Chasing Ghosts | Natasha Roma...

By SierraCara

615K 24.6K 48.5K

Katya and Natasha got their happy ending, the peaceful life they always wanted. But when a dangerous new grou... More

Part 9
Chapter 1: A Final Goodbye
Chapter 2: The Simple Life
Chapter 3: Under The Moonlight
Chapter 4: Government Puppet
Chapter 5: The Past Is The Present
Chapter 6: I Am Going To Regret This, Aren't I?
Chapter 7: Yep, I Do Regret It
Chapter 8: Don't Get Into Planes With Strangers
Chapter 9: Shots In The Dark
Chapter 10: One Big (But Not Happy) Reunion
Chapter 11: Friendly Neighborhood Hustler
Chapter 12: At Least There's Background Music
Chapter 13: Happy Birthday! I'm Sorry
Chapter 14: The Mysterious Candy Bribe
Chapter 15: Finally Threatening The New ''Hero''
Chapter 16: This Is Probably Not A Good Example For My Kid
Chapter 17: Never Underestimate A Woman
Chapter 18: The Familiar Feeling Of Death
Chapter 19: Visible And Invisible Scars
Chapter 20: Dish Soap And Giftbags
Chapter 21: Nothing Compares To Home
Chapter 22: Time To Kiss And Make Up
Chapter 23: Did We Time Travel Again?
Chapter 24: Monsters Coming Out To Play
Chapter 25: Family
Chapter 26: Everything Has Consequences
Chapter 27: Rude Interruptions
Chapter 28: Not The Girl You Knew
Chapter 29: And The Bomb Blows
Chapter 30: Speeches And Unexpected Questions
Chapter 31: Surpises All Around
Chapter 33: Tease
Chapter 34: What Could Have Been
Chapter 35: Pizza Swap
Chapter 36: Movie Nights
Chapter 37: Bowling Alley Shenanigans
Chapter 38: It's Not All Romance (But We Try)
Chapter 39: Natalia. That's It.
Chapter 40: Fun And Games
Chapter 41: State Of Grace
Chapter 42: Secrets Suck
Chapter 43: Feel Something
Chapter 44: It's Not Better By Morning
Chapter 45: This Is Me Trying
Chapter 46: Two Sides Of The Same Coin
Chapter 47: Forever Winter
Chapter 48: Some Days Ask For Pity Parties And Comfort Food
Chapter 49: Wake Me Up When September Ends
Chapter 50: Spooktober (Part 1)
Chapter 51: Spooktober (Part 2)
Chapter 52: Sweet November
Chapter 53: Back To December
Chapter 54: Better Days
Chapter 55: Ways Of Love
Chapter 56: We Made It
Chapter 57: Christmas (Part 1)
Chapter 58: Christmas (Part 2)
Chapter 59: Christmas (Part 3)
Chapter 60: Christmas (Part 4)
Chapter 61: Helping People Out
Chapter 62: Life Lessons
Chapter 63: Career Day
Chapter 64: Anxious Holiday Prep
Chapter 65: Home Sweet Home Version 2
Chapter 66: Smile, Chérie
Chapter 67: Words Of Affirmation
Chapter 68: Messed Up Families
Chapter 69: One Visit A Year And The Occasional Phone Call
Chapter 70: Hug And Kiss Probation
Chapter 71: Train To Moscow
Chapter 72: Zoos Are Scary Places
Chapter 73: New Beginnings
Chapter 74: Tattoo For Two
Chapter 75: Field Of Flowers
Chapter 76: Tell Me It's A Nightmare
Chapter 77: Home Without A Heart
Chapter 78: Clouded Minds
Chapter 79: Trip Down Memory Lane
Chapter 80: When Fear Takes Over
Chapter 81: Three Little Words
Chapter 82: Getting There
Chapter 83: Ginger-Colored Impulse Decisions
Chapter 84: Gold Rush
Chapter 85: Painted Hearts
Chapter 86: Mother's Daughter
Chapter 87: Family Is What You Make Instead Of What You Get
Chapter 88: Back To Where It All Started
Chapter 89: A Bit Of Chaos
Chapter 90: Well-Placed Faith
Chapter 91: A Midnight Surprise Guest
Chapter 92: You Don't Have To Be Sorry For Doing It On Your Own
Chapter 93: Sweet Nothing
Chapter 94: Mommy? Sorry.
Chapter 95: Sun, Sea, Sunflower
Chapter 96: Snow Angels On The Beach
Chapter 97: Cold Hard Reality Called
Chapter 98: Something Borrowed, Something New
Chapter 99: Wedding Preparations
Chapter 100: Viva Las...
Chapter 101: The AM
Chapter 102: I Will, I Do
Chapter 103: Slow Dancing And Speeches
Chapter 104: Insert Declarations Of Love
Chapter 105: The 1
Chapter 106: Lavender Haze
Chapter 107: Behind Every Successful Woman... Is A Brunette
Chapter 108: (Street) Fights
Chapter 109: Please Don't Be In Love With Someone Else
Chapter 110: Daylight
Chapter 111: How You Get The Girl
Chapter 112: Queerness Is A Virus ~ Yelena Belova
Chapter 113: Teenage Dream
Chapter 114: XOXO
Chapter 115: A Snotty Saturday
Chapter 116: Ulterior Motives
Chapter 117: You Can Hear It In The Silence
Chapter 118: Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Chapter 119: A Baby Deranges The Romanoff-Petrova Household
Chapter 120: But daddy, I love her

