Dealing with Reality

The moment Natasha stepped into her apartment after all these days that she was at Steve's home, she felt how empty her life was. But in fact, her life has always been this way and it's always been good this way, from what she can remember, but something seems wrong this time.

Natasha stood in the same place, staring at Nothing for almost five minutes. She closed the door and dropped her bag on the floor. Natasha went to the refrigerator, searching some alcohol to drink, and it had only milk, juice, and water in there.

Natasha rolled her eyes, remembering that when she did the shopping she only thought about feeding the children. Just as Natasha was about to close the refrigerator, she felt something slip over her foot. Natasha looked down and saw the intruder cat again. Natasha wanted to kick him, but she wasn't going to hurt the cat that Sarah likes so much.

N: I don't want you here! Why don't you understand that? Go away! Go!

Natasha pointed to the window and noticed that it was closed.

N: But how did you get in here this time? Shit!

The kitten sat down and listened to Natasha complain about his presence, he let out a small meow at the end of Natasha's speech, which made her snort and roll her eyes.

N: You hungry, huh... That's sour problem. I'm not going to buy you some food.

Natasha switched on the TV in the living room, she sat down on the couch, and the cat followed her.

Natasha raised her eyebrow at the cat.

N: Great, I have a shadow now.

Natasha leaned back on the couch and changed the channels trying to find something she liked. She didn't find anything, she ended up watching a UFC fight and fell asleep half an hour later.

...

S: Sarah, it's time for bed.

Sarah: My bottle.

S: Go to the bed that I already take there for you.

Sarah got off the couch and went into the bedroom. She changed into her nightgown and laid on the bed. When Steve arrived in the room ten minutes later with the bottle, Sarah was already asleep. Steve covered her and turned off the bedroom light.

Steve looked at the door of James's room and approached.

S: James?

Steve didn't hear TV noise or James.

S: James are you awake? Son, you need to eat, please. James?

Steve knocked on the door lightly and he spoke as calmly as possible, but James wasn't responding.

Steve went into the kitchen, picked up some cookies and a glass of milk. Steve returned to the door of James's room and left the plate of cookies and milk on the floor near the door.

S: I'll leave a snack here if you feel hungry, okay?

Steve sighed in silence and went to his bedroom.

Steve left the door a little bit open and watched the hallway. Five minutes later, James opened the door and pulled the plate of cookies and the glass of milk into his room and closed the door.

Steve gave a small smile of satisfaction and went to bed, but it cost a lot for him to sleep, he was thinking about all the events of the past days and how the children are going to be without their nanny, how he was going to be without Natasha, how the Avengers will be without him.

...

Natasha felt something wetting her foot, which made her frow and tremble her eyebrow, trying to wake up. Then she felt ticklish and let out a low laugh.

But wait, who's wetting my foot and tickling me? Natasha thought and woke up, already sitting down and putting her hand on her pants in search of her gun, she looked down at her feet and saw the cat on the couch.

Natasha blushed with anger. This cat, motherfuc...

N: You son of fucking bitch! I swear you're going to end up dead by me sometime! Go away!

Natasha got up angrily and opened the window, she pointed out and the cat looked at her. He let out a meow and Natasha kept pointing outside.

N: Get the fuck out! Jesus!

Natasha sighed, took the cat in her arms and put him out, she noticed that some snowflakes were falling. The cat growled louder.

N: You are very hairy, it's on your nature to be selfprotected from the cold, Okay? And don't fuck look at me like that. I don't care about you at all. The kids are not here!

Natasha closed the window and lay back down on the couch. The cat remained standing in the window looking at Natasha. He was just there doing nothing, but Natasha gets annoyed knowing that someone is watching her.

Natasha sighed and closed her eyes tightly.

No. No. Nooo. Natasha thought.

Natasha sat down again and looked at the window.

N: If you think that you can touch me, you're deceived.

Natasha turned off the TV and went to her bedroom, where she could sleep peacefully without the cat watching her.

Natasha lay down on the mattress and she covered herself with a sheet. She tried to sleep, but she couldn't anymore, it was very cold. Natasha pulled the duvet up over her body and felt better.

