I just feel you

Vision was sitting at the kitchen counter, a novel before him when Steve hurried into the kitchen and began rooting through cabinets. Vision placed a finger to mark his page and glanced up in confusion.

“Is there something you need help with, Captain?” He asked, curious at Steve’s haste. The captain jumped visibly, and Vision looked down sheepishly. The team was yet to grow accustomed to his presence in the Compound and he was still learning to be something like human. It was a slow process.

“Vision,” Steve said, a hand pressed to his chest in surprise. “Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

Vision nodded. “What are you looking for?”

“Cold and flu medicine,” Steve replied, turning back to the cabinets and pushing aside two different bags of coffee beans and a pot of sugar. His hand scraped around the back of the shelf to no avail. “I know we had some here somewhere.”

Vision tilted his head curiously. There weren’t many at the compound who could fall ill, Steve and himself included. Tony was away with Rhodey in New York for the weekend, Clint was with his family, and from what Vision knew of Natasha, she didn’t seem the kind of person to accept medicine.

That only left one other person in the enormous building he now called home.

“Is Wanda okay?” Vision asked his voice sound slightly strained, even to his own ears. He hadn’t quite mastered control over tone yet but was getting better at identifying such markers in other’s speech.

“She’s okay,” Steve mulled as he moved things around, moving to another cupboard. Vision heard the concern in his voice. Forgetting his page, he shut his book all thoughts now directed to Wanda. Where could she have contracted an illness? Perhaps it was overworking, of all of them, Wanda pushed herself the hardest. The last few weeks had been particularly rough with training every day, minor missions interstate, and relentless press appearances.

“Aha!” Steve cried in triumph, holding up a packet of cold and flu tablets.

“I can take them to her,” Vision said jumping to his feet and moving swiftly to Steve’s side, a glass in his hand ready to fill with water for Wanda. Steve jerked back a little, evidently, he was still not adjusted to the synthezoid’s super speed.

“Okay,” Steve sounded hesitant as he passed over the thin package. “Don’t smother her, alright? She’s not in a very good mood.”

“I won’t,” Vision said pleased as he filled up the glass with water and headed off down the corridor. As he walked, he quickly had a look at what ‘smothering’ meant – why Steve thought he might cover Wanda’s head with a pillow, Vision couldn’t understand. A little more looking revealed it could also mean overwhelm. Vision shook his head, he would make every effort to not overwhelm her, he just wanted to make sure she was comfortable and provide anything that might make her feel better.

Out of Steve’s sight, he hurried quickly down the corridor that led to Wanda’s bedroom. Once he was close enough to her bedroom he phased effortlessly through the wall, bringing the water and pills with him.

He arrived in her room to find that the lights were out and the curtains drawn despite it being mid-morning.

“Vision?” Wanda exclaimed, or tried to. Her voice cracked and she coughed most of the way through his name.

He hurried to the other side of her bed, concerned to see her covers pulled up to her chin even as sweat made her forehead shine.

“What did I saw about knocking?” Wanda said, her voice hoarse, her eyes struggling to stay open.

“That I should?” Vision said hesitantly.

Wanda murmured something in affirmation, and he felt guilty.

“Sorry, I will next time. I brought you some medicine.” He set the glass of water on her bedside table which was cluttered with tissues, empty glasses and unfinished books.

“Don’t need it, thanks,” Wanda murmured, turning onto her side.

Vision sighed. She looked dreadful, which was saying something as he rarely found her anything but beautiful. Concerned, he slowly reached out to press his hand to her forehead. Wanda shivered, feverish.

“You have a high temperature; the medicine will make you feel better.”

Wanda opened her eyes blearily and huffed in frustration. She heaved herself up to lean against the headboard and held a hand out for the pills. Vision popped two of the night pills into her palm before extending the water glass. She swallowed the medicine and shivered again.

“When did you start feeling bad?” Vision asked, trying to make conversation as he hovered about her room, not yet ready to leave her in such a state.

“Last night, but woke up feeling like the plague this morning,” Wanda mumbled, slipping back down onto the pillow. He moved forward to pull her pillow up so she was more comfortable.

“Okay, well we’ll keep an eye on your fever,” he said nervously more to himself, feeling the need to speak the instructions he had read about online aloud. But Wanda’s eyes were already closed, and it seemed she was relenting to an exhausted slumber.

Vision bit his lip, unsure if he were allowed to stay in her room while she was asleep. Glancing at her bedside table he decided to at least clean up on his way out. With the empty glasses stacked and the tissues in the bin he set about opening up a window a little bit to allow for some circulation. Even if Wanda felt cold, her fever needed to come down. Finally, unable to see a reason to stay Vision went over to adjust her blankets. Seeing that she was peacefully asleep he pressed his palm to her forehead, glad to feel that she felt a little bit less warm. She murmured something sleepily but didn’t wake.

Vision returned to her wall with the glasses in hand and phased through it once more, leaving Wanda to her fever dreams. For the remainder of the day, he kept a keen eye on Wanda, phasing through her wall each hour to take her temperature and replace her water glass. She remained asleep or at least didn’t acknowledge his care, though each time he left her mouth twitched up at the corners.

“Wanda!” Vision’s voice was a singsong as he phased through her bedroom wall, eager for their promised game of chess. He had taken up teaching her the game not long after he had learnt it himself. There was no one at the compound who could play that well but he always had fun with Wanda. Even when Vision knew all the tricks, she still surprised him. In exchange they had been following up each game with a few episodes of the Dick Van Dyke show. It was their Saturday night ritual now, though they had only known each other 6 months. Wanda had only just returned from the mission she had been on with Steve and Nat. Perhaps chess was off the table, but he hoped she would let him keep her company and watch some television. Vision struggled to understand how keenly he had felt her absence in the past week.

He phased through the wall and for a moment his sight was clouded. He emerged into the bedroom that he had slowly been acquainted with. Vision knew the view from her windows, the books on her desk, her guitar in the corner and the pattern of her bedsheets. His eyes checked off each of these features before looking to the bed. His heart dropped sickeningly when he caught sight of the figure laying atop the covers.

