ᴡᴀɴᴅᴀ (scarletwitch) wrote in avengers_logs, @ 2020-03-20 16:07:00 |
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Although Christine was steadfastly against the concept of having her own children, that didn’t mean she hated kids. She just hated being accountable to anyone but herself more than the idea of procreating. Babies did smell good. Really good. Nuzzling her head onto Billy’s, she breathed deeply, with her eyes closed. “New baby smell. I wish this could be bottled or something so that I could have it. All the time. And then my ovaries would stop reminding me they’re shriveling up.” Opening her eyes, she tugged on his toes a little and smiled. “You know you can ask me for babysitting anytime, right? I take my role as godmother very seriously. It is my duty to educate these fine ruffians in all sorts of things.” She gave a grin. “And since we both know Stephen would just give them encyclopedias and walk away, I would actually take the time to teach them to read the books.” Wanda chuckled, holding Tommy in her arms and pacing with him a little (he’d been a little fussy, but was well on his way to a nap) while Christine snuggled with Billy - who burbled and cooed and seemed to be pretty content where he was, being held by his godmother. The ‘new mom’ look was something Wanda was trying to get used to - it basically consisted of circles beneath her eyes, hair pulled up and in a rat’s nest, and some form of spit up or milk stain on whatever shirt she was wearing. But honestly, she wouldn’t trade it for anything. “It is much better than the new car smell,” she agreed; new baby smell was all cotton clouds and powder and freshness. “And yes, I fully expect you to teach them many things. And babysit, I am grateful for it. And grateful to you now because you are willing to watch them while I take a shower?” she asked hopefully. “Then I can make us some tea.” It was just difficult to do while holding a baby, that’s all. “Yes, yes, go,” Christine said, the twin on her lap also looking like he was going to be joining his brother along the way to dreamland. “Take advantage of me, I’m okay with it and so is Billy, right, bebe?” She was still trying out nicknames. Billy Goat was at the top, but she quite liked all the generic children names. Boy. Baby. Bebe. Beebs. They’d figure it out though, her and Billy. “Besides, you need some quiet time for you. So go.” And once Wanda was effectively shooed away, with one baby in a bassinet, and the other still in her arms, Christine snuggled into the couch a bit more, pulling her legs up beside her and cuddling into the small warmth in her arms. It wasn’t long before she also was dozing a little, the long nights and days at the hospital finally catching up to her. She didn’t often let down her guard enough to nap but this was Wanda’s, and she loved being here. The luxury of a shower, by herself, where she didn’t have to hurry and keep an ear out for baby cries? Well, that was amazing. Wanda took her time (not too much time, but enough), shampooing her hair and letting the hot spray of water calm her down and loosen some knots in her shoulders especially, And as much as she loved new baby smell, her own body wash which smelled like pomegranates was something welcome indeed. Now, thanks to that interlude, she almost felt human. Toweling off, she twisted her hair up and held it in place with a clip, changing into some clean clothes. And then she was back to find Tommy asleep in his bassinet, and Billy asleep with Christine. The sight made her smile (and she definitely snapped a photo of it on her phone - awww). Since everything was quiet, she went on to prepare some tea in the kitchen - without making much noise, of course. She’d just let Christine nap, since she probably didn’t get a chance to very often. Christine was a pro at cat naps, but this one definitely had her feeling a bit disoriented. It wasn't often she woke up next to someone, especially a small baby someone. Blinking a few times, she wondered if the baby would wake up if she moved and then wondered if she could strategize and then she realized being a parent was hard and mentally congratulated herself for not doing it. After a few moments, she got enough courage to slip the baby into the bassinet next to his brother and felt confident enough to pad into the kitchen where a much more relaxed Wanda and a pot of tea were found. "Okay so a baby is the best nap buddy ever. Remind me next time I work a double and it conveniently ends at nap time that I should come here and sleep." Christine peeked hopefully at the tea. "Enough for me in there?" “Of course,” Wanda shot Christine an amused look, pouring them both delicious cups of English breakfast tea. It was one of Wanda’s favorites, though she enjoyed red and white teas as well. “I have honey and milk and sugar too, if you want to add anything extra.” To her own cup, it was a bit of milk and honey and then it was perfect. “You can come here and sleep anytime. I like the adult company too, weirdly enough.” Or maybe it wasn’t so weird. Billy and Tommy were great company too, but they couldn’t exactly converse. They just cried a lot and soiled their diapers, went into milk comas, and repeat the cycle. “How’s everything with Stephen, by the way? He’s not working too hard, is he?” Oh wait, silly question. Christine almost responded to the ‘extra’ comment with explaining how extra she really was but then Wanda asked about Stephen and that always threw her for a loop. How to answer the question… it was always a challenge. She never felt she had a good response that would meet people’s conventional thoughts but this was Wanda — she was probably the only other person on the planet to truly know Stephen. Mixing her tea with a splash of milk and honey as well, she stirred her cup thoughtfully. “He works so hard… always has. When we’re together, I