[She relaxes a little more when the Sapphire shield drops. Wanda doesn't fully trust her own perception right now, but she does trust his. If Vision is satisfied that they're safe, then they must be.]
And I love you.
[She kisses his cheek slowly and softly. Wanda also doesn't trust herself not to kiss Vision properly without letting her desperation slip through, but if he chooses to invite that...well, she won't complain.
Wanda settles her cheek on his shoulder for comfort, still needing whatever contact she can get, but she's not hiding her face from him anymore.]
Tea sounds wonderful. [Her hold on him loosens enough for her to run fingers lightly up his spine.] Do you have trouble sleeping too, Vizh?
[Half awake and not subject to his usual scrutiny in social situation, Vision grins at the kiss and holds Wanda tight. It's an easy enough matter to add a sachet of leaves and water from the pitcher from across the room, then heat up the water using Craft, all without letting go of her.]
I love you as well, my dear. [He presses a light kiss to her forehead.]
At times, yes, though I think it's for a different reason. There are times when my mind becomes hyperfocused on figures or a particularly intricate problem, and I have difficulty getting to sleep. [He finds one of her hands and squeezes it.] Other times I worry for you because you do not sleep well, and it keeps me up later than I'd like.
[The tea will be a few minutes still, so before it's done he has time to ask something in a hesitant voice.]
Would you--that is, if you think you'd be more comfortable here than in your own chambers, I could sleep on top of the covers. I'm up early enough most days the only one likely to notice is Zoran, and if I ask him nicely he will keep a secret.
[She rewards him with a smile and a gentle nuzzle. Her free hand keeps stroking his back and Wanda can't help but feel a small stab of guilt - has Vision just hidden it well, or has she been so wrapped up in her own problems that she never noticed? She'll have to keep a closer eye on him. It's simple enough to ease someone else into peaceful sleep even if Wanda can't do that for herself.
It makes his suggestion all the more absurd, but not for the reason he'd likely expect. Wanda pulls away just enough to cup his cheek and look him in the eyes.]
If you really don't mind if I stay...but you'll get cold, love. I have fallen asleep on you before. Why is this different?
[Okay, so those were accidental naps on a couch, not proper sleep in a bed, but still.]
[He smiles, leans into the hand, kisses it. But there's a wary question in his eyes, even as the room starts to fill with the sweet scent of the herbal infusion brewing.]
Because it is different when it is my bed and in the middle of the night. Though I suppose if you promise to keep your eyes closed I could find some loose pants to wear.
As for getting cold, I haven't truly found that to be a problem yet, even in the winter. But I do have other blankets I could use, you know.
[Wanda smiles and continues stroking his cheek...until she freezes and flushes absolutely scarlet.]
Vision, are you...? ['Naked,' but she can't quite bring herself to say it and squeezes her eyes shut in embarrassment.] I'm sorry! I just...I was scared, and I needed to see that you were all right...
[What was she thinking? Except that she hadn't been thinking at all beyond sensing Crystal in Pietro's room and having the sense to go elsewhere for comfort.
Her hand falls to his shoulder but she still can't quite pull away even if she knows she probably should. Wanda takes a breath to steady herself and looks back up into those beautiful blue eyes. Maybe this was a mistake, but...she'll never lie to him, even if she's fighting the urge to run away in shame. That's part of what figuring this out together means.]
I want to stay here with you, under the blankets. But only if you want that too.
[His laugh is so quiet it could almost be mistaken for a snicker. Yes, there's a reason he pulled the blankets over his lap, and it's exactly what she thinks it is.]
I'm afraid so. There's no need to apologize.
[He kisses her on her forehead right between those closed eyes, and when she meets his gaze again the question is gone, replaced by a warm assurance. If she thinks his presence will chase the nightmares away, he'll absolutely give it a try. And it's different enough from their stolen daytime moments that he's excited, and suddenly glad that he made enough tea for the both of them.]
I do want it. Yes. Though if you would, please do close your eyes for a moment?
[Once she complies, he gets up and there's the sounds of him rummaging around in his dresser for a few moments. When he returns, he hands Wanda a steaming cup of the relaxation tea and holds the other.]
There we are. Now drink this and let's get settled, hmm?
[Wanda even does him the courtesy of putting a Black lock on the door so that if someone has noticed she's not in her room and comes looking for either of them, they won't barge in on a naked Vision. With her eyes closed, she can better focus on the smell of the tea...and Vision's own very distinct psychic scent. Wanda inhales deeply and lets them draw her further into the present and away from the nightmare. They're safe now.
(And the only way someone is getting to Vision tonight is if they go through her.)
