Before you start reading, you might want to get some tissues, you may need them.
Chapter 2
The drive to the Barton's was shorter than usual because there wasn't much traffic, but it was still long enough for Livy to fall asleep. Natasha was dozing off as well as she watched the countryside roll past and felt as Steve's hand on hers would occasionally lightly trace circles on it. Before she knew it, they were pulling into the Barton's driveway. She kept her eyes closed a minute longer as Steve parked the car.
"Hey, Sweetie, we're here," he whispered softly to her.
"I know, I just wanted to rest my eyes a minute longer," she mumbled.
Steve grinned. "Well, I'm going to unbuckle Livy from her booster and wake her up. If you still want to rest those pretty eyes of yours, you can wait until I take Livy out of the car before you get out as well."
Natasha opened her eyes. "Sounds tempting, but I can't walk in there looking like a zombie, and I need to fic my hair since the wind messed it up."
"Your hair looks like it did when we left the house," Steve pointed out.
Natasha rolled her eyes. "I can see it myself in the mirror, and it most certainly does not."
"Ok, maybe it doesn't look exactly like when we left the house, but I say you still look beautiful."
Natasha swatted at his arm. "You're making me blush again!"
Steve laughed. "You do know that I love seeing your cheeks get all red, right?"
That comment made Natasha blush even more. "Stop it! I'm going to look like a tomato when I walk in!"
"Yeah, my tomato," Steve remarked.
Natasha swatted at his arm again. "How about you go to the back and start waking up Livy. I'm sure she's going to want to play with Lila when she gets in."
Steve got out with the grin still on his face and opened the back door. He quietly started to wake up Livy as he unbuckled the seatbelt of her booster. Natasha smiled as she watched through the mirror while fixing her hair. She had always loved seeing Steve's fatherly side come out, and especially more now that they were together.
It took some prodding from Steve's part to wake Livy, but she finally did. She rubbed her eyes and yawned. When she realized that they were at the Barton's, her eyes sparkled with excitement. Steve picks her up in his arms, but as soon as he does, she starts squirming to get down. Noticing that he wasn't releasing his grip, she said in her groggy voice, "Daddy, I want down."
"You just woke up, Princess, and I don't want you to fall."
"Please, Daddy?" she asked giving him her puppy eyes.
Natasha laughed knowing Steve couldn't say no to those eyes. "You're in trouble now, Steve."
"I know. A little help would be appreciated."
Natasha walked to that side of the car and looked at Livy. "Sweetie, I think you should let your daddy carry you to the house, and once we're inside, you can run off and play with Lila," she suggested.
Livy sighed a little. "Ok, but you promise I can get down when I get inside?"
"Yes, I promise."
"Well, now that that's settled, let's head to the house," said Steve.
Natasha slipped her hand into Steve's free one, and they made their way to the front door. Once there, they knocked on the door and not even ten seconds later, it opened.
"Took you guys long enough. I'm pretty sure you have been in that driveway for five minutes already," Laura commented with a knowing smile.
"Sorry about that. My two girls fell asleep on the way here, and I had to wake them up," Steve said.
"I didn't fall asleep. I was just dozing off, but I was aware of what was going on," Natasha defended herself.
"Right, one fell asleep while the other was dozing off," Steve corrected himself.
Laura smiled. "Well, come on in. Clint isn't home yet. He called to say that he would be back a little later than usual. I think he said that something came up at the station that needed looking into." She turned to Livy, "As for the kids, they're upstairs in their rooms. They're cleaning them a bit since they 'forgot' to do that yesterday. They'll be down soon though."
Livy nodded. "Can I get down now, Daddy? We're inside."
"Oh, that's right. We are inside already," Steve said as he let her down. "But you have to wait for Lila and Cooper down here, ok?"
"Yes, Daddy."
All three of them followed Laura into the kitchen where she had started working on lunch. "Laura, what can I help you with?" asked Natasha as she made her way to the sink to wash her hands.
"Nothing. You just sit down and relax. I know that both of you have been very busy. Besides, you are the guest. You shouldn't be helping out," Laura explained.
"I can't just sit down and do nothing," Natasha contradicted.
"You won't be doing nothing; you'll be talking with me."
"I suggest you do as Laura says, Sweetheart. She's serious when she says she doesn't want your help in the kitchen," Steve said.
Natasha sagged her shoulders in defeat. "I know, I just want to help out in something."
Laura laughed. "You're helping me just fine sitting at the kitchen table with Steve keeping me company, don't worry about that."
