Summary: Natasha's in the middle of one of the most terrifying and exciting moments of her life: motherhood. But what happens when someone else joins her journey?
A/N: Some canon divergence (Bucky and Sam are part of the Avengers when Ultron happens).
It was an ordinary Monday. That’s what it looked like at first.
You went into your office, reviewed mission reports, spoke to Intelligence about an upcoming meeting.
By lunch time, you’re just looking forward to some silence and an iced latte. Nicholas Fury has other plans.
Being called to Fury’s office is the equivalent of going to the principal’s office in school. You either did something really good or really bad; but top of your head, nothing of importance comes to mind.
It’s even more confusing when you open the door and find Steve Rogers sitting in front of your boss. He’s in full tactical gear, shield on his back. It’s kind of funny how he looks ready for battle, and extremely out of place in the middle of a government office.
“Sir. Captain Rogers” you greet both of them, standing by the door.
You’ve sometimes worked with the Avengers, or provided some intelligence that has to do with their own work. Maybe that’s what this is about.
“Agent, take a seat” Fury says and you nod, trying to look composed. But Captain America can probably hear your heart beating out of your chest. “We have a special assignment for you”
“The Avengers need help. We need someone in intelligence and combat” Rogers provides further context.
“Don’t you already have Agent Romanoff?”
“The workload might be… it’s just going to be temporary. A year at most” Fury says.
“I can think of a few people. Would you like me to evaluate them?” you say, going over all the agents you’ve trained.
Fury tries to keep a neutral expression, but you can see Steve smiling.
“Me?” you practically squeal.
Working with the Avengers? No, that’s impossible. They have Thor and Iron Man and Hulk. What could they possibly need you for?
“It would be a huge help for us” Captain Rogers says and you frown.
“Natasha was the one that recommended you” Fury says, as if it that can help.
And it does. But at the same time, you’re a little shocked. When you joined SHIELD, Natasha was already at the top of the ranks, acting as Fury’s third in command (Hill has always been his right hand, after all). You’d worked together a few times, but you never thought she’d notice you enough to recommend you.
“This is a lot to process. Why don’t you…” Steve says and Fury stops him.
“It’s not a request. It’s an order”
“Yes, Director Fury” you say.
If it’s an order and you’re tasked with doing this, you’ll find a way to handle the rest.
“Very well, we’ll have a room ready for you at the Compound at the end of the week. Make sure you leave everything in order for your colleagues”
“Do I have to move?” you say, frowning. “I mean, I have my apartment and it was a pain to find a place in New York…”
“Tony will pay for the rent while you’re with us” Steve says, and there’s a certain cheekiness in his tone. You suspect he has been using Tony’s money to facilitate their operations.
With a nod, you stand up to leave the room.
“This assignment will change your life, Agent” Fury says as you walk out.
You’re not sure if it’s a promise or a threat.
As of now, you’ve gone from living by yourself, to sharing a space with five or six people with various degrees of disfunction. Barnes trains at all hours and barely eats. Sam is always chatting your ear off. Barton comes and goes, which is a mystery on itself. Steve’s nice, but shy.
Natasha’s the one you spend the most time with. Right now, she’s showing you around the hangar and the lab. She explains everything she does, why she does it and how it helps the team.
And for the first time, it occurs to you she’s training you to take her place.
Which is honestly ridiculous. First of all, Natasha is the best. Second, why would she leave the team? Even if it’s temporary, you can’t really imagine her going on a vacation… or maybe she is. Everyone needs a break, right?
“Do you need a break?” she asks, mistaking your silence for exhaustion. “It’s a lot to take in”
“No, it’s fine. Just got a little in my head for a moment” you smile, leaning against the desk with a dozen different buttons that project maps and files into a screen.
“I promise you, none of them are as intimidating as they seem. They need someone to keep them in line”
“Honestly? It’s not that they intimidate me. It’s more that I didn’t think you’d notice me enough to think I can do this” you admit.
“I notice everything” Natasha says and you look up, meeting her eyes. She holds your stare and of course you look away first.
Natasha notices everything, alright. And that includes the way you blush.
