8667/Saved: Closer

Saved: Closer
Date of Scene:	05 August 2019
Location:	New York
Synopsis:	Scarlet Witch and Elixir spend time together browsing antiques. Elixir tells Scarlet Witch about wanting to foster a girl from the Dominican. The two decide to buy a home and make a family of three. With a dog.
Thanks to:	Scarlet Witch
Cast of Characters:	Scarlet Witch, Elixir
Tinyplot:	Saved

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Scarlet Witch has posed:
There were a number of interesting feelings through the bond recently. Nothing about it has gotten old, but by now Wanda has stopped asking Josh about specific things she felt unless they were particularly noticeable, instead just asking about his day like normal people.

Today, she'd suggested going out for a walk through the city together. Perhaps just sensing there was something that maybe a chance to get out and away from his books or whatever was on his mind might help. For Wanda? She just wants the time to be with the man she loves.

So today finds them just wandering through the streets together, Wanda's hand in Josh's. Stopping here and there to look in a store if something catches one of their eyes. Occasionally stopping to talk to people in general. Four times someone recognizes Wanda, and twice they recognize Josh as well, getting selfies or autographs, but no one really distracting from the pleasant day otherwise.

Elixir has posed:
After the last few days, just walking and being with Wanda feels luxurious and it is like a balm that settles his spirit. As they walk, Josh steals looks at the beautiful Transian woman and enjoys just simple things about her. The way she talks. Her smile. The way she brushes her hair out of her face with her fingers when the breeze catches. It is so much more settling than the roil that had been in his mind. Something had come alive in him in the Dominican Republic, some shrivelled or dormant part of his spirit suddenly blossomed. And he felt energized by it, in a way that radiated to Wanda.

But this? This was a sacred time to just enjoy being with each other.

Josh peeks through the window of an antique store and comes to a stop. In the window is an old sewing table. Its black metal push pedal looks like it saw use in its day. The wood is oiled but shows some cracks in the legs. The sewing machine inset into the table is there, too.

"Huh, look at that," Josh says to Wanda. He points at the table through the window. "My mom has one, from her grandma. Never used it, but she kept it in the basement, just because, I guess. Weird what make you think of home." For once he does not look sad or angry when he talks about his family. Just a little wistful, remembering something almost from another life.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
The energy from Josh only helps fuels Wanda's good mood. And a good mood she has been in, ever since the visit to the Atlantean embassy. (And It has nothing to do with Arthur's abdominals or Steve Roger's derriere, either.)

There are plenty of those moments for Josh to observe his woman during the walk. Her smile is prevalent, and there are no shortage of glances over at him. Each of which only further to heighten her smile and often result in a little squeeze of his fingers by hers.

Wanda stops at Josh's side, releasing his hand so he can shade his eyes as he peeks in the window. Her hand drifts to rest on the small of his back as he does. "Oh my poor mother had to sew everything by hand. And expected me to learn," she says, giving a gay laugh that suits her mood. "It looks like a nice little place," Wanda says with a smile. "Come, let's go inside?" she offers.

If Josh agrees, Wanda moves over to the door, letting him open it for her if he chooses, before she passes in and smiles to him then looks about the quaint shop. Wanda moves over first to the sewing table. She runs her hand over the oiled wood. "Is it something you might like to have some day?" she asks him, turning to look over towards the handsome younger man.

Elixir has posed:
Josh smiles his agreement to the woman who has captured so thoroughly. Thoroughly enough that the women in their summer best walking past them in the other direction do not register in the way they always used. His eyes wander over Wanda from behind when he holds the door for her and then follows.

That smell is there. That /old/ smell of an antique store. It is like a signal that one has travelled back in time to when things were different. Not all AI infused, hyper-connected, automatic and just plain easy to use. And the quiet. And the stuffed feeling, as if too many things were brought into too small a space but somehow fit.

Josh trails after Wanda with his fingers from one hand hooked into hers. He slides his arm around Wanda when she stops to look.

"Maybe," he says thoughtfully. "I don't have anything from home. Dunno."

Josh touches the sewing table with a smile. It feels comfortingly real.

"I wanna have our own stuff that we keep around, because we do," he says. His smile is a little sheepish, a little embarassed. "Like just happens in a family. Wouldn't fit in the apartment though!"

