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Pain. Was the first thing Natasha Romanov the world-renowned spy registered. Before she even opened her eyes she tried to gather her injuries in her mind.
Left shoulder burning probably dislocated she thought, shit. She couldn’t feel her right leg at all which was definitely not good. She started moving her fingers around. ‘Okay at least I can feel them’ she thought. Her skull felt like it had been split in half ‘Mild concussion nothing new’. She slowly opened her eyes taking into account where she was when she saw her best friend, her partner, climbing up the mountain. With one last glimpse, her eyelids grew heavy and closed. Her last thought before losing consciousness was a special message to Wanda 'Я люблю тебя Princtessa'

It started as a normal day in the Barton household for Wanda and Laura. The two women woke up early and went down to the kitchen. Wanda filled the kettle and put it on the stovetop to boil for tea. Laura got to work on making pancakes for the family.
After the whistling of the Kettle alerted Wanda that it was ready to be poured she swiftly grabbed it and poured it into two mugs before setting it down in the sink. She picked out her and Laura's favorite tea and dropped the bags into the mugs before taking them to the table. Just as Laura began to plate the pancakes, two sets of footsteps came running down the stairs.

The family ate in comfortable silence. Before they knew it the school bus was pulling up to the family's home to collect the kids for school. Mere seconds after waving them goodbye on the porch Wanda felt the worst pain she's ever had. Her skull feeling like it was being ripped in half, black and white dots suddenly filled her vision as her knees went weak. "Wanda!" Laura screamed at her friend as she reached down to scoop her up before she hit the floor.

Laura went down with Wanda setting her head on her lap as Wanda's face scrunched up in visible pain. Tears slowly formed on the waterline of the young witch's eyes. thoughts racing through her mind but one particularly stood out. The one that was telling her over and over again 'Я люблю тебя Princtessa' (I love you Princtessa).
After a few very long minutes Wanda's eyes began fluttering opening. "W-what?" her mind struggling to catch up with her now conscious body.

She tried to sit up but a comforting pair of hands held her shoulders down "Careful sweetie" came Laura's sweet voice. "You wanna tell me what happened?" She asked softly. "I-I don't know all I saw was d-darkness and I felt oh I felt the worse pain" She young girl said, her words stumbling out of her mouth. "Hush sweetie" Laura spoke in a low tone brushing the hair out of her face "you're alright now". It was just then that overhead they both heard what sounded faintly familiar to a Quinjet flying overhead. It slowly got louder and louder until it dropped down into the trees just ahead of them. "They're home" came Wanda's sweet but pain filled voice.

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"They're home" came Wanda's sweet but pain filled voice. Laura quickly helped the younger woman stand as they waited for the Quinjet to land in front of them. Once it finally touched the grass and powered down the rear hatch opened up. Clint was standing there, a grim look on his face and an arm around his waist. "Clint!" came Laura's voice as she sprinted towards him. Once she reached the Quinjet Clint enveloped her in his arms holding on tight as to never let go again.

"W-where's-" she couldn't seem to spit the words out. Wanda stood there with her eyes glazed over. Tears began to fall from her face without warning she seemed to get light headed but gripped onto the post next to her. "Where's - Nat?" She said taking deep breaths between words. Words she never thought she'd have to say again ever since the last time Natasha ran away. She'd always come back, she had promised her.

Clint looked up at the young brunette with a sincere face. "No! No- this can't be happening! You liar! She's around here somewhere!" The young witch's breaths became shorter and faster as her mind was getting the better of her. Clint and Laura quickly picked up on this and began slowly walking towards the frightened witch. Laura raised her hands up slowly in front of her as she approached the young girl. "Hey Wanda stay with me dear" she said in a calm flat tone. Wanda's head shot up revealing her Scarlett glowing eyes. When the couple saw this they both took a step back and tried to reason with the girl before she hurt them or worse, herself.