Going on missions with the Avengers is almost no different than a SHIELD assignment. Except you have two super soldiers that can do the job of at least five agents.
Though you’ve mainly shadowed Natasha, another confirmation that you’re probably helping while she takes time off. To do what, exactly? Well, you don’t know her enough to ask.
“Agent, come in” you hear through comms, snapping out of your thoughts.
“Here. Got the drive. Meet you in… Cap?” you say, an alarm blaring as you remove the drive with the information.
“We’re compromised. Go to the Quinjet” he says, Barnes confirming that he’ll go help Rogers while you evacuate.
“It’s too far. You should go east, Cap” you say.
“It’s full of agents, doll” Barnes comments and you look at the control room.
“Can you guys hold your breath? Like for a really long time?”
“Then go east. Just trust me”
There’s a bit of silence, and then Natasha speaks.
You know this is a different kind of test. It’s about having their back, and the team believing you are smart enough to help.
“What about you?” Natasha says as you finish hacking into their system.
“I’m close to the roof, I’ll meet you there and then we can pick up the boys. Guys, no breathing until you’re out. And the exit should be clear”
As promised, Natasha lowers the Quinjet enough for you to enter. And at the east entrance, Bucky and Steve are waving their hands.
“Nice job” Rogers says. “How did you know they had a gas system?”
“Every building built before the 80s does. Hydra’s weird like that” you comment.
“Told you, she was great” Natasha comments, and you can’t help the way your whole face lights up at her compliment.
Word travels fast, and when you’re back in the Compound, Sam joins you. Your smoke break turns into a pitch about a new hero identity.
“Heard you did real good today”
“You know, I have a spare suit. Been looking for a sidekick. We could be Falcon and the Eagle girl. Or Hawk girl. Just Hawk, without the girl?” he pitches around and you tilt your head, trying to shut it down before he gets more ideas.
“Stop it, Wilson” Natasha says and you’re grateful. She sits next to you, but frowns when she sees you’re smoking.
“Sorry, I’ll just…” you say a little too quickly. It’s embarassing, how eager you are to keep Natasha happy. Still, you can’t help yourself and take a last, long drag before putting it out. “You don’t like the smell?”
“I don’t think it’s good for the baby” she says and you choke on air.
“You didn’t know?” Sam laughs and you keep coughing.
“How the fuck would I know?” you say, flustered.
“She eats everything sweet she finds”
“I thought she always did and somehow managed to keep that pefect body from good genetics or something” you argue with Sam.
“Perfect body, huh?” Natasha says and you turn red.
“I need another cigarrette”
Now that you know, it’s painfully obvious. Natasha does eat everything sweet she finds. Drinks decaf, trains a little less. She’s not showing at all, but it can’t be long. You’ve been with the team for over six weeks now, and you can imagine the need for a replacement came around the same time.
At eight weeks, things get a little complicated. Morning sickness seems to become all day sickness, and Natasha’s practically holed up in her room. The only person that persuades her to go to the doctor is Barton. It gets so bad that Natasha needs fluids through an IV.
And you feel awful for not doing more. You told yourself it was out of respect for her boundaries, but you also knew it was out of fear of being rejected.
Natasha’s discharged a few hours later, with a new medication added to her daily vitamins and other suplements. She’s never had to take so many pills and it’s starting to make her a little insane.
Being sick was a very foreign feeling for her. She’s also wondering if all pregnant women go through this. A part of her is scared that this is her body’s way of telling her that being a mother is not in her nature.
The medicine helps, but when Natasha wakes up, she knows it’s going to take a lot of effort to hold down her breakfast.
When she spots you in the kitchen, Natasha hesitates. It’s hard to let other people see her vulnerable. But she’s too hungry to think about it for long. Toast and some orange juice, that’s all she’ll have.
“Hey, Nat” you say, looking over your shoulder. Your heart drops a little at her tired expression.
“Not really” she says, hoping the small talk ends. She doesn’t want to be rude.