These are safer thoughts than trying not to think about Vision being very naked mere feet from her, or how soft his skin had been, or the warmth in his eyes, or how nice it had felt to be held against his bare chest. In and out; slow, deep breaths. The herbs smell familiar, but Wanda's too sleepy to pick them out beyond being pretty sure that lavender is involved.
She doesn't even jump when Vision returns and releases the lock on the door as she takes the tea. She pauses for another deep breath.]
It smells nice. [And apparently it passes the taste test, because Wanda manages a true smile after a small sip.] You're so good to me, Vision. Maybe I can help you sleep too.
[Now clad in some loose lounge pants, Vision sits down next to her on the side of the bed and sips at his own tea. The odd metallic patterns on his skin glimmer in the low light. He's never been sure whether they're a mark of his heritage, whatever it may be, or something else, but either way they're a part of him: just as warm as the rest of his skin, and more flexible than metal should be. He's self-conscious of his appearance around most people, but not Wanda. She's always liked him exactly the way he is.]
Hmm. Not so deep a sleep you couldn't wake me up if you needed anything, I hope?
[The brew works quickly enough, though, and he yawns as he downs the rest of his tea. He fusses with the blankets a bit to cover his nervousness (it's a simple thing, but he's never actually slept with another person in his bed before) and, finally, settles himself.]
[Wanda's eyes keep being drawn to the intricate metallic inlays on his skin. She'd often wondered how far they traveled over his body...now she knows. And she definitely likes what she sees. It's a beautiful contrast, and it's part of what makes Vision so unique.
She can't help but wonder what it might feel like to let her hands wander over his chest someday - but not tonight. Tonight is for sleep, and the more Wanda drinks of the tea, the drowsier she starts to feel.
She wasn't feeling nervous at all until Vision started fidgeting with the covers and her cheeks are a little flushed as she settles beside him. They're not touching. Should they be touching? Is that too much, or is that the entire point? She's shared a bed with plenty of other people before, but never someone she was courting. If there are 'rules' to this, she doesn't know them.]
It's fine, Vizh. [She reaches across the small space between them to briefly touch his cheek, and then hesitantly rests her arm over his waist.] Is this all right?
[Once he has a little guidance from Wanda he stops fidgeting as much and relaxes, one hand around her as well. It's not quite close enough for a great deal of skin contact, but somehow it won't surprise him if they end up curled against each other in the night.
Vision inhales deeply and closes his eyes, smiling to have Wanda's scent so close (and hoping he doesn't do anything terribly embarrassing while he's unconscious, but then, he hopes to not do any of that while he's awake, either).]
[Sleep comes much easier this time and the quiet sound of his breathing and psychic warmth of his presence lull her into dreams.
But she hasn't forgotten about him, and as Vision drifts off to join her, power gently cocoons him and brings his dreaming mind deep into the Abyss, far deeper than the Sapphire should let him go. But this is Witch's territory, and nothing will harm him here.
She is singing, and if he follows her voice he'll find her in no time at all. This is her true form: her eyes glow a steady red here, her nails have been replaced by sharp black talons, and her ears are delicately pointed like the Dea al Mon's. But most obvious is the rainbow of shifting cracks of powers across her body. Red and Black are the most prominent colors, but every color in the Darkness is represented somewhere on her body, even the White. Most of them shift and fade, but one crack of Sapphire never strays far from her heart. Even here, his love has marked her.
Not all of the dreamers who created her had been human, but in some ways Wanda comes more from the Darkness than the dreams. Something terrible is coming, and she'll have to be strong enough to protect the Realms.
But right now, she's allowed some peace to just be a girl in love.]
Vision.
[He will likely not be surprised to hear her midnight voice here - there's so much power flowing through her that it would take a great effort for her to speak normally. But she smiles just as warmly as his Wanda would in the waking world. If he thinks the Sapphire crack at her heart burns a little brighter, he's not imagining it.]
[By all rights, it should be terrifying to be this deep in the Abyss. Only the most powerful of the Blood can go this deep without walking the Twisted Kingdom - unless they are cocooned and protected by an even greater power. Vision knows the feel of the Black, though, and he relaxes into its embrace, trusting it utterly. And when he sees the shape of the one who's brought him here, his eyes light up in delight.
Far be it from him to judge someone because their appearance is different.
Reflexively, he bows deeply to his Queen before hurrying closer and, if she allows it, he'll take her hand to kiss it.]
Witch.
[Longing, fondness, respect - love. It is an immense honor to be here safely, and he knows it. And if his eyes linger on that Sapphire crack, surely the smile on his face is no coincidence.]
I followed your voice. This is your place?
[It's beautiful. Dangerous, yes, but beautiful all the same. Much like his beloved.]