Josh leans in to give Wanda a kiss on the cheek. Just because he can.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda draws in a slow breath. "So pleasant in here. None of Tony's robots running about underfoot," she says thoughtfully, whether feeling the same as Josh, or perhaps picking upon his mood and finding it pleasing and appropriate as well.

Wanda looks over the table and says, "We could have a house. I'm not without money. I just... honestly, I was so focused on other things, I never really thought about it," she tells him, turning to face Josh fully. "Getting my own place. Just somewhere close to the rest of the team was all I focused on."

She tilts her head to the side a little bit, which always presages a little smile. And there it is. "Though now... I have something that makes me think about these things more." Her smile grows, eyes shining warmly.

Wanda finally pulls her eyes away to look around the store more. She moves over to a wall where some instruments hang. She takes down a child-sized guitar, plinking the strings which are dreadfully out of tune, but making her smile. She sets it aside and then stops to look at cello. She runs her hands over the smooth wood. "I have always loved these," she tells him.

Elixir has posed:
Josh smiles and something is there in his eyes when they meet Wanda's. She can feel unusually clearly how /much/ he wants a home with her when Wanda mentions it. And then the moment passes. The young man clears his throat.

"Yeah? Do you play that, too?" Josh asks and leans on the counter beside Wanda to look.

"Viola?" he asks. "If we had our own place, you could have like, a whole collection. Saw this thing in a YouTube video once, this guy had like, all his instruments up on the wall like decorations," Josh says and gestures as if to show where they would go on his imaginary wall.

"Or something. You know. Wouldn't even have to worry, I could totally carry my share now, too. The lawyer got back to me about the negotiations with the hospitals. Just the announcement is bringing them huge new business /and/ other hospitals have talking to my lawyer about trying to get me to move," Josh says. It comes out easily, as if it had been on his mind. "So looks like they're going to pay out /really/ big to keep me here. Between the two of us, we'll be totally fine. Could get a big place, somewhere quiet, you know?"

Josh looks away and his face brightens. "Sweet," he says. He moves around Wanda, trailing his hand over her back from one hip to the other as he goes. Josh stops in front of a display case filled with uniform patches from World War II. Josh grins. "How cool is that? Love this stuff."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda replies to the question about playing the instrument with a shake of her head. "I do not. But... I would really like to learn," she says, as if the question has made her realize that fact which she didn't before. "The sound of the guitar is what drew me to it. And the same with the cello," she says. "I don't know how difficult it is to play. But I could give it a try."

She glances at the price tag, though it is more just to check and not seeming like whatever number is there is significant. She turns back to Josh, walking over towards him and stopping beside him as he looks towards the display case. "I'd like somewhere quiet. Away from the city noise. If there was a lake or something, even better," she says, nodding slowly.

Wanda moves up to press softly behind Josh, resting her head on his shoulder as he looks over the patches. "Maybe get a porch swing. With thick cushions. And a fireplace for those cold winter days when the windows frost up?" she asks.

Wanda's eyes are caught by one of the patches. "I think that's Steve's old unit," she says of the Howling Commandos patch.

Elixir has posed:
"Big porch, like, wrap around or something," Josh agrees. He smiles when Wanda leans against him and keeps peering at the badges.

"Enough bedrooms for guests and stuff, or like, staff. Probably have a couple people working for us," Josh says and swallows. "And a hot tub, of course. Think we could get a big garage? Like, big enough for a shop? So I could restore some cars? That would so fun!"

Josh looks closer at the patch Wanda points out. "Yeah! Oh man, it's hard to believe he was really there. Like, actually. I've watched /so/ many movies and documentaries... But he lived through it," Josh says with a shake of his head. "Amazing. I mean, horrible, horrible stuff happened. But it was like, normal guys without powers, just out there fighting for their country. That's a crazy kind of brave. I dunno if we'd see that today if we had to throw down our phones and hit the trenches, you know?"

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda stays there, resting against Josh's back and her arms resting about his waist in a gentle hug. "I like to think people today would step up if it mattered. Though I also can see questioning that," Wanda says slowly, thinking about how many people they saw living off their phones on their walk today.

