Chapter Text
The quiet hum of the jet’s engines filled the air as Wanda Maximoff sat stiffly in her seat, her fingers nervously twisting the strap of her bag. Beside her, Pietro was already leaning back, earbuds in, completely at ease, as though heading off to college was just another sprint to the finish line.
“Alright,” Tony Stark said, clapping his hands together as he stood at the base of the jet’s stairs, dressed in a sharp suit. His usual air of confidence seemed slightly tempered by something softer—an unusual sight for Wanda. “You two have everything you need? Dorm keys? Fake backstories? Snacks?”
Pepper Potts appeared behind him, her expression warm but knowing. “They’re fine, Tony. The campus isn’t that far from here if they need anything.”
Wanda offered a small, timid smile. “Thanks… for everything.” She still wasn’t entirely used to saying that, even after all these years of being part of their family. Sokovia felt like a lifetime ago, but the unease of starting something new hadn’t changed.
“Don’t sweat it, Maximoffs,” Tony said, giving her a wink before pointing dramatically toward Pietro. “And you, Speedy, no showing off. Keep a low profile. The last thing I need is Fury calling me because you ran laps around the science labs.”
Pietro grinned, finally pulling out his earbuds. “You wound me, Tony. I am always discreet.”
Tony rolled his eyes, muttering something under his breath about “discreet disasters,” before turning back to Wanda. His face softened. “And you. You’ve got this, kid. Nobody messes with a Stark—uh, a Maximoff. You call us if you need anything, alright?”
Wanda nodded, her nerves quieting slightly at his words. Pepper stepped forward, pulling her into a brief hug. “Just be yourself, Wanda. You’re going to do great.”
Wanda nodded again, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thanks, Pepper.”
As they stepped onto the jet, Wanda couldn’t shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something big—something she wasn’t quite ready for but couldn’t turn away from either.
She just didn’t know yet how true that was.
The jet touched down smoothly on the private S.H.I.E.L.D. College landing pad, the engines gradually powering down. Wanda clutched her bag tightly, staring out the window at the sprawling campus. It looked exactly like the brochures—pristine buildings surrounded by green courtyards, students bustling about with an air of purpose. She suddenly felt very small.
Pietro stood and stretched, grabbing his duffel bag as if they’d just hopped off a bus instead of a state-of-the-art jet. “This is it,” he said, grinning. “College life. Bet I’m the fastest kid here already.”
Wanda rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath. “It’s not a competition, Pietro.”
Tony’s voice crackled over the intercom. “Alright, kiddos, welcome to S.H.I.E.L.D. College, where the brightest minds and most secretive futures are forged. No pressure.”
“Tony,” Pepper’s voice interrupted, softer and more reassuring. “Good luck, both of you. And remember, we’re just a call away.”
Wanda took a deep breath and stepped off the jet, the warm breeze tugging at her hair. She adjusted the strap of her bag as she followed Pietro down the stairs. Her twin was already scanning the area, no doubt sizing up potential competition or trouble.
A sleek black SUV waited on the tarmac, emblazoned with the S.H.I.E.L.D. logo. A stern-looking driver opened the back door without a word. Wanda hesitated, feeling the weight of the moment settle on her shoulders.
Pietro nudged her gently. “Come on, Wands. We’ve got this.”
She nodded, forcing a smile, and climbed in. The ride to their dorms was short, but Wanda couldn’t stop fidgeting. The campus was alive with activity—students carrying books, laughing in groups, and professors walking with the authority of people who knew too much.
When the SUV finally stopped, Wanda stepped out to see a towering brick building. The dormitory loomed before them, its polished exterior giving no hints about the lives within.
“Room assignments are in the lobby,” the driver said curtly, unloading their bags.
“Thanks,” Wanda murmured, clutching her things as she and Pietro stepped inside.
The lobby buzzed with nervous energy, students crowding around a bulletin board listing names and room numbers. Wanda scanned the list quickly, her breath catching when she found her name.
Wanda Maximoff - Room 237.
“Looks like I’m 215,” Pietro said, smirking. “Guess you’re on your own, sis. Try not to burn anything down.”
She shot him a glare, but it was half-hearted. Her stomach churned as she headed for the elevators, her mind racing with questions. Who was her roommate? What would they think of her?
She didn’t have to wait long to find out.
When she walked over she saw different types of people. There was the stereotype Blonde Jock guy and the nerd guy with Black hair and glasses.
Wanda hesitated at the door to Room 237, her keycard trembling slightly in her hand. She took a steadying breath before swiping it, the lock clicking open with a soft beep.
