𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐅 𝐁𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐎𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑?

PART 6: The Farmhouse

EXT. CLINT'S FARM - DAY

Natasha is at Clint and Laura's farm, enjoying a rare moment of peace. It feels good to be surrounded by people who genuinely feel like family, something she hasn't experienced in a long time. Here, she can relax and let her guard down. She's especially glad to finally meet their newest baby, Nathaniel, in person. Playing with the kids fills her with a sense of joy she isn't used to. The laughter, the noise, the warmth—it's a world far from the shadows of her usual life.

Normally, Natasha spends her time alone in her room. It's become a habit, especially in the weeks since Bruce left. But today, out on the farm, she's trying not to isolate herself. The farm's open spaces and the warmth of Clint's family give her something she rarely finds—peace. The only problem is that the room she's been staying in is the same one she shared memories in with Bruce. Even being near the room reminds her of him.

It's late afternoon now, and the weather has turned cold. Natasha knows she needs something warmer to wear, so she forces herself to go back to the guest room. She sighs as she places her hand on the door handle. For a moment, she hesitates, feeling the weight of all the memories she's been avoiding. But she goes in, determined to just grab a sweater and leave.

Inside the room, Natasha quickly starts rummaging through her things, trying not to get distracted. But as her eyes wander, she sees the small details that bring her right back to Bruce—his smile, the way he would look at her. And the feelings she's been holding back start to rise to the surface, overwhelming her. She's not used to letting herself feel this much, but here she is, unable to block it out.

Natasha opens her suitcase, and sitting on top is a dark blue hoodie—Bruce's hoodie. She remembers taking it from his room, not because she needed it, but because it still smelled like him. Without thinking much, she slips it on, finding some comfort in it, as if it brings him closer, even for just a moment.

She lays down on the bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, and time passes in silence. The feelings of missing Bruce—missing what they had—slowly drift over her, though she doesn't say a word.

INT. FARMHOUSE STAIRS - EVENING

As the evening sets in, Natasha walks down the stairs. Each step she takes, she can hear more of the conversation between Clint and Laura. They're talking in hushed tones, but she can't quite make out what they're saying. As she gets closer, she sees Clint holding the house phone to his ear while Laura whispers something to him.

CLINT
(quietly)
"That's great news..."

LAURA
(whispering)
"Should we tell Nat?"

Natasha steps into the room, her presence surprising both Clint and Laura.

NATASHA
(eyebrow raised)
"What are you two whispering about?"

Clint and Laura exchange a glance, clearly startled by her sudden appearance. Laura quickly tries to brush it off.

LAURA
(casually)
"Oh, nothing, sweetie."

But Natasha notices Clint grabbing his jacket and car keys.

NATASHA
(suspicious)
"And where are you going?"

Clint flashes her a friendly smile.

CLINT
"I forgot something at the compound... I'll be back in a couple of hours."

Before Natasha can ask him anything else, Clint is already heading out the door, closing it behind him. Natasha turns to Laura, confused.

NATASHA
"Okay? What was that all about?"

Laura just smiles, her expression mysteriously cheerful. She takes a sip from her tea, clearly enjoying whatever secret she's keeping.

LAURA
(smiling)
"About what?"

She says one more thing before she leaves

LAURA
(glancing)
"Nice 'hoodie' by the way.."

She walks out of the kitchen, leaving Natasha more confused than ever, her grin lingering as she disappears into the other room.

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