Chapter 32: Flowers And Dates

7.4K 239 281
By SierraCara

I guess this is just a fluffy chapter? Not much is happening but small family moments :) Also: long. Really long. So grab a snack haha.


Wednesday morning, the alarm rudely cut their sleep off. But unlike every other day, Katya didn't groan. No, instead a wide grin formed on her lips, even with her eyes closed. Natasha though, she was grumpier than ever, almost knocking the alarm off the nightstand.

When she turned back to Katya to pull her close for their usual five-minute wakeup time, the brunette's enthusiastic expression stopped her. Leaving Katya high and dry on purpose, she closed her eyes with her face to the ceiling, no part of her body touching Katya's. ''Don't say it.''

''I'm gonna say it,'' Katya grinned, turning to her side and propping her head up on her hand. Her eyes trailed over Natasha's face, from her forehead to her nose, her closed eyes, her lips and her chin. She knew she was being stared at, but didn't care.

''Don't,'' Natasha warned, her eyebrows furrowing.

Katya chuckled and pressed her lips against her forehead, brushing over her skin as she whispered, ''Happy birthday.'' 

A loud groan left Natasha's lips. And still with her eyes closed, she turned and buried her face in Katya's neck, feeling arms wrap around her tightly, a kiss pressed to her head. ''If you bought me anything...'' she started, her breath tickling Katya's neck and collarbone as she spoke her threat.

Katya smiled at her adorable behavior, staring at the ceiling as her hand slipped underneath Natasha's shirt, lazily running up and down. ''I promise on my soul that I didn't. No presents. From me at least...''

Natasha frowned against her skin, lifting her head to look at Katya. ''You didn't let her spend her pocket money on anything, right?'' Maya got a lot more money than a normal kid her age got. Not that she did anything with it.

''I promise, she didn't spend anything,'' Katya reassured her, smiling because she knew exactly what Maya did for her mom's birthday. It was their little secret. One which they had been able to hide surprisingly well.

Natasha watched her closely, narrowing her eyes slightly, but was unable to find any clues in Katya's blue ones. Giving up, she dropped her head back into Katya's neck. ''I'm worried,'' she mumbled.

''Don't be,'' Katya chuckled, drawing circles on Natasha's back. ''Just a warning, though. I'm taking you out tonight. Just the two of us. In a fancy restaurant with actual good food. No protests. I called May and she said she'd love to watch Maya for the night, have a little sleepover at Peter's.''