Wanda had propped herself against the headboard, her mouth twisted in pain as she nursed a gash that was bleeding all down her left arm.

“Wanda?” Vision whispered. Her eyes opened weakly, and she grimaced a smile.

“Hi.”

Vision was at her side instantly. “Hi? What do you mean hi? Are you okay what happened—”

“Shhh,” Wanda whispered, reaching out to grab his arm and squeeze. “Don’t want the others to know.”

“What do you mean?” Vision asked furiously. “You’re hurt, why didn’t you go the med bay when you got back?”

“Please,” she turned her eyes on him and he registered the pain behind her gaze. “Help me and I’ll answer any questions you want. I tried,” she gestured to the trail of thread she’d been using to stitch herself up with, “but my hands are too shaky.”

He ignored that she was half undressed, more focused on how her blood had soaked through the left side of her top and was dripping onto her bed. Vision spared less than a second before he was speeding away from her side. He trusted Wanda, if she said that she didn’t want the others knowing then he would wait to hear her reasoning. For now, he just wanted to alleviate her pain.

He thanked the gods for his super speed as he dashed down the corridor, down the stairs through two walls and into the empty med bay. He dipped in and out of the internet finding a reputable source for stitching up a wound even as he lectured himself for not understanding such an important procedure sooner. He grabbed more supplies, gauze and bandages, antiseptic and a fresh needle and tweezers. He sped back upstairs and arrived in Wanda’s room just as she was swiping tears away from her eyes.

“Sorry,” she winced, trying to sit up better as he set his supplies on her bedside table.

“You have nothing to apologise for,” Vision said soothingly. “Let’s get you fixed up.”

“You weren’t supposed to see,” Wanda sighed, her eyes closed as he set about propping her arm up with a pillow and a fresh towel to mop up the blood.

“Lucky I entered without announcing myself then,” Vision murmured perching himself next to her tense body. He wasn’t usually squeamish and managed to maintain a distance when it came to gore. But seeing Wanda’s blood trickling down her arm had his heart thumping far too quickly. He took a few calming breaths.

Vision straightened her arm and watched her forehead contort in pain, sweat beading. Silently he took the medical scissors and cut off the thread and the mess Wanda had made of her wound. On closer inspection he was relieved to see it wasn’t too deep and that the blood had stopped flowing. He cleaned and numbed the area.

“It’s not as bad as I thought,” Vision murmured as he helped her sit up taller, so she was at a better angle for the stitches.

“Feels bad enough,” Wanda winced.

He frowned at her pain. “Tell me about your favourite episode of Dick Van Dyke,” Vision prompted as he set about threading the needle. Wisely, Wanda decided to turn her attention to her sweeping windows and the clouds drifting across the amber sky.

“Season 2, episode 20,” Wanda said. “It’s not necessarily my favourite but it’s the episode I’ve seen the most. Rob watches this movie with aliens and monsters, it was scary for me as a kid, but I found it funny how out of control it became—” Wanda broke off with a pained groan as Vision began the first stitch.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered.

“Now it doesn’t scare me but it’s still eerie...” she trailed off to prepare for the next stitch. Moments later it was done, and she breathed out slowly as Vision tugged the thread gently, closing the wound.

“— it’s interesting to look back on the episode and –” She thumped her other first on her thigh as the needle dug in once more.

“—and see how far my life has changed since I first watched it – oh fuck that!”

Vision startled, not used to hearing her swear. “Two more and it’ll be done,” Vision replied, conscious that he was leaning over her torso and that there might have been easier ways to sit for stitching up the gash.

“Two more?” Wanda sighed her right shoulder slumping in defeat.

“Almost there, almost there,” he murmured soothingly, starting on the next stitch. Wanda cried out, biting her fist. His heart twinged painfully in sympathy.

“You’re okay,” Vision said, doing his best to be comfortingly. “One more and then it’s done, one more and it’ll be over.”

He continued to murmur small comforts, hoping his voice would distract her from the thin metal dipping in and out of her skin. Despite her pain he had successfully kept the stitches neat and hoped that they’d be suitable enough for healing. At least he had used the thread that dissolved as the wound healed and she could avoid the new pain of having them taken out once more.

As he pushed the needle in for the final stitch Wanda’s head lolled against his neck. He froze in fear.

“I’m okay,” she whispered, “just, keep going.”

Her head remained pressed into the crook of his neck, her breath warming his skin in slow, controlled breaths. Vision did his best to focus on finishing off his work. He completed the final stitch, tied it up and cut the needle free. As he moved his materials to her bedside table and picked up the gauze, he became conscious of Wanda’s shoulders shaking slowly.

“Sorry,” she said quietly, her voice thick with tears.

“It’s alright, Wanda,” Vision said with a comforting smile, though she didn’t raise her head. He raised a hand and gently stroked the back of her head in what he hoped was a soothing manner. “I’ll wrap your arm up and give you something for the pain.”

Wanda sniffled against his shoulder. “I’m glad you’re the only one who can phase through physical walls.”

Vision smiled happily; glad Wanda couldn’t see his reaction.

Vision hovered; his hand raised to knock on Wanda’s bedroom door. He’d been standing there for a few moments debating on whether or not to disturb her when he’d heard the soft noises of Wanda’s cries. Vision knew how she sounded when she was upset. In the year they had been living together there had been a few nights he had spent sitting outside her door, listening to her cry and waiting for her to fall asleep. Often, all she’d allow him to do was bring her food or a cup of tea, insisting she be left to her sorrows. But Vision was struggling to bear it tonight. He worried that she thought herself a burden, that she locked herself up in her room on her bad days as a way to save the rest of the team from her anguish. But Vision hated seeing, or hearing, her pain.