Now yes. Natasha thought.

Natasha turned on the mattress trying to find a better sleeping position and was already irritated by not finding it, but at last she found a good position when she put the other pillow on top of hers. Natasha took a deep breath and felt good.

Something is wrong. That scent made Natasha feel too good. Natasha turned her face to the pillow and pulled the air in full force, smelling the pillow better.

I know this smell from somewhere. Natasha felt an enormous comfort feeling that smell, but that perfume is not hers, and if it's not hers, it can only belong to the only person who slept on that mattress with her.

Natasha opened her eyes immediately, she sat up, took the pillow and flung it against the wall. No! Natasha doesn't want anything associated with Steve, it's not just him who has to forget her, she also has to forget him now.

Natasha tried to sleep once more, she dozed and came to have a little dream with Sarah and James... In the dream, Sarah and James were feeding the kitten and Sarah carried him up and down in her arms, but suddenly the cat seemed dead in Sarah's arms and she asked what was wrong with him, James was terrified screaming that the cat was dead and Natasha was watching without knowing how to act.

Natasha opened her eyes immediately and felt her heart racing.

N: I can't believe I had kids!

Natasha got up and picked up the sheet.

N: I can't believe I'm doing this... Like I can't believe it!

Natasha scratched her head and went into the living room. She looked out the window and the cat was lying there covered by snow. Natasha rolled her eyes.

N: I don't care.

Natasha went to the window and opened it. She took the cat that was completely frozen and wrapped him in the sheet. Natasha left him in the corner of the room near the heater.

N: Just because it's snowing! Don't get used to it! I don't like animals and especially you.

The cat let out a weak meow and went back to sleep.

Natasha went back to the bedroom and looked at the pillow lying on the floor. Natasha took the pillow back and sniffed it. Damn, that smell is good for her!

If no one knows about that, then there's no problem sleeping with it. Natasha found herself lying down again, hugging the pillow with Steve's scent.

...

The next morning, Steve slept until nearly ten o'clock in the morning. He yawned and stood up feeling less worse than the day before. He has no other choice, he has two kids to raise.

Steve opened the bedroom door and noticed the silence coming from the children's bedrooms. He took advantage of the fact that they were still sleeping and went to take a shower.

As he came out from the shower, Steve looked at his cell phone hoping to have some missed call or message from Natasha, to even ask about the children. Today would be her day to stay with them, but he will not call her so it doesn't look like he's suffocating her somehow.

Steve left the room and checked the door of James, it was unlocked. Steve opened it and saw him sleeping and the empty glass beside the bed. Steve also checked Sarah and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Steve's cell phone rang and he soon thought it was Natasha, he ran up to his room and was disappointed that it was Tony Stark calling.

T: Dorito, are you on vacation?

S: Good morning, Tony. I called and warned that I'm out of Nanny.

T: Did you miss that hot babysitter?

S: Tony more respect please, her name is Cindy.

T: Well, did you get another one?

S: No, it's not that simple.

T: I know, I know, you have to find someone who is trustworthy and that the children get along well, but let me tell you about a new project. You know JARVIS, right? You know he's been like a nanny to me for years.

S: What do you mean, Tony?

T: I have a similar program that can take care of your children.

S: Do you want me to leave a computer to take care of my children?

T: Not a computer, The computer. Or it could be JARVIS itself, we have several rooms, we reform one, we paint drawings on it like Peppa Pig or something and they will feel like in a nursery.

S: Tony...

T: Wait! You have not even heard it all. JARVIS can interact with them, teach school lessons, tell stories, provide food...

S: Tony...

T: Diapers? JARVIS can't change their diapers.

S: They do not wear diapers anymore, Tony. Thanks for what you're trying to do, but I need to take care of this first.

T: You know we need you. Alone here in charge, I ruin one thing every day. You know that rebellious teenage avenger?

S: America Chavez?

T: That's her. So... We lost her.

S: How do we lost her? She just came in.

T: Well... I have no tact to deal with cadets like you.

S: But this is to be done by Sam or Clint.

T: They're out on a mission. You see, Papa Steve, your little children here need you too.

