Timeline Twist

Two weeks melted into the rhythm of Jon's new life in New York. His company, Thorne Industries, was officially up and running. The massive loan he'd secured, a clean sum acquired through those discreet international banks that accepted his 'unconventional assets' as collateral, now sat ready in the company accounts. He'd given Elara the green light to begin acquiring shares, but with a strict caveat: "Small scale for now, Elara. Get the right price. Hold on the bigger plays until I give the word." He was waiting, patiently, for the news of Tony Stark's kidnapping, the precise moment his foreknowledge would allow them to strike with surgical precision.

During this waiting period, a different kind of progress was blossoming within the villa. The initial wariness Wanda and Pietro held towards Jon had softened, replaced by a tentative, then genuine, comfort. Pietro, who had initially scoffed at the idea of "normal life", Why would I want to walk when I can run?, was finding a surprising enjoyment in it. He still moved with a restless energy, but now it was channeled into zipping through company documents, and even, to Jon's amusement, becoming an expert at finding the best pizza places in the city. He'd come back from a "delivery" mission, a stack of signed papers in hand, a wide grin on his face. "Boss, you wouldn't believe the traffic out there! Took me almost five minutes to get this across town. But hey, I found a new coffee shop with triple-shot espressos. Game changer." Living a life without constant fear, without the gnawing hunger for revenge, was something he hadn't known he craved, and he was embracing it with the same boundless energy he applied to everything else.

For Wanda, this newfound normalcy was a revelation. Every mundane activity was a first, a small miracle. She'd watch Pietro with a quiet wonder, sometimes joining him on an "errand" just to experience the simple bustle of a city street without the threat of a missile. The idea of a beach trip, just the two of them, filled her with a nervous, giddy excitement she hadn't felt since childhood. Elara and Pietro were engrossed in their new roles at Thorne Industries, meticulously researching market trends and laying groundwork, leaving Jon and Wanda with a rare, free afternoon.

"A beach?" Wanda had asked, her green eyes wide, a faint blush on her cheeks. "I've never... I've only seen them in pictures."

"Then it's time you experienced one," Jon had replied, a warm smile in his voice. "But first, we need to get you proper attire."

The drive to the upscale shopping district was a symphony of Wanda's quiet awe. Her face, usually so intense, was alight with a childlike wonder as she pressed her nose to the car window, watching the vibrant, bustling streets of New York flash by. Her lips, often set in a determined line, curved into a soft, genuine smile. This is what normal feels like, she thought, a fragile, precious feeling blossoming in her chest. To just... go. To choose.

They stepped into a high-end swimwear boutique, the air filled with the scent of sunscreen and new fabric. Racks of colorful bikinis and swimsuits lined the walls, a dizzying array of styles and patterns. Wanda's eyes widened, a mixture of fascination and sudden shyness. She picked up a bright, floral two-piece, her fingers tracing the delicate straps.

"Go on," Jon encouraged, a playful glint in his eye. "Try some on. Find something that makes you feel... like you." He leaned against a display, arms crossed, a subtle, appreciative smile playing on his lips. He watched her, a warmth spreading through him. She's like a flower finally getting sunlight. And damn, she's even more captivating when she's happy.

Wanda disappeared into a fitting room. A few moments later, a nervous giggle escaped from behind the curtain. "Jon! This one is... very small!" she called out, her voice muffled.

"Let's see!" he teased back, a grin on his face.

The curtain parted just a crack, revealing Wanda peeking out, her cheeks flushed crimson. She was wearing a tiny, neon-pink bikini, the fabric barely covering anything. Her lithe, athletic figure, usually hidden beneath practical clothes, was on full display. The top was indeed very small, barely containing her, and the bottoms were impossibly high-cut, showing off the long, toned lines of her legs and the gentle curve of her hips. Her striking green eyes, usually so serious, were wide with embarrassment.

Jon let out a low, appreciative whistle, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Wow, Wanda. That's... a bold choice. Definitely makes a statement." He met her gaze, his eyes sparkling with genuine admiration. "Though, I'm not sure the world is ready for that much... you." He winked, a subtle, flirty glint in his eyes. "But seriously, you look incredible. It really highlights your... vibrant personality."

Wanda's blush deepened, but a small, pleased smile touched her lips. He's teasing me. And... I like it. He makes me feel... seen. And pretty. Not just powerful, but... desirable. She quickly ducked back behind the curtain, a soft laugh escaping her. "Too much, then! I'll try another!"

She emerged a few more times, each bikini a different style. A sleek black one that hugged her curves, emphasizing her toned waist and the alluring line of her back. A playful polka-dot one that made her look surprisingly innocent, yet still incredibly attractive. Jon offered genuine compliments, his gaze lingering, appreciating her figure in a way that made her feel both a little shy and undeniably flattered. "That one's perfect for swimming," he'd say, his eyes tracing the line of her shoulder. "And this one... well, this one's just for looking at." He'd offer a warm, teasing smile, and Wanda would find herself blushing, a quiet happiness bubbling inside her. He makes me forget. Forget Hydra, forget the bombing, forget the fear. He just... makes me happy. His compliments, his teasing, the way his eyes lingered, it was all new, all exhilarating.