The room was… simple. Two twin beds, two desks, and two small closets. One side of the room already looked lived-in. The bed was neatly made with dark gray sheets, and a few personal items—a leather jacket slung over the back of a chair, a stack of books on the desk—hinted at her roommate’s personality.
But the room was empty.
Wanda let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. At least she had a little time to get settled before the inevitable awkward introductions.
She set her suitcase on the empty bed and started unpacking. The familiar act of folding her clothes and arranging her things brought a small sense of normalcy. She lined up a few books on the desk, placed a framed photo of herself and Pietro from years ago next to her lamp, and tucked away her few keepsakes in the drawers.
Her side of the room looked almost embarrassingly plain compared to her roommate’s. Wanda had never been one for decorations or bold statements, and it felt strange to think of this as her new home.
As she zipped up her empty suitcase and slid it under the bed, she glanced at the other side of the room again. The books caught her attention—thick volumes with faded covers, their titles barely legible. She squinted at one. History of the Occult: Myths and Truths.
Her brow furrowed. That’s… interesting.
A faint chill ran down her spine, and she shook it off, turning back to her things. She sat on the bed and stared at the door, wondering what kind of person her roommate was.
Would they get along? Would they even talk?
She sighed and lay back, staring at the ceiling.
“First day,” she muttered to herself. “You’ve got this, Wanda.”
But as she closed her eyes for a moment, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something—someone—was watching her. Yeah totally not weird for the first day of college. Right?
The faint hum of the air conditioner filled the room as Wanda stared at the ceiling, willing her nerves to settle. She could hear the muffled chatter of students in the hall, the occasional burst of laughter, and the sound of wheels rolling as someone moved a suitcase past her door.
She glanced at the clock on her phone. It was past 3 p.m., and there was still no sign of her roommate. Maybe they were off exploring campus or hanging out with friends.
Wanda sighed and sat up, deciding she couldn’t spend the entire afternoon waiting. She pulled out her laptop and opened it on her desk, hoping to distract herself. But before she could even start scrolling, the door creaked open behind her.
Wanda turned sharply, her heart skipping a beat.
The figure who entered moved with a quiet grace, their steps nearly soundless. The first thing Wanda noticed was the leather jacket—worn and slightly scuffed, yet undeniably cool. Then her eyes traveled upward to meet the piercing green gaze of the girl standing in the doorway.
Her roommate.
Natasha Romanov didn’t say a word at first, just tilted her head slightly as if sizing Wanda up. Her face was unreadable, sharp yet calm, with an air of quiet confidence that instantly made Wanda feel small.
“Hi,” Wanda blurted out, her voice cracking slightly. She winced at her own awkwardness and quickly stood up, fumbling to straighten her shirt. “I’m Wanda. Wanda Maximoff.”
Natasha’s gaze flickered to her outstretched hand, then back to her face. After a brief pause, she stepped fully into the room and closed the door behind her.
“Natasha,” she said simply, her voice low and smooth, with a faint trace of an accent Wanda couldn’t place.
Wanda’s hand remained in the air for a moment before she awkwardly lowered it, trying not to read too much into Natasha’s lack of a handshake.
“Uh, I already unpacked,” Wanda said, gesturing toward her side of the room. “I hope… I mean, I tried to stay on my side and not touch anything.”
Natasha’s lips quirked into the barest hint of a smirk. “Relax. I’m not going to bite.”
Wanda froze, unsure if it was a joke or not. Natasha’s smirk deepened, as if she knew exactly what Wanda was thinking.
“So… where are you from?” Wanda asked, desperate to fill the silence.
“Here and there,” Natasha replied vaguely, dropping her bag on her bed. She unzipped it in one fluid motion, pulling out a few items and placing them neatly on the desk. Wanda caught a glimpse of a small, black dagger before Natasha quickly stowed it away in a drawer.
What kind of person carries a knife to college? Wanda wondered, though she didn’t dare ask.
The silence stretched on, and Wanda’s nerves prickled. She shifted awkwardly, unsure if she should say something else or just let Natasha unpack in peace.
But before she could decide, Natasha glanced at her with those sharp green eyes. “First time away from home?”
“Y-yeah,” Wanda admitted, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You?”
Natasha didn’t answer immediately. She leaned back against her desk, crossing her arms as she studied Wanda. “Something like that,” she said finally.
Wanda nodded, unsure how to respond. She felt like Natasha was looking right through her, as if she could see every secret Wanda was trying to keep buried.
“You don’t need to be nervous,” Natasha said after a moment, her voice softening slightly. “I don’t bite. Really.”
This time, there was a trace of humor in her tone, but it did little to calm Wanda’s racing heart.
