BlackHill | If only

Chapter 25

Maria's POV:

It was over—Thanos, his army, gone. I guess the victory didn't feel real. However, the sacrifices along the way are what made it easier to believe. Everything comes at a cost.

They had all gathered outside for the funeral. I guess I was still in denial, staring up I imagined her sitting in the back of my car, smiling over my shoulder into the rear-view mirror with her usual smirk.

But the image faded and I remembered where I was, she would have hated this. All the attention, but people had to know. Her sacrifice was for everyone.

I took in a deep breath, steadying myself before I opened the door.

It was a beautiful day for her, yet bittersweet, the sun shining down on her spot now adorned with flowers.

My breath hitched as I read the words inscribed into the stone.

Natasha Romanoff

Wife, Sister, Avenger, Friend

The ceremony went by in a blur, I barely heard the sobbing around me as my mind was completely wrapped up in thoughts of Nat.

People began to disperse. Soon after only two people stayed, I should have known. Yelena first knelt next to the headstone. Her hand lightly traced the words. Tears rolled down her face and she whistled 2 notes.

Her head glanced up almost as if expecting a response. I held my breath, my final hope of seeing her finally draining out of me.

Steve came over to me, holding a briefcase. I noted its heavy-duty locking system and I knew precisely what Nat's sacrifice had been reduced to. A mission, a play in the game to beating Thanos.

But I now knew what my mission had to be.

"It should be me, Steve. The person who returns the stones. I have nothing else to live for here".

Steve shook his head "You have us Hill, don't ever forget that. But I understand, besides who better than the director of S.H.I.E.L.D?" He gave a feeble smile, which I attempted to return.

I wrapped both Steve and Yelena in a final hug. Hoping perhaps they knew, this was the last time I'd see them.

I took my position in the centre of a circular platform, Bruce manning the controls about 10 feet away. "Alright Hill, the mission is simple. Once you've returned all the stones to their original place, use your device to bring you home".

I nodded not quite listening to the information only focusing on one thought. I heard Bruce say one more thing before the ground lurched from under me.

"Don't miss the jump point!"

Most of the stop points were a blur, carrying out the mission with only one thought on my mind. Jumping from place to place.

By the time only one stone was left and I found myself at Vormir. My stomach lurched. I tried not to focus on the cliff edge. The last place I saw her. I couldn't help but picture Nat's face telling me to let her go, telling me it should be her to make the sacrifice.

My mission was finally complete. I looked down at my wrist, at the device that had the power to bring me home. I only had enough Pym particles for one more jump.

So I jumped.

March 1st 2016

I got my intel from S.H.I.E.L.D, no matter how off the grid it was, I always knew where to find her.

I jumped straight to Norway. Glancing down at my wrist I noted the depleted chamber. There was no going home now. I had to make a life for myself here. This was my once chance, and I prayed she would be there.

I hired a car, following a tracker, provided by someone called Rick Mason. The drive took me up through hills leading me into a forest area.

I pulled up at the top about 50 feet away from what looked like a cabin. I turned off the tracker knowing this was exactly where I needed to be.

I tentatively knocked on the door, maybe I was too late. Perhaps she had moved on already.

I couldn't have prepared myself for when the door opened. Natasha.

She was the same as the day I lost her. Gaze dark and brooding, red hair flowing past her shoulders. Her eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

"Ria? What are you doing here?"

Just the sound of her voice made me crumble. I launched myself into her arms. Tears ran freely down my face. I couldn't believe it was her. Her arms were strong around my body, pulling me in close.

"I thought I lost you forever Nat. You were gone."

I breathed in her scent, not wanting to let her go for a second time. She pulled away slightly, lifting my chin with her fingers ."I'm right here Ria what are you talking about? I only left for a mission."

Her eyes were filled with concern, gazing at my tear-streaked face. "I never want to lose you again Nat. Promise me that we'll stay together."

She pulled me into a kiss, gently meeting my lips. I melted into her familiarity. Remembering every moment we had before.

"You haven't lost me, Ria, what are you saying." She spoke gently, pushing the hair away from my face. I pulled her inside keeping hold of her hand, afraid to let go of it for fear I would never feel it again. "You died Nat".

And I told her everything, the good parts, and the bad. Smiling when I told her about our place in Paris. Voice cracking when I got to Vormir. Although she stayed silent the whole time, remaining calm. Every so often brushing away my tears.

Nat finally spoke, her hand gently placed on my face. "Ria, I am never going to leave you again. We'll go somewhere far from where anyone will find us. Start a life, maybe have children."

She seemed to almost get nervous, and I finally allowed myself to smile. I circled my thumb over the back of her hand. "I can't wait to be with you, Nat".

We stayed like that for a while. I couldn't say for how long. Just staring at the rain patter against the window. Both of us entwined on her sofa.

This was our timeline now. Somewhere for us to be finally safe; happy.

The end

Hi everyone! Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who read, and continued to read. Thanks for all the votes and comments about the bullet proof bra. And if you enjoyed this please give the other fic I'm working on a read.