AN: Enjoy the chapter!

The night of the Ball arrived, and the Avengers were all getting set to look their best- and not just because Tony's constant reminders had annoyed them into it.

As Natasha said, it was a matter of pride.

And, Steve had added, the night wasn't about them or Tony. It was about the Sokovian refugees they were trying to raise money for.

Of course, that also meant that quite a few eyes would be on Wanda, what with her being Sokovian and all. And that was fine. She didn't like it, but she had slowly gotten herself used to the idea that a lot of extra attention would be on her tonight. It was fine. Really.

At least it would be, if she could ever zip up the back of her damned dress. While it wasn't exactly full-on scandal worthy, she was sure that a larger than expected eyeful of Wanda Maximoff's bare back (and the waistband of her underwear) wasn't exactly the impression they were going for tonight. But she just couldn't quite reach that damn zip. Her powers were close to useless with anything she couldn't see, and everyone else was too busy getting ready themselves to notice her troubles.

Then, there was a knock at her door. Oh, please let it be..

"Wanda?"

Vision! Yes!

"Come in, Vizh, I need your help.."

"Are you sure?" Vision seemed uncertain. "Are you dressed?"

"Mostly. Get in here, quickly."

"Alright" Vision opened the door to find Wanda struggling with the zipper.

"Help me zip up, Vizh? I can't quite reach it.."

"Of course" He moved over to her, pulling up the zip. His fingers lightly brushed Wanda's bare skin as he did so, causing a small, pleasant shiver down Wanda's spine. He frowned. "Are you alright?"

"Yes" Wanda replied, just a little bit too quickly. "Oh, look at the time. Are the limos here to pick us up yet?" She tried to rush from the room.

"Wait.." Vision was clutching a piece of cloth, the reason he had sought Wanda out in the first place. "I couldn't work out my bow-tie."

"Ah. I'll fix that" She moved back over to him, tying the bow-tie for him as she had on the day they bought the tux. "Perfectiona. Let's go."

When they arrived at the entrance to The Ball, most of the guests were already present inside. Wanda took a few deep breaths, exhaling nervously.

"Demnezeu. I don't think I'm ready for this.."

"Remember what we talked about" Vision offered his arm.

"Pretend they're people I like" Wanda nodded. "And you.."

"Don't be too stiff. Feel the music."

"Right" She took his arm. "We can do this."

"Yes, we can."

They headed inside.

Wanda danced with each young man pushed her way. Spoiled boys, born with silver spoons shoved into their mouths.

She tried to smile. Pretended she was speaking with Clint, or Steve, or Sam. One, laying on a thick layer of charm that Wanda saw right through, could almost have reminded her of Pietro, except that Pietro had never been quite so smarmy with the girls he wooed. Pietro had also been enough of a gentleman to not grab a girl's ass a few minutes after meeting her.

When this happened, an annoyed Wanda pushed her dance partner away and sought out Vision, realising that she had not spotted him on the dance floor. Rather, he was standing alone and awkward at the side of the room. She made a beeline for him.

"Hey, Vizh. Why aren't you dancing?"

"Oh.. well.. I have tried to ask.. but no-one seems all that interested. It is alright. I understand that Captain Rogers or Mr. Wilson are far more attractive options.."

Wanda frowned at that. The previous song was ending. Before the next one began, she curtsied to Vision.

"May I have this dance, Sir?"

A shy smile spread over Vision's face.

"Why of course, Miss Maximoff." He took her hand. As they headed onto the dance floor, a few more eyes shot their way. Vision glanced around nervously, suddenly feeling quite self conscious.

"Hey. Don't worry about them. Eyes on me" Wanda instructed. Vision had to admit, looking at her, into her beautiful wide green eyes, helped quite a lot. "Just you and me Vizh, like we practised. Feel the music, let it guide you."

And this time, feeling so safe with her, he realised that he could. They were drawing a bit of a crowd now, but it didn't matter. Everything seemed to have faded to just the two of them.

Pepper nudged Tony.

"You don't think Vision and Wanda are.."

"What?" Tony scoffed. "No. They're just friends."

Wanda and Vision swayed and twirled around the dance floor together. Once, he even lifted her up, spinning her around. Wanda squealed slightly, then giggled. Vision thought it was the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard.

Vision was beaming so brightly, and Wanda thought his smile was one of the most wonderful things she had ever seen.

The song came to an end, leaving the pair facing each other, panting softly. Something between them had ever so slightly shifted. Wanda reached up to touch Vision's cheek.

"Vizh.."

And then they were interrupted by a gaggle of rather annoying, very spoiled young women. Daughters of the donors, counterparts to the young men Wanda had been dancing with earlier.

"Can I dance with The Vision next?"

Vision winced. He couldn't remember the last time anyone had referred to him as 'The' Vision in normal, polite conversation.

"Nuh-uh, me first!"

"No, me!"

Wanda stepped aside, hiding slight sadness behind her smile.

"Have fun, Vizh. Save another dance for me later, okay?"

"Wanda.." He tried to call after her, but she had already disappeared back into the crowd.

And even though he was now surrounded by people, Vision suddenly felt very much alone.