"I like to believe in the goodness of people though." she says. Her arms slide upwards to wrap about Josh's shoulders instead, hugging him tighter. "I think the garage, with a work space, sounds like a wonderful idea. I don't know too much about cars," she says in her softly accented English. "But I'll happily hold the... axle in place while you... um... replace the... pistons?" she asks, laughing warmly. And perhaps joking a bit as she knows a /little/ more about engines than that statement suggested.

Wanda lets out a happy sigh. "I'm going to get it for him. For Steve I mean. I've never been quite sure what would bring good memories for things like this. But, maybe this will," she says with a nod. "And perhaps the cello too. If I won't drive you away while I'm learning still," she says with a warm laugh.

Elixir has posed:
Josh laughs at Wanda's offer to hold the axle. "We can figure out which is the axle and which is the pistons together," he says with a grin. He squeezes Wanda's waist in a gentle hug.

"Be really sweet to get the patch for him," Josh agrees.

"He's gotta miss his old life too, sometimes. The cello though... I dunno...." Josh says with mock indecision. "You know how much I hate spending time around you no matter what you're doing... I /guess/ I could suffer through it..."

He breaks into a broad grin. "Let's get it, I'll carry it for you," he says gives Wanda a quick kiss. "It'll look great in our new place."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda grins over to Josh and shares the soft kiss with him. "Have I ever told you that I love you?" she asks him, the word slipping out slowly as if each taking their time. "If not? I just might some day," she says, her eyes twinkling with small amounts of mischief.

She leans in for another small kiss and then finally lets go of Josh to move over to peer towards the back room. "Hello?" she calls softly. An older woman comes out. "We wished to get a couple of things. The patch here, Josh can show you which. And the cello," she says, Wanda turning to go over to the wall to carefully take it down, bringing it over along with the bow.

The woman looks to Josh and then Wanda. "Aren't you the cute couple?" she asks them. "Don't get too many your age in here anymore. Less appreciation for older things every year, it seems," she comments as she moves over the display case. "Which one now?"

Elixir has posed:
Josh smirks and shakes his head at his girlfriend's banter. He smiles for the woman who comes out to help them.

"Come on, what's not to like? There's a lot of really nice pieces in here," Josh comments brightly. "Uh, we'd like to get that one, Howling Commandos, please. That'd be great."

Josh nods when the woman points to the patch and pulls it out of the case. "Thanks," he says when she passes it across the counter. He looks down at the patch, wondering what it must have been through and runs a thumb along the threads. He carries it carefully over to join Wanda at the register to have everything run in. He idly rubs Wanda's back while they wait and just lets his eyes roam around the antiques and curiousities.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda smiles as she feels Josh's hand upon her back. She looks over to him and there's a sense she's just soaking in the moment. Buying things together at an antique shop. The kind of experiences she always heard other people had, that never seemed to have a place in her own life.

She leans over against him as she uses her phone to pay for the purchases. "This has already been a lovely day," she tells the blond-haired mutant as she smiles over to him. "I can't imagine what else it has in store for us, but I have good feelings about it," she says.

The older woman smiles at Josh and Wanda, and then moves over to one of the shelves in the store. She looks about for a bit and finally finds what she's looking for. She goes back around the counter, and sets the object down on the counter. It's a little stand with an intricate lover's knot on it, done in gold. "I think you two should have this," she tells them. The elderly woman reaches down pulls gently on the lover's knot. One half of it comes away. A gold ring, the top portion showing the gilded knot. She picks up the other half from the stand then, another ring, this one a little larger. "For you to wear when apart. And join back together when you're together," she says, with a smile, passing the smaller ring to Wanda and the larger to Josh, and then sliding the stand over for them to take.

Elixir has posed:
"Hmm," Josh agrees happily with his love. He raises an eyebrow when the older woman goes looking behind the counter. And then he reddens.

"Oh, wow, that is so thoughtful, but we couldn't just, let me buy them," Josh offers without looking up. He turns the ring over in his hand and turns to Wanda to try joining them together with her. "That's...." Josh says and just nods.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda leans forward with interest to see what the woman has brought them, her expression curious. "Oh, that is so precious. Yes, really we couldn't," she say, shaking her head, and pulling out her phone to pay for them.

Wanda looks over to Josh as he brings his ring over to hers, and she gives him her ring so she can fit them together. It's easy enough to see how to do it when they are apart, though once together you'd think they were one solid piece of gold jewelry, though easy to slide apart in reality.

