[Woe to the person who tries to tell Wanda who she can and cannot offer the Consort's ring. If anyone tries to stop her from loving Vision on the basis of caste, they're going to have bad day...and that's just from her. Pietro doesn't think anyone is good enough for his sister, but he'd defend her choice to any outside, as would the rest of her Court.
But all of that feels so far away right now. Wanda gently cups his cheek again and grins.]
It's a beautiful day...but not as beautiful as you, my sweet Prince.
[She leans in but doesn't quite reach his lips before tea (and pillows, probably courtesy of Pietro) arrives. Wanda quickly pulls away to a respectable distance but she wouldn't have lowered her hand if Zoran hadn't trotted out for a brief hello after the servants leave.
There's no hiding thoughts from Wanda is she goes looking for them, even on a Spear thread, but she has no reason to be listening when the Sceltie reaches for Vision's mind.
**Vision? Vision! Take good care of the Lady. She had a bad night.**
'A bad night' can only mean that the nightmares returned, although it hadn't been bad enough for Zoran to run for help. That had been an awful night: the Queen's Triangle had been forced to navigate a small witchstorm (that had never really lashed out in their directions) and levitating furniture to wake her.
She's learned to hide it well. Looking at her now, all smiles and happiness, Wanda seems perfectly fine. There's no tell in the way she leans into Vision's shoulder or scratches Zoran's ears; she's not clingy the way she usually is when she's too upset to bury it.]
[He acknowledges the thread with a scratch behind the ears, because even kindred Scelties like that, and a response alone the Spear line. **I will pay special attention to her, Zoran.** Not that he doesn't always, but a little extra care in times like this isn't a bad thing.]
You flatter me, my Lady. [But he smiles and pours a cup of tea for her. He knows his appearance is unusual, to say the least. No one knows what race he is or where he's from - he'd simply appeared one day, dropped by a Red Wind into these very gardens, unconscious and with nothing but an uncut Sapphire Jewel, now set into an intricate silver cuff he wears on his upper arm. That was his true strength, not the yellow gem set into his forehead that often gave people the wrong impression. It looks like jewelry, thanks to the metallic plate that covers much of his scalp, rather than something set into his body. And he doesn't radiate power like some people do.
It's a misdirection he encourages, because it keeps his Queen safe. Enough of her Court postures proudly already. Natasha had agreed that it would be best to have an ace in the sleeve, so to speak, and so his true strength lies under several layers of shields.]
As the weather is so nice, I had been considering a small tour of the Territory to audit some of the businesses. I don't suppose you'd like to join me? I promise I'll take all the actual auditing work so you can observe anything else you like.
[Having properly greeted his human and passed on on his concerns to Vision, Zoran bounds off, probably distracted by a squirrel. And now Wanda can kiss Vision properly. It's not that she's ashamed or trying to hide her feelings - if she was she's failed spectacularly - but that she's trying to be considerate. If they ever do kiss in public, it has to be his choice. It wouldn't be tantamount to accepting the Consort's ring, but it would be a definite step in that direction.
Perhaps it's silly - Wanda is happy with what they have, even with the various constraints imposed upon them. Pietro is a perfectly good First Escort. Nothing says she needs a Consort if her lover doesn't want it. She has him, and that's enough.]
Anything I like? [And if she wants to, ahem, observe him? Wanda grins, whatever shadows had been following her since last night seeming so far away. Here she is safe. Here she is loved.] Well, someone has to make sure you don't overwork yourself. And it is my responsibility to look after my Court.
[She reaches for the tea (cherry rose, one of her favorites) nonchalantly, but her eyes sparkle with mischief and playful love.]
[Oh, but her kiss quenches something deep inside him, and as always he yearns to have more--and, as always, he pulls back. It's not that he's not ready to commit to her. He is hers, fully and always. It's himself he's unsure of. He hasn't even made the Offering to the Darkness yet. The time isn't right. And if he's not secure in himself, he can't offer her what she deserves. Someday, he will. Perhaps even some day soon.
But not yet.
For now, what he can offer her is a sweet kiss and as much of his company she's willing to have.]
Then I shall plan on it, and we will terrify every bookkeeper who is not expecting their Queen.
