Timeline Twist

The days after the beach trip settled into a comfortable rhythm at the villa. Jon, Wanda, and Pietro had found a sort of peace, a quiet normalcy that was both new and incredibly welcome. But for Jon, there was always something more, something he needed to address with Wanda. He'd been waiting, watching, letting their connection grow, letting her trust in him deepen. He genuinely liked her, more than he'd ever expected. Her fierce spirit, her quiet vulnerability, the way her eyes lit up with simple joys, it was all incredibly attractive to him. He found himself thinking about her more and more, not just as a powerful ally, but as someone he truly cared for.

One evening, after Pietro had zipped off to bed, Jon and Wanda were sitting in the living room. The soft lamplight made the room feel cozy, a stark contrast to the harsh mountains she'd come from. Jon took a deep breath. This was the moment.

"Wanda," he began, his voice a little softer than usual, "there's something I need to talk to you about. Something... important about magic."

Wanda turned, her green eyes curious. "About what?"

"There's a kind of magic," Jon explained, choosing his words carefully, "that sorcerers can use from other places, other dimensions. It's also possible to tap into it from other magical beings, like... well, like you." He paused, watching her face. "It's often called 'dark magic' because, in the past, unscrupulous individuals used it for selfish things, for power. But for me, magic is just magic. It's good if you control it, if you use it for good. And I believe any magic can be controlled."

He leaned forward slightly. "I didn't bring this up before, when you first arrived. You were scared, confused. You needed to trust me, to understand me. I wanted you to feel comfortable enough to say no, to walk away, if this felt wrong to you." I really do care about her feelings. I don't want to push her, not after everything she's been through.

He thought about all the conversations they'd had over the past weeks. They'd spent hours just talking, sharing pieces of their lives. Wanda had told him about growing up in Sokovia, the simple games she and Pietro played, the taste of her mother's cooking. Jon, in turn, had shared memories of his own childhood, carefully picking details that felt real, even if the context was from another world. He talked about his favorite foods, silly school stories, and the joy of just being a kid. They'd laughed, sometimes even cried a little, building a bridge of shared human experience.

"I've lost my family too, Wanda," Jon said, his voice quiet, a genuine sadness in his eyes. He didn't tell her he wasn't from this world, or the true, mind-bending way he'd lost everyone. Instead, he focused on the raw emotion. "And my biggest wish, more than anything, is to live my life to the fullest now. To have a big, happy family. A real one. Here." He looked at her, his gaze sincere. I want that with you. With Pietro. This could be it.

Wanda listened, a soft, understanding look on her face. She saw the genuine pain in his eyes, the deep longing for connection. He understands. He really understands what it's like to lose everything, to want a family so badly. Their shared moments, the laughter, the quiet comfort, had woven a strong thread between them. She felt a warmth spread through her chest, a sense of belonging she hadn't known since her parents died.

"This magic I'm talking about," Jon continued, bringing the conversation back, "it would let me use some of your power. Like... I'd be a sort of container for it. But it's limited, and it would run out as I use it. I'd have to keep drawing from you. If I wanted to never run out, I'd have to take your powers completely, which," he said firmly, looking directly into her eyes, "I absolutely would never do. I care about you, Wanda. I've grown fond of you. That's not what this is about."

He took another breath, his expression serious. "This magic's origin... it's ancient. Dark sorcerers and witches in the past used it for terrible things, for their own selfish gains and desires. It's dangerous. That's why I want you to know about it. How to defend against it, how to protect yourself. And if... if you're willing, I'd like to try sharing your magic with me."

Jon watched her, a knot of worry tightening in his stomach. His concern was clear on his face, a raw, open vulnerability that Wanda had rarely seen.

Wanda saw it. She saw the worry in his eyes, the slight tension in his jaw, the way he held his breath. She didn't need to read his mind, his emotions were practically shouting. He's worried. He's genuinely worried about how I'll react. He cares. He really cares what I think. A strange, warm flutter started in her chest, a feeling she hadn't experienced before. Her heart gave a little leap. His honesty, his concern for her feelings, was incredibly touching. It wasn't about power for him, not really. It was about trust. It was about them.

"So," Wanda said, her voice soft, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips, "you want to use my magic... to learn healing spells?"

Jon nodded, relieved she wasn't reacting badly. "Exactly! Your magic, Wanda, it works on reality itself. It's incredible. Imagine what we could do with healing magic, it could be a complete game-changer. We could help and protect ourselves"

Wanda thought for a moment, then met his gaze, a quiet determination settling in her eyes. "Okay, Jon," she said, a new strength in her voice. "Teach me. I'll share my magic with you."

