10 Things I Love About You
I look into Wanda’s emerald green eyes, raise my glass and clink it against hers.
“Happy Valentine my love.”
The sweetest smile appears on her soft pink lips and a warm feeling goes through me. It doesn’t matter how many years we have spend together, she still manages to make me feel like I’m the luckiest person alive.
“Happy Valentine’s day sweetie. What made you decide to plan a trip to New York and how long ago exactly did you book our table at Eleven Madison Park*?” She makes a gesture to the overly expensive restaurant we are currently seated in.
“Oh, I didn’t. Tony owed me a favor and I thought my favorite girl deserved a special Valentine.” I lean forward and press a kiss on her lips.
Wanda closes her eyes for a second, savoring the kiss, before suddenly snapping them open, having clearly read my mind. “You sneaky bitch!” she gasps, pulling back.
“What?” I ask, putting on the best fake innocent face I have. If I wanted to look actually innocent, I would. But I was going to enjoy this little game of us.
“This is cheating Natalia!”
Wanda using my real name was a clear message that she was not happy with me, so I quickly grabbed my glass of red wine and took a big gulp. I was not particularly fond of an annoyed Scarlet Witch.
“The agreement was that we would only give each other self made gifts this year.”
“And I did, I promise!” I held up my hands in front of me, to show exactly how innocent I was.
“Oh, are you going to make this dinner?” She raises her eyebrow at me, thinking she has the upper hand.
“This is a gift to the both of us darling. We’re going to enjoy it together, aren’t we?” I have her cornered and we both know it.
She narrows her eyes at me, knowing she has lost the battle. “You and your silver tongue.”
A big grin crosses my face and I grab her hand, pressing the softest kiss possible on the top.
“There are a lot of things this tongue can do you know.” A wink accompanies my words and I can see a soft blush creep over Wanda’s cheeks.
“Stop it Nat, not when we’re in public!”
A giggle leaves my lips. She’s the only one in the world who can turn me into someone as carefree as this.
We get interrupted by the approaching footsteps of our waiter. It’s a young girl and I can see that she is very nervous. I guess serving 2 retired Avengers is a stressful task for someone who probably hasn’t been working here for very long. Thankfully this is a refined location and she treats us like she does her other patrons: respectfully and professionally without asking any questions. The same goes for the other people dining here. Of course they gave us a curious look when we walked in, but after that they focused on their own tables again. Wanda offers the girl a sweet smile and treats her as kindly as possible. After taking our order she leaves us alone once more.
“So, back to the matter at hand.” Wanda takes my hand into her own and places a small gift inside of it.
It’s wrapped in crimson red paper, a color that never fails to catch my attention. Despite the excitement bubbling beneath the surface, I maintain my composure, my fingers moving deliberately as I carefully peel back the wrapping paper. Each motion is precise, controlled, betraying none of the anticipation building within me. With practiced ease, I reveal the contents—a sleek box adorned with a delicate bow. I meet Wanda’s gaze, a silent acknowledgment passing between us, before I lift the lid of the box with steady hands. Inside lies a silver ring, its band glinting softly in the light, crowned with a crimson stone that captures my gaze. Despite the rush of emotions stirring within me, I maintain my outward calm, a testament to years of training and discipline.
I open my mouth to complain, but before I can do so, Wanda beats me to it. ‘Hear me out, please!’ she urges. ’It’s a self-made gift! I’ve been collaborating with a jeweler in Birnin Zana, combining my magic with his ring making expertise. It took a few tries—okay, it took a lot of tries—but we finally got the hang of it, and this was the result.”
Carefully, I take the ring out of its container to examine it closer, and as I do so, it’s as if the red jewel is alive, shimmering and pulsating with an inner energy that feels strangely familiar, like a whisper of Wanda’s magic woven into its very essence.
I am rendered speechless as I gaze at the ring in awe, feeling a rush of emotions wash over me. “Wanda,” I whisper, my voice barely above a breath. “Put it on for me, please.”
With a gentle smile, Wanda takes the ring from my hand and slides it onto my outstretched finger. As the crimson gem catches the light, I am mesmerized by its brilliance, the vibrant hues dancing before my eyes. In this moment, my heart is overflowing with love and gratitude.
“You’re amazing,” I murmur, as I admire the ring on my finger.
Wanda’s eyes sparkle with joy at my reaction. “I’m so glad you like it,” she says, her voice filled with warmth.
But before I can respond, Wanda’s excitement bubbles over. “Now, it’s my turn!”
My heart sinks as I gaze at the beautiful ring in my hand, feeling a mix of fear and nervousness. Yes, the famous Black Widow is feeling scared. How can my simple gift ever compare to the effort and care Wanda has put into this stunning creation? Insecurity floods over me and I feel small and vulnerable. How can just a piece of paper show how much I love Wanda? The knot of anxiety tightens in my chest as I struggle to muster the courage to offer my gift, worried it won’t even come close to Wanda’s thoughtful gesture.
But then she’s there. Her hands grab mine and I feel her presence combine with mine.
“Hey..” She whispers so softly that I almost think I imagine it. “Look at me.”
I look at these beautiful eyes and for a moment it’s all that I see.
“I’m sure I’ll love it,” she says it full of love, her gaze never leaving mine. “Because it’s from you.”
I take a deep breath, reach into my handbag and take out an envelope. Wanda’s name is written on it in my clean characteristic way.
I pass it on to her and she accepts it with the warmest of smiles, carefully opening it.
I know what it says of course, I have spend hours working on it.10 Things I love about you.Not because I find it hard to think of 10 things I love about my precious Wanda, but because I still find it incredibly hard to talk, or write in this case, about my emotions.
