Epilogue
She put a plate of cheese and crackers in the center of the coffee table, inviting her fellow Avengers to eat and sit.
James was lounging in the corner, idly petting Liho while Sam engaged him in conversation, and even Matt had shown up.
“Natasha, hi,” Clint said. “I don’t believe you’ve met my girlfriend. Linda, this is Nat.”
She smiled politely at the tall, black haired beauty standing in front of her. This dance was familiar too, with Clint smugly waiting for a reaction and she was grateful when Sam and Bucky called him over to distract him.
“So, I have a hot new girlfriend too,” a voice said behind her as a pair of strong arms enveloped her. “And I’m wondering if she’d disappear with me for a few minutes for a steamy, sexy make out session.”
“I don’t think she would,” Natasha said with a grin, turning around in his embrace and wrapping her arms around his neck. “But you’re welcome to stay after, Stark.”
“Mmmm… I’ll take it,” he said, kissing her lightly on the lips.
“I can’t believe I let Jan talk me into this,” she added.
“It’s nice seeing you two comfortable around each other again.”
“Steve!” Natasha said, taking in the sight of her friend standing in the doorframe of her kitchen in a button down shirt and tie. “You came.”
“I wouldn’t miss it. This is a nice place you found here.”
Her eyes followed Tony when he stepped away to the refrigerator.
“I wouldn’t have thought to look if it wasn’t for you and Tony helping me to feel safe again.”
Steve stepped into the kitchen, embracing her tightly. “It’s good to have you back. Both of you,” he added as Tony returned a second later with three glasses of sparkling water.
“To old friends and new beginnings,” He said, raising his glass.
“To old friends and new beginnings,” Steve agreed, clinking his glass to Natasha’s and Tony’s.
She held both her hands around her cup, gazing at Tony and Steve with a warm smile as they began a conversation about the Avengers and knowing that they’d probably be awhile.
This was familiar and comfortable. This was easy. She could do this.
XXXXX
Her eyelids slowly fluttered open, the light from the sun dancing across her face as she awoke.
She rolled onto her side, gazing admiringly at the dark-haired form who was still sound asleep, wrapped up in several of her plush blankets and snoring lightly.
After a moment, she reached for the comforter that was bunched up at the foot of the bed, draping it over her naked body as she rose from the mattress.
She tiptoed through the glass doors to the balcony overlooking the Hudson, pulling the blanket tighter around herself in the slight morning chill as she gazed out at the city on a surprisingly clear day for this time of year.
“Hey. You feel okay?”
She looked up at Tony over her shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, tilting her head to the side as he leaned down to kiss her neck and sighing softly as he slipped his hands in between the ends of the blanket.
“Yeah,” she said honestly, burrowing into him. “I feel like I’m home.”