Wanda was stuck in her own head with her thoughts racing way too fast. Her vision became blurred and all she could make out was the shape of someone standing right in front of her. 'Laura it must be Laura' she thought to herself as the older woman placed her hands gently on her upper arms. "Wanda dear, I need you to calm down" she said in a calm voice. Wanda was visibly shaking and her knees betrayed her as she plummeted to the ground. Laura was quick to catch her and lay her down slowly. Though the girls eyes were still glowing she had seemed to calm down a bit and her breathing was getting back to normal. Clint had run to the Quinjet to grab a sedative returned to the two women and crouched down next to them.

"Wanda can you hear me? It's Clint" came his booming voice. Wanda visibly flinched at the sudden loudness. "Sorry dear, I'm gonna give you a little shot to help you calm down alright?" She nodded before looking back at Laura and closing her eyes. Clint slowly injected the sedative into her arm. Within minutes she was asleep. Though before she had given in to the sedative she mumbled out an odd sentence that caught both Clint and Laura off guard. "and at the end of the episode you realize it was all a bad dream"

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It was early morning that Wanda woke up to arguing downstairs.

“You can't just keep that from her!” Laura yelled. “She deserves to know! She was her girlfriend!”. ‘Was’ that word hit her like a train. It was a harsh reality nonetheless, but one she would soon have to face. I listened from my spot at the top of the stairs as Laura proceedingly raised her voice louder and louder at Clint.

It wasn’t much longer after Wanda had woken up and sat on the top of the steps that the yelling quieted down and she heard footsteps heading her way. Without much warning Clint headed up the stairs only to stop and see the young witch sitting there looking at him with wide eyes.

“How much of that did you hear?” He asked in a concerning voice. Wanda just shrugged her shoulders and moved to walk away. She wasn’t in the mood for talking. Clint reached out and tried to grab her arm only for her to quickly turn and pull her arm from his grasp. “Do not.” She said in a stern voice, her eyes slowly gaining back that Scarlet color. “Woah wanda come on it’s me calm down” came Clint’s anxious voice.

Wanda looked at him before turning around and swiftly entering her room. The older man raced to catch up with her before she managed to shut her door. “What could you possibly want?” She was clearly pissed off. “Talk to me Wanda, what’s wrong?”.

“What's wrong? You’re asking ME what’s wrong?” Wanda said before taking a step closer to the man. “You led my girlfriend on a suicide mission! You let her die!” Her voice boomed throughout the quiet household alerting Laura as to what was going on.

“You let my best friend, my Princtessa die! You had one damn job!” She yelled at the older man’s face. She could feel her powers running through her body. The energy coursing through her veins. She had no outlet. She had nobody to talk to. She was alone. Again.

“Wanda I’ve told you she chose to sacrifice herself to bring everyone else back!” Clint tried to reason with the younger girl but she was obviously not having any of it. At that time Laura had already come up the stairs and was standing in the doorway. “What in the hell is going on up here” She asked, visibly confused.

“You’re. heroic. Husband.” she said, punctuating every word. “Let MY girlfriend die” the girl was clearly fuming. Laura was in shock that the young girl could be so angry. “Wanda dear there was nothing he could do” She was trying to defuse the situation before it grew dangerous. More dangerous than it currently was.

Wanda stood in a defensive stance ready for anything that would happen. But there was one thing she could never prepare for. A knock on the door.

It startled the 3 adults as The Barton family home was not known to very many people but a few. SHIELD had made sure that they stayed a secret. Before they could even register the first knock they heard another. It sounded more urgent. The trio all headed cautiously down the stairs. The young brunette slowly walked towards the door. She slid the curtains around the window and caught a glimpse of the same shade of red hair she never thought she’d see again.

Wanda quickly swung open the door only to see the red-head leaning heavily on the door frame, her eyes squinting. Her left arm hung at an awkward angle while she favored her right leg. Her right arm was holding tight around her ribs. Her hair no longer smooth but crusted over with blood and debris. Her once vibrant emerald green eyes are now glossed over and dull. There was dried blood coming from somewhere in her hairline. She looked like she had been to hell and back in the past two days.