Unable to wait any longer Vision side stepped the door and phased right through the wood. The room was dark, and the air was still, Wanda hadn’t left her bed all day. Quietly, Vision walked slowly to her bedside and crouched beside her curled up form. The covers were pulled up over her head, her arms wrapped around one of her cushions. His throat grew tight with emotion as he gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Wanda?” He whispered. The covers shifted and her head emerged, tear tracks looked as though they had made permanent lines down her face, dark circles hung under her eyes.

She didn’t say anything, just rolled over so that her back was to him.

“Is there anything that you need?” Vision asked removing his hand, hesitant to take her rejection, he’d wait until she explicitly asked him to leave. Wanda didn’t reply, her breath catching in her throat, and she shook her head slowly.

“You don’t have to do this alone,” Vision said quietly.

“I don’t want to bother anyone,” Wanda whispered, her voice hoarse from not speaking. Vision raised to stand, hovering next to her bed. He desperately wanted to wrap his arms around her and hold her close, to banish all her sadness and protect her from fear.

“You could never be a burden to me, it is a privilege to be a part of your life.” His words sounded raw, even to his own ears and he heard Wanda hiccup emotionally.

It didn’t take much, just her hand emerging from beneath the covers to tug at the hem of his woollen sweater. It was all he needed to know she wanted him to say.

She shifted to make room and Vision settled onto the bed next to her. Almost reluctantly, Wanda slid closer though her face was still hidden. When he was close enough, he pulled a blanket from the floor and wrapped it around her shoulders. She leant in, sniffling tearily. When he held his arms open, she hesitated for a few moments, her body stiff with tension. Finally, she relented, pressing her forehead into his shoulder and allowing him to wrap her in his warm arms. The tears started again, and he rocked them back and forth as she trembled.

“It’s alright,” Vision whispered over and over. He rubbed a hand in circles on her back, holding her close.

They remained that way for a while, Vision let her cry as much as she needed, not feeling the need to ask what was causing her such anguish. She would tell him when she was ready.

“When you’re feeling up for it, we can go for a walk,” Vision said soothingly, “there are wildflowers out by the woods, I even saw some bluebells the other morning. Maybe you can point out some other flowers you recognise to me. I think the birds miss you out there.” He talked slowly about small things, none of them important but gradually her sobs slowed into hiccups.

“Thank you,” Wanda whispered into his shoulders, her hands tangled up in his jumper.

It was the middle of the week for the Avengers and that apparently meant a friendly game of capture the flag.

It was for training, supposedly, but Wanda was pretty sure it was just to make sure they didn’t go stir crazy during their time off. Capture the flag was a less-destructive option compared with some of the other extracurriculars her teammates had tried to pursue during their holiday.

The time off was a new initiative. For 2 weeks out of every six months they were required to take time off and recuperate. The new rule was a result of a psychological evaluation that had been conducted two months earlier, finding that everyone was under an exorbitant amount of stress. It had been decided that in order for everyone to look after themselves properly there needed to be enforced holiday time.

As Wanda trod through the grass, her training boots softening the blow of her stomping, she couldn’t help thinking of the warm bed that she had been dragged from. Time off was supposed to mean lots of risk and relaxation, right?

Apparently not for a team of stressed-out superheroes with nothing to do.

The rest of the team had assembled on the back lawn facing the mass of woods that backed onto the compound’s south side. It was the view that Wanda saw from her bedroom, which was where she was supposed to be.

She shook her head no use complaining, she’d never live it down if she didn’t participate. Plus, she was a bit excited at the opportunity of hitting something that wasn’t going to try and kill her in return. Hopefully. She had finished the last of Sam’s peanut butter the previous evening so maybe her life was in a little bit of danger.

“Hurry up!” Natasha called from the circle she had assembled for their team, comprised of Steve, herself and a reluctant Clint who was still lacing up his boots and looked as if he too had been dragged from slumber. “I picked you for our team.”

Wanda surveyed their opponents – Tony, Rhodey, Sam and Vision. She grinned, her typical competitive spirit sparking at that. The last time they’d done a training exercise like this she and Vision had been on the same side; it would be interesting to actually try fighting him in a real time exercise. She grinned at Vision, a daring glint in her eyes and relished the way he stared, his eyes tracking up her body. Yes, this was going to be very fun.

There was a map set out on a plastic table, indicating where their flags were and how the forest was to be divided, with the river that ran through it the midline. The two teams took a moment to strategies. It was always a pain to pick who would be the one guarding the flag because everyone was competitive enough that they wanted to be part of the action. Thankfully, Clint volunteered, and Wanda was left to lead their attack, with Steve and Nat set on being the decoys.

“Usual rules, first person to get the opposing team’s flag wins, only one person guarding the flag at a time and please try not to destroy the forest?” Steve said pulling out one blue flag and one yellow flag, handing the latter to Sam.

Everyone made noises of agreement, but they were already shifting up to the starting line, bodies tensed and muscles tight, ready to launch themselves into the trees.

All it took was the clap of a starting gun and they jumped into motion. Each team set off in opposite directions while Vision disappeared in a blink. Wanda knew he would be at their flag, the last line of defence. A wise choice and one that would make her job all the more fun.

Wanda wasn’t as fast, but she was light on her feet and easily snuck through into the yellow team’s territory with no one noticing. It appeared Steve and Nat were taking their distraction role seriously.

Her powers made it easy to move about in confined spaces and so she darted between the branches of towering trees, using her powers to push herself off of thick boughs. Her boots ring off branches as she used the foliage for cover. Below her there was the sound of heavy footfalls and she saw Rhodey appear, sneaking off towards their territory. A few moments later Nat appeared hot on his toes, silent as ever. She glanced up at Wanda and grinned. Her thumbs up let Wanda know that the coast was clear.

Reinvigorated, Wanda launched herself over roots and onto the rough forest floor, her feet bounding. As her legs burned, she felt Vision. Technically it might have been cheating in some ways – but Steve didn’t specify if there were any restrictions on her power and based on the sound of explosions at her back no one else was holding back. Vision was nearby, she could feel like calling to like.

Nevermind that Wanda had warned Vision about how open he let his mind be, making it easy for anyone like her to slip inside. He was blasting his presence loud and clear for her.