Wanda looks up to Josh and smiles to him. She leans over to brush a soft kiss to his cheek. "Thank you, they are a lovely thing," Wanda says to the woman.

The old woman waves a hand, but lets them pay something for the rings, if not what they are worth. "It's sweet to see young love. Been a long time. I hope you two kids do well together," she says.

Elixir has posed:
"Thank you, I have a feeling we will do just fine," Josh says brightly to the old woman. "And we'll treasure the rings."

Josh shoots Wanda a grin and then carefully scoops up the cello for her. With a last goodbye, he makes his way out of the store, this time letting Wanda hold the door for the cello's sake.

"That lady was adorable," Josh chuckles once they start walking. "Almost like people can tell how bad I've got it for you just by looking, you know?"

He inhales and sighs happily, just strolling with Wanda. Josh bumps the auburn haired woman gently with his hip.

"So, we're talking about getting a place. Like a big place. More room than we need for just us. Uh, this probably sounds weird to ask since... Well, you know. We're crazy together, but also like, just together," Josh says, hedging. "But like, do you ever think about having kids?"

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda smiles to the older woman, who comes around the counter and Wanda takes her hands in her own. Though the woman doesn't notice it, there's a faint bit of scarlet aura around Wanda's fingers as she holds the woman's hands. "Thank you so very much. Blessings upon you," Wanda tells the woman, that tiny bit of scarlet light diffusing into the woman's hands.

She moves with Josh to depart, smiling and resting her hand on his back as he has the big cello in the case to carry. "She really was sweet. I gave her a blessing, she should have some good luck in store for her," Wanda says as they walk.

She's fine taking her time alongside Josh. The trip is far more important than the destination when she is with him. She looks over, grinning at the hip bump and listening to him.

Wanda gets a soft smile. "I would like to have kids," she says. "I have even thought about it a little more than normal since you came into my life," she admits. "Just that it would be something special to have someone we could share this love we have with. But, don't let my saying that worry you, ok?" she says, smiling at the last part especially.

Elixir has posed:
"No! Doesn't worry me at all," Josh says with a grin and some evident relief.

"I'd be lying if I said it hadn't crossed my mind... I always just figured I'd have kids, and, God, I'd give you my everything. I can't even think of us not together," Josh says earnestly.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda smiles over to Josh, also looking relieved that she didn't scare him off with her answer to the topic. Her hands rubs on the small of his back as she walks at his side. "I think being without you would be like losing an arm," she tells him as they walk slowly together along the sidewalk. "Worse. I could get by without my arm," she says, looking over to Josh and reaching up to brush her hair back to the other side so she can see him better. "I don't think I would do very well without you in my life, after what we've felt for each other," she tells him.

She walks along with Josh at the slow pace. The rest of the city rushes past, but there is no need for Wanda to hurry. All that she really needs or wants, is right here at her side. She stops and buys them both a small slushy against the warmth of the day. "The talk about the house. Do you want to start looking for a place? Or was it just wishful thinking?" she asks.

Elixir has posed:
Josh looks over at Wanda when she talks about how she would do without him. He does not say, anything but she can tell. He feels exactly the same about the idea of being without her.

"I wanna start looking, right away actually," Josh says. "Something happened in the Dominican and... I've got something really important I need to tell you. Like, really important."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda glances over with open curiosity at Josh's mention of something to talk about. She motions up ahead where a park is opening up halfway down the block. "Let's go in here where we can sit?" she suggests. It isn't a long walk, turning in and getting away from the street noise and the people who are so busy, rushing about the sidewalks.

Up ahead there is a statue of Benjamin Franklin, his extended hand currently being used as a pigeon roost. There are some park bench situated around the edges of the open area, bushes and trees breaking up the sight of the rest of the city. Wanda sees if that works for Josh, taking a seat and smiling at him for having been carrying the cello case.

Elixir has posed:
"Yeah," Josh agrees and walks along with Wanda into the park. He sets the cello case down gently and settles in on the bench with his slushy.

Josh stirs the melting ice of his drink with his straw. He glances at Wanda and studies her face for a moment.

"You're too beautiful," he says with a soft smile. Josh looks toward the statue and watches a pigeon come back to its nest.

"So, after the Sentinel thing, Jess asked me to come to the Dominican. This village called Altagracia? And we packed a bunch of medical supplies, you know," Josh says. His eyes are faraway.

