driftfleet | Winter & Vision's (not so) Excellent Adventure

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Winter & Vision's (not so) Excellent Adventure

Who: Winter, Vision, & You
Broadcast: n/a
Action: Forest, planetside
When: July 9th

[ This thread is going to serve both as a canon update to post Captain America: Civil War for Winter and Vision, but also be used as a monthly catch-all with prompts. ]

[ It's been a few weeks since they've landed, so Winter's finally gotten over most of his initial uneasiness. Enough to finally venture into the forest for a hike and get the lay of the land. He's familiar with the beach and the markets, and he's heard things about the forest and a certain tree, so he needs to see for himself if the rumors are true.

It's relatively peaceful, and he hasn't come across anyone else yet. He's making his way around a fallen tree when an animal jumps out of a nearby bush and startles him. Winter stumbles back, and his immediate reaction is to reach out with his left hand to steady himself. Unfortunately it's still broken, so it doesn't cooperate like it's meant to. Which means that he trips and falls. Down a steep hill. Only having one functioning arm means he raises his right to shield his head until he can manage to slow down or run into something. Which is exactly what he does before his head smacks solidly against a hard surface. ]

[Meanwhile, the Vision is similarly engaged in heading toward the tree to investigate it. He’s heard you need someone’s hand to hold in order for the magic to work, but his curiosity has the better of him and he’d like to observe it in action first. A scuffle down below his flight path catches his attention, and he swoops into the forest to see what’s going on just in time to see Winter, of all people, taking a tumble down a steep hillside. He rushes over to try and intercept the man before he seriously hurts himself, and in his rush he miscalculates his own density and slams down hard enough that Winter smacks his head against the Vision instead of catching himself safely.

Oops.

The impact is enough to snap the Vision’s head back and hit it against the tree he’d been trying to prevent Winter from hitting. So now there are two enhanced individuals knocked out on the forest floor. How very impressive.]

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[He nods, filing that away.]

I spoke with someone who said he'd been to a third location, something--he described it as something cold. But he had also disappeared for several months.

A third place... someplace cold...

[There is a twinge of something uncomfortably familiar with that description. A chill runs up Wanda's spine, and she shakes her head.]

There really is so much more to the fleet than we know.

[She looks troubled. Even though their current situation with Atroma had not really changed since her first arrival, it did not make her feel anymore comfortable.]

[He nods, tinking about it. Her reaction makes him think there might be something, perhaps buried in her subconscious, but if she can't remember it clearly he doesn't want to press the issue and lead her in a direction she didn't actually go.]

I couldn't agree more. Though it wouldn't be wrong to say the same about our own universe, of course. There's always more we don't know.

[Both for good and for ill.]

But I want you to know I'm your friend, Wanda.

[She nods. He did have a point. But then, she turns to look at him, a little surprised by that later response.]

I know.

[She tries to give him a reassuring smile, but her thoughts drift to home, the fight at the airport, and even before that--her escape from the Avengers compound.]

Viz, everything that happened... [Even though she knows they already apologized to each other back home, it felt important to say it again here.] I am sorry.

As am I.

[He sighs, troubled look intensifying.]

I won't pretend I wish events had turned out differently, but it was a situation with many layers of complexity. It all seemed so important, and yet--

[He glances around tellingly at the forest canopy.]

The conflict means nothing here. There are no Accords, and I feel as though I know Bucky well after all this time.

[She follows Vision's gaze, taking in the forest that surrounds them herself. He was right. The troubles of home did not matter here, and yet the scars that they had each left on one another persisted--both the physical and those unseen. She takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. She closes her eyes and feels the warmth of the sun through the trees.]

We each did what we thought was right.

[She finally says, as she stretches her arms overhead. Opening her eyes once again.]

If only there had been some other way around it.

There were other ways, Wanda. Yet at the same time, it was inevitable. [Which isn't exactly clear, so he elaborates.]

If Captain Rogers hadn't already been compromised emotionally, he could have used logic in his arguments to Mr. Stark as to why he didn't believe Bucky had caused the bombing - first and foremost that he couldn't have traveled from Vienna to Budapest so quickly with aerial travel on lockdown. If Mr. Stark had communicated himself better, he could have explained why he thought it was wise you should stay in the compound rather than entrusting you to me. If I had been less distracted, my shot would not have gone astray.

[He grimaces.]

But Captain Rogers was emotionally compromised, twice, Mr. Stark is terrible at communication, and I--well. I hope you won't take it badly if I say I am distracted by your presence.

[Wanda watches Vision as he speaks, at first only slightly irritated that he took her words as a signal to go over what could have been done differently--rather than a signal that she was trying to move past what had happened. That, right as he was, she did not want to go over it all again for the thousandth time in her head. Pointing out to herself all the ways it could have been avoided. Yet, she does know that it's just Vision's nature to respond this way--for the connotation of Wanda's words to go over his head. However, her anger spikes noticeably over one particular point he seemed to be implying.]

So you still think Stark was right then? That I deserved to stay in the compound and kept under constant surveillance? That as long as he communicated his reasoning with me, that it makes locking me away all right?

[He shakes his head.]

