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Wanda woke up to her alarm drilling directly into her skull. She fumbled for it blindly, knocking it over twice before she finally silenced it. The quiet that followed was heavy and unkind, that average Monday morning feeling. She groaned and pushed herself upright, hair falling into her face in a way that guaranteed she would sigh when she looked in the mirror.
“Fantastic,” she muttered, looking at the frizzed mess and faint circles under her eyes. She splashed some water on her face, pulled on her fuzzy slippers, and cracked her door open.
From downstairs came the soft clatter of cabinets and the sound of someone else already being awake, her mother Laura or her father Clint, either way, it meant breakfast was happening.
Before heading downstairs, she knocked on Pietro’s door, and pushed it open a few inches.
“What year is it?” he groaned, as he sat up in his bed, rubbing his eyes.
“Monday,” Wanda said. “School in an hour.
“Cruel and unusual,” he muttered.
“I’ll see you downstairs,” Wanda whispered.
“Or I’ll beat you there,” he said jokingly, as he flopped back onto his pillow.
She snorted and headed for the stairs, the old wooden steps creaking under her.
“Good morning, kiddo,” Clint said, pouring himself coffee.
“Morning, dad,” Wanda answered.
She slid past him into the pantry, grabbing a box of cereal, and poured herself a small portion. She wasn’t hungry, she rarely was in the morning, but experience had taught her that skipping breakfast led to lectures she didn’t have the energy or patience for.
“New exchange students today, right?” Clint asked.
“I think so. Four of them. Only one in my class though, I think he’s from the UK,” she said, pouring milk into the cereal. “I could be wrong.”
“Make sure Pietro behaves,” Clint said. “And try not to roll your eyes more than twice a sentence.”
She rolled her eyes immediately at that and scoffed.
“There, there. Wanda, go get dressed so you don’t miss the bus,” Laura’s voice cut in softly.
Wanda smiled at her, warmth settling in her chest. Her adoptive mother had that effect, gentle and grounding.
She passed Pietro in the stairs as he came down fully dressed, already awake in a way that felt unfair.
Upstairs, Wanda dressed quickly. A pair of pale blue ripped jeans, a black and gray striped shirt, and a black cardigan. She brushed her hair into submission and put on a light layer of makeup to look alive.
The morning air was cool and damp when she and Pietro walked to the bus stop together, hand in hand. On the bus, Pietro claimed a row for them and boxed her in towards the window in his usual protective manner.
At school, the halls buzzed with noise and motion. Pietro pushed through the crowd, tugging Wanda along behind him.
“Sorry! Move! Coming through!” he called.
Wanda mouthed apologies to the people he nearly bulldozed.
They slid into their usual seats near the back of the classroom, Wanda in front, Pietro behind, in his self-declared position as the “cooler twin”.
“Nervous?” he asked.
“No,” she chuckled, already pulling out her notebook. “School is easy if you pay attention.”
“Nerd,” Pietro teased.
Their teacher arrived right on time, and not alone.
“Listen up, everyone,” he started. “This is Vision. He is joining us this semester. Give him a warm welcome.”
He gestured towards the boy standing next to him with his hands folded. Tall, blonde, and wearing glasses. He looked like someone who didn’t quite know where to put himself.
“Hello. I’m Vision. I’m an exchange student from the UK. I like reading and sports,” he said awkwardly.
A few scattered welcomes followed.
“Find yourself a seat and we’ll get started,” their teacher said.
Vision’s eyes moved across the room, pausing just briefly on Wanda before sliding to the empty chair beside her. He walked up quickly.
“Excuse me, is this seat taken?” he asked quietly.
“Not at all, please, sit,” Wanda said after glancing at the chair and then him.
“Thank you,” he said and set his bag down carefully. “It’s nice to meet you, I’m Vision.”
“Heard that already,” Pietro said, leaning forward in his seat. “I’m Pietro, and that is my little sister.”
Wanda rolled her eyes and threw a kick backwards, not landing it on Pietro, but warning him.
Their lesson settled into its familiar rhythm. Wanda took notes in her usual manner, focused and steady. In the corner of her eye, she noticed Vision doing the same. Neat handwriting, precise movements and full attention to the subject. It was… refreshing to see.
The bell rang suddenly, almost startling her.
“I’ve got history next,” Pietro said, already standing. “You?”
“Biology,” Wanda replied. “Double period.”
“Gross! See you at lunch,” Pietro grimaced.
She turned to pack up, noticing Vision being packed up but perhaps hesitating.
“Um,” he said. “I think I also have biology next. Would we be in the same one?”
“Let me see your schedule,” she smiled and held out her hand.
He handed it over to her, and it was nearly identical to hers.
“Yeah, same biology. Just follow me,” she offered.
Relief seemed to spread across his expression. They stepped out of the classroom together and walked through quieter halls. Wanda pointed out classrooms, bathrooms, lockers. She showed him hers, which was tucked away beneath a set of stairs, with Pietros, of course.
“These are the good ones,” she said. “Hidden.”
“I’ll remember that,” Vision said.
