Chapter 18
AN: Thank you so much for the support. PLEASE, LEAVE A REVIEW.
July 4th 1961
Since the public found out about Peggy and Howard adopting Natasha they have, for the most part, listening to Howard's request for privacy. This has allowed Natasha to become even more comfortable with her new family.
It is early afternoon on a Tuesday, and because of the holiday Peggy and Howard were able to work from home, and while they are waiting for their extend family to come over Peggy, Howard, Natasha, Jarvis and Ana are all in the backyard of the home. While Peggy and Howard are getting in the pool Natasha is standing back, rather than following them in, which Ana realises.
"Tasha, is everything okay?" Ana asks concerned.
"I don't know how to swim," Natasha admits, looking up at Ana with an afraid look her face.
"That's okay, Darling," Peggy says, to her daughter, having heard what she says. "We can teach you," Peggy assures Natasha.
"Really?" Natasha asks, looking interested, though still slightly afraid.
"Really," Howard confirms, and he walks over and picks up his daughter.
"What if I fall? And sink? And can't get to the surface," Natasha says afraid as Howard carries her over to the pool.
"Howard, Mr Jarvis, Ana and I aren't going to let that happen," Peggy promises, as she takes Natasha from Howard.
"Really?" Natasha asks, looking around at everyone.
"Really Miss Tasha," Jarvis assures her, and over the next hour or so Peggy, Howard, Ana and Jarvis all work together to teach Natasha to swim, and while she picks it up quickly she also becomes more confident with time and practice.
Hours later, night has fallen and Peggy, Howard, Natasha, Ana, Jarvis, Michael, Rose, MJ, Dugan, Gabe, Mortia, Jack and Daniel are all sitting around a campfire that has been made in the backyard. While the adults, with the exception of Rose, are sharing a bottle of whiskey they are also helping Natasha, and MJ, make s'mores.
"These things are sticky, but very nice," Natasha reveals, as she quiet happily takes a bite, as she has never had anything like this before.
"Yummy," MJ says.
"Yeah, they are," Gabe confirms, confirming what both Natasha and MJ said, as Peggy and Howard exchange looks, both glad that their daughter is so happy.
"To the captain," Dugan says, raising the bottle, and taking a drink before passing the bottle over to Mortia.
"To the Captain," Mortia says, before doing the same thing as Dugan, expect he passes the bottle over to Jack.
"Who's the captain?" Natasha asks her parents, with a look of such innocence that she doesn't realise that it's a question that hurts her parents.
"Captain Steve Rogers," Howard says, with a sad, but fond, look. "Also known as Captain America, the greatest man I've ever know," Howard explains. "He's someone who meant a lot to me and your mom," Howard explains. "And your Uncles Dugan, Gabe and Mortia," Howard explains, referring to them as Natasha's uncles for the first time, even though he and Peggy decided that that's what Natasha would call them that a while ago, same with Daniel and Jack.
"What happened to him?" Natasha asks, looking between her parents, as she feels the tension raise in the air.
"A long time ago, Steve, he saved the world, but to do so he crashed a plane," Peggy explains, pain in her voice as she explains.
"He died?" Natasha asks.
"We don't know for sure," Dugan says, wanting to help Peggy and Howard. "We've never been able to find Steve's plane, or any evidence of what happened to him after he your Mom lost radio contact with him," Dugan explains.
"Oh," Natasha says. "You must miss him," Natasha says looking between her parents as she snuggles into her mothers side.
"We do," Howard confirms, as he gets the bottle. "Happy Birthday Steve," Howard says, raising the bottle.
"Happy Birthday Steve," Peggy, and the others, repeat as Peggy puts an arm around Natasha, and everyone drift into silence.
August 12th 1961
A little over five weeks have passed since Steve's birthday and ever since Natasha has been enjoying the summer with her parents and extended family. It is a Saturday night and Natasha is in her room getting ready for an event where there is a knock on her bedroom daughter.
"Come in," Natasha says and once she does Ana walks in.
"You almost ready, Tasha?" Ana asks curious, as she walks over to her.
"Yeah," Natasha answers. "Ana, I don't know if I want to go; but I don't want to disappoint Peggy and Howard," Natasha admits.
"Oh Honey, you'll never disappoint your parents," Ana assures her. "You know your Mother doesn't like these events much," Ana reveals.
"Really?" Natasha asks surprised.
"Really," Ana confirms. "When working Peggy can be comfortable anywhere, she is force to be reckoned with. She does whatever she has to do to get the job done, and is always so sure of herself and full of confidence, but when she's at a fancy event as Peggy Carter-Stark, she is a lot less comfortable," Ana explains.
"Then why does she go?" Natasha asks curious.
"Because it's apart of who your father is, and she loves and supports all parts of him," Ana explains.
