p style="text-align: center;" data-p-id="33fb9ee47c34e60272ce852ff293752c"Chapter 7/p
p data-p-id="33fb9ee47c34e60272ce852ff293752c"span style="text-decoration: underline;"emstrong***Advisory: Adult themes are suggested throughout this chapter***/strong/em/span/p
p style="text-align: center;" data-p-id="7b1aaa0bc4d41c550eec6847d9ed9152"_/p
p data-p-id="1eff832ef629346d583cd5ccfb896376"While Clint had gone to the prison to get the divorce papers signed, Steve and Natasha were having a blissful time at home. Steve had determined to distract Natasha from the recent events, and so far, he had successfully done so. His charms never let him down. At this moment, he was watching her sleep. It was one of his favorite things to do. She always looked so peaceful as if nothing was wrong in the world, and that's how he always wanted her to be. His mind started to wander to the events of the past year and how lucky he was to have Natasha come into his life when she did and for his friends and family that cared so much about him that they warned him about "she whose name shall not be mentioned." Natasha saved him from committing possibly one of the worst decisions of his life, and now, it was time for him to save her from her past./p
p data-p-id="25867ee9ceeb74c9d1383c85f7104715"He was so lost in thought that he hadn't realized that his sleeping queen had awakened. "What are you thinking about, honey? You seem like you're a million miles away from here," Natasha said softly as she started running her hand through his hair./p
p data-p-id="af597bfc11cd3e70f2d907fb7abf4391"It startled him a little, "Oh, you're awake. Good morning." He leaned in for a kiss which she happily gave in return./p
p data-p-id="564a0df0c24bba1f70dbd65969220971""Now, my answers to my questions, Rogers," she said playfully./p
p data-p-id="fa8a916fe8d3e9ed07eae189c100af16""Right, I was just thinking about how lucky I am to have you in my life and how I wouldn't want it any other way." Steve smiled and kissed her cheek which made Natasha blush a little./p
p data-p-id="4c6f03035338bc9dd01f89d17138f093""I'm glad you're in my life too and that you always stick by me no matter what the situation is."/p
p data-p-id="6ea0da4d85274506238e1642b0f4b66a""I love you, and I'll always stick by you no matter what."/p
p data-p-id="cb8d242d6708a8dcf0ab53755aeb7dab"With that, Natasha couldn't hold her urge back and started kissing him passionately. Steve reveled in the feelings that came with it. Then Natasha stopped to which Steve gave her a confused look./p
p data-p-id="8eb5d3df453ddd4b3a91f5ae3121b0a2""What? I'm hungry. After last night, don't you think we deserve to eat first?" Natasha started to get up, but Steve pulled her back./p
p data-p-id="2101af196ea12cbaf2ac91f331767be0""I have all that I want right here," he said as he moved his hand to her leg./p
p data-p-id="4de5a6565c1344c586390d1f9c319bf8"Natasha playfully swatted at his hand. "I'm hungry, so I'm going to eat. You can wait here or come eat with me. Your choice," she smiled and got up quickly so that Steve wouldn't pull her back in bed. She picked up her robe and put it on before going to the bedroom door. She turned around and winked at him before going downstairs to make breakfast. Knowing too well that Steve would come down eventually to satisfy his own hungry stomach, she made sure to make some breakfast for the two of them. She decided to make some toast, eggs, and bacon. While cooking, she started feeling the loneliness inside the kitchen, and her mind wandered to where she didn't want it to go. She began thinking about what could go wrong when Clint went to get the divorce papers signed. What if he refused? What if he tried to escape? What if he threatened her? What if... She felt a pair of strong arms hugging her waist and a naked chest pushing on her back which made all her thoughts go away./p
p data-p-id="14f468d5f0afbf77638fe1ad97db482e""Stop thinking, Nat. Everything will be all right," said Steve soothingly as if he had read her thoughts./p
p data-p-id="0c4b62dd945dcfad09a752c81d77333c"Natasha let herself relax into his arms. They always gave her a sense of security when she was going through a rough time. They stayed like that for a few more moments before they finished getting breakfast ready./p
p data-p-id="1b234130d26d619d5d91b4dc85ff6387"Once they had finished breakfast, they put all the dishes in the sink to soak in water so that they could wash them later. They quickly headed up to the bedroom. As soon as they had walked in, Steve pushed Natasha to the nearest wall and started kissing her wildly as Natasha wrapped his legs around him. They stayed there for a few minutes before Steve staggered to the bed where he made love to Natasha./p