[She does allow it, and her smile is warm and fond. Vision could have fought the pull and she would have released him immediately, and even now he's free to leave at any time. She had been a little nervous, bringing him here, but it's only fair, isn't it? He has welcomed her into his physical space...and so Wanda will show him what she really is.
Mindful of the talons, she carefully cups his cheek. They're Black-shielded just in case, because even a small risk of hurting Vision is too great.]
This is...like where I came from, but not. But it is mine, and it can be anything we want.
[But while she can make their environment be anything, she can't change. She'd been a little nervous initially - the same way anyone would worry about how their lover saw them - but Vision is just as accepting of Witch as she'd thought he would be. He really is everything she could ever have wished for.]
I wanted to make sure you had good dreams tonight. And...it was time for you to see me as I am.
[There's no denying he's curious about the space around him, but he's not afraid of it; he's never been afraid of her. Witch, Queen, woman: they're all aspects of her, gloriously mixed together and transmuted into a magnificent whole. The dark beauty in front of him now has the same smile as the laughing young woman on a garden bench from earlier today, and if some people look at her eyes and see only what's on the surface, well, he's never been one of them.]
You're beautiful.
[It's a murmur in response, and he runs one finger along a pointed ear to indicate that yes, he means in this form as well. A flare of Red power, like Wanda's Birthright, opens under his hand; he feels it as hot but not burning, and he suddenly knows with a soul-deep conviction that he could handle its power after he makes the Offering.
Soon. Things are starting to fall into place, but they're not there yet. Soon.
The throb of power around them seems to quicken his pulse in response, and Vision draws his body even closer to hers.]
I think this is a very good dream. May I kiss you?
[Right now it looks like they're standing in endless starlight, but Wanda could just as easily wave her hand and create an Abyssal mirror of the garden or remove gravity entirely to let them drift together. Many things are possible here.
Her breath catches at that light touch and Wanda closes her eyes and shivers. Her ears are apparently much more sensitive here than they are in the waking world, or maybe it's just part of the effect Vision has on her. She could say that she keeps that thread of Sapphire power close to her heart in his honor, but really it had just appeared one day. It's quite possible that Vision's emotions resonate so deeply in the Darkness that the Sapphire is responding to him, not to her. She feels the same pulse of power that he does and it makes something in her ache. No one has ever been this close to her before...
If he'll allow it, she'll guide him closer until she can feel his warmth through the thin spidersilk of her dress.]
Always, my Vision.
[It's Witch that kisses him back with more passion than Wanda usually allows herself to show. She is still holding back for his sake, but she needs him to know how deep her feelings for him run.
Her eyes search his face for approval when they part. Was that too much?]
[Pulled close until he's pressing against Wanda, electrified by the wisps of power running through her, Vision kisses her fiercely. His mouth opens up under her questing tongue, and somewhere along the line he finds his eyes have close and he's gripping her tightly. This is definitely more than he's been comfortable initiating in the waking world, but here--
--nothing can hurt him here. Or, rather, she is the only thing that can, and she's not going to. So when the kiss ends, the expression he gives her is smoldering. And, admittedly, if his flushing were visible he'd be very flushed right now, so it's probably a good thing that his skin is already red. Though pressed up close together as they are, she might notice a reasponse in a certain other area....
Regardless, his somewhat dazzled smile gives way to a softer one, and he gives her hair a single stroke.]
You truly don't mind waiting for me?
[In the world above, he means. This is its own sort of reality, but it's as far apart from the social structure of their normal lives as anything is able to get.]
[Oh. She could melt under the heat of his gaze, and Wanda's definitely aware of his body's response. She stays exactly where she is - silent approval without pressuring Vision to do anything about it, even though her eyes have darkened and she wants. The Abyss is a special place, and they could safely make love here when they both decide the time is right. Witch cannot be broken in her soul's home.
That time probably isn't tonight, but that's not why she brought him here. Vision being here at all is a special kind of intimacy she wanted to share with him.
Wanda briefly closes her eyes as he strokes her hair and sighs softly. Everything feels so charged here, even the slightest touch can either soothe or arouse.]
It doesn't feel like waiting. I want you, Vision. Your heart, your mind, your love. [She rises on her toes to kiss his cheek.] Your happiness. Sometimes I wonder if I wished you to me. You are everything I could ever want, just as you are.
[There is a hint of sadness in her smile - she wishes it could be different. It's good that the Blood are so open about sexuality, but she hates that Vision has somehow come to the conclusion that what he has to offer is somehow lesser without it. It's hardly as if she could in the waking world even if he felt ready. She could pleasure him, but she couldn't be one with him the way she suspects they both want.