Together, they found his locker, not too far away from hers.
“Wanda!” a familiar voice shouted as they were about to enter the classroom.
Gabriella, one of her few friends approached them, waving.
“Hi Gabi. This is Vision, the new exchange student,” Wanda explained.
“Thank god. Please tell me you both have biology so I don’t suffer alone,” Gabriella whined.
“We do,” Wanda nodded.
Vision nodded along, listening more than speaking. The three walked into the classroom together. Inside, the desks were arranged in pairs. Vision was preparing to get disappointed, before Gabriella spoke.
“Wanda… I know we usually sit together, but… William and I–”
“Go,” Wanda chuckled. “Tell me everything later.”
As Gabriella left, Wanda glanced around the room, suddenly aware she wasn’t defaulting to Pietro or her friend.
“If you don’t mind,” Vision braved, “could we sit together?”
“S-sure!,” she exclaimed quickly, nervous and hopeful.
His smile was immediate and bright, and together they sat down at their desk. As the teacher launched into molecular genetics, Wanda had to focus to keep up with the note-taking. Vision seemed to keep the pace effortlessly. Once or twice, she noticed him glancing at her notes, not to copy or judge, just… seemingly checking.
By the time biology was over, Wanda’s fingers ached from all the writing. She packed her bag, slinging it over one shoulder, and noticed Vision doing the same, but slightly slower.
“Lunch next?” she asked.
“I think so,” he nodded.
They walked together toward the cafeteria, the hall growing louder the closer they came. Wanda scanned the room out of habit, looking for Pietro’s unmistakable shock of white hair. But she didn’t. Vision slowed to a stop.
“If… um… you’re meeting someone, I don’t want to–”, he stuttered nervously.
“I’m not,” she said quickly, then softened her tone. “I think Pietro ditched me for his friends.”
“Oh,” Vision breathed. “Would you… want to sit together?”
“Yeah, I would,” she smiled.
The cafeteria was chaotic. Voices overlapping, trays clattering and the smell of different food lingering in the air. Vision gathered his food carefully, like he was afraid to choose wrong. She watched him longer than she meant to.
They found a small table by the window. Wanda set her tray down and sat down, and Vision set his tray down across from her, then hesitated awkwardly.
“Would it be alright if I sat there?” he gestured to the seat beside her instead.
Her heartbeat skipped, not dramatically, but noticeably.
“Sure,” she said, shifting her tray and scooting further in to make space.
He sat down next to her. Their elbows occasionally brushed when they ate, which made Wanda feel butterflies. She had to shake the thought. She asked him about his hometown, learning he was from Edinburgh. She told him about Sokovia, how she was adopted from there, and how she could relate to being new somewhere and not quite feeling like you’d fit in. She noticed how he spoke, like he measured his words and carefully constructed his sentences before offering them. Wanda found herself leaning towards him without realizing she had done that.
“I’m glad you found me today,” he said quietly.
“Me too,” she said, looking at him.
After they finished eating, Vision stood up and automatically reached for her tray.
“Oh, you don’t have to…” she started.
“I know, but I want to,” he said, already stacking it on his.
So she let him. They walked out of the cafeteria together, the crowd having thinned by now. Vision held the door open for her, making her chuckle at his gentleman behavior. She couldn’t tell from where, but she knew Pietro was watching with burning eyes as they walked towards history.
History was unbearable. Wanda scribbled notes mechanically while Vision leaned over his desk, murmuring commentary under his breath.
“This can’t possibly be relevant anymore,” he whispered.
“Careful, Mr. Russell can hear you,” she said, stifling her laugh.
“I’ll risk it,” he snorted.
She glanced at him. His smile was small, but cute. He was doing something exciting to her.
After the unbearable history lesson, Vision headed for PE.
“I think I have it tomorrow,” Wanda groaned, scrunching her nose. “But I’ll probably stick around.”
“Really?” Vision said, his expression brightening.
“Someone has to make sure Pietro doesn’t break anything,” she grimaced.
“I’ll see you out there, then,” he laughed.
On the track, Vision pulled off his glasses and tucked them carefully into his bag. He moved along the other boys with surprising ease; long strides, steady breathing, hardly pressed by the pace.
Wanda sat with Gabriella in the stands, pretending not to watch too closely.
“You’re staring,” Gabriella warned.
“I’m not,” Wanda chuckled.
“You absolutely are,” Gabriella answered with certainty.
Vision jogged alongside Pietro. His hair looked even brighter in the sunlight. When he saw Pietro raising his hand, he had to lift his gaze, spotting Wanda in the stand. His expression softened, and he lifted his hand in a small, discreet wave.
She waved back.
After jogging and playing some soccer, PE was over. Pietro’s team won, and voted Vision should be on the school's soccer team, to which he agreed.
Wanda waited near the locker rooms, arms crossed on her chest. The door opened, and Vision stepped out first.
“Oh-hi,” he said, startled. “I didn’t expect–”
“I’m waiting for Pietro!” she said quickly. “Not… lurking.”
“I didn’t think you were,” he smiled.
