driftfleet | video;

Entry tags:

video;

Who: The Vision
Broadcast: Video from the planet's surface
Action: Locked to Wanda
When: Now

[This video opens up with a view of a sea of dunes stretching out as far as the eye can see, lit only by the stars above. Some of those stars are moving about in a lively fashion - space traffic, though even the large stations are no more than points of light from this distance. Then the camera pans over to view some shadowy but dramatic rock formations - sandstone or a similar sedimentary rock, though it's hard to tell without more light. The voice narrating the scene has a gentle tone and a British accent, almost like a nature documentary. It's only very slightly muffled by the helmet he's wearing.]

A desert planet is hardly unusual. It's the most common type of rocky exoplanet according to the science in my time. Yet here we see several signs that this was not - and need not always be - the case. Look at the gentle curves in the rocks and the way the sand forms dunes. These are signs of more wind and water than the planet has. Did it have a stronger gravitational pull when it was younger? Did its atmosphere bleed off over time? Are these problems that could be fixed, with the right resources and engineering?

And would that effort destroy the view of the stars above? [He focuses the video a little more on the sky. Granted, they can see the stars any time from their own ships, but there's something about being on a planet that makes it different. The perspective, perhaps? A field of infinite stars is enough that the mind loses its focus unless there's something to compare it to, something to give it context.]

It might. Or it might allow even more people to see their beauty.

It's worth a look if you, like me, find the walls and ceilings too enclosing at times. But do wear your protective gear or you won't make it far outside a shuttle. This planet isn't for the unprepared.

[The view sweeps back to the dunes again, where it rests for a few moments before blinking out.]

[The Vision clicks off the communicator feed and smiles over at Wanda. He's in a full exosuit - he wouldn't need it if he decided to stay intangible throughout the trip, but then he wouldn't be able to grab a couple rocks as souvenirs. Or hold her hand through the gloves as they fly, because here is a space meant for such things.

And he really has missed flying.]

Shall we go to the top of that spire? It looks broad enough for the both of us.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[When Wanda lets down her walls and allows the Vision in, he catches his breath. He'd meant it earlier when he'd said the planet wasn't the only beautiful thing around, but that she's so free and open with her vulnerability already hits him like a jolt of electricity; it fills him like water to a wilting plant, or like real sunlight to someone stuck on a spaceship for weeks. He'd been content just having her around, sure, but without that mental link he wasn't really fulfilled.

He might already be thinking about ways to find privacy on the ship. Kitty and Vash are obviously not having a problem, and he knows Kurt and Wrath never had difficulty.
And he can walk through walls.]

I couldn't really say how long it's been for me. Between memory loss from this place and time at home, I suppose I fell in love with you twice before. [He smiles and runs a hand down from where it had lain on her shoulder to grasp her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers leisurely.] And now it's happened a third time.

[She squeezes Vision's hand and leans up to kiss him yet again. Physical affection comes easily to Wanda even if the circumstances are new to her, and this soft exchange of kisses feels as natural as breathing.

--it really must have been hard for Vision to go through this three times, to have her here with him but lacking much of their shared memories.]

Were we...together before?

[With each kiss he sink further and further into bliss. It's familiar and new at the same time, a delightful blend of anticipation and confirmation.]

Here, we had just begun to see each other. We were both feeling things out, trying to become comfortable with the idea. Learning together. But we didn't have long before we were both returned home, and forgot it all, and we had to start again.

[He pauses, closes his eyes, and can't help a pang of sadness at the circumstances at home that prompted their admissions there. But it clears up soon enough. He doesn't want to ruin this moment with all of that, so instead he firmly thinks of the positive results.]

At home, we've been together nearly two years. There's been, ah, ample time to proceed, as it were.

[Ample enough time to become very comfortable with each other, by the looks of it. Wanda can see them in a variety of circumstances and in some, ah, very intimate situations. On one hand, it's a window into the kind of intimacies Vision likes and Wanda can't help but get ideas. On the other, it's a stark reminder of just how much she's missed. Vision comes to her with a very thorough knowledge of her, her body, and everything she likes, but Wanda's been left to guess and fumble. She'll never get to experience that progression for herself.

If Vision was anyone else, the imbalance might make her uncomfortable or nervous about how well she'll measure up to their memories, but she knows she's safe in every way with him. Wanda has no doubt that he'll be as gentle and patient with her in this as he always is.]

You will have to show me what you like, what you want, but...I want this. I want to love you.

[Some of it he does have an unfair advantage on, true, but the Vision knows it's also very important not to make assumptions. The last thing he wants to do is mess things up with her, and taking it one step at a time is fine by him. Having a better idea of what he wants, what he's capable of, won't make a rediscovery on her part any less enjoyable.

