Continuously

The team had just got a reading on Loki’s scepter in some European country to which Steve was too tired to remember the name of at the moment.
“We leave in five.” Steve got out followed by a yawn.

Steve began to go back to his room. About a month back he agreed to take residence in the newly build Avengers Tower. He figured it would be good to have access to more resources while searching for Bucky. He only agreed to come on one condition though, Natasha had to come too.

Nat had gotten the invitation along with the rest of them but had been more reluctant than Steve. Having a designated place of residence for long term was odd. Living with other people? Even more strange. Steve however said that it would be alright and good for the two of them to clear their heads, and after all they’d still be together. At this Natasha hesitantly said yes. Living with Stark wasn’t ideal, but it was better than living alone, or really better than living without Steve.

After Steve suited up and grabbed his shield and made his way to the jet. Upon climbing aboard he finds both Thor and Bruce in deep conversation. The pair was off to think about. An extremely intelligent scientist along with the god of thunder learning the marvels of the worlds technology, but they were close friends. Living together helped with the fact. Another somewhat odd pair to him had been Clint and Stark. They got together very well, almost too well. To the point where they had coordinated pranks and inside jokes. But come to think of it, him and Natasha were probably the least expected pair of all. All four of his fellow avengers (excluding Nat) commented on the fact whenever they could.

He shook off the thought however as Natasha boarded the jet looking worn and concerned. At this Steve became increasingly uneasy as a result. He got up to sit in the seat next to her and ask if everything was alright when Clint and Tony came onto the jet laughing. Once inside they noticed all the confused looks and stopped.
“Everyone buckle up.” Clint called walking to the pilots quarter where Tony would accompany him.

/

A few minutes had gone by until they reached a safe enough altitude with minimum turbulence to walk around. Not that anyone abided by the rules, but once Tony stood up during take off resulting in a chipped tooth. When Clint had called back they were in the clear Natasha hurriedly unbuckled her seat belt and practically raced to the back of the jet.

This caused shrugs and odd glances all around but for the most part everyone shrugged it off. Clint probably would have approached had he not been manning the jet, and Steve was going to follow regardless.

He proceeded to the back with caution, and when he turned the corner to where the cots were he found a slumped over Natasha as she sat atop of one.
“Nat.” He called out tentatively.
Her eyes snapped up as he heard her take a sharp intake of air.
“Hi soldier.” She replied lamely attempting to smile.
“What’s going on?” He questioned sitting next to her as the small bed dipped under his mass.
Natasha sighed. She could’ve just sat there and lied, but her and Steve were way past that point by miles.
“This mission. Siberia.” She spoke.
Siberia. He thought.
Following the events in Belarus Natasha began to become more open about her past. Sure, Steve didn’t know everything but he knew enough. He knew that she believes herself to be some monster at the expanse of the things she was forced to do. Steve assured her it wasn’t the case time and time again and he suspected that an inkling of her may have began to agree.
“Oh.” Steve gasped.
“Hey. They won’t get to you alright? We learned from last time, I learned from last time.” He emphasized.
“And I know you aren’t some princess locked in a tower that needs saving or anything like that, but when you need me I’ll be there. We all will.” He promised, reaching for her hand and giving it a squeeze.
“Thanks soldier.” She said tipping her head to rest on his shoulder.
He hummed a no problem as he kissed her forehead gently.
“No seriously Steve. Thank you. I know I can count on you, and that’s more I can say for anyone.” She states as she pulls away to face him.
Steve doesn’t even have words to describe how that makes him feel. How warm his body feels and how his heart picks up pace. In response he just offers the most genuine smile known to man to which Natasha bites her lip and places a kiss on his cheek.

This has become normal for them. Sure touches were nothing new, the occasional brush of the hand, cuddling on the couch. But lately they’ve both been more bold, whether it was spooning during the night, tight embraces, or peppered kisses on anywhere but the lips that held unspoken promises.

After Steve blushed at the soft feeling of her lips planted on his cheek he snakes an arm around her shoulders as they indulged in one another company before it was time.

/

“Shit!” Tony called into the comms.
“Language!” Steve said, while Natasha mocked him in that exact moment.
They knew one another too well.
“Geez Nat you’re spending to much time with the Captain? Someone got a crush?” She heard Clint tease.
She would so get him later.
“Spending too much time with Stark? You sound just like him.” She retorted sharply as she landed a kick to an agents jaw.

Following the brief conversation everyone attended back to their business. And after Natasha had defeated a large swarm of Hydra goons and the area cleared her eyes searched over the terrain for any of her teammates.

Then she saw him. Standing behind a tree, weapon in hand. His dark colored suit was in stark contrast with the snow, almost making him impossible to miss. As she watched him she couldn’t help but feel nostalgic.

She had been happy that he was relieved back to duty. Sure she knew he was nothing but content with relaxing on the farm with Laura and the kids but she missed him. She had Steve to thank to fill the role as her partner and void Clint held in her heart but it was different with Clint. Clint had been the family she never knew, the brother she never got to meet. She loved Clint in ways that Thor loves Loki. In a sense no matter what the situation held she couldn’t turn her back on him, she wanted the best for him. The only other person she ever felt that with was Steve. But it was different. Way different.

