Baggage

Later that Tuesday night Natasha still could not get the blonde out from her mind. Deciding to focus on Peter, she set his dinner down on the makeshift dining room table which was really a coffee table. She decided to call in sick tomorrow being she would not have her car and the day care would be closed because of some invention conference Tony and Rhodey always went too. Natasha was eating her chicken as she watched Peter finger the small bite size pieces.
“What's on your mind kid?” She asked. Peter loved his food, and had yet to take a bite.
“Are you scared of anything Mama?” The child asked bluntly.
Natasha dropped her fork. Damn her kids was intuitive. Of course she was afraid of something, many things actually. Meeting new people, trusting someone, loving someone. She thought. Deciding that these concepts were too vast and lengthy to explain to Peter she decided for an honest answer that would be simple.
“Dancing.” She told her son.
It was true. Natasha used to love dancing it was such an outlet, ballet, the movement and passion. However, Alexi used it as a weapon against her, and Thanos made her do unspeakable things to become the best and now it haunted her. She hasn’t danced since she got to the states.
“I’m scared of cars.” He said honestly as if she couldn't tell.
“I know baby, but your so brave for facing your fear.” She assured squeezing his hand.
Before she could register what was going on, Peter uncrossed his feet from underneath him and walked to Natasha. Pulling her phone from her back pocket, he typed a few things and music began playing. It was scary how good he was at figuring out technology at the young age. The music blared, and Peter looked up at her.
“Dance with me Mama.” He said pulling loosely on her hand.
Natasha looked bewildered at her son.
“You help me face my fear everyday, I want to help you.” He said earnestly.
And god, call her soft but the statement made her cry. Not able to say no to him, she grabbed his hand and they jumped all over to the upbeat music. Two songs in, she found herself laughing as she swung Peter around. She forgot all the times that dance was used against her and lost herself in the music like old times. However, she was disturbed by a knock on the door. She stopped, paused the music, and caught her breath. Suddenly scared of not knowing who was on the other side, she lifted Peter.
“Hey, can you go in youe room for a few minutes? Maybe go through some toys.” She asked.
He nodded happily, and she kissed his head as he conquered the stairs.
Slowly creeping to the door looking in sight for the nearest weapon, she pulled the door open. She was relieved at who was at her doorstep and also confused.
“Steve?” She said raising an eyebrow.
“Natasha, hi.” He said a bit nervous.
“Oh I’m sorry about the noise I was-” She began explaining thinking that was the only palpable reason he was here.
“Noise? I didn’t hear anything.” He responded.
“Oh,” The red head breathed.
“I hope uh, this isn’t a bad time I just brought you something. A house warming gift if you will?” He offered shyly.
Natasha could not help but blush over how thoughtful he was.
Holding out a bouquet of flowers and a framed picture. She smiled and accepted both.
“I hope you like them, I wasn't sure what to get you so I just,” He began ranting nervously.
“I love them.” She said easing his anxiety with a smile as she sniffed the flowers.
Natasha turned the wooden frame in her hands and observed the picture. And she gasped. It was a pencil sketch of her house that looked flawless and captured everything perfectly, in the corner she saw a small scribble reading ‘sgr’.
“Did you do this?” She asked flustered.
“Uh yeah, I draw sometimes, it's nothing special.” He said rubbing the back of his neck.
“This is amazing, wow.” She said still taken aback by the beauty and generosity.
“Nah, it's nothing just a welcome to the neighborhood gift.” He shrugged as if it were no big deal.
Natasha looked up as his eyes bored into her. They were staring at each other for god knows
-how long until Steve cleared his throat
“I’m sorry I should go I don't want to keep you from your meal.” He said gesturing to the plate visible behind the door.
“Yeah, I guess so…”She said a bit sadly.
“Thank you again Steve, really.” Nat said offering a wide smile.
“Your welcome Natasha, I hope to see you around. Have a nice night.” he grinned, and turned to leave her porch.