“So… uh. My mom had really horrible nausea when she was pregnant with my sister. I remembered my grandma had this homemade tea with peppermint and ginger from her garden. It didn’t work with stuff she bought from the market, it was the weirdest thing ever…” you begin to rant, turning to Natasha with a steaming cup of tea. “Long shot? If you don’t want to try it, that’s fine”
“Couldn’t hurt” Natasha says, the smell weirdly appealing. After a few sips, her stomach settles enough to let her relax. “It’s good”
“I got you a blueberry scone too” you hand over a paper bag, and Natasha almost cries at the thoughtfulness.
If you notice, you choose to say nothing and go back to making your sandwich. Still, Natasha stays in the living room, instead of going back to her room and you’re more than happy to make her another cup of tea when she’s done with the first.
“Did you fly the Quinjet to Colorado?” Steve says as you chew on a chip and you shrug your shoulders.
“Needed stuff for Natasha’s tea”
“You couldn’t find it at the store?”
“Well… I’ll write it down as flight practice this time”
“Thanks, Cap” you say, winking at Natasha.
As you eat your food, Natasha dozes off and you cover her with a blanket, smiling when you spot the hand in her lower belly.
Truth be told, it’s not just the tea that helped Natasha today.
Bodies change. That’s expected. But she swore she had more time.
The struggle to put on a pair of jeans is the confirmation that Natasha needs new clothes. But she hates shopping.
The only good thing about living with a bunch of men is that they don’t notice the outfit changes. For the past few days, she has stuck to a pair of yoga pants and a lose t-shirt.
At one point, it won’t be enough, though.
Natasha leaves for the kitchen ahead of her meetings with Fury and Hill. Sam’s eating cereal while you make an assorment of things. Up until that point, Natasha was happy to indulge in the pancakes and eggs you made but is reconsidering her stance now. She’s not doing herself any favors by consuming all those calories.
“French toast with a side of pancakes and some egg” you offer the usual plate.
Damn, it looks good. But she has to be strong.
“I think I’ll have some fruit today. Thank you, though”
“Oh. Ok” you say, trying to hide your disappointment. The way your face drops almost makes Natasha reconsider.
“Can I get some of that?” Sam says, pointing at the pancakes.
“You sure?” you turn to Natasha and she nods, looking away. If she sees the food her resolve will waver. “Enjoy, Wilson”
Natasha takes an apple and some strawberries, slicing them carefully as you hover. She has noticed you do that a lot. You don’t sit until she’s sat, you only eat after she’s taken a couple of bites to make sure everything’s good.
You don’t settle until Natasha settles.
In anyone else, she’d find it annoying.
With you… it seems sweet.
“I’m doing laundry today. Anything you need washing?”
“I have a stack of underwear…” Sam starts and you cut him off.
“Not talking to you. Wash your stuff in the boy’s machine” you say, glaring.
Super soldiers or not, you made Tony buy a better machine for you and Natasha’s clothes when you moved in. Being a germ freak, sharing a washing machine is the stuff of nightmares for you.
“No, I’m fine” Natasha says, avoiding your eyes.
The thing is… you had noticed her wearing the same slacks and shirt for two days in a row. You thought it was a laundry thing. Maybe she was too tired. But being 14 weeks along now…
“Is it possible you need to get new clothes?” you suggest.
“Are you calling me fat?” she says, dropping the fork and looking at you as if she’s ready to shoot you.
“Later” Sam says, picking up his plate and abandoning the kitchen.
There’s a silence that stretches, and stretches. Until Natasha sighs, her eyes full of tears.
“Natasha” you plead, kneeling down next to her.
“I’ll get some stuff later”
“Your body changes. You couldn’t have possibly expected to wear those skin tight jeans for nine months, right?”
“Well, kind of. They make my ass look great”
“Your ass always looks great. I mean, shit” you stand up suddenly, mortified. “I’ll drive you to the mall later”
“I’ll get some clothes online. I hate shopping and I’m also sure I’ll hate everything I see in the stores”
“And if a clerk comes up all happy and cheerful about helping you out…”
“I’ll kill her with a clothes hanger”
“Fair enough” you nod, smiling at her. Before leaving the kitchen, you serve two pancakes that survived Sam and put the plate next to her. “You’re growing life inside of you. Eat”
Natasha’s about to thank you, when you place a kiss at the top of her head. It’s short, and unexpected. But comforting.
