Learning to Love - Natasha Romanoff and Maria Hill

Twenty-three

"You seriously can't understand why I don't want to accept that damn medal?"

"No, I can't," Natasha crossed her arms.

"Come on, Natasha. It's so stupid. I don't even deserve it. I was doing my job, for fucks sake."

"The president doesn't seem to think so, and neither do I," the redhead unbuttoned her dress pants, allowing them to fall down her legs.

Maria watched as Natasha looked through clothes that were not hers for something to wear,"How so?"

"You jumped in front of a man you didn't even know-"

"That man happening to be the president of the United States, but who cares about that small detail? Why would you even accept without asking me?"

"Because I figured you would accept, Maria," Natasha slipped on one of Maria's old army t-shirts, along with a pair of sweatpants.

"Natasha, you should have known I won't accept that."

"Are you serious?"

"Do I look fucking serious?"

Natasha sighed,"How could I have known you wouldn't accept? I'm not a damn mind reader. I told him I would get back with him but that you accept as of right now. But if you don't want to accept, you can tell him your damn self."

"You basically didn't even give me a choice, Natasha! What am I supposed to do? Call the president and say "Sorry I don't want your medal"? You know I can't do that now!"

"I'm not fighting with you right now, Maria. I'm too tired for this."

Maria's eyes softened, and she finally saw how truly tired Natasha looked. She cupped both sides of the redhead's face in her hands before kissing her deeply, Natasha's fingers moving into her hair. Both women pulled away at the same time, staring into each other's eyes for a moment.

"I'm sorry for not asking you about the medal."

"I'm sorry for getting so upset about it..It's just a damn medal. Who fucking cares?"

"I love you," they both whispered at the same time, smiling widely.

Maria pulled the redhead down onto the bed with her, her fingers dancing across the small of Natasha's back.

"When was the last time you changed your bandages?"

"After I showered a few hours ago," Maria brushed Natasha's hair out of her face.

"You should change them before we go to bed. Let me do it," Natasha got up, going into the bathroom and grabbing the first aid kit that was under the sink.

Maria pulled her shirt off, sitting against the headboard,"It's healing pretty fast. I think you'll be proud," the brunette grinned.

"I'm sure I will, Masha," Natasha smiled, cutting the bandage off before peeling it away from the wound.

She ran her fingers over the wound, tears forming in her eyes.

"What's wrong, baby?" Maria tucked a stray piece of Natasha's hair behind her ear.

Natasha shook her head, wiping her eyes,"I'm just- it looks good. I'm happy."

"Yeah, I'm happy, too," the brunette ran her thumb over Natasha's soft cheek.

The wound was completely closed up, and the swelling was gone. She was amazed by how good it looked. Natasha placed a light kiss next to the wound, lingering for a moment.

"Still think I need the bandage?"

"No, I don't think so," Natasha smiled, applying the antiseptic Maria's doctor had prescribed before walking into the bathroom  and putting everything away.