A/N: This chapter is set in the same timeline as my post-Endgame WIP fic, All The Stars Are Out. As such, both Tony and Natasha survived, and of course, Vision was revived. Steve has given up the mantle of Captain America but is still young and living in the current timeline (a minor detail, as he doesn't feature in this chapter).

Chapter 4

Thanksgiving at the Starks was a true celebration, even if it was not as extravagant as it might have been in different circumstances. Tony and Pepper were the perfect hosts, Rhodey dropped by for a flying visit and Peter called in on the day itself – using the most up-to-date Stark Industries technology – saying hello from his Aunt May's house, which was where Happy was spending the holiday.

Morgan was the star of the show, however. She had inherited her father's enthusiasm for any kind of holiday and spent any time when she wasn't asleep or eating happily talking away, taking Wanda and Vision on a tour of the house – although not much had really changed since the last time they had visited, except that Edwin, her pet rabbit, had gotten bigger.

She insisted on sitting between them both at dinner, unfazed by the fact that Vision sat at the table without taking part in the meal. It was another opportunity to ask him a lot of questions, which being the only one who was not preoccupied by eating, he was content to answer.

Despite this holiday not yet being over, Morgan was already very excited about the prospect of the one that would follow. There were already some lights up around the house and Morgan informed Wanda and Vision that the very next day they would be going to pick out a tree, and it was going to be the best one ever, ever. Wanda had to smile at the little girl's glee, sharing in the magic through the way her eyes lit up and she spoke so animatedly.

It almost made her want to pretend when Morgan started asking her about Christmas, but when she looked towards Vision and found love and comfort in his adoring gaze, she decided that the truth would be best. Morgan was a little confused at first, but she was incredibly clever, so it didn't take long for her to start quizzing Wanda on Hanukkah.

And, as was always the case with Miss Morgan H. Stark, she wanted to know everything.

"Are there Hanukkah elves?"

"Morgan," Pepper intoned from the opposite side of the table, "dessert first, questions later."

Wanda smiled over to reassure Pepper that it was okay, before turning back to Morgan's inquisitive stare. "Not that I know of. But there might be."

Morgan pondered this possibility while she chewed upon a spoonful of pie. Before she finished it completely another puzzlement flashed upon her features.

"Does it snow at Hanukkah?"

Wanda tried not to laugh at the spray of crumbs that came from Morgan's mouth.

"Sometimes. Not that much, really. But it can happen."

"And is – "

"Morguna," Tony boomed in a deep voice, half-teasing until his expression turned straight and serious, "you gotta zip it now, kiddo. Give Wanda the chance to eat her pie before next Thanksgiving comes around."

Morgan looked to her dad with a frown, smiling when he made a silly face back at her. Sitting up straight in her chair she then looked to her right and smiled at Wanda.

"Can I ask one more thing?"

"Sure," Wanda replied, while Tony covered his face with his hands and Pepper did a poor job of masking an amused grin.

"Santa still brings you presents, right?"

"Of course," Vision responded to Morgan's question with a smile before Wanda could be left to flounder, not quite sure of what she was going to say. "I think that Santa would be very pleased that you are so keen to know about Wanda's heritage and culture, Morgan. He would also be pleased if you saved your further questions until dinner has been completed."

With a smile, Morgan returned to her bowl, remaining as quiet as a mouse until a little while after they departed from the table.

It had been so nice to spend the time with the family, but Wanda was equally happy to return to the compound the evening afterwards, always feeling slightly exhausted from social gatherings, even when they were on the small side. The traffic had been busy with shoppers when they arrived back in New York so they decided to fly their way from the airport back to the compound, the sensation of being within the clouds for themselves an exhilarating and freeing one. She held onto Vision's hand as they soared, smiling whenever he glanced towards her, wondering to herself why they didn't do this more often in their free time.

They quickly realised on entering that they were the first ones back after the holiday, a fact which delighted Wanda even further. Their hands were still clasped together as they kissed, Wanda humming her contentment against Vision's mouth, unable to hide the joy that brimmed within her.

"I'm going to go change," she smiled as their foreheads rested, Vision's arms around her waist making her reluctant to leave.

