Auntie Lena!
“Come on sweetheart, it’s bath time,” Carol pleaded with her daughter.
“No! I want Mama!”
Carol sighed exasperatedly. Nat had gone on a mission and their daughter was acting out because she missed her. Her wife has been gone for three weeks, the longest she’s been on a mission since Katarina was born. They were both feeling the effects of the redhead being gone.
“Kat, come on.”
“No!”
Carol ran a tired hand over her face. Katarina had powers, like herself, but her daughter’s was different from her own. She had the ability to teleport, and she decided to teleport herself to the top of the bathroom cabinet.
“I’ll tell you what sweetheart, you let Mommy give you a bath and we’ll call Mama tonight.”
Katarina raised an eyebrow, something she got from Nat no doubt, and stared her mommy down. “On the computer?”
Carol nodded, knowing her daughter meant the Stark computer that let them talk to Nat wherever she was with perfect quality, whether it be 10 minutes away, across the ocean, even in outer space. It also let them play games with her, watch movies, even read stories.
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
Kat smiled brightly before teleporting herself into her mother’s arms. Carol smiled down at her daughter. “Do you just like giving me trouble?” Carol asked as she set Kat down in the tub.
Kat ignored her mommy and began playing with her bath toys. Carol shook her head while chuckling before lathering her daughter’s thick blonde locks with shampoo, being careful not to get any in Kat’s eyes. After washing it out, she repeated the process with the conditioner and the body shampoo.
“Come on honey, let’s get you nice and warm,” Carol said, lifting her daughter out of the tub. She rubbed her down with a fluffy towel, applying lotion afterwards. When that was done, she helped Kat get into her pull-up and her “most favorite pajamas in the world”, a onesie with little cartoon drawings of the Avengers.
“Can we talk to Mama now?” Kat asked, looking at her mother, her large green-blue eyes (exactly like Nat’s) filled with hope. Thanks to some help with Stark technology, they were able to use both Carol and Natasha’s DNA, making their daughter a perfect mix of them both. She inherited Carol’s hair and nose while she got Nat’s eyes and smile. She had both of their sarcasm, dry humor, and wit along with powers of her own because of Carol’s powers. Katarina had also somehow inherited Nat’s facial expressions, such as the raised eyebrow and half-smirk.
“Let Mommy change into her pajamas then we’ll call her. Why don’t you go get ready?”
“Ok!” Kat exclaimed before running for the office.
Carol chuckled. She quickly cleaned the bathroom up and tossed Kat’s towel into the hamper. She then headed to their bedroom, quickly shedding her leggings and long sleeve for a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, throwing one of Nat’s hoodies over. Once that was done, she traipsed through the hallway, finding her daughter seated in the large and plush office chair, looking rather impatient with her stuffed spider, one Natasha had gotten for Katarina’s second birthday and whose name was Bitsy.
“Ready?” Carol asked as she moved Kat so she was in her lap and Carol was in the chair.
Kat eagerly nodded her head. Carol hit the call button and silently prayed that Natasha would be able to answer. It rang once, twice, three times when the soft and beautiful but tired face of Natasha answered the phone. “Hello?” she asked in her husky voice.
“Mama!” Kat exclaimed, her face lighting up at her mama on the screen of the computer.
Natasha smiled brightly at her daughter’s voice and seeing her on screen. “Привет дорогая, how are you?” (Hi sweetheart)
“Привет мама, I miss you,” Kat pouted. (Hi Mama)
“I miss you too honey, both of you.”
“How are things going over there?” Carol inquired.
Her wife looked at her tiredly, and Carol’s heart clenched. She wanted to give Nat a hug, to cuddle with her in bed and hold her close, let her get a good night’s rest.
“Not good. I don’t think I’ll be home for at least a few more days,” Natasha said regretfully.
Katarina looked at her mama sadly, mixed with a little bit of anger. “No Mama! I miss you! I want you to come home!”
Natasha smiled sadly, and Carol could just make out the glossiness of Nat’s eyes. “I know моя любовь, I know. I miss you guys so much, and I want nothing more than to be home with you and snuggle and watch those cartoons you love so much.” (my love)
“Spongebob?” Kat asked.
“We’re gonna watch a whole bunch of Spongebob when I get home, I promise,” Natasha agreed.
