's house was full of corridors, and it reminded her a little like the labyrinth of cells under Hydra's base, where she had spent most of her teenage years. She had learned the pattern of those, and she would learn the pattern of these as well if it came to it.

For now, the house itself was providing a glowing blue line for him to follow, and she obeyed it, hurrying Pietro on as best as she could. They reached the other room and the light flickered out.

"The room is here Miss Maximoff."
"Thanks." She said softly to the house, and pushed open the door. It was a beautiful room. There were large windows, and comfortable chairs, and two beds in the other room. It was nice. It had a view, and space. It wasn't much like the cell that she was used to, aside from how it felt very much like the one that they had had.

When they had been young, they'd been allowed to share. It was only a few years later that it had changed, that they had been split up, that it had meant their connection had gone from constant contact and touch to occasionally hearing the other person scream. It had nearly destroyed them last time.

She didn't want that to happen now. She wanted to be with her brother, to have him within touching distance. Whatever it took, she was going to get to stay with him. That was how this was going to work. They would be good, and they would stay united.

Pietro looked around, his eyes darting around the room. Wanda guided him over to the bed, settling him on it, and wrapping the blanket around him. The two of them started to count, in unison, as she started to explore the room.

One. Two. She called out as she checked the wardrobes. Three. There were a few signs of cameras, of other technology, but they had no right to argue. Four. Five. She turned around the corner and walked to the kitchen. Six, Seven, Eight. All of the fridges were full, there was a sofa, there was a computer - she was sure it was set to spy. Nine. No obvious camera in the bathroom.

She had reached thirty by the time she returned to her brother, having explored all the rooms. Her brother was on the same number, and that proved that neither of them had been knocked out without them knowing. Sometimes when they were reunited, they'd be thousands apart on the numbers. And that had been when they were allowed to share.

When they were separated, even counting couldn't keep them connected.

She climbed up onto the bed, and the two of them curled up together. Pietro seemed to fall asleep as soon as she was nearby, and she gently probed his mind, checking that there was no harm there, no anger inside him. That nothing had happened to him. She was careful not to look too hard - she'd barely left him alone for a few minutes, but she had needed to use the bathroom occasionally and she had left him vulnerable. But he wasn’t horrifically broken and that was enough to know for now.

When she was reassured he was safe, she let herself sleep, her hands resting on his. She slept until his voice woke her.

"Hey." When her brother spoke, his voice was laughing, friendly. It was kind, and his eyes were sparkling, full of teasing laughter like it often was. She didn't understand how he was able to keep his smile after everything that had happened. She had lost hers long ago.

"How are you feeling?"
"Good." She said simply. "I've checked the room. There's a few spy cameras but nothing to worry about." Cameras weren't a problem for either of them - they were both used to cameras following them. The old showers alone had had four cameras in, and some speakers, and their cells had three each alongside the glass walls. "I can look after you. I'm allowed to look after you today, if you need that."

"I'm alright." He answered, his smile easy and calm as it always was. "What about you?"
"They're interested in what we can do. I gave Doctor Banner a few blood samples for him to run experiments on when he was checking you over."
"Did they find anything?"
"I hope so." Wanda said softly. "If not they'll probably move onto bone marrow and brain scans."
"You could fight." Pietro said lightly, and Wanda shook her head.
"Not with you hurt Petri. You need them, and that means I'll do anything they want..."

Pietro's lips pressed into a thin line, and some of the joy left his eyes. She made herself try and smile in his place.
"I'll get you some water."

***

It was strange. The first few days, and the two of them were left alone most of the time. Pietro was gaining in health, and soon he was zooming around the rooms, laughing to himself and making terrible jokes. Wanda watched him, a little jealous of how simply her brother smiled.

Food would arrive - neither of them could cook, and Jarvis soon realised it. They were used to getting instructions over intercom, and that meant his automated voice was not a problem. It didn't frighten them, and they had long ago learned how not to look frightened even if things happened suddenly.

Which is how Wanda managed to keep smiling when there was a knock at the door. Sam Wilson, the flying man, the one who had said he would be interested in them both, was standing there.

"Hello Miss Maximoff. How is your brother?"
"He's still healing." She said quickly. It wasn't a lie. "I'm fine though, if there are any problems at all. Anything I can do for you, let me know. I will do whatever you might need..."

Pietro hissed slightly from behind her, his hand resting on her shoulder, and she shrugged his hand off.

"Good to see you back on your feet." Sam smiled at him, and Pietro nodded, shifting. Wanda felt herself being pulled back a little by him, as Pietro tried to draw his attention. She hated this. It felt like when they were toddlers again, pushing each other out of the way to try and greet their father when he got home from his work. But if she didn't give Pietro what he wanted now, he would be angry for the rest of the day.

It was one thing to walk off with whichever of the guards had come to see them this time, and another to return to a sibling who was so angry they wouldn't speak to you. So she ducked back, and heard Pietro invite him in.

They went over to the sofa, Pietro pacing as Wanda sat on one end and Sam sat at the other end.
"We found some notes about you."
"Oh?" Wanda asked, not probing his mind. It wasn't right to look, not when it might mean they were more in danger. "Anything that's interesting?"
"Not really. Only, Pietro?"
"Da?"
"It said you need to burn off excess energy to prevent your metabolism getting damaged. And that you need to eat a lot-"
"We can go without." Wanda interrupted. "I give him more of mine, and-"
Sam holding up her hand made her fall silent, and he nodded.

"I'm sure. But you don't need to. It was more that I wondered if Pietro would like to come out running with Steve and me?"