His intention was, yes - to let the waters calm. The execution was most decidedly not. Wanda, I didn't have nearly a full year of leadership experience when I was there, not that I could remember. I've learned that listening to someone and developing a compromise is often best, but nearly every other Avenger is of the "take charge because I know best" mentality.

[And then his voice falls from its heated pitch and returns to the softer tone he'd had earlier.] That most of all is what I wanted to tell you I'm sorry for. Because I know better now, and should have known better then.

Just because his intent may have been right, does not mean his actions were. [Yeah, she's not bitter or anything...] Stark's noble intentions often seem to lead to his making poor decisions.

[Still, Vision's apology serves to dial her anger back--though a slightly perturbed expression still lingers on her face. She is quiet for a moment. Letting them both walk in silence for a moment before she speaks again.]

What did you mean when you said you were "distracted by my presence?"

[She's right there - he of all people doesn't need to be reminded where Ultron came from. But he's not going to bring that up if he doesn't have to.]

I...felt it was more important to ensure your safety than to engage in the aerial battle at that point. It didn't matter to me if Captain Rogers got away; the chances of stopping him at that point were entirely minimal. Further resistance from our end seemed like an afterthought.

You could have taken off after the jet with Stark and Rhodes. You probably would have even been able to stop it. But you came to check on me instead. Even after I... [She stops herself for a moment. She looks troubled, but ultimately knows there's no reason to sugarcoat what happened.] even after what happened at the Avengers compound.

[She turns to look at him, meeting his eyes.]

Why?

[But he'd just told her why - because he felt it was important. Is she asking why he thinks that? It takes him a quiet moment to ponder before he decides that's what she means.]

Because you slowed me down in a more efficient manner than Clint's arrows? I don't hold that against him any more than I do against you.

[As for why?]

Because no one else would, Wanda, and you've been left alone too often. [And he repeats what he'd said earlier, only more softly this time.] It's important to me.

[Wanda's face turns a bright red before she can turn away. She bites her lip, trying to will away the blushing. Even if Vision wasn't the most forward, the sentiment behind his words does not go unmissed. Wanda can hear Wrath's voice in her head: "Vision's special friend..." "He really likes you." She shakes her head, trying to silence her words. It doesn't have much effect though. So instead, she just keeps looking down and away, her face too red and her mind too jumbled up for her to have any confidence in whatever may come out of her mouth. She knows what she wants to ask him, but... damn, why was this so hard to her?!]

[Even if he can't quite articulate his feelings properly, at least the Vision hasn't managed to make her angry and found an answer to her question. Still, it's a fair amount for him to ponder as they finish making their way to the tree, only pausing for short conversation about the path on the way.

In front of them, in a wide clearing, stands a tree that can only be described as glorious; this is what the Norse had imagined Yggdrasil as, what any culture would recognize as magical without a greater understanding of science and filled with energy among those with that understanding. For a moment, the Mind Stone in his forehead illuminates in the presence of a sympathetic power.]

They weren't wrong about its impressiveness.

[The tree is definitely magnificent. The sight of it stops Wanda in her tracks and drops her jaw. It is almost too fantastical to be real, and yet it stands right in front of her. Her expression of awe, changes to that of a wide smile. This place, the very aura of it, is incredibly uplifting.]

No, they were not.

[She is comfortable with standing in silence for a few seconds. Happy to allow the full impact of the moment wash over them. After a little while, she does speak again. Her voice comes out soft, almost afraid, she doesn't want to ruin the magic of the place.]

What happens now?

[He doesn't miss her reaction to it, though the tree has nearly as great an effect on him as well. There's power here, and it fills him with--calm? Confidence, perhaps? Something that has been missing from him recently.]

We're supposed to stand before it and hold hands, I gather. Shall we move closer?

[The closer they get, the more the tree dominates their field of vision and the more everything seems, at least to the Vision, to be sharper, more saturated. More real.

And again he reaches for her hand, now feeling a clarity he hadn't had before. It feels right to be here with Wanda, and the mix of fondness and a deeper caring that's grown in time has him giving her hand a squeeze and smiling sincerely. He could have come here with someone from his crew easily enough, or one of his other friends, but this is better.]

[At Vision's question, Wanda looks over at him. Her eyes finally breaking from the magnificent tree. She catches the smile on his face, the calm and confident tone in his voice. She can feel herself blushing slightly, as she smiles back at him. She takes his hand and takes a step closer into him. She looks back at the tree. She doesn't know if it's the magic of this place, his words from earlier on the trail, Wrath's ever nagging voice in her head, her own latent feelings that she'd tried ever so dismally to ignore, or perhaps a giant amalgamation of all the above. Whatever it is, it makes her heart beat quicker and quicker. Yet, it is not unpleasant. Rather, she instead feels warm, content, happy. The two of them together and holding hands in this moment feels absolutely right. She takes another half-step closer to him, almost brushing against him now, as they continue to take in the wondrously beautiful scene before them.]

[There's a part of him that can sense the energy of this place, but whether as a consequence of it or as a coincidence, the curiosity about it isn't as strong as the simple pleasure of holding Wanda's hand. It occurs to him that it's not something they've done much, even on this friendly planet. He gives it a squeeze.]