p style="text-align: center;" data-p-id="d3b7dae517c93267f11942fa7206de23"_/p
p data-p-id="d4cce47d1c0b2b9c7d6e33b1ae9885f6"Buzz... buzz, buzz... buuuzzzz.../p
p data-p-id="6bde3509f7e36fd034ee0c4ca6bf5f9e"Steve slowly opened his eyes to the sound of his phone buzzing. Steve and Natasha had drifted off to sleep after their love-making session, and he had no idea how long they had been asleep./p
p data-p-id="e8697a53f4b746f00575c8d1affbd4aa"Buzz, buzz.../p
p data-p-id="00e09efd701a7b7eb071d4357582d287"Steve turned around in bed to get his phone off the nightstand, but by the time he grabbed it, the phone had stopped buzzing, and up popped a notification of a missed call from Clint. Steve sat up in bed and unblocked his phone to call Clint back, but before he could, his phone started buzzing again, so he answered it./p
p data-p-id="51fe106707dbfb6bf7b1d1af68fbc679""Hey, Clint, I'm so sorry I didn't get to answer in time. What's up?" Steve said in his sleep-laced voice./p
p data-p-id="5cc24d95437f0e6f342d66bd4ab6cf47""Did I wake you up, Steve?" Clint asked slightly amused./p
p data-p-id="8cbdad6721c2aa1508f0e601ec8f8a84""Oh... yawn... no, you didn't."/p
p data-p-id="c8cf0a1966520e08350e28f347b87ad7""You're a terrible liar, Rogers. I'm sorry that I woke you. I didn't think you'd still be sleeping at 1 PM on a Monday. Anyway, I'm coming over in half an hour. I need to talk to you and Tasha."/p
p data-p-id="f73a35be47a768a6b727d589bc0e0233""Oh, ok, I will let Nat know that you're coming."/p
p data-p-id="8bb8b6cbe916e245401d128a89abf3e4""All right, see you in a little bit." And with that, Clint hung up the phone./p
p data-p-id="3ffe3fe4344beb1d4dc4a412f9a66ef2"Steve set his phone back on the nightstand and lay back down./p
p data-p-id="27eaa914455333c83189d78f495cc16d""Tell me what?" Natasha's groggy voice sounded out./p
p data-p-id="20f4f6808bcef22da62e8548a37d0857""Clint will be here in half an hour. He said that he needs to talk with us."/p
p data-p-id="0492edf289cfd15bd38dcffc8b635398"Natasha stiffened when she heard that./p
p data-p-id="5f6ce4d6338ec673d91b3dcccd6d5fbf""It'll be ok, Nat. I'm sure he just wants to know how we're doing and how you're holding up," Steve reassured./p
p data-p-id="a8b61bfd4b8efb43dfc9bb78b10fbbf1""Maybe... Well, I'll go shower." Natasha got out of bed./p
p data-p-id="ffb918aa4e112c94ed8b21602dd63a9b""I'll join you," Steve quickly said./p
p data-p-id="02804fbf14322b6ef3575f9b2753d260""No, Steve, we'll take longer than we should if you do, and we only have half an hour."/p
p data-p-id="360b01216fea1111fdcd0f02ece9a1bd""I promise I'll be on my best behavior, and we'll be ready before Clint gets here. It'll save time if we shower together."/p
p data-p-id="de01a3af3959d1f11c7d0d9e7a9fa5b5"Natasha smiled a little, "Oh, all right, just remember, quick shower."/p
p data-p-id="e9f0c5661c52fb897bac55e12e480345"As promised, they were ready by the time Clint came. Well, Natasha was almost ready. She was just applying her finishing touches to her natural makeup look. Steve went to get the door as she finished up./p
p data-p-id="997beaee1f65fc8f0259d4f15b8f2ab4""Hey, Clint, come on in," Steve stepped aside to let him in and closed the door./p
p data-p-id="af4565a9b50a60ec0c7db576c2e724bd""Hey, Steve, how are you doing?"/p
p data-p-id="3294363de6d02f7985cbee642d4ee4e6""I'm doing well. Glad I took a day off from work. How about you?"/p
p data-p-id="ed7affeef137acb7a4e60ab6891d00a4""I'm all right." Clint sat down on a couch in the living room. "Where's Tasha?"/p
p data-p-id="c12fceaa588fc79304de8020ff088d47""She'll be right down. Do you want anything to drink?"/p
p data-p-id="2ee5e30597162e480b3e2511e3616f8b""Water is fine, thanks, Steve."/p
p data-p-id="05cba0f45026d94770617b5994bf0ab0"Steve went to get the water as Natasha came downstairs. "Hey, Clint, how are you?" she asked as she entered the living room./p
p data-p-id="79577cc26f2b590997f17c8719748ca2""Not bad, and you? How are you holding up?"/p
p data-p-id="764b4a225b84cd637a2775ed742c131f""Pretty well, I guess. Steve has kept me distracted for the most part. It's just when I'm by myself that my thoughts begin to run loose."/p
p data-p-id="05835694cd86405630447e13995a83c9"Steve came back in with three glasses of water and set them on the coffee table. "So, Clint, what brings you here today?"/p
