[Oh, now he has to try that one, and it's just as good as advertised. In fact, there's nothing on the spread he doesn't like, up to and including the coffee (which he tries black). He only takes a little of each dish, though, and sits back with a contented sigh and a pair of sausages to nibble on once he's sampled it all.]
I don't believe I can eat anything further right now, but thank you very much. This has been an excellent breakfast. I hope it didn't tire you overmuch?
[Because yeah, he did catch that it took a bit out of her. She doesn't look worn out now that she's had a bit to eat, though, and Vision impulsively reaches over to squeeze Wanda's hand. He's not sure why, but it feels good to have physical contact with her. Maybe because she doesn't shy away at his touch?]
You've been a great help to me, Wanda. I'd like to help you here, but I am not quite certain how to do that. [He hesitates just a moment.] If that is something you would not mind, do you think you could show me what it is you do?
[...maybe tomorrow she can introduce him to cream and sugar, but for now, this is a good start. Wanda's pleased she's been able to give Vision a good first something and squeezes his hand back without hesitation.]
I'm all right, I just needed to eat. Usually it is not so bad, but...I wanted you to have choices.
[She lays her free hand on the table and speaks a different word of command, her eyes flash red, and all the food just...vanishes. All that's left is whatever beverages remain in their cups.]
Do you want to help me make potions and medicines? There are people I trust to trade with for the things I can't get for myself.
[And if Vision's staying, she should get him some of his own things. His own clothes, to start with, but also other home-y things that will help him feel like he has a place to belong. But she's not going to tell him that and leave him room to protest - it's going to be a surprise.
...he's never had one of those either, has he? Excellent.]
[It had been nice to try a little bit of everything, although most of it was so good he'll have a hard time picking from it all for a smaller meal later. Even the sharp taste of the black coffee is welcome to his senses, and so he takes another sip, considering.]
Yes, as long as you allow me to observe you first. It's rather delicate and precise work, is it not?
[It would have to be, he thinks. And it might take a little practice before he can do much actual mixing, but at the very least he could fetch ingredients for her or look up recipes. And--medicines help people. He likes the idea. (Potions can go either way, really.)
Oh, right, clothing. He glances down at the loose pants he's wearing and frowns slightly. He'd seen last night what a difference there was between daytime Wanda and nightwear Wanda, and it had made an impression on him. There is one major problem, though.]
I don't know what to wear. Will you help me once you're dressed?
[And in the meantime, he can go poke around in the wardrobes in the guest room. There might or might not be anything in his size, but he can at least get an idea of what he might like. There are certainly colors he recognizes he's drawn to. Maybe Wanda can tell him if they look good against his unusual coloring.
In fact, while she's off changing (he wonders if she'll wear her working clothes again, like yesterday, and give off that same impression of power), he starts pulling out a few different options and laying them on one of the beds. There sure is a lot of green in there, but there are a few of other colors ranging from voluminous black robes (those will at least fit him, he could wear that if nothing else), some reds and golds and undyed linen shirts, even a few items in blue and silver. Some of the garments he's not even sure how to wear, so he could use a little help.]
[She smiles warmly - he's very sweet, and not in a cloying way. It's just part of his good nature.]
It is, but you might surprise yourself.
[This is, after all, one of the reasons some mages choose to work with golems. Wanda's determined not to allow 'helping' her get to 'doing it for her,' but she understands the need for purpose. It's good to have something useful to do instead of sitting around all day.]
See if you find anything you like in the wardrobes? I need a minute to change and then I can come help.
['A minute' turns out to be an understatement. Wanda joins him later dressed not as a witch but a woman falling in love: a soft burgundy dress with delicate embellishments, a black cincher, her usual multitude of rings and layered necklaces (with a cosmic theme this time), and, of course, the same eye makeup she'd worn the day before. Her hair is half pulled back and there are tiny red blossoms nestled in the dark braids.
If she'd worn boots this outfit might have the same aura of power, but barefoot as she is, the effect is much softer, just shy of being able to be called 'sweet.']
It looks like you found a lot of things, [she says with a soft laugh. They're not bad choices, either, just...some of them really aren't appropriate for this kind of work.] What did you like best?
[There's something to be said for being able to perform repetitive tasks without getting bored. Well, and tirelessness, but that doesn't really seem to apply in his case. Or perhaps it's just a kind of growing pains?
By the time she comes in to meet him, he's absorbed enough in what he's doing that he doesn't see her until she enters the room, and then there's a sharp inhale. How does she manage to give such a different impression again? He smiles brightly at her; he may not recognize what she's doing with her clothes, but he can certainly appreciate it.]
You look lovely.
[And, subconsciously, that helps make his decision for him. He should choose something that complements her.
He lays his hand on an outfit made in dark blues and golds - a long overcoat, short tight vest, and loose undershirt with matching trousers. It might be his size, but if the vest doesn't quite fit he can just wear the shirt.]
