N.R. One Shots

Rest of my Life

You walk into the apartment. The one that you and Nat share.
Used to share.

You've never been here alone before. Somehow, Nat always seemed to be right there, even when she was away. But now, its like the house has been stripped of her presence.

You don't like it.

You open the cabinet that belongs to her. Its the only one that was always locked, but its open now.

You remember how you used to badger her to tell you what she kept so carefully in the cabinet, but now, you can't bring yourself to care.

What catches your eye, is pink lace.
Pink? Nat doesn't like pink.
You pull the cabinet open wider and peer in.

Its letters.

Thousands of letters, written neatly in her hand, some in yours. Yours are the ones you usually leave around the house.
'Food in the fridge!'
'Don't forget your keys!'
'I love you'

She saved them. All of them. Your hands softly trace her letters. They're written by her, dated neatly and stacked in piles.

They're addressed to you.

You pick up the topmost one and start reading.

"Dear Y/N,
        I'm sorry I had to leave like that. If you're reading this, Clint probably gave you the keys to my cabinet, which must mean.. the job is done.
        I know my job is a tough one. And I know you worry about me. Truth is, you never had to. I will never leave you.
        I'm still right here, Y/N. In all these letters. In this room, kicking my legs up on the couch although you tell me not to. Eating all the food. Ruining all your furniture with my practise knives. I'm always going to be here.
         I love you Y/N. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. And I did.

            Love, Nat.

Tears well up in your eyes as the letters on the page turn blurry. You take a minute to compose yourself before putting the letter down. As you move to stuff it back in the drawer, your hand brushes against a black satin box, the size of your palm.

With shaking fingers, you open it.

Its a ring.