p data-p-id="dbdf77f39a517627c5ff33cba6ff4b3b""Some good news, actually. Alexei signed the papers, so once the judge approves them, you'll be officially divorced, Tasha, so you no longer need to worry about that."/p
p data-p-id="238ebf987196edd848b5694fef04729a"Natasha breathed a sigh of relief. "And what about the e-mail? Do you know who sent it yet?"/p
p data-p-id="a7dfb61300b74568a8e7a97dfb316608"Clint shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. We've been trying to decrypt it, but whoever sent it knew what they were doing. Once we know who it was, we'll let you know, but for now, focus on the good news."/p
p data-p-id="a4e8bbd51bacb98de325ea82867135bb"Natasha shook her head. It was good to hear that she was no longer bound by marriage to Alexei, but she was still concerned as to who had sent the e-mail. Why had the person written "BEWARE" on it? What was that warning for? She shook her head to get rid of her thoughts and brought her attention to what Steve and Clint were talking about./p
p data-p-id="faff022eceb57594cecb45899247f4e9""In any case, we'll still keep a close eye on both of you until the divorce is finalized, just to be sure nothing happens," she heard Clint say./p
p data-p-id="a9184afd773526d4191d1956ebe0d81e""Yeah, that's fine. We'll be staying here for a week, so if anything happens, you know where to find us," Steve replied. "Please, thank the attorney for us. He's been a lot of help."/p
p data-p-id="3dc50da7fc4875d147df2cff5c5f6124""Actually, about that, you know her, the attorney. Remember Bobbie Morse?"/p
p data-p-id="235bce34f322e6f1061d3a6ddf85b0c8""Oh, yeah! I remember her! She's back in New York?"/p
p data-p-id="010c16a37ef4c67ae72a840a0f441547""Yeah, she is, and she's married to Lance Hunter now," Clint said excitedly./p
p data-p-id="89fa243b8b4acacee86b55701259f301""That's great! They finally got married," Steve said chuckling a little bit./p
p data-p-id="fa0f4318857310ab6dc752eaa53f3c83"Natasha looked at the two of them confused. "Who is Bobbie?"/p
p data-p-id="272242765cde322277e89f1672e717c5""She's an old friend of ours from school. She got in between Clint and Laura for a little bit until Clint came to his senses and started trying to fix things with Laura. Anyway, she's really great, and I think the two of you would become friends very quickly!" Steve told her./p
p data-p-id="d3405f1606730e870aeed388fe45db12""Yeah, maybe I'll talk to her and tell her to come by sometime to meet you," Clint said./p
p data-p-id="26b79f62bde5499c54c67d4d03c1a526""Oh, it's all right, you don't have to do that," Natasha brushed off. In reality, she didn't want to meet anyone new right now./p
p data-p-id="64f1e06c74b589183223726599f5769e""Well, if you do want to, I'll tell her to come, ok?"/p
p data-p-id="b2629688036f8df09e61b83743d4fa42""Sure, that's fine. I'll let you know."/p
p data-p-id="60a885e04ece0bcb33caefaa55e7da98""Well, folks, I gotta go now. I have a few things that I still need to take care of in the office." Clint got up and took one more sip of his water before setting the glass down on the table./p
p data-p-id="4f7dc5f07c3f34182045d382132b7fa5"Steve and Natasha got up too. Steve shook hands with Clint before going in for a manly hug. "Thanks for everything, Clint," he said./p
p data-p-id="3c6996879eb5b6c3c871858c50a1db9a"Then Natasha went to give Clint a hug. "Yes, thank you, Clint. I don't know what we'd do without you. You're a really good friend."/p
p data-p-id="3b0a615fde82405975c49369f2a17b73""Ah, it's nothing. You both are practically family, and I'd do anything to keep you safe. I'll let you know once the judge finishes going through the divorce papers and declares them legal and if there are any changes in the e-mail investigation."/p
p data-p-id="c387b8f691d79c6d54ad42fd4b2ee684"Steve and Natasha then showed him to the door where they said their final goodbyes. As they were watching Clint drive off, Steve's phone began ringing. He took it out of his pocket and saw that Wanda was calling him, so he answered it. "Hey, Wanda, what's up?"/p
p data-p-id="6052fcd91bd84683382039cd7c4532c8""Hi, Steve, just calling to remind you that Bucky and I still have Maggie, and we're supposed to drop her off today. Is that still the plan or would you like her to stay with us another day?"/p
p data-p-id="690359cd4626e5de7a46c01ead16bbbe""Oh, right, um...," he took a sideways glance at Natasha who was looking at him and she nodded her head, "...yeah, that's still the plan. You can bring her over."/p
