What Goes Around, Comes Back Around

Hill returned from her mission on Texas and Natasha asked her to meet her in her new apartment.

Hill left her suitcases in her car and entered Natasha's new building.

Hill rang the doorbell and waited, then knocked on the door, because she noticed the bell wasn't working.

Natasha opened the door and Hill was still wearing sunglasses and dressed like an executive.

H: God, Natasha. You look awful.

N: You've been more attractive.

Hill entered the apartment with her arms folded and she was trying to dodge from the many newspapers scattered across the floor.

Natasha was in jeans and with an old white blouse. Totally stained with paint.

H: Natasha, do you need a raise, dear? Why are you painting the apartment, yourself?

N: I was needing to think and when I need to think I have to use my energy.

H: You used to have sex for that.

N: Yeah, but at the moment I can't.

H: So you and Rogers talked about divorce... And?

N: I couldn't ask for it directly. I don't know how but we ended up having sex.

Hill ran her hand across the counter to check the cleanliness of the place.

N: We had sex right there.

Natasha indicated the counter and Hill made a disgusted face and took out a small glass of gel alcohol and applied it to her hands.

H: So you asked him for divorce and then you decided to have sex.

N: I didn't get to really ask, actually he asked if I wanted to.

H: And you?

N: I said I didn't know!

H: Natasha, I love you, but you're so complicated sometimes.

N: I kinda of feel something for James.

H: James? Your son?

N: God, no! Not my son.

H: James Barnes? Bucky? I noticed.

N: We almost kissed. I wanted to kiss him, I wish I'd gone to bed with him, but I couldn't. I couldn't.

H: So you have feelings for Steve.

N: No, not at all, I just feel like I shouldn't hurt him. I think the marriage is holding me back.

Hill checked the clock, she has no problem in showing disinterest in this kind of talk.

N: And there's more...

Natasha took the ring from her pocket and handed it to Hill.

Hill read the inscriptions and laugh.

H: How cheesy, that's quite Steve. He's so romantic.

N: It wasn't him. It was me.

H: Huh?

N: It's a Russian saying of love. I used to read some novels and this came from one of my favorite books. So I know it was me who asked this inscriptions. That book has a huge meaning for me.

H: Just like Steve has for you too.

N: If so, why don't I remember?

H: I don't know, but it means something, Natasha. Will you need a lawyer?

N: Lawyer?

H: Yeah, for the Divorce...

N: No, I don't know, it's all very confusing.

H: Well Natasha, I just got back from traveling and you call me here to tell me it's all confusing. What about Bucky?

N: I've been wishing him a lot, but he's Steve's best friend. And I'm tired of it, I don't want either of them. I never needed any man, so...

H: But sex you need.

N: That was never a problem to achieve, it won't be now.

H: I'm sure not. Well, I'm tired. I'm leaving and don't call me if you need anything because I'm going to sleep all day... Bye.

Hill left the apartment and Natasha continued to paint the walls.

Natasha's cell phone whistled and when she checked, it was a message from Steve, sending only the electrician's contact. He didn't say anything else and Natasha wondered if he didn't call to not hear her voice, it was even worse that he had sent the message and nothing more.

After a few days, Natasha was already with electricity and some furniture she bought, had already been delivered, although she was sleeping directly on the floor, then she got a mattress.

Natasha didn't have the time and patience to buy a bed, but she dedicated the day to get a refrigerator, a radio and tv.

It was already night when Natasha arrived home and the same cat was in the middle of her living room again. Natasha startled him and he hurried to the window.

N: What the hell! I don't want you here! Stupid cat!

Natasha went to her bedroom and looked around, the mood in there was kind of depressing, there was nothing but the mattress, some books and a lamp directly on the floor.

Natasha sighed, then she heard the cell phone whistle and went to check. It was Steve, sending a message again.

"Are you going to see the kids tomorrow?"

Natasha replied to the message.

"Yes."

"I'll take them to your place."

"Ok."

Natasha frowned and took a deep breath, she was hating the treatment, she removed her sweater and walked into the bathroom for a shower.

Steve's being cold with her, why the hell he didn't call her?

The next day, Steve rang the bell, it was already 11 AM and finally the bell was working, but Natasha didn't wake up, so Steve rang the bell again.

J: Is she here, dad?

S: I hope so.

Steve put Sarah on the floor and got his cell phone, he called Natasha.