“You played really well,” she said.
“Thank you,” he said. “That means a lot.”
Wanda unlocked her phone and handed it to him, suddenly shy.
“Put your number in, in case you need anything,” she said gently.
“There,” he said after tapping in the digits. “You can text. Or call. Anytime.”
The eye contact that followed was filled with something she couldn’t quite figure out, which made her chuckle nervously before Pietro burst out the door.
“Alright, stinking sister. Move it,” Pietro commanded.
“I should go,” Wanda sighed.
“I’ll see you tomorrow?” Vision asked.
“I hope so!” Wanda said excitedly.
As Pietro dragged her away, she glanced back over her shoulder. Vision was still watching her.
Dinner was louder than Wanda wanted it to be.
Pietro talked with his mouth full, retelling the soccer game with unnecessary dramatics. Clint asked pointed questions about school, and Laura tried, but failed, to keep the conversation civil.
“So,” Clint said eventually. “The new kids. How are they?”
“Fine,” Pietro said. “The guy from the UK is decent. Good on the field.”
“He’s nice,” Wanda agreed, poking at her greens.
“Nice how?” Clint’s eyes snapped to her and narrowed.
“Just… nice. Polite. Smart. He’s in most of my classes,” she sighed.
“I’m sure he appreciates someone like you,” Laura said softly.
“Probably,” Wanda said, hiding her excitement.
“Yeah,” Pietro added with a smirk. “She basically adopted him."
Wanda kicked him under the table.
Dinner ended without any further cross-examination. Wanda cleaned her plate and escaped upstairs before Clint would have the chance to follow up. In her room, she shut her door, leaning against it, her heart beating faster than usual.
She pulled out her phone.
Vision: “Thanks for spending time with me today. It helped. I think we have algebra and chemistry together too.”
Her lips curved into a smile she didn’t have to hide.
Wanda: “Yep. Looks like we do. :)”
She curled onto her bed, covering her legs with the soft plush throw Laura had gotten her for Christmas. She eyed the dots that kept appearing and disappearing.
Vision: “I’m glad. It’s easier when I know someone’s there.”
Her chest warmed, and she bit her lip.
Wanda: “Same.”
A thumbs-up reaction followed.
She snort-laughed. “Dork,” she whispered to herself.
The following second, her door handle turned, which startled her. She shoved her phone beneath her pillow just before Pietro poked his head in.
“What are you blushing at?” he asked.
“Nothing,” she hissed back.
“That’s suspicious,” he raised his eyebrows at her.
“I’m showering, get out, creep,” she yelled.
He rolled his eyes but complied and shut the door. Wanda took a quick shower, letting the warm water steady her thoughts. When she came back, there was another message on her phone.
Vision: “See you tomorrow, then?”
She typed back without hesitation.
Wanda: “Bright and early.”
Almost immediately, another thumbs-up reaction showed up. Her laugh escaped before she could stop it.
The door opened again, this time more decisively. Clint stepped in and closed it behind him. She gulped, and tried her puppy-eyes and a soft smile at him which did not make him disappear.
“Straight home tomorrow,” he said, not angrily, but strictly.
“But Pietro–” she tried.
“He’s older,” Clint said. “And he’s so… Pietro.”
“And I’m what?” she asked.
“You’re you. And I worry,” he said, his expression softening.
“Dad, I didn’t do anything,” she sighed.
“I know, I just want you to be safe,” he said as he sat down beside her.
“The new guy walked with me all day. I didn’t ask him to. He just did,” she said, hesitating with each detail.
“And?” Clint prompted, studying her.
“And he was kind. Not pushy, not weird, just polite and good,” she whispered.
“Alright,” Clint nodded.
He tucked her in like she was still ten years old, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
“Night, sweetheart,” he whispered.
“Night, dad,” she responded.
Across town, Vision laid on his bed staring at his phone. Had the thumbs-up been too much? Too little? He groaned softly and rolled to his side before typing.
Vision: “Goodnight, Wanda.”
Her reply came quickly.
Wanda: “Goodnight, Vision.”
He smiled and turned his face into his pillow.
Wanda woke to darkness. Not the soft gray of early morning, but the heavy kind of darkness. Her alarm buzzed weakly before she shut it off. She frowned, rolled onto her side and checked her phone. Still early.
The house was silent.
She pulled on a hoodie and cracked her door open. No lights, no voices, just the faint sound of rain against the windows.
“Are you alive?” she whispered as she knocked on Pietro’s door.
A muffled groan answered back, and that was good enough.
She descended the stairs and nearly screamed.
“Easy,” Natasha said, lighting a lantern. “It’s just me.”
“You can’t just… appear like that,” Wanda panted, clutching her chest.
“The storm knocked out half the grid. Clint and Laura already left. I’m on babysitting duty,” Nat smirked.
“I’m not a baby,” Wanda pouted back.
“Debatable,” Natasha said and handed her a peeled orange. “Eat. I’m driving you. Is Pietro alive or do I need to get the hose?”
“I heard some noise. Could have been a raccoon, though,” Wanda shrugged.
