Natasha's P.O.V
The onion stung my eyes as I sliced through it and began to chop it into tiny pieces for the stew. The juice coated the knife and I swiped my finger across the blade and wiped it on the closely discarded hand towel. The onions went in and I turned to the celery.
"Stew. My favorite." Percy said behind me. I felt his arms wrap around my waist, the sincere gesture made me smile. I quickly chopped the celery before stowing them in the huge pot full of broth, beef, onions and carrots.
"Every dish I make is your favorite." I scoffed
"Well that's because I just love your cooking." I smiled and continued to add more things to the stew before stirring it and leaving it to cook for half an hour. I washed my hands and dried it on my apron before untying said apron and tossing it about.
"We have half an hour. The kids are napping. Why dont you say we have some fun?" I said. He smiled and leaned in to kiss me.
"Mommy."
We turned to the voice and saw Athakis standing in his pajamas with his plush Nemo. So much for fun.
"Yeah sweetie? Did you need something."
"I hear voices." He said. He looked scared.
Percy walked over and picked him up.
"Where do you hear them?" He asked and my little boy pointed to his room. Percy nodded his head and walked into his room. I followed them in.
"You must be hearing the fish. What are they saying?"
He squinted his eyes and held his breath, the vein on his neck popping.
"Relax, it'll come naturally." I said to him. His face softened and the he beamed at me.
"I'm hungry. If-"
"This boy doesnt feed me soon I'll die." Percy finished. Athakis smiled.
"Yeah.... you hear them too!?"
"Yeah buddy. It's ok. It's normal when you're related to grandpa. Let's feed them." He placed Athakis down and got the fish food and began to feed them. I smiled and left them to have their moment.
I peeked into Emilii's room to make sure she was ok and she was sound asleep.
I tended to the stew and turned the heat down before walking into the living room and onto the balcony.
"What you thinking?"
I looked behind me and Percy was holding Athakis. His head was on his father's shoulder and his eyes were struggling to stay open.
"Im thinking at how wonderful my life is. How grateful I am to have two beautiful children. And for them to have such a wonderful father."
He smiled. I walked towards him and helped hold Athakis. I kissed his forehead.
"My two handsome boys."
"I never thought I'd live this long. Long enough to start a family. It's weird. Im so used to chaos and sorrow, but here I am with nothing but order and happiness. I love you so much Natasha. Thank you for letting me back in your life." He leaned down to kiss me. Our lips met and I was in heaven. Every time he kissed me I held on to him as if he would disappear again. I dread the day that we have to say goodbye to the kids when we go out on a mission. I don't want to leave them so soon.
"Why don't we go back into the field after the holidays. I just don't think I'm ready yet."
"Of course. I'm not leaving you again. We stick together now."