Without so much as a second thought she closed the door and propped the frame on her makeshift dining room table. And, in the nick of time Peter returned from his room.
“Who was that Mama?” He asked curiously.
“No one baby, let’s eat.” She told Peter with a tight lipped smile.
He nodded and sat back down.
“Woah is this our house? I love it,” He said giggling, innocently clutching the frame.
Natasha smiled in return, she loved it too.
/
Steve walked back to his house happy with how it went with Natasha. She genuinely seemed happy and impressed by his art, unlike anyone else he had been with. Growing up a scrawny kid from Brooklyn, the ladies were not exactly jumping at him. However, into his junior year of high school the gods blessed him with a growth spurt, making girls look twice in his direction. He tried dating, but it never had worked they only wanted his body, not him. Though, as cheesy as it sounded Natasha seemed different therefore, as he walked into his house he could not wipe the smile from his face.
“Where were you?” a voice questioned.
“Out. Plus what are you even doing here?” He asked.
“I live here.” Sam retorted.
Steve scoffed, and Sam rolled his eyes.
“Maria went on Connecticut for business.” Sam explained honestly.
Sam technically lived with Steve but spent just about every night at his girlfriend’s. His girlfriend was Maria Hill, detective alongside Barton at the station.
“I see.” Steve responded, not even realizing his lips were still turned upwards.
“Seriously man, what's got you all giddy?” Sam interrogated further.
“I bet its a woman.” Sam claimed.
Steve blushed deeply.
“Wait till’ Buck hears!” Sam cackled.
“Goodnight Sam, turn off the TV when you’re finished.” Steve said climbing the steps.
/
Days went on and what Steve thought was a one time thing was not. He could not get Natasha Romanoff out of his damned head. The smile he was sure could light the darkest of tunnels, sparkling emerald orbs, fiery red head, and not to mention her wonderful personality, not shallow like other woman he knew. Groaning audibly, he got up and decided to focus on getting ready for work.
Steve’s shift started around twelve noon today, so when he arrived everyone was already well into their day. Sitting at his desk he said hello to both Bucky and Barton. Buck replied with a pat on his shoulder, as Clint remained silent nose deep into paperwork. Ten minutes later, he heard Clint let out an annoyed sound and both Bucky and himself raised an eyebrow to their friend.
“Someone distract me, I need a break.” He declared running a hand down his face.
“Ah, the Russians again.” Bucky said coming to a realization.
“Yes those bastards.” Clint bit out.
“Why is Fury so adamant about this anyway?” Barnes asked.
“Not sure, it's pretty messy. The victim, a young woman in witness protection is still in danger. Plus he is all riled up after he received word they’re snooping around in New Jersey for her.” Clint explained.
Both Steve and Bucky nodded.
“Let’s not talk about work.” Clint declared.
“You guys heading to Lang’s Saturday?” Clint asked.
“Yeah.” Steve and Bucky said at the same time.
“Good, I’m looking forward to it.” Clint finished with a wink and turned back to his case file.
“So what is this I hear about a woman?” Bucky asked the blonde in a low voice.
“Are you kidding me, Sam actually texted you?” He sighed.
“Of course he did punk.” Bucky rolled his eyes thinking Steve dumb for believing otherwise.
“She is none of your business.” Steve retorted.
“So there is a she?” Bucky said wiggling his brows.
“Shut up and do your job.” Steve said ignoring his slip about having interest in a woman.
Bucky laughed loudly and turned back to his computer.
/
The rest of the week went by and Steve had luckily seen Natasha. However he was disappointed he did not get to talk to her, only observing from a distance. Most times he saw her around four o’clock knee deep in the back seat of her car reaching for something. He would wave briefly and she would smile back as he entered his house. On Friday night he saw her out on the porch swing with a book in her hand, as he was returning after a fifteen hour shift. He didn’t want to disturb her focus so he smiled to himself as he saw her. He also swore he saw a small body curled to her side but figured it must have been exhaustion as he yawned and treaded into his home.