''I'll accept that,'' she muttered, shifting to be more comfortable. ''But only because I like good food. And seeing you in a fancy dress.''

Katya hummed skeptically. ''That's the best reason you can think of for a night out with your wife?'' They hadn't had a date in months and deserved a nice night out with just the two of them.

''Yes.''

''Alright,'' Katya chuckled, sensing how Natasha was about to fall asleep again. And she would have let her, if not for wanting to make the most of this day. ''Let's get out of bed.''

She went to get up, waiting for Natasha to let go of her body, but the redhead had entirely different plans. Her grip on Katya's waist tightened and her face pushed further into her neck. 

''Today is all about me, right?'' she asked, her tone not betraying what she planned.

''Yeah...'' Katya trailed off, unsure, relaxing on the bed again.

''Then I want us to lay here for half an hour longer.''

A laugh gently shook Katya's body. ''Oh, so now you like your birthday. Just so you can take advantage of it.'' But she tightened her arms around her wife anyway, snuggling Natasha further into her. In response, Natasha's hand slipped under her shirt, tracing the tattoo on her ribcage. She did that a lot since Katya got it. 

''Isn't that the point?''

Katya chuckled again, but how could she withhold Natasha of such a wish when she was so adorable and it was her birthday? So she closed her eyes again and rested her cheek against Natasha's messy hair, not falling asleep again but allowing herself to relax. She listened to the birds, the complete silence outside, and Natasha's quiet breathing.

The minutes easily passed, the gentle moment ending way too soon, because Maya had to get to school.

''What do you want for breakfast?'' Katya whispered when Natasha started to stir after exactly half an hour, muttering the words into her hair, playing with the ends of it.

''I don't want anything to be different just because it's my birthday,'' Natasha lazily protested, breathing the words into her neck. At least she had acknowledged it was her birthday now.

''So you're going to eat your cereal?'' Katya asked skeptically, raising an eyebrow Natasha couldn't see. When she felt her nod, she knew she wouldn't let that happen today. ''Yeah, that's not gonna happen. I think there's still some eggs in the fridge. I'll make you an omelet or something.''

When she moved to get off the bed, Natasha turned around with an annoyed huff, her back facing Katya, who simply chuckled at her behavior.

Leaving a sulking redhead behind, Katya closed the bedroom door behind her and opened the next one. Maya was fast asleep when she sat down on the edge of her bed, gently shaking her awake.

''Hey,'' she whispered, watching the girl's eyes open. Maya was about to groan until she realized what day it was. ''You still got it?''

The girl nodded and scrambled out of bed a hundred times faster than she would on any other given day, an excited smile on her face. Pulling the door of her closet open, Natasha's birthday present stood on the floor. Carefully, she picked it up and showed it to Katya. It still looked great despite making it yesterday.

''She'll love it, I just know,'' Katya smiled. ''I'm gonna make her some breakfast now. Why don't you get ready and I'll call you down when she's down as well?''

Maya nodded happily, putting the gift down and rushing into her bathroom. Katya could only shake her head and chuckle, the warmth in her chest spreading. Sometimes it hit her that this was really her life now. A family, where their daughter got them birthday presents. 

Even the weather played balls today. It was probably cold out, but the sun shone. Like the weather gods knew today was important. As promised, Katya broke some eggs and tried her best on the omelet, smiling to herself so much that she jumped when arms wrapped around her waist from behind, a kiss placed on her shoulder. 

''What are you doing?'' Katya laughed breathlessly, trying to look at the head resting on her shoulder while also making sure the omelets didn't burn, her spatula hanging in the air somewhere above the pans.

''Kissing the cook,'' was Natasha's cheesy answer, her signature smirk playing on her lips already. Katya had to do her best not to cringe at the words.

''I don't see much kissing,'' she countered with her own smirk.

Natasha rolled her eyes, dropping her arms and moving so she stood next to Katya instead, taking her jaw in her hand and turning her head to face her. Her lips cut off the teasing smile on Katya's, kissing her sweetly. The brunette couldn't do much but wrap her free hand - her left - around Natasha's waist to pull her more into her side. 

