So is there not a category for Civil war or what? Just wondering. Also, if any of my lovely little Darcy's think there is some awkward entering of the bubble moments Vis and Wanda should experience, review and lemme know!
Chapter 2: My bath buddy
As a special treat to herself, Wanda made space in her life for a luxuriously long soak once a week. Living in Avengers Tower had some major advantages and a never ending supply of hot water was one of them.
She ran the water until the bathroom was steaming, as hot as she could stand it and pinned her hair up. She'd also been meaning to get some essential oils or bubble bath but had yet to do so. The hot water and lights dimmed would have to be good enough for now.
With a soft sigh she settled into the water, eyes drifting shut while the tension oozed out of her body. The built in sound system played one of her playlists on shuffle, providing quiet background noise. She let herself drift, the smile giving way to tears as she released the pent up emotions of this week.
Such a release was a luxury, one Wanda often couldn't afford. With her powers and emotions so closely intertwined, a bout of crying or a fit of anger could have serious, even deadly, repercussions.
"Miss Maximoff, the food Mr. Stark sent for has been delivered. Shall I place it in the oven to keep warm?"
Water sloshed over the sides of the tub as she bolted up, blinking irritably at the man peering down at her.
"I didn't hear your knock." She replied. He pointed opposite her. "I came through the wall so as not to disturb you." He answered helpfully. Wanda had half a mind to order him out, she could always reheat her take out, when she noticed his studious gaze fixed on her chest.
"Was there anything else?" Wanda asked pointedly. He started, as though he had been so fixated that he'd forgotten she was more than a lab sample. Uninvited, he sat on the edge of the tub while Wanda discretely covered herself with a wash cloth.
"Might I ask why you engage in this ritual?" Her lips quirked. "If I went without bathing for awhile, I'm sure you'd have your answer." His thoughtful frown deepened. "I recognize the need humans have for good hygiene. However, I've also noted that you take a shower to cleanse yourself after each sparring match or training session. Never a bath. This is… different."
Again he was watching her with that same intensity. Since his "birth" Vision had made it clear he was a vast and endless resource of knowledge. Yet when it came to understanding humans and their behavior, he was utterly clueless.
Perhaps that was why he was now watching her as though she were a puzzle he had yet to solve.
"I use it as a means of relaxation." She explained. His head tilted. "The bathing?" Wanda shook her head, smiling at his confusion. "In instances like this, I only soak. I might shave perhaps. Or clean myself with a wash cloth. But the intention is to relax my body and mind."
Vision processed this information at his usual high speed before his eyes met hers yet again. "Why does it not work now?"
Wanda was at a loss. How had he known something was amiss? "There are times the effect takes longer. That's all." She sunk lower into the water, hoping he would drop the subject and leave.
He didn't.
"You've been crying Miss Maximoff. I hardly think that would imply a relaxed state of mind." She tried for a smile but barely managed a grimace. "Probably because I'm lacking in the good bath department. I had meant to go to the store but there never seems to be time for such things."
He thought this over and then stood suddenly. "Thank you for these new insights. I will see to it that your dinner retains its heat. Please enjoy the rest of your ritual Miss Maximoff."
She had no time to formulate a reply, as he was already leaving through the wall yet again.
When her next chance for a bath rolled around, Wanda was seriously considering skipping it all together.
This had been the week from hell and she was 100 percent done. Her sparring sessions with Natasha had been sloppy at best, Tony and Pepper had kept her up late in the night with their fighting, both Clint and Laura were unavailable for lunch or a chat and Steve was both moody and distant.
They'd also had more than a few jobs requiring The Avengers, one of which ended with a child dying in her arms and just today one leaving her with a concussion that messed with her telepathy. Head aching, eyes hot and pricking with tears, Wanda wasn't sure whether to have a meltdown or find some Villains to mentally smash into oblivion.
A trail of clothes was left behind as she went towards her bathroom, thinking she could at least grab a quick shower if nothing else. It was not to be, however, as Vision (yet again) manifested in front of her. Too tired to jump and too irritated to be embarrassed, she simply folded her arms in front of her.
"You needed something?"