"That is a good idea," he replied, leaving a soft kiss just beneath her ear.

"I won't be long."

By the time she had got back, wearing more comfortable clothes, Vision had phased into his own loungewear, which still looked ten times smarter than anything else. A fire was kindling nicely in the hearth that they liked to use when it was just the two of them, and he had made her a mug of hot chocolate which she sipped from with a satisfied sigh once he handed it to her.

"I enjoyed our trip," Vision said when they were curled on the sofa, the television playing in the background, "it was good to be with Tony, Pepper and Morgan for the holiday. I am glad that Clint and Laura were not offended by the decision."

They were careful about splitting their time between the respective families, with Wanda knowing that it was especially important for Vision to rebuild his bond with Tony. Having spent Thanksgiving with the Starks, they would head to the Barton ranch before New Year's Eve. They wanted to spend the rest of the holiday season just the two of them, given that it was the first since Vision had been revived – although the other Avengers would be around at the compound for Hanukkah – and were very happy that neither family had raised any objections to their plans.

"It was really nice, and it's always fun to be with Morgan," Wanda agreed, smiling at the fresh memory of the excitable little girl. "I just hope I didn't step on any toes with all the Hanukkah talk."

"That was certainly not the case."

While she wasn't sure that Tony and Pepper would agree, she always felt considerably better for Vision's reassurance.

"Given her age, it is natural for Morgan to be curious. Although we might also assume that curiosity is an ingrained personality trait assigned at birth with her parentage. Her first word may have well been the crudest of questions."

Wanda snickered, before placing her head against Vision's shoulder. "I'm glad she asked. It was nice to share all of that with her."

Morgan's genuine interest in her background had warmed her heart, and reinforced the notion that her identity mattered, was not something she should purge with the rest of her painful past. It was the first time that anyone had paid her such dedicated attention, since the ten years previous when Vision had wanted to learn and take her traditions to heart.

She lifted her head so that she could look into his eyes, her lips curving into a smirk as she did so.

"I kinda can't believe what you told her about Santa, though. You didn't stumble for even a second."

He flushed a little at the insinuation, though his words were composed when he spoke again.

"I believe that it was the right thing to say. She will view the world in fairly parallel terms for at least another two years, roughly, and so to suggest that you would not receive gifts, despite your religion, would imply that you are deficient in nature." He reached his arm out, touching a hand to her knee. "Such an implication could not be further from the truth. Perhaps I am biased, but I believe you are the best person in existence, and so deserving of many hundreds of gifts."

"Smooth talker."

She closed the gap between them quickly, draping her arms about his shoulders and pushing her body against his. Their kisses were languid, and Wanda relished taking her time, being certain that she could do this for hours. There was no greater joy she felt than to have his hands upon her, anchoring her, whilst the press of his lips to hers ignited sparks within.

One of his hands was threaded in her hair, and she murmured his name softly as he massaged her scalp, giving herself over to the blissful sensation.

"I could do with more of that," she uttered, smiling as they broke apart, her hand twined with his other.

"I would be more than happy to oblige."

Shivers danced the length of her spine at the deepening of his tone, desire fast taking over her senses.

He switched the television off, and all they were able to hear were each others' sighs and slightly laboured breathing.

"Shall we retire?" he asked, before slipping the neck of her sweater past her shoulder and planting a kiss there, a delicious taste of what was to come.

She shook her head as much as she was able while he dotted kisses to her neck, their gazes meeting hotly in the next moment.

"I think we ought to make the most of being alone," she responded, smiling and then gasping as his fingers met the bare skin of her stomach, inching beneath her sweater. "Oh, Vizh."

His eyes burned through her, and he smiled as she arched her back, responding with pure instinct to his touch.

"As we so rarely have the luxury, I must agree with you, my darling."

A most wonderful night passed, and they were afforded a lazy morning that stretched into the early afternoon, thankfully making themselves decent before Bucky arrived, followed closely by Sam and Peter. Scott was the last to arrive that evening, bringing Hope over too for a reunion dinner, though all of the reassembled Avengers remarked, aside from Vision, that they were still recovering from the respective feasts of Thanksgiving.