A look passed between them, Wanda asking him not to leave, but Pietro smiled easily and held out his hand.
"Yes, that would be great." He shook Sam's hand, looking calm, and only Wanda could see the way his pupils had dilated. "Thanks for thinking of me. Wanda is not so good a runner, she would be better resting. And she said she wanted to shower..." Pietro tried to persuade them.

"It's alright, you don't have to come Wanda, I promise I'll bring him back unharmed." Sam smiled, and headed out. "Come on Pietro."

"Take care." She whispered to her brother, embracing him.
"Be safe." He replied, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. She watched him leave before going to the bathroom as she had been told. She wished she could find the cameras. It was always easier if she knew what direction she was meant to be performing for as she undressed and cleaned herself.

Still, she stripped as best as she could, and stood under the spray. It was warmer than she was used to, and after a few moments she could forget about the surveillance, and her fear for her brother faded from all consuming to a steady leaden weight in her stomach.

She wondered whether her brother's blood samples would reveal things, or if he would need to be cut open again. If so, she hoped he would have a few more days to heal. She leaned back, her face under the spray, hoping that the software wouldn't be able to lip read.
"Mother. Father. Please look after Pietro and bring him back to me. I will try and be good for the Avengers... please help me to control my powers and to meet what they ask of me. Amen." Her voice shook a little as she finished, knowing the punishments if they were caught praying.

A knock on the door made her jump, and she wrapped her arms around herself for a moment, trying to calm down.
"I can inform Agent Romanoff that you are indisposed if you would like Miss Maximoff." The British voice informed her, and she shook her head.
"Just be a minute."

She stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around herself, going to open the door. She fumbled with the catch, her fingers clumsy with fear, but she managed to get it open and saw Agent Romanoff there.

The agent was looking at her calmly and curiously. She didn't look like she was about to pounce, wasn't obviously armed.
"Your brother went out for a run." She stated, and Wanda nodded her agreement. "I wanted to talk to you."
"So talk." Wanda crossed her arms across her towel, holding it firmly in place.

"I wondered if you wanted some training in self defence?" She asked. Wanda had not expected that question, but she nodded. It was an offer. If someone suggested something, it was because they wanted you to do it. Natasha smiled and nodded.
"It might help you to feel a little more in control. This is a big change for you."
"Not as much as you would expect." Wanda smiled shyly. "But self defence would be good."

Natasha nodded and then turned and walked away, leaving Wanda standing in the doorway, her hair dripping down her back.

An hour later, Pietro returned, shook his head, and went to shower.

Re: Fill: Gemini (2/?)

[(Anonymous)]

Your writing is so prettily understated, it just makes this all the more quietly horrifying. Wanda is so matter-of-fact in her expectations, her coping strategies, that the reader is pulled into her paranoia. Benign-reversal-of-expectations is basically my favorite trope ever -- when a character thinks they're going to be horribly mistreated, and then isn't -- but still, as I read this, I had to keep reminding myself that they're safe now.

Favorite things:
- . . . their connection had gone from constant contact and touch to occasionally hearing the other person scream. This line made me shiver.
- The ritual with the COUNTING, dear god.
- [T]hey had long ago learned how not to look frightened. You convey so much (horror) in such a simple statement.
- Wanda's prayer to mother and father is especially poignant, given the clues you've shown us about the twins' upbringing.
- And then, my personal favorite, because I am trash: It was always easier if she knew what direction she was meant to be performing for as she undressed and cleaned herself.

But YAY Natasha teaching Wanda self-defense! I am so excited to see that.

Re: Fill: Gemini (2/?)

[(Anonymous)]

(Author!anon) you have no idea how much your review means to me! I was a bit worried because I'm going for understated that it wouldn't be as trashy as I was wanting, but this really made me smile! You picked out some of my favourite bits and I'm just sitting here grinning. I will update in the next few days

Re: Fill: Gemini (2/?)

[(Anonymous)]

I like how her way of thinking is just twisted an influenced by her experience, but she doesn't realize!

Re: Fill: Gemini (2/?)

[(Anonymous)]

Can anyone explain the counting to me? I don't understand it, and I want to, because every other little detail in this story has been AMAZING. (really loving it)

Fill: Gemini (3/?)

[(Anonymous)]

It took a few days for the new routine to develop. Wanda disliked it, but that was how the world was working. She missed it just being her and her brother, but they hadn't been split up, and that helped. They would wake early, and make breakfast - Jarvis talking them through the simple steps as they gradually learned how to cook a little for themselves. Then they would sit together for a little longer, before the knock would come on the door.

Every day an excuse would be made for Wanda not to go when Pietro went with Sam and Steve for a run. She would shower, and she hadn't had any complaints yet. And when her brother returned, he would shake his head as well, silently confirming that nothing other than running had happened. He would go and shower, make sure that he gave a good show, while she headed down to the living area to sort out food for them both for lunch.

She was putting the finishing touch to sandwiches - cheese and ham for herself, peanut butter and jelly for her brother, when she heard someone else walking into the room. She looked up to see Agent Romanoff leaning against the counter.
"Want to train after you eat?" She asked, and slowly she nodded. That sounded like a good plan. Self defence would be helpful to know.

"I can get you food?" She asked the agent. The agent refused, and she sat awkwardly, waiting for Pietro to come zooming into the room. He was halfway through his sandwich before he noticed Natasha, staring at her curiously.

"You want to train, you can come too." She suggested. Wanda tensed a little, and Pietro shook his head.
"I don't need to. My method of survival is to run. If I can't run, I probably can't fight either."

"You can watch." Natasha offered, and Pietro nodded at that. Wanda made herself smile. There was no chance of anything happening that her brother hadn't seen before. She finished her own sandwich, and she headed down to the gym with the agent.

"Put these on." The agent instructed her, giving her some dark clothes. She went off to change. At least in the gym she could see where the cameras were.

