Bloodline
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Chapter 24: How to be a gentleman
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Okay first of all I want to thank everyone on AO3 and ffnet for approving the last chapter I was so scared to post. You all got quite long messages in PM form (which I apologize for XD).
Nl220263waitino on the other hand hasn't gotten any since anon review. I am so sorry I forgot to answer you when I updated last time. But now I'll make up for it (in German). ^^
Vielen Dank für deine Kommentare. Es freut mich sehr, dass jemand sich die Zeit nimmt sich durch meine fanfic durch zu arbeiten, obwohl es etwas an Englisch Kenntnissen hapert. Und natürlich freut es mich noch mehr, dass du dadurch an Sprachkenntnissen dazu gewinnst. Ich weiß, wie das ist. Als ich noch ein Teenager auf'm Gymnasium war, habe ich auch angefangen englische fanfics zu lesen und das führte dann zu einer erstaunlich guten Englisch Note im Abitur XD Glaub mir, es ist es wert. Und es macht Spaß auf diese Art zu lernen ^^ Praktisch alles, was ich kann, habe ich von fanfics und englischen Büchern.
chapter summary:
Natasha and her son travel to the Barton farm to celebrate the birth of Nathaniel and to give James some time to cool down. They start to remember more about their shared past, particularly their first night in the Red Room.
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"Where are we going, мама (mother)?" Alexei wanted to know as she finished packing the suitcase.
"We're going to visit uncle Clint. Your first trip out. Doesn't that sound exciting?" She already feared that the boy would raise objections. This was something new to him, probably scary. But Natasha had to get out of here. James wasn't able to stand her proximity and she knew the harder she tried to get closer, to help him, he would only be driven further away,
The boy fetched something from his playing room, adding it to the case in a way that appeared most efficient even to the Widow's trained eyes. It seemed like the toys Tony had made for him worked quite well to school his mind. "Jarvis already said you need some time away from your work."
"He did what?" Since when was the boy talking to the AI?
Before she could raise any objections or concerns Jarvis stepped in. "Yes, Miss Romanoff. Your son and I are having quite entertaining and delightful conversations."
She could only shake her head. What else was to be expected from the Winter Soldier's offspring? "Don't spoil my son, Jarvis."
There was actually a chuckle in his voice. "Oh, I wouldn't dare."
"You're okay with it?" Damn, such a stupid question to ask a child who didn't understand the dynamics between his parents.
"I am actually excited, mother. Beneficial to all of us." There was this genuine, lovely, intelligent smile on his face with that certain hint of his father's cockiness.
Where the hell did he get his vocab from? She had tried to treat him like the five year old boy he was. Maybe had been wrong there. "Let's move then." She said and let her tone sound as excited as possible which wasn't as difficult as she had feared. Damn, her friend just had another child and by now she knew how that felt, amazing, astonishing. And a whole lot of work. So at least the skills she had learned to this point could be put to good use.
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Bucky's racing heart had calmed down after Natasha had left. Maybe were was some truth to Stark's words. While the minutes passed by and the mixture worked its magic on him he soon realized that Tony had retreated to his sketch board to scribble down something that had surely to do with his arm. But right now he didn't mind. In fact whatever brought him closer to being with her without complications was fine with him.
A few minutes later the doctor entered with some supplies again "Where's Tasha off to?" Bruce had seen her leaving with a suitcase and the boy in tow.
"She went on holidays with Alexei." Bucky answered and his voice was as rough as sandpaper.
"Clint's with her as protection and they said it was a secure location." Tony muttered, lost in thought.
James furrowed his brows at that but didn't say anything. That actually did sound weird but he knew by now that the relationship between Natalia and her new friend was not something sexual, more like an older brother. Still the thought woke a dark side in him.
Since Bruce wandered off to another room again, hidden by only glass walls but it was enough, Tony saw the perfect moment for his gift. "Barnes, I… want to give you something just to be safe."
Totally not getting what he was expressing Bucky sat up and looked at the inconspicuous package. "What is it?"
The mechanic sighed before explaining. "Since we don't know yet how HYDRA's 're-fertility' serum has worked on Tash I just want you to be on the safe side for whatever you do with her."
"I won't do anything with her!" He almost screamed but the spikes in his very detailed vitals diagram showed he had other thoughts.
"On your feet!" James shouted at her bruised form. The flash of a memory hit him hard, making him gasp.
