@redroomreflections - Tumblr Blog

Jul 15

Still Us (Even Louder) Chapter Thirteen

Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader The Loud House - 5 years later

A few years later, the Romanoff house is louder than ever. Six kids, two tired moms, and not enough coffee. Natasha’s retired. R’s stretched thin. The sparks are flickering, the teens are testing limits, and nobody said forever would be this complicated.

But love built this family. And maybe love is what will hold it together.

Masterlist | General Masterlist

Chapter Summary: love, revelations, judgment, and a party w/c:9k (its so long idk why fr)

Ten Years Ago

The nursery was filled with the soft sounds of a waking newborn.

Tiny grunts and sleepy sighs drifted from the bassinet as Paige stretched beneath her swaddle, her little legs kicking aimlessly at the air. Every few seconds, she let out an indignant squeak, her face scrunching before relaxing again.

"Is this thing on?" Natasha's voice came from behind the camera before she stepped into view, crouching in front of the lens to straighten it on the dresser.

"I think it is..." She squinted. "Hopefully."

A pair of tiny feet pattered across the hardwood floor.

"James," Natasha laughed, reaching out just in time to stop his curious little fingers from grabbing the camera. "Sit with Mama. We're making something for your sister."

"Baby?" James asked, toddling into her lap.

"That's right." Natasha kissed the top of his head. "For the baby."

You lifted Paige from the bassinet with practiced care, settling her in the crook of your arm before making your way across the room.

"Babygirl?" You called softly. "Can you bring Charlie?"

"Coming!" Cara appeared moments later, beaming with pride. Charlie rested comfortably on her hip, more interested in chewing on the sleeve of her shirt than the excitement around her.

"She’s drooling again," Cara announced matter-of-factly.

"She does that," You laughed. “Stop chewing on your shirt, Boo.” You said gently, taking one hand to pull the fabric from the almost 4-year-old’s mouth.

"I know." Cara settled beside you, your shoulders brushing as you adjusted Paige in your arms.

The newborn let out another tiny grunt, stretching one impossibly small hand free of the blanket before curling it into a fist. Natasha smiled toward the camera. "Hi, Paige." She glanced over at you before looking back into the lens. "If you're watching this, you're probably a lot bigger now."

"We hope so," you teased.

Natasha rolled her eyes dramatically. "You've officially been home with us for one whole month."

"And we wanted to make you something."

"So you could always know," Natasha continued, "what this looked like."

"What the beginning looked like," you added. “We make one for all of your siblings. Who are here with us.”

“Hi, hi!” James waved.

Natasha reached over, gently rubbing Paige's tiny foot through the blanket. "You are so incredibly loved." She laughed softly. "You have absolutely no idea."

You smiled through the sting behind your eyes, looking down at the sleeping newborn nestled against your chest."The first few nights home were rough," you admitted. "Not because of you. You've been perfect." Paige let out a tiny grunt in her sleep, stretching one hand before tucking it back beneath her chin.

"I keep thinking about your mom." Your voice softened. "My best friend."

Natasha's hand found the middle of your back, rubbing slow, reassuring circles.

"She loved you before she ever got to hold you." You swallowed hard. "She talked about you all the time. Every appointment, every little kick, every name she was considering." A watery smile tugged at your lips. "You were the greatest thing that ever happened to her." You brushed your thumb over Paige's fingers."We are so thankful she trusted us with you. It's the greatest honor either of us will ever have."

Natasha nodded, her own eyes glassy."Our job isn't to replace your mom," she said quietly. "No one ever could." She looked into the camera. "Our job is to make sure you grow up knowing exactly who she was, how deeply she loved you, and that you'll never have to wonder where you came from."

"And we'll spend the rest of our lives making sure you never have to wonder how wanted you were." You looked over at the children, blinking away the tears threatening to spill. "Do you guys have anything you'd like to say to your sister? She'll watch this when she's older."

"I do!" Charlie blurted, nearly bouncing out of Cara's lap.

Natasha laughed. "Go ahead, Boo."

Charlie looked directly into the camera with complete seriousness.

"I love you, Paige." She smiled. "You're really little and really cute." She reached over to gently pat the blanket covering her tiny feet. "I want you to get bigger so you can play with me. I'll share my dolls."

"You don't even share with me," Cara whispered.

Charlie gasped dramatically. "I do too!"

There was a chorus of laughter between you.

Cara smiled before looking into the camera herself. "I was kind of scared when you came home." She glanced toward you apologetically. "Not because of you, as Mom said."

You smiled reassuringly.

"I just- It has just been me. So, it’s kind of crazy to have all of these siblings again." She tucked a loose curl behind her ear. "But I think I'm going to be really good at it." Her voice grew more confident."I'll teach you how to ride a bike."

"And draw," Charlie interrupted.

"And draw," Cara agreed with a grin. "And read. And braid your hair if you want me to."She looked down at the tiny baby sleeping peacefully in your arms."And if you're ever scared," She paused, trying to find the right words."You can always come find me." Her eyes lifted back to the camera."I'll help you." Another pause. "Because you're my sister."

The room fell quiet.

“That was really good, baby girl.” You reached over and squeezed Cara's knee. "I think that's exactly what Karen would've wanted for her." Cara looked down shyly, a small smile spreading across her face.

You looked back toward the camera, adjusting Paige just slightly as she let out another sleepy little grunt. "Anyway," You laughed through the emotion. "We hope you live a long, happy, beautiful life."

Natasha nodded."We hope you're kind."

"And curious," you added.

"Brave enough to stand up for what's right."

"And gentle enough to know when someone needs a friend." Natasha smiled down at Paige. "We hope you laugh a lot."

"We hope you make mistakes," you said. "Because that means you're trying new things."

"We hope you find something you're passionate about."

"And people who love you exactly as you are." Natasha reached over, taking your free hand.

"We hope you always know this family is yours."

"No matter what." You looked into the camera, your voice becoming softer. "You came into our lives under heartbreaking circumstances. We would give anything for your mommy to be here raising you herself."

You glanced down at Paige before smiling."But because she couldn't..."

Natasha finished your thought. "We promise to love you enough that you'll never doubt you belong here."

You kissed the top of Paige's head. "Happy one month home, sweet girl."

"Welcome to the family," Natasha whispered.

James waved enthusiastically at the camera. "Bye-bye, baby!"

Charlie leaned into the frame beside him. "No!" Charlie protested. "She's not leaving!"

Natasha laughed so hard the camera shook.