It took Natasha about three minutes to wake up and another five minutes to feel the mattress and find her cell phone.

N: Yeah?

Natasha didn't even look at the screen to see who it was.

S: Natasha?

N: Who is it?

S: Steve! I'm at the door of your apartment. Where are you?

Natasha scratched her eye and yawned.

N: I'm... I'm here, just... just a minute.

Natasha hung up and stood up, she was only in shorts and bra, she went to the door and opened it, still very sleepy. Steve looked her up and down, then coughed to disguise, he noticed Natasha's messy hair.

S: Were you drinking?

Sarah: Mamma!

Natasha took Sarah in her lap and James hugged Natasha's legs.

N: Yes, yesterday.

S: They better come back another time, then. Come on, James.

Natasha held onto James's shoulder and looked at Steve.

N: I drank yesterday, not today.

S: I don't want them close to...

N: I'm not crazy. I won't drink near them.

Steve looked at Sarah and then at James.

S: If you need anything, you know how to call me.

N: Wait! Wait, wait, aren't you staying with us?

Natasha frowned.

S: No.

N: But what am I going to do with them?

S: Well, I don't know, Natasha. You'll find a way. James, what's the emergency number?

J: 911.

S: Very well. Good boy.

N: What??? What the hell was that?? Why this speech? Emergency? What do you think will happen if they stay with me?

S: I hope nothing, but I always teach them how to get help.

N: Well, they won't need any help. They're with their mother! If you leaving, then goodbye and fuck you!

Natasha pushed Steve out of the apartment and closed the door in his face, extremely irritated.

Sarah tilted her head, looking at Natasha, she put her little hands on Natasha's face to make her look at her.

Sarah: Mamma?

Natasha raised her eyebrows, looking at Sarah.

Sarah: My bottle.

N: Oh God!

Natasha rolled her eyes.

J: What are we going to do, mom?

Natasha stared at James, who was overdressed, just like Sarah.

N: I'm feeling hot just seeing you dressed like that.

J: I hate coat. Can I take it off?

N: Of course.

Sarah: Bottle.

N: No bottle!

Natasha put Sarah on the floor.

J: Can we watch TV?

N: Of course... Yeah, turn on the TV and watch it till your father come back.

J: Where's the couch?

N: I don't have one.

J: Everyone has a couch.

N: I'm not everyone.

Natasha took the remote and handed it to James.

Sarah: My bottleeeee!

N: No bottle, Sarah! And the worse part is that I have no milk here.

J: I'm hungry, too.

N: Why didn't your father sent your food with you??? He is a jerk.

Sarah: Daddy is not.

N: He is!

Sarah: He is nooot.

Sarah threatened to cry and Natasha made negative with her head, feeling desperate.

N: Oh my God, no, no, no. Don't cry! Daddy is not a jerk, okay? I'm sorry.

Sarah nodded and calmed down.

N: I had an idea. I'm going to get dressed and we are going to the market.

J: Where will I sit?

N: On the floor, what do you think?? Wait for me here. Don't break anything, please.

James looked around and took a long time to decide to sit on the floor, he has a certain OCD with housekeeping standards and cleanliness, that came from Steve.

Natasha went into her bedroom and separated her clothes, then she went to the bathroom and took a quick shower, she dressed up and combed her hair.

Sarah was standing at the door, waiting for her to leave the bathroom.

Natasha opened the door and looked at Sarah.

N: I don't a bottle! Okay? Do you understand?

Sarah already trembled, ready to cry.

N: We go on the market, how about shopping with me? I'll buy your bottle there.

Sarah smiled and held out her arms, asking for a lap. Natasha picked her up, walked to the living room and called James to go out.

Upon arriving at the supermarket, Natasha put Sarah in the cart.

J: I want to come in too.

N: You're too big, James. Where am I going to put the stuff I will buy?

James frowned, feeling upset.

N: But you can help me to push. I need someone with strong arms and I think you're the right man for the job.

J: Okay.

Natasha walked down the aisles and stopped at the cereal session. She turned around so she could pick a cereal and while she was distracted, Sarah stretched herself until she knocked over several cereals on the cart and on the floor.

Natasha turned frightened by the noise.

N: SARAH! No! No! What are you doing????? Look at this mess!

Sarah: My bottle!

Sarah started to cry and Natasha crouched down to pick up the boxes scattered on the floor.

