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Who: The Vision and Wanda Maximoff
Broadcast: No
Action: The Memorial of the First, on-planet
When: End of June

[The last memory the Vision had of home was of a feeling of inevitability, the sense that a storm was coming. Ever since the message from and subsequent meeting with the Interceptors, he's felt the return of that ominous anxiety. This time, he knows the stakes and he knows the danger, and most of all he knows that what's coming now will bring the end of the life he's grown comfortable with.

He's made some inquiries to his friends and carefully considered their input. He's started making arrangements, quietly, in case their mission should fail. But he also knows there may be a limited time to act if they do succeed, and he wants to do so with a clear conscience. That means he must consider all aspects of his choice and, knowing that cannot be made without consideration for the person who holds his heart in her hands, means he has to have a conversation with Wanda that may very well break that heart.

She can't have escaped noticing his restlessness, ever since they arrived at this planet. He's been pensive, distracted, building elaborate simulations only to shut them down within moments. What if, what if, what if--he narrows down the variables one by one until she is the largest one that remains.

He sends her a message to meet him in front of the Memorial of the First. It's a powerful monument not only because of its size and scale, but because of the meaning it gives: here are those who had no choice and made the best of their lives. A beginning that required an end.

He stands alone, waiting.]

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[Wanda clings to him just as tightly and this is the last straw. Her heart simply can't take it anymore and she starts sobbing for real. She wants so badly to reach for the comfort of his mind, but Vision deserves the privacy to choose for himself without worrying about her watching his thoughts. Whatever it is, he has to say it.

And when he does Wanda just cries even harder and buries her face in his shoulder. These are happier tears and finally she lets her mind brush against his so Vision can feel her relief.]

I was scared, [she says after a moment.] I was so afraid I would lose you.

[Wanda never doubted his love, but she had assumed it wouldn't be enough to convince Vision to take a chance on a new life together. There's no going back from this, no changing their minds after it's all over. She does feel a little guilty, but if they switched places, she knows exactly what she'd tell Pietro to do.

She's feeling a lot of complicated emotions, but the dual warmth of Vision's embrace and psychic presence combined with that wonderful voice starts to calm her tears. Under her relief there's a deep well of love, flutters of excitement for the future, and joy like she's rarely felt before.]

Oh, Vision...I will always be yours. You are my home. [She kisses him deeply, desperate for as much physical contact as possible.] And all I want is a life with you.

[When she kisses him, he relaxes his death-grip and places his hands on her shoulders instead. There are tear-marks on his face, but his eyes show a relief so profound it's almost heartbreaking itself, and his mind is finally beginning to let go of the grief and guilt that had come with the decision.

His guiding lights have shown him the way, and finally his path is clear.]

There is still much to be done. [Actually breaking free of the Atroma being highest on the list, but finding out the truth about the singing planets, figuring out if they want to settle or continue exploring, saying goodbye to friends they've made and welcoming others to be a permanent part of their lives--all these are important, too. Not to mention actually making that promise he'd mentioned. Though--perhaps...no, best to wait until after they've truly accomplished the first thing on that list.]

We can do it together, and walk into the future with open arms. I could ask for no greater honor than to do so by your side. My life is yours.

[She takes advantage of his loosened grip to shift fully into Vision's lap, completely uncaring of what someone might think if they stumbled upon them. They need this, and the new angle makes it easier for her to kiss him so she does: first another deep, passionate kiss to satisfy their more urgent need for closeness, then a much gentler one to soothe their hearts.

Tenderly she wipes his remaining tears away again. She has already asked so much of him, but there's one last question that's been eating at her since his birthday. They may not have reached their anniversary yet, but something about being with Vision feels right on a soul-deep level and she's never felt so sure about anything else. It had felt like she'd be lost forever without Pietro, that no matter how much she tried to heal, no one else could ever possibly understand her at her core like he did.

Instead, the past few months have given Wanda a paradise she could have never dreamed possible. This is not how she'd imagined this going, but she's already on her knees in a way...]

Vision. [She kisses him softly again and rests her forehead against his, trying to compose herself.] My Vision. My heart.

[It's now or...wait. When she pulls back to cup his cheeks again and urge him to look at her, her eyes are glowing a steady red. She means to offer everything she is, so it only feels appropriate.]