"Really poor there. No power usually, huts, not a lot of food. It was really... Never saw that before. Anyway, Jess sponsors this girl there, Anna. She's 5. And she was really sick. She got a fever and they..." Josh stops and swallows. His eyes water a bit at the memory.

"Sorry," Josh says and wipes at his eyes with the back of his hand.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda breaks out in the most beautiful of smile to go along with Josh's comment. The words make her feel good, but so too does feeling what Josh feels when he looks at her. It makes her heart quicken, feeling his emotions through their bond.

Wanda reaches over to rest her hand lightly on Josh's leg. Just needing to touch him as she listens to what he has to say. Her expression turns a little concerned at the mention of the sick girl.

"Josh, you were able to help her, right?" she asks softly, the question more that she would be surprised if he hadn't been able to, so perhaps misunderstanding the emotion he is feeling.

She reaches up to gently rest her hand on his shoulder, then slide it up to his cheek as she leans a little closer. Letting him feel her there while the memory is affecting him. She waits quietly for him to be able to go on, just shaking her head when he apologizes. It's never necessary with her.

Elixir has posed:
"Yeah, we got there in time. Just," he says quietly.

"She was strong, held on. They just... they stopped feeding her or giving her watering. They wanted her to just die, alone in this shitty little hut. She already lost her parents, and they were just gonna let her die," Josh says. He goes to take a sip from his drink but his hand is shaking. He puts the cup with its plastic dome lid on the bench beside him. A tear escapes his watering eyes.

"Fuck," he says to himself and wipes his cheek.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda moves the cello case aside from where it sits on the ground, making more room so she can slide the rest of the way over to Josh. Her arms both go around him and draw him against the soft warmth of her body.

Wanda shakes her head sadly. "That is horrible. I'm glad you were able to help her," Wanda says softly. She slides one of her hands up to softly brush through Josh's hair comfortingly. Not saying anything for a little bit, just giving him time before finally she asks, "What are her circumstances now?" Wanda asks him gently.

Elixir has posed:
Josh swallows and takes no small comfort from Wanda holding him.

"She's at the US Embassy, probably terrified. Jess is staying with her for a bit," Josh says. He looks over to Wanda.

"They wanted her to die because she's a mutant. She... Heh. She can float and turn these beautiful colours. And they were gonna let her die for it."

"I couldn't leave her there. And, she calls me her angel," Josh says and swallows again.

"I'm bringing her here," Josh says, apologetically. He watches Wanda carefully..

"To live with me. Jess, she knows Jess, Jess can't. And I... You can feel it," Josh says, not having the words.

"I'm so sorry, I /have/ to do this. But, I mean, we just... I want a house to make a home with her. I'm gonna be her family."

Josh's face is twisted in some conflicted mask of conviction and fear as he looks at Wanda.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
There is a momentary surge of sharp worry and angst through the bond about the time that Josh is apologizing to Wanda. It lasts for a trio of seconds and then starts to diminish as Wanda takes a slow, deep breath. "For a moment I thought..." Wanda says before trailing off and shaking her head.

Wanda takes Josh's hand and holds it with a tighter than normal grip. She clears her throat, some of the worry lessened, but not all. "That sounds like a wonderful thing to do," Wanda says softly and slowly. "I don't suppose, there would be place for me in this new family?" Wanda asks, her words near the end a bit choked with emotion. "Because I would really like to be, if you'd have me," she says.

She clears her throat again, and now she's said the words, the tension in her rises in those moments before she gets a confirmation from Josh, though there's also hope. Such strong hope, her trust in Josh is so strong, but he also means so much to her, she cannot help but have some fear of losing him when she sees he himself is so tense.

Elixir has posed:
The tension melts in Josh immediately. A smile erupts across his face. His eyes water again.

"Oh my god, yes, yes, always yes," Josh gushes, relieved. He throws his arms around Wanda and pulls her to him. One hand cups the back of her head. Wanda feels a dampness where their cheeks touch. "Thank you. I didn't know if you'd be okay with it. But I don't know what I would've done if you didn't... God I love you so much, Wanda. I can't even say it enough."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
It is good that superhuman strength is not one of Wanda's powers, for Josh might be crushed by the tightness of her hug when he throws his arms around her and Wanda does likewise. Even as she is, Josh might need to use his healing touch on his ribs.

