DISCLAIMER: ALL CHARACTERS BELONG TO MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE.

The rating of this story has CHANGED from T to M now, due to sexual content. Please bare this warning in mind if you decide to continue reading.

~0~0~0~0~0~

TEN YEARS LATER...

Life was crazy.

Life was hectic.

Life now consisted of getting up just after dawn to ensure that everything for the day would run smoothly. Life was getting in from work exhausted, but desperate to settle down with your family. Life was a different adventure every single day.

Life was incredible.

Natasha Romanoff reminded herself of these facts as she looked down at her shopping list and tried to remember what she'd forgotten to write down. In two days, she and her family would be heading up to Nick Fury's lake house for the week, and Natasha was still trying to get everything packed and ready.

With a sigh, she glanced down at the little girl who was stood beside her, an ever-lasting smile spread across her beautiful face. "I have no idea what I've forgotten, sweetie." Natasha admitted.

Lucy Sarah Rogers had grown up in the blink of an eye. It always felt like only yesterday, Natasha had been lying in the hospital bed, sweaty and exhausted, and then the nurse passed her the most angelic baby wrapped up in a soft pink blanket, filling Natasha with an overwhelming sense of love and energy. Lucy had inherited her father's sandy locks, which she always wore up in two braids - something she'd been trying to learn to do herself over the last few weeks. But, her green eyes were all Natasha, and right now, they were deep with concentration.

"Apples?" The little girl checked, tilting her head to one side. She was as if someone had taken the word 'adorable' and created a human being to embody it. Unlike her brother, Lucy hadn't been the easiest baby. Settling her down for the night had been a challenge at first, but it had become apparent quite quickly that she had both her mother's attitude and her father's kindness.

"Daddy got those last night," Natasha reminded her, a smile tugging at her lips. It still left her speechless to think that she and Steve were parents, even though Archie had just turned ten, and Lucy's seventh birthday was fast approaching. They were growing up far too quickly, and Natasha made a point to photograph absolutely everything they did. Her photo albums were bursting at the seams and were something she'd always take out and flick through at night, partly to shake off the fear that someone would pinch her one day and all this would have been a dream.

Yes, life may be hectic, but it was absolutely perfect.

"Treats for Dodger?"

Dodger had been Steve's doing. Well, Natasha also had partly blamed Bucky and Sam for encouraging her husband to pick up the dog from the shelter, but even though she'd been against adding another addition to their already rapidly growing family, the second she'd seen his big brown eyes she'd fallen completely in love with him. The timing had actually worked out perfectly in the end; Dodger had been a year old when Steve had brought him home, so they hadn't had to juggle a puppy alongside a two-year-old Lucy, and Natasha had loved the company whilst Steve had been at work.

The two of them still worked for SHIELD, but Natasha's hours had practically halved, especially when she'd found out she was pregnant - again - with their daughter. Steve had also cut his hours, meaning that he didn't work so late in the evenings, and he was more than happy to take over the role of adult-in-the-house so Natasha could work too, to keep her week varied.

It still baffled her sometimes to realise that this was her life. Whenever she walked through the front door after a day in the office and heard her husband and children laughing about something and Dodger bounding down the corridor to greet her, she had to remind herself that this was real. Her family was the most precise, important part of her life. Every hardship and mountain she'd had to face had all been worth it.

"Dodger has more treats than any dog could possibly need." Natasha reminded her daughter with a small laugh. Luckily, the dog was the most activity creature on the planet, going out every morning with Steve for a run and then joining Natasha and the kids in the park in the afternoon. Otherwise, they'd have a very fat, greedy dog indeed.

"I know!" Archie declared, rushing down the aisle and skidding to a stop right in front of the trolley. "We need to grab more sunscreen!"

Sunscreen would definitely be needed. The weather for the week was forecasted to be absolutely glorious, and they all had ever intention on spending every moment of it outside by the lake.

She should have known that Archie would remember. Her son could remember pretty much any fact he read or heard about, and so she often relied on him to keep her on the right path when it came to shopping.

Smiling, she pushed the trolley forward and said, "Lead the way, dude."

~o~O~o~

With the kids spending the night at Wanda's, Natasha had ever intention on seducing her husband tonight. So, after an incredible home-cooked meal, the two of them had settled down on the couch together to watch a movie, and she'd decided that thirty minutes had been long enough.

Steve showed no sign of protest whatsoever when Natasha moved quickly, straddling his hips and crashing her mouth down against his. She kissed her husband every single day - multiple times a day - and yet she'd still never gotten bored of how amazing she felt whenever their lips connected. Whether it was a small peck, a passionate kiss or a slow, sensual one, it warmed her skin and made her feel alive. He made her feel alive. He always had done.

