The Spark That Never Dies Part: One

Chapter Twenty-Three

"Y/n." She breathed in relief, a smile erupting on her face that stopped your own breathing for a moment.

You stood there in the doorway, too scared to move but unable to take your eyes off her. She noticed your hesitation, her smile faltering, and even though she understood, it still hurt her to see it. What she didn't see was you pacing her room for about an hour, waiting for her to wake up, and before that, you going around and greeting everyone with apologies for either making them worry or putting them in harm's way.

"Y/n, it's me," She smiled again, offering a branch you were too dumb to take as your eyes stung with tears that threatened to fall, "And I just want you back."

"I can't." You whispered, looking down at the muffin in your hands that felt so pathetic now.

You spent a chunk of the morning attempting to make her favorite, burning most of them, but salvaging one that came out pretty well. The kitchen was a mess, but you'd worry about that later.

"Y/n, it wasn't you and when it was, you stopped. You saved me."

"Not so heroic when you're saving someone from yourself." You mumbled, but she caught it and it seemed to anger her.

She threw the blanket back and you noticed she had a wrist cast which broke your heart all over again along with the stitches on her cheek. She approached you quickly, getting within two feet of you, and stared you down intently.

"Don't you dare say that to me," She pointed at you, "The Y/n I know never would've laid a hand on me or anyone who didn't deserve it and we both know that. It was Hydra using you, forcing you to do those things, and you didn't have a choice."

You swallowed thickly, absorbing her words, and letting some tears fall freely.

"Natasha, I'm so sorry." You whispered and her face softened.

"Baby," She cooed, grabbing you into a hug, "I'm just happy you made it out alive."

"Back at you." You sighed, closing your eyes when you touched her forehead with your own.

"What's this?" She hummed after she asked, lifting the muffin from your hands and taking a bite, "Oh, I'm sorry, was this yours?" She teased with a wink and then took another big bite.

"Can I get some?" You asked, biting your lip.

"Always." She practically growled and kissed you, letting you taste the chocolate muffin on her lips.

"Oh, you're nasty." You laughed and her heart soared at the sound.

"Only for you, baby." She chuckled and you fell even harder for her in that moment, not thinking it would be possible, "I love you so damn much."

"I mean I would think so," You smirked playfully, kissing her, "And somehow I love you even more."

"Mm." She hummed against your lips before you pulled back.

"Nat?" You asked and she hummed in response, "I have to go do something."

"What is it?" She furrowed her eyebrows, pouting slightly at the thought of you leaving her.

"Fury wants to see me, and I think he's going to push me out."

"Babe, this wasn't you." She repeated and you smiled sadly, eyeing her stitches again.

"I know, but it doesn't mean I didn't put the whole team in danger as well as civilians in the process," You pulled away fully after giving her a quick kiss and started to leave before yelling back, "I love you and you're gonna tell me what you were doing in that Hydra base when I get back!"