Never once did she want to fuck Clint when he was dripping wet after the shower. Or never once did she think Clint looked extremely attractive with facial hair. She never saw herself settling down and marrying Clint. Call her crazy, but she could see that with Steve, dream that they could. She knew though, that Steve wouldn’t settle down with a monster like her.

Doing her best to keep her feelings in check and focus on the task at hand, she drew a gun from her holster as Clint smiled back. He pulled the string from his bow as an arrow was attached ready for action. Scanning the landscape, nothing appeared to be coming, then it happened. The sudden flash of a moving figure along the line of trees. Hawkeye released an arrow to hit whatever it was and seemingly missed due to the enhanced speed. Then the figure passed again, bumping Clint and knocking him to the floor.
“You didn’t see that coming?” A young man asked with silver hair as he moved quicker than the speed of light.

As Clint was recovering from the blow Natasha got a terrible feeling in her stomach. An awful gut wrenching feeling, similar to the one the night before they invaded shield to take down Hydra. And in a split second she would realize that her feeling of anticipation and dread wasn’t for nothing.

Across the way from the small bunker a gun opened from the top. Suddenly with a loud boom, it’s blue laser had side swiped Clint.

“Clint!” Nat yelled rushing to his side.
“Clint’s hit!” She yelled into the comm.

Taking a bandage from one of her belts she applied pressure to his bleeding side causing him to groan. Midst all this guns were shooting from the bunker.

“Anyone wanna handle that bunker?” She called annoyed.
The hulk smashed it effortlessly to which she squeaked,
“Thank you.”
And continued attending to her friend.

A few minutes passed as Clint’s kids grew heavy.
“Clint’s hit pretty bad guys. We’re gonna need evac.” Natasha said frantically into her comm.
Hearing some muttering in her ear she couldn’t make out, someone finally spoke.
“Thor will get Clint to the jet.” Steve spoke in his captains voice.
Moments later Thor appeared out of thin air and shook the ground, literally.
He lifted both Clint and Natasha effortlessly as he flew them to the jet.

/

The jet had landed at Stark tower which Clint was rushed to the medical bay. The good news was that they had successfully retrieved Loki’s scepter. Bad news is Clint’s hurt and Nat’s kind of a wreck. Of course she wouldn’t show as much but Steve knew, he could tell.

As she rushed along side him to the examination room she came to a stop as the gurney was wheeled through the doors as doctors surrounded Clint.

Left in his wake had been Natasha, scared for her friend. She only turned when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
“Nat.” Steve said softly.
She sniffled as she tried to hold back tears. Instinctively, Steve pulled her into a tight embrace.
“Hey he’ll be alright. He’s got Banner and Cho.” Steve whispered.
Natasha pulled her head back but kept her arm in place.
“Clint different. He just, he has a lot to more to attend to than the rest of us.” She offered.
Steve was a bit confused. Last she checked Clint was your average guy when he wasn’t being an avenger. Pushing this aside he gently placed his large hand on Natasha’s head and pushed her into him as they waited.

/

Helen said he’d be fine. That she had technology to rebuild tissue and that biological weapon hadn’t caused any other damages.
“Idiot!” She yelled slapping Clint upon the head as he laid in his hospital bed.
Clint rolled his eyes.
“I’m fine.” He stated.
Natasha scoffs.
“Please when Laura hears about this your done for. You know you can be taking the big risks, you have a family to go home too. You’re not expendable.” She finished.
“Oh so I’m not, but you are?” Barton retorted.
“We aren’t having this conversation right now.” She cuts off.
“Just get some rest and be careful next time. I’m glad you’re okay Clint.” She said grinning to him.
The archer returned it and offered her a wave goodbye.

/

Saturday night. Stark’s party. And for once Nat felt like they had reason to celebrate. Finally having Loki’s scepter, Clint being healed, and them all together.

She stood at the bar in a tight black two piece of a skirt and crop top, exposing the smallest amount of midriff. Her red hair (now down to her mid back) was braided elegantly into a side braid as she mixed drinks. She had spotted Stark, Thor, Barton, Banner, and Maria inhabiting the couches. Moments ago she saw the outlines of Sam and Steve walking along the balcony and down the stairs. At some point Sam peeled off to speak with Rhodey as the blonde approached her.

“How did a nice girl like you wind up working at a dump like this?” Steve said letting his Brooklyn accent seep in.
“Fella done me wrong.” She said sultry with a mock frown.
“You got a lousy taste in men kid.” The soldier teased.
“He’s not that bad,” Natasha began serious.
“He’s got this hard exterior about him, but deep down he’s caring and his morals are stronger than anyone I’ve ever known.” She states.
“All my friends are fighters.” She begins.
“Then here comes this guy who never backs down from fight. Not knowing if he will win or not, just because it’s the right thing. Because his instinct is to protect people.” The red head says.
“Sounds like a good guy.” Steve says shyly.
“He’s also a huge sap.” She jokes.
“Chicks dig that.” She says with her nose in her martini as she sips it.
“So what should I do? Should I run with it?” She questions.
Steve was confused who was this guy. Tony? Banner? Thor? Sam? It all felt wrong. He was puzzled.
“Well uh did he? Did he do something?” He questions.
“He hasn’t done a damn thing. But never say never.” She winks as she walks away.

