Romanian Phrases:
Capitan--Captain
Fratele--Brother
Sora mica--little sister

>>>><<<<

He always seemed to creep up on me slowly.

One minute, I'm completely focused. My mind is sharp, and my motions are fluid. My anger, like a shield, kept the tears back, and I bent the world to my will.

But then he appeared.

Riddled with holes, his chest was coated with Crimson. His legs were still, never to run again, and his strong arms were cold. His face was pale, so pale, and his eyes were empty and distant.

Pietro.

All at once, my anger vanished, and in its place, rose my deep sorrow. My concentration washed away, and my legs buckled against the waves of grief that pounded into me. My brother's name on my lips, I collapsed.

Distantly, I heard Cap's voice as he shouted my name. When I didn't reply, I heard him running towards me. There were others too, but I didn't look at them. I was too ashamed.

"Wanda, are you all right?" Cap asked and placed his hand on my shoulder.

"Forgive me, Capitan," I murmured, "I thought I buried him deeper this time, but...he found me again."

Kneeling beside me, Natasha took my hands into hers. "Wanda, we've been over this. You don't have to bury him--"

Ripping my hands away, I abruptly stood to my feet. "My fratele is buried in the ground. I need to bury him in my heart, but I keep failing. I'm sorry, but if you give me time--"

"Wanda, it's been months," Cap replied, "I too know what it's like to mourn, but this is turning unhealthy. It's time to move on."

"Neither of you know what it's like!" I screamed, "I was his twin. I was supposed to have been with him always. I didn't protect him, and now he's gone."

Cap fell silent, almost as if he was remembering someone. "I know why you feel guilty, but you don't have to. It wasn't your fault--"

"Yes, it was," I interrupted and turned on my heel. "And he will never stop punishing me."

"Wanda, have you ever considered that these memories of yours are blessings and not punishment?" Cap asked, "I wish I could remember more of my fallen comrades."

Closing my eyes, I recalled Pietro's pale face and his slightly opened mouth. "No, they are not blessings," I replied and walked away.

>>>>><<<<<

I didn't return to training, and I spoke to no one. I stayed away partly because I was ashamed of my outburst, but also because I didn't trust myself around others. When Pietro appeared, I couldn't control my powers, and I didn't want to accidentally hurt anyone.

In the afternoon, Tony Stark arrived, and soon afterward, came Clint Barton. As I watched them enter the facility, I couldn't help marveling at the powers being gathered together in one building. If the slightest thing went wrong, this place could quickly turn into a war zone.

A little before dinner, Natasha knocked on my door and asked me if I would come out. I did not answer her, for she did not understand. I only trusted myself around one person, and I would not leave my chamber until he arrived.

There was a flash of lightning and a roll of thunder, and for the first time all day, I smiled.

Thor had arrived.

During the weeks following Pietro's death, Thor and I had grown close, for we had one thing in common: both our brothers were dead. He never pressed me, for which I was thankful, but even so, I knew that at any time, I could turn around, and he'd be there.

Eventually though, Thor had returned to Asgard. When that'd happened, I descended back into my world of grief. Without even knowing it, Thor had filled Pietro's place in my heart, and when he left, that gaping hole had reappeared.

But now he was back.

After running my hands through my hair, I quickly braided it. Any minute, I knew Thor would knock on my door, and I did not want to look like a wreck, although that image suited me perfectly. Glancing in the mirror, I squeezed some color into my cheeks and hoped that I looked convincing.

Just as I'd predicted, two minutes later, there was a light tapping a the door. Straightening my clothes, I walked across the room and swung open the door. Just outside, I was met by Thor's bulky frame filling the doorway.

"Greetings, my Lady," he said and smiled down at me. "May I have the honor of escorting you to dinner?"

After his question, he offered me his arm, but I bypassed it and instead embraced him. "I've missed you," I whispered, unashamed of my rash actions.

"I've missed you too," Thor chuckled and squeezed my smaller form. Once we'd separated, he studied me and frowned. "Have you been crying?"

"I thought I hid it better this time," I sighed and bowed my head.

Opening his mouth, Thor was about to comment when Tony's annoyed voice blared across the intercom:

"Hey, Wanda, Goldilocks," he started, "Stop dawdling and get down here."

The message was short, and as soon as it was over, Thor's guttural laughs filled the hallway. "A rather persistent man, but I admire him," he remarked and looked at me, "Come, we will speak of this later. But for now, let's eat and be merry."

Glancing down at my hands, I remembered the chaos that I could cause if Pietro should appear. What if something should trigger his image? I'd be uncontrollable.

"Sora mica, please," Thor whispered, "I'm here; you're going to be all right."

Lifting my chin, I gazed into his eyes. They were the purest of blues, but in their depths I saw scars caused by the horrific things he had seen. He already was healing from his own horrors, and yet he was trying to help me with mine.

The way he'd addressed me--little sister--only improved my thoughts of him. I had not taught him that Romanian phrase, so the only explanation was that he had sought it out in the vast libraries of Asgard. Perhaps Thor had thought of and missed me just as much as I had thought of and missed him.

Silently giving my consent, I weaved my arm through Thor's, and, together, we strode down the corridor.

Hey everyone!!
This is my first Marvel fan-fiction, so if I didn't get everything right, my apologies. Please comment and let me know what you thought!! If you liked it, please vote!!
Special thanks to Stars_Alight for the awesome cover!!
Julie :D