ThotLesha: I want to say thank you for your review, really, thank you very much to have taken your time to write this review. I don't know how many chapters this story will have but I can say it will not end soon. No it's not difficult to write between the chapters, I'm a person who writes when a sudden inspiration hits and sometimes I can finish 3 chapters in one day. But I don't have beta reader available so the chapters just rest in my laptop until one of them want (nicely) beta my work. As an example the last chapter was ready to be betareaded since last week but it's today that I post it. Sometimes I'm like please, someone! Help me! But well I have no choice. Thank you again to continue to read it. It means the world for me.

Stuckyfans : you're the best. I know It's a quite sad right now but the next chapter will be much more light. Keep reading ;)"

It's been a month since Steve sought Rose out. Long months of research with the help of the Shield. At least the unofficial help of the Shield. Sharon even helped. He had flatly apologized to her for his behavior with her and she had forgiven him in some ways.

Rose was in a cell of Hydra in Russia, at Berlin. It was clear that it was a trap to lure Bucky in but he insisted that he wanted to be part of the mission. He blamed himself for the kidnapping of Rose. For two days in Barton's farm, he felt normal because of her. He enjoyed a normal life and laugh countless times. He could not leave Rose in Hydra's hands without do something.

So Steve, Bucky and Sharon went to Berlin. There were ten of agents of Shield ready to fight, but it was Hydra and Fury who didn't want to leave Hydra to prosper without reacting. Even if Steve was still a fugitive, Fury care, which was what he said to Steve. Hydra was absolutely evil and had to be eradicated in all ways.

The trio was in a hotel in Berlin. They were preparing to break into a masked ball given in a large reception room a few blocks. Rose had to be there as some member for Hydra. The masked ball was covert, for a meeting for members of Hydra. With their mole, they knew that this reception was given in favor of the new head of Hydra who was a woman apparently as influential as the Red Skull.

This time there were no Avengers with Steve- just he, Bucky and some agents of Shield. The mission was a bit dangerous. It was necessary to infiltrate and arrest the members of Hydra. Bucky had to be positioned on a building opposite as a sniper. Steve didn't want to risk someone using the codes of the Red Book to activate the winter soldier again.

In the evening, everyone was ready. The agents of Shield were awaiting the signal in a large black truck behind the building while Bucky was positioned on the roof of a building across the ballroom. Even with one arm, he remained a formidable sniper and he was ready to protect his teammates.

The masquerade ball had already begun. The luxurious cars brushed and filed past the opera house. Steve and Sharon arrived in a limo and the doorman opened the door for the woman. Sharon wore a stunning black strapless dress and her hair was free in fine blond curls on her shoulders. Steve was wearing his black and white suit with a bow tie. Both wore black masks around the eyes. At least the fact that it was a masked ball was to their advantage. It allowed them to go incognito among the many guests masked. The couple held hands as they entered the large beautifully decorated room.

There were large crystal chandeliers hanging on the ceiling, the room was in a black and white theme while a divine orchestra played on the platform. Everyone had different styles of masks, others had disguised their face while others wore leather or iron masks in the same color of their outfit.

"I'll take a tour of the room." Steve said, looking at every woman with mocha skin color.

"The agents are already posted, we must find the dignitaries of Hydra." Sharon murmured, gracefully walking hand in hand with Steve.

"I know I'll be fast. I have to find her, Sharon."

"I know but don't forget that the mission is to stop the dignitaries of Hydra. This woman in lead looks dangerous, if we don't stop her she will become major blow for us."

"Yes. We will act but first I have to find Rose."

"Alright, we meet at the bar to the checkpoint. I'll try to use my charms to get some information." She was already smiling at some men in the room.

"I don't doubt that you will succeed, you look beautiful in that dress." He tells her.

"Thank you Steve. Go now." Sharon walked away from him swaying. The beautiful blonde mingled in the crowd while Steve made his way to the bar. There were many people and all were masked. But he knew she was there somewhere and he'd be damned if he let her spend one more night again in the hands of Hydra. He feared terribly what they could do to her.

Arriving at black bar, he sat down on a chair and unbuttoned the first button of his elegant suit.

"Good evening Sir, what can I serve you?" A masked server asked in English. The ball was composed largely of people who spoke English, so the waiters spoke English or Russian to the guests.

"I'll take a glass of water please."

" Still or sparkling?" The man asked politely.

"Still please." The waiter nodded and within seconds he put the glass of water on the bar before Steve. "Thank you."