***

It was strange, watching his sister learn to fight. Her body might have had a purpose for Hydra, but it was never to fight with. Her powers sufficed. But with Agent Romanoff, things were different.

It was clear it didn't come naturally to Wanda. For so long, for both of them, physical contact had been pain. That meant that relaxing into the training wasn't easy. And Agent Romanoff was not a gentle teacher, but she was patient. That was clear by the way she talked Wanda through each movement, never getting angry at her.

This place was strange. The entire base was different from any one that he had been in before. They had been treated with kindness and patience, and had been given food. They had been allowed to stay together.

He had been frightened when he was initially taken to run, but it had turned out that was all that had been wanted so far. They wanted him to run, but they stopped before it went too far. They stopped before he collapsed from exhaustion. That had been true of every training session so far. He was unsure why, but he was willing to go on with it for as long as he could.

His sister was learning to fight. She rolled over on the mat, the noise of her impact loud but not accompanied by a yelp of pain. She was learning. He really did feel proud at that moment. She was learning here. They both were. The day would come when the Avengers would need them to fight, or to keep them happy, but for now, he wanted to make the most of it. He ran off to get some sweets, and returned with a packet of blueberries that Stark had left lying around. He ate them happily, watching the others. He knew Wanda had stayed close to him as much as she could, and he did the same now, but snacks were important.

"Pietro?" Came the doctor's voice, and he tensed as he turned around, hearing his sister hit the mat again in the background. He tried to smile at the doctor, looking at him with a cold sense of terror settling in his bones. He knew that things this good would never have lasted.

"Da?"

"I was just about to bake some cookies. I know you keep eating any I make, I thought you might want to learn how to make them yourself."

"Yes." He said quickly. He'd learned to recognise how questions were phrased, the way orders could be hidden in a simple request. He glanced back at his sister, saw her eyes widen a little with fear, but he was being called away, and he couldn't argue.

He trailed behind the doctor, his heart hammering in his chest. Not for the first time he wondered if he could run away - but in the end he'd be caught, and that would be bad. That would lead to worse punishment. So he stood and listened to the instructions, carrying out every instruction to perfection. He was mixing the batter when the doctor turned away. He focussed on stirring the mixture - it was already nearly smooth. He was engrossed on his work, and only the glint of metal out of the corner of his eye made him lift his head.

The doctor was holding a knife. There was a crash as the bowl full of cookie mixture hit the floor and he was running, his heart beating fast. He had to get to his sister, had to warn her what was happening.

Sprinting down a corridor, a door closed in front of him and a familiar English accented voice spoke from the walls.
"Calm yourself Mister Maximoff. Would it help if I were to fetch your sister?"
"Niet!" He yelled, forcing himself to slow before he hit the door full speed. The door was reinforced, and he wasn't. He hit his hands into it, feeling his breath speeding up. He was making a scene. He could hear the officers laughing in his mind, telling him he was a child, that he was making too much of a fuss, that he needed to be better behaved like his sister was. He couldn't make a scene. He turned, putting his back to the metal door, bring his fists up, panting. He could try to run again, but Wanda was in the gym and he wouldn't be able to reach her.

He had to calm himself for whatever was coming. He'd have made it worse, breaking the cookie bowl, but he knew there wasn't that much of a difference between bad and worse. He was older than Wanda. It was only right he was the first to be hurt.

Wanda was training. She wouldn't even have to know.

As Bruce approached, accompanied by Wilson, he lowered his fists. He wasn't going to fight this.
Taking a step forwards felt like walking to the execution block, but he slowly walked to them, then folded to his knees before them. Kneeling slowed him a little, meant he wouldn't be able to get away so quickly. The hard floor beneath him helped him to focus.

Wilson crouched beside him, hand resting on his shoulder.
"Hey kid. You just gave Bruce quite a fright."
"Sorry." He whispered. He was sorry. He'd made it worse. His body was shaking, but he couldn't be sure if that was fear, or just the tension of not running when he needed to.
"Things happen." Wilson said. "It's not the first bowl that's ever got smashed, and it won't be the last. Banner, why don't you go and sort out another batch. I've got this." They exchanged a look that Pietro couldn't interpret, and then Banner walked away, leaving just the two of them.

Pietro could escape, but he knew that was the kind of behaviour that led to his own room, separate from his sister. That would be unbearable, so he would take whatever punishment was coming now.

"Kid..." And Wilson was smiling now, not a real smile. The kind of smile with something behind it, and Pietro was only staying calm because he knew he'd be in trouble if he panicked again. "We've not been taking care of you properly have we...?" There was almost a sadness there. A regret. Whatever was happening, Pietro had brought it on himself. He should have just let himself be cut open. It never hurt as badly as the punishments would.

Wordless, he shook his head. Wilson continued.
"You and Wanda have been through an awful lot. It's not a surprise you're finding it hard to adjust. We can talk about it if you want. Make things easier, help make it make sense, does that sound good?"

Pietro nodded. This was something he was meant to agree to - Wilson's smile confirmed that. He'd given a correct answer. He suddenly felt bolder, took a risk.
"Look, if we are talking about it...can we not tell Wanda? I don't... want to worry her." It was a risk. But he had to try.

Wilson smiled and nodded. "Sure. It's okay, we can keep it between us." The relief that blossomed in Pietro's chest at that was dizzying. Wanda would stay out of it. Whatever was going to happen, it would be their secret. He'd kept secrets before, with different men, and women. One more secret meant nothing. Wilson helped him stand, slipped an arm around his shoulders.
"Want to see how your sister's getting on?"

Pietro nodded, and let Wilson steer him back to the gym. They sat on the benches, their legs not touching, and Pietro tried to focus on how his sister looked. She looked stronger now, more confident. He couldn't help feeling proud of her. It helped take his mind off Wilson and the broken bowl.

