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~
The next morning, when Natasha found herself waking up first, she indulged herself with the view beside her. The sun was starting to make it's way into the room, creeping past the blinds and lightning everything with an amber glow. The jungle nearby was alive with the sounds of chirping birds and other wildlife that she one day hoped to be able to recognise. But, as lovely as the sunlight and the birds were, they paled in comparison compared to the man at her side.
Her husband lay beside her, his eyes still closed and his breathing heavy, but she wondered if he'd already woken and simply decided to go back to sleep. Peace was something that neither of them would take for granted ever again, so a quiet morning was something to be cherished right now. Besides, she didn't have it in her to wake him, not when he looked so at ease.
She took in the features of his face, how the morning glow highlighted them, making him look like a golden angel. her own fallen angle. Her heart ached at the sight of him. He really was perfect, and she couldn't believe she was lucky enough to call him hers, even after years of being married to him.
Years. Their marriage hadn't been typical. Their entire relationship hadn't been typical, but then again, neither of them had lead normal lives. The fact that they had found each other, had found this love and helped it to grow to this strength, showed that they had won. The world hadn't given them the easiest of starts, but they'd both overcome everything, and Natasha knew that her prize for facing all of that, was that she had this beautiful man at her side forever.
Blessed didn't even cover how she felt about that.
"Nat," Her name came out in a quiet, sleepy mumble that was so adorable that it had her smiling instantly upon hearing it. Steve's eyes didn't flicker open. "Are you watching me?"
"Can you blame me?" She asked, not moving from her position; lying on her side, her arm bent so she could rest her head up onto her hand, getting the perfect view of all his face. If there was a God, he had certainly taken his time creating something so beautiful.
Steve's lips curled up in his own smile, that beloved dimple of his making an appearance. "Creep," He teased, and his rich laugh filled the room when Natasha smacked him on the chest for that comment.
Damn him and that sculptured chest, that irresistible smile. She leaned forward so she could graze her nose along his cheekbone. "Last night was perfect." She told him softly. For the first time in a long time, she had felt feather-light, no longer burdened with responsibility and guilt. It had just been the two of them, the rest of the world forgotten about for a few hours.
"It was," He agreed, and his eyes finally opened, the blue in them sparkling as he gazed up at her. "If I said I wished it never ended, what would you say?"
She bit her lower lip, trying to stop herself from grinning like a love-struck fool. How did he manage to turn her insides to mush with just a look and some words? "I'd say," Her mouth brushed against his ear and she caught the lobe between her teeth, playing biting down on it. "How about we start our morning the right way, Captain?"
Steve was upon her within seconds.
~0~0~0~0~0~
Panting, Natasha lay sprawled out across her husbands side, her fingers delicately drawing invisible parts over his abs, enjoying the dips and hardened muscle. "I think we missed breakfast." She commented, even though her tone betrayed the fact that food had been the very last thing on her mind. Last night truly had been perfect, and this morning had been no different. Now, sated and floating in the aftermath of endless orgasms, Natasha finally admitted that her stomach was rather empty.
Steve's hand continued to stroke her back, moving up and down absentmindedly, as if he'd done such a thing countless times over the years that the action now required no thought at all. "Hmm, we definitely worked up quite the appetite." He commented, chuckling when Natasha tilted her head up to give him a look.
"Smartass," She shot back playfully, and she tried not to squeal as his hand that had been soothing her back suddenly grasped her behind.
"Fine ass," He replied, squeezing.
"You're incorrigible."
Steve raised an eyebrow. "You're a fine one to talk." But, then her stomach rumbled, not wanting to be forgotten about, and he chuckled. "Let's shower and get some food."
"Hmm, such a good husband." Natasha patted his chest, but they both got out of bed and headed for the bathroom. Satisified from their earlier activity, they managed to wash without hands wondering too far, and Natasha laughed when Steve had to duck his head enough so she could reach. As she rubbed the shampoo into his locks, she once again realised how long it was starting to get, but she didn't mind it at all. Memories of how her hands had pulled on it last night and this morning came rushing back to her, and she quickly pushed him back under the water before she could loose herself to her desires once more.