Steve is left breathless. Could it have been him? He just stares at the enticing sway of her hips as she starts over to the couches.
“It’s nice.” Steve hears.
“You and Nat.” Sam finishes.
“No we aren’t. It wasn’t that.” Steve begins to explain.
“Whatever man. You’ve loved her since that day you brought her into my house and wrangled me into this crazy journey.” Sam says half joking.
Steve chuckles.
The falcon places a hand on the blondes shoulder and locks eyes with him.
“Look. You’re maybe the world's leading authority on waiting too long. So don’t.” Sam says honestly, all jokes aside, as he walks away before Steve can respond.

/

They were all gathered around the large coffee table. Most of the guests had left aside from the original avengers with the exception of Sam and Maria who were awfully flirty, as well as Rhodey and Helen who were both perched next to Stark. On Steves right had been Natasha who was casually snuggled into his side as Clint and Tony threw them looks. Shrugging it off since they both seemed comfortable they continued speaking. Somewhere during the time Clint began teasing Thor about being worth to wield his famous hammer. Thor than challenged Clint, which turned everyone’s heads.

Clint stood and gripped its handle.
“It’s okay Clint you’ve had a tough week. We won’t hold it against you.” Tony joked from behind.
Clint groaned as it didn’t budge.
“Silent judgment.” Tony said.
“By all means Stark.” Clint offered.
Tony scoffed and went to lift the hammer.
“It’s all physics.” He stated.
Again. Nothing.

Rhodey and Tony tried together in their iron gauntlets. Followed by Bruce groaning loudly and attempting the same.
Next was Steve who rolled up his sleeves as Natasha did her best not to drool. When the hammer budget the slightest with a loud creak, Thor’s face dropped. Following that though there was no movement to which Steve gave up, and assumed his prior position next to her.
“And Widow?” Bruce asked.
Taking a swig of beer she shook her head.
“That is not a question I need answered.” She laughed.
Thor stood and threw up the hammer as if it were weightless.
“You all are not worthy.” He stated.
Everyone laughed at this.
Steve however, leaned in close as his lips touched her ear.
“I think you’re worthy Nat.” He said deep and throaty.
Her entire body shuttered. Before she could respond however a screeching sound rang out resembling a dog whistle. Everyone covered their ears at the awful sound as the squeak of metal came marching into the room.

“How could Romanoff be worthy?” The robot asked, it’s glowing eyes on Steve.
“Romanoff is a killer.” It states.
Natasha breathes hitches and Steve hears as he stepped forward.
“How could any of you be worthy?” It asked again mocking its first question.
“Your all all killers.” The robot reflects.
“Stark.” Steve said trying to remain calm.
“Jarvis.” Tony called.

The robot began talking about a dream and being tangled up in strings, and proceeded to explain how it murdered someone.
“You killed a guy?” Steve asked, trying to see the extent of this machinery.
“It wasn’t my first choice.”

It continues on and reveals more information to which Bruce concludes aloud that it is a variation of Ultron. At this the sound cocking guns and the lift of Thor’s hammer sounds.

“What is your mission?” Natasha speaks.
“Peace in our time.” It says as the robots head turns awkwardly as loud crashes sound.

Two robots resembling Stark’s suits bust through the wall knocking everyone off their feet.
As the droids began to shoot blue energy at everyone they ran for cover. Before Steve could reach for Natasha she had run down the steps as behind the bar to grab her gun. Figuring she was alright for now he continued his fight.

The droid shot at the glasses behind the bar as one of the shards cut Natasha’s cheek deep. Blood came gushing out faster than she had expected. She placed both her hands atop her cheek to apply the pressure.

Romanoff is a killer.

She hears the robot saying over and over in her head.
She looks down to the blood staining her hands.

Your ledger is dripping! It’s gushing red!

She hears Loki’s voice ring.
Suddenly a moan escaped her lips as she begins trying to get rid of all the red on her hands but it’s everywhere. Her face, her hands, her neck, hell she can even taste it in her mouth.

Romanoff is a killer.

Natasha looks up at the sound of impact of the last robot hitting the suit.
“That was dramatic.” She hears the bot say, but she’s too focused on the blood to peak at him.
The thing behind going on a about a plot of mankind and it’s evolution all of which Natasha hears bit and pieces as the blood begins to drip onto the ground.

“There is only one path to destruction. The extinction of the avengers.” It claims, but before it could carry on Thor vaults his hammer at it, smashing it to smithereens.

Natasha made no move to get up though. Instead staring blankly at her hands as she felt her cheek still pouring out blood. As she heard a monstrous voice from years ago speak,

Can you wipe out that much red?

/

Following the attack the gang all went to the lab as Tony and Bruce dreaded be loss of their work. Natasha however scurried off to her room. As she reached the bathroom and got a glimpse at herself she gasped. She was covered in blood, so she picked up a cloth and began to rub herself raw. Five minutes following she picked up the needle and thread and with shaky hands attempted to stitch her cut. As she began to poke her skin with the small needle a knock sounded on her door.