N: Stop crying!!! Take this one here and be quiet!

Natasha opened a package of chocolate cereals and handed it to Sarah, who stopped crying to stick a lot of the cereal in her mouth. Natasha turned her attention to choosing the cereals, again.

N: James, what cereal do you like? I like this one here...

Natasha picked up a box of cornflakes.

N: What about Sarah? Do you know what she likes?

Natasha was reading the box.

N: James??

Natasha looked at the cart and then at Sarah and then at the hall.

N: JAMES??? Oh shit!!! Where is he???

Sarah: Shit!

N: It's a dirty word, I can say it, you not.

Natasha pushed the cart, running, and started looking for James.

An employee approached her.

- I'm sorry, ma'am. Did you lose your son?

N: I didn't lose him, he ran away. It's different!

- Don't worry, kids usually go to the toys area.

Natasha ran to the toys area, she didn't even thank the guy who helped her, she was desperate.

Arriving in the toys are, Natasha saw James trying to catch a basket ball.

Natasha was so worried and now she is so mad with him, that she wanted to spank him.

N: Are you crazy???

J: Can I take this ball?

N: No! Of course not! James I was looking for you! You scared me to death! Why did you run away?

J: I wanted to see the toys.

N: You have to warn me! Oh my God! Don't ever do that again!

Natasha was screaming with him, then she doesn't know why, but hugged him tightly for a long time.

J: I'm sorry, mom.

N: Okay...

Natasha sighed and finished the shopping, then she took them back to the apartment. She gave Sarah a box of milk and James ate cereal. Natasha shared the cereal with James.

J: What are we going to do now?

N: Don't you never sleep?

James shrugged, saying he didn't know.

Sarah: Meow, meow!

Sarah pointed to the window, the black kitten was there.

J: Cool! You have a cat, what's his name?

N: I don't have a cat, he doesn't leave here.

Natasha frowned

Sarah: He's so cute.

James ran to the window and picked up the cat and brought it to the floor, so Sarah could pet him.

N: James no, he'll get used to be in here.

J: I guess he's hungry.

Sarah put the milk box on the cat's face and spilled some on the floor.

Sarah: Take a bottle, take a bottle, kitty.

...

It was lunch time, and Natasha was actually giving breakfast as lunch for the kids, she didn't notice it was past 1:00 pm.

While Natasha was with the children, Steve decided to go to the diner near James' school, since it was on the way to the Avengers Base. Despite being a weekend, he decided to keep his mind occupied to not worry so much about his kids being with that Natasha.

As soon as Steve sat down, the waitress approached.

- So, Captain America, where's the little one?

Steve looked at the Waitress and smiled, he recognized her from the day she saved him from the crazy fans, who were harassing him and Sarah.

S: She's with her mother today.

- Oh... So you split up?

Steve looked away for a second and the waitress tapped her forehead.

- Oh. I'm so sorry, it's just that I have this habit of deducing things in my mind and I end up talking loudly. Please don't get mad at me.

S: It's okay, really.

- Okay, so what do you want to eat today?

S: It would be nice to have the menu...

Steve said with good humor, the waitress closed her eyes tight, punishing herself by the this flaw. She handed the menu to Steve, who checked and ordered a Peruvian breast sandwich and a natural orange juice.

- Very healthy. I'll be right back with your order.

S: Thank you.

...

N: Okay, time for the kitten to leave.

Natasha took the cat and put him out the window.

N: Have you ever been to Mom's or Dad's job before?

They made negative with their heads, Natasha smiled.

N: Great, let's go.

Natasha went out with the kids to SHIELD. While she was in the car, Natasha got a call. It was Bucky. Natasha activated the speaker.

N: James...

J: What?

N: No...

Natasha made negative with her head.

N: Not you, honey. It's the other James... Bucky.

B: Hi Natasha, are the kids with you?

N: Yes.

B: Oh...

Bucky was silent for a few seconds, he didn't expect that and Natasha had already understood why he was acting weird.

N: Steve is not here.

J: Hi Uncle Buck!

B: Hi, James. Having fun?

J: Mom fights with us all the time.

N: It's not true!

B: N-nat...

N: Say it, Bucky! What's wrong with you?

B: I just wanted to know if in the afternoon, you would be free.

N: Well, I'm not free as you can tell.

B: And at night?

Natasha sighed as she stopped at the traffic light.