p data-p-id="201e7eac18d9da30d7762cbeb6646e3e"Wanda giggled at the cautiousness in his voice. "Honestly, we don't mind keeping her here another day."/p
p data-p-id="4f4a8e9a647c08fe6145a2035556ab98""No, it's fine. You and Buck have done enough already, and I'm sure you want some alone time now. Nat is fine with Livy coming back home."/p
p data-p-id="2441b8d0c59ad841133e3b8954b971d4""All right, well, we're first gonna swing by the park. Livy wants to go get some ice cream there, and then we'll take her to you."/p
p data-p-id="8fc9376e0de234ca1705d2f59181a60c""Uh, I don't know if ice cream is a good idea. You know how hyper she can get afterwards," Steve said with concern./p
p data-p-id="13e004f90e606715a6abc58d05bac906""Oh, don't worry, we'll play with her in the park to burn off some of that energy. I just think she should have some ice cream. She's been feeling kinda sad today, so that'll cheer her up a little bit."/p
p data-p-id="6b713db8515446e9a7ed3bb763f6792d"Steve's face fell a little when he heard that. He had been so focused on making sure Natasha was ok that he totally forgot to check in with Wanda to see how Livy was doing. He'd have to make it up to her somehow. "Thanks, Wanda. I'm sorry I haven't called to talk with her. It's just that with..."/p
p data-p-id="4fcfc797b6817fbdad9ef7daff58c28a""I know, Steve," Wanda interrupted, "it's ok. Do you want to talk to her now?"/p
p data-p-id="61ef3e4d10518b6d92d4930078a7d3e8""Sure, we'll both talk with her. I think that'll get her happier too."/p
p data-p-id="bec98a72b874d39a9c91b5e020d66955""All right, let me go give her the phone."/p
p data-p-id="283cdd45d4b78e82759b6684dbcc86a5"Steve realized that he and Natasha were still standing in the doorway, so he moved inside and went to the living room, Natasha following him, and he put his phone on speaker. They heard Wanda say, "Maggie, there's someone who wants to talk to you." Then, Wanda told them, "Here she is."/p
p data-p-id="7438ae81b87ed834128b81f2ba3b16b5""Hey, princess! How are you?" Steve greeted with a kid-friendly voice./p
p data-p-id="c4cd9031cf1d0c366c9ded76c115cfb8"Livy gasped, "Daddy! I miss you so much! I wanna see you!"/p
p data-p-id="17c08bf67d7927c5fe2ba4510d2bd1cf""Is your Daddy the only person you miss?" Natasha said with a hint of mischief./p
p data-p-id="c7303531005a51210f269ad3674fb044""Miss Nat! I miss you too!"/p
p data-p-id="14d8ebff93faf1f1041073e7e9606b3f"Steve and Natasha both laughed. "You're coming home today, princess, but first, Uncle Bucky and Aunt Wanda are taking you to the park for some ice cream, ok?" Steve said./p
p data-p-id="be7884738f6d9f729ffaf70f195b8956""Yay! Ice cream! Park!"/p
p data-p-id="41b1a9086baa37a518196ae0d5fbdd2e"Steve looked at Natasha for a moment and saw how her eyes were sparkling with joy at hearing Livy's enthusiasm, and he knew that the best thing was to have Livy home to keep Natasha distracted./p
p data-p-id="833ba8be8e6fac6c7ac535051d0badbe"Once Livy calmed down from her excitement, Natasha told her, "You be good for Uncle Bucky and Aunt Wanda, ok? We'll see you later."/p
p data-p-id="4867a41c198fd4deec32cd5073f65626""Yes, Miss Nat. I can't wait to see you and Daddy!"/p
p data-p-id="8560f9ffbab342dc7e5ecd03daf533ef""We can't wait to see you either, princess," Steve replied. "Now, go have some fun at the park, and you can tell us all about it when you get back home."/p
p data-p-id="8dc8c212670edc26c67d04b7d4e51edf""Ok, Daddy, I love you and Miss Nat!"/p
p data-p-id="60361c10fa6ec90f0de3a5243022f2cb""We love you too," Steve and Natasha said in unison. With that, the phone call ended./p
p data-p-id="61d54771b58c0f12a3b244c23335fa8a""She was so happy to hear from us," sighed Natasha. "I didn't realize how much I missed her until I heard her voice."/p
p data-p-id="42b83591074dea24a1a4e4a5b3a5521c""Yeah, me neither. It'll be good to have her back home."/p
p data-p-id="1c5d77b78f06dc64758c81a1cd4187e0""It sure will."/p
p data-p-id="6006106f916a8b722085f5b730da0369"Natasha cuddled into Steve's side, and Steve put an arm over her. Amidst all the chaos they were going through, they still had each other, and that's all that mattered./p
p style="text-align: center;" data-p-id="6006106f916a8b722085f5b730da0369"_/p
p data-p-id="fb7f59faff4683791d9f19070a03f719"emstrongI know I've been MIA for a while. Recently I got onto Wattpad again, and then I realized I had this chapter that I forgot to publish. I want to keep writing this story and finish it, but I'm not sure how long it'll take. Thank you to everyone who keeps sticking with me despite my sporadic updates!/strong/em/p
