Heartbeat (Natasha x Wanda + One)

Four

I wake early the next morning to sounds from the kitchen. Not unusual since there are two teens in the house, but after a quick glance at the clock I'm surprised to see that it's only 5am.

Getting up I make my way to the kitchen to find Ash digging in the freezer. "You ok honey?" Ash jumps at my voice and spins around and I see the momentary fear in their eyes before they recognize that it's just me. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," I apologize.

"It's ok," they say softly. Holding up a bag of ice they continue, "I wanted to ice it before Allie woke up."

I smile gently, "I don't think she'll be up for a while, we only went to bed a few hours ago." Going to sit at the island I ask gently, "nightmares again?" Ash nods, "wanna talk about it?" I offer.

"No," they say immediately.

Not wanting to push them I change the subject, "so, you and Allie huh?"

"Uhm- uhhh."

Chuckling at their reaction I say, "honey, it's about time. A blind man could see how you two look at each other."

Ash gives me a curious look, "you're not mad?"

"Why would I be mad?"

They shrug, "most people wouldn't want their daughter with someone like me."

"Oohh you mean someone who is incredibly smart, kind, an excellent cook and an amazing person?" At their small smile I continue, "or maybe someone who fills mine and Allie's life with so much joy and love?" Ash sniffles slightly and I open my arms, letting them decide if they want a hug or not. Ash doesn't hesitate as they dive into my arms and hold me tightly. "I got you baby, it's ok," I tell them as I gently rub their back.

"I don't wanna go back," Ash sobs.

Their words break my heart because we both know that they have to. "I know love, we'll figure something out."

Ash holds onto me tightly, sobbing into my shoulder. A few minutes pass and another set of arms wrap around Ash from behind. We hold Ash tightly, none us speaking, just trying our best to comfort the person that we love.

Eventually Ash sniffles and pulls away slightly, "I got your shirt wet."

"It's ok love." I gently use my sleeve and wipe the tears from their face, "feel better?" They nod and a large yawn escapes. "Ok, bed. Both of you," I say, looking at Allie who simply nods.

I leave them in the kitchen and after changing my shirt I'm back in bed, almost asleep when my door creaks open. "Mama?" Allie whispers.

Sitting up I answer, "yes baby?" Allie and Ash shuffle into my room, both looking nervous. Pulling back the covers I mumble, "come on," and they both pile in, Ash in the middle of us.

As we get comfortable Allie asks sleepily, "mama can you sing?" They both must be feeling vulnerable tonight.

"Of course baby, what song?"

"The moon one," Ash answers softly.

I should have known, it was the only one that they ever requested. Clearing my throat, I start to sing gently.

"I'm lying on the moon,
My dear, I'll be there soon
It's a quiet starry place
Time's we're swallowed up in space
We're here a million miles away"

Allie sighs deeply as she relaxes and Ash pulls her into them, wrapping their arms around her.

"There's things I wish I knew
There's no thing I'd keep from you
It's a dark and shiny place
But with you me dear, I'm safe
And we're a million miles away"