Tony noticed it, maybe seeing even more in the displayed vitals than Bucky's untrained mind could understand right now. "Whatever. It's just a precaution for both of you. This might lift some weight off of your shoulders."
"There are much bigger issues." He said, his voice pressed and dangerous while he glared at the package and then at Stark.
Tony's lighthearted smile could break any façade. "Well, just open it, and you'll know the direction you really NEED to go follow."
Bucky sighed and picked up the package. Once he had opened it he merely glanced at him. "Really? You are a terrible matchmaker. Even regarding Steve's standards this is low."
"Just be grateful. These are expensive when you are fueled by super-soldier serum to go on with." Tony said as the other guy blanched. "Again and again."
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Natasha found herself standing in front of the Barton's farm with her son's hand in her grasp. This all seemed so surreal. The last time she had been here she had congratulated Laura upon her newly discovered pregnancy. Now she was a mother herself with a boy no older than the family's oldest daughter. "You're ready to meet some other Avengers kids?" She asked her son who didn't seem to share the fear she was having right now.
Alexei peeked outside his winter jacket. A cold wave had hit the place yesterday and there was a huge blanket of snow covering everything. "Of course!" The boy explained with just a tiny bit more enthusiasm than she would have expected. Was he actually pushing her forward because he understood what a situation she was in? Or was he just excited? Her inner demons told her that this was the truth but deep down she realized her son was so much more mature than anyone gave him credit for.
"Okay, then." They took the last steps and knocked carefully. Natasha was already certain Clint had spotted her a mile away through any tripwire he might have installed in the wilderness, so the long time they had to wait confused her.
At last the door opened with a totally shaken Clint who just seemed to try and wipe away any mishap that had occurred. "Nat! Good to see you. We just had a little diaper catastrophe. Sorry. Couldn't leave my wife without support."
It only took these words to made her smile and fall into a more pleasant demeanor. "It's all solved now?" She asked while Barton guided them inside, lifting their suitcases in his arms while they took of their jackets.
"Oh, don't tell her all the bad things when she still has them in front of her…" Laura voice sounded along the corridor but quickly stalled when she saw her friend and the little boy standing next to her. "Oh my god, he has grown so much since Clint showed me the pics!"
"Well, he has a tendency to do that." Natasha said while taking in the mother who was still holding a little, newly changed baby in her arms.
"I've heard he would grow up faster but that is just unfair. You fast-forwarded all the difficult moments!" Laura exclaimed while approaching Natasha who quickly extended her arms in an embrace while still watching out for the sleeping child in Mrs Barton's arms.
"So, how's little Natasha?" The Black Widow asked and mustered the baby with a wide grin.
Clint coughed and turned away to not take the blow himself.
"What?" She had seen both of them freezing.
"You haven't even told her?" Laura asked with a mock-angry voice.
Clint only held his hands up. "I thought it was the privilege of the mother to say it."
Natasha didn't get it at first, too overwhelmed by the little baby staring up at her from her mother's comfortable arms while Laura herself scrunched her face in almost an apology.
"She's… Nathaniel…" Mrs Barton said while biting her lip.
But Natasha wasn't faced by any of that. Only lowering down a little to be close to the boy. "Traitor."
"Let me see!" Alexei requested in a more child-like voice while the other kids approached curiously as well.
Laura still seemed concerned. "So it's okay that we…" She had promised Natasha that the child would be her namesake and wasn't sure she'd be fine with a gender-switched version of her name. But damn hell, Laura Barton would not give in again just to create something to name it a certain way. Stupid thought, of course, but it made her lips turn up once she saw Natasha's smile.
"No, it's fine." She mustered the boy's tiny face. "Wonderful."
"Every female's egg is another female. The male trait comes from the man," the boy said as if it was all so clear for a little child like him.
All of them looked at the boy in wonder and disbelief. Even the other kids had been peeked around the walls now.
"I like him." Laura said with a grin.
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Meanwhile the Soldier had spent his time in solitude trying to come to terms with his current situation. The more he thought about Natalia the more he started to remember. And through this he came to understand how far their shared past connected them.
The room seemed empty without Alexei around. But he was fine with that. Natasha was giving him some updates every few hours with pictures of his son playing with kids his age. Had the archer suddenly turned into a welfare worker, caring for children? Clint couldn't be a father yet, so the kids must belong to someone else. This was a question for when Natasha came back. At least they were safe and Alexei could socialize with others. He seemed happy and enjoyed the time with his mother. James was glad for this.