"The pleasure is mine, sir." The server leaned slightly forward and went to serve other guests.

Steve sipped his glass of water while watching the room.

"Bucky, do you hear me?" He whispered quietly. He had an earpiece in the ear that allowed him to speak to Bucky.

"Yes. I have not seen her yet." Bucky said with an eye looking through the viewfinder of his M700p sniper rifle.

" Neither do I."

"She's here somewhere, as soon as I see her, I will warn you."

"Alright." Steve drank his glass of water and put it on the table.

The room was packed, there were even fire-eaters in some corner. People raved about the show and the music. Steve could see Sharon talking to a group of men with a glass of champagne in hand. His blue eyes scrutinized every face in the search for Rose.

"Steve? She is walking towards the bar at your left." Bucky said Steve and heart skipped a beat. He turned to his left and saw her. Rose actually was walking to the bar holding an empty glass. Her beauty stunned Steve.

Rose wore a colored satin dress that had a gold sexy neckline. Her hair was pulled into a round bottom bun; she wore thin gold earrings and shoes of the same color. Her voluptuous curves cramped in the ridiculously smooth dress. She wore a black mask around her brown eyes and long black gloves that went up her forearm. Several men turned toward her path to ogle her, she was definitely a beauty. He had never seen her in such a dress and the worst was that he had spent weeks worrying about her fate. He thought he would find her ill while she was there more beautiful than ever. Rose stopped at the bar and asked for a refill of champagne. Steve was overwhelmed by the feelings he felt. He wanted to take her away from here as quickly as possible but he must act discreetly.

He rose off his chair and walked slowly toward her. He was breathing slowly and his heart was beating hard in his ears. He arrived at her level, right next to her. She did not the smell like baby cream like she did in his memories. She smelled like flowers, surely a feminine fragrance.

"Thank you," Rose said, taking the glass of champagne and emptied it in one gulp and then rested on the chair, "Can I have an another please?" She asked to the barman and he nodded before filling her glass of champagne again.

" Rose?" Steve said with his blue eyes shining blue by his black mask.

"Thanks," she took the glass refilled and emptied it in the same manner as the first "And another, please."

" Rose?" She turned to look at him. Rose took her newly filled glass and sipped watching in Steve's eyes. "Rose ... I came to take you with me."

She laughed, "good evening Captain, I admit that I didn't recognize you at first. The mask fits you pretty well, it makes your blue eyes pop." She said casually, Steve was speechless.

"So you said you came here for what, again?" She sipped her glass of champagne.

"For you," he replied softly.

"For me?"

"Yes...I searched you Rose and now I'm here to save you. Bucky is there too, we are here to save you. I have to get you safe before agents of Shield act."

Rose put the champagne on the bar, licking her lips, as she crossed her legs so the slit in her long dress, which was gold, revealed her brown thigh. "So if I understand well you're here to save me? Yes?"

"Of course, We-"

" I feel good here."

He frowned, "I don't know what they did to you but I will not let you stay here one more night."

Rose laughed falsely, "Well it's too late to play the hero, Captain America. I don't want to go with you; I'm fine here. I'm used to being here. Berlin is a beautiful city." She said coldly. This woman had nothing to do with Rose he knew.

Steve clenched his jaw, "Rose, what's wrong with you? You have a child. Stevenson calls you every day."

She cocked her head to the side as if she had seen something intriguing about him, "My son...Stevenson...where is he?"

Steve swallowed hard, "he is with Laura. She and the children are safe. He needs his mother."

"No, he's better where he is," she drank again her champagne glass and drained it.

"What's wrong with her?" Bucky asked worried.

Steve lightly touched her arm with one hand, "Rose Ayotunde, no matter what they have done to you, you will come with me."

"No Captain America, the real question is what you have you done to me?" She licked her dry lips, "since you came into my life-You know what I don't know why I'm talking to you." She stood up and took her glass with her. Steve grabbed her arm and she turned so fast that her champagne glass lay back a little on her gloves. "Get your hands off of me Captain America."

"I have a name and you know it, you used to call me by my name. Do you-even remember me? Did they erase your memory?"

"I said let your hands off of me, Captain America or I swear I'll scream your name right now and your whole plan will be in the water."

"Rose ... I love you. I will do anything for you." The sadness of Steve was like a weight of a ton in his heart.

"I don't fucking care now let me go my arm." She was trying to get out of him.

"Steve, we must act now. I identified three dignitaries of Hydra." Sharon said in the headset. "We must pass in action now."

