I want everyone to know that this is me every time someone drops a comment on something I've written:
Nerd!Natasha x Rogers!F Reader
Wdym I'm writing fic instead of resting đ anyway, I just had to finish this to give my brain a break.
Whatever this is, blegh, enjoy it.
Part 1, Part 2
--
Melinaâs study was an amplification of her daughterâs room. It was all neatly displayed, wall to wall covered in books, some in other languages that you were sure she was fluent in.Â
There was a laptop on her desk, atop it a pair of reading glasses; a gentle reminder that geniuses are human too.
âItâs not what it looks likeâ Natasha spoke first. You and Melina scoffed at the same time.
âYou two look like a couple. So, am I to understand that itâs incorrect, and youâre going around kissing every girl that crosses your path, Natalia?â
Natasha turned to you, her eyes pleading for help. You crossed your arms.
âNo, go on. Iâd like to hear what you have to say about thisâÂ
âI⌠uhâŚâ your girlfriend mumbled and you turned to her mother, finally giving Nat a break.Â
âMrs. Romanoff, Iâm terribly sorry for the way you found out. Truth is, Iâve been crazy about Natasha for such a long time, but never really thought I had a chance with someone like her. And then, Fury paired us in Chemistry and things just went from thereâ you turned to look at Natasha for a moment, smiling. âTo be fair, we only made it official on Wednesdayâ
âNatasha, sheâs a keeperâ Melina said, blown away by your sincerity. Natasha had to agree. You had a way with words that she admired. âWell, congratulations. I know youâre both responsible girls, but thereâs not gonna be late night outings during school days. I canât obviously speak for your parents, Y/N, but I hope Natasha keeps her excellent grades and you both focus on schoolâ
âI agree, of courseâ you nodded.
âNow, as for safe sexâÂ
âWhat?â you jumped, while Natasha stared at the ceiling. She pleaded in Russian, but her mother dismissed her words. âMrs. Romanoff, weâre not there yet. At all, so donât worryâ
âIâve had the talk with Natasha, of courseâ Melina spoke, and it was as if she didnât listen to you at all. âI know your father is a surgeon, but if heâs not up for helping you with birth control at some point and you need an adult to accompany you, please know Iâll be happy to come with you. You must be responsible when having intercourseâ
âWhich hasnât happened yet, Mama!â Natasha intervened.
âRightâ you said, though⌠to be fair, it had crossed your mind. Especially when your girlfriend was towering over you as she opened the car door⌠or did anything, really.
You might be the horn dog in this relationship.
âIâm just obligated as a parent to mention it. If you have questions, please come to meâ she said, reading your flustered expression. Busted.
âYes, Mrs. Romanoffâ you said.
âVery well! Now, please, would you like to join us for dinner tonight? We should go out and celebrate!â
âYes, of courseâ you smiled, sensing the hard part was over. Melina clapped excitedly, walking you out of her study.Â
âIâm so sorryâ Natasha rushed as soon as you were out. You stopped her with a short kiss, smiling against her lips. âWhyâŚ?â
âIâm just⌠happy. Thatâs allâ you said. âItâs ok, baby. Your mom is looking out for you. I donât mind the talk, or anything elseâ
âThat thing you said⌠about liking me for a long time. That was just to get her to calm down, right?â
âOh, Natâ you leaned to kiss her again. âYouâre so clueless, my loveâÂ
The girl blushed. She had a hard time deciding which term of endearment made her knees weaker.Â
âI have to go, tell my parents and all. Remember weâre going to the movies with the twins, and then dinner with your family, yes?â
âIâll come with you, weâll tell your parents togetherâÂ
You shook your head no. Natasha was about to protest, when you placed your hand on her chest, letting out a shaky breath.
âI told you, Nat, theyâve been having a hard time with me lately. Iâm worried theyâll scare you awayâ
âThey wonâtâ you gave her a gentle look to remind her how her own mother had made her trip with her words. âOk, I know. Iâm not as good as you when speaking to people. But, whatever they say, it wonât scare me away. If I have to go through a background check or take a test or cure cancer to be with youâŚâ
You cut her off with a kiss that turned frantic as she pulled you closer.Â
âNat?â
âYeah?â she said against your lips, eyes closed.
âIâve thought about it⌠about, you know. Thatâ
âOhâ she looked at you, and you swore her pupils dilated.
âItâs too soon, Iâm aware. But⌠I guess I wanted you to knowâ
âOkâ
âOkâ you repeated, pecking her lips. âIâll see you at the movies. Ask Yelena if she wants to comeâ
âYou sure you donât want a ride home?â
âYes, darlingâ you nodded, squeezing her hands. You could use the time to walk and think. âI think Iâll stop by my momâs gallery. It will be better if sheâs the one I talk to firstâ
Natasha nodded.
âText me when youâre there? Or if you change your mind. Iâll go pick you upâ
âThank youâ you nodded, smiling as she opened the door for you.
âI like it when you call me all those things⌠baby, loveâ she confessed on your way out. âNot sure which one I like the most, thoughâ
âWell, then Iâll have to come up with new nicknames to see which one is better. Lucky for you, Iâm good with wordsâÂ
â
You were hoping to prolong the walk, but in the end, it only took 20 minutes to get to your motherâs gallery. It was a Saturday, which meant Wanda was working until noon.Â
âHeyâ you greeted your friend at the reception. Wanda looked up from her notebook and smiled at you. You placed your hand on the desk and she gaped at the bruises.
âHoly crap. You werenât kiddingâÂ
âTrust me, he had it comingâ
âEveryoneâs asking me about it. Your popularity has gone up a bitâ Wanda leaned forward and you frowned.
âWhat do you mean?â
âJessica Jones asked me if youâre single. Darcy was similarly interested. I didnât know if you wanted the rest of the school to know about Natasha so⌠I just said I had no ideaâ
You sighed. Considering Natashaâs concerns about hiding your relationship, it was better if everyone knew. You just had to figure out how.
âWell, Iâll fix that later. Right now I have to tell Momâ
âSheâs in her office, speaking with a Japanese artistâ
You nodded, walking past your friend to the back of the gallery. Knocking with your good hand, you waited for your mother to answer.
âCome on in. Oh, hi sweetheart. I thought youâd be staying home, recovering from yesterdayâ
âItâs just a bruise, Mom. Nothing to recover fromâ you took a seat in front of her, looking at the board behind her desk and the Art History books that she kept all over the place. It was an interesting contrast to Melinaâs study, the image of order and chaos mirroring their own disciplines. Creative and scientist.
âWell, what are your plans for the day?â
âUh⌠going to the movies with the twins and Natashaâ
âThe Romanoff girl? Sheâs so nice. Very shy, but sweetâ your mother noted, still writing on her notebook.
âYes, actually⌠weâve been lab partners this semester and weâre also kinda⌠datingâ you said the last part while your heart was beating out of control.
You gulped, as your mother put her pen down and looked at you.Â
âPlease donât be madâ you begged, but she smiled that comforting smile that let you know she had your back.
âMad? Youâre 16. At your age, I was leaving a trail of broken heartsâ
âMom!â
âDonât tell your father, though. He was a late bloomerâ
âSpeaking of Dad⌠can you be the one to deliver the news to him? Heâll get grumpy and youâre the only one that can handle himâÂ
âDonât you worry about him, darling girl. Leave him to me. Now, will you wait for us to finish here so we can go to lunch and you tell me all about Natasha?â
âOf courseâ you smiled, always happy to know your mother was on your side. âIâm having dinner with her family tonightâ
âWell, then sheâs having dinner with us tomorrowâ
âYes, Maâamâ you nodded, thinking youâd have to prepare Natasha for meeting Captain Joseph Rogers.
â
Pietro and Wanda picked you up for the movies, the music booming across the street.
âAre you insane?â you leaned over Wanda to lower the volume on the stereo. Pietro laughed, his fingers drumming against the wheel.
âHeâs been playing that stupid song since I told him you punched Rumlowâ
âEye of the Tiger is not a stupid songâ he protested, finally stopping as he drove you to the movies. âSheâs our Rocky Balboa!â
âDorkâ Wanda mocked her brother with an affectionate smile and then turned to you. âWhy are you dressed so fancy?âÂ
You had a burgundy cashmere sweater, camel colored pants and boots.
âWell, Iâm having dinner with Natashaâs family. Do you think itâs too much?â
âYou look amazingâ Pietro assured you and you went to hug him from your place in the back of the car.
âMy favorite Maximoffâ
âHey, I called you fancy!â Wanda protested and Pietro laughed. âSo, are you nervous?â
âNot really. Iâve spoken to her family, and I always see them when Natasha and I work on Chemistry homework. Iâm more concerned about what Captain Rogers will have to say about Natashaâ
âIâm sure it will be fineâ Wanda said with a soft smile. She knew how hard these past few months had been, with the accident and the fallout between your parents and Steve.
Seeing Natasha eased some of the tension. Yelena was looking around the cinema when you arrived and after making the proper introductions, you moved over to greet your girlfriend.
âHiâ you said, kissing her softly. âMissed youâ
Pietro pretended to gag behind you and you elbowed him.
âWow, that was harshâ
âIâm Rocky, remember?â you winked, taking Natasha by the hand. Pietro insisted on buying popcorn and Yelena followed suit.Â
âDonât spoil your appetite, weâre going out for dinner tonightâ Natasha reminded her. Yelena pouted.
âI can eat popcorn and have dinner, Natashaâ
The redhead roller her eyes, but was soon distracted by your hand on hers. Either way, Yelena got away with it. Once at the theater, Pietro squeezed his way between Nat and you, saying heâd sit in the middle holding the giant popcorn bucket.
You gave him an angry look that he ignored and you had to play dirty to sit next to Natasha.
âHey, babeâ you called for her, leaning over Pietro so he would listen to everything. âWe should go shopping tomorrow. You ripped my last pair of underwear, remember?â
âEw, noâ Pietro moved, allowing you to change seats.
âHa. Easyâ you mocked, leaning against Natasha.Â
The movie started and you could tell Yelena and Pietro were hitting it off, making similar comments about the movie. Wanda was no better, pointing out things that the other two had missed.
âOh, no, if they team against us weâre done, babyâ you whispered against her ear. Natasha tried to reply, but moved against the back of her seat, pulling at the fabric of her pants. âWhatâs wrong?â
âI have a very good imaginationâ is all she said, trying to cover her crotch.
âShit, sorry. I was just trying to get Pietro to move. Try to think about⌠something elseâ
âIâm tryingâ she said through her teeth.
âWhat are you going to say to Selvig tomorrow when we meet him?â you asked, hoping that would do the trick.
âWeâre meeting him?â she turned to look at you and you shrugged your shoulders.
âYeah, why not? If they donât let us, Iâll use my press badge from the school paper and demand a Q & A session or something. Shutting down a teenager looking to learn more about the universe might be bad pressâ
Natasha chuckled, relaxing against your side. You could tell she was feeling better and the tension had eased. Just to be safe, you let her approach you first, and she reached for your hand, placing a small kiss at the back of it.
âI canât wait for Virus XX!â Pietro clapped as you left the theater.Â
âThereâs gonna be more? Weâre gonna be married leaving the kids with the sitter just to watch the next oneâ you whistled.
âIâm sooo fullâ Yelena complained.
âI warned youâ Natasha said. The sisters began arguing and you waited for Wanda and Pietro.
âOk, now Iâm feeling nervousâ you admitted. Wanda placed her arm around your shoulder and Pietro patted your back.
âYouâll do great and theyâll love you. You care about Nat and make her happy, thatâs all her family wantsâÂ
âRightâ you took a breath, trying to slow your heartbeat. As you reached the exit, you waved goodbye to the twins and walked to Natashaâs car.
Your girlfriend was quiet during the car ride, and Yelena filled the silence with questions about practice and the twins. You were happy that they hit it off. Once at the restaurant, Natasha opened the car door for you while Yelena walked to the entrance. You took her hand, and followed her sister.
âWaitâ Natasha asked, pulling you back.
âWhatâs wrong, Nat?â
âMy family is a lot sometimes. Theyâre just loud and crazy and ask the weirdest questionsâŚ. If itâs too muchâŚâ
âNatty, itâs fineâ you promised, kissing her cheek. âCome on. Iâm starvingâÂ
âYou look very beautiful, by the wayâ
âThank you, I wanted to make a good impressionâ you blushed.
âThey already like you. My mom couldnât stop talking about how wonderful you areâ Natasha commented, pulling the restaurantâs door for you to enter.
âWell, Iâm very fond of your family too. But youâre my favorite, sweetheartâ
The Italian restaurant had a nice atmosphere, with warm lights and soft music playing in the background. Melina waved at you and you walked towards their table.
âThe girls are here, come, have a seat!â she said, excitedly. âI do hope youâre hungryâ
âYelena is starvingâ Natasha mocked and her sister glared.
âI am, actuallyâÂ
âOh, Alexei, you know Natashaâs girlfriend, right?â
You waved at Alexei and he nodded.Â
âWait, how do you know? Mama just found out todayâ Yelena said.
âWell, they do homework together and go to the movies. Isnât that what friends do?â Alexei looked at the two of you.
âNo, Papa, they are girlfriends. As in holding hands, kissing and⌠bleh, other stuff. I donât want to lose my appetite now that itâs backâÂ
âOooh. Our little Natasha, quite the Casanova, eh?â he teased his daughter, laughing when she blushed. âWell, Iâm very happy for you two. Tell me, what do young people do for dating now?â
âWell, movies, picnics, the mall. Weâre going to the Planetarium tomorrowâ
âOh, we used to go there all the timeâ the man said, taking his wifeâs hand. âAnd the minute it got dark, Melina would pinch my buttâÂ
âEw, why?â Yelena dropped the menu, looking upset.Â
âBecause your mom is a butt girl, arenât you, sweetheart?âÂ
âNo, thatâs not what I meant, Papaâ
âOh, I see where Natasha gets it fromâ you joked, unable to help yourself. Your girlfriend looked around the table, turning red.
âI am officially not hungryâ Yelena grumbled, making everyone laugh.
â
You focused on some homework during Sunday morning. Since you were meeting Natasha later, you also cleaned your room and got a chance to do your hair and make up, opting for a loose dress and a light jacket.
âDinner isnât until 7:30, young ladyâ your father said as soon as you walked down the stairs. He was wearing a polo shirt and slacks, carrying a book about World War II. His idea of a relaxing Sunday was very different from yours.
âOh, Iâm going out with Natashaâ
He groaned, removing his glasses.Â
âYes, your mother mentioned this Romanoff girlâ
âSo, what do you think?âÂ
âYouâre too youngâÂ
âIâm not marrying her. YetâÂ
Your father glared and you had to laugh at his stern expression. So dramatic.
âThis isnât funnyâ
âDad, do you know what weâre doing today? Going to a talk about Astrophysics. You really have nothing to worry about.â
âThere will be rulesâ
âI expect nothing less from Captain Rogersâ
âAnd curfewsâ
âThose are like suggestions to me, but sure, go aheadâ
âYoung ladyâÂ
Stepping forward, you hugged your father. Guess you canât really take the military out of the man. But still, he had a soft spot for you and conceded, his arms around you.
âI love you, Pops. And Iâm happy. So, just trust me on this one?â
âOk, sweetheartâ he nodded, sighing. âI guess I just refuse to believe youâre growing upâ
You broke apart when the doorbell rang. Natasha was waiting at the door, wearing a white shirt with jeans, blue blazer and oxford shoes.Â
My God, glasses too.Â
âHiâ you greeted, staring. She looked⌠dashing. âUhâŚâ
Your dad rolled his eyes, stepping forward and introducing himself.
âCaptain Joseph Rogersâ
âNatasha Romanoff, sir. A pleasure to meet youâ she shook his hand and you were surprised by her confident demeanor. Double fuck, she looked even hotter now.
âDinner is at 1930â he informed your girlfriend. âNo speeding, no texting while driving. You understand me?â
âYes, sirâ Natasha nodded. Your mother shouted from the kitchen, making you snap out of your trance.
âJoe, just let them go and come help me!â
âThanks, Mom! Bye, Dadâ you kissed his cheek, taking Natasha by the hand and pulling her towards the car. âYou look⌠wowâ
âYeah? I thought it would be more formal, considering the eventâÂ
âHandsomeâ you blurted out, making Natasha blush. Oh, yeah. She liked it a little too much. You played with the lapel of her blazer, feeling hot everywhere. âMy father is probably staring out the window but know that if he wasnât, Iâd be all over you right nowâÂ
Natasha groaned, opening the car door for you. Unable to help yourself, you gave her a quick kiss, smiling as she began the drive to the Planetarium.Â
During the ride, you went over some basic information about your family that would probably help her with conversation. You mentioned your mother and her time living in Paris while she got her Masters in Art History, your Dad and how he went from Army medic to surgeon at a private practice. You mentioned that Bucky lived with you because his father was working in D.C., and how your father and Colonel Barnes went way back to their days as soldiers.
By the time you reached the Planetarium, Natasha felt she understood where you came from a little bit better.Â
âWow, this is amazingâ you admired, looking at the scale models of probes sent to explore space. NASA had collaborated with the museum, sharing materials and information that came first hand from their work. Natasha explained things and concepts that sounded totally foreign to you, but you nodded, appreciating her enthusiasm and admiring the way her eyes lit up every time you came across some fascinating space rock.Â
âPlease join us at the conference room for Doctor Selvigâs talkâ the hostess announced, and you let Natasha guide you to your seats.Â
You were fully expecting the talk to be full of science terms and concepts that were above your comprehension, but Doctor Selvig was a great speaker, and the hour went by in the blink of an eye. There was a standing ovation as he delivered his last remark, and before it was over, you pushed Natasha to the side of the stage.
âLetâs say hi to himâ
âWhy?â
âBecause heâs cool and you look like you want to cry from being in the same room as himâ you whispered, intercepting him as he walked down the steps. âDoctor Selvig, Y/N Y/L/N with the Daily Shield. My girlfriend Natasha Romanoff is a great fan of your workâ
âHiâ Natasha greeted him, starstruck.
âRomanoff? Any relation to Doctor Melina Romanoff?â
âSheâs my mother. Do you know her?â
âWe met at a conference in Berlin a few years ago. She has some interesting ideas about the composition of minerals we found near meteorite sitesâ
âRight. Molecular astrophysics. Iâd love to study all of thatâ Natasha said excitedly.
âIf youâre half as brilliant as your mother, Iâm sure youâll be very successfulâ he said, patting her shoulder. âIt was a pleasure to meet you bothâ
âLikewise, Doctor Selvigâ you said as he went to greet the people from NASA. âHow cool was thaâŚ?â
Natasha kissed you, pulling you by the waist.Â
âThank youâ she whispered against your lips.
âNo, thank youâ you smiled, enjoying her closeness. âWe should get going. I just need to use the restroom firstâ
âOkâ she nodded, kissing you again. God, she made you weak in the knees.
You felt light as a feather as you walked to the bathroom. Everything was coming together so nicely; Natashaâs family liked you and you were sure your girlfriend would manage to turn around your fatherâs bad mood.
Coming back to the auditorium, you searched for Natasha. To your surprise, she was speaking with a girl that looked ready to pounce on her any minute.
âHeyâ you greeted, standing next to Nat.Â
âOh, hi. Ready to go?â Natasha turned to you.
âArenât you gonna introduce me?â you eyed the other girl, who smiled and extended her hand.
âJane Fosterâ
âY/N Y/L/N. Iâm Natashaâs girlfriendâ
âOh, I had no idea you were dating anyoneâ the girl commented and you had to resist the urge to punch her. âNatasha and I met last summer at Science Camp. No wonder you stopped texting back, NattyâÂ
Jane reached out, squeezing Natashaâs arm playfully. Your anger transferred to Natasha when she just stood there and did nothing.
âYeah, well. We should go, weâre having dinner with my parentsâ you said, although the last thing you were was hungry.Â
âNice seeing you, let me know if youâre going to the Winter Retreat. Weâll have the best timeâ Jane said with a wink.
âNice seeing you tooâ Natasha said goodbye, while you rolled your eyes, walking to the exit as fast as you could. âY/N, wait for me. Y/N!â Natasha insisted, chasing after you. âHey, whatâs wrong?â
âShe was flirting with youâ you accused, looking down. Since when were you the jealous type? âAnd you didnât tell her you had a girlfriend. What was that about?â
âI just⌠donât really think of her as anyone worth talking to?â Natasha admitted. âWe spoke for a bit during summer, but that was it. Iâm not interested in herâ
âItâs just thatâŚâ you sighed, kicking the floor. âSheâs smart, right? She probably understands everything about this exhibit and more, and could talk to you about all these science things while Iâm⌠just meâ
âStop right there. Youâre funny, and beautiful, and smart, kind, caring⌠I could spend all night listing things that drive me crazy about youâ
âCrazy good?â you blushed, taking her hands.
âThe best type of crazyâ she promised.
âOkâ you nodded, allowing her to pull you closer. âIâm calling a truce because you look too damn good right nowâ
âYeah?â Natasha smiled. Unfortunately for her, you spotted her good friend Jane Foster, still looking at you as if she wanted to continue the conversation.
Whatever Natasha was about to say next died on her mouth, because you crashed your lips against hers in a searing kiss, nibbling at her bottom lip until she groaned, allowing you to explore her mouth with your tongue. Her hands slid to your lower back and you scratched the base of her neck, fingers threading through fiery hair.
âAre you hungry now?â you whispered against her mouth, satisfied at the way she chased your lips, whining when you stepped back.Â
âHuh?â
âDinner. We canât be lateâ placing a hand on her cheek, you smiled. Natasha nodded, following you to the car, her little friend long forgotten.
Yeah, thatâs more like it.
â
During the drive back, you were still thinking about that Foster girl, and Natasha could read you like an open book, holding your hand as she went back to your home.
As usual, she opened the car door for you and allowed you to lead her to your house.
âWant a tour of the place?â you offered, taking her blazer so sheâd be more comfortable. You appreciated the way the shirt clung to the muscles in her arms.
