~ by T.K. Wilson

With Lyrics from “Shattered” and “She is the Sunlight” by David Hodges and Trading Yesterday

Author’s note: There’s a lot of fics out there that focus on Wanda’s wounds… but what about Vision? Tony’s choices hurt him too, and perhaps deeper than Wanda was wounded. This is a fluffy, jukebox, fix-it fic, for all you Marvel fans. My Avengers stories take place in an AU where Infinity War doesn’t happen the same way.

***

Vision paced in his quarters at the Avengers base. He huffed in frustration. Tony’s self destructive tendencies were becoming more of a problem. He had often had secret discussions with Ms. Potts, Happy, and Mr. Rhodes about it. All of them were worried. But Vision was becoming more and more concerned; more than once he’d had to carry Mr. Stark to bed, drunk and half asleep. Furthermore, Tony had been watching him day and night; never let him alone with his thoughts for more than five minutes. And Vision was reaching the end of his rope. He needed an escape- but the one who had been his escape was far away…

Suddenly Vision knew what he would do. He shed the clothes he had been wearing and was now in his bodysuit and cape. Before he knew quite what he was doing, he was walking, walking up to the roof by less populated halls and staircases. On the roof he broke into a run and then he was in the air, letting his Avengers badge drop into the forest below. He was going to visit Wanda, whether Tony liked it or not. Vision knew it would hurt Tony, but perhaps it would be enough to make him see reason.

—

Wanda was sleeping in the Palace in Wakanda. Her room was sparsely filled with a few odds and ends, a desk, a chair, a bedside table with a stereo and lamp. Her clothes were in a duffel on the floor. Out of the stereo floated a gentle song,

“Yesterday, I died,
Tomorrow’s bleeding,
Fall into your sunlight,
The future’s open wide, beyond believing,
To know why hope dies,
Losing what was found,
A world so hollow,
Suspended in a compromise. ”

Wanda had found this CD sad but soothing, like the singer knew what she was feeling. If and when she got her guitar back, she wanted to learn the songs. Through her dreams echoed a voice, rousing her.

“Wanda… Wanda?”

“Vision?” Wanda stiffened.

“Yes, it’s me.”

“Did Stark send you?” she snapped coldly.

“No, I’m coming alone. Tony does not know.”

Wanda softened. “You’re coming?”

“Yes. I could not take it anymore. I had to come see you.”

“See… me?” she asked.

“Yes, you and you alone. Are you afraid?”

“Yes, and no. You wouldn’t betray me, but I’m afraid Stark will find you.”

“If he does, I’ll deal with it then.”

“I’ll meet you outside.”

Wanda got dressed as fast as she could. She didn’t realize how much she missed Vision! She opened her window and hovered out, fleeing into the jungle.

“Here. I’m here. Can you find me?”

“Yes, I’m almost there. I have to go around the palace.”

—

A few moments later Vision was there, suddenly shy. “Hello, Wanda.” he breathed. She was so beautiful…

“Hello.”

They slowly approached each other. Vision held out a hand to her. “Don’t be afraid. Stark’s not here. It’s just us.”

Wanda took his hand, letting her guard down completely. “I’ve missed you.”

“And I you.”

“I’m sorry for everything that happened between us.”

“Oh, Wanda, I forgave you long ago. You were frightened. So was I.”

“You, afraid?” Wanda asked, shocked.

“I do not know what I’m capable of. I wanted to protect everyone. I wanted to protect Tony… I wanted to protect you.” Vision lowered his head in shame. Wanda pushed his chin up, forcing him to look at her.

“Don’t worry about that now. Everything’s been forgiven.” She was crying, she was so happy, relieved to have him back, it rolled off of her like waves. “I’m such a mess.” She sniffled.

“On the contrary.” Vision reached out and wiped her tears away. “You have never been more beautiful.” Wanda blushed bright red and looked away, pulling her face away from Vision’s hands.  

