Chapter 17
AN: Thank you so much for the support. I really hope you like this chapter.
January 13th 1961
After four days in the SHIELD medical facility, because Peggy and Howard wanted to make sure Natasha was okay and that Howard's serum worked. Natasha, who is likely to have issues with nutrition for the rest of her life, as well as the other effects from the serum, is finally being released.
Thanks to Peggy and Howard's connections they have been able to adopt Natasha and after consulting with her her name has been changed to Natasha Alianovna Carter-Stark. It is early evening and Doctor Matheson is just finishing up with Natasha.
"Everything looks good," Doctor Matheson says, though both Peggy and Howard have kept details from him for Natasha's protection, as well as his. "I am happy to let you go," Doctor Matheson explains.
"Thank you Doctor Matheson," Peggy says as she and Howard both shake his hand on his way out. "You ready to go?" Peggy asks Natasha.
"Yes," Natasha answers, without hesitation, as she really doesn't like any kind of medical facilities.
"Then let's get out of here, Kiddo," Howard says, causing Natasha to grin, and the three of them head out of the room, and facility, together, Howard and Peggy making sure that Natasha is between them as they walk.
Once they are outside of the facility Howard and Peggy walk straight up Jarvis who is waiting right outside with the car.
"Tasha, this is Mr Edwin Jarvis, he's family. He and his wife Ana live with us," Peggy introduces.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Natasha," Jarvis says, still dealing with the fact that Peggy and Howard are now parents.
"Nice to meet you too," Natasha says, feeling nervous as she was still training and because of that hasn't had much interactions with people outside of the Red Room.
"Jarvis, let's head home," Howard says.
"Of course, Mr Carter-Stark," Jarvis says and while Jarvis and Peggy get in front of the car, Natasha and Howard get in the back.
A little while later Jarvis is pulling the car into the driveway of the Carter-Stark Estate, the property that out of the many they own is the one Peggy and Howard choose to live at.
"Wow," Natasha says in Russian. "Is this a house?" she asks, also in Russian.
"Yes, it is," Peggy confirms, in perfect Russian, not at all surprised that Natasha is a bit overwhelmed by how big the house is.
"This is your new home," Howard says, in Russian that isn't as perfect as Peggy's but is pretty close, as Jarvis stops the car. "Come on. let's go inside," Howard says, making a mental note to become beyond fluent in Russian so Natasha doesn't lose that part of her heritage.
Following Howard, Peggy and Jarvis Natasha gets out of the car and heads inside where Ana is waiting in the foyer.
"Tasha, this is Ana," Howard introduces, and as he does Ana squats down in front of Natasha so that she is more of Natasha's height as unlike Steve with Natasha the serum hasn't made her bigger, and she was already on the small side.
"Hi Tasha, it's a pleasure to meet you," Ana says, with a kind smile, before giving the little girl a hug, causing the others to watch concerned about how she is going to react.
"Hi," Natasha says, as she awkwardly returns the hug.
"I hope you're hungry, we've got plenty of food for dinner," Ana explains, as they break apart.
"I'm a little hungry," Natasha admits.
"Then let's go eat," Peggy says with a smile, as she puts her hand on Natasha's shoulder, and the five of them head to the dining room.
About an hour later, after a dinner where Peggy, Howard, Jarvis and Ana tried to get Natasha to open up and only succeeded a little, Natasha has admitted that she is a little tired and so Peggy and Howard have taken her upstairs.
"Right down there, that's mine and Howard's bedroom," Peggy explains, pointing to a bedroom down the hall. "if you need anything just come to us," Peggy explains to Natasha, who nods.
"And this Tash, is your room," Howard says, opening to the room that Howard and Peggy have been working with Ana and Jarvis to get ready.
"Is it mine, just mine?" Natasha asks amazed, as she looks at the huge room.
"Yes," Peggy confirms. "And your bathroom is through that door just there," Peggy explains, as she points to it.
"Peg and I were thinking that tomorrow we could go shopping so that you can get some clothes, and toys and other stuff you want," Howard explains, knowing her and Peggy have had a debate about just what that shopping trip is going to look like.
"What are toys?" Natasha asks confused, causing Peggy and Howard to exchange pained looks.
"They are things you play with, to have fun," Peggy explains, trying to think of the simplest explanation she can think off.
"Oh, like fighting," Natasha says, with a smile as she understands.