It was currently Saturday and he was disheartened by the lack of contact he has had with her. It's weird that they have had all of two conversation and already he could confirm that absence does make the heart grow fonder. Pushing down these emotions he dressed, excited to spend the evening with the his friends at the Lang’s cookout.
/
Natasha observed herself in the mirror as Peter kicked his feet off the side of her bed as he watched something on the tablet.
“Mama, we are going to be late.” He said.
“I don't know baby, maybe we should stay home?” She questioned nervously.
“No! I want to go please!” He groaned giving his best doe eyes.
Unable to deny that look she apprehensively shook her head.
“Fine. Let me change” She groaned.
Deciding on her final outfit, an over sized grey sweater dress paired with ankle boots as her hair fell in elegant waves.
“Ready Pete?” She asked emerging from the bathroom.
He nodded jumping from the bed and flying down the stairs and out the front door.
Natasha buckled him in safety and started the car, and put the car in drive and grabbed the wheel. She was already twenty minutes late and having regrets.
Yesterday at daycare she ran into Scott Lang, she me him a few times before and he seemed nice enough. To both their understanding Peter and Cassie have become fast friends and she insisted on inviting him to their annual cookout on every second Saturday of November. Scott also told Natasha it would give her a chance to meet more of the town's residents. Natasha said she would try her best to make it and made some lame excuse about unpacking, he nodded understanding but Peter was not as sympathetic. He begged for the entire day to go and she finally agreed, so now she was pulling up to the brightly lit house. Holding Peters hand as she walked to the door noticing the amount of cars on the street and noise from the house making her more uneasy she knocked. This was for her son, she kept telling herself. The door opened seconds later revealing a happy looking Scott in a plain black t-shirt and jeans.
“Natasha!” He said happily.
The prospect of him smiling at her appearance eased her a bit.
“Hello Scott.” She said returning his warm look.
“You brought the boy!” He exclaimed crouching to Peter’s eye level.
“Hey sport, the kids are just in that room over there if you want to join.” He said ruffling his hair.
Natasha smiled at the interaction, as Peter thanked Scott and ran to the play area.
“I’m happy you made it, now there is someone I would love for you to meet.” He said gesturing for her to follow him inside.
She did as she was told and followed behind Scott ducking her head. Most of the noise appeared to be coming from across the house and thankfully Scott pulled her into the play room. On the floor with the children dressing some dolls was a gorgeous woman with chocolate brown hair and grey green eyes to match.
“Honey.” Scott called his voice sultry.
Her head turned and she smiled as she stood on her feet.
“Natasha, this is my fiance Hope. Hope this is Peter’s mom, Natasha.” Scott said.
Natasha blushed the smallest bit at the title, Scott had been the only person who knew that she was Peter’s mom. She told him by accident too, letting it slip up in a conversation, it was not a big deal though, she liked Scott.
“It’s a pleasure.” Natasha said extending her hand.
“Oh please.” Hope laughed pulling her into an embrace.
Oddly enough Natasha took the gesture with literal open arms, it felt nice hugging someone, she only ever hugged Peter.
“From what I hear your son has magical powers, wrapping everyone around his little fingers. Cassie can't get enough.” She explained.
Natasha laughed.
“Come on, let’s get you and the kiddos some food.” Scott said ushering Natasha from the room.
“Call you when it's done.” He told Hope kissing her cheek.
Scott led Natasha to the source of the noise and she nervously played with the ends of her hair. Walking into the crowded room Scott cleared his throat loudly. Everyone's eyes averted to the pair. Natasha immediately saw Steve and made eye contact, her heart thumped louder as his fluttered and he could not even contain his grin.
“Everyone this Natasha, she is new to town.” He told the group.
She smiled nervously and waved.