[He pulls her close against his side with one arm while using his free hand to grab and munch on some jammy biscuits. One wouldn't think paperwork would make one so hungry, but for some reason most of the accountants Vision had met weren't as dark-Jeweled as he was. And most dark-Jeweled males probably didn't expend their power making large projections and figures in the interests of maximizing trade in a way that would benefit all the Territory's citizens and not just the aristocrats.
Their loss.]
How about yourself? Are there any upcoming functions I'll need to attend as part of your Circle that I've not seen the invitations for yet?
[She will wait as long as Vision needs her to. Wanda and Pietro had been forced to make their Offerings too early, and Pietro's potential had been permanently stifled as a result. Wanda would never, ever want Vision to feel rushed or like he 'has' to do anything to be worthy of her love. He already is in all the ways that matter; if Wanda was one for wishes she couldn't have wished for anyone better.]
I hope they know better than to try anything by now.
[Wanda settles against him with a happy sigh and a lavender cookie. It may not be 'proper,' exactly, but this isn't a formal setting and so she dunks it into her tea. It's good on its own, but it's even better with the rose and cherry notes from the tea and the warmth to make the white chocolate chips perfectly gooey.]
Well...it is not an official function but...a new play is opening in two weeks and they sent me an invitation to opening night. I thought maybe...I was wondering if...would you want to go with me?
Oh, the established ones have all seen the wisdom of being honest on their reports, or they've been replaced. It's more a chance to catch up with them in person and see if there's anything additional they need - and to put a bit of terror into the hearts of the newer ones, I admit. [Because the thing about Vision is he actually likes doing paperwork. Even if he does end up with the Consort's ring some day, he'll probably still end up overseeing some of the Steward's work.
But then his eyes light up as he takes a sip of his own tea. A chance to spend an entire evening with Wanda at an entertainment?] I'd be delighted to go with you. Would it, er, be just the two of us?
[He's not sure if he wants the answer to be yes or no. He's perfectly capable of protecting her on his own (she's perfectly capable of protecting herself, for that matter), but Warlord Princes tend to get twitchy without at least one of their own in attendance at a public function.]
[He really is the perfect Steward - he puts his power into caring for all of their people, and while he's kind, he knows when to be stern and when to draw the line. Bringing her along might be slightly overkill, but Wanda tries not to keep herself as apart from the people of Novi Grad as Pietro might like.
It'll be nice to get some more time with Vision and doubly nice to have time away from the manor with someone who won't be so overprotective. The Court will allow it this time, because it's her right to accompany the Steward on his audits if she wishes.]
Do you want it to be just the two of us?
[It's his choice. If he wants some alone time with her in the box, she'll fight the rest of her men for it. She'll probably have to concede to letting one of the Warlord Princes attend in a regular seat unless she really puts her foot down, but Wanda's willing to have that fight if he wants the relative privacy.]
[He can see both sides of Pietro's overprotectiveness. But people who know their Queen won't hesitate to close ranks around her in case of a real threat, and besides, how could anyone know Wanda and not love her? Well, anyone who's worth knowing, anyway. He will keep an eye on everyone - just because he's not a Warlord Prince doesn't mean he's not protective and devoted. The difference is that Pietro still sees Wanda as the cautious child he'd had to defend from the world, and Vision knows her as a glorious power in her own right.
He traces a line down her shoulder lightly, drinking some more of the tea.]
As much as I'd like that, it would be best if we had a chaperone, I think.
[He's still too shy to do more than hold hands in public, too unsure of himself. But even with a companion or two, this play will still be a date for them, and the spark in his eyes shows he's excited for it. If the play is good, he'll get to see Wanda engaged and emotionally touched, and if it's bad they can always laugh about it together.]
Though we should dress to match, if that is acceptable.
[That light touch makes Wanda shiver and close her eyes from the simple pleasure of it. It's not that she is touch-starved, far from it, but she is unused to romantic attention. Pietro aside, she'd never really been in a position to entertain a courtship until now.]
Not my brother. But Steve might be willing to go with us.
[He's a fierce fighter, but he has an artist's soul too. He wouldn't be bad company, and he has enough sense to give them at least some privacy.]
Should I wear blue then? [Still resting against his side, Wanda lightly traces a finger over his heart, smoothing over the fabric of his shirt.] To match your eyes?
[Eyes, not Jewel, because his eyes might very well be her favorite physical feature. Blue isn't her favorite color to wear - Wanda's power manifests in a stubborn red-but-not-Red no matter what she does - but she does have a dress that might suit the occasion.
