Endgame Romanogers Fanfic

Final - Part 1

The only person to notice Oliver's ironic and satisfied smile at Steve's last comment was Natasha. She knows what's coming once Steve leaves with James in a few hours... Oliver is going to be extra gentle with her and very careful with Sara...

Oliver: Morning! I hope my couch is still intact. I wouldn't want to lie down on the remnants of another man. I'd have to sleep in my bed... with your woman.

Steve looked slowly at Oliver, completely out of patience and with not a trace of sympathy.

Natasha frowned at Oliver's disgusting comment, he had no filter.

Oliver: I mean... if she's still your woman.

He laughed.

Oliver: I brought breakfast! For the ladies only. And for the kids, of course.

He provoked again.

Oliver: But Steve, being American, you probably like eggs for breakfast... Feel free to find a hen and nest on the ranch, I'm sure you'll manage.

Steve: Don't worry, Oliver. I'm not hungry.

Oliver: I am not worried at all. Not one bit.

Steve glanced at Natasha as if to say, "Why are you with a man like this?" She understood the look and just shook her head.

Natasha: What time does James usually wake up?

Steve: Depends... in a new place like this, pretty early. Strange he's not calling for me already.

Natasha: He's in his safe space... we set up a tent of sheets for him to sleep in.

Natasha smiled slightly, and Steve thought about smiling back but didn't, he was irritated by Oliver's presence.

Natasha: I think it's adorable he still likes that.

Steve: He does, even tho Sharon questioned whether it's normal, considering how he constantly seems to feel protected in those "tents."

Natasha frowned, not understanding the concern.

Steve: The question is, why does he still need it? What makes him afraid enough to seek that out? We thought it was his way of coping with your loss.

Natasha: I think you're overthinking it. James has liked that since he was a baby, even before my "death." I believe all kids have a thing... a habit or quirk that makes them feel safe and happy.

Steve: What's Sara's?

Natasha: Well... I take back what I said about "all kids"...

Steve: She doesn't have a safe place?

Natasha: Thinking about it, I guess people are her safe space. She doesn't like being alone; she insists on being held and having physical contact...

Steve: And Sara doesn't allow that?

Natasha: No. If I leave her strapped in a seat or stroller, she'll call me 500 times. If I take longer than three minutes to pick her up, she'll cry non-stop... believe me... and the worst part is that just being on my lap isn't enough. She wants attention... wants to play with me, talk to me or whoever's with her.

Steve: She's very communicative.

Natasha: Annoyingly so.

Natasha looked toward the kitchen and saw Oliver setting the table, then looked back at Steve.

Natasha: I wish I could leave with you this morning.

Steve: It's not the time yet.

Natasha: I agree. But it's going to be hard.