Can't Ask, Don't Need, Won't Acknowledge

Chapter 34: O Tannenbaum

“You are like excited children,” stated Wanda though she was struggling to keep the smile of her face. Natasha quickly moved around the room making sure all the windows were covered, pulling the curtains all closed.

“Um Mama? What are you doing? You planning to kill us?”

Natasha turned to the teenager with a flourish, “No we are going to decorate the tree.”

Wanda looked at the older woman oddly, “and that required you to close all the curtains, why exactly?”

“Because we are going to do it Avenger style,” explained Steve with a smirk. “Peter go get your webbing….”

Natasha glanced over to Wanda, “come on you get the ornaments moving.”

Wanda smirked before casually flicking her wrist, causing the baubles to float in the air surrounded by the wisps of red that where directing them as they danced around the room. Peter rushed back in and starting hanging the lights from ceiling using the webbing as an adhesive. Natasha turned on the music, as she watched the two teenagers laugh and rush around the room, giggling as they put up all the ornaments.

Natasha turned and pulled Steve into her, “this was a great idea Steve.”

She rested her head onto his shoulder, “they both needed this.”

“We all needed this,” responded Steve. A fake snowball was then thrown towards the two adults, “Hey you need to help!”

“Fine, fine, fine,” moaned Natasha with a smile.

……………………………………………….

“They both asleep?” whispered Steve, from his place on the sofa. Natasha looked down cautiously, “Well Wanda is out cold… Peter?”
Steve turned his head, and he poked the teenager who was drooling onto his arm, “dead to the world,” he replied bluntly.

“Thank god, I am exhausted,” Natasha replied, resting her head on his shoulder.

“I think we had a good day,” replied Steve earnestly.

“I think we did too,” said Natasha in agreement. “It was nice to not feel so burdened for once.” She glanced down at the lightly snoring Wanda, and smirked. “Why do they always look younger when they are asleep?”

“It’s in the eyes,” stated Steve lightly.

“Maybe you are right,” said Natasha, she pulled the teenager possessively towards her. “Do you think we treat them too young? I mean they aren’t little kids.”

“They are kids they are entitled to a Christmas. Nothing wrong with a bit of magic.”

Natasha choked as she held back her laugh at him, “Ok, you have been as bad as the kids. I’m not sure who has enjoyed it more. Them or you?”

“Okay I admit it. I loved it. I love the tree and the decorations, but I love sharing it with all of you.”

“You are such a sappy fucker you know that?” joked Natasha.

“You said endearing gentleman wrong.”

“Oh did I?” smirked Natasha, she leant and kissed him firmly on the lips dragging her teeth slightly and nipping him playfully on his bottom lip.

“You are a temptress Natasha Romanoff,” moaned Steve. Natasha winked before gently standing up, carefully extracting the sleeping teenager from her arms.

“I’m going to carry her to bed, I suggest you put Peter to bed, and then we can continue this conversation in private.”

“I like the way you think Romanoff.”

………………………………………………………………………………….

Peter paced in his bedroom, listening intently through the walls for the sounds of even breathing. He sighed in relief when he realised that the other occupants of the house were all asleep. His alarm had made sure he didn’t sleep though the night. Peter reached into his wardrobe and pulled out the articles of clothing that were hidden in the bottom. He quickly dressed, slapped his web shooters on and and covered his face with the black balaclava. The teenager then crept towards his bedroom window and carefully lifted the window before clambering out of the open space.

The cool December air was freedom to the boy. He had missed this so much. He shot out his wrist and smiled as the sticky substance connected with a nearby building, he leaped forward and felt the wind rushing by his ears. Peter had been concerned about his ability to replicate the webbing in the uk, it had taken a few attempts but it seems he has finally cracked it. He soared and did a slight backflip before landing gracefully onto the road. He quickly shot back up into the air.

It was so freeing, Peter loved the feeling of a city at night. He knew he shouldn’t be sneaking out at night but this just felt like something he needed. Peter rested for a few seconds on a nearby traffic light. He checked his watch realising he did not have long before he would have to head back to ensure he didn’t get caught. Peter smirked at the fact he had managed this for a month. Wanda served as a great distraction to everyone, it allowed him to go about his day, out of sight out of mind. The sound of a scream interrupted his serene thoughts. Peter rushed off to save the day, and then be back in bed before the rest of his family even knew he was gone.