[She ducks her head as she comes to join him, a light blush staining her cheeks. His smile is so beautiful, and he's been nothing but very sweet this entire time, and she's going to tell him as often as it takes to balance out the awful things the townspeople called him. Maybe one day, he'll be more secure in himself to not need the reassurance. But until then...Wanda knows all too well how hard it can be.
Clothing is also an important step in defining oneself, and while Wanda had honestly thought she might find Vision less distracting with a shirt on, when she sees the outfit he's chosen she knows she's in trouble. It's dashing, and he's already too charming without even trying. And yet...]
It's perfect for today. You don't want hanging sleeves for work like this.
[She picks up the shirt. Maybe shirt, then pants, and then explain tucking it in?] It's best if you put your arms in the sleeves and then pull it over your head.
[It does make him feel better to get those compliments from Wanda; she's been nothing if not good to him, and little by little it is starting to affect his outlook. If he can at least get her acceptance, he can mark this all as a new start, separate from the disastrous one.
It does take him a moment to figure out what she means by putting his arms through it, but he does eventually get it. Backwards. So it's another few moments of getting it on right, and then he can trade out the loose pants he's wearing for the matching ones. He doesn't seem to mind changing in front of her. Why should he? She's already seen it all, and it's not like he has any dangly bits like a human would. The vest is by far the easiest piece to figure out, and when it's all done (with a little help from Wanda to tuck the shirt in), he looks like a gentleman ready for light work or a daytime meeting. The skin color is still his own, of course, and the metal bands etched with runes aren't going away, but he has at least a basic color sense. They're a shade or two off from a perfect match for his skin tone, but overall it's not a bad look if he does say so himself.
It's a bit odd to have the clothing constricting his movement like this, but it's a very small price to may if it will mean Wanda's more comfortable.]
[It's a little awkward, but eventually they manage to get Vision dressed. Wanda takes a step back, both to get a look at their handiwork and allow Vision to get a look in the mirror if he chooses. And, oh, she was right, he's very dashing in this particular outfit.
She supposes it's fortunate he hasn't asked her if she has a fever or why her cheeks keep changing color. Maybe it's not as visible as it feels.]
You look good.
[It's literally across the hall, but Wanda instinctively reaches for Vision's hand again. This time they're staying in the antechamber that wraps halfway around Wanda's bedroom: part study, part magical library, and part workroom. In daylight the warding sigils aren't visible.
Wanda makes her way over to a long desk covered in books and various supplies and picks up a list from her trading partner. There are many reasons people prefer to use an intermediary, some legitimate and other hypocritical, but the arrangement seems to work for both of them and having a flow of orders keeps Wanda from getting too lonely around here.]
Hmmmm...it looks like they need a little of everything. We could start with cold medicine, or a potion for anxiety? Or a protection charm, if you'd rather start with enchantments. [She smiles.] How much magic do you want to start with?
[He does look in the mirror to check out how the clothing looks, and it's a relief to see that it looks good - and that Wanda agrees. She's the one he's looking to impress, after all.
He blinks for a moment, analyzing that thought. Why is he trying to impress her? It's true that she's the only other one here, except for the cat, but even if there were others he'd still look to her. She makes him feel warm inside.
The expression passes quickly enough and he follows Wanda to her work area, peering over at the work order curiously.]
I'm not certain. [He holds up his hands, and the edges of the runed metal in his arms shines briefly.] I know that I am magical, but I could not say how much magic I am able to use. Perhaps we can start with the lowest level and work our way up?
[Because he did say he wanted to watch her first so as not to mess anything up.]
That would be the cold medicine, yes? What ingredients does it require?
[Just glancing around, he finds he can identify most of the unlabeled herbs by sight, and he has no difficulty reading the labeled drawers and jars and whatnot as well.]
It's the simplest one. Stop me if I go too quickly?
[She flips through one of the books until she finds the page she wants and reads off the ingredient list. They're all mundane ingredients (except for the last one, but even then, it's a fairly benign plant). This particular cold medicine is much simpler than an actual potion but is also significantly more effective than the stuff sold in town. There's a reason she keeps so many of the ingredients on hand this time of year. It's probably one of her most requested remedies.
Together they gather the needed ingredients and Wanda's pleasantly surprised how well Vision finds them. He's never seen her workshop before but it still seems like he's faster to see the ingredients than she is.]
And then we combine the ingredients and grind them together, like this. And then it just needs to steep in some water for a while. This is simple enough that I can do it even if I'm sick.
[Because annoyingly, no, she is not immune to the common cold. Wanda grinds the plants enough to show Vision what needs to be done, then shifts over to offer him the pestle.]