p data-p-id="33fb9ee47c34e60272ce852ff293752c"span style="text-decoration: underline;"emstrong***Advisory: Adult themes are suggested throughout this chapter***/strong/em/span/p
p style="text-align: center;" data-p-id="7b1aaa0bc4d41c550eec6847d9ed9152"_/p
p data-p-id="1eff832ef629346d583cd5ccfb896376"While Clint had gone to the prison to get the divorce papers signed, Steve and Natasha were having a blissful time at home. Steve had determined to distract Natasha from the recent events, and so far, he had successfully done so. His charms never let him down. At this moment, he was watching her sleep. It was one of his favorite things to do. She always looked so peaceful as if nothing was wrong in the world, and that's how he always wanted her to be. His mind started to wander to the events of the past year and how lucky he was to have Natasha come into his life when she did and for his friends and family that cared so much about him that they warned him about "she whose name shall not be mentioned." Natasha saved him from committing possibly one of the worst decisions of his life, and now, it was time for him to save her from her past./p
p data-p-id="25867ee9ceeb74c9d1383c85f7104715"He was so lost in thought that he hadn't realized that his sleeping queen had awakened. "What are you thinking about, honey? You seem like you're a million miles away from here," Natasha said softly as she started running her hand through his hair./p
p data-p-id="af597bfc11cd3e70f2d907fb7abf4391"It startled him a little, "Oh, you're awake. Good morning." He leaned in for a kiss which she happily gave in return./p
p data-p-id="564a0df0c24bba1f70dbd65969220971""Now, my answers to my questions, Rogers," she said playfully./p
p data-p-id="fa8a916fe8d3e9ed07eae189c100af16""Right, I was just thinking about how lucky I am to have you in my life and how I wouldn't want it any other way." Steve smiled and kissed her cheek which made Natasha blush a little./p
p data-p-id="4c6f03035338bc9dd01f89d17138f093""I'm glad you're in my life too and that you always stick by me no matter what the situation is."/p
p data-p-id="6ea0da4d85274506238e1642b0f4b66a""I love you, and I'll always stick by you no matter what."/p
p data-p-id="cb8d242d6708a8dcf0ab53755aeb7dab"With that, Natasha couldn't hold her urge back and started kissing him passionately. Steve reveled in the feelings that came with it. Then Natasha stopped to which Steve gave her a confused look./p
p data-p-id="8eb5d3df453ddd4b3a91f5ae3121b0a2""What? I'm hungry. After last night, don't you think we deserve to eat first?" Natasha started to get up, but Steve pulled her back./p
p data-p-id="2101af196ea12cbaf2ac91f331767be0""I have all that I want right here," he said as he moved his hand to her leg./p
p data-p-id="4de5a6565c1344c586390d1f9c319bf8"Natasha playfully swatted at his hand. "I'm hungry, so I'm going to eat. You can wait here or come eat with me. Your choice," she smiled and got up quickly so that Steve wouldn't pull her back in bed. She picked up her robe and put it on before going to the bedroom door. She turned around and winked at him before going downstairs to make breakfast. Knowing too well that Steve would come down eventually to satisfy his own hungry stomach, she made sure to make some breakfast for the two of them. She decided to make some toast, eggs, and bacon. While cooking, she started feeling the loneliness inside the kitchen, and her mind wandered to where she didn't want it to go. She began thinking about what could go wrong when Clint went to get the divorce papers signed. What if he refused? What if he tried to escape? What if he threatened her? What if... She felt a pair of strong arms hugging her waist and a naked chest pushing on her back which made all her thoughts go away./p
p data-p-id="14f468d5f0afbf77638fe1ad97db482e""Stop thinking, Nat. Everything will be all right," said Steve soothingly as if he had read her thoughts./p
p data-p-id="0c4b62dd945dcfad09a752c81d77333c"Natasha let herself relax into his arms. They always gave her a sense of security when she was going through a rough time. They stayed like that for a few more moments before they finished getting breakfast ready./p
p data-p-id="1b234130d26d619d5d91b4dc85ff6387"Once they had finished breakfast, they put all the dishes in the sink to soak in water so that they could wash them later. They quickly headed up to the bedroom. As soon as they had walked in, Steve pushed Natasha to the nearest wall and started kissing her wildly as Natasha wrapped his legs around him. They stayed there for a few minutes before Steve staggered to the bed where he made love to Natasha./p
