Back at Home

The doctor asked Steve Rogers to come back to the hospital in two days because they needed to do some tests on Natasha and he couldn't be present, since she doesn't remember him.

After two days, it was Natasha's hospital discharge day and Maria Hill was there with her for support. The psychiatrist explained to Natasha about the memory failure she's having.

N: So I remember everything until certain year and the rest not?

- That's right.

N: But I feel good, I don't feel forgetful.

H: You didn't recognize your husband.

Natasha can't help but laughing every time Hill mentions about her "husband."

N: Okay, Hill, this is some kind of joke, right? You have overcome yourself this time. Like using a real hospital to convince me... Brilliant.

Natasha smirked and clapped for Maria Hill.

- Natasha, I know it's hard to understand what's happening now, but it's true. You're married.

The doctor took some pictures of Natasha pregnant and showed to her. Natasha soon thought it was Photoshop.

N: All right, getting married... Maybe I would, but kids? I would never have children. I made an abortion a few months ago when I got pregnant of Clint.

H: Natasha, months ago? You and Clint haven't been together in a long time.

N: I know, he broke up with me after that. But you see... I have made an abortion because I hate children, it's impossible for me to have two!

- But you have.

Natasha looked at Hill, expecting her to laugh or smile, any gesture that denoted a lie and she didn't find any trace of that.

N: You say I'm married to Steve Rogers? So Captain America is my husband?

Hill nodded.

N: Hill, I studied history, he's been frozen for 70 years in the ocean, I know SHIELD had some research to find his body location, but...

H: Natasha, he was found and thawed.

N: And he survived?

H: Incredible, but yes. You even helped him as soon as he got back to work. Then you started having missions together.

N: You mean I'm married to a 100-year-old man?

H: Yes, but you saw him, he doesn't look like that.

N: Not really. Well, at least I can say I had good taste.

H: Yeah, he's hot and he's coming to pick you up today.

N: What? I'm staying at SHIELD.

H: No, you're going to your home.

- It's very important that you are close to the people you have always lived with.

N: That's SHIELD.

- No, Natasha, it's to stimulate your memory.

N: What are the chances of my memory coming back?

- 35%.

N: What?

H: That's just it?

- Yeah, there was a lot of damage to her head. But at least she doesn't risk losing any more memory.

N: Oh great, fireworks.

Natasha said, ironically.

They were silent when there was a knock on the door.

H: Steve. Come in.

Natasha looked at him, Steve wanted very much to hug her, but he knows how strange it would be for Natasha, since she doesn't remember him.

S: Are you okay? I came to take you home.

Natasha didn't say anything, she got up, took her suitcase, which Steve tried to be kind enough to carry, but she didn't let him.

Natasha went to the hallway and folded her arms, looking impatient.

H: Steve, have patience, all right?

S: Yep. 35% of patience.

H: So you already know?

- I told him.

The doctor said.

H: If you need help, just call me.

Natasha and Steve left the hospital and got into the car.

Natasha put her foot on the dash and looked out of the car. Steve looked at her foot and cleared his throat. Natasha listened, but decided to ignore him.

N: Steve, right?

S: Yes.

N: What are the children's names?

S: James and Sarah.

N: What about their age?

S: James is 6 years old and Sarah 3 years old.

N: Uhm... I will not change any diapers.

S: They don't use it anymore. Sarah uses the potty.

N: And they eat alone?

S: James yes, but Sarah has to force, otherwise she won't eat.

N: God...

S: Don't worry about it now, I'll take care of it.

Natasha continued to stare out the car window.

N: How did this happen?

S: Your accident?

N: No, the children.

S: Well, James we didn't mean to, it just happened. Sarah, it was because I insisted a lot.

N: Oh yeah? How are they?

S: They're great, they miss their Mother a lot.

Steve parked the car in front of the building they live in. He left and he thought that Natasha was coming too, but she stayed inside the car.

S: Are you coming?

Natasha finally looked at him.

N: I don't think I'm ready.

Steve approached the car.

S: That's exactly what you said to me when we discovered James's pregnancy and it was okay. It's going to be okay, don't worry.

Natasha wanted to go to SHIELD. Dealing with an unknown husband is ok, but unknown children that are going to call her mother? Natasha was terrified, but she felt confident in Steve's words and those eyes seemed honest.

As soon as Natasha entered the apartment, she encountered Sam Wilson on the floor, serving as a horse for James, but Natasha didn't know who he was.

J: Mom!

James jumped to the floor and ran to Natasha and hugged her. Natasha didn't know how to act, she didn't want to be rude, but she couldn't help being cold. She touched his arms and gave him a half smile.

S: James, remember what we talked about?

James nodded and released Natasha. He stared at her.

Natasha approached the stroller where Sarah was in and she was asleep.

N: Isn't she too big for a stroller?

S: Yes, but it's the stroller or the lap, so...

N: Who is this?

S: Natasha this is Sam. He works with us, he is one of my best friends.

Sam: I'm his best friend.

Sam held out his hand to Natasha and she greeted him.

Sam: Nice to meet you... Again. I have to go, Steve.

S: Thank you for having stayed with them.

Sam: No problem. Bye, buddy.

Sam left the apartment.

Natasha stood in the middle of the room, holding her bag, waiting for Steve to tell her where to stay.

S: Why don't you leave that in our bedroom?

N: And where is it?

S: Oh sorry... Come on.