"I think that's enough for today." She reached forward, her hand filling the frame.

"We love you, Paige."

The recording clicked off.

*********

"Missy."

Silence.

"Paige."

A muffled groan came from somewhere beneath the mountain of blankets perched atop a sleigh bed.

"Paige," Cara laughed. "Hello? Are you awake under there?"

"What?" Paige's sleepy voice drifted out from beneath the comforter. She burrowed even deeper, pulling the blankets over her head until only a messy tuft of jet-black hair poked out.

The mattress dipped with a familiar weight, one of her siblings.

Probably.

"Well," Cara drew the word out dramatically. "It's someone's birthday."

Paige responded by groaning louder.

"I came all the way home from college just for you to be still asleep." Cara leaned over the suspicious lump in the bed, grinning. "I could always go back."

One sleepy brown eye peeked out from beneath the blanket. "You wouldn't." Paige blinked again. “Cara?”

Cara gasped dramatically. "You're right." She paused."I'd at least steal a piece of your birthday cake first."

That earned the tiniest smile.

"There it is," Cara teased. "I knew you were hiding under there."

Paige finally lowered the blanket enough for her whole face to appear. Her hair stuck out in every direction, and she blinked against the bright light spilling through the sheer pink curtains.

"What time is it?" She groaned again. She sat up to peer at her digital clock sitting on her nightstand, flicking the numbers 9:00 at her.

"Late enough that Luke has already asked where you are six times." Cara shrugged.

"Only six?"

"Seven."

Paige laughed. "So everyone else is awake?"

Cara nodded. "They're pretending to be patient."

"That means they're eating breakfast without me."

"They're trying."

Paige sighed dramatically, throwing an arm over her eyes."I was having such a good dream."

"What about?"

"You know," She yawned. "I don't remember."

Cara reached over and gently flicked her forehead. "Come on, birthday girl." She smiled warmly. "Everyone's waiting." Paige stood up, stretching and yawning.

“You wanna know something?” Paige grinned.

“What?” Cara looked at her with suspicion.

“I kind of missed you,” Paige smiled, leaning into Cara as the older girl pulled her into a bear hug.

“I kind of missed you too, dork.” Cara began to kiss all over her face. It was a great start to a potentially great birthday.

*******

Downstairs, you were balancing three things at once. Well, four, if you counted keeping an eye on the children. You held your phone between your shoulder and ear while fluffing tissue paper into a balloon arch that refused to cooperate.

"Yes," you confirmed, reaching for another strip of tape. "The party starts at two." You truly wondered why you hadn’t paid someone to do this for you.

Out of the corner of your eye, you caught movement.

James.

On a skateboard. Inside the house. You slowly turned your head, narrowing your eyes. He froze. Without saying a word, you snapped your fingers once and pointed toward the front door. His shoulders slumped.

"I wasn't even doing anything."

"You were about to." You raised a brow.

He sighed like you'd ruined his entire day before grabbing the skateboard and trudging outside.

"You've become a psychic."

"I've become your mother."

He grumbled something about ‘never being allowed to do anything fun,’ and you smiled to yourself before returning to your phone.

"Sorry about that."

The person on the other end laughed.

"Occupational hazard?"

"You have no idea."

You reached up to straighten one of the streamers just as Luke wandered into the living room, with Midnight close behind him."Mom?”

"Yeah, buddy?"

"Can I have a cupcake?"

You glanced at the clock. "It's," You checked your watch for dramatic effect. "Nine-fifteen in the morning."

Luke considered that. "So... yes?"

You couldn't help but laugh. "Ask Grandma."

Without hesitation, Luke pivoted and sprinted toward the kitchen. "Deda!" he shouted instead.

You pinched the bridge of your nose. Of course, he knew which grandparent would say yes to him. "Wrong grandparent."

From the kitchen came Alexei's booming laugh."I like this child!"

"Oh, I know you do," you muttered.

The house was already buzzing. More so than usual. A birthday meant nothing but pandemonium in your household. Family drifted in and out of rooms carrying decorations, wrapping presents, setting out food, and trying mostly unsuccessfully to keep the younger kids from "helping."

You had a new guest this time around, seated comfortably in a kitchen stool, finishing wrapping a present, as Natasha put together the ingredients of her pasta salad, one of Paige’s favorites. Paige’s biological grandmother, Lisa, sat across from her, watching with interest as Charlie approached.

“Mama, can I use your phone to call Savannah to make sure she’s bringing her curling iron?” Charlie asked. “She’s arriving a bit early to help me.”

“It’s there,” Natasha said, gesturing with her head to the phone resting a few feet away on the island. “I don’t like you using those too much. You’re going to fry your hair. Ask me how I know?”

“It’s only for today, and Cara’s going to help us,” Charlie shrugged.

“Mhmm,” Natasha nodded. “Don’t forget you guys are taking Paige to her nail appointment this morning too.”

“Does that mean I’m getting my nails done too?” Charlie stopped chewing gum to ask.

“Nothing too long,” Natasha began. “You have a limit.”

“Of course,” Charlie waved her off. “There’s a hundred-dollar bill in my purse,” Natasha informed her. She mixed up the salad, frowning as it wasn’t the consistency she wanted, and paused to reassess. “Your sister’s is already paid for.”

Charlie's eyebrows shot up. "A hundred?"

"Don't look at me like that."

"I wasn't!"

"You were thinking about getting rhinestones."

Charlie smiled innocently. "I was thinking about butterflies. They would look really pretty on my hands." She wiggled her fingers.

"Those cost money too."

"I know."

"Then keep thinking."

Charlie laughed, grabbing Natasha's phone before reaching up to kiss her cheek. “Thanks, Mama.” She said as she disappeared up the stairs to her bedroom.

“Your daughters are expensive,” Natasha called over to you. You snorted in response. You were too busy gearing up for another phone call. The theme for the party was Taylor Swift's "Candyland," a concept Paige had come up with all on her own. Of course, you'd called in reinforcements for the more difficult stuff.

The moment Charlie was gone, James wandered through the house with Alexei, carrying an extension cord over one shoulder.

"Mama, where do you want this?" He paused.

"Living room."

"Got it." He never broke stride. Not thirty seconds later, Luke padded into the kitchen again in mismatched socks, dragging Midnight's leash behind him.

"Mama?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Can I help?"

Natasha looked around the kitchen before handing him a wooden spoon. "I need an official taste tester."

