#her and melina 10/10

[cometblaster2070]

genuinely love ranni's stupid lore dumping ass like first she's just annoyed and embarrassed that we've realized she's in the doll form and then she sends us on a silly little assassination quest because yk we're already there and THEN after all this we sit down and she just starts telling her entire backstory it's so funny.

girl can't keep shit to herself to save her life I love her. like she just immediately launches into the entire reasoning behind her hating the fingers and how iji and blaidd mean so much to her before she's like 'wait fuck I shouldn't have said that forget this conversation ever happened bye.'

also bonus: yk when you face the baleful shadow for the first time and ranni has that banger dialogue like:

"O Shadow, thou'rt the last. Tell the Two Fingers, That Ranni the Witch cometh, to rend thy flesh. With a fateful wound, ne'er to heal."

and it's so funny to me like GIRL I AM THE ONE TRYING TO KILL THIS MF I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M DOING STOP.

it's just embarrassing when your girl's all hype like that and then you get your ass kicked by the baleful shadow like 5 times in a row.

[natbelovasblog]

NATTY HEAD-CANNONS!

PAIRINGS: Natasha Romanoff + Fem!Reader mentions!

SUMMARY: Just some little cute things I can totally see nat doing.

WARNINGS: Softy nat. That’s it.

A/N: Everyone sees her differently, but these are some things that I think it would be like dating Natasha! P.S.! This is my first post of mine on here. I hope you guys like it! Likes, comments and reblogs are always appreciated!

Natasha was very anxious for you to meet her family. The avengers: because they can be a little too pushy and irritating. Especially when your new to the team. Always talking and asking you questions. They can be very overstimulating when you don’t wanna be bothered.

As well as her adoptive family: Yelena, because she’s very much like Natasha herself. Protective. Very very protective. She was scared that Yelena wouldn’t like you, even though there is nothing to not like. She just hoped Yelena would, because her sisters approval means everything to her. Luckily It all went well…Yelena is so obsessed with you. She’s your best friend. She mainly is your best-friend because you make her food. Aka mac and cheese.

Alexei, he’s such a irritable human being, Natasha loves him dearly. But she also is aware he can be too much, as well as embarrassing. Especially with childhood stories.

Melina, She was less nervous about her mom over all of them. Melina is very supportive but she can also be to out-loud if she doesn’t like something. Saying it without a care in the world. So she was nervous Melina would say something rude to you without even noticing.

Natasha is very big on touch, it’s her love language. As well as acts of service and words of affirmation. She loves telling you how much you mean to her while staring into your eyes, and then kissing you deeply. She also is obsessed with getting you things you need. Especially when you’re on your period. She loves going out and buying you what you need- including chocolates, teas and anything or any food that “helps with the pain.” She’ll get you anything you want. Just say the word.

Natasha is a total nerd- no matter what anyone says. She loves re-watching all her favorite movies and saying all the lines. It’s gotten so bad to the point she has to lie to you and say she hasn’t watched the movie yet when she most definitely has, just so you’ll watch it with her. Then a couple minutes in, you’ll hear her silently mumbling the words while mindlessly playing in your hair. Safe to say you scare the shit out of her when you call her out for lying.

Natasha is a terrible cook but she really does try. And not because she needs to please anyone. Not because she needs to prove anything. But just because she wants to. She’s always trying to help people in the kitchen. She loves watching other people cook and loves watching cooking shows. So imagining herself being able to do it is definitely a goal of hers!

Natasha never gets drunk while with you, even if you tell her it’s okay, she refuses. She’ll get a tiny bit tipsy but that’s as far as she’ll go. She always wants to be in her right mind while around you, so she can protect you. The only time she’ll get drunk is when Yelena is with the both of you, and agrees to stay sober, because she knows Yelena will protect you with her life as well.

Natasha’s favorite season out of them all is definitely fall!! She lovesss being able to just cuddle under the covers without being to hot- or too cold. But perfectly content. Plus she loves taking photos of all the pretty leaves and trees- being the nerd she is.

She fiddles with your hands a lot, 9/10 times in the conference room she’ll grab your hand, just mindlessly playing with your rings or putting her rings on your hands to play with if you don’t have any on. Just randomly outlining the creases in your hands or massaging them.

She’s always chewing gum or biting her cheek when she’s nervous or stressed. Just something to keep her mouth busy. Most of the time she’ll just walk up to you and randomly bite your thigh when your reading- as a means to distract her mouth.

She yankes the covers off of you at night- even if she doesn’t mean too. Then when she wakes up in the morning, she covers you up, wondering why you’re never covered up in the mornings.

She’s so so so fucking stubborn. You will not and can not tell this woman anything. It goes in one ear and right out the other, especially if she knows it’s something she’s not supposed to do.

Natasha is not much for PDA, but boy oh boy when you kiss her in public or put your hand on her thigh, she can’t stop the flustered look and cherry red blush from covering her face, and you live for it.

Natasha always pampers you and gives you anything you want or need. Even when you don’t know you want or need something, she does- and immediately gets it for you.

She is a huge coffee addict. It doesn’t matter what time of the day it is- she will have her coffee, when she wants it and exactly how she wants it.

Natasha is very private and sensitive about your shared relationship around her family and friends, but by no means is it a secret.

When you two are in public, she is always holding your hand, belt loop, jacket or she’s either checking around every corner and rooftop. Making sure your safe at all times.