May I say that I am very glad to be here with you, Wanda? You are special to me.

[It's complicated - how could things with either of them ever be less than complicated? - but he's beginning to recognize at least that it isn't the feeling itself that makes it so. The emotion is simple enough, once he recognizes it. And yes, she's special to him because she's the only one that's been here for him consistently both here and there, and yes, a part of it is because he sees her in exactly the same way as he would without her powers, but a large part of it is that she shows him kindness and caring despite everything that's happened to her and everything that would set him apart from such things.

And thanks to the magic of the planet, he doesn't even have to ask her if she feels the same. He can feel that she does, and she can feel that he does, and so what exactly are they waiting for?]

I love you, Wanda Maximoff.

[Wanda turns to look at Vision again, this time looking utterly shocked by what she's just heard. She- she heard that right? Didn't she? It wasn't like... the ambiance of this place somehow messing with her hearing? Like that's actually possible... But no, she can feel it. The honesty of his words, and the truth of how it good it is to be here in this moment with him, holding hands. She blushes again, but she does not turn away to hide it. Not this time. Instead, she can only stare into his eyes, smiling back at him with a pure sense of joy and love that she has not felt--or at least allowed herself to feel--for some time.]

[Suddenly, simply holding his hand does not feel like enough. She turns to face him fully, taking another step into him, she leans up and kisses him. As their lips touch, her free hand finds his other and their fingers interlock. She gives both of his hands a gentle squeeze. The tree's magnificence now practically forgotten as her heart feels as though it will bound out of her chest. Yet, she does not want this moment to end. It's warm, it's comforting, and it's right. She wants to savor every second of this. Of them. Together.]

[The kiss comes as both a surprise and a perfectly natural extension of the moment; his awkwardness is perhaps to be expected but doesn't show any signs of hesitancy even for that. The feeling that this is right is mutual, and though he doesn't exactly work the same way as a human would, he feels a warmth and an increase in his pulse rate.

And, of course, a natural inclination to smile.

When the kiss ends, he releases one hand so he can cup her cheek with with it.]

I feel it prudent to admit that was not due to the tree.

[As they break away from their kiss, her eyes gaze into his own, holding the electricity of the movement. Almost as if looking away would end everything. When she feels his hand against her cheek, she leans into it slightly. She smiles warmly up at him. Yet, after he speaks, she can't help but raise her hand. She attempts in vain to hide a giggle behind the back of her hand, as she finally breaks eye contact with him in her laughter. Her hand then touches his chest, lightly resting over his heart. She feels its beating for a moment. It's tempo just as fast as her own, and it makes her smile even more. She looks back up at him, giving him a playful wink. Her tone is teasing yet sweet.]

The tree might have helped a little bit.

[The aura and magic of this place was undeniable. Even if it was not the tree's doing that finally broke the remaining barriers between them, the wonder of this place certainly suited the intimacy of the moment.]

As a catalyst, perhaps.

[Because it would be foolish to deny the power in this place, even if this isn't quite what he'd imagined when told the tree could grant a gift. Though it's not like he has much in the way of important material possessions back home, so maybe--

And then he blinks, startled, at the pulse of energy. Something had just changed, and if that's what the tree's power feels like in action, it definitely didn't happen before. A thought he recognizes as having an external origin prompts him to wonder if the energy meant a change to his ship. And what's that in front of Wanda?]

[At first, Wanda is equally startled. First, by Vision's sudden reaction, but then to her own experience of something sparking in her head. Some pulse or signal to tell her that something has happened, as if she knows she's about to receive a reward of some kind. She looks up, something in her head telling her to do so.]

[Fluttering down from above is what appears to be a leaf at first, however, it quickly becomes apparent from its square shape and thick, card stock-like texture that it's a photo. Wanda reaches up and effortlessly catches it out of the air. No powers needed. It's a Polaroid picture. She turns it over, and the image captured takes her breath away and immediately brings tears to her eyes. It's the picture of her family from when she was little, when they had all gone camping in the woods outside of Sokovia. The lake... she could still remember how crystal clear and calm it had been in the mornings--like glass.]

[She studies the picture for some time, tears begin to roll slowly down her cheeks. She eventually looks back up at Vision. She knows that she has him to thank for this gift, just as much as the magic of the tree. A look of pure, genuine love and gratitude graces her face. She struggles to find words to thank him, to say how much this moment means to her, to tell him how truly happy she is right here and right now. So instead, she simply says nothing. Instead, she is content to gaze up at him with that lingering look of sincere affection on her face.]

[It's easy enough to move into a real embrace at that, now that their hands don't strictly have to be held together. He's careful not to let the picture be crushed, of course. He speaks in a low tone.]

It's beautiful.

[He remembers a board in her room at the compound, full of pictures and feathers and other precious things, but there had been so little from her previous life. What hadn't already been lost by the time she and Pietro had gained their powers was surely destroyed in the battle the followed.]

Winter & Vision's (not so) Excellent Adventure

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Wanna move things forward to the tree?

sure!

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we could wrap this here if you want....

Works for me :3 (I believe the maximum cuteness level has been attained)