December moved quickly, with Hanukkah arriving almost quicker than Wanda had anticipated. It had seemed longer than a decade since she had observed it with Vision at the old compound, even though she had lost half of those years herself, but it made the return to what they had known so briefly all the sweeter. As they had then they lit the menorah in private, but opened out the other traditions to their housemates, with Bucky in particular enjoying the games and especially the sweet sufganiyot.

The holiday had not concluded when Nat called, something within Wanda freezing when she heard the familiar alert. She remembered what Steve had said all that time ago, about their duties not stopping for the holidays, but she wished that just for this year at least it wouldn't be the case.

Nat wasn't just checking in, as she had begun to foolishly hope. There was a mission, a pair of diplomats who had gone missing amidst a series of attacks in Costa Rica. It was likely there was some involvement by Hydra agents, though the abduction had been pinpointed to an underground unit who were planning further attacks against the government.

"It's looking medium-scale, so not all of you are needed. Given the nature of the mission I consulted with Fury and suggested that we send Sam, Bucky -

Please, Wanda repeated in her head, begging with Nat as if she were able to hear her. As bad as she felt for wanting Peter or Scott to be called instead, she couldn't stop herself from being selfish.

" – and Vision."

She did her best not to let show how crushed she felt, reminding herself that it wasn't a betrayal. Vision had been on other missions separate from her since the 'new' incarnation of The Avengers had come into force, and on the previous occasions he had returned safe and completely unharmed.

She would always be waiting for something, which meant that her fear increased rather than diminished.

That evening she spent longer in front of the menorah, which was halfway lit, watching the flames sway. Vision stood faithfully at her shoulder; they had not spoken about Nat's message and his order, going about the rest of the day as they normally would. She knew it wasn't a healthy thing to do, yet at the same time she didn't want to face up to the extent of the chaos that lurked at the back of her mind, waiting to emerge with the least call of warning.

After the candles had burned for several minutes she lowered her head and clasped her hands together, uttering the same prayer that she did every night. This night, however, she added on another, and though she said it with a quieter voice she knew that Vision could hear her, as well as interpret her words, if he so wished.

He lay a gentle hand on her shoulder once she had finished, and she swallowed back her tears before she turned to face him.

"I would rather we were together," he said, causing her heart to ache with greater intensity. "As much as I like, admire and trust Captain Wilson and Sergeant Barnes, I always want you beside me in everything I do."

She felt her bottom lip begin to tremble, fighting a losing battle to keep her fears under control. She felt his eyes remaining upon her while she stared at the floor. After a matter of seconds rather than minutes her resolve crumbled and she began to weep.

"Wanda," his voice was devastatingly tender as he placed his hands upon her arms, "my darling."

Her sobs worked themselves out after a peak of a couple of minutes, and while she wiped a sleeve against one cheek, Vision swept his thumb over the tears that had collected upon the other.

"I'm being stupid."

"You could never."

He looked at her with such conviction and adoration that it both hurt and healed her. She wanted nothing more than to melt in his embrace, shut away the rest of the world and return to how it had been only a couple of weeks previous.

"It feels like it will never get any easier," she continued, shaking less and trying to breathe deeper. "I know that you can handle yourself, of course I do. I just…I get scared."

"I understand." His hands rubbed against her shoulders, his touch soothing. She would miss it terribly. "Perhaps we ought to reevaluate our status as Avengers."

She couldn't say that the thought hadn't crossed her mind, especially not in the last couple of months. At the same time she felt guilty for considering giving the prestigious role up, as though she would be betraying Pietro's memory in doing so.

"I don't know," she answered honestly. She gave herself another minute to wallow before straightening her shoulders and lifting her chin. "We just have to take it mission by mission. And right now, I have to suck it up."

His eyes were full of concern and he held her close, hugging her to him for an absorbing minute.

"Let's do what we can not to think about it for now," he said, hands still stroking over her back, "we do not leave for another thirty six hours. I will be back as soon as possible."

"I hope it will be before Christmas." The thought hit her forcefully. "Oh god, Vizh, if you're not…"

"Please don't upset yourself, my love."