"Let me go now or I'll scream," she threatened.

"Pass the action now," he told Sharon, looking Rose into her eyes.

"CAPTAIN AMERICA IS HERE!" Rose shouted with all her forces. The music stopped and everyone turned to them. Steve dropped the arm and Rose run away from him.

"Bucky don't let her go far." Steve said, worried.

"Got it," Bucky said.

The light of the chandeliers in the room completely extinguished suddenly giving way to white emergency light and sirens sounded in the room. Everyone screamed before running to the exits. Shots rang out and Steve run to help Sharon and the other agents of Shield. Hydra armed guards began to shoot at them. Steve avoided the bullets under the wooden tables. He easily brought down several men without a wapon.

Sharon was fighting with a man of Hydra who was twice of her size. The black man was big and strong and he also was winning her.

"C'mon sweet blonde, Is that everything you have?" Joseph said before punching her to the stomach. Sharon grimaced but quickly resumed giving him blow with her knees in the balls.

"Do you want more? Son of a bitch." She took a chair and broke it on his back. Joseph moaned painfully on the floor.

"SHARON," Rose shouted behind her. Sharon turned to see that Rose was standing and pointing a gun at her. Sharon raised her hands.

"Put down your weapon, Rose."

"Kill her," Joseph coughed hard on the floor.

"Rose? Put down your weapon!" Steve said breathless few meters of the women. Rose didn't flinch.

Joseph got up from the ground heavily. Rose changed her trajectory to her father. He frowned.

"It is not me you gotta kill, kid. Now kill this bitch. Otherwise-" Joseph trailed off and fell to the ground with a hole in his head. Rose had killed him in cold blood. Steve had his eyes wide. It was Rose who killed this man, her father. She had killed someone. Rose then pointed the gun at her side in her own head. When Steve was running to keep her from killing herself, Bucky put a bullet through her leg and she dropped the gun, crying in pain.

The journey by Helicarrier, to the base of the Shield, was quiet. The team returned with two agents of Hydra. But at least he had the prisoners in question. Fury had given shelter to Steve and Bucky even if they were fugitives; Fury could not have Captain America be a criminal.

Rose had not said a word during the journey. She was not seriously injured; the bullet had grazed her thigh. Bucky had just wanted to keep her from killing herself. She had tried to commit suicide. Steve still could hardly believe it. He felt guilty, but not as much as Bucky. When he looked into her brown eyes, he saw nothing. Not a spark of malice he saw in them before. She seemed empty to something. He knew that look; he had the same when Hydra erased his memory. But she seemed to remember everything.

They didn't say anything when they got off the Quinjet, not when when they walked into the hallway of the flying boat or when they took the elevator to go to their place as well. Bucky had a room next to that of Steve but there was no third chamber for Rose. She was supposed to be in the same room as him but now he didn't know whether to go to sleep in Bucky's bedroom or to prevent her from being alone.

She entered the small room and looked straight into the bathroom. Steve sat on the cot and loosened his bow, getting so frustrated that he ended up tearing it out. He was angry, confused, and sad and felt so horribly guilty. He placed his elbows on his knees and bowed his head. He felt as if he had sullied the purest thing he had in his life. She tried to kill herself and everything was his fault.

The tortuous thoughts about what Hydra could do to her made him want to vomit. He had sworn to protect her, he wanted to give her a good life with Stevenson but everything went wrong so quickly and so badly. He blamed himself a lot. He knew he had to have a talk with her, but he didn't know by the gods what to say and where to start.

Steve had not moved from his position, still dressed in white shirt and suit and leather shoes. Rose opened the door of the bathroom with a towel clip above her breasts. She had wet hair dripping down her head in honey waves.

"Would you mind giving me something to wear, please?"

"Yes, of course..." Steve stood up and walked to the open bag lying on the table just below a large window. He took out her clothes and underwear. She came him behind him and he turned around to give them to her. "Your clothes are in that bag. I came with some."

" Thank you." She went back into the bathroom to change and after returned to the bedroom to lie down on the bed under the sheets.

He sat back on the bed, his head down. "Why you try to kill yourself?" He murmured. "Why?"

"Because I am broken, I am no longer the same."

"What have they done to you, Rose?"

"You don't want to know... could you go sleep with the asset? I want to sleep alone, if you don't mind."

Steve turned his head, frowning, "What did you just call him?"

"The asset, now leave me alone."

He sighed. "Tell me what they have done to you."

