Author's Note: Riletro fans, be prepared! Because this is THE chapter. Hope you enjoy!

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To say Tony was surprised when we arrived home with Bucky Barnes was an understatement. Honestly, I think he might just go get his suit on and blast the assassin to kingdom come. I've never seen him this angry. The Tony I know is a sarcastic, nonchalant guy.

"Not when it comes to his parents." Wanda whispers next to me, having read my thoughts. "This man killed them after all."

"You got into his mind. You saw he was brainwashed. Can Tony really blame him? Bucky Barnes and the Winter Soldier are two different people. Two sides of a coin." I reply, crossing my arms. We're both watching Tony and Steve duke it out in the conference room.

"We understand that, but Tony does not. To him, everything is black and white. We see the gray in between." Wanda sighs, and turns away. "We are a team. They should not be arguing."

I turn away as well, cringing when Tony tries to shove Steve. Tries being the key word. "He just needs time." I murmur, walking away from Wanda. I decide to go to the kitchen, where I know Bucky probably is. He was fatigued, and almost starving when we found him.

There he is, sitting and eating a grilled cheese. Natasha stood in front of the bar where he sat, leaning on the countertop. "Hey Riley." She nods, giving me small smile.

"Your neck is looking better." Bucky says quietly, his eyes darting to my skin. When we had returned home, my neck was already bruising in the shape of a hand. Pietro, who was livid, tried to get me to heal it but I saw no use. It was just bruising.

"Do you want anything to eat? I made him a grilled cheese." Natasha points to the stove, where the ingredients for a sandwich are still laying out. I shrug, and she goes to work.

"I'm still very sorry, kid." Bucky states as I sit down on a stool next to him. "I thought your boyfriend was going to rip my throat out."

"B-Boyfriend?" I stammer, giving him wide eyes. "What are you talking about?"

"I see the way that speedy guy looks at you. The way you look at him. You two may not be together, but I see it." He smiles slightly, shaking his head. "Wish I still had something even remotely close to that."

"The war was hard for both you and Steve. You lost a lot. At least you have each other. Family." I put a hand on his shoulder, and he tenses.

"Yeah. Family."

"Роза, can I speak with you?" I jump when I hear Pietro's voice directly behind me. Nodding, he leads me back to my room. Wow, how strange is it that he took me back to my room?

"Is everything okay?" I ask in concern, watching as he paced the floor. Bucky's words pop back into my mind, but I shake them off.

"I do not trust Barnes." He tells me, crossing his arms. No surprise there. "Though, you do. If you trust him, then I will learn to trust him as well."

"You're mistaking trust for understanding, Pietro." I shake my head and step forward, closer to him. His eyes go big, and I frown. "I don't trust him, and I kind of don't want him around the team. Around you. If he hurts someone... No, I won't let that happen. The only two reasons I am not kicking his ass out right now, is because of Steve, and because I understand."

"Understand what, роза?" Pietro questions, placing a hand on my waist. My fists clench and I feel tears start to well up in my eyes.

"To think yourself a monster. To want to end your life everyday, because you think people dying is your fault." I whisper, and let the tears spill. Sobs take control of my body, and immediately Pietro's arms are cradling me to his chest.

"Sh, роза. It's okay." He soothes, kissing my head. For ten minutes I cry into his chest before deciding to stop. I wipe my tears and look up at him.

"He's lost. I was once lost, too. I understand hating yourself, being overrun with guilt. The only thing I can't imagine is brainwash."

Pietro's nods before kissing my forehead. "Then I will try to understand. You've never told me these things before now. Why?"

"I wanted to start over. Without those feelings clouding my judgment." I explain, biting my lip.

"Well, now that I understand you, maybe I can better understand him." Pietro smiles sweetly, and I return the gesture. My heart picks up the pace a bit at his smile. "I did have something else I wanted to talk to you about."

"What's that speedy?" I joke, poking his stomach. He grins before leaning in right next to my ear.