She smiled lazily when Natasha pulled back, placing another quick kiss on her lips before patting her waist as a sign to let go. ''Better. Let me get the kid.'' At the bottom of the stairs, she called up, ''Maya! Breakfast is ready!''

''Coming!'' was the answer, and Katya smiled enthusiastically, knowing exactly what was going to happen now.

Forcing that smile off her face to hide it from an all-seeing Natasha, she moved back to the stove and scooped the omelets on three plates. Would be kinda rude to not make one for Maya as well.

Her feet stomped down the stairs, and before they knew it, she stood in the doorway, in her hands the biggest vase of hand-plucked flowers ever. She had to look around the bouquet because it was so big. ''Happy birthday, mom!''

Natasha's eyes widened in surprise before a huge smile spread on her face, all the emotion on her face clearly visible.

''Oh... that's gorgeous,'' she breathed, taking the vase from Maya and placing it on the kitchen island, slowly turning it to see from all sides. The most beautiful wildflowers stuck out, picked everywhere around the lake and house.   

''Kat and I picked them together, yesterday,'' Maya explained, beaming because she was so excited. If only she knew how much this meant to Natasha, and how many tears she had to push down. It was adorable, Katya getting emotional herself. ''She said you don't like presents, but I wanted to give you something anyway.''

As soon as she found her composure, Natasha turned around and crouched down, bringing Maya in for a tight hug. The girl's small arms wrapped around her neck in return. If she was surprised by this sudden display of affection, she didn't let it show. 

''Thank you, baby. They're beautiful. Perfect,'' Natasha whispered, pulling her head back to give Maya a kiss on her cheek. She had to swallow thickly to keep her voice clear. ''I like personal, handmade gifts the best.''

''I'm glad you like it,'' the girl whispered back, mirroring Natasha's smile. 

If possible, Katya's heart melted more. Mother and daughter, so much alike, and looking at each other like they were the other's whole world. Natasha would do anything to protect this girl. And Maya knew that by the way she got looked at, she'd never been loved and wanted so much as right now.

Natasha cleared her throat to shake the emotions off and painted a wide smile on her face. ''Right, let's eat before the eggs are cold.''

She put the vase on the dinner table after checking if the flowers still had enough water, spending a bit too long rearranging them to make sure they looked perfect. She was still on her emotional tour, and when she turned back to the kitchen island, her eyes met Katya's, allowing the brunette to see the emotion in them. They shared a knowing smile. Because yes, this was their dream come true. And no, Natasha wasn't ashamed to admit how incredibly happy that made her.

This no-money gift was better than anything Maya could have bought at the store. It meant so much more because of all the love that was put into it. And it meant so much to Natasha because of that.

She insisted on driving Maya to school today, despite Katya's protests to stay home and relax. But she didn't want to hear anything about birthdays and this day being special. Everything needed to be normal, so she did take the girl to school, giving Katya time to catch up on some rest.

Katya's nights still sucked, and she found herself waking up countless times, her stomach and mind too restless to fall into a deep sleep. Even Natasha's cuddles didn't help, although they did sooth her anxiety as much as they could. Of course, the redhead was worried, even if she didn't say it out loud. But Katya insisted it would get better in time and that she felt rested enough. 

She perked up from where she lay on the couch, lazily flipping through the TV channels, when the front door opened and Natasha's quiet footsteps on the floor approached. A soft smile lay on her wife's lips when she walked into the living room, dropped the car keys on the coffee table, kicked off her shoes and hung her jacket. She was relaxed, happy.

''Hey. What do you want to do today?'' Katya asked, her gaze following Natasha around until she approached the couch. She expected her to lift her feet, sit down, and put them on her lap, but Katya was pleasantly surprised when Natasha climbed on top of her, laying her head on her chest, legs on either side. Automatically, Katya's arms wrapped around her, keeping her close and warm. An adoring smile played on her lips, just like this morning in bed.