Natasha rushed upstairs, and a short moment later Pietro stumbled down, his hair wild and complaining loudly. Wanda barely listened to him, her mind already drifting towards a different person.
She checked her phone while Nat yelled at Pietro to grab his shoes. No messages. She convinced herself that was normal.
The school parking lot was slick with rain. Wanda hurried inside, shrugging off her coat and heading straight for her locker. She was halfway through swapping books when she saw him in the mirror she had taped to her locker door.
He stood a few steps behind her, hands tucked into his pockets, like he wasn’t sure whether to interrupt. He looked different today. Dark jeans, dark blue sweater. Softer.
“Good morning,” he said in a slightly raspy voice.
“Hi, good morning,” she smiled, ignoring the leap her heart just made.
“I was hoping I’d see you,” he admitted, slightly flushed. “I mean, math is soon.”
“Yeah, I was just grabbing my book,” she smiled, trying not to stare.
“I can carry your bag,” he offered awkwardly.
She hesitated, just long enough to make sure she had heard him right, and then handed it to him.
“Thanks,” she whispered.
They walked together down the hall. Pietro fell behind them, silent for once. In the classroom, Vision pulled out her chair before taking the seat beside her. Their knees brushed under the desk. Neither yielded from the touch. Wanda could feel Pietro watching closely.
Math passed in a blur of numbers. Vision leaned in once or twice to whisper a question, his voice low enough that it felt like a secret. When the bell rang, Wanda exhaled, only then realizing how tense she’d been.
“I’ll see you later?” Vision asked.
“Yup, I have PE now,” she smiled. “But definitely later!”
As she walked away, Pietro caught up to her.
“So,” he said lightly. “You gonna tell me, or..?”
“There’s nothing to tell!” she exclaimed nervously.
“Uh-huh,” Pietro said, unconvinced.
Vision hadn’t planned on staying. He told himself he’d use the gap period to catch up on some reading, maybe explore the library, or just ground himself and his rushing thoughts. Those were the sensible options.
Instead, he found himself drifting towards the gym. The doors were propped open, laughter and the sharp squeak of sneakers spilling out into the hall. He slowed as he reached the threshold, hesitating as if he was doing something he shouldn’t. Then he saw her.
Wanda stood near the bleachers, tying her hair back into a low ponytail, dressed in a fitted athletic top and black shorts. She looked different like this, lighter and somehow prettier. Vision swallowed and took a seat close, yet far enough that he didn’t feel like he was intruding. He told himself he was just watching out of curiosity.
The class began with warm-ups. Wanda jogged easily, her movements swift and controlled. Vision tracked her without meaning to, following her path across the court.
“She’s good,” someone said beside him.
He turned, recognizing the tall, broad shouldered guy from their history class. Eric.
“Yeah, she is,” Vision agreed.
“That’s Wanda Maximoff. Her twin is captain of the soccer team. She’s kind of a big deal,” Eric continued.
Vision gulped and didn’t respond. When the coach divided them into pairs, Wanda was assigned with Eric, who had just remarked on her significance. Vision felt his chest tighten a little. Not sharp or out of place, just uncomfortable. Like something had shifted slightly out of place. He told himself it was nothing.
He watched as they practiced together. Eric leaned in and said something, and Wanda laughed. At one point, Eric reached out, steadying Wanda by the arm. Vision had to look away, as he deemed Eric’s hand to linger for a second too long.
Wanda spotted him near the end of class.
At first she thought she was imagining it. Vision, watching her PE lesson, when she had assumed he’d gone somewhere quiet. When their eyes met, neither looked away, which made her heart flutter. She waved shyly, and he lifted his hand in response, slower than usual.
When class ended, Wanda grabbed her bag and jogged over, breathless.
“You came,” she said, a little surprised, a little pleased.
“I–I had time,” Vision said. “I hope that’s okay.”
“It is,” she said gently. “I didn’t know you liked watching sports.”
“I don’t,” he admitted. “But I liked watching you,” he added quieter.
She heard it, and her cheeks warmed.
Before she could respond, Eric appeared beside them.
“Hey Wanda. Good game today,” he said.
“Thanks,” she shrugged, smiling politely.
Vision took a small step back. Enough for her to notice.
“See you tomorrow,” Eric said, to both of them.
Wanda looked at Vision, the space between them feeling heavier.
“You okay?” she asked, tilting her head.
“Yes,” Vision said immediately.
She studied him for a moment.
“I’m just gonna rinse off all the sweat. Will you save me a seat for chemistry?” she smiled.
“Of course,” he nodded, relief spreading across his face.
Wanda emerged from the locker room with her hair still damp, and a hoodie on. She scanned the hallway carefully. Vision was exactly where she had hoped; outside the classroom, with his backpack hanging on one shoulder.
“You waited,” she smiled when she closed up on him.
“I said I would,” he replied.
She slipped past her into the classroom, choosing a seat by the window. Vision followed without comment or instruction, taking the chair beside her. The room smelled faintly of cleaning chemicals.
Pietro arrived a couple seconds later.