Flexing his metal hand the Soldier began to wonder when he would be able to join this life his family was living right now. The last incident had showed him once more how dangerous he actually was. A single moment in which he let himself go could destroy what he tried to build up, cause misery to everyone who had started to trust him and mean the death of his lover and his son. He didn't want to imagine the possible outcomes if this took the wrong turn.
Leaning against the couch he tried to work on regaining his memories to distract him from the present. The few things he remembered from the past with Natasha had a very pleasant touch to them. She had grown up an extraordinary woman and he had been with her during this time. He knew there had been flirting during the training and sex to teach the girls in seductive techniques.
A stabbing pain shot through his skull as the memory of a briefing with his handlers came back to him.
"You have done well, soldier. And for good work, there must always be a reward." He snatched a folder from the filing cabinet and handed it to him. "Our best trainee so far. But she still has a few steps to go to perfection. There is an important one along which you will guide her."
The Winter Soldier opened the folder and stared at the cold, calculating eyes of a beautiful young woman with red hair. He had heard about her already, even seen her passing by. The Soldier quickly scanned her progress written in the text below. Yes, one part of her training was still missing. "You offer me her first night?"
Karpov gave him one of his rare smiles. "Through giving her into your… care you must also be willing to continue her training. Teach her fighting during the day and fucking at night. When you think she's ready, decide upon a mission of yours where she'll assist you."
Oh god, he HAD been her first. James tried hard to remember how he had treated her. There had been times in which his programming weakened, right before the wipings. But these times were rare. Had he abused her while being without remorse or emotions? His body could respond even though he didn't feel any affection, that much James knew.
"We have prepared the room to fulfill your wishes." One the henchmen explained with a wide smile. "I expect you to give us quite the show."
The Winter Soldier only nodded, not showing any emotion. He had known before that they would insist on watching, analyzing and evaluating the progress of their best trainee. There was no sound recording but cameras in every corner.
Bucky swallowed thickly. At least youtube didn't exist yet those decades ago. But that flashback still didn't calm his fearful mind. Had he forced himself upon her? James knew that their later relationship had been intimate and pleasant, but how did it start? His emotionless demeanor could have been a good façade to evade a premature wiping or it meant that every bit of humanity and kindness had left him before he had made the Black Widow a woman.
"I am at your service, Sir." She didn't look afraid. There was this lack of knowledge of what would happen, anticipation, but also pride that she was ready for the next step in her training. She seemed confident.
"Call me James," the man said with a smile that was meant to reassure her. Yet she didn't seem to need that form of kindness. Her face was blank, not showing any emotions.
"The doctors have given me a pill to make this procedure easier. Should I take it now?" She pulled something out of the folds of her gown.
The movement made him see that she wasn't wearing anything beneath it. His mouth was suddenly dry. Was this nervousness? No, it couldn't be, shouldn't be. "No, I don't think you will need that." He knew the meds would make her more responsive to his actions and cloud her senses, but also heighten her need in a way she would lose control over her own body, turning her into a willful sex toy. The thought sickened him. He would do this the right way, making her enjoy herself in every way possible.
She looked confused for a moment as he stepped closer and took her palm in his, collecting the pill from her grasp and throwing it to the side. "How do you want to be pleasured?" Natalia asked carefully, not expecting a situation like this. Was it a test? Was he gentle only to show her brutality later?
James knew the supervisors were watching so he had to start the show soon. "First I want to learn more about you." He gently cupped her chin and made her look up at him. "We will spend a lot of time together. And I have to eradicate your every weakness." The Soldier saw determination in her eyes. She wanted to succeed, good. "But for that I need to know them. Tonight I want to study you, your talents, your techniques. I will guide you to greatness." There was a spark in her face at these words but nothing sexual yet. Just business and interest in being the best. Well, let's change that.
Natalia stood still. She had heard from others how brutal the men could be when you did something they didn't like. The best advice the other girls had given her was to wait for orders and fulfill them as thoroughly as possible. What she hadn't expected was his expression relaxing, his body leaning in closer, exposing so many parts of him she could hurt. Was he... trusting her? Then he lowered his lips on hers, gentle and careful. He was warm and the touch made her entire body tingle.