Luke's face lit up as though he'd been handed the most important job in the world. He pulled out his favorite step stool and stood next to her.

Lisa watched the exchange quietly. "You don't have assigned chores?" she asked after a moment.

Natasha glanced over. "We do."

Lisa looked around as James disappeared outside with the extension cord while Charlie shouted down the stairs about someone unplugging the wifi. Alexei was arguing with Melina over where the folding tables should go, and somewhere in the distance, someone yelled that Luke had stolen tape again and should bring it back.

"It doesn't seem," Lisa searched for the word "structured."

Natasha laughed. "It isn't."

"I noticed."

"You'll drive yourself crazy trying to control every little thing around here." She nodded toward the hallway. "We've learned that if everyone knows they're expected to contribute, they'll usually find a way."

"Usually?" Lisa asked.

Natasha smiled. "Usually."

Almost on cue—

"Mama!" Luke interrupted.

"What happened?"

"I don’t really like the taste of this sauce.”

Natasha sighed."You usually don’t, but thanks for trying.”

Luke thought about it. "I would like to try more foods, though.” He nodded decisively. “I want to spit this out.” He blanched as he chewed the remnants of the salad.

Lisa blinked. Natasha didn't even look surprised.

"Trash."

Luke nodded solemnly before marching off to rinse his mouth out. Lisa watched him go before looking back at Natasha. "You trust them."

Natasha paused. "Very much."

"They have a lot of freedom."

"They have a lot of responsibility."

Lisa looked around the house again. She didn’t seem to be judging fully. "You know," She said after a long silence. Natasha glanced over. "I wasn't sure about either of you."

Natasha's hands stopped mixing the salad. "We know."

"I thought you were grieving."

"We were."

"I thought you were trying to save Karen by raising her daughter."

Natasha looked down for a moment before answering. "I think there was a little bit of that." The honesty surprised Lisa. "But that isn't why we kept her." Natasha smiled toward the hallway where Charlie's laughter reverberated from upstairs."We kept her because she became ours." It’s what Karen wanted. Natasha chose not to add that part. It was still a sensitive subject between the three of you, and the day was going so well.

Almost on cue, footsteps thundered across the second floor.

"Speaking of," Natasha tilted her chin toward the ceiling.

Lisa raised an eyebrow."How do you know it's her?"

Natasha's smile only widened. "A mother knows." Right on cue, Paige came barreling down the stairs, an oversized hoodie swallowing her frame and sweatpants bunched around her ankles, courtesy of Natasha’s closet.

"Mama!" she whined dramatically before she'd even reached the kitchen. "Did you guys eat all the breakfast? I'm starving."

She didn't so much as glance around the room before opening the refrigerator. She grabbed a juice box, expertly poked the straw through the foil, and took an exaggerated sip.

Cara, perched on one of the island stools, tried and failed to suppress a grin. "I told her we ate all of it."

Paige gasped."Cara!"

"We did not eat it all," Natasha laughed, drying her hands on a dish towel before walking over. She cupped Paige's cheeks between her palms, kissing her forehead first, then the bridge of her nose.

She murmured something softly in Russian that made Paige's shoulders relax immediately.

Paige leaned into the affection without a second thought. She responded in Russian, nodding her head when Natasha said "Happy birthday, моя девочка." My little girl.

"Thank you," Paige mumbled, words slightly muffled by Natasha's hand still resting against her cheek.

Natasha smiled. "Go sit down. I’ll heat your breakfast for you."

"Yes, ma'am."

Lisa watched the exchange quietly. There had been no hesitation. No careful choreography in the way the mother and daughter interacted. The love was genuine, and she could see it. She felt something in her chest loosen. Ten years ago, she'd feared Paige would spend her childhood trying to find her place in someone else's family. She worried if she’d made a mistake in not fighting harder for custody of the little one.

“Halmeoni,” Paige squealed as she realized who was sitting next to her. “You’re here.” She rounded the corner and threw herself into her grandmother’s arms. “I thought you couldn’t make it.”

“Turns out I could.” Lisa hugged the little girl. “Look at your hair, you cut it, and It’s purple.”

“Yes, my moms were so surprised I chose it.” Paige tugged at the ends of her hair. “Do you like it?”

Lisa hesitated. The purple wasn't what caught her attention. Kids experimented with hair dye all the time, she supposed. It was the second piercing glinting along Paige's ear, the same kind of piercing Charlie had, that caught her attention. She could imagine Paige would want to do everything her older sisters did. She could remember being that age and wanting the same thing. Then she noticed the neatly manicured nails she'd no doubt have redone later that morning. Even the confidence with which she wore it all.

Karen would've never left the house looking like that at ten. Lisa wouldn't have allowed it, nor would her late husband. Though she looked at Paige, she didn't see a little girl trying to grow up too fast.

She saw a happy one. One who still climbed into her grandmother's lap without asking. One who wore an oversized hoodie over sweatpants, apple juice in one hand and bedhead in the other. Maybe the purple hair wasn't the thing worth worrying about. Lisa smiled, brushing one of the colored strands behind Paige's ear.

“I love it,” she said. “And your ears.”

Paige beamed. “Mama said if I didn't like the color it'd grow out.” Natasha slid a plate in front of her. “Oh, my favorite.” She released herself from Lisa to sit in her own chair. Waiting for her was a whole wheat tortilla filled with black beans, shredded cheese, and turkey sausage. Beside it sat a small bowl of warm cinnamon apples and, of course, a glass of milk.

"You remembered," she smiled.

"When have we ever forgotten?" Natasha asked, sliding the plate closer to her. “Eat. You have an appointment soon.”

Paige took a bite, humming happily as she chewed. She always ate delicately, taking her time with each bite.

Lisa watched with quiet amusement. "She still eats so neatly."

"Unlike the rest of them," you joked, stepping around James as he darted through the kitchen. You disappeared briefly before returning with a small gift wrapped in lavender paper.

"This," you announced, setting it carefully in front of Paige, "is for the birthday girl."

Paige's eyes lit up.

"It's from your Aunt Wanda, Aunt Monica," You smiled. "And your newest cousin, Miles Maximoff-Rambeau. They were so sorry they couldn’t make it. Miles got sick, and they didn’t want to fly him out."

“My aunts give the best gifts,” Paige narrated to her grandmother. She looked down at the tiny package with curiosity. She quickly finished the bite of apple she'd been chewing before wiping her fingertips against her sweatpants.

You leaned down, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart," you whispered.