"Sort off," Peggy admits. "Tasha, come sit down," Peggy says, and she and Howard walk over to the little couch that is in Natasha room, and the three of them sit on it. "Howard and I wanted to talk to you about how you're feeling about everything," Peggy admits.
"I am glad to no longer be there," Natasha admits. "But I don't know how to be anything other than what they were making me," Natasha reveals, looking down.
"Now you get to figure it out, Kiddo," Howard says. "Peg, and I are going to do whatever we can to help you," Howard promises.
"And we're always going to be here for you, no matter what," Peggy promises, and as nice as Peggy dan Howard's words are, Natasha isn't sure she can believe them.
"What do I call you?" Natasha asks, looking between Peggy and Howard, and the two of them exchange looks.
"For now let's go with Peggy and Howard," Peggy suggests. "But when you're ready, if you want, and it's okay if you don't, you can call us Mum and Dad," Peggy explains to Natasha, who gives a nod.
"There are pyjamas on the bed, and a toothbrush in your bathroom, if you would like to get ready for bed," Howard explains, Natasha nods and collects the pyjamas form the bed before heading into the bathroom, leaving Howard and Peggy alone.
"She's got a long road ahead of her," Peggy comments, as after seven years being raised and turned into a weapon it will be hard for Natasha to be like a regular kid.
"I know," Howard confirms. "That's why we're going to help her. She's never going to be alone again," Howard says.
"Howard, she got to come first," Peggy says, turning to look at her husband. "No matter what happens, she comes first," Peggy tells Howard as she knows that's how it has to be.
"Always," Howard confirms and the two of them drift into silence while they wait for Natasha to get ready for bed.
A couple of hours later, having made sure Natasha was sound asleep, Peggy and Howard are in Peggy's office making a call with their speaker phone.
"Good evening, Peggy, Howard," Charles greats.
"Hi Charles," Peggy and Howard great.
"Is everything okay?" Charles asks curious. "It seemed important when you said you needed to talk to me," Charles admits.
"It is important," Peggy confirms. "Howard and I have become parents. We've adopted a seven-year-old girl," Peggy explains.
"Congratulations," Charles says, and they can hear the smile in his voice. "I assuming you're calling because she has abilities," Charles says, as that would make sense.
"Not that she has displayed yet, but she is likely going to," Howard explains. "Peg and a team went to the Soviet Union on a mission. She was being experimented on, with uncomplete and butchered versions of the serum that changed Peggy and I, and the super solider serum," Howard explains.
"Where there any other children there?" Charles asks, with a grave sounding voice. "Other children that were experimented on?" Charles asks worried.
"None that survived," Peggy says, with the same grave tone of voice.
"Tasha almost died too," Howard admits. "To save her I made a stabilizing agent from mine and Peggy's blood. My theory is that she will get older slowly, I'm not sure how slow yet, and will gain, strength, speed, and durability," Howard explains. "While also having difficulties with nutrition," Howard explains.
"Howard and I already love Tash; she's already our daughter and it's only been a week," Peggy says. "You have more experience with children with abilities, so we were hoping you could give us some advice," Peggy explains.
"Of course," Charles says. "The most important thing is that when she starts to demonstrate her abilities, don't act afraid. Even if she surprises or shocks you, it is important that you don't act afraid," Charles explains. "Make it clear that you support her, make it clear that she's not alone and help her in whatever way you can, all any child needs is love and support," Charles explains. "It will take her time to control her abilities once they manifest, and you might need to remind her of that," Charles explains.
"Thanks Charles," Peggy says gratefully.
"If she needs need more help, you can call anytime and she's more than welcome at my school," Charles explains.
"Thank you," Howard says sincerely.
"There are a couple of things you should keep an eye out for, especially if you already know Natasha is going to have issues with Nutrition," Charles says, and he continues to explain other things Peggy and Howard should keep their eyes out for.
About half an hour later Peggy and Howard have finished talking to Charles, and they are truly thankful for the advice he gave, and the two of them are standing in the doorway to Natasha's room, watching her sleep, with arms around each other.
February 12th 1961
A month has passed since Peggy and Howard adopted Natasha, and ever since she has slowly been getting used to her new life. As Peggy and Howard don't want to cause Natasha to be too overwhelmed they have elected to keep her out of school until the new school year starts in September. Because of that fact Natasha spend her days either at SHIELD, Stark, or home with Ana and Jarvis. While she is still extremely shy Natasha is starting to open up a little.