Kat smiled before rubbing her eyes sleepily. Both Carol and Nat looked at the clock, noticing it was a few minutes past their daughter’s bedtime.
“Come on sweetheart, let’s get you to bed,” Carol said softly.
“No! Mama, sing me a song,” Kat whined while snuggling closer to her mommy.
“I will Katarina, but only if you promise to listen and apologize to Mommy. I know you miss me but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to listen to Mommy.”
“Ok, sorry Mommy.”
“It’s alright sweetheart,” Carol replied.
“Ok моя любовь, are you ready?” (my love)
Kat nodded her head and Natasha began to sing softly.
I can’t remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride
Something touched me deep inside
The day the music died
So, bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good ol’ boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
Singin’ “This’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die”
“She’s out,” Carol said softly.
“Good,” her wife said before letting out her own yawn.
“Babe, you should get some sleep, you look exhausted.”
Nat shrugged. “It’s this damn bed. It’s not comfortable and it doesn’t have you. I brought one of your sweatshirts and it helps a bit, but it’s not the same,” Nat admitted.
“I know.”
“I should get going. I need to get up early tomorrow.”
“Alright, please stay safe. I love you Nat.”
“I love you too, and give our daughter a kiss from me and tell her I love her.”
“I will. Bye honey.”
“Bye baby.”
Carol hung up and sighed. She carefully got out of the chair and carried Kat to her bedroom. She turned the lamp on before untucking the blankets. She gently laid her daughter down, placing Bitsy next to her. Kat subconsciously reached out and tucked it against her as Carol pulled the covers over her.
“I love you,” she whispered before placing a kiss on her forehead. Carol turned off the lamp and made sure Kat’s night light was on. Seeing that the light was on, Carol softly closed the door behind her. She quietly walked through the hallway and turned the knob of their door, closing it behind her. Carol pulled the covers off, got underneath them, and closed her eyes, trying to ignore how big, cold, and empty the bed felt without her wife.
The next day
Carol groaned softly when her eyes opened and were bombarded by sunlight. She hastily shut them, and once she felt awake enough, opened her eyes again. She swung out of bed and headed to the bathroom. Using the bathroom and brushing her teeth, she padded down the hallway to the stairs. She frowned in confusion when she smelled coffee and pancakes. She entered the kitchen and paused in the doorway.
“Morning Mommy! Auntie Lena made pancakes!”
“I see that,” Carol said as she headed over to her daughter and dropped a quick kiss to her hair, which Yelena must’ve pulled back into a ponytail before breakfast. “Morning sweetheart.”
“There’s still some coffee in the pot if you want some,” Yelena said.
Carol nodded her thanks and shuffled over to the coffee machine, grabbing a mug from the cabinet before pouring herself a cup. She wrapped her hands around the now steaming mug and blew on it for a few seconds. She took a sip and sighed in satisfaction.
“Would you like some pancakes? There are still a few left,” said Yelena as she collected her own and Katarina’s plates and put them in the sink.
“Thanks,” Carol said, watching as Yelena put three on a plate and placed it in front of Carol along with a fork and a knife. “Not trying to be rude, but what are you doing here?”
“Natasha told me you guys could use some company. So I'm here to take you out. We’ve got it all planned out, don't we Kat?”
“Yeah Mommy! We’re gonna go to the zoo then lunch then shopping then ice cream and a blanket fort and movies!”
Carol laughed at her daughter’s enthusiasm. “That's a lot of things to do today Kat. Can't we do some of it tomorrow?”
“Noooo! We have to do it all today! Auntie Lena promised!”
Carol internally groaned and settled for shooting Yelena a dirty look. Yelena simply smirked at Carol and told Kat to get ready.
“She’s been gone almost three weeks, right?” Yelena inquired as she sat on the stool across from Carol.
Carol sighed. “Yes, and we’re both getting frustrated. Kat’s been acting out and I’m beginning to lose my patience.”
Yelena studied Carol for a moment. Her hair was still in its bed head stage, her eyes had dark bags underneath, and she overall looked very weary and ready to collapse at any given moment. “Why don’t you stay here then? Get some rest and relaxation while I take Katarina out.”
Carol immediately shook her head. “No way, she’s too excited for this. I’ll be fine.”
Yelena frowned, the crinkles in her scrunched up eyes showing her nonverbal disagreement with Carol’s rejection. “If you say so.”