Wanda thundered to a stop next to the wide river whose waters filled the lake near the compound. It rushes, the swell strong from the previous week’s rain and on the other side of the misting water was Vision. His arms were set confidently on his hips and behind him she caught the yellow glimmer of his flag tied around a tree branch.

Vision shrugged casually when he saw her, but Wanda didn’t let his nonchalance hold her back. She launched herself across the rushing water, her powers propelling her forcefully into the air. She barely made it halfway across, Vision reached her too quickly.

They collided remarkably softly, and Wanda smirked at how Vision’s hand reached around her waist to steady her. In a moment she was returned to the banks and Vision was where he was moments earlier. Damn super speed. She thought. Wanda can still feel the warmth of his bare hand on her back. Damn feelings.

“That’s not fair!” She called across the water. As she spoke, she darted to the left and Vision easily mirrored her movement, ready to stop her.

“It’s all part of the game Wanda, darling,” Vision teased. Wanda’s eyes narrowed at the term of endearment, surely antagonising the enemy should have been against the rules.

She feinted, moving one way before spinning in the opposite direction. As predicted, Vision wasn’t fooled, and he followed her motions easily. As Wanda jumped again Vision moved to meet her in the middle, hovering easily above the water. Instead, Wanda let her power go and dropped rapidly, almost hitting the water below. She recovered just in time to push her powers off the water and land on the bank. She hit the ground with a thud, her knees stinging a little on impact but wasted no time getting up again, eyes searching for the bright yellow flag she had been put in charge of retrieving.

Vision recovered quickly and in moments he was in front of her. Wanda stepped sideways and he moved. She threw a punch and he blocked, he feinted, and she easily saw through his manoeuvre. Neither of them could get past each other’s guard but they like the challenge.

There was a reason she was rarely paired with Vision during training. For one, their powers were too well matched to hurt each other so they tended to end up damaging the space around them. And then there was the fact that it could never just be fighting with them. There always had to be teasing, flirting, names, exploiting each other’s well-known weaknesses.

Wanda backed up, relishing in how Vision strode after her, the world blurred at the edges. She tilted her head with a cocky smile and raised her hands, red balls of energy forming. One after another she hurled them in his direction, but Vision was too quick. He actually laughed as he spun and dodged her carefully aimed strikes, instead they ricocheted off the trees around them. Frustrated, Wanda changed strategies.

With great effort she sent a bubble of power and encased Vision. It only lasted a few seconds, but it was enough for Wanda to launch herself up onto the nearest tree bough. Vision struggled as he waded out of her energy field, his head snapping around to figure out where she had disappeared to.

Wanda’s breathless laugh was all it took for him to figure out where she was. His head tilted upwards at the same time Wanda launched herself from the tree, hurtling straight for his chest. She hoped that the force of her power and gravity would sending him careening to the ground, but Vision, with all his strength and infuriating grace, simply caught her around the waist. He pulled her close, forcing her to look directly into his eyes.

“Hi there,” Wanda breathed, blinking at the sudden closeness.

“Darling, you’re blushing,” Vision said softly, and heat raced up Wanda’s neck. He wasn’t playing fair, but she was more annoyed with herself for caving to such simple tactics. With one push he reluctantly let her go and her feet hit the ground.

“Maybe,” Wanda punched as Vision blocked, “if you didn’t keep calling me pet names – I wouldn’t be blushing.” In a moment she thought she had him, with her leg hooked around Vision’s knee and using her power to pull him to the ground. But Vision’s speed put him at an advantage, and he caught her off guard by grabbing her hands and holding them tightly.

“That can be fixed,” Vision whispered close to her ear, and she shivered. Despite the situation and how close their bodies were there was a hesitancy to his behaviour that made her legs feel shaky. “Is dear more suitable?” he asked, and Wanda jumped when he pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Or my love,” he whispered, his lips trailing down her jaw.

“Wanda,” he murmured against her lips, and it was question and a confession all at once. Nobody said her name like he did. So, Wanda gave in. she pulled him to a standing position, pulling his arms around her waist as she kissed him breathlessly.

“We probably should focus on the game,” Vision whispered, his hand pushing her hair back from her face so he could layer kisses across her cheek and down her neck.

“Yeah, you’re making a great argument for that...” Wanda hissed.

Frustrated, she caught his chin in her hand and relished the way he looked at her. The adoration, the longing. She’d never get sick of those eyes.

“Kiss me, please,” Wanda murmured, trailing her fingers up his neck. In moments they were pressed up against the very tree that held the flag Vision had forgotten he was supposed to be guarding.

She reached up, masking the movement by running her hand through his hair. With him sufficiently distracted she reached further, her fingers brushing against the silky fabric of the flag.

With one hand pressed against Vision’s abdomen and his mouth distracted by her kisses she was able to send the flag flying over to a waiting Natasha who was waiting casually on the riverbank.

A sharp whistle pierced the air as Nat grasped the fabric and holding it above her head in triumph.

Vision froze and broke away from Wanda, looking slightly dazed.

“That’s really not fair.”

“Nothing’s fair in love and war, darling,” Wanda grinned, biting her lip.

“Gee thanks for the help lovebird!” Rhodey called and Vision hung his head in embarrassment.

“Vision you’re supposed to protect the flag, not fraternise with the enemy!” Tony called, arriving at the riverbank with a blue flag in his grip, he’d apparently grabbed it moments after Wanda had gotten their flag to Natasha.

“I wasn’t fraternising!”

“What do you call that then?”

Vision was stumped at that, and he let Wanda lead him back to the others, his hand a constant presence at her back, their fingers woven together. The others began to recollect their favourite moments, the game well and truly over.

“I’ll get you next time,” Vision said confidently, looking down at Wanda.

Vision had travelled around the world. In two years, he had been to Germany and Canada, had travelled from France to Geneva to Japan. But he’d never travelled via a commercial flight before. It had only been an hour since they left the Compound and Vision was already missing the familiarity of the quinjet.

