driftfleet | Dumpster World Mingle

[She smiles and takes his hand to rise into the air with him, the flowing skirts of her loose dress catching the wind. It's nice to be able to do this without the exosuits: just them, together. Like it should be.

She waves to some of the children, too - old Avengers habits die hard - smiling the entire time. Wanda's just so happy to be able to go on their first proper date since the glitches.

They land and Vision attends to their setup while Wanda's fingers go to the buttons on her dress. She spent a ridiculous amount of time sorting through ill-fitting, strangely designed bathing suits to find this bikini and she wants to get some decent use out of it.

Turning, hoping that Vision will at least find it cute, Wanda's breath catches in her throat. It's a ridiculous color, but Vision himself is as stunning a sight as ever. She's seen him in less of course, but never in the light of day like this.]

You're beautiful, Vizh.

[She smiles and goes to wrap her arms around him, sighing in simple contentment.]

What do you want to do first?

[Hearing his name, the Vision looks up quickly at Wanda and smiles brilliantly at her. Here they are out in public, using their powers openly, not even in disguise--it gives him a fierce rush of pride. He gives her a quick squeeze and a kiss to the top of her head.]

And you look quite fetching today, dearest. Perhaps we should warm up in the sun before testing the waters?

[He's been so busy scavenging that it's nice to have a day off, and the idea of soaking up some sun sounds nice; it's relaxing, even for an android who doesn't need Vitamin D. So he sits down on the blanket and pats a spot next to him, if she'd like to join.

And yes, he is eyeing that bikini appreciatively.]

I'm impressed you managed to find something that fits you so well. Did you spend much time shopping?

Mmm, then I should probably put on some sunscreen.

[She pulls a neon-bright bottle of sunscreen out of her bag. And it's not just any sunscreen.

It's glitter sunscreen. Because of course it is.

Wanda starts on her arms first, smoothing the sunscreen over her skin and leaving (thankfully) not as much glitter as she'd feared in its wake. Look, it was either glitter sunscreen or obnoxiously-scented spacefruit sunscreen. And, well, it does highlight her skin...]

I found this at the bottom of a bin full of very strange bathing suits. And that was the fifth store I visited. Not as easy as you creating yours.

[He doesn't notice the difference at first, but once the sun catches the glitter just right he can't help but laugh.] As if you weren't eye-catching enough--but it looks good on you, Wanda. It's enough to draw the gaze without being exorbitant.

[And it reminds him a bit of his old crewmate Wrath, who would have declared it not sparkly enough and searched until she found sunscreen made of solid glitter. She'd been very Extra like that.]

No, I imagine not. When we went to the planet with the bacon kelp and glowing fish, the sponsors decided to gift us all with bathing suits. I suppose since this is only a minor attraction in this system, it wasn't a priority.

[His gaze lingers fondly on her as she finishes applying the sunscreen.] I'm glad you did find it. Is it fit for swimming, or one of those sunbathing-only types?

[Wanda flushes at the unexpected compliment, gently smoothing the (glitter-free) backs of her fingers over Vision's cheek with a warm smile. He really does have a way with words, or maybe it's just his earnest nature. Or both. Either way, his compliments and encouragements have a way of hitting their mark with Wanda far better than most.]

You're sweet. And it's good that you don't need this or I think I would very distracted today.

[She'd hardly be able to tear her eyes away from him, either because having her lover here in such little clothing is inherently distracting or because she'd be transfixed by the shimmer on his skin.]

I was definitely planning on getting in the water after spending so much time finding this. Even if all we do is float for a while.

Can you help me with my back?

[He smiles at her, delighted by the idea that she would be distracted by a glittery sheen. He certainly appreciates how it looks on her.]

Of course. Here--

[He takes a small amount of the sunscreen and rubs it on her back, careful not to let his hands stray. They are in public, after all, even if they are somewhat isolated from the rest of the crowd. There will be enough time for that later, he reminds himself firmly.

Once her back is all shiny, he gives her shoulder a light squeeze.]

There we are. And--I suppose this is where I admit I don't exactly know if I can swim.

[He can just phase through water and levitate all he wants, so it's not exactly something he's tested before. Also: made of metal. Likely to sink.]

Thank you. [It's still a nice feeling and Wanda relaxes into his hands while she has the chance to savor his touch. When he's done, she shifts to face him with a warm smile.]

I can swim, but...maybe not well? I didn't learn until the rest of the team taught me. But I think I saw them renting floats.

[Inner tubes, technically, but the poor girl's never been to a water park. Cut her some slack.]

They have some meant for two people if you want to try it.

Edited 2018-10-19 19:33 (UTC)

[He smiles ruefully.] I don't think I can swim at all, actually. Vibranium is rather more dense than water. Of course, I can just make myself lighter to float, or fly away if I fall in unexpectedly.

[Or, needless to say, rescue Wanda if she finds herself in trouble. He can always just phase through the water ~~no I don't know how that works, MCu physics is special~~.]

So yes, a floatation device might be best at first.

[Wanda smiles softly, reaching up to cup his cheek. She'd thought Vision might need to adjust his density, but together they'll make this work.]

I won't let you sink, love. Don't worry.

