Meet Cute 》Natasha Trace

Chapter 12

Last night had given everyone a moment to forget about the mission. But this morning, it was all anyone could think about.

Natasha was up at the cracks of dawn, though she didn't leave the bed. She just enjoyed a precious few minutes in the arms of Emmett, soaking in and memorizing everything she could.

It was only about half an hour after she woke up that he did as well. And the two, despite knowing what was happening in only a few hours, decided to keep a happy atmosphere in the house. No somber moods, no worried faces. (At least for a little while.)

A nice, big breakfast later, they went to wake up Gena. She wasn't the happiest, getting woken up so early, but even she knew something was going on.

They had told her the absolute bare minimum, only saying that Nat had another mission to go on for a little while. And while Gena was sad, she understood. As she was getting older, she was getting a better grasp of what Natasha did and why she was always so in and out.

“Are you gonna be back for Daddy's playground?”

Gena hadn't quite figured out what the obstacles really were, so she resorted to calling them playgrounds, and she wasn't wrong. Besides, everyone loved it, so no one corrected her. (It would be corrected as she got older, but this concept worked for now.)

The adults stopped in their tracks, Liam having just come downstairs after waking up. Natasha, sitting next to her coloring, could only guess. “I hope so, but I'm not sure. If I'm not, make sure to give everyone a big hug from me, though, okay?”

Gena nodded. “Okay.” And went back to coloring in her rainbow cat.

Emmett, hearing his daughter's question and Natasha's subsequent response, was finally letting that worry sink in. Yes, realistically, they could be out for longer than his program was running.

But she could also not return at all.

Like she could sense his panic starting, Natasha looked up, staring into his eyes. “It's okay,” she mouthed to him, not wanting to alert the six year old next to her. But Emmett could only purse his lips before moving towards the two. He placed kisses on top of both of their heads before heading to the kitchen to wash the breakfast dishes.

“Uncle Li, this one's for you,” Gena pointed at the coloring page with a lizard on it. Never one to deny his niece, Liam sat down and began to color in the picture, occasionally asking Gena was color he should use.

And quicker than they would have liked, it was time for Natasha to head to base. Dressed in her uniform, Natasha had her bag and keys in hand before turning to her little family.

Liam pulled her into a tight hug, promising to look after the others, as always. She leaned up and kissed his cheek, forever grateful she had gained a brother the day she met Emmett.

Gena was transferred into her arms, squeezing her tight. She always hugged Nat extra tight before she left, a sort of protection she could give her. Natasha, with her eyes tightly shut, pressed kisses all over the girl's face until she was a giggling mess.

“I'll see you soon, my sweet girl.”

Liam took his niece so his brother could have a moment alone. But before they went inside, Gena turned around. “Bye Tashi, be safe!”

And then it was Emmett's turn. The couple locked eyes before wrapping their arms tightly around the other. Emmett was checking his emotions, refusing to let Natasha see just how worried he was. He didn't want to add to her own stress.

They broke apart, but only so Emmett could pull her into a heart-wrenching kiss, both pouring everything into it.

They stayed there for what felt like eternity and no time at all, but soon had to part for air.