"Meet me on the rooftop at ten o'clock tonight, and don't be late." He murmurs, and I'm about to ask why when he speeds out of my room. My hearts racing, and I can feel my cheeks getting hot. Why does he want me to meet him?

I walk down the hall to Wanda's room, and knock on her door. "Red, I need your help!" I shout. She opens the door, looking mildly annoyed. "What's-"

Before I can ask, the door opens wider to reveal Vision standing next to her. "Hello Riley." He says, nodding. I smirk and raise an eyebrow in Wanda's direction.

"What do you need, спаситель?" She asks, but then her face lights up. "Something happened with P'yetro!"

"What-"

"He asked you, didn't he? He made this whole big idea and was too scared to go through with it. Finally, he asked you. What are you wearing? Can you believe he's going to do that?" She rambles. Vision looks confused, but I chuckle.

"You knew? He only told me to meet him tonight. Apparently it's a surprise." I state, holding both her shoulders.

"Oh, you are in for a treat. We must go shopping!" Wanda declares, looping her arm with mine. "Vision, I will be back later and then we can finish where we left off."

As soon as he is out of earshot, I grin at her. "Where did I interrupt?" I tease, causing her face to turn red. "Alright, serious now. What do I need to wear?"

"I can tell you that you need something formal. This will not be a casual thing." She answers, hurriedly walking down the hall. "We need a man's opinion."

"Excuse me?" I question, but she tanks me into the kitchen. Natasha, Clint, Bucky, and Steve are standing around.

"Who wants to be occupied for the next few hours?" Wanda inquires, grinning.

"He finally asked didn't he?" Natasha smiles, placing her hands on her hips. My eyes go as wide as saucers.

"You knew too! Who else knows?" I exclaim, looking at the rest of them.

"We all do. Well, except Bucky, but he just got here." Clint laughs. "What do you guys need?"

"A man's, who is not my brother, opinion." Wanda tells them, looking at me. "We're going shopping."

"Count me out, I don't do shopping." Clint shakes his head, but we look over to Steve and Bucky. They both have frozen in place, like if they don't move we won't see them.

"You two are coming with us. You need the distraction." I command, pointing to the two. Their jaws drop. "No arguing, please do this for me."

That makes them nod reluctantly. "Don't count on my opinion to be good." Steve mutters, crossing his arms.

~

We spend the next four hours shopping and walking around the city. Steve kept quiet almost the whole time, while Bucky complained every time we walked into a store. "Can you please shut up?" I growl, while Wanda hands me another dress.

We have yet to find a decent one that wasn't too expensive, wasn't too nice, wasn't trashy, and was just right for me. "Gosh, someone's in a bad mood." Bucky glowers, sulking over to sit in a chair near the dressing rooms.

"He's just not the shopping kind." Steve laughs and shakes his head. "That one looks nice, Riley."

I finally glance down at the dress in my hands. "I love it. Let's just see if it meets the criteria." Walking to the dressing rooms, I stick my tongue out at Bucky on the way. "Asshole."

Wanda follows and helps when I need it. It fits perfectly when she zips it up. I walk out of the dressing room without looking in the mirror. Steve and Bucky's reaction tells it all. "Wow." Bucky whispers.

"спаситель, it is perfect!" Wanda exclaims while clapping her hands. "You look beautiful."

I close my eyes and turn towards the mirror, before opening them. A gasp escapes my mouth as my eyes go wide. The dress stops mid-thigh. It's a nude color, with metallic gray lace coming down the side of the top. "Oh my." I murmur to myself, running my hands over the fabric. "This is the one."

"Finally!" Bucky shouts, standing up. He grabs my arm and pulls me towards the dressing room. "You look beautiful, by the way."

We buy the dress immediately, Wanda refusing my efforts to pay. "It is for you and my brother. My treat." She shrugs, and I cross my arms. Twins, freaking twins.

Once we get back to the Tower, it's eight o' clock, since we left around three. I shower, taking my time, and when I get out I go look at the dress again. What's going to happen tonight?