His gaze flicked from Wanda, to Vision, to the way Vision had already pulled Wanda’s chair in slightly so their desks touched. Interesting.
Pietro took the seat directly behind them, stretching his legs out with exaggerated casualness.
“Pair up with the person next to you,” the teacher called.
Wanda and Vision looked at each other.
“I guess that’s us,” Wanda said softly.
“I’d like that,” Vision replied.
Pietro made a quiet, pointed noise behind them. They both pretended not to hear it.
Wanda tied her hair back again. They were assigned a simple titration experiment. Vision watched her as she confidently gathered the equipment.
“You’re very precise,” he observed.
“You noticed?” she teased lightly.
“Yes,” he said. “You do things like you’re making sure they’ll turn out right.”
“Is that a compliment?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.
“It is,” he smiled.
They worked easily together. Vision reading the instructions and taking notes as Wanda measured carefully, their bodies brushing now and then as they leaned over the bench. At one point, Wanda’s sleeve brushed against a beaker, knocking it slightly off-center.
“I’ve got it,” Vision said at the same time she reached for it.
Their hands collided, and neither of them pulled away immediately.
“Oh, sorry!” Wanda said, withdrawing her hand.
“It’s alright,” Vision replied, his voice lower.
From behind, Pietro cleared his throat loudly. Vision stiffened, figuring it was at him. Wanda turned halfway in her seat.
“What?” she groaned at him.
“Nothing,” Pietro said innocently. “Just making sure you don’t blow anything up again.”
“Okay, for the record, that was your doing!” Wanda laughed.
Halfway through the lab, Vision leaned closer, pointing at the color change in the solution.
“Now,” he whispered. “That’s the endpoint.”
“You’re good at this,” Wanda nodded.
“I had a very patient chemistry teacher. She insisted I slow down and trust the process,” he said.
“I like that,” Wanda smiled faintly.
Pietro leaned forward, right in between them.
“So,” he said brightly. “Vision. You play soccer. You watch PE. You sit with my sister in every class. Busy first week.”
“I like to stay occupied,” Vision said, meeting his gaze.
“Mhm,” Pietro hummed. “And you like chemistry?”
“Yes,” Vision answered.
“And Wanda?” Pietro asked.
Wanda kicked Pietro’s shin under the desk.
“Ow!” he whined. “What?”
Vision answered before Wanda could.
“Yes. I do,” he said simply.
The room felt very quiet all of a sudden. Pietro stared at him for a long moment. Then he leaned back, lips curling into a sharp grin.
“Alright,” he smirked.
Wanda turned to face Vision, her eyes wide in surprise. His face was turning red quickly.
When the bell rang, Pietro was out of his seat immediately.
“I’ll see you at lunch. We need to talk,” he told Wanda, occasionally eyeing Vision.
“You always say that,” Wanda groaned.
“And you always avoid it,” he shot back.
Once he was gone, Wanda turned to Vision, mortified.
“I’m sorry. He’s not usually that… intense,” she apologized.
“It’s okay, it’s understandable. He cares about you,” Vision said gently.
Her shoulders relaxed at that, and a faint smile took over her mortified expression.
“He does. A lot,” she admitted.
Slowly, they gathered their things and packed up. Vision promised to make copies of the notes he had taken so she didn’t have to.
“About earlier,” Wanda said, slightly hesitant. “In PE. If you felt weird at all– it wasn’t–”
“I know,” Vision said quickly. “Thank you for saying that.”
“I’m glad you stayed,” she said cheerily.
“So am I,” he replied.
They walked out together, shoulders close, neither ready to pull away quite yet. From down the hall, Pietro watched them go, arms crossed, eyes narrowed. He wasn’t angry, but he was paying attention now. His little sister, walking out with the new guy, looking happier than she had all week.
At lunch, his suspicion only grew. Wanda tried to act casual as she navigated the crowded cafeteria, but Pietro was relentless.
“Wanda,” he said as soon as she set her tray down. “You didn’t sit with him, I mean, Vision, did you?”
Wanda froze mid step.
“Pietro! I–he just… sat down, I didn’t ask him–”
“Uh-huh,” Pietro interrupted, leaning closer dramatically. “And you didn’t walk over to his table voluntarily either, right? No scheming? No... romance?”
Wanda’s cheeks heated immediately. Vision’s head tilted slightly, blinking at the situation, like he hadn’t expected a full interrogation squad routine.
“I’m just helping him find his classes! That’s it. No schemes, no secret plans, no nothing, Pietro!” she groaned.
Pietro’s gaze flicked between Wanda and Vision. Something about the way Vision’s eyes lingered on her when he thought no one was watching made Pietro’s jaw tighten slightly.
“I’ll take that… as a yes then?” Pietro pressed, his arms folded. “Do you even know what you’re doing? I mean, really?”
“I’m literally just helping him get around school!” Wanda said, a little exasperated, but trying not to laugh.
“Fine, but if I see any funny business… I will know, and I will intervene,” Pietro said, leaning back.
“You’re exhausting,” Wanda snorted.
