The life in Mali Ston was perfect. Steve and Natasha had been living here for almost a year now, completely left their superhero life behind. The village held a wedding ceremony for them after Steve told Marko that they never really had the real wedding ceremony, they just went to city hall to get the paperwork done.
It was absolutely beautiful. Everyone in the village helped them prepare for this wedding. (Everyone knew how ‘broke’ they were.) The women made Natasha a white wedding dress while Steve wore his white linen shirt. The candle path led them to a small cove of beach. A priest from the local chapel officiated the wedding.
Steve put his mother wedding on her finger, a replacement for their fake wedding ring.
The reception was fun and colorful. Music was playing all night. Best wine flow and food never short on the table. The married couple danced all night with everyone and when it ended, Steve had to carry his wife back to their home.
“I guess I can call you Mrs. Rogers now.” He joked as he placed her on their bed.
“It’s Mrs. Kovačević.” She corrected.
Steve laughed. “I guess I have to marry you again when this is all over and we’re not the fugitive anymore.”
Nat cupped his face so he could look at her. Steve noticed something in her eyes.
“Our life here is already perfect, Steve.” She said. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.”
“You don’t want to go back?” He was surprised when she said that.
“I’m done with the fight. We did everything we can to protect this world and now it is our turn to enjoy the normal life. We deserved this happiness.”
Steve gave her a warm smile and kissed her deeply. “Yes, we are. And I’m the happiest man on Earth now.”
Steve decided in that moment, no more doubt, no more fear, only certainty in his heart. If she was willing to let everything go, so did her.
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So they continued to live in Mali Ston. Everyday was perfect. They were as happy as they could ever be. The life as an Avengers began to fade from their memories. Only here and now was what important to them. Steve loved his job being the fisherman and taking the tourist out to taste fresh oyster with Marko. Nat loved her time working at the local restaurant.
Life here was perfect and they never asked for more.
One day, Steve came home go find Natasha was waiting for him. She looked distraught and he knew immediately that something was wrong. He put everything he brought home that day down and rushed to her side.
“What is it, my love?” He asked, becoming alarm.
Her beautiful green eyes filled with tear as she handed him pregnancy test. Steve’s eyes widened when he saw the result. He looked at her as if he was asking for a confirmation.
“Are we…? Are you…?” He stammered still couldn’t comprehend with the rush of emotion. “We...are going to be a parent?”
“Yes, we are.” She replied and threw herself into his embrace.
Steve sure he was crying too at the good news. They held each other there, on the floor, with the pregnancy test still in Steve’s hand. They never thought it would happen. It was something they never dreamed of. Natasha disclosed her condition and how the Red Room trained and done to her body to him. He, of course, supported her and told her that all he needed was her.
But now it actually happened, they didn’t know how but it was a miracle.
Still, good news came with a concern. They started to talk about moving to another place where they could raised their child better than this, where their child will get access to better education and health care. They even considered moving back to New York and asked for a pardon so their child would have a better life and not to suffer consequence of their parents being a fugitive.
In the end, they decided to stay because this place became a big part of their lives. The news of the pregnancy spread throughout the village and everyone congratulated them. Everyone came with gift and that helped them a lot.
Nine months later, the whole village held the biggest welcome party to their newest member. James Kovačević was borned. The baby was showered with love from the moment he arrived at the village.
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A year later.
Nat was pregnant with their second baby when they heard about invasion from outer space. Then Tony showed up at the door. It turned out he keep tap on them for sometime now. He wanted them to go back.
Steve said no and Tony didn’t understand until Nat came home with baby James and her pregnant body.
“Whatever you’re looking for, Tony? It’s not here anymore.” Steve said as they watched Natasha playing with Baby James. “I will not risk my family for anything else anymore.”
“I understand.” Tony replied. “Keep this with you then.”
Tony handed Steve a brand new Stark phone. Steve took it and praying he will never get a call from anyone.
“And there is something else I wanted to give to both of you.” Iron man said and led Steve out to the car that parked outside their house. Tony opened the trunk, revealing the shield Steve left at the end of their battle and Natasha’s brand new set of weapon including her widow’s bracelets and baton. “I know you two didn’t want to come back but at least you can protect your family with this.”
“Thank you, Tony.”
“Good luck, Cap.” Tony squeezed Steve’s shoulder and began to walk away.
Steve took the gears and closed the trunk, watching Tony drove away. He turned back to his family with a big smile. There was no regret for turning his back to their old lives now that he had Natasha and his children.