Finally, she settled on a deep blue bikini, simple yet elegant, that flattered her figure beautifully without being overly revealing. "This one," she said, a quiet confidence in her voice, a genuine smile on her lips. "I like this one."

"Excellent choice," Jon agreed, his gaze warm and approving. "Perfect for a day at the beach."

The beach was a breathtaking expanse of golden sand stretching towards the endless, sparkling blue of the ocean. The sun was warm on their skin, and the rhythmic crash of waves against the shore was a soothing lullaby. Wanda gasped, her eyes wide with pure wonder. "It's... it's even more beautiful than the pictures," she whispered, her voice filled with awe. She kicked off her sandals, feeling the soft, warm sand between her toes for the very first time. This is real. This is freedom.

They spent hours in the water. Jon, wearing simple swim trunks, swam alongside her, his movements strong and effortless. Wanda, in her new blue bikini, moved gracefully through the waves. The water clung to her, outlining her figure in a way that made Jon's gaze linger, a quiet appreciation in his eyes. He'd splash her playfully, then dart away, laughing as she tried to conjure a small wave to retaliate. "Can't catch me, witch!" he'd tease, his voice filled with genuine mirth.

"Oh, I'll catch you, Jon!" she'd retort, a rare, uninhibited laugh bubbling up from deep within her. She'd send a small, controlled jet of water at him, her powers now a tool for fun, not just survival. He'd dodge, and they'd chase each other through the gentle surf, their laughter echoing over the waves. They built a ridiculously lopsided sandcastle, played a clumsy game of beach volleyball, and then collapsed onto their towels, exhausted and exhilarated.

As the afternoon wore on, they found a small, casual seafood shack by the boardwalk. They ate fresh, grilled fish and crispy fries, the salty taste a perfect end to their day of play. Wanda watched the sunset paint the sky in fiery hues, a deep contentment settling over her. This is what it could be. This is what I want.

They returned to the villa late that night, tired but deeply content. The house was quiet, Pietro likely already asleep after his busy day. Jon and Wanda settled onto a large, comfortable sofa in the living room, the soft glow of a lamp casting warm shadows.

"Today was... amazing," Wanda said, her voice soft, leaning her head back against the cushions. "Away from... everything. Just... normal." A wistful sigh escaped her. "No magic. No worries. Just... us."

Jon nodded, his gaze distant, reflecting on the day. "It was good. Really good. Sometimes, you just need that. A break from the extraordinary." He turned his head, looking at her, sensing a deeper current in her thoughts. Her face, softened by the day's joy, held a quiet yearning. "What are you thinking about, Wanda?" he asked gently, his voice low, sensing the profound depth of her unspoken desires.

Wanda hesitated, her eyes drifting to the large window, looking out at the dark, peaceful woods. A profound longing, a bittersweet ache, filled her. I was thinking... about a family. A normal family. Not like... not like what we had, always afraid. But a real home. With children. And simple days like this. Going to the beach, laughing, not worrying about bombs or experiments. Just... living. Being happy. The image was so vivid, so powerful, it almost brought tears to her eyes. It was a future she barely dared to dream of, a stark contrast to the chaos and loss that had defined her life. The thought of sharing this vulnerable, deeply personal dream with Jon, with anyone, made her shy away.

A mischievous glint flickered in her eyes, a sudden diversion. She turned to Jon, a playful smirk touching her lips. "I was just thinking," she said, her voice light, teasing, "that you're not as subtle as you think, Jon." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I saw you. Sneaking glances at Elara during those company dinners. She's quite striking, isn't she? All that sharp intellect and... sophisticated sexiness." She watched his reaction, a playful challenge in her gaze, her lips curving into a knowing smile.

Jon chuckled, a genuine, easy sound. He met her gaze, a playful glint in his own eyes. "Oh, did you now, Wanda? And here I thought I was being the picture of professional decorum." He leaned back, a charming, flirty smirk on his face. "Can't a man appreciate... talent in his employees? Elara is, undeniably, very good at what she does. And yes, she's quite attractive. But then," he paused, his gaze dropping to her lips, then sweeping up to meet her eyes, a warm, appreciative intensity in his stare, "so are you, Wanda. In a completely different, and equally captivating, way. You have a certain... raw intensity that's hard to ignore. And after today, I'd say your 'vibrant personality' is even more... alluring than I first realized." He held her gaze, a silent invitation in his eyes, a playful challenge that mirrored her own.

The playful banter hung in the air, a comfortable warmth settling between them. Wanda's smile softened, her gaze lingering on Jon's. The day had been a revelation, a glimpse into a life she hadn't dared to imagine. As the quiet of the night deepened around them, a new kind of understanding, unspoken yet profound, seemed to settle between them. The promise of a future, filled with both ordinary joys and extraordinary possibilities, felt closer than ever.

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