At least he had Wanda.

“Passport, please,” the worker at the check in desk prompted and together Wanda and Vision slid their thin books under the perspex window. He did his best to stay still, hating the feeling of the man’s gaze as he held up the falsified passport to check Vision’s identity.

Vision could see the faint reflection of his human glamour in the plastic panel, but it didn’t stop the nervous flutter in his chest. His hand twitched nervously at his side as he tried to stay still. He let the breath of relief go slowly as the man moved onto Wanda’s. With both of their identities in the clear they were waved through to the security check.

This was the part Tony had warned him about. But Vision was ready.

Wanda cast a hesitant look at him over her shoulder as she set her belongings on the conveyer belt and then walked through the metal detector. The machine blinked green as she did. The woman on the other side in a stern security uniform gestured for Vision to come through. He walked slowly, but not too slowly, and passed under the metal archway. Vibranium couldn’t be detected through metal detectors as far as Vision knew, but he’d never seen this tested on a full body of such composite. So, as he walked, he slipped into the airport’s security system, ready to block any alerts if they picked up his body’s unnatural composition.

But the machine remained quiet and the woman on the other said flashed Vision a curt smile and gestured for him to get his things from the x-ray belt. Wanda was waiting and handed him his belt, watch and the small satchel he’d brought with some books. They’d remained quiet up until that point but Wanda’s whooshing breath of relief made Vision smile.

“We did it,” Vision said quietly as they started following the arrows to their departure gate.

“I think the difficult part is over,” Wanda said hopefully and smiled widely at Vision.

They had timed it so that they didn’t have to spend long at the gate and so within 15 minutes their plane was announced as boarding. Wanda led the way down a long corridor towards the door of the aircraft.

Vision paused at the entrance to the cabin of the plane. It was loud; he hadn’t expected that. The whirring of the mechanics of the plane, the connection that had been established between control and the pilots, it’s waves of communication hovering in the air around him. He felt overwhelmed by the noise and commotion.

Sensing his nervousness, Wanda slipped her hand into his and led him onto the plane. He lifted his feet carefully, adjusting to the strange rumbling that echoed throughout the giant metal frame. It was so entirely different to the quinjet.

Vision smiled at her, squeezing her hand carefully. It was the most physical connection they’d had recently.

The air host smiled encouragingly, “Nervous flyer?”

Wanda smiled in return and handed over their tickets. “A little.”

“Head on down the aisle and your just on the left, have a nice flight,” the attendant said cheerfully, returning their tickets.

Wanda kept hold of Vision’s hand and led the way down the narrow path between the seats, searching for their row. Wanda thought she ought to let go, but his hand was a warm comfort in hers.

Vision reluctantly let go of his hand to stow their hand luggage in the hold above and Wanda smiled.

“Someone’s being doing their research,” she whispered.

“Does it look natural?” He asked, smiling shyly and moving in to take his seat.

He watched Wanda smile, but she didn’t respond, her cheeks going a little pink but perhaps it was just the unnatural fluorescents above them.

Vision wasn’t used to doing nothing for hours, especially while strapped into a cramped airplane seat. Two hours in and his book had become more and more difficult to pay attention to. More than anything all he wanted to do was to get up and move his legs.

He had started tapping his hand on the armrest next to Wanda as he looked vaguely past the man next to them and to the sky beyond the window. Vision had read somewhere that plane etiquette meant it was polite to let the middle seat passenger have the armrests, not that his seatmate paid this any attention. Perhaps seeing his attention drifting aimlessly, Wanda held out one of her headphones to him. Vision tilted his head curiously but took the small ear bud, pressing it into his ear as he had seen her do countless times before. Soft tones began to echo in his ears. Vision didn’t recognise the song and without his access to the internet there was no way to search it up. Despite the rushing of the air outside the plane, the general rumble of the cabin and the sound of a child crying 6 rows behind him, Vision’s head still felt too quiet. Too disconnected. He took comfort in the music and the closeness he felt to Wanda as they listened together.

For half an hour Wanda tracked through songs with her eyes closed and head resting against the seat. She only moved to skip a song she didn’t like. Vision had abandoned his book entirely in favour of her music, doing his best to figure out where her taste lay. All of the songs playing had minimal lyrics and included anything from calming instrumentals to soft ballads. He found himself picking apart the lyrics of love songs as he absentmindedly breathed in time with the slow rise and fall of Wanda’s chest. As his mind wondered he came back again and again to the prospect of three days alone with Wanda at a resort near the beach. It sounded too good to be true putting it that way and Vision had to remind himself they were working, this was all part of the job.

But it was difficult to stay focused when he finally had a reasonable excuse to be at her side. Vision felt like he had become hyperaware of Wanda in the months that lead up to him sitting next to her on the aeroplane.

Vision wasn’t sure when he started falling, could not place it to a date or a time.

Maybe it began when he stopped learning and started understanding. Suddenly he could look at Wanda and see through what she was doing. He knew she avoided bees because she’d never been stung and thought she might be allergic. He knew how she liked her coffee in the morning and could separate a bag of sweets into the ones she liked and the ones she didn’t. He could tell when she had a bad day because she would train in the evening, pushing herself harder as the sun set, so she’d be too exhausted to dream.

He still asked and learned and listened. But somehow, he had become the person in the room who knew her best and Vision found himself guarding this new status. He was gratified that in some way or another, Wanda had chosen him.

Vision wondered if she paid attention to him, if he had such small things worth knowing.

He was dragged from his thoughts by the shuddering of the aircraft as they dipped in and out of wind flows outside. Wanda jerked awake with a slight gasp and latched her hand onto Vision’s wrist.

He looked at her in concern wondering if it was a nightmare. But her eyes were flickering around the aircraft in panic as the turbulence sent the plane jolting up and down.

“It’s alright,” Vision said soothingly and placed a hand atop Wanda’s vice of a grip. “It’s the wind and pressure outside, the plane is just adapting.”

Wanda let loose a breath and nodded. “Of course, sorry for panicking.”