p style="text-align: center;" data-p-id="d3b7dae517c93267f11942fa7206de23"_/p
p data-p-id="d4cce47d1c0b2b9c7d6e33b1ae9885f6"Buzz... buzz, buzz... buuuzzzz.../p
p data-p-id="6bde3509f7e36fd034ee0c4ca6bf5f9e"Steve slowly opened his eyes to the sound of his phone buzzing. Steve and Natasha had drifted off to sleep after their love-making session, and he had no idea how long they had been asleep./p
p data-p-id="e8697a53f4b746f00575c8d1affbd4aa"Buzz, buzz.../p
p data-p-id="00e09efd701a7b7eb071d4357582d287"Steve turned around in bed to get his phone off the nightstand, but by the time he grabbed it, the phone had stopped buzzing, and up popped a notification of a missed call from Clint. Steve sat up in bed and unblocked his phone to call Clint back, but before he could, his phone started buzzing again, so he answered it./p
p data-p-id="51fe106707dbfb6bf7b1d1af68fbc679""Hey, Clint, I'm so sorry I didn't get to answer in time. What's up?" Steve said in his sleep-laced voice./p
p data-p-id="5cc24d95437f0e6f342d66bd4ab6cf47""Did I wake you up, Steve?" Clint asked slightly amused./p
p data-p-id="8cbdad6721c2aa1508f0e601ec8f8a84""Oh... yawn... no, you didn't."/p
p data-p-id="c8cf0a1966520e08350e28f347b87ad7""You're a terrible liar, Rogers. I'm sorry that I woke you. I didn't think you'd still be sleeping at 1 PM on a Monday. Anyway, I'm coming over in half an hour. I need to talk to you and Tasha."/p
p data-p-id="f73a35be47a768a6b727d589bc0e0233""Oh, ok, I will let Nat know that you're coming."/p
p data-p-id="8bb8b6cbe916e245401d128a89abf3e4""All right, see you in a little bit." And with that, Clint hung up the phone./p
p data-p-id="3ffe3fe4344beb1d4dc4a412f9a66ef2"Steve set his phone back on the nightstand and lay back down./p
p data-p-id="27eaa914455333c83189d78f495cc16d""Tell me what?" Natasha's groggy voice sounded out./p
p data-p-id="20f4f6808bcef22da62e8548a37d0857""Clint will be here in half an hour. He said that he needs to talk with us."/p
p data-p-id="0492edf289cfd15bd38dcffc8b635398"Natasha stiffened when she heard that./p
p data-p-id="5f6ce4d6338ec673d91b3dcccd6d5fbf""It'll be ok, Nat. I'm sure he just wants to know how we're doing and how you're holding up," Steve reassured./p
p data-p-id="a8b61bfd4b8efb43dfc9bb78b10fbbf1""Maybe... Well, I'll go shower." Natasha got out of bed./p
p data-p-id="ffb918aa4e112c94ed8b21602dd63a9b""I'll join you," Steve quickly said./p
p data-p-id="02804fbf14322b6ef3575f9b2753d260""No, Steve, we'll take longer than we should if you do, and we only have half an hour."/p
p data-p-id="360b01216fea1111fdcd0f02ece9a1bd""I promise I'll be on my best behavior, and we'll be ready before Clint gets here. It'll save time if we shower together."/p
p data-p-id="de01a3af3959d1f11c7d0d9e7a9fa5b5"Natasha smiled a little, "Oh, all right, just remember, quick shower."/p
p data-p-id="e9f0c5661c52fb897bac55e12e480345"As promised, they were ready by the time Clint came. Well, Natasha was almost ready. She was just applying her finishing touches to her natural makeup look. Steve went to get the door as she finished up./p
p data-p-id="997beaee1f65fc8f0259d4f15b8f2ab4""Hey, Clint, come on in," Steve stepped aside to let him in and closed the door./p
p data-p-id="af4565a9b50a60ec0c7db576c2e724bd""Hey, Steve, how are you doing?"/p
p data-p-id="3294363de6d02f7985cbee642d4ee4e6""I'm doing well. Glad I took a day off from work. How about you?"/p
p data-p-id="ed7affeef137acb7a4e60ab6891d00a4""I'm all right." Clint sat down on a couch in the living room. "Where's Tasha?"/p
p data-p-id="c12fceaa588fc79304de8020ff088d47""She'll be right down. Do you want anything to drink?"/p
p data-p-id="2ee5e30597162e480b3e2511e3616f8b""Water is fine, thanks, Steve."/p
p data-p-id="05cba0f45026d94770617b5994bf0ab0"Steve went to get the water as Natasha came downstairs. "Hey, Clint, how are you?" she asked as she entered the living room./p
p data-p-id="79577cc26f2b590997f17c8719748ca2""Not bad, and you? How are you holding up?"/p
p data-p-id="764b4a225b84cd637a2775ed742c131f""Pretty well, I guess. Steve has kept me distracted for the most part. It's just when I'm by myself that my thoughts begin to run loose."/p
p data-p-id="05835694cd86405630447e13995a83c9"Steve came back in with three glasses of water and set them on the coffee table. "So, Clint, what brings you here today?"/p