When Wanda was finished, Wilson smiled at him.
"Feel better?"
"Yes."
"See you soon okay?" Wilson smiled and walked away, and Pietro tried to smile at Wanda. She looked exhausted, but there was a joy in her eyes he hadn't seen for a long time. He wouldn't spoil it.

Re: Fill: Gemini (3/?)

[(Anonymous)]

Aaaaaahhhh I love this so much

Re: Fill: Gemini (3/?)

[(Anonymous)]

OH NO (OH YES)

I love this switch to Pietro's POV! His take on the situation is similar to Wanda's, in some ways - the expectation of violence/exploitation/abuse, the resignation - but also uniquely his own, because you imbue him with such an irrepressible happiness, a pleasure in small things (snacks were important), a willingness to revel in the little comforts even while accepting that they'll eventually be snatched away. The day would come when the Avengers would need them to fight, or to keep them happy, but for now, he wanted to make the most of it. (OR TO KEEP THEM HAPPY = obviously my favorite. This is such glorious trash.)

And I love the way he's focused not on the content of what's said to him, but on the underlying expectations and demands. This was something he was meant to agree to - Wilson's smile confirmed that. He'd given a correct answer. The dynamic you're setting up with Sam - Sam, who is so lovely and decent and kind! - just kills me. Pietro is so determined to be brave, to protect his sister, that he tries to minimize the expected abuse - One more secret meant nothing - and even bargains for Wanda not to be told, so it can be something he bears alone. Heartbreaking in the best way.

We can talk about it if you want. Make things easier, help make it make sense, does that sound good? THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS THIS COULD GO WRONG. *sets some trash on fire, rubs hands together gleefully while cackling into the flames*

Re: Fill: Gemini (3/?)

[(Anonymous)]

This is so sad and wonderfully written! Just the little slivers of past evils you show make it so creepy-awesome.

Fill: Gemini (4/?)

[(Anonymous)]

It was the anticipation that killed you. That was what he had been told when he was younger. That waiting, and hope, were what got to you. With Hydra, there might have been waiting, but there wasn't much hope. This was different. With the Avengers, there was too much hope. It was easy to allow it to devour you.

He ate another piece of popcorn. Sam had given him a huge bowl of popcorn for this discussion, and he held the bowl against his body, keeping it between the two of them. It was acting like a shield, and he was aware he was being foolish.

Sam was smiling, and he flashed him a quick smile in return. It wasn't easy for Pietro to keep smiling over the past few days, but he was trying - for Wanda's sake at least. He ate another piece of popcorn, and then looked back at Sam.
"I said, how are you getting on?" Sam asked, his voice as patient as it always was. "You settling in alright?"
"I am. It's good here." He said softly, crunching another kernel between his teeth. "I like running with you, and spending time with the team. And Wanda." He forced a brighter smile than he felt. "Wanda is always a good friend of mine."

"Are you struggling at all? You spent most of your life with Hydra, if there's anything that you need explained, anything that would help, let me know."
"It's... not a problem. I understand how things work. I know how they worked with Hydra. If you want to talk about it in more detail, I can tell you. If you do not want to, I can keep the thoughts with myself."

"Are you sure? Sometimes it’s helpful to have these things clearly set out."
"I need to..." He paused. "I...I know that my sister and I would both find life a lot easier if we have your word that they will not separate Wanda and I unless we do something terrible."
"We won't ever separate you. I promise. We're not going to take you away from each other."
"Hydra did." Pietro explained. "When we were bad, Hydra kept us apart, but we'll be good, I promise you, no matter what, we are going to be..."

Sam's arm on his shoulder wasn't a surprise, but he still felt himself tense up. But Sam was smiling.
"I mean it Pietro. You can stay with your sister. Is that what's worried you?"
"When I...When I dropped the bowl. It smashed and I thought you would be angry and I was afraid."

"We weren't ... we won't be angry with you, not over something like that. And even if we are, we won't take your sister away." Sam promised, and Pietro felt lighter and happier than he had in weeks, felt better than he had since he'd arrived there. Sam frowned slightly. "That's been bothering you a lot huh?"
"Da...Yes."

"Do you want to go and talk to your sister about it?" Sam asked, and he smiled.
"That would be...that would be very good. She was worried. Please may I go...I can come back after, only be a minute or two..."
"It's a lot to take in kid. Go and talk to your sister, we can talk more after our run tomorrow, okay?"
Pietro nodded, racing out the door.

Wanda was sat on the couch in their room, the book open on her lap. Pietro raced to her, wrapping his arms around her as tightly as he could. She squeaked, staring at him in confusion.
"You're happy."
"They won't take us apart." He told her softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "They are not going to separate us."

Wanda stared at him for a moment, and then gasped in amazement and held him back.

Pietro nodded. No matter what happened now, what punishments they had to endure, what they were asked to do, at the end of it they would be allowed to cuddle up together. It was the best thing he ever could have wished for.

***

Wanda cuddled her brother as tight as she could, feeling him almost vibrating with joy and hope. He was beaming. She had been worried this morning, because he had seemed quiet, knowing that Sam wanted to see him for something, but now he was more himself than she had seen him since they had been brought in. He was stroking her hair and smiling to himself, and she couldn't fight the urge to smile back.
"You're sure?"
"He promised. And he let me go early to tell you."

Wanda was sure there would be a cost to that later, but for now... for now, that was a kindness that she was grateful for.

***
Family dinners were an awkward situation for both of the twins, and for the rest of the team come to that. None of them had really grown up with families, so the whole process felt rather odd. But it was good for the team to spend time together.