Steve quickly cooked them up something, and they sat down together on one of the large couches, Natasha resting with her feet in his lap when they were both done. She purred in approval as Steve started to rub her feet without needing to be asked.
"Nat," He said, and when he looked over to her, she knew that look well enough to know that this was going to be a serious conversation, and that she should ready herself. "Tony's funeral is in two days."
Instantly, something sank in her chest, and guilt once again ate away at her. She'd spent the last twelve-hours lost in the throws of passion with her husband, whilst somewhere out in the world, Pepper Potts was sorting the last few details of her own husbands wedding.
As if he could see exactly where her thoughts were going, Steve said softly, "Natasha, we both agreed that we were not going to take our lives for granted. Tony wouldn't want you suffering, not when you don't deserve to."
She swallowed, but she heard the truth in her husbands words. "When do we leave?" She asked, trying to resist the urge to bite her lower lip or fiddle with her hands. She felt suddenly restless, as if she should be helping in some way, finding anything to do that would make up for everything that Tony Stark had done for her. The life he had helped her find.
"Wednesday morning, the funeral is the same afternoon." A short visit, so not to crowd Tony's family after the service. And, perhaps, a short visit so the remaining Avengers could mourn in their own ways.
Another sharp pang struck her as she asked, "And Clint's?"
"Friday,"
Her eyes closed. Friday seemed so far away, and yet far too soon all at the same time. Friday, she would say a final goodbye to her best friend. Friday, she would be at his funeral, somewhere she hadn't planned on being for decades yet, when they had both aged and led the lives they had dreamed of having. Friday, when she would finally see Laura and the kids again, only to have to see them go through saying goodbye to the person who had sacrificed everything for them.
A gentle squeeze on her ankle brought her back to reality, and only then did she realise how laboured her breathing had become. "Sweetheart, it'll be okay." He whispered. "They miss you, terribly. They just want to see you."
Her mouth felt dry, and she tried not to remember how Clint had begged her to tell them that he loved them, right before he'd given his life for that damn stone. She would tell them exactly that, and she silently vowed there and then that she would protect the Barton's till her last breath. Her family.
"I miss them so much." She admitted, when she found the courage and strength to talk again. She met Steve's eyes and found nothing but understanding and love reflecting in that blue gaze. It steadied her, comforted her, grounded her. She inhaled and exhaled, again and again, until her breathing returned to normal.
"Come here," Steve requested softly, stopping the massage so Natasha could crawl over the couch and nestle into his side almost instantly. "I love you, Nat."
She closed her eyes again, letting the scent of him and the sound of his voice surround her, and let it soothe her aching heart. "I love you." She whispered, her head resting against his chest as she listened to the gentle thudding of his heartbeat.
In two days, they would go to the funerals of their two friends, the two heroes that had saved this planet by giving the ultimate sacrifice. Natasha just hoped that, when the time came, she would be brave enough to say goodbye.
~0~0~0~0~0~
Later that evening, their friends showed up at the door. It seemed somewhat surreal to Steve, to be sat around the table playing cards with all of them again, as if the last five years had never happened. But, it had. He'd lost them all, for five whole years, and had given everything to get them back. He hadn't realised just how much he had missed them, all for different reasons. Bucky, because Bucky had shaped him into the person he was today and would always be at his side. Sam, who had helped and supported him without question, who would walk through fire for the people he cared about. And Wanda, who had lost so much, but yet continued on through every day. A warrior through and through, just like Natasha.
His wife had been quiet since their brief discussion about the approaching funerals, and he couldn't blame her. But, he hated seeing that expression on her face, the one where she looked like she had lost herself to thoughts that ate away at her. So, Steve had contacted the others and suggested they all spent the evening together, so Natasha could focus on something else.