N: You know what it is, Jam... Bucky. I'm fixing my new apartment yet and I'd rather not go out today.

B: Okay...

Silence again...

B: What about tomorrow? Can we have lunch togeter?

N: Hm... I'm not sure, I'll warn you if I can.

B: Okay.

Natasha hung up the call, even before Bucky said good-bye.

Of course the kids are too young to understand the conversation and Natasha now wants to avoid contact with Bucky or any other man.

Natasha parked in the SHIELD building. She knew there would be few people in there, for being Saturday.

Natasha opened the car door for the children to get out of the car. She had to carry Sarah in her lap and James ran off as soon as they passed the glass door and went to the desk of the receptionist. He kept trying to see who was behind the desk.

N: Good morning, Cynthia.

- Good morning, Agent Romanoff. By the way, good afternoon. It's already 15 o'clock.

N: Really??

- Is that your daughter? I've never seen her before. She's so cute.

N: Yes, this is Sarah and this one here is James.

- Hi, James.

James smiled.

N: I'll show them the place around.

- But just a minute, the director wants to see you.

N: Is Fury here??

Cynthia nodded. Natasha went to the elevator with the kids, and on the 2nd floor, Agent May was coming in the elevator, along with Agent Daisy.

N: May.

May: Natasha Romanoff! How long! I heard you were back. Look how these kids grow up fast, the other day, Sarah was just a little fat baby. Oh, and by the way, this is Skye... No, Daisy, I mean...

D: Nice to meet you. What beautiful children you have.

N: Thank you.

May and Daisy went down on the 7th floor. Natasha finally arrived on the 24th floor, which was the last of the building.

Natasha greeted the receptionist and headed for Fury's room.

Natasha came in and James ran across the room, stirring and knocking over almost every chair at the large meeting table.

Fury stood up and looked at James seriously.

F: James Grant Rogers!

James stopped and looked at Fury, startled.

F: You're going to put all this back in place, am I right?

James nodded and began to fix the chairs. Natasha gave a small laugh and approached Fury.

Sarah looked at Fury and frowned. Fury watched her.

F: What are you looking, huh?

Sarah: Your face is hurt.

F: Yeah, it happens when we're naughty.

N: Fury...

F: Romanoff. Glad to see you're fine.

N: After all this time that I'm out of the coma you come ask me if I'm okay.

F: I'm not asking, I'm stating you're fine. I've been busy, but I've been informed about your status. I knew all the time.

Fury glanced at Sarah, who didn't take her eyes off the bruise in his eye, despite having an eye patch.

F: What are you looking at??

Sarah surprisingly extended her arms to Fury, asking for a lap. Fury frowned and picked her up.

F: I'll get you, but I don't like children, specially you.

Sarah laughed and she stretched her hand straight to Fury's eye patch.

N: Sarah, no!!

F: It's okay. Doesn't she want to be curious? Let her look.

Sarah lifted the patch and she was impressed by the aspect of Fury's eye.

Sarah: It's pretty ugly.

F: I can say the same about you.

Fury put Sarah on the floor and she started to play catchy with James while Natasha and Fury discussed some of SHIELD's issues and also about Natasha's memories.

Fury said it would be possible to use Wanda's powers to make her remember, but he doesn't know what kind of risks would be included on the process, since nobody know the extensions of Wanda's power.

Natasha promised to study Wanda's powers and get in touch with Steve and Tony about this possibility.

N: All right, James and Sarah, let's go. Say bye to Fury.

J: Bye, Fury!

Sarah: Bye, bye.

Natasha took the kids to Steve's apartment.

Sarah was sleeping on Natasha's lap.

N: Ring the bell for me, please, James.

James rang the bell and Steve opened the door immediately, he was missing his kids more than anything.

J: DAD!!!

S: Hey, champ!

Steve took James in his lap and hugged him.

S: Did you have fun?

James nodded.

S: Now go take a shower for the dinner.

Steve put James on the floor and took Sarah from Natasha's lap with care to not wake her up.

Steve didn't look at Natasha's eyes in any moment, she hoped he would start any kind of conversation, even about the kids but he didn't.

S: Thanks for bringing them.

That's all he said.

Steve just closed the door on Natasha's face, just as she did with him earlier.

Natasha gaped and she was furious. She reached out to knock hard on the door and start a fight with him, but she took three deep breaths, until she calmed down enough to walk away.