Paige's smile softened. "Thank you, Mama." She carefully peeled back the lavender wrapping paper. Inside it sat a cream-colored jewelry box. “It’s so tiny.” She muttered to herself. “I wonder what it is.”

This year Paige hadn’t asked for many gifts, instead wanting to be surprised. She opened it carefully. Resting against the velvet was a delicate gold necklace, no larger than the palm of her hand. A small aquamarine stone caught the morning light.

"It's your birthstone," you explained.

Paige looked at it as though it were made of glass. "Can I wear it?"

"Of course," you laughed.

You helped her to put it on and smiled. It was perfect for her.

—-------------

The moment the kids were able to distract Lisa with conversations about school and sports, you caught Natasha’s wrist and subtly whispered in her ear.

"Come here."

She looked at you suspiciously."What did you break?"

You scoffed."I didn't break anything."

"You only use that voice when you've broken something." She teased.

"I use this voice all the time." You rolled your eyes.

Natasha let herself be led anyway. Past the kitchen. Past James hauling coolers through the hallway. Past Alexei trying to convince Luke that ribbons didn't belong on the dogs.

"What are we doing?" Natasha whispered as you quietly shut your bedroom door behind you.

You leaned against it for a moment. "Nothing." You shrugged.

She blinked."Nothing?"

"Dr. Aris said we need to find little moments."

Natasha's expression softened immediately.

"So, " You rubbed the back of your neck. "I stole one."

A smile spread across Natasha's face. She found this amusing. "You kidnapped me."

"I borrowed you." You corrected.

"For what purpose?"

You shrugged. "I don't know." The admission made you laugh."I realized we haven't been alone all morning."

Natasha looked around the bedroom. The bed wasn't made. Your laundry basket sat overflowing in one corner. Someone, probably Luke, had left a stuffed dinosaur on your dresser.

"So," she asked again. “What now?"

You walked over and wrapped your arms around her waist. "This." She melted into you almost instantly.

"We have." She glanced toward the bedroom door. "Two, maybe three minutes."

"I'll take two." You kissed her gently. “I love watching you do all this. The cooking. The planning. You make birthdays feel so important for us. I don’t think I say that enough.”

Her smile got wider. “Dr. Aris would be proud. I’m proud.”

You smiled sheepishly. "I just wanted you to know I notice."

Natasha reached up, cupping your cheek."I like this version of you."

"What? The one following therapist instructions?"

"The one that tells me what's going on in that head of yours."

You chuckled."Well, "Your expression shifted. "There is one thing."

Natasha waited.

"I wanted to wait until after P’s birthday. Also the Paris trip and then James’s birthday.” You began to ramble. “Dr. Aris thinks I should see someone on my own."

Her eyebrows lifted."For individual therapy?"

You nodded. "Apparently."

"What brought that on?"

You leaned against the dresser, still holding one of her hands. "She asked me a few questions after you left."

"And?"

You shrugged."She thinks some of the things I describe,” you searched for the words. "aren't just personality traits. That there may be underlying issues or something."

Natasha stayed quiet.

"She mentioned anxiety." You snorted softly."I told her she was giving lawyers a diagnosis."

Natasha smiled."And what did she say?"

"That being a lawyer doesn't exempt me from being a person."

Natasha laughed."She's got you there."

"I don't know." You sighed. "I think she's reading into it."

"Why?"

"I've always been like this."

You counted on your fingers almost absentmindedly. "I make lists. I overprepare. I think ten steps ahead. I like knowing the plan. I like being busy. I work hard.” You looked at her. “That’s not anxiety. We have kids running around here. It just makes sense to be so,” You trailed off.

Natasha didn't answer immediately. Instead, she studied your face.

“What?” You tilted your head.

"Baby," Her voice was impossibly gentle, like she didn’t want to offend you. "You think she's wrong?" Natasha asked gently.

"I think," You shrugged. "I think I've always been this way. That stress can exacerbate things."

"What way?"

"I don't know." You laughed. "I think it’s no huge deal. I may be a little controlling."

"A little?" Natasha teased.

You nudged her shoulder. "You married me."

"I did." Natasha looked at you for a long moment. "I don't know if it's anxiety either. But there are things I never quite understood. Quirks, if you will.”

“I happen to like my quirks.” You dropped your hand.

“Part of that, I think, has developed over time,” She continued. “With me being gone all the time, maybe it was a way to cope or keep order. Like James and his tournament last year. You had him on such a strict schedule, I think he almost quit.” She raised a hand to stop you. “Luke and that stretch of time he had fevers frequently. I think I found you standing over the bed one night.”

“Okay, but you’ve done the same,” You argued. “Especially after a mission.”

“Which has been addressed in therapy,” Natasha nodded.

You swallowed. "I just..."

"I know." She smiled sadly. "You've always loved us fiercely." She paused. "So fiercely that sometimes I think your brain convinces you it's your job to keep every terrible thing from happening."

"I never thought there was anything wrong with you." She reached up, resting her palm against your cheek."I just thought that's who you were." Her smile faded just enough. “But when you mention that she thinks it's anxiety.” She shrugged. "It didn't sound ridiculous. Not fully. I think there’s stuff we both had to work through. And if this helps you. I think you should give it a shot. Not because you're nervous."

She shook her head. "You've never been nervous. You've always been carrying.”

Your chest tightened.

"You carry tomorrow." She rested her forehead against yours. "You carry next week."

A tear slipped down your cheek before you realized it was there.

"You carry the things that might happen." Another pause. "And somewhere along the way, " Her voice cracked. “you forgot that I was supposed to help you carry them too."

"I don't want to use whatever this is," You gestured vaguely between your head and your chest. "I don't want to use it to explain away what's been happening with us. I don't want the cop-out."

Natasha shook her head immediately. "Babe," She waited until you looked at her. "Understanding isn't the same as excusing."

You frowned. "Those are different things."

You didn't look convinced. “We will figure it out,” She said. “Maybe it's not the reason. So, we don’t use it as one, but if it deserves a seat at the table, then we think about it.” She caressed your cheek, rubbing under your eye before kissing your lips. She lingered, making sure you were okay before pulling back.

"More," you pouted when she did.

Natasha smiled against your lips. "Greedy."

"Just a little."

She indulged you with another kiss, slower this time, until the corners of your mouth turned upward.

"Better?"

You nodded."Much. We have a birthday party to continue.”

“We do,” She nodded.