[She rises and offers him her hands, possibilities dancing in her head. You know, there are ways she can probably make this extra fun once they figure out floating...]

[He closes his eyes for a brief moment, smiling, as she touches his cheek.]

Then I will not be worried.

[He takes her hands, still smiling, and gives her a quick kiss on the cheek.] Let us see what they have available, then?

[Being the planet it is, what the vendors have is a mismatched and weird selection of everything from foam floatation rafts to inflated tubing (from an orbital station?) to some docile-looking aquatic animals that seem to like pulling people around on a harness in exchange for treats.]

[She answers with a psychic caress of pure love - his unwavering faith in her never fails to make her melt.

They walk hand in hand back to where the vendors are, just a witch and her synthezoid lover. No one really pays them any mind now that they're on the ground like normal people, and it's still taking some getting used to. Alone, Wanda could sometimes manage until she had to speak, but with any of the Avengers with her? It would only be a matter of time before people started pointing, staring, and reaching for their phones. It's kind of refreshing to have some privacy (or the illusion of it) for a change.]

Vision, look! [Uh-oh, she's seen the animals.] They're so cute. I know the floats are more traditional, but...

[...she really wants to pet one, and she wouldn't be at all surprised if Vision wants a closer look, too.]

[And yet they're on a supposedly popular reality show being broadcast to millions of viewers. The difference, he supposes, is that the audience of this show is so far removed from the day-to-day life of the people around them that it is just like being incognito.

And he grins at her enthusiasm. The animals in question look a bit like manatees with...green fur? Ah, it must be to process the copper. He makes a note to inquire about any shed fur, curious about whether his theory is correct.] Let's take a look at them, then.

[Up close, they're very cute in that blubbery aquatic mammal way. There are a couple of handlers who explain the process - it's pretty simple, you latch yourself to the creature and it pulls you around the lake, and when you run out of food it wanders back to the enclosure where there's more.]

[Oh no they're super cute and to top it off, there's even a special couples' harness: a little floating seat for two that would practically have her in Vision's lap. Aside from the rather obvious benefit of being able to feel him warm and strong against her back, she'd be better able to make good on her promise to keep him afloat.

Gently she squeezes his hand.]

Do you want to try this? Or do you want to start with a regular float?

I don't see why we couldn't try it. [The two-seater looks like a tight fit. Oh no, Wanda might have to sit in his lap, whatever shall he do. Try to remember they're in public, that's what he'll do.

A quick exchange of credits, a couple of armbands that will serve as emergency floatation devices if immersed in water, a little bit of a shuffle until they're seated properly, and then the creature begins its meandering trek out into the lake. The waters are surprisingly clear for being as green as they are, and the shallower parts they start out over have some interesting plants and animals just below the surface.

It's fascinating to look at, and it's also just so nice to have Wanda all to himself like this. The seat is basically forcing him to keep an arm around her while they float, how terrible. He presses a light kiss to the side of her head once there's a lull in interesting things to look at.]

This was certainly a good idea.

[Excuse you, Wanda is perfectly capable of sitting in his lap in public without scarring anyone. And it just so happens that she feels much more secure in her seat holding on to Vision's arm for stability.

How absolutely dreadful for them.

She settles comfortably into the solid warmth behind her, watching the interesting aquatic life drift by. It's peaceful here, and as they drift farther away from the beach Wanda relaxes even further into Vision's embrace.]

This is perfect. I have everything I could want right here. [She twists lazily in his arms to kiss his cheek (which is as far as she can reach from this angle, oops).] I love you.

[Everything? Way to feed a man's ego there, Wanda. He hums in delight and tightens his arms around her.]

I love you very much, and I'm glad we get to spend some time together out here like this.

[Because the ships are fine, but different scenery all the time is the real benefit of space travel. How much fun would a green lake be without someone to share it with? Now they can both have memories of being towed around by a cheerful big sea cow?]

[She finds the hand wrapped around her waist and squeezes it gently. He's so sweet, so generous with these little displays of affection. And nothing feels better than letting everything else go and relaxing into his love.

(She does feel guilty sometimes, feeling any happiness at all after Pietro...after everything. But right now she's blissfully free from needing to fight her own mind.)]

Mmmm. I used to be afraid of the water, but floating is nice. [And floating in his arms is, of course, even better.

She shifts to offer Vision the little container of treats she's been holding and occasionally flinging ahead of their new friend.]

Do you want to try? It's fun.

Were you? [She must not have been confident of her ability to stay safe around it - but now she has an alternate way out, thanks to her powers. Besides which, the Vision would never let her drown. Also, the safety precautions on this little float harness are actually pretty good.

He takes the container and ponders the snacks inside it. With the way Wanda is sitting in his lap, it might be hard to toss one without messing up his grip, but maybe if he uses his abilities a bit--

--There. He phases the part of his arm that might smack her and makes his hand more dense, so the treat gets a good distance. The creature snorts happily and starts heading for it.] There we go. It's a shame these are too big for a ship, isn't it? Perhaps there's a souvenir carving or something like.

If I fell into the river, Pietro would have come after me, and then what would we have done?