Given the option between awkwardly sharing a meal and enduring whatever torture Hydra came up with for their latest game, Wanda would have picked the meal. So she ate, glancing at her brother.

Pietro was sat on the sofa beside her, a box of Chinese open in his lap. Normally he would have raced through it at breakneck speed, but she could tell he was tired. He'd been in a state of alertness for so long, waiting to see where this situation would end, that he was starting to struggle. She nudged him, glancing towards the food to remind him to eat. Just because they had been given food this time didn't mean the generosity would last, and if you wouldn't eat it all, you wouldn't get as much next time.

He took the hint, starting to eat, and she let herself relax a little bit, trying to skim over the emotions of those around her - not pushing in too deep or risking angering them, but trying to work out if anyone posed an immediate threat. There was a sense of contentment, and no one seemed to be angry. She smiled to herself, and reached for another spring roll. Pietro’s hand snatched out grabbing a morsel from Barton’s plate, and Barton laughed, swatting Pietro gently.

An alarm blared out, cutting the air in two. It was loud enough that it made her head ache, left her feeling almost dizzy at the sound but that wasn't what made her worry. It was the way the atmosphere in the room spun on a knife edge, and when the alarm stopped after a second and Jarvis began to speak, the world was silent.

"Captain Rogers, Sir, I have found some information on our latest project which you...well, since the result is currently trying to break through the front door, I felt I had best notify you."

"Good work J." Stark called out as he got to his feet. "Kids, you stay here. Clint, stay with them. Rest of you with me."
Captain America was already racing out the door. Wanda closed her eyes. She had to know what the threat was, and she sent her consciousness out.

What she encountered at the door made her regret looking. Hydra were there. Hydra were smashing down the door, trying to bring them back, and she was vaguely aware of the sound of crying, or groaning in fear. In concern she glanced to her brother, before realising that she was the one making the noise.

It was going to be bad. She knew that. They could try and blame the avengers, promise to cooperate, but it would be bad. She remembered the last time they had tried to run away, a few years after they had first arrived. Pietro had had a leg broken in the beating that followed, had been left flinching at the sound of a door opening or anyone approaching. The sight of some of the guards had made him sick. It hadn't been good for her either.

Now Hydra were here. They were coming, and they'd take them away. She tried to stay quiet, looking at Pietro who was pale, his hands jittering. He looked her in the eye, and then determinedly shoved two of the spring rolls into his mouth. It took her only a moment to understand. If they had found them, if they were going to bring them back, they would at least have eaten before. No one knew when their next meal would be, or what it would consist of.

Even as her insides cramped with terror, she started to eat.

An image flashed into her mind of her being sick on one of the scientist’s shoes. She'd be punished for that she knew, her face slammed into the floor hard enough to make her nose bleed like it was last time, but there was still a sense of satisfaction.

Clint looked between the two of them, his voice surprisingly gentle.
"You two look like you've seen a ghost."
"It's Hydra." Wanda said softly, the words spilling from her lips before she could think through the consequences of saying them. It was Hydra and they were here, and the life they had been living was over.

"I won't let them get you." Clint said, and he moved, standing between the twins and the door with his bow raised. Wanda knew he wouldn't last against Hydra, but the gesture was still touching. Pietro was still eating what he could, but he was pale as well, and she could see his hands were shaking so fast that they appeared blurred.

She waited with him for hell to begin.

"Captain Rogers is returning with the others." Jarvis informed the group, as the elevator started to rise. She could tell that they had been successful - or at least, they thought they had been. They thought they had subdued their captive as they headed up in the elevator, the group of them surrounding the captured hydra agent. Banner was concerned by an injury the agent had, and Stark was keeping up a mental monologue about technology the newcomer used.

Captain Rogers had his attention entirely on the prisoner. The others fanned out, and Clint lowered his bow slowly, staring. Everyone in the room was fixated on the figure standing in the middle of the room, his hair falling into his eyes. His mind felt fragmented, hard to read, but he was still familiar. As he turned his piercing eyes toward her, she stumbled back, Pietro's presence behind her the only thing keeping her upright.

"You."

Re: Fill: Gemini (4/?)

[(Anonymous)]

Help, this is so tense! Steve's latest project; hair falling into his eyes; a mind that feels fragmented: it's Bucky, isn't it! (Is it? Can't wait to find out!)

I understand how things work. I know how they worked with Hydra. What a world of hurt and misunderstanding in these two simple sentences. Pietro, poor thing.

No matter what happened now, what punishments they had to endure, what they were asked to do, at the end of it they would be allowed to cuddle up together. CUDDLES. Yes, please. Such an adorable image, founded in such trashy assumptions. Beautiful.

Re: Fill: Gemini (4/?)

[(Anonymous)]

I'm really enjoying where you're going with the story (last chapter too, but didn't get a chance to comment when it was posted)!

Re: Fill: Gemini (4/?)

[(Anonymous)]

[SCREAMING]

Fill: Gemini (5/7)

[(Anonymous)]

(Sorry this has been so slow to update, real life ate me, but I think I've got it sorted now! Trying to finish in the next week!)
Wanda took a deep breath, and nodded, feeling Pietro's arm around him.

"Hello Wanda." The figure spoke softly. "Hello Pietro." There was silence, as the Avengers looked between them - between the twins who they had welcomed into their house, and the man that had been identified by Wanda herself as Hydra. She could feel a sense of curiosity, more than anger, from the others, and she kept a careful distance between them.

"Sir." Pietro spoke, his voice shaking a little.
Steve guided the newcomer away from them, murmuring something to him. Wanda could have found out what he'd said if she wanted to, but she didn't want to probe too deeply into their minds right now. Given the chance, she would have just disappeared.