She sat across from him at the table, smiling as Sam asked her yet again if she was cheating, because she was certainly whipping their asses at cards - and had been doing so all night. The smile wasn't a full smile that lit her eyes, but it was a smile nonetheless, enough to fool everyone that didn't know her as well as Steve did. Steve brushed his foot against hers under the table, and a second later, he felt her return the gentle nudge.
"Have you heard from Banner yet?" Bucky asked Steve, somewhat out of the bloom, as they finished another round and Steve reshuffled the cards.
Sam, who was still recovering from losing so badly, looked up in interest. Wanda shifted in her seat, but it was Natasha who spoke first, raising an eyebrow as her eyes locked directly with Steve's, "Why would you be waiting to hear from Banner?"
At that, Bucky's expression instantly changed from one of casual curiosity, to apologetic as he sat back slightly in his chair.
"Banner has the stones." Steve explained, wishing more than anything that Bucky hadn't brought this up right now. Yes, perhaps Steve should have told his wife straight away about the stones, and he was going to this morning, but then he decided that telling her about the funerals would put her through enough thinking without adding the stones in the mix. "They're safe with him, but they should be returned."
Natasha's face paled.
Sam cleared his throat, clearly sensing the cold tension that was starting to fill the room. "He's probably waiting till after the funerals." He explained to Bucky.
Bucky's eyes darted from Steve, to Natasha, and then back, and it was clear that he realised he'd put his foot in it, because he said quickly, "Yeah, you're probably right."
"Excuse me," Natasha said, her chair scraping across the floor as she abruptly stood and headed for their bedroom, closing the door behind her.
Steve's head fell into his palm.
"Man, I'm sorry." Bucky said, keeping his voice down. "I thought she knew."
"I should have told her." Steve said with a small sigh, lifting his head and looking towards the closed door, where he knew his wife was probably pacing - and, most likely, cursing him under her breath. "I just...she has enough going on right now. I'll be back."
Wanda gave him a sympathetic half-smile as Steve got up and went after his wife.
When he opened the door, Natasha paused from walking across the room, and the look she gave him would have had most men fleeing for their lives. "When were you going to tell me that Banner still had those stones?" She demanded, not bothering to keep her voice down despite their company.
"This morning." Steve admitted. "But, then I thought...well, with the funerals and everything-"
"I do not need to be coddled, Steve." Natasha snapped. "I don't appreciate being left in the dark, not when it's something as important as this. You should have told me."
"I know." He took a step towards her, but when she sent him a warning glare, he didn't take another. "Sweetheart, I really am sorry."
"And the reason you didn't tell me about them straight away, was because you've signed yourself up to be the one who puts them all back in the correct place?" She assumed, because she knew him better than anyone, and because she could read the guilt that was probably showing all over his face.
He kept his voice gentle as he tried to explain, "Nat, it should be me-"
"Why does it have to be you?" She threw her hands in the air and then resumed her pacing, eyes locked with his. "Why do you have to be the one to put yourself in danger like that? You have no idea the dangers of going back in time - again - to six different places, to put those stones back."
"It should be me, Nat. The other's aren't ready-" Bucky and Sam had both offered almost instantly, on the day they'd all returned to Wakanda, and Natasha had been with Shuri. They had gathered with T'Challa, Okoye and Wanda as they video-conferenced Banner and tried to set a plan in place.
Her glare was hot enough to burn through vibraninum. "You don't always have to be the hero, Steve!"
The accusation stung, and he couldn't stop himself from flinching at the harshness of her tone, not the words themselves. "Nat, I'm not trying to be anything. I'm just being practical."
"You kept something from me." This time, her voice shook ever so slightly, the only sign of her conflicting emotions that raged through her body. "We promised we'd always be honest with one another. What, did you think I couldn't handle it? That I'm so weak and breakable because I'm not some super-soldier, or I can't control things with my mind? That I'm just human in comparison to all of you?"
"I would never think that!" He didn't mean to speak quiet so loudly, so he lowered his tone to say, "Never, Natasha, have I underestimated you. Never, have I wanted to make you feel like your opinion didn't matter - that you didn't matter. I didn't make this decision lightly, but we went through it over and over again, and it was the best option."