Taking both Wanda’s hands, Vision hovered them both to a large rock under the bright full moon. They sat down, Wanda drawing her knees to one side.

“It will be daylight soon,” said Vision, looking up into the moon.

“Mmm-hum,” came Wanda’s sleepy mumble.

“You have not been sleeping well.” said Vision, taking stock of his companion’s condition. He always knew.

“Nightmares. Nightmares about everything.”

“Oh, no, not again,” he muttered. She had finally gotten over her nightmares before… the incident.

“Oh, it’s not your fault-”

“It is! If only I’d thought about it, had not let my loyalty be blinded-”

“Shh. We’re okay now-”

“You are not, and that is what worries me.”

He pulled his cape around them both.

“How gentlemanly of you.” teased Wanda.

“If you wish, you may sleep. I will look after you, and if you have nightmares, I will help.”

Wanda didn’t need asking twice. She leaned against him and soon fell asleep, her head against his arm, enjoying the best sleep she’d had in months. Not one nightmare troubled her slumber, kept at bay by her best friend.

Vision brushed her hair back from her face, whispering, “No one will hurt you or take you away from me again. I promise.”

Vision suddenly realized if he was to keep that promise, he would have to stay. So be it. And he would have to speak to Steve Rogers. The sooner the better!

“Wanda? I’m going to pick you up.”

Wanda was sleeping so deeply she didn’t notice that he picked her up, even when he put her arms over his shoulders. She stirred a little when he took off and flew toward the palace, but that was all. He knew he’d set off the proximity alarms, but all the better. Wanda took a firmer grip on his cape in her sleep as he landed. Instantly, Vision was surrounded by guards.

“Please, tell Captain Rogers, Vision is here. I mean no harm.”

The Avengers, primarily dressed in their pyjamas, waited as Vision came in the doors, flanked by two guards.

“Vision.”

“Captain Rogers.”

“What are you doing with Wanda?” demanded Black Widow.

“Please, Natasha, she’s sleeping. Do not wake her.”

“It’s a valid question.” said Steve.

“Of course it is. I came to see her. Tony does not know I’ve come, I’ve… run away from home.”

“Run away?”

“Yes, I want to throw my lot in with you, Steve. I’m not going back to Tony.”

“You’re defecting?” asked Steve, incredulous.

“Yes, for Wanda’s sake, you have my loyalty. I may disagree with you, but I hope we can work together despite that.”

“I think we can. We’ve got a lot to talk about then.”

Vision and Steve looked awkwardly at the sleeping Wanda.

“I’d shake you hand, but-”

“Oh, yes. Perhaps you should-”

Steve reached out to take Wanda from Vision, but she gripped Vision’s cape harder and let out a soft grunt of protest.

“It seems she will not let me go… show me to her room, I’ll put her to bed.”

Natasha showed him the way. When they entered the room, Vision frowned. It was so empty! Not like Wanda at all! Vision knelt by her bed and let her down onto the mattress, carefully prying her hands away. She blinked, half-awake.

“Vis?” she mumbled.

“I brought you home, sweet.”

“Don’ go…” She reached out after him, catching his cape.

“You will not have to worry about that again,” Vision soothed. “I’m staying here with you.”

She had fallen back to sleep already.

—

When Wanda woke late the next morning, she got up eagerly, hoping against hope she hadn’t dreamed Vision’s return. She was wearing her day clothes in bed. Oh, it was real! Quickly changing into a fresh outfit, Wanda ran out the door. She found Vision talking to Sam Wilson, the Falcon.

“I think if we calibrate those sensors properly we will not have the random alarms going off.”

“You try figuring half these things out!” laughed Sam.

“Vis?” called Wanda.

Sam smiled. “G’Morning, Sleeping Beauty!”

“Good morning, Wanda.”

Wanda jumped up and hugged Vision, who staggered under the sudden weight.

“I’ll… go calibrate the sensors.” muttered Sam, leaving the room.