His hand caressed her cheek, swept her hair back from her face. He leant down to place the softest of kisses on her lips, and she kissed him back with the full strength of her emotion, clinging onto him as if he was going to depart the very next second.

When they broke their kissing she stayed holding onto him, and he smiled in understanding, agreeing silently that he would not stray far from her for that next day and a half.

"An early night might be wise," he said, kissing the top of her head. The candles that continued to burn threw their entwined shadows upon the wall.

"You always have the best ideas," she said, managing to smile for the first time since Nat had called.

She could have sworn that those thirty six hours passed in double speed. The Quinjet was waiting outside and she stood by the threshold, sleeves pulled down past her hands, unable to settle. Bucky was the first to emerge, ready to go. He hugged her, echoing Vision's promise that they'd get what needed to be done as swiftly as they could, without foregoing safety on any side. He also bid her to look after herself, adding that she should think about wearing at least another layer while it was getting to be so cold.

She had to wonder whether Vision had been passing on the messages, so as to seem that he wasn't being over-protective.

Sam came next, and while most of her was thankful for the order in which they had arranged themselves a small part tried convincing her that it would have been better if she could have got the most painful of farewells over with already.

"Hey," he uttered, "we've faced worse. This is going to be a piece of cake."

"Not what I need to hear, Cap."

He sprung a smile, his eyes filled with empathy. "I know. I also know that he doesn't want to leave you when you're upset."

She took a deep breath, pushing down the worst of what she felt for later. "I'm not going to cry. I swear."

"I believe you, Red."

Despite everything she managed the smallest of smiles.

"You'll look out for him," she heard how small and desperate her voice was, "both of you?"

"You know that when it's on, he's more badass than ten of Buck and I put together, right?"

She nodded, and yet the shadows did not dissipate from her mind. "Please, Sam."

"You got it." He threw one arm around her shoulder and then pulled her in tight. "We'll be there. Every step of the way."

She rested her chin on his shoulder for a few moments, feeling a little better now that she had the vow of Captain America.

When Vision strode towards her, golden cape flowing in his wake, pride did well within her. Yet it was not enough to overcome her anxiety, which pulsed in every nerve and fibre. She rushed towards him and he caught her immediately, enveloping her in his arms. She thought about how strong he was, reassured herself of his endurance.

His hands held her face as she looked up at him, smiling through fear. She couldn't let him leave feeling that he had failed her somehow, that he hadn't done enough to comfort her in the time they had had to prepare for this very moment.

"I will keep in touch."

Their mental link was something she would never take for granted, knowing how it had sustained her while she was near breaking point.

"And I will think about you every second that we are apart. I will hold you," he guided her left hand to the upper portion of his torso, "here."

"Vizh," her voice trembled, "I promised that I wasn't going to cry."

His eyes became a brighter blue as they looked deep into hers. "You are so very strong, my love. Your tears are proof of your strength."

She clung to him tighter, stretching to capture his lips with hers, trying not to think about how long it would be until she could kiss him again.

"Ya tebe kohayu," she said softly, her hand still pressed to his chest.

"I love you too."

She sniffed back her sobs, reminding herself that they had been through far worse. The worst that anyone could imagine.

Another minute longer, she told herself, trying not to count the seconds too closely.

"Go," she said, relinquishing her grasp of him, "before I can't let you go."

She watched each step he took, until the doors of the Quinjet shielded him, along with Sam and Bucky, from sight. She couldn't watch it take off to the skies, turning her back instead. Though she had the urge to run upstairs and bury herself beneath the covers of their bed she refrained from doing so, going instead to the common area. She sat down on the sofa, trying to stop herself from picturing Vision sitting beside her, and before too long Peter joined her, showing her the latest app he had played a part in developing.

She had great company in Peter and Scott, who did everything they could to cheer her up and take her mind off things simply by being themselves. Even if it was more than a little lame that they still insisted on calling themselves the Bug Squad, and thought it was the coolest thing ever, when it really wasn't.

