Two cars tore through the quiet roads of Iowa, shattering the serene, picturesque image of the forest. Their engines roared like wild beasts, echoing through the empty roads. The first car, a jet-black Lamborghini, darted ahead, its powerful form gliding comfortably through the winding roads. Behind it, a flaming red Ferrari was in hot pursuit.
The Lamborghini was pushed to its limit, its speedometer blinking at 200 miles per hour. The driver's face was a mask of intense concentration, eyes locked on the road, hands gripping the steering wheel with unrelenting determination. Behind, the Ferrari was a relentless predator, matching every move with unyielding precision.
The narrow, treacherous road wove like a ribbon through the dense trees. A ribbon of asphalt twisting and turning through the dense trees. The Lamborghini manoeuvred each turn with precision, trying to gain some distance from its pursuer. The Ferrari's driver, however, was unperturbed, eyes narrowing as they prepared for the perfect moment. As the two cars approached the last turn leading out of the forest, the Lamborghini maintained its inside position taking the sharpest turn it could to increase its gap. The Ferrari's driver remained undeterred.
The trees began to thin out and the road started to straighten, leading out of the forest into open fields. The Ferrari found the opportunity that it had been patiently waiting for. It tried to overtake from the right causing the Lamborghini to block its attempt, but with a swift movement, the Red Ferrari burst alongside the Lamborghini. For a moment, the two cars raced side by side, the roar of their engines screaming in a visceral symphony of power.
In a final audacious move, the Ferrari executed a feint, drifting close enough to force the Lamborghini to brake. The black car's tyres screeched as it fought to regain control, but the Ferrari's driver seized the moment, pulling ahead with a surge of speed. The Lamborghini, now trailing, fought to reclaim its lead but the Ferrari held on resolutely.
The Red Ferrari crossed the finish line, the front gate of the Barton family home, comfortably while the black Lamborghini followed closely. Both cars came to a screeching halt, their engines still grovelling by how the cars had been pushed by their respective drivers. Their drivers catching their breath from the adrenaline-charged race. Natasha emerged from the Ferrari with a triumphant smirk, the cool breeze tousling her hair enhancing her already breathtaking looks. Meanwhile, clearly dissatisfied with the result of the race Harry clambered out of the Lamborghini with a scowl in his face.
"Well, that was fun" Natasha said casually as she walked over to Harry, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. Harry replied by huffing at her.
"You know, I had you for most of the race," Harry said with a huff.
Natasha's smile widened, and she shook her head, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "You were in the lead because I let you," she replied, her voice dripping with playful superiority as she ruffled his hair. Harry swatted at her hand with a chuckle.
Before Harry could retort, their conversation was interrupted by the excited sounds of Barton's children Lila and Cooper Barton. The two kids barreled out to embrace Harry and Natasha their faces flushed with excitement and joy.
"Uncle Harry! Aunty Natasha! Welcome home." They shouted in unison, their voices filled with enthusiasm.
Harry's face lit up with a genuine smile as he lifted Cooper high into the air. The little boy squealed with delight, his small arms flailing as he enjoyed the ride. Natasha bent down to give Lila a warm, heartfelt hug, the little girl wrapping her arms tightly around her.
"So, who won?" Laura, Barton's wife, called out from the entrance.
Harry scrunched up his face at the question while Natasha proudly exclaimed "Who do you think?" while giving a thumbs up to Laura. The kids burst into giggles, their laughter filling the air. "Let's go, Aunty Nat!" Lila cheered, bouncing on her toes.
Cooper, looking up at Harry with sympathetic eyes, said softly, "Maybe next time, Uncle Harry."
Harry chuckled and patted Cooper's head. "She's too good at this, kiddo. The only time I'll lose is when she lets me," he joked, his eyes crinkling with amusement. The kids laughed again; their joy infectious.
It was a simple comment from Harry, yet it made Natasha's heart swell with emotion. Her past was riddled with lies and deceit. Every interaction was calculated to serve a hidden agenda and every relationship was a means to gain an advantage. She had been forced to mask her true self, to be sculpted into the perfect weapon. However, Harry was different. With the shackles of her past finally shed, she could finally be herself around him.
Harry understood her in a way that she even didn't understand herself and she felt liberated being with Harry. When she was part of the Red Room, Natasha believed herself to be cursed to live a lonely existence and destined to die in an obscure corner with no one the wiser. After escaping, she grappled with uncertainty about how to live her life. There were days when she was still unsure of what her purpose in life was or if she was doing enough to redeem herself.
In those dark moments, Harry became her rock. Whenever she felt overwhelmed or lost, he was there to offer solace and strength. Slowly and steadily, their relationship had blossomed into everything that she had ever longed for. Harry had become her lifeline, offering her a new beginning, a renewed sense of purpose, and a glimmer of hope. Where once she had feared to dream, believing such aspirations were beyond her reach, Harry had freed her from her cage and let her soar to heights that she didn't know that she could.