âSureâ she nodded, following you and looking at the framed pictures on the walls. Most of them were of Steve and you throughout the years.Â
âLiving room, that connects to the entertainment roomâ you pointed to a door where youâd usually have movie nights with the twins. âThe pool table is close to the back shed, dining room, kitchen over there⌠Rooms are upstairsâÂ
âI guess I never noticed how big your house isâ
âMy mom has a studio and my dad has his reading room as well. Come onâ you walked to the kitchen and got everything to set the table.
âHi, girls. Did you have fun?â your mom greeted and you nodded.
âCan I help with anything?â Natasha offered and your mother nodded.Â
âYou can take the potatoes to the table, darling, thank youâÂ
She admired the way you set different silverware, including glasses and a bottle of wine that you knew your father liked. It all looked extremely fancy.
âWeâre foodies hereâ you explained. âHope you like greek lambâ
âIâve never had anyâÂ
âOh, I do hope you love itâ your mom said, carrying the tray with the food, fresh off the oven.
âFoodâs ready, chop chop!â you shouted, assuming Steve and Bucky were playing pool.Â
âSmells deliciousâ your father complimented, setting his book down.
âHow are you liking Ryanâs book so far?â Natasha asked, sitting next to you. Your father seemed pleasantly surprised that she was interested.
âItâs good. About time I read The Longest Day. Though I still have to finish Churchillâs volumes. Iâm stuck on the second half of the thirdâ
âIt took me two summers to read it allâ Natasha agreed as if it wasnât a big deal.
âAll four volumes?â he said, clearly impressed.
You should have never doubted Natashaâs ability to win over a nerd.
âWhat did we miss?â Steve walked in, nodding towards Natasha. âHey, whatâs up, Natâ
âRomanoffâ Bucky said and you glared. He sure as hell could be nicer, but alas. Boys will be boys.
âJust discussing some interesting books about World War IIâ your father replied and they both groaned. âBoys, it is an integral part of our history as a nation!â
âPass the potatoesâ Steve said, but your mother stopped him.Â
âGuests firstâ
You poked your tongue out in a mocking gesture, passing the food to Natasha.Â
After everyone had their plates ready, you started eating, talking a bit about your day and stuff youâd done during the week. Sundays were the only days you all had dinner together. Sometimes, your father was in the hospital for 24 hour shifts and your mom would stay late working at the gallery.Â
âHow was the conference?â your mother asked.
âIt was fascinating. Did you know asteroids can have rings? And moons? Thereâs a whole world out there and we know so littleâ you said, inspired by Selvigâs speech. âLucky for them, Natasha will put her brilliant mind to work on discovering new things pretty soonâÂ
âSo, Iâm guessing youâre going for MIT, Natasha?â your father asked.
âYes, sir. That would be my first choice. Followed by Harvard and then CalTechâ
âAll very fine schools, right, Y/N?â
âNYU is also a very fine schoolâ you defended, taking a sip of the wine you were allowed to have with Sunday dinner. Very European of your mother.
âToo many distractions in such a big cityâ your father complained; sensing the potential of a fight, your mother changed the subject.
âBucky, still thinking about UCLA?â
âYeah, some sun would be good for meâ
âNext year youâll both be gone, I canât wrap my head around itâ your mother pondered.
âMaybe we can finally get a dogâ you proposed. âHeâll behave a lot better, thatâs for sureâ
âVery funnyâ Steve said.
âNot a joke, broâÂ
âNatasha, what about your parents?â your father said.
âWhat about them?â you jumped, eyeing him suspiciously.
âI just want to know what they doâ
âWell, my father is a retired football player. Alexei Romanoff. He was with the Patriots for six seasons. And now heâs a coach at school. Itâs more of a hobby than anything. My mother is the lead researcher on a project to develop a treatment for AlzheimerâsâÂ
âWait, Romanoff as in Doctor Melina?â
âHow many Romanoffs do you gather live in Westviewâ your brother joked.
It was the second time someone mentioned Natashaâs mother and you were honestly impressed.
âIâve heard about your motherâs work, it is very interesting. Perhaps your family can join us for dinner one dayâ he proposed and you locked eyes with your brother. That was as good as it was going to get with your father.
âThat would be lovely, thank youâÂ
The conversation kept flowing and by the time dessert was served, you were full, sleepy and happy to see Natasha relaxed and smiling next to you. You reached for her hand, squeezing it.
âY/N and Natasha set the table so youâre on cleaning duties, boysâ your mother instructed.
You took Natasha to the backyard, walking along the edge of the pool.
âWhatâs going in that mind of yours?â you asked, seeing her eyes getting lost in the water.
âWeâre also going to college in a few yearsâ
âMhmâ you nodded, taking her hands. âAnd?â
âWhat will happen to us? I mean, I know itâs too soon, but I hate the idea of not seeing you every day and being away⌠youâll probably make so many new friendsâŚâ
âNatâŚâ you said softly, until she looked at you. âIâve waited for so long to be with you, do you really think being in different cities is gonna stop me?â
âReally?â
You laughed, taking a deep breath.
âIf I were a poet, Iâd write a haiku; you should know I really like youâ you recited.
âHow did you⌠You wrote itâ she gaped.Â
âIt wasnât my best work, but to be fair, we were 12â
A note that had been left at her locker, on Valentineâs Day.Â
Natasha thought it was a prank or a mistake.
âThatâs how long Iâve liked youâ you nodded, your arms around her waist. âSo, we will cross that bridge when we get there, in approximately two years. Ok, love?â
âSorry, I know I get crazyâŚâ
âYes, but thatâs part of your charmâ you smiled, leaning forward to kiss her. As you broke apart you yawned, laughing. âShit, Iâm sorry, baby. Itâs the wineâ
âItâs okâ she said, kissing your cheek. âI should go, itâs getting lateâ
âCome on, Iâll walk you outâ you said, leading her to the kitchen to say goodbye to your mother. Natasha thanked her and was forced to take back a giant piece of cake. Yelena was going to be extremely happy, that was for sure.Â
As you opened the door, your father called for Natasha, placing a hand on her shoulder.
âIt was lovely to meet you, young lady. You are always welcomed in our homeâ
âThank you, Captain. And thank you for a lovely eveningâÂ
Holy shit, holy shit, you kept saying in your head. And there was Natasha, looking super chill.
âWhat?â she asked, as you covered your mouth to keep yourself from screaming in pure joy.
âUhm, that thing he said? He might as well ask you to call him Dad. He likes you, NatâÂ
âReally?â
âReallyâ you nodded. âCanât blame him one bit. Ok, drive safely, text me when youâre homeâÂ
âWill doâ she kissed you. And God, you wanted it to last forever.
You were so in love with her. The realization hit you hard and fast, but you decided to leave it for another time, when you werenât so dazed by her presence and the little bit of red wine you had with your dinner.
Staring out the window, you watched her drive away.
âThat was niceâ your mother said and you nodded. The sound of plates crashing against the floor made her sigh tiredly. âOh, boysâÂ
By the time you went up to your room, it was almost 10 PM. While you took off your dress, your phone pinged with a text from Natasha, letting you know she was home, and that Yelena had stolen the cake from her hands as soon as she opened the front door.
You laughed, sending heart emojis, as well as a picture of Natasha during the exhibit. She was smiling, looking up, the soft glow of the lights giving her a mysterious aura.Â
Y/N: Stunning view
Leaving the phone on your dressing room, you went to the bathroom to wash your teeth, and brush your hair. As you settled in bed, you got a new text.
Natasha:Â
each kiss is perfect
your smile is like summer breeze
our world is magic
Counting the syllables, you laughed. Of course Natasha wrote a haiku for you.
Y/N: Show off.
Y/N: I love it.
Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader
Summary: Natasha Romanoff, frontwoman of the punk rock band Velvet Rebellion, falls hard for a woman she believes is too good for her. Their intense relationship unfolds in the chaotic world of rock 'n' roll, where they struggle to balance fame, personal demons, and their undeniable passion for each other.
W/c: 7.2k
Chapter 2/12
Masterlist | General Masterlist
Note: Each chapter is hella long because I had time to sit and wait to release this one. Weekly updates might be the wave.
R and Nat will be moving quickly so if you like slow burn this isn't the story lol.
Themes: love, fame, sex, drugs
Natasha sat cross-legged on the worn-out couch in their cluttered studio: which was just Tonyâs garage. The room buzzed with creative energy and the faint scent of old leather, a familiar combination that fueled the essence of Velvet Rebellion. She strummed her guitar absentmindedly, her fingers dancing over the fretboard, creating a gentle hum in the room. She was in her element in full force.Â
Steve, Bucky, Wanda, and Tony were huddled around a battered coffee table, scraps of lyrics, and scribbled notes strewn about like confetti after a wild party. They were her bandmates, her comrades in music, and tonight they were deep into a songwriting session. Natasha enjoyed days like this the most. She often found the songwriting process frustrating but fulfilling, which is why theyâre on hour four of this session with only the first verse written. It seems sheâs not the only one with writerâs block.Â
"Natasha, we need something here," Steveâs voice cut through the room's creative haze. He furrowed his brow, fingers dancing over the keys of a vintage synthesizer. "A melody to tie this verse together."
Natasha tore her gaze away from her guitar and glanced over at Wanda. Her fingers stopped mid-strum. She blinked; her thoughts momentarily disrupted.
"Nat, you with us?" Tony chimed in, his eyes darting between Natasha and his laptop.
A flush of embarrassment washed over Natasha. She'd been lost in thought, her mind wandering where it shouldn't have. Sheâd been thinking about you again. She couldnât get you out of her head. There was a hint of exhaustion on her features as she sat her guitar next to her. Sheâd spent the previous night going down a rabbit hole of YouTube videos involving you. It seemed youâd understated how good of a musician you were. Natasha discovered you had a small fanbase with plenty of videos dedicated to your brief yet impactful career. Even if your resume included a lot of backup singing, she could see why there was a push for you to strive for something more. You were talented in every sense of the word.Â
With a sheepish smile, she nodded. "Sorry, guys. Got a bit distracted there."
She fumbled to put her phone face down on the coffee table, hoping her bandmates hadn't noticed her constant glances at the silent screen. Natasha had been replaying every moment of your brief encounter at the party in her mind, questioning if she'd made a connection or if it was just another fleeting moment.
Steveâs fingers continued their dance on the synthesizer as he tried out different melodies, his voice soft, almost hypnotic. "No worries, Nat. Happens to the best of us."
But Natasha couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration with herself. She was the lead singer and lyricist and usually held everything together. Yet today, her mind was scattered, torn between music and an unexpected, lingering hope that her phone would light up with a message from someone she'd barely known.
Natasha's fingers deftly reached for her well-worn writing book, nestled among scattered lyrics and half-finished songs. Her eyes scanned the pages, searching for something that had evaded her for far too long. Her bandmates carried on their musical discussion, oblivious to her momentary distraction.
Finally, she found itâa scribbled idea that had haunted her thoughts for weeks but had remained unreachable, refusing to take a tangible form. Natasha's heart raced as she read the words, her handwriting staring back at her, challenging her to bring them to life.
"Guys, hold on a sec," she called out, her voice trembling with excitement. Her bandmates stopped their conversation, turning their attention to her. Natasha's fingers tapped the page she'd found. "I think I've got something."
Wanda leaned in closer, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "What is it?"
Natasha cleared her throat and began to read the lyrics she'd unearthed, her voice carrying a hint of the sweet melody she envisioned:
"Underneath the city lights, I saw your face,
In the crowded room, you were my saving grace.
A glance, a smile, it all fell into place,
In that moment, I knew, love's tender embrace."
As Natasha recited the lyrics, Wanda's eyes widened, and she nodded appreciatively. "That's beautiful, Natasha."
Natasha couldn't help but blush at the compliment. She felt the lyrics were deeply personal, a reflection of the emotions she'd been grappling with. "Thanks, Wanda. But I think it's missing something."
Wanda leaned in closer, her fingers lightly grazing Natasha's arm as they huddled together over the writing book. "What do you have in mind?"
A spark of inspiration flickered in Natasha's eyes. "How about this? Instead of just a glance and a smile, it's about meeting someone and falling in love at first sight. The moment your heart skips a beat."
Wanda's lips curved into a knowing smile. "I like that. It adds depth to the story."
With renewed enthusiasm, Natasha began to sing the modified lyrics, her voice filled with emotion:
"In the heart of the city, I met your eyes,
In that instant, I felt my soul take flight.
Love at first sight, a sweet surprise,
Two worlds colliding, under starry skies."
The words flowed effortlessly, weaving a sweet melody that resonated with everyone in the room. Sitting behind his drum kit, Tony started tapping a rhythm, adding a pulsating beat to the song. Steve found his way back to the keyboard, his fingers searching for the chords that matched the melody.
The studio came alive with the energy of collaboration as they played off each other, improvising and experimenting. Wanda's voice dipped into low notes, adding a haunting harmony, while Tony began to find a mix to add to the music.Â
It wasn't the final product but the magic of creationâtheir music taking shape from a mere spark of inspiration. Natasha couldn't help but smile as they continued to refine the song.Â
Bucky sat down his guitar, a sly grin playing on his lips as the melody they'd created together hung in the air. He couldn't help but feel a shift in Natasha's usual songwriting style, one that intrigued him. "Nat, you're getting into writing love songs now?"
Natasha shot him a playful yet challenging look, her fingers still scribbling along the notebook pages. "Oh, please, Bucky. We had love songs on our first album."
Bucky chuckled, shaking his head. "Not like this. These lyrics, they're something else."
Natasha sighed, closing the tiny notebook again. She knew he was right, and she couldn't deny the shift in her lyrics and her emotions. "Alright, fine. Maybe I am writing a love song."
Bucky leaned forward, his gaze intense. "So, are you in love, Natasha?"
She met his gaze head-on. "No, Bucky. I'm not."
Bucky nodded in understanding, sensing the unspoken annoyance in her words. Natasha had always been guarded about matters of the heart, and they respected her boundaries. They returned to their instruments, each lost in their thoughts, letting the music speak the words that couldn't be said.
********************
The leotard store was an arrangement of colors, and Isabella, your spirited nine-year-old daughter, was bouncing between the racks, playing her own game of hide-and-seek with the endless collection of spandex. Her enthusiasm for picking out leotards rivaled her passion for gymnastics.
"Mama, check this one out! It's super sparkly!" Isabella shouted, triumphantly holding up a leotard adorned with sequins like a little treasure hunter.
You and Monica shared a knowing smile as you surveyed the options. "Great choice, Bella," you replied, trying to match her enthusiasm. "Let's add it to the pile."
Isabella nodded, seemingly satisfied, and skipped off in pursuit of her next leotard conquest.
As Monica and you continued your search, your mind drifted back to a conversation youâd had at Harley's party just a couple of weeks ago. There was a woman there, a stranger to you, who had engaged you in a conversation that had held your attention for longer than youâd expected.
"Hey, y/n" Monica began, her tone a mix of curiosity and amusement. She sifted through the clothes, trying to understand what she was looking for. Isabella had a very specific taste. "Are you going to finally tell me about the woman from the party? You two seemed to be hitting it off."
You glanced at Monica, feeling somewhat caught off guard. "Oh, that? It was just a casual conversation. I doubt it's anything worth dwelling on."
Monica raised an eyebrow, clearly not satisfied with your dismissal. "Just a casual conversation? You looked pretty into her. What's her name?"
You sighed, knowing Monica wouldn't let it go quickly. "Her name is Natasha Romanoff. Sheâs the lead singer of that band. Velvet Rebellion. We talked for a while. But honestly, I haven't reached out to her or anything." You shrugged.Â
Monica persisted, undeterred. "Sheâs cute. Iâve heard a couple of their songs in passing. Why havenât you called her?"
You shifted uncomfortably, your fingers unconsciously fussing with a leotard on the rack. "Life's been hectic lately. I've barely had a moment to breathe, let alone call someone."
Isabella, who had overheard your conversation while meticulously assessing leotards with the discerning eye of a seasoned fashion critic, joined in. "Mom, you should call her."
You couldn't help but smile at Isabella's straightforward logic. "You focus on the leotards. You only need a few for now. Youâre growing like a weed."
Monica and Isabella exchanged amused glances, both united in their disbelief. "The kid is right," Monica declared, her eyes dancing with mischief.
Isabella nodded in agreement, adding her hint of authority. "Iâm just saying." She held up a pink leotard and you shook your head. The cut wasnât appropriate in your opinion. She returned the leotard to the rack with a sigh and went to a new one.Â
Monica's curiosity was relentless, and she wasn't about to let the topic of the woman from Harley's party go. As you continued looking through the racks with Isabella's energy bounding around you, she probed further.
"Come on, y/n, what's the big deal about calling her?" Monica inquired, a mischievous glint in her eye.
You sighed, trying to choose your words carefully. "Mon, you know their band's reputation. The tabloids havenât been so easy on them. Especially with them being new. Trust me Iâve checked.â You shook your head. âAnd besides, Natasha used to date Carol Danvers. Weâre not friends, but weâre not exactly enemies either. Iâm not in the business of going behind her back. It was a bad breakup if itâs anything like the tabloids say and I don't want to risk the same fate."
Monica raised an eyebrow, her expression one of bemused disbelief. âYou're not even dating this Natasha person yet. It could be a fun fling or something. You don't have to jump into a full-blown relationship. Also, you hate Carol Danvers."
âI donât hate her,â You refuted her claims. âI simply enjoy spending my time in spaces that donât have her in them.â You couldn't deny Monica's point, but the cautious side of you still hesitated. "Also, I know it doesnât have to be more than what it is. But I've been down that road before, and it wasn't pretty. Besides, I don't want to have this conversation in front of Isabella."
You leaned down to pass a few leotards to Isabella and whispered to her, "Sweetie, can you go find some shoes that match these leotards? That would be a big help."
Isabella nodded enthusiastically, her focus shifting from the leotards to her newfound mission. As she scampered off in search of the perfect shoes, you turned your attention back to Monica.
Monica gave you an understanding look, her voice lowered. "Alright, I get it, y/n, But don't let the past hold you back from something potentially great. You deserve happiness, too. Even if that means you fuck a few times and thatâs it."
âMonica,â Your eyes widened, clearly scandalized by her bluntness.Â
âAm I lying?â Monica held up a hand. âWhenâs the last time you had some? You donât know do you?â
âI do know. It hasnât been that long.â You considered her words. You thought back to the very brief casual sex thing you had with a woman around last year. Or was it two years ago? âYouâre right I donât know.âÂ
âSee,â Monica leaned against a rack. âAsk her out to the party tonight. Itâs a group thing. I get to vet her. You get to see her. We all win.â
âFine, fine,â You shake your head.Â
âCall her now,â Monica nodded.Â
âUm, sheâs probably busy.â You furrowed your brow. Another excuse from you.Â
âSheâll answer,â Monica said assuredly. âDo it or Iâll dm her myself.â
âDonât you dare,â You held up a warning finger to Monica. Sometimes your best friendâs forwardness wasnât welcome. Even if she meant well. She raised a brow at you before pointedly looking toward your purse. âFine.â You grumbled as you took out your phone.Â
You walked to a quieter corner of the store, away from the bustle and the excited chatter of Isabella and Monica, who were now hunting for beam shoes. You scrolled through your contacts until you found Natasha's name. With a deep breath, you pressed the call button.
On the first ring, Natasha's voice came through, calm and confident. "Hello?"
You couldn't help but smile, though your attempt to sound equally composed might have come off as forced. "Hey, Natasha. How's everything going?"
âOh, itâs you,â Natasha's tone change was evident. "Everything's good. I've been wondering when you'd call."
You felt a rush of relief hearing that she'd been waiting for your call. "I'm sorry it took me a while. Life's been crazy lately, and, well, you know how it is."
Natasha's tone shifted slightly, her voice carrying a hint of playfulness. "I do know. But you don't need to be nervous. It's just a call."
You chuckled softly, feeling a bit more at ease. "You're right. I've just been out of practice with this whole...courting thing."
âCourting? Is that what weâre doing?â Natasha's voice lowered, the flirtatious edge unmistakable. "Well, maybe we can help you get back into practice."
You couldn't help but blush, even though she couldn't see it over the phone. "That sounds like a plan."
Just then, you heard Isabella's excited voice in the background, likely showing off a pair of beam shoes she'd found. Natasha must have heard it too.
"Sounds like you've got company," Natasha noted.Â
Just as you were about to respond to Natasha, Isabella's excited voice carried through the phone in the background. "Mama, look at these beam shoes! They're so cool!"
You grinned and chuckled softly. "That's my daughter, Isabella."
Natasha's voice held a hint of warmth. "She sounds like a lively girl."
âShe is,â You nodded. You give Isabella a thumbs-up and a smile. "Listen, Natasha," you began, "there's something I wanted to mention. There's a party tonight at this great club called Heatwave. Have you heard of it?â
âYes, Iâve been there once or twice,â Natasha replied.
âWell, I don't usually go out much, but I'll be there. It would be great if you could join."
There was a brief pause on the other end, and then Natasha's voice returned, filled with a sense of anticipation. "Heatwave, huh? I'll stop by."
Your heart skipped a beat at her response. It seemed that, despite your initial hesitation, the possibility of something exciting and new was on the horizon, and you couldn't help but look forward to seeing Natasha at the party tonight.
âWhat time should I be there?â Natasha questioned.Â
âI like to put Bella to bed before going out,â You informed her. âMy mother will be watching her, so Iâd say around nine. Does that work for you?â
âThat works for me,â Natasha agreed.Â
âOkay then, Natasha,â You smiled, wondering if she could hear it in your voice. âIâll see you then.â
âGreat, see you then.â Natasha mirrored your excitement. You hung up the phone and tucked it into your back pocket. You walked back over to Monica, trying to hide your excitement, but she noticed immediately.Â
She gave you a silent questioning look and you give her a thumbs up in return. This should be fun.Â
***********************
Back inside the recording studio, the band was wrapping up what turned out to be a successful recording session. Theyâd written one song so far and revised a few Natasha had in her back pocket for times like this. Which was the most progress theyâd gotten in a year. Either way, it was a session that left them fulfilled. Natasha stood in front of the microphone, her voice still echoing in the room. She exchanged satisfied smiles with her bandmates before returning her wired headphones to their stand.Â
As they wrapped up their belongings Steve spoke up, "Alright, Natasha, we nailed it today. What's the plan for tonight?"
