explosion | OPEN POST.

[ he's so still. ]

In a minute. I'm not finished yet.

[ wanda doesn't glance at the sun catcher, keeping her gaze focused on him. she has half a mind to withdraw her foot now and ensure that the sun catcher is safely tucked away, but she knows nothing will harm it. even if it was to fall, her sheer willpower will keep it in one piece.

besides, she's still eating—and wanda wants to ensure she eats the breakfast he had been so kind enough to cook on their shared birthday. she ensures to make a show of taking her time dipping her toast in what's left of the yolk and eats it, pushing her toes more firmly against his crotch. ]

[Pietro manages to deal with it for all of fifteen seconds before giving in and pressing back against her foot. He'd started this and he would like to finish it.]

Oh, come on. It can't take you an hour to eat a piece of toast.

[He taps his thumb rapidly against the table and sighs restlessly like they really have been sitting here for an hour and not under ten minutes.]

Do you want me to try?

[ Wanda doesn't hold back her chuckle, although she's not quite sure if it's in amusement from his spoken exasperation or the fact that he's finally given in and pushed back against her foot. She applies pressure, careful not to hurt him, and continues to eat her toast until she purposefully leaves the crusts and the egg on her plate. Although it's tempting to spend an hour eating her breakfast, she knows Pietro won't sit for that long—and she doesn't wish to waste this day like that.

She sighs long and loud. ]

I think we should find somewhere to hang the sun catcher now.

[ She emphasises that with a press of her foot. ]

[He can't help himself from continuing to moving his hips just a little, rubbing against the pressure of her foot while Wanda finishes all she's going to eat of her breakfast.]

Yes.

[Pietro's agreement is immediate and too-loud the moment she's done speaking and her foot pokes harder against him. Despite how good that feels, he moves in a hurry - pulling out his chair, leaning over the table to grab the crusts of Wanda's toast, gathering the leftover egg between them, and shoving it all in his mouth at once. He snatches the sun-catcher too, only to toss is casually back at Wanda from half-way across the room as he heads for the bedroom. It's fine, he's prepared to run back and catch it himself if she misses, but he has to keep her on her toes.]

[ Wanda laughs, but her laughter's short-lived when he throws her most prized possession carelessly at her.

Thankfully, she catches it gently, relying on her powers to ensure it isn't harmed. She quickly assesses it to ensure there are no cracks, and when she spots none, she's lighter with relief. ]

Pietro!

[ She could kill him for that!

Gently gripping the sun catcher, she storms after him, red-hot anger making her skin burn. She moves quicker than she has before, almost as though she's absorbed some of his speed so she can ensure she catches him. ]

You could have broken it!

[It's difficult for Pietro to stand by his conviction that Wanda would never hurt him when she's looking at him like that. Her eyes reflect anger he doesn't want directed at him, and he knows very well at this point that he'd overstepped with that impulsive notion solely meant to provoke, but not this much. He makes sure there are obstacles in between them as he backs across the room - the bed, some of his shoes, whatever else he'd left on floor over the last couple of days. He contemplates quickly moving the dresser too and his fingers twitch with the urge to slide it over and hide behind it. He doesn't break eye contact, because he'll look at her hands and he doesn't want to know if there are red tendrils floating up from her fingers.

Still, Pietro if nothing is not extremely aggravating at the worst of times, and he can's stop himself from scoffing like she's overreacting, crossing his arms casually despite being completely on edge, and shaking his head dismissively.]

You caught it.

[Everything is justified by the ends.]

[ She purses her lips angrily. That's beside the point! ]

You threw it!

[ Wanda's not the best catcher by any means, her reflexes often slow unless in a situation that requires it. Sometimes she thinks she's slow because she knows Pietro will have her back. He's always there, always looking after her, always so much quicker.

But sometimes he can be so slow. Him not realising how much the sun catcher means to her is another example of how he sometimes moves as slow as a sloth is rumoured to.

Her fingers remain like normal fingers, lacking any red tendrils weaving between them. As angry as she can be, she never directs it toward Pietro. She prefers to petulantly ignore him and huff around the house instead. That's effective most of the time.