—
Wanda clutched her schedule tightly as she hurried down the hallway, her shoes echoing against the polished floors of the lecture building. The campus map she’d memorized the night before helped her avoid getting lost, but her nerves still buzzed.
Her first class: Introduction to Physics,
As she approached the lecture hall, Wanda hesitated, hovering just outside the door. The low hum of chatter inside made her stomach twist. She took a deep breath and stepped in, scanning the room quickly.
Rows of seats stretched upward, filled with students. Some were flipping through notebooks, others scrolling through their phones. Wanda spotted Pietro almost immediately—he was in the second row, leaning back casually, laughing at something a dark-haired guy next to him had said.
Of course, Pietro had already made friends.
He caught sight of her as she hesitated near the entrance and waved her over. “Wanda! Over here!”
Her face burned as heads turned in her direction. She ducked her head and quickly made her way to him, sliding into the empty seat beside him.
“Nice of you to show up, сестра,” (sister) Pietro teased, his grin infuriatingly smug.
“I’m not late,” Wanda mumbled, setting her bag down.
Pietro’s new friend leaned over, giving her a friendly smile. “You must be the twin. Pietro’s been telling me all about you.”
Wanda raised an eyebrow at Pietro, who smirked. “Nothing bad, I promise,” he said.
The guy extended a hand. “I’m Sam, by the way. Sam Wilson.”
Wanda shook his hand awkwardly. “Nice to meet you.”
Before the conversation could continue, the door at the front of the room swung open, and a tall figure strode in. The room quieted instantly.
“Good morning, class,” the professor said, setting a stack of papers on the desk at the front. “I’m Dr. Banner. Welcome to Introduction to Physics . If you’re here because you think it’ll be an easy elective, I suggest reconsidering.”
Wanda blinked. Dr. Banner? The name was familiar, but she couldn’t place it immediately. The professor adjusted his glasses and launched into an overview of the syllabus, his tone calm but commanding.
Wanda tried to focus, but her thoughts kept drifting. Pietro and Sam were already whispering and passing notes like they’d known each other for years, while she sat silently, feeling like an outsider even with her brother next to her.
As Dr. Banner began discussing the basics of energy and motion, Wanda felt an odd twinge in the back of her mind, like a faint spark of recognition. She couldn’t explain it, but something about the concepts he was describing felt… familiar, almost instinctual.
She shook her head, focusing back on the lecture. It was just her nerves, she told herself.
After surviving Physics, Wanda made her way to her next class: History 101 .
The lecture hall was buzzing with activity as students filed in, and Wanda glanced around for an empty seat. She spotted Kate Bishop near the front of the room and, despite not knowing her very well, decided to sit next to her.
Kate immediately noticed her and waved. “Hey! You’re in this class too?”
Wanda nodded, a little unsure. “Yeah, looks like it.”
Kate grinned, not missing a beat. “Awesome! I’m Kate, by the way. History’s not usually my thing, but I’ve got a feeling this professor’s gonna be cool. No exams—just discussions. Sounds like a nice change, right?”
Wanda gave a small, shy smile but didn’t say much in response. She was never great at small talk, especially in a class full of strangers.
Kate, however, didn’t seem to mind the silence. She continued talking, her words coming fast and easily. “I mean, who doesn’t love a little bit of ancient history? The crazy stuff people did back then. It’s wild to think about. I can’t wait to see what we cover.”
Wanda nodded slightly, her gaze shifting to the professor as he walked in, a middle-aged man with a thick beard and a laid-back vibe. “Welcome to History 101, everyone,” he said with a warm smile. “This semester, we’ll be covering key events and movements. No exams—just discussions. So don’t be afraid to speak up.”
Kate leaned over to Wanda, whispering with a mischievous grin, “See? No exams. This is gonna be a breeze.”
Wanda only offered a quiet nod, letting Kate take the lead in the conversation. It was easier that way, especially with Kate’s easygoing, talkative nature.
As the class started, Kate didn’t hold back, offering her thoughts on the syllabus, the professor’s style, and even making a few jokes about past history classes she’d taken. Wanda listened, grateful for the distraction from her own nerves. She didn’t feel the need to speak much—Kate was handling that part for her.
Throughout the lecture, Kate kept talking, making comments and observations that filled the space between them, while Wanda remained mostly quiet, focused on taking in the material.
At one point, Kate leaned over again. “So, what do you think? You into history? Or just here for the credits like me?”
Wanda glanced at Kate, feeling a little awkward but still appreciating the friendly gesture. “I’m interested in it,” she said softly. “I think… I think it’s a good way to understand the past.”
Kate smiled at her. “Yeah, I get that. History’s all about figuring out how we got here, right? Pretty cool if you ask me.”