“I was afraid I dreamed it,” she whispered.

“I will be the first to tell you, you did not.”

“And you’ll stay?”

“Yes, I’m staying here with you and the others.”

“I’m so happy!” she mumbled into Vision’s shoulder.

Vision held her tighter in response. Why hadn’t he come sooner? No matter. He would make up for lost time.

—

Vision watched Wanda whirl and spin, fighting imaginary foes in the special room that T’Challa had built for her. Here, she could practice in safety, her “magic” growing stronger with every day. Surrounded by glitter, she almost shone; not like a witch, but like a fairy. She would kill him if he ever said that to her, though.

Vision touched the inches-thick glass, almost willing to phase through and join her. Oh, heavens, it was good to be with her again; to be back with all of them! Tony had been trying to contact him, but he ignored the calls. It hurt, but he was not about to betray Wanda and the others to Tony.

—

Wanda didn’t realize she had an audience until one of her attacks went awry and hit the glass, breaking two panes, and she heard someone yell “Good grief!”.

“Vis!” she ran into the observation room. “Vis, are you alright?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine!” He laughed. “That was just very unexpected.”

“How long had you been watching?” A blush came into Wanda’s cheeks.

“Not long. Do you do this often?”

“Every day! Though this is the first time I’ve broken the window.”

Vision and Wanda walked hand in hand back into the main common room. It was empty, save for a radio station from the States playing in the corner. Sam must’ve left it running. Wanda grinned and turned it up. “I love this song!”

Her back turned to Vision, Wanda swayed in time to the gentle beat, dark curls rippling, softly singing along:

“And if all the all the flowers faded away
And if all the storm clouds decided to stay,
Then you would find me, each hour the same,
He is tomorrow, and I am today.”

Vision searched his memory. Ah, there it was. Having the entire internet at one’s disposal was often handy. Not knowing whether he had a pleasing voice, Vision began to sing.

“And if right is leaving,
I’d rather be wrong,
She is the sunlight, and the sun is gone.”

Wanda turned in surprise, shocked that Vision could sing. He judged by her reaction that he did have a pleasing singing voice. She took his hand, soft and cool, and soon had him swaying with her. He sang on:

“And if loving her is, is heartache for me,
And if holding her means I have to bleed,
Then I am the martyr, love is to blame.”

She responded,

“He is the healing, and I am the pain.
He lives in a daydream,
Where I don’t belong,”

So lost in their own little world, neither Vision nor Wanda realized that the others had begun filtering in. Natasha had arrived first, sending out the playful call.

“You guys better get in here, you’re not gonna believe this one.”

Wanda draped her arms over Vision’s shoulders, leaning on his chest, while Vision had hesitantly put his arms around her middle. Still singing and swaying, they held each other, enjoying each other’s company.

Vision sang back again,

“She is the sunlight,
And the sun is gone.”

Wanda lifted her head to look at Vision.

“I’m so glad you came…”

Cradling her face in his hands, Vision stooped lower. “I could not stay away. Not forever… not when my heart is here.”

Wanda blushed. “You could turn a girl’s head, talking like that.” she teased.

“I believe I already have.” he murmured.

Vision leaned closer, almost close enough to kiss. Wanda shut her eyes, waiting for Vision to make his move. An alarm blared out at that instant. Both of them yelped in surprise, as the rest of the watching crowd rushed to the staging area. Wanda and Vision looked at each other, then followed.

Vision jerked his head to one side, covering one side of his head.

“Vision!” Wanda reached out for him, catching hold of the brooches on his shoulders.

He looked at her, mixed fear and regret in his eyes. “It’s Tony.”

“I told him he was welcome to talk at any time, but he was supposed to call first,” said Steve, as Vision and Wanda arrived in the room.

“He’s come after me.” said Vision. “I’ve refused to answer his calls.”

“What will he do once he gets here?” Steve asked.