“Natasha?” He called tentatively, just as he always did.
She walked to the door and opened it without speaking a word. She walked back to the bathroom and continued her work.
“Let me Nat.” He says walking in as he places a gentle hand upon hers and grabs the tools.
He sits her atop the toilet and goes to work.
“We have to fight.” Steve states as he adds a stitch.
Natasha looks stoic.
“What if we lose?” She gulps.
“Then we do that together.” Steve nods.
Natasha takes the answer and begins to state what's bothering.
“You don’t want me on your team Rogers.” Her voice says gruff.
He stops his work and eyes.
“I’m a killer.”
“Natasha-“ He begins until she cuts him off.
“I can’t save the world!” She heaves.
Steve searches her eyes for as if he stares into her soul and his gaze burns her.
“Then avenge it.” He says tucking back a strand of her hair.
Natasha doesn’t have the energy to disagree as the blood loss is making her loopy. Without another word, she allows him to finish his work.

After, they wordlessly crawl into bed side by side. Their future isn’t looking bright as they now need to face an enemy, but tonight they’re together.

/

They had a got a reading on the scepter in Sokovia. Instantly everyone was suited up and on the jet to the small country. When they landed they care face to face with Ultron who was alongside two enhanced twins. The girl with the brown hair and glowing red hands began twirling her fingers before they were transported.

“Whose ever standing we gotta move.” Clint says into the comm as Steve drops his helmet.

Natasha hobbles down a set of stairs as she hears Barton say ‘guys.’ And as she touched the banister, the world slips away.

/

Steve is shivering. He can feel the frost on his lips as his eyes opened. As he mustered the strength to move he realized he couldn’t, he was stuck. As his mind became more awake he realized where he was.
In the ice. Freezing cold. Clinging to life.
As he was having an internal freak out voices filled his numb ears.

Captain America. God's righteous man. Pretending you could live without a war.

We can go home.

I’m with you till the end of the line pal.

You will stay who you are. Not a perfect soldier, but a good man.

I owe you.

Steve’s eyes snapped shut trying to drown out the whispers of those around him from the years. How he was helpless unable to get out of this trance. But, the second he shut his eyes he wished he hadn’t.

He was out of the ice now. Donned in his stealth suit. But this this it was black and tattered and he felt dried blood underneath his nails. As he pushed the steel fortified door he was shocked at what he found in the room. Bodies were littered everywhere. As he observed more closely he saw the lifeless bodies of Barton, Thor, Banner, Stark, Rhodey, Maria, Nick, and Sam. His mind raced hard as he called out one names.
“Natasha!” He ran in through the next door.

In the room he found Natasha tied to a chair gagged with wide eyes. And as he looked to the figure holding a gun to her head it was none other than Bucky.

“Bucky.” Steve cried.
“Who the hell is Bucky?” The winter soldier challenged.
In an instance a shot rang out as the bullet ripped through Natasha’s head, and Steve’s eyes snapped open.

His cheeks were wet as his shaky hands went to press the button to the comm in his ear.
“Natasha!” He yelled.
Frantic for a response and closure she was alive.

/

“Natasha!”
It was faint and drawn out. Her brain hadn’t even registered it as she felt the familiar glide of wood under her hand.

All the girls were spinning. Looking exhausted, as they were yelled to do it again.

“You’ll break them.” Natasha stated.
“Only the breakable ones. You were made of marble.” Madame B stated.
“What if I fail?” She asked scared.
“You’ll never fail.” The older woman assured.

Natasha blinked.

She was cocking her gun smoothly as the bullets pierced the paper target.

Natasha blinked again.

A strong man was choking her out. She could have took him out but was drained and tired of hurting people. She tapped out and sighed.
“Sloppy. Pretending to fail.” Madame B spat.
Madame inched closer.
“The ceremony is necessary for you to take your place in the world.” She claims.
“I have no place in the world.” Natasha says through her deep breathes.
“Exactly.”

Natasha blinks.

A hand is covering her mouth to repress he screams. They pinch her heard with a sedative as she looks at the gleam of the surgical materials.

Natasha blinks one last time.

She wakes up. Her insides are burning and her head is pounding. It dawned on her she now has the inability to carry a child, to start a family. With the chance of no happiness she knows she has no other choice but to be the black widow. As her eyes prick with tears madame B walks in with a file.

“Black widow. Time for your first mission.” Madame says throwing down the file.

“Eliminate Captain America.”

/

Natasha’s eyes snap open at the final three words. She finally loses her footing and crumbles to the ground.

/

They were all needed a break. Recovering from the visions that plagued them. Natasha had hurt her ankle when he tumbled down the stairs so she was sitting on the jet wrapping it as Clint clicked in the coordinates to their location.
“Where are we going?” Stark asked daring to break the silence.
“Somewhere safe.” Clint said curtly.

/

Sometime later they landed the jet in the trees by the house. Steve wordlessly supported Natasha with her bad ankle as they walked toward the house.