I know we are not free yet, but...will you marry me when this is over?

[The Vision is still on a rollercoaster of emotion, having been prepared for this to go either way. Be that as it may, he'd been thinking about this very question, and so when she asks it his first reaction is confusion - did he say it when he'd meant to hold off until it was over first? Had she picked it up from his mind, simmering close to the surface as it must have been?

But then he grins fiercely as he realizes - no, this had been an independent thoughts of hers. She wants this.]

Yes. [And then, less quietly.] Yes, Wanda, I was just going to ask you, but I thought I should wait until we made it to the other side first, but of course I will. [He kisses her, quick and fierce, and his smile is radiant. He touches the memory bracelet he'd commissioned for her at the last planet.]

I meant what I said at the time to Captain Rogers - I wouldn't dream of it when we could be whisked away by capricious hosts at any time, but when we need not worry about it?

I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I would gladly stand by you as your husband.

[She kisses him back passionately, practically overflowing with joy, and when they part her eyes are wet again with happy tears. It's been an emotional day, but it's taken a turn Wanda could never have predicted.]

And I will be your wife.

[Laughing, she tips Vision's face up again and kisses him all over: his forehead, his cheeks, once on the tip of nose just because, and finally his lips again. They'd made what promises they could to each other on Lyndia, but it was always with the knowledge that the Atroma could tear them apart or take their memories at any moment. But even so...Wanda's heart knew what it wanted, it had just taken Steve's meddling to crystallize those desires. And now, finally, she can have it.

Whatever happens next, wherever they decide to go...she's already home in Vision's arms.]

My life has been so much better than I could have known to wish for since you kissed me in the shuttle. I didn't know I could feel like this. I didn't know someone could love me like you do.

[She kisses him again, slowly and sweetly. Their link is brimming with joy, although there's a pang of Pietro-flavored sadness. It's not right that she can't share this with him. He should be there when she promises her life to the man she loves.]

I love you, [she murmurs against his lips, unable to resist the urge to claim them again.] I want this more than anything.

[He kisses her back each time, still feeling raw from the strong emotions but desperately grateful and happy at the same time; their lovemaking tonight will have to be gentle and sweet, but he doesn't think she'll mind. Not today.

The Vision pulls Wanda onto his lap so he can hold her properly and rests his forehead on hers between kisses.]

If I ever required proof that I am more than I was intended to be, my feelings for you are more than sufficient. I did not know I was capable of love until you helped me recognize it in myself, and then I saw it over and over again, each time I looked upon you.

[They can settle on the details once the Atroma have been dealt with, but for now he's content to see the future opening wide before them, full of possibility. He'll have to look around and see what kinds of opportunities there are here for those who want to stay, rather than those who are only visiting. He'll have to determine what he wants to do with himself, once he can live rather than only being concerned with survival. And most of all, he'll get to do it with Wanda by his side.

The one thing he knows for sure is that he doesn't want to wait much longer. As soon as their business on the Marsiva is done, he's going to find a space and someone to officiate. That should give them enough time to be measured for rings, or to resize his ring for the left ring finger.

He cups her face and kisses her again.]

I love you, Wanda Maximoff. I will always be yours.

[Wanda wraps her arms around him and gazes lovingly into Vision's eyes. This is balm for her soul and she craves what the rest of the day will bring: the comfort of skin on skin, gentle kisses and touches slowly yielding to pleasure, the ecstasy of finally being one in a way only they can share. But all forms of physical reassurance are as perfect as Vision is and are helping to drive those horrible feelings of heartbreak further from her mind. It's all right now. She can keep him, and they're going to have a wonderful life together.]

You woke my heart again. Even when we were only friends, I could have a little more hope for the future when I watched you. [She smiles warmly.] And now you are my future.

[She kisses him back sweetly as another wave of love floods their psychic link. This is all she needs; not a big party, or a white dress, or some big production of a wedding. When they part, she rests her forehead on his again.]

I'm sorry...I should have another ring for you, but I didn't plan this very well. It just felt right, and I didn't want to wait any longer to ask you.

Edited 2019-07-02 14:52 (UTC)

[Neither of them has ever really been a "big party" kind of person, even if they have each had the occasional birthday party on the ships. A few close friends, perhaps, and that would be enough for him. Figure out what it would take to get registered locally as a married couple. Write some vows - though he's already said them in his heart. When you fall in love with the same person three times, your heart knows the truth of the matter.