[Vision follows along with her easily - very easily, in fact. He takes the pestle from her and tests several levels of force until he finds one just right for grinding the herbs without being at risk of cracking the stone. (He could, but that doesn't seem to be the point of this exercise.)]
Hot water, as an infusion?
[Because that seems about right somehow. He gets the feeling that cold water wouldn't bring out the characteristics of it well enough.]
And how large would one portion be?
[He continues to grind the remedy as long as she's talking until it comes to a fairly even mixture. It is fairly simple, but he frowns a tiny bit thinking of Wanda having to do this when she's sick. Well, now he can do it instead if that happens, and she can rest up. She shouldn't have to be alone when she's not feeling well.
Yes. The moonblossom strengthens it, and I usually add a little honey so it tastes better.
[She moves around him to prepare the remaining supplies they'll need, never stepping farther away than arm's reach. There's already a silver pitcher of water ready to use and a setup for a small cauldron. Wanda fills it and then, with another word of power, lights the flame beneath it. It's quite small to fit in the space allotted, but after another gesture and some further tweaking it grows intense enough to actually heat the water.]
This should make at least five bottles? Like these, [she explained, reaching for a rather stereotypical-looking small potion bottle.] And you drink half at a time. It should clear it up in two days, maybe less if the drinker rests enough.
[She leans close enough to check on his work that a stray curl brushes against his arm.]
It's perfect, Vision. Thank you. [And with no conscious awareness of how close they're standing to each other, Wanda smiles warmly up at him.] You're good at this.
[it really is the perfect consistency. She's not exactly surprised, given what he is, but as far as Wanda's concerned it's still worthy of praise.]
Now we put that in here...and stir it...and then we wait. [She smiles brightly.] We should have enough time to see the garden, if you want? I need to get more water before we can make anything else.
[He follows her instructions carefully, paying close attention to both what she's doing and--admittedly, to her. It's hard not to, standing this close and feeling acutely aware of how comfortable she is with him; it helps him to focus only on the task at hand and not on whether he's going to alienate her for some reason.]
I'd like very much to see the garden in daylight. [It's still a bit cloudy, granted, but yesterday's storm has broken, and with guidance he won't be so overwhelmed and lost as he was last night. Guidance and a friend. It's not too early to call Wanda a friend, is it?
He sets down the glass stir rod carefully and takes her hand so she can lead him.]
Should I take the pitcher with us? [He can carry it and hold her hand at the same time. These little bits of contact make him feel warm inside, almost as good as when she tells him he's doing a good job with the potion. Yet he's careful not to grip too hard, always giving her an out if she needs it.]
[She takes his hand easily, leading him back through the house and out the front door. These simple touches have soothed something deep inside her, something she'd been trying her hardest to ignore because there hadn't really been an acceptable alternative. Wanda cannot safely live among most humans, nor can she truly feel at home among the fae. She'd just been stuck and terribly, terribly lonely.
But Vision...he's awakened something warm inside her. It's not that Wanda had tried not to feel anymore or close herself off, because she simply can't, but she had tried very hard to convince herself that this was fine. That she should be happy for the safety and relative luxury she has.
Wanda hates everything that happened to Vision that led to him coming here, and she'd undo it all if she could, but she can't bring herself to be sorry that at least they'd found each other. At least they have this...whatever it is.
They go out a back door this time, and while it may be cloudy outside, the garden is beautiful and unnaturally in bloom. There's even a stray butterfly flitting among the flowers as Wanda leads Vision to the well.
It looks like something out of a fairytale, overgrown with another flowering plant. Wanda gestures and with a quick flash of scarlet power, the bucket drops into the well - she doesn't want to let go of his hand.]
I love these flowers. The nectar is so sweet. [She glances up at Vision and smiles.] Do you want to try?
[At first he's a little hesitant about going outside, but it's easy for him to see the wards extending out some distance from the house and he relaxes. Nothing's going to get in here without Wanda knowing. And she has his hand, and the weather isn't like last night's at all, so the anxiety is quickly banished.
Instead he's greeted with yet another kind of beauty.
Vision inhales sharply and squeezes Wanda's hand when he gets a good look at the garden.]
But it's wonderful. How do you get them all to grow like this?
[The butterfly is simply enchanting, and he barely takes note of the well until she asks him a question.]
To try...to eat the flower? Yes, if that's what you do.
[Sorry, he's a bit distracted by everything right now.]
[Wanda smiles at him, happy to see him so enchanted. Her garden is one of her great joys.]
Magic. The wards keep it feeling like spring here, even in the winter. It may snow in the rest of the forest, but not here.
[It's fortunate that the wards are mostly self-recharging. That would not be a fun spell to maintain in the heart of winter.
Grinning, Wanda plucks a flower from the vine.]
You don't eat it, you drink the nectar. Like this.
[She tilts her head back to suck the nectar from the flower, pausing briefly before blowing it off her palm. A few golden sparkles follow it, dimmed in the light of day - another plant that isn't of this world.]