And just as you leave the kitchen, she abandons the fruit to eat the pancakes.
That’s the last good thing that happens that day. As predicted, everything she finds online is too pink, too flowy and too much for her. Why can’t they sell something that’s comfortable without looking matronly?
Natasha’s mood turns sour and she’s ready to take a nap. But then there’s a knock at the door and she takes a breath to scream at the person on the other side.
Thankfully, you speak before she has the chance to release a single curse word.
“Can you meet me at the conference room when you’re available? I’ll wait there if you’re too tired now”
The last thing Natasha’s expecting is four racks full of clothes.
“I called Pepper to ask about some clothes that could be more your style and a couple of stores sent over some options. You can try them here and we’ll send back whatever it is you hate. No annoying people chasing you around, trying to get a commission. Just me, in case you need help. What do you think?” you say, holding a shirt that looks like a normal piece of clothing.
There are slacks, skirts, shirts and all kinds of choices. Things that Natasha would actually wear.
All she manages is a shaky nod. Damn hormones and damn you, for being so nice and thoughtful.
For the next hour, Natasha goes through every option, and decides to split things into piles of “yes”, “not in a million years” and “maybe”. You also asked them to send you some underwear and bras that are comfortable for her changing body.
“I’m keeping these forever” she sighs as soon as the material of the bra comes in contact with her skin. It’s soft and it gives her back some support from her growing breasts.
You’re sitting with your back to her, giving her some privacy. Though more often than not Natasha has requested your help because she can’t pull the clothes all the way up when removing them.
“As long as you’re comfortable, Tasha” you say.
Natasha feels a little kick and gasps, her hand flying to her stomach. You’re up in an instant, forgetting she’s only wearing a bra as you approach her, frowning.
“Are you ok? Dizzy? Maybe this was too much”
Natasha’s speechless, so she does the only thing that can shut you up. She takes your hand and places it over her belly.
“Wow! Do you think they like me or are they kicking me away?” you say, feeling a kick too. “Damn, they’re strong”
Natasha’s about to joke, something about raising a little agent. But then you’re kneeling, speaking to her stomach. And she can tell the baby likes it, because they grow restless as they hear your voice.
“Hey, baby Romanoff. Mama’s trying on some new clothes to be more comfortable. Any special requests from you?” you lean against her belly, pretending to listen. “Mama and I should go get ice cream after this? If you say so”
“Oh, so the baby wants ice cream, huh?”
“That’s what I heard” you smile, looking up at her.
She has to resist the urge of pulling you up and kissing you.
Maybe it’s the hormones, making her a little bit needy. Something cold like ice cream could definitely help with that.
“Fine. I can show off some of my new clothes”
“Yay, baby Romanoff. You’re my favorite already” you say, another kick confirming the baby hears you loud and clear.
Natasha can’t blame her baby. You’re very easy to like these days.
This is not how things were supposed to go.
Natasha’s never been a fan of hospitals, especially now that she’s pregnant and holds her breath through every appointment, hoping everything’s alright.
But this isn’t about her. It’s you, after fighting Tony’s murder robot and two teenage freaks and who knows what else. She should have gone to Sokovia.
“What happened?” she demands as soon as she sees the team. The sight of the Maximoff girl with blood on her hands pushes her over the edge. “What did you do to her?”
“Hey, wait” Barton says, stepping between the two of them. Sam and Steve are quick to join him, creating a barrier between Natasha and Wanda.
“I’m not going to hurt her” Wanda says, a little hurt at the implication that she’s a danger to Natasha.
“That’s not what worries us” Barton jokes, looking back at her. “She’s pissed and more dangerous than usual”
Natasha’s not laughing, instead glaring at her friend. It seems like he’s a lot closer to the Maximoff girl, and that feels like a betrayal. Because you’re hurt and it’s their fault.