It's also backless, but...well. Many of her formal dresses are and she doesn't think Vision will complain, exactly.]
[Blue complements his skin tone, and it will make people notice both his Jewel and his eyes better than they otherwise would. He squeezes her shoulder lightly in affirmation, warmed by something that's not the sun and not the tea.] Blue it shall be. Though I'd not want you to pay attention to my eyes when you are supposed to be watching the show.
[He gives her another light kiss, lingering so he can give her a good look at those eyes, unable not to be flattered by the attention.]
And it will look very striking on you, my Lady.
[Really, he's not sure why she hasn't been courted by dozens of others before now, but then, he knows that for him her power is only part of a wonderful whole. Others see only what she is rather than who she is much of the time, and the entire First Circle tends to keep busy fending that kind of person off one way or another. These quiet moments where she can just be Wanda are precious to him, but he loves her no less when she is Queen or when she is Witch, and he doesn't fear standing by her side at any of those times. Perhaps that's what the difference is.]
Steve will go with us, yes. And we can ask Natasha if she's busy as well? But not more than that, I think.
[A couple of guards will accompany them as always, but they don't have to sit in the box together. Three or four won't make it crowded.]
[She gazes up at him as they part, blushing as she reaches up to stroke his cheek. Oh, she'd love to lean back in for a deeper kiss, but instead Wanda contents herself with studying those gorgeous eyes. Vision is different and he is the most beautiful being in all the realms as far as she's concerned. If some people can't see that...well, it's their loss, and it only reflects poorly on them. She can tell a lot about a person based on how they react to and treat Vision.]
That is what going with you on your audits is for. You told me I can observe anything I want. What if I want to watch you?
[She will have to put her Queen face back on, but no one said that Wanda the woman wouldn't get more out of this than a few hours away from the Hall.]
I'll look forward to them both. I like spending time with you, Vision.
[She leans in again and pauses mere inches from his lips.] I love you.
[And with that, Wanda kisses him again. It's not the first time she's said it, but she still feels shy about it sometimes. The feelings Vision sparks in her are so new and intense, and it's a little terrifying to fall so completely for someone, even knowing on a soul-deep level that she will always be safe with him. But she is Witch and a Maximoff, and she simply isn't capable of loving with only part of her heart.]
[He tries to look stern, but the effect is somewhat undermined by the smile tugging at his mouth.] I suppose as long as the ones I intend to visit do not feel they are being neglected in the encounter, it should not make a difference. [Perhaps he should wear a tighter-fitting shirt than he typically does for business.]
And I with you. Who else could get me to take an actual break from my duties?
[But even so, he's barely prepared for her next words, and so his kiss is return is hungrier than the ones before by far. The intensity only lasts the space of the one kiss, but when he pulls away his eyes are a deeper blue than before, almost an exact match for the shade of his Jewel. Sapphire is powerful and respectable by any measure, but a Priestess had told him in confidence it was his Birthright. Whatever had happened to him before his arrival, he hadn't yet made the Offering to the Darkness.
If he truly wanted to dance with Witch, he really should descend to his full strength first.]
I love you, Wanda, with all I am. Perhaps it is time we're seen together outside the Court.
[She wants more, and it takes everything Wanda has not to escalate their kisses. Vision ignites such desire in her that she doesn't quite know what to do with it, only that neither of them are ready for more than softer displays of affection. So she redirects that urge and kisses his cheek instead.
His eyes are so blue...she could really get lost in them.]
I would love that, Vision, if it is what you want. What we have...it's wonderful and you're enough, just like this.
[Her hand trails down to his shoulder while she rests her head on the other. She knows that a Queen's scent is supposed to be soothing to her males, but while she's never heard of it going the other way around, Vision's calms something inside her. Dimly, she wonders if the nightmares might stop if she fell asleep at his side...but that's more than she can ask of him.
She nuzzles him softly and murmurs softly in her midnight voice:] I will love you no matter what you choose.
[Wanda's eyes flicker red briefly, the only other sign that she's talking about more than just the decision to be more public in their feelings. It's Witch's formal acceptance: all that he is is enough.]