A pair of tears trickle down the woman's cheeks during the sudden release of her fears, but she's smiling and there is nothing but love felt through the bond between their souls. Her hands brush slowly over his back, and then up into the hair on the back of his head as Wanda buries her face against his cheek.

"You just worried me for a second when you tensed up," Wanda tells him. "I love you, and I can't think of anything better than to share the love we have with someone who needs it like it sounds like Ana does," the woman says softly.

She keeps clinging to Josh, not willing to let him go so soon after the emotional moment. "We should get a dog as well. Kids should have animals around them, to know what it is to care for and nurture another in that way. You aren't allergic are you?" she asks, making her tone more light-hearted. Wanda wipes at her cheeks with the back of her hand, then finally leans back enough to look to Josh's face. She gently wipes his cheeks as well. Her lips move, forming the words, "I love you," but without any sound. Knowing he doesn't need to hear them to know her feelings.

Elixir has posed:
"Oh love, I would never leave you," he whispers quietly while they cling to each other.

When Wanda wipes his cheeks, Josh just smiles and nods. He leans back against the bench and pulls Wanda close to lay her head on his shoulder. His head rests on hers in turn. There is nothing he can say. And part of him knows there is something almost unnatural about the strength of his feelings for the woman beside him, something supernatural. The spirit bond created a path between two hearts that let them feel and be felt in a way just not part of normal experience. It felt like living a fairy tale or a dream.

So Josh says nothing. Instead he holds the most precious woman he could have met. And he watches as a second pigeon flutters down to join its mate in the nest cradled in Benjamin Franklin's outstretched hand.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda nestles within the arms of the man she loves. The feeling of his embrace flushes away any lingering physical remnants from her earlier worry. The soft breeze stirs the leaves of the trees overhead, and Wanda's hair. The sounds of the city are distant and mutant white noise. The world feels right.

Wanda watches as the pigeon rejoins its mate in the nest. She smiles at the thoughts it gives her, and her arms which are snuggled back around Josh shift a bit, her hand sliding up to his shoulder. Fingers curving to cradle where his neck and shoulder meet.

"So tell me about Ana. You said that she's five? And she floats and turns beautiful colors. What is she like? She must be something special to have touched you like this," Wanda says, her voice already warmed towards the girl she hasn't met yet.

Elixir has posed:
Josh fishes his phone out of his pocket and hits a few buttons. He brings up a picture of Anna. Dark hair, light brown skin, a big grin. She is cute even in her condition. She holds a half-burnt Spider-woman mask to her chest. Her skin is drawn to her face and she is too thin. In the picture Anna is lying in a little bed just off the dirt floor of the hut the villagers left her in to die.

Her eyes sparkle though. Even in the picture.

"She is," Josh nods. "I felt it when I helped her. The life in her is so strong... She just, kept fighting even without anyone to help her. Kept hanging on. And when I told her I was a mutant," Josh smiles. "She was very excited to tell me she's a mutant too. Red and yellow just like Spider-woman. She likes school. And she's so hurt... She knows the villager didn't want her. Everyone she knew turned their backs on her, just for being special."

Josh shakes his head. He taps his phone to keep it from turning off the screen so he can keep looking at the picture. "I want her to have something completely different, with us. And a dog," he says and chuckles. "Just, please not like a purse dog-rat thing."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda keeps her head on Josh's shoulder but turned to look at the phone as he brings up the picture. She reaches over, not so much steadying his hand as just making an excuse to touch him there as she looks at the photo. "She's darling," Wanda says, while a gentle warmth can be felt building through their bond.

"We'll probably want to add a... what are they called in English? With the bars to hang from and swings. Like at a playground?" Wanda asks him. "And if on the water... oh. I was going to say a fence to make sure she doesn't end up going in. But, then she can fly, so I suppose that would defeat the purpose, wouldn't it? Plus she won't have an issue with swimming if she can just fly through the water or above it."

Wanda laughs and smiles to Josh. "You do realize what we're getting into, right? The trouble children can get into, even who can't fly," she says in a light-hearted tone, no reluctance in the words, just a bit of humor at what they will have to deal with.

Elixir has posed:
"Monkey bars," Josh says and laughs. "I have no idea... She's gonna be a handful. Can you imagine trying to get her to go to bed? Ana, come down off the roof...."