Wilson made his way over to the two of them.
"Can I speak to you two for a moment?" He asked, in the way that Wanda knew meant that they had to say yes. He urged them away from that man, and that made things a lot simpler, at least in the short term. But by the looks of it, there was no plan for the others to kick him out, and that meant he was going to stay around for a while.

Wanda walked with him, smiling nervously. "Sir?"
"You know him?"
"We did." She admitted, knowing nothing good would come from lying about it. "Only occasionally though. We worked with him a few times, but... we didn't know each other that well."
"He was the best weapon Hydra had." Pietro supplied, his voice holding surprisingly steady. "We were still in the testing stages. So we weren't allowed to be with him unattended. But he watched sometimes, there were a couple of missions where for whatever reason they needed us both..." Pietro fell quiet, and glanced back at the man.

Wanda remembered nights when the two of them had found him thrown into a cell beside their own. Remembered how sometimes, when his eyes hadn't been completely dead, he had passed some of his food towards them.

She also remembered watching him tortured and beaten to teach them a lesson. Even the slightest hint of disobedience on their side, and this could be happening to them. He bled a lot. She remembered that. The faint red stains of blood on the cell floor had remained for months as no one had come to clean it up.

The twins were herded by Sam into the next room, the connecting door between them still open. Pietro kept glancing at it. It felt like being back in the cells, the asset in the next room along.

Wanda knew she had to decide what she was going to do. She hadn't expected to see him now, and it complicated matters. Everything that they had been working for could quickly fall apart now that there was another Hydra agent here. And she knew how easily his brain could be manipulated. He could be a Hydra spy, for all she knew. She wanted to search his mind, but his mind was muddled, tangled together in ways she didn't know how to unpick. For now, he was an unknown quantity.

"Do you feel safe near him?" Sam asked, and the sheer bluntness of the question surprised her. She thought, and glanced to her brother.

"If it is him." Pietro answered, and Wanda knew he was thinking of how the man changed - there were times he could be trusted to be on their side, and other times when he would be on Hydra's, and other times still when he was on no one's side but his own.

Sam watched them and nodded.
"Alright." He said softly. "And are you going to be comfortable with him staying here? We can keep your doors locked, and keep you out of the common areas, at least until you're feeling more settled."

Wanda nodded, not looking at him, feeling her stomach twist at those words. She hated being locked into her room. But in a way it made things simpler. And at least she would be locked in with Pietro, that was an advantage.

If she was locked into a room and stayed there, she couldn't do anything to earn a punishment. At least, that was the hope. And the Asset could always take some of the role of keeping the Avengers entertained.

***

Pietro frowned at the thought of being locked in, but he supposed they deserved it. It was common knowledge in Hydra that the twins and the asset together were a flight risk. Being locked in a room stopped that, and being locked inside a room was better than being shackled to a wall or to a bench.

Sam was smiling at him, and Pietro wondered whether they were going to continue their conversation from the other day. Sam had said it wouldn't happen in front of Wanda, but he knew better than to trust that.

"You okay there Pietro?"
"Yeah... just... tomorrow, after we run, can I talk to you...?" That might give Wanda a chance to make contact. They could speak to the asset, try to talk to him about the situation here. The asset had never harmed them, and although it was an experiment like themselves, it outranked them. In this situation, they could ask it for help.

Sam paused. "I'll get you two some water okay? You just stay there." With that he walked away, and they were left alone. He glanced over at his sister, and could see the tension in her eyes. She was terrified, and he could understand that.

There was conversation coming in from the doorway, and he moved closer to it, closing his eyes and listening intently. The asset was speaking.

"Steve, look, I got to talk to them. They got freaked out by me, I need to see them."

"I dunno if that's a good idea Bucky. You frightened them... look, do you three even know each other?"

There was silence, and Pietro for a moment thought it wasn't going to say anything. But then the asset spoke, and its voice was soft.
"It's not that simple Steve. They didn't know me. They knew him."

Re: Fill: Gemini (5/7)

[(Anonymous)]

And the Asset could always take some of the role of keeping the Avengers entertained. Yesss, this is perfect!

Re: Fill: Gemini (5/7)

[(Anonymous)]

So happy to see this updated!

Re: Fill: Gemini (5/7)

[(Anonymous)]

I love how even Pietro and Wanda are thinking of Bucky as "the asset", and "it". The whole thing is amazing, but that really stood out to me!

Re: Fill: Gemini (6/7)

[(Anonymous)]

"Take care." Wanda said softly to Pietro, reaching out to stroke his hair behind his ear. Pietro nodded, swallowing and forcing a smile.
"Thanks. You too. Make contact if you can."

She nodded, and he headed to the door, opening it as Sam walked up the corridor towards him. His job, for now, was just to keep Sam, and possibly Rogers, away from Wanda and the asset.

"Hey." Sam greeted him with a smile which Pietro made himself return.
"Hey..."
"Barnes is going to join us for our run today, you okay with that?"
"Yes sir." Pietro said quickly, agreeing and then falling into step with him. "Thanks."

He would have to adjust the plan, but that was alright. Hydra had taught them at least a little of planning, enough to be able to adjust in emergencies - that was what had led to the original break out - an attempt to stop the Avengers. He could adjust. For now, he was going to run.

Running with the three men wasn't in itself tiring - they went a little further than normal, but compared to Hydra's determination to exhaust him there was nothing so severe. After the run, well, normally Pietro would go back to Wanda to shower, but today was going to be different. They had already agreed to talk.
"Can we talk?" Pietro asked Sam, walking over and resting a hand on his arm, looking around.

Sam hesitated, then nodded.
"Yeah, sure, Steve, Barnes, I'll see you later."