He kisses her again before answering, savoring the feel of her body against his, their minds twined together.]

I want this as well, very much so. But you must let me know if anything I do is pushing you too fast, or in a direction you're not entirely comfortable with.

[He quirks up a brow.] Or, for that matter, if I'm not moving fast enough for your tastes.

[Wanda will always take more kisses. There's no such thing as too many.]

This is perfect, [she murmurs, rubbing her thumb affectionately over the back of his hand. Yes, there's going to be an adjustment period, but it's more about feeling out what works for them and finding some sort of new normal. She's sure they must be a tactile couple at least, whatever form that takes.

Would it be too much to ask him to start staying with her some nights? They've already proven she sleeps quite soundly if he's near, and that was without the aid of any psychic bond.]

Keep kissing me? [Punctuated with another kiss. The ones she initiates are growing gradually more passionate as her confidence grows. She doesn't pull back very much when they part, just enough to breathe.] I like this.

[Tactile is a very good word for them; he would welcome the chance to hold her at night, even if all they do is lay there. He doesn't sleep, but he does rest, and it's far more restful with Wanda next to him.]

I won't deny you more kisses. [And he doesn't, at least not for a few more minutes, when he pulls away regretfully, still smiling and holding her close.]

We'll be landing at the ship soon. What shall we do then? Unpack the samples, set the suits to charge? [He cups her cheek in his hand, smiling.] See how well the two of us fit into one bunk?

[They fall into a blissful rhythm of kisses and breaths for several wonderful minutes and Wanda makes a soft sound of protest when Vision finally draws back. She's flushed and breathless, still clinging tightly to him.]

Vizh...

[She closes her eyes and leans into his palm. The warmth and love she feels for him are an answer in themselves, but given a minute, she can find her words...]

I'd like that.

[More kisses and a chance to properly cuddle and get comfortable. What more could she want?]

[And they can talk about anything they need to talk about--or anything they want to talk about, really, and begin to get the shape of this. It's necessarily going to be different that it was before, which is mildly terrifying, but given everything going into the equation this time?

It's possible it could be even better.]

And then before the Marsiva leaves the system, perhaps we could go on a real date?

[He sounds wistful. A real date, where he doesn't have to disguise himself would be delightful. And there must be somewhere that has chocolate.]

[Wanda grins and leans up to steal one more quick kiss.]

Yes. This was nice, but I'd like to go somewhere we don't need the exosuits.

[Translation: She would like more hand-holding, please. And kissing. And general physical contact they can't have in space.

Her memories may be different, but Wanda is still herself. Whatever this leads to will surely be just as beautiful as whatever they shared before.

It's too soon when the shuttle docks with the Twin Roses and Wanda is as reluctant to stand and rejoin the crew as she is getting out of bed on early mornings. Five more minutes...]

Do we...do you want to hold hands? I can move the suits.

[Wanda is tactile with everyone, especially him, so it's not something that would necessarily broadcast a change at this early a stage in their relationship.]

[One more kiss and then a firm reminder to himself that there will be penty of time for more very soon, and then he can finally convince himself to stand up.]

Yes, tI'd like that. And we can drop the sample bottles off as well--and are you hungry at all?

[Gotta take care of the little things before they proceed straight to making out. And tomorrow they could go to a restaurant on one of the stations together, perhaps, or go shopping or to an art gallery or a coffeeshop and it's all possible now, with no rushing back to duty or needing to hide from anyone. They can be a normal couple, doing normal couple things.

He's never wanted anything so badly.]

[Wanda reaches for him, lifting the suits into the air with a wave of her free hand to drift after them like some sort of freaky ghost escort.]

Not for food.

[Later, sure, but right now she wants more kisses and is only half paying attention to those little housekeeping things they need to take care of before heading back to her room. No one's around - thank goodness, they won't have to play the game of going back to their separate rooms only for Vision to phase through the wall.

As soon as the hatch closes, Wanda's arms are around him. It's definitely not the first time she's hugged him, but now it's different. She can pull him as close as she wants, fully rest her cheek on his shoulder, and melt.]

Vision...

[She says his name with all the adoration of someone who's just discovered a rare treasure. Wanda's always been a tactile person, always found great comfort in hugs and holding hands and having physical reassurance. But the very deep comfort of having a lover to hold...this is new. And wonderful. And she doesn't want to let him go.]

Oh, Wanda.

[His arms go tight around her, holding her close and feeling her warmth against him. And a little extra from her cheeks right now, apparently, which makes him smile even more than he already has been. It's been wonderful, just being around her and on the same ship and in her company, but for all their casual and friendly touches before, physical contact is so very primally satisfying.

