Covert Affair Oneshots | Natasha Romanoff

Family Halloween

Stella: 11 y/o
Atlas: 10 y/o
Ayla: 8 y/o

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Halloween was Jenna's favorite time of year. It wasn't just about the candy, the decorations, or the spooky movies she forced everyone to marathon—it was the joy she got from making the world's greatest spy fit into a cheap wig and a ridiculous costume. Natasha always pretended to hate it, rolling her eyes and muttering complaints, but Jenna could see right through her. Especially after yesterday.

Atlas and Ayla had spent the afternoon running up and down the costume store aisles, dragging Natasha and Jenna along as they pointed out everything from superheroes to monsters.

And then there was Stella.

Unlike Atlas and Ayla, who couldn't decide between a hundred different costumes and seemed to gain a burst of hyperactivity every time they passed another aisle, Stella had one unwavering tradition.

She was Bob Ross. Every. Single. Year.

This year was no different. Natasha had tried to nudge her toward something different—maybe a vampire, or a pirate, even a pumpkin—but Stella wouldn't budge.

"Bob Ross is timeless" she'd said.  For a moment, Natasha genuinely considered the possibility that this wasn't her 11-year-old standing in front of her, but an adult who had somehow been reincarnated into her child's body.

"Timeless" Natasha repeated slowly, raising an eyebrow as Stella.

"Absolutely timeless" Stella confirmed. "Why would I want to be anything else? Bob Ross is the epitome of peace and creativity. Honestly, I don't understand why you're trying to talk me out of it."

Natasha's mouth opened to argue, but she couldn't find the words. Instead, she looked over at Jenna, who face lit with amusement.

"She's eleven" Natasha said, pointing at Stella like Jenna needed a reminder. "Why does she sound like she's forty? Is this normal? This isn't normal."

Jenna shrugged, biting back a grin. "I mean, you have to admit, she's not wrong. Bob Ross is timeless."

Natasha groaned, running a hand down her face. "It's your fault," she muttered, glaring half-heartedly at Jenna. "No way this kind of... philosophy comes from my side of the family."

Jenna smirked, crossing her arms and leaning back casually against the costume aisle display. "Oh yeah, that's such a bad thing" she teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Because I'm sure if she had Alexei and Melina genes, she'd be such a sweet little angel, right?"

Natasha stared at her for a moment, blinking in disbelief. "Yeah, okay," she said flatly, throwing her hands up in mock surrender. "That would be my nightmare."

Natasha will never say this out loud, but this year, she wanted to have matching family costume. She imagined it: the typical American family tradition—everyone in coordinating outfits, laughing together as they posed for a photo. But those thoughts all evaporated in an instant the moment Ayla came bouncing up to her, a brightly colored bag clutched in her tiny hands. Natasha looked down just as Ayla practically jumped into her arms, her face lit up with excitement.

"Mama! Maa!" Ayla squealed, her eyes wide and sparkling. "Look what I got!" She held out the bag.

Natasha smiled, her heart already melting, and bent down to scoop Ayla up into her arms. "What did you get, sweetie?" she asked, her voice soft as she turned the bag around to see what was inside.

And there it was.

A Black Widow costume.

For a moment, Natasha couldn't speak. The world seemed to slow down as she processed the sight of her baby holding the costume. This was her daughter wanting to be her for Halloween. Natasha's heart fluttered in her chest.