I love AUs.

□■□■□■□■□■□

Two sides, divided. With nothing but the fire like hatred boiling in their veins. These two teams were split in the midst of a Civil War, the boundaries continuing to exist even as the war ceased.

There were the Starks: Tony Stark, (Y/N) Stark, Natasha Romonov, Vision, and Rhodey.

There were the Rogers: Steve Rogers, James Barnes, Wanda Maximoff, Clint Barton, and Sam Wilson.

Tony Stark, head of the Stark household, was the father of (Y/N). Rhodey acted as a brotherly figure towards (Y/N), tending to her needs. Vision was the brains, the strategic side of the Starks. Natasha was the ruthless warrior, sometimes too excited for bloodshed.

Steve Rogers, head of the Rogers household, was the best friend and caretaker of James Barnes. Sam Wilson was also close to James, being a friend when Steve was too busy. Wanda Maximoff was a fighter, but was level headed and never took a life unless it was absolutely necessary. Clint Barton was an assassin, ready for battle at any given time.

There were many servants and maids of each household, keeping up with the cleaning and cooking required to house so many people. It was a small group of servants that started yet another sword fight in the towns square, causing a ruckus that attracted Steve, Tony, Natasha, and Wanda, who all got involved in the fighting as well.

In fact, the fight was so huge that the prince himself, Prince Fury, arrived.

"Cease!" He yelled, causing the drawn swords to stop moving. "I am weary of these fights constantly erupting!" He yelled. "If anybody instigates another brawl, any participants shall be put to death!"

The fighters bowed their heads in shame, all funneling away, except for Wanda, who noticed James entering the square.

"Was there a fight?" He asked.

"There was." Wanda informed. "Where have you been? Your father is worried sick."

"In the woods. Alone." He sighed.

"Why?"

"My heart has been broken. I've fallen for a woman, Rosaline, that wishes to become a nun- married to the Lord. She has taken my heart, but gives none in return." James said, a saddened look on his face.

"Do not fret, James." Wanda comforted, "there are many women in each village. All you must do is look for another."

"I cannot! Rosealine is as fair as anyone I've ever met, the only woman I shall ever love."

"Please, James, just keep your eyes open."

James sighed and gave her a tight smile. "Of course, Wanda."

□■□■□

"(Y/N)!" Rhodey called through the halls of the Stark house.

"In here!" You called back, placing a bookmark in the novel you were reading.

"There you are." He stated as he entered your bedroom. "Your father wishes to speak with you."

Tony walked in, a confident gait matching his decorative clothing. He smiled tightly in your direction, fixing the button on his suit.

"Hello, (Y/N)." He said.

"Good afternoon." You replied.

"I was contacted by Thor Odinson this morning. May I ask, what is your veiw on marriage?" He asked.

"It is an honor I do not dream of." You replied softly.

"Your mother was your age when she was having children, (Y/N)."

"I'm sure of it, father."

"Thor has asked for your hand. Will you accept?" He asked bluntly.

You were shocked, and took a moment to answer. "I cannot agree to it so soon."

"I understand." He nodded. "I've got an idea. I'll throw a banquet tonight- bright lights, loud music. Thor will be present. Promise me, please, that you'll take his offer into consideration?"

You sighed, looking at your fiddling hands. "I will dance once with him. But if I feel nothing, I will not force love to appear."

"That would make me happy, (Y/N). Thank you."

"Anytime, father."

□■□■□

James stood with Wanda and Sam outside of the Stark residence, where a large party was underway. They all wore masks over their eyes, seeing as to how the invitation- that they did not receive- specified the get together as a masquerade party.

Sam chuckled and gave James' shoulder a pat. "You ready for tonight, James?"

"For what? I've only come for your company." James replied sadly, his mind still stuck on Rosaline.

"To find another." Wanda said. "Your heart will no longer be broken when you look upon the beauties here tonight."

"It's hard to believe, but I shall try." James agreed reluctantly, being the first to enter the ball room, straightening his tie.

"Hey," Sam said, clapping a hand on James' shoulder, "if love be rough with you, be rough with love."

He looked around the room, scanning over the faceless masses ahead of him.

Then it happened.

He met your eyes from across the room, gazes locking into each others as if it were your heartbeats. The noise seemed to fade, the steady beats of your hearts beating in the same rhythm, a sweet melody emerging from the percussive sound. Your hearts lined with the crossed and fateful stars, an instant love bringing truth to fairytale myths. Your red painted lips flickered into a smirk as your began to walk towards him.

James stared in amazement as he looked at you, walking towards him.

"Doth my heart love till now?" He asked himself. "Forswear it, sight! For I have ne'er seen true beauty before this night."

You approached him, taking his hand and pulling him onto the dance floor.

"You are a dove among crows, my lady." He said, holding your waist as you began to dance.

"Why, my gratitude, sir." You replied, smiling. He stared at your lips as you talked.

"Those lips, they must be too pure, purged of all sin. Please, I beg of thee, purge me of mine as well." He said sweetly, turning as the music played. You chuckled and layed a feather-light hand on his shoulder.

"These lips are used in prayer, good sir, and are pure." You teased. You knew exactly what he wanted, but it wouldn't be so easy to get, even with his beautiful eyes and strong jaw.

"And your hands, soft and light as a feather-"

"To touch together in a Holy Palmers kiss." You layed your palm flat against his, staring up into his bright blue eyes.

"You leave me so unsatisfied?" He teased, causing you to smirk. He twirled you again, pulling you closer as you spun.

"Perhaps not." You leaned forward and touched your lips lightly to his, pulling away before you had a chance to blush. He looked shocked at first, but a small smirk soon found it's way onto his perfect pink lips.

"Is that a sin?" He asked. "If so, please, give me my sin again!" And he reconnected your lips, but only for a fraction of a second before Rhodey began calling your name.

"I must go." You rushed, pulling your hand from his, the emptiness already eating away at your heart.

"James!" Wanda called from the entrance. James glanced your way just as you looked at him over your shoulder, eyes meeting one last time before you both went to your friends.

"What is it?" You hissed at Rhodey.

"What do you need?" James asked Wanda impatiently.

"Who is that man?" Rhodey asked.

"We must go- you've had your dance." Wanda replied.

"A wonderful man." You sighed. "Please, I beg of you, go ask him his name."

"We must leave so soon?" James whined, then felt a light tap on his shoulder. He turned to find a well dressed man, a Stark logo on his lapel.

"Yes?" James asked nervously.

"Hello, good sir. My name is Rhodey. You've seemed to catch the eye of (Y/N) Stark over there, and she asks your name." Rhodey said politely.

James swallowed, unsure how to answer. The woman he loved- the daughter of Tony Stark himself.

"How much do you care for (Y/N)?" He asked quietly, the sound of your name on his tounge making his heart beat.

"Very much." Rhodey replied.

"Then," James looked around, "how would you react if I told you I am James Barnes?"

Rhodey's eyes widened, a small chuckle escaping his throat.

"We've dug a hole, haven't we?" He joked.

"I see we have." James replied, saddened and releived.

"I'll go tell her."

"Please, give her my best wishes."

"Of course, James. May fate be on your side."

James nodded, smiling at Rhodey before turning to catch up with Sam and Wanda.

You listened anxiously as Rhodey told you his name, your heart shattering as the realization hit you. The man you've fallen in love with is your enemy.

"My only love sprung from my only hate!" You said, despair in your voice. All your life, you were taught to treat everyone with love, unless they were in the Rogers household. And now, the man you love is just that.

~End of Part 1~