Vision stuck faithfully to his word, sending regular messages to assure her of their status and how the mission was progressing. She always wanted to keep him for longer, but didn't want to distract him from his duty if it meant that she was holding him up.

It won't take much longer, will it?

She shook her head upon the pillow, scolding herself for being so selfish.

Sorry. I just want you back here so badly.

She felt a warmth surge towards her, filling the darkest depths of her mind with so much love and light.

I don't think so. Captain Wilson is confident that the mission will be complete within approximately fifty eight hours.

She managed a small smile, thinking that was hardly approximate.

Has it started to snow yet?

Not before it went dark. I don't think it has started since.

She could sense the smile that filled his face on her answer, could see how the glow of the stone shifted from crimson to a rosier light.

Keep looking up. I hope to be back before the first snow begins to fall.

From the next sunrise, she found herself obsessively checking the sky, as well as the weather forecast.

Cassie stopped over at the compound most evenings after school, as well as the occasional weekend. Wanda was glad to have her around, and in turn Cassie was happy to have some female company, especially when it came to present shopping. She explained that she needed to buy gifts for her Dad, Mom, Hope and Jim, and while Wanda wasn't quite sure how much useful help she could offer, she was glad for the distraction. Cassie seemed fairly confident that she could get everything she needed in one trip, and New York City certainly wasn't short of stores.

Only one gift had been bought when they got to the corner store, which sat somewhere between a small department store and an upmarket-kind of thrift shop. While Cassie headed off in one direction, knowing what she was looking for, Wanda looked around a little aimlessly. There were a few things here and there that caught her eye, but nothing so special that made her feel compelled to buy it.

Nothing special enough for Vision.

She was near enough back to where she had started from when something stopped her in her tracks, the sight of it making her smile despite herself.

She was standing frozen in the same spot when Cassie tapped her on the shoulder, carrying three paper bags.

"All done," she announced brightly, "do you want to go grab a coffee or hot chocolate? Or we could just head back, I guess."

Wanda heard herself murmur incoherently, no kind of answer at all. She turned her head towards Cassie, who wasn't looking at her like she was a crazy person, but smiled kindly and patiently.

"What do you think about that?" She pointed to what had arrested her attention, watching Cassie keenly for her own gut reaction.

"The red one?" Cassie asked for clarification, and Wanda nodded. "I like it. It's cute."

She thought so too. A smile filled her face, at least for a few moments before she had another crisis of confidence.

"I suppose it's not very traditional."

Cassie wrinkled her nose in a small frown. "Traditional is boring. The Avengers are definitely not traditional."

She felt herself starting to smile again at Cassie's response. "That is true. I don't know if I brought money out with me…I didn't expect to be buying anything."

"I can pay," Cassie exclaimed, looping her arm around Wanda's, "I didn't spend all of my allowance."

"Cassie, no. I can't let you do that."

Her nose scrunched again. "And I can't let you leave here without buying it."

Wanda shook her head as she felt in her pockets for her wallet. She was already consigning herself to leaving the shop empty-handed, and then she found something. Cassie's face erupted into an excited grin.

It wasn't as quite as easy as she had hoped – being on display and the only one remaining, the assistant had to take it to be boxed up. But he said that she could pay for it first, which was a relief. And in the meantime Cassie took her for another trip around the store, as it meant that other purchases had to be made.

Getting back to the compound was slow too, given the size of the box. They stopped several times along the way, Wanda feeling frustrated that the scale of the thing meant that she was unable to fly and bring Cassie safely along with her too.

At least their trip had been a productive one, and she was already excited by the prospect of getting everything ready.

They were within metres of the compound when Cassie stopped, eyes glued to the screen of her phone.

"Wow," she gasped, Wanda struggling to turn her head to look and keep walking in a straight line with the box that was pressed against the length of her body blocking her path. "Jim says there's a crazy snowstorm heading over in the next few hours."

Wanda almost dropped down on the spot, risking flattening the box and its contents.

"Okay," she said, turning enough to be able to address Cassie, "I'm going to need your help, because I'm not going to be able to get this done in one night."

As it turned out, Jim's prediction was off and it didn't snow that night or the next morning. But later that same day she received the message she had been hoping and longing for, so it had all worked out for the best.