She bristled at him. "You went through it, without me. You could have waited till I woke up."
"We didn't know how long that was going to be." I thought I was losing you, the words almost slipped out. "We needed a plan, so that after the funerals, the stones could be returned. It's too much of a risk keeping them in the present. They could easily end up in the wrong hands again. That's why we had to make the decision, and I'm sorry you weren't there for it. I'm sorry I didn't tell you straight away, I really am."
Natasha paused, scanning his face, and for a moment, he thought she believed just how sorry he was, until she said, "If you're going to insist on being the one to return those stones, then I am going with you."
He should have known she'd suggest that, which made what he was about to say so much harder, "No, you're not." He'd never given her an order like this, refused to let her do something she set her mind to doing. Never, had he pulled rank on her. But, her going with him was not an option.
Baring her teeth, she snapped, "You don't get to tell me what to do, Steve."
"You're not coming with me, Natasha." His voice was solid, unyielding. This was one thing he wasn't going to compromise on.
The fire, the irritation, the betrayal, in her eyes didn't lessen. It practically burnt holes into his skin, and he hated that he had made her feel like he'd gone behind her back. "I didn't make this decision lightly, Nat." He willed her to understand. How could he expect Sam or Bucky to put themselves at such a risk?
"You surely couldn't have expected me to be fine with this." She snapped.
"I knew you wouldn't be, and I understand that. But, Nat, Banner and I have gone through this several times now, and I know what to avoid, what risks to look out for."
"Then I'm coming with you."
"No." His jaw locked, and he saw that wild flash of anger that radiated through her emerald eyes, directed straight at him and what he was doing. His stomach twisted as he fought against himself; he'd never stood in her way before, and yet here he was, demanding that she stayed behind and waited for him togo through this, alone. It was risky, but he couldn't let someone else take those risks, not when he had the best chance at returning those stones and remaining undetected.
Her arms folded over her chest, a warning that he was on limited time, before her patience with him truly ran out. "Why." Not a question, a demand.
Running a hand through his hair, Steve realised that it was time to be brutally honest, even though there was a risk of upsetting her. "Because when that soul stone gets returned, there's no telling what will be waiting at that mountain. I will not let you go back there when you're not ready. You don't deserve to put yourself through that hell for a second time."
Natasha froze. He could practically see her mind send her back to whatever had been lurking on that planet, to her final moments with her best friend as she attempted to save him, but hadn't been able to stop him from giving his life for that stone. Steve could still remember the screams and cries that had erupted from her when Natasha had returned, by herself, how she'd glared down at the stone as if she'd never hated anything more.
There was no way she was ready to face that planet again, not when it wasn't possible to get Clint back. This was the one time Steve would put his foot down about her not participating in a mission, because he was trying to protect her. He'd always protect her, even if she hated him for it until she understood.
Then, her legs seemed to give out on her, and Steve closed the distance between them just as she sat herself on the edge of the bed, steading herself. He knelt down in front of her, hesistant to reach up and cup her face as he wished he could, because he would respect it if she didn't want him to.
"Sweetheart," He said softly, wishing she'd just look at him. "I'll come back to you."
"You can't promise that." Natasha whispered, and the truth of why she was so angry at him came to light. She worried about him, more than she worried for her own life. He understood that, because he felt the exact same way. He'd been terrified all those days when she'd been under, when she'd just been lying on the table waiting for her body to recover whilst he had no idea what was happening to her. He could understand why she hated that he was doing this alone.
"I can promise that I will do everything in my power to return to you." He vowed, and this time, he did reach up and touch her, his fingers grazing under her chin to lift her head up. Those emerald eyes that he loved so much were glistening with tears that she was fighting to hold back. "It'll be one minute, Nat. Those stones have to go back."
Her voice was so quiet when she replied that he barely heard the words, "I know."
His other arm wrapped around her back as he straightened up, his body between her legs as they parted to allow him closer. "Natasha, I promise that nothing will stand between me and getting back to you."