[His answering kiss at her temple before he pulls away just enough to resume an eating pose is answer enough: he's grateful beyond words that she is willing to take their relationship slowly, and that she's not trying to give him more than he can handle. There's a hurt at her core. All the First Circle knows it and guards it zealously. But for some reason, he doesn't trigger the defensive shrinking that Wanda gives to most males when they flirt with her. Maybe because he hadn't realized he was doing it at first, and by the time he had it was as natural as breathing around her. Maybe because its roots weren't in his own desire, but in his need to do what's right by her.
And that smile in her eyes, that dark tone in her voice that makes anyone sensitive to such things shiver, those are what's right for her.]
I choose to be with you, Lady. [A formal title, because he's speaking both as himself and as a member of her Court.] For now, this means to come along with me on my rounds and for me to join you at a play. [He squeezes her nearest hand warmly.] And if that goes well, perhaps we shall both want more.
[She lets him feel her peaceful satisfaction through the Ring of Honor even after she finally emerges from the crook of his neck. There's still tea to be had, but first she reaches for his hand and raises it to her lips.]
We will explore this together, my Prince.
[Again, the midnight voice and flash of red in her eyes...and then it's gone, with only the warm glow of her happiness remaining as she turns back to the tea.
She has been much better since setting up her Court and better still since Vision crashed into the garden. She was once prone to 'going away,' zoning out and drifting so deeply into the Darkness that no one else could even sense her. Something had happened before the rest of the First Circle had come to know the twins, and it was more than the trauma of their Offerings - she'd seen something just before and it had hurt her in ways she was only now starting to recover from.
They have to part ways to change - Wanda's certainly not in anything formal enough to go out in, and when she meets him by the carriage she's wearing a lovely black and gold brocade dress. The neckline, while still decent for daytime, is lower than what she'd been wearing before, and the back features a nice cutout between her shoulders. It's a quiet invitation for him to put his hand there rather than on her waist or shoulder to guide her.
Either way, Vision's getting a quick kiss on the cheek.]
[For him it's not much of a change - even at home, the Steward has to be ready to greet visitors at any time - but the addition of walking boots and a vest makes him look even more polished and professional, and his Sapphire Jewel catches the sun from his armband. He takes Wanda's hand with a smile that's half grin, already wondering how some poor unsuspecting merchants will react to having their Queen drop in on them. And if he can spend the time traveling between them in relaxed silence with his lady, well, all the better.]
I am. Do tell me if you become terribly bored on the rounds.
[He doesn't think she will, though. As much as he enjoys what Pietro calls "boring bureaucratic bullshit", these visits are more a chance to touch base with people in person and see if he can sniff out anything that feels off.
But, to their credit, the surprise and nervousness he picks up from them today is far more about the unexpected honor of a Queen's visit than about any discrepancies in their logbooks, and Vision's easy manner with her is seen and noted. More than one of them has a thoughtful look when he leaves, and the wicked grin the woman who runs the local Coach station has when she waves to them makes him downright nervous. Once they're safely back in the carriage he turns to Wanda, looking concerned.]
Er, what was that all about? Does it truly make a difference if the Coach is longer or wider than the standard model?
[Yeah, there was some innuendo there that went straight over his head.]
[How could she possibly be bored? She could very happily listen to Vision talk for hours - the cadence of his voice is just so soothing, even if she gets lost on the finer details of trade. He's certainly just as easy on the eyes as ever in that outfit, and while it's not quite the soft sweaters that give her even more incentive to curl up against his chest, it suits him.
It's hard to keep a formal distance between them - she can take his arm as they wander between shops, and he can touch her shoulders or back if he wishes without raising any eyebrows. But what Wanda really wants is to rest her head on Vision's shoulder and stop trying to pretend there's a distance between them that she doesn't feel. It's slight - as a member of the Queen's Triangle, Vision is expected to have a certain closeness to her - but the line still chafes.
So maybe it's not surprising that despite all of her best efforts to be good, people notice the closeness between them. She pretends to ignore it...until the woman running the coach station makes it impossible. Wanda's face is beet red as she hurries into the carriage and she busies herself fiddling with the ends of her scarf. Anything, anything, to avoid having to meet his gaze.
Is it better or worse that he doesn't get it? She can't tell.]
It...it doesn't matter. It matters who you travel with. [help, her cheeks are absolutely burning right now] She was just making a bad joke.
