— 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚

— return, returning her focus to the cakes and the tea. She went for her fork and scooped up her first bite, popping it into her mouth with a delighted hum.

“Wow—this red velvet is amazing. Good choice there.” She winked at him and took another bite.

“It can be easy to do—sometimes a little too easy. But I’ve really missed you and want to see you more. Maybe that’s selfish of me, but it’s the truth.”

Natasha gaze into those blue orbs, expression softening as he caressed so tenderly over her hand. She offered a squeeze in —

— enjoying each other’s company over a snack. She began to open one of the boxes, sliding a piece of cake over to him.

“It really is nice to get out—we should do it more often now that you are back in town. If you want to.. of course.”

The widow grabbed the box that contained their sweet treats and followed the solider over to the booth. She put everything on the table before slipping into the seat, offering a warm smile when he placed her drink in front of her. She had missed these little moments with him, just —

— up into his gaze and she drew in a little closer, realizing just how much she had missed little things like grabbing a tea together.

“Here are your baked items and the teas are almost ready!” The cashier handed over a few boxes containing the cakes and brownie, it smelled delicious.

“I’ll have a black tea as well with milk and sugar. Add one of those double fudge brownies to the order as well. That looks incredible.”

Natasha added to what the solider has said and the cashier happily rang up their order before moving to start making the tea. Her green orbs went drifting —

“I think that there is…looks like they have cakes slices available.”

Natasha smiled when it was finally their turn to step up to the counter, the cashier ready to take their order.

“We will take two slices of the red velvet. And what kind of tea do you have “

“It’s also a small bakery, so there’s plenty of treats to choose from if you are hungry.”

Nat began to lead the solider towards the counter, only an older woman in line before the pair. It almost felt like no time had passed at all standing there with him, the new year off to a good start.

“I know a little place not too far up—it’s nice and quiet. We can enjoy ourselves there.”

Natasha knew that he was not exactly one for social settings, strolling closer towards the doors of the cafe. Her gaze caught his blue eyes and she squeezed his hand, reaching out to open the door.

“Let’s go grab a cup of tea…and talk.”

She reached out to place her hand in his grasp, smile filled with warmth. With a simple tug to his arm the widow began to stroll with the solider along the sidewalk, drifting towards a nearby cafe.

“Wow—restaurant on the beach. Might have to come check that out sometime.” She chuckled softly, though it did sound nice. “I’m Natasha.”

The widow allowed herself to linger in the moment a few seconds longer, his scent and warmth flooding her senses. She gazed into those blue orbs and nodded in agreement, finally pulling back.

“That sounds perfect.”

You are very sweet.

Why don’t you tell me more about yourself.

Her lips curved into a gentle smile, a sense of sorrow and longing present in her emerald hues. Natasha brought her hand up to cradle his neck, thumb caressing along his jawline. It felt like she was back where she belonged.

“We should do some catching up.” She whispered, soft and gentle.

Tell me more.

She went right into his arms, eyes softening from the warmth of his embrace. It had been such a long time, but her feelings for him had always remained the same.

“How have you been?”

She’s appreciates those kinds of compliments.

She smirks back, drifting closer until she’s standing right in front of him.

“I missed you, James.”

Slowly shifts gaze.

Always something.

— babysat. Nat slowly let that revelation settle in before she finally lifted her eyes back to his face.

“Okay— does Fury know about this? Just out of curiosity.”

“My assistant?” The widow echoed in response while her emerald gaze fell to the document he presented, a slight twitch curling on the edge of her lip in annoyance.

She had heard rumors that Shield was going to be collaborating with other agencies, but she had not expected the need to be —

a woman with red hair is wearing a black leather jacket and a white tank top . ALT: a woman with red hair is wearing a black leather jacket and a white tank top .

“I didn’t realize you were so hungry”

Smirks slightly.

“Picky. But if you insist…”

Her lips pursed slightly while she spent a moment allowing her gaze to roam over him, curious as to why he even had a file on her in the first place.

“It’s true…. I’m assuming you know that I’ve been trained extensively to deal with any 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 that I come across.”

“How about a corn dog instead?”

“I suppose that…is all a matter of perspective.”

Seductive Sunday