His hands were on her waist instantly, holding her down against him so she could feel exactly what she was doing to him. He wasn't the only one affected by their closeness; her panties were already drenched and her whole body was singing for his touch.

When they broke apart, Steve chuckled. "All these years, and we still can't make it through a movie without making out like teenagers."

Teasing her husband had always been a favourite hobby of hers, so Natasha rolled her hips slightly against the tent that had propped up in his jeans. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did you actually want to watch the movie?"

When she made a half-hearted show of getting off him, Steve growled lowly and tightened his grip on her waist. "Natasha," Her name rolled sinfully off his lips, and a heartbeat later, he was standing up, her legs wrapping around his waist automatically.

She grinned in triumphant, her hands clutching at his hair and pulling his mouth back against hers as he carried her out of the room, up the stairs and into the master bedroom. Steve practically chucked her onto the bed, and she laughed as she bounced across the soft mattress, before rising onto her knees and grabbing his collar so she could yank his mouth back to hers. She was hungry for him. That had never changed.

Quick hands disposed of their clothes in a matter of minutes, and Natasha mapped out her husband's body with her hands, appreciating every line and hard muscle. Steve still worked out religiously, his body was treated as a temple even though he was no longer Captain America. Natasha would still love him if he'd put on an insane amount of weight, but she definitely appreciated just how gorgeous he was without clothes. Honestly, the man was a god, brought down to Earth to drive her crazy with desire.

She squealed when Steve hooked the back of her thighs and caused her to lie flat on her back, but the minute he started to shower her with kisses all around her naked body, her protest died on her tongue. Her hands locked back into his hair, the skin which his stubble grazed burned deliciously and her back arched, presenting her chest to him as he sucked on one nipple and then the other.

"You are so perfect," Steve whispered, not removing his lips from her as he kissed down her stomach, creating a trail of fire. "So perfect, Nat."

Any hope she had of responding verbally was stripped from her the moment her husband's mouth buried itself between her thighs, sucking and nipping at her as if he was starved of her. Settling for moans and whimpers sending him a clear message of just how good he was making her feel, Natasha closed her eyes and threw her head back against the pillows. Their sex life had never died down, even after having two children, but it was such a rarity that they were able to full let themselves go, so she was intending on making the most of it tonight.

She loved her children more than anything, but it felt so good to finally be able to scream her husband's name again.

She'd buy Wanda a massive box of chocolates for agreeing to babysit them - and the dog.

Steve got her impossibly close to the edge, but before she could tip over into that blissful oblivion, he took his mouth away.

Natasha raised her head to glare at him for being such a tease, but he'd already covered her body with his and had entered her with one shift, powerful surge of his hips before she could say anything. Instantly, she grinded her hips against his, relishing the fact that with every thrust, her bundle of nerves struck his pubic bones. He was so deep inside her, filling her to the brim, that she knew she'd feel him tomorrow with every stride. That promise alone drove her crazy.

Her sex clenched around him. With every inward thrust, he dived deep, stroking that sweet spot inside her. With every outward pull, she felt empty and desperate for him, only for him to ram himself back to the hilt. Over and over and over again.

Her nails clawed at his back, desperate to leave their mark on his skin. She had no idea what was coming out of her mouth or if it was even in English, but whatever she was saying encouraged Steve to go faster. Harder. Deeper.

So, so good. She could die of this. Of wanting him, of needing him. Of loving him.

Their releases couldn't be held off for much longer, curtesy of a few nights of simply being too tired from long days to tangle in the sheets together. Panting, Steve emptied himself inside her, rolling his hips a few more times. She was incredibly sensitive, but she sighed as he pulled out. In a few minutes, she had no doubt that round two would be happening. Their stamina and sex-drive were two more things that had never lessened over the years.

As her husband collapsed beside her, Natasha turned her head and asked, "What are you thinking about?"

He leaned down to nuzzle into her neck, his breathing just as rapid as hers. "I'm thinking about how much I love you, and how good you feel when I make love to you." He admitted, kissing her skin and nipping at her collarbone. "I'm thinking about how in a few days time, I'll be having to watch my wife strut around in a bikini whilst I'll have to keep my hands to myself. I'm sure Fury's house is big enough that I can have my wicked way with you in various places without anyone suspecting a thing."

Steve Rogers, a man known for being heroic and selfless and pure, was already planning on fucking her in their boss' holiday home. Just when she thought she couldn't possibly love him anymore than she already did, he proved her wrong.

She scratched lightly against the back of his neck, silently commanding him to never stop his ministrations against her breasts as his lips savoured them. "Oh, I don't know. I also like it when we're going at it in places where anyone could walk past and hear us." She always locked the door, simply because the sight of her husband naked was something that only she would ever be allowed to see.