Steve went ahead, leading the way. He entered the room, Natasha entered right behind him and looked at the room, it was huge, it had a closet, a bathroom, a table, two armchairs and a huge double bed.

Natasha stared at the bed, and she was still. Steve noticed, he approached her and took the bag from her hand.

Natasha looked at him, Steve looked back at her.

S: Alright, I'm going to sleep on the couch.

N: No... It's your house, you don't have to.

S: It's our house. And the decision is already made. I don't want you to be uncomfortable, I don't want to force anything on you, Natasha.

N: Thank you.

S: I go with the kids on the market, there's nothing here to eat. Why don't take the chance to rest a little?

Natasha nodded. Steve left the apartment with the kids, Natasha took a shower and lay down to sleep.

Natasha woke up with Steve's knock on the door.

S: Natasha?

N: What?

S: Can I come in?

Natasha has the habit of sleeping naked, she lifted the duvet and noticed that she was naked. She rubbed her eyes and hair.

N: Just a minute.

S: It's just to tell you that the dinner is ready.

Natasha didn't want to eat, she's not hungry and she is not in the mood to socialize at the moment, but she knows she has to work hard to try to remember.

N: I'm coming.

S: We are waiting for you.

Natasha took a quick shower, she went to look for clothes in the suitcase, but then she decided to open the closet.

Well, her taste for clothes hasn't changed, from casual to sensual... Good. Natasha thought.

Natasha grabbed a pair of jeans and a black tank top. She brushed her hair and left the room.

Natasha stopped in the hallway and looked at Steve and the kids at the table playing with each other. It was the perfect family portrait. And that makes her want to vomit. She was going to return from there to the room, but Sarah saw her.

Sarah: Mama!

Steve and James looked at her. Natasha gave a half smile and sat down at the table. James and Sarah kept looking at her. Even Steve didn't stop looking at her. It was amazing having her back after so long.

N: That seems great.

Natasha stared at the food.

N: Is this Pelmeni?

S: Yes. Your favorite.

N: How do you know?

S: We're married.

N: Oh sorry.

Natasha and Steve smiled.

S: It's Sarah's favorite food too.

Steve was carrying a spoonful of food in Sarah's mouth, but she closed her mouth and started to turn her face to the sides.

S: Sarah!

Sarah: No, no.

Natasha looked at James and he seemed to want to talk to her, but he was still embarrassed by their earlier meeting.

N: What about your favorite food?

J: Pizza.

N: Oh pizza is very good, isn't it?

James smiled and nodded. Steve was still struggling to make Sarah eat.

Sarah: I want Mommy.

S: Sarah, you have to eat.

Sarah: Mama, mama.

N: Alright, Steve. I can do this.

Steve passed Sarah's plate.

Natasha took the spoon and moved to Sarah's mouth, but she still kept her mouth shut.

Sarah: The plane.

N: What?

S: Airplane... You have to pretend the spoon is an airplane.

Natasha looked at Steve, frowning and thought it was absurd the idea.

N: You have two options, Sarah. Either you open your mouth and eat with me, or you keep your mouth shut and not eat. It's not me who will be hungry.

Sarah and James stared at Natasha, startled.

Steve put his hand on Natasha's wrist and she collected her hand in reflex. Steve felt his heart pierced. It was just a touch on the hand.

N: Look, I'm sorry. I can't do this. I can't.

Sarah: I'm going to eat, mama.

Natasha was shaking a little, she closed her eyes, sighed, and looked at Steve. Something in his gaze made her calm down and try again. She picked up another spoonful and gave it to Sarah, who ate it this time.

After feeding Sarah, Natasha dined with Steve, who waited for her to start eating. The two were talking about SHIELD and the Avengers, that Natasha didn't remember that there was this group of heroes fighting together to save Earth.

Natasha looked at Sarah and she was sleeping in the dining chair. James was watching TV.

S: James, time for bed.

Steve got up and picked Sarah up.

J: Are you coming, Mom?

Natasha looked at James, her eyebrows arched.

S: It's just to put them in bed and say good night.

N: Oh yes.

Natasha followed them into the bedroom. Sarah had her own bedroom and James his own too. Steve put Sarah in hers first and didn't need good night, because she was already asleep. Then they went to James's room.

James jumped on the bed and ducked under the blanket.

J: I'm glad you came back, Mom.

Natasha gave James a small smile.

N: Good night, James.

S: Good night, champ.

James turned aside and closed his eyes. Steve and Natasha left, and Steve closed the door to James's room.

Natasha was distracted and wanted to walk for the bedroom and she forgot that Steve was on the way. The two stumbled in front of each other, inadvertently.

To ease the clash between their bodies, Steve held Natasha's waist and she rested her hands on his chest.

As Natasha's tank top left a little of her belly exposed, Steve could feel a piece of Natasha's skin and this was very comforting, because until now they hadn't had more contact.

It was enough to make Steve's body shivered.

Steve looked into her eyes, and Natasha couldn't help but stare back. Steve doesn't know how long he hasn't seen the green of those eyes that close, and Steve doesn't know how long he'll have to wait without kissing Natasha's red lips.

N: Sorry.

S: No, I was in the way.

N: I... I am going to the bedroom...

Steve released her, though his brain screamed, "Stay with me tonight, please."

Natasha walked past him and entered the bedroom as Steve looked down the hall at her.

Natasha turned to close the door and watched Steve's gaze. What kind of look is that? Does he want me to adopt him? Because with such a look, he's about to get it. Natasha thought as she closed the door.

N: Good night.

S: Night.