Josh laughs and puts his phone away. "I never had a sister, either, so this is gonna be all new. I hope you know how to like... Braid hair or something."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda sits up a little bit. "Get out," she tells him in surprised disbelief. "They aren't really called monkey bars are they?" she asks before accepting it, laughing and saying, "Now whenever I see kids on them I'm going to be picturing them making monkey noises and scratching their sides," she says giving another warm laugh.

The mention of getting her off the roof makes Wanda catch her breath. "Well, she can fly. Hopefully she won't let herself fall," she says. "And maybe a golden retriever or something like that. Something she can play fetch with, and that usually have a good temperament."

The Eastern European woman smiles and looks over to Josh, slipping a hand up into his golden locks. "I can definitely do a braid. I can show you tonight if you want," she says, but looking at him as if debating if she can work his into a tight braid. Maybe cornrows.

Wanda smiles and rests her head back to Josh's shoulder as she looks over at the two pigeons, sitting together in their nest side by side. "Do you speak Spanish? And does she speak English?" Wanda inquires.

Elixir has posed:
"I only speak a bit, I took some in high school, but not enough to like, parent," he says and laughs. "Oh man, parent... This is nuts. Um, she doesn't speak much. Just a bit. She's probably behind in school, too. Jess's sponsorships were all that was bringing schooling for the kids in Altagracia."

Josh tilts his head and considers. "I'll talk to Ms. Frost or Quentin. I know they've like, copied languages and all kinds of stuff from one mind to another. I wouldn't wanna do that with Anna, she's got enough to adjust to, you know? But if they can do it for me, it'd be a huge help," Josh says and looks thoughtful. "Ah, do you speak Spanish? Or is it one of the like, three languages you don't speak?" he asks with a grin.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda gives a slow nod of her head and says, "It would be helpful, probably every little bit of normalcy would help at first." Wanda smiles and tells Josh, "Si, hablo la mayoria de los idiomas. Or, yes, I speak the majority of languages there are. Part of my training, made easier with my power. I could probably help you there too, though I've tried that with someone else. So if your telepath friends have, that might be the better route," she agrees.

Wanda moves her hand to find Josh's. Lacing fingers, then bringing his hand to her lips so she can kiss the backs of his fingers. "We should be prepared for American bureaucracy. Especially with it being a foreign minor. They might not let us actually adopt at first. If not we could at least try to become foster parents. But, would you be able to live with that, should they eventually award her to some other couple?" Wanda asks, a little concern in her eyes. She's not been through such things herself, but has heard about them happening.

Elixir has posed:
Josh makes a face. "I don't really wanna think about that," he says. "One step at a time. The lawyer that's doing my stuff with the hospitals has a partner who does immigration. And we're getting stuff from the elders saying she has no family. I dunno."

Josh squeezes Wanda's hand. "As long as I can be there for her anyway. I guess. I mean, no matter what she'll be safer and better off here. I don't know much about immigration. If I'd adopted or fostered her or whatever in the Dominican that'd have been easier. Then she's like, my kid, I could bring here and sort residency out after. I'm American after all."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda looks over into Josh's eyes and agrees, "This is a wonderful thing that we're doing. We'll make it work whatever it takes. And what matters is that she has a good life and is happy." She smiles over to him and then gives Josh a little gentle side-bump. "So you've been walking all around New York with me, figuring out when to say something?" she asks in a slightly teasing voice.

She squeezes his hand. "I appreciate you caring to see how I felt about it. But there really wasn't any other answer but that I'd want to be part of sharing her life with you," Wanda says warmly. "So, we really do need to start looking for a place quickly. I really don't do much with my money so I have stored away a fair amount. If we don't worry about haggling for price too much, we can probably get something together quickly if we start now."

Elixir has posed:
Josh looks a bit embarassed. "I might've been," he agrees with a chuckle. "It's kinda big thing, and... I shouldn't have worried. But I did. You're like the center of my world. Which is gonna be a bit bigger now with Anna."

"But yeah, quick would be good. I'll bug my lawyer so if we have to hit the bank... I don't wanna just, I dunno. Probably sounds dumb, but I don't wanna mooch off you, you know? I wanna cover half, even though I know it means a mortgage or whatever. I don't wanna just take from you."