*************

"So, this year we're going to be like the oldest of the lower grades," Paige mentioned, doing a perfect split as she talked to her grandmother. She'd decided they should both come out and see what she'd been learning in ballet. Lisa, of course, was more than happy to participate and watch.

"Look at you," Lisa said, pressing a hand to her chest. "So flexible. I could never do that, even when I was young."

Paige popped back up, grinning, cheeks flushed from warm-ups. "Mom says I get it from Karen. She says she used to be able to do the splits too, before—" She waved a hand vaguely, the way kids do when they're repeating an adult phrase they don't fully understand. "Before her job made her joints mad."

Lisa laughed and reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind Paige's ear. Her eyes lingered a moment too long, tracing the shape of Paige's face, the dark eyes, the black hair, the small nose that was so unmistakably her daughter's. Unmistakably hers.

"You look so much like her," Lisa said quietly, before she could stop herself. "Like your mom did, at your age."

Paige tilted her head. "My mom y/n says that a lot.”

"It’s true. You act just like her, too." Lisa's smile faltered for just a second, a tiredness moving behind her eyes. "She used to spin around the living room in her socks, just like you're doing now. I'd watch her from the kitchen doorway and think, I could watch this forever. Then I would think she was crazy and needed to keep her head in the books. She was going to be a doctor."

She caught herself, cleared her throat, and tried to laugh it off. "Anyway. Show me what you've learned. I want to see everything."

But Paige had gone still, her brow furrowing as if she were thinking of the right words to say.

"Halmeoni," she said slowly, testing the word the way she always did, like she was still deciding if it fit right in her mouth. "Did you want me? Like, when I was a baby?"

Lisa's breath caught. "Sweetheart—"

"Because Moms tell me the story a lot. About how Umma wanted them to have me. But you're my grandma too, and I never really thought about whether you wanted me. Did you?"

“Of course I wanted you,” Lisa nodded. “More than anything. But things were better for you here.”

“Better?” Paige scrunched her brows.

Lisa immediately shook her head. “That wasn't the right word.”

“What word did you mean?”

Lisa smiled. Paige had always been curious. “I mean that, at the time, I wasn't sure this was where you should be.”

Paige blinked. “Here?”

“With your moms.”

“Why?”

There it was. Lisa had already said more than she'd intended. “It was complicated,” she said simply. She didn’t want to tell Paige she hadn’t approved. “And definitely not a conversation for your birthday.”

Paige frowned. “That's what adults say when they don't want to tell you something.”

Lisa laughed despite herself. “Yes. It is.”

“So there is something.”

“There is always something,” Lisa said, reaching over to straighten the necklace around Paige's neck. “Families are complicated.”

Paige still looked unconvinced. “Did you and my moms fight?”

Lisa paused. She didn’t want to say the wrong thing. “We disagreed.”

“ About me?” Another pause.

“About what was best for you.”

Paige stared at her. Lisa could practically see the next ten questions forming.

“No.” She tapped Paige lightly on the nose. “Not today.”

“But—”

“Today, you are ten.” Lisa smiled. “And I have already missed enough of your birthdays. I'm not spending this one talking about something that happened when you were a baby.”

That quieted Paige. “You missed me?”

Lisa's expression softened. “All the time.”

Paige leaned against her side. “I missed you too. I always miss you. Maybe you could come and visit more often.”

Lisa kissed the top of her head. “Good. Then we're even. Also, I would love that.”

Paige smiled, but the question didn't completely leave her. Her moms and Halmeoni had disagreed about her. She didn't know what that meant or how it made her feel.

“Now, I have a gift for you.” Lisa reached beneath the bench they were sitting on, pulling out a long, sleek box decorated in red and black. “I wasn't sure if you still had the one I gave you all those years ago.”

Paige's eyes widened. She tore into the box, muttering a quick, “Thank you,” as she lifted the lid.

Inside was a crocheted doll dressed in a traditional Korean hanbok.

“I still have it!” Paige bounced excitedly. “I have a whole collection now. Moms bought me one before, too.”

“Really?” Lisa smiled. “Do you like this one?”

“I love it.”Paige leaned over and wrapped both arms around her.

“Well,” Lisa said as Paige settled back beside her. “Maybe one day we can take her with us to Korea.”

Paige's mouth dropped open.“That would be awesome.” She grinned. “I've been planning a trip with my sister, Charlie. Can we bring her too if we ever get to go?”

Lisa blinked. “Charlie?”

“Yeah. We have a whole list.”

“A list?”

“It's really long,” Paige warned. “We want to go to Seoul and get our nails done and go shopping and eat everything. Charlie wants to go to one of those convenience stores at, like, two in the morning, but Mama said that's too late for us.”

Lisa laughed. “Your mother is right about that.”

“That's what I said. I do enjoy my sleep.” Paige grinned.

Lisa looked toward the house where Charlie had disappeared earlier, then back at her granddaughter. "Of course she can come.”

“Really?”

“Why wouldn't she?”

Paige shrugged. “I don't know. I thought maybe it would be, like, our thing.”

Lisa studied her for a moment. “It can still be our thing.”

“With Charlie?”

“With Charlie.”

Paige smiled, seemingly satisfied with that. “Good. Because she's really good at planning stuff.”

“Better than you?”

“Way better.”

Lisa laughed as Paige picked up the doll again, studying the tiny details of its dress.

“Can we actually go, though?” Paige asked after a moment. “Not just one day when I'm, like, thirty?”

“Thirty?”

“Adults always say one day when they mean a really long time.”

Lisa couldn't argue with that. “Then I'll talk to your mothers.”

Paige's face lit up. “Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“Can we go next summer?”

“I said I would talk to your mothers. That's not a no.” Lisa corrected. “You are definitely your mother's child.”

“Which one?”

The question came so easily that Lisa almost laughed.

“All of them, apparently.”

Paige seemed perfectly happy with that answer.

—--------

It was hours later, and the party was in full effect. Luke was on his second helping of cotton candy, going between the bounce house and the installed dance floor at lightning speed. You could tell the crash was going to be bad with that one.

“Luke, slow down,” You called to him as he squeezed his way through a group of people.

“Oh, let the boy play.” Melina waved him off as she sidled up to you. You continued to fix the candy table, keeping an eye on the boys as they rushed around with their friends. “It seems we haven’t had time to talk these days.”

“Always busy,” You answered distractedly. “Working and being a mother and all that.”

“Being a wife,” Melina mentioned. You stood up straight. Eyeing her. “Yelena told me.”