"Riley, I am here to help you get ready!" I hear Natasha's voice from the other side of my door. Opening it up, I raise an eyebrow. "Wanda will be here shortly."

"You're-"

"Yes. I can do hair and makeup. All you have to do is sit there with your natural beauty." She jokes.

We sit there and just talk until Wanda shows up, grinning. "I just talked to P'yetro. He is very excited." She squeals, clapping her hands.

I roll my eyes and turn towards Natasha. "Can you at least tell me what this night consists of?" I question, but both of them shake their heads. "Damn."

"Trust me, спаситель. You'll have much fun." Wanda says, hugging my shoulders. I nod and hug her back. "Now, let's get you ready."

I change into my dress before Natasha starts to curl the ends of my hair, while Wanda does my makeup. "I wish I had blonde hair. Oh wait, no I don't." Natasha laughs, combing through the tangles. "Your hair is beautiful though."

"Only when I decide to wash it. Which is every two or twenty days." I joke, closing my eyes for Wanda. Usually, I don't do makeup, but tonight is special. "What time is it?"

"It is nine o'clock." Wanda answers, swiping on some mascara. "You still have some time. He is probably early, knowing my impatience brother."

"Glad I'm not the only one who thinks he's impatient." I mumble, causing the two women to laugh. "What?"

"Everyone thinks he's impatient! It's because he is!" Natasha starts to pull my hair into a ponytail, but leaves my bangs hanging down.

When I'm finally ready, it's nine forty. The two lead me to a mirror, where my eyes go as wide as saucers. "Wow, you guys are good." I giggle, twirling in the mirror. Not only do I look good, I feel good as well. Happy.

"Now, go get 'em. He's going to drop dead, Riley." Natasha grins, pushing me towards the door. My small heels clack against the ground, but unlike I usually do, I don't falter.

"You look gorgeous, спаситель." Wanda breathes, grabbing my hands. "My brother will be so excited. I am glad you two are happy."

"Thank you." I whisper, before pulling her in for a hug. We stay like that for a few minutes before she breaks away. "If you'll excuse me, I have to go be Cinderella for a night."

I leave my room as quick as I can after glancing at the clock. Nine forty-five. Knowing Pietro, he's probably already up on the roof, waiting. I pass by Bucky and Steve, who both nod and smile at me. When I bump into Clint, he gives me a thumbs up and a grin.

"Have fun, Riles, but not too much fun. If you know what I mean." He winks, but I roll my eyes. "Seriously, have fun."

I smile as him and walk away. Finally, I'm alone on the elevator. My heart is beating rapidly, and I feel my palms sweating. Am I really nervous?

Once the elevator dings, I realize that I'm shifting in place. God, I am nervous! Where is that boy? What is he planning?

Walking towards the landing platform, I fix my dress. Hopefully, I look good enough. My feet stop in their tracks when I see the sight in front of me.

A few string lanterns are hanging around with platform, and flowers were placed in a small circle. The sky was clear, showing the stars perfectly. "Oh." I murmur to myself, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "It's beautiful."

"Yes it is." I jump when I look to my right to see Pietro staring at me. My heart stops when I take in his appearance. He's wearing a nice, white dress shirt, and some black dress pants. His hair is combed, but otherwise, he looks like the usual Pietro. Just the way I like him.

"Pietro-"

"Роза, sh. Just come with me." He says, taking my hand. He slowly leads me to stand in the circle of roses. When we stop, he pulls a remote from his pocket and presses a button. Immediately, slow music fills the air around us. "Dance with me, Riley Jensen."

I nod, my lips parting slightly. One of his hands go on my waist, the other is holding one of my hands up. My heart beat picks up, and butterflies fill my stomach. Heat rushes to my cheeks as he pulls me closer to his body. "Pietro." I can barely speak, it feels like my whole body is shaking.

