Connected... {A Scarlet Vision Fanfic}

Epilouge Part One: Natasha

(Third Person POV)

The Avengers gathered in their shared living space inside Stark Tower, joined by a few others. Tony and Pepper sat on a love seat together, across from them was Steve and Helen Cho, who were attempting to conceal their entwined hands- and failing miserably. Bucky was sitting a chair with Natasha behind him, she was playing with his newly-cut hair, they both had sweet lazy smiles across their faces. Pietro was over by the window, flirting with nurse Sarah, who was merely laughing at his attempts to woo her- neither of them would admit just how dearly they cared for one another-- at least not yet. Sam was in the corner, absentmindedly flipping through vinyls. Clint was preparing another pot of coffee, mindlessly murmuring about the heavenly powers of the brown liquid. Wanda and Vision were sitting together, not bothering to hide their displays of affection, the team already knew of the romance between the two team mates.

Sam selected a vinyl, a slow classical piece that Steve had mentioned liking. Suddenly Bucky stood and turned, offering his hand to Natasha. "A dance, Natalia?" He queried. She nodded affirmation, and they walked over to the open space between the window and the seating area. It was obvious they had danced together before, you could tell by the way he knew just how to lead and support her, and the way she was in a state of complete relaxation in his arms. They walked gracefully through a waltz, their posture and technique were perfect, which made it plain that they had been trained to do this.

(Natasha's POV)

It felt so natural to be dancing in James' arms again. It was complete bliss to feel his hand at my waist guiding me confidently. However the beautiful simplicity of the moment allowed my to wander back to when the Red Room drilled us on dancing, we could never be too perfect, never good enough. Just before the memory could take over my subconscious James brought me back to reality. I hadn't realized the music had stopped.

"Natalia, don't do this. You don't deserve those memories." I couldn't respond, I was still a bit dazed. He noticed this and gently kissed the place just at the corner of my mouth. I snapped back to reality.

"Sorry," I murmured.

"Don't apologize, Natalia." He kept his arm around my waist as he led me back to the couch, and sat me down in his lap.  He stroked my back and played with my hair to keep my mind from wondering to bad memories.

I knew the entire team had seen this ordeal, but no one commented on it...

Later that night, we slept together, just the same way we used to when we snuck out to see each other.

***

(One Year Later, Natasha's POV )

I never expected this to happen- especially not to me. But as I slipped the silk white gloves onto my fingers shakily, I realized this was indeed happening. The off-the-shoulder, curve-hugging, mermaid-style dress of expensive white silk, tied at the waist with a crimson sash, was indeed mine. My curly red hair was placed in a special updo, a white veil perched atop the hairstyle. I was getting married.

"You look beautiful." Came Wanda's deep Sokovian accent. I grinned nervously back at her in the mirror.
Pepper came to stand next to the two of us, adjusting the laces of the corset backing needlessly. Her and Wanda were my bridesmaids, and both were clad in fitted silk cocktail dresses of the same Crimson hue as my sash.

Suddenly, Clint- one of Bucky's groomsmen- entered the room and told us it was time to get in places. I was escorted to the entrance of the Russian Cathedral we were being married in, we chose a destination wedding in a chapel near Stalingrad. Close to the place where our love began. As we assembled, Wanda and Clint leading as bridesmaid and groomsmen, and Steve and Pepper proceeding me as maid of honor and best man. I was to walk down alone, with no father to accompany me.

Or so I thought...

Just as Wanda and Clint were about to begin walking, someone came out of the church. It was Nick Fury. He walked up to me wordlessly, and took my arm. When I gave him an inquisitive look he said simply, "You shouldn't be alone." I smiled at the unexpected compassion.

Then, Wanda and Clint began their trip down the aisle. It seemed as if time was going half-speed, because it felt like years before Pepper and Steve made their journey. Once they were halfway, I took a deep, nervous breath, and Nick lead me down the aisle. I couldn't see James at first, but once we caught glimpse of each other we couldn't look away, and I wasn't even aware when I made it to the end of the aisle, until Fury smiled at me, and left to go sit down.

I took my place next to James. He looked absolutely stunning in his suit, I couldn't help but wonder at the blue of his eyes or the gentle nature of his touch as we joined our hands between us. Pietro began the ceremony as our officiant, and after each section, he translated from Russian to English.

Eventually it was time for the vows and rings. I took a nervous breath, and looked to James expectantly. He also released a shaky breath before starting.

"With this ring, I marry you and bind my life to yours.
It is a symbol of my eternal love,
My everlasting friendship,
And the promise of all my tomorrows." James said sweetly.

"With this ring, I marry you and bind my life to yours.
It is a symbol of my eternal love,
My everlasting friendship,
And the promise of all my tomorrows."
I repeated.

I vaguely heard Pietro translate our vows to Russian as we slipped rings onto each other's fingers. He removed the glove on my left hand, and secured the ring on my finger. I grabbed his right arm- which we chose to use instead of his metal arm- and slipped the ring onto his finger.

We walked down the aisle, a happy, newlywed couple.

To be continued...