Had she not known better, she might have said the synthezoid was nervous. He shifted from one foot to the other, mid air, and adjusted something draped over one arm.
"I wondered if I might request your assistance. You see, after our recent talk concerning the purpose of a bath, I noted that yours seemed to fall short of the desired result. I've done extensive research and wondered if you might be willing to help further my understanding."
Wanda very nearly said no. She was in no mood to be subjected to experiments again and for all she knew, it might make her nightmares worse. But something in his demeanor reassured the telepath that this "assistance" she'd be providing probably wouldn't do that.
"Why not? How can I help?" She asked, a weary smile taking over her features. Vision's movements became jerky, he did a little two steps back, one step forward dance in his excitement.
"Excellent. If you would put this on please?" He offered the garment he'd been holding, a long silk kimono in black with red blossoms hand painted onto it's surface. "I've noticed your penchant for these colors and so I tried to keep in line with that pattern." He explained. Her lips turned up in a smile a bit more genuine and her finger turned in a circle. When he frowned in confusion she sighed.
"Turn around please."
Still appearing lost, he did as she requested. "I've seen your bare form multiple times now.. This makes you uncomfortable?" Wanda slipped into the robe, relishing the feel of silk against her skin. "It's not exactly my first choice for a conversation, no. You can look now."
He turned and she almost laughed at how stunned he seemed to be. Trust Vision, having seen her naked, to be shocked by how a garment lay. "Does it look so terrible?" He smiled, almost shyly, and turned to walk to the bathroom. "Not at all. This way please."
When she stepped into the en suite, Wanda was struck completely speechless. The air was heady with scented candles that had been lit, there was a large basket of assorted bath bombs, oils and bubble bath, and a classical piece she recognized as one of Vision's favorites was gently trilling in the background.
"If you would put this beneath your tongue? I require your temperature." He offered a thermometer, nodding in satisfaction when it beeped and he could see the results. This done, he started up the bath water, running it and adjusting until it's heat had reached the level he wanted.
"The ideal temperature for a bath would be two degrees above your own." Vision explained. He then picked up the basket on the sink, showing her the goodies within. "My research suggested an assortment of additions can provide the most restful experience. I've found bath bombs, which are completely safe and, as it turns out, not real bombs in various scents and types. I've also gathered bubble bath, which appears to be the most common in this regard." He studied a bottle, frowning thoughtfully.
"This particular type smells of.. Orchids and honey. I've also fetched one that is 'warm vanilla sugar', sweet pea blossom and.. Ocean breeze." He continued rifling through, showing her essential oils and bath salts before she gently took the basket away.
"The orchids will be fine."
"Of course."
He poured in a lavish amount, swirling it into the steaming water so that you couldn't see the water for the bubbles. Unbidden, he turned his back to her, making the teen laugh when he circled his finger in the air.
"I've amused you?"
She shrugged out of the robe, hanging it and sliding into her prepared bath.
"You have. Thank you Vision."
Once he was certain she was covered, he turned back and perched lightly on the edge of the tub. "I've also procured a plush robe, this can be worn once you're through. Miss Maximoff.. I must thank you for the allowances made this evening. I hope I haven't… overstepped."
Eyes closed and head tipped back against a bath pillow (another 'addition') Wanda smiled.
"Vision.. You've seen me naked more than once now. I think you can begin to call me Wanda."
The synthezoid stammered bashfully, then offered a hesitant smile.
"Alright… Wanda. But you must call me- I'm not sure. My name is not- I have no surname, so I suppose we're already speaking with familiarity."
Wanda opened one eye, sneaking a peek to watch his reaction.
"Vis, we're going to have to discuss what familiarity means."
His smile grew a little wider.
"Vis.. a moniker. I've never had one before… does this mean we're- we're friends?Now?"
She grinned and closed her eyes.
"If we even the score. Perhaps I'll walk in on your bath time." Wanda teased.
"I don't require bathing. However, if you would like, you may view my form after your bath." He offered. When her cheeks reddened, he wasn't sure if it was the heat from the water or embarrassment.
"Maybe some other time Vis."
"Some other time then Wanda."