"You're so dirty," He commented, but the deepness to his voice showed just how much he approved of her statement. "I want you, Nat." His hands spread across her hips, bracketing them. "I always want you."

"You'll always have me," She told him, but this time, she would be the one taking the reins. They had all night, which meant they'd be exploring several different positions, but even if they stayed in boring old missonary for the next few hours, she'd be the most satisified woman in the entire world.

She moved to straddle him, lining herself up with his already hard cock and sinking down, gasping as he filled at at this angle. Riding him was one of her preferred positions; it made him feel even bigger than he already was.

Even though they were half-way through a night of insane, passionate sex, the look Steve gave her in that moment was so tender that it stole the breath from his lungs. "I love you, Nat."

Leaning down, she kissed him, her tongue slow as she explored his mouth. When she broke away, his gaze was glassed over with need and adoration, a sight she'd never get tired of seeing. "I love you. My heart has always been yours."

~o~O~o~

Fury had invited absolutely everyone to his lakehouse. As Steve drove up the gravel drive towards the impressive building, he noticed several cars already outside it. In the passenger seat beside him, Natasha looked ready to burst with excitement. In fact, she'd been just as giddy as the kids this morning - if not more.

Waiting for them was Nick Fury, a beaming smile on his face as they got out the car. After shaking hands with Steve, embracing Natasha warmly and exchanging in the secret handshake that he'd formed with the children last year, Nick took on the role of host and led them all into the house with their bags. The inside of the house was impossibly big; the design open and yet somehow filled with various furniture everywhere. Everything had been hand selected to go together, and it seemed the entire house had been cleaned and polished within an inch of its life, yet Steve knew without a doubt that Fury ensured that it was always kept in such condition, whether he was expecting guests or not.

It really was breath-taking, and Steve could understand completely why Fury loved his lakehouse so much. It was the perfect escape from the business of the city, and from being the Director of SHIELD.

The Roger family had two rooms between them which interlocked by two doors. Each room had it's own ensuit, but none of them were going to be unpacking. Already, they could hear their friends outside and Steve could smell a BBQ already going. Packing could definitely wait till later, before Archie and Lucy went to bed.

All of them headed outside, joining their friends and exchanging hugs and hellos. There were so many people that it seemed impossible for one house to be able to accommodate everyone, but then again, the house was practically a mansion. Fury's invitations had gone out to every Avenger and their family.

Even Banner was there, still in Hulk form. Archie and Lucy ran straight for their uncle and clambered up his large arms, using him as a climbing frame. Steve did shout over for them to be careful, but he knew Banner would never let a single hair on them come to any harm, so he rejoined Natasha, wrapping an arm around her waist and accepting the drink that Maria Hill offered.

By the waters edge, Laura and her children were splashing in the water, with Rhodey showing Cooper how to skim rocks over the water. Lucy spotted her cousins and rushed to join them. Archie remained with Banner, no doubt asking him all sorts of questions regarding his recent research. Steve noticed with surprise - and joy - that even Thor was here, as the Asgardian ruffled Archie's russet hair affectionately as he passed. Archie idolised all of his uncles, and Thor was no exception; the young boys eyes went wide as saucers as he looked up at the God of Thunder.

Wanda and Bucky were stood talking in one corner, a relaxed set to their shoulders. Dodger had joined them, hopeful that Wanda would give him some of her food as she always did. She was worse than Natasha when it came to giving in to those puppy-dog eyes of his.

Scott Lang waved over from his spot in the shade, where a very pregnant Hope was currently resting on a deck chair, her hand on her rounded belly and a gentle smile on her face as she appreciated the gentle breeze. With them stood Morgan, who had just approached with a fruit kebab which she handed over to the pregnant woman with a beaming, proud smile on her face.

"She's been Hope's biggest helper recently," Pepper commented from her place at Maria Hill's side, a drink in one hand. The happy expression on her face meant absolutely everything to Steve, and he knew his own wife felt the same - Pepper deserved happiness. It was clear their friend still missed Tony every single day, but Pepper was the strongest person on the planet, and she'd been there for Natasha through every step of Natasha's pregnancies. No doubt, she'd been there for Hope too, even though her daughter was doing an excellent job by herself.

A boat whizzed past on the lake, driven by Happy, with Peter Parker water-boarding behind it. It looked as if it was all going well, until he snagged one of the waves created by the boat itself and toppled into the water. Everyone on the shore had scene and laughed, especially when Happy hadn't noticed he was trailing a drenched Peter behind him.

The afternoon faded into the evening quicker than anyone wanted, but the energy and chilled atmosphere did not falter once. Fury had taken the role of host and chef quite seriously, cooking up enough food on the BBQ to feed a small army. Which, to be honest, was exactly what this gathering was made up of.