S: Tony, I'm sorry. If Natasha stays with them today, I'll go and try to come up with some questions, but I'll have to work from home and part time during the week.

T: What a housewife, you are! I always knew you were the woman in that relationship.

S: Tony!

Sarah: Daddy?

S: Tony, I have to go. Sarah is awake now.

T: Okay, Daddy. We'll wait for you here.

Steve hung up the phone and ran his hand over Sarah's head.

S: Good morning, baby.

Sarah: Bottle?

S: Your bottle is ready, princess.

Steve took Sarah in his arms and led her into the kitchen, he handed her the bottle and James appeared in the hallway.

Steve looked at him.

S: Good morning.

James didn't answer, he looked around, then looked at Steve.

J: Is my mother coming today?

S: I don't know, James.

James threatened to return to his room, but Steve had an idea.

S: James? I'll call her to come pick you, okay?

James stopped at the door and stared at Steve.

S: But you have to eat all your cereal first.

Steve pulled the bowl of cereal and put it on the dinner table. He put Sarah in the chair and James approached the table, he sat down and began to eat the cereal.

Steve doesn't promise what he can't keep, but he can't call Natasha now. So he decided to call Hill.

H: Agent Hill.

S: Hill, it's Steve.

H: I know, Rogers.

S: Can you get in touch with Natasha and ask if she's coming to see her kids today?

H: Oh God, guys! Really? Do you need to get to that point where I have to be the mediator between you two?

Hill noticed that Steve was embarrassed by the silence.

Hill sighed.

H: Alright.

Hill ended the call and then called Natasha who was slow to answer the phone.

N: Hill?

H: Look, your ex-husband wants to know if you're going to see the kids today.

N: Huh?

H: James and Sarah... The two little redheads that came out of your vag...

N: Hill! I understood! I want to see them but... You'll have to get them for me.

H: I'm not a delivery girl.

N: Please, Hill. I can't meet Steve.

H: This is stupid, one hour you'll have to see each other. You work together.

N: I work for you.

H: Yeah, but with the Avengers too. Look, Natasha, just this time, Okay?

N: I'd say I love you, but you would not believe it.

H: Not really.

N: Thank you.

Hill hung up the phone and headed for the car. She went to Steve's apartment building, and rang the doorbell.

Sarah: AAA! MAMA! It's mama!

James and Sarah looked at the door excitedly and anxious as Steve felt his whole body freeze.

Steve looked through the "magic eye" and saw that it was Hill, again a tip of disappointment appeared in his heart.

Steve opened the door.

H: Good morning, are you guys ready?

Sarah: Maria.

J: I thought it was my mom.

H: But I came here to take you to her.

S: They just woke up.

James dropped the spoon and was about to rush to get ready, but Steve stopped him.

S: I said you would have to eat it all. Sarah you can go ready, since you already finished the bottle.

H: Baby bottle? How old is she?

S: Three.

H: She's too old for that.

S: She's young, she couldn't breastfee for long because Natasha had her accident, so she has some shortcomings, even her doctor said it's normal she wants the bottle yet.

H: Well I don't understand anything about children, but if you say so...

S: You will understand when you have yours.

Hill laughed hysterically and stopped laughing when she noticed that Steve was serious without understanding the laughter.

H: Oh my God, were you serious about that? Oh no, no, Rogers. I will never have these things.

S: You mean children.

H: Yeah. That. Stuff.

Steve laughed and shook his head. James finished eating and stood up.

S: Sarah showered yesterday, but you didn't, you only go after you shower.

J: You said it was just cereal!

S: But I've changed my mind.

James frowned and went to the bathroom. Hill checked the time on the clock.

H: Rogers, I have a thousand appointments today.

S: I'll rush them. Sit down and get comfortable.

H: I'll wait right here, I'm in a hurry.

Steve went to check on Sarah and she was already dressed, all she needed was the shoe and her hair. The only hairstyle that Steve can do in her is a ponytail, and Sarah hates it.

Sarah: Oh noooo!

S: Do you want to go or not, Sarah?

Sarah shrugged, and Steve sighed.

S: Go like that and there you ask your mother to comb you, okay?