She finds one of his hands and guides it to the Sapphire flare over her heart. It's warm in a comforting way and pulsing in time with her heartbeat.]
Do you feel it? What you've done to me? Only true love could do this.
[Vision closes his eyes and holds Wanda to him, tightly. The simple permission to be as he is and not as society wants him to be is worth so much to him, even though it's not a novel sentiment coming from her. Here there are no lies, no illusions, no doubt. If Witch says he's good enough how he is, then it is true. (He will change. He will, eventually, grow into the Consort's ring that waits for him. But Wanda knows from her own experience and her brother's that rushing that kind of development means it might never be as strong as it could be otherwise, whether it's an Offering to the Darkness or another kind of relationship.)]
You have it, Wanda. You are the bed in which the river of my happiness flows. You are the earth in which the flowers of my joy take root and are nurtured. My smile is brighter when it is reflected in yours.
[He opens his eyes when she guides his hand to the Sapphire flare. Pietro must have just as large a share of her heart, and he's Sapphire as well, but there's no mistaking the familiarity of that particular shade of power.]
I feel it.
[With it comes the realization that he's already inside her, in a far more intimate way than the physical act alone would grant. He kisses her again, hand still on the flare at her heart, and he's somehow not surprised to feel its pulse quicken in time with Wanda's heartbeat.]
I hope it helps you feel how much I love you in return. All of you, Wanda. [He touches that pointed ear again, delighting in the way it makes her shiver.] What I see every day, and what I now know to be true about you.
[Will they ever learn more about where he's from, what race he belongs to, who his people are? Well. His people are Wanda's Court, now, but as for the rest of it, this is a pretty good indication that she, at least, won't mind learning whatever secrets his form holds. Another splinter of anxiety that he doesn't have to worry about any more, and he already feels better for it.
[This is proof that Witch can blush, and from nothing more than the sheer purity of Vision's love. He has a wonderful talent with words and she has no defense at all against such a gentle heart. Touching her ear earns another shiver and Wanda closes her eyes and rests her head on his shoulder.]
I was so afraid that I would frighten you... [But that was silly, wasn't it? She nuzzles a little closer and lets her love bleed through their connection.] But I understand now.
[Anyone who loves her enough to mark her soul like this could never be afraid of her. Pietro has seen her too, and there are stubborn Sapphire and Gray flares of power that never stray far from her shoulder blades. She always feels his support and love, just as she always feels Vision's.]
This is...we are sleeping, but this is more real than a dream. You should remember anything that happens here as easily as things that happen when you're awake.
[Vision holds Wanda close and smiles down at her closed eyes, pleased that his words seem to be doing his feelings some justice.]
You don't frighten me. [And even here, deeper in the Abyss than he could ever reach on his own, the words are true. He's not an idiot; he knows the forces outside this bubble of protection would rip him apart faster than he could blink, but he also trusts her absolutely, and so he is not afraid.]
Ah, I am glad. Though I think perhaps I will not speak of it to anyone else.
[He has a pretty good idea that Pietro must have seen her like this, and possibly others, but it can't have been too many of them. This is rare and precious, and he is honored to be trusted enough to see it.
Besides, he's not going to tell anyone that the Queen crawled into his bed if he can possibly avoid doing so. That stays between them. He huffs lightly as his mind wanders there, though.]
Just be sure to guide us back out before sunrise, hmm? I don't want a certain Sceltie to wake up and find you missing.
[She rests against him, at peace but not tamed. It's an important distinction, one all her Court understands, but in matters of the heart it's especially significant. Wanda cannot change her fundamental nature as Witch and trying to would completely destroy her. Strucker hadn't cared; he had only wanted a figurehead Queen to prop up his own power. Pietro had protected and supported her, Natasha understands in a way only another Black Widow can, and Vision...Vision cherishes her in all her facets.
And Zoran is just a delight. Wanda laughs and nuzzles Vision's neck.]
I'm not afraid anymore. He won't panic. But...he is not very good at keeping secrets.
[One day, this won't be a secret and she will be able to love Vision more openly. But until then...no lazy mornings cuddled up in bed together. She'll just have to find another way to make it up to him, which shouldn't be hard at all.
For now, though, she's content to stay like this a little longer. Dawn is still a while off, and Wanda always feels most complete here. She's glad she could share this with him tonight.]
Oh Vizh...the Sapphire sings when you touch me. You make me feel like I'm glowing.
[Wanda untangles herself enough to cup his cheek and guide him down for another deep kiss, once again working her tongue into Vision's mouth. She loves the more passionate kisses they can share here in the privacy of the Abyss.]
My heart is yours, my Prince, [she tells him a little breathlessly when they part.] However you want it.