A genuine smile lit up Jon's face. "Thank you, Wanda. You won't regret this." He then began to teach her. First, he showed her how to sense the subtle energies of this "dark magic," how to build mental shields, and how to instinctively push back against any unwanted influence. He explained that while it was powerful, it was also a tool, and like any tool, it could be wielded for good or ill.

After Jon gained access to her magic, a strange, almost electric hum that resonated deep within him when he focused, they both started trying to learn healing magic. Wanda's magic worked on strong intent, focus, and desire. This made learning healing both easier and harder at times. Easier, because her will could directly influence reality. Harder, because controlling such raw, emotional power with the precision needed for healing was a delicate dance. There were moments of frustration, bursts of accidental energy, and then moments of pure breakthrough, a faint glow of warmth and healing spreading from their joined hands. They were learning, together, building something new and powerful.

Meanwhile, at Thorne Capital, Elara was meticulously following Jon's instructions. He'd given her the green light to start buying 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."

Elara, with her sharp intellect and keen business sense, found this unusual. Limited batches? And waiting for a 'word' for bigger acquisitions? Her mind, accustomed to aggressive, swift market movements, immediately started turning. Why the caution? Is there insider information? A major market shift coming that only he's privy to? A thrill of curiosity, mixed with a hint of doubt, ran through her. I don't know the full picture, but his confidence... it's compelling. Despite her internal questions, she chose to follow his orders without hesitation. 

Later that week, Elara presented Jon with a few promising investment opportunities she'd uncovered through her own extensive research. They sat in Jon's home office, a sleek, modern space overlooking the quiet woods. As she laid out her findings, detailing potential risks and projected gains with crisp, confident precision, Jon listened intently. He didn't interrupt, didn't question her judgment. When she finished, he simply nodded, a genuine smile on his face.

"Excellent work, Elara," he said, his voice warm with approval. "These are exactly the kinds of opportunities we should be pursuing. Full support. Move forward as you see fit."

A wave of profound satisfaction washed over Elara. Full support. The words resonated deeply within her. She'd spent years in high-pressure environments, constantly having to justify every decision, battling skepticism, or worse, being micromanaged by insecure bosses. With Jon, it was different. He saw her efforts, trusted her expertise, and appreciated her contributions without reservation. This is... liberating. A quiet joy blossomed in her chest. She felt truly valued, her intelligence and hard work not just acknowledged, but celebrated. It was a stark contrast to her previous roles, where appreciation often felt conditional, tied to immediate, quantifiable success. Here, with Jon, there was a sense of genuine partnership, a shared vision where her skills were truly empowered. A subtle, pleased smile touched her lips, a rare display of genuine happiness. This is how work should feel.

Beyond the office, Jon and Elara found themselves bonding in unexpected ways. They'd often share meals, sometimes a quick lunch in the city, other times a relaxed dinner at the villa after Pietro had gone to bed. These weren't formal business meetings, they were easy, flowing conversations where they'd talk about everything from global economics to their favorite obscure documentaries. Elara found it surprisingly fun to be around Jon. He had this way of making her feel incredibly confident in herself, her ideas, and her abilities. He'd listen, truly listen, and his genuine interest made her feel sharper, more insightful.

During these relaxed moments, Jon would often flirt with her. It was subtle, a lingering gaze, a playful comment about her sharp wit, or a charming smile that made her heart do a little flip. Elara, in her late thirties, was older than Jon, and a part of her mind, the very proper, professional part, would whisper that this was "inappropriate." He's my boss. And he's younger. This isn't how things are done. Yet, Jon's easy confidence, his genuine appreciation, and his relaxed, almost carefree attitude made those worries melt away. He wasn't pushy, he was just... charming. And she found herself liking it. A lot.

She liked Jon not just for his captivating personality and the way he treated her, but also, she admitted to herself, for his money. It's not about being a gold digger, she reasoned, a pragmatic thought. But if you're looking for a partner, financial stability and ambition are certainly positives. It shows capability, foresight. She wasn't actively looking for a serious relationship right now, her career, her newfound freedom at Thorne Capital, was her focus. But Jon's flirting was a welcome distraction, a fun game that allowed her to release some of the stress from her high-stakes work. It was a pleasant, low-pressure way to enjoy herself, to feel desired and appreciated, without any heavy expectations. She found herself looking forward to their shared meals, to the easy banter, and to the subtle spark that danced between them.

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