The Spiderling Project

Chappie 5

The next few days pass in a blur. Yelena eventually turned up and she and Natasha sifted through the files they had. If there were surviving pairs of widows and spiderlings, they were contacted and fully informed of the circumstances. Each would get to choose how they handled the situation. While Natasha was busy with that, you spent time with Alexei and Melina. They wanted to get to know you more and keep you occupied as often as they could. They could tell you were struggling to decide what to do about the pregnancy and aided in distracting you when you were overwhelmed.

Eventually, the maternity test came back and it was officially confirmed that Natasha was the mother of your child. You were relieved she got the answer she needed but were also worried she'd shut down on you again. You were pleasantly surprised when she didn't, necessarily. There just seemed to be an awkward pause between the two of you. Neither of you wanted to approach the elephant in the room: what to do about the pregnancy. You were both confused, to say the least, but you found yourself leaning towards one side. She did as well, but neither of you addressed it. It wasn't until the third day when the test came back that morning that the two of you sat on the couch after lunch to talk about what to do next.

"So, what do you want to do?" Natasha started, breaking the ice. You couldn't maintain eye contact and looked down to your lap.

"I don't know. Maybe go back to my old apartment to see what became of it. Figure out where all my stuff went." You murmur. You weren't sure what to do, but you didn't think Natasha wanted you around all that much. She has a life and you didn't want to be the reason it was put on hold. Natasha's lips formed a firm line of thought.

"That sounds reasonable." That is all she manages for the moment. "What will you do if it's occupied?" She hesitantly questions. You shrug, wringing your fingers in your lap.

"I don't know. I'll figure something out." Natasha gives a single nod at that. You both seemed resolute in not acknowledging anything further. So, with that, you both returned to the States.

The entire time, you were trying to figure out what to do. Did you even want a baby? How would Natasha feel if you didn't? What would things be like if you kept it? So many questions and thoughts swirled through your brain and yet you found yourself unable to voice any of them to Natasha. It remained that way even after you both exited the jet, Natasha carrying your bag for you before placing it down for a moment, not meeting your gaze. She clears her throat after a moment of awkward silence.

"I called you a car. Prepaid of course. They'll take you where you need to go." You find yourself playing with your fingers.

"Thank you. You didn't have to do that." You awkwardly murmur.

"I don't mind. And I got you a phone with my number already in it if you need anything. We can talk about things when you feel settled." She pulls out the newest smartphone and your eyes widen.

"Natasha, you really didn't have to do this."

"Like I said, I don't mind." She gives you a small smile before sighing when your car pulls up. "I'll be in touch." That is all she says as a goodbye. You nod and grab the bag Natasha got you with some basic necessities and load in. When you close the door, you glance out the window and give her a meek wave, Natasha returning it, before you pull out of view.

You sigh. Now that you're alone, you deeply frown and wonder what the hell you're going to do about any of this. You wished you were less of a coward and just talked to her about all the thoughts running through your head, but when you're actually in front of her you lose your nerve. She's so hard to read and you find yourself wondering if she even wants anything to do with. The phone she gave you with her number preprogrammed in it alludes to otherwise, but you're still not so sure.

You were so wrapped in your thoughts that you didn't notice something was wrong until a loud honking invaded your ears. You look out the window only to see a truck coming straight for the car you were in, running a red light as your driver was making his way across the intersection. Everything seems to slow down for a moment as the fear and adrenaline race through you.

The truck hits your car and everything goes black.