Like this, [he responds, just as breathlessly,] and any other way you would have me, my Lady.
[It's not hard to believe the Sapphire sings when he touches her. He can feel it in his own way, rushing through his bloodstream and energizing him just to be in proximity to her. If he helps Wanda feel like she glows around him, she makes him know that he's alive.
Sometimes he wonders where he came from before he woke up in Wanda's garden, but times like this cement the knowledge that it doesn't matter. Nothing from his life before could possibly matter as much as being held by Witch in the Abyss, and hearing that she loves him.
They hold each other and kiss, and talk of inconsequential things for a while longer, but eventually she guides Vision back up to the Sapphire and releases him, and his mind makes its way back as from an ordinary dream until he awakens to find himself snuggling with a dozing Wanda in his arms, just as dawn is barely beginning to light up his window. He basks for a few glorious moments in the warm comfort and then presses a light kiss to her forehead, speaking softly.]
[She is powerful, but even Witch can't stop time. Eventually she has to release Vision and drift back down into the Abyss herself, but she does so knowing that she's still physically in his arms. She's dimly aware of Vision's presence as she drifts and is able to relax knowing that he's sleeping peacefully.
She'll have to bring him here again someday. Vision saw her, really saw her, and they'd spent their time kissing more than they have in the waking world. It had been a wonderful night of freedom, and her love for him has only grown.
Time is fuzzy. She's next aware of a gentle kiss and blinks awake, red briefly flickering in her eyes. She's warm, and cuddled up much closer to Vision than she'd been when they'd fallen asleep. It's not surprising, though, and Wanda's first instinct is to burrow closer into his warmth.]
[And he does, indeed, remember the dreaming reality that is Witch in her true home. It's a sign of trust, and he feels deeply honored.
It doesn't stop him from tucking his arms and legs around her, comfortable and warm and reveling in the feel of her body against his. Oh, he could get used to sleeping like this far too easily.]
Five more minutes, but not six. My day begins early enough as it is.
[He inhales the sweet scent of Wanda's hair and sighs contentedly.]
I would say this was a successful experiment. You are welcome here whenever you wish.
[Wanda makes a soft sound of approval and gently nuzzles his chest. It would be so easy to let herself drift back to sleep like this if only time wasn't against them. Vision's so warm and she feels perfectly safe wrapped in his arms like this. If only they could stay like this every night...]
Then we will have to make it count.
[She shifts just enough to press several soft, gentle kisses to the skin and metal over his heart. Not too many, and nothing passionate - this isn't the Abyss, and in the waking world they aren't quite ready for the same level of intensity.]
I liked this, too. If you're sure...then next time I will stay with you. And if you ever reach for me, I will come.
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And I love you.
[She kisses his cheek slowly and softly. Wanda also doesn't trust herself not to kiss Vision properly without letting her desperation slip through, but if he chooses to invite that...well, she won't complain.
Wanda settles her cheek on his shoulder for comfort, still needing whatever contact she can get, but she's not hiding her face from him anymore.]
Tea sounds wonderful. [Her hold on him loosens enough for her to run fingers lightly up his spine.] Do you have trouble sleeping too, Vizh?
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I love you as well, my dear. [He presses a light kiss to her forehead.]
At times, yes, though I think it's for a different reason. There are times when my mind becomes hyperfocused on figures or a particularly intricate problem, and I have difficulty getting to sleep. [He finds one of her hands and squeezes it.] Other times I worry for you because you do not sleep well, and it keeps me up later than I'd like.
[The tea will be a few minutes still, so before it's done he has time to ask something in a hesitant voice.]
Would you--that is, if you think you'd be more comfortable here than in your own chambers, I could sleep on top of the covers. I'm up early enough most days the only one likely to notice is Zoran, and if I ask him nicely he will keep a secret.
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It makes his suggestion all the more absurd, but not for the reason he'd likely expect. Wanda pulls away just enough to cup his cheek and look him in the eyes.]
If you really don't mind if I stay...but you'll get cold, love. I have fallen asleep on you before. Why is this different?
[Okay, so those were accidental naps on a couch, not proper sleep in a bed, but still.]
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Because it is different when it is my bed and in the middle of the night. Though I suppose if you promise to keep your eyes closed I could find some loose pants to wear.
As for getting cold, I haven't truly found that to be a problem yet, even in the winter. But I do have other blankets I could use, you know.
[He exhales, gaze clear now.]
Would you prefer me to stay under the blankets?
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Vision, are you...? ['Naked,' but she can't quite bring herself to say it and squeezes her eyes shut in embarrassment.] I'm sorry! I just...I was scared, and I needed to see that you were all right...