Pietro smirked at her, remarking something about his rights as the older twin.
“Lunch is almost over,” Vision said, clearing his throat. “Should we head back to class?”
Wanda glanced at Pietro who gave her a subtle shrug as he backed away.
“He’s… intense,” she exhaled.
“He seems dedicated,” Vision said softly.
Wanda’s chest fluttered again. She realized her feelings for Vision were sneaking in faster than she’d meant to. Helping him had been innocent… hadn’t it? But now, seeing him smile at her like that, she knew it wasn’t just about being kind.
Wanda trudged home after school, her backpack heavier than it needed to be with PE clothes. Pietro was unusually quiet beside her, but she knew it wasn’t peace, he was simply simmering and processing every detail of her lunch with Vision.
Once inside, Clint was in the kitchen, frowning at a piece of mail.
“There are my kids!” he exclaimed, looking up. “How was school?”
“Fine,” Wanda replied, dropping her bag. “Busy.”
Pietro snuck into the kitchen, leaning against the counter, his eyes narrowing at her before a big smirk took over his face.
“Busy… with him?” Pietro asked lightly.
Wanda froze mid-step, just before she was about to bolt up the stairs.
“What? No! Just… school stuff,” she groaned.
“Uh-huh,” Pietro said, unimpressed, eyebrows still raised.
Clint shot him a look but didn’t intervene. This was likely one of Pietro’s performances, and he was going to see it through.
Wanda didn’t respond. Instead she grabbed her phone out of her bag, and shot up the stairs, into her room and closed the door behind her. She collapsed onto her bed, unlocked her phone immediately.
Vision: “Did you get home okay?”
Wanda: “Yeah. Thanks for walking with me today.”
Vision: “I enjoyed it.”
Her chest warmed, and she typed before overthinking.
Wanda: “Did you enjoy PE too? Or just… watching me?”
The reply took longer this time, which made Wanda grin nervously.
Vision: “Watching you was… educational. And enjoyable.”
Her cheeks heated, and she snorted softly to herself. She couldn’t help it at this point.
“Uh-oh,” Pietro’s voice surprised her, right next to her. “Educational and enjoyable? That’s a combo I do not approve of.”
“Pietro! Get out!” she hissed, considering throwing something at him.
“Educational and enjoyable? Should I be concerned?” Clint’s teasing voice carried up the stairs.
“DAD!” Wanda yelled, rolling her eyes, while Pietro backed out of her room, throwing finger guns at her and smirking as if he had busted a major crime ring.
Ignoring them both, she peeked at her phone.
Vision: “Are you laughing?”
Wanda: “Maybe. You’re distracting.”
Vision: “Distracting, hm? That’s good to know. ;)”
Wanda's heart skipped. She realized she hadn’t meant to like him this much, at least not this quickly, but the way he carefully worded everything, and the way he seemed genuinely interested in her, it made her smile uncontrollably.
Wanda: “You’re supposed to be focused on your studies, Vision.”
Vision: “Studies can wait, you’re… more interesting.”
Wanda bit her lip, typing carefully so she didn’t sound too obvious.
Wanda: “I might agree. Just don’t tell anyone.”
Vision: “Your secret is safe with me. I’m glad I found you today.”
She felt her chest tighten again. This was more than she had expected from the first week of school, and she realized with a tiny pang of shock that she really did like him. Before she could overthink it any further, Pietro cracked her door again.
“You know, I could proofread the messages and make sure he’s not misleading you,” he offered.
“Pietro! OUT!” Wanda shouted, muffled laughter mixing with irritation.
“I think he’s just… making sure you’re safe, Wanda. Don’t act like you don’t like the attention either,” Clint shouted from downstairs.
Wanda groaned, curling into the pillows and hiding her flushed face. She typed one last message to Vision.
Wanda: “See you tomorrow? Science, geography and social studies.”
Vision: “Absolutely. I’ll be there. Don’t worry, I’ll try not to distract you too much.”
Wanda smiled at her phone, realizing she was already counting down the hours until she would see him.
From the doorway, Pietro whispered to Clint, just loud enough for her to hear too.
“He’s different. I don’t know if I like it.”
“That’s your problem, buddy. Just let her have some fun.” Clint answered.
Wanda rolled her eyes, hugging the pillow. Fun, and maybe a little more was just what she was having, and needed.
The next morning, Wanda woke to the soft light of sunshine seeping through her curtains. She smiled into her pillow, knowing she was significantly closer to seeing him, making her heart race.
At school, their routine had settled into a comfortable rhythm. They walked to class together, naturally brushing against each other, sharing little comments in whispers as the teacher lectured. Wanda noticed how Vision leaned into her, as if every word she said was worth hearing, and she couldn’t help the small thrill that ran through her.
During lunch, Pietro arrived at their usual cafeteria table a few minutes later than Wanda, but he had already caught on.
“Okay,” he said, arms crossed and eyebrows raised. “You two are wayyy too friendly. Did you plan to invite him over? Or am I imagining things?”