They walked up the narrow pathway and Steve helped Natasha up the porch as Thor spoke.
“What is this place?” He asked.
“Safe House.” Tony said.
“Let’s hope.” Clint muttered opening the door.

“Honey I’m home.” Barton called out.
A beautiful pregnant woman emerged from the kitchen.
“I have company. Sorry I didn’t call ahead.” He said apologetically
The brunette pecked Clint on the lips.
“This is an agent of some kind.” Tony said turning to the rest of them.
“Gentlemen. This is Laura.” Clint introduced.
The woman smiled awkwardly.
“I know all of your names.” She stated.

Small footsteps interrupted before anyone could interrogate further.
“Incoming.” Clint whispered to turn the corner.
Two small children children ran as Clint caught one in his arms.
“Dad!” The little girl called.

What the fuck? Steve thought.

“Hi sweetheart. Hey buddy.” He says sweetly kissing the boys head.

“These are smaller agents.” Tony says a bit confused as Steve’s face contorts at the scene.

“Did you bring Auntie Nat?” The young girl asks as Steve’s eyes follow her.

“Why don’t you hug her and find out?” Natasha asked for behind.

The little girl bolted as Natasha scooped her off her feet. Steve couldn’t help but smile at the scene. To see how good Natasha was with the young girl.

Damn. How much he wants that with her right now...

/

Clint explains that it is intact his family and the details were left off of shields files so to keep it secret. After he appoints each of them to a room. Being they hadn’t expected such company they were doubled up. Being that Thor has gone Tony and Bruce were escorted to one bedroom, and Steve and Natasha to the other. Natasha hadn’t turned up as Steve saw her walking into the adjacent barn. He took this opportunity to shower.

His mind ran rapid as his dream haunted him. Being stuck in the ice. All his friends dead around him. And Bucky as their murder. Bucky, murdering the woman he loves. With these thoughts he shuts off the water and grabs the towel. After drying off he changes into sweats and t shirt, and exits the bathroom.

He is surprised to find Natasha gazing out the window wrapped in a robe.

“Nat.” He said a bit of edge in his voice as he could see her stare full of something that didn’t sit well.

She turned suddenly after flinching and offered her best attempt at a smile.
“Soldier.” Her voice said raspy, betraying the smile on her face.

Steve inched closer as the wet of his hair offered a small drip noise in the seemingly quiet room. He looked into her sad green eyes, and he looked tentatively. The look was all too familiar, almost as if it mirrored his own.
“You had it too.” He said not really as a question.
Natasha’s eyes shut quickly and she took a sharp intake of breath.
Steve saw this response, and walked toward the bed where he sat at its edge. He softly patted the space next to him to which Natasha complied and sat down.
“It was cold at first. Freezing. It didn’t even take me to open my eyes to know exactly what was going on, that I was back in the ice.” Steve spoke as his hands involuntarily began to fiddle with the edge of his shirt.
“Then when I opened my eyes, the voices came. Things I’ve been told over the years like the past whatever decades in my life we’re all relived in that very moment. It was too much to bare so I shut them again. Living my past isn’t something I want to, something I’ve been working on not doing. But what she showed me almost made me wish I could relive it over and over.” He said his voice growing hoarse.
Natasha gently grabbed his large hand to stop from shaking.
“What was it Steve?” She said softly.
“My future. Or a possible version of it.”
Natasha gave his hand a squeeze. As if she was passing along the strength for him to explain.
“There were bodies everywhere. Banner, Thor, Rhodey, Hull, Fury, Barton, Stark, Sam.” He listed shakily.
Natasha registered it and realized her own name was excluded.
“I walked through a door and all at once it hit me. You were tied down with a gun to your head, and at the other end was Bucky. When I told him to stop and remember who he was, he couldn’t, and he... he killed you.” He said breathless.
“All of you.” He finished.
“I couldn’t save any of you or him.” Steve said as he sniffled.

His chest rapidly rose and fell to which Natasha cradled her head in her arms and began shushing him.
“Hey it’s okay. When this is all over you and I, we’re gonna find him. Get your Bucky back.” She promised.
Steve looked up to her like a lost puppy.
“We will?” He said in disbelief.
She nods slowly.
“We will.” She assured.
Moments after Steve pulled away and looked back at her. Her eyes were still sad as he eased at the discussion and sharing his vision.