[What was she thinking? Except that she hadn't been thinking at all beyond sensing Crystal in Pietro's room and having the sense to go elsewhere for comfort.
Her hand falls to his shoulder but she still can't quite pull away even if she knows she probably should. Wanda takes a breath to steady herself and looks back up into those beautiful blue eyes. Maybe this was a mistake, but...she'll never lie to him, even if she's fighting the urge to run away in shame. That's part of what figuring this out together means.]
I want to stay here with you, under the blankets. But only if you want that too.
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I'm afraid so. There's no need to apologize.
[He kisses her on her forehead right between those closed eyes, and when she meets his gaze again the question is gone, replaced by a warm assurance. If she thinks his presence will chase the nightmares away, he'll absolutely give it a try. And it's different enough from their stolen daytime moments that he's excited, and suddenly glad that he made enough tea for the both of them.]
I do want it. Yes. Though if you would, please do close your eyes for a moment?
[Once she complies, he gets up and there's the sounds of him rummaging around in his dresser for a few moments. When he returns, he hands Wanda a steaming cup of the relaxation tea and holds the other.]
There we are. Now drink this and let's get settled, hmm?
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(And the only way someone is getting to Vision tonight is if they go through her.)
These are safer thoughts than trying not to think about Vision being very naked mere feet from her, or how soft his skin had been, or the warmth in his eyes, or how nice it had felt to be held against his bare chest. In and out; slow, deep breaths. The herbs smell familiar, but Wanda's too sleepy to pick them out beyond being pretty sure that lavender is involved.
She doesn't even jump when Vision returns and releases the lock on the door as she takes the tea. She pauses for another deep breath.]
It smells nice. [And apparently it passes the taste test, because Wanda manages a true smile after a small sip.] You're so good to me, Vision. Maybe I can help you sleep too.
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Hmm. Not so deep a sleep you couldn't wake me up if you needed anything, I hope?
[The brew works quickly enough, though, and he yawns as he downs the rest of his tea. He fusses with the blankets a bit to cover his nervousness (it's a simple thing, but he's never actually slept with another person in his bed before) and, finally, settles himself.]
Is this--is it all right?
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[Wanda's eyes keep being drawn to the intricate metallic inlays on his skin. She'd often wondered how far they traveled over his body...now she knows. And she definitely likes what she sees. It's a beautiful contrast, and it's part of what makes Vision so unique.
She can't help but wonder what it might feel like to let her hands wander over his chest someday - but not tonight. Tonight is for sleep, and the more Wanda drinks of the tea, the drowsier she starts to feel.
She wasn't feeling nervous at all until Vision started fidgeting with the covers and her cheeks are a little flushed as she settles beside him. They're not touching. Should they be touching? Is that too much, or is that the entire point? She's shared a bed with plenty of other people before, but never someone she was courting. If there are 'rules' to this, she doesn't know them.]
It's fine, Vizh. [She reaches across the small space between them to briefly touch his cheek, and then hesitantly rests her arm over his waist.] Is this all right?
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[Once he has a little guidance from Wanda he stops fidgeting as much and relaxes, one hand around her as well. It's not quite close enough for a great deal of skin contact, but somehow it won't surprise him if they end up curled against each other in the night.
Vision inhales deeply and closes his eyes, smiling to have Wanda's scent so close (and hoping he doesn't do anything terribly embarrassing while he's unconscious, but then, he hopes to not do any of that while he's awake, either).]
Good night, love.
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[Sleep comes much easier this time and the quiet sound of his breathing and psychic warmth of his presence lull her into dreams.
But she hasn't forgotten about him, and as Vision drifts off to join her, power gently cocoons him and brings his dreaming mind deep into the Abyss, far deeper than the Sapphire should let him go. But this is Witch's territory, and nothing will harm him here.
She is singing, and if he follows her voice he'll find her in no time at all. This is her true form: her eyes glow a steady red here, her nails have been replaced by sharp black talons, and her ears are delicately pointed like the Dea al Mon's. But most obvious is the rainbow of shifting cracks of powers across her body. Red and Black are the most prominent colors, but every color in the Darkness is represented somewhere on her body, even the White. Most of them shift and fade, but one crack of Sapphire never strays far from her heart. Even here, his love has marked her.
Not all of the dreamers who created her had been human, but in some ways Wanda comes more from the Darkness than the dreams. Something terrible is coming, and she'll have to be strong enough to protect the Realms.
But right now, she's allowed some peace to just be a girl in love.]
Vision.
[He will likely not be surprised to hear her midnight voice here - there's so much power flowing through her that it would take a great effort for her to speak normally. But she smiles just as warmly as his Wanda would in the waking world. If he thinks the Sapphire crack at her heart burns a little brighter, he's not imagining it.]