''Lay here with you, watch some stupid TV, eat unhealthy stuff,'' Natasha mumbled, her eyes on the TV lazily, snuggling closer.

What had gotten into her today? She was rarely this clingy and lazy. Not that Katya cared. With the smell of Natasha's shampoo in her nose and her heart beating against her own, she could lay there for hours.

''Okay,'' she chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. 

As time progressed, she could feel Natasha start to relax more and more, her body growing tired. Pretty soon, her eyes closed and breathing evened out. She had fallen asleep on top of Katya, the TV no longer interesting.

Katya's heart absolutely melted, and with an adoring smile, kissed the top of her head again, staying as still as possible to not disturb her. It went well for an hour or three, until her phone, which was on the couch, wedged between her side and the backrest, started to buzz. Silently cursing, she removed a hand from Natasha's back and felt around for it, rolling her eyes when she saw who dared to disturb them right now.

It was tempting to press the red button, but then he would simply call again. So after some inward cursing, she pressed 'accept' and held the thing to her ear, not realizing Natasha had already woken up by the buzzing and heard the entire conversation, but only Katya's side of it.

''I can't talk right now. Nat is asleep. Literally on top of me,'' Katya muttered in the quietest voice she could muster, barely loud enough for the person on the other end to hear it. Natasha forced her smile down at Katya's considerate words, keeping her body still and eyes closed.

''No, we didn't just have sex. It's half past twelve. Who do you think we are?'' Natasha swallowed a chuckle. ''Yes, I remember that very clearly. That was as embarrassing for you as for me.'' 

She let out a small sigh, the fingers of her free hand playing with the very ends of Natasha's hair. ''Yeah, we did. You know Sam. He wouldn't have done it unless absolutely necessary. Haven't spoken to him yet, though. Tried calling but he hasn't picked up so far.'' 

It was silent for a while, the person on the other end asking a question. Natasha could feel Katya tense up and grow uncomfortable. ''No. I've been... struggling with some things.'' Natasha's heart clenched. ''Uh-huh. I know, Clint. But I got it, I promise. I will.'' Another soft sigh, although lighter this time. ''I'll see you in three weeks. Don't you dare be late to the barbecue. Bye.''

Katya carefully wedged the phone between her body and the couch again, silently celebrating she hadn't woken up Natasha. Her head fell to the side after letting out a deep breath, staring at the TV with disinterest. But her celebrations proved to be premature when Natasha suddenly spoke up. Lazily and softly.

''He has the worst timing.''

Katya's head shot to the woman on her chest, seeing her blink the sleep out of her eyes, trying to wake up. ''I'm sorry. Did I wake you?'' she muttered, not wanting to yell into her ear after just waking up.

''Technically, Clint did.'' Natasha sat up, the way she had laid causing her to straddle Katya's hips now. She wasn't fully present yet, yawning and fixing her hair lazily. All those small baby hairs around her face stuck up. ''It's alright. Am hungry anyway.''

Katya watched her with a relaxed smile, immediately cold without her. ''Clint says-''

Natasha's eyes snapped to hers, suddenly very attentive. ''Don't,'' she warned, cutting her off. But Katya's eyes sparkled with humor, her fingertips brushing over Natasha's jeans, just able to reach them.

''Happy birthday,'' Katya finished her sentence, laughing when Natasha grumbled and got up, disappearing into the kitchen with a pissed expression on her face. 

''I can cancel therapy,'' Katya murmured after lunch was gone and Natasha had cuddled up to her again, finding herself in the exact same position as before. She hated the idea of having to go out today and leave Natasha alone on her birthday for two hours. 

But her wife's head whipped up, and she pushed her upper body up by leaning on her underarms. ''Absolutely not. You're not cancelling or rescheduling anything,'' she said sternly. ''In fact, I'll drive you.''

Katya quickly shook her head, the fingers on Natasha's back coming to a halt. ''You have to do no such thing. I don't want you to wait an hour in that car again.'' She felt bad for making her wait.