So, she does it now, glaring at him for one moment longer before turning her gaze away and walking toward the window. She holds the sun catcher up and eyes it, letting it spin gently to see how it might catch the afternoon light. Unhappy with where she's holding it, she turns slightly to her right and scrutinises that. It deserves the best spot in the room. ]

[It's only after she turns away that Pietro allows himself to outwardly appear anywhere near contrite, and he doesn't apologise. He should, but it wouldn't help, not when he doesn't understand the gravity of things when it comes to Wanda's reactions sometimes. It will click, belatedly, probably the next time he looks at the family photo he's held onto forever, but then it will be too late to bring it back up and properly atone for his mishandling of a new keepsake. It will go ignored and smoothed over, much like any previous insensitive actions on his part. He busies himself picking up his shoes and stray clothes, watching Wanda at the window deciding on where to string up the sun-catcher. Pietro waits as long as he can stand it, which is two minutes and three seconds, before stepping up behind her.]

It looks good there.

[His voice is quieter, but still doesn't hold enough softness in it, and he thinks those words might come across as merely a less demanding version of "just hang it up already," so he tries to fix that.]

If you... like it there.

Does it?

[ While Wanda still feels irritation at him for his carelessness, she doesn't hold onto it. It's impossible to. She's the softer one out of the two of them, the one who's often slow but can be quick to anger and quicker at letting things go, especially when it comes to Pietro. He's never malicious, never intentionally, and that's something Wanda often holds onto.

She smiles at the sun catcher before she nods. ] It'll go here.

[ Gently, she places it down on the nearest surface, making sure it's out of the sun so it doesn't fade too quickly and away from the edges so nothing topples onto it or causes it to leap to its death on the floor. They can hang it up later once she's found some sturdy string (the first type of string they find will never be good enough for Wanda) and ensure the breeze from the window won't knock it over.

She clears her throat before she steps away from him and opens the set of drawers where she keeps some of her clothes. ]

I need to get dressed for the park. [ Even though they had chosen to go in the afternoon, Wanda thinks this is the best way to move forward. But not before she turns to Pietro and regards him with a cocked brow. ] That is what you are wearing?

[ What he's wearing is perfectly fine, but Pietro doesn't need to know that right now. ]

[Pietro makes an agreeable noise at first, shifting the topic back to going out is a good move. Then he needs to act indignant at Wanda's comment, looking down at himself and spreading his arms out in annoyance. A routine thing he can fall into and get rid of the lingering awkwardness.]

What? Are you embarrassed to be seen with me like this?

[While he doesn't exactly dress 'nice' at any time, he does take some semblance of care with things that don't clash and that fit properly. But his worn track pants and slightly baggy sweatshirt could be deemed somewhat sloppy, if he squinted, and now he's going to be self-conscious about it and she knows it, when he was completely fine with it less than a minute ago and this started as feigned offense.]

Yes.

[ She tilts her head upward as she peers up at him rather haughtily. Yes, there's a problem. Those are the clothes he wears when he's comfortable… and she knows that the girls and boys are going to like him in them, anyway. Maybe she shouldn't have said anything at all… but if she hadn't, he'd still be awkward and she'd still be even more awkward than before. ]

Why do you want to wear that sweatshirt? You could get it dirty. [ She gestures to it and drops her gaze to scrutinise it. ] You wear it around the house, not outside.

[ Mostly around the apartment. She knows he's worn it a few times outside when it's been laundry day or they've run very low on clean clothes, but that doesn't fit her story right now. ]

It's not like I am going out to play in the dirt.

[He dismisses that concern as if Wanda's a nagging mother, rolling his eyes, but he does take the sweatshirt off almost immediately, dropping it on the bed and going for the closet to pull out a jacket that is much more fitted with some eye-catching colourful details. Pietro smirks to himself while he nonchalantly questions her as she's still standing by the chest of drawers.]

Toss me those black pants in the bottom drawer, will you?

[She knows which ones - very tight and kind of uncomfortable, but they will draw far more attention, especially when he wears brightly coloured shoes with them, and he is absolutely going to.]

[ She does not like this at all.

Reluctantly, she turns to the drawers and opens them, first going through her clothes to find another pair of pants—the plaid red and white ones she never wears but Mischa had gotten for her as a gift—and a black shirt before she even thinks of opening his drawers to find his stupid black pants. She fishes them out and pegs them at him only because she suspects that they still haven't gotten any more comfortable despite the few times he's worn them. ]

Now you can play in the dirt and no one will know.