It is a Sunday evening and Peggy, Howard, Natasha, Ana and Jarvis are getting ready for 'family dinner'.
"Will I know everyone who will be here?" Natasha asks Peggy curious.
"Almost," Peggy answers. "Lian, who you have met, is bringing her husband William, and Uncle Michael and Aunt Rose are bringing their son MJ, your cousin," Peggy explains, and as she does the doorbell rings. "Do you want to get that?" Peggy asks Natasha curious, and Natasha nods and hurries to the door.
Getting to the door Natasha opens to reveal Michael, Rose, MJ Gabe, Mortia, and Dugan.
"Hey Nat," Michael greats.
"Hi, come in," Natasha says, still feeling a little nervous, but because she has spent a lot of time around them she is a little more comfortable with them.
"Nat, this is MJ," Rose introduces gesturing to the almost two-year-old she is holding.
"Hi," Natasha says as she awkwardly waves at MJ. "Peggy, Howard, Jarvis and Ana are in the living room," Natasha explains, once everyone is inside.
"Thanks Nat," Dugan says to her, and Natasha goes to close the door when she hears,
"Hold the door," so she opens it more revealing Jack, Daniel, Lian, and William; it being Jack who spoke.
"Hey Kid," Jack says as he walks past her and into the house.
"Hi," Natasha says, smiling slightly, as Jack and Daniel give her things when she spends time at SHIELD so she really likes them, and once everyone walks in Natasha closes the door.
"Natasha, this is my husband William. William, this is Natasha," Lian introduces.
"It's nice to meet you, Natasha," William says.
"It's nice to meet you too," Natasha responds, as they head towards the living room.
Over the next few hours Peggy, Howard, Natasha, Ana, Jarvis, Michael, Rose, Dugan, Gabe, Mortia, Jack and Daniel all have an amazing dinner, and hours after, together. even though Natasha is still quiet shy the combination of being around people she already knows, and her old home, causes her to come out of her shell a little.
March 30th 1961
Ever since the first family diner in February, an event that occurs at least once a week, Natasha is still quite shy, but she comes out of her shell a little when she is around people she already knows.
Since they took in Natasha Peggy and Howard have been trying to figure out exactly what the serums have done to Natasha and they have realised that Howard was right and she has gotten stronger, faster and they suspect more durable because her cells have become protected. Along with those positive things Peggy and Howard have also realised that, just like they suspected she would, she has a lot of issues getting enough nutrients and that Howard is monitoring her aging so that he can figure out how long it takes her to get older. Both the good and the bad things have caused Peggy and Howard to rely heavily on Charles's advice, which they have been thankful for.
As it is Michael's second birthday, Peggy, Howard, Natasha, Ana and Jarvis are in the car together on their way to the public park where his birthday party will be taking place.
"Are you okay, Tasha?" Peggy asks concerned, as she looks nervous.
"Should I change my accent? To fit in?" Natasha asks concerned, and Peggy, Howard, Jarvis and Ana all know that she is good with other accents.
"Not if you don't want to," Howard assures her.
"Tasha it's completely choice," Peggy assures her daughter. "If you want to use an American, or even some other accent you can, or you can choose not to. It's completely your choice," Peggy explains to her.
"What about when I start school?" Natasha asks curious.
"Again, it's up to you," Howard assures his daughter, as he puts his arm around her. "Tash, like Peggy said what accent you use is your choice. You choose whatever you're comfortable with," Howard explains.
"Okay," Natasha answers. "I think I'll think about it," Natasha admits, and they drift into silence.
"We're here," Jarvis says, a couple of minutes later as he parks the car at the park.
"Thank you, Mr Jarvis," Peggy says, and she, Howard, Peggy, Ana and Jarvis all get out the car and proceed to help MJ celebrate his second birthday. Despite the age different Nat does run around a little with MJ and the others his age, getting the chance to be an actual kid for the first time.
Eleven Days later
Since MJ's birthday Peggy and Howard have been doing what they can to give Natasha chances to be an actual kid, something which she isn't really used to.
It is early morning on a Monday and just like he does every morning Jarvis walks out to the front and grabs the paper. As he gets the paper he sees that there seems to be a lot of people, and cars, out on the street Infront of the Estate. Looking at the front page of the paper Jarvis realises exactly why that is.
"Oh no," Jarvis says before hurrying inside.
Once inside Jarvis hurries upstairs, and he runs up the stairs just as Peggy and Jarvis start to walk down them.