Wanda offered a small smile in return, feeling a little more comfortable now that she didn’t have to carry the conversation. Kate’s energy made the class feel less intimidating, and Wanda was glad to have someone to sit with, even if she wasn’t the most talkative person.
—
After the History class, Wanda made her way to the cafeteria, still adjusting to the new environment. The halls were filled with students chatting and laughing, and Wanda felt a bit out of place. She wasn’t used to the constant noise, and she had to focus on finding somewhere to sit.
As she entered the cafeteria, she spotted Kate waving from a nearby table, her signature grin on her face. “Wanda! Over here!” she called out, clearly excited to see her again.
Wanda hesitated for a moment before making her way over to the table. “Hey, Kate.”
“Come sit with me!” Kate said, pulling out the chair next to her. “I promise I’m not that annoying.”
Wanda smiled softly and sat down beside her, grateful that Kate was being so friendly. Kate, with her easy confidence, seemed to make the whole situation feel a little less daunting.
As they settled in, Kate immediately launched into conversation, as if they were old friends. “So, what’s the verdict on the history class? I’m actually kind of excited for it, especially with no exams. And the professor seems like he’s gonna be pretty chill.”
Wanda gave a quiet nod, unsure of how much she could really contribute. “It seems fine. I like the idea of just talking about things. No tests is a bonus.”
“Right? No stressing over pop quizzes or anything like that. History’s way more fun when you can just learn about the cool stuff without worrying about a grade.” Kate took a bite of her lunch, still talking between mouthfuls. “I think we’ll get along just fine in that class. I like your vibe.”
Wanda smiled a little, though she still wasn’t quite sure what to make of all the attention. Kate’s extroverted nature was a stark contrast to her own quiet, reserved personality, but she was starting to feel comfortable around her.
“So, what’s your major? Or are you still figuring it out?” Kate asked, her curiosity not letting up for a second.
Wanda thought for a moment, unsure how much she wanted to share. “I’m… trying to decide. I like a lot of things. History, psychology… physics… art. Maybe something that ties them together.”
Kate’s eyes lit up. “That’s awesome! You’re like a walking brainiac, huh? I don’t know how you do it. I’m just here to get my general ed credits.”
Wanda chuckled quietly at that. “Not exactly. I just have a lot of interests.”
The conversation continued as lunch went on, with Kate bouncing between topics and Wanda listening more than talking, but she was comfortable. For the first time that day, she didn’t feel so out of place. She didn’t have to force herself into conversations, and Kate’s easygoing personality was the perfect balance to her own quiet nature.
As Wanda and Kate were chatting quietly, the door to the cafeteria swung open, and a girl with short blonde hair walked in, scanning the room. She spotted Kate and immediately waved her hand to get her attention.
“Kate! Where’ve you been?”
Kate looked up and smiled. “Hey, Yelena! Over here!” She waved her down, and Yelena made her way over, her casual stride full of confidence.
Wanda felt a bit awkward as the girl approached but managed a small, shy “Hi” as Yelena sat down next to Kate.
Yelena returned the greeting with a warm smile. “Hey, Wanda. How’s it going?” She says as she looked down on the Bracelet Wanda was wearing
Wanda, still trying to shake off the nerves of meeting someone new, responded quietly, “Good. Just… getting used to everything.”
Kate grinned at her, as if sensing Wanda’s discomfort. “Yelena, this is Wanda, she’s in my history class. Wanda, this is Yelena.”
Yelena nodded, her friendly demeanor putting Wanda at ease, but she didn’t say much more. Instead, she sat down with a tray filled with a giant serving of mac and cheese.
After a few moments of silence, Kate seemed to sense Wanda’s shyness and decided to step in. “Okay, okay, I’ve got an idea. We should all go to the movies sometime soon. It’s a good way to just chill and bond without all the awkward small talk.”
Wanda blinked, surprised by the suggestion. “The movies?” she repeated, unsure how to respond.
“Yeah!” Kate exclaimed, clearly excited. “We’ll pick something fun. Popcorn, soda, and just sit back and relax. No pressure, just hanging out.”
Yelena, who had been listening, gave a small smile. “I’m in. I need a break from all the serious stuff.”
Wanda looked at the two of them, unsure, but the idea of a low-pressure hangout seemed appealing. “I guess… that could be fun,” she said softly, a tiny smile tugging at her lips.
Kate beamed. “Great! We’ll make it happen. I’m sure you’ll love it. A good movie’s the perfect way to just kick back after the first week of classes.”
Wanda nodded, feeling a little more comfortable now. It was a simple plan, but the idea of spending time with Kate and Yelena seemed like it could be a good way to get to know them better without all the awkwardness of trying to fill every silence.
