One Too Many Covers

Chapter Three

Natasha woke to a gentle, even beeping but she kept her eyes closed, taking in the sounds around her. She noticed after a bit that there was someone sitting next to her.. or near her. After a bit, her nose began to feel irritated and she lifted her hand, feeling to find a breathing tube connected to her nose. "Mmph.."

The chair next to her creaked and there was a long exhale, causing her eyes to crack open slightly. "You see, bud. You mom is a class A idiot."

Her lips curled into a smile and her eyes slid open with a confused look of surprise. "Language." Natasha croaked, calling out the other on speaking bad presumably in front of her child.

"I know how to deal with kids, Nat." The man chuckled and she turned her head weakly, gazing at her best friend. He sat in a comfortable chair, a small bundle securely held in his arms. His grey eyes weren't on her, rather affectionately looking down at the infant. "Also, you didn't tell me you were pregnant, Nat. I'm a bit offended."

"I didn't even know where you were, Clinton. You weren't in any of your covers." She accused, frowning a bit. It wasn't her fault she never contacted him.

"You could have easily tracked me down." Clint retorted and stroked his thumb against the infant's chubby cheek.

Natasha's eyes drifting down to the bundle and she bit her lip. "The baby--"

"Healthy, don't worry. He's pretty tiny but surprisingly very healthy," Clint hummed and finally looked up, seeing the tears in her eyes. "Its a boy... I got a nephew." He grinned and stood up slowly, walking to sit on the edge of her bed.

"Yes, you do.." She whispered and timidly held up her hands, wanting to desperately hold her child. Clint carefully settled him into her arms, making sure she had a grip on him correctly. "I know how to hold a baby, Clint."

"Yeah, but you're weak." He muttered in concern and kept his hands on her arms. "Which brings me to my question.. what the hell were you doing alone?"

"I... I thought I could handle it myself." She replied in a quiet voice, drawing an almost angry sigh from Clint.

"Yeah, well because your stubborn Russian ass thought that, you almost died." He stated and her eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't thought it was that bad but she took into account the breathing tube and IV.

"Wha-"

"I've been tracking you casually on and off and it just so /happened/ that you had been admitted to intensive care. I hauled ass over here and answered a dozen phone calls from T'Challa.. You've been out for a couple days." Clint rambled and tears grew in his eyes before he pinched his nose.

"Sorry.." Her voice shook and she held the infant closer to her chest, sniffling a little. Clint let out a shaky breath and then leaned forward, kissing her forehead. He let his lips linger there as he closed his eyes.

She could feel his lips trembling and she felt guilty as he pulled back. "I'm just glad you're awake now." He finally finished and shifted to sit against the headboard with her.

He scooted her over and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her cheek and then kissing the baby's forehead. "Clint.."

"You're like my sister, Natasha.. I can't lose you so stop with the reckless crap, okay?" He muttered, not letting her continue and she sighed, leaning into him.

"Promise.." Natasha rested her head on his shoulder and held the infant closer. He began to stir and her attention was quickly caught by this. As two wide blue eyes peeked open, she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

Clint smiled slowly again and drew her closer to himself so that he could watch her interaction. "Hey there, love.." She smiled happily as the infant giggled in response. "You recognize mama's voice?" She cooed and moved him closer to her face. "O-Oh.. he's so beautiful-" She sobbed softly and she felt Clint's arms tighten around her protectively.

"Looks like you." He murmured but she shook her head.

"No, he looks like Steve.." She whispered, taking in the child's features. Clint made a low hum and sounded fairly relieved.

"Cap's the dad?" He pressed and she nodded. He closed his eyes slightly. "Good.. I'm glad I know /and/ trust this kiddo's dad."

"You thought it was a one night stand or something?" Natasha asked, sounding a bit offended and Clint lifted his hand in a defensive way.

"Did /not/ say that. Though I didn't know what to think because I didn't know you were in anything serious." He defended himself but his words only created a loneliness in her eyes.

"I wasn't.. it was just.. on and off- Steve doesn't know." She shook her head again and shifted a bit as the small boy began to grow fussy and restless.

"Doesn't know? Nat, you gotta tell him." Clint stated firmly and she glared at him, pushing away a bit.

"Oh, no. Don't you start too," She growled lightly and adjusted the baby's position so that he could breastfeed. "I don't want Steve to know. Okay? My decision."

Clint opened his mouth to protest before Natasha's glare convinced him otherwise. "Fine.."

"Anyhow.. how'd you find me?" She whispered, feeling a bit unsecure since it was a new cover. This brought a laugh from Clint and she looked away as he hugged her close again.

"Aw, Nat. That's cute. You think I ever lost you? I keep track of you because I worry about you.. but don't stress out, your cover is secure and very good." She relaxed only a bit after he said that and gazed down at the child suckling on her breast. She sighed gently and stroked his head slowly.

Changing the topic, she kept affectionately touching the baby's neck and back. "You know.. I never thought of baby names for some reason.. want to help me?"

Clint gladly agreed and held her close as they talked.