"Could you stop talking to me? Just go." She huffed angrily.

Steve got up and walked to the door without saying anything, he looked one last time at the prone form of Rose before going out and closing the door. He put his forehead on the closed door and closed his eyes. Time to pick up the erratic beats of his broken heart. After a few minutes he entered the bedroom of Bucky. He didn't sleep; he was standing in front of the large window and stared into the darkness of the night.

"Is she ok?" Bucky asked without turning.

"No, Buck, she's not ok. Something happened to her and she doesn't want to talk about it. I'm lost...I don't know what to do to help her."

"I'm sorry Steve." Bucky said softly.

"It's not your fault but mine."

He said then he punched in gray iron wall, "I should have protected her!" He hit it again, "Now I lost her and it's my fault," he put his forehead on the wall where there was now the imprint of his fist.

Steve felt Bucky's hand on his shoulder.

" I'm sorry..."

"No, It's all my fault."

Someone knocked on the door and the two men turned their heads simultaneously. Then Bucky went to open the door.

"Honey?" He saw a gleam in her eyes that was not normal. Her eyes were completely extinguished.

"Добрый вечер зима солдата." (Good evening winter soldier)

Bucky squeezed the handle of the door so hard that his shoulders became white.

"Don't do that Rose," he murmured.

"страстное желание." (Longing)

"Don't do that," Bucky repeated. He began to feel the tingling in his phantom metal arm.

"Buck? What she is saying?" Steve approached them.

"ржавые." (Rusted)

With a quick movement, Bucky snaked his hand around Rose's neck. "I SAID DON'T DO THAT!" He shouted to her while he was choking Rose. Steve reacted instinctively and hit the arm of Bucky, who whistled in pain before let her go. Rose fell to the floor by coughing.

"Bucky! Wake up!" Steve said by holding him. "It's Rose! It's Rose!" He said to Bucky, who was calming his breathing rapidly. Bucky blinked several times before the wreath of fog that had engulfed him cleared. If Steve were not there, he would have killed her for sure. "Calm down Bucky! Rose go to your room NOW." Steve shouted.

Rose had tears in her eyes; she rose in distress and went into her room before slamming the door and locking it. It wasn't her who said that, she hated herself for doing that Bucky. But it was stronger than she. Hydra had done a damn good job. She knew inside of her that she would not be the same. Rose just wanted to die. Not only because of what she went through but because her heart was crumbling to see her son.

She didn't want to talk to Bucky; she just wanted to ask Steve if she could call Laura to hear the voice of her son. She thought she could handle her hurt by calling Steve, Captain, so as not to to think of Stevenson. But she thought about him anyway, he was her beloved son and she wanted to hear his baby's voice one last time. She could kill someone to hear her baby's voice.

When Bucky opened the door it was like a broken part of her Hydra had used resurfaced. The part that Hydra had, somehow. She couldn't help herself when she had said what she said to Bucky while she fully knew the consequences. Rose felt horrible for many reasons and this was another new reason to feel horrible.

She felt the bile rise in her throat and ran to the bathroom to throw up in the toilet. She didn't vomit much; she had not eaten at all that day. The feeling gnawed her insides gently.

Bucky had remained in his room, he would not come out. He still felt too shaken by the words Rose had told him yesterday and didn't want to risk having another crisis. Steve brought him food and he tried to help him the best he could.

Fury insisted that Rose be questioned as well. He looked at her with a questioning gaze. She was evasive about what she suffered but she gave much vital information about Hydra and its various branches in the world. After the interrogation, Steve tried to talk to her but was like talking to a wall. Although he preferred that Bucky did not to break down, he would not let her go. He loved her and he would do everything to have back the Rose of his memories.

Rose walked for several minutes before arriving at a door leading to the outside, on a platform height. She opened it and welcomed the strong wind. It was like being in a military airport. There were plenty of aircrafts, helicopters and Quinjets on the track. Her hair, curled in honey-color, was flying in the wind, but she didn't care. The view was beautiful. The sky and clouds differed significantly. It was just beautiful. Rose smiled despite herself.

"Hello, unknown."

Rose jumped a little, "Uhm, who are you?" She asked, looking at the man sitting on the ground. He had one leg resting on the ground and a bent leg to stand on his elbows on his knee.

"You're an unknown person and it's you who found me here, enjoying the beautiful view then it's up to you to identify yourself...unknown."

Rose narrowed her eyes. He was right.

"I'm Rose."

"You are not an agent of the Shield."

