i'm with you, every step of the way

Chapter 7

Thanksgiving break has started and they don't have school for a whole week. It might be a luxury to some, but for Natasha, that whole week is even more stressful. She has homeworks and projects to do, as well as tests to study for. The only good thing to the break is her not seeing anyone from school, except for Bucky, of course, who goes to her house to study and do work with her everyday.

On Thanksgiving day, Natasha's family hosted a small dinner that consists of Bucky, Steve and their families, and Wanda and Pietro also came over to visit. The day her cousins came was a joy to Natasha because it was a surprise. She woke up to a screech and opened her eyes to see Wanda's face looming over her and she jumped up, almost tackling Wanda down. They squealed and hugged, and Pietro went in a little bit later. They all called Bucky to come over right away.

"Tash, I missed you so much!!!" Wanda exclaimed and proceeded to hug Natasha even more. They haven't seen each other since earlier that year, when Natasha's parents visited them.

"Me too! You guys, I'm so happy you're here!!! You didn't even call, I could've told Bucky to come earlier," Natasha said and pouted, poking Pietro's side.

"We told Auntie not to tell you! We wanted it to be a surprise!!!" Pietro said, shrugging and pointing to their moms, who are busy catching up and laughing on the other couch. The doorbell rang and the three ran to the door, where Bucky eventually let himself in.

"JAMEEEES!!!!" Wanda screamed and jumping on Bucky, who luckily caught her in time. "You punk, I haven't seen you in ages ," she exclaimed and hit his shoulder playfully, still hugging him.

Bucky laughed and hugged her back, "Yeah, I know, I'm sorry. It was nice talking to you guys on the phone, though. And I'm so happy we'll all celebrate Thanksgiving together!" Bucky said, letting go of Wanda to give Pietro a brief hug and a pat on the back.

"Man, you work out or something?" Pietro asked, pointing at Bucky's toned arms and comparing it to his. Bucky rolled his eyes and laughed.

"Oh oh oh, is Steve coming? I haven't heard a single peep from him!!!" Wanda said, looking at Bucky and Natasha, who shared a look.

"Uh, yeah, he'll be here later," Natasha answered her and smiled. She hasn't told Wanda nor Pietro about her situation with Steve. She looked at Bucky, who looks like might say something, and shook her head. She knew about Steve having a soft spot for Wanda and she doesn't want to ruin their reunion. She just hopes that Steve won't treat her like the way he treats them.

The four of them spent the whole day helping Natasha's mom and aunt prepare for the dinner. Wanda and Natasha baked cookies and cupcakes while Bucky and Pietro help decorated them and also helped with measuring and mixing some food ingredients, under heavy instructions from Natasha's mom. Wanda and Natasha snapped a picture of the boys, wearing aprons and measuring sauces using a beaker, looking serious and so concentrated. They giggled and immediately hid the phone, careful not to be seen by the two. The dinner starts at 6 so everyone finished at 4 so they can have time to clean up and get ready.

Bucky left and will come back with his parents later on, and Wanda and Natasha ran to Natasha's room to get ready. Pietro pouted and retreated to the guest room so he can change, but he will be sleeping on an air mattress on the floor of Natasha's room. The two girls picked out nice but simple dresses to wear, and did each other's makeup.

The doorbell rang and the two ran down, it was exactly 6. Wanda opened the door to find Steve standing there with his mom and she threw herself at him, surprising him. Natasha watched from the side, a small amused smile on her lips. Pietro heard the commotion and went out of the room, and went straight to Steve's side.