And then you make a wish. I am not sure it really does anything, but it's a nice tradition.
[When he looks for it, he can see wisps of magic running down into the ground around the edges - yes, that would work to keep it at a comfortable temperature for the plants. He wonders idly how they're powered, but he can discuss that later. Right now he has something more important to focus on, watching Wanda demonstrate drinking the nectar. She looks so happy right now that his eyes rest on her more than on the nectar or the sparkles.
He wonders what she's wishing for.
Vision steps over to the vine and examines the flowers carefully, selecting one that looks just past its prime but leaving it on the vine for the moment. It seems like a sweet tradition, and the vine has an overabundance of flowers so it's not like he's hurting it by taking one. But there's one problem.]
But I don't have anything to wish for. You've already said I could stay with you.
Again, Wanda's heart skips a beat and there's nothing to be done but reach up with her free hand to tenderly cup his cheek. She has to squash the urge to kiss him, as much as she'd like to. Does he know what saying these things does to her, how charming he is without even trying?
Probably not. And so she holds back.]
You can wish for anything you hope for. Anything at all. [Is it awful of her to allow her thumb to rub affectionately over his skin?] And if nothing happens, if it's just an old tradition, I will give it to you if I can. I just want you to be happy.
[Barely conscious of the desire to do so, he steps in even closer to her and slips an arm around Wanda. And when she rubs her thumb against his cheek like that, he closes his eyes to savor it better. Between the heavy scent of flowers and green in the air and the distant sound of birdsong, her words have a powerful effect on him, and he finds that he feels a little giddy when he opens his eyes again and catches her gaze.]
Anything?
[She's being sincere, he knows that. But he's spoken the truth: there's nothing he could want more than to stay here with her. Well...maybe one thing.
With no more force than the butterfly alighting on the flowers, he leans down and brushes his lips against hers.]
Even this?
[They barely know each other--he's only been alive less than a day, he barely knows himself--but this feels right.]
[She's known from the moment she saw into his mind that Vision was special. He was so new but possessed of a strange wisdom and charm and such gentleness that she couldn't help but let him into her heart as well as her home. It had been one of those things she'd just known to be right, and...well, a witch should be able to recognize fate when she sees it.
And what could be a more fated kiss than this? The witch whose powers warp the world to her whim, the man who is more-than-man, and the garden that stubbornly flourishes in spite of the season.
Nothing else matters but her hand on his cheek and his arm around her waist and his lips on hers. Wanda's eyes close to savor that feather-light kiss, and when he pulls back she gazes up at him with hazy affection. He's tall, so tall, and his eyes are such a beautiful blue...]
Yes.
[She releases his hand in favor of bringing hers to the back of his neck to help guide him down for another kiss. It's more sure than their first kiss but still gentle, still leaving them room to feel this out.]
Everything I have. Everything I am. [Another kiss, longer than the last two. It feels like she's overflowing with love and joy and raw need, all of her loneliness leading to this one moment where her heart is laid suddenly and completely bare to him.] Because I love you, Vision. I was meant for you.
[At first he feels like his heart is going to overflow with her yes, but then she wants to kiss again and he finds room for more. It feels so right that he hardly cares that he has no idea what he's doing or what this might mean for the both of them. All he knows for certain is that this is good.
Somewhere during the third kiss he finds his arms both wrapped around her tightly, still nothing more than a tiny fraction of his strength but as firm as his resolve not to let her be alone anymore, not when there's another option.]
I don't know what I was meant for. I may never know.
[Because there's still darkness in his memory, and a feeling that his poor creators had something else entirely in mind for him. And yet he's not only finding himself well-suited to being a witch's companion but taking pride in it, and feeling like he can be helpful here.]
But as long as you'll have me, I am yours. Now and forever.
[...He might have to read some of those romance novels after all, though. The kiss was half guess and half instinct, and he is not very good at anything more than a basic lip-brushing.]
[Wanda strokes his cheek tenderly, gazing up into his beautifully unusual eyes. The light is bringing out all the tiny runes in their depths and she could so easily get lost in them. She just feels so safe and relaxed in his arms...]
Always, Vision. You've had part of my heart since we met.
[She kisses him lightly again. Oh no, she might have to teach Vision how to kiss and ensure he gets plenty of practice. How terrible for both of them. It isn't like her loft is literally set up for long makeout sessions...]
I will always love you. Whatever happens.
[She knows him, and whatever his creators intended for him has no bearing on the person she fell in love with.]
[But he's still smiling, and if he bumps noses when he tries to kiss her back he thinks she might understand. If she's willing to help him (and she certainly seems to be, and has been ever since she found him), he is very willing to learn. Right now he knows it means showing her how much she already means to him.