Wanda quickly enveloped the older woman in her arms. In return the red head let out a pained groan. She looked up at Wanda and showed a very weak smile before her eyes rolled back and closed. Her knees betraying her and giving out laying all her weight onto the younger woman.

“Guys! Guys! Help it’s Nat!” Wanda yelled to the couple behind her who haven’t said a word since she opened the door. They quickly ran over to help her support the older woman's weight. Clint scooped her up into his arms in a bridle carry and took her to the guest room downstairs that overtime slowly became her own.

He left the two women standing there by themselves. Before Wanda could protest tears came rushing from her eyes and she grew weak. Laura quickly turned and held the younger woman in her arms. “She’s home” came Wanda’s quiet voice. “She’s home” Laura repeated in a reassuring manner.

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Clint swiftly took Nat into his arms and carried her to the bedroom straight away leaving the two women behind. He quickly placed her onto the middle of the bed. Just before Laura and Wanda had come running in the room.

Clint had backed away as he wasn’t sure what to do and didn’t want to get into anyone's way. He stood near the door ready to run to get whatever it was the women decided they needed. Wanda slowly walked over to the bed and held Nat in her arms. Relishing the moment she was finally home. Her Princtessa. She looked so lifeless just laying there.
Laura swiftly got to work trying to assess her injuries. Her black catsuit was torn all over and stained a crimson red. No matter how hard I tried to convince myself It wasn’t her blood I knew it was.
Natasha looked so small just laying there on her lap. It pained Wanda to see her like this. She promised she would always come home but not always in one piece. There was always a risk with her job. It was never a guarantee she would make it back alive.
Laura had removed her catsuit from her revealing bruises of all different shades littered amongst her lower abdomen. Like the cruelest of flowers they bloomed in all shades.
Her legs weren’t as bad but her right knee looked a mean shade of purple.
Her ankle bent in an unnatural way. Wanda couldn’t help but grimace as the suit made a sickly peeling noise as it was removed.
Clint couldn’t bear looking at his partner anymore and quickly left the room. The two women moved the older woman onto her stomach as carefully as they could without waking her. As soon as they flipped her she let out a pained muffled groan.
Wanda was quick to reassure her. “Hush my dear, you’ll feel better soon okay?” She said in her most calming voice. She was given a small nod, almost imperceptible.

Laura was doing her best to take count of all the cuts and bruises but after falling from some couple hundred feet and surviving and dragging yourself home? Who knew the damage.
It was obvious the girl had multiple broken and bruised ribs. Not much you could do with those unless you wrapped them. So that’s just what she did. She wanted Natasha as still as possible while healing.
The oldest woman yelled out to her husband asking him to grab her bandages. Within a few minutes there was a knocking at the door and Wanda quickly got up to open it and grab the bandages and shut the door. But before she did Clint caught a glimpse of his partner's mangled body and grew pale at the sight. He quickly turned on his heels and headed to the bathroom.
“Poor Guy” came Laura’s voice. “Always been great with helping but never with actually seeing what happened”.
Wanda only nodded in agreement before heading back over to the bed. She handed Laura the bandages before heading to the bathroom attached to Natasha’s room and grabbing a damp washcloth to wipe her upper body down.
She walked over to the bed and began swiping at Nat’s bruised and battered body. She could hear her letting out muffled groans if she applied to much pressure.
By the time she was finished the washcloth was an entirely different color. Wanda got back up and walked into the restroom to grab nother.
When she got back Laura had unraveled the bandages and was patiently waiting.
“I need you to sit behind her and hold her up so we can get this around her waist” She said in a calming tone. Wanda simply nodded her head before moving to sit behind Natasha. They gently rolled her over as they didn’t know if she had any spinal damage. Slowly Wanda put her arms underneath Nat’s shoulders and lifted her. As soon as she moved the slightest bit Natasha cried out. Wanda quickly laid her flat on the bed and whispered reassurances in her ear.
A thin line of sweat had formed against the older woman's forehead as she lay there.
Wanda looked up at Laura with fear in her eyes. Laura just smiled and they tried again.