You came to me.
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Far be it from him to judge someone because their appearance is different.
Reflexively, he bows deeply to his Queen before hurrying closer and, if she allows it, he'll take her hand to kiss it.]
Witch.
[Longing, fondness, respect - love. It is an immense honor to be here safely, and he knows it. And if his eyes linger on that Sapphire crack, surely the smile on his face is no coincidence.]
I followed your voice. This is your place?
[It's beautiful. Dangerous, yes, but beautiful all the same. Much like his beloved.]
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Mindful of the talons, she carefully cups his cheek. They're Black-shielded just in case, because even a small risk of hurting Vision is too great.]
This is...like where I came from, but not. But it is mine, and it can be anything we want.
[But while she can make their environment be anything, she can't change. She'd been a little nervous initially - the same way anyone would worry about how their lover saw them - but Vision is just as accepting of Witch as she'd thought he would be. He really is everything she could ever have wished for.]
I wanted to make sure you had good dreams tonight. And...it was time for you to see me as I am.
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You're beautiful.
[It's a murmur in response, and he runs one finger along a pointed ear to indicate that yes, he means in this form as well. A flare of Red power, like Wanda's Birthright, opens under his hand; he feels it as hot but not burning, and he suddenly knows with a soul-deep conviction that he could handle its power after he makes the Offering.
Soon. Things are starting to fall into place, but they're not there yet. Soon.
The throb of power around them seems to quicken his pulse in response, and Vision draws his body even closer to hers.]
I think this is a very good dream. May I kiss you?
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Her breath catches at that light touch and Wanda closes her eyes and shivers. Her ears are apparently much more sensitive here than they are in the waking world, or maybe it's just part of the effect Vision has on her. She could say that she keeps that thread of Sapphire power close to her heart in his honor, but really it had just appeared one day. It's quite possible that Vision's emotions resonate so deeply in the Darkness that the Sapphire is responding to him, not to her. She feels the same pulse of power that he does and it makes something in her ache. No one has ever been this close to her before...
If he'll allow it, she'll guide him closer until she can feel his warmth through the thin spidersilk of her dress.]
Always, my Vision.
[It's Witch that kisses him back with more passion than Wanda usually allows herself to show. She is still holding back for his sake, but she needs him to know how deep her feelings for him run.
Her eyes search his face for approval when they part. Was that too much?]
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--nothing can hurt him here. Or, rather, she is the only thing that can, and she's not going to. So when the kiss ends, the expression he gives her is smoldering. And, admittedly, if his flushing were visible he'd be very flushed right now, so it's probably a good thing that his skin is already red. Though pressed up close together as they are, she might notice a reasponse in a certain other area....
Regardless, his somewhat dazzled smile gives way to a softer one, and he gives her hair a single stroke.]
You truly don't mind waiting for me?
[In the world above, he means. This is its own sort of reality, but it's as far apart from the social structure of their normal lives as anything is able to get.]
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That time probably isn't tonight, but that's not why she brought him here. Vision being here at all is a special kind of intimacy she wanted to share with him.
Wanda briefly closes her eyes as he strokes her hair and sighs softly. Everything feels so charged here, even the slightest touch can either soothe or arouse.]
It doesn't feel like waiting. I want you, Vision. Your heart, your mind, your love. [She rises on her toes to kiss his cheek.] Your happiness. Sometimes I wonder if I wished you to me. You are everything I could ever want, just as you are.
[There is a hint of sadness in her smile - she wishes it could be different. It's good that the Blood are so open about sexuality, but she hates that Vision has somehow come to the conclusion that what he has to offer is somehow lesser without it. It's hardly as if she could in the waking world even if he felt ready. She could pleasure him, but she couldn't be one with him the way she suspects they both want.
She finds one of his hands and guides it to the Sapphire flare over her heart. It's warm in a comforting way and pulsing in time with her heartbeat.]
Do you feel it? What you've done to me? Only true love could do this.
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You have it, Wanda. You are the bed in which the river of my happiness flows. You are the earth in which the flowers of my joy take root and are nurtured. My smile is brighter when it is reflected in yours.
[He opens his eyes when she guides his hand to the Sapphire flare. Pietro must have just as large a share of her heart, and he's Sapphire as well, but there's no mistaking the familiarity of that particular shade of power.]
I feel it.
[With it comes the realization that he's already inside her, in a far more intimate way than the physical act alone would grant. He kisses her again, hand still on the flare at her heart, and he's somehow not surprised to feel its pulse quicken in time with Wanda's heartbeat.]