At that moment, the patter of feet was heard on the stairway. Livy jumped down from her chair with a bright smile on her face as Lila entered the kitchen. The two girls ran to each other and wrapped themselves in a hug.
"You're finally here!" Lila exclaimed. "I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too!" Livy answered.
"Do you want to go outside to play? We can play tag with Cooper."
"Yes! And then we can play hide and seek!"
"That's a great idea! Come one, let's go." Lila grabbed Livy's hand, and they both ran outside to play.
Natasha sighed happily. "Have they always gotten along so well despite their age difference?"
"Oh, yes, they have. When Livy was born, Lila was elated by the idea of having a girl to play with soon. When Peggy died, Lila took it upon herself to spend more time with Livy, and she made a promise to herself to always be like a sister to her so that she wouldn't feel lonely. So far, she has kept that promise," Laura explained.
"That's sweet. I'm glad that Lila is so kind to her."
"Wait, Laura, I didn't know about that promise Lila made to herself. Why didn't Clint or you ever tell me anything?" Steve inquired.
"Well, for one, you were still grieving and quite frankly you were trying to get Livy to get used to you as well. You had a lot on your mind, and I guess once you were more settled, we forgot to tell you. I'm sorry for keeping that so long," Laura replied.
"It's ok. I'm not bothered, just kind of surprised I had never heard of that."
"Both Clint and I were surprised as well when Lila told us her promise. We didn't think she had developed such affection towards her, but apparently, she did."
"It's totally understandable though. Lila loves to be around people and is a very caring girl."
"I agree with Steve. It was unbelievable how quickly Lila warmed up to me when we met. I will always remember how she would ask me what was wrong when she saw me sad and how she'd try to cheer me up," added Natasha.
"Yes, that's my little Lila all right," they heard Clint's voice say from the entrance of the kitchen.
The three of them turned to him with a slightly surprised expression on their faces because none of them had heard him walk in.
"Hey, Honey, how long have you been standing there?" Laura asked him.
"Not long. I only heard what Natasha just said. What are you three talking about?" Clint asked as he started taking a seat at the kitchen table.
Laura raised her eyebrow. "Well, about how well Lila and Livy get along. Aren't you forgetting something?"
Clint furrowed his eyebrows. "Hmm, no, I don't think so. I already went to wash my hands."
Laura and Natasha looked at each other and shook their heads.
"What? What did I forget to do?" he asked clearly confused.
Steve chuckled. "I think what Laura is referring to is greeting everyone since you just got home, but she's specifically referring to her hello kiss."
"Oh, right! How could I forget about that?" He stood up and walked to Laura. "I'm sorry, Honey. Will you please forgive me?"
Natasha burst out laughing, and Laura lips curved up in a small smile.
"Ok, what now? You two ladies are like communicating with your eyes. I don't understand what's going on. Do you, Steve?"
"Can't say that I do. I can't communicate the same way they do, so I know as much as you."
"Oh, Clint, you're hilarious, you know that? We both know you didn't actually forget. You were just fooling around," Natasha said as her laughter subsided.
Laura nodded her head. "Yes, Dear, I know you would never forget that. Now, get over here and kiss me."
"Yes, ma'am." Clint gave Laura her kiss and then went to properly greet Steve and Natasha. "I'm so glad that you two were finally able to make it out here to spend some time with us. It feels like we haven't seen each other in ages. What's new in Brooklyn?"
"Well, not much is new. Everything is basically the same," Natasha answered.
"What Natasha means to say is that there is one major thing that has happened," Steve cut in.
"Oh, is there?" Clint asked with much intrigue.
"Yes, there is. Natasha has been invited to star as the lead ballerina in Giselle with the New York City Ballet. It's a two-day show set to take place sometime in November, and you won't want to miss it," announced Steve.
"Really, Tasha? That's amazing! Congratulations!" exclaimed Clint.
Natasha blushed slightly. "It's really not that big of a deal."
"Nat, it is a big deal. It's ok to feel proud of your accomplishment," Laura told her.
"Yeah, not everyone gets invited to star as the lead dancer in the New York City Ballet," Clint pointed out. "How did you do it anyway?"
"I don't know. I just got a letter in the mail saying that I was chosen to star as the lead female dancer in the performance of Giselle they'll be presenting in November. They wanted me to confirm or decline by a certain date, so I thought about it for a couple of days, asked for Steve's advice, and accepted," she nonchalantly explained.