“Pietro! No! Well, I mean, maybe. I mean. Just to study!” she scrambled, cheeks heating instantly.
“Right,” Pietro said, smirking knowingly. “Just to study. At our house? For chemistry?”
“Yes! For chemistry!” Wanda insisted, glaring slightly, though she couldn’t hide the nervous excitement bubbling in her chest.
“If it’s alright with your guardians, Wanda, I would enjoy studying at your place. I think I can focus better with your guidance,” Vision said, with a small, amused smile.
Wanda’s stomach did a little flip.
“Well… if you promise not to, you know, distract me…” she tried to sound casual, as she nervously fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve.
“I make no guarantees,” Vision grinned back at her.
“Wanda, I swear… you’re just asking for trouble,” Pietro whined.
Wanda groaned at her brother.
“Fine, fine,” Pietro said, raising his hands. “But just so you know, I’m watching. Every move.”
By the end of lunch, Wanda was practically bouncing in her seat. She was waiting for Pietro, since Vision’s next lesson was Latin and they had Spanish.
Wanda: “So… chemistry study session at our house? My mom said it’s fine.”
Vision: “I’d like that. What time?”
Wanda: “4PM? Don’t be late.”
Vision: “I’ll be there. And I’ll try not to distract you too much.”
She grinned at the screen, then noticed Pietro giving her a mean side-eye from across the table.
“You know I’ll know if you like him more than you mean to,” he said in a low tone.
“I’m literally just helping him!” Wanda protested, cheeks burning.
“Uh-huh,” he replied, smirking like he already knew the truth. “You’ll see. One wrong glance or flirty text, and I’ll know.”
Wanda rolled her eyes, and shoved a fry in her mouth to muffle the laughter and soothe the nerves.
The rest of the day passed in a flurry of brushing past lockers, whispered jokes in class, and little touches that made Wanda’s stomach do flips. By the time school was over, she was pacing in her room, waiting for Vision to arrive, phone in hand.
At precisely 4PM, there was a knock at the door, and Wanda raced down the stairs to open it.
“Hi,” Vision said quietly, holding his backpack.
“Hey! Come in,” Wanda said, stepping aside. She caught Pietro peeking from the top of the stairs, pretending to tie his shoes. Vision stepped inside, carefully maneuvering past the pile of shoes and backpacks.
“Your home is… cozy,” Vision stated.
“You’re just saying that,” Wanda teased. “But thanks.”
“I mean it. It’s welcoming,” he smiled faintly.
Wanda led him up the stairs to her room, where her textbooks and notes were spread across the floor.
“Okay, chem time,” she said, her wide grin betraying the flutters in her chest.
They sat side by side on the floor, going over reactions and equations. Wanda found herself leaning closer than necessary, laughing softly at Vision's slightly stiff but earnest attempts at humor.
“If I get this wrong, will you scold me?” he asked teasingly.
“Depends… maybe I’ll make you explain it again, slowly,” she replied.
“That sounds like a reward disguised as a punishment,” he said, glancing at her with one eyebrow raised.
“I didn’t say that!” Wanda said, blushing, and tucking away a loose strand of hair.
She caught herself smiling at Vision’s concentrated expression, realizing her thoughts were staying longer on him than they should. Every brush of skin, every shared glance made her heart skip. She leaned over to write a note in his notebook.
“You’re making this very hard…to focus.”
“Is that a problem?” he whispered, a faint pink dusting his cheeks.
“Maybe a little. But I’ll forgive you, this time,” she shrugged and giggled.
Vision leaned back, balancing the pen between his fingers as Wanda explained the next problem. He watched her more than the page; how her brow furrowed when she concentrated, and how she bit her lip without realizing it.
“You’re doing it again,” Wanda said suddenly, not looking up.
“Doing what?” he asked innocently.
“Staring,” she replied, glancing at him. “It’s…distracting.”
“You told me not to distract you too much. I believe I’m still within acceptable parameters,” he said, a smile tugging at his lips.
“You’re impossible,” she laughed, shaking her head.
“And yet,” he said gently, leaning closer, “you invited me over.”
“For chemistry,” her breath hitched lightly.
“Of course,” Vision said, his tone warm and teasing. “Though I’m beginning to think chemistry is not confined to textbooks.”
Wanda froze, her heart thudding. She looked up at him, their faces closer than she’d realized. Close enough to see the warmth in his blue eyes, the careful way he was watching her, as if he was waiting for permission.
“You’re doing it again,” she whispered.
“This time, it’s intentional,” he said quietly.
The room seemed to still. Wanda’s fingers rested against the carpet, and without fully thinking, she let her hand drift closer to his. Their pinkies brushed, just barely, but neither of them pulled away.
“Vision..” she breathed, her heart racing.
“Yes?” he said softly, not teasing at all.
“I– I didn’t mean for this to happen. I mean, I didn’t think I’d feel like this so fast,” she breathed.
He turned his hand slightly, enough that his fingers rested against hers, not gripping, just there.
“I am glad it did,” he said. “But only if you are.”
“I am,” she nodded, barely noticeable.