"I understand," Natasha confirms. "I'll go, I'll support Howard," Natasha tells her, causing Ana to smile.
"When you get home you'll get to join your parents, Edwin and I in another tradition," Ana explains. "And that you're going to enjoy a lot more," Ana says, causing Natasha to smile, though feel extremely interested. "Come on, if you're ready. Mr Jarvis is getting the car ready and your parents will be downstairs shortly," Ana explains.
"Okay," Natasha says with a nod. "Ana, thank you," Natasha says, in perfect Hungarian.
"You're full of surprises," Ana says, with a smile, and they head downstairs.
A few minutes later Natasha and Ana are waiting downstairs with Ana and Jarvis when Peggy and Howard walk down the stairs.
"Wow," Natasha comments, as both her parents look amazing.
"Tash, if you don't want to come tonight you don't have to. You can stay home with Ana," Howard assures her.
"No, I want to," Natasha answers, as her parents walk over to where she is standing with Jarvis, and Ana.
"Okay, well, if you want to leave at any time, just let us know," Peggy tells her daughter.
"I will," Natasha tells her parents, and she, Peggy, Howard, and Jarvis head out of the house together; Ana watching them as they go.
A little while later Peggy, Howard, Natasha and Jarvis arrive at the event, and as they headed in Peggy and Howard did their best to make it so that as few photographers got her pictures as possible.
"Stay with one of us as much as possible," Peggy tells her daughter.
"I will," Natasha says.
Over the next few minutes Peggy, Howard, Jarvis, and Natasha all mingle with the various people that are around. As Peggy and Howard talk with Obadiah, something both would prefer not to do, Natasha sees people she recognizes, and so she sneaks away.
"Hey Nat," Daniel greats as Natasha walks over to where he is with Jack.
"You having a good time, Kid?" Jack asks curious.
"Not really," Natasha admits.
"Yeah, that sounds about right," Daniel admits. "Come on, we'll show you were the food is, that's usually the best part at these things," Daniel explains, causing Natasha to look excited, and so he and Jack take Natasha over to the buffet, and both Jack and Daniel help her sneak some cake without anyone noticing.
A few hours later after Peggy, Howard, Jarvis and Natasha stayed at the event as long as they had to, the four of them and Ana are in the kitchen of the Carter-Stark Estate taking part in the Carter-Stark/Jarvis tradition of eating Ice Cream after an event they didn't want to go to.
September 4th 1961
After enjoying every day of the rest of the summer the day has finally come for Natasha's first day at an American school. It's in the morning and Natasha, Peggy, Howard, Jarvis and Ana are in the kitchen eating breakfast together.
"How are you feeling, Tash? Are you nervous?" Peggy asks worried.
"No," Natasha answers, even though she is feeling a little nervous. "I've decided what I am going to do about my accent," Natasha admits.
"What did you decide, Kiddo?" Howard asks curious.
"I'm going to use an American one," Natasha says, with a perfect American accent. "I want to fit in,"
"You can do a really good American accent," Jarvis tells Natasha.
"Thank you," Natasha says. "I can do other accents too," Natasha says, switching to a British accent.
"Nice Kiddo," Howard says, smiling at her.
"Tash, you understand what is going to happen today?" Peggy asks her daughter.
"Yep," Natasha confirms, going back to her natural accent. "You, Howard and Jarvis will take me to school and then Howard and Jarvis will pick me up because you have work," Natasha says, saying what her parents went through with her the day before.
"Exactly," Howard says.
"Tash, we've got to go, do you want to grab your stuff?" Peggy asks her daughter.
"Yep," Natasha says, and she gets up and goes to get her stuff, feeling both excited and nervous about her first day at American school.
A little while later Jarvis has stopped the car outside Natasha's new school and Peggy, Howard, and Natasha get out.
"Now remember don't…." Peggy starts to say.
"Go home with anyone other than Howard or Jarvis," Natasha finishes, as Peggy has gone through that more than once with her.
"Exactly," Howard confirms.
"Have a great day, Tasha," Peggy says, hugging her daughter and kissing her cheek. "I love you," Peggy tells her, and once Peggy and Natasha break apart Howard hugs her.
"I love you too. Have an incredible day," Howard tells his daughter, as like Peggy he kisses her head.
Once Natasha and Howard break apart she heads into the school and Peggy and Howard watch her as she goes.
"She'll be fine," Peggy says, in a reassuring way.
"Yeah, she will," Howard confirms, as they watch Natasha go.
After a day where Howard spent most of the day wondering how Natasha is doing Howard is relieved to finally be waiting for Natasha outside her school, both standing by the car.
"Do you think she was okay, Jarvis?" Howard asks curious.
"Miss Tasha is very smart, resourceful, and adaptive young girl, I'm sure she was fine," Jarvis says.