The two soldiers waved and headed off, leaving Pietro standing with Sam.
"Thanks. I've just had a lot of thoughts on my mind recently."
"I've noticed." Sam said softly. "You two really didn't look happy about Barnes arriving last night."
"It just startled me. That was all." He said softly. "It doesn't matter."

"If you're sure." Sam smiled. "We want to take care of you both."
"You have been very kind." Pietro nodded. Then he tried to smile. It was important for him to try and look like he was interested, to look like he wanted to be involved. "You have been so kind to us, you know that?"

"I'm glad." Sam smiled, and shrugged a little. "You want a drink or something?"
"Some water would be good." Pietro muttered, trying to sound upbeat. "Thank you."
"You're welcome kid. You did well today, you calmed down about Bucky?"

"It doesn't bother me." Pietro shrugged. "I know some people find the eyes creepy but I don't mind..." His voice trailed off at the way Sam was frowning at him, and he felt sure he'd said the wrong thing somewhere. He fidgeted, trying to work out how to fix his position. This was meant to be simple. Seduce Sam and give Wanda time to reach the asset. It was nothing he had not done before, but now his mouth felt dry and he felt a little sick.

"You know him?"
"A little." Pietro smiled and shrugged. "But that wasn't what I wanted to talk to you about."
"Okay. Well, this is your time. You talk to me about whatever you need to." Sam settled back in his chair, having handed Pietro a glass of water. Pietro nodded and licked his lips, taking a sip of the water and trying to stop his hands shaking.

"It's you," Pietro began. "I just... I know that you like me." He took a deep breath, stretching slightly, knowing that if he leaned in a certain way his running gear would ride up and reveal a thin sliver of flesh by his stomach. "And I've been thinking about you a lot."

He'd been expecting interest from Sam, not the frown that now faced him, but he refused to let it faze him. Sam cleared his throat.
"Are you coming on to me?"
"Yes?" Pietro said softly, feeling unsettled by the accusation in his voice. "I thought that you wanted that."

Sam took a deep breath.
"I don't want that. Why did you think I did?"
"You said you wanted to help out with us. When you first met us."
"This whole..." Sam nodded slowly. "Okay, and why did that make you think that?" Pietro felt like Sam was trying to look into his soul, staring at him with dark eyes.
"Because that's ..." He couldn't make himself say 'that was what Hydra wanted', so he shrugged. "I thought you'd like it."

"Well, I don't."
"Please..." Pietro whispered, the word leaving his lips before he could think. "Can I go back to Wanda..." He was aware his face was red from embarrassment. He'd made a fool of himself, and that was stupid. That could mean punishment. Sam nodded, and Pietro fled.

He arrived back at their room at the same time the asset arrived. It greeted him with a smile that he returned, despite his fear.
"Good to see you Pietro."
"Thanks. Can I talk to her?"
"Go ahead. I can wait until you're done." The asset promised, and Pietro raced past.

Wanda looked up.
"That was quick."
Pietro snorted and shook his head.
"He wasn't interested."
"Me then?" She asked, and Pietro hesitated.
"I don't think so." He wasn't certain, but he got the feeling that she wasn't wanted either. He hoped he wasn't wrong. "The asset is waiting outside."
"Come in!" Wanda called, and seeing the asset her face lit up. She ran to it, embracing it tightly, and it smiled and ruffled her hair. Pietro felt happy for her - she had always had a fondness for the strange man.

"It's good to see you kids." It said. "I thought you might have been... well, it doesn't matter. You're here now. How are you getting on?"
"Good." Wanda said softly, going to sit on the sofa. She took one side and Pietro took the other, with the asset sat between them, an arm around each of their shoulders. Pietro leaned his head against the cool metal surface and allowed himself to relax. For all its faults, the asset had always taken good care of them.

"They've let us stay together. For now." Pietro explained, and the asset nodded.
"Are you still counting if you're separated?"
"When we can." Pietro answered. "I can't when I run. You know time moves differently then."

"You run?" The asset was smiling. "Steve said you put him to shame most days you go so fast."
"I ...try." Pietro hesitated and shrugged. "I have been running with them every day, and I allow Sam to...talk. But he has not pushed further, and I am unsure what it is that he wants. None of these... none of the people here have asked for more from me. There are cameras though. They are watching us now."

"That's alright." The asset said, and its voice didn't drop at all. "If they are watching, they won't mind you asking me for advice on how to make them happy, will they?"
"No sir."
"Then that's alright."
"We've been trying to shower for them. To give them a good show. But I can't work out which angle..." Wanda murmured, and then looked down, a little ashamed.
"It's not your fault. Look, do you want me to go and talk to them?" The asset asked, and Pietro felt himself relax. It was easier, to let the asset take the dangerous role. It would give them the answers they needed, and the officers had always said it was good at keeping them happy. Maybe it would return with some tricks for them.

Whatever the Avengers wanted, it would be better to know for certain. Pietro nodded.
"Thank you." Wanda whispered.
"It's okay. I'll be back soon kids." The asset left.

Wanda reached out and Pietro closed his hand around hers, holding tightly as they waited for its return.

Re: Fill: Gemini (6/7)

[(Anonymous)]

OH MY GOD I can't wait for this bomb to drop oh my GOD

Re: Fill: Gemini (6/7)

[(Anonymous)]

Aw, damn. It's hard to say who's more confused in this. I hope there'll be heart-wrenchingly painful revelations. (:

Re: Fill: Gemini (6/7)

[(Anonymous)]

Desperate for more of this! :)

Fill: Gemini (7/7) COMPLETE

[(Anonymous)]

Wanda looked up as the asset returned. He was flanked by Sam, whose face was blank. He looked almost angry, and Wanda closed her eyes, trying to probe his mind. He looked into her eyes and shook his head.
"Don't. Not now." He told her, and she dropped her attempt. Whatever was wrong, they were going to have to do this in a traditional way. She swallowed nervously, trying not to shake.