Natasha eyes locked with several people, Steve, Tony, Wanda, Banner, Strange, Gamora, and Rhodey all whom of which she knew. Also, she smiled brightly to Nick Fury and old friend and the only man she has ever known as a father of sorts.
“Okay, let me do this.” Scott said shaking his shoulders as if he was throwing a punch, and sucking in a breath.
“Bucky, Sam, T’Challa, Steve, Okoye, Valkyrie, Mantis, Drax, Quill, Gamora, Thor, Loki, Strange, Clint, Rhodey, Wanda, Banner, Nick, Maria, Nebula, and Laura.” He said pointing to each individual.
“Ah hem.” A voice cleared in the corner.
“Oh and Tony, you know Tony.” He said with a nervous chuckle.
“Of course she knows me. Please tell me you brought him Red.” Tony said like an excited child.
That's when Steve's heart dropped. ‘He’ must be Natasha's boyfriend. She was so beautiful and in his book perfect how could she not have someone to spend her nights with, cook her dinner, hold her when she was sad, or kiss her whenever. Steve really wished that were him.
“He’s around here somewhere.” She finished.
“What do you say we eat?” Scott asked the group.
“Yes!” The blonde with neatly cropped hair boomed, who she remembered as Thor.
“Okay buddy, dig in, I’m gonna get Hope.” Scott said walking off.
Everyone walked to the table grabbing plates and silverware, digging in. She felt a tap on her shoulder as she observed the scene from a distance. She turned and locked eyes with Nick Fury.
“Nick.” She said happily.
“Nat, how is everything? Sorry I haven’t been able to check on you. We have a lead, we can talk later.” He said hushed.
She nodded as another man approached.
“Hi, I’m Clint.” He spoke.
“Natasha.” She responded.
“This is odd but have we met before? I feel like I know you.” he said curiosity evident.
Natasha tensed, god what if he knows Alexi? This was a bad idea.
“Uh, I don't think so.” She stammered.
Nick sensed the discomfort.
“Barton is the detective with me down at the station, one of the best I know.” Fury interjected casually sending signals to let Natasha it was all good.
She breathed in relief picking up on the comment. Before the conversation could finish Fury dragged Barton away to the food. Natasha was gain left alone simply watching from afar, until a voice that soothed her ears called for her.
“Natasha, hey.” They said.
“Steve.” She couldn't help but smile.
“ I didn’t know you’d be here, I would have worn my best.” He joked gesturing to his beat up shoes, jeans, and plaid shirt.
“I approve regardless.” She said, not helping to flirt a bit, he was gorgeous!
“How do you know Scott anyway?” He said not sounding rude, just downright trying to connect any dots.
“I mean I don’t really. I know him my date knows Cassie.” She said joking.
Steve however did not pick up on the humor and just felt himself frown, ‘so she is seeing someone’, he thought sadly.
“Oh your date? When can I meet him?” He said doing his best not sound jealous, and failing.
She began speaking as a stampede of small footsteps erupted through the house.
“Here he is now.” She noted at the sound.
A herd of children rounded the corner, but the only adults insight had been Stark, Hope, and Scott. No strange man he had never seen claiming to be Natasha’s lover. And, before he could register what was happening a small child with light brown hair was running into her arms and she scooped him up and propped him on one hip.
‘Her date was a child? Her brother probably.’ Steve thought now remembering the humor in her tone.
He sighed relieved, now knowing that she was most likely single and this was the ‘he’ Stark talked of. It was all beginning to add up, she probably knew both Lang and Stark from dropping off her brother at daycare each day.
“Hi Peter, why don't you say hello to Mr.Rogers?” She said leaning Peter to Steve a bit.
“Hi Mr.Rogers.” He said a bit nervous, playing with Natasha's hair.
“Hello there, Peter.” Steve said softly as the child buried his head into Natasha's neck.
“Sorry he’s a bit shy at first.” She said apologetically.
“It’s all good.” He promised.