A tear slid down her face, and he caught it with his thumb, gently brushing over her soft skin. "I love you so much, Steve." Her voice wobbled slightly, but the strength and truth behind her words were evident, and it eased the ache in his chest greatly.
"You're the most important person in my life." He assured her. "I love you with everything that I am, with my entire heart, Natasha. I'm sorry that I didn't tell you straight away."
Gently, she covered her hand with his, barely covering it, their fingers entwining as she lifted his palm to her mouth and kissed it. "You were waiting for me to be ready to hear it."
Relief washed through him, but it did little to push away the guilt that he felt about not telling her. Yes, he'd been waiting for the right moment, and waited even longer after their discussion about the upcoming funerals because that conversation had showed that Natasha still had so much healing to do. They both did, but he knew they'd help each other through it, no matter how long it took.
He looked up at her, reading the emotions that dwelled in those emerald eyes. Natasha gazed down at him, and then tugged at his hand, pulling him up. Steve willing went with her, closing his eyes as her lips brushed against his softly, before the kiss deepened. At the gentle, exploring stroke of her tongue against his, Steve softened, his body relaxing almost completely.
When they broke apart at last, it was an effort to remember that they weren't alone. "Should I ask them to leave?" Steve asked, for their benefit as well as their friends, who were probably just sat awkwardly at the table trying to keep themselves occupied.
But, Natasha shook her head. "I like having them here."
Relieved, because he also enjoyed having their company surrounding them, Steve rose to his feet and gave his wife his hand. She took it, smiling softly at his gentlemanly ways. He pulled her against him once she was stood, stealing one more kiss before saying, "I really am sorry, Nat."
"I forgave you the first time you told me that." She assured him gently, her eyes flickering over his face, her hand coming up to brush against his cheek. "I know you never did it to hurt me. But," Her fingers squeezed his chin. "Next time you keep something from me, I'll kick your ass, Rogers."
His chuckle of amusement was heart-felt as he replied, "There won't be a next time."
~0~0~0~0~0~
Tony's funeral came around faster than Natasha had been ready for.
That morning, she had seen Steve pause before the mirror as he had shaved, as if catching himself in memories shared with their billionaire friend, who would no longer walk among them with his witty ways and unnecessarily blunt remarks. Natasha had walked up to her husband, wrapped her arms around his waist, and hugged him from behind as he often did to her whenever she needed that comfort and support. Tony had been a friend to both of them, despite their somewhat rockier times. When Steve squeezed her hand, she knew he was showing that he appreciated having her with him. Then, not wanting to leave his side, Natasha had turned him around and taken the shaver from his hands, finishing up for him and wiping away the remaining shaving-foam before kissing him lightly.
Like everything that Pepper Potts set her mind to, the service had been beautifully planned out, simple but memorable. It had been a private occasion, with a small guest list, and hosted at Tony's house in the woods. Natasha hadn't been able to stop from tearing up as she heard both Pepper and little Morgan talk about what a wonderful father Tony Stark had been.
After the ceremony, Happy had approached her, and Natasha had embraced her old friend tightly. His presence bought back so many memories which felt like a lifetime ago, but even after all these years, Happy hadn't changed. The way he watched over Morgan proved that Tony's little girl would always have someone to talk to, as well as her mother.
When Natasha had introduced Happy to Steve, he almost looked ready to worship the ground that Steve walked on, and her husband had indulged in several conversations with the man, enjoying some of the stories that Happy told him about those early days.
Leaving the two of them to talk, Natasha slipped through the trees to where Pepper stood by the lake. Nearby, Morgan was learning how to skim rocks over the water, being shown what to do by Peter, who was taking the role of mentor quite seriously. Pepper's smile on her face wasn't forced as she watched them, but Natasha knew why the sadness lingered; Tony wouldn't be there to show his daughter so many things.
"The service was beautiful." Natasha commented, knowing that sneaking up on Pepper was quite an easy thing to do, and she'd hate to startle the blonde out of her thoughts. But, as Natasha stopped at her side, Pepper turned to face her and gave her a thankful dip of her head.