“Yelena tells everything.” You rolled your eyes. “I’m fine. We’re fine.”

“Are you?” Melina tilted her head. You wondered if she had this same conversation with Natasha.

“Am I about to receive a lecture in front of the licorice and candy corn?” You sighed. “Natasha and I are working on things. Doing quite well, actually.”

“I am glad,” She said. You glanced at her.

She picked up a candy container that was slightly out of place and straightened it on the table. That got your attention.

“I only wanted you to know that I am here.”

“I know.” You nodded, wiping your hands against your jeans to ease the tension you felt.

“I don’t think you do,” She replied. That caught your attention

Melina looked toward the dance floor, where Natasha was dancing with Charlie and Cara.

“I know she is my daughter.”

You followed her gaze.

“And if the two of you are having problems, perhaps you assume I will always take her side.”

You gave her a look.

Melina continued. “And perhaps you think because of that, if something happens between the two of you, I am only Natasha's mother.”

“Well,” You looked at her. “You are.”

“I am also yours.” She said with such conviction. “You have been a part of this family for a very long time. I am here for both of you.”

You tried to blink away the tears as you moved another candy jar. Anything to keep your hands busy.

"Thank you for saying that, Melina. It means a lot."

A small hand suddenly appeared between the two of you. You looked down. Luke had reached directly into one of the open candy jars and grabbed a fistful of gummy worms.

“Uh-uh.”

He froze.

“Put them back.” You shook your head. “You’ve had enough. Eat some real food. A hot dog or burger or something.”

“But I want some.”

“You've had two sticks of cotton candy and a cupcake this morning already. Go get some real food first.”

Luke frowned. “I'm not hungry.”

“Then you don't need candy.”

He stared at you. You stared back. Slowly, he dropped the gummy worms back into the jar.

“Thank you.” You turned back toward Melina.

Under his breath, Luke mumbled something. “I can never do anything in this stupid house. You’re not the boss of everything.”

You stopped. Melina stopped. Very slowly, you looked over your shoulder. “What did you say?”

“Nothing.”

“I heard something.”

“I said nothing.”

Your eyebrows rose. “Lucas.”

He rolled his eyes. Actually rolled his eyes.

At you.

Melina became very interested in the candy table.

You turned around fully. “Come here.”

“I didn't even do anything.”

“Come. Here.” You pointed to the space right in front of you.

“But my friends are waiting.” He pouted, crossing his arms against his chest.

“I am not going to tell you again.”

Luke stomped the few steps toward you. That did it. He mustered up the nastiest look his little face could muster.

“First of all, fix your face.”

His expression immediately changed.

“Second, you do not roll your eyes at me.”

“I wasn't—”

“Don't.”

He went quiet.

“I told you no more candy until you eat something. You didn't like my answer. That's fine.”

You pointed toward the yard. “You're allowed to be disappointed. You're allowed to be annoyed. What you are not going to do is stand here rolling your eyes and mumbling under your breath because I told you no.”

Luke crossed his arms tighter.

“Uncross your arms.”

He did. Slowly.

You stared at him. “Do we have a problem?”

“No.”

“No, what?”

“No, Mommy.”

“Good. Now, I don’t want to see you trying to get any more candy from this table without eating something real.”

“But—”

Your eyebrows rose.

Luke closed his mouth. “Okay, fine.” He turned away. “I’m going to get food.”

“And walk, please; there are too many people out here for you to run in this area,” You said.

“I am walking, jeez.”

You blinked. Luke froze.

Melina's lips disappeared into her mouth. You stared at the back of his head.

“Come back.”

Luke's shoulders dropped. “Mom—”

“Nope. Come back.”

He turned around. Now he knew.

You pointed toward the chair beside the candy table. “Sit down.”

His mouth fell open. “What?”

“You heard me.”

“But I didn't do anything!”

“And that's exactly why you're sitting down.”

“That doesn't make sense!”

“Luke.”

His eyes started to water, partly from anger and partly because his friends were still running around behind him.

“I said I was going to get food!”

“And then you decided to get smart with me.”

“I wasn't being smart!”

“Sit. Down.”

This time, your voice left no room for negotiation.

Luke dropped into the chair. Hard.

You looked at him. “Try that again.”

He stood up, pulled the chair out properly, and sat back down.

“Thank you.”

“This is so unfair,” he muttered.

“You can think that.”

“Everybody else gets to play.”

“Everybody else isn't standing over here talking back to their mother.”

His eyes filled now. “I hate sitting here.”

“I imagine you do.” You crouched in front of him.

“Listen to me. Taking the candy would've been over in ten seconds. I told you no; you put it back, done.”

Luke sniffled.

“You are sitting here because of everything you did after that.”

His eyes dropped.

“The eye rolling. The mumbling. The arguing. And then getting smart with me when I told you to walk.”

“I wasn't trying to be mean.”

“I didn't say you were mean.”

You held his gaze. “I said you were being disrespectful.”

That quieted him.

“You can be upset with me. You can even tell me you're upset with me. But you will speak to me respectfully while you do it.”

Luke wiped his nose with the back of his hand. “Okay.”

“Okay, what?”

“Okay, Mommy.”

You nodded. “Sit here for five minutes. Calm yourself down. Then you can get something to eat and go back to your friends.”

“Five whole minutes?”

You gave him a look. He’d been all over the backyard as if he had no home training. You’re pretty sure you’d seen him smack James in passing, amongst other things. He needed a break.

Luke sighed. “Okay.”

You stood.

Melina handed him a napkin. “For your nose.”

“Thank you,” he mumbled.

She waited until he wiped his face before looking at you.

“You know, Yelena used to have tantrums. She would throw herself on the floor.”

Luke immediately looked interested.

You pointed at him. “Don't get inspired.”

Melina laughed.

*************

It was time to cut the cake.

Paige sat surrounded by her best friends, dressed in the coolest combination of Eras Tour and Candyland themes she could come up with, donning a bright pink tutu, glittery tanktop, and pink star-shaped sunglasses. Her hair was in the shape of cupcakes topped with glitter and gold. James sat to her left, as he always did on every birthday, while you and Natasha stood across from them at the table.

Natasha began lighting the candles as she addressed the party guests.

“Now, Paige has not liked being sung ‘Happy Birthday’ since she was teeny tiny,” Natasha explained, looking around at everyone gathered. Lisa seemed especially interested, considering she hadn't attended many of Paige's birthday parties over the years. “So, we came up with a tradition just for her.”

