In Darkness, Be My Light

Issues

Tony looked like he was about to die of boredom or stress. Well, at least according to Vision who had been watching everything from the outside. Tony and Secretary Thaddeus Ross were meeting to discuss Natasha Romanov's secretive departure from the split Avengers. Ross believes that Romanov has gone into hiding with Steve Rogers, and bombarded Tony with various accusations about his involvement with both Romanov and Rogers.

Ross rounded the table slowly as he spoke to Tony. "What I'm saying, Stark, is that you know Rogers and Romanov well. You might have clues or ideas to where they are and what they are planning. I'm not saying that you're a traitor and are disobeying the terms of the Sokovia Accords, but..."

"But I'm a traitor and am disobeying the terms of the Sokovia Accords," Tony repeated and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I get it. But no, I am definitely in no way in any part of this thing Steve is doing, got that? I signed those papers--"

"So did Romanov."

"And? Does that mean you have the right to accuse me of having secret relations with Steve too?"

"Actually yes, it does. I'm not saying that you are in any way communicating with Rogers, but we're going to be cautious and put you under supervision for a while. Any devices including phones, laptops, and anything electronic will be surveilled by government officials. You will be monitored until we can find Romanov or until we deem you trustworthy."

"So now you're saying that I'm not trustworthy?"

"Don't make this hard, Stark. All we want to know is where Romanov and Rogers are and what they're planning to do."

"How do you even know that she's even with Steve?"

"We have our assumptions. Romanov doesn't do random disappearances, leaving all communication devices behind. She left 5 days ago and we still haven't heard a word from her. We're two weeks in of four individually dangerous criminals being captured and sent to the Raft. This issue is still raw, Stark."

"They're not criminals," Tony muttered under his breath.

"You realize that even though we captured Barron Zemo and figured out this complication with James Barnes, those who did not sign the Sokovia Accords are still criminals for disobeying orders to stand down."

Tony didn't respond. He just sat silent, eyes closed.

Ross let out a heavy sigh. "Alright, I'm out of time. You still plan to visit the Raft tomorrow afternoon, correct?"

"Mhm."

"Okay, well, tomorrow I am required to travel with you and interrogate the four... prisoners, and you're expected to join me. We need to learn everything we can about Romanov and Rogers."

Tony let out a sigh. "Okay."

Thaddeus Ross left the meeting room and Tony sat, leaning over the long desk, hand on head. "God, what am I going to do," he groaned.

"Sir?"

Tony perked his head up to see Vision by the door.

"Oh, hey Vision," he said, rubbing his head. "Need something?"

"No, actually, I was curious about your meeting with Senator Ross. How did it go?" Vision sat down in the office chair next to Tony.

"Eh, boring as usual. Nothing that important. He was just accusing me of knowing about Nat and Steve's whereabouts--" He saw Vision's suspicious expression. "I don't know where they are or what they're doing," he said defensively, holding up his hands.

Vision clasped his hands. "No, of course not. I would never accuse you of that, sir. But does Ross truly believe you're associated with them?"

"I don't know, but he's putting me under supervision and surveillance for now. He's also joining me when I visit the Raft tomorrow to... interrogate... the, um..."

Vision nodded slowly, understanding what Tony was trying to say.

"Mr. Stark, would it be alright if I joined you tomorrow as well?"

Tony looked at him and raised a brow. "I'd prefer if you'd stay here, to keep things in check while I'm gone. Don't worry, I'll let you know how she's doing."

Vision seemed shocked and then disappointed for a moment but shook it off. "Of course," he responded softly, then stood up abruptly and left the meeting room.

He silently walked down the halls until he reached Wanda's old bedroom. He slid his hand down to the doorknob and turned it and slowly opened the door, revealing the empty bedroom, still filled with her things. Vision sighed at the old familiarity of the room. He walked over to her made bed, which had been that way for weeks, and sat. He let his hands drift over the cover, taking in the softness of it. He deeply missed her, her touch, her warmth. He wished he could get the chance to say that he loved her. He wanted to be with her again. He very much believed he loved her and he wanted to make things right with her. He hated being on opposing sides.

Wanda... Dear, I hope you're alright. I wish I could have been there for you. Please forgive me. I... I love you.