“I do,” Carol nodded after taking a few bites of her pancakes. “And since when have you become so domestic?”
“Since my sister decided to make me an aunt.”
Carol shook her head and ate the rest of her breakfast in silence.
“I’m ready!” Kat announced as she appeared on the kitchen counter.
Carol startled and almost dropped the dishes she was carrying to the sink from her daughter’s sudden appearance. Yelena was smirking at her, and Carol glowered.
“That’s great принцесса. I’ve got a question for you. How would you feel if it was just you and me?” (princess)
Kat looked between her mommy and auntie in confusion. Carol was scowling at Yelena while she had a patient look on her face.
“Like an ‘Auntie Lena and Kat’ day?”
Yelena smiled. “Exactly like that.”
Kat squealed with joy and teleported herself on top of Yelena’s shoulders. Yelena, knowing it was going to happen, instantly placed her arms on Kat’s legs, holding her in place. “Let’s go, Auntie Lena! Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!”
Yelena laughed and Carol looked at her daughter, the surprise clear as day. “What, you don’t love me anymore?”
“Sorry Mommy, but Auntie Lena is cooler and more fun.” Kat said it so matter of factly that Yelena was snorting with laughter.
Carol pouted, then sighed. “I guess no more bedtime stories since I’m not cool or fun.”
“No Mommy!” Kat exclaimed as she teleported from her auntie’s shoulders to her mommy’s arms. “You’re cool and fun and I love you!”
Carol chuckled as she adjusted Kat so she was properly on her hip. “Alright sweetheart, please listen to Auntie Lena. She’s in charge, and that means whatever she says, goes, just like if you were with me or Mama. Have fun and I’ll see you when you come home.”
Kat was vigorously nodding her head at everything Carol was saying, so much so that both blondes were worried she was going to get whiplash. “Ok Mommy. Love you!” Kat planted a kiss on Carol’s cheek.
Carol returned it before Kat reappeared on Yelena’s shoulders. “Can we go now Auntie Lena?! Please, please, please?!”
“Let’s go принцесса,” Yelena said. (princess)
Kat squealed with joy, and Carol chuckled as she closed the door on them, her daugher chattering on and on about everything they were going to do.
Carol decided she would clean the house since she hadn't had a chance. She started by throwing some laundry in the wash, then moved on to picking up her daughter’s stray belongings and putting them in their proper places. Afterwards, she did the dishes, dusted, swept and vacuumed, some more laundry, and finished by refilling Goose’s water and food bowls. Even though he was a flurken, he absolutely loved tuna. Once she had switched out the laundry, she got comfortable on their couch by throwing a blanket over herself then turned on one of her and Natasha’s favorite movies, Moonraker. She underestimated how exhausted she was though, and fell asleep within the first fifteen minutes, feeling Goose curl up on her lap before she did.
Natasha
Natasha smiled a genuine smile for the first time in days when the Quinjet touched down on the Avengers base. She hastily made her way off the jet, already out of her Widow suit and in civilian clothes. A pair of jeans, socks, boots, and a white t-shirt with a dark gray almost black hoodie over it. Her hair was down from its ponytail and fell in waves to just past her shoulders. She barely greeted the other Avengers and SHIELD agents milling about the compound as she sped through, eager to spend some much needed time with her wife and daughter. She hopped into her black Corvette stingray and left the parking garage, speeding down the dirt road that would lead her to the city and eventually, her home.
After breaking nearly every traffic law in the state, Natasha turned a forty-five minute drive into a twenty minute one. She parked her car and hopped out, locking it as she made her way to the front door. She inserted the key into the lock and turned. When she entered the house, she was immediately on alert. She was about to reach for her gun when she heard the soft snores of her wife. Hearing that turned her taut muscles loose and quietly, Natasha shed her boots and threw the keys onto their hook before making her way down the hall to the living room. She greeted Goose as he appeared in the hall and began rubbing himself against her legs. She smiled softly at the sight before her in the living room. Carol was sound asleep, curled up with the blanket half off as Moonraker played on in the background, the occasional snore escaping. Natasha silently made her way over and laid down in front of her wife. She sighed contentedly as one of Carol’s arms instantly wrapped themselves around her waist, spooning her. She adjusted the blanket so it was covering both of them and intertwined their hands before drifting off to sleep, feeling comforted, safe, and warm with her wife finally next to her.