But Natasha gave her a dry look. ''Kat, I can entertain myself for an hour.'' She scrunched her nose when she realized what she had said, Katya's eyebrow raising. ''That sounded wrong. You know what I meant. I can always go for a walk or whatever.''

So with a sigh, Katya agreed, because starting an argument with a stubborn Natasha was useless. In the car, she tried her best to engage in conversation, but therapy always caused her nerves to flare up. Usually, she wouldn't try and hide that, but she didn't want Natasha to worry about her today. 

With lead in her shoes, she got out and into the building, only to get back an hour later, impatiently brushing her tears off her face before Natasha would be able to see them. Plastering a smile on her lips and clearing her throat so it didn't sound so raspy, she sunk down in the leather seat.

''How was it?'' Natasha asked, knowing she'd always get the same answer.

''Was okay.'' She accepted the bottle of water Natasha had ready for her, since she knew Katya cried a lot during therapy and needed it. ''Thanks.''

Pulling away from the curb, Natasha kept her eyes on the road strictly, not wanting Katya to feel like she studied her intently. She wasn't the only one who wanted to pretend everything was normal today. 

''So, where are we going tonight?'' The change of topic to distract Katya was greatly appreciated.

A mysterious smirk grew on her lips, even if the rest of her face didn't completely work along. ''You'll see.''

Those were the exact words she had used with the tattoos, and words which Natasha hated greatly. For a spy, you'd think she loved secrets. But no, it was only cool if it was her with the secrets.

''I hate surprises,'' Natasha complained, a faint scowl on her face as she navigated the busy New York traffic towards Maya's school. They would be half an hour early, but driving home and then back wasn't an option either.

Katya smiled in amusement. ''I know. That's what makes it fun.'' 

They picked up Maya from school and drove her to May's house. Peter opened the apartment door with the biggest smile on his face. Both he and Maya jumped up and down. That's how enthusiastic they were. 

Natasha crouched down in front of Maya in the living room, taking her face into her hands and placing a kiss on her forehead. ''Have fun today. Don't tease Peter too much,'' she smirked, knowing how much Maya loved teasing. ''I'll pick you up in the morning to take you to school, okay?''

Maya nodded and wrapped her arms around her neck in a tight hug, exactly like she did this morning. ''Bye mom. See you tomorrow.'' She let Natasha go and went over to Katya, the woman understanding what she wanted to do and bowing down so her arms could wrap around her neck. ''Bye mom,'' Maya said in her ear. Too excited for a proper goodbye, she let go quickly and ran off with Peter.

''Have fun!'' Natasha called after her, right before she disappeared around the corner and into Peter's room with a huge smile on her face. She wanted to see his Lego collection ever since he told her about it.

May chuckled, shaking her head at the two kids in her apartment. She was one of the only people they trusted with their kid, besides their friends of course. Simply hiring a babysitter or something and bringing them into their home wasn't an option at all. Not with their paranoia. ''I'll look after her. Enjoy your free night. But not too much.''

''No promises,'' Natasha smirked, something gleaming behind her eyes. She definitely planned something.

Katya's jaw dropped when she walked into the bedroom a couple hours later. Natasha looked amazing. Even prettier than usual, if that was possible. She really took her time to make herself look nice. Her hair didn't have its natural messy waves but fell down her shoulders in the most perfect curls ever. Her lips were a faint pink and eyes slightly dark around the edges to bring out her eyes. They looked greener than ever. 

But above all, it was her amazing body in the silk green dress. Yes, the one Katya bought for her months ago. It fell down her body like a waterfall, cutting off halfway down her thighs, her feet in some painful looking black high heels. 

She leaned against the marble sink with her hips, her face only inches from the mirror above it to perfect her already perfect face, putting more mascara on. And Katya had to do her very best not to stare at her ass in that expensive - and tight - silk.

Natasha chuckled when she saw her in the doorway via the mirror, Katya's reaction everything she aimed for.

Katya snapped her mouth closed and dragged her own dolled-up figure towards her wife, meeting her eyes in the mirror. ''You look mind-blowing,'' she breathed.