[He's concerned for a hot moment before he identifies it as embarrassment linked to the "bad joke", but perceiving it as harmless, he relaxes. That blush on Wanda is surprisingly attractive, though, and he sits next to her and drapes an arm around her shoulders and kisses the top of her head. Carefully. It looks like she might start laughing soon, and he doesn't want to get bonked.]
And here I had believed it was whether the coach reached its destination--are you quite all right, Wanda?
[On second thought, Vision not understanding is much, much worse. If only she could be allowed the small mercy of being able to sink through the carriage and into the ground so that she doesn't have to face this.
She turns her head to bury her face in his chest (he smells nice) so he can't see how red her cheeks are and tries very hard not to think about Vision's, ahem, coach. It's not working. Before Vision, she never really cared about anything like this, but he's made her care and all of this innuendo is not helping.]
[If he were a Warlord Prince, he'd probably do something humiliating like rise to the killing edge over causing his Queen distress. As it is, he can clearly see that she's not been harmed, and it's just some cultural thing he has yet to pick up on. But it's just as clear that she needs some kind of comfort, so he squeezes her shoulder and runs the other hand down the length of her gorgeous hair to try to calm her down.]
There, now, I'm sure it's not as bad as all that. Do I even want to know what she was implying?
[Probably not, but he feels like he should ask anyway. (This is why he sometimes prefers talking to Zoran. At least the kindred only say what they mean.)]
[It's precisely because Vision doesn't overreact that he's able to calm her. His hand in her hair gently redirects her focus, and as she breathes in his scent the edge begins to come off her embarrassment. But Wanda's still not coming out.
Mother Night. She is Witch. The Darkness itself sings at the core of her being. But trying to explain a bad sex joke to the man she's courting is just not something she can say.]
**Do you? I will tell you if you want to know.**
[She loves him, and she would protect Vision from any true danger. But Wanda isn't going to shelter him unnecessarily - she knows what that feels like all too well.]
[At that he freezes completely, masking his reaction enough that it's not transmitted through the Ring of Honor (of which he is suddenly hyperaware). And after a long moment, he begins trembling against her, glad he has his face buried in her hair. So those questions about whether she should be on the lookout for a new Coach for the Lady's exclusive use were...?
Unable to contain it any longer, he clutches helplessly at Wanda and laughs aloud, very glad they're not looking directly at one another right now.]
I said it should be decorated.
[Nope, can't get to anything more coherent than that for a bit. But once his laughter dies down, he finds Wanda's chin with his hand and tilts it up to him so he can kiss her firmly on the mouth.]
My dear, I am terribly sorry that my obliviousness caused you distress. Can you forgive me?
[She can feel him freeze and start to tremble but it's only the lack of answering distress through the Ring that keeps Wanda's protective instincts quiet. It would have been even more embarrassing for her to get upset only to find out that he's holding in laughter of all things.
Eventually she joins him because Vision's laughter is so contagious and...well, it's quite the mental image.
The kiss is the final touch that calms her and Wanda's finally able to look at him again.]
Of course. [She's still braced against his shoulder but her free hand comes up to tenderly stroke his cheek.] You have nothing to be sorry for, love. She wasn't reading us very well, but she didn't mean any harm.
[But if they wanted to keep their feelings for each other a secret, this trip has blown that right open. It won't be long until rumors of the blossoming relationship between the Queen and her Steward are the talk of the town.]
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But all of that feels so far away right now. Wanda gently cups his cheek again and grins.]
It's a beautiful day...but not as beautiful as you, my sweet Prince.
[She leans in but doesn't quite reach his lips before tea (and pillows, probably courtesy of Pietro) arrives. Wanda quickly pulls away to a respectable distance but she wouldn't have lowered her hand if Zoran hadn't trotted out for a brief hello after the servants leave.
There's no hiding thoughts from Wanda is she goes looking for them, even on a Spear thread, but she has no reason to be listening when the Sceltie reaches for Vision's mind.
**Vision? Vision! Take good care of the Lady. She had a bad night.**
'A bad night' can only mean that the nightmares returned, although it hadn't been bad enough for Zoran to run for help. That had been an awful night: the Queen's Triangle had been forced to navigate a small witchstorm (that had never really lashed out in their directions) and levitating furniture to wake her.
She's learned to hide it well. Looking at her now, all smiles and happiness, Wanda seems perfectly fine. There's no tell in the way she leans into Vision's shoulder or scratches Zoran's ears; she's not clingy the way she usually is when she's too upset to bury it.]