Natasha leaned back against the soundboard, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Oh, you know me, Steve. I'm a creature of habit."
Steve chuckled, "Yeah, we all are, aren't we? It's one big codependent family."
Natasha nodded, her red hair cascading around her shoulders. "True, but you guys like it that way."
Steve smirked, "And you do too."
Natasha sighed playfully, "Alright, you caught me. I have a thing."
The moment she mentioned 'a thing,' the rest of the group became intrigued. Tony, Bucky, and Wanda started bombarding her with questions, eager to know more. They were known for their tight-knit bond, often spending their evenings together.
Tony asked, grinning, "What kind of thing? Spill the beans, Red!"
Natasha tried to deny it, but under the pressure of their excited curiosity, she finally admitted, "Okay, okay! I'm going to Heatwave, a club downtown. I'm meeting up with a new friend."
Immediately, it was settled - if Natasha was going out, they were all going out. Tony's eyes gleamed with mischief, "Sounds like a party! Can we come too?"
Natasha hesitated for a moment, thinking about the guys' tendency to get a little rowdy. Then she relented, "Alright, fine. We can all go."
Steve high-fived Tony, and Bucky and Wanda exchanged excited glances. "This is gonna be awesome!" Steve exclaimed. Though he wasnât much of a partier he loved exploring new places.Â
Natasha couldn't help but grin at their enthusiasm, "Yeah, let's hope it's good, then."
With the decision made, the band members packed up their instruments, ready for another night on the town.Â
*****************
As you stood before the bathroom mirror in your finest party outfit, face and hair all done up, the room around you painted a stark contrast. The soft notes of Beyonceâs âYesâ played in the background as you prepared for your night out. The bathroom was a chaotic scene, messy and disheveled, with makeup and hair curlers scattered haphazardly. Clothes lay strewn on the floor and over the edge of the bathtub. The countertop was cluttered with various cosmetic products, their caps discarded carelessly.
A hairbrush, half-buried under a pile of clothes, seemed to have given up on its role in maintaining order. The floor bore the evidence of spilled powders and makeup brushes discarded in haste.
Isabella, standing in the doorway, disapproved of this sight. Her usually tidy nature couldn't help but frown at the disarray. With her wide, disapproving eyes, she silently conveyed her thoughts to you. âWhy must it be so messy in here?â
âMust? I knew I was creating a bougie child,â You laughed to yourself, applying the final remnants of your makeup.
âIâm not bougie. I just go to a good school,â Isabella quipped. She stood with her arms folded her expression showing her unhappiness with the looks of your room.Â
"I know I pay the high tuition bill remember?" You mutter. Sierra Canyon was a school worth every bit of the $35,000 tuition. Even if it did hurt you to sign that check every year. âWell, Iâll pay you twenty dollars to clean it up,â You offer.
âForty and we have a deal,â She counters.Â
âForty?â You asked incredulously.Â
âInflation, Mama,â Isabella explains as if itâs obvious. âMy favorite toys arenât cheap anymore.â
âI see,â You mumble. âYou drive a hard bargain, but you have a deal.â You turn back to the mirror.Â
You did a spin to get Isabellaâs final say. You wore a black backless draped split dress that reached mid-thigh, perfectly complemented by your sleek, hair slicked into a bun with two small bangs framing your face. The finishing touches of makeup were precise, accentuating your features with a subtle, smoky eye and a deep red lip.Â
âYou look really good,â Isabella nodded.Â
âNot too trampy?â You asked and she shook her head.Â
âNot,â Isabella said.Â
âYou know that was kind of a test and you failed?â You sighed. âYour dad lets you watch reality TV at his place again?â
âMaybe,â Isabella pretended to zip her lips and throw away the key. She was not one to tell.Â
You couldn't help but smile. You bent down to Isabella's level and planted a series of gentle kisses all over her cheeks, as she mostly wiped them off with a giggle.Â
âOh, Isabella Marie, my little artist," You chuckled, feigning scandalization. "You've ruined my masterpiece!"
Isabella just laughed, her eyes sparkling with admiration for you. She reached up to touch the necklace you were wearing, a subtle gesture of appreciation.
You took Isabella's hand and said, "Come on, it's time for bed."
âI really should try to convince you to let me stay up later,â Isabella commented as she allowed you to drag her out to the living room.Â
You made your way to her bedroom, where you tucked her in with great care.
âDid you brush your teeth?â You asked as you rearranged her pillows.Â
âYep,â Isabella nodded. âAnd I washed my face.â
âGood girl,â You praised her.Â
As you smoothed the covers over Isabella and adjusted her stuffed animals, Isabella reminded you with a bright smile, "Mama, remember, I have Lennyâs skating birthday party tomorrow. You said we'd go together."
You leaned in and kissed Isabella's forehead, making sure to wipe her face free of your makeup, as your heart warmed by your daughter's excitement. "Of course. Weâll be there. Now sleep, I love you.â
âRead me a story?â She begged in anticipation of your answer.Â
âOne story,â You warned her before walking over to her bookshelf. You grabbed Hair Love by Matthew Cherry, one of her favorites these days. You sat beside her, offering her your best voice as you began to read to her. Isabella leaned into your body. When you were done, her eyes drooped with drowsiness as she whispered a contented, "Goodnight, Mama.â
âGoodnight, my precious girl. Sweet dreams." You turned off the bedside lamp, leaving the room in a warm, cozy darkness. With one final kiss, you left Isabella to her dreams.Â
With your preparations complete, you rushed out of Isabellaâs bedroom and headed for the kitchen. Time was of the essence. In your hurry, you grabbed your purse and a bottle of water from the fridge. With a sigh of relief, you twisted open the cap and took a long, refreshing sip.
As you did, your mother entered the kitchen, her gaze appraising your outfit with a discerning eye.
"You're going out looking like that?" Her mother's tone was a mix of concern and disapproval.
âWhat donât you like my outfit?â You turned to face her with a determined look. Your mother sighed but said nothing. "Yes, Mom. I've already put Isabella to bed, and I'll be back by two at the latest."
Your mother's expression softened, but she couldn't hide her worry. "Y/n, you know I worry when you go out so late."
You smiled reassuringly. "I know, Mom, but I never go out anymore. Itâs all mom's life and work. I just want to have some fun with friends tonight. I promise to be careful."
âThat only makes me feel slightly better,â She shook her head.Â
"I'll leave my phone on in case of an emergency, okay?" You promised her.Â
Your mother nodded; her eyes filled with maternal concern. "Alright, but you better answer if I call."
You laughed softly and hugged your mother. "I promise. You can count on me."
With a final smile and a quick kiss on her cheek, you left the kitchen, hoping to catch your Uber before it was too late.Â
************
As Natasha and the rest of Velvet Rebellion arrived at Heatwave, the vibrant thump of bass and the lively chatter of the crowd spilled into the street. The atmosphere was electric, and it was clear that the club lived up to its reputation. There was a line wrapped around the entrance, everyone attempting to get to the same point.Â
Natasha was sure they would be able to get in unscathed. However, as they approached the entrance, it became evident that someone had tipped off the paparazzi about their plans. As soon as they exited the car, flashbulbs began to pop, and reporters shouted questions. Natasha and Wanda, not yet accustomed to such situations, swiftly made their way inside, their confidence unshaken.
The boys followed closely behind, with security personnel discreetly positioned around them. However, the security was mostly unnecessary. Velvet Rebellion wasn't a superstar band, and they had no intention of acting like one. They were here to enjoy the music and the vibes, just like any other patrons.
Once inside, the pulsating rhythm of the club enveloped them. Heatwave was a mix of hip-hop, reggae, rock, and everything in between. The diverse crowd danced and mingled, creating an intoxicating blend of cultures and energies. The dimly lit club was a sanctuary for adults, a place where the music was loud, and the energy was contagious.
Natasha and her bandmates moved deeper into the club, losing themselves in the music and the seamless fusion of genres. The vibes were indeed immaculate, and they were ready to savor every moment of the night, leaving their fame behind for a while and simply being themselves - music lovers enjoying a night out.
Wanda, swept up in the excitement of the club's atmosphere, leaned in closer to Natasha and shouted over the thumping bass, "Hey, Nat I'll find us a booth! Tony's going to grab drinks for everyone!"
Natasha nodded and gave her a thumbs-up before deciding to excuse herself to the bathroom. The path to the restroom was a maze of dancing bodies and neon lights. A few girls recognized her and attempted to approach her for autographs or selfies, but Natasha simply smiled and waved, preferring to do things in peace. She could feel the presence of her security guard, Mike, behind her as she stepped into the bathroom. He waited outside of course.Â
After freshening up in the bathroom, Natasha emerged and found herself back in the crowded club. As she navigated the sea of people, she accidentally bumped into someone. Before she could react, her security personnel stepped forward, ready to intervene. However, Natasha recognized the person she had bumped into and quickly raised a hand to stop her security detail.
âMike, itâs okay,â Natasha nodded to him.Â
It was you. A hint of amusement danced in your eyes as you noted the security presence. You couldn't help but think of the time when you, too, needed security. Back when your father was at the height of his career. Now not so much.Â
Despite the loud music, you managed to engage in a conversation, leaning close to hear each other over the thumping bass.
Natasha, with a playful smile, observed you, her eyes raking over your bad in a way that sent chills up your spine. "You look stunning tonight. That dress suits you."
"Why, thank you, Natasha. You look great too.â You lightly touched her arm. âIâm glad you could make it.â
âMe too.â Natasha shouted over the music. "Life's been busy."
You nodded in understanding, "Tell me about it. It's been a whirlwind."
Natasha's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What's new with you? How have you been?"
You leaned in closer, your lips almost brushing against Natasha's ear as you shouted above the music. "Lots of work, but tonight, I'm here to let loose. What about you? Any new songs in the works?"
Natasha nodded with a grin. "Always working on something.â
âThatâs good then,â You smile back. You blink at her through your thick lashes before your eyes scan the room. âI see you brought your friends.â
âI have,â Natasha stepped a bit closer, though it was subtle, and you didnât notice. You liked feeling the warmth radiating from her. âThey wouldnât let me come alone.â
âGotta love them,â You joked. âCare to dance?â You ask.Â
âLead the way,â Natasha takes your hand as you drag her onto the dance floor. She pretends sheâs not checking out your ass but when you look back you nearly catch her. Funny.Â
Just as you and Natasha hit the dance floor, the DJ transitioned into a surprising mix of "What Is Love" by Haddaway and "In Da Club" by 50 Cent. The blend of the '90s dance classic and the early 2000s hip-hop anthem was unexpectedly catchy, and the crowd roared in approval.
Natasha was a fantastic dancer, her movements fluid and precise. You were equally impressive, managing to keep up with Natasha's rhythm effortlessly. Your bodies moved in perfect sync as you joined the sea of people on the dance floor.
The atmosphere was lively, energetic, and incredibly fun. Laughter and cheers filled the air as the club-goers embraced the unexpected combination of music with enthusiasm. The dance floor seemed to vibrate with the collective joy of everyone present.
You couldn't help but enjoy having Natasha so close. Her skin against your fingertips felt like heaven. The way her hands rested gently against your back. It was intimate, warm, and sensual despite the tempo of the music.Â
As the music continued to pulse through the club and once you were all danced out, bodies slick with sweat, you led Natasha to a booth where her bandmates were already seated. Their faces lit up with excitement as they spotted Natasha. Itâs then you noticed Monica was already sitting amongst the rockstars somehow having made it past security.Â
âThere you are,â Monica smiled sweetly. âYou two were on fire out there. I was just making friends with our new family.â She said despite the quizzical looks. You reciprocated her hug as you whispered low into her ear.Â
âI hate you so much,â You growled.Â
âI love you too,â Monica laughed.Â
"Natasha, this is Monica," you said, introducing your best friend to the redhead.Â
Monica extended a friendly hand and smiled, though there was a hint of suspicion in her eyes. "Nice to meet you, Natasha."
Natasha returned the smile warmly, "Likewise, Monica."
As everyone settled into the booth, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Monica was cautious but kind, warming up to Natasha as they chatted about various topics. The club atmosphere had a way of breaking down barriers, and it wasn't long before they were all laughing and enjoying each other's company.
Somewhere along the way, the group decided to order a mix of different foods and drinks, sharing bites and sips as the night wore on. On the booth, Natasha sat next to you, the two of you sharing a closeness that was hard to ignore. During the lively conversations and the infectious rhythm of the music, Natasha couldn't shake the feeling that someone in the crowd had their phone out, possibly recording you. The thought bothered her, but you kept her engaged and distracted, your charm and energy captivating.
There was a break in the peace Natasha felt as her sharp eyes caught sight of her ex-girlfriend, Carol Danvers, making her way towards the booth. Natasha knew that this could potentially lead to a problem, so she decided to intercept Carol before things escalated.Â
âExcuse me for a moment,â Natasha sighed. She was not expecting this to happen tonight of all nights. You watch the two of them walk away before turning your attention back to the group. It was none of your business. "Carol, hi, let me talk to you.â Natasha wanted to take action before the mess. The last thing she needed was a problem when there was none.Â
She gently guided Carol to a more private corner where the music was lower, allowing them to have a conversation without distractions. As they stood facing each other, Natasha's demeanor was polite but distant. She wasn't fond of talking to Carol but wanted to ensure she was okay.
âI see youâre having fun,â Carol rubbed her sweaty hands against her jeans. Her eyes looked a little bloodshot, the deep bags being covered by concealer and heavy makeup. In all honesty, Natasha could tell Carol was not in her correct frame of mind. Whether that was due to lack of sleep or something else wasnât her responsibility. Carol's voice quivered with emotion as she spoke, "You look good."
âThank you,â Natasha sighed and shook her head, her expression a mix of sadness and resolution. "Carol, it's not worth it. We've been through this."
âI know,â Carol nodded. âI just wanted to say hello.âÂ
Natasha found Carolâs meek demeanor unsettling. It was so unlike her. Again, not her problem.Â
âLook, it was good to see you,â Natasha peaked back at the booth to see you were laughing with Monica about something. âTake care of yourself.â Natasha rubs a hand over Carolâs arm before walking away. She was not in the mood to be dealing with this right now. When she sits down again, it takes a moment for her to reacclimate with the group, her feelings of dread and the aftermath of the breakup all taking over again.Â
You noticed the change in her demeanor and decided to check in on her.
With genuine concern in your eyes, you asked softly, "Natasha, is everything okay?"
Natasha tried to feign a smile, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... old memories, you know?"
You nodded, understanding that sometimes the past had a way of sneaking up on you. You decided to lift the mood by embracing the party spirit. As fans approached you for pictures, only allowed with the say-so of security, you graciously obliged, even though you werenât used to so much attention. Having a famous family meant everyone assumed you were someone to know too. The smiles on their faces and their gratitude brought a spark of joy to the night.
However, Natasha's mood didn't seem to improve. You could see the lingering discomfort on her face and sensed that Natasha might need a change of scenery. You leaned in closer to Natasha and asked, "You sure you're okay, Natasha? If you want, we can get out of here."
Natasha appreciated your concern and gave you a small, genuine smile. "Isnât this your friendâs party?â
âAlicia? Sheâll understand,â You grinned. âIâm a mom.â You shrug.Â
âHow many times have you used that excuse?â Natasha questioned.Â
âOnce or twice,â You laughed.Â
âI think that might be a good idea then." Natasha leaned over to whisper to Wanda that she was leaving. Wanda narrowed her eyes between the two of you but ultimately said nothing.Â
âMonica, Iâm leaving with Natasha,â You informed your best friend. âI love you.â âLove you too,â Monica smiled briefly. âCall me tomorrow and tell me everything.â She said a bit lower.Â
âI will,â You roll your eyes.Â
As you made your way towards the exit, Natasha felt grateful for your understanding and support. As you neared the club's exit, you leaned in closer to Natasha and suggested, "Let's use the back exit. It's a quicker way out, and we can avoid the paparazzi."
Natasha nodded in agreement, appreciating your thoughtfulness. She followed you towards the inconspicuous back exit, with Mike, Natasha's security guard, close behind. The corridor was dimly lit, and the sounds of the club faded away with each step.
Walking side by side, you and Natasha found a comfortable silence between you. Natasha appreciated the quiet respite after the club's raucousness.Â
Then, without hesitation, you reached out and gently took Natasha's hand. It was a bold move, and Natasha's heart skipped a beat. The connection felt warm and reassuring,Â
Natasha looked at you, her eyes softening with gratitude. Your fingers entwined, as you continued down the dimly lit sidewalk together, taking comfort in the simple act of holding hands, a gesture of comfort and support.
âDowntown Los Angeles is not exactly the safest place to hang out at night,â You point out.Â
âDid you have anywhere in mind?â Natasha questions. âIâm not really ready to go home yet.â
âHow about here?â You point to the restaurant just across the street. It was settled.Â
You and Natasha walked into the small Japanese food restaurant and were greeted by a soothing ambiance of sleek and modern dining. The interior featured clean lines, polished wooden tables, and elegant, dimmed lighting that created a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. The walls were adorned with tasteful Japanese-inspired artwork, adding to the restaurant's aesthetic appeal.
Despite the late hour, they were still open, and there weren't many people left in the restaurant. The subdued chatter of a few diners in hushed conversations added to the tranquil atmosphere.
The restaurant staff welcomed you and Natasha with warm smiles, happy to accommodate your late-night visit. You were ushered to a well-appointed table with comfortable seating, creating a sense of intimacy in the otherwise empty space.
Once seated, you took the lead in order, your familiarity with the menu evident. You chose the baked crab hand rolls, a delectable choice known for its rich flavors and delicate textures, and edamame with a sprinkle of salt for a simple and satisfying appetizer.
Natasha decided to indulge in a sushi sampler, intrigued by the restaurant's offerings. She also ordered drinks for you to share, wanting to continue the evening in a relaxed and enjoyable manner, free from the distractions of the outside world.
As you waited for the food to arrive, you turned your attention to Natasha, your expression carrying a hint of concern.
"Natasha, "You began hesitantly, "Can you tell me more about Carol? Should I be worried about her showing up like that?"
Natasha sighed, recognizing the need for honesty. She leaned in, speaking softly, "Carol is my ex-girlfriend. We used to be really close, and she was a good person, but lately, she's been caught up in the wrong crowd. I've been trying to keep my distance from all of that."
Caught up in the wrong crowd could mean a host of things in the industry. Drugs were usually the most common. Though you didn't press for her to elaborate.
You listened attentively, her concern deepening. "Do you think she's going to be a problem?"
Natasha could see your question for what it was. Was she going to be a problem in whatever potential the two of you could have?Â
Natasha shook her head, her gaze reassuring. "No, nothing like that. She's just... lost, for now. I don't want you to worry about it. I'm doing my best to stay out of any trouble, especially now."
You nodded, appreciating Natasha's honesty and the effort she was making to ensure your time together was free from complications. You reached out and gently squeezed Natasha's hand, silently conveying your support.Â
You leaned in closer and admitted, "I understand, Natasha. My ex and I co-parent Isabella, and it wasn't always easy either. But we've found our way." You shrugged.Â
Natasha appreciated the understanding and felt a connection with you as you shared your experiences.Â
Then, the conversation took a different turn, and Natasha's curiosity got the better of her. She leaned in with a playful glint in her eyes and said, "Alright, enough about my drama. I want to know more about you. You downplayed your singing career at the party. Backup?â
âYouâve done your research,â You chuckled at the playful teasing but then became more serious as you responded, "You're right. Singing has always been my love, my passion. But the demanding career and the lack of privacy that comes with it gets to you after a while. That's why I love being a publicist. It allows me to stay in the industry that I adore but from a different angle, more behind the scenes. It gives me room to breathe and a sense of control over my life."
Natasha nodded in understanding, appreciating your candor. She could see the sincerity in your eyes as you spoke about your career and the choices you had made. It was clear that you had found a balance that worked for you, and Natasha respected you for it.
When the food arrived, you immediately dug into your meal. Your curiosity got the better of you, and you asked Natasha, "Do you and your band have a publicist or a manager?"
Natasha smirked playfully, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Is it that obvious? I guess it's the many times Tony's been arrested.â Natasha began to list. âOr the time I punched paparazzi for trying to take a picture at an awkward angle.â She grimaced.Â
You couldn't help but laugh at Natasha's observation. "Well, those incidents might have given it away a bit."
Natasha's smile faded slightly as she confessed, "Honestly, I know we need someone to manage us, but I've never felt entirely comfortable with the idea. It's like giving up a piece of our freedom and creativity. We've managed so far, but I know it can't go on like this forever."
You nodded in understanding, recognizing the challenges that came with managing a successful music career independently. You asked, "Do you have anyone in mind for the role, someone you might trust enough to bring into the fold?"
Natasha thought for a moment, her gaze thoughtful. "Possibly. It's a big decision, and I want to make sure it's the right fit for us, you know? We've been doing this our way for so long that it's hard to let go."
âWell, when youâre ready, Iâm your gal,â You offered your services. âI also may have a few wild cards that would work perfectly.âÂ
âIâll keep that in mind,â Natasha sips from her cup.Â
As the night drew to a close, you found yourselves waiting on a quiet street corner for your Uber to arrive. The bustling energy of the club was a distant memory, replaced by the calm of the late-night city.
Natasha looked at you with a genuine smile and said, "I had a lot of fun tonight, y/n. Thank you."
You returned the smile, your heart warmed by Natasha's words. "I did too, Natasha. It was great getting to know you."
The streets were mostly empty, and the city was bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. There was a moment of silence as you stood together, the unspoken tension of the night hanging in the air.
Then, as if guided by an invisible force, Natasha leaned in and softly pressed her lips against yours. It was a gentle, lingering kiss that sent shivers down your spine. Your cheeks flushed, but you couldn't help but smile.
Breaking the kiss, you teased, "Well, that's a surprise ending for the night."
Natasha chuckled and replied, "I couldn't resist."
âDonât worry, I liked it,â You grinned. You leaned forward, kissing Natasha again, lingering when your lips pressed before you pulled back.Â
The distant sound of the approaching Uber pulled you back to reality. Your ride had arrived. You exchanged one last lingering look, a silent acknowledgment of the connection you had shared that evening.
