The Pasts

Chapter 3***

The next day, you guide Natasha through the park, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow over everything. She's wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, blending in while still keeping a low profile. Today, you're teaching her the intricacies of photography, sharing a piece of your world with her.

"Okay, hold the camera like this," you instruct, adjusting her grip. She follows your guidance, her expression one of focused determination as she aims at a vibrant flower.

"Got it!" she exclaims, showing you the shot she captured.

"Perfect," you praise, genuinely impressed. "You've got a real talent for this."

She smiles, a mixture of pride and contentment in her expression. "I have a good teacher," she replies, leaning in to kiss your cheek lightly. Your eyes widen, a pink tint colors your cheeks, suddenly shy.

"You're adorable when you blush," she teases softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

You grin, deciding to play along. "Oh, am I now? Well, I guess I'll have to make you blush next."

Natasha raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh really? And how do you plan on doing that?"

You lean in closer, your voice a playful whisper. "You'll just have to wait and see."

Her eyes light up with curiosity and challenge. "Game on," she says, a smirk playing on her lips.

As the sun begins to set, casting a warm, serene glow over the park, you both sit down on a bench, reviewing the photos on the camera. The easy laughter and shared joy create a beautiful moment of connection, reinforcing the bond that has been growing stronger each day.

You point to a photo of a bird in mid flight. "See this? The way you captured the motion it's perfect. Next time, try adjusting the shutter speed a bit to see how it changes the feel of the shot."

Natasha nods, her interest piqued. "Like this?" She adjusts the camera settings, her brow furrowing in concentration.

"Exactly!" you encourage, watching her experiment with the settings. "You're a natural at this."

She glances at you from the corner of her eye, her expression softening as she watches you passionately explain the technicalities of photography. "You really love this, don't you?"

You nod enthusiastically. "I do. Photography lets you see the world in a different way. It's like capturing little pieces of magic in everyday moments."

Natasha smiles, her eyes never leaving your face as you speak. "I can see that. You light up when you talk about it."

You chuckle, feeling a warm flush creep up your cheeks. "Well, it's something that's brought me a lot of peace and joy."

She reaches out, her hand brushing against yours. "Thank you for sharing this with me. It's nice to see the world through your eyes."

You squeeze her hand gently, feeling a surge of affection. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. And you're really good at it, too."

She looks down at the camera, a thoughtful expression on her face. "It's different from anything I've done before, but I like it. It's... grounding."

You both continue to walk through the park, snapping photos and sharing stories. The playful banter flows easily between you, each moment deepening the connection you share.

At one point, Natasha spots a couple sitting on a bench, their heads close together as they laugh. She raises the camera, capturing the candid moment. "How's that?" she asks, showing you the photo.

You smile, impressed by her progress. "Beautiful. You've really captured the emotion there."

She looks at the photo, then back at you, her eyes filled with a mix of pride and something deeper. "I'm starting to see why you love this so much."