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You flatter me, my Lady. [But he smiles and pours a cup of tea for her. He knows his appearance is unusual, to say the least. No one knows what race he is or where he's from - he'd simply appeared one day, dropped by a Red Wind into these very gardens, unconscious and with nothing but an uncut Sapphire Jewel, now set into an intricate silver cuff he wears on his upper arm. That was his true strength, not the yellow gem set into his forehead that often gave people the wrong impression. It looks like jewelry, thanks to the metallic plate that covers much of his scalp, rather than something set into his body. And he doesn't radiate power like some people do.
It's a misdirection he encourages, because it keeps his Queen safe. Enough of her Court postures proudly already. Natasha had agreed that it would be best to have an ace in the sleeve, so to speak, and so his true strength lies under several layers of shields.]
As the weather is so nice, I had been considering a small tour of the Territory to audit some of the businesses. I don't suppose you'd like to join me? I promise I'll take all the actual auditing work so you can observe anything else you like.
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Perhaps it's silly - Wanda is happy with what they have, even with the various constraints imposed upon them. Pietro is a perfectly good First Escort. Nothing says she needs a Consort if her lover doesn't want it. She has him, and that's enough.]
Anything I like? [And if she wants to, ahem, observe him? Wanda grins, whatever shadows had been following her since last night seeming so far away. Here she is safe. Here she is loved.] Well, someone has to make sure you don't overwork yourself. And it is my responsibility to look after my Court.
[She reaches for the tea (cherry rose, one of her favorites) nonchalantly, but her eyes sparkle with mischief and playful love.]
It would be irresponsible not to go with you.
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But not yet.
For now, what he can offer her is a sweet kiss and as much of his company she's willing to have.]
Then I shall plan on it, and we will terrify every bookkeeper who is not expecting their Queen.
[He pulls her close against his side with one arm while using his free hand to grab and munch on some jammy biscuits. One wouldn't think paperwork would make one so hungry, but for some reason most of the accountants Vision had met weren't as dark-Jeweled as he was. And most dark-Jeweled males probably didn't expend their power making large projections and figures in the interests of maximizing trade in a way that would benefit all the Territory's citizens and not just the aristocrats.
Their loss.]
How about yourself? Are there any upcoming functions I'll need to attend as part of your Circle that I've not seen the invitations for yet?
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I hope they know better than to try anything by now.
[Wanda settles against him with a happy sigh and a lavender cookie. It may not be 'proper,' exactly, but this isn't a formal setting and so she dunks it into her tea. It's good on its own, but it's even better with the rose and cherry notes from the tea and the warmth to make the white chocolate chips perfectly gooey.]
Well...it is not an official function but...a new play is opening in two weeks and they sent me an invitation to opening night. I thought maybe...I was wondering if...would you want to go with me?
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But then his eyes light up as he takes a sip of his own tea. A chance to spend an entire evening with Wanda at an entertainment?] I'd be delighted to go with you. Would it, er, be just the two of us?
[He's not sure if he wants the answer to be yes or no. He's perfectly capable of protecting her on his own (she's perfectly capable of protecting herself, for that matter), but Warlord Princes tend to get twitchy without at least one of their own in attendance at a public function.]
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It'll be nice to get some more time with Vision and doubly nice to have time away from the manor with someone who won't be so overprotective. The Court will allow it this time, because it's her right to accompany the Steward on his audits if she wishes.]
Do you want it to be just the two of us?
[It's his choice. If he wants some alone time with her in the box, she'll fight the rest of her men for it. She'll probably have to concede to letting one of the Warlord Princes attend in a regular seat unless she really puts her foot down, but Wanda's willing to have that fight if he wants the relative privacy.]
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He traces a line down her shoulder lightly, drinking some more of the tea.]
As much as I'd like that, it would be best if we had a chaperone, I think.
[He's still too shy to do more than hold hands in public, too unsure of himself. But even with a companion or two, this play will still be a date for them, and the spark in his eyes shows he's excited for it. If the play is good, he'll get to see Wanda engaged and emotionally touched, and if it's bad they can always laugh about it together.]
Though we should dress to match, if that is acceptable.
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Not my brother. But Steve might be willing to go with us.
[He's a fierce fighter, but he has an artist's soul too. He wouldn't be bad company, and he has enough sense to give them at least some privacy.]