Kissing Natasha's temple, Steve headed down to the water where his children were eating with their cousins. He'd noticed Lucy yawning and Archie rubbing his eyes a few times already, and they'd had a long drive up here, so it was certainly time for bed. Sure enough, Lucy couldn't even make up back to the house, so Steve picked her up and carried her up to the room with Archie leading the way. Natasha joined them, and after their children had washed, dressed for bed and settled down in the sheets, both parents remained with them for a little while, simply watching them. Dodger had jumped up onto Archie's bed, where he'd probably spend the entire night.

"They're so perfect," Natasha whispered, wrapping her arms around Steve's side and resting her head against his arm.

He nodded in agreement, overcome with a surge of emotion at watching his two children so content and peaceful. He'd never taken a single day with them for granted, and he never would. They were a blessing he'd never imagined he would ever receive, just like this wonderful woman in his arms.

"Should we head back downstairs?" Steve asked her gently. He'd be more than content to spend the night upstairs with her and their sleeping children, but it had been years since they'd been with all their friends. When Fury had first told them about his plan, Steve wasn't sure which out of him and Natasha had been more thrilled at the idea.

His wife contemplated for a second, her brow furrowing in that way he always found adorable, even after being so used to all her little tells. "I want to watch the sunset from the balcony," The two rooms had wide glass doors that led out onto an adjoining balcony, which showcased the lake beside the house along with the massive garden. Steve couldn't think of a better idea, so he happily headed out with his wife at his side, his arm remaining round her slender waist.

Sure enough, the sun was just setting over the hills in the distance, staining everything with an amber light. Below them in the garden, their friends continued eating, drinking and laughing. The entire atmosphere was both peaceful and fun - Peter, Thor and Happy had all started a diving competition into Fury's pool, with Sam and Wanda being the judges. Bucky stood with Maria Hill and Fury, whilst Pepper and Laura sat with Hope and Scott, probably giving them some well-treasured tips and advise. The Barton kids were still by the shore, having perfected their rock skimming, and Banner had joined in, although his pebbles were more boulder-sized and quickly sank beneath the water.

"I still pinch myself every single morning when I wake up," Natasha admitted, her voice so quietly that she could barely be heard over the chatter and music below them, but Steve could still pick up her words. His senses had always been heightened to her. "I really can't believe this is my life. That I found you, and have gained all these wonderful friends, and our two angels." She glanced over her shoulder, back into the room where Lucy and Archie were fast asleep, drained from such an exciting trip up here.

Tomorrow, they'd all play in the lake, having meals with their friends and spending the evening around the fire, watching the sunset. This week was already going to be the best week away ever. Who needed the Caribbean, when you had friends and family like this?

Steve kissed her temple, smiling against her skin. "Thank you, Natasha, for bringing me such happiness." Without her, Steve would never have learnt how it felt to love someone so deeply, to put your heart entirely in their hands and know they would protect it with everything they had. Natasha had taught him so much about himself that he'd never believed in before her. She was absolutely remarkable, and he was the luckiest man in the entire universe because he got to call her his.

She turned in his arms, her own wrapping around his waist as she tilted her head up to look at him. Those emerald eyes he'd fallen for all those years ago - and every day since - radiated with such joy that it took Steve's breath away. "Thank you, for this adventure." Every dip and bump in the road, every battle and dangerous situation, every argument and every moment of bliss had all led up to this. To both of them finding their happy endings, with each other, and learning to accept themselves for who they were. "I love you so much, Steve."

"I love you, Nat." He leaned down and kissed her, just as the setting sun disappeared, leaving the stars to glisten in the sky like a thousand tiny diamonds.

~o~O~o~

There we go, the end!

I'm sorry once again that this took so long to upload, but I just couldn't bring myself to part with this story! I'm sorry I kept you guys waiting, I just wanted to try and make the perfect ending!

So, we have Natasha and Steve and their beautiful family, surrounded by the people who they met along their journey who helped shape them into the people they are now. I truly feel like these two characters have changed and grown so much in this story, and I love the fact I was able to give them such a happy ending!

Also, did you notice the full circle? This story started with a balcony seen at night, when neither of them knew where their lives would take them, and it finished with a balcony as the night draws in, with both of them looking forward to tomorrow!

I'd like to thank every single one of you for your support! Whether it was you favouriting the story, following it, reviewing it or simply reading it, it means so much that you've enjoyed this journey!

There will be more Steve and Nat stories in the future, I promise! I'll get my thinking hats on. If you have any prompts or ideas, please send them by way! I'd love to bring them to life for you!

- E x