1. Nightmare
Steve Rogers was not particularly fond of sleep. After sleeping seventy years in a block of ice, it can be assumed he hates it. When Steve does sleep, though, things aren't always the same. Sometimes he dreams of finally getting that dance with Peggy. Other times he sees Bucky die. Tonight, though, tonight He saw the ice. He usually didn't dream of it- he flashed back on occasion, but hadn't dreamed it until tonight.
With a gasp, Steve shot up out of bed, shivering even though he felt boiling hot. He rubbed his arms for warmth as he looked around the room. It didn't feel the same. It felt dark and heavy. Physically painful. With a tiny whine, Steve lay back down, trying to find enough inner peace inside of himself to sleep.
Natasha was strolling down the hall when she heard it. She heard the bed creak and she knew Steve was awake. The boy slept completely still. It wasn't until she heard a tiny whine that she decided to go inside.
When the door opened, Steve flinched, but relaxed when he saw it was only Natasha. She sat at his bedside and stroked his hair. It was calming to him.
"What's the matter?" She asked gently.
"Just a bad dream." He answered, trying to shake it off. Natasha saw right through him.
"Steve, talk to Mommy. What was it about?"
Steve shook so hard she was worried he'd have a seizure.
"Ice." He said simply. Ah, so that's what was scaring him.
"You're safe now, Steve." She said, humming to him quietly.
Suddenly, he wasn't scared anymore, and fell right to sleep.
2. Quiet
He liked it when things were quiet. Sure, he enjoyed some noise as much as the next person, but when you live with Tony Stark quiet is a commodity much sought after. So when Steve and Natasha are left be, Steve sits next to her with his head in her lap and thumb in his mouth while she strokes his hair. They sit and enjoy the quiet.
3. Thumb
No one else but her notices. Then again, no one else really saw Captain America without gloves long enough to tell. Even then, it isn't noticeable. But she sees it. Steve's thumb is raw from sucking. It disgusts her slightly, and she desperately hopes that it doesn't hurt as bad as she thinks it does.
So naturally, she decides to do something about it.
She goes to the store early in the afternoon and finds exactly what she needs. When she returns to Stark Tower she finds Steve in the gym, and hands him the bag.
"What's this for?" He asked, confused.
"Open it and find out." She said simply, and walked away.
Steve gave her a confused look before looking inside and blushing deeply at the pacifier at the bottom of the bag.
4. Teacher
Tony teaches him about technical things. This was easy, considering he lived in Stark Tower, where almost everything was technologically dependent.
Bruce teaches him about science and medicine. This too is easy, considering the various labs on the floors below the ones designated to them.
Clint teaches him archery. This is difficult, considering targets are scarce. Overall it wasn't a difficult task to learn, but the aim took a while to nail.
Thor teaches him the ways of the warrior- Fighting tactics. The gym typically ends up completely trashed when they spar, so they keep the battles to a minimum.
Natasha teaches him the two most important things.
Firstly, she teaches him about everything he'd missed. Twice a week they met up and she'd teach him something new- putting a new piece in the puzzle of what he'd missed.
Most importantly, she teaches him that there is compassion in even the most unlikely souls. This is evident when she stays up until three in the morning trying to convince Steve to go to sleep on the seventy-fourth anniversary of the day his best friend died.
5. Cry
Soldiers don't cry.
Soldiers are brave and fearless, strong and wooden. Steve keeps up the stereotype in front of everyone, but Natasha always sees through the façade as if it were plastic wrap. She knows there are times when Steve feels overwhelmed, and she doesn't fault him for it. She would feel that way too if she woke up away from everyone she loved. So after everyone falls asleep, she goes into Steve's room and holds him while he cries.
A/N: How babyish you guys want things to get? Let me know! taking requests!