This time Wanda got Natasha halfway there before she started crying out. The younger woman looked to Laura for reassurance and that’s what she gave her. “Alright dear” she spoke softly reaching out to Natasha’s face to wipe the hair from it. “A little further okay?” she spoke in her motherly tone.
Natasha made a small nod.
Wanda readjusted her grip on her girlfriend before pulling her the rest of the way into a sitting position. At this point the older woman was visibly shaking and sagged against Wanda. All her energy was gone at this point.
Laura began wrapping her abdomen stopping every once and a while to make sure it wasn’t too tight. After she was finished Natasha was clearly exhausted. Both women wondered when she had last slept. It was not rare for Natasha to go days without sleeping.

Natasha allowed her defenses down as she rested her body weight on her girlfriend behind her. Though sitting up she was comfortable enough to lean her head back and rest it on Wanda’s shoulder before rolling it inwards towards her neck where she proceeded to leave it there, Giving both women a good look at the marks that littered it.
They both decided to give her a few minutes to rest before looking at her injured knee which had turned an ugly shade of reddish blue.
The sight was sickening. Laura used the leftover bandage wrap on her leg hoping it would stay immobilized. Her ankle was another story and would definitely need to be set when she was more awake.
Natasha’s face was scrunched up in pain. They knew it must be quite the amount as she was trained from a very young age to hide her pain from everyone.
Wanda had moved from behind her to beside her allowing the older lady to lay against her. Laura had silently picked up the mess that had been made and stepped out of the room. Only moments later stepping back in with blankets to cover the two. Wanda closed her eyes slowly before opening them back up and looking down at Natasha in her arms. Sleeping peacefully bundled up and bandaged. A comfortable silence fell over the room as Laura stood there keeping an eye on the two.
It wasn’t until Natasha had started moving around in her sleep that Wanda held her a bit tighter so she wouldn’t hurt herself. After she stopped moving and relaxed again Wanda looked up at Laura who was obviously thinking the same thing she was.

‘What the hell happened to her’.

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Laura was taxed both mentally and physically but she couldn’t bring herself to rest. She stood in the kitchen with her hands resting on the sink as she looked out the window. The sun was beginning to rise on the horizon.

Without realizing it, she gripped the edge of the sink. Her knuckles turned white and her mind clouded. Clint came in the kitchen behind her snaking his arms around her waist and leaning his head on her shoulder. She leaned into the touch and released the sink.

“What’s wrong my love?” He asks. She took a deep breath trying to keep herself composed. Though as soon as she opened her mouth to speak her voice betrayed her. She couldn’t get any words out.

She turned around in his arms and wrapped them around him tightly. Clint returned the show of affection and held her close. They stood there for several moments just enjoying each other’s company. The room was silent other than the occasional sob from Laura and the reassuring whispers from Clint. “You’re exhausted dear, why don’t we try to get some sleep?” He asked pulling back a ways to try and see her face. She refused to let him go and kept holding on.

He sighed and gave in. He lifted his arms down to her thighs and picked her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist as they made their way to their bedroom. He laid her on their shared bed before laying down next to her. She turned to face him without saying a word.

They laid there for a few minutes before Clint heard Laura’s breathing even out. That’s when he allowed himself to close his eyes and get some much needed rest. The couple managed to get a few hours in before they woke up to crying from the room downstairs.

The two quickly ran downstairs and into the guest room Nat and Wanda were staying in. They opened the door only to see Nat’s body convulsing and Wanda holding her head and sobbing. It was obvious how distressed the younger girl was.

Laura quickly scooped down to move Natasha on her side while Clint carefully guided the red head out of the room by her shoulders before she collapsed into his arms. She went limp in his arms as he carefully scooped her up and held her in his lap.

Several moments later they heard the door creak open and they both turned their heads towards it. Laura stood in the doorway, leaning heavily against it, the light from the sun shining through the windows making the dark circles under her eyes more noticeable. She stood there for a moment before slowly closing her eyes and swaying. The younger woman looked up in fear as Clint jumped up to catch her before she hit the ground.