In Harry, Natasha had found more than a partner—she had discovered a chance at a life she had never dared to dream of, a life filled with love, acceptance, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
The kids led Harry into the house and coaxed him into playing with them. He complied without hesitation and with the help of his magic, turned their ordinary day into something magical. At their request, Harry transfigured household items into miniature animals both ordinary and fantastical like rabbits, lions, unicorns, eagles, phoenixes, etc. The children's eyes sparkled with delight as they played with these enchanted creatures that had come to life.
"Can you make us fly too?" Cooper suddenly asked, admiring the birds flying around the house.
Harry chuckled and waved his hand causing both Lila and Cooper to start levitating into the air. Their laughter filled the room as they floated around, experiencing the thrill of flying.
"Look, I'm a bird!" Lila exclaimed; her arms spread wide as she glided around the room.
Harry smiled warmly, his heart full at their pure joy. To add to the fun, he transfigured their ears and noses into those of various animals. Cooper's ears became floppy like a bunny's, while Lila sported a cute button nose like a kitten's. The room echoed with their giggles as they caught sight of their reflections, amused by their transformed appearances.
Both Natasha and Laura watched Harry playing with the kids, their hearts warmed by the sight of his gentle, caring nature. Harry's laughter mingled with the children's, filling the room with an infectious joy.
For Natasha, however, the moment was bittersweet. Her heart filled with warmth, knowing that Harry would be an incredible father. She imagined their life together—a home filled with laughter and children who inherited Harry's kindness and her determination. She could envision Harry teaching their son some self-defence in the back garden, or Harry and their daughter cooking something in the kitchen. She dreamed about family dinners, bedtime stories, and the simple, profound joy of watching their children grow up and growing old together with Harry.
Yet, that same thought brought a sharp pang of sorrow. Those dreams were just that—dreams. The Red Room had robbed her of the ability to have children. Back then, she had agreed with their reasoning—the burdens of having ovaries were a distraction she couldn't afford, and neither did she expect to live long enough to start a family. She was a weapon, not a woman with dreams or desires. Her body had been merely a tool to be honed and used.
But Harry had changed everything. With him, she had found hope and the freedom to dream of a future she had never dared to imagine. Now, the dream of starting a family with Harry was an ache she couldn't ignore. Watching him with Cooper and Lila, she saw the life they could have had, the children they would never be able to raise together. The pain of that lost future cut deep, a silent grief she carried within her heart.
A lonely tear slipped from her eye as she observed the scene before her. Natasha wiped away the tear before it could fall, steeling herself as she always had. She would cherish the life she had with Harry, even if it wasn't exactly what she had dreamed.
Laura noticed Natasha's silent tears and gently took her hand, leading her to a quieter room away from the joyful chaos. Worry was etched on Laura's face as she closed the door behind them. "Why are you crying?" she asked softly.
Natasha hesitated; the words caught in her throat. "Because I will never be able to give that to Harry." Natasha finally whispered.
"Give what?" Laura asked her brow furrowing in concern.
"A family" Natasha replied, her voice breaking.
Laura's eyes softened "Does he know?" Laura asked to which Natasha replied by shaking her head. Laura pulled Natasha into a comforting embrace "You need to talk to him. He will understand." Laura said gently.
Natasha nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "I know. I just need a bit of time."
With that shared understanding, Laura and Natasha returned to the living room, where Harry was still engaged in playful antics with the kids. As they joined in the fun, Natasha's heart was lighter, filled with hope and the warmth of the family she had found, even if it wasn't the one she had once dreamed of.
As the day wound down and the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, Laura approached Harry and Natasha with a gentle smile. "You two have a visitor," she said, her tone carrying a hint of secrecy. Natasha and Harry exchanged a glance. "I'll take the kids to get some food," Laura offered, knowing the importance of the meeting. "You two go and see your guest."
With a nod of gratitude, Harry and Natasha made their way to the barn. The rustic structure stood apart from the main house, its weathered wood glowing softly in the fading light. As they approached, the barn door creaked open, revealing the imposing figure of Nick Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., waiting inside.
Both Harry and Natasha were unsurprised by his appearance; a meeting with Fury had been long overdue after the whole fiasco in Stark Industries.
"I see the two of you have been enjoying your vacation," Fury stated matter-of-factly, his voice steady and penetrating.
"I think it's a well-deserved break for a very productive year. Don't you think?" Natasha quipped back, a teasing glint in her eye.
Fury smirked in return "I am grateful to have you in my corner Romanoff. Being able to rely on you for difficult missions and on Strike Team Delta for suicide missions has made my life a lot easier." he admitted, his tone uncharacteristically sincere.
Harry leaned against a nearby beam, crossing his arms. "How did your meeting with Tony go?" he asked, curiosity lacing his voice as he got into the main agenda for this meeting.