Should I wear blue then? [Still resting against his side, Wanda lightly traces a finger over his heart, smoothing over the fabric of his shirt.] To match your eyes?
[Eyes, not Jewel, because his eyes might very well be her favorite physical feature. Blue isn't her favorite color to wear - Wanda's power manifests in a stubborn red-but-not-Red no matter what she does - but she does have a dress that might suit the occasion.
It's also backless, but...well. Many of her formal dresses are and she doesn't think Vision will complain, exactly.]
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[He gives her another light kiss, lingering so he can give her a good look at those eyes, unable not to be flattered by the attention.]
And it will look very striking on you, my Lady.
[Really, he's not sure why she hasn't been courted by dozens of others before now, but then, he knows that for him her power is only part of a wonderful whole. Others see only what she is rather than who she is much of the time, and the entire First Circle tends to keep busy fending that kind of person off one way or another. These quiet moments where she can just be Wanda are precious to him, but he loves her no less when she is Queen or when she is Witch, and he doesn't fear standing by her side at any of those times. Perhaps that's what the difference is.]
Steve will go with us, yes. And we can ask Natasha if she's busy as well? But not more than that, I think.
[A couple of guards will accompany them as always, but they don't have to sit in the box together. Three or four won't make it crowded.]
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That is what going with you on your audits is for. You told me I can observe anything I want. What if I want to watch you?
[She will have to put her Queen face back on, but no one said that Wanda the woman wouldn't get more out of this than a few hours away from the Hall.]
I'll look forward to them both. I like spending time with you, Vision.
[She leans in again and pauses mere inches from his lips.] I love you.
[And with that, Wanda kisses him again. It's not the first time she's said it, but she still feels shy about it sometimes. The feelings Vision sparks in her are so new and intense, and it's a little terrifying to fall so completely for someone, even knowing on a soul-deep level that she will always be safe with him. But she is Witch and a Maximoff, and she simply isn't capable of loving with only part of her heart.]
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And I with you. Who else could get me to take an actual break from my duties?
[But even so, he's barely prepared for her next words, and so his kiss is return is hungrier than the ones before by far. The intensity only lasts the space of the one kiss, but when he pulls away his eyes are a deeper blue than before, almost an exact match for the shade of his Jewel. Sapphire is powerful and respectable by any measure, but a Priestess had told him in confidence it was his Birthright. Whatever had happened to him before his arrival, he hadn't yet made the Offering to the Darkness.
If he truly wanted to dance with Witch, he really should descend to his full strength first.]
I love you, Wanda, with all I am. Perhaps it is time we're seen together outside the Court.
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His eyes are so blue...she could really get lost in them.]
I would love that, Vision, if it is what you want. What we have...it's wonderful and you're enough, just like this.
[Her hand trails down to his shoulder while she rests her head on the other. She knows that a Queen's scent is supposed to be soothing to her males, but while she's never heard of it going the other way around, Vision's calms something inside her. Dimly, she wonders if the nightmares might stop if she fell asleep at his side...but that's more than she can ask of him.
She nuzzles him softly and murmurs softly in her midnight voice:] I will love you no matter what you choose.
[Wanda's eyes flicker red briefly, the only other sign that she's talking about more than just the decision to be more public in their feelings. It's Witch's formal acceptance: all that he is is enough.]
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And that smile in her eyes, that dark tone in her voice that makes anyone sensitive to such things shiver, those are what's right for her.]
I choose to be with you, Lady. [A formal title, because he's speaking both as himself and as a member of her Court.] For now, this means to come along with me on my rounds and for me to join you at a play. [He squeezes her nearest hand warmly.] And if that goes well, perhaps we shall both want more.
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We will explore this together, my Prince.
[Again, the midnight voice and flash of red in her eyes...and then it's gone, with only the warm glow of her happiness remaining as she turns back to the tea.
She has been much better since setting up her Court and better still since Vision crashed into the garden. She was once prone to 'going away,' zoning out and drifting so deeply into the Darkness that no one else could even sense her. Something had happened before the rest of the First Circle had come to know the twins, and it was more than the trauma of their Offerings - she'd seen something just before and it had hurt her in ways she was only now starting to recover from.
