Newfound Family

Rainboots

Steve laughed. "Yes, ma'am. Come on Wanda! Let's beat Nat to the garage."

They ran out, with Nat rolling her eyes behind them.

"You're such a kid, Steve." She muttered, laughing.

---

Wanda didn't remember the last time she was in a car. She had spent the whole week at the Barton's without really leaving their property, except to go on family hikes. Before that, well, she was at HYDRA with Pietro, and she definitely didn't get to ride in a car there.

When they were all seated, Wanda waited for them to move, but they never did. Nat turned back to look at her.

"Are you going to buckle your seatbelt?"

"Seat belt?"

"The strap beside your shoulder, just bring it over your body and click it in place. It took Wanda a few awkward moments, but she finally got it.

After a few minutes into the ride, she had decided she didn't particularly like it. It reminded her of the restraints at HYDRA, but Nat said it was the law, that its purpose was to keep her safe, so she didn't complain.

That's what Strucker said at HYDRA, too.

Wanda snapped out of her thoughts, her eyes flashing red for only a moment. She looked up at the rear-view mirror but was relieved to see neither Nat nor Steve was watching her. They were too caught up in their conversation about the Barton farm.

Wanda focused on the passing trees and cars on the highway. She found it relaxing, how they were moving so fast, but she could barely see it. Nat noticed her amazement.

"So, Wanda. How do you like Steve's truck?"

Wanda looked up. "I like it. I don't remember ever riding in a car before. It's fun."

Steve looked at her in the rear-view mirror. "I could go faster but Nat would probably kill me."

Wanda giggled. She liked Steve, he made her laugh.

"Don't you dare, Rogers," Nat popped her sunglasses in the overhead compartment. "Imagine the officer's face when they pull over Captain America for speeding. Besides, we are already here."

They pulled into a parking lot, which was thankfully not too busy. It was a weekday morning after all.

"Don't you think people will recognize you guys?" Wanda said, hopping out of the truck. She didn't realise how far down the drop was, and she lost her balance.

"Are you okay?" Steve hoisted her off the ground, and Wanda felt slightly embarrassed. Steve ignored it, answering her question from before.

"I highly doubt it. Most people here on Tuesday afternoons are old people. Most times, people are too busy to even pay attention. Plus, without our uniforms, it's harder to draw attention."

That turned out to be, surprisingly to Wanda, very true. Not one person recognized Steve or Nat. Wanda also didn't see any other kids her age around, which probably was the reason why. It was still mid-June, and she had overheard some older women talking about how it was the last week of school for New York City kids.

The trio headed around each store, picking out some essentials that Wanda needed; clothing shoes, bedding, and of course, her rain boots.

They headed into a Walmart, and Steve headed straight to the men's clothing section. Wanda and Nat ran behind him, confused about why he was rushing.

Steve sighed, putting his head in his hands. "I'm going to kill him. I am going to kill Tony Stark.

"Why?" Wanda asked. Steve pulled away from the clothing rack to reveal a T-shirt. To Wanda, it looked like a typical Avenger's T-Shirt. Most of the people back at the compound bought their merchandise as a joke, and this didn't seem any different from the ones they had.