For a moment, neither moved. Then Vision leaned in just a fraction, slowly, giving her time to stop him if she wanted. Wanda tilted her head up, her eyes flickering between his lips and back to his eyes.
The door flew open.
“AHA.”
Wanda yelped and jerked back so fast, she almost lost her balance. Vision straightened immediately, hands firmly back on his own notebook. Pietro stood in the doorway, arms crossed, eyes narrowed and absolutely thriving.
“I knew it,” he announced. “I leave you alone for five minutes and suddenly it’s too quiet in here!”
“Pietro!” Wanda groaned, her face burning. “We were studying!”
“Mmm,” Pietro hummed, stepping further in. “Studying why your faces were approximately two inches apart?”
“We were discussing applied chemistry,” Vision cleared his throat.
“First, I don’t like the way you say that. Second, better not be applying any chemistry here. Third, I’m onto you two.” Pietro said and squinted.
“I would expect nothing less,” Vision nodded.
As Pietro left, Wanda peeked up at Vision, completely red.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered.
“I believe we were interrupted,” he whispered as he leaned in close again.
“Yeah,” she smiled.
He hesitated, close enough that Wanda could feel the warmth of him, the steady calm of his presence.
“We could continue, later, when we are not supervised,” he murmured.
“You’re very patient,” she smiled, a little breathless.
“I’m learning,” he said, and there was something so sincere in the way he looked at her.
He made her chest ache, in the best possible way, when he shifted back to give her space. His hand lingered for a second longer than necessary, fingers brushing hers once more before he pulled away.
“I can still see you, you know,” Pietro cleared his throat from the hallway.
“You’re the worst,” Wanda groaned and let her head fall backwards.
“I should go before this becomes an international incident,” Vision smiled, slinging his backpack over his shoulder.
Wanda laughed and got up to follow him to the door. For a moment, they stood there, close, neither quite ready to say goodbye.
“Thank you, for today,” Wanda said quietly.
“For all of it. I will see you tomorrow,” he replied.
“I’ll hold you to that,” she grinned.
Wanda closed the door after him, and watched as he departed from the window. She leaned her forehead against it with a soft, disbelieving smile.
“I knew it,” Pietro muttered.
Wanda answered with a deep sigh and rolled her eyes at him.
The next day felt charged from the moment Wanda stepped into the school building.
Vision was already waiting by her locker, hands folded loosely around the strap of his backpack. When he saw her, his face softened in a way that made her chest tighten immediately.
“Good morning,” he whispered fondly.
“Morning,” she replied, a little shy, and then surprised herself by stepping right into his personal space.
They didn’t talk much on the way to class, they didn’t need to. Wanda caught him glancing at her when he thought she wasn’t looking. She didn’t call him out on it.
In class, they worked quietly and efficiently together. Every shared look lingered a little too long. Every time they passed a pen or note, the ghost of yesterday's almost-kiss hovered between them.
At lunch, Pietro was conspicuously absent.
“Your brother hasn’t interrogated us yet,” Vision observed.
“Give it time,” Wanda sighed and smiled.
But he didn’t come.
After school, Vision walked her as far as the edge of the schoolyard before stopping beneath a row of trees that were blooming.
“I wanted to ask,” he said slowly. “Would you like to walk a bit longer?”
“Yeah,” she nodded immediately.
They followed the path that curved away from the buildings, quieter there, the noise of the school fading into something distant and unimportant. The air was cool, but the sun was warm enough to make up for the slight chill. They stopped near the fence of the field.
“About yesterday…” Wanda started, hugging her arms loosely around herself, feeling the nerves flare up.
“I have been thinking about it, about you,” Vision said gently.
“I don’t want to rush you, but I also don’t want you to think I’m just stringing you along,” he continued.
“You aren’t?” she looked up at him, her heart skipping a beat.
“No,” he said simply. “I’m certain.”
Wanda stepped closer, close enough that she could feel his breath.
“I’ve never felt this way this fast,” she admitted. “It’s a little terrifying.”
“I find that the things worth experiencing often are,” he replied.
She raised her hand, hesitating only a second before resting it against his chest. She could feel his heartbeat beneath her palm, strong and fast. He was nervous too.
“Vision,” she whispered.
He stroked her hair back, resting his thumb on her cheek as they made eye contact. He didn’t move first, she did.
It wasn’t hurried, it wasn’t clumsy. Wanda rose onto her toes just enough to bridge the last inch between them, her lips brushing his lightly, more like a question than a statement.
He answered immediately, steadying his hold on her face and deepening the kiss slowly but certainly. It felt like the world around them stopped, and like her heart might burst. When they pulled back, it was only because they needed to breathe.
“Wow,” Wanda laughed quietly, almost in disbelief.
“Yes, I believe that is an accurate summary,” Vision said, a faint smile forming on his lips.
“We’re so dead if Pietro finds out,” she said and pushed her forehead against his.
“I believe that is inevitable regardless,” he said thoughtfully.
She laughed again, and slipped her hand into his. They stood there a little longer, just holding on to the moment they had earned.