She was content to stay pinned by the window for hours, anticipating the arrival. Scott brought her a sandwich and some water, and Peter brought her cookies and a blanket, promising her that they'd let her know as soon as there was a sign of the Quinjet touching down. She refused their offers, too superstitious of leaving her post.

She had waited far longer before; a few hours were nothing to her.

The spacious room was thrown into shadow and she inhaled, sensing him near.

I can feel you, Vizh.

She was so excited that she felt like she might faint.

We are outside and will be touching down in less than one minute. It feels too long to wait to be able to see you.

She flew to the door – figuratively if not literally – leaving the others to follow some way behind her. He was the first thing she saw, waiting and ready as the door opened, and hot tears of relief welled in her eyes as she made her way towards him, he gliding to her.

They met in a tight embrace, cradling one another as if each were the most precious thing in the universe. And they were, to each other.

The feeling of Vision's hands touching her made her whole body sing, her heart soaring upwards. She looked into his brilliant blue eyes, seeing everything she ever needed, her own soul reflected back to her.

She was vaguely aware of Sam and Bucky walking past, clapping their hands to Vision and then to her.

"Hey, lovebirds," she heard Sam say, though his voice sounded like a distant echo, "we'll catch up with you later."

Vision's hands moved up her body to cup her face gently, and she beamed against his palms, her own hands circling his wrists.

"You're alright?" she asked him, her voice holding a faint remnant of fear.

"I am fine," he replied instantly, "not a scratch. Physically, at least."

She nodded her head, understanding what he meant. Slowly her hands unfurled themselves and traced his shoulders, the slope of his spine underneath his cape. She could hear him sigh, very lightly, and smiled at the sound.

"I missed you," she said, pressing her forehead to his as he dipped down, feeling the warm pulse of the stone that she had activated with her scarlet energy, "so much."

She felt rather than saw him smiling, her eyes drifting closed then open again.

"I missed you too," he uttered, fingers catching the curve of her cheek as he tenderly swept her dark brown tresses back from off her face. "You are more beautiful than ever before."

"Vizh," she murmured, feeling overcome. Her hands found themselves back at the nape of his neck, her fingers stroking softly and sparking just the tiniest bit of scarlet at the tips. "prykhodʹ syudy."

She smiled in anticipation of feeling his lips against hers, their first kiss unfolding almost in slow motion, hands working in motion, working in tandem with the loving passion that passed between them before clasping tight together.

"I have something to show you," she said softly, tugging on the fingers that were twined with hers, "something that I hope you'll like."

She could see he was intrigued, but never doubting.

"I am certain that I will. I follow where you lead."

"We lead together," she smiled at him, falling into step by his side as they made their way up to their room.

It was difficult to keep their hands off each other now they were back together, and every few steps they paused to exchange sweet kisses, Wanda giggling against Vision's mouth. It was amazing how dramatically her mood had improved by having him back with her, but it was also entirely to be expected.

"Close your eyes," she said before they entered, her voice bright with excitement.

She could have levitated in order to cover them with her hands, but she wanted to be able to see the way his expression shifted as he discovered the surprise.

"Wanda," he murmured her name, curious rather than uncertain. She knew that he would do whatever she wished or asked of him, her heart aching at the fact.

"Trust me," she said, stroking her fingers against his and gazing up at him.

"Always," he responded.

In the next second the blue of his eyes disappeared, and she took a moment to simply stare at him before she guided him with her hands over the threshold, and then hastened to get everything ready, though it took less than a minute.

"Okay," she announced, arriving back at his side, "you can open them."

He opened his eyes slowly, his face displaying the wonder she had hoped for and far more besides as he took in the scene. The lights that adorned the red tree were of various colours, and their shine bounced onto the walls as they twinkled to and fro, making the room glow blue, then pink, then yellow. Almost every colour in the spectrum was visited.

Vision's gaze went back and forth, and the smile that graced his face was big and breathtakingly beautiful.

"Wanda, this is…I don't think there is an adjective to accurately describe how incredible it is."

She giggled again, holding her hand out towards his. "I'm glad you like it."

