The Art of Protection

by savvypen

Focusing on the developing relationship between Scarlet Witch and Vision, this story is set in an alternate universe of Civil War. Instead of joining the battle with the other Avengers, Wanda and Vision find themselves together in a safe house. Through isolation and chemistry, their friendship grows into something more. (This is my first fanfic, and I would love some feedback.)

1. Chapter 1

Tony Stark gazed up at his synthetic creation with determination in his eyes.

"We can't let the kid be recruited by Cap. You know I'm right about this."

Vision disliked it when his fellow Avengers referred to the Scarlet Witch as 'the kid'. Prior to his own birth only a few short months ago, Wanda was the youngest member of the group at 22. But if Vision had learned anything in his short life, the number of trips a person took around the sun did not determine their intelligence or capability. He himself was a perfect example of this. But so was Wanda. In the time he had known her, they had become fast friends, her introducing him to the human world and him trying to rescue her from the darkness of her own mind.

Vision returned Stark's look with a determined one of his own, "I cannot betray her in this way, Mr. Stark. Her trust is hard to earn and rarely given."

By the set in his jaw, Tony knew he would have to try a different approach to convince Vision to take the witch to the safe house he had built specifically to contain her powers. He, however, was still not above his original plan of drugging her and carrying her there himself. The situation would just be much more convenient if Vision would comply. Knowing his creation's adoration for the logical, Tony adopted a different approach.

"Convince her then," Tony turned to Vision. "You may not agree with my method of transportation, but you can't deny the safe house is the best place for Wanda to be. You can't see the future, but you can know the most probable outcomes of an event. Show her your mind. Show her what will happen if she joins Cap."

Vision considered the truth ringing in his creator's words. From the second he heard of Steve Rodger's plans, he knew no good would come if Wanda joined the fight. Her recruitment would mean his as well. Aligning himself with Stark, it would be his duty to counter the witch's powers with his own, protecting the team but also her.

Aside from the issue of her volatile abilities, there was also the matter of the public's opinion of her. As much as Vision hated it, they blamed Wanda for the bombing that still woke her nightly, trembling with fear and guilt. If she were to join Captain America, the public would only focus on the similarities between her and Sargent Barnes even more. Both had received their enhancements from the WWII antagonist HYDRA, both were the faces of recent bombings that resulted in the deaths of public officials, both were utterly alone in the world.

Vision gazed out the window. Tony Stark was right, even if his methods were incorrect. Wanda could not be permitted to fight with Captain America. He had simulated the outcomes of the Captain's actions countless times in the past three days, but the results were always the same: Wanda's being there would always directly cause the injury or death of one of the team members. The team needed to survive to face whatever supernatural or extraterrestrial foe was coming next. If a team member were to die in battle, it would better service the world if it happened against a real enemy, not during a preventable civil war between the Avengers.

Though he hated to admit it, his reasons for keeping her away were selfish all the guilt she still harbored both for the recent bombing and the death of her twin brother in the battle against Ultron, Vision knew that Wanda would slowly slip away if she hurt one of her friends. Not to mention she would most likely be imprisoned as a result of the civil war between the Avengers. He realized then that he would do whatever it took to keep his witch from experiencing any more pain.

He turned back to Tony, "Upon further analysis, it would appear that you are correct, Mr. Stark. Wanda cannot be present when the fighting ensues. I hope we do not have to take her to the safe house against her will, but you have my permission if it comes to that."

With these words, the pit of Vision's stomach burned with anxiety, a new sensation that Wanda had assured him was a human response to emotion.

Tony's eyes met his friend's. He reached out and touched Vision's shoulder before continuing slowly, "You have one day. This time tomorrow, I will be back to take her away if you can't."

With that, Stark turned and left the kitchen of the Avengers facility, understanding that Vision needed some time alone to process their decision.

Vision glanced at his reflection in the long windows that were set in the southern facing wall. He watched his red brow bone furrow as he hoped he had made the right choice.