I hope it helps you feel how much I love you in return. All of you, Wanda. [He touches that pointed ear again, delighting in the way it makes her shiver.] What I see every day, and what I now know to be true about you.
[Will they ever learn more about where he's from, what race he belongs to, who his people are? Well. His people are Wanda's Court, now, but as for the rest of it, this is a pretty good indication that she, at least, won't mind learning whatever secrets his form holds. Another splinter of anxiety that he doesn't have to worry about any more, and he already feels better for it.
He tilts his head to one side curiously.]
Is this a dream I will remember?
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I was so afraid that I would frighten you... [But that was silly, wasn't it? She nuzzles a little closer and lets her love bleed through their connection.] But I understand now.
[Anyone who loves her enough to mark her soul like this could never be afraid of her. Pietro has seen her too, and there are stubborn Sapphire and Gray flares of power that never stray far from her shoulder blades. She always feels his support and love, just as she always feels Vision's.]
This is...we are sleeping, but this is more real than a dream. You should remember anything that happens here as easily as things that happen when you're awake.
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You don't frighten me. [And even here, deeper in the Abyss than he could ever reach on his own, the words are true. He's not an idiot; he knows the forces outside this bubble of protection would rip him apart faster than he could blink, but he also trusts her absolutely, and so he is not afraid.]
Ah, I am glad. Though I think perhaps I will not speak of it to anyone else.
[He has a pretty good idea that Pietro must have seen her like this, and possibly others, but it can't have been too many of them. This is rare and precious, and he is honored to be trusted enough to see it.
Besides, he's not going to tell anyone that the Queen crawled into his bed if he can possibly avoid doing so. That stays between them. He huffs lightly as his mind wanders there, though.]
Just be sure to guide us back out before sunrise, hmm? I don't want a certain Sceltie to wake up and find you missing.
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And Zoran is just a delight. Wanda laughs and nuzzles Vision's neck.]
I'm not afraid anymore. He won't panic. But...he is not very good at keeping secrets.
[One day, this won't be a secret and she will be able to love Vision more openly. But until then...no lazy mornings cuddled up in bed together. She'll just have to find another way to make it up to him, which shouldn't be hard at all.
For now, though, she's content to stay like this a little longer. Dawn is still a while off, and Wanda always feels most complete here. She's glad she could share this with him tonight.]
Oh Vizh...the Sapphire sings when you touch me. You make me feel like I'm glowing.
[Wanda untangles herself enough to cup his cheek and guide him down for another deep kiss, once again working her tongue into Vision's mouth. She loves the more passionate kisses they can share here in the privacy of the Abyss.]
My heart is yours, my Prince, [she tells him a little breathlessly when they part.] However you want it.
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[It's not hard to believe the Sapphire sings when he touches her. He can feel it in his own way, rushing through his bloodstream and energizing him just to be in proximity to her. If he helps Wanda feel like she glows around him, she makes him know that he's alive.
Sometimes he wonders where he came from before he woke up in Wanda's garden, but times like this cement the knowledge that it doesn't matter. Nothing from his life before could possibly matter as much as being held by Witch in the Abyss, and hearing that she loves him.
They hold each other and kiss, and talk of inconsequential things for a while longer, but eventually she guides Vision back up to the Sapphire and releases him, and his mind makes its way back as from an ordinary dream until he awakens to find himself snuggling with a dozing Wanda in his arms, just as dawn is barely beginning to light up his window. He basks for a few glorious moments in the warm comfort and then presses a light kiss to her forehead, speaking softly.]
Morning is almost here, my love.
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She'll have to bring him here again someday. Vision saw her, really saw her, and they'd spent their time kissing more than they have in the waking world. It had been a wonderful night of freedom, and her love for him has only grown.
Time is fuzzy. She's next aware of a gentle kiss and blinks awake, red briefly flickering in her eyes. She's warm, and cuddled up much closer to Vision than she'd been when they'd fallen asleep. It's not surprising, though, and Wanda's first instinct is to burrow closer into his warmth.]
Five more minutes?
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It doesn't stop him from tucking his arms and legs around her, comfortable and warm and reveling in the feel of her body against his. Oh, he could get used to sleeping like this far too easily.]
Five more minutes, but not six. My day begins early enough as it is.
[He inhales the sweet scent of Wanda's hair and sighs contentedly.]
I would say this was a successful experiment. You are welcome here whenever you wish.
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Then we will have to make it count.
[She shifts just enough to press several soft, gentle kisses to the skin and metal over his heart. Not too many, and nothing passionate - this isn't the Abyss, and in the waking world they aren't quite ready for the same level of intensity.]
I liked this, too. If you're sure...then next time I will stay with you. And if you ever reach for me, I will come.
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