“She stepped in to save Pietro” Wanda says, Natasha’s thoughts louder than anyone else’s. “She came out of nowhere… pushed him out of the way”
“She saved me” Pietro confirms, his voice barely a whisper.
“You were the last thing on her mind before she passed out” Wanda adds, hoping that it can bring Natasha some comfort.
There’s a sob that everyone pretends to not hear, and Natasha’s face is covered in tears, demanding to see you.
“She’ll be just fine, Agent” Doctor Palmer says as soon as Steve and Natasha walk up to her. Everyone’s seen you go to Natasha’s appointments. And the way you look at each other. “Through and through on the shoulder. The other one was to the appendix which… is a very lucky thing. We only had to remove an unnecessary organ”
“But she’ll recover” Steve says, Natasha’s eyes never leaving your hospital bed. She hates this.
“6 to 8 weeks. No missions for two months, though”
With that, she leaves. Natasha immediately sits by your side, holding your hand.
“We can take turns” Steve offers but she’s already shaking her head no. “It’s not good for you or your baby to be sitting here in these uncomfortable chairs, Natasha. She’d be upset if you were hurt or tired”
“I’m not so happy with her either” Natasha says, though she’s gently moving a strand of hair out of your forehead. “Can we really trust those two?”
“They risked their lives to stop Ultron. We were all going to die”
Steve leaves and then after a few hours, Maria suddenly shows up and manages to talk Natasha into eating something and taking a walk around the building.
The Russian is quiet as they stroll through the garden.
“I don’t know if I can go back to being an agent” Natasha finally says. Maria stays quiet, encouraging her to talk. “Every mission is a gamble. What if I don’t come back? I don’t want them to be alone. To grow up the way I did”
“You’re getting ahead of yourself, Romanoff. The little one isn’t even born yet. Fury’s not expecting you back anytime soon. Plus the world’s a little busy right now with Sokovia, so I’m sure the team will be on hold for a bit. Will give Y/N some time to rest” her phone pings and she makes Natasha stop. “Speaking of which. She’s up”
Maria had no idea pregnant women could run that fast, but Natasha’s no ordinary person either. She’s out of breath by the time she reaches your room.
“Don’t tell me you ran here, Tasha”
“The baby” you complain, while a nurse checks your vitals. “Can I get some water? Or a burger and fries?”
“I’ll get the water” Maria says, as everyone leaves you alone with Natasha.
“You ok?” you say, noticing she looks pale. “Did you take your vitamins today?”
“You’re the one in the hospital with two bullet holes”
“Only two? Felt like ten” you joke. Natasha goes quiet and you try to settle in your bed, groaning as the pain comes back. “What are you thinking about?”
“Something a little selfish”
“Now that you’re out of missions for two months, I can spend more time with you” she admits, surprising even herself.
You almost died, and she can’t really tell you how she feels because her mind and her body are a mess of hormones and thoughts and things to do.
But she has to at least do something, say how much she craves your presence.
“Well, there’s a silver lining if I ever saw one” you agree, smiling up at her.
Nothing lasts forever, not even domestic bliss. Around the time of your injuries, Natasha had been in the process of moving to a private floor on the Compound, to have more room for baby stuff and not wake up the rest of the team with all the noise a tiny human makes.
Once you were discharged, she insisted that you move in to her floor so she could keep an eye on you. Everyone pretended to be shocked when you agreed immediately.
The Avengers had a running bet about who would admit their feelings first. And to be honest, they’d tease you if it weren’t for Natasha getting ten times scarier as she grew life inside of her. As if a primal instinct had been released, it was clear she would not hesitate to kick their asses if she found them annoying.
But now, it’s been six weeks and you’re getting better with each day. On top of that, you’re training to get back in shape while also helping Steve with the Maximoffs.
If it were up to Natasha, you wouldn’t even be talking to those two. She doesn’t trust them, not after they got you hurt.
Which is why, when she finds you in the kitchen talking to Wanda and laughing as she helps you cook, something snaps inside of her.
It’s anger and jealousy, and a voice telling her that of course you’d get bored of sitting on the couch and watching tv. You’re still an agent and Natasha isn’t your responsibility or your choice.