"I hope so," Howard admits, as to his relief he sees Natasha, very recognizable thanks to her bright red hair, running towards the car. "Hey Tash," Howard says, and once Natasha is close enough he hugs her.
"Hi Howard, Hi Jarvis," Natasha greats, looking excited, as she and Howard break apart and the three of them get into the car.
"Seatbelt Miss Tasha," Jarvis requests, once they are all in the car, and Natasha puts hers on, while Howard doesn't bother.
"How was school?" Howard asks his daughter.
"It was fun, but the other students are idiots," Natasha says, switching back to her natural accent.
"Miss Tasha," Jarvis scolds as Howard laughs.
"What made them idiots, Tash?" Howard asks, not even trying to hide his amusement.
"I already knew everything they tried to teach me," Natasha explains. "It was nice to be around people, but they were idiots," Natasha tells her Dad and Jarvis. "I have homework, but I'm going to be able to get it done so quickly," Natasha explains.
"Well, how about when we go home I'll go through what they've given you for homework, and we can figure out what would challenge you," Howard comments. "How does that sound?" Howard asks curious.
"Good," Natasha answers. "When will Peggy be home?" Natasha asks curious.
"Just before dinner," Howard answers, knowing that how close to 'before dinner' will depend on how long the meeting Peggy is in goes for. "So, apart from the other students being idiots, how was school?" Howard asks, and Natasha, starts to tell Howard, and Jarvis all about what else happened at school.
A couple of hours later Howard, Jarvis, Ana and Natasha are sitting around the dining room eating dinner together when Peggy hurries into the dining room.
"Sorry, my meeting ran late," Peggy apologises, kissing the top of Natasha's head, before she moves onto Howard who she greats with a kiss.
"It's okay," Howard assures Peggy, once they break apart, as Peggy sits down.
"Tash, how was school?" Peggy asks curious.
"Good," Natasha answers. "The other students are idiots, but it was fun," Natasha tells her mother.
"Tash, it's not nice to call other people idiots," Peggy tells her daughter.
"You didn't tell me that," Natasha says, looking at Howard.
"Didn't he?" Peggy asks, giving Howard a less than impressed look, which Natasha notices. "Calling other people idiots just because they don't understand things the way you do isn't a nice thing to do," Peggy explains.
"Tasha. Your special, and smart, and Peggy's right," Howard says, caving to the look Peggy is giving him. "It's not nice to call other people idiots, even if they idiots are," Howard tells Natasha, causing Peggy to give him an even more unimpressed look.
"I think I understand," Natasha says, failing to hide her amusement at her parents.
"Tash, always know your value, know how smart and special you are, but don't be the reason that other people doubt theirs," Peggy explains to her daughter.
"I will, and I won't be," Natasha assures her mother.
"Now, how about you tell me all about school," Peggy requests, and Natasha does just that. Even though Howard and Jarvis have already heard it, they both happily listen.
October 27th 1961
Almost two months have passed since Natasha started American school, and thanks to her teacher having meeting with Peggy and Howard she is finally doing work that she finds challenging.
It is a Friday night and because Peggy has had a pretty stressful week she is beating up on the boxing bag in the backyard of the Carter-Stark Estate. Having followed the sound because she couldn't sleep Natasha is just watching her mother.
"Peggy," Natasha says, walking over Peggy after a few moments.
"Tasha, everything okay?" Peggy asks worried, as she stops what she is doing, and looks at her daughter.
"Yeah, I just couldn't sleep," Natasha admits, as she walks a little closer to her mother.
"Is something bothering you?" Peggy asks worried.
"Kind off," Natasha admits. "When I was in.. that place. I was forced to be a fighter, and it was all I ever knew," Natasha admits, actually talking about the Red Room, which is something she never does.
"And you miss it," Peggy realises.
"I think I do," Natasha admits. "If it's okay I would like to keep practicing what I learnt, keep learning," Natasha admits.
"Is this something you truly want? Or something you feel like you should be doing?" Peggy asks, in a gentle voice, as she knows that is a pretty substantial difference.
"It's something I truly want," Natasha admits.
"Then come over here," Peggy says and once Natasha is next to her, she starts to wrap Natasha's hands, and the two of them start to hit the boxing bag together.
A little while later, inside the house, Howard is watching Peggy and Natasha practicing together, and as he watches the two people in the world he loves the most he can't help but smile.
"Sir, is everything okay?" Jarvis asks concerned, as he knows it is rare for Howard to just be standing by the door.
"Yeah. I'm just watching something incredible," Howard comments, and as he does Jarvis realises what Howard is looking at.
"It is a very good sight," Jarvis admits.