p data-p-id="dbdf77f39a517627c5ff33cba6ff4b3b""Some good news, actually. Alexei signed the papers, so once the judge approves them, you'll be officially divorced, Tasha, so you no longer need to worry about that."/p
p data-p-id="238ebf987196edd848b5694fef04729a"Natasha breathed a sigh of relief. "And what about the e-mail? Do you know who sent it yet?"/p
p data-p-id="a7dfb61300b74568a8e7a97dfb316608"Clint shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. We've been trying to decrypt it, but whoever sent it knew what they were doing. Once we know who it was, we'll let you know, but for now, focus on the good news."/p
p data-p-id="a4e8bbd51bacb98de325ea82867135bb"Natasha shook her head. It was good to hear that she was no longer bound by marriage to Alexei, but she was still concerned as to who had sent the e-mail. Why had the person written "BEWARE" on it? What was that warning for? She shook her head to get rid of her thoughts and brought her attention to what Steve and Clint were talking about./p
p data-p-id="faff022eceb57594cecb45899247f4e9""In any case, we'll still keep a close eye on both of you until the divorce is finalized, just to be sure nothing happens," she heard Clint say./p
p data-p-id="a9184afd773526d4191d1956ebe0d81e""Yeah, that's fine. We'll be staying here for a week, so if anything happens, you know where to find us," Steve replied. "Please, thank the attorney for us. He's been a lot of help."/p
p data-p-id="3dc50da7fc4875d147df2cff5c5f6124""Actually, about that, you know her, the attorney. Remember Bobbie Morse?"/p
p data-p-id="235bce34f322e6f1061d3a6ddf85b0c8""Oh, yeah! I remember her! She's back in New York?"/p
p data-p-id="010c16a37ef4c67ae72a840a0f441547""Yeah, she is, and she's married to Lance Hunter now," Clint said excitedly./p
p data-p-id="89fa243b8b4acacee86b55701259f301""That's great! They finally got married," Steve said chuckling a little bit./p
p data-p-id="fa0f4318857310ab6dc752eaa53f3c83"Natasha looked at the two of them confused. "Who is Bobbie?"/p
p data-p-id="272242765cde322277e89f1672e717c5""She's an old friend of ours from school. She got in between Clint and Laura for a little bit until Clint came to his senses and started trying to fix things with Laura. Anyway, she's really great, and I think the two of you would become friends very quickly!" Steve told her./p
p data-p-id="d3405f1606730e870aeed388fe45db12""Yeah, maybe I'll talk to her and tell her to come by sometime to meet you," Clint said./p
p data-p-id="26b79f62bde5499c54c67d4d03c1a526""Oh, it's all right, you don't have to do that," Natasha brushed off. In reality, she didn't want to meet anyone new right now./p
p data-p-id="64f1e06c74b589183223726599f5769e""Well, if you do want to, I'll tell her to come, ok?"/p
p data-p-id="b2629688036f8df09e61b83743d4fa42""Sure, that's fine. I'll let you know."/p
p data-p-id="60a885e04ece0bcb33caefaa55e7da98""Well, folks, I gotta go now. I have a few things that I still need to take care of in the office." Clint got up and took one more sip of his water before setting the glass down on the table./p
p data-p-id="4f7dc5f07c3f34182045d382132b7fa5"Steve and Natasha got up too. Steve shook hands with Clint before going in for a manly hug. "Thanks for everything, Clint," he said./p
p data-p-id="3c6996879eb5b6c3c871858c50a1db9a"Then Natasha went to give Clint a hug. "Yes, thank you, Clint. I don't know what we'd do without you. You're a really good friend."/p
p data-p-id="3b0a615fde82405975c49369f2a17b73""Ah, it's nothing. You both are practically family, and I'd do anything to keep you safe. I'll let you know once the judge finishes going through the divorce papers and declares them legal and if there are any changes in the e-mail investigation."/p
p data-p-id="c387b8f691d79c6d54ad42fd4b2ee684"Steve and Natasha then showed him to the door where they said their final goodbyes. As they were watching Clint drive off, Steve's phone began ringing. He took it out of his pocket and saw that Wanda was calling him, so he answered it. "Hey, Wanda, what's up?"/p
p data-p-id="6052fcd91bd84683382039cd7c4532c8""Hi, Steve, just calling to remind you that Bucky and I still have Maggie, and we're supposed to drop her off today. Is that still the plan or would you like her to stay with us another day?"/p
p data-p-id="690359cd4626e5de7a46c01ead16bbbe""Oh, right, um...," he took a sideways glance at Natasha who was looking at him and she nodded her head, "...yeah, that's still the plan. You can bring her over."/p