“Laur, honey come on wake up” Clint called as he lowered her to the ground. Wanda had no idea what was happening and slid to the corner of the room in a tight ball. ‘Great’ he thought to himself. ‘I have a partner who’s dying in my guest room, with a girlfriend who’s greatly overwhelmed, and my wife is unconscious’
Clint tapped the side of Laura’s cheek hoping to coax her back to the land of living. After a few minutes she finally opened her eyes. “There’s my love” Clint said sweetly helping her sit up. Laura took a few seconds to gain her bearing before looking over to the corner Wanda currently had herself balled up in.

She made a move to get over there but Clint held her back “Rest is what you need not stress” He said gently as he helped her stand. “Can you make it upstairs okay?” He asked and she nodded gently as her eyes slowly closed again. “Woah there, let’s keep those eyes open, yeah?” Laura didn’t respond but simply leaned against Clint again. He sighed before he bridal carried her up the stairs to their room. He laid her on the bed just before he heard a crash from downstairs and the front door open.

“Wanda!” He yelled from the room as he sprinted downstairs only to see a vase was shattered and there was blood on the ground. He ran full speed out the front door and caught a glimpse of Wanda’s orange hair in the woods. He kept running knowing he could catch up with the younger girl.

The chase lasted a few minutes before he caught up with the younger woman and leapt forward taking them both to the ground. A series of grunts and groans came from the two of them before they slid to a halt.

“Let me go!” Wanda pleaded as she struggled against Clint’s strong arms. “You know I can’t do that” He said, holding her tighter. She pleaded with him to let her go, to let her run, it’d be better that way. He never let up and eventually relaxed into his arms. He half carried half supported the younger woman as they walked back to the Farmhouse. The door still open and standing in the frame looking ready to collapse at any given time, Natasha.

Wanda looked at her love before pushing away from Clint and running towards her. The younger woman enveloped Nat in her arms, holding a hand at the back of her head she leaned down and their lips touched. The moment both women were waiting for. Nat wrapped her arms around Wanda’s waist leaning heavily on her girlfriend. Eventually both pulled away needing air. Nat looked up into cloudy blue eyes “Printcessa” she said as she placed her hand on Wanda’s cheek. “You’re okay” the younger woman said as she held Nat tighter afraid she’d slip away if she let go. “I’m okay” Nat replied with a kiss causing both women to smile for the first time in a very long time. In that moment they both thought maybe, just maybe, they’ll be okay.

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Clint awkwardly stood there as the two women embraced each other. Being the person he is, he felt the need to make a comment to them “Hey lovebirds get a room”. The two women just looked at him and kissed each other again, making a show out of it. He looks away but not before saying “ew really?”.

Wanda just looks down at Nat and smiles. She was just happy to have her back. She couldn’t care less what anyone else said to her. Natasha was her world and she lost her once, She refused to lose her again.

The couple stood on the porch. Blue staring into green. Their moment short lived as almost on cue Laura came running out the door saying the kids were on their way home just as her parents' car pulled into the driveway.

The two separated quickly and stood on opposite sides of the porch. Wanda looked disappointed while Nat was leaning heavily onto the post. Laura had walked behind Nat to ask if she wanted to head back inside. Determined to greet the kids she declined. Laura nodded her head and walked to her husband as they stood waiting for their kids to exit the car.

First came Cooper barreling out of the backseat and running into his dad’s arms. Next was Lila who ran straight into her mothers waiting arms. The couple embraced their children as Laura’s parents stood outside the car.

Her father cleared his throat before holding up the kids’ bags. Clint walked up to the man and shook his hand before taking the bags. Laura called out to her parents and said ‘thank you’ before they both got into the car and backed down the driveway.

It took exactly 5 seconds for the kids to see their favorite aunt’s standing on the porch. Natasha was now leaning all her body weight onto the post looking as if she could pass out any moment. LIke she could almost drift away with the wind. Wanda was shooting worried glances her way but paid no mind.