[Not that she was ever at much risk of falling in - they'd stopped playing there after their parents had died. All Wanda could do was worry and her mind got very creative in thinking up awful things that could happen to Pietro and leave her completely alone in the world.

Going most of your life not knowing how to swim does instill an instinctive unease around deep water, powers or no, but this feels safe. And Wanda has absolute faith in Vision.]

I'd like that. Or maybe they make plushies? I want something to remember today. [The creature makes another funny snorting sound and Wanda laughs.] Our first date off the ships.

[She doesn't know if he's done anything like this with her in her past here or their future at home, but for them as they are...it's still a first. And that makes it extra special.]

Rivers are not the friendliest to new swimmers, certainly. This is much calmer.

[And the harness is surprisingly well-designed, for a society that apparently has no overarching government to enforce safety regulations. Then again, it is a tourist attraction, and they must be used to people who don't know how to swim at all.

A little plushie sounds adorable, and the Vision laughs along with Wanda. As a matter of fact back home they never had gone out on a copper-tinted lake being towed by a friendly beast, so no matter how you frame it this is a first. He rests his chin on her shoulder and closes his eyes, content.]

I won't have trouble remembering it. A souvenir would be good, however.

[He does remember one of the booths had some small junk sculptures, and there was at least one with some painted tiles and other ceramics of the lake scenery.

They're starting to get low on snacks for their ride, though, and soon they start heading back to the shore.]

What shall we do next, my dear?

[She'd say that she could never forget this, but unfortunately that doesn't seem to be in her control. But either way, it's nice to have things around to remind you of where you've been, and just like at home, Wanda wants to collect something special from each place they visit.

All too soon, the treats run out and their new friend slowly returns them to shore. Wanda gives the creature a parting hug and trots back to take Vision's arm, grinning the whole time.

Already she misses the close contact from the harness, and so she walks as close to him as she can. She won't even try to pretend that the crowd has anything to do with it.]

Anything you want. Do you want to go back in the water or walk around here some more?

Let's see if we can find something to take home from here. Then we'll be hot enough to find the cool water pleasant, I think. [There he goes, slipping up and calling the ship "home" again. And yet it is. It has things and people he cares about, and he's unofficially moved in with Wanda there. What more could he want from a home?

Regardless, they walk together over to the stalls set up. Little bits of sparkle catch the eye from various trinkets and carvings, and several of them are very lovely - all made from scavenged items, of course. He pauses at a display of scrap metal jewelry, eyeing a hair clip made of beaten copper shaped like a stylized bird.] Would you wear something like this, Wanda?

[Mikumo had told him that he should spend all his credits on hair products if he ever got a girlfriend. So. There's that.]

[The Twin Roses may not be 'home' yet, but what she has with Vision is...different. Warm. Safe. Maybe the ship could be one day, although it had taken months for her to slip and call the compound home.

They walk together, Wanda dazzled by all the shiny wares at the booths. There are some lovely wind chimes and wall hangings made of scavenged metal and colored glass that catch the light and the jewelry is just as unique. It's amazing what they've done with what was probably once trash.]

I would wear anything you gave me, Vizh. [She picks up the bird and smiles.] It's cute. And it reminds me of us.

[Some of her favorite times with him: namely, flying. It's something only they can share, needing nothing but their own will to hold themselves aloft.

And it was on that flight on the moon that she'd first realized she loved him.]

Then it's yours.

[He pays the seller's asking price without even bargaining, because what is money? Something to spend on people you care about. After the credits are exchanged, he gestures to Wanda to let him slide back a lock of hair so he can clip it in. The coppery color will look good with her usual red outfits, and it looks particularly fancy with her bathing suit. She'll have to take it out to swim, but for now this works well.]

A copper bird to remember the copper lake. Perhaps we should set aside another afternoon for flying, hmm?

[Because he does love it. He loves flying alone but he loves flying with Wanda the most. Sure, many of the others can fly with a bit of assistance, but the two of them only need themselves to take to the skies. And why not take advantage of being on a planet while they can?

There are a few more stalls to look at, as well as some appetizing smells coming from further down the line.]

You're sweet. [Touched, Wanda twists around when he's done and kisses his cheek. They're in public, so physically there's nothing else she can do, but behind the kiss is a psychic caress of love and gratitude.

She catches sight of herself in one of the mirrors: the clip suits her and it's definitely going to become one of her jewelry staples. For not having hair of his own, Vision has good taste.] Thank you, Vizh. I love it. [She can get away with kissing his cheek again, right?] I love you.

[She resumes her previous position tangled around his arm as they resume strolling the market, not caring how clingy she might look. She never has.]

We could visit the cliffs, if you want. They say it's worth the hike, but...we don't need to worry about that.

[She can smell something that is likely fried and tasty. Vision may have little use for adornments when he could dream up anything he wants, but perhaps there are other ways she can reciprocate. They haven't shared senses in a while.]

Do you see anything you want to try?

[There's something that looks like funnel cakes and all the fried things anyone could want: cookies, local vegetables, cheese. Oddly enough, there's even a fried frozen treat, however that works. And that's to say nothing of the advertised drinks: appropriately themed and in corny plastic cups.]

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