BLACK & RED | NATASHA ROMANOFF X READER | MARVEL

12

NATASHA ROMANOFF POV:

We were more than a few shots in now, the tequila warming our veins and loosening our inhibitions. I was having an amazing time with Alana. This girl was totally crazy, but in a sweet and genuine way. The dimly lit bar seemed to swirl around us, creating our own bubble of intimacy.

"Romanoff!," she exclaimed, her voice a touch louder than intended. "You wanna hear another secret?"

"Of course," I replied with a grin, genuinely curious about what she would reveal next. I truly believe we've gotten to know each other quite well through the few hours we've spent talking tonight. Normally, I don't open up. At all. But with her... I couldn't help but want to give her anything she asked of.

Alana confessed, her eyes bright with excitement, "I have a weakness for karaoke. Especially after a few drinks,"

Her laughter was like music, filling the air with warmth. And that smile was even more contagious. "Karaoke, huh? I'll have to witness that sometime," I teased gently, enjoying the playful banter between us.

"Why not tonight?" Alana suggested with a playful wink, emboldened by the alcohol and the thrill of the evening.

I raised an eyebrow, unable to suppress my amusement. "I'd love to see you in action," I admitted with a low chuckle, my voice tinged with a tease.

Alana got up from her chair, her confidence shining as she made her way to the small stage area in the corner of the bar. The soft glow of the dimmed lights cast a flattering aura around her. I don't think she realizes how gorgeous she truly is. And that tight, short blue dress did nothing for that figure either.

She requested "Umbrella" by Rihanna, and the DJ, clearly amused, nodded enthusiastically and punched in the song. I couldn't help but just sit admire her.

I had ordered another round of drinks, and when Alana glanced over, our eyes met briefly. She gave me a wide smile, and I couldn't help but return the gesture, feeling a flutter of warmth in my chest.

The song began, and Alana's performance was nothing short of captivating. Her voice filled the bar with energy, drawing the attention of patrons who cheered her on. She wasn't Rihanna herself, that's for sure, but I watched with a mix of admiration and fondness, impressed by the way she effortlessly commanded the room. God knows she sure kept me on my toes.

It took a lot of courage to do what she was doing, alcohol or not, and I couldn't help but be drawn to her. As she swayed to the music, her confidence was magnetic, making me wish I could muster even a fraction of her boldness.

Secretly, I hoped she might be thinking of me when I'm not around. Just as she was making me think of her right now.

She finished her song and returned to our table, flushed with exhilaration, I stood up and greeted her with a genuine smile, handing her another drink that had come for her, "That was amazing."

"Thanks, Nat," she smirked and took the drink from my hand, sliding back into our booth.

"You really are something special, Lana.." I said under my breath. I think the liquid courage was speaking there, but it didn't matter. I knew I meant every word.

Her response was a simple, "You do?" Her eyes held a mixture of surprise and warmth, a silent acknowledgment of the unexpected compliment.

"Absolutely," I said with a smirk, leaning in a bit closer. "You've got this... allure about you."

She chuckled softly, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Well, thank you," she said, her gaze dropping momentarily before meeting mine again, "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," I replied, intrigued by her sudden shift in demeanor, my heart fluttering with anticipation.

"Do you remember my first week as an avenger?" she asked, her tone gentle yet curious, her eyes searching mine for an answer, "when we had that party?"

"Yeah. I remember," I recall a few months ago. How could I forget? It's the night that Bruce was all over me and all I wanted to do was spend time, getting to know her. "What about it?"

"You kissed me." She brought up, "twice."

I blushed slightly, remembering that game all too well. I didn't know where this conversation was going, but I sure felt nervous.

"I remember."

"Well.. since then.." she trailed off. She clearly didn't want to spit it out, but I was so intrigued,

I took a deep breath, trying to gauge where she was going with this. "Since then... what?" I asked softly, my nerves tingling with anticipation.

She hesitated for a moment, as if choosing her words carefully. "I haven't stopped thinking about it since then," Alana admitted, her voice low but steady. "thinking about you."

I gulped, not knowing what to say.

"About... me?" I started, my voice catching slightly.

"It was game, and we were drunk. I remember." She sighs, but keeps going anyways, "I'm going to regret this, aren't I?" She chuckled.

My heart skipped a beat looking at her, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts and emotions.

Hold on. Is she trying to tell me...?

Alana's gaze was unwavering, holding mine. Her voice was firm and certain as she spoke. "I like you. More than I probably should."

I felt like the air had been knocked out of my lungs. Was this really happening? I didn't know what to say or how to react.

Why do I have butterflies? Shit! Could I have felt the same way for her? It was a possibility I hadn't allowed myself to fully consider until now.

How had I not seen it before? All the times I had tried to spend time with her. I always wanted to be around her. The way I had subconsciously sought her out... it all made sense now. But I was still struggling to find the right words to respond, my emotions conflicting and confusing. There was only really one way to confirm if my feelings were true.

"You aren't saying anything..?" She breaks my silence and I realize I was looking right through her. Her eyes searched mine, a mix of hope and uncertainty flickering in their depths. "Nat-..."

I didn't let her finish. Leaning in, I gently pressed my lips against hers, feeling the warmth and softness of her mouth against mine. It was a tender, lingering kiss, filled with unspoken emotions that had been building between us for so long. The world seemed to fade away as our connection deepened, the touch of her lips against mine sending a rush of warmth through my entire body.

The tension that had hung between us evaporated in that moment, replaced by a sense of rightness, of belonging. I could feel her hand finding mine again and intertwining our fingers. It was as if we were sealing an unspoken promise, a silent agreement to explore this newfound connection together.

When we finally pulled back, our breaths mingling in the quiet space between us, Alana leaned her forehead against mine. Her eyes fluttered open, meeting mine with a mixture of awe and tenderness. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and I couldn't help but mirror it, feeling a rush of happiness.

This was the medicine my body didn't know it needed.

"Tasha..." she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with emotion.

I brushed my thumb gently over her cheek, savoring the moment.

————————

hi guys

sorry these last two parts were kind of short

they were originally going to be combined but that would have been too long and i didn't want to cut anything

so here we are

anyways i hate writing slow burns so nat and lana are.. yk
gonna be happy pretty soon

maybe i'll go back and add more filler but idk
if yall want that ill do it

anyways thanks! hope ur enjoying #unedited