Maybe We're Just Kids | Natasha Romanoff AU

Chapter 1: First Days

Junior Year

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon as Natasha pulled into the parking lot of the school. She was behind the wheel of the family car, with Yelena in the passenger seat, Steve Rogers and Clint in the back.

"It feels like summer just flew by" Steve said, stretching his arms and glancing out the window.

Natasha glanced at him through the rearview mirror with a teasing smile. "That's because you spent your summer volunteering at the governor's office. Most of us had to make do with regular vacation time."

Steve shrugged, a grin spreading across his face. "It was kind of interesting, in its own way."

Yelena, who had been listening with a smirk, added, "God, no wonder you guys don't have any other friends."

Clint shot her a mock offended look. "Hey, we have each other! And that's plenty."

Yelena raised an eyebrow. "Exactly my point."

Just then, another car pulled up beside them, and Wanda and Pietro emerged, waving as they spotted Natasha and the others.

"Looks like it's time to go in" Steve said, grabbing his backpack.

The group started to get out of the car, with Steve already moving towards the door. "Nat, wait—"

But before Steve could finish his sentence, Natasha swung open the car door with a bit too much enthusiasm. The door knocked into the leg of a girl who had been standing too close, making her jump forward with a startled cry.

"Oh shit, I-I'm sorry!" Natasha stammered as she quickly stood up and saw the girl she had inadvertently hit. Her face turned red as she realized who it was.

Standing there, looking somewhat dismayed and rubbing her leg, was Jenna Grey Sinclair.

Natasha stood frozen, her eyes locked on Jenna. As she took in the sight before her, she couldn't help but notice how much Jenna had changed since the last time she seen her. Jenna seemed to have grown a bit taller, and her once-brown hair now had subtle hints of lighter shades, catching the sunlight in a way that made it look almost golden. Jenna's features had sharpened, her cheekbones now more defined, giving her a more mature and striking appearance. It was clear that puberty had worked its magic—Jenna looked even more beautiful than Natasha remembered.

Before Natasha could fully apologize, another girl from Jenna's group stepped forward. Lily rushed to Jenna's side.  "Are my money makers damaged?"

Lily dropped to her knees, inspecting Jenna's leg with exaggerated worry. Jenna swatted lightly at Lily with a playful smile. "That sounds horrible without context, Lily."

Lily paused, her eyes widening as she processed Jenna's words. "What do you mean—" Her voice trailed off as understanding dawned, and she suddenly backed up, an expression of mild horror on her face. "Oh, ew! NO, ew! That's not what I meant!"

Jenna let out a giggle, shaking her head at Lily's reaction. The sound of Jenna's laughter seemed to snap Natasha out of her flustered state, but it was as if her brain had momentarily short-circuited. She stood there, frozen, with her mouth agape and an apology still on her tongue. Her face turned an even deeper shade of red, unable to form any coherent words.

Yelena, noticing Natasha's sudden paralysis, walked over and gently grabbed her sister by the arm. "Sorry about that" Yelena said, giving Jenna an apologetic smile. "She has no spatial awareness."

Jenna's amused expression softened into one of understanding. "It's fine" she replied, still chuckling. "Don't worry about it."

Yelena gave Natasha a reassuring nudge, guiding her away from the awkward situation. As they moved towards the school entrance, Natasha's brain gradually rebooted, "She—she talked to me" Natasha stammered, her voice still tinged with disbelief. "She actually talked to me."