With a soft goodbye, you climbed into the waiting car, and Natasha watched as it drove away into the night. As she walked away, Natasha couldn't help but smile, feeling grateful for the unexpected and unforgettable night she had just experienced.
---> next part
Loving Her Is (Im)possible
masterlist
Natasha Romanoff x Civilian!Reader
description: They say loving the Black Widow is impossible, so what happens when you meet her?
Words: ~2k
Genre: fluff
Warnings: none I think, not proof read tho
I know this is shitty, I wrote this coping with myself lmao.
Next one is promised to be good or at least better again
⎠â Ë・đ ¨â・°âŠâŽ â Ë・â・°âŠď˝Ąâ・⎠â Ë・â・°âŠâŽ â Ë・đ ¨â・°âŠ
Loving her is impossible. That's what they say.
Meeting her is easy.
Red hair, brown coat, black boots.
And effortless elegance that held the power to draw everyone's attention but prevent anyone from making eye contact. Or comment on her.
"A large, black coffee please" her voice carried the same unspoken authority her movements displayed.
Rough and soft at the same time, polite but distanced. She layed one hand on the counter while waiting. With the other hand she removed her sunglasses, letting them fall in the pocket of her coat. A few curious glances from the other customers in her direction but most just continued their conversations.
You watched the interaction, studying her. How she glanced over the room. How she corrected her own posture - and you did instinctively too. How she took her cup and took yet another glance over the room but in a seemingly different way. Her eyes locked onto you.
She directed a small, greeting nod to you and you responded with a friendly smile. "That seat doesn't seem taken", the redhead mostly stated, sitting on the chair across your own.
"You can't be sure of that" you replied with a teasing grin. The woman chuckled. A low, soft and intriguingly dangerous sound, sending a shiver down your spine. You tried to save it, lock it in your memory and protect it, the moment you heard it. If you could do something to get to hear it again, you would.
"So you're saying this seat is taken, princess?" a playful glint in her eyes, knowing exactly that it wasn't.
And within a split second your mind surrendered. You weren't sure if it was the nickname or just the way your own teasing backfired but you flushed and glued your eyes to your hands. "No" you mumbled, holding the cup in your hands just a little tighter. A shy smile played around your lips.
"No need to be shy, sweetheart. I'm Natasha"
Meeting her was embarrassing in a way you enjoyed it.
Knowing her is easy.
You knew who she was. Everybody does. The media is flooded with footage of her, everytime something in the world happens. Everybody sees what you could see that day.
Effortless perfectionism. Authority without room for arguments.
She was the Black Widow.
In press conferences the backbone of the avangers.
No one knew her. Behind that perfect mask that would allow her to dominate the whole room, was in reality something different.
Behind that perfect image was a human just as everyone else is. Someone who sometimes feels lonely. Someone who's guarded but also someone who let a few things slip from time to time.
You were aware that everything you saw of her was calculated. A risk she took.
A nightmare she told you she had. Explaining why her day was bad. Asking you what she should cook.
You never got much to grasp on, but to every little detail you held on as if it was sacred.
Nat:
I'm bored
What should I do?
You:
Me [you deleted that as soon as you typed it]
Cinnamon rolls
And just two hours later it'd ring on your door.
"Hey, I brought cinnamon rolls."
You laughed, seeing her physically relax under your careless happiness as you invited her in.
The Black Widow was an open book - someone everybody could know within thirty minutes of amateurish research.
Natasha Romanoff was more than that.
A closed book with a lock, behind bars, behind walls.
She rarely shared something about what she actually did or felt at any given moment. But if she'd let something slip you'd pick it up and cherish it.
Talking to her is easy.
Without even noticing in less than a month your world was upside down.
Checking your phone every ten minutes for notifications, even though you know the screen lits up when you get one.
Smiling when it does.
Denying the small bit of disappointment when the notification doesn't begin with "Nat đ:".
Going silent on phone calls with others for a moment when you recieved a message from her. Being mentally absent while playing cards, glancing down at the phone beside you, answering whenever it's not your turn.
You:
How was your day?
Natđ:
{voice message 1:48}
You loved these. You loved listening to her voice, detecting the satisfaction when she told you about a successful mission, hearing the frustration when some recruits didn't listen to her in training and then obviously failed the task at hand. You loved her sighs when she was tired.
Soon you yearned for every interaction you could get. A small chat, a short phone call. Or when you had the time you'd bring her a coffee over.
The first time you did, you weren't sure you'd get out of the building in one piece.
You learned that day that Shield doesn't have visitors. Especially not ordinary people and definitely not one's who come in without an agent.
Your hands were shaking as you held them over your head, in one still the coffee you brought.
"What do you want?" The guy, who asked this just entered the area, motioning for the security to stay in position.
"u-uh visiting? A friend" you added and cringed internally about verbally friendzoning the redhead. But that's the most fitting description. Maybe even exactly what she sees in you. A friend. One she likes to flirt and tease with just to see how it messses with your head.
"And who is that friend?" he walked behind you, taking the coffee from your hand.
"Natasha? Romanoff..." your voice grew quieter realizing how unrealistic that must sound. And just as confirmation he scoffed "Of course. And if that's true, why isn't Agent Romanoff here to get you through security? And further, why is the name on this coffee 'Nathan'?"
Now you scoffed, rolling your eyes "So now it's my fault that coffeeshops can't get names right?? You can't convince me no coffeeshop ever wrote your name wrong" You regretted those word almost as soon as they left your mouth but now it was too late anyway.
But before anyone reacted to that, the clicking of heels cut through the tension. Just as they stopped a familar voice spoke up from behind you "You have some nerves, giving these kind of answers while having two guns directed at you, princess"
Your cheekes flushed at the nickname. You knew she did that on purpose, relishing your involuntary reaction. And it happened every time.
With probably another motion of one of the two behind you the security guys backed down and you turned around with a small smile on your lips. "Well, bold of you to show up so late they almost shoot me"
When you sat down on a couch in what you presumed was her office she took a sip from her coffee and sighed. "Nathan, huh?" A smirk playing around her lips.
You snorted meeting her eyes with a mischievous glint in your own "Maybe I made the barista write down the wrong name intentionally. But a coffee wouldn't be a coffee if they got your name right twice in a row"
It became a little game of yours. Trying to find a new variant or fucked up way to mess with each others name.
These meetings happened more often, you bringing her coffee or lunch. Talking, laughing, joking. You learned that the guy, who questioned you on your first time there was Clint, Natasha's best friend. Soon these lunch breaks became the thing you looked most forward to, by the start of a week.
You got to meet Clint, introducing himself with saying something along being sorry for almost having you shot. And by then all of you could only laugh about that first encounter.
On a random friday she took you to the shooting range after another shared lunch. Handing you one of her pistols she positioned herself behind you. Guiding your legs to stand in the right stance, moving her hands along your arms so you wouldn't hurt yourself. And while you loved learning to shoot, her being pressed against your back made it hard to focus. How her touch burned itself under your skin, how her scent surrounded you. And suddenly you felt like one of the recruits she liked to complain about. Distracted.
Of course Natasha noticed. But she didn't seem mind it, when it was you. She didn't mind having to guide you into the right position another time and maybe even a third. At least she didn't say so. She seemed to enjoy the time you had as much as you did and that alone made your heart skip a bit.
Watching yourself fall for her feels scary. Like the craziest thing you've ever done.
Running away is easy.
Especially when self-doubt is consuming you.
When she's out on missions and you don't get any response to your messages for hours or days.
You start to doubt yourself, if this was right for you.
The redhead tried to push you away only shortly after you met. Telling you that she's too much for you. That her life isn't made for her to fit in your world. You managed go convince her from the opposite.
Now you were the one doubting if that was the right decision.
On the one side fearing how much this is about to hurt if you don't work out, on the other already being too attached to let go now.
Not without trying.
But after just another day of radio silence from her side you feel like ending things would be best for you. Or after another conversation, where you realize that she's not actually telling you what she feels or what's bothering her. Giving only so short answers to your messages that something like a conversation wouldn't even begin - it hurt you probably more than it should.
But you didn't blame her. Or you tried not to. You knew that this was an unsettling kind of jealousy with no one to be jealous of. No one you knew about. But that didn't make it easier. It just drained your energy on these days, killing some of your usually good mood. Every one of those days giving you another reason to leave.
Running away. Not without an explanation, that would be unfair. She deserved to understand. And while you're trying to convince yourself that hurting her by leaving now would be less bad than doing it even later and that it would probably be for the best for both of you, you couldn't shake the feeling that she would've felt used.
And every time you think about that, she texts you, answering your last message and pushing the thought of leaving away immediately - not that she's aware of that but she still does. The start of a conversation, that filled you with a strange sense of happiness. A happiness that kept you from running.
The urge to stay is impossible to ignore. The want to understand every action before calling it unreasonable, taking all reasons to leave and burn them down, you kept only the reasons to stay.
A stupid smile with every message.
An shy and embarrassing flush with every tease.
The commitment to understand her and give her time.
You mentally burned whatever you read about her on the internet. Banning news reports about her, ignoring blogs judging her or her job in any way.
Instead you chose to focus on every single bit that seemed to be real and held on to it. Every soft chuckle, the glint in her eyes when they meet yours, her sighs at the end of a voice message about an overly exhausting day.
Everything that you knew was her. What didn't scream 'ex-assassin and spy'.
You chose to learn and hold on to what you got about Natasha instead of Widow.
You chose to ignore the reasons to leave for now.
Red hair, brown coat, black boots.
And a caring smile in your direction.
Loving her could turn out so easy.
⎠â Ë・đ ¨â・°âŠâŽ â Ë・â・°âŠď˝Ąâ・⎠â Ë・â・°âŠâŽ â Ë・đ ¨â・°âŠ
Fic commenters, I want you to understand your power. You are literally the engine that drives the fanfic machine.
Without you, a lot of fic would never exist.
Without you, a lot of fic would never be completed.
Without you, unique fic would never exist.
Without you, a writer would not improve and then write something particularly great.
Fic commenters:
make writers feel seen.
boost our confidence.
make us smile.
make us laugh.
make us tent our fingers and laugh maniacally when you keyboardsmash about a plot point.
make us cry if we happen to touch you or you make a particularly lovely comment about our writing or story.
bring us joy when you tell us we made you laugh.
make us go "heheheheh" when we realize you found something we wrote hot.
And most importantly...you are the reason we write. Otherwise, we're just shouting into the void. YOU make us feel seen and drive us to write more, more often, and better fic.
Telling a story and seeing people respond to that story is the only "payment" a fic writer can hope for. We're just fellow fans, we're not separate from the rest of the fandom. We're all in the pool together.
So, thank you! And keep using your power.
I'd rather 5 comments and 50 hits than 2 comments and 2000 hits.
â ââš đđđđđđđ . Natasha Romanoff x reader
â ââš đđđđđđđ . Natasha always patched herself up. she never even allowed anyone near when she's hurt. you, on the other hand, made her a bandage and even discovered a little more about who she was.
â ââš đđđđđđđđ . implied violence, bullet wounds, blood, bruises, talks of the red room, cursing, emotional moments, caring for baby Natasha.
â ââš đđđđđ . finishing that a year later. yup, that's me. but that's just too special for me to drop it.
fic started: july, 08, 2023, 1:06pm. | finished: june, 23, 2024, 9:29pm.
dividers belong to: @saradika-graphics â ââš
you're at home, reading a book as you usually did. the day was calm, tranquil, and it didn't seem like anything bad would happen. the sun rays came in from the gap between the curtains and shone right onto your face.
little did you know what was going on out there. the avengers were looking for the Winter Soldier, and well, the search wasn't going really good. cars crashing, civilians injured. and the target out there, no signs of him.
your best friend, the Black Widâ Natasha, had been as reckless as she always was, and attempting to protect a citizen, she took a bullet on the shoulder. and instead of getting immediate medical attention, she used her bleeding arm to fire a shotgun and throw a few more punches here and there.
Steve wanted to get her to a SHIELD facility, but she knew their usual procedure â they'd have her arm cut open to remove the bullet, stitch her up, and keep her in observation. she didn't want any of that. too much physical contact for her liking.
so she thought of the only smart way she could make this play. she couldn't simply go to her house with a criminal running around, in the middle of a mission. and her team would go looking for her there. not a smart choice. so she went to you.
not that she wanted to be taken care of. not that she needed to be taken care of, due the intense amount of pain going through her system. she'd just go to your house to hide, yeah.
the knocks on your door sounded heavy and urgent. you placed the book down, walking to the entrance and looking through the peephole â finding yourself in front of a bleeding, broken Natasha Romanoff. the door almost flies open, and she doesn't give you time to ask questions, stumbling inside and kicking the door shut.
"shh, keep your voice down." the redhead whispers weakly. regardless of the pain, she tries to be sarcastic. "don't be too loud or they might find me."
"your arm!" you whisper-yell, ignoring everything she had said. you ran to grab a cloth, pressing it against the wound. Natasha hissed loudly. just then you realized it was a bullet. "holy shit, i'm so sorry."
"i'm good." she weakly reassures, grabbing the cloth from your hand, taking a step back. she applied pressure to stop the bleeding â but she was barely standing. "just a tiny scratch,"
"shut it." you shake your head and carefully lead her to the nearest couch, helping her to sit down. by now, you'd have already called an ambo. but like she said, she was being chased. "spit it out, c'mon."
"mission went wrong." she sighs, allowing her eyes to close for a moment, then opening them again. when she feels you sitting down next to her, she instinctively scoots over, as if to create some distance. "the most of it is classified. but it went wrong. that's all i can tell you,"
"alright, Natasha. but you got to go and see a doctor." you chuckle humorlessly, pointing out the obvious.
the redhead was sweating, expression showing clear pain. even if the bleeding on her shoulder had stopped, she was still weak. it didn't matter she was trained for that. she was still a person.
"i can handle it." she tries to smile, but feels the uneasiness again. her eyes feel heavy, and she wants to close them. but she knew that meant passing out, going to the hospital. "just get me a first aid kit and i'll be okay."
"god, you're stubborn." you murmur. you'd probably give her a speech, but not now. "hang in there, i'll be right back."
you quickly went to the bathroom and grabbed the first aid kit from the cabinet, placing it on the living room's coffee table. you also grabbed a water bottle and a bag of cookies you had, in case she wanted to eat later.
you just didn't expect her to push you back when you reached out to touch her arm.
"just give it to me," she extends her hand towards the kit box, coaxing a small, incredulous laugh out of you.
"you expect me to let you do it yourself? in that state?" you ask, genuinely concerned now. you sit down by her side once again, slowly. she gulps.
Natasha was your elusive superhero friend, so you never really had that much of physical contact before. you didn't know about her past, either. you didn't know her fear of people touching her. her fear of being vulnerable. because back then, she wasn't allowed to be vulnerable.
widows never failed. widows never got sick. if a widow had an injury, that meant victory. she'd have to heal herself and focus back on the mission. so simply putting, Natasha didn't know what it was to allow someone to care for her.
but now... she was almost passing out. really. she also knew damn well you had no intentions of hurting her, nor reasons to do so. or else, she'd have distanced herself a long time ago. so she sighs in defeat.
"... just make it quick, okay?" she shifts, allowing you in her personal space.
you sigh as well in relief, opening the first-aid kit box and grabbing a wipe, putting some hydrogen peroxide on it. the blood under the cloth had long dried. you carefully unwrapped it from her arm, setting it aside. you examined the wound closely. the bullet went through, it was good, somehow. you wouldn't have to magically learn how to make a surgery.
Natasha's eyes followed your hand, as it wiped away the blood covering her arm. she was so tense at the beginning. but time went by, and her brain slowly registered the fact she didn't have a reason to be tense. her shoulders visibly eased up.
"the bullet's not here," you whisper, throwing the dirty wipes away and grabbing the ointment, the antiseptic, and the bandages. "i'll patch you up for now, but Nat, you seriously need some stitches."
she's relieved. the pain is still strong, but she's relieved, with you. only if you knew how bad she was trying not to cry right now. her voice quivers, as she points to something inside the box. "i-is that aspirin?"
you frown, stopping the movements. "it is. do you want some?"
"mhm." the russian hums, unable to stop the little tear from rolling down her cheek. with your help, she takes a couple of pills and swallows it with the water you grabbed earlier. "thank you,"
"you're welcome." you murmur back, softly smiling at the sight of Natasha's tender side starting to show up. you continue, applying the ointment on her skin and carefully spreading it.
"i never had this before," Natasha says, almost inaudibly. her head lowers itself to your shoulder, surprising you. "did you know that? because back then, getting hurt was a good thing. they made us believe that, i mean."
you listen to her soft rambling, humming to let her know you heard. you finish wrapping the bandages around her arm and shoulder, and put some band-aids to keep it secure. in response to her leaning against you, you carefully, gently wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer.
"i'm glad you know that's not true anymore." you comment, and she nods. her lips quiver more. my, she looks so.. broken. and you'd do anything to fix her. at least try. "you can cry, Nat. let your pain out."
she sniffles, her one good arm circling you as she weakly buried her face on your shoulder, allowing the tears to flow freely. her body trembles, so you hold her closer, tighter. your body heat comforts her.
after a while, she certainly doesn't want to talk. her sobs quiet down, and she tries to cuddle up against you. " 'm tired, wanna sleep."
"i know." you say, pressing the back of your hand against her forehead. she surely had a fever. but the aspirin she took before would help, in a few hours. "you can take your rest now."
Natasha whimpers quietly â which was supposed to be a yawn â and allow her eyelids to finally shut. she clings to you tightly, as if genuinely scared you would disappear if she let you go. but you never would.
not after seeing such a thing. she did something major today. and you treasured it with your whole heart. you pressed a kiss on the top of her head and held her â having no idea if the SHIELD spies would come after you. nah, probably not. Natasha knew what she was doing.
BLACK TEE
SUMMARY â natasha spends all morning looking for her favorite black t-shirt that you stole weeks ago
You had no idea what had sent your girlfriend into such a frenzy, but walking into her apartment alarmed you that something was up. The ruckus only got louder and louder the farther you stepped into the home, until you found your girlfriend sprawled out on her bedroom floor with clothes surrounding her. Her eye was still bruised over from the last mission she was called away on, and her side was still bruised up from the assault of the weapons backfiring. Nonetheless, she looked perfect.
âEverything okay down there?â You asked, watching as Natasha rolled over onto her stomach and once again began pulling random shirts out from beneath her bed. The red scratch marks littering her back were all from you, and a blush spread over your cheeks as you took in her bare appearance. You could do as much damage as a battlefield.
âIâm tryingââ She huffed, pulling out yet another black t-shirt that had been crumpled into a ball, probably having never been worn because of the messy state of not only Natashaâs room, but her life at the moment. âIâm trying to find my one black t-shirt. Not the ribbed one.â
You raised your eyebrows, looking down at the shirt clinging to your own torso. Natasha had too many black t-shirts, youâve told her a million and three times, but she always shushed you with the justification that she could identify each one by a single trait she didnât like, and it almost never failed her. The specific t-shirt sheâs looking for is your favorite, and youâve been playing a long pawn to finally steal it. It was big on you, and it was soft, and it smelled like the perfect mix of your girlfriend's favorite things; the salt of the ocean, her perfume, the fabric softener you used when you did her laundry after a battle, and your perfume from the beginning of the day. If she had looked up at you when you entered, she would have realized it was hers immediately due to the oversized fitting, but she was too much in a trance to even pay you any attention.
âThe one Maria got you for christmas?â You played into her antics, getting down on your knees beside her head so you could scour through her dresser. You felt her hair move against your thigh in confirmation, and you laughed softly. âWhy do you want that specific one? You just pulled out an identical one.â
âThe one Iâm looking for is softer.â She mused, âYou washed it with the fabric softener last time you were here. After Clint almost got blown to bits..â Your heart swelled knowing that she paid enough attention to what you did for her to know you spent hours washing her clothes after she went to bed because you couldnât sleep, still on edge about how you couldâve lost her this time. She had come to find you just after one, but you had already folded her clothes and put them away before she corralled you back to bed sleepily herself.
You squealed when suddenly your body was tackled to the floor, pinned beneath Natashaâs body and her smiling face was above yours. You giggled as her fingers moved against your hips, digging into the shallow dips of your hips, knowing that was where you were the most ticklish. âYou have it on!â She taunted, âWe were looking for a shirt you have on! When did you take it?â
âWhen I washed it. Itâs my favorite.â You added nonchalantly, nuzzling your nose up into the collar of the shirt and smiling at Natasha, even though he couldnât see your mouth beneath the soft black cotton. âSmells like you.â
Natasha lowered her nose to yours, pulling the shirt away from your mouth and putting her lips on yours. The two of you fit together perfectly, and even though Natasha spent hours looking for that soft black shirt, she didnât have the mind to strip it from your possession.
âLooks better on you anyways, baby.â
sumary: The last thing Natasha expected was for her one-and-Half-year-old daughter to fall head over heels for the one person on the team who didnât like kids.
Paring: Natasha Romanoff x fem reader. Natasha Romanoff x platonic!avengers
Word count: 5075
warnings: age gap, light mommy issues if you squirm your eyes, fluffly content, Natasha being the best mom ever, light humor and jokes
Part 2
ă ă â â â â â â â â â â đđđ¸ â â â â â â â â â â Ἅᥠâ â â â â â â â â â ŕź â â â â â â â â â â Ëâ â â â â â â â â â â đź â â â â â â â â â â ŕ¨âĄŕ§ â â â â â â â â â â ᥣđŠ â â â â â â â â â ęŠăâ â â â â â â â â§ ăă â â â â â â â â Ëăă ૮â Ëśáľ áľ áľËś âá â â â âă ¤ â â â â â â â â â â ŕ¨ŕ§ â â â â â â â â âş ăă ăËł ă ăâ¸â¸â¸âĄăăâşăăŕ¨ŕ§ăăăâă ă Ëâ
Natasha had never been the type to hope for softness.
Not for herself, at least.
Sheâd made her peace with that years agoâon the rooftops of Budapest, in the sterile hallways of S.H.I.E.L.D., in the long silences between missions where guilt and memory left no room for sentiment. And then came Ana. Not by accident. Not by surprise. By choice. Hers. A deliberate, defiant, I want this, spoken with all the clarity of a life finally claimed.