It’s time to face the fact that she needs to do things alone.
She immediately retreats to her room, scrolling through her phone to distract herself until it’s time to go to her monthly check up. She was ready to learn the gender of her baby and had asked you to come.
In fact, that’s why she had gone down to the common kitchen in the first place. She was looking for you to remind you… but now, it’s better to go alone.
At least that’s what she thinks until you knock on her door.
Of course you remembered. She’s annoyed that you do. It annoys her that you’re nice and kind and caring, because it’s all just a big reminder of what she can’t have.
“You don’t have to come. Aren’t you busy with Maximoff?” she says through the door, hoping that makes you walk away.
“Natasha” you almost laugh. “We’re going to be late”
“I’ll go alone. I can manage” she insists, finally opening the door. She hopes her icy stare is enough to scare you away. But instead, you smile at her; leaning against the door.
“Are you jealous of Wanda?”
“Don’t be fooled by my waddle. I can still kill you, moron” she threatens.
“Really? I figured you like me too much to kill me”
“No” you step into the room, shaking your head. “No, I like you. I like your smile, your little frown when the baby kicks a little too hard. I like how you place your hand over your belly without noticing. How you smile when you’re taking a bath, relaxed and almost dozzing off”
“So, what? Are you going to ask me out? Have a date while I change diapers and get two hours of sleep?”
“We’ll find a way” you smile. “If you want to. I’m not going anywehre. Except to the doctor’s, because we really need to decide on a color for the nursery”
"Pink is out of the question" she scoffs, forgetting how she was ready to go alone to the appointment.
As you drive to the doctor’s office, Natasha seems more relaxed. It’s almost as if she’s in a dream, because everything happened so fast and it was so simple. You immediately clocked her feelings, called her out on it and listed the things you like about her, while looking at Natasha as if she hung the stars in the sky. When you’re finally there and offer to open up the car door, taking her hand, Natasha’s heart almost beats out of her chest.
“Sweetheart, when are you going to change to more comfortable shoes?” you say, stopping her and keeling down to tie her shoelace. “Converse while pregnant cannot be pleasant”
“I hate Crocs. In public, at least”
“Fine” you sigh, kissing the back of her hand as you finish with her shoelace. “Boy or girl, this kid is probably going to be a stubborn as you”
That earns you a pinch to the side, but Natasha stills holds your hand, not even letting go when the doctor walks in.
“Are you ready know what it is?”
Natasha looks at you and you kiss her forehead.
“Well, you’re having a girl” the doctor says, snapping some pictures of the ultrasound.
“Ha! Hear that? We’re getting your favorite color for the nursery, baby”
“Baby Romanoff, kick once for pink, two for yellow” you speak to her stomach. Natasha huffs and complains, cursing under her breath. “How many kicks? Don’t lie”
“One” she admits after a moment. You smile and kiss her temple. “You’re annoying”
Stupid missions. Stupid HYDRA.
Why do they keep showing up in the most random places? Especifically, in remote areas that are cold, dark and weird.
Natasha could give birth at any second and you’re stuck here, getting intelligence.
“We won’t be long” Steve had promised.
But Steve didn’t know they’d be more guards than expected and a couple of explosives set to make your exit a lot more difficult.
As you try to find a way out, you think about the argument you had with Natasha before leaving with Steve for the mission.
She wanted to be alone in the delivery room. You thought she was still scared you’d leave, and this was a way to protect herself from disappointment.
It wasn’t until Barton spoke to you that you considered other things.
“She has changed a lot. You help her get dressed everyday, you cook, you clean. Natasha’s fiercely independent. She needs to do this alone to prove something to herself. At least that’s what I think”
Even if you wouldn’t openly admit it, it made sense. So you put your pride aside and went to find her before leaving. Natasha was sleeping, on her side as she did these days. Not wanting to disturb her sleep, you placed a kiss on her head and went to meet Rogers.
Now, with bullets flying everywhere, you wish you had told Natasha one thing before leaving.
Everything’s a blur. One minute, Natasha was eating ice cream, the next her water broke.