“Try to convince me to return with him. I will not go.”

“What will he do when he hears that?”

“I do not know…”

—

Tony Stark stalked off the plane with Pepper, Happy, and Rhodey on his heels.

“Tony, wait a minute!” called Pepper.

“This wasn’t a good idea.” muttered Happy.

“Tony, come on…” pleaded Rhodey.

“We’ll be here for five minutes, I promise! Just long enough to get Vision, he must’ve just been lonely.”

Pepper shook her head.

“I ought to consider finding him some company besides Underoos.”

“Did you even ask why he came here?” asked Pepper.

“Does he even know you have a tracker on him?” demanded Rhodey.

“No and no. It’s for his own good!”

Rhodey slapped himself in the forehead. “I don’t see this ending well.”

—

Tony consented to being searched by the guard before he and his party were escorted to the staging area. The rest of Captain America’s Avengers had formed a wall between Vision and Wanda and Tony. Vision reacted visibly to the intrusive thoughts from Wanda, images of her captivity and treatment in the Raft. Horror and revulsion shook his mind for a split second.  She pushed them away quickly with a burst of lyrics,

“And I’ve lost who I am,
And I can’t understand,
Why my heart is so broken,
Rejecting your love…”

Vision grabbed Wanda’s hand and meshed their fingers together.

“Courage, Wanda. The sun will not disappear for either of us.”

Steve and Tony squared off.

“Rogers.”

“Stark. What can I do for you?”

Tony raised his hands. “Just here to pick up Vision.”

“He’s not going back with you.”

“Sorry?” asked Tony, confused.

“I said, he’s not going back with you. He’s joined up with us.”

“‘Scuse me? Vision, is that true?”

“Yes, it is, Mr. Stark.”

“You signed the papers!” Tony’s voice began to rise.

“I did, and I’m sorry I did. I did not know what it would do…”

“Let me through, Rogers.” Tony tried to push past the group to get to Vision.

“Not happening.”

“Vision, come on, we’re going.”

“I will not go back with you.” said Vision firmly. “Let him through Steve. It’s alright.”

Tony marched up to Vision, noting that Wanda had a firm grip on his hand.

“Oh. Oh, I see. It’s all her doing.” Tony reached out for Wanda’s hand to pull them apart. “We’ll get you fixed up in no time, buddy.”  

Vision stopped Tony. “It was my choice, Tony! Wanda had nothing to do with it, she would never hurt me like that!”

“You don’t know what you’re saying!” Tony snatched at Wanda’s wrist to pull her away. Wanda raised her other hand to defend herself and Vision stepped between them, pushing Tony back.

“Enough! Wanda, no! Please, Tony, try to understand. I love both of you, but I’ve chosen Wanda.”

Tony staggered back, shocked and angry. “Vision, listen to me….”

“No, Tony. I’m sorry, no.” He turned to Wanda, comforting her and calming her down while restraining her hands.

“Vision, she’s bamboozled you! I know what’s best for you and this team!”

Vision turned to Stark. “You know what’s best?” Vision’s eyes turned cold. “You know what’s best?!” Vision’s normally even voice raised to a shout.

“I cannot continue to watch you kill yourself!” Vision walked toward Tony. Tony began backing away from Vision.

“Pepper is worried, Happy is worried, Mr. Rhodes is worried! Thinking about Wanda was the only thing that distracted me from worrying about you! You cannot continue this way!” Vision swung his hand down resolutely.

Nobody had ever heard Vision talk like that. Everyone cleared out of the way as Vision continued his tirade.

“You have not been in your right mind for some time! You brought a child, a teenage boy, into the middle of this!” Vision calmed down a little, returning to his even tones. “And I can no longer countenance it. I’m sorry, but I’m staying.”

Pepper, Happy, and Rhodes looked at each other. Well, he’d just taken the wind out of Tony’s sails. Wanda chewed her lip, wondering whether to interfere.

