new family
Tony and Pepper’s funerals were the next day so while Nat’s return was a joyous thing it was met with quite the sorrowful occasion. All dressed in black, they sat by the lake and drifted flowers out in honor of the ones they lost. Throughout the memorial, Natasha noticed Morgan sitting next to Happy. She wasn’t crying, she was too young to truly grasp such a concept as death, but she was sad. After the wills were read and the flowers had drifted out of view, Nat walked over to Happy to talk about what was going to happen to Morgan.
“Well, even though Maria would have loved her so much, she’s clearly out of the picture as is Howard, and Pepper’s parents haven’t lived in the same country for over half of her life. I reached out and they told me they had no intention of stopping but they would love to take Morgan if they could have her. I told them that I would most likely become her guardian but that they could visit as much as they wanted. Well I shouldn't have ever said anything though because they ate that shit up and now they don’t want her 24/7. Wouldn’t be an issue if I could take her but I can’t. I tried but the court won't grant me her adoption. Said that since I was out of a job they felt it too risky. I told them repeatedly, even gave proof, that I still very much had a career but they shot me down again. Offered her up to foster care. I couldn’t do that so I said her aunt was coming into town to take care of her. She doesn’t even have an aunt. But then again, she doesn’t even truly understand what happened to her parents. She thinks that her daddy’s out floating in space saving the world and her mommy is right beside him. I don’t have the heart. I just, I don’t know what to do. They said if no one shows up to court by Monday for her adoption she’ll have to go into their care. Tony would hate that. I can’t do it Nat I can’t I-” He began to break down into tears and soon a full sob. Nat pulled him into a hug and patted his back.
“Hey, hey hey hey it’s ok Hap. It’s ok, it's gonna be fine. They will not take her away from you, I just, I just won't let them.”
“How?”
___________________
“Do you agree to care for any of the possible needs of Morgan Howard Stark for all your life?”
“I do.”
“There is some concern with your past. Trained assassins and federal fugitives are not typically known as the world’s best parents.”
“I am well aware of my past and the red flags that it may raise but I promise to love this child with all of my heart and give her the childhood that I always longed for yet was robbed from me. She will always be loved and never alone.”
“Well, I have hesitation, but your recommendations are glowing and not written by 17 year old children so I guess I have no real opposition. I grant you full adoption of Morgan Howard Stark, effective immediately. Congratulations.”
Nat’s eyes filled up with tears at the sound of the gavel. She had a child. She thought about Tony, her best friend for so long, and she no longer knew if her tears were joyful or full of sadness and pain. But she no longer cared. Tony didn’t have to worry about Morgan, she would always have a home, family, the family her father had unknowingly built for her.
Nat squatted down to reach Morgan’s eye level and spoke softly. “Hi Morgan. I’m going to take care of you. Want to go home?”
Morgan, thumb in her mouth, slowly shook her head yes. She reached for Natasha’s hand and they walked out of the courthouse together.