Maybe she'd noticed before that he was better at hugging. It should be clear now where he's been getting the practice.

He whispers down into her ear.]

I suppose I should ask how hungry you are.

[Future Wanda would probably handle this with a lot more ease, but current Wanda is still figuring things out. Does he like longer strokes across his back, little circles, or a combination of both? He definitely seems better at hugging than she remembers from home, and while she'd noticed previously, why had been a mystery at the time.

Mystery solved, apparently.

Vision whispering in her ear makes her shiver again - he's definitely found a weakness Wanda didn't even know she had. She nuzzles him gently, then pulls back just enough to smile up at him.]

I want your kisses, your touch. [She'll start them off with a soft, gentle kiss - they can build back up to the intensity they were working towards on the shuttle now that they have all the time they want.] I didn't realize I needed - that I was starving.

[Current Wanda is what he wants, and what he has. The Vision plans to give her ample time to explore his body as much as she likes. As for himself, he may have a better idea of what she likes, but it's never not a delight to hold her, kiss her, let her discover and rediscover herself under his touch.]

We can't have you starving, now. [He kisses her again at the same soft, gentle level, keeping one hand in place at the small of her back and slwoly moving the other from her shoulder down her arm and to her hand, where he twines his fingers in hers in a very specific way. It's very deliberate.]

There is one thing. When I do this [and he squeezes that hand lightly to show what he means] I'm asking you to read me in that moment. If you're not already, of course, but it generally means I want you to know exactly what it is you're doing to me.

[Which, at this particular moment, is a strong and clear joy, tinged with relief (she'd had every right to react poorly to his initial kiss in the shuttle) and anticipation (he's missed being able to run his hands up and down her body, being able to bring that smile to her face, yes, that one she's wearing right now).]

[Realization dawns on Wanda's face and she's quick to reestablish the connection between them. Wonder and gratitude dominate her emotions at first before quickly being overwhelmed by mingled love and joy. She can feel how deeply he loves her, all of her, and words utterly fail to communicate how much this simple intimacy means to her.

So instead she kisses him again, more passionately this time. One of her hands clutches him tighter while the other finds its way higher to cradle the back of his head and neck.

She's flushed again when they part - she can't help it; the way he sees her...

Wanda's hand moves from his neck to cup his cheek, lightly tracing her fingers over the lines in his skin.]

I like this, being close to your thoughts. Do you want to stay like this?

[Yes, he thinks strongly in her direction, letting go of her hand so he can rest it on her hip and look into her eyes. He could lose himself in those eyes. He finishes the thought aloud, though.]

Although it's probably best if we do so primarily when we're alone together. I'm certain my engineering work would only put you to sleep, for example, and I can only imagine a crowd would be even more confusing for me if I were juggling your perceptions as well.

[Which is part of why they'd developed a hand signal at home - that way if they want to share something in public, there's an unobtrusive way to signal it.

He closes his eyes as she runs her fingers over his face. There's a peculiar kind of sensitivity where the vibranium bands meet his flesh, and he knows she must be able to pick up on it. And after a few moments of that, he opens his eyes and kisses her again for good measure.]

But for now? We can stay like this all night, if you like.

No, sometimes crowds are too much for me. I wouldn't want you to feel that.

[Oh, has she found a sensitive spot? Wanda's fingers retrace the motion to pay extra attention there, savoring the feel of his pleasure through the link. They stay like that for a few minutes before kissing again and Wanda simply cannot get enough of this. For the longest time, she'd thought romance was something she didn't need (later, always later when Sokovia was safe again) and she'd clung to that after the experiments had left her feeling sometimes deeply unsettled in her own skin. Easier to tell herself she didn't need it than to think of all the opportunities for a normal life that seemed permanently shut to her.

It's not just a metaphor - she really has been starving for affection without realizing it. Already Wanda's absolutely certain that she won't have any nightmares tonight.]

I would, if you want to stay, [she murmurs, kissing him sweetly.] You can stay here as much as you like.

[Is that moving too quickly? To Wanda, it just feels like a natural progression - they've already lived together before. Why would she mind sharing her space?]

[For the Vision, it was that it had simply never occurred to him that anyone might see him as a viable romantic prospect; it had taken him a very long time, not to mention external forces, to make him realize what he felt for Wanda. And once he had, there it was, always simmering under the surface.]

Are you giving me blanket permission to come in through your wall?

[Teasing, teasing. Things are different now than they were back before he really had a concept of personal privacy. After all, he'd had nothing to hide in the beginning; now he understands. Not that he needs to keep this hidden, strictly, but--he's also not ready to announce it to everyone.

He takes Wanda's hand and kisses it swiftly on the knuckles.]

Yes, of course I'd like to stay.