Natasha tried to ignore the flash from the digital camera Charlie had been sporting around her neck all afternoon. You rested a hand gently against Natasha’s back, beaming proudly at the birthday girl as Luke curled into your side.

Turns out he wasn't as angry at you as he'd thought.

“Every year, before Paige blows out her candles, we go around and say one thing about her,” Natasha continued. “It can be something you love about her. Something you're proud of her for. A favorite memory from this year. Anything.”

Paige grinned. “But you can't take forever.”

Everyone laughed.

“She added that rule when she was six,” you informed them.

“Because Deda Alexei talked for, like, twenty minutes.”

“I had many things to say!” Alexei defended from somewhere in the crowd.

“You told a story that wasn't even about me!”

“It became about you eventually.”

“It did not.”

More laughter erupted around the table.

Natasha shook her head. “One sentence. Birthday girl's rules.”

Paige sat up straighter. “Who's first?”

“I am.”

James didn't hesitate. Paige looked over at him. You always loved their bond. He'd sat beside her for every birthday she could remember. There were pictures of them exactly like this throughout the years. Paige growing taller. James growing older. Different houses. Different cakes.

Always the same seat.

James thought for a moment. “I think you're probably the easiest person in this family to be around.”

Paige blinked. “Probably?”

“I had to keep you humble.”

She shoved his shoulder. James laughed.

“No, seriously. You don't make people feel weird for being themselves.” He shrugged. “I think that's cool about you.”

Paige's smile softened. “Thanks.”

Charlie went next. “I like that you do everything with me.”

“You make me.”

“You like it.”

“I do.”

Charlie smiled. “And I hope we're still planning ridiculous trips together when we're old.”

“My turn,” Cara raised a hand. “You used to follow me everywhere.”

“I still do.”

“Yeah, but now you go places on your own and come back to tell me about them.”

Cara reached over and squeezed her hand. “I like watching you become your own person.”

Paige looked down shyly.

“I like that you play the best games,” Luke mumbled. Paige gave him a thumbs up.

One by one, they continued. Her friends.

Her grandparents. Each person is offering some small piece of Paige back to her.

Then it was Lisa's turn. She hadn't realized she'd be expected to speak. For a moment, she simply looked at her granddaughter. The little girl she'd once been so certain should have come home with her.

“I am proud of you,” Lisa said simply. “I am proud of the young lady you're becoming.”

Paige smiled.

“You are kind. You're curious. Very opinionated.”

A few people laughed.

“I wonder where she gets that from,” you muttered.

“And I hope you always stay that way. I hope you keep asking questions, even when people don't want to answer them.”

Paige grinned. “I'm good at that.” Her eyes moved toward you. “Mommy?”

You looked at your wife. “No pressure.”

“None at all.” Natasha leaned into you.

Ten candles flickered between you. For just a second, you saw the newborn from the video. Tiny. Fussy. Entirely unaware of how many people had already rearranged their lives around loving her.

Now she was ten.

“I think I'm proudest of how completely you are yourself.”

Paige tilted her head.

“You don't change who you are depending on who's in the room. You're kind because you want to be. You're weird because you want to be.”

“Hey!”

“It's a compliment.”

“It didn't sound like one.”

You laughed.“And you love people without making them earn it first.”

That quieted her.

You smiled. “I hope you never lose that.”

Paige looked toward Natasha next.Natasha had been suspiciously quiet.

“Mama?”

“I'm thinking.”

“You're taking too long.”

“It's been four seconds.”

“Birthday girl rules.”

Natasha rolled her eyes, but her smile remained.

“I don't know how to put everything I feel about you into one sentence.”

“You can have two.”

“How generous.”

Paige grinned.

Natasha looked at her for a long moment.“I hope you always know that being your mother has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.”

Paige's smile softened.

“And I hope you never make yourself smaller to make anyone else comfortable. Not for your friends. Not for someone you love. Not even for us.”

She reached across the table, brushing one of the purple strands away from Paige's face.

“Оставайся собой, моя девочка.”

Paige's eyes immediately watered.

Natasha smiled. “Stay yourself, my girl.” She translated for those at the party who didn't speak Russian.

“Mama.”

“What?”

“You're making me cry.” Paige dabbed at her eyes.

“Your mom started it.”

You immediately frowned. “How did I start it?”

“You brought up loving people.”

“That is not—”

“Candles!” Paige interrupted, wiping beneath her eyes. “Before all of you start crying and ruin my pictures.”

Charlie lowered the camera. “Too late.”

“Charlie!”

Everyone laughed.

Paige leaned forward, closed her eyes, and blew out her candles. She leaned back into her brother, her smile wide, and her heart full.

—------------------------

After the party was over, decorations had been put away, and the guests had left, everyone dispersed into their respective bedrooms. Paige lay on her stomach, kicking her feet happily in the air as she looked over all the toys and gifts scattered across her bed. She would write thank-you cards in the morning, courtesy of you, but for now, she was enjoying everything she'd gotten.

Her bedroom glowed beneath the soft sparkle of the fairy lights strung along the ceiling and walls. The pale pink walls had slowly become a collage of everything Paige loved. Pictures of her family and friends were taped between posters and dance ribbons, with a few drawings Luke had made for her still hanging proudly despite being little more than scribbles. Her bookshelf was packed with books, crocheted dolls, and little trinkets she'd collected over the years.

Paige studied the gifts around her, wondering what she could organize first. A soft knock sounded against her open door. She looked up.

You stood in the doorway with Natasha just behind you. “Hmm.” You tapped your chin.

Paige narrowed her eyes. “What?”

You didn't answer. Instead, you stepped into the room and slowly looked around.

Paige followed your eyes. “What?”

“I'm just looking.”

“At what?”

You stepped over a gift bag. “Things.”

Paige pushed herself up onto her elbows.

“What things?”

“The state of things.”

“Mom.”

You walked farther into the room, examining the new clothes folded on the floor. You picked up one of the shirts, looked at it, and placed it back down.

Natasha leaned against the doorway, already amused.

“Interesting.”

“What is interesting?” Paige demanded.

You glanced beneath the bed.

Paige's eyes widened. “Why are you looking under there?”

“Why shouldn't I look under there?” You raised a brow. “Are you hiding something?” You caught her eye.

“Because there's nothing under there.”

You slowly looked at her.

Paige looked back. “Nothing bad.”

“Hmm.” You stood to your full height. “I asked you to clean the closet weeks ago.”

“Mom!”

You smiled, moving toward her vanity next.

