Chapter Text
Vision had always dreamed about marrying for love.
It was a mere dream, a fantasy, and he was well aware of it, but that didn’t stop his heart from yearning for it.
Someone to call his own, someone he chose, someone who chose him back.
A thunderbolt from the sky, a perfect, beautiful romance like something out of books or movies.
And yet, it was not to be.
He knew his duties, knew he was supposed to marry a noble woman from one of the influential families, yet his father’s words still managed to knock the air out of his lungs.
“Everything is settled. You will be meeting Virginia tomorrow, and the engagement will be announced at the press conference at noon. There will be a celebratory ball in the evening.”
“Does it have to be immediate? Can’t we have some time to get to know each other before being thrust into a marriage?” Vision couldn’t help but ask, as useless as the question was.
“And what, pray tell, would be the point? She has already agreed, her family has agreed, and you knew this day would come since you were a boy. You should be grateful I’ve waited this long, let you live your life and get some experiences, but it’s time for you to start a family and prepare to take your place on the throne.”
“Yes, father,” Vision stated, voice as dead as he felt inside, before he all but ran from the room.
He was overreacting.
His father was right, he had known this day would come for years, yet now that it was here, all he could do was wish things were different.
Wish he was born someone else.
Anyone else.
Not an heir to the throne of a small kingdom, soon to be married to a complete stranger.
One would think that in the twenty first century things like this wouldn’t be a problem, but, in a way, Vision felt like he had it even worse than his ancestors.
Because he could see everyone else around him have the choice that he didn’t, could read about it in books, could watch it in TV shows and movies.
He could see what he was missing.
And for almost everyone else, marrying for love was not an unattainable dream.
It was a reality.
“I hear congratulations are in order,” a voice spoke up, and Vision turned to see his friend and advisor enter his room.
Vision sighed, shaking his head.
It certainly didn’t feel that way.
Vision knew he could have had it much worse, knew there were many people who had it worse than him, but that didn’t soothe the deep ache in his chest.
He couldn’t change his fate, but he just wanted to feel what it was to be free.
At least for one night.
Suddenly, an idea came to him.
“Cover for me. Just one night,” he begged.
“Vision...”
“Please, Tony. I think I deserve this, after everything.”
It was Tony’s turn to sigh, before he nodded.
“Fine. But don’t be hungover and don’t be late. Tomorrow is a big day.”
Despite everything, Vision grinned.
It might not change what he had to do tomorrow, but – at least for tonight – he could pretend to be someone else.
He could pretend to be free.