“Hungry.” He heard the child mumble into Natasha's hair.
“Okay, let me put you down so we can some food.” She said trying to pry him from her arms.
He clung tighter.
“Pete, I can’t hold you and man the food.” She told him gently.
The child shook his head. Natasha knew he was uneasy around new people, especially large crowds.
“Okay, we can make it work.” She said giving in.
Peter smiled.
Steve smiled as well seeing how good she was with kids made his heart fill with joy.
“Let me help you guys out.” Steve said walking over with them to the food.
“Oh no Steve, I can't hassle you.” Natasha said waving him off, could he be anymore perfect?
“It's fine, he can tell me what he wants and I can put it on the plate.” He explained.
Knowing Natasha would make a fool of herself doing it on her own, she nodded as Steve picked up a plate.
Making good on his promise, Steve helped Natasha and Peter get food and even sat and had the pleasure of eating with them. In due time Peter got more comfortable with Steve as Peter listened in amazement as Steve explained he was a police officer. Natasha chest squeezed, it all felt so right and domestic. Once Peter was done he ran back into the playroom. Steve also felt his chest warm. He could tell Peter was important to her and smiled because having her younger brother like him probably made his chances all that much greater.
Within the next hour they fell into casual conversation. It was mostly Steve telling his most ridiculous calls he's been on, as Natasha explained some pretty hysterical nursing cases. Some point in the conversation Tony had pulled up a chair and joined the pair. Laughing along with each anecdote and commenting small things here and there. Natasha felt like she belonged somewhere, it was odd and felt nice. Just as Steve was in the middle of telling how he once received a call because on Halloween because some toddler in a clown costume scared a grown man shitless, they heard small pitter patter running quickly.
“Mama!” The voice yelled jumping into Natashas lap.
Steves jaw dropped, Mama?
“What the f-” Tony began.
Natasha glared at Stark.
“Language.” She shot out.
“Mama, Mr. Lang said I could make a s'more, but to ask you first, can I?” He begged.
Natasha nodded.
“Sure kid.” She condoned.
“Thank you!” He said giving her a sloppy wet kiss on the cheek.
She placed Peter on the ground, scared to turn around.
‘Well cats out of the bag.’ She thought.
When she turned Tony’s hands were flailing around as he tripped over words, and Steve's mouth was agape. Tony started dramatically pointing back and forth.
“Your his mom?” He said confused.
“Yep.” She said popping the p.
“I just thought you were his sister, maybe his aunt, but his mom? No, no way.” He finished shaking his head.
“Yes way.” She said a bit annoyed.
“Whose the dad? I gotta know if I have any chance.” Stark said, he honestly had zero filter.
That was the last straw.
“Dead. And, now if you two are done picking you jaws up from the floor, I am going to watch my son make smores.” She said and stomped away.
Steve registered the situation.
“You ass.” He said and on instinct ran after Natasha.
He found her hunched over the banister of the back porch watching the small flames dance around as Scott helped the children hold their sticks out.
“Hey, look I’m sorry about all that. Tony has no filter and I just assumed-” He began to explain.
“No I’m sorry, I shouldn't have snapped like that.” She said apologetically.
He joined her on the railing watching the children.
“I’m sorry for the loss of his father.” Steve told her.
Natasha smiled tenderly.
“Thank you, I never got the pleasure to know him though.” She said critically.
Steve shot her a confused stare, and for whatever she felt obligated to explain.
“Peter isn’t my birth son. I adopted him after his parents died in a car accident that he survived. It’s just me and him, no father, no siblings, nothing.” She told Steve.
He felt so many thing at once. First sadness for the child at losing parents so young. Then, his heart warmed at Natasha being caring enough to take in a small child being so young and busy. Finally at the statement of it just being Natasha and no significant others he felt like he had a future with this woman.
Natasha's head was in an entire other place as she thought: ‘You should have told him right away. I just lost the first man I have felt comfortable with in a while.’