“What about you Nat?” He questioned.
“Huh?” She said caught off guard.
“Your vision, dream, hallucination.” Whatever it was.
“Mine was more like a memory. A terrible one I never thought I’d have to relive.” She stated.
Steve’s eyes pleaded for more.
“I was back in the red room. Where I was trained. At first I thought it was an opportunity for dancing but I was wrong. They pushed us to do unthinkable things, and no matter what you could never fail.”
Like her, Steve grabbed her small hand in his.
“When they believe you’re ready for uh the final phase you undergo a graduation ceremony.” Natasha said as a tear streamed down her pale cheek.
“They sterilize you.” She chokes out.
“They take away the one thing that may be more important than a mission. Take away any chance of a normal life.” Natasha cries out.
Steve hugs her. A few minutes into embrace they pulled away.
“I shouldn’t have told you. I shouldn’t tell anyone.” She sniffled regretfully.
Steve pulled back and gripped her shoulders.
“You can tell me anything.” He said honestly.
As his baby blue eyes looked into her own, she believed it.
“Anything?” She questioned.
He nodded.
“My first mission. I was uh, I was sent to eliminate you.”
Steve was puzzled.
“By the time I woke up from the ice, you were already a shield agent. I didn’t think they were trying to get rid of me?” He said confused.
“No.” She said harshly.
“Not shield. The red room.” She gulps.
Steve’s confusion grows.
“I never got the job done. You crashed into the ice before the red room got their window.” She explained.
“But Nat that was in what the 40’s there’s no way.” He said shaking his head.
“Yes there is.”
“There is Steve.” She said turning to him as her eyes grew wide.
“I was a test. Of many experiments. I was even injected with a variation of the serum that slows down the aging process.”
Steve was flabbergasted.
“Natalia Alianovna Romanova. November twenty second, nineteen twenty eight.” She offered under her lashes.

The realization hit Steve. The words she spoke to him years before on the hanger. How well she is able to relate to someone adapting to new times, knowing the struggles between now and then. He stared at her awestruck.
“I wanted to tell you. I did but, I just couldn’t. No one knows. Just Clint knows my age. But the ceremony... he has no idea. I’m sorry.” She offers.
“Hey, no don’t apologize. I’m glad I know. It doesn’t change anything about you, about us.” He offers.
“Besides the fact your nearly as old as I am grandma.” He says trying to lighten the mood.
She stifles a chuckle. But both are still exhausted from the day. Steve notes the fact.
“Let’s rest.” Steve orders.
Natasha scoots back and slips under the duvet as Steve follows suit.
They find warmth in one another’s arm.

Knowing that having the others comfort some how is able to protect them from the nightmares that plague them.

/

Sometime following their nap the pair was awoken by a loud bang on the door followed by Clint yelling ‘dinner’. Both Steve and Natasha rose from their bed and down the stairs.

When Natasha reached the bottom Lila snatched her hand and dragged her to the table. Steve smiled at the scene and made his way to the kitchen where he found himself face to face with Nick Fury. The two had somewhat lengthy conversation mostly about Steve’s search for Bucky and Nicks destruction of Hydra cells. Both grew bored of the conversation being the pressing issues at hand so Steve decided to go to the table and finally eat. However, on the way in he got distracted by the scene presented.

He leaned against the open door frame with his arms crossed over his chest. Natasha was humming something to Lila as they both scribbled on the printer paper with crayons. The girl began to giggle as Natasha leaned in closer and tickled her.
“What did you draw kid?” Natasha asked still unaware of Steve’s presence.
“That’s you,” the little girl began pointing.
“Over there is daddy and mommy, and her belly is big with little Nate. Next to her is Cooper.” She finished.
“And who's that behind all of us?” Natasha questioned.
Lila perked up.
“That is Mr.Steve, and Mr.Bruce, and Mr.Stark, and Mr.Thor.” She said innocently.
“I drew them because I thought maybe that since they’re daddy’s friends they could all be my uncles like your my aunt. That they could be apart of our family like you are.” She smiled.
Natasha sniffled. Lila was so precious and meant the world to her. The fact that after everything had come up about never being able to carry a child and having the little girl utter those words comforted the black widow.

Steve now felt he may have been intruding on something and decided to clear his throat.
“Am I interrupting something ladies?” He teased.
Natasha smiled as did Lila.
“No Mr.Steve Auntie Nat and I were just drawing, would you like to join us?” She asked.
Before Steve could answer he was cut off by Clint.
“Lila time for bed!” He called.
“Dad!” She whined.
“No buts. I already let you stay up and draw with Nat, but if you don’t go sleep soon Moms gonna be mad.” He explained.
She frowned.
“Okay.” She said solemnly.
The little girl leaned over and hugged Natasha.
“Goodnight munchkin.” Nat whispered.
The little girl pulled away and looked at her with sad eyes.
“When will I see you again?”
Natasha shivered. Of course she knew with the job there was always a chance she wouldn’t come back, but this time it felt different. Like this was gonna be it.
“I’m not sure Lila. As soon as I can come back I will, I promise.” Natasha said a bit sad and kissed her head.
Lila nodded and hopped off the chair as Clint carried her upstairs.

Steve offered Natasha a small smile as she took a much needed swig if beer. Before either could carry on conversation Nick walked in calling for their attention.

He began to talk to things like national security, and their best bet on beating Ultron.
“Outwit the platinum bastard.” Nick says sitting down.
“Steve doesn’t like that kind of talk.” Natasha teases as she raises an eyebrow.
“You know what Romanoff?” He challenges in a mock tone.
The two laugh a bit to themselves as Fury finishes his statement.

/

Sometime after, Bruce comes to the revelation that Ultron is evolving. With that in mind the team collaborates and comes up with a plan to retrieve the cradle from Sokovia. Once that had been settled everyone began to filter out of the room to get some rest for the big day for tomorrow.