"I told him that we'd be fine." Pepper admitted, and Natasha knew exactly what the woman was referring to. God, how long had it been since the two of them used to venture into New York together, picking out scraps of lace from Victoria Secret before returning to the tower? Now, as they stood together, their circumstances couldn't be any different. "That it was okay, for him to do what he did."
"He'll never be forgotten." Natasha told her, a silent promise. None of them would let what Tony did fade into history. "He did it to ensure that you guys would be safe. He loved you, very much."
Pepper's hand rested over her heart, but she said softly, "Fighting alongside him on that battlefield...it made me fall in love with him all over again."
Natasha understood that, better than most people. She risked a glance behind her, to where Steve was still talking to Happy, no doubt listening to yet another tale about Natalie Rushman, the part-time model, part-time assistant. When Steve caught her gaze, he gave her a soft smile. Are you okay? His eyes asked.
She didn't have to dip her head. He read her facial expression and knew she was okay.
"Treasure it, Natasha." Pepper told her, having witnessed the brief exchange between the married pair.
Instantly, Natasha blushed, feeling guilty for whatever reason, even though she knew her friend would never try to make her feel bad for the fact her husband was standing amongst them, while Tony was gone. "Pepper, I-"
"I saw what you did on that field." Pepper went on, before Natasha could stumble on her words. "I never thanked you, in all the years I've known you, for everything you've done for me, for Tony. He always needed someone to call him out, it made me feel better whenever I wasn't around, knowing you'd keep him from straying off the wrong path."
Natasha expected her heart to tighten, but it didn't. Instead, she was filled with a feeling of warmth from Pepper's gratitude, the knowledge that she hadn't failed Tony Stark, that he really had been a good friend of hers. Natasha's eyes flicked to the two shapes by the water, the young girl watching everything the teenager did with avid concentration. "She's just like him."
Nothing but love shone in Pepper's eyes as she too turned her attention to the two of them. "They both are."
~0~0~0~0~0~
The weather on Friday was perfect. A crisp breeze shifted the fallen leaves surrounding the farmhouse when the cars pulled up outside. The sun shone brightly in the cloudless sky above them, and as Natasha stepped out of the vehicle that had taken her and Steve to the church, she noticed how the light reflected on the wood of the treehouse.
Whilst Tony's service had been done at home, Clint's had taken place at a church not far from here, large enough for Banner to get in and out of without having to duck too much under the doorway. Wanda, Bucky and Sam had returned to Wakanda with the King and his family, whilst Steve and Natasha had been invited to spend the night at the farmhouse. Although the thought of entering Clint's house without him made breathing difficult, Natasha knew that Laura needed company, and that the children also needed the comfort that came with having familiar faces with them.
On the drive back, Steve's hand had rested on her knee, her thumb brushing back and forth as he asked her quietly, "He would be so proud of you, Nat." She had given her speech, her words a goodbye and a thank you to the man who had been the first to offer her kindness, to give her a chance. Somehow, she'd managed to keep herself together, until she'd sat back down on the wooden bench. Steve's arm had gone round her shoulders instantly, and she buried herself into his side, finally letting her tears silently fall.
"Do you think they know? That we won?" Wanda had asked after the service, as the guests had left the church and said their goodbyes to each other, by the jet that would transport the others back to Wakanda, Banner joining them to set up things ready for the stones return journey. Natasha tried not to think about that, too.
"Yes. I think they do." Natasha had responded, thinking that perhaps wherever Clint's soul had gone to, Pietro had been there to welcome him. The thought of the two of them not being alone soothed her.
The farmhouse seemed quiet, too quiet, so Natasha stepped outside onto the porch. When the door behind her opened and shut, she knew who it was without turning her head. Being a spy meant she memorised the sound of people's footsteps, made her able to differentiate between how one person walked compared to another. She released an exhale, a breath she felt she'd been holding ever since they'd arrived at the church all those hours ago.