"Hmm, maybe a scout went to one of your performances that you presented with your students and saw how talented you are," suggested Laura.
"That's what I told her. I also told her that someone might have recommended her for the role, like one of the parents or one of the kids' family members that attended one of the performances," Steve said.
"Well, however it happened doesn't really matter. What matters is that she got the part. Isn't that right?" Clint asked.
"Yeah, you're right. I just hope I am the one for that part, and they didn't choose the wrong person," said Natasha in a doubtful voice.
"You'll do fine, Sweetheart. You're an amazing dancer! You feel the music, and that alone makes you a better dancer than anyone out there," encouraged Steve.
"Yeah, Tasha, listen to your boyfriend. He has a point," Clint said.
"How about we continue this outside? The food is ready. Clint, Honey, can you help me take everything outside?"
"Yes, ma'am." Clint grabbed the salad bowl and headed outside to set it on the table.
"Now, Laura, what can I help with?" Natasha asked again.
"Well, you can go outside and tell the kids to come in and wash up to eat," Laura suggested.
"Come on, Laura, Steve can do that. What can I do to help in here?"
Laura laughed. "How many times do I have to tell you that you're the guest and don't have to do anything?"
"I know, but I want to help. You always let me help when I come."
"Yes, I know, but this time, you're here to relax, so no helping for you today. Just enjoy your free day without having to worry about preparing your next ballet lesson. So, Steve and you go on ahead and call the kids while Clint and I finish taking things outside to the picnic table."
"Come on, Sweetie, let's go call in the kids," Steve said while ushering her out the back door.
Clint came back in as Steve and Natasha were heading out. Once he had closed the door, Laura turned around to face him, "Ok, Clint, what's bothering you?"
"I don't know what you're talking about, honey," he replied as he started grabbing the plates to take outside.
Laura put her hand over them. "Clint, you know you can't keep anything from me. I know when something is bothering you. Does it have to do with you staying at work for a little extra time?"
Clint sighed. "Yes, it does." He opened his mouth to say more but closed it again.
"You know you can tell me anything," Laura reassured with a soft smile.
"I just wish this wouldn't have surfaced," he simply said.
"What surfaced?"
"An anonymous person sent an e-mail with a legal document showing that Alexei and Natasha are still married. It was dated one week ago The worst part is that whoever sent that e-mail wrote 'BEWARE.'" That's all it said. I hate to break it to Natasha and Steve on a day like this where it's supposed to be a day of relaxation, but they need to be more cautious while we figure this out." He hung his head and sighed in defeat.
"Who needs to be more cautious?" asked Natasha from the doorway with fear plastered on her face.
"I'm sorry, Clint, I told her not to come in when we saw from the window that Laura and you were having a private conversation," apologized Steve.
"Clint? Please tell me," Natasha said in a dangerously low voice.
"Nat, it would be better if I told you after we spend the day together. It's nothing for you to worry about now," Clint told her while trying to sport a smile on his face.
"Clint, tell me."
"Sweetie, you heard Clint. Let's just enjoy the time we have with the Bartons. Then he can tell you," Steve said a bit pleadingly.
She turned to Steve. "No, I need him to tell me now." She turned back to Clint. "It has to do with Alexei, doesn't it?"
"Nat, it would really be much better if we saved this conversation for later," Laura told her softly. "We don't want you to get worked up about it just yet."
Natasha kept her gaze on Clint. Her stare was both menacing and pleading. "Clint, please, tell me now."
Clint looked from Laura to Steve and back to Laura. Both of them nodded slightly to go on ahead and tell her. He sucked in a breath and let it out slowly. "Well, a slight problem has risen. The reason I came home late today is because something was brought to my attention before leaving work. We received an anonymous e-mail with what appears to be a legal marriage certificate that was that was delivered about a week ago." Clint paused.
"Go on," Natasha said in the same dangerous, low voice from earlier.
"Alexei and you are still married, Natasha," Clint said slowly.
Natasha's eyes widened. "No! That can't be possible! He signed the divorce papers!"
"Well, we can't know for sure if he did or not since he was in jail when that happened."
"But he sent the papers to the judge! You told me yourself, Clint! No, it's totally fake! I'm not believing any of this," Natasha said rather firmly.
"I'm sorry, Natasha, but I only told you what the prison ward told me. He confirmed he had signed and that the papers got sent to the judge and everything was finalized. He must have just stuffed the envelope with something and never actually put the papers inside. And well, we went through all the legal immigrant marriage records in New York and the surrounding areas after we found the e-mail, and it's still marked in the system that you two are married…." Clint trailed off.