Naturally, the only people left behind had been Steve, Natasha, and Tony.
“I’m beat. I’m going to hit the sack. Hopefully Brucey won’t snore too loud.” He winks as he trudged up the steps.
Steve and Nat are now left and the room feels heavy and dense. But Steve honestly isn’t that sure why the sudden shift occurs, that is until Natasha speaks.
“Steve.” She says seriously.
“Promise me. Whatever happens tomorrow, you’ll do your best to stay safe.” She all but pleads.
Steve’s breath hitches. He knows he can’t promise his survival right now.
“Please.” She adds.
Steve looks at her with his large blue eyes.
“I’ll do my best ma’am.” He says with a grumbly voice as he offers a ghost of a smile. However his eyes are sad.
“This is two way street though. You need to promise me the same.” He offers.
Natasha offers a dark chuckle.
“You might be in the wrong business Rogers.” She states.
“Natasha.” He cuts off seriously.
Her eyes grow wide as her green eyes bore into his own.
She begins to nod slowly.
“Okay.” She offers.
Rather than responding, Steve extends a hand to her, and she takes it. Steve leads the two to their shared room as the two rest for the long day ahead.

/

So far things had been going decent. Natasha of course came in clutch with Steve’s shield riding in on a motorcycle and the sight nearly made Steve faint. And he probably would have if it wasn’t for the homicidal robot army. The two fought effortlessly along one another as Natasha had made good use of Steve’s shield and he had her back more than once. Clint announced into the comms that one of them needed to make haste and get to the cradle. Natasha said she would as Steve followed the robot to a freight train filled with civilians.

He was focused on his task of keeping everyone safe alongside the two enhanced twins who he was somewhat pissed at but didn’t even have the time to voice the fact. Being he was doing another task he failed to hear most the commotion going on in his ear.

Natasha has hitched a ride on the back of a flying truck to which she jumped from one spot to the other in order to get the cradle. Just as she thought she was in the clear, as it slipped from the trucks be and onto the jet seamlessly. She felt a cold death grip on her ankle. Clint panicked as he had began to call out Natasha’s name and got no response.
“Captain have you seen Nat!” He called.
No answer.
He just heard muffles and clanks from his operation below.

A minute or so later Steve had successfully stopped the train with some help. As he caught his breath he finally recognized the voice in his ear.
“Steve!” Clint yelled angrily.
“Barton.” Steve got out.
“She’s gone Captain.” Barton yelled again.
Steve paused. He didn’t even need the name he knew who she was.
“Ultron he took her.” Clint finished more calm.
“Fuck.” Was all Steve had managed before
“What is wrong?” The brunette girl asked.
“We need to go. We need to make sure the cradle will get to Stark.” Was all Steve could manage.
“No.” The girl said.
“Starks not crazy.” Steve was in no mood to argue about this, not with Natasha gone.
“He will do anything to make this right.” The girl said.
Steve knew that it could be true. He was too discombobulated and registering Natasha’s fate to care all that much.
“There are things I need to make right! So the quicker we get the damn thing to Stark the better. Okay?” He said harshly.
The twins nodded as Steve walked off. They followed behind.
“What’s got him in a tizzy?” Steve heard the boy ask.
“Love.” Wanda stated.
Steve turned quickly. Could he really deny it anymore?
“Don’t go poking around in his head sister. It’s not nice.” Pietro said.
“Please. I didn’t need to. It’s obvious.” She explained.
Pietro nodded in agreement.
“Look Captain. We will offer all the help we can give, and we will help you get this woman back.” Pietro added.
Wanda smiled to her brother.
Steve softened.
“Thank you.” He said grateful as the trio continued on.

/

Natasha’s head was pounding as she laid across the concrete. The noise of metal hitting one another along with steam pumping filled her ears.
“I wasn’t sure you’d wake up. I’d hope you would, I wanted to show you.” The robot voice explained.
Natasha became more aware of what was going on as the memories flooded her. She sat up slowly to observe what he was doing.
“I don’t have anyone else.” He said trying to sound sad, but he was a robot it had no genuine meaning.
“I think a lot about meteors. The purity of them,” He starts.
Natasha is confused she has no idea where he’s going with this.
“Boom.” He says suddenly.
“The end. Start again. The world made clean for the new man to rebuild. I was meant to be new. I was meant to be beautiful. The world would’ve looked to the sky and seen hope. And seen mercy.” He explained.
Natasha was having trouble breathing. She knew she was stuck, she couldn’t take Ultron alone nevertheless injured and in such a state.
“Instead they’ll look up in horror because of you.” He says coldly as he walks forward.
Natasha does her best to push herself away but is just to weak.
“You’ve wounded me. I’ll give you marks for that. Like the man said what doesn’t kill him-“ the robot is cut off by someone clenching his head and burning it.
Natasha scatters back at the sight.
“Just makes me stronger.” A voice says as a new amplified version of Ultron walks toward her.
Natasha pushes herself further as he lifts up a hand. In fear Natasha closes her eyes to brace herself from impact of a hit, but instead is met by the noise of metal scraping against metals a a cell door is closed.
“Shit.” Is all she manages.

