LITTLE WARRIORS ( pietro maximoff )

Extra - Christmas

{edited}

WAKING UP TO SCREAMING wasn't how Pietro wanted to wake up everyday, especially on Christmas Eve. He wanted to wake up to Cara's shining face, her brilliant blue eyes, her pink kissable lips. Instead, he woke up at 2:41 a.m. to Cara's shrill scream beside him.

He woke up gasping for breath and turned to see Cara's eyes practically glued shut, her hands fisting the sheets. He cupped her cheek and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Cara, lyubov'. Wake up, please," he pleaded and Cara's eyes snapped open. She too was gasping for breath and tears fell down her face. Pietro enveloped her in a hug and buried her face in crook of Pietro's neck. "Shh, it's okay. I've got you, lyubov'."

Pietro didn't bother asking what she dreamt up. He knew exactly what is was. Him dying all over again back in the Battle of Sokovia. But instead this time, he didn't come back. Pietro wasn't revived and Cara was alone again.

"It happened again," she cried and Pietro ran his fingers through her hair. "Again and again it happens."

"I know," Pietro whispered and moved away so he was cupping her face. "Look, I'm still here, okay? Your knight in shining in armor is still here." Cara gave a small chuckle. "I promise, I'm not going to leave you every again." He kissed her on the temple.

She still continued to cry.

ϟ

Tony, being Tony, wanted to have a party for Christmas like he's always had. Since the twins and Cara weren't used to such big crowds, he didn't invite a lot of people. It was just the Avengers, Pepper, Jane, Fury, and Maria Hill. Cara was thankful for that.

The party was held in the Avengers Tower, instead of the base outside the city. Wanda had forced Cara to dress up and placed her in a lilac purple dress that stopped just above her knees. In return, Cara helped Wanda into a beautiful red dress. Pietro was speechless just seeing his two favorite women look incredibly beautiful.

Lights and garland were hung around the room with a large Christmas tree sitting near the bar. Christmas music was playing quietly and a few people like Thor and Jane were dancing. Since Banner was still MIA, Natasha was standing behind the bar with a drink in hand.

Cara was smiling with glee as she watched her best friend talk to the red android. For months Wanda would talk to Cara about her "small" infatuation of the Vision. And by small, of course, she met relatively large. Most of the time after training, Wanda and Cara would go back to the latter's room and talking about the Vision while eating fatty foods. It was one of the most normal experiences Cara had experienced.

While the others talked and danced and drank the night away, Cara silently strode to the balcony and pushed the doors aside. Her drink felt warm in her hands. She leaned against the railing and saw a small bench and table near her. She placed her drink on the table and stared at the landscape. New York was ablaze with red, blue, green, yellow, and purple lights. Faintly, she could hear people caroling the streets and the sound of bells. Due to her lack of memory, she could barely remember any of this. She couldn't remember the joy of family, opening presents early Christmas morning, eating the wonderful home cooked meal. Because of this, a small tear fell down her face.

A small whoosh sound entered her ears and she didn't bother turning. She knew it was Pietro and her assumption was right when she saw the familiar pale blonde hair out of the corner of her eye. "I may not like him, but Stark knows how to throw a party," Pietro jested and took a sip of his drink. He chuckled but when he saw Cara's tear, his smile fell. "Hey, what's wrong?"

She let out a sigh. "Nothing, I'm fine," she whispered and wiped away the tear. "Come on, let's get back to the party."

"No," Pietro said and tugged Cara back as she tried to leave. "What's wrong? We promised each other not to keep secrets."