“It’s okay, I was surprised as well,” Vision said squeezing her hand. “It’s different when it’s an aircraft this big.”

“It’s very different from the quinjet,” Wanda said, her voice was still shaky, but she managed a smile at Vision.

He chuckled and Wanda tilted her head curiously. “Sorry, I’m not laughing at you. It’s just a bit funny that with all your power you’d still be nervous about a plane.”

“But we’re kind of useless outside this cabin. We can’t breathe the air outside this high up, can we?” The passenger on Vision’s side had caught heard of their conversation and was frowning in distaste. Vision wandered if it was inappropriate to talk about the numerous ways a commercial flight might end badly.

“Then you’ll just have to rely on me.”

“I have no problem with that, but I’d still like to be able to breathe. And what if the plane blew up or something?” Wanda asked, motioning with her free hand, the other still holding Vision’s hand atop the armrest.

“Darling, I’m indestructible,” Vision said with a charming smile.

“Lucky me,” Wanda grinned, scrunching her nose in response.

Wanda was glad to be able to stretch her legs through LAX even if it was just to get in a car. She handled the driving with Vision sat in the passenger seat giving her directions. It was a shock to both of them when they arrived at the hotel Tony had booked for them.

“Oh,” Wanda said softly as she turned off the main road and the car started down the long driveway. It ended at a large fountain, and she drove around slowly, coming to a stop at a set of pale pillars at the entrance to one of the grandest buildings that Wanda had ever seen.

A butler appeared at their window.

“Do you have a reservation, ma’am?” He looked doubtfully at the basic honda civic they had rented from the airport. Given the Ferrari they had passed driving in, Wanda thought they probably appeared a little out of the average demographic of the hotel.

“Yes, it should be under Maximoff,” Wanda supplied confidently.

They sat tight for a minute until the same man returned, this time looking a little apologetic. “If you’d like to leave the keys with me, I’ll take your vehicle to the car bay, and someone will take your bags up to your room.”

As the car left them behind with their limited luggage Wanda took a moment to truly take in the hotel. The expendable income it would take to afford a night in such a place. She felt a little queasy at the thought of how the Avengers budget would be handling the fee. But it was necessary for the mission, so she did her best to divert her attention.

Inside there were several people eagerly waiting to help them. Vision hesitantly handed over their luggage and the bags were swept away as Wanda provided the reception desk with her ID. In return she was given a pair of small gold embossed cards. As they were directed to the elevator, she showed them to Vision in awe.

“I’d offer to take them, but I might interfere with the magnetism,” Vision whispered secretively as they stepped into the elevator.

“Why?” Wanda asked in genuine confusion.

“Well,” Vision stumbled over his words. “I was trying to make a joke, about the key and how some people put it next to their phone and it breaks it...”

“Oh,” Wanda said nodding and feeling silly that she didn’t totally understand. “How’d you learn that?”

Vision averted his gaze to the elevator screen which showed they were still four floors away from their destination. “I was watching online videos about hotels to prepare.”

Wanda tried to fight a small smile. He was too endearing.

The suite they had rented felt too spacious and luxurious to be real.

They opened the door into a small living room with a long chaise sofa that overlooked the terrace they had out to the poolside. Wanda and Vision both took a moment to admire the view and the sparkling blue of the beach in the distance.

Then Wanda caught sight of the giant bed that occupied the centre of the connecting room. A little breathy giggle left her chest as she thought back to all the dreams of her childhood, all the stories she saw on television and was reminded of characters running at a bed like the one before her and throwing themselves onto it. Wanda couldn’t help it. With another laugh she took a running leap and threw herself into the cushy bed, sinking deep into the dusty rose duvet, her head disappearing amongst the pillows. With her hair fanned out around her she laughed so hard that tears crept into the corner of her eyes. Looking up there was a chandelier above the bed – in a hotel room – an actual chandelier?

When she managed to push herself up onto her elbows it was to see Vision standing shocked, still in the doorway with his eyes wide in awe. Wanda grinned and patted the covers beneath her. “Try it, it’s fun.”

Vision shook his head doubtfully.

“Come on,” Wanda pushed insistently.

He relented, though his little skipping run was a bit hesitant. He used some of his magic to hover higher than she had, and the breath left his chest as he thumped onto the bed. A laugh forced itself from Vision’s mouth and Wanda grinned giddy.

It’s so comfortable” Wanda said lowering herself and nestling back amongst the pillows once more. “I could just sleep now.”

“I’ve never laid in a bed so soft,” Vision said with a sigh and a happy smile.

Wanda hesitated nervously. “Is this the only bed?” She whipped her head sideways to see Vision’s eyes widen.

“I think so,” he murmured.

They were both silent for a moment.

“But it’s okay,” Vision said, the words tumbling out of his mouth. “I can sleep on the sofa next door.”

“Oh—there’s no need, we can sleep together,” Wanda said quickly and then blushed as Vision stared at her.

“That’s not what I meant, I um—”

Mercifully her phone range at that exact moment.

Rolling off the bed in a flash, Wanda scurried into the connecting living room, cheeks blazing and answered her phone.

“Just checking in on how you’re going,” Natasha’s voice spoke from the other end. Wanda pressed a palm to her chest, trying to breath slowly and calm her stupid, thundering heart.

“We’re both doing well,” Wanda said as casually as possible, “we’ve just arrived at the hotel.”

“Oh yeah, what’s it like? Tony said it was huge.”

Wanda turned about to face the balcony and the view that extended beyond their sea facing suite. “That’s certainly one way of putting it.”

“What’s the room like? Must be heavenly, huh.”

“Uh, it’s not bad.” Wanda spoke quietly, afraid that Vision might overhear her.

“Uh oh, why do you sound like that, what’s happened?” Natasha’s voice was much too eager for Wanda to manage.

She rolled her eyes and sighed. “Nothing. Of course. But the bedroom only has,” she glanced over her shoulder and then raised her hand to whisper into the receiver, “it only has one bed.”

“So?” Natasha asked.