Lila yelled out for Nat and ran to her. It seemed to almost happen in slow motion. Lila climbed the last step and jumped for her aunt to catch her. Her arms high in the air as Nat quickly tried her best to support both their weights. But with no luck and her knees betraying her. They tumbled to the ground.

Nat held Lila close to her chest and safe. The child wasn’t hurt in any way, however when they went down Natasha hit her head against the porch. She was still holding Lila in her arms refusing to let her go. Everyone came running over, Wanda being the first, took Lila from her arms and set her down. After checking for injuries she moved to Nat who held her eyes shut and her hands grasping at air.

Clint came by swooping Lila up and into the kitchen along with Cooper. Laura kneeled behind Nat’s head and scooped it up into her lap. “Sweetie, let me see those pretty eyes” “Come on I know you can open them for us” Laura called out lightly tapping her face.

“Nat come on, you gotta wake up baby” Wanda called hoping she’d open her eyes again. A few minutes passed and Nat’s eyes slowly flickered open. “There are those pretty eyes” Laura said running her fingers through the redheads hair to coax her back to the land of the living.

“Ow” came her shattered voice. “Did i-” knowing what the older woman was about to say Wanda cut her off “No honey, she’s fine, you didn’t hurt her”. Wanda held her hand as they all just sat there letting Nat tell them when she was ready to move. “I-its nice out here today” she said, trying to spark conversation. “It is indeed” Laura replied as she carded her fingers through her hair.

After a few more minutes of sitting there Wanda suggested they tried to move inside. At that suggestion Natasha tensed up and tried to shift away from the two. “No ya don’t” came Laura’s voice pulling the woman back into her arms. “I don’t w-want to head back inside”. “Hey, we’re just gonna go sit on the couch” Wanda said, inching closer to her. She laid a reassuring hand on her lower back and they again sat there momentarily enjoying each other's company.

Laura had grown sore of sitting on the floor so she stood up and held a hand out to help Wanda up as well. Both the women reached down and helped Nat stand up. She stood up too fast and fell forward slightly before both women held her anchored to the ground. They both had an arm on her lower back and her arm to help stabilize her.

The 3 women slowly made their way into the house. Clint was in the kitchen making lunch for everyone as they stepped through the door. The kids looked over towards their mom and aunts unsure of what to do. Clint called them to the table and let Wanda and Laura help Nat to the couch. They sat her down slowly, trying not to aggravate any of her injuries. The last thing they needed was her bleeding out.

After getting her adjusted on the couch they got up and walked to the kitchen. Within a few minutes Nat called Lila over. Laura and Clint shared a look before having her see her Aunt. “Hey dear you know I never meant to scare you earlier right?” She looked at the child waiting for an answer. She was given a small nod. “That jump of yours just surprised me a little bit, okay?” “See I’m alright, just a bit sore” She was trying to reassure herself more than she was Lila. Lila just looked up at her and said “you was fightin’ bad guy?”. “Yeah sweetie, I fought a bad guy” She lied. She knew it was a lie but how could she tell her that she sacrificed herself to save her father and the rest of the universe and was still alive. How could you explain that to a child?

The two sat on the couch in a comfortable silence as everyone else made lunch for today. Clint came over to get Lila as lunch was ready. He held his arms out but Nat made no move to let her go. She looked at Clint and he relented. “Alright Nat, you wanna come sit with us at the table?” She nodded her head. “You gotta let Lila go first, I can’t help you both up” “old man” she remarked. She opened her arms and let Lila go run and join everyone at the table. Clint had braced himself against the couch and had his hands on her upper arms. “On the count of 3 I’m gonna pull you up, okay?” He told her. She looked up at him and nodded, knowing damn well this would hurt her ribs. He counted down and swiftly pulled her up where she went forwards into his arms. She squeezed her eyes shut waiting for the pain to go away. After a minute it eased enough that she could move.

