AN: Enjoy!

The shower in Wanda's apartment was on the small side, yet somehow it did not feel cramped, sharing it with Vision. She was comfortable with Vision.

He was so sweet and gentle with her, helping her wash her hair, and scrub a few of those hard to reach areas. She did the same for him, although it was slightly difficult for her to reach Vision's hair, and they both giggled slightly as he dipped his head to help her. Wanda giggled a lot around Vision.

Later, when they visited a little cafe together for Brunch, they chatted happily, and laughed in a way they could rarely laugh around others, because others so often misunderstood. Laughing didn't mean they were feeling better, or that their grief was over. It didn't mean that Wanda was no longer hurting over the loss of her brother, or that Vision was no longer heartbroken over a son who had died much too young.

It simply meant that, sometimes, they could still find moments of joy in their days. And when Wanda and Vision were together, they felt safe enough to enjoy them.

A few days before little Nate's Birthday party, Wanda decided that she needed to call the Bartons and let them know she was bringing a guest. She had put off the call, first because she had not been planning to actually bring Vision. After she'd changed her mind, Wanda had continued to put off the call because of the likelihood of Clint reacting badly.

Wanda had always been closest with Clint, and he was the one she would usually call when she planned a visit, but he had a tendency to be a little over protective, so this time, she called Laura, whom she hoped would display more level headed behaviour.

"You're bringing a friend home, huh?"

Wanda sighed. She could almost see Laura's smirk.

"Yes.."

"Would this be the same 'friend' you told me about last time you came for dinner?"

"Maybe.. And maybe he's more than a friend now" Wanda admitted, "But I'd prefer that Clint didn't know that just yet.."

"I won't tell him, but I can't promise that he won't work it out on his own. I mean, finding out you were sleeping with someone during your last visit, and then bringing a male 'friend' along this time? Clint is not that dumb, Honey. There's a good chance he'll put two and two together."

"I know, but I don't have to make it too easy for him. Or too difficult for.. My friend."

"Right.. So.. are you happy with this friend?"

"I.. am about halfway there" said Wanda.

"Then I look forward to meeting him. See you both Saturday."

"Yeah, Saturday, Bye, Laura." Wanda sighed as she disconnected the call.

One pre-party task officially done.

Now, the only thing Wanda needed for the party was a present for little Nate. So, on Friday afternoon, as she headed for the Toy Store at her local Mall, Wanda realised that she had absolutely no idea what a one-year old boy would like.

Worse, she had no-one that she could ask for help. She headed to the baby and toddler section, so lost in her thoughts about her present problem that she didn't notice another person browsing in the aisle she had entered until she bumped into them.

"Oof! Oh, I'm sorry, I should have been looking where I was.."

"Wanda?"

Wanda was startled by the familiar voice, looking up to find Vision standing before her.

"Vizh" She blinked, surprised. She hadn't been expecting to see him until that night at their grief group. "What are you doing here?"

"I was looking for a present for your Foster brother," Vision explained.

"You don't have to bring a present, Vizh" Wanda frowned. "You've never even met Nate."

"I know.." said Vision, blushing a little. "But I wanted to. I thought.. Well.. I wanted.."

"Wanted what?"

"To make a good first impression on your family.. It sounds like they are rather protective of you."

"Oh.. um.. That's really sweet of you" Wanda blushed a little herself. "Um, since you're here, could you help me pick something out? I have no idea what a one year old would like.."

"It would be my pleasure," Vision smiled, turning back towards the store's selection. "I'm a little out of practice, mind you, since it's been a long time since my two were that age. But from what I remember, you want something that will stimulate the little one's senses.."

So, after some discussion and a bit of browsing, Wanda purchased a rainbow Xylophone, and Vision chose a toy that would help Nate in learning his colours and shapes.

Then, they stopped off in the food court, grabbing some tea and sharing a slice of chocolate cake.

"Thanks for helping me out back there.." Wanda smiled across the table at Vision after swallowing a mouthful of cake. "I wouldn't have had a clue what to choose.."

"I understand" Vision smiled back, taking a forkful of cake for himself. "Presents for children can be overwhelming."

"I just.." Wanda sighed. "I want to do better."

"What do you mean?" Vision sounded a little confused.

"When Laura first got pregnant with Nate, I had all these.. Plans" Wanda tried to explain. "About things I was going to do for him, the kind of person I was going to be in his life. But then, a few weeks before he was born.."

"Your brother died.."

"Yeah.. and I just completely fell apart, for a long time, and any plans I had about Nate, or anything else were forgotten about entirely.." Wanda sighed again, rather sadly. "I haven't spent nearly as much time with Nate as I would have liked.. the kid is named after my brother, and I hardly know him.."

"It's alright" Vision reached across the table to hold her hand. "In stressful times, or after losses.. people make mistakes. Unless you do one of the few things that are truly unforgivable, most can be corrected. Children are resilient."

"You think so?"

"Oh yes. When Vin was ill, I struggled to make enough time for Viv.. she understood, of course, but I'm still trying to make things up to her now. You have plenty of time to make it up to Nate."

"I hope so.." Wanda frowned.

"I know so" Vision replied. "You say you don't know Nate, but before now, and this is not at all meant as an insult to babies, there wasn't much of him to know. You are getting in at exactly the right time."

"I am?" Wanda raised an eyebrow.

"Oh yes.. This is the age we're he'll start to walk, and talk, and really play" Vision grinned, an almost wistful grin, and Wanda couldn't help but wonder whether he was thinking of his own children. "You'll have plenty of time to make memories with him, trust me."

Wanda felt comforted by Vision's words, and smiled.

"That actually helps a lot, Vizh. Thank you."

Vision smiled back, and kissed the back of Wanda's hand.

"You're welcome."