"Riley." He moves his hands to my waist as I move mine to loop around his neck. I bury my face into his shoulder and he places his chin on the top of my head. "You make me so happy."

I pull away to look up at him. His electric blue eyes meet mine, and a smile breaks across his face. My head becomes static after I make up my mind on what I want. He opens his mouth to say something, but before he can, I grab his shirt and pull his face down to meet mine. Our foreheads are touching, and our eyes are staring into each other's.

"Kiss me." I whisper fiercely.

When his lips meet mine, my knees buckle, but he catches me with an arm around my waist. The kiss obliterates me. I realize my whole life had been leading up to this. To the Avengers, to him.

I almost whine when he pulls away. "I felt drawn to you the moment I met you. I have waited for the right moment. Are you sure?" He asks quietly, kissing my forehead. I nod fiercely before kissing him again.

His tongue slips into my mouth and fireworks explode in my body. A dam bursts, and I feel amazing. I feel right. Sadly, though, good things must come to an end.

"I'm counting on you." Pietro whispers. No, it's not Pietro. It's a different voice. My brother. I shove the Sokovian off of me and see my brother standing behind him.

Justin's body is ripped to shreds, blood pouring like flowing water. Like a dam leaking. "J-Justin!" I cry out and reach for him. As soon as I do, he disappears.

"I'm counting you to move on."

A chill runs from the top of my head to my toes. I run to where he was standing, but there is no trace of him around. "Justin, please. I miss you!" I exclaim.

How can I move on when I have this guilt weighing on my chest like a boulder. I can't move on. I never will. It's impossible.

My feet are suddenly running to the edge of the building. Maybe Justin jumped. He could be down on the ground. When I look over the edge, I see nothing.

I realize too late that the dam that broke down inside of me, was the guilt of Justin's death. Gone. His words echo in my mind. Move on. He wouldn't want me to sulk around, destroying my life. My brother always wanted me to help people, but most importantly, do what I think is right in my heart.

Suddenly, two hands are shaking my shoulders. I realize that I am still standing frozen in place, the exact spot I was in before I saw Justin. My cheeks are wet, as are the person in front of me.

"Роза, come back to me, please." Pietro says softly, almost whimpering. "Please tell me what is wrong."

"I-I saw him. My brother. He told me to move on." I state, still trying to make sense of it all. "I'm free."

Pietro's arms are suddenly around me, holding me close. "You scared me." He whispers.

I pull away and put both my hands on his face. "You are the best thing to ever happen to me, Pietro." My lips crash to his, and just like before, it feels right.

His hands are around my waist, but they travel lower. I gasp when he slides his hands under my legs and picks me up. "We should take this somewhere else." He tells me when he pulls away.

I slide down off of him, and smile innocently. "I would say my place but you've been there a lot so-"

Before I can say anything else, he picks me up and runs to my room. "Ta da." He grins, sending me a wink. I roll my eyes and try to fix my hair a little.

"Wanda and Natasha did a good job. I hope I look good enough. Do you think that the dress is too much? Maybe the hair should've been down."

Pietro rushes to me and meets my eyes. "Роза, you do not need to worry. You will always be good enough. No matter what. I have seen you at some of your best and worst times. I wake up with you! This makeup, dress, hair, anything, does not make you you; your personality is your beauty."

"Pietro." I murmur, blushing. He shakes his head.

"I am not finished. You are beautiful when you get out of the shower with wet hair. You are beautiful when you wear sweatpants and watch movies. You are beautiful when you are sleeping with your lips parted slightly and face so peaceful. You are-"

I cut him off with a quick peck to the lips. "Come on, speedy. Pick up the pace." I tease, sprinting to my bedroom. Before I know it, I'm being put on the bed by Pietro. "I'm so glad I met you."

"And I you, роза."

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Author's Note: RILETRO HAPPENS FINALLY. Man, I wanted to make this happen since day one 😂 I hope y'all like it! Girl bonding is my favorite. Love you!

Russian: спаситель
English: savior

Russian: роза
English: rose