p data-p-id="201e7eac18d9da30d7762cbeb6646e3e"Wanda giggled at the cautiousness in his voice. "Honestly, we don't mind keeping her here another day."/p
p data-p-id="4f4a8e9a647c08fe6145a2035556ab98""No, it's fine. You and Buck have done enough already, and I'm sure you want some alone time now. Nat is fine with Livy coming back home."/p
p data-p-id="2441b8d0c59ad841133e3b8954b971d4""All right, well, we're first gonna swing by the park. Livy wants to go get some ice cream there, and then we'll take her to you."/p
p data-p-id="8fc9376e0de234ca1705d2f59181a60c""Uh, I don't know if ice cream is a good idea. You know how hyper she can get afterwards," Steve said with concern./p
p data-p-id="13e004f90e606715a6abc58d05bac906""Oh, don't worry, we'll play with her in the park to burn off some of that energy. I just think she should have some ice cream. She's been feeling kinda sad today, so that'll cheer her up a little bit."/p
p data-p-id="6b713db8515446e9a7ed3bb763f6792d"Steve's face fell a little when he heard that. He had been so focused on making sure Natasha was ok that he totally forgot to check in with Wanda to see how Livy was doing. He'd have to make it up to her somehow. "Thanks, Wanda. I'm sorry I haven't called to talk with her. It's just that with..."/p
p data-p-id="4fcfc797b6817fbdad9ef7daff58c28a""I know, Steve," Wanda interrupted, "it's ok. Do you want to talk to her now?"/p
p data-p-id="61ef3e4d10518b6d92d4930078a7d3e8""Sure, we'll both talk with her. I think that'll get her happier too."/p
p data-p-id="bec98a72b874d39a9c91b5e020d66955""All right, let me go give her the phone."/p
p data-p-id="283cdd45d4b78e82759b6684dbcc86a5"Steve realized that he and Natasha were still standing in the doorway, so he moved inside and went to the living room, Natasha following him, and he put his phone on speaker. They heard Wanda say, "Maggie, there's someone who wants to talk to you." Then, Wanda told them, "Here she is."/p
p data-p-id="7438ae81b87ed834128b81f2ba3b16b5""Hey, princess! How are you?" Steve greeted with a kid-friendly voice./p
p data-p-id="c4cd9031cf1d0c366c9ded76c115cfb8"Livy gasped, "Daddy! I miss you so much! I wanna see you!"/p
p data-p-id="17c08bf67d7927c5fe2ba4510d2bd1cf""Is your Daddy the only person you miss?" Natasha said with a hint of mischief./p
p data-p-id="c7303531005a51210f269ad3674fb044""Miss Nat! I miss you too!"/p
p data-p-id="14d8ebff93faf1f1041073e7e9606b3f"Steve and Natasha both laughed. "You're coming home today, princess, but first, Uncle Bucky and Aunt Wanda are taking you to the park for some ice cream, ok?" Steve said./p
p data-p-id="be7884738f6d9f729ffaf70f195b8956""Yay! Ice cream! Park!"/p
p data-p-id="41b1a9086baa37a518196ae0d5fbdd2e"Steve looked at Natasha for a moment and saw how her eyes were sparkling with joy at hearing Livy's enthusiasm, and he knew that the best thing was to have Livy home to keep Natasha distracted./p
p data-p-id="833ba8be8e6fac6c7ac535051d0badbe"Once Livy calmed down from her excitement, Natasha told her, "You be good for Uncle Bucky and Aunt Wanda, ok? We'll see you later."/p
p data-p-id="4867a41c198fd4deec32cd5073f65626""Yes, Miss Nat. I can't wait to see you and Daddy!"/p
p data-p-id="8560f9ffbab342dc7e5ecd03daf533ef""We can't wait to see you either, princess," Steve replied. "Now, go have some fun at the park, and you can tell us all about it when you get back home."/p
p data-p-id="8dc8c212670edc26c67d04b7d4e51edf""Ok, Daddy, I love you and Miss Nat!"/p
p data-p-id="60361c10fa6ec90f0de3a5243022f2cb""We love you too," Steve and Natasha said in unison. With that, the phone call ended./p
p data-p-id="61d54771b58c0f12a3b244c23335fa8a""She was so happy to hear from us," sighed Natasha. "I didn't realize how much I missed her until I heard her voice."/p
p data-p-id="42b83591074dea24a1a4e4a5b3a5521c""Yeah, me neither. It'll be good to have her back home."/p
p data-p-id="1c5d77b78f06dc64758c81a1cd4187e0""It sure will."/p
p data-p-id="6006106f916a8b722085f5b730da0369"Natasha cuddled into Steve's side, and Steve put an arm over her. Amidst all the chaos they were going through, they still had each other, and that's all that mattered./p
p style="text-align: center;" data-p-id="6006106f916a8b722085f5b730da0369"_/p
p data-p-id="fb7f59faff4683791d9f19070a03f719"emstrongI know I've been MIA for a while. Recently I got onto Wattpad again, and then I realized I had this chapter that I forgot to publish. I want to keep writing this story and finish it, but I'm not sure how long it'll take. Thank you to everyone who keeps sticking with me despite my sporadic updates!/strong/em/p