"No...I'm a civilian." Rose didn't know why she wanted to sit next to him but she did. "I was abducted by Hydra and they asked me questions about it." She turned her head towards the man who had not taken his eyes off her, "now tell me who you are."

"I am Grant Ward and I was part of Hydra before being an agent of Shield, maybe during that time too. They fact is I'm a prisoner here because of the crime I have committed but I am also used for dangerous tactical missions so that the bomb in my neck won't explode. At least I can enjoy freely walking in the boat. Isn't wonderful? " He said sarcastically.

"Sorry..."

They remained silent a few minutes looking at the blue sky.

"You know what? I lied. You're not an unknown person to me. I know every story of every passenger in that fucking engine. I just wanted to know your name."

"You know my story but not my name?" She raised an eyebrow.

"The names are unnecessary, Captain's girlfriend."

"I'm not his girlfriend anymore."

"Why?" He asked without much interest in the answer.

"Uhm..."

"What? You don't know why it ended?"

"I feel broken inside and I hate him for that. I know It's not his fault but... I hate him for not to being able to protect me, I hate him for even entering my life." She laughed, "I hate him so much but I also love him so much and I just want to run away from him because I hate myself for loving him still after what I went through."

"Let me guess: torture, brainwashing with subliminal videos that compel you to watch, physical and psychological violence to break you, threats and insults to draw you. I can even imagine them starting your training by making you learn how to shoot and fight."

She nodded, tears in eyes.

"Well, that's too bad for you. Sorry."

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched his dark eyes.

"How did you know exactly what I've been through?"

"I know exactly what you've been through because I've experienced the same thing for years so...I know Hydra well."

"How did you heal?" She murmured and he smiled.

"I have not healed."

"It's sad."

"I know Rosie."

She giggled, "I don't call me Rosie."

"Oh really?" He said with amusement and she laughed and then suddenly stopped laughing to put a hand over her mouth. She closed her eyes trying to prevent the bile to rise again and grimaced.

"You should go to the toilet, you may not be able to hold it in."

Rose got up hurriedly and opened the door, then stopped before entering, "Uhm, Ward? Can we ... See each other again? You don't know me before and I like the fact that I can talk without you waiting to see the old Rose. "

"As you like, Rosie."

"It's Rose." She laughed.

"Well Rose, you should... do a pregnancy test. There is an infirmary here where you can do that. There is very specific test to know the date of the conception."

Rose's face became very pale suddenly, "Why are you saying that?"

He smiled, "To help a new friend. I'm here most of the time when I'm not on a mission. Let's meet here Rosie."

"Uh...okay. Bye, Ward."

She had to go to the toilet urgently and maybe go to the infirmary after.

Steve came back in the bedroom he shared with Rose and was surprised to see her sitting on the bed In addition she wore what he knew what was his shirt. She was sitting cross-legged and she was braiding her hair.

"I didn't know you'd be there already." He said walking towards the bed.

"I'm here." She said softly. Steve sat on the bed and she noticed he was holding a flower in his hand. " A red rose? Where did you find it?"

"Do you remember? We said we would have a date. We said I would invite you to a chic restaurant, offer you red roses and a small box..."

"And fireworks..."

He smiled, "Yes..." He handed her the rose and she took it gently. "I want you to know I'm here for you and I love you. I will continue to love you. I don't think I can stop loving you. I'm really sorry about your captivity Rose; I don't want to lose you. I don't want to lose my Rose..." He said sincerely.

"Steve..."

"Thanks God! You called me Steve!" He laughed, shaking his head.

He tried to touch her hand, but she flinched away. Steve bit his lip and looked down. She looked sad and her facial expression was as pained as his. She put the rose on the sheets and slipped a hand under her pillow to take the pregnancy test she had hidden underneath and handed it to him.

Steve looked at the test and frowned. He took the test and read what was written: 'You have been pregnant for three weeks and three days'. His face lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Are you..." He asked incredulously and she nodded tearfully.

"Oh My God! Rose! I...I...I cannot, Rose, I can't even express how much I'm happy right now...It's...Oh My God, Rose? We're having a baby."

"The night you asked me if I wanted to get pregnant is the night of the conception. You really wanted it. Didn't you?"

"Yes," he laughed still overwhelmed by the news, "I really wanted it."

"You did it so..."

"Gosh Rose! You're pregnant! Why did you want to kill yourself?" He asked seriously.

She wiped her face with both hands and then she looked in his sparkling blue eyes, "I thought I was impregnated by my father."