They have to part ways to change - Wanda's certainly not in anything formal enough to go out in, and when she meets him by the carriage she's wearing a lovely black and gold brocade dress. The neckline, while still decent for daytime, is lower than what she'd been wearing before, and the back features a nice cutout between her shoulders. It's a quiet invitation for him to put his hand there rather than on her waist or shoulder to guide her.
Either way, Vision's getting a quick kiss on the cheek.]
Are you ready to go?
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I am. Do tell me if you become terribly bored on the rounds.
[He doesn't think she will, though. As much as he enjoys what Pietro calls "boring bureaucratic bullshit", these visits are more a chance to touch base with people in person and see if he can sniff out anything that feels off.
But, to their credit, the surprise and nervousness he picks up from them today is far more about the unexpected honor of a Queen's visit than about any discrepancies in their logbooks, and Vision's easy manner with her is seen and noted. More than one of them has a thoughtful look when he leaves, and the wicked grin the woman who runs the local Coach station has when she waves to them makes him downright nervous. Once they're safely back in the carriage he turns to Wanda, looking concerned.]
Er, what was that all about? Does it truly make a difference if the Coach is longer or wider than the standard model?
[Yeah, there was some innuendo there that went straight over his head.]
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It's hard to keep a formal distance between them - she can take his arm as they wander between shops, and he can touch her shoulders or back if he wishes without raising any eyebrows. But what Wanda really wants is to rest her head on Vision's shoulder and stop trying to pretend there's a distance between them that she doesn't feel. It's slight - as a member of the Queen's Triangle, Vision is expected to have a certain closeness to her - but the line still chafes.
So maybe it's not surprising that despite all of her best efforts to be good, people notice the closeness between them. She pretends to ignore it...until the woman running the coach station makes it impossible. Wanda's face is beet red as she hurries into the carriage and she busies herself fiddling with the ends of her scarf. Anything, anything, to avoid having to meet his gaze.
Is it better or worse that he doesn't get it? She can't tell.]
It...it doesn't matter. It matters who you travel with. [help, her cheeks are absolutely burning right now] She was just making a bad joke.
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And here I had believed it was whether the coach reached its destination--are you quite all right, Wanda?
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this is the story of how she dies]Vizh--! Yes, but...it's not...
[On second thought, Vision not understanding is much, much worse. If only she could be allowed the small mercy of being able to sink through the carriage and into the ground so that she doesn't have to face this.
She turns her head to bury her face in his chest (he smells nice) so he can't see how red her cheeks are and tries very hard not to think about Vision's, ahem, coach. It's not working. Before Vision, she never really cared about anything like this, but he's made her care and all of this innuendo is not helping.]
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There, now, I'm sure it's not as bad as all that. Do I even want to know what she was implying?
[Probably not, but he feels like he should ask anyway. (This is why he sometimes prefers talking to Zoran. At least the kindred only say what they mean.)]
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Mother Night. She is Witch. The Darkness itself sings at the core of her being. But trying to explain a bad sex joke to the man she's courting is just not something she can say.]
**Do you? I will tell you if you want to know.**
[She loves him, and she would protect Vision from any true danger. But Wanda isn't going to shelter him unnecessarily - she knows what that feels like all too well.]
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[It cannot, he reasons with himself, be all that bad if it has resulted in an armful of very warm, snuggly Wanda. Can it?]
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**The 'carriage' she was teasing us about...she meant your cock, Vision. And the 'destination' was an orgasm.**
[If it was possible to die from embarrassment, Wanda wouldn't survive this trip.]
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Unable to contain it any longer, he clutches helplessly at Wanda and laughs aloud, very glad they're not looking directly at one another right now.]
I said it should be decorated.
[Nope, can't get to anything more coherent than that for a bit. But once his laughter dies down, he finds Wanda's chin with his hand and tilts it up to him so he can kiss her firmly on the mouth.]
My dear, I am terribly sorry that my obliviousness caused you distress. Can you forgive me?
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Eventually she joins him because Vision's laughter is so contagious and...well, it's quite the mental image.
The kiss is the final touch that calms her and Wanda's finally able to look at him again.]
Of course. [She's still braced against his shoulder but her free hand comes up to tenderly stroke his cheek.] You have nothing to be sorry for, love. She wasn't reading us very well, but she didn't mean any harm.
[But if they wanted to keep their feelings for each other a secret, this trip has blown that right open. It won't be long until rumors of the blossoming relationship between the Queen and her Steward are the talk of the town.]
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