“I'm simply inspecting the premises.”

“On my birthday?”

“Especially on your birthday. People get reckless.”

Natasha snorted.

Paige looked toward her for help. “Mama, tell her to stop.”

“I have no authority here.” Natasha denied.

“You're married to her; you guys can tell her what to do.” Paige shook her head.

You turned to Natasha. “Go ahead, baby. Tell me what to do.”

Natasha’s eyebrows rose. “I’ve got nothing.” She shook her head.

You pointed between her and Natasha. “Clearly, we need to have more conversations with you about what marriage actually is.”

“I thought it meant you have to listen to each other.” Paige tilted her head.

“Listen, yes,” you nodded. “Obey? Absolutely not.”

You opened one of the small drawers on Paige's vanity.

“Hey!”

“Lip gloss. Hair clips.” You closed it again. “No illegal substances.”

“I'm ten!”

“That's exactly what someone hiding illegal substances would say.”

Paige fell back against the bed with a groan. “You guys are so annoying.”

“Excuse me?”

“Loving.”

“Better.” You finally abandoned your inspection and walked toward the bed.

Paige watched you suspiciously. "What?”

“Nothing.”

“You're acting weird.”

“I came to check on my child.”

“You don't check on us like that.”

“Yes, I do.”

“No, you don't.” You climbed onto the bed beside her, forcing her to scoot over among the presents.

“Move.”

“This is my bed.”

“And who bought it?”

Paige immediately looked at Natasha. “Mama bought it.”

You paused. Natasha burst out laughing. “That's not the point. My money is her money and all that.”

Paige grinned.

You reached for her anyway, pulling her into your arms. “There she is.” You said between kisses to her temple.

“Mama!”

“My ten-year-old.”

“You've been saying that all day.”

“And I'll continue saying it until you're eleven.”

You kissed her cheek. She squealed, trying to push your face away as you kissed the other one.

“Stop!”

“No.”

Natasha finally pushed away from the doorway and joined you on the bed. “Don't think you're getting away from me either.”

Paige's eyes widened. “No—”

Natasha grabbed her around the waist. She burst into laughter.

“Mama!”

“What?”

“You're squishing me!”

“You’ll survive.”

Natasha kissed the top of her head before Paige twisted around and wrapped her arms around her neck anyway.

You watched them with a smile. “You had a good birthday?”

Paige nodded against Natasha's shoulder.

“The best.”

“Good.”

You leaned over and kissed the side of her head. “We love you.”

“I love you too.” Eventually, Paige settled between the two of you, leaning back against the pillows. Natasha sat on one side of her while you sat on the other.

Paige looked between you. “You're still acting weird.”

“We are not,” you said.

“You are. You never come to my bed to talk like this.”As you began to protest, she cleared it up. “At least not lately.”

Natasha glanced at you.

“Wait. What's happening?” She read your facial expression.

“Nothing is happening.”

“Mama.”

You looked around her bedroom again. “So, hypothetically—”

“Oh, God,” Natasha muttered.

You ignored her. “Hypothetically, if a person were to leave this room for an extended period of time, do you think it would remain this clean?”

Paige stared at you. “What?”

“Simple question.”

“Where am I going?”

“I didn't say you.”

“You said this room.”

“Could be anybody's room.”

“Who else would be leaving my room?”

You paused. Fair point.”

Natasha shook her head. “Babe.”

“I'm getting there.”

Paige looked between the two of you. “Getting where?”

You finally smiled. “Your halmeoni talked to us.”

Paige went still. “About what?”

You nodded. “New York and you going there for the summer with her?” Her excitement immediately became more cautious. She looked down at her hands.

“What did you say?”

You reached over and played with one of her fingers. “Well, six weeks is a long time.”

“I know.”

“Like, a really long time.”

“I know.”

“You've never been away from home that long.”

“I know.”

“And I don't particularly enjoy the idea of one of my children being on the other side of the country for a month and a half.”

Paige looked up at you. “It’s really close, and Uncle Steve and the Aunts still live there.”

“I'm just saying.”

Natasha reached behind Paige and touched your leg.

You sighed. “But.”

Paige's eyes widened. “But?”

You tried to keep your face straight.

Natasha was already smiling. “We think it would be good for you.”

Paige stared.

You stared back.

“So, ” she said slowly.

“So,” you repeated.

“Can I go?”

You let the silence stretch for another second.

Then you smiled. “You can go.”

Paige's mouth dropped open. “For six weeks?”

“Six whole weeks.”

“With Halmeoni?”

“Yes, P.” Natasha nodded.

Paige screamed. She launched herself at you first, knocking you backward into the pillows.

“Oh!”

“Thank you! Thank you!”

You laughed as she wrapped her arms around your neck. “Okay, okay.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Natasha barely had time to prepare before Paige threw herself at her next.

“I'm going to New York!”

“You are.”

“For six weeks!”

“Yes.”

“Six weeks!”

You sat up. “Okay, you're getting a little too excited about leaving us now.”

Paige laughed. “I'm not!”

“It certainly sounds like it.”

She crawled back between the two of you.

“When do I leave?”

“We don't know yet.”

“What am I bringing?”

“We don't know yet.”

“Can I bring two suitcases?”

“If you must,” You waved a hand. “Though I think your grandmother will have you dressing like an entirely different little girl,” Natasha informed you earlier how Lisa reacted to Paige’s ear piercings.

Paige sat there for another moment, practically vibrating with excitement. Then her smile softened. “Are you guys really okay with me going?”

“We wouldn't have said yes if we weren't.”

“That's not what I asked.” You narrowed your eyes.

“When did you get so smart?”

“I'm ten now.”

“Right. Forgot.”

Paige waited.

You sighed and pulled her closer. “Am I going to miss you? Horribly.”

She smiled.

“Am I going to worry about you? Probably every second of every day.” You rubbed her arm. But I also think this is important. You and your halmeoni don't get this kind of time together very often. You should. You’re big enough to talk and call us if you need help.

Paige nodded.

“You deserve to have a relationship with her that doesn't depend on us being in New York,” Natasha added. “Your own relationship.”

Paige was quiet for a moment. “Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Okay.”

You pulled her into your side. Natasha leaned in from the other, wrapping an arm around both of you. For a few seconds, Paige let herself be trapped between her mothers without complaining.

It was the best birthday present ever.

-----> next part

#natasha romanoff #black reader #black widow x reader #natasha romanov #black widow x female reader #theloudhouseau

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