Natasha chuckled lowly, screwing the lid on her mascara and throwing it in her make-up bag. Spinning around fully, she lazily draped her arms over Katya's shoulders, leaning backwards against the sink. ''It's the thousand-dollar dress you bought for me. I thought it deserved to be seen at least once.''

''Hmm,'' Katya hummed, gripping her waist and pushing their bodies together. ''I'm not sure I want to share this with the world.''

Almost hungrily, she kissed her, wishing they could just skip the meal and get straight to doing something about the sexual tension that had been lingering between them since they dropped off Maya. With her hips, she pushed Natasha further against the sink, a surprised moan leaving the redhead's lips at the sudden dominance.

When her lungs started to burn and she knew she was about to lose herself, Natasha pulled back, stopping this from where it was going. ''We're going to be late,'' she breathed against Katya's lips, her own brushing over them. She'd have to reapply that lipstick.

''I don't care,'' Katya muttered, ready to push more deep and rushed kisses to her lips. 

''Kat,'' Natasha laughed silently, pulling her head backwards. Her eyes shone with humor as they studied Katya's flustered state.

''Fine,'' she sighed, kissing her one more time before stepping back. ''Let's go then.'' They were undoubtedly going to finish this tonight anyway.

Since only she knew where they were going, Katya had the honor of driving today, which she could perfectly with her heels. Hell, she had fought in them. Driving a car was child's play.

She had felt eyes on the side of her face for a while, and she started to shift uncomfortably, raising an eyebrow and glancing to the woman next to her. ''Something on my face?'' she teased.

A relaxed smile grew on Natasha's lips. ''You look gorgeous tonight.''

Katya's cheeks heated up slightly. Compliments from Natasha always came straight from the heart, and the force of her gaze was so strong that she couldn't do anything else but blush. ''Thanks. You too.''

''So you said,'' Natasha chuckled, reaching over and taking Katya's free hand, holding it in her lap and playing with her fingers. She tried to be present, but the rest of the way, she stared out the window in thought. Not in a bad way, more like something got her emotional. It had been a long time since they had a date or did something romantic like this, so it might be that.

Half an hour later, Katya pulled up at one of the more expensive restaurants in the city. She remembered that Tony told her about this place once, and if he ate here, it must have been good. 

Natasha's eyes widened in shock, and her mouth opened to protest against the choice of venue, but Katya quickly cut her off. ''Nuh-uh. Before you're going to complain, it's your birthday. And since you refuse to let me get you anything, this is the only way I can do something nice for you.''

Natasha rolled her eyes but blushed faintly when Katya opened the restaurant door for her and made a show out of pulling her chair out for her as well. Their corner of the room was dark, private, with no curious ears around. Exactly like Katya had requested when she called two weeks prior. 

A waitress arrived with the menu immediately, which was huge, with lots of choices. They should have studied it online before coming here. ''What could I get you to drink?'' she asked politely. She couldn't have been much older than twenty-five.

''Can I just have a water, please?'' Katya said. Maybe she'd go for something fancier like an alcohol-free cocktail or something later, but not right now.

''Of course.'' She wrote it down, looking at Natasha next, her pen hovering above her notepad to write it down.

''For me, too.''

Katya's eyes flickered from her menu to the woman across from her.

''Nat, you can get wine if you want,'' she reassured her. They'd always get wine with their dinner when they went out previously. At least before the whole relapse thing. 

But Natasha shook her head, meeting her eyes across the table. ''I don't want to wave it in front of your face the whole night.''

Katya smiled softly. How could she not, with how considerate Natasha was? ''I promise, it's okay.''

Natasha looked up to the waitress and gave her a polite smile. Katya expected her to order the alcohol now, but of course she didn't. ''The water is fine, thank you.''

''Okay,'' the girl smiled, writing it down as well. ''I'll come back in a bit to take your order.'' She left, and Katya gave up on trying to scan the whole menu and just picked the first thing she thought sounded good. 