“Well, are we supposed to just sleep together?”

“You say that like it’s a problem? Hasn’t Vision stayed in your room before?”

Wanda scowled and rubbed a hand over her face. “That’s entirely different and you’re not helping here. Couldn’t Tony get us a different room instead?”

“Oh, so the team should cut more money out of funding so you can have a separate bed? Think of the mission Wanda!” Natasha’s voice was joking but Wanda couldn’t help agreeing. This place had to be cutting a serious chunk out of their yearly funding from Stark Industries and various government bodies. She couldn’t ask for more to be dished out because of something as silly as sleeping arrangements.

“You’re right, we can both be mature and just—”

“Sleep together?”

“I’m hanging up now,” Wanda said and ended the call to the sound of Natasha laughing.

After unpacking their modest belongings for the two day stay, Vision suggested they scope out the hotel. Anything to keep his mind on the mission even if all he really wanted to do was spend a sleepy afternoon tangled up in the sheets of the bed Wanda had so gracefully thrown herself onto. He’d been stumped for a moment there, the air had left his chest and he’d watched in adoration. If he hadn’t managed to school his expression by the time she had raised herself from the mess of covers, she would have seen just how enthralled he was. But he did not have time to whine about his unacknowledged feelings, so Vision focused on work.

Judging from their balcony they could see that the pool area was busy and decided this was the best place to scope out their target. Vision had taken a couple of tiny microphones they’d brought with them to place on Vern if the opportunity came along.

“I’ll go by the poolside, and you stick to the bar, and we can see if we can find any good informants,” Wanda suggested once they were downstairs, gesturing to a line of pool chairs on the far side of the sparkling blue water.

Vision agreed and sidled off to order a drink at the quiet bar. Most of the hotel-goers were out enjoying the sunshine and water. With something called a ‘summer blitz’ in hand, Vision walked to sit an appropriate table away from a crowded group of people enjoying lunch under white sun umbrellas. He placed a book atop the table, so he didn’t look too suspicious even as he set about taking in the sights around him. A first survey of the spacious pool and dining area showed that there couldn’t be more than 50 people outside, though he was sure that couldn’t be the hotel’s full capacity. There were families of all ages, old couples and young couples and people in-between. It certainly seemed like most were there for the wedding as he watched individuals walking past each other and call out greetings.

It all made Vision feel very much out of place as he sat alone at his table, with a worn book on philosophy and a cocktail he couldn’t drink.

But he listened and he watched, determined for the mission to go well. Vision even allowed himself to think of a version of events where they found out what they needed early, and he could spend the rest of the trip alone with Wanda. An excuse to spend time with her that didn’t require the cover of work. All he wanted was to be near her without needing such excuses.

Feeling worse and worse about the direction his thoughts were going, Vision instead turned his eyes to the task at hand. He opened his book up, pretended to take a sip of his drink and set about listening to the sounds around him. It wasn’t that he had better hearing than humans, he was simply better at filtering out unwanted sounds. He caught the conversation of a couple walking behind his table and heard a man’s voice saying how he hoped his partner caught the bouquet the following afternoon. Vision laughed under his breath at the awkward laugh the woman gave as she abruptly changed the topic of conversation. The family near him were eagerly discussing the following morning’s plan, beginning with a smart buffet style brunch before the ceremony would begin in the early afternoon down on the beach. As he listened, he made tallies of everyone talking about the wedding and the rare few who weren’t.

“Excuse me, hon,” a woman’s voice said, and Vision felt a hand settle on his shoulder. He froze, immediately on guard. “Is there anything else your drink needs? I’ve just noticed you haven’t’ been drinking it.”

Vision looked around at the bartender, her cropped hair falling into her eyes a little as she looked down at him.

“I’m fine, thank you.” He smiled, despite the nerves that sparked upon finding that someone had been watching close enough to notice his drink remained untouched.

“No ice, nothing?”

“No, it’s perfect thank you,” Vision said firmly and watched the bartender smile and return to her place behind the bar. He breathed a sigh of relief but at the next available opportunity, discreetly tipped half of his drink into a nearby potted plant.

After half an hour of listening to the gossip of two older women and coming to the conclusion that their underhanded conversation was only related to the appropriateness of the groom, Vision grew tired. It wasn’t the task or the mission, it was the fact that it would be made better by being next to Wanda. A glance her way had Vision’s stomach dropping. There was a half-naked man sat opposite Wanda and the two were chattering away like they had known each other for years. Vision frowned and tried to hear anything, but the sound of the pool and children shrieking was too much. So, he resigned himself to glancing their way every few seconds, hating the way jealousy rose in his heart so easily.

Wanda’s mind was drifting as she gazed around at the sunny poolside, watching milling families and their young children. She was so distracted that she didn’t note when someone approached her.

The man was young, perhaps late twenties and had dusty blond hair that was falling attractively into his eyes. Wanda looked up to come face to face with his chiselled jaw and even more defined chest. But when she caught sight of the stranger’s serious expression her heart jumped to her throat in fear.

“Hey,” the guy said, his voice soft, “I don’t mean to sound weird, but I felt like I should let you know that there’s a guy who has been watching you pretty intensly from the bar.”

Wanda glanced over her shoulder and caught Vision’s gaze over at the bar, just in time for his eyes to dart back down to his book.

She laughed in relief. “Oh, it’s okay he’s a friend.”

“Ah,” the guy looked embarrassed, rubbing at the back of his head awkwardly.

“But thanks, it’s nice that you’d come up and let someone know.”

The guy smiled and made to leave but Wanda saw it as an opportunity to hear more about the supposed wedding and their target, Stevie Vern’s role in it all.

“How come you’re so perceptive?”

He hesitated and Wanda gestured for him to sit in the free lounge chair next to her. “Believe it or not I was just really into Where’s Wally as a kid, so I guess I’m pretty good at taking in a crowd and picking up the outliers.”

Wanda smiled. “That’s a handy skill to have. What’s your name?”