She never regretted a moment of it. Not the injections. Not the procedures. Not the days spent alone, watching her body change, knowing no one was coming but not needing anyone to. Ana was the best thing sheâd ever done. Her softness, her quiet, her stubborn sparkâthat was Natashaâs legacy now. Not blood. Not missions. Her. Anasthasia Irina Romanoff. Sheâd chosen Irina long before Ana was even born. It wasnât a family name, or a tribute to anyone in her pastâit was a hope. Irina meant peace, and thatâs what Ana was. Her stillness after decades of running. Her soft beginning after a life of sharp edges. Natasha had spent so many years living on instinct, choosing danger over safety, solitude over softness. But Ana was different. Ana meant slow mornings. Shared breakfasts. Laughter in the middle of the day for no reason at all. She gave her the name Irina because, for the first time, Natasha wasnât surviving anymore. She was living. And Ana was the reason why.And maybe thatâs why she was so protective of itâwhy she kept the world at armâs length and Ana even closer. This calm, this rhythm sheâd built, it was fragile in the way that mattered most. So when new variables appearedânew people, new energiesâNatasha never let them close enough to shift the balance.
So she didnât expect anything to come from your arrival.
Not in the way that mattered.
You were Tonyâs daughter, and Natasha had always paid attention to the way people spoke about youâwith a mixture of respect and restraint, like they werenât quite sure what to do with someone who carried the Stark name but none of his chaos. She knew you joined S.H.I.E.L.D. when you were barely old enough to be called an adult, that youâd carved your space without leaning on legacy, and that youâd been stationed in England for the last few yearsâlow profile, high results.
She also knew something more personal. Something quieter.
You didnât like children.
Not in a cold, heartless way. You werenât cruel. You were respectfulâalways. Natasha remembered the way you helped Lila Barton when she scraped her knee during a holiday visit, how youâd stayed still and calm while the girl sobbed against your shoulder. But the moment she calmed, youâd set her down gently and disappeared from the room like your presence had been an accident. You didnât mock them, or treat them like they were less-than. You just⌠didnât want them near. Didnât invite them close. Natasha understood that. Some people didnât crave the chaos, the unpredictability, the weight of something small depending on you.
That was fine.
That was expected.
Which is why she didnât even flinch when she brought Ana to the morning briefing.
The meeting was scheduled in one of the larger lounge roomsâbright windows, low coffee tables, plenty of space for Ana to exist without needing constant wrangling. Natasha had done this dozens of times. Her daughter came with her everywhere now. She didnât leave Ana behind unless she absolutely had to. The team had long since adapted.
You, however, were new.
She entered the room with Ana tucked against her side, one arm looped around the childâs waist with practiced ease. You were already seatedâcoffee in hand, face unreadable, posture casual but distant. Natasha didnât expect more than a polite nod, maybe a glance. And thatâs what she got. You didnât tense. You didnât retreat. You simply acknowledged her presence and turned your eyes back to the screen.
But Ana didnât.
Ana saw you. And for the first time since Natasha could remember, her daughter paused.
Not in fear. Not in confusion. In recognition.
It started as a slow shiftâher little body repositioning against Natashaâs ribs, eyes locked in your direction, curious and alert. Then the squirming began. Not impatient, not fussyâfocused. Ana leaned out of her arms, little hand pointing downward.
Natasha frowned. âWhatâs going on, kotyonok?â she murmured, brushing her lips lightly across Anaâs hair.
âDown,â Ana whispered.
Natasha blinked.
Ana rarely asked to leave her arms during meetings. And never in unfamiliar rooms. Sheâd been clingy the last few daysâteething, off her sleep schedule, adjusting to so many new faces around the compound again. But now, her little legs were kicking softly, hands gripping at Natashaâs shirt in earnest.
âDown,â she repeated.
Natasha hesitatedâglanced at you.
You werenât watching Ana anymore. You were watching her. Confused. Curious. But not annoyed. Not disapproving.
Natasha could read people down to the smallest twitch of a muscle, and in that moment, she read one thing clearly: you didnât know what was happening either.
So she shifted forward and lowered Ana gently to the carpeted floor.
Anaâs sneakers touched down. She took one look backâbrief, instinctiveâthen turned toward you like she already knew the path.
Natashaâs chest tightened.
One step. Then another.
You looked up.
There was a breath, the room shrinking around it.
Ana stopped at your knees. Her curls were mussed from her motherâs shoulder, her little fox plush dangling from one hand. She tilted her head to look at you properly. She didnât blink.
And then she lifted both arms toward you.
âLap.â
You froze.
Not in fear. Not rejection. Natasha saw itâsomething break quietly across your expression, the way your eyebrows lifted just slightly, like your own body didnât understand how it was reacting before your brain caught up. There was no mask now. No calm Stark logic, no precise detachment. Just youâand the shock of being chosen by someone so small, so unrelenting, and so certain.
Natasha didnât move.
She stood where she was, heart pounding quietly behind her ribs, not from fear or worryâbut something more intimate. Something that reached the parts of her still holding every shattered version of family sheâd ever known. She watched as you stared down at the child who had never, not once, walked into a strangerâs arms. And she waited. Because whatever happened next⌠would matter.
You didnât reach for Ana immediately.
Natasha noticed the exact moment your eyes liftedânot to the child now reaching for you with unwavering certainty, but to her. And it wasnât a question. Not quite. There was no panic in your expression, no discomfort. Just a pause. A stillness that asked without words: Is this alright?
And Natasha, who rarely let anyone past the perimeter of her trust, gave you the smallest, most intentional nod.
You moved like someone reaching into deep waterâcarefully, gently, aware of the weight of what you were about to hold. Your hands met Anaâs sides, small and secure, and you lifted her with practiced ease, as though this wasnât the first time, as though her body already knew how to fold against yours. She settled into your lap like it belonged to her.
Like she had always meant to end up there.
Natashaâs breath caught in her throat.
Ana laid her head lightly against your chest, little cheek pressing into the dark fabric of your jacket. One of her hands tucked the fox between your arm and her belly; the otherâsmall, dimpled fingersâreached up to your collarbone and found your hand.
And then she started to play.
Not with toys, not with distractions. Just your hand. Your fingers. One by one she explored them, pressing her thumb into your palm, curling your pinky against her own, dragging the tips along her forehead in idle motion. Her eyes drifted half-closed, calm and curious, while you stayed perfectly stillâwatching her with that same look Natasha couldnât read.
It was almost unbearable, the quiet of the moment.
The meeting had technically begun, but Natasha hadnât registered a single word Steve said. She hadnât even sat down. She just stood near the door, arms crossed, eyes on the impossible softness blooming in front of her.
Because thatâs what it was. Impossible.
You hadnât flinched. You hadnât hesitated. You hadnât done what most people didâsmile politely, hand Ana back, or distract her with something shiny so they could pass her off. You were just⌠there. Entirely present. Letting her settle. Letting her explore. Letting her choose.
And she had chosen you.
The worst partâif she could call it thatâwas that Natasha wasnât angry. She wasnât suspicious. She wasnât even surprised anymore.
Because looking at you nowâback straight, eyes lowered, completely surrendered to the tiny storm nestled in your lapâsomething made sense in her chest that hadnât before.
Ana had found something.
Or maybe, someone.
And Natasha wasnât sure what that meant yet, or how far she would allow it to growâbut for the first time in longer than she could remember, she didnât feel the need to pull away. She walked slowly to her seat across from you, quiet as a shadow, never breaking the spell. And when she sat down, she didnât take her eyes off you. The briefing wrapped without fanfare.
Steveâs voice faded into background noise, Bruce gathered his notes, and the others filtered out one by one with practiced efficiency. No one commented on Anaâno one dared. Maybe because they saw the weight of the moment. Maybe because it wasnât theirs to touch.
The room was almost too quiet now.
Ana had slipped fully into sleep, her tiny hand still curled lazily around your finger, her head rising and falling against your chest like sheâd found the safest place in the universe. You hadnât moved. Not really. Just shifted to make her more comfortableâlet her sink deeper into you without hesitation, like her weight belonged there.
Natasha couldnât look away.
You hadnât noticedâat least, she thought you hadnât. You never were one to fidget under attention. But there was something different about you now. Something unguarded beneath all that calm.
âI have to admit,â she said, voice low, âthis wasnât how I pictured our first real conversation going.â
You glanced at her, brow arching just a little. âAnd how did you picture it?â
Natashaâs lips twitched. âNot with my daughter wrapped around you like a vine.â
You leaned back slightly, careful not to disturb Ana, and gave her that expressionâdry, sharp, quietly amused. âYou sound jealous.â
Her eyebrow lifted. âShould I be?â
You made a show of glancing down at Ana, then shrugged one shoulderâso subtle it barely moved her. âSheâs got good taste.â
The laugh caught in Natashaâs throat before she could stop it. Soft, surprised. God, you were so damn composed, and yet there was something underneath that surfaceâa spark of something warmer, something playful. She hadnât expected that. And she was rarely caught off guard.
âI should warn you,â she said, leaning her elbows on the table. âIf you let her get used to that lap, youâre going to regret it.â
âI donât regret much.â
âSheâs one and a half. Youâll regret it the next time you try to drink a coffee without someone demanding half of it.â
You smiledânot a smirk, not your usual reserved grin. An actual smile. And Natasha had to look away, just for a moment, because something in her chest pulled taut at the sight.
âAnd here I thought you brought her to meetings as a distraction tactic,â you said.
She looked back at you with narrowed eyes, playful. âYou think Iâd use my daughter to throw someone off their game?â
âI think,â you said, gaze darkening just a little, âthat if anyone could weaponize a toddler, itâd be you.â
Natasha laughed, this time all the wayâlow and warm in her chest, real in a way she didnât usually allow to slip out. She shook her head, leaning back in her chair.
âYouâre dangerous,â she muttered.
You tilted your head. âMe? Youâre the trained assassin.â
âExactly.â Her eyes dropped to the sleeping girl between you. âAnd youâre the one she asked for.â
The silence curled again. Not cold. Not awkward. Just thick with something unnamed.
You looked down at Ana once more, brushing a thumb lightly over her curls where they stuck up against your collar. âDonât get used to this,â you said, not looking at Natasha. âIâm still not a fan of kids.â
âYou keep telling yourself that,â she replied, watching the way you softened around the edges without realizing it.Natasha didnât argueâshe didnât have to. The proof was already wrapped around your side in cookie-stained pajamas. She just watched you go, a quiet smile tugging at her mouth, the kind that stayed long after youâd left the room.
She knew this wouldn't be a one- time thing.Â
A few days later, the morning unfolded differently, slower. Late morning sunlight filtered lazily into the kitchen, warm and indifferent. It fell across the countertops, gleamed off metal handles, and lit the soft chaos that was breakfastâor rather, the battle of breakfast.
Ana was seated in her high chair like a tiny queen in revolt, arms crossed firmly, lips pursed in open rebellion. The oatmeal had gone cold fifteen minutes ago. Natasha had tried coaxing, bribing, even threatening to call Bruce if she didnât eat. Nothing worked. The spoon sat abandoned in the bowl like a white flag.
âYou are so lucky youâre cute,â Natasha muttered, scrubbing a hand down her face. âOther peopleâs kids donât get away with this.â
Ana remained unimpressed. She glared past Natashaâs shoulder as if expecting reinforcements.
The door creaked open behind them.
Natasha didnât turn around right awayâshe was too focused on pretending she wasnât about to lose a diplomatic war with a toddler. But she didnât need to look. She could hear it: the shuffle of slow, dragging footsteps, the soft grunt of someone whose soul was not yet awake. Then came the familiar hiss of the espresso machine, followed by the rustling of a bakery bag.
Youâd arrived.
She turned.
You looked⌠awful.
Delightfully awful.
Hair wild from sleep, hoodie half-zipped, mismatched socks peeking out under flannel pants. You were cradling your coffee mug like a lifeline, eyes heavy-lidded, mouth in a petulant line that said youâd only been conscious for five minutes and deeply regretted that fact.
In your other hand: a cheese croissant, still warm, still flaking. You tore off a corner and bit into it like someone performing life-saving triage.
Ana stared, Hard. So damn hard.
Not at Natasha. Not at the bowl of oatmeal sheâd rejected like poison. But at you.
You took another bite, chewed, then finally glanced upâand blinked, slow and heavy.
Your gaze drifted to the high chair. To Anaâs unrelenting eyes. Then to Natasha.
âI take it weâre in the starvation phase of child rearing?â
âSheâs being dramatic,â Natasha said.
Ana made a noise like a whimper and kicked her feet, You squinted at her. Then reached forward, broke off a soft piece of croissant, and held it out between your fingers.
Ana took it like it was sacred.
âTraitor,â Natasha muttered under her breath.
You made a sound between a hum and a sigh and dropped into a chair with all the weight of someone being punished by existence itself. âIâve been up for six minutes,â you mumbled. âI havenât even looked at another human being yet.â
Ana reached again, You fed her another bite.
Natasha narrowed her eyes. âYou know thatâs not helping, right?â
âShe was clearly starving.â
âI told youâsheâs not.â
âSheâs got the same face I do when I havenât eaten,â you said, deadpan. âWe understand each other.â
Natasha studied you, the way you slouched, bleary-eyed and nonverbal, croissant in one hand, coffee in the other. She looked at Anaâmirroring your expression almost perfectly, down to the pout and the silent demand for carbs.
She huffed a laugh.
âMy God. Youâre the same person.â
You gave her a tired glare. âKeep talking. See if I share.â
âYouâre both insufferable when hungry.â
âSounds like someoneâs jealous.â
Natasha crossed her arms. âOf what? Your shared standoffish breakfast cult?â
You sipped your coffee slowly, eyes flicking to Ana and back.
âShe chose me,â you said, tone flat but triumphant. âI donât make the rules.â
Ana squeaked with joy, flailing her hands toward the croissant again.
âShe betrayed me,â Natasha replied, pointing to the untouched oatmeal. âI gave her life. You gave her cheese.â
You shrugged, already handing Ana another piece. âSheâs got good taste.â
Natasha shook her head, lips twitching as she turned away to clean up the bowl of oatmeal. âYouâre both ridiculous.â
You yawned, eyes half-lidded as Ana leaned her head dramatically on the edge of the tray, already chewing the last bite like it was a reward for surviving the morning. You were still half-asleep, leaning into your chair like gravity was trying to reclaim you, clinging to that coffee as if it were the only thing standing between you and the grave. You were cranky, antisocial before noon, and notoriously stubborn about foodâespecially when it was yours.
Which is why Natasha watched with mild astonishment as you rolled your eyes in a perfectly theatrical arc, sighed like a martyr, and wordlessly handed the rest of your croissant to Ana.
She squeaked with joy and took it like treasure, immediately stuffing the larger half into her mouth with both hands.
âUnbelievable,â Natasha muttered, not even bothering to hide her smile.
You ignored her, sipping your coffee in silence like you regretted every decision that had led to this exact moment. Your eyes were dark and tired, but there was no real irritation behind them. Just that quiet resignation you always wore when you knew you were losing a battle you never meant to fight in the first place.
You took another sip, then looked at her across the kitchenâeyes still half-lidded, voice hoarse with sleep.
âGive me the oatmeal.â
Natasha blinked. âWhat?â
You gestured vaguely toward the abandoned bowl. âShe doesnât want it. And Iâm starving.â
A beat of silence stretched between you.
Then, without a word, Natasha reached for the bowl and walked it over, setting it in front of you with a raised eyebrow. You didnât meet her gaze. You just set your coffee aside and picked up the spoon like someone about to make peace with their fate.
Ana was already chewing noisily beside you, bits of pastry stuck to her cheek.
Natasha crossed her arms, leaning against the counter again. âSo let me get this straight,â she said, lips twitching. âYou wonât share food with me, but she gets the last of your croissant and your breakfast?â
âShe didnât ask for it,â you said without looking up. âShe demanded it with her eyes.â
âRight. So toddler mind control. Thatâs the explanation weâre going with.â
âSheâs persuasive.â
âSheâs one and a half.â
You glanced up then, finally, spoon midair. Your expression was blank, deadpan, and yet something in your eyes sparked with mischief.
âSo am I,â you said.
And Natasha felt itâthat little flicker again. The warmth that was growing far too easily in the quiet spaces between these moments. It settled somewhere under her ribs, soft and persistent.
You looked back down and took a bite of the oatmeal without flinching.
Ana, satisfied and full of croissant, leaned against the side of your arm and let out a sigh so deep it could only have come from the depths of her soul.
Natasha didnât say anything else.
She just stood there, watching the two of youâboth stubborn, both sleepy, both impossibleâand thought, this isnât going to stay simple, is it?
But she didnât say that either.
She just smiled.And watched you keep pretending like you werenât already halfway hers.Days passed like thatâquiet, unspoken things folding themselves into the rhythm of the compound. You didnât come looking for Ana, but she kept finding you anyway. And Natasha⌠well, she kept watching. Kept noticing the way your edges softened more each time.
Then came the briefing.
It had started as a simple mission briefing. Nothing classified, nothing urgentâjust a routine strategy session with the new intel team that Natasha absolutely couldnât reschedule. One hour, tops. Ana would barely notice she was gone.
She was so wrong.
Clint had been her first call. Obvious choice. He knew how to juggle five kids and a mission report without blinking. But the moment Natasha handed Ana over, the girl went stiff in his arms like a statue, then started wailing as if heâd personally betrayed her.
Wanda tried next. Ana let her hold her for a full five seconds before twisting away like a feral cat and screeching âNO!â in a tone that made two agents duck for cover.
Steve, bless him, had approached with his most diplomatic smile and a stuffed bear in hand, only to be met with the full force of toddler disdain. Ana didnât scream that timeâjust buried her face in Natashaâs neck and growled.
And Natasha⌠Natasha was five minutes late to her briefing and dangerously close to losing her mind.
Which is why, when you happened to pass byâcoffee in one hand, tablet in the other, clearly heading for the lab and not remotely interested in babysittingâNatasha didnât think.
She acted.
âAna, sweetheart?â she whispered, shifting the toddler to her hip. âDo you want to go see her?â
Ana lifted her head.
Wide green eyes blinked once. Then a slow, devilish smile curled across her face.
That was all Natasha needed.
âCatch,â she said dryly.
You turned just in time to fumble and catch the small human now squirming gleefully into your arms like she belonged there.
âWaitâwhat theââ
âThanks!â Natasha called over her shoulder, already halfway down the corridor before you could protest.
Ana squealed in delight.
Natasha didnât look back.
She made it to the meeting just in time. And to her own surprise, she didnât spend the whole thing worried. Something about knowing Ana was with youâdespite the fact you hated children (or said you did)âhad her oddly at ease.
By the time she wrapped up and returned to the common floor, it had been almost ninety minutes. The hallway smelled faintly of coffee and cleaning supplies. Bruceâs voice echoed from the open lab door, calm and methodical, talking through some kind of energy recalibration.
And there you were.
One hip leaned against the table, the other supporting Ana, who looked perfectly at home in the crook of your arm.
Your hair was pulled into a haphazard bun, your shirt was half-untucked and absolutely covered in cookie crumbs. Anaâs fingers were dusted with sugar. You were talking to Bruce about vibrational decay patterns in multi-core reactors, as if the weight of a toddler on your hip was completely natural. Your other hand gestured midair, precise, animated, still clutching a small whiteboard marker.
Ana watched your mouth move as if following every word.
Then she gaggedâloudly and dramatically.
Not because of anything serious. Just⌠toddler flair.
You paused mid-sentence, looked down, and sighed. âRude.â
Bruce snorted. âShe takes after you.â
âShe has better fashion sense.â
Ana giggled, then burrowed her face into your shoulder.
Natasha stood in the doorway, unnoticed for a second longer, just⌠watching. The way your body shifted automatically to balance Anaâs weight. The way you wiped her mouth with the edge of your sleeve without looking. The way you didnât rush to give her back, or seem particularly bothered by the crumbs now stuck to your pants.
She cleared her throat.
You looked up, brows raised. âHey.â
Natasha raised one eyebrow. âSo⌠is this your new lab assistant?â
You looked at Ana, who blinked at her mother and clung just a little tighter.
âShe works for cookies,â you said. âAnd occasionally heckles my equations.â
Natasha bit back a smile, folding her arms. âWell, sheâs my daughter.â
âSheâs very opinionated,â you said dryly, adjusting her on your hip. âShe gagged at my thesis. Iâm considering it a peer review.â
Ana giggled again, tucking her head against your collarbone.
Natasha stared at the two of you for another second, then finally stepped forward, brushing a few crumbs off your shoulder. Her fingers lingered a little longer than they needed to.
âYouâre a mess,â she murmured.
You smirked. âI could be Your mess.â
She looked at you. And the words stuck somewhere behind her teeth, She didnât say them.
Not yet.
Instead, she stepped forward, reaching her arms out gently. âAlright, peanut,â she said softly. âCome here.â
Ana blinked up at her mother, expression unreadable for a split second⌠then, without protest, reached out. You transferred her easily, and the little girl immediately curled into Natashaâs hold like sheâd been waiting for it all alongâher thumb going straight to her mouth, her head resting against the curve of her motherâs neck.
Warm.
Quiet.
Home.
Natashaâs hand rubbed small circles against her daughterâs back, and for a second, she just breathed her in. The scent of cookies, and your cologne, and a hint of vanilla shampoo clinging to soft hair.
âSheâs full of sugar and attitude,â you said, brushing a crumb off your shirt.
Natasha glanced at you over Anaâs curls. âSheâs exactly where she gets it from.â
You tilted your head, already sipping the coffee youâd left to cool. âYou sure about that?â
Her smile curved lazily. âKeep telling yourself that.â
Then she walked awayâAna heavy and content in her arms, safe, sleepy, and smiling like someone who had everything she wanted in one place. Natasha had gone to her apartment at the Tower âjust late enough for the city to fall into a quieter rhythm, just early enough that Natasha hadnât had time to put up her usual walls.
Ana was half-asleep on her shoulder, cheek pressed against her collarbone, and Natasha held her like she was made of something finer than glass. There was oatmeal in her hair. Cookie crumbs on her onesie. A smudge of ink on her tiny palm, and no one knew how it got there.
But Natasha had seen it.
She had seen it.