[She laughs lightly - oh, that used to frustrate her, even though she knew Vision wasn't doing it to be rude or careless. He just didn't understand and it hadn't been the easiest thing to explain.]

Let me know first? But I wouldn't mind if you came through sometimes.

[Although maybe she shouldn't care if he sees her changing, because...well. He's seen - will see? - it all already. On the surface, this feels simple: Vision loves her, Wanda's fallen in love with him, and she's perfectly happy to let him hold and kiss her through the rest of the night. But the differences in their memories...that makes it a little jarring sometimes.

Some things, however, don't change. Even though Lagos and the Raft and the rift between the Avengers hasn't happened for her yet, Wanda's heart still catches in her throat in the same way it did the first time Vision kissed her hand. She can feel her cheeks growing warm for some strange reason - it's such a simple gesture, but it makes a sweet warmth bloom in her chest.]

Then stay. [It comes out far more breathless than Wanda had expected - she really likes that.] Come sit down?

[Making her bedding more comfortable had been one of her first priorities, and while her room is still on the sparse side (including the uncomfortable swivel chair), she's changed the Atroma-issued sheets out and added more pillows and blankets. It should be a nice place to curl up.]

[There's a difference, though - what he knows from his memories was gained with permission, and often explicit consent. What's a few seconds of delay when asking compared to the risk of discomfort on Wanda's part? So that one's a no-brainer.] I wonder if you could hear a knock on the wall? That would be expedient.

[But that's something to test later, because he has important cuddling to get to now. Not letting go of Wanda's hand (and thus pulling her along with him, if only a short distance), the Vision gets onto the bed and rearranges things a little so he's sitting up against a wall with pillows supporting him instead of the cold metal walls, and he tugs Wanda along to come sit with him.]

I concede that your bed is more comfortable than mine. [Probably because he doesn't actually use his, so it's standard issue, i.e. bare-bones.]

You might need to make your hand heavier, but I think it could work.

[She smiles warmly and lets Vision guide her to her bed so she can settle close against him. With a wave of her fingers, she rearranges her blankets to make a little nest of sorts for them. Now she's very comfortable.]

I missed my bed at the compound. Did you know it was the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in? [She snuggles a little closer and lets her eyes fall shut.] But I think maybe this one is better.

I'll test it out when I get a chance.

[Oh. Oh, how is he supposed to answer that, except with another kiss? And now that they're settled down, his hands begin to wander a bit - not to anywhere potentially off limits, just her sides, her hips, her back.]

The bed hasn't changed, Wanda. Just you and I.

[And then the thought occurs to him that they could go shopping for more pillows or a bedspread or sheets and they can keep them because they're staying in the same place, and he finds himself trembling slightly, breathing unevenly. His voice is a touch more raw than it was before.]

I don't know that I can ever say it enough, but I love you, Wanda Maximoff.

[These are nice places to be touched and Wanda makes a pleased sound as she leans up for a languid kiss. She feels warm and safe and loved, and his hands just feel so right on her.]

I know, [she murmurs quietly, absently tracing a pattern on his side.] It's better because you are here.

[She's sure to another psychic that she must look like she's glowing with the warmth of her feelings. Strange, when less than an hour ago she was barely piecing together words for the emotions he evoked in her.

But then again, Wanda Maximoff has never been a creature of mild emotions. She cannot give someone just part of her heart, only all of it. And so she guides Vision down for another kiss, soft and slow and psychically intense.

Some part of her notes how stunningly beautiful his eyes are as they part. She's gazing up at him with that utter adoration her future self tends to get only in the softest of moments, when everything else completely falls away and nothing outside their embrace exists.]

I love you, Vizh.

[Wanda may have needed a push, but she sees it now.]

[That intensity she has, the ability to go after what she wants wholeheartedly, is something the Vision has always admired about her, even long before he realized his feelings went deeper than friendship. Part of it was undoubtedly that she'd been one of the first to be fully in support of him joining the Avengers on a permanent basis - she'd looked deep into his mind and seen there was no malice in him. Part of it had also been that he was willing to let her in completely like that from the beginning - and it was having to deny her that these past couple of weeks that had eaten away at him much more than simple desire.

After all, he's used to being patient where desire is concerned. Their erratic schedules back home had seen to that. And right now? This sort of emotional catharsis is more than satisfying.

He tightens his grip on her briefly and gives her another kiss, light but sweet. This is good, so good, but it's probably also the best time to clarify certain things.]

Now, there are bound to be times when this is strange for you, given our different timelines. Above all I wish to avoid making you uncomfortable. You'll let me know if I start approaching that, I hope?

[Because he knows her, he really does, but there's always that line and it's so hard to judge with people.]

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