You were gone on a mission, so she calls the only other person she trusts.
“Don’t worry, everything will be fine” Clint says, having been through this with Laura already. “You already packed your hospital bag, yeah?”
“Yeah, and Y/N’s… though I’m not sure she’ll want to stay after everything I said to her”
“Don’t be silly, of course she will. She’s crazy about you” he says, his tone casual. As if stating the sky is blue. As if your love for her is a given and a constant in the world.
Either way, a contraction stops Natasha’s thoughts and all she can focus is the pain. She’s been stabbed, shot at, had broken bones and somehow, this pain is completely different from anything she has felt before.
In spite of it, the doctors assure her it’s going to be a while before she gives birth. They monitor everything, and Clint waits patiently by her side.
“Shouldn’t she be back by now?” Natasha asks, trying to distract herself from the more frequent contractions.
“Want me to go check?” he offers, not wanting to leave her alone. But she looks more worried about you than herself so he decides to reach out to the team.
When he hears you barely made it back and have a gash in your leg, he’s not sure if Natasha should know about it at all. However, when he comes back to her hospital room, the doctors are sharing looks.
“The baby’s coming, we’ll get the delivery room ready”
“I need Y/N” Natasha says, ready to cry.
“She’s on her way back. Thirty minutes or so”
“I’m not sure if we have that much time” the doctor says and Natasha glares at her.
“Thank you, doctor” Clint steps in before Natasha has a chance to scream at her. “I’m sure she’ll be back just in time”
“Are you sure she’s ok?” Natasha insists, as if sensing something’s off.
The bleeding stopped, only because you raised your leg. You know the minute you stand up, the blood will flow down.
On top of that, Clint calls, looking very distressed.
“She’s having the baby. She wants you there”
“Steve” you plead, knowing that you can get there faster only if he’s willing to break some laws.
“We’ll be there in fifteen” he confirms. “You have to get someone to look at your leg first”
“No, that’s fine” you say, grabbing the surgical stappler and closing the gash without anesthesia. The next thing you do is hop into the shower and get some clean clothes. By the time you’re done, Steve’s landing in the hangar.
“Here” he offers to carry you.
It’s definitely a strange sight, Captain America carrying an Agent through the SHIELD hospital.
“Thanks, Cap” you limp to the door, rushing to Natasha’s side. A nurse intercepts you to put you gloves and a cap, and you walk as fast as you can once she’s done.
“You’re limping. Why are you limping?” Natasha says, of course she noticed.
“I’m fine. I stappled it” you say, and the doctors glare at you. That only means more work for them later. “How are you?”
“Better, now that you’re here” she says in a low voice and you take her hand, smiling.
Then, Natasha’s pushing and breathing, squeezing your hand as if her life depends on it, and the doctors encourage her to keep going. It’s a little overwhelming, but you focus on Natasha as she pushes one last time.
And when you see a small baby, crying and moving around, your entire world suddenly makes sense. The noises are muted, and it’s only her, Natasha and you in this moment.
“Is she ok?” Natasha asks as she struggles to look at the baby.
“They’re just cleaning her up. Everything’s good, she’s healthy”
“She’s perfect” you say, standing up to look closer. Natasha seems a little lost without the warmth of your hand, so you immediately return to her, kissing her forehead. “She’s exactly like you, Tasha”
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Natasha’s baby is placed on her chest; she goes through every emotion as she finally gets to see her baby for the first time.
“You’re right. She’s perfect” she says, her voice trembling. “Thank you for being here. I’m sorry about…”
“I love you” you interrupt her, because there’s no need to apologize now or ever. She needs to know how much she means to you. “And I love her too, Tasha. You both are my world”
“Even when I’m stubborn?”
“Even then, baby. And I’m sure this one will give me a run for my money in a few months”
Because you’re staying. As long as she’ll have you, this is where you want to be.
“I love you too. We both do” she says, holding her daughter.
And 23 stitches on your leg and 12 hours later, you come back home with your family, ready to start your new life.
Fury was right after all. This assignment changed your life in the best way possible.
