Chapter 18: A War They Didn't Want
Snowflakes drifted outside the window, blanketing the land in a serene white. Inside their cozy home, Alex sat near the fireplace, sipping a warm drink while Wanda rested beside him, playing with his fingers absentmindedly. Life had been peaceful since they left everything behind.
No more battles. No more Hydra. No more Avengers.
But Alex knew peace wouldn't last.
Not in this world.
He had already lived this once before.
In his past life, he had watched Captain America: Civil War, a movie that detailed the conflict between the Avengers. He knew what was coming. Knew that Steve and Tony would fight. Knew that Bucky would be hunted down. Knew that Wanda would be locked away in the Avengers compound by Tony.
But right now, Wanda had no idea.
To her, everything was fine. The world was still in balance.
And Alex wanted to keep it that way for as long as possible.
But fate had other plans.
A sharp knock at the door pulled Alex from his thoughts.
Wanda lifted her head, frowning. "Who could that be?"
Alex sighed. It was time.
"I'll get it," he said, standing up.
When he opened the door, he wasn't surprised to see Tony Stark standing there.
The billionaire looked the same as ever—confident, sharp-eyed, and wearing a serious expression. Snow dusted his hair, but he didn't seem bothered by the cold.
Tony stepped inside, glancing around. "You guys really went off the grid, huh? Nice place. Cozy."
Alex crossed his arms. "You're not here to admire the architecture."
Tony let out a dry chuckle. "No. I'm here for Wanda."
At that moment, Wanda stood up, confused. "Me? Why?"
Tony hesitated, then sighed. "The world's changing, Wanda. The Avengers are splitting. Governments want us under control. Steve is leading one side, I'm leading the other. I came here to ask for your help."
Wanda frowned, glancing at Alex, who remained silent.
"What are you talking about?" she asked. "Splitting? Control? What happened?"
Tony blinked. "Wait… you don't know?"
Wanda shook her head. "I don't know anything. Alex and I have been living here peacefully."
Tony let out a breath. "Okay, well, here's the short version: Some Avengers screwed up in Lagos, people died, and now the government is demanding that we sign a document called the Sokovia Accords. It means superheroes won't be allowed to act freely anymore. I think it's the right move, but Steve doesn't. He's fighting it, and things are about to get ugly."
Wanda stared at him, taking in his words. "So… the Avengers are fighting each other?"
Tony nodded. "Yeah. And I need you on my side."
Wanda frowned. "I don't like war."
Tony blinked. "Uh… yeah, nobody does."
She shook her head firmly. "No, Tony. I hate fighting. I've lost too much because of it. And now, the Avengers—who were supposed to protect people—are fighting each other? I want no part in this."
Tony exhaled, rubbing his forehead. "Wanda—"
"I won't fight," she said simply. "Not for you. Not for Steve."
Tony looked at Alex, hoping for some backup, but Alex just shook his head.
"She made her choice," Alex said.
Tony clenched his jaw. "Fine. Have a nice life."
He turned and walked out, slamming the door behind him.
A New Visitor
Silence filled the room.
Wanda let out a deep sigh and rubbed her temples. "I hate this."
Alex pulled her into his arms, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I know."
She leaned against him. "What do you think?"
Alex hesitated. He couldn't tell her that he already knew everything from his past life. Instead, he just said, "I think you should do what feels right."
Before they could continue, another knock came.
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Two visitors in one day. Must be important."
When he opened the door, Clint Barton stood there.
"Hey, lovebirds," Clint said, stepping inside without an invitation. "We need to talk."
Wanda groaned. "Let me guess. You're here for the same reason as Tony?"
Clint nodded. "Yeah. But I'm not here to convince you to pick a side. I just need you to listen."
Wanda crossed her arms. "I already told Tony—I don't want to fight."
Clint sighed. "I know. But I came to tell you about Bucky."
Wanda frowned. "Bucky? Captain America's friend?"
Clint nodded. "Yeah. Hydra brainwashed him. Turned him into a killer. And now, instead of helping him, the government is trying to lock him up like an animal. Steve is trying to protect him, but he's outnumbered. If no one helps, they'll capture him—or worse."
Wanda's fingers twitched.
She thought of Alex. Thought of herself. Thought of how Hydra experimented on them, just like they did to Bucky.
She took a deep breath.
"…Where is Steve now?" she asked.
Clint smiled. "Getting ready to fight."
Wanda was silent for a long moment. Then she turned to Alex.
He already knew what she had decided.
"Go," Alex said gently. "Help him."
Wanda bit her lip. "Are you sure?"
He nodded. "I know you. You won't be able to sit here, knowing that someone like you is suffering."
Wanda exhaled slowly. Then, suddenly, she pulled Alex into a deep kiss.
When she pulled away, her eyes shone with determination.
"I'll come back," she promised.
Then she turned and left with Clint.
Alex's Choice
After she was gone, Alex sat in silence.
His hands clenched into fists.
He had promised not to take sides.
But could he really sit back and do nothing?
With a sigh, he stood up.
He would go to Tony.
Not to fight.
Not to pick a side.
But to make sure no one died.
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End of Chapter 18