He gathers Wanda up close and holds her, marveling at her warmth and softness.]
But I hope you understand this is all very new to me. You'll let me know if I need to do something differently?
[Because navigating the world suddenly just got a lot more complicated, and he doesn't even have a whole day's experience to build on yet. Making a potion? Easy peasy. Not messing up a relationship with a human who already loves him has got to be more complicated than that.
--Oh, right, making a potion.]
My dear, ought we to get the water and continue? Or can it wait a few more moments?
I would not be a very good witch if I couldn't recognize fate.
[Wanda sighs happily and lets him pull her closer, shifting so her arms are wound around him and her cheek rests against his shoulder. He can probably feel her starting to relax even more into the embrace - physically, he's very warm and psychically, the emotions radiating from him are overwhelming in the best way. Wanda would honestly be quite content to rest in his arms for a while.]
Of course, love. And if we're moving too quickly or you're uncomfortable, please tell me.
[She nuzzles closer to better savor Vision's warmth. The potions are all but forgotten.]
Oh, um...it can wait for a few more minutes, if you want to.
[She gestures behind his back and the well crank begins to turn with the assistance of scarlet energy until the bucket's in view again.]
[He has no objection to letting Wanda rest in his arms for a while; her obvious comfort and happiness feed into his own, even if he's only getting it via body language and not from psychic abilities. Vision can't deny that holding her feels right somehow. Maybe "fate" is the right word for it, because how else would he have found her cottage in the first place?]
Yes, I think it can wait for a few more minutes.
[He murmurs it into her hair, brushing another kiss to her head as he does. The way she nuzzles up against him makes his heart pound and warmth flow everywhere, just like when they were kissing.]
I feel very comfortable with you, Wanda. But truthfully, I am not sure what exactly this entails. It's something else I must ask you to help me learn.
[He gets the idea she might not mind so much, teaching him what it means to be in love with someone.]
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I don't believe I can eat anything further right now, but thank you very much. This has been an excellent breakfast. I hope it didn't tire you overmuch?
[Because yeah, he did catch that it took a bit out of her. She doesn't look worn out now that she's had a bit to eat, though, and Vision impulsively reaches over to squeeze Wanda's hand. He's not sure why, but it feels good to have physical contact with her. Maybe because she doesn't shy away at his touch?]
You've been a great help to me, Wanda. I'd like to help you here, but I am not quite certain how to do that. [He hesitates just a moment.] If that is something you would not mind, do you think you could show me what it is you do?
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I'm all right, I just needed to eat. Usually it is not so bad, but...I wanted you to have choices.
[She lays her free hand on the table and speaks a different word of command, her eyes flash red, and all the food just...vanishes. All that's left is whatever beverages remain in their cups.]
Do you want to help me make potions and medicines? There are people I trust to trade with for the things I can't get for myself.
[And if Vision's staying, she should get him some of his own things. His own clothes, to start with, but also other home-y things that will help him feel like he has a place to belong. But she's not going to tell him that and leave him room to protest - it's going to be a surprise.
...he's never had one of those either, has he? Excellent.]
But first we should probably get dressed.
no subject
[It had been nice to try a little bit of everything, although most of it was so good he'll have a hard time picking from it all for a smaller meal later. Even the sharp taste of the black coffee is welcome to his senses, and so he takes another sip, considering.]
Yes, as long as you allow me to observe you first. It's rather delicate and precise work, is it not?
[It would have to be, he thinks. And it might take a little practice before he can do much actual mixing, but at the very least he could fetch ingredients for her or look up recipes. And--medicines help people. He likes the idea. (Potions can go either way, really.)
Oh, right, clothing. He glances down at the loose pants he's wearing and frowns slightly. He'd seen last night what a difference there was between daytime Wanda and nightwear Wanda, and it had made an impression on him. There is one major problem, though.]
I don't know what to wear. Will you help me once you're dressed?
[And in the meantime, he can go poke around in the wardrobes in the guest room. There might or might not be anything in his size, but he can at least get an idea of what he might like. There are certainly colors he recognizes he's drawn to. Maybe Wanda can tell him if they look good against his unusual coloring.
In fact, while she's off changing (he wonders if she'll wear her working clothes again, like yesterday, and give off that same impression of power), he starts pulling out a few different options and laying them on one of the beds. There sure is a lot of green in there, but there are a few of other colors ranging from voluminous black robes (those will at least fit him, he could wear that if nothing else), some reds and golds and undyed linen shirts, even a few items in blue and silver. Some of the garments he's not even sure how to wear, so he could use a little help.]
no subject
It is, but you might surprise yourself.
[This is, after all, one of the reasons some mages choose to work with golems. Wanda's determined not to allow 'helping' her get to 'doing it for her,' but she understands the need for purpose. It's good to have something useful to do instead of sitting around all day.]