For a moment, the two woman stood there in silence, staring at the same exact thing; the treehouse. The treehouse that had been crafted with love and care by a man who had been the best father, who had been the greatest friend and most devoted husband.
"Every time I see that treehouse, I can remember the days that Clint spent up there building it." Laura said softly. "You know, I never thought it was possible for one person to curse as much as he did."
Natasha, despite the sadness that weighed down on her, smiled as she pictured Clint perched up there with a toolbox, even in the hottest hour of the day, wanting to make sure everything was perfect. "He sent me a photo of it as soon as he was done. He was so proud of himself."
Laura chuckled softly, a sound that although it didn't sound forced in the slightest, but one that didn't match her expression. "They spent an entire day and night up there, when it was first built. I had to bribe them down in the morning with cookies. Otherwise, I'm pretty convinced they would have wanted to live up there."
Natasha knew that inside the house, the children where with Steve, sitting on the sofas and talking. It was good for them to open up, to process what had happened today and what it meant, and soon, Natasha and Laura would join them. She felt like a coward for running out here, but being inside the house brought back so many memories that she just needed a moment to breathe again.
"Natasha, I don't want you carrying blame for what happened." Laura said, surprising the former spy with the firmness of her tone. Natasha turned to face her friend slowly. "I'm heartbroken that he had to make that decision, that both of you found yourself in that position, but he knew what he was doing. The kids and I understand what he did, for us. For all of us."
Grief and guilt had eaten away at Natasha ever since she had been reunited with the Barton's. Lila had ran at her and hugged her legs tightly until Natasha had picked her up, practically crushing the child to her in a hug. She'd held Cooper to her side, her hand fussing his long brown hair, while Steve had held up Nathaniel and kissed his cheek affectionately. Then, after placing Lila down gently so the girl could hug her uncle, Natasha had hugged Laura and cried along with her friend.
Laura had held herself together throughout the service, for her children. Standing at her side throughout it, Natasha had reached for the other woman's hand and held it through the entire thing. In front of them, Lila constantly glanced over to check her mother was okay.
Now, as she looked at the woman that had become family, Natasha felt as if she couldn't string a sentence together. She shouldn't be the one being comforted right now. Yes, she'd lost her dearest friend, but Laura had lost her husband and the father to her children. Yet, the brunette was so brave, perhaps the bravest person Natasha had ever met, because she got out of bed every morning, put on a smile, and made sure her children and everyone else were okay.
"I love you," Natasha told her. "I love you, and your beautiful children, with my whole heart. I'll always be here for you."
Laura's smile lit her eyes. "We love you very much, Natasha. Whatever the future holds for you and Steve, you will always have a home here with us."
So, with the breeze stirring their long hair and the sun shining down on them, the two women embraced, and the rest of the world paused for them.
~0~0~0~0~0~
"This is going to be the longest minute of my life." Natasha mumbled, biting her lower lip as she fought against the urge to fling her arms around her husband and refuse to let him go.
Instantly, Steve leaned down and claimed her mouth. "I love you." He whispered against her mouth. When he pulled back, his eyes locked with hers, even as Banner checked over his suit once again, ensuring everything was how it should be.
Natasha pushed down on that queasy feeling inside her, not wanting to throw up in front of everybody. Across from her, stood next to the small dais that Banner had constructed over the last two days, Bucky and Sam were waiting.
Gazing back to her husband, Natasha tried to summon any scrap of courage that was left, even though the thought of what Steve was about to do had kept her up all night. Steve had sensed her worry, and had made love to her, promising endlessly that he'd come back to her. Still, she'd woken up this morning and not wanted the day to continue, not for a little while yet.
"I love you too." Natasha said, meeting his blue gaze. He seemed confident enough about the task in front of them, but none of them could know exactly what would be waiting for him, what sort of risks he'd be facing. "Nothing reckless, Rogers."
He grinned at that. "Nothing reckless," His hand was at the back of her head in a second, his lips crashing against hers even more vigorously than before. Telling herself again and again that this would not be the last kiss she shared with her husband, Natasha melted against him, not caring about their audience.