Natasha wasn't so fast and couldn't decide between a lot of different things, Katya silently laughing at the frown on her face as she flipped back and forth between the different pages. She threw her unamused glares, but eventually settled on something, the waitress coming back to take their order, exactly like she promised. 

The restaurant had a quiet buzz, with hushed conversations and smiles all around, because everyone was here to have a good time. The Russians were able to relax and enjoy themselves despite the natural tension they always had whenever they were out. The half-dark and private corner helped as well. A lazy smile lay on Natasha's lips, but Katya sensed something bothered her.

''There's something I've been meaning to ask you,'' Natasha finally threw out before the food even arrived, her gaze strictly on the glass of water her fingers nervously played with. Moments like these would never be easy for her, no matter how much time passed.

''I thought something was on your mind,'' Katya said softly, trying to give her a soothing smile. She shifted in her seat, like she was getting ready for something, showing Natasha she got her full attention. ''Okay, shoot.''

Natasha took a deep breath, her eyes shooting everywhere, only briefly meeting Katya's before they flickered away. ''Our life right now, is it the way you wished it would be? Because I know it can get boring, and that we're used to action and missions. You promised you'd retire, but I don't want to restrict you if you don't.''

All the happiness got sucked out of Katya's chest. In fact, her heart sunk to the floor.

Hadn't she shown her wife enough how much she loved her? How much she loved their family? Their life?

''Nat... Why are you asking me this?'' she muttered sadly, hating that she made her feel this way.

She stopped fidgeting with her glass and instead messed with her hands that lay on the table. ''Because I saw how excited you were to go on mission with Sam and Barnes, and how you were at the edge of your seat last Saturday night. I don't want you to feel like you're missing out on something. This was my dream. The kid, the house, a 'mundane' life, as you like to call it.''

Katya had never acted faster than right now. Her hands shot across the table, reaching over and taking one of Natasha's hands, squeezing it tightly. Finally, green eyes met her own, the doubt swirling in them.

''Nat. I love our life. If anything, that mission made it more clear that all of that is behind me. The fighting, the missions, the violence. It scared me to go out there, get shot at, fearing not getting back to my perfect little family.'' That finally made Natasha smile a bit. ''Sure, it can get boring sometimes, but it's a good boring. I think we deserve some boring. Can't you see how happy I am? I've never been happier.'' 

Of course she could see that, but it was a matter of wanting to see it. Natasha was a star in making herself believe something that wasn't true. Looking for clues that confirmed her own mindset.

''Okay,'' she let out a deep breath of relief, blinking some stressed tears from her eyes. 

Katya smiled and squeezed her hand again. ''Stop worrying, babe. I promise you here and now that I'll tell you if something is ever missing. Okay?'' Natasha nodded, a weight lifting off her shoulders. ''Even though I already know that won't happen. Nothing was missing when we were on the run for two years, by ourselves, and nothing will ever be missing as long as you're here and Maya is here.''

Now that that was off her chest, Natasha didn't worry for the rest of the night. In fact, she laughed and smiled through the night, loyally sipping her water without one single complaint. She'd keep away from alcohol for the rest of her life if that's what would make Katya feel most comfortable.

As they ate their dessert, she started to get whole other ideas in her head. Ones that told Katya she had totally left that heavy conversation behind. Her eyes got this mischievous glint in them, and it was clear as day what she was up to the second her foot brushed up and down Katya's leg.

The brunette raised an eyebrow, silently questioning if she was serious right now, but Natasha simply smirked between the scoops she took of her ice cream and looked her dead in the eye while her foot dragged up and down her bare leg.

Luckily, nobody saw it because of the dark lighting in the restaurant and their remote table, but Katya had shivers running up and down her back at the prospects of the rest of the night.





~~~~~~~~

A/N: this may be the longest chapter ever haha but I didn't want to split it up because I thought it would be too boring. Not sure if I like this. Anyway, let me know what you want the fam to do with Yelena during that one week she's staying over. I have some ideas but I need to fill a whole week so let me know. Next chapter will be spicy :)

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