Josh purses his lips and considers. "Where do we go? If we wanna a house and lake or something, that's not close to the mansion or the hospitals. Up Long Island or something? Or north, I guess, too."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda gives a small shrug of her shoulders at the talk of mooching. "I'm not worried about the finances, Josh. I've not paid for a home out of my pocket in years. And while I don't really call on Genosha's treasury, it's there as well. Whatever would you make you feel happiest about it, I am fine doing. But you needn't take on debt over it for me."

She smiles and gives Josh a little side nudge. "Somewhere close enough to the city to be convenient. I can't teleport us everywhere though that would be the easiest way back and forth to the mansion. Would you like to be out close to the school? Or prefer to be nearer to the hospitals so it is a shorter trip to them?" she asks. "I'd like to be on the water somewhere, but I'm also flexible," she says.

Elixir has posed:
"I'll think about it, maybe I'll just pay you back my half or something," Josh says, relenting a bit. "A royal loan from your highness," he says and winks.

"Water, we should do the water. I'd love that, too. And quiet... I'm more worried about the mansion and the hospital than the school. I mean, you're an Avenger and I'm on staff, we gotta be able to get there. If they really need me at the school they can send someone to get me, you know? Still. We need like, a magic door or something!" he says.

"Or broomsticks? Like Harry Potter? That could be cool. Except when it rains," Josh considers, teasing Wanda. "Or a helicopter!"

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda lets out a warm laugh. "Well, magic doors are possible. Though it would require a long talk with Tony seeing as it would be a weak point in the Mansion's defenses. And I think if we made you a broomstick that we'd end up having to field a Quidditch team before long," Wanda says, breaking out in more warm laughter.

"I suppose you might want to put some thought into travel then, in picking which hospitals you work with. Like I said, I'm happy to teleport you around, but there will be times it just isn't feasible for every day things," Wanda says.

She sits looking around the park thoughtfully. "I feel so comfortable with you," she says, sighing. "Josh, what I did to let you control my magic? I think in most cases it should have faded weeks ago. There was something special about the two of us that it persists on its own like this. And not just persists. Sometimes I think it's stronger now than it was that day in the school saving Sarah."

Elixir has posed:
"Yeah, good point. Maybe near the school then. Easy enough to get around from there," Josh says and shrugs.

Josh nuzzles Wanda's cheek and nods. "It is, it totally is," he agrees quietly. "And it should be like, terrifying. But it isn't."

The Queens' boy straightens and gently brushes Wanda's face with the backs of his fingers. "You just... Fit me."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda soaks up the nuzzling and the caress of his hands. "Maybe it wasn't just chance, that I happened to walk all the way to Bushwick from the mansion that day. That you happened to be in the area. That the woman caught my eye going into the church. I don't think how charming you were was a coincidence though," Wanda says, grinning over to Josh as she adds, "Though I did worry maybe you were a bit of a ladies man. So good looking? And that charming smile? Oh, I was on my guard," she says with emphasis, grinning at him warmly.

"But you're just amazing," she says. "I'd like to go dancing again when Dream is around. I'm curious how it would feel, with what we already share now." Wanda smiles. "I think Evolution is back open from what I saw in the paper. Maybe we can catch her there some night. After we get a baby sitter."

Elixir has posed:
Josh reddens and laughs. "Yeah, sitter, full-time nanny, something," Josh says and shakes his head.

"I'm lucky my well honed charm and irresistable looks were enough to get through," Josh says dryly. "I was just... Curious. Then excited to talk to you, you were just... Not what I expected. Just, you. I was expecting the great hero, but she turned out to be someone else."

"Who obviously used /her/ feminine wiles to entrap a poor innocent younger man," Josh teases with a big grin. He sighs happily. "You believe in fate? Or God, or... Something that makes these things happen?"

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda laughs and holds up her hand, extending her little finger and then taking Josh's hand to wrap him about it. "I'm just teasing. I'm hopelessly... what is the English word. Besotten? Besotted? Yes, besotted, with you," she tells him. Wanda leans over to gives Josh a long, slow, tender kiss.

"What do you say we get back home and start pulling up some real estate listings? And nanny services. The way our lives are, we definitely need someone live-in," she says. If that sounds good to Josh, she stands up, getting their cups to throw away in a trash can. "And I can start cello lessons," she says with a grin towards the case.