"You know, Jarvis, my old man, he was a bastard," Howard admits, saying what Jarvis already knows thanks to when Howard used to get drunk regularly. "And every day I worry that I'm not going to be a good farther to Tash because of him," Howard admits. "I keep thinking about what he would do, and try to do the opposite," Howard reveals. "I never want to be the kind of father to Tasha that he was to me," Howard admits, showing a rare moment of vulnerability.
"Sir, from where is stand you've got nothing to worry about," Jarvis assures him. "You've already shown the amazing father you can be," Jarvis informs him.
"Thanks Jarvis," Howard says sincerely, giving his old friend a truly grateful look.
"No need, Sir," Jarvis says, and the two of them drift into silence as they watch Peggy and Natasha.
December 2nd 1961
Five weeks have passed since Natasha started to train and practice martial arts and other skills she learnt in Russia and since then she has even done a couple of drills with SHIELD agents, at least those who know the truth.
It is a Saturday afternoon and Natasha is in her room working on a school assignment when there is a knock on her bedroom door.
"Come in," Natasha says, and Peggy walks in.
"How's the school work going?" Peggy asks curious, as she sits down on Natasha's bed.
"Good," Natasha answers.
"Tasha, can you come over here? There's something I want to talk to you about," Peggy admits, and because of her tone of voice Natasha knows that it is something serious.
"Is everything okay?" Natasha asks, as she walks over and sits next to Peggy.
"Tash, what do you know about World War Two?" Peggy asks.
"I know you and Howard fought for the allies; I know about Captain America. That there were Nazi's that killed people because of their religion, or who they loved, or just because they wanted to," Natasha comments.
"Yes," Peggy confirms. "Ana had to leave Hungry because she's Jewish, and what very few people know is Howard's Jewish too," Peggy explains. "Ana and Howard are still effected by what happened during the war, and so neither really talk about being Jewish," Peggy explains.
"That's sad," Natasha comments.
"Yeah, it is," Peggy confirms. "Tonight, is the first night of a Jewish holiday called Hanukkah," Peggy explains. "Every year Howard, Ana, Jarvis and I sit in silence Infront of un unlit Menorah, which is like a candle, until Howard and Ana are ready to light it," Peggy explains.
"And I'm going to be apart of that this year?" Natasha asks.
"Exactly," Peggy says. "Do you have any questions?" Peggy ask curious, and Natasha shakes her head. "Then let's go downstairs, it's almost sunset," Peggy explains, and she and Natasha get up and head downstairs.
Once Peggy and Natasha are downstairs they join Howard, Ana, and Jarvis in the front room, and they all walk over to the menorah, which is on a very short table near the front window, and together they sit down in front of it; Peggy and Natasha sitting either side of Howard, and just stare ate the unlit menorah until Howard and Ana are ready to light it.
December 24th 1961
Three weeks have passed since the first night of Hanukkah and even though it was hard for them both Howard and Ana taught Natasha a few things, and traditions, of Hanukkah.
It is Christmas Eve and because there is snow everywhere Peggy, Howard, Ana, and Jarvis are in the front garden of the Carter-Stark Estate making snowman.
"This is fun," Natasha tells Peggy.
"It is," Peggy confirms. "Do you know what else is fun?" Peggy asks, as she collects snow in her hands, and Natasha shakes her head. "This," Peggy says, before throwing the snow at Howard who is putting one of his cashmere scarf on his snowman, hitting him in the head and causing Natasha to laugh.
"Really Peg?" Howard asks, turning to look at her, and Peggy just grins. "It's on," Howard says before picking up snow and an all out snowball fight breaks out between Peggy, Howard, Natasha, Ana, and Jarvis who was dragged into it by his wife.
Because the five of them are so focused on the fight they don't even realise when a car pulls into the estate, or when two people get out of the car, and walk up to the group.
"What? You couldn't wait for us?" Angie asks, with a smirk.
"Angie," Peggy says, with a grin, walking over to her friend. "It's good to see you," Peggy says, before hugging her.
"It's good to see you too, English," Angie responds, as Peggy and Angie break apart.
"I'm glad you came," Peggy says, before hugging Jason as Howard, Jarvis, Ana and Natasha walk over.
"So am I," Jason admits, as he kisses Peggy's cheek, and they break apart.
"Angie, Jason, I would like you to meet our daughter Natasha," Peggy introduces. "Tash, this is Angie and Jason Wilks," Peggy explains.
"It's really nice to meet you. Your Mom talks about you every time we talk," Angie says, surprising Natasha, by hugging her.
"Nice to meet you too," Natasha responds, as she and Angie break apart.
"Now it looks like we were interrupting something, and we can't have that," Jason says, throwing the snow he has in his hand at Howard.
"Oh, it's on again," Howard says and a fight once again breaks out, this time between everyone, and they all have an incredible time.
Over the next couple of days Natasha gets to experience her first Christmas as a Carter-Stark, and she loves every second.