“Please, Tony. Let me go.” Vision begged.

The cyborg and his former master looked at each other for a long moment. Tony’s hands shook.

“We’re not done with this. Any of this.” he said finally, pressing a button on his watch. “Your tracker’s off now. You’re a free man.”

The other Avengers stared in mixed shock and anger. Wanda was furious.

“Tracker!?” barked Wanda.

“Tracker?!” demanded Vision.

“I’m sorry, okay, I’m sorry. I did it to try to take care of you.”

Vision looked at Tony, his eyes filling with devastation first, then fury. “You had no right.” he said quietly.

“Vision…” began Tony.

Wanda began crossing the divide between her and her cyborg. Anger and grief fought for supremacy in the well-ordered Vision’s mind.

“You had no right!” burst Vision. “You had no right to treat me like- like one of your suits!”

Tony winced. That hurt. “I know. That was a big mistake. And I’m sorry.”

Wanda came behind him and slid her arms around his chest, pulling back with all her might. “Let him go, Vis! Don’t let his mistakes define you!”

“If it were only me, I could bear it, but he hurt you! I cannot-”

“Vision! Let him go, or it’ll eat you up inside.”

Vision took a step back, gripping Wanda’s hand like it was a lifeline. They both backed away from Tony, slowly, Wanda pulling Vision back.

“My world is gone… is this what it is like, Wanda? I… I think I feel- pain. Disappointment,” lamented Vision, heartbroken over Tony’s actions.

“I know. I know it hurts. We’ll rebuild our worlds, together,” assured Wanda.

“I know I’ve broken your trust,” said Tony “But let me know if you need anything. You can stay here, just keep me apprised of how you’re doing. Nothing specific, I… just want to make sure you’re safe. Do we have a deal?”

“Yes. We have a deal.” Vision refused to look at Tony, instead studying Wanda’s hand, with her myriad rings.

The Avengers let their guard down a little as Tony walked away. He turned to look at Steve, hurt in his face. It was like he aged before their eyes.

“Take care of him, Rogers.”

“I will.”

In a few moments, Tony was gone. Vision went down on his knees, the shock setting in. Wanda knelt behind him, leaning on his back. She twisted her knees out to one side so she could sit more comfortably on her heels.

“He let me go…But now I have nothing left.”

“We have each other. We have our friends. Making a new world won’t be so bad…” murmured Wanda.

Vision pulled one of Wanda’s hands to his lips and kissed it. “No… it does not seem so hard when you say it like that.”

Captain America jerked his head in the direction of the exit. “Let’s give them some time alone.”

The others nodded and filtered out, one by one, until Wanda and Vision were alone. Vision stroked a thumb over the back of Wanda’s hand, as she hummed quietly behind him, then started singing:

“Without, Love gone wrong,
Lifeless words, carry on
But I know, all I know,
Is that the end’s beginning.”

Vision took courage from her confidence. She had done this now three times, and yet here she was, shining in the sun. It had not destroyed her, and she would help him find a new world, far from the one he left behind. He sang back:

“Who I am, from the start,
Take me home, to my heart!
Let me go, and I will run,
I will not be silent!”

Vision covered Wanda’s hands with his own on his chest. Wanda realized for the first time he had a heart, a real heart. She could feel the flutter under her hands. But she had never doubted that, not really. And together they sang:

“All this time, spent in vain,
Wasted years, wasted gain!
All is lost, Hope remains,
And this war’s not over!”

As the sunset spread like fire across the floor, Wanda rose and walked around to Vision, so they knelt face to face, palms pressed together, still singing.

“There’s a light, there’s the sun,
Taking all the shattered ones,
To the place we belong,
And his love will conquer all!”

Vision pulled Wanda close, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. When the others returned a little while later they found the pair still in each other’s arms, silent but for a whispered endearment from Vision. For one moment, just one, peace and safety reigned for the shattered Avengers. For once… love really did conquer all.