Sheâd walked into that lab expecting chaosâBruce hunched over a console, a loose wire sparking somewhere, maybe you arguing with JARVIS about protocols. But instead she found you standing still in the middle of it all, with Ana on your hip and your shirt covered in evidence of breakfast bribery.
You didnât even pause the conversation with Bruce. You just kept talking about cellular decay patterns, as if you hadnât realized Ana was happily gnawing on a pencil and gagging every time you used the word âneurotransmitter.â
And that sound you madeâthat little laugh when she fake-gagged for the third time?
It rewired something in Natasha.
Now she sat at the edge of Anaâs bed, staring down at the little culprit like sheâd committed an unforgivable act of treason.
âYou traitor,â she whispered.
Ana, half-asleep and blissfully unaware of her crimes, blinked lazily at her mother, thumb already in her mouth.
Natasha sighed, brushing a loose curl from her daughterâs cheek.
âYou did this on purpose.â
Ana made a content hum and reached for her blanket.
âDonât play innocent now,â Natasha murmured, tucking the soft fabric under her chin. âI was fine. You hear me? I had balance. I had boundaries. I had one thingâone tiny, simple rule that I lived by.â
Ana blinked again. Unbothered.
âDonât fall for anyone.â
Natasha exhaled through her nose, quiet and helpless.
âYou were supposed to be the only love of my life, peanut. You. I planned for you. I fought for you. You were the only thing I ever let myself want.â
She leaned down, pressing a kiss to Anaâs hair.
âI walked into that room today and you were hers. Justâcompletely and shamelessly hers. You were giving her orders like a little general and she was just taking it. And smiling. She never smiles like that.â
Ana giggled softly, maybe in her sleep. Natasha narrowed her eyes.
âIs this part of your long con? Huh? Were you trying to get yourself a stepmama? Because listenâif thatâs your endgame, we need to have a serious strategy talk.â
Ana rolled a little, settling deeper into the mattress. Her small hand rested against her chest, and Natasha just⌠stared.
âShe doesnât even like kids, you know,â she continued, as if trying to justify this to someone who hadnât been there. âSheâs the one who leaves birthday parties early. She practically hisses when Clint brings his brood around. You sneeze near her with a juice box and sheâs gone.â
She paused.
âBut not with you.â
A slow breath pushed from Natashaâs lungs.
âShe picks you up like you weigh nothing. She lets you shove half your breakfast into her mouth and doesnât even blink. And I saw her yesterdayâreading with one hand while you chewed on the other. I donât even think she noticed.â
Anaâs breathing started to slow again, thumb slipping lazily from her mouth.
âAnd the worst part?â Natasha whispered. âShe makes it look easy. Like maybe⌠maybe this whole thing isnât a fluke. Like maybe she could actually stay.â
The confession hung in the dark like a sigh caught midair.
Natasha leaned down, resting her forehead against Anaâs tiny one.
âI didnât see it coming. I didnât want to see it coming. But you⌠You threw her right into the center of our orbit like it was nothing.â
She kissed her daughter again, voice teasing even as her chest ached.
âYou couldnât have picked someone older? Someone predictable? Someone whoâs not Tony Starkâs daughter, for godâs sake?â
Ana didnât answer.
Didnât need to.
Natasha ran a slow hand down her back, feeling the weight of love settle over her like a soft storm.
âYouâre trouble,â she murmured. âBut the best kind.â
Then she stood, brushing her fingers one last time across Anaâs cheek.
âYou really couldnât wait for me to fall first, huh?â
She flicked off the light.
Behind her, Ana slept soundly.
And Natasha stayed frozen in the doorway for just a moment longer⌠shaking her head to herself.
âKeep telling yourself that,â she muttered, her voice low and wryâaimed at the girl down the hall who had no idea what sheâd just done.
violet; 4,711 words; fluff, enemies to lovers, fake dating, hockey!vi, figure skater!reader, wlw, the gays can't communicate, college parties, toxic ex!cait, impulsive!reader, drama as all living fuck, no "y/n"
summary: in which you decide to go to yet another party vi's going to be at. consequences ensue.
a/n: i know its late but its still the 30th in cali!!! enjoy the ENEMIES part of enemies to lovers!!!! <3
< table of contents
âââ â Ľ IT TURNS OUT THAT Vi does, in fact, remember you. And, it also seems like sheâs the type to hold a grudge.
Because three days later, when youâre running through a few off-ice warmups while the hockey team finishes up their morning practice, you distinctly hear her challenging one of her teammates to a race even as everyone else is clearing off the ice.
You groan, dropping back onto the bench and frowning as you start to lace up your skates.
âGreat, now Iâve gotta skate on fucked up ice before the mid-day zamboni â really fucking great ââ
âGot something you wanna say to my face, princess?â
Your eyes jerk up, and thereâs Vi, standing not even a foot from you, her helmet tucked under one arm, her stick in the other, her hair a sweat-slicked mess that somehow still looks infuriatingly attractive. You narrow your eyes.
âNope. Just⌠talking to myself.â
âI⌠donât think so, sweetcheeks,â she says, taking a few steps forward even as you stand up. Like this, your eyes are barely level, your own skates giving you a solid few inches, but she still manages to look down at you as a smirk twists her lips.
You puff out a breath, feeling a wild thumping curling up your throat as you stare up at her, your fingertips going cold even as heat rushes into your cheeks.
âFine,â you say, âyouâre really that curious?â
Vi shrugs, âI mean, you seem to like dolling out unsolicited opinions so,â she pins you with a harsh look, âWhatâs another one to add to the collection, huh?â
You stiffen, and for a second, something breaks in Viâs expression before it melds back into one of caustic curiosity. She looks like a beartrap sprung on a hair-pin trigger, her jaw clenched, her eyes hard.
âHuh, never thought youâd be such a glutton for punishment,â you say, the words dripping from you, slow as poison, and somewhere in the back of your mind, your fight or flight response is telling you that this is a bad, bad idea, but you canât seem to stop yourself from taking half a step closer, even though Viâs probably twice your size and can bench three times your body weight â âBut then again, you did stay in a relationship with an emotionally manipulative bitch who swapped you out the second she could get her hands on someone better ââ
âShut the fuck up, you donât know anything â!â
âHey, hey!â A pair of large hands yanks Vi back just as sheâs about to lunge towards you; another thinner pair of arms loops through yours, tugging you back a few steps.
âYou stay the fuck out of this, Jayce!â
âDarling, what on earth is going on?â you turn to find Mel, her cheeks dusted in gold, her hands firm on your arms, as Jayce forcibly wrangles Vi back.
You swallow around the vitriol threatening your lips and shake your head, turning away from Vi.
âNothing, just⌠I was annoyed that the hockey team always fucks up the ice after their practices ââ
âOh, you think we fuck up the ice?â Viâs voice cracks like a gunshot in the vast rink, and several of the other girls from the hockey team have come jogging back, placing their hands on Viâs shoulders to keep her from steamrollering into you. âYou know how much precious practice time weâve wasted filling up those massive holes you guys leave with your stupid little toe-pick jumps?â
You roll your eyes, anger flaring hot and high in the pit of your stomach.
âOh, so sorry, didnât know you guys could still see with the sustained brain damage you all must have from slamming into each other all the time.â
âFuck you.â
You scoff, twisting back with a viperous smirk.
âIn your wildest dreams, six.â
Viâs eyebrows shoot up. âOh⌠didnât know you knew my number, princess.â
âItâs written on your face â or have all your previous hookups been so stupid they canât even read ââ
âAnd what kind of tomfoolery is this?â
Everyone freezes at the sound of Amaraâs voice. You bite down on your lips and take a step back as the small, gray-haired woman strides through, her hands behind her back, her chin held high.
âSorry, Amara â itâs nothing,â Jayce says, jerking Vi behind him as she tries to open her mouth to speak.
âIt doesnât sound like nothing to me,â Amara says, her words smooth as a river in spring thaw, and nearly just as frigid.
Guilt creeps up your spine as she scans over the hockey team with marked distaste.
âPerhaps I ought to let Vander know that his girls are once again causing a ââ
âDonât, Amara. It was â it was my fault.â You shake off Melâs hands and slot yourself between Jayce and Amara, ignoring the the disbelieving snort from Vi.
Amaraâs eyes land on you, and for a second, they soften. Still, she tilts her head, eyes sharp as a hawks as you twist your fingers behind your back.
âYour fault, darling?â
You nod, âYeah, I â I was annoyed that they were carving up the ice, so I â I picked a fight ââ
Amara sighs, âYes⌠well, I canât blame you, but you know itâs not good rink etiquette.â
âI know,â you say, hanging your head.
Amara tuts, âAs long as you know,â she reaches up to pat your cheek before marching off towards the rink-side boxes to set up the music. Behind you, Jayce releases Viâs arms with a sigh.
âMartyr,â Vi coughs as she shoulders passed you, flanked by a few of the hockey girls, casting dirty looks over their shoulders before disappearing into the locker rooms.
You close your eyes, take three deep breaths, and then step onto the ice.
âIt was an ass thing to say.â
âAs long as you know ââ
âBut I feel like she took it way too seriously, yâknow?â
Jayce sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose as he slumps down into the booth in the dining commons, shoving half an entire banana into his mouth as he pins you with a look.
âOr maybe, you can just apologize ââ
You crinkle your nose, prodding at your yogurt bowl, toying with a spoonful of blueberry flavored granola.
âCanât you just⌠like tell her Iâm sorry or something?â you ask, pushing out your bottom lip in a signature pout. Jayce only swallows the rest of the banana before digging into a truly dauntingly sized ham and cheese sandwich.
ââm not doing your dirty work for you,â he says, his expression lighting up as Mel slides gracefully into the booth next to you, pressing a napkin into her lap.
âAnd whatâs this about dirty work?â she asks, a teasing grin on her lips.
You sigh, âIâm asking very nicely ââ
Jayce holds up a hand, âNo, youâre trying to get me to apologize to Vi for you â which basically defeats the whole point of an apology.â
âNo! Itâs because I know you guys are like⌠platonic gym soulmates or â whatever ââ you wave your hands through the air even as Mel laughs into her salad.
Jayce huffs, âOr,â he catches Melâs eye, and you feel a distinct spate of unease work itâs way down your spine at the way Melâs lips split into a devious grin.
âOr?â you prompt, setting down your spoon and sitting back, looking between the pair of them with mounting apprehension.
Mel gently places a hand on your arm, âYou could just apologize to her yourself ââ
âAt the party this Saturday ââ
âNo â no way ââ you put up both hands, âthe last time I went to a party with you guys ââ
âYou got to make out with the hottest girl on the entire hockey team,â Mel soothes.
You bite your lips, eyes cutting down to your lap. You hadnât told her. You hadnât told anyone. So far as she and Jayce knew, the only slight against Vi youâd made is calling her ex a âmanipulative bitchâ, which â well.
âRight, and now she hates me.â
Mel sniffs, âYou canât be that bad at kissing. I refuse to believe it.â
Jayce snickers; Mel shoots him a glare. He reaches for the bag of free chips and pops it open with one hand.
âCâmon, whatâs the worst that could happen? You offer her another kiss to make up for your little tantrum the other day?â Mel asks, flicking a thin, gold-laced braid over her shoulder.
You groan, sinking into your seat as you fold your arms over your chest, weighing the options.
You did feel bad for what youâd said. But you also tried to shield her from what youâre sure wouldâve been much worse than what sheâd gotten given Amaraâs track record of tattling to Vander.
And then, unbidden, comes the memory of Viâs sultry grin as sheâd pinned you against the frat house door, her mouth inches from yours, the solid muscles of her torso pushing against yours as sheâd leaned in and â
ââ at a sorority house, so the spaceâll be much nicer,â Mel promises, turning towards you again, her eyes expectant.
You blink, your mind catching up to her words a second later as you sigh.
âI â sure, fine â but I canât stay too long. Iâve got Skate America in two weeks ââ
Jayce ruffles your hair, âYeah, so do we.â
You shove his massive arm off you with a half-hearted glare, âYeah, but Iâm not made like you guys. I canât just literally skate into a podium. I actually have to practice.â
âOh donât get all shy now, little miss triple axel.â
âIâve only landed it twice in practice, and Iâm pretty sure one of them was underrotated ââ
Mel shakes her head, âAnd there she goes again ââ
âAlways so humble ââ Jayce adds.
You groan and bury your face in your arms, âWill you leave me alone?â
Mel laughs, âWe will if you come to the party on Saturday,â she sing-songs, nudging you with her elbow.
Jayce slings an arm around your shoulders, shaking you slightly.
âAnd Viâs for sure going.â
You peak up at him, âHow⌠do you know?â
Jayce smirks, âCause. Her ex is gonna be there.
You blink.
âOh.â
Mel pillows her cheek on her palm, tapping her perfectly manicured nails along the table, a Cheshire-grin spread across her lips like warm butter.
âWith her new girlfriend.â
You whip around towards her.
âOh.â
This was a terrible idea, you think, as you step into the sorority house, tugging on the edge of your dress, the hem of which barely skims your mid-thigh, the modest, high-necked front contrasted with the plunging back line that settles in a graceful slope of material just above the curve of your ass.
âQuit fidgeting,â Mel says, slapping at your hand as you try once again to readjust the bottom of the dress.
âI canât â I feel like Iâm gonna flash the world â and itâs a tossup if itâs the front of the back!â you hiss, jerking the hemline of the dress down as it slowly starts to ride up your thigh again.
Mel tuts, âPlease, as if this is anywhere near as short as the performance outfits that we have to wear ââ
âThatâs different!â you insist, reaching out to grab two cups of something and shoving one at Mel, âWeâve got tights on under those!â
Mel rolls her eyes, sniffing at the drink before making a face and dropping it off on a random surface. You take an absent sip of your own drink, gagging immediately at the taste.
âEugh, oh god what do they put in those?â you ask, dropping your own solo cup on a table as Mel drags you through the shifting crowd.
The partyâs already going in full swing, but sheâd been right, the space is nicer â wider and less cramped, the ceilings high and the music less abrasive.
âWhereâre we going?â you ask, even as Mel guides you towards the heart of the party and somehow manages to conjure up two glasses of what looks like champagne, handing one to you, and taking a sip of the other one herself.
âFinding Vi,â she says, to which you balk, shaking your head.
âMel!â
She turns with an exasperated sigh, âWhat?â
âC-canât we just ââ you motion towards the party, âtry to have a good time? I mean â maybe sheâs not here â maybe she wanted to have a quiet night in ââ
âSpeak of the devil ââ Melâs face breaks into a grin as she spots someone over your shoulder and you whip around to see â
Caitlyn Kiramman, the veritable goddess of track and field, all dark hair and endless long legs, standing there with her new girlfriend Maddie Nolen, a cute, if slightly awkward girl, with strawberry blond hair cropped in a truly abominable bob-cut.
The room seems to part for them, Caitlyn tugging Maddie forward with their fingers laced, looking not so unlike the Queen of England, followed by her loyal procession of ginger-backed corgis.
You take a few steps back, watching them with raised brows, wondering what on earth Caitlyn mightâve seen in Maddie, given that sheâd had Vi seemingly wrapped around her pinky finger just months before.
But then, you see Vi â her expression caught somewhere between hurt and barely scraped together bravado, her fists at her sides as Caitlyn also spots her, approaching with Maddie half a step behind.
âFancy seeing you here, Violet,â Caitlyn says, her voice carrying over the crowd even as everyone tries to avert their gaze or pretend like they arenât listening in.
Vi puffs out her chest, âSure, yeah. Super fancy. What, dâyou think Iâd be banned from the sorority house or something?â
Caitlyn shrugs, âSomething like that.â
Vi narrows her eyes, her knuckles going white, âSorry cupcake, âfraid not even you can keep me from havinâ a good time.â
âSo I see,â Caitlyn says. Maddie peers around her shoulder with wide eyes and a shy smile.
âNameâs Maddie, itâs nice to meet ââ
âSee youâve already replaced me,â Vi says, folding her arms over her chest, her biceps bulging, the vein in her jaw ticking dangerously as she looks Maddie over.
Caitlyn smirks, âSee you havenât.â
Vi seems to deflate slightly at that, her arms coming loose, âActually I ââ
You find yourself moving before you can stop yourself, pushing through the gathering crowd till you can throw your arms around Viâs neck, bowling into her with a simpering squeal of â
âVi! There you are! Iâve been looking all over for you!â
Viâs expression morphs from one of shock to a momentary flash of suspicion as you meet her eyes and bat your lashes in what you hope is an inconspicuous way before turning towards Caitlyn and Maddie, a 100-watt smile hitched over your lips.
âOh! And whoâs this?â
Caitlyn narrows her eyes, looking you over with an imperialistic eye.
âCaitlyn â Kiramman⌠pleasure.â
âOh wow! Youâre the â the girl whoâs really good at hurdles, right?â you say, even as Vi stifles a laugh at your side, her hand settling around your waist.
Caitlynâs eyes harden as her lips thin into a pale line. Anyone who knows her would know that hurdles are her worst discipline, and that sheâd dropped nearly every single one on her last major competition.
âAnd Iâm Maddie⌠Nolen. So you must be ââ Maddie reaches out, but not before Caitlyn takes your hand instead.
âThe Ice Princess â our very own Olympic hopeful. Best of luck to you in the Grand Prix series this year. I heard you had something of a nasty fall early in your season last time⌠you oughtta be more careful this time around,â Caitlyn says, looking you up and down, even as you smile up at her, blissfully sweet and unbothered. Your cheeks are starting to hurt.
âOh, donât worry,â you flap your hand, crinkling your nose as you lean forward, using the motion to reach down and give Viâs hand a soft squeeze, your eyes pinned on Caitlynâs as you say â
âI never make the same mistake twice.â
And before she has the chance to respond, her jaw dropping open, you turn towards Vi with a bright grin, placing a palm against her chest, leaning right into her space.
âCâmon, letâs go get a drink, hm?â
âY-yeah, princess â sure ââ
You tug her away before the facade crumbles entirely, the pair of you dodging around curious eyes till you end up in the thankfully empty kitchen. Her hand pulls from yours the second you close the door behind you.
âWhat the hell ââ
You hold up both your hands, falling back three steps to put some distance between you and her.
âLook, Iâm sorry, okay? It â it just looked likeâŚâ you shrug, casting your eyes around the kitchen even as Vi huffs, folding her arms across her chest to lean back against the door, âIt looked like you could use a hand, thatâs all.â
âI didnât need anyone to rescue me,â she snipes, her voice hardening around the edges.
You nod, âYeah, I know. ButâŚâ
âBut what?â
You swallow, turning your back to Vi as you pace around the large, marble-tiled kitchen, âI â I felt bad for â for what I said last time⌠soâŚâ
You turn around just in time to catch Viâs incredulous expression, seconds before she breaks into a sharp bark of laughter.
âWow, my hero â my very own white-knight. Really, who needs Prince Charming when youâve got ââ
âOkay! I get it â you didnât need saving â holy shit you donât have to rub it in.â
You sigh, leaning up against the kitchen island, glaring down at a half-empty bottle of vodka sitting in the sink before reaching out to grab it and rummaging around for two empty shot glasses.
Vi watches you with an amused grin twitching at her lips.
Finally, you manage to find a few shot glasses tucked into the far corner of a cupboard. You stand on your tiptoes, but your fingers donât quite reach. And a second later, a body presses solid and warm to your back as Viâs hand reaches in to pull two of the glasses out, placing them squarely on the counter.
She shoots you a lopsided grin as you watch her expertly pull two shots from the vodka bottle and slide one towards you.
âMazel,â she smirks, tossing it back and smacking her lips.
You eye your own shot for a second longer before squeezing your eyes shut and tossing it back as well, immediately coughing, fighting to keep your gag reflex from taking over, pressing the back of your hand to your lips.
Viâs laughter is loud, but not unkind as she reaches out to tug the shot glass from you, setting everything back into the sink.
âSo. Youâre felt bad, did you?â
You groan, dropping your head into your arms.
âI mean â yeah â it was ââ you take a deep breath, bracing your palms against the kitchen island, eyes fixed on where your fingertips are slowly going white, âIt was a shitty thing to say.â
âMm. Which one? Mentioning my breakup right before I was about to kiss you? Or calling my ex a manipulative bitch?â
You wince, chewing on the inside of your cheek, though when you look up, itâs to find Vi smiling.
âEither? Both? Ugh⌠alcohol makes me ââ you gesture at your head, wiggling your fingers as Vi watches, her smile sliding from amused into indulgent, âmisplace the brain-mouth barrier a bit.â
âYeah? And uh⌠do you skate drunk a lot? Or was that little exposition special just for me?â
You swallow, feeling the heat of the vodka creeping back up your throat as your cheeks prickle.
âThat wasâŚâ you trail off, crinkling your nose as you cast about for a plausible response, but coming up empty, you sag against the kitchen counter, throwing up your hands, âI just â Iâm not the best with impulsivity, okay?â
Vi chuckles, nodding, âSo⌠I can see â I mean, even without the shouting match at the rink, that stunt you pulled back there with Cait ââ she lets out a low whistle, shaking her head, âGotta say, princess, Iâm impressed. Pretending to be my new girlfriend in front of her new girlfriend? Thatâs⌠thatâs ballsy.â
You let out another groan, sliding down the side of the kitchen island to sit on the floor, pulling your knees into your chest and glaring half-heartedly at the bottom of the fridge. A second later, Vi flops down to join you, an arm propped on her knee, her eyes caught on the shape of you, your pouty lips and the slope of your nose.
âSeriously though, when you made that hurdles comment â I almost lost it ââ
You break into a bright peal of laughter, head thumping back against the cupboards as Vi allows herself a chuckle.
âYes, yes â Iâm kind of bitch. Point made,â you say, casting her a sidelong glance.
She shrugs, âThen I guess Iâve got a type, soâŚâ
You bite down on your bottom lip, mulling over her words.
âSo?â you ask.
She sighs, âSo. Whatâs next?â
You frown, âNext?â
She fixes you with an incredulous look, âYeah. Like â what comes after you so gallantly rescuing me from my oh-so-wicked ex by announcing that weâre dating in front of half our graduating class?â
You open your mouth, gaping at her.
A second passes. Then another.
