The west wing of the Avengers Compound felt colder than the rest of the building by design. The walls were stark white, the hallways empty, and the hum of security drones filled the silence. It wasn't welcoming; it was containment.
As Rhodey walked ahead with the rogue Avengers, Vision lagged slightly behind. He floated more than walked, graceful yet detached, eyes tracing the reinforced doors and security cameras. Every Stark system was awake, watching.
The corridor lights flickered once then Friday's voice echoed softly through the intercom.
"Welcome back, Vision."
He glanced upward. "Thank you, Friday. Status report?"
Her tone was calm but carried a subtle edge.
"All systems stable. Sir is offsite, still coordinating with Leeds. External threats minimal. Internal? Tense. You've brought ghosts into the house, you know."
Vision's expression remained neutral. "Sir is aware. He allowed this."
"Doesn't mean the Compound forgives them." Friday's voice softened slightly, almost as if speaking only to him.
"You know my loyalty lies with Sir. With all of us. Just watch them, Vision. Don't let them bring more trouble to him."
He inclined his head. "I'll be vigilant, Friday."
As they passed the central hall, Rhodey broke off to handle clearance with a security officer, leaving the Avengers momentarily alone. Wanda lingered near the corner, her eyes scanning the architecture like she was searching for something familiar.
Vision stopped beside her. "You asked to speak with me?"
Wanda looked up, her expression a mix of hesitation and resolve. "Yes. Not here. Walk with me."
They moved quietly into one of the Compound's enclosed garden walkways. Glass walls let in pale morning light, and the sound of water trickling from a lotus-shaped fountain filled the air.
The Garden Walkway
Wanda folded her arms, the faint trace of scarlet magic flickering at her fingertips before fading. "I came to say sorry," she said softly. "For leaving like I did. For not facing you after Lagos."
Vision regarded her calmly. "I understand. You needed space. And I needed clarity."
Her voice wavered. "You don't hate me?"
"No," Vision said. "But I can't follow where you're going. You still hate Sir for Civil War, for Ultron... for truths we both share responsibility in."
Wanda looked away, pain flickering across her features. "He never apologized."
Vision's tone was quiet but firm. "Neither did we."
The words hung heavy between them. She took a slow breath. "This isn't about sides anymore, is it?"
"No," Vision said. "It's about healing. And you.... you still carry the war inside you."
Her eyes shimmered faintly red, but the light dimmed as quickly as it came. "Then this is goodbye?"
Vision nodded. "It has to be."
She stepped forward, hesitating only a moment before placing her hand lightly against his chest. "You always were the best of us."
He looked down at her hand, then into her eyes. "Then why does this hurt so much?"
Neither spoke again. When Wanda turned and walked away, Vision didn't move.
For the first time since Lagos, Vision grieved.
The west wing of the Compound was quiet. Too quiet.
The rogue Avengers were given temporary quarters sterile rooms with minimal amenities, designed less for comfort and more for observation. Natasha inspected hers wordlessly, reading the subtle Stark tech embedded in the walls. Sam walked through his door with a muttered, "Feels like a hotel with cameras." Steve stood still in the hallway for a long moment, as if absorbing the weight of what this place had become.
Rhodey lingered only long enough to ensure they were settled. His expression was unreadable, but his words were sharp when he finally spoke.
"Make yourselves at home. But don't mistake this for forgiveness. You're here because Tony allowed it, not because you earned it. Don't push your luck."
Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and left, the echo of his footsteps following him down the corridor.
Observation Deck – Later
Vision stood by one of the high glass panels overlooking the compound grounds. Outside, the sunrise painted the sky with streaks of orange and gold. Yet inside, the air felt heavy.
Friday's voice chimed softly through the speakers near him.
"Welcome back, Vision."
"Yes," Vision replied quietly. "Thank you, Friday."
"They're unsettled, Vision. The whole wing feels it."
Vision clasped his hands behind his back. "They are shadows of what they once were."
"Tony hasn't returned," Friday continued, her tone a mix of protocol and something almost protective.
"The west wing is locked out of his levels. I've kept them under surveillance. He doesn't want them near his work."
Vision's gaze drifted to where the rogue Avengers moved silently through the hall below. "Tony protects what he values. That hasn't changed."
"You've seen them," Friday added, almost as if she needed confirmation.
"Do you think they can be trusted again?"