The Soldier put all his seductive skills into the kiss. Surprisingly his body seemed to remember more than his conscious mind, making his task easy. God, her lips were so soft and the girl responded in the most wonderful way. He thought about deepening the kiss, making her gasp and moan but he wanted to take it slow and not shy her away like a frightened kitten. A few more seconds his lips lingered on hers, slow and sensual movements. Then he raised his head once more. "Oh, you will be magnificent." He breathed and saw her pupils dilating at that. Oh, good girl...
Her fingers twitched, wanting to touch him. "James." She whispered, her eyes clouded with rising desire.
Her voice went straight to his cock. Time to unwrap this present for his good work. His hands wandered along her neck, raising goosebumps, before they pushed the gown over her shoulders. God, she was just blooming into a woman. He knew she was looking for any indications of whether he enjoyed the view or not. And damn, he did. Her skin was pale and beautiful, tough muscles and a lean frame. Her breasts were still developing, but already enough to fill his hands in a delightful way. The dark triangle between her legs told him she was a true ginger. He couldn't wait to conquer this perfect body.
"Now it's time for you to reveal your assets." She requested, cocky and seductive.
And he adored her for it.
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The stay at Bartons' had been a surprisingly soothing adventure for all involved. The older kids accepted the new boy openly and the parents had time to catch up on things.
But Natasha was lost in thought while she happily played the aunt for Nathaniel. Laura was talking to the priest who would perform the baptism, telling him why they wanted this to be more... secretive. Clint was entertaining the kids and showed them how to repair the sledge they would use tomorrow. The forecast had spoken of even more snow tomorrow and the children wanted to revel in this opportunity.
The Black Widow rocked the baby back and forth to make him fall asleep again after he had woken up to have his diaper changed. The movement made her mind drift away to wishful thinking. Not having James around was... weird, as if she lost a piece of herself. Luckily her son wasn't bothered by it for now. He enjoyed the time here thoroughly. She had been sending pictures to James, being careful not to reveal any secrets that had to be kept. Oh, her Soldier. She wished he was here with her. Her only consolation was that at some point they would be, even if those times was still far away. Natasha sighed in defeat. She tried to remember how his lips had felt on hers. It was harder than she had expected. The more she tried another memory came back to her she couldn't quite sort into the timeline. What her body recalled was a gentle kiss. One he didn't give her in this decade... So warm... She wanted to fall into his embrace, leaning against him, letting him do what he wanted.
His fingers ghosted over breasts while his tall and muscular body was pressed against the small of her back.
Natalia gasped as he reached this point between her legs. The foreign sensation made her back arch, the movement making her hips shy away from him.
"So sensitive…" He felt her stiffening at these words, retreating further. "No, my dear, lean into it. Doesn't this feel good?" His hand firmly massaged her breast while he kissed her neck, gently sucking on the skin, leaving love-bites.
She closed her eyes, following his command. Her virgin body turned into wax under his touches.
"Look at yourself," the soldier demanded, motioning toward the mirror.
Natalia obeyed and gasped. She had never seen herself like this. There had been no exercise, so why was her body so flushed, a sheen of sweat covering her? How could this happen to her? The Soldier must held a lot of power she had to learn how to use.
James reveled in her reactions. He was molding her entire being with his touches and it was magnificent, having such power over such a beautiful creature. She was moaning softly, so innocently. It was driving him mad. He needed more. He thrust himself against her in a different angle, freeing him from the trousers and slipping between her slick thighs. "Oh, you are so wet..." He couldn't wait to dive into her.
Natalia's eyes tore open when she felt something big sliding between her legs. She stared at their reflection in disbelief. She had been told how he would look like, but… this? "You're big," the woman stuttered, her heart racing now because of more than lust.
"Don't worry. I will prepare you." He slid back and forth. She had shut her legs instinctively, making the movement most pleasurable for him, enticing a low growl from his throat. "Although I will have to fight with myself to handle you gently."
"The Red Room isn't gentle." It was more of a question.
"But I am, when I want to be."
So the words she had heard a few days prior... were actually from her virgin night. Natasha could feel the same longing and desire she had experienced all those years ago. As soon as James was capable of a discussion concerning their past she had to mention this. It would make things a lot easier for them. Telling him that he had never been a brutal bed mate. Instead being a pleasant lover who had taken care of her.