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10 Things I love about you
I love how much you love to cook and bake, and your talent in the kitchen is undeniable. I understand how much it pains you to have lost many of your original Sokovian recipes, and I regret that I cannot replace them. However, witnessing your determination to recreate them brings me immense joy. That smile on your face when you’re busy in the kitchen, I could just look at it for hours and hours. Waking up to the scent of your homemade pancakes is a highlight of my day, and seeing you covered in flour, from your nose to your hair, never fails to bring a smile to my face.
I love how incredibly caring you are. Your compassion knows no limits, and it’s one of the things I admire most about you. Whether it’s comforting a kid, helping out an injured animal, or dealing with your own past, you’re always there with empathy and determination. You’ll go to great lengths to make things right, even if it means sacrificing your own happiness. You carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, yet you never lose sight of your goal: to make life a little better for everyone around you. Your heart is huge, and you’re always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needs it.
I love how you love your beloved sitcoms. Oh Wanda, how you smile when you watch them. I would move mountains just to see it grace your lips. Whether it’s your hundredth viewing of the same show or a new episode, it doesn’t matter to me. What truly matters is witnessing the joy it brings you. I am more than willing to join you for another hundred viewings, snuggled up together, a bucket of popcorn nestled between us, and a glass of wine at hand. Your happiness is my greatest pleasure, and I will always be by your side to share in it.
I love how crazy you are about horses, even though you’ve never even ridden one. Your certainty that you’ll love it is so charming—it’s like you just know it deep down in your bones. And when we drive past a horse, the way your face lights up is just contagious. It’s like you become a little kid again, full of laughter and excitement. Your joy reminds me of the simple pleasures in life, and I feel so lucky to share those moments with you. I can’t wait for the day when you finally get to ride a horse, and I’ll be right there with you, cheering you on every step of the way..
I love how you spend hours coloring in those coloring books. It’s so cute how you prefer the children’s ones over those fancy adult mandalas. Watching you get all excited about picking out colors and filling in those pages is just heartwarming. You don’t care about looking silly; you’re just in it for the fun. Your excitement rubs off on me every time, and I can’t help but smile. Whether it’s a cute storybook scene or a fun character to color, you dive in with the same childlike wonder every time.
I love your magic. It’s not just something I admire; it’s the most beautiful thing in the world, second only to you. It’s alive, full of energy, and utterly mesmerizing. The crimson red color it radiates is like a symbol of our bond, connecting us in a way that’s truly special. I could spend hours watching your hands manipulating it to do your bidding, working their magic with such ease and finesse. Your control over it is amazing, and I feel so lucky to witness it up close, every single day.
I love the fact that you despise hiking, and even more so, that you detest the idea of walking to places. Given the choice, you’ll opt for any mode of transportation over walking: be it the car, the bike, or even flying if possible. I’m not quite sure why that is, but it’s just one of those quirks that make you who you are. And I’ve learned never to disturb your morning slumber for my own walks.
I love, and sometimes hate, your cold hands and feet. Okay, I hate them. Let’s be honest, it’s frustrating when you come and press them against me in an attempt to warm them up. But at the same time, they’re a part of who you are, so how could I not love them? It’s like no matter how warm it is outside, your hands and feet have somehow taken a dip in an icy bath before seeking warmth from me. Just the thought of it gives me chills.
I love your passion for the guitar, and your determination to learn it on your own terms. Despite my countless offers to teach you, you’ve steadfastly refused, insisting that it’s a journey you want to embark on solo. It’s utterly endearing to witness your efforts to decipher which note to play, your tongue poking out ever so slightly in concentration. How could I not fall in love with you all over again when I see you like that? My little stubborn witch.
I love your perseverance, but I don’t just love it - it’s downright astonishing. Despite enduring countless trials and tribulations, life has continued to hurl challenges your way, yet you’ve faced each one head-on with unwavering strength and determination. From grappling with the complexities of your extraordinary powers to grappling with the profound loss of your family and homeland, from mastering the art of physical combat to confronting the demons of trauma and PTSD, you’ve navigated through the darkest of days with unparalleled resilience. And here you are, standing tall as the epitome of strength and resilience, the strongest woman I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. You’re not just my partner, you’re my inspiration, and I’m endlessly grateful to walk this journey of life alongside you.
I love you
Я тебя люблю
Natalia
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I watch as Wanda’s eyes fly over the paper and as she comes to the end, she stops. It’s as if the world falls silent and my heart stops beating. This was a mistake, this was clearly the most stupid gift I could have given to her.
“I’m sorry.” I whisper and I reach towards to paper, ready to shred it into a million pieces and just buy her something expensive instead.
But before my hands can reach it, Wanda pulls it out of my reach and looks at me with big eyes.
“Don’t you dare!” She hisses.
I sit back, tilting my head ever so slightly.
“Nat… This is the most beautiful gift you could ever have given me. I can’t imagine how much this must have taken from you to write this down… Thank you so, so much.”
Her hand reaches for mine and I grab it, relief filling my every fiber. Now that I know she actually likes it and my fear was all for nothing, I can go back to being myself.
I place a kiss on Wanda’s lips and rest my forehead against hers for a moment.
“I love it Nat, so much. I’m going to cherish it forever.” She gives me the sweetest smile a woman could possibly ask for.
“You better, you don’t know how many hours of blood, sweat and tears it took me to write that.” I give her my signature smirk.
“Oh really?” Mischief fills her eyes. “Well in that case, maybe I should have it framed and hang it in the hallway so everyone can see it.” Her nose scrunches up in that adorable way it does when she’s enjoying herself.
“Don’t. You. Dare.”
Giggles are her only reaction and happiness fills me completely.
This is what Valentine is all about.
I love you always, forever
Near and far, closer together
Everywhere I will be with you
Every sin, I will do for you