"Jarvis? Where's the fire?" Howard asks, knowing that in their house it could be an actual fire, but he doesn't remember leaving an experiment or invention running last night which narrows the chances of their being an actual fire.
"Outside," Jarvis says, as he hands Peggy the paper.
Taking the paper Peggy has a look and as she does she shows Howard, causing both of them to look concerned as they see a picture of the two of them with Natasha at MJ's birthday with a caption 'Secret Carter-Stark Kid?' on the front page.
"We've got to figure out a plan," Peggy says, and Howard nods in agreement.
About an hour later Peggy, Howard, and Jarvis have come up with their plan and both Natasha and Ana have woken up, so they are having breakfast, as Peggy and Howard finish explaining what is going to happen.
"I don't understand why they are so interested," Natasha admits.
"Howard and I have public profiles, and that means that there are people who feel entitled to details about our lives," Peggy explains. Even though it took her time she has gotten rather used to the public profile part of hers and Howard's life, but she is very glad that most of their lives is still a secret to the public.
"That doesn't seem fair," Natasha comments, with a frown.
"It's not, not really," Howard admits. "Peg and I are going to shield you from as much as possible," Howard explains, and Natasha nods.
"Tasha, are you finished breakfast?" Peggy asks as she knows that Natasha hasn't had bites to eat in a little while.
"Yep,"
"Then, you and I are going leave through the back entrance, while Howard and Jarvis leave out the front," Peggy explains.
"Where are we going?" Natasha asks curious.
"SHIELD, for a little while," Peggy answers. "Later this afternoon Howard is going to give a press conference," Peggy explains.
"Does that me I'm going to have to talk to the media?" Natasha asks, looking a little worried about that.
"No," Peggy and Howard both answer, without hesitation.
"Like Howard and I said, we're going to shield you from the media. So, Howard's going to talk to them alone," Peggy explains to her daughter.
"Okay," Natasha says relieved as she really didn't want to talk to the media.
"If you're ready, grab your bag and we can go," Peggy tells Natasha, who nods and hurries to get her back. "Good luck," Peggy says to Howard as she knows he is going to have a hard time getting out of the Estate with all the media out the front.
"Thanks," Howard says. "I'll see you at SHIELD once Jarvis makes sure we're not followed," Howard says, Peggy nods, and Natasha walks back into the room with her backpack.
"I'm ready," Natasha says and so Peggy gets up, and grabs her stuff, and as she stands Howard also stands up.
"I'll see you later," Peggy says, before kissing Howard.
"See you later," Howard says, and once they break apart Howard hugs Natasha goodbye.
After Howard hugs Natasha goodbye Peggy and Natasha head to the garage to get the car, Peggy planning on leaving via the back entrance, which is hidden and secret, while Jarvis and Howard will leave via the front.
Hours later Peggy and Howard have found out everything that the media know, and thanks to that knowledge Peggy and Howard have been able to formulate their pan.
As it is the best place to hold a press conference on this time Peggy, Howard, Natasha and Jarvis are at the New York Headquarters of Stark Industries, in a different room to the one where the media is gathering.
"Sir, it's time," Jarvis informs Howard.
"Thanks Jarvis," Howard answers.
"Are you going to be okay?" Peggy asks Howard concerned.
"Peg, this is far from the first time I've given a press conference," Howard reminds his wife.
"Let's not go down that road," Peggy tells Howard as there have been a lot of bad things to happen during press conferences that Howard is giving. "Tash, and I will be waiting right here," Peggy promises.
"I know," Howard says, standing up. "I've got this Peg," Howard says, before kissing Peggy.
Once Peggy and Howard break apart he and Jarvis head out into the other room where all the media are. The second Howard, and Jarvis, walk onto the stage, all the media start to take Howard picture, and throw questions at him and so he just raises a hand to quiet them.
"Thank you all for coming today," Howard says. "I'm going to keep this short and simple," Howard admits. "Yes, my wife and I have become parents," Howard confirms. "We've adopted a little girl, and we are beyond happy. We love our daughter dearly and ask that you respect our privacy as we help her adjust to her new home," Howard says, before heading off the stage, with Jarvis.
Once he is in the other room Howard walks straight over to Peggy and Natasha, where he hugs them both, kissing the top of Natasha's head as he does.
"Let's go home," Howard says and he, Jarvis, Peggy and Natasha leave together.
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