With a deep breath she sorted the memory into the timeline and tried to concentrate on the present again, otherwise she might have similar issues as Barnes with the drug HYDRA had give him. She could hear Laura finishing the phone call and coming back to the nursery. So it was time to put on the façade again.
The adults were sitting inside near the window while the children were making snowmen in the garden. The girl was currently trying to roll a ball bigger than herself to give it the extra edge of size but it seemed futile. Since there was always a sibling rivalry her brother had no intention to aid her in that matter. He had just finished lifting the snowman's head onto his torso, wondering if he could start a snowball match while the others were distracted enough not to notice the first battle deciding attacks.
Alexei was working much more methodically on his snow creature, giving him legs and arms and carving out some real details when he saw Lily struggling. Being the gentleman he was taught to be the boy walked over to the girl and lifted the giant object easily, making the little girl gape in awe.
"Oh, my god. You are so strong!" She exclaimed and hugged him the moment the sphere was positioned correctly.
Alexei actually blushed at that. He had heard about these feelings, had seen affection in their parents' eyes, but feeling it was a totally different level. "Shall I help you with the head as well?" The boy asked shyly, not caring about it own snowman that much anymore.
"No, it's fine. Thank you very much." She exclaimed loudly, for her brother to hear who just groaned in annoyance.
Laura and Nat had seen the last minute at the edge of their vision and both grinned. But the mother of three was the first to speak. "I kind of regret that your son is growing so quickly. Lily really seems to like him and I find no real objection on my behalf."
"What?" Clint asked, not knowing what had transpired while he tried to read the glances the two mothers were giving each other.
"Okay, I know this is very forthright of me to ask but when the hell will Barnes and you get along again?" Laura wanted to know when she couldn't stand the obvious question in the room anymore. She knew Natasha had come for more than only some family holidays, especially since the Soldier hadn't arrived with her.
"That's up to him, not me…" Natasha answered with a sigh. "He is still getting used to the world of today and his new-found freedom. He… doesn't trust himself."
"Isn't there any way for you to build up that trust? You are a brilliant woman. I don't want to sound lowly, but you are able to wrap men around your pinky. You could mold him like clay. So what's stopping you?"
"It's not the same with him. I…" know him from before. She almost added.
"He's the right one. So go for it."
"He shies away at every touch, like a frightened kitten!" Natasha expressed loudly for the first time. She knew there was no reason to keep information from her closest friends. They would find out anyway.
"Make the kitten purr." Laura said with an ambiguous smile.
Natasha stiffened at that, her former character imagining all the ways she could use to entrap the infamous Winter Soldier. She actually had, a long time ago.
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I hope I didn't tease too much. I might even write a oneshot with the first WinterWidow night. I have used the memories now, so they won't show up again. Only once when they mention it. So if you want the bull blown detailed one, I will write it for you ^^
You remember the comic book page Cosplay I linked in my last chapter's notes? The actual author of the comic shared it and praised it in a personal message to me. Couldn't believe it at first and ran around like an idiot, squealing and acting more insane than my cat when she has her five crazy minutes of the day. (the cat is named 'Crazy' by the way XD)
Since the chapter got so long now that I have to cut it into at least three pieces, I want to give you a little preview for what's to come. Just glimpses (that may change).
"What is my mission?" He asked as if he hadn't connected the dots. - "Just be there in time for dinner. And take Stark's present with you."
"He made you." Natasha said with a chuckle. "Considering the objects he had to work with it is very detailed." - "I noticed. He is very creative." - "And smart." She hugged him tightly. "He adores you, looks up to you." - "He shouldn't…" The Winter Soldier countered with a sad smile. - "He should."
"I need you inside me, right now." She couldn't wait to seal the bond by bedding her husband. - "Backroom, somewhere in the bushes." He offered. "I don't give a damn." He wanted take her right here on the spot. - "We could knock out the priest." - "Why?" - "Altar." - He felt himself ready to burst. "God, woman, you'll be the death of me."
The Captain almost jump, a startled gasp leaving his mouth. "Bucky?" - "What are you listening to?" He quickly pulled the thing out. "Damn, why's the volume up this much?" - Steve's face got red and he chewed his lower lip, trying to find an appropriate answer. "I have enhanced hearing." - "Then why...?" It clicked in his mind. With a wide grin on his face he tried to suppress his laughter. "That loud, eh?" - "Every... word." His skin was already past crimson.
Please review ^^