FOREST AVE » charlie baker

12 - like natasha romanoff?

The door having been opened by someone, I turned my head to see him. My feet moving before my own brain, I rushed towards Charlie. I held my drink in one hand, as I reached to hug him. My hands lingered around his neck before I pulled away.

''Hey!'' I exclaimed, smiling at him.

''Hey, Nat,'' Charlie said back, his wide smile greeting me.

Before he could continue, I noticed Lorraine standing behind him. I instantly hugged her, welcoming them both in.

''So, drinks are pretty much everywhere, snacks too- God, I'm so happy to see you guys!'' I said, raising my voice towards the end.

Charlie nodded and I noticed a small nudge coming from Lorraine. He rubbed his chin before taking a step towards me.

''Uhh, these are for you,'' Charlie began.

My mouth gaped open, noticing a colorful assortment of flowers in Charlie's hand. I reached out my hand, took the flowers, and stepped in for another hug. Of course, both of my hands were occupied by the drink and the flowers, but Charlie's arms held me close.

''They're... just because?'' I asked, my tone elated.

''Yes,'' Charlie smiled, grinning a bit. ''I- I thought it'd be appropriate. Even though this is a... house party full of teenagers.''

''Charlie! Lorraine!'' Dean's voice emerged from my back.

He reached out his hand towards Charlie and the two shook it casually. Dean nodded at Lorraine, giving her a cheeky smile.

''Pleased to meet you, Lorraine. I'm Dean, although... Natasha has probably told you that already,'' Dean said, glancing at me briefly.

''Natasha?'' Lorraine asked immediately.

''Yeah, Natasha?'' Charlie asked, almost laughing.

I took a step back and bit my lip.

''Dean...'' my voice said steadily.

''What? You were named after a Marvel character,'' Dean said and proudly nodded.

''Marvel?'' Lorraine asked curiously.

''Dad's really into comics. I'm... not so much but he somehow convinced mom to name me that. Although- NO, NO, CHARLIE!'' I began, cutting Charlie off before he could comment anything else. ''MY FULL NAME IS NATALIE, but- but Dean still likes to address me as Natasha to get me... annoyed.''

''No, no, it's cute,'' Charlie replied after I paused.

''See?'' Dean asked, looking at me.

''Hmph,'' I said, shaking my head, although I had a small smile on my face.

''I think some of the kids watch comic shows and have read some stuff. I've seen it lying around the house,'' Charlie commented, now in a more serious tone.

''Believe me, dad still does,'' I added. ''he's made me watch some stuff too.''

I thanked Charlie again for the flowers. I pointed them towards the kitchen and said to get a drink while I'd run upstairs to my room to put the flowers in a vase. A vase that had not been used as a bucket yet.

Running up the stairs, I left everyone behind. I unlocked my room and put the key on the desk, closing the door. I reached the top of my shelf to find a vase. I turned around and opened the door to find the upstairs bathroom.

Having filled up the water, I returned to my room and placed the vase with the flowers inside on my desk. I smiled, looking at them.

''Looks nice in here,''