/

Vision had just been unleashed and booted. There was nothing anyone could do now that it had happened, and after a heated confrontation between the twins and the rest of his team Steve was growing pissed.
“Guys!” He yelled.
Everyone turned to him and stopped the bickering.
“We need to go back. He got her. He got Natasha.” Steve says sadly.
Bruce dropped his hands from around Wanda’s neck. Tony looked up from his computer as Thor and him locked eyes. Clint just looked sad.
“We leave in five.” Steve demanded as he paced out of the room.

/

They had all boarded the jet and made way for Sokovia again. Everyone has been silent knowing this affected them, especially Steve.
“Cap.” Tony called weakly.
Steve’s head snapped up as their eyes connected.
“It’ll be alright.” He said trying to comfort Steve.
“I just need to get her back.” Steve stated.
Tony nodded knowing he did. He knew Steve loved Natasha.

/

They had managed to find her location. With the robot army still on the loose they had to split up. Steve was sent, no needed, to go get Natasha himself. As he pushed through the heavy doors and down the stairs to a dungeon like place. He saw her huddled up in the corner.

Natasha heard the breaking of a door and figured it to be Ultron again. She put her hands over her ears.
“Natasha!” She heard a worried voice call.
She jumped up at the sound thinking it wasn’t real. Moments later Steve came running up in all his glory.
“Soldier.” She cracked out.
“Step back.” He said.
She did so as he broke the lock to the cell with his shield and flew it open. Following this Steve dropped his shield and ran toward Natasha. He captured her in his arms and clung to her like no tomorrow. She responded with the same. He pulled away not too long after.
“You promised.” He said. He didn’t sound angry though, just hurt.
“I know Steve. I tried to keep it, I really did.” She swore.
He nodded as he brushed hair back from her face.
“Come on. We aren’t done yet.” He tells her.
She nods in response as he plants a tender kiss to her forehead. He then grabs her hand as the two run out and back to battle.

/

They’re standing atop rubble. Looking out as the country floats higher and higher into the sky.
“I’m not leaving this rock with one civilian on it.” He says a bit stern.
“I didn’t say we should leave.” Natasha says softly.
She begins shaking her head as the hair blows in her face. Steve looks at her surprised, she really would go to the ends of the earth for him. She turns to face him.
“There’s worse ways to go.” She offers with a sad smile.
Looking back out to the sky, she speaks.
“Where else am I gonna get a view like this?” She questions.
Steve smiles at his partner. They were in this together.

/

Shortly after they finally defeat Ultron. They owe their success to the Maximoff girl. However the sudden tragedy of her brothers death sets her off into a spiral, it was ultimately Ultron down fall. She does agree to come back to the tower to be trained properly. They had just landed when everyone scurried from the jet. Natasha went to go knows where, Clint headed home, Bruce is gone, somewhere out there as the Hulk, as Thor, Tony and Steve walked across the land.
“Where are you headed now?” Steve asks the pair.
“I’m off to Asgard. I have business to attend to. Maybe find Banner.”Thor states.
They nod and exchange a look.
“Farewell brothers. Hopefully next time we can meet in better circumstances.” The god smiles as he wields his hammer to the sky.
Steve and tony look up in bewilderment.
“And you? Your planning on sticking around?” Steve asked.
“Nah. I trust you’ll watch over the place while I go on a nice vacation.” Tony says walking toward his car.
“You have my word.” Steve says.
“What will you do Captain?” Tony asks.
“Lead a team.” He says.
“Alone?” Tony questions.
“No. With my partner.” Steve smiles.
Tony does too and extends a hand.
They shake them, as Steve turns to go.
“Cap!” Tony calls.
Steve turns back around.
“Don’t wait too long.” He calls out.
Steve nods and heads into the facility.

/

Natasha stares blankly at the wall. After receiving the image of baby Nathaniel she couldn’t help but smile. However, shortly after her mind went back to the dark place of not ever being able to have that. To have the privilege to carry and birth a child of her own flesh and blood. She would never even be able to offer that for someone else. Natasha was sad to say the least, but she was so exhausted and drained from the last few days and everything that took place she couldn’t muster energy to cry. She was so distracted by her emotions she failed to notice the foot falls coming toward her.

“Wanna keep staring at the wall or do you wanna go to work?” Steve teased.
Natasha turned and tried her best to shake off the sadness.
“Very funny. Let’s go.” She said walking up to him.
They continue walking and almost like Natasha couldn’t keep it in She speaks.
“Laura had her baby. Nathaniel.” She blurts out.
Steve stops and she follows suit.
“That’s great.” He says a bit unsure of how he should react.
She doesn’t respond.
“That is great right?” He asks dumbly.
“Yes of course it is! I’m happy it’s just that...” Natasha starts.
“It’s just that it brings up things you haven’t been ready to face?” Steve imposes.
Natasha nods.
“Yeah.” She says weakly.
“When your ready to face it. Like completely, I’ll be here to help. Until then what do you say we go whip these guys into shape.” He smiles.
She smiles back and nods.
“After you partner.” She says.
Steve smile grows.
Her being his partner will never get old.
Steve recollects himself and bursts through the doors.
“Avengers!” He calls to the misfits.
“Assemble.” He finishes.
Natasha grins behind him, ready to take on this next step as leaders together.