Vi stares. Then, she bangs her head so loudly against the cupboards behind you you almost jump out of your skin.
âCome on! Are you kidding?! Youâre telling me you did all this without any kind of plan?â She pushes to her feet seconds before you scramble up onto yours, frowning defensively in her direction.
âI told you! Iâm â Iâve got an impulse problem and impulsivity doesnât exactly lend itself to perfect foreplaning ââ
But the pair of you break off as the unmistakable sounds of voices echoes down the hallway leading towards the kitchen. And in particular one voice â low and pitched and accented.
âFuck ââ Vi swears, looking suddenly stunned, her eyes wide, her whole body going rigid, âWeâve â weâve gotta hide or something ââ
You blink at her for a brief second before huffing out a breath and reaching up to jerk her down towards you. She barely catches herself against the counter, her hands braced on either side of your hips as you hiss against her lips â
âOh câmon â donât be stupid ââ
âWhat the hell are you ââ
âJust shut up and kiss me ââ
The door swings open behind you and laughter pours in, though it abruptly cuts off as Caitlyn freezes in the doorway, Maddie nearly smashing into her, and Mel behind her as everyone else jostles to try and see what the hold up is.
âOh⌠whoops,â Maddie says, letting out an embarrassed chuckle as she tries to turn away from the sight of Vi and you caught in the throes of what looks like an intense make out session, Viâs fingers digging divots into the skin of your hips, your fingers curling in her hair.
You let out a tiny whimper as Vi hoists you up onto the kitchen island, slotting herself between your legs, even as Caitlyn makes an affronted noise behind you, folding her arms.
âI see this roomâs taken,â she says, voice flat and dangerous.
But Viâs only response is to trail a hand up to your jaw, cupping it in her palm so she can slot her lips more comfortably against yours, letting out a satisfied hum at the way you soften into her as she sinks her teeth into you bottom lip.
Caitlyn scoffs, rolling her eyes even as Maddie tugs her back down the hallway. Everyone else jostles back into the main room as well, giggling and gossiping about this exciting new development.
Mel, though, clears her throat as she and Jayce share a look before closing the kitchen door behind them.
âRight, thatâs enough you two ââ she says, to very little avail.
Because somewhere between one breath and the next, youâd lost yourself to the feeling of Viâs lips on yours, the heady, pulsing friction of her body as she cradles you against her, the way you can still taste the remnants of that vodka shot on her tongue as she licks into your mouth.
Faintly, you wonder if this mightâve turned out differently if youâd just kept quiet on that first night and let her kiss you in that dirty frat room.
But the thought is quickly dashed by a deep groan thrumming from Viâs chest to yours as you lean back into the kiss, running your thumb down along her neck, pressing into the fluttering pulse point just below her jaw.
A whine curls up your throat as Viâs fingers work beneath the hem of your little black dress, teasing at the skin of your thigh.
âHey! Earth to horny lesbians!â
You pull back with a gasp, and Vi resurfaces as well, the both of you panting, your lips separating with a sound not unlike a plunger being released from a recently blocked sink. You feel your head spin, the room pressing in around you before expanding back out, even as Vi drags the back of her hand across her mouth, stumbling back a few steps.
âW-what?â
Jayce lets out a disbelieving laugh.
âReally? Thatâs what got you?â
Mel sighs, rolling her eyes, âI think itâs time you explain yourselves.â
You lick your lips, hopping off the kitchen island even as Vi runs a hand over her face, her eyes strangely fractured, her cheeks dusted high with color.
âWell you were the one that said I should offer her another kiss to make up for â Vi? Where are you going?â
But Viâs already making for the door, her shoulders hunched, her fists clenched at her sides. You take a few steps towards her but stop dead as she runs a hand through her hair.
âSorry â I â I gotta go ââ her voice is hoarse, and the look on her face when she glances over her shoulders at you â that more than anything convinces you to let her go.
You like to think that youâd seen experienced a good number of human emotions on the broad spectrum. Skating forces you to tap into a lot of them â anger, excitement, joy, sorrow, jealousy, vindication, passion.
But youâd never seen someone look so utterly broken.
âWait, Vi ââ Jayce tries to stop her but Mel places a hand on his arm, and Vi brushes passed them both, disappearing into the darkness of the hallway beyond without another word.
You sag against the kitchen island as both Mel and Jayce turn their eyes back onto you.
âRight.â Mel rounds on you even as you shrink back against the fridge, chewing on your lips.
Jayce groans, looking between you and Mel before marching over to the table and pulling up a few chairs.
âEveryone sit. If weâre gonna talk about this, we might as well be comfortable.â
You eye the chairs for a few seconds before sliding over and dropping into one of them.
Mel perches on the edge of another as Jayce leans himself against the dining table, arms folded loosely across his chest.
âSo?â Mel prods.
You take a deep breath.
âSo⌠at that frat party⌠when me and Vi were⌠supposed to kiss? Yeah, well⌠we⌠kinda, sorta⌠didnât.â
taglist: @traiitorjoe @rizzscary @wetcat020 @alex-thegiraffeboyy @nanasemo @saturnhas82moons @unear7hly @drsnowrose @grantaires-waistcoat @isab3lita @ally-all-around @starrysetup22 @lipsent @lewd_alien @jack-frost-2010 @starsfortaylor @onesockcat @lesbian-useless @armins-slvt @jbejbeubdh @ryescapades @kingkamk @princesssmars @chobssss @mybelovedvi @bouqette @noietta @brooks-lin @ally-all-around @bunnyrose01 @stumpystump @lia-winther @folklore13lover @sawaagyapong @sevikas-whore @sunflowerwinds @taurtel @tourmalinetyrone @oidloid @marcylated @krisziepowlet @vikaswife @pa-co @devotedlyelectronicartisan @aliluvszs @elliecoochieeater
1950s Natasha Romanoff x fem!reader
Summary: Natasha and R are having an affair. - they get to spend a night together
Note: I wrote this after watching Mother's Instinct with Anne Hathway and Jessica Chastain. I needed to make it gay. I don't know what this is truly but it's here.
Warnings: Smut and fluff and angst - there's a bit of panic =)
w/c: 7k
The sun was high, and the air was humid as you walked down the street toward your neighbor's house. Claire was having a girl's day with your mother, and Sam and Steve were away on one of their fishing trips. The house felt too big and quiet, so your feet naturally led you to Natashaâs. The sight that greeted you stopped you in your tracks. There she was, Natasha Romanoff, tending to her rose garden in the front yard, utterly absorbed in her work. She was sporting a crisp white blouse tucked into her black slacks. A sun visor perched on her head as she leaned down to inspect a blooming rose. She snipped away at the stems with small pruning shears.
You didn't call out to her immediately, enjoying the rare moment of seeing her so at peace. Her hair was tied back into a neat bun, with a few loose strands sticking to the nape of her neck with sweat. She hummed softly, a tune you couldn't quite place, as she moved to the next bush.
"Staring's rude, you know," She finally said, without even turning around.
"Well, I'm just enjoying the view," You said without thinking. Natasha smirked, though you couldn't see her face. "The roses are beautiful."
Natasha straightened up, turning to face you with an amused expression. Her cheeks were flushed, likely from the heat, and a faint sheen of sweat was on her brow. Even in the humid air, she looked as effortlessly composed as ever.
âThey are,â she agreed, arching an eyebrow. âThough I have a feeling thatâs not all you were looking at.â
You felt your face heat up, and you tried to play it off with a laugh. âGuilty as charged. But really, the roses are stunning.â
She smirked, her green eyes sparkling in the sunlight. âNice save.â
You stepped closer, leaning slightly against her yard's white picket fence. âYouâve got quite the green thumb, huh? I donât know how you keep them alive in this heat.â
Natasha shrugged, slipping off her gloves and tossing them into her wicker basket. âPatience. A little care goes a long way.â Her gaze flicked over to you. âKind of like friendships.â
You tilted your head, smiling softly. âIs that your subtle way of telling me I donât visit enough?â
She chuckled, pulling the sun visor off her head and running a hand over her hair. âMaybe. But youâre here now, and Iâll take what I can get.â
âWell, I was feeling lonely,â you admitted, looking down at your feet for a moment before glancing back up at her. âClaireâs with my mother today. They've gone down to do a little shopping and to get tea."
Natashaâs expression softened. She gestured toward her house with a nod of her head. âCome on inside. I just made some lemonade. The perfect excuse to take a break from this heat.â
She turned and headed toward the front porch. You followed behind her, admiring the way her slacks hugged her shapely legs and backside. Your mind drifted to the first time you had seen her in her pants. You had been unable to stop your eyes from trailing over her body, her curves barely contained by her tight clothes. Natasha was a modern woman. She was everything you wished you could be. Not too long ago, you couldn't tell whether you wanted to be with her or be her.
In the kitchen, Natasha handed you a glass of lemonade, the ice clinking as it settled. You murmured a quiet âthanksâ before taking a sip. The tartness was perfectly balanced with sweetness, and it helped you cool down. Natasha leaned against the counter, her gaze casually following yours as you scanned the room.
It was quiet there too. Your attention snagged on the stack of books on the table. The covers were worn, and the spines creased from countless reads. Titles like East of Eden by John Steinbeck, Peyton Place by Grace Metalious, and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger caught your eye.
âYou read a lot,â you said, gesturing toward the books as you set your glass on a coaster.
Natasha followed your gaze and smiled. âGuilty as charged. Itâs how I unwind.â
You picked up East of Eden, running your fingers over the aged cover. âThese are good choices. Heavy, but good.â
âI like a story that makes me think,â she said, tilting her head slightly. âBut I also like a little drama. Something juicy enough to make me forget about the world for a while.â
âPeyton Place fits that bill,â you quipped, flipping through its pages.
Natasha chuckled, her voice warm and rich. âIt does. Small-town secrets and scandal? Whatâs not to love?â
You glanced up, catching her watching you with a soft smile. Her red hair was coming loose from the bun, a few strands framing her face. Her tight white blouse clung to her form, and you could not resist letting your gaze linger for a moment longer than it should.
Natasha noticedâof course, she sawâbut she didnât say anything. Instead, she walked over, brushing past you to pick up another book from the pile. Her perfume lingered, a mix of roses and something earthy, grounding.
âYou should borrow one,â she offered, holding the book out to you. âUnless youâre more of a magazine person.â
You smirked, taking the book from her hands. âI think I can handle a real novel, thank you very much.â
Natasha held up her hands in surrender, chuckling. "Alright, Iâll behave."
You glanced at the book sheâd handed you, The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. Your fingers traced the embossed title on the cover, appreciating the texture of the paper.
"What a striking title," you murmured. "You do have an eye for fine books, Nat."
She smiled, her green eyes sparkling. "Itâs a favorite of mine. Youâd enjoy it, I think."
"Howâs little Claire-bear?" Natasha asked, shifting the conversation with ease.
"Sheâs quite the spitfire," you replied, unable to hold back a smile. "Though sheâs been picking up words, Iâd rather she didnât. I told her Iâd wash her mouth with soap if she tried them again."
Natasha chuckled, her laugh as soft as the breeze. "Children do have a way of testing boundaries. I imagine Sam isnât much help with discipline."
You rolled your eyes, though your tone was fond. "Heâs utterly hopeless. Sheâs got him wrapped around her little finger. âDaddyâs Little Girlâ and all that."
"Well," Natasha said, raising a brow, "it sounds like youâve your hands full."
You hesitated, tracing the condensation on your lemonade glass. "Iâve been glancing at the classifieds lately," you admitted your voice a touch hesitant.
Natasha leaned forward slightly. "Oh? Are you considering a position somewhere?"
"Yes, though Sam doesnât see the point. He keeps saying weâre managing fine, but itâs not about the money. I just... I feel as though I need something of my own."
Natasha frowned, her lips pressing together briefly. "And whatâs his argument, exactly?"
You sighed. "Itâs still the 1950s, Nat. No matter how modern things are becoming, people expect women to keep the house running while their husbands provide. Itâs not as though I donât understand itâitâs just..."
"Itâs just not what you want," Natasha finished for you gently.
You nodded, the tension easing slightly under her understanding gaze.
"You deserve more," Natasha said firmly. "If thereâs one thing I know, itâs that a woman who follows her heart is never truly out of step with the times."
You chuckled, her words both comforting and inspiring. "Thanks, Nat. You always know what to say."
"Anytime," she replied with a warm smile. "If Sam needs a nudge in the right direction, just say the word."
"Do I seem ungrateful?" You questioned. "Sam provides well; he is good to me, and I have everything a woman could ask for."
"Except the right to choose for yourself," Natasha remarked.
"Yes," you sighed. "I can't explain it, but something is missing. Like a piece of myself that I've yet to find."
Natasha hummed, her eyes scanning over your features. You held her gaze for a moment before shifting the conversation.
"You know," you began, tilting your head, "you never talk about you and Steve."
Natashaâs brows lifted slightly, caught off guard by your remark. She recovered quickly, though, leaning back in her chair with a shrug. "Thereâs not much to say."
"Nat," you said pointedly, giving her a look. "Thatâs not true, and you know it. Youâre always checking in on me, listening to my endless rants, offering advice, but you never let me return the favor."
Natashaâs lips curved into a faint smile, though it didnât quite reach her eyes. "I donât mean to keep things from you. Itâs just complicated."
"Thatâs not an excuse," you countered gently. "Youâre my friend, Nat. I care about you, just like you care about me. Why not let me in for once?"
She hesitated, her fingers brushing against the rim of her glass. "Steveâs a good man," she said finally, her voice measured. "But sometimes... sometimes I wonder if being with me is best for him."
You frowned, your heart aching at the vulnerability in her tone. "Why would you think that? Anyone would be lucky to have you."
Natasha let out a soft laugh, though it was filled with bitterness. "Iâm not exactly the ideal woman, am I? Iâve got too many rough edges and too much baggage. Steve deserves someone uncomplicated, someone who fits neatly into his world. Someone feminine. I'm not a homemaker. I can't cook but a few dishes. The roses are the only thing I can keep alive."
The silence that followed was thick with unspoken words. Natasha shifted, the weight of the conversation settling between you both. She looked down at her glass, her fingers tapping lightly against the rim. Her lips parted as if she was about to say something but quickly closed again, unsure of how to continue.
"He's lucky to have you as a wife," you said, trying to break the tension. "You're smart, witty, and a great listener. You've got the sharpest tongue and a killer sense of style. Steve couldn't have asked for a better match."
"It's not the same," she insisted, her eyes meeting yours. "He doesn't need someone like me. He needs a woman to run a household and keep his parents happy. Someone who doesn't enjoy sex with women."
You blinked, startled by the last bit. Natasha was staring at you, her expression guarded. You felt the sudden urge to reach out and reassure her, but you didn't know how.
"I'm not sure what you mean," you said carefully. "Are you saying that you and Steve don'tâ"
"No," Natasha interrupted. "I'm not saying that. But our sex life is... complicated. I enjoy sex with him, but I also enjoy sex with other women. It's not something he can understand."
Your cheeks flushed as her words sunk in. The air seemed to crackle between you both, charged with tension. Natasha was still watching you, waiting for your reaction. You didn't know what to say. You'd never given much thought to other women before her.
"The postman is here," Natasha said, suddenly standing and heading to the window. It was her way of pulling away from the conversation. She tended to do that a lot. "Let's see if we've gotten anything interesting today."
She didn't wait for your reply before stepping outside, the screen door shutting behind her. You watched her walk down the front steps, her posture perfectly poised. She spoke to the postman briefly before heading back toward the house, a stack of envelopes in hand. You stood, clearing your throat as she came inside.
"Let's see," Natasha murmured, sorting through the mail. "Bills, bills, more bills... oh, and this must be the latest copy of Vogue."
She pulled out a magazine, its cover featuring a stunning model wearing an elegant evening gown. You glanced at the cover, admiring the sleek design.
"Looks like I'm not the only one who loves fashion," you teased, giving her a knowing smile. She stacked the mail on the foyer table.
"There's nothing wrong with wanting to look good," Natasha said, a faint smile curving her lips.
You hesitated, the words spilling from your lips. "Do you want to go out?"
Natasha raised a brow, surprised by your suggestion. "Like a date?"
"Yeah," you said, shrugging. "We could get a bite to eat or go dancing."
"Oh, honey," Natasha said with a soft chuckle, leaning against the table's edge as she folded her arms. "You know it canât be a date."
"I know," you said quickly, feeling a slight flush creep up your cheeks. "I didnât mean it like that. I just thought..." You trailed off, fumbling for the words. "Well, I just thought maybe we could spend some time together. But if itâs too much, forget I said anything."
Natashaâs smile softened, her green eyes warm. "Now, donât go putting words in my mouth," she said lightly. "I didnât say no. I just think stepping out together might turn a few heads. Folks around here love a bit of gossip."
"True enough," you said with a small laugh, nodding in agreement. "The neighborhood grapevineâs quicker than a telephone line."
"Exactly," Natasha said, her tone playful but with a hint of caution. She paused for a moment, tilting her head thoughtfully. "But who says we canât make a night of it here? Iâve got a good bottle of wine in the kitchen and more records than I can count. No need for all the hullabaloo."
You raised a brow, your lips curving into a smile. "So, youâd rather keep me hidden in your house than be seen with me in public?"
Natasha smirked, grabbing the stack of mail and heading toward the kitchen. "Something like that. Besides, I think youâd enjoy the songs Iâve been spinning lately."
"Oh, now Iâm curious," you teased, following her. "What kind of tunes are we talking about?"
"Only the best," Natasha replied, glancing over her shoulder with a twinkle in her eye. "But youâll have to stick around to find out."
"Fair enough," you said, feeling a warmth spread through you. Spending a quiet evening with Natasha, just the two of you, felt more inviting than any night out.
********
Hours later, you found yourself back at Natashaâs house, taking note of the sun setting as your cue. Youâd taken your time getting ready, selecting an outfit that was comfortable and flattering. It wasnât overly fussyâNatasha would never expect thatâbut you wanted to look your best for her.
Youâd even dabbed on your favorite shade of lipstick, which always made you feel more confident. And for good measure, you pinned your hair up, remembering how Natasha once mentioned how much she liked the style on you. Her words had stayed with you, playing on repeat in the quieter corners of your mind.
As you climbed the steps to her porch, the soft glow of light spilling through the windows made the house feel welcoming, almost magical in the dusk. You smoothed your skirt one last time and knocked, your heart picking up a rhythm that felt both ridiculous and exhilarating.
When the door opened, Natasha stood in a simple yet elegant outfitâa soft sweater and slacks that looked effortlessly chic. She gave you a once-over, her lips curving into a small, approving smile.
"You clean up nice," she said, stepping aside to let you in.
"You donât look so bad yourself," you quipped, though your tone betrayed how much you meant it.
The house smelled faintly of roses, and the faint crackle of a record player filled the air with a familiar melody. Natasha led you into the living room, where a small table had been set with two glasses and the bottle of wine sheâd mentioned earlier.
"You didnât have to go to so much trouble," you said, taking it all in.
"Itâs not trouble," she replied, her voice warm. "I just figured if weâre staying in, we might as well make it nice."
You couldnât help but smile at that, feeling a little flutter in your chest. Natasha always had a way of making the simplest moments feel extraordinary.
"Here," she said, holding up the bottle. "I think it's best to start with a toast."
She poured the wine, and you each took a glass, clinking them together before taking a sip. The wine was smooth and rich, warming your throat as you swallowed.
"Good choice," you murmured, admiring the deep red color.
"Only the best," she repeated, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"So," you said, glancing around the room. "What song did you have in mind?"
"Ah," Natasha said, nodding. "Let me put on the record, and you'll see."
She crossed the room, and as the music began to play, your eyes widened.
"Oh, I love this one," you exclaimed. "Billie Holiday is a gem!"
Natasha smiled, the look in her eyes softening as the music filled the room. "She's a favorite of mine. This particular song always reminds me of a dear friend. A girl, actually. We used to dance together when we were younger."
Her voice was full of affection, and you imagined a young Natasha swept up in the arms of a girl, their bodies pressed close as they moved together to the music. You swallowed, trying to ignore the pang of jealousy in your belly.
"Did she mean a lot to you?" You asked, trying to keep your tone casual.
Natasha laughed, her eyes sparkling. "We had some fun times. Truthfully, she was always a bit too wild for my taste."
"Oh," You nodded.
"Are you jealous?"
"No," you said, shaking your head. "Just surprised.â
Natasha grinned, her lips parting slightly as if she was going to say something, but instead, she walked over and held out her hand.
"Dance with me."
You stared at her, surprised. You didn't know what to say, and your heart was racing.
"Dance with me," Natasha repeated, her voice softer now.
Slowly, you took her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against yours. She drew you close, wrapping her arm around your waist, and you followed her lead. Your bodies swayed to the music, the rhythm guiding you both. You and Natasha had never danced this close before. You'd never had this moment of intimacy with her. All of your meetings before this were guided by hurriedness and practicality. There was always a purposeâa reasonâfor your time together, whether it was helping with her garden, sharing a quick cup of coffee, or catching up about your families. But this moment was different. There was no rush, no task to complete, no excuse to look away.
The world outside her cozy living room slowly faded, leaving just the two of you. Natashaâs hand rested firmly but tenderly against the small of your back, her touch grounding you in a way you hadnât expected.
"Youâre a natural," she murmured, her breath brushing against your ear.
You let out a soft laugh, a little embarrassed but unable to tear your gaze away from her. "Iâm just following your lead."
Her lips twitched into a faint smile that softened her typically sharp features. "You make it look effortless."
You couldnât tell if she was talking about the dancing or something else entirely, but the weight of her words wrapped around you just the same. The space between you was almost nonexistent now, and you were hyper-aware of every place her body met yoursâthe press of her breasts against yours, the warmth of her breath, the brush of her thighs against yours. You knew it was wrong to feel this way, but you couldnât deny how good it felt.
You couldnât deny how much you wanted her.
As the song ended, you remained close, neither willing to break the spell.
"This is nice," Natasha muttered. "Being here with you like this."
You hummed in agreement, her words sending a shiver down your spine.
"I can't believe you've been here this long and I haven't kissed you," She said.
"Natasha," you whispered.
"What is it?" She asked.
"Kiss me."
She didn't need to be told twice.