He linked his fingers with hers in the next second, causing her to smile even wider.

"Oh, I love it," he said, the sincerity in his tone making her heart swell.

"I had help from Cassie and Scott. If it wasn't for Scott the lights wouldn't have been working at all. And Peter helped too, that's why there are strings of popcorn on there."

The baubles that Cassie had found at the store the same night that they bought the tree were covered with glitter, and they sparkled even more in the glow of the lights. Both of their Avenger baubles sat on the much bigger tree that was out in the common lounge area, but Wanda had kept Pietro's bauble aside and hung it near to the top of this tree especially for Vision and herself.

She wouldn't say as much to the others, but she much preferred the beauty of this slightly scruffy, mismatched tree. But it was Vision's opinion that mattered the most, and where his words failed the way he gathered her to him and kissed her soundly spoke volumes.

"I'm just so glad you got back in time," she said, holding onto him as they stood in front of the tree, "I don't care what holiday it is. All that matters is that we get to spend them together."

His smile was dazzling. Coupled with the tenderness of his touch as he caressed her cheek, it was all that she could have asked for.

"I agree."

He lowered his head towards her and they shared another kiss, the marvellous display of lights dancing all around them. Their soft glimmering fell especially brightly upon the yellow garnet which adorned the ring upon the third finger of Wanda's left hand, which she had worn proudly for the last two months, overjoyed when Vision asked her the question she had been dreaming of hearing for so long.

"Oh, I almost forgot," she beamed with a fresh surge of enthusiasm, crouching to reach for two boxes that she had stashed underneath the bed. "I saw them a couple of weeks ago and couldn't resist."

She watched as Vision opened the bow and lifted the lid from the box she handed to him, removing the tissue paper to unveil a sweater patterned with green, white and blue, featuring the outlines of pine trees, candy canes and other symbols associated with the season.

"Out of all the ones in the store that was the nicest and least silly one. You still have to retain your style, even if it's Christmas."

"It is very fetching," he said. He phased away his cape and then pulled the sweater over his head, standing with his arms held out to show it off.

"Well, I guess I better put mine on too," Wanda exclaimed, taking the smaller black and red sweater out of the other box and exchanging the hoodie she was already wearing for it. She pulled the hem down a little so that the pattern was more noticeable. "I figured I could get away with snowflakes, seeing as it does sometimes snow at Hanukkah."

"It looks beautiful. Perhaps you will make the snow arrive here."

"Maybe," she smiled. There was no great rush to look out of the window and check; right now she was far too occupied with other matters. "You're so handsome, Vizh. We should take a picture and save it for a holiday card next year."

"Oh, that would be good," he agreed, taking her hand and lifting it to his lips. "I confess that I am already impatient for the months to pass."

She grinned, electricity running through her as he pressed several kisses below where her engagement ring sat. The summer seemed so far away, and part of her thought they should just elope at the first chance they got, each other being all they needed. But she didn't want to deny Vision the ceremony and celebration that he deserved, and they had already done enough running to last them a lifetime.

"Of course – that is not to say that I am not looking forward to this holiday season with you," he stumbled over his words slightly before his elegant lips began to curve into a smile. "I mean that I will be especially happy to be spending the time as your husband."

The thought alone thrilled her, making her heart beat faster. She was excited for their wedding, of course, but marriage and a life together was what really meant the world.

"And I can't wait to be your wife."

While she remembered to present the sweaters she forgot all about the bunch of mistletoe that Scott had presented to her while they decorated, grinning as he did so. It still sat at the side of the tree but its magic worked wonders silently, the besotted couple hardly needing it in their happy reunion.

They'd waited a long time for it, but this holiday was going to be perfect.

A/N: Ukrainian/Sokovian translation:

Ya tebe kohayu = I love you

prykhodʹ syudy = come here

I thought it would be rather fitting to post the final chapter of this holiday fic on the first day of Hanukkah. Hopefully it's not fluff overload ;)

Thanks for reading, and Happy Holidays! Although, does anyone want to skip 2020 and get to 2021 so WandaVision will be closer? (although I'm still rather scared about the prospect...)