Natasha stumbled back and would have fallen on the hardwood floor of the deck if it weren't for Steve's quick reflexes. He caught her and held her up and started stroking her arm. Natasha was staring blankly in front of her and slowly said, "No, this, this can't be happening."
"That's not the worst part though. The e-mail contained one word in the text. It said, 'BEWARE.'"
Natasha turned around and buried her face in Steve's arm. Her body started to shake slightly and quiet sobs started to escape her lips.
"I'm sorry, Natasha, that I had to tell you this. I wish this wouldn't have happened. Maria and I will do everything in our power to clear this. If we can't, we'll go to Fury for help," Clint started to reassure Natasha.
Steve's eyes widened. "Fury? Wouldn't that be considered a level…"
"Yes, it would," Clint interrupted Steve's thought so that Natasha wouldn't hear the seriousness of the situation. "I hope this will all blow over in a few days. I'm going to call up my attorney and have him draw up divorce papers again, and this time I'll go down to the prison and make sure Alexei signs those papers and give them to the judge myself so that there won't be any more problems. For now, I need you two to be extra careful when you go out. Steve, if you can, drive Natasha to work and pick her up after she's done. If she plans to eat out, stay with her. See anything suspicious, give me a call and either Maria or I will be right there. If there's a day you can't take her to work, call Maria or me, and we'll do that. Once this blows over, you can go back to your normal routines, but right now, as the threat exists, I need you two to take extra precaution."
"We will, Clint, don't worry about that. I'd do anything to protect her," Steve solemnly said.
"Believe me, I would too, but hopefully, it doesn't get too serious. I'm sorry for ruining the day."
"No, you didn't, Clint. You had no idea that something like this would surface. I think I should get Natasha home and calm her down."
"Yeah, go on ahead, we can reschedule this get together."
"Yes, and I'll give you some food to take home since there's plenty. Also, Clint and I don't mind it if you leave Livy here with us for the rest of the weekend. You two need time to process all of this," Laura told him.
"Thanks, Laura, we really appreciate that," Steve said with a bit of relief.
"Ok, I'll put some food in a container while you take her to the car. I'll take the stuff out to you." Laura then started looking for a container to put the food in.
"And the kids?" Clint asked.
"They're still outside. They said they wanted to eat later, so we let them play longer."
"Ok, I'll go out with them and leave you two alone for a bit." Clint walked past him and towards the barn where he knew the kids would be playing.
Steve gently lifted up Natasha's head so that he could look at her face. She had tear stains across her cheeks, but she was no longer crying. Instead, she had an unreadable expression on her face, one that Steve had never seen before. "Sweetie," he said softly, "we're going to go home now."
Natasha slowly nodded her head.
"Natasha, honey, look at me," Steve gently pleaded.
She turned her gaze toward him as her eyes started filling up with tears again.
"Everything is going to be all right, you hear me? I'm not going to let him harm you ever again. We're going to get through this. Nothing is going to separate us. I promise you that I'll take care of you and make sure you're safe."
Tears started streaming down Natasha's cheeks. "Oh, Steve, I can't put you through this, and I definitely can't put Livy through it either. What if one of you gets hurt because of me?"
"No one is getting hurt, and you're not putting us through this. We're going to be with you every step of the way. Maria and Clint are going to do everything possible to eliminate this. We're going to be all right."
Natasha nodded and embraced him while starting to cry harder. "W-w-what d-did I do t-to des-erve you?"
"Oh, Nat, you only showed up in my life as Livy's ballet teacher and the rest was destiny."
Ten minutes later, they were in the car on the way back home. Livy was a bit saddened to see her beloved Miss Nat crying, but after Steve told her that she would be ok, she got happy again. The car ride back to the house was a silent one. Natasha kept a stoic face the whole ride, and her eyes never moved from looking out the window. She was at a loss. She didn't know what to do or how to process any of it, so she did what she knew best, something she hadn't done since meeting Steve, she shut out all her emotions.
So, we've already entered all the drama. I'll warn you that this is going to get worse before it gets better but bear with me.
Hopefully, I'll be able to update while I'm on Christmas break. I have exams next week and then I'm free for 2 weeks, so I'll try to update at least once during that time. I think I've finally got the ball rolling a little bit more. I just hope that ideas will flow more freely now.
