I wrote this one-shot before I watched WandaVision. However, I tweaked a few minor details after watching. I binged all the episodes on the day after the finale. I decided to publish it now since today marks my 9th year on this site.
Disclaimers - I don't own anything. This is a WandaVision 60s AU.
I hope you enjoy :)
A Magician Never Tells:
"I can't…"
Another day, another talent show in Westview. Since their last magic act was (mostly) a success, they decided to go with some more tricks up their sleeves. Wanda's used to her role as the magician's assistant and the acts while wearing a sparkly body piece and top hat. She'd pull rabbits from hats or step into a box and vanish. Anything to make the crowds cheer for more and fit in to the neighbourhood.
This time, Vision decided to try a new trick from the book that Wanda wasn't didn't know. Vision got into a coffin-shaped box they rolled out onto the centre of the stage. Wanda assumed she'd step inside but nearly runs off the stage when a flimsy saw appears in her hands. She didn't do that. Her eyes alternate from the saw to Vision who's now lying in what's basically a closed casket with his head sticking out one end and his feet the other, arms inside against his body.
"Wanda," Vision mutters through his teeth, mindful of the audience waiting for the big show. "It's time."
"No," Wanda responds, this moment starting to feel all too familiar.
For a moment, her mind flashes to Wakanda. Her sparkling outfit is now her dark red battle uniform and Vision is kneeling on the ground instead of lying in a box; synthesoid instead of his human cover in a strapping suit. There's the sound of a fight starting as the wind picks up. It's a battle they won't win.
" … maybe we can."
Wanda snaps out of her daydreams. She's back on stage in her sparkly outfit with all eyes in the audience on her and the saw. They're waiting for the big show.
It isn't until now that Wanda realizes how stupid she looks. Perfect hair, glittering ensemble, nylons, and heels. This is ridiculous.
"Look at me," Vision mutters to grab her attention again. "Only you have the power-"
"Don't," Wanda states, her voice trembling like last time. She doesn't want to relive this moment in her new reality if she doesn't want it.
"We are out of time."
"I can't."
Wanda knows he's talking about the magic trick. The act. It's all a show but it's too real for her. Suddenly, the magician's trick doesn't seem so stupid. It's protecting the man she loves with all her heart.
Her lips tremble, hands shake, tears pooling in her eyes.
"It's not fair," Vision says, his face softening when he sees her sadness, "it shouldn't be you but it is. It's alright. You could never hurt me. I just feel you."
And then it starts. Her vision fills with red, swirling like streams of blood. Her arms burn as her power shoots out, fighting a battle on multiple ends they can't win; her chances not looking good as time ran out.
She's learned that love is a chemical reaction in the brain, a feeling that can last a lifetime. It could repeat over and over, but sometimes it doesn't.
Wanda's arms tremble as she puts the saw's blade against the box's dotted line. She slices it forward and back, slowly repeating the motion and picking up speed. Tears fall out of her eyes as she looks at Vision. His face is content, relaxed. The crowd grows excited, starting to clap and some, the sound resembling Thanos getting closer to her, each step following a defeated hero buying her time.
Not all love stories have to end in heartbreak. Dying is easy but living with a broken heart and the memories are sad. Sometimes, the love left behind still burns, running on its last fumes until a spark of grief sets it aflame again. The embers build again, clinging to any feeling that's left before setting it off and going supernova.
Like breaking an infinity stone with your own power.
But … she reaches the bottom of the box dry-eyed. She pulls the clean saw out and puts it on the ground beside her. It's silent in the courtyard, minus her heels clicking on the stage as she walks. The crowd waits in anticipation for the big reveal as she circles the box. She hesitates before laying her hands on it.
In one swift motion, she divides the halves she made.
The crowd bursts into applause as the emptiness inside is shown and Vision cheers for her. Wanda smiles as she walks to where his head is, bending over to kiss him right in the centre of his forehead, between his brows. She can feel him.
"I told you it'd be alright," Vision whispers, "now put me back together."
Wanda gives him a quick peck in the same spot before standing straight to close the box. Once it clicks into place, Wanda circles back behind it before opening the top. Vision hops onto his feet, opening his arms to the cheering crowd as he jumps down on the stage.
Wanda folds her hands together, holding them until Vision wraps his arm around her waist. She puts a hand on his back as he escorts her out to the front of the stage. He opens his arm to show her off and she beams, waving to the crowd like royalty before she bows.
Even as the assistant, a magician never tells their secret. But if she had to share something that helped her get this far into the show, it's smiling like she never cried.
Thank you to anyone who has read this story. Please let me know what you thought. If you have a story idea that you want me to write or a story you want me to beta, don't be afraid to ask!
~ MysteryGal5