Her lips met yours, her kiss tender and firm, and you melted into her. It was unlike any other kiss you'd experienced, and you wanted more. You parted your lips, deepening the kiss, and she responded in kind, her tongue meeting yours in a slow, languid rhythm.
You were lost in the sensation, the taste of her, the scent of her perfume, the softness of her skin. You couldn't think straight. Your whole body was buzzing with desire, and the only thing you could focus on was her.
"You always taste so sweet,"
"Mmm, it's just my lipstick," you said with a soft laugh.
"It's more than that," she countered, her fingers tracing the curve of your jaw. "It's you."
Her words made your heart skip a beat, and you could feel yourself getting flushed.
"Nat," You murmured.
"Yes?" She asked, her gaze locking with yours.
"I love being here with you.âÂ
Her expression shifted, a mix of emotions playing across her face. Surprise, desire, and something else, something softer. Somehow, she figured thatâs not what you were going to say.Â
"I love being here with you too.âÂ
And with that, she captured your lips in another searing kiss. You both knew there was no turning back now. You were each other's, and nothing could ever change that.
"We havenât had dinner," She whispered. "I cooked for you. Um, brisket. It's in the oven."
"It's perfect," you breathed, the two of you stumbling to the couch. "Everything's perfect."
"Well," Natasha said, her eyes dancing with amusement. "I wouldn't go that far."
"Take a compliment," you replied, a playful edge in your voice.
She smiled, leaning in to capture your lips once more. As the kisses grew heated, her hands began exploring your body, her touch igniting a fire within you. You were burning up with need; she was the only thing to quench the flames.
You couldn't resist reaching for her, pulling her close as your kisses became desperate and hungry. The heat between you was undeniable, and you were both lost in the moment.
"Can I touch you here?" Natasha asked as her hand raised to rest along your breast. It was an interesting question, considering she'd touched you in far worse places. You nodded.
She was careful and gentle, as if afraid to scare you away.
"Don't stop," You said, breathless, as she cupped your breast and rolled your nipple between her fingers.
You could feel yourself getting wet, the ache between your legs growing more intense. Natasha was relentless, her touch firm but tender, and you were drowning in the sensations.
"Please, Nat," you begged, not sure what exactly you were asking for, but you needed her more than anything.
"Shhh," She cooed. "Let me take care of you."
She began kissing down your neck, her tongue tracing the line of your collarbone. You gasped, your body responding to her touch as if it was made for her.
"I'm glad you wore a dress tonight," She said, her voice low and husky. "It makes things so much easier."
Before you could respond, she was lifting your skirt, exposing your thighs. She traced a path with her fingers, slowly making her way up. She took note of your lack of stockings and garter.
"Oh, no undergarments?" She teased. "You naughty thing."
Your face was hot as she slid her hand between your legs, her fingers teasing at your entrance. You couldn't hold back a moan, the pleasure too intense.
"Is this okay?" She asked, her touch light and deliberate.
"Yes," You gasped, your hips rocking against her hand.
She bit her lip, watching your facial expressions and chest heaving.
"I want to try something," She bit her lip. "If you're okay with it."
"Anything," You moaned.
She smiled and removed her fingers, placing them in her mouth. You could only stare, transfixed, as she licked them clean.
"You taste even sweeter down here," she said, her tone full of mischief. She dropped to her knees and, without another word, buried her face between your legs.
"Oh," you whimpered, feeling her tongue lick a long stripe over your sex. She hummed against your skin, sending vibrations through you.
"You like that?" She asked, looking up at you with hooded eyes.
"Yes," You breathed, barely able to form the word. Based on your responses, she could tell this was your first experience with a person's mouth there.
She was unrelenting, her tongue finding every spot that made you cry out and then some. The sounds coming from her were positively sinful, and they only added to the pleasure building within you. You were lost in the feeling, unable to do anything but let go and surrender to the waves of ecstasy crashing over you.
Your orgasm hit you hard, and you cried out, gripping the cushions beneath you. Natasha's grip tightened on your thighs as she helped you ride out the aftershocks.
"How was that?" She asked, a self-satisfied grin on her face.
You could only stare at her, completely speechless.
"That good, huh?" She chuckled, licking her lips.
"More," You demanded, your voice hoarse.
Natasha was happy to oblige until a distinct smell came into the air.
"Something's burning," You said, alarmed.
"Shit," Natasha exclaimed, leaping up and running toward the kitchen.
You followed her, quickly taking the pan out of the oven and opening a window.
"Damn it," Natasha cursed, looking down at the charred brisket. "I was so distracted, I forgot about dinner."
"It's alright," You reassured her. "The important thing is that we're together."
She smiled, the expression warming her features. "I couldn't agree more."
"We should eat something," You said.
"I'm not sure there's anything edible left," she joked.
"I can make some sandwiches," you suggested, not wanting the night to end. You looked over at Natasha's face. Her lipstick was smudged, and her hair was a mess. You couldn't help but giggle at the sight.
"What?" Natasha asked, looking at you.
"Nothing," you said, grinning. You reached across you to wipe her mouth. "Was it enjoyable for you to do that? It seemed awfully one-sided."
Natasha blushed. "I enjoyed it."
You gave her a coy look, feeling brave.
"Do you want me to... um... return the favor?"
Natasha swallowed hard, her gaze locked on yours. You could see the desire burning in her eyes. She leaned forward to kiss you, but you hesitated.
"What?"
"Is it proper for us to kiss after?" You asked. "I mean, you did just..."
Natasha grinned, shaking her head. "Nothing about what we did is proper. "
"Then why do we bother doing it?" You asked.
"Because it's fun," Natasha replied, her voice low and seductive. "And because I'm selfish. I want to see how far we can go before the neighbors start to gossip."
You couldn't help but laugh at that, your heart racing at her boldness. You leaned in and kissed her, the taste of you on her lips sending a thrill through you.
"To the bedroom," She said, standing and pulling you with her.
"But what about the sandwiches?"
"Screw the sandwiches," Natasha said, her expression dark with desire. "I want to fuck you."
You felt a flush spread across your cheeks, and a rush of heat flooded your core.
"Then take me," you breathed, wanting her more than anything.
The two of you made your way to her room, an unfamiliar room. You'd never been in her bedroom before. There was no reason to be, considering. She was a very private person. But now, you were both ready to take this relationship to the next level.
Once inside, she wasted no time in pulling you close, her hands exploring your body as she kissed you deeply. You could feel her urgency, her need, and it fueled your own.
"Let me undress you," she murmured, her breath warm against your ear.
"Natasha, let me spoil you," you insisted, wanting to repay the favor. "You deserve."
She didn't protest this time. Instead, she simply nodded, a small smile curving her lips. You stepped back, allowing her to watch as you slowly stripped off your dress.
"Beautiful," she breathed, her gaze lingering on your bare breasts.
You blushed, feeling self-conscious under her scrutiny.
"Don't be shy," she said, her tone soothing. "You're perfect."
You couldn't help but smile at her praise, and you were suddenly filled with renewed confidence.
You stepped toward her, reaching for the hem of her sweater. You lifted it slowly, exposing her smooth skin.
She wasn't wearing a bra, and her breasts were just as perfect as the rest of her. You couldn't resist running your hands over them, feeling her nipples harden beneath your touch.
"You're amazing," you whispered, kissing her.
She responded eagerly, her lips parting to allow your tongue entrance.
The kiss quickly heated, and you pushed her back toward the bed. You both fell onto the soft sheets, your bodies tangled together.
Natasha was the one to break the kiss, her green eyes dark with lust.
"I want to do what you did to me in the den," You blushed. "I've never done that before. Will you show me how you like it?"
Natasha was more than happy to oblige. She lifted to remove her pants and underwear. Then, she laid back and spread her legs, allowing you to get a good look at her.
She was glistening with arousal, and the sight was almost enough to make you come right then and there.
"Go ahead," she encouraged, her voice low and husky. "Taste me."
You bit your lip, leaning in and pressing against her center. It was a simple kiss, one that garnered a weak expression. She was being patient with you. Her scent was intoxicating. Musky and uniquely her.
"Again," She urged gently. "But, harder."
You did as she said, putting more pressure behind the kiss. You could feel her body tense, her breathing growing heavier.
"More," she pleaded. "Use your tongue."
You obeyed, flicking your tongue against her, causing her to moan softly.
"Oh, fuck," she gasped, her hips bucking against your mouth.
"Is that okay?" You asked, worried you were doing something wrong.
"More than okay," she assured you, her hand resting on your head. "Just keep going." She directed your head where she wanted it, and you happily complied.
"Yes," she groaned, her grip tightening. "Just like that."
Her sounds were intoxicating, and you found yourself getting more and more turned on by her reactions. Recalling where her tongue had taken you, you decided to try something new.
You puckered your lips and suckled the sensitive bud there, earning a loud moan from Natasha.
"That's it," she gasped, her back arching off the bed. "Keep going."
You continued the motion, alternating between sucking and flicking your tongue. Her taste was addictive, and you couldn't get enough of it.
"I'm close," she warned, her voice strained. "Don't stop."
You picked up the pace, wanting to bring her to the edge. You could feel her body tensing, her breathing becoming ragged. You appreciated the fact that she could tell you how she felt, as this form of sex was not a common practice.
Suddenly, her body went rigid, and a cry tore from her lips. Her release was intense, her muscles clenching and releasing in waves.
You kept going, wanting to draw out her pleasure for as long as possible. She was breathtaking like this, lost in the throes of ecstasy. You'd never seen anything so beautiful.
As her body finally began to relax, you slowed your movements, bringing her down from her high. You rested your head against her thigh and waited for her.
"Come here," she said, her voice shaky.
You crawled up her body, meeting her lips in a deep kiss.
"That was incredible," she murmured, a lazy smile across her face. "Not bad for your first time."
"I had a good teacher," you replied, returning her smile. You slipped under the sheets.Â
"And a very willing student," she teased.
You settled into her arms, both of you content and satisfied.
"Sex with you is," You began.
"Incredible?" She smirked.
"It is, but also... it's just so easy," you explained. "Being with you is like breathing."
Natasha didn't speak but drew you closer, kissing gently on your temple.
"I'm learning so much," You continued. "Thank you for letting me explore with you."
Natasha's expression softened, and she leaned in to kiss you, slow and tender.
"You're welcome," she whispered, her voice full of affection."Why do you do that?" She questioned.
"Do what?" You asked, unsure what she was referring to.
"Hide from me," She said, her gaze trailing over your bare skin. "There's no need. Not here."
You swallowed, not knowing how to respond.
"I've had a child," You answered. "My body isn't as..."
"It's perfect," She interrupted. "Just like the rest of you."
She was right, you decided. Why should you hide from her? After all, she had seen you in all your naked glory. It was only fair that you returned the favor.
Slowly, you emerged from beneath the sheets, letting her look her fill.
"Beautiful," she murmured, her eyes filled with desire. "Absolutely beautiful."
"Come here," She instructed, holding out her arms.
You obliged, crawling into her embrace. Her lips met yours, and the kiss quickly grew heated.
You found yourself straddling her, her hands exploring your body, and the ache between your legs intensified. You wanted her, needed her.
"Please," you whispered, desperate for her touch.
"Tell me what you want," she said, her voice low and husky.
"You," you replied, unable to articulate more than that.
"Then you shall have me," she said, rolling the two of you so she was on top.
"How would you like to come this time?" She asked, her hands cupping your breasts.
"Whatever you want," You answered, eager to give yourself to her.
She chuckled, her lips curling into a devilish grin. "Then we're in for a long night."
And with that, she proceeded to show you exactly how many times a woman could orgasm in a single night.
By the end, you were utterly spent, your body exhausted and sated. You lay against the pillows, your eyes closed, trying to catch your breath.
Natasha was curled around you, her body pressed against yours, her head resting on your shoulder.
"I could stay here forever," She said, her voice sleepy.
"Me too," You agreed, your own eyes heavy. "I should probably go home soon."
"What if you didn't?" She suggested, her fingers tracing idle patterns on your skin.
"What do you mean?" You asked, confused.
"What if you stayed here with me?" She elaborated, her words slow and deliberate.
"It's risky," You sighed. "If anyone found outâ"
"I know," She interrupted, her tone soft. "But we've been doing a good job keeping this a secret. No one suspects anything. Besides, I can't bear the thought of not having you by my side tonight."
You considered her words, your heart pounding in your chest. It was true; the two of you had been careful. And, you had to admit, spending the night in her arms was tempting.
"Okay," You finally said, making up your mind. "I'll stay."
Natasha's smile lit up her face, and she kissed you, her lips warm and soft.
"Good," she said, her eyes sparkling. "Because I can't get enough of you."
***********
You stood by the armchair, slipping back into your heels quickly. The soft sound of your dress fabric brushing against your legs filled the quiet room. Natasha sat on the edge of the sofa, still in her robe, nursing a cup of coffee that smelled rich and inviting.
"Leaving so soon?" she asked, her tone casual but her eyes sharp, observing every movement you made.
You gave her a fleeting smile, smoothing out the creases in your dress. "Claireâs coming home soon. She spent the night with my mother, but you know how she getsâsheâs practically attached to my hip.â
"Mm," Natasha hummed, sipping her coffee.
"Theyâll be back soon, too," you said, avoiding her gaze as you adjusted your earring. The rush in your movements betrayed the careful calm in your voice.
Natasha set her cup down, leaning forward slightly. "Youâre in a hurry," she noted, her voice softer now, almost teasing but edged with something more. "Do you regret our night together?"
You froze for a split second, feeling her words settle uncomfortably in the air. You knew you shouldnât feel guilty. You hadnât done anything wrongâor had you? Shaking off the thought, you reached for your purse.
"I just donât want to raise any questions," you said, your tone light. "Itâs nothing."
Natashaâs voice followed you, stopping you in your tracks. "Do you think about it?"
You turned to face her, her words catching you off guard. "Think about what?"
Her green eyes stayed on yours, steady and unflinching. "What it wouldâve been like if things were different. If we were different."
You blinked, caught in her gaze, the question hanging in the air. "Natasha," you began, trying to find the words. "Iâ"
"It's alright," she said, her lips quirking up. "I understand. We have our responsibilities. And, besides, some things can't be changed, no matter how hard we wish they could."
Her words cut through you, and you felt a wave of sadness.
"I'm sorry," You sighed. "I enjoyed my night with you. I really did."
"I know," She reassured. "So did I. We should do it again sometime." She opened her arms for a hug.
"I would love that," You answered. She breathed in your scent, smelling herself all over your body, and hummed.
"The idea of him touching you makes me crazy," she murmured. "But I also love smelling my scent on you. I bet he wouldn't be able to do a quarter of what I did to you last night."
It's the first time you've heard her be so possessive. Your breath caught in your throat at her words.
"It's only fair," She continued. "You should have let me mark you."
You felt a surge of arousal course through you at her words but also a flicker of unease. It was dangerous territory, the two of you getting so attached.
"We have to be careful," You warned, though it was the last thing you wanted. "Someone could find out."
"Would it be so bad if they did?" Natasha knew she was being reckless, but she didn't care. All she cared about was you. She nuzzled her nose into your neck.
"Natasha," You protested, your resolve weakening. "We can't."
"Yes, we can," She said, her voice low and seductive. "Just think about it, being with me every day, sharing our lives."
It was tempting, but you knew it was impossible. "It would never work," You said, trying to sound firm, but the words came out sad.
Natashaâs brows furrowed as she pulled back slightly, her piercing gaze locking onto yours. "Why wouldnât it work?" she challenged, her voice steady, though there was a hint of frustration beneath it.
"Because itâs not just about us," you admitted, your hands trembling as you stepped away, needing space to think clearly. "Iâm scared, Natasha. Scared of what this... of what you make me feel."
"Scared?" Natasha repeated, her tone sharp now, almost incredulous. "Whatâs there to be scared of? Isnât it scarier to stay in something that doesnât make you happy?"
You shook your head, your voice cracking as you tried to explain. "Itâs not that simple. I love Sam. Heâs a good man. And I donât want to hurt himâor Steve."
Her jaw tightened, and for a moment, she looked away, exhaling deeply. "You should have thought about that before," she said quietly, her words cutting like a knife.
"I know," you replied, guilt heavy in your chest. "And maybe... maybe thatâs why we need to cool down. Thisâwhatever this isâitâs too much, Nat. Itâs moving too fast, and I... I could lose Claire."
Natasha blinked, clearly taken aback. "Lose Claire?" she repeated, her voice filled with disbelief. "Thatâs ridiculous. Sam would never take her away from you."
"You donât understand," you said, your voice rising as panic bubbled. "You canât understand because you donât have children. You donât know what itâs like to have your entire life revolve around them, to know that one wrong move could take them away from you."
The words hung in the air, heavy and biting. Natashaâs face hardened a flicker of hurt, crossing her features before she masked it. "You think I wouldnât understand?" she asked, her voice quieter now but no less intense.
"I didnât mean it like that," you said quickly, regret pooling in your stomach.
"But you did," she countered, stepping closer, her gaze uncompromising. "You think because I donât have children because I canât have children, that I wouldnât understand what it means to love someone so much it scares you?"
You froze, her words hitting you like a punch to the gut. "Natasha, Iâ"
"Donât," she interrupted, her voice thick with emotion. "Youâre scared, fine. But donât you dare stand there and tell me I donât understand love? Thatâs the one thing I do understand."
The room fell silent. Natashaâs breathing was steady but labored, as though she was holding back everything she wanted to say.
"Iâm sorry," you whispered, your voice breaking. "I didnât mean to hurt you. Iâm just... Iâm trying to do the right thing."
She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "The right thing? For who? For Sam? For Steve? When do you start doing the right thing for yourself?" Natasha sniffled. "You're right." She said. "You should go home and prepare for Sam."
"Natasha," you started, but she held up her hand.
You stood there, conflicted, unsure of how to proceed when she moved towards you. For a moment, it seemed like she was going to say something more, but instead, she reached out, cupping your cheek with a tenderness that surprised you.
"You're a good friend," She murmured. She placed a final kiss on your lips before pulling back. "I suppose you can see your way out."
She turned and walked down the hall, leaving you alone.
You stared after her, feeling the ache in your chest grow, and tried to ignore the sense of loss that was settling in.
You told yourself that you were doing the right thing, even as tears spilled down your cheeks. It was the right thing.
And yet, as you walked out the door and headed home, you couldn't help but feel like a part of you had stayed behind.
Natasha Romanoff x y/n
You flinched as Natasha worked on your injured arm. The sting was sharp, or maybe you were just too drained and unaccustomed to this kind of pain. âShh, sonlyshko. I know it hurts,â she murmured, her voice soft as her eyes met yours. That softness wasnât like her, not usuallyâbut with you, it always was. Sweet and tender, she had a way of making even moments like this feel gentle. âLook up at the sky,â she said quietly, âisnât it beautiful? The stars are shiningâŚâ You did as she said, lifting your eyes. The sky really was beautiful, and the stars⌠just as lovely.
"There. All patched up," Natasha said softly, her voice drawing your gaze from the sky to her. You blinked, realizing how effortlessly sheâd finished. The stars had stolen your focus so completely that even the sting had faded without you noticing.
You shifted closer to her on the bench, hesitating for only a moment before resting your head on her shoulder. Her warmth enveloped you, and when she didnât pull away, you felt a quiet sense of relief.
For a few breaths, silence settled between you, comfortable and unspoken. âYouâre too good to me,â you murmured, your words brushing the space between you like a secret.
Natasha tilted her head slightly, letting it rest against yours. âYou think so?â she asked, her voice low, almost teasing, but there was a tenderness in it that made your chest ache.
âI know so,â you replied, your fingers brushing against hers, testing, until they found their way into her grasp. She held your hand firmly but gently, her thumb tracing slow circles against your skin.
She smiled, the kind of smile she rarely showedâsoft and unguarded. âYou deserve someone who takes care of you,â she said quietly, her lips brushing the crown of your head. âAnd Iâll always be that someone.â
The stars above seemed to shimmer brighter as you closed your eyes, your heart full in a way it hadnât been in a long time. âIâm lucky itâs you,â you whispered, and for the first time in what felt like forever, you truly meant it.
Natasha stayed quiet for a while, her thumb still tracing absentminded circles against your hand. The soft hum of the night filled the space between you, but it didnât feel emptyâit felt full, alive with the things unsaid.
âDo you remember the first time we sat like this?â she asked, her voice gentle, almost like she was afraid to disturb the quiet.
You nodded against her shoulder, a faint smile tugging at your lips. âYeah. I was the one patching you up that time,â you said, the memory slipping through the years like a warm thread.
She chuckled softly, the sound low and familiar. âYou were so nervous,â she teased, and you could hear the smile in her voice. âI think you apologized at least twenty times while trying to stop the bleeding.â
âMaybe I just didnât want to hurt you,â you murmured, tilting your head slightly to glance at her.
Natasha met your gaze then, her green eyes catching the faint starlight. For a moment, she said nothing, as if weighing her words. âYou never do,â she whispered finally, her tone so soft it was almost lost to the night.
You felt your heart skip, but before you could say anything, she turned her head slightly, her lips brushing against your temple as she spoke. âYouâve always been different, you know? With you, itâs⌠itâs easy to be soft. To feel safe.â
The confession hung between you, delicate but heavy, and her fingers tightened around yours. âYou make me feel like I can breathe,â she whispered, her voice trembling just enough to let you know how real this was.
Your breath caught, the weight of her words sinking into you. âNatashaâŚâ you started, but she cut you off with the faintest shake of her head.
âIâve been trying to find the right moment,â she admitted, her voice barely above a breath. âBut I donât think thereâs ever a perfect one. So, I need you to know⌠I need you to hear it.â
She paused, her forehead leaning gently against yours now, her voice breaking the stillness with a fragile tenderness. âI love you.â
The words didnât feel rushed or rehearsedâthey felt like theyâd been waiting, buried deep in her, and finally given the chance to bloom. You exhaled shakily, your heart racing, and when you finally spoke, it was through a smile you couldnât suppress.
âI love you too,â you whispered, and in that moment, nothing else mattered.
đŹđĄđ/đĄđđŤ | 18+ | đŹđ¨đŽđĽ đ¨đ đ đđŤđđ đ¨đ§
80 posts