know part of his mind is off doing whatever important things he has to do. And I know it’s important so I don’t say anything.” She sighed and gave a wry smile. “But this isn’t any different than he used to be, as a surgeon. And really, I’m the same when on call… oh, Wanda, I don’t even know what I’m trying to say. He’s Stephen.” And that was why she loved him. A thought suddenly came to her. “He’s not making you study and work right now, is he? Because if he is, I’ll put a stop to that! This is a critical time for attachment and bonding.” Stephen had really lucked out, because Christine was probably one of the most patient partners on the planet - or at least, she really knew him, and was still with him despite how he could never truly seem to give her one-hundred percent. Maybe that was just the way things were, due to him being a protector of Earth from the evil kinds of magic, but regardless. It had to be...frustrating sometimes, as understanding as she was. “I get it,” she nodded. “Sometimes the balance can feel off.” Again, she wasn’t being accusatory; she loved Stephen like family (he was family), he’d saved her life many times. She just didn’t want Christine to feel like an aside or something. “But no, he’s not making me study.” The thought caused a gentle chuckle to come from Wanda, as she wrapped her hands around the mug and sipped her tea. It rolled down her throat, the liquid warm and soothing. “If I do any studying, it’s because I want to. I know he’d never push.” Christine had known a different side to Stephen, so she was glad to know that he wasn’t pushing or anything. And if she knew what Wanda was thinking (partners? really?), she probably would have laughed in her tea. Christine was around because it worked well. The minute it didn’t, she had no doubts she would be cut from his life. Again, something she acknowledged and was okay with for some reason. Maybe that reason being he really was good at filtering tinder for her. “Well, balance is something most people aren’t very good at. Even without children. Case in point.” Christine was still in scrubs, had basically given up on wearing makeup other than mascara (and sometimes it was only because she didn’t have time to wash her face so another application to the eyelashes was necessary) and she was fairly certain she’d eaten in the last 24 hours. Definitely in the last 48 hours. “So if you’re managing, mama, more power to you.” The tea was perfect and exactly what she needed to feel somewhat human. “Have you thought about getting a nanny or any extra help around the house? Not that you’re not doing amazing,” she hurriedly added. “It’s just nice to get those breaks and you have two kids...dang. Dang.” Wanda shrugged, stirring her tea thoughtfully. “I have considered it,” she said, because she was capable of a lot of things - but admittedly, this (all of this) was a little difficult without Vision. Not only because the twins were his, they’d both wanted children together (enough for part of her apparent reality-warping powers to kick in - and now he wasn’t here to experience fatherhood), but because he didn’t need to eat or sleep. It would have been handy, for Wanda, to be able to focus on self-care more often than she was doing now. But she was doing her best, so. “They would need clearance with Tony so I will probably ask him if he can recommend anyone.” It was basically his Avengers tower, after all, so she couldn’t just hire someone off the street without having them be vetted thoroughly first. Not that they wouldn’t be thoroughly vetted by Wanda anyway, using her particular skill set. “I’m sure I will need a nanny anyway, when they get a little older,” she smiled ruefully. “They mostly just sleep now.” But oh, the storm was coming. Christine took a sip of her tea and gave Wanda a knowing look. “Oh yes, now they sleep. And then they’ll grow up older and older and before you know it, you’re giving them condoms and almost daring them to talk back.” She grinned. “I wish I could help more but that’s where I will shine. Sex talks and all kinds of awkward conversations about infections and the statistics on herpes.” She took a satisfying sip. “Oh yeah, that’ll be amazing.’ A pause. “Or just have Happy do it. That man already doesn’t get paid enough. Get Tony to really take advantage of him.” Wanda sort of laughed and winced at the same time because yikes. “I will definitely leave the sex talks to you, then,” she promised, because the thought of that was horrifying. But surely it fell under the purview of godmother duties, to provide condoms? If someone else was willing to volunteer, then Wanda would go ahead and schedule that one in advance. “Happy, oh,” she perked up. “That’s not a bad idea.” Maybe it was worth an ask - though if Happy became her nanny, she’d insist on paying him too. At least he was someone Tony trusted already. Before she could ponder it even more, she heard snuffling and disgruntled noises from the other room which meant at least one of the twins was awake. Probably Tommy. He did like to eat. “Well, break’s over I guess,” she grinned tiredly. Christine gave her friend a tired smile back. "Break over indeed." She finished off her tea and sighed as she glanced at her fit bit. "I should head back too. Lives to save and all that crap." Getting up, she walked over to Wanda and leaned over to give her a hug. "Stay strong, mama. You got this, and we all got you, okay? Anything you need! I'll send you my schedule next week, and we can figure something out." Wanda returned the hug, nodding. Hugs were nice - she appreciated them (and all of the support) now more than ever. “Thank you, Christine. I look forward to seeing you again.” It was always great when she got to spend time with her favorite doctor (besides Stephen, of course) - just kind of added a little spice to her life, one she was grateful for. |