See if you find anything you like in the wardrobes? I need a minute to change and then I can come help.
['A minute' turns out to be an understatement. Wanda joins him later dressed not as a witch but a woman falling in love: a soft burgundy dress with delicate embellishments, a black cincher, her usual multitude of rings and layered necklaces (with a cosmic theme this time), and, of course, the same eye makeup she'd worn the day before. Her hair is half pulled back and there are tiny red blossoms nestled in the dark braids.
If she'd worn boots this outfit might have the same aura of power, but barefoot as she is, the effect is much softer, just shy of being able to be called 'sweet.']
It looks like you found a lot of things, [she says with a soft laugh. They're not bad choices, either, just...some of them really aren't appropriate for this kind of work.] What did you like best?
no subject
By the time she comes in to meet him, he's absorbed enough in what he's doing that he doesn't see her until she enters the room, and then there's a sharp inhale. How does she manage to give such a different impression again? He smiles brightly at her; he may not recognize what she's doing with her clothes, but he can certainly appreciate it.]
You look lovely.
[And, subconsciously, that helps make his decision for him. He should choose something that complements her.
He lays his hand on an outfit made in dark blues and golds - a long overcoat, short tight vest, and loose undershirt with matching trousers. It might be his size, but if the vest doesn't quite fit he can just wear the shirt.]
Would this be good?
no subject
[She ducks her head as she comes to join him, a light blush staining her cheeks. His smile is so beautiful, and he's been nothing but very sweet this entire time, and she's going to tell him as often as it takes to balance out the awful things the townspeople called him. Maybe one day, he'll be more secure in himself to not need the reassurance. But until then...Wanda knows all too well how hard it can be.
Clothing is also an important step in defining oneself, and while Wanda had honestly thought she might find Vision less distracting with a shirt on, when she sees the outfit he's chosen she knows she's in trouble. It's dashing, and he's already too charming without even trying. And yet...]
It's perfect for today. You don't want hanging sleeves for work like this.
[She picks up the shirt. Maybe shirt, then pants, and then explain tucking it in?] It's best if you put your arms in the sleeves and then pull it over your head.
no subject
It does take him a moment to figure out what she means by putting his arms through it, but he does eventually get it. Backwards. So it's another few moments of getting it on right, and then he can trade out the loose pants he's wearing for the matching ones. He doesn't seem to mind changing in front of her. Why should he? She's already seen it all, and it's not like he has any dangly bits like a human would. The vest is by far the easiest piece to figure out, and when it's all done (with a little help from Wanda to tuck the shirt in), he looks like a gentleman ready for light work or a daytime meeting. The skin color is still his own, of course, and the metal bands etched with runes aren't going away, but he has at least a basic color sense. They're a shade or two off from a perfect match for his skin tone, but overall it's not a bad look if he does say so himself.
It's a bit odd to have the clothing constricting his movement like this, but it's a very small price to may if it will mean Wanda's more comfortable.]
If this works, shall we begin the preparations?
no subject
She supposes it's fortunate he hasn't asked her if she has a fever or why her cheeks keep changing color. Maybe it's not as visible as it feels.]
You look good.
[It's literally across the hall, but Wanda instinctively reaches for Vision's hand again. This time they're staying in the antechamber that wraps halfway around Wanda's bedroom: part study, part magical library, and part workroom. In daylight the warding sigils aren't visible.
Wanda makes her way over to a long desk covered in books and various supplies and picks up a list from her trading partner. There are many reasons people prefer to use an intermediary, some legitimate and other hypocritical, but the arrangement seems to work for both of them and having a flow of orders keeps Wanda from getting too lonely around here.]
Hmmmm...it looks like they need a little of everything. We could start with cold medicine, or a potion for anxiety? Or a protection charm, if you'd rather start with enchantments. [She smiles.] How much magic do you want to start with?
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He blinks for a moment, analyzing that thought. Why is he trying to impress her? It's true that she's the only other one here, except for the cat, but even if there were others he'd still look to her. She makes him feel warm inside.
The expression passes quickly enough and he follows Wanda to her work area, peering over at the work order curiously.]
I'm not certain. [He holds up his hands, and the edges of the runed metal in his arms shines briefly.] I know that I am magical, but I could not say how much magic I am able to use. Perhaps we can start with the lowest level and work our way up?
[Because he did say he wanted to watch her first so as not to mess anything up.]
That would be the cold medicine, yes? What ingredients does it require?
[Just glancing around, he finds he can identify most of the unlabeled herbs by sight, and he has no difficulty reading the labeled drawers and jars and whatnot as well.]
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[She flips through one of the books until she finds the page she wants and reads off the ingredient list. They're all mundane ingredients (except for the last one, but even then, it's a fairly benign plant). This particular cold medicine is much simpler than an actual potion but is also significantly more effective than the stuff sold in town. There's a reason she keeps so many of the ingredients on hand this time of year. It's probably one of her most requested remedies.