Fury's expression darkened. "Abysmal," Fury replied with a grunt. "Why the hell does he have to pull the shit that he does? We had a perfect alibi. All he had to do was follow the script. But that stupid reporter had to taunt him and play with his ego, inflating it. And as predicted, he went off script and made that damn statement. 'I Am Iron Man.' What a load of bullshit."
Harry and Natasha struggled to stifle their laughter as Fury's frustration with Tony Stark became more evident.
"Tony is a great guy, but he is not used to being ordered around," Harry explained, trying to defend his friend. "He may be a genius, but his ego is as colossal as Mount Rushmore. The media are used to his antics and know which buttons to press to get a reaction. I had told Phil when he came up with this idea that it would not work."
"You can't control the narrative all the time," Natasha added with a knowing smile. "Stark loves the limelight and being Iron Man will put him in a greater limelight. He thinks he is playing a hero and living out a fantasy, he didn't know he had. I mean it's textbook behavior that comes from a neglected childhood."
"I would disagree with that" Harry interjected, shaking his head. "Yes, Tony may be acting like a hero, but I think he has gained a new sense of maturity and purpose. It may seem like he is enjoying this new limelight but it's just a byproduct of him trying to do the right thing."
"As if." Fury scoffed. "Stark was and will always crave attention. Don't mistake his heroism for any kind of newfound maturity. All he is is a man-child that has just got a new shiny toy."
"I think you're underestimating him," Harry exclaimed in support of his friend. "You don't know him like I do. I'm confident he'll prove you wrong."
"Yeah, well we know enough." Natasha gave a sympathetic look to Harry. "I am sorry to say this, but he is only going to disappoint you, babe."
Ignoring Natasha's comment, Harry pressed on. "Did you offer him a role in the Avengers Initiative?"
Fury's frustration was palpable. "Yes, I did. But he rejected it and threw me out of his house." Fury replied with anger. "Who the fuck does he think he is. Apparently, he doesn't want to do anything with government organizations. What kind of a genius is he that he doesn't understand the gravity of the situation and what it means to be an Avenger."
"Yeah, well we aren't exactly marketing ourselves well. At our current state, we are just a response team of a shady government organization." Harry countered sharply. "Let me be the one to explain to him to him what we are. I am sure that I can convince him to join the initiative.
Natasha interjected before Harry could continue. "I think we need to assess Stark more to decide on whether we should recruit him. Like Director Fury said, Stark is a kid who just got a new toy. A toy that can either protect the world or destroy it. I am sure that many companies and countries will try to replicate that technology. We already got a successful prototype from Stane. Maybe, others will be able to replicate the technology. If they do, then S.H.I.E.L.D. can develop their own set of metal suits to protect the world."
Harry shook his head, determined. "I think that you are underestimating the genius design of Tony. I am willing to bet that we will not have a single prototype of the Iron Man suit in the next 5 years. Recruiting Tony is not just about the suit but also the mind behind the person." Harry reasoned.
"I think Romanoff is onto something," Fury said thoughtfully. "I believe that you are right when you say that we need to assess Stark more. I want the two of you to keep an eye on Stark. Let's have a discussion after a bit more time and then decide if we want to recruit Stark to the Avengers Initiative."
As the conversation with Fury ended, the room was filled with a contemplative silence. The weight of their discussion about Tony Stark and the future of the Avengers Initiative hung in the air, mingling with the warmth of the earlier moments shared with the children.
Fury, ever the pragmatist, gave a curt nod. "I'll be in touch. In the meantime, keep doing what you do best." With that, he turned and left.
Harry and Natasha stood side by side, the lingering echoes of their conversation melding with the laughter and excitement of the kids outside. They walked out to join the kids, their earlier conversation a backdrop to the joy unfolding before them. As they re-entered the lively scene, Laura gave them a knowing smile and motioned them over.
"Come on, you two," Laura said warmly. "The kids are asking for you. They've got more games planned, and I think they're hoping for some more magic tricks."
Author's Note:
Thank you everyone for the support and thank you for your kind words and all the reviews that you have left.
And that's a wrap for Arc 2. What did you guys think? I had a lot of fun writing the driving scene. I wanted it to sound like a chase in the beginning and then transition it into a race. Plus there weren't enough Harry Nat moments in this arc I felt like and I wanted to have a chapter for them.
I have started a P. A.T.R.E.O.N with the name Bivz643, if you guys are interested in reading ahead. For now, you can read ahead to chapter 35 of this fanfiction. In that chapter, Harry meets with Loki and Thor. There is only one tier for $5 with the benefit being access to the library and that I will be posting 2 chapters per week there. I understand that not everyone can become a Patron and support me monthly. However, if you'd still like to read ahead, you can do so by getting the PDF version of the 2nd and 3rd arc of "A Wizard in the MCU" for $3 at P. A.T.R.E.O.N. shop
Anyway, see you all next week. Happy reading.