Sarah nodded. Steve tidied up her backpack and led her into the living room. Sarah went up to Hill and hugged her legs. Hill stood with her arms crossed and looked down to see Sarah.

Hill raised her eyebrows and frowned.

H: What's that?

S: A hug, Hill.

H: Oh... Right... Ok... Thanks... That's enough, sweettie...

Hill shoved Sarah with one finger, as if dreading her. Sarah started to laugh.

Sarah: You're funny.

H: And you're small.

S: I'm going to check James.

Steve rushed James out of the bathroom and asked him to dress quickly. James was in a good mood now, he got ready quickly.

S: Do you have homework to do?

J: Yes.

S: So you gotta do it there.

J: But I don't know how to do it alone

S: Your mother will help you. She's good with numbers.

James left his room and went into the living room. Steve followed him and saw Sarah was singing a song and whirling around Hill.

H: How do you turn her off?

S: Sarah, behave yourself, okay?

Sarah: Okay, Daddy.

S: Come give me a kiss.

Sarah ran to Steve and jumped to hug him. Steve hugged her and kissed Sarah's forehead.

Steve looked at James.

S: See you later, champ. Okay?

James did not answer, he went to the door and opened it, waiting for Hill to come.

S: I love you, James.

Sarah: And me, daddy?

S: I love you too, my baby. Go...

H: Yes, yes, let's go.

Hill left with difficulty because Sarah didn't stop running around her legs, laughing a lot like it was the most fun thing in the world. James looked at Steve but didn't nod, he left and closed the door.

Hill got down with James and Sarah by the elevator, she put them in the back seat of the car and went to the driver's. Hill started the car and started to drive to Natasha's home.

James approached Hill's seat and stared at her. Hill looked sideways at James.

H: What???

J: You're the police?

H: Police? Not exactly.

J: Oh... So, is this for real?

Hill looked at what James had just picked up and braked the car abruptly, making the car from the back almost hit the back of her car.

Hill almost had a heart attack, she took her gun from James's hand.

H: James, don't you never, ever, ever... mess with anything in this car. Actually don't touch anything, don't move.

J: I'm sorry. So, is that real?

H: Well, yes. And don't tell this to your parents. Never.

Hill drove again, the car behind her passed in front of her, honking and screaming at her.

Hill lowered the glass of the car.

H: Oh shut your mouth, cunt!

- Learn how to drive, bitch.

H: I'll show you the bitch! Your son of a bitch.

Sarah and James opened their mouths in shock. Hill closed the car window.

Sarah: You said a bad word.

J: My father will not like it.

H: It's just a word. Doesn't mean anything.

J: But Dad says it's ugly.

H: Ah, your father is full of morals. I've heard him speak dirty words.

Sarah: Momma talks all the time.

H: Yes, see? There is nothing wrong.

J: So I can talk bad words?

H: Why not? Which do you know?

J: Oh...

H: C'mon. Let it out.

J: Shit.

James laughed and Sarah covered her mouth, looking at James.

H: And you, Sarah? Do you know any?

Sarah looked at Hill in the rearview mirror and she was thoughtful.

J: She doesn't know any, she's a baby.

Sarah: Yeah, I know!

Sarah frowned.

J: No, you don't.

Sarah: I know! Look! Fuck, shit, son of a bitch, damn, cunt and there's what mommy says to daddy, it's fuck off or fuck you!!!

H: OH MY GOD, Sarah!

Hill and James were shocked.

Hill started to laugh.

H: Look, let's agree that I didn't teach this to you, okay?

J: We hear Mom say that.

H: I knew it! You can blame your mother.

Sarah: Auntie Maria?

H: Auntie? My name is Maria Hill. You can call me Maria or Hill.

Sarah: Maria, can you sing?

H: No, I can not sing.

Sarah: So let's play guessing?

H: Let's not.

Sarah: Can we do something?

H: No.

Sarah: But... Here is boring, let's play something!

H: How about playing silence?

J: Silence?

H: Yes.

Sarah: How is that game?

H: Oh it's like... Let's see who can stay longer without talking.

James and Sarah frowned in confusion.

H: Ready? Go!

**I want Hill to babysit me haha**