N.R. One Shots

On the Run

Originally posted on Tumblr by @saltybaltic

**not mine**

She had been quiet. Not that silent contemplation wasn’t expected of Natasha when things were intense. However it seemed different than before. Usually when she came back from a difficult mission or a stressful day at work, Natasha would at least speak to you, even if it wasn’t about her feelings. You could tell she was processing something and never pushed her to speak before she was ready, but she was always able to offer you at least some communication no matter how casual.

Since your arrival to your new temporary home in Norway, Natasha had barely said more than was absolutely necessary. She spent a lot of time alone, which was remarkable considering how small the trailer was. She often went for walks around the surrounding woods, sitting by the nearest river or hiking through the trees in an attempt to think and clear her head. You allowed her all the time she desired, offering her space when she needed it but unable to hide the swell in your chest when occasionally on an evening she’d shuffle further into your side on the couch. A reminder that she still wanted you around, still wanted to be close to you. She just needed time.

Gradually she said more. You started to see the ghost of Natasha returning to her features. The occasional light hearted comment or the way she would look back at you, reassuring you that maybe one day soon things would get easier for her. You knew she must be hurting. Struggling to accept the loss of her work colleagues, her family. Not that they were gone forever, but maybe reconciliation would never be possible. You couldn’t begin to imagine what that felt like, but you knew you could at least numb the pain a little by being there to support her in whatever way she needed.

Lying on your side on the sofa, you were only half paying attention to the film on the tv. After several weeks in hiding at the trailer, you had already made your way through the tiny movie collection that had been provided. Twice. Not that most of them had been worth watching anyway.

Your attention drifted to the doorway from the bedroom as the floor creaked under Natasha’s feet. She gave you a small smile as she closed the door behind her and made her way into the main room to join you. She had changed out of her clothes into a pair of loose shorts and a vest, her hair still a little damp at the ends from her shower. As she made her way towards you, she nudged your hip gently with her knee, signalling for you to shuffle back and make room for her.

Doing as instructed, you moved back against the sofa, allowing the red head to perch on the edge of it before laying down with her back to you. She shuffled until her back was pressed against your front, reaching up to take hold of one of your arms and slipping it over her shoulder until it was wrapped around her body. She didn’t lay still until she had wrapped both of your arms around her, her body flush against your front.

She didn’t say anything, just let out a content sigh as you allowed her to move you into whatever position she wanted. Not that you had any objection to having your arms around Natasha.

A few minutes passed by as the two of you watched the movie in silence, Natasha’s fingers gliding delicately over your forearm that was hanging over her waist. The feeling was light, but enough that the soft scraping of her nails against your skin was too distracting to know what was happening in the film. Eventually you broke the silence, tilting your head enough that you could attach your lips to the side of her neck.

Dragging your lips over her, you mumbled quietly against her skin, “You okay baby?”

Natasha nodded, squeezing your arm reassuringly, “Just wanted to be close to you.”

“Well you know I have no problem with that.” you spoke against the side of her neck, pressing another kiss just below the first.

Letting out a quiet hum, Natasha squirmed slightly with a tilt of her head to make it easier for you to reach, “Mmmm that feels nice.”