He clasps their hands together and guides her fingers over the ring on his index finger.]

I'm happy to consider this an engagement ring, Wanda. If you'd like a matching one I'll commission it, but we could also jump directly to the wedding bands next. That is--assuming you'd want to wear one.

[It shouldn't be too hard to get those. Even if this planet doesn't have a similar tradition, they are just gold bands and not terribly difficult to make. Worst case, the Iskaulit has jewelry-making tools at the forge.]

Edited (typo) 2019-07-02 18:52 (UTC)

[She runs a finger over the ring and raises their clasped hands to her lips.]

I don't want to wait for someone to make an engagement ring first, [she murmurs a little breathlessly.] But I want a wedding ring, whatever you want it to look like. I want everyone to see I am yours.

[There are few traditions that actually matter to her. The beautiful red dress Sansa made would be a wonderful wedding dress, and it has far more significance to them than anything else would. She would like a cake, but not the kind most people would picture for a wedding cake, and she has no particular interest in a diamond ring. If Vision gives her something similar, of course she'd wear it. But she'd rather have something that he feels best represents their love, no matter what it looks like.

She settles back against him and snuggles close.]

Can you stay with me today?

I can arrange for that. Would you mind if I handled both of them so they match?

[Yes, he's already thinking about designs. A simple band would be enough for him, but he knows enough about her taste in jewelry to know Wanda would prefer something intricate. He can look around, see if anything inspires him, place them on hold. Because he's not going to tempt fate by picking anything up before they've dealt with the Atroma once and for all, but...now that he's committed to a future, he's finding that he's more and more excited about it.

As she snuggles close to him, the Vision closes his eyes and exhales happily.]

I would like nothing better. Of course I will stay with you. I...think I need that, myself.

I'd like that.

[She lets her head rest on his shoulder and closes her eyes, finally able to relax a little. The most urgent need for kissing is sated and for now Wanda just needs to keep him close. One day the thought of losing him will feel like nothing more than a bad dream, but today her heart is still bruised from weeks of trying to prepare for it. Vision's touch is the only real cure.]

We can go anywhere, [she murmurs after a long moment.] Anywhere you want. The beach? Our room? The gardens?

[The beach is lovely. The gardens are always a balm. Their room has the privacy he craves.

None of it is quite right. He squeezes her hand.]

Fly with me. There's a desert island marked on the world map not far from here. We can take all the time we need there.

[How like her Vision to know exactly what they both need. That sounds perfect: privacy and a beautiful, soothing locale all in one. She turns her head to press three soft kisses to Vision's neck.]

Will you carry me? [Her voice lowers.] Or should I carry you?

I just want to keep you close.

[His breath hitches, hearing the echo of her earlier question, and he smiles fondly. He's emotionally wrought and the thought of more effort is exhausting, but at the same time, a bridal carry has a certain undeniable appeal after what he's just agreed to.

Ah, well. It's not like the physical effort of carrying her is taxing. It takes far more than that to begin tapping his reserves of strength.]

I will carry you, if you like. Now and always.

[She was so overwhelmed by the emotions of the day that she hadn't even realized. A stronger person might be able to let go, get up, and fly to the island themselves, but Wanda just doesn't have the emotional strength to tolerate any more distance between them than necessary. She'd been so sure she was going to lose him.

She shifts in his lap so he can pick her up whenever he's ready and winds her arms around his neck again. Scarlet twines around them, and when Vision does lift her he'll find that her power is helping hold them both up. Most of the work he'll have to do is just pointing them in the right direction to the island.]

And I will always support you, love.

[This does put them in a perfect position for midair kisses and Wanda wouldn't be a very good fiancée if she passed up the opportunity, now would she? She wants him to enjoy this too.]

[He starts off by giving her a kiss right away, soft and sweet, before lifting both of them into the air and flying off (much to the surprise of other visitors to the monument, but nobody seems to be upset about it).

There's still a great deal to be done - defeating the Atroma being first priority, but they'll also need to decide when they're going to tie the knot (soon, he hopes), whether they should have a party (he doesn't need one, but if she does, he'll make it fancy enough to make Tony proud), and on and on until forever.

As long as we both shall live.]

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