“Marco,” he said and extended his hand as he sat.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Wanda,” she grinned in return. “Anything else interesting you’ve noticed so far?”

He smirked and leaned in conspiratorially. “See the woman over next to that umbrella?”

Wanda nodded leaning in to get a better view, she was so close she could see the droplets of water shimmering on Marco’s dark skin. “She’s not happy about the Verns marrying into her family, she’s been circling her nephew like a shark trying to keep his fiancé away.”

“Seems a bit late for that,” Wanda laughed.

“And over there,” Marco pointed discreetly over his own shoulder and looking into Wanda’s eyes as he spoke, “that’s Vern’s brother, word is he’s been involved in some shady back alley deals recently and the family has had to pay his bail twice, that’s why –”

“His father has such a tight grip on his shoulder right now,” Wanda nodded.

“I’m not the only one who’s observant then,” Marco grinned.

Wanda laughed. Such an observation could be passed off for novice, it was an easy guess given the in-depth training she’d had from Natasha.

“So, are you here for the wedding?” Wanda asked, eager for the conversation to continue and hear more about the Vern brother who was causing the family such trouble. Marco seemed a reliable enough informant.

He tilted his head in interest at her question. “You’re not?”

Just as she was about to supply their cover story of holiday or honeymoon, a shadow fell across her face, blocking the setting sun from her eyes. As she adjusted, she saw the familiar figure of Vision standing before her.

“Could I talk to you, please?” His voice sounded strained, and his expression looked even more tense. Wanda bit her lip, concerned. Had he heard something? were they compromised?

“Sure,” she tried to be casual but her voice was tight. “It was nice to meet you Marco, hopefully I’ll see you around this weekend.” She tugged on her top over her bikini, regretfully letting the warmth of the evening sun leave her skin.

Marco waved a goodbye as Wanda followed Vision aware from the crowded pool side to the grassy lawn that was deserted nearby. He came to a stop near a section of manicured hedging that looked too perfect to be real. Wanda stopped opposite him, folding her arms across her chest.

“What’s wrong?”

Vision opened and closed his mouth, trying to find his words.

“Did you get any information?” He asked finally.

“Yes. And if you hadn’t interrupted, I could have gotten more,” Wanda said, not sure if she was reading into Vision’s irritated expression too much. He was acting strange.

“You seemed like you were getting very cosy, I thought I should remind you about our mission,” Vision said, the words rushing out all at once. He closed his mouth immediately afterwards, his lips forming a thin line.

Wanda huffed in annoyance and rolled her eyes. “You’re one to talk, I saw you chatting up the bartender.”

“What?” Vision sputtered indignantly. “Why would I –”

Wanda shook her head, not interested in hearing more. “Look I think you should go back up to our room. Try checking over our file for any information about the target’s brother being involved. I’m going to get some food.”

“Wanda, wait—" Vision called after her but she had already walked away.

Wanda purposefully took two hours to return to the hotel room. She would have waited longer if she hadn’t looked so suspicious as she loitered in the foyer after eating.

When she pulled herself into the hotel room it was to find most of the lights out, save those on the balcony where she could see Vision sitting in a reclining chair, his book propped on his chest. He wasn’t reading but was gazing at the sky which was dissolving into a deep blue as stars began twinkling to light. Wanda wasn’t ready to talk to him yet and didn’t have anything good to say, so she made her way to the luxurious bathroom to wash off the sunscreen and the lingering grime of the aeroplane.

Most of her shower was spent split between marvelling at the golden faucets and giant mirror and mulling over what she could have done differently to stop their argument. Perhaps she had reacted too harshly, she definitely shouldn’t have thrown the waitress comment in his face that way. But she’d... well she’d been a little bit defensive seeing the woman press a hand to Vision’s shoulder and lean down to him that way. No, not defensive.

Jealous, Wanda admitted to herself as she wiped her hand over the mirror to see herself clearly. If only Tony had sent some kind of buffer for them, none of this would be happening.

Outside the bathroom the bedroom was empty and dark, and Vision’s figure could no longer be seen on the balcony. Her moment of mildly frantic searching was rewarded by the sight of him lying propped up on the spacious couch in the living room. His legs were folded at the ankle and his hands were propped on his chest; fingers laced. He looked peaceful, asleep even, but Wanda could tell he wasn’t.

She watched him a moment longer, taking in the sight of his human façade that was familiar in some ways and unfamiliar in others. Maybe he felt her presence or her gaze or simply heard her sigh of disappointment because Vision opened his eyes and turned his head in Wanda’s direction.

His mouth turned up softly, an olive branch extending towards her. “I’m sorry for arguing with you about something so small. Can we please start afresh tomorrow? I know how important this mission is to you.”

Wanda tried to stop her mouth from falling open in surprise. She’d never really fought with Vision before, but she hadn’t expected an apology so quickly, she almost felt bad that she hadn’t been the one to give it. With him smiling softly at her she couldn’t stay angry, though it embarrassed her a little that he could pick up on her feelings so easily. Of course, she wanted the mission to succeed, but it was more than that. She needed to prove that she could handle a semi-solo mission and not cause any trouble.

“I’m sorry too,” Wanda said quietly, finally breaking their gaze and walking over to the balcony to see the moon rise.

They remained quiet for a few minutes, no sound except the distant swell of waves on the sand and each other’s slow breathing. Finally, feeling that tiredness was pulling at her bones and begging her to go to bed, Wanda turned back towards the couch.

As she passed him, Vision’s eyes followed, and she slowed to a stop. She couldn’t help reaching out to brush his hair off his forehead. The simple gesture felt too intimate, and Wanda tried not to notice how he turned his head into her palm. His hair was soft and his skin warm and somewhere not far below it all she felt the thrum of the stone. As her fingers trailed down his cheek reluctantly, Vision looked up at her his eyes confused.

“You don’t have to hide in here.” Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper. Vision looked sad, turned away from her so that she couldn’t see his eyes and tell what he was thinking.

Wanda kept walking, reaching the bedroom and allowing one last look over her shoulder.

“Good night, Vis.”