The two walked slowly to the table where she sat between Wanda and Laura. Clint had made sandwiches for everyone and had set out drinks. Natasha reached with her left arm and quickly pulled it back when she felt a jolt of pain in it. Hoping to quickly cover it up she “coughed” into her arm and reached with her right arm.

Much to her luck both Wanda and Laura noticed. Laura had reached for the younger womens glass and brought it closer for her. Nat looked at her with thanks. She hesitantly began to eat her sandwich as everyone else dove hungrily into their lunches. She had not yet regained her appetite so she ate very little.

After a few bites she began feeling sick so she stopped. She just sat there listening to the conversations being had. After a while the conversations dwindled and Laura stood up collecting the dishes. Clint took the kids to the living room to watch TV while Wanda sat with Nat.

“Are you alright?” She asked, her voice full of concern. “You look a little pale”. Natasha just managed to nod her head. Wanda reached out and put her hand on the older woman's forehead. “You’re hot sweetie, are you sure you feel okay?” She asks again. “I’m fine Wands just leave it” She shrugged her off.

Wanda just sighed and went back to drinking her water. It all happened so quickly. One second Clint’s with the kids in the living room and Wanda and Laura are doing the dishes. A wave of nausea rushed over Nat. She knew she wouldn’t make it to the bathroom in time so she ran to the trash can emptying what little was in her stomach. With the last of it she collapsed to the ground sweaty and exhausted.

She felt hands on her body pulling her into their lap. ‘It’s wanda’ she thought. “Oh honey you’re burning up” Laura said as she placed her hand on Nat’s forehead. She just managed a weak smile before giving into the blackness.

It wasn’t until a few hours later that she woke up in the arms of Wanda. She tried to roll over but there was a tug in her arm. She sighed and opened her eyes to see Wanda’s brunette hair splayed out across the satin pillowcase. Her arm over Nat’s waist holding her there. A banana bag hanging from the head of the bed.

She sighed again before snuggling into Wanda’s chest. Holding on tight for fear that when she wakes up she would be gone. In a few moments Wanda’s arm tightened her hold and her head rested on Nats. The young couple fell back into a much needed slumber. Maybe just maybe they’d be okay.

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The day started off fine. Nat was showing signs of improvement and Wanda was slowly but surely getting better as well. Clint and the kids were doing fine, as for Laura? Laura wasn’t that great.

A few days had passed since the kids came home. Nat spiked a fever in the middle of the night and Laura came to keep an eye on her. Her original plan was just to give her some medicine and let her rest. But Nat’s body had other ideas. Just as Laura was leaving the young couple’s room she heard someone trying to get up.

She looked back and saw as Nat quickly tried to run to the bathroom but failed and ended up on the floor. Laura rushed over and helped half carry and walk her to the bathroom. She scrambled to open the toilet lid moments before the younger woman started dry heaving.

Laura sat next to her pulling her hair back into a low ponytail to try and cool her down. After a few minutes Nat slumped back and against Laura’s front. She sat there for a few minutes slowly trying to rock her back to sleep like she did when her kids were babies.

However that didn’t work. Natasha was still burning up. Luckily Wanda had yet to wake up from the noise they were making. Laura didn’t wanna push her luck. So she slowly helped her get up and to the family bathroom. Thankfully also downstairs. The older woman closed the door with a soft click before turning the bathroom light on and setting Nat down on the floor.

She moved over to the bathtub and began running some cool water. Once the tub was deemed to be filled enough. Laura looked back to Nat and helped her undress. She slowly helped her up and into the tub. That’s where they spent the majority of their time. Natasha sat in the bath while Laura pulled her hair back into a braid.

An hour or so passed and the water became too cold. Laura had begun draining the water and told Nat she would be right back. Quickly she had moved to their room and grabbed a few of Nat’s comfy clothes before heading back to the bathroom. When she arrived in the bathroom Nat was slumped over.

Laura slowly walked over to her and gently shook her shoulder. The younger woman slowly opened her eyes and looked around. She didn’t really remember how she got here but relaxed when she saw Laura’s concerned face looking at hers.