[ Wanda begins to shed herself of her makeshift pyjamas, changing her underwear and putting on a bra. And if it's one of her so-called best bras, well, the black just goes with the plain black shirt she wishes to wear. And it's her birthday. She can wear her best bra if she likes!

And she supposes it's his birthday, which means he can wear his stupid tight black pants that are very uncomfortable if he likes. ]

[It doesn't escape his notice that Wanda chooses things she rarely wears, and Pietro knows she's likely going for the same attempt at drawing attention to herself as he is, and for the same reasons. Reasons that neither of them will acknowledge. He catches the pants easily and turns his back while he changes, not being quick about it.]

Maybe I will get a little dirty.

[He says that loud enough for her to hear clearly, but still makes it sound like he's only muttering it to himself and oblivious to the innuendo in it. He's just as obvious about 'sneaking' a look while she puts on her bra, tugging at his pants where they're difficult to pull over his thighs. He has regrets, and immediately wants to take them off the moment he has the buttons fastened.]

[ The best thing about Pietro opting for those pants is that he's going to be stuck in them for however long they're out of the apartment—and Wanda intends for them to be out for a long, long time. She smiles to herself as she tugs her pants on and throws her shirt over her head, leaving her hair tucked beneath the collar as she turns around to see Pietro in those stupid pants.

They do make his legs look very nice. ]

Are you planning to play in the dirt? [ She cocks her brow. It's easier to take his words at face value and at their most innocent. It'll either frustrate him or he'll enjoy it too much. ]

[He shrugs, turning to sit on the bed and put on his shoes. If she wants to go this route, he'll continue it.]

If I run into some... friends to join me.

[Pietro will leave it up to Wanda to decide what he means by that pause before 'friends'.]

I'm very open to possibilities today, it is my birthday. Anything could happen, you know? But I know you like to stay clean. I'm sure you could find something to do by yourself.

[ She really wants to shove him.

Wanda pivots and finds her own shoes, a pair of black boots that she'd much prefer were flats, but given the state of Sokovia and the park, the boots are safer to wear. If there's anything sharp and jagged, the boots' thick sole will at least protect her from it. And if they have to run…

She doesn't think there will be any need for running from anything unless it's a simple game of chase. ]

I hope Dimitri is there. [ She says it as innocently as she can muster as she ties up her shoes. ] I don't think he is busy today. Maybe he will want to sit with me and be clean while you go play in the dirt with your friends.

[ She's totally fine. Ross Geller fine. He can have friends. She's fine. ]

[Pietro stands quickly after he's tied his sneakers, almost in a huff that he catches himself on a little too late. He slips his jacket on, and looks at Wanda like her meeting up with Dimitri is no big deal should it happen.]

Of course. I want you to enjoy yourself on your birthday.

[He leaves the bedroom, calling over his shoulder.]

I did hear Dimitri's been looking to contribute to a charitable cause. Exciting to think he might choose you, isn't it?

[ Her bad mood returns to her so easily. Gritting her teeth, she finishes tying her shoes and leaves the room in a huff, determined to ignore Pietro until he's blue in the face.

Not that it'd matter. Going to the park means people will talk to him while she sits by herself and watches him laugh and have a good time and enjoy himself. Despite how angry she is at him, she wants him to have a good day, even if it doesn't include her. ]

We are going.

[ She closes the kitchen window and marches toward the front door. She doesn't bother with a jacket. Sitting in the park will warm her up… and maybe if she is cold, someone will be charitable enough to deem her worthy of having their jacket.

She opens the front door and crosses her arms against her chest as she glares at him and waits. ]

[He smiles to himself as she gets flustered and storms across the kitchen, standing there in the doorway and radiating just enough ire to please him. Pietro takes his time getting there, bringing their breakfast dishes from the table to the sink and making sure they clatter a bit and the sound carries out through the open door.]

I'm coming, I'm coming!

[He slips past Wanda out into the hallway just as one of the neighbours' doors opens - an elderly lady with a large upholstered bag trying to juggle that and a heavy circular tray of something covered in foil, fumbling with her key. Davida looks a bit frazzled as usual, grey hair escaping her brightly-patterned kerchief in limp curls as she mutters to herself about having so much to do and no time.]

Always in such a hurry, Wanda!

[Pietro's sure to sound disapproving and grumbling, like this is a routine complaint for him and he's tried of making it, as he raises an eyebrow at Davida and silently offers to take something. He turns back to Wanda as the old woman gratefully passes over the tray.]

