Chapter 4
When Steve woke up from a really bad hangover, he immediately made his way to his kitchen to find some Advil for his pounding head, but he didn’t expect the scene in his living area. All of his friends were there waiting for him. Rhodey walked up to him and handed him a glass of water and some aspirin “I think you need these.” “Thanks, man,” uttered Steve and suddenly turned to Tony after drinking. “Shouldn’t you be on your honeymoon?” asked Steve. “Yeah, we were, but someone decided to disappear last night and Pepper wouldn’t leave unless she knows you’re safe,” Tony answered. Steve turned to Pepper who was wrapped around Tony’s arms, “I’m sorry Pepper, I didn’t mean to worry you, but you should be on your way now guys.” Steve said with an apologetic look. Pepper could sense his guilt so she just smiled at him and said. “That’s fine Steve, I just really wanted to make sure you’re alright besides it’s not like Tony’s private jet is going anywhere.” She smiled at him genuinely. Steve smiled at them, it warms his heart that he’s got friends that are always there for him.
“Hate to break it to you guys, but Steve’s fridge is empty so I can’t make us breakfast.” Sam interrupted while walking out of the kitchen. “We’re still getting breakfast right?” Bruce said worriedly and made everyone laugh at that. “I think I know a great place, they serve really good coffee there,” Thor said proudly.
They waited for Steve to get ready and went out to get breakfast after that they sent Pepper and Tony off to the airport for their honeymoon.
“So, where are we off to?” asked Bucky, “I’m needed in the lab, so I’ll see you guys later,” Bruce said and Rhodey went with him for he got called to work as well that left Steve, Bucky, Sam and Thor on their own.
“We should stock your fridge dude,” Sam turned to Steve, “That’s a great idea, Sam, I’m running out of Poptarts so I should go and get some too.” Thor chimed in excitedly. “Well, let’s get going then,” said Steve. “Why don’t we go to the other side of town this time?” Bucky suggested. Everyone looked at him curiously. “What? It’s just for a change. I mean aren’t you getting tired of always going in the same place?” asked Bucky, he suggested it knowing that Steve would only be reminded by Nat if they go to that same grocery store. They just shrugged it off and went with his suggestion anyway. Steve looked at him gratefully, he knew why Bucky had suggested it. A change of scenery might get his mind off Natasha.
The drive to the other side of town only took twenty-five minutes and that gave Steve a bit of ease.
With an almost full cart, they were heading on the meat station when something caught Steve’s eyes on the vegetables and fruit section. He wasn’t sure if his eyes were playing tricks on him, but he can’t be mistaken he knows that red hair was engraved in his very soul being. Without even thinking he started heading to the redhead he saw, he wanted to check if it was Nat. he immediately hid behind a shelf when he felt her make a sudden move. “Why are we hiding?” asked Sam curiously and that made Steve wake up from his trance, he forgot that he was with the guys. “I just wanted to check on something,” Steve responded mindlessly “I think I saw Nat” he added. ”Where?” asked Bucky he didn’t give him an answer, Steve just moved to a shelf that was closer to the redhead with the guys on his tail and that gave him a clear view that confirmed his suspicion. It was Nat, she hasn’t changed one bit she’s still beautiful as ever. The guys followed his line of vision and there they saw her, the only girl that Steve Rogers have ever loved.
Bucky watched Steve watch the girl in their hiding spot. That was the woman he let go and hurt so much and he could see the guilt and regret that washed over his face. Bucky felt sorry for Steve at that very moment. That moment was suddenly interrupted when they heard Thor shout. The three guys looked at each other with wide eyes in panic.
When Thor followed Steve’s line of vision he immediately saw Natasha he got excited for he hadn’t seen Nat for three years. After what happened to her and Steve she just vanished and never contacted them, not even once. So Thor being Thor he yelled out Natasha’s name to grab her attention. She took a glance at him when she heard her name and just went back to pick up some fruits.
“Natasha!” he yelled again excitedly “It’s us! We’ve missed you!” he said while making his way to her. She looked back again and saw the three other guys reluctantly revealing themselves out behind the shelf and made their way to her as well.
As Thor was approaching her she took a step back when she realized he was about to hug her. Thor was confused because she never refuses a hug from him and even told him he was the best hugger and he made sure that everyone knows that.
This Natasha however, looked so confused and a bit scared even. “What’s wrong Nat?” Thor asked still looking confused.
“Uhmm, who are you? Do I know you? Do I know any of you?” she asked still looking confused. Seeing them in confusion as well she added “I was in an accident years ago and couldn’t remember anything after that.” She smiled at them apologetically and grabbed the fruits and tossed them in her cart. She turned to them once again and just said “I’m sorry if can’t remember any of you, but I’ll be heading out now.”
She made her way out and checked out her stuff, the guys just remain standing to where she left them still not believing what just happened.
They were still speechless, they couldn’t believe that they just saw Nat and she didn’t even recognize any of them.