Together they gather the needed ingredients and Wanda's pleasantly surprised how well Vision finds them. He's never seen her workshop before but it still seems like he's faster to see the ingredients than she is.]
And then we combine the ingredients and grind them together, like this. And then it just needs to steep in some water for a while. This is simple enough that I can do it even if I'm sick.
[Because annoyingly, no, she is not immune to the common cold. Wanda grinds the plants enough to show Vision what needs to be done, then shifts over to offer him the pestle.]
Do you want to try?
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Hot water, as an infusion?
[Because that seems about right somehow. He gets the feeling that cold water wouldn't bring out the characteristics of it well enough.]
And how large would one portion be?
[He continues to grind the remedy as long as she's talking until it comes to a fairly even mixture. It is fairly simple, but he frowns a tiny bit thinking of Wanda having to do this when she's sick. Well, now he can do it instead if that happens, and she can rest up. She shouldn't have to be alone when she's not feeling well.
She shouldn't have to be alone at all.]
Is that sufficient?
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[She moves around him to prepare the remaining supplies they'll need, never stepping farther away than arm's reach. There's already a silver pitcher of water ready to use and a setup for a small cauldron. Wanda fills it and then, with another word of power, lights the flame beneath it. It's quite small to fit in the space allotted, but after another gesture and some further tweaking it grows intense enough to actually heat the water.]
This should make at least five bottles? Like these, [she explained, reaching for a rather stereotypical-looking small potion bottle.] And you drink half at a time. It should clear it up in two days, maybe less if the drinker rests enough.
[She leans close enough to check on his work that a stray curl brushes against his arm.]
It's perfect, Vision. Thank you. [And with no conscious awareness of how close they're standing to each other, Wanda smiles warmly up at him.] You're good at this.
[it really is the perfect consistency. She's not exactly surprised, given what he is, but as far as Wanda's concerned it's still worthy of praise.]
Now we put that in here...and stir it...and then we wait. [She smiles brightly.] We should have enough time to see the garden, if you want? I need to get more water before we can make anything else.
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I'd like very much to see the garden in daylight. [It's still a bit cloudy, granted, but yesterday's storm has broken, and with guidance he won't be so overwhelmed and lost as he was last night. Guidance and a friend. It's not too early to call Wanda a friend, is it?
He sets down the glass stir rod carefully and takes her hand so she can lead him.]
Should I take the pitcher with us? [He can carry it and hold her hand at the same time. These little bits of contact make him feel warm inside, almost as good as when she tells him he's doing a good job with the potion. Yet he's careful not to grip too hard, always giving her an out if she needs it.]
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[She takes his hand easily, leading him back through the house and out the front door. These simple touches have soothed something deep inside her, something she'd been trying her hardest to ignore because there hadn't really been an acceptable alternative. Wanda cannot safely live among most humans, nor can she truly feel at home among the fae. She'd just been stuck and terribly, terribly lonely.
But Vision...he's awakened something warm inside her. It's not that Wanda had tried not to feel anymore or close herself off, because she simply can't, but she had tried very hard to convince herself that this was fine. That she should be happy for the safety and relative luxury she has.
Wanda hates everything that happened to Vision that led to him coming here, and she'd undo it all if she could, but she can't bring herself to be sorry that at least they'd found each other. At least they have this...whatever it is.
They go out a back door this time, and while it may be cloudy outside, the garden is beautiful and unnaturally in bloom. There's even a stray butterfly flitting among the flowers as Wanda leads Vision to the well.
It looks like something out of a fairytale, overgrown with another flowering plant. Wanda gestures and with a quick flash of scarlet power, the bucket drops into the well - she doesn't want to let go of his hand.]
I love these flowers. The nectar is so sweet. [She glances up at Vision and smiles.] Do you want to try?
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Instead he's greeted with yet another kind of beauty.
Vision inhales sharply and squeezes Wanda's hand when he gets a good look at the garden.]
But it's wonderful. How do you get them all to grow like this?
[The butterfly is simply enchanting, and he barely takes note of the well until she asks him a question.]
To try...to eat the flower? Yes, if that's what you do.
[Sorry, he's a bit distracted by everything right now.]
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Magic. The wards keep it feeling like spring here, even in the winter. It may snow in the rest of the forest, but not here.
[It's fortunate that the wards are mostly self-recharging. That would not be a fun spell to maintain in the heart of winter.
Grinning, Wanda plucks a flower from the vine.]
You don't eat it, you drink the nectar. Like this.
[She tilts her head back to suck the nectar from the flower, pausing briefly before blowing it off her palm. A few golden sparkles follow it, dimmed in the light of day - another plant that isn't of this world.]
And then you make a wish. I am not sure it really does anything, but it's a nice tradition.
