Day 2: Cuddling Somewhere – Natasha Romanoff

For Lucia

A/N: Feel free to request makeout scenes. I've been really into writing them lately.

You liked cuddling.

It wasn't a cry for attention or a desperation for security caused by a traumatic childhood. It wasn't the result of low self-esteem or the need to be constantly reminded that you were loved.

It was the enjoyment of being held in someone's arms, the warmth that emanated from them as you fell asleep on their lap, the soothing sensation of their fingers combing through your hair. You simply enjoyed being close to other people, whether it was a friend, a sibling, or a significant other.

Natasha didn't attach to people easily, but she was attached to you. She was friends with everyone on the team, but it was rare when she would open up to a story about her childhood or her true feelings on any given topic. Around the others, she played it tough and confident, fighting off jabs with snarky remarks of her own. When it was just you and her, she would break down and let her real emotions show, whether they were good or bad. She would tell you stories that no one else knew, knowing that you wouldn't go blabbing. Even before you began dating, you were closer with each other than either of you had ever been with anyone else.

Not long into your relationship, you learned that the redheaded assassin enjoyed cuddling, too. Her favorite way to relax after work, whether she had just gotten home from a mission or had just been doing paperwork, was to curl up in your arms on the couch with mugs of tea and a calming movie.

The two of you could spend an entire day snuggled up together, be it in the living room or the bedroom. If you were hanging out with the team at the Tower, Natasha could be found standing close, her arms secured around your waist. You would lean against her, your head on her chest or shoulder, ignoring the chuckles coming from the guys.

Tonight, you were cooking her favorite dinner. She was coming home from a week-long mission and you knew she'd be tired. You were planning to cook a hot meal that would be ready by the time she got home, open a bottle of her favorite wine, and relax on the couch with some music or a movie while you ate.

The front door to your apartment opened and a knowing smile graced your lips. You pretended not to notice the footsteps shuffling inside and the door closing shortly after, focusing on stirring and chopping and making sure dinner was perfect.

Thin but muscular arms wound around your waist and a chin rested on your shoulder. You could see red curls from the corner of your eye and you turned your head, pressing a kiss to her cheek. She looked exhausted.

"That smells amazing," she breathed, her eyes closing as her head rested against yours. You could tell she was ready to pass out right there.

You turned and wrapped your arms around her, and she smiled tiredly. You kissed her plump lips before grabbing her hands, leading her to the living room. You gently pushed her to sit down on the couch, smiling when she tried to pull you down beside her.

"I'll be out in just a minute," you promised, kissing her head before returning to the kitchen. You could hear the TV blip to life, followed by the sounds of many different channels as Natasha flipped through them. You plated up dinner and took it to the living room, pulling the bottle of wine out from beneath the coffee table.

"(y/n)…" she breathed in surprise, looking at everything you had arranged. "What's all this?"

"I thought you might want to relax," you replied, sitting beside her and handing her a plate of food. "I got all your favorites. We can do whatever we want tonight."

She took a bite and hummed contently at the taste. "I love you," she murmured before bringing the fork to her lips again.

"I love you too," you replied, proud that she enjoyed your cooking so much. You grabbed the remote and flipped through the channels, happy to learn that her favorite movie was on. You left it there and her eyes lit up when she heard the familiar sounds.

After dinner was done, you moved to lie down on the couch and Nat lied on you. Her head was nestled in the crook of your neck, her arms at your sides. Your head was propped up against the arm of the couch and your arms were wrapped securely around her back. You nuzzled your head against hers and she squeezed you gently.

"I love moments like this," she commented softly, pressing a kiss to your neck.

You let out a happy sigh. "So do I, babe."

She straightened her arms and hovered above you, a few stray curls falling into her face. You reached up with one hand and pushed them back behind her ear. She leaned down and pressed her lips to yours, and you responded immediately. Your hand slid to cup her cheek, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss. One of her hands found your hair, tangling her fingers in it and tugging slightly. You gasped in response and her tongue slithered into your mouth. You let out a noise of contentment as your other hand roamed her back, eventually settling on her rear and squeezing gently. She moaned in approval as her other hand found your hip, keeping your bodies close. She nipped at your lower lip, sucking it between her teeth. You gasped and slid your hand into her hair, your fingers curling in her red locks.

"I've missed you," she whispered between kisses, her words coming out in breathless pants.

"I've missed you, too," you countered, your lips trailing down her neck. She squirmed against your touch, gasping when you nibbled her collarbone. You smirked against her skin.

"Let's save that for later," she suggested, bringing your lips back to hers. "I'm too tired right now."

You let out a laugh and wrapped your arms around her waist. "Whatever you want, babe."

She returned to lying on you, her head in your neck and her arms at your sides. You pressed a kiss to her hair and closed your eyes, soon falling asleep with the loving redhead in your arms.