As they continued eating, the conversation shifted again, but Wanda felt a little less out of place now. The invitation to the movies was a small thing, but it made her feel like she was starting to fit in, even if just a little.
As they continued eating, Kate leaned forward with a curious smile. “So, Wanda, how’s your roommate? You two getting along?”
Wanda hesitated for a moment, not sure how to answer. Instead of responding right away, she turned the question back on Kate. “What about you? How’s your roommate?”
Kate grinned. “Yelena’s my roommate! We just started living together this year, but we’ve been dating since high school. We figured we’d be perfect roommates since we’re already so used to each other.”
Wanda nodded, feeling a little more at ease. “That’s nice. I’m glad it’s working out for you.”
Kate took a bite of her salad, her expression bright. “It’s been great! Yelena’s definitely one of a kind, but she’s also super supportive. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”
After a beat, Kate asked again, “What about your roommate though? You haven’t said much.”
Wanda shifted a bit in her seat, not sure how to explain. “My roommate’s Natasha,” she said, keeping her voice neutral. She didn’t want to say too much yet.
Yelena raised an eyebrow at that. “Wait, how do you know Natasha’s my sister?” she asked, clearly intrigued.
Wanda blinked in confusion. “Uh, I don’t know… she just mentioned her name?”
Yelena chuckled softly. “Well, there’s only one Natasha here at the college,” she said with a grin. “If you’ve got a Natasha as a roommate, there’s no mistaking it. That’s my sister, alright.”
Kate nodded. “Yeah, don’t worry, she’s not as intimidating as she seems. You’ll get used to her.”
Wanda gave a small nod, still a little uncertain, but grateful that Yelena and Kate seemed to understand. The idea of Natasha being Yelena’s sister didn’t really make things less mysterious, but she appreciated the casual way they talked about her.
As the conversation shifted again, Wanda felt a little more comfortable, and the rest of lunch passed in an easy-going way.
—
Later that afternoon, after her classes had ended, Wanda made her way back to her dorm room. She opened the door to find everything still as she left it—her side of the room neat and quiet. Natasha’s side, however, remained untouched. Wanda tried not to think too much about it and dropped her bag on the bed.
As she sat down to start unpacking her books, her phone suddenly rang. It was a video call from Tony’s messenger account. Wanda’s eyes lit up. She smiled at the sight of her family calling her all together—Tony, Pepper, and Morgan. She quickly answered.
“Hey, everyone!” Wanda greeted, settling back on her bed.
Tony’s face popped up first, grinning. “Hey, kid! How’s the first day going? Found any trouble yet?”
Pepper appeared next, her voice warm. “We just wanted to check in. How are the classes? Your roommate? How’s everything feeling so far?”
Morgan’s excited face filled the screen last. “Wanda, how’s college? Are you making lots of new friends? Tell me everything!”
Wanda smiled at her family’s familiar faces. “It’s been a lot, honestly. A bit overwhelming, but I’m getting through it. Classes are… challenging, but not terrible. I met some people, and the roommate situation is… okay. She’s quiet, though. Doesn’t talk much.”
Tony raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. “Quiet, huh? Sounds like a mystery. Does she give off the ‘I have a hidden agenda’ vibe?”
Wanda couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head. “I wouldn’t say that. She’s just… private, I guess. Not really opening up to me yet.”
Pepper smiled softly. “You’re doing great. Just remember to take breaks when you can. It’s important not to overdo it, especially with the big change.”
Morgan, always a little too eager, bounced in her seat. “Are you making new friends, Wanda? Have you eaten anything exciting yet?”
Wanda chuckled. “I met a few people during lunch. Some girls from my class. It wasn’t anything wild, but it’s nice to start making connections. I’ll tell you more later.”
The call paused briefly as Tony tapped his phone. “Where’s your brother? He not picking up?”
Wanda glanced down at the screen and saw Pietro’s icon was grayed out, indicating he hadn’t answered. “Yeah, he’s not picking up.”
Pepper gave a small sigh. “He’s probably busy. But I’m sure he’s doing fine. You’re the one we’re worried about.”
Wanda smiled fondly at her family. “I’ll be okay. Thanks for calling, though. It’s nice to hear all your voices.”
Morgan grinned widely. “We love you, Wanda! And don’t forget to have fun too, okay?”
“I love you too,” Wanda said, her heart feeling fuller. “I’ll call you soon.”
The call ended, and Wanda set her phone down, feeling a bit more at ease. The sounds of her family had made everything feel a little less overwhelming, and she was reminded that no matter how far away she was, she still had a solid support system.