“We gotta get you dressed honey” She said softly. Nat just closed her eyes and nodded. “Come on just a few more minutes and then we can go lay down” thankfully that was enough to coax her into getting dressed. Laura put her arms under Nat’s and lifted her up and on the edge of the bathtub. She helped her put on one of her sports bras. Her legs took a lot of damage but were slowly healing. Still, she helped Nat slide on her underwear and then a pair of leggings.

After a few minutes of building up her energy. Laura hooked Nat’s arm around her shoulder while hers went around her waist. They slowly but surely made it to the couch in the living room. Laura helped sit her down on the couch and get comfortable. “I’ll be right back dear, okay?” came her soft voice. “I’m going to run into the kitchen and grab you a drink and some medicine”. Swiftly she walked to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. When she was in the kitchen the time on the stove caught her attention.

‘6:47’. She sighed to herself as she realized she hadn’t slept in quite some time. She walked back to Nat and helped her drink some water before having her lay down. “Close her eyes alright? I’m gonna go get the kids ready for school” Natasha let out a small whimper acknowledging what Laura told her.

Laura walked up the stairs and into the kids rooms. She walked into Cooper’s room and got him up first and then Lila’s. “I’m going to make breakfast, you kids get dressed okay?” They nodded in understanding.

Laura walked down the stairs and into the kitchen where she got out a few bowls for cereal. She usually cooks breakfast but was too tired for it today. After a few minutes she heard the kids coming downstairs. Cooper came first into the kitchen and sat at the table and began eating. Lila however noticed her aunt was on the couch and went to investigate.

She noticed how there was sweat on her face. The little girl reached out and tried to wipe it away when a hand suddenly shot out and grabbed her arm. Not tight enough to hurt for very long but still tight enough to not be able to get away. Before Nat even realized what was going on she was up and running to the other room.

Lila ran into the kitchen and called to her mom. “Mommy! Auntie Nat was laying on the couch and then she shot up and grabbed my arm! But it didn’t hurt and now she’s gone” It took a moment for Laura to realize what was going on. “Lila honey where did she go”. Laura knew Lila was alright and would be, she was worried about where Nat had gone. “She ran that way” Lila said innocently pointing to the backdoor.

“Cooper, watch your sister” Laura said before running upstairs. During the commotion Wanda had come out of her shared room and asked where Nat went. Cooper answered and told her that she woke up and just ran. Wanda could leave the kids alone as Cooper was old enough so she put her shoes on and did what she always has. She ran.

By the time Laura and Clint both came downstairs Wanda was already gone looking for Nat. Thankfully Laura and Clint stayed at home and let her go on her own. It didn’t take long to find Natasha. She was hunched over by a tree half a mile down the road from the house. She walked slowly towards her and called her name. “Nat honey, what’s wrong?”. Showing no signs of hearing her, she walked closer and called her name again. She slowly reached her arm out to put on her back. Nat turned quickly and reached for her arm thinking she was an enemy but quickly stopped herself. “I-I’m so sorry” came her rushed voice as she stumbled back. Wanda quickly reached out to stop her from falling and pulled her into her arms.

“Hey hush, you’re okay, it was an accident” Wanda said as she held her tighter. Nat just simply let go. She’d been through too much. She sobbed and fell into her lovers arms. She knew she was safe. Wanda never let go. She just held her as she cried and eventually they ended up sitting on the ground. Natasha’s head resting in the crook of Wanda’s neck gripping the back of her shirt for dear life. Wanda held an arm around Nat’s waist and the other in her hair.

The two sat there for quite some time without moving. Given time they’d head back to the house. Maybe a few more minutes. Maybe a little bit longer. Just some time to themselves. “You’re driving me crazy, y’know that?” Wanda said into Nat’s hair. Nat just smirked and held her tighter. “I know” came her tired voice.

They sat there just like that, on the side of the road, embracing each other. That’s exactly how Clint found the two when he drove looking for them a little while later.