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He wonders what she's wishing for.
Vision steps over to the vine and examines the flowers carefully, selecting one that looks just past its prime but leaving it on the vine for the moment. It seems like a sweet tradition, and the vine has an overabundance of flowers so it's not like he's hurting it by taking one. But there's one problem.]
But I don't have anything to wish for. You've already said I could stay with you.
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[He is going to be the death of her.
Again, Wanda's heart skips a beat and there's nothing to be done but reach up with her free hand to tenderly cup his cheek. She has to squash the urge to kiss him, as much as she'd like to. Does he know what saying these things does to her, how charming he is without even trying?
Probably not. And so she holds back.]
You can wish for anything you hope for. Anything at all. [Is it awful of her to allow her thumb to rub affectionately over his skin?] And if nothing happens, if it's just an old tradition, I will give it to you if I can. I just want you to be happy.
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Anything?
[She's being sincere, he knows that. But he's spoken the truth: there's nothing he could want more than to stay here with her. Well...maybe one thing.
With no more force than the butterfly alighting on the flowers, he leans down and brushes his lips against hers.]
Even this?
[They barely know each other--he's only been alive less than a day, he barely knows himself--but this feels right.]
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And what could be a more fated kiss than this? The witch whose powers warp the world to her whim, the man who is more-than-man, and the garden that stubbornly flourishes in spite of the season.
Nothing else matters but her hand on his cheek and his arm around her waist and his lips on hers. Wanda's eyes close to savor that feather-light kiss, and when he pulls back she gazes up at him with hazy affection. He's tall, so tall, and his eyes are such a beautiful blue...]
Yes.
[She releases his hand in favor of bringing hers to the back of his neck to help guide him down for another kiss. It's more sure than their first kiss but still gentle, still leaving them room to feel this out.]
Everything I have. Everything I am. [Another kiss, longer than the last two. It feels like she's overflowing with love and joy and raw need, all of her loneliness leading to this one moment where her heart is laid suddenly and completely bare to him.] Because I love you, Vision. I was meant for you.
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Somewhere during the third kiss he finds his arms both wrapped around her tightly, still nothing more than a tiny fraction of his strength but as firm as his resolve not to let her be alone anymore, not when there's another option.]
I don't know what I was meant for. I may never know.
[Because there's still darkness in his memory, and a feeling that his poor creators had something else entirely in mind for him. And yet he's not only finding himself well-suited to being a witch's companion but taking pride in it, and feeling like he can be helpful here.]
But as long as you'll have me, I am yours. Now and forever.
[...He might have to read some of those romance novels after all, though. The kiss was half guess and half instinct, and he is not very good at anything more than a basic lip-brushing.]
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Always, Vision. You've had part of my heart since we met.
[She kisses him lightly again. Oh no, she might have to teach Vision how to kiss and ensure he gets plenty of practice. How terrible for both of them. It isn't like her loft is literally set up for long makeout sessions...]
I will always love you. Whatever happens.
[She knows him, and whatever his creators intended for him has no bearing on the person she fell in love with.]
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[But he's still smiling, and if he bumps noses when he tries to kiss her back he thinks she might understand. If she's willing to help him (and she certainly seems to be, and has been ever since she found him), he is very willing to learn. Right now he knows it means showing her how much she already means to him.
He gathers Wanda up close and holds her, marveling at her warmth and softness.]
But I hope you understand this is all very new to me. You'll let me know if I need to do something differently?
[Because navigating the world suddenly just got a lot more complicated, and he doesn't even have a whole day's experience to build on yet. Making a potion? Easy peasy. Not messing up a relationship with a human who already loves him has got to be more complicated than that.
--Oh, right, making a potion.]
My dear, ought we to get the water and continue? Or can it wait a few more moments?
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[Wanda sighs happily and lets him pull her closer, shifting so her arms are wound around him and her cheek rests against his shoulder. He can probably feel her starting to relax even more into the embrace - physically, he's very warm and psychically, the emotions radiating from him are overwhelming in the best way. Wanda would honestly be quite content to rest in his arms for a while.]
Of course, love. And if we're moving too quickly or you're uncomfortable, please tell me.
[She nuzzles closer to better savor Vision's warmth. The potions are all but forgotten.]
Oh, um...it can wait for a few more minutes, if you want to.
[She gestures behind his back and the well crank begins to turn with the assistance of scarlet energy until the bucket's in view again.]
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Yes, I think it can wait for a few more minutes.
[He murmurs it into her hair, brushing another kiss to her head as he does. The way she nuzzles up against him makes his heart pound and warmth flow everywhere, just like when they were kissing.]
I feel very comfortable with you, Wanda. But truthfully, I am not sure what exactly this entails. It's something else I must ask you to help me learn.
[He gets the idea she might not mind so much, teaching him what it means to be in love with someone.]
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