Three hours later
Carol sighed as she felt something tickling her nose. She sleepily opened her eyes when she noticed her arm was wrapped around something. She was met with a blur of red and smiled brightly, burying her face into the smooth skin of her wife’s neck. She inhaled and reflexively, her arm tightened around the redhead’s waist, as if afraid it was a figment of her imagination. She smiled softly at Natasha as she turned in her arms so they were face to face, their noses just barely brushing.
“I missed you,’’ Carol said.
Natasha smiled softly and brought one of her arms up to play with the baby hairs at the nape of Carol’s neck. “I missed you too.”
“The bed isn’t the same without you in it,” Carol pouted.
Natasha chuckled. “I know моя любовь, I know.” (my love)
Carol smiled again, tucking a stray hair behind Natasha’s ear. God how she had missed this. Holding Nat, hearing her voice, her laughter, seeing her eyes filled with love and adoration and warmth.
“Is Kat with Yelena?”
“I figured you had something to do with that.”
“Is that so?”
“Yup,” Carol said, being sure to pop the “p”.
“Did she tell you?”
“She told me you said you figured we could use some company.”
“I was right, wasn’t I?” Natasha arched her brow.
Carol rolled her eyes and yelped when she felt a sharp pinch to her side. She narrowed her eyes at her wife as Natasha smiled smugly. “You’ll pay for that.”
It was Natasha’s turn to roll her eyes. “What time are Yelena and Kat coming back?”
Carol looked at her watch. “I’d assume they’re done with the zoo by now, so most likely shopping and lunch before coming here for a blanket fort, movies, and ice cream. That’ll be in about three hours.”
Natasha chuckled. “That certainly sounds like something Kat would plan.”
“Yes, but I’m sure she’ll forget all about it when she sees you. She said Yelena was cooler and more fun than me.”
Natasha smirked, amusement flickering through her eyes. “I’m afraid to say that’s true.”
“Hey! You’re supposed to be on my side!” Carol whined, pouting at her wife.
“Oh quit your pouting.”
Carol’s eyes darkened a bit. “Make me,” she challenged.
Natasha shook her head, and before Carol could get another taunt in, she was being kissed on the lips, hard. She groaned and tightened the grip she had around Natasha’s waist as she felt her wife gently tug on her bottom lip. The kiss quickly became heated when they sat up, Natasha straddling Carol as their tongues battled for dominance.
“Bedroom?” Natasha rasped.
Carol nodded and adjusted her grip on Nat, making her way upstairs and to their room, all while Nat was kissing and nipping down her neck. She kicked the door shut and threw her wife onto the bed before climbing atop of her, resuming their heated makeout session.
Two hours later
Carol smiled softly at Natasha as they laid in bed together, sheets and legs tangled together so you couldn't tell who was who. Carol was using one arm as a pillow while the other was resting on her wife’s waist, her hand tracing random patterns on Natasha's back. Natasha mirrored her. They laid in silence, basking in the warm atmosphere and each other’s presence. The silence was interrupted by the chirping of Carol’s cellphone, signaling a text from someone. Carol groaned but removed her arm from Nat’s waist to reach behind her to the nightstand and grab her phone. “It's from Yelena.”
Natasha raised an expectant eyebrow. “Well? What does it say?”
“Relax woman, I'm getting there.” Carol was slapped lightly on the arm by Nat for that comment. “Let’s see, ‘Kat and I just finished lunch and we’re going to hit one or two more stores before we get home with ice cream for a blanket fort and movies. She’s insistent on the fact that you want cookies n cream but if I remember correctly you like cookie dough. Tell me who is right and I'll get it. Also, tell Natasha I'm going to get her moose tracks and to both of you, clean up and shower before we get home. Your daughter doesn't need to be traumatized by her mothers having sex.’”
Natasha laughed at Yelena’s finish while Carol groaned. “Did you tell her you were coming home?”
“No, but I’m not surprised. Yelena has a way of knowing things,” Natasha said as she reluctantly moved from her position to get up and use the shower. “Are you coming?”
Carol didn't miss the innuendo and hastily got up from the bed, almost tripping over her own feet in the rush to get to the shower after she had sent a quick response to Yelena.