I'm sorry, is this going to cut into your schedule, or can we think of other people for once?

[He only feels the smallest prick of remorse for making such a scene and painting Wanda as an impatient shrew just because the opportunity arose. Later, he'll experience more guilt about it and not be able to look Davida in the eye for a few days after using that poor woman as a pawn in his obnoxious bullshit.]

[ She grits her teeth and glares at Pietro for a long moment. Wanda does her best to relax her mouth and smiles at Davida, ignoring her brother. She doesn't trust herself to look at him without opening her mouth and snapping at him.

He always finds the most opportune moments to embarrass her. Wanda's always struggled to grasp them and thieve them away from him, but he's too quick-witted and sees things before she does.

She ignores her furious blush. Davida is a woman who tends to keep to herself, but she appreciates the help when it's offered to her and values kindness and generosity over the way Pietro's intending to paint her.

Wanda approaches her, clasping her hands together in her own fit of nervousness. ]

Are you going to the store today? Maybe I can go for you. [ She smiles at her kindly, not glancing at Pietro as she shrugs a touch helplessly. ] Pietro is busy later. [ She chuckles and shakes her head. ] So many plans. I am surprised he has time to stop with his very busy schedule.

[ She'll never be as good as him, but Wanda knows practice makes perfect. It's what her sitcoms always said. ]

[That glare penetrates deeply, and it's only then that Pietro gives any thought to how many shitty things he's done just this morning. He didn't need to embarrass Wanda like this for absolutely no reason but to rile her. So he holds his tongue and stares at the worn hallway carpet while she talks to Davida, readjusting his grip on the tray and trying not to tap his foot impatiently just because he's uncomfortable.

Davida doesn't seem to take much stock in anything they may have been arguing about, giving Wanda a thankful smile and taking her up on her offer to get a few items from the store for later. After she's locked her door and put her keys securely in her tattered bag, she politely excuses herself and takes the tray back from Pietro without a word to him, shaking her head as she makes her way down the hallway, clearly done with their shenanigans but too sweet to comment on them.]

... Sorry.

[It's reluctant and dismissive muttering, but Wanda deserves one apology on her birthday, even if it's awkward.]

[ Wanda watches Davida walk away before she even thinks of walking. She wants to look at Pietro and shake her head, but she decides the cold shoulder is better than giving him anything else. After all, she doesn't wish for them to be any later than they already are. It's petulant and unfair, especially given the day, but she only wishes to match him.

With her head held high, she marches down the hallway and doesn't look back to see if Pietro is following. She imagines he is. He always does. Besides, they agreed to go to the park and that is where they will go.

She does spare a glance when she takes the corner. ]

We are going to be late for your plans.

[ His very busy plans where he can spend his time flirting while she doesn't have to witness it. Davida's unknowingly given her a birthday gift. ]

Everyone's waiting for you.

[Wanda knows exactly what gets to him the most, and that's being ignored completely. It's especially irksome for her to do it after he issued a rare, if kind of insincere, apology. Pietro trails behind her down the hallway, never catching up or running ahead, waiting for Wanda to say something or acknowledge him, all the while berating himself for how pathetic it is to do so. He stops immediately when she does look at him briefly, as if he wasn't even expecting that much.]

I could continue with my plans...

[Very vaguely defined plans that aren't looking as inviting now as doing Davida's shopping, for reasons Pietro isn't going to think too hard on.]

Or help you at the store. You know you can't reach the high shelves and you have to ask someone to help. It's a hassle.

[ Wanda rolls her eyes and does her best to withhold her smile. She doesn't want him to see it. Instead, she feigns a look of exasperation when she glances at him again as though his mere presence is bothersome now. ]

I can ask for help, Pietro. There are many tall people at the store.

[ Luckily for them, the Stark bombs hadn't wiped out the entire staff of the small supermarket that remains standing and thriving. It's almost as if Stark wishes to see the Sokovian residents continue to feed themselves and live amongst all the shelling. ]

Besides, you are going to have fun with your friends at the park, no? They will want to wish you a happy birthday, maybe sing. The girls will.

[ And that makes Wanda feel sourer than she'd like to admit. Good thing she keeps her back to him as she makes her way to the stairs. She dislikes the elevator. ]

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