Winter Widow One Shots

On Her Upper Thigh

"But do you have to go?" His voice was low, a whisper against her skin as he placed kisses along her jawline. Slow and deliberate. Her skin was smooth, smelling of peaches, intoxicating and making it that much harder to let her go. "It's just some award show, can't be that important."

She let out a chuckle, soft and warm, before she lifted his chin with two slender fingers. Her emerald eyes sparkled with amusement, though he could still see the cold determination she always carried.

Her fingertip trailed down his chest, barley skimming the surface but the contact sent a wave of sparks through him. A reminder of how much he needed her, and how much he hated the idea of her leaving him. It always felt like a risk, every time they parted felt like a risk, a chance that they might never see each other again. He knew he shouldn't worry about a stupid glitzy celebrity awards show.

"James, I'm presenting the awards." She pulled her finger away just as he was beginning to lean in, making him groan in protest. "I promise to leave as soon as I can."

"You're an Avenger, not some pop artist." He muttered, frustrated with the situation. HIs fingers tightened around her waist, but she was already shifting, slipping from his fingers.

She sighed, rolling her eyes playfully. "The world looks up to the Avengers, and they have proven that with an Avenger in attendance donations go up. And Stark insists that it helps with our PR."

James scoffed, shaking his head. "Yes, because heaven knows the team that saves the world day after day needs better PR."

Natalia tilted her head, red curls falling over her shoulder as she gave him a pointed look. "Maybe I am doing it because the man I love needs all the good PR he can get right now."

His breath hitched, chest tightening as his gaze shifted to the court orders lying on the table beside them. The official stamp, papers filled with cold impersonal language. Orders to appear in court for crimes committed by the Winter Soldier. Crimes done by his hands, even if it hadn't been his mind. The media always neglected that detail. But he couldn't blame them.

He swallowed hard.

She was right, the headlines focusing on him were already brutal. He didn't need to drag her into them. No one would be thrilled to learn that the Black Widow had chosen the Winter Soldier, that she stood beside him through everything. The world didn't know their past, the things they knew about each other. The ghosts, the nightmares, the blood on each others hands.

"Hey," She placed her hand on his cheek, her voice softer than before. The warmth of her fingers pulled him out of his swarming thoughts. "It will all work out, I promise."

He knew he should believe her. He wanted to, wanted to trust her every word. The quiet conviction of her voice. It had worked out for her, how could she not have the same belief that it would for him? But he couldn't so he just nodded his head, her lips pressing a a sot kiss to his cheek.

"I will be home before you know it."

He let out a slow breath, resigning himself to the inevitable. She had leave, he could argue, plead, beg, offer a million excuses for her to stay, but it wouldn't matter. Natalia had made a promise, and Natalia Romanoff never broke a promise.

But that didn't mean he'd have to like it.

She stepped back, fingers leaving his skin. She checked her reflection in the mirror beside the front door. She was dressed far too simple for an award show, but she had assured him he'd love whatever get up they put her in once she walked the red carpet. He had no doubts her Widow's Bites would be a part of the outfit. She wouldn't be caught dead in a crowded area with out a weapon. She reached for her bag and turned back to him.