Then, Sam couldn't seem to resist clearing his throat and saying, "Alright, lovebirds, whenever you're ready."
Natasha made sure she sent him her best glare as Steve's lips left hers, and her husband noticed, because he laughed and pulled her against him, his strong arms wrapping around her. Partly as a hug, partly to stop her from launching herself at Sam, even though she'd known their friend had only been teasing.
"One minute." Steve promised into her ear before they pulled apart and headed for the dais.
Banner dipped his head to them, noticing Natasha couldn't seem to stand still. He quickly went over the details one last time, as he handed Steve the case that contained all six stones. Six trips, six locations, six stones returned to their rightful place. For Steve, none of them knew how long it would take, but for them, it would only be a matter of sixty seconds.
Sixty long, unbearable seconds.
Natasha didn't take her eyes off her husband as he stepped up onto the dais. When he turned, he looked straight down to her and winked. Before she could shove him off the dais for it, Steve disappeared. Stood at Banner's side behind the control panels, Wanda's breath caught.
One, two, three...
"He'll be alright, Nat." Bucky said, stepping to stand at her side. "He knows what he's doing."
Although she'd been so angry with her husband at first for signing himself up for this, Natasha knew that Steve was the only one cut out for the job.
Ten, eleven, twelve...
Counting to herself, Natasha tried to focus on the numbers, on how her lips still tingled from her husband's kiss. His kisses had always been a way of communicating to her; in love, in desire, in need, in search of comfort. His last kiss had been a silent promise, a vow that after this, they would face their future together.
Twenty eight, twenty nine, thirty...
"As long as he doesn't alter the future, nothing will happen, right?" Wanda checked, fidgeting nervously.
Banner nodded in confirmation. "Steve knows the rules."
Forty-two, forty-three, forty-four...
Natasha closed her eyes briefly, trying to hold herself together. Steve knew what he was doing. Those stones were going back where they belonged, where they couldn't be used together to destroy, to control, to overpower. This was for the best, and although her stomach twisted at the thought of Steve facing all of that alone, she had known she hadn't been ready to return to Vormir. Clint's funeral was still too fresh, and Steve had known that, had understood that without judgement.
Fifty-five seconds, and the whirling noise sounded.
As soon as her eyes landed upon him, Natasha was moving. She practically flew up the steps, jumping into his arms and wrapping her legs around his waist, hugging him tightly. Steve's arms locked around hers, holding her with equal strength, before he slowly placed her down on her feet and kissed her with everything he had.
When he pulled away, his forehead rested against hers, blue eyes melting into green. "Told you, I'd be fine."
She shoved him for that, for having the audacity to be cheeky and tease her, but her laughter escaped her before she could hold herself together. Damn him, and that dimple, for being so irresistible, even when she was trying to be annoyed at him.
"Well done, man." Bucky commented, joining them and giving his oldest friend a brotherly hug. Sam was next, making a comment about how he had every faith in America's number one man, and Wanda looked close to tears herself when she hugged Steve. Banner settled for a handshake, which was a relief, considering he had decided to remain in Hulk form for the foreseeable future.
With the stones safely returned, Steve's eyes seemed to glisten with relief. His arm wrapped around Natasha's waist, and she was more than willing to step into the warmth of his body. "We got a future to plan, Mrs Rogers." As always, the sound of her married name sent shivers down her spine, and Natasha felt a lightness to her.
For the first time in a long while, Natasha found herself truly looking forward to what tomorrow would bring.
~0~0~0~0~0~
Okay, so, just to clarify; Steve didn't tell Natasha originally because he truly didn't want to upset her more, because she was still learning how to cope with her grief from losing both Clint and Tony. Steve was going to tell her, but he naturally wants to protect her, so he wanted to wait. He never meant to hurt her, and I made him the one to return the stones because quite frankly, it just made sense.
Anyways, I'm hoping you guys enjoyed this chapter and how we saw our favourite couple really lean on one another and support each other.
Stay tuned, because I have a surprise in the plans for the next few chapters...
- E x