Sam smiled at the two of them, indicating for them to sit down. His smile looked forced. They sat, looking between each other. The asset was sat beside Sam, watching, its expression kind.

Wanda liked the asset. She could never really understand why other people found its gaze terrifying. She found it merely friendly. It was easier to look at than Sam when she felt she had done something wrong.

"Hey." He greeted her. "Bucky here has been talking to me about a few things." She stayed quiet, and he looked between the two of them, evaluating. She wrapped her arms around herself, and Pietro leaned in and squeezed her hand gently.

Silence fell for a moment, then Sam took a deep breath and started to speak.
"You two okay?"
"Yes sir." Wanda said softly, keeping her gaze down. "If there's anything I can do, let me know."
"It's not that." Sam said simply. "It's not that you're in trouble, either, before you start thinking that. Neither of you are in any trouble, I promise."
"Thanks." Wanda smiled brightly, the way she had been taught. "I'm glad... I don't want to be in any trouble. I just want to make the Avengers happy, and stay here with you."

"And how do you plan to make us happy?" He asked softly. "What are you expecting to have to do to stay here?"
"Work with the Avengers." Wanda said softly. "Make sure that you are alright and do whatever I can to assist."
"What kind of things?" Sam pressed, and she swallowed, wondering what she was meant to say now, how to phrase it.

Some of the soldiers had liked it when she was explicit, when she used all the dirtiest of words, but there were others who wanted her to play coy, who wanted her to act innocent. She didn't want to say the wrong thing and make their situation worse. Sam was hard to judge.

If Sam would let her read his mind it would solve the problem, but in his current mood it could be a provocation that would backfire. So she considered her options, her lips pursed.
"To help the Avengers to relax. To look after them on their down time, and fight beside them." Saying relax was a neutral enough word that it could be interpreted innocently.

Sam's gaze on her hardened and she wondered if she had said it wrong. Pietro cleared his throat, turning to Sam.
"We thought that maybe you could fuck us to get less stressed." Wanda flinched at his words, knowing he was being blunt to direct the man's attention away from him. As always, Pietro acted like he was invulnerable, and judging from how Sam's expression twisted and his hands clenched into fists, he was about to pay the price for it.

"I see." Sam said after several seconds had passed. His voice sounded a little strange, almost strangled.
"We have been offering." Pietro shrugged. "And we found cameras in the room, but we cannot work out where the ones in the showers are. So if you have ended up with watching our backs it is not our fault."

"What?" Sam asked, looking genuinely confused. The asset stepped closer to Sam, putting itself between the twins and Sam himself.
"Hydra had cameras everywhere." The asset said. "Even if we were alone, they would ...often give orders through speakers in the showers so they could watch on cameras. At least, that was what it was like for me, and from what they’ve said... I think the kids were looking for the cameras now."

"Oh God." Sam frowned, crossing his arms and turning away. He was breathing strangely, and Wanda reached out towards him, only for the asset to shake its head.
"It's okay kids." It walked over to Falcon, and the two of them left, the door closing behind them.

Wanda stood cautiously in the middle of the room, and relaxed only when Pietro wrapped his arms around her, hugging her back against his chest. She closed her eyes.
"What have you done?"
"We couldn't keep living that way sister." Pietro murmured against her ear. "I know you don't like me just running ahead, but this way at least we know what they want." Wanda could see the wisdom of his words. This had been almost impossible, waiting in fear of what would happen next. Expecting the other shoe to stop.

There was a conversation happening in whispers outside of the room, and Wanda found herself agreeing with her brother, trying to see it as a positive. Knowing what was expected would help, of course it would. It just had been nice, for a little while, to pretend that they didn't have to be available the way Hydra had asked of them. Still, no dream lasted forever, and they both knew that. They weren’t children. They hadn’t been children since their parents had died.

There was a knock on the door.
"Come in." Wanda called out, standing straight, her brother beside her. Sam walked in first, followed by the asset. Both of them looked tired. Wanda had not seen Sam look so exhausted before, and the asset looked like it did when it was tortured.

"Bucky's explained some things." Sam started. "And I want you to know that what happened to you before was wrong."
"It meant we were useful." Wanda said simply. It was what she had been taught. Even if it hurt, it was better to be useful than to be useless, and at least they were seen as something valuable, as something human. Unlike the asset who walked over to stand beside them.
"You won't be used anymore." The asset said. “You’re good for more than that.”

"Damn right." Sam agreed. "I'm sorry we didn't make it clearer, we just... we thought you knew. We would never, ever hurt any of you like that. I'm sorry."
"Why?" Wanda asked softly. "You are offering not to hurt us. That is a kindness we have not been offered in a long time."

"It's a kindness you should have been given when you first got here." Sam answered.
"What does the asset have to do?" Wanda asked, turning her gaze to it. It wouldn’t be right, for it to be hurt in their place, tempting though the offer was.

"Nothing." The asset answered for itself. "This is the real deal Wanda. They aren't going to hurt any of us any more."

Sam looked at them and smiled.
"You're safe now. And I'm sorry. We thought you were safe." Sam shook his head, running his hands down his face. "I thought that we'd made you safe. You kids should have been safe months ago. You are safe now."

Wanda tried again to probe at Sam's mind, and she could feel that he meant his words There was no threat there, no double meanings, no hidden anger. It was over. Those years of hell, everything that they had done, and it was over. She squeezed Pietro's hand again, then looked Sam in the eye.
"I don't know how to be safe."

"We'll help you work it out." The asset promised, and it sounded certain. Wanda hoped it was right.