You're right, cookie dough is my favorite. And I'll get you back for this someday, you just wait and see.
Yelena and Katarina
“Ha!” Yelena exclaimed triumphantly. “I was right, your mommy likes cookie dough.”
Kat was pouting and Yelena chuckled. They walked quietly through the store when an unexpected question left her niece’s mouth, making Yelena almost fall flat on her face in surprise. “Does Mama not love us anymore?”
Yelena brought them to a stop and crouched down in front of Kat. “Of course Mama loves you guys. What on Earth made you think otherwise?”
Kat crossed her arms over her chest. “Because Mama hasn’t been home for a long time,” she mumbled.
Yelena brought a hand up to her face in disbelief and dropped it before responding. “You know your mama is working, Kat. I know you aren’t used to her being gone for so long, but it’s a part of her job. Trust me, your mama would much rather be here with you than those stinky bad guys.”
Kat giggled softly, and Yelena smiled at her. “I miss her too, you know. So does your mommy.”
“I know,” Kat said.
“Good. Then what do you say we get this ice cream, go home, and spend some time with your mommy so you aren’t feeling this way anymore. I don’t like it when you’re sad принцесса.” (princess)
“I don’t like being sad. It’s boring.”
Yelena shook her head in amusement, failing to stifle her chuckles. “Yes, it is quite ‘boring’ as you put it. Come here you little rascal,” Yelena stated as she brought Katarina in for a hug. “Я люблю тебя катарина.” (I love you Katarina)
“Я тоже тебя люблю тетя лена.” (I love you too Aunt Lena)
After they separated, Yelena grabbed Katarina’s hand and they searched the store for their ice cream. Once they got a tub of each of their favorites, along with a few things Yelena needed for her apartment, they put their bags in the car and climbed in. Yelena started it and they were off to the house. Little did Katarina know what was waiting for her at home.
The house
Yelena unlocked the door and Kat rushed in, taking care not to drop their ice cream. She put it on the kitchen table and shouted. “Mommy?!”
“In the living room sweetheart! I’ve got a surprise for you!” was Carol’s response.
As soon as the word ‘surprise’ left Carol’s mouth, Kat teleported from the kitchen to the living room. Yelena rushed after her, not wanting to miss the moment. She saw Natasha lurking in the hallway. Seeing Yelena, Natasha winked at her and put her finger to her lips. Yelena gave her an imperceptible nod and continued watching her niece. On an impulse, she took her phone out and began recording.
“What’s the surprise Mommy?” Kat asked, jumping around in circles around Carol’s legs.
“First off, I need you to stand still.” Once her daughter stopped bouncing around, Carol continued. “Now, I want you to close your eyes. Only open them when I say you can.”
Yelena panned the camera to Natasha in the hallway, quietly walking over and coming to a stop in front of her daughter.
“Ok honey, now open!”
Kat’s eyes immediately opened and she gasped, seeing her mama in front of her.
“Привет, дорогая.” (Hey there, sweetheart)
“Mama!” Kat exclaimed, launching herself at Natasha. The redhead easily caught her daughter and held her close, Katarina clinging to her like a koala cub does to its mother.
“I missed you Mama,” Kat said.
“I missed you too darling, so much,” Natasha replied.
Kat snuggled closer to her, feeling much happier now that her mama was back. Yelena and Carol were looking at the pair with bright smiles, Yelena still recording.
“Mama?”
“Yes моя любовь?” (my love)
“Can we watch movies in a blanket fort and with ice cream?”
“Of course we can,” Natasha said, smiling down at her daughter with such love and warmth it made Yelena and Carol feel even more privileged to this moment. They both knew how hard it was for Natasha to express love for people she cares about, but seeing her do it so effortlessly with them and with Kat made them feel honored that she chose to love them. Once you were caught in the web, there was no turning back, not that either of them wanted to.
Kat cheered and that’s when Yelena ended the recording. She was just able to send it to her sister before Katarina roped her into building the fort while Natasha and Carol got the ice cream. When they all got settled, Yelena next to Carol while Kat was laying in Natasha’s lap, they started the first of many movies in their Disney marathon. They had the time of their life, especially now that Natasha was back. They enjoyed their ice cream, poking fun at each other and the characters, and basking in the family they were lucky enough to have and the love they held for each other.