When Natasha used to have nightmares, she would walk down to the kitchen and fix herself some coffee, nervous to wake you up with her yelps and movements if she had fallen back asleep, fallen back into her nightmare. That was used to, when you had first starting sleeping in the same room. But now, she cuddles even closer to you, sometimes even waking you up with a soft “baby” just so she knows that she’s safe as you comfort her. Telling her that your proud of her for waking you up.

Natasha never yells durning fights or disagreements. Her voice may get a little loud, and she may even shout a bit, but she never ever yells. She tells you she’ll be back and goes for walks, or car rides to calm down. Then comes back, hugs and kisses you and sits you down for a talk.

She’s OBSESSED with animals. Cats specifically. She always says she doesn’t like them, trying to be mysterious and different, but in reality you see the little pout come upon her face every time you two see a stray animal or kitten on the street.

[retro1919]

I know you’ve been waiting all day for this Melina said to Jalen as he watched her get the bed ready her big 48NN milk filled titties swayed back and forth slapping together as he jumped up in the bed she gets in with him as he falls into her arms she plugs her titty into his mouth Jalen waist no time pulling away on her titty grunting and groaning with intense pleasure eyes rolling back in his head UMH!!!! UMH!!!!! UMH!!!!! he kept grunting go to sleep Melina kept whispering after 10 more minutes of intense nursing Jalen passes out 🥛🍼😴💤!!!!!

[just-aake]

Boundless Devotion - Part XV (Final)

Pairing: princess!Natasha Romanoff x fem!reader

Summary: MedievalAU. Natasha is the eldest princess of the Romanov Kingdom. As the time of her coronation approaches, she is suddenly forced to make a decision – either find herself a partner or her parents will choose one for her.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15

Warnings: light angst, hurt/comfort, fluff

Words: 8179

It’s difficult to know how much time has passed when you’re trapped within your own mind.

One moment, you’re glaring at the one who you once believed was your father, wishing for his downfall. 

The next, you’re falling into the eyes of the one who holds your heart, all while gripping a dagger aimed at hers.

The lost time spent drifting between reality and darkness always leaves you with a sense of helplessness, especially when you later awaken to discover the actions you took during that time, actions that still haunt you.

Your current condition feels similar to that feeling of being trapped, except, unfortunately, this experience is far more agonizing.

With each passing moment, every part of you aches, both mentally and physically. 

The sensation only seems to intensify, worsening to where it feels as though your entire body is engulfed in flames, burning from the inside out. Even the simple act of breathing becomes a challenge, let alone attempting to move.

At times, the overwhelming agony drains you to the point where your weary mind is tempted to just surrender to the dark void at the edge of your consciousness, promising relief.

But then a voice breaks through amidst all of the pain, calling your name in desperate pleading.

Though your tired mind struggles to place the voice in the moment, it feels familiar. 

There's something about it that warms your heart, making you forget about the pain even if only for a fleeting moment. 

The devastation in their tone is the reason you find the sudden need within you to push through the agony, if only to help alleviate the sadness in their voice.

And so, that's what you decide to do.

You endure, and you stay.

Gradually, it starts getting better. The pain lessens along with fewer waves of feverish sensations coursing through your body. 

Eventually, you hear other voices too, all familiar and all concerned for you. And as your mind slowly recovers from the fog of pain, it begins to piece those voices with their respective owners.

Wanda and Pietro

Yelena and Kate

Carol

Even Queen Melina

Ironically, the one voice you hear the most, always a constant source of comfort and peace at your side, is the one that proves the most challenging to place.

Frustrated at the mystery of this person, you eventually gather enough strength one day to will your mind to wake up, determined to finally discover their identity.

Slowly, your eyes open, and after a few blinks, your vision clears.

The first thing you realize is that you’re not in your room, but the surroundings look familiar. With a dull ache on your stomach, you opt to turn your head instead to survey the rest of the area. 

As your gaze falls upon the sleeping figure by the window, illuminated by the afternoon sun casting a warm glow on her red hair, memories flood back, and you finally recall the owner of that elusive voice.

Natasha

With her eyes closed, the princess sits in her window seat facing you, her head resting on her hand against her bent knee. 

The realization that she must have fallen asleep, likely exhausted from watching over you, causes a sad bittersweet feeling to form in your heart.

Glancing around once more, you take in Natasha’s bedroom, a place you haven’t visited in a while since before everything that had happened last year.

Despite subtle changes in details, everything remains mostly unchanged. Her swords and armor hang securely on the wall, and her shelves are lined with books and personal items that she treasured through the years.

On her desk, a small stack of papers awaits her attention, likely documents of the kingdom needing review, and adjacent to them sits a tray of obviously untouched food.

You frown at the sight, aware of Natasha’s tendency to neglect meals whenever she’s stressed or too busy.

Returning your gaze to her, you notice the dark circles under her eyes, deepening your frown and concern. 

Intending to call out to her and urge her to rest in her bed, you open your mouth, but your parched throat betrays you, plunging you into a painful fit of coughing instead.

Natasha’s eyes snap open instantly, her body tensing in alertness as she searches the room, before locking onto you in realization.

She swiftly rises from the window seat and approaches the edges of the bed where you lie, her hand reaching out to comfort you but then she stops in hesitation just before she touches you.

As you regain your breath, you notice her hand clench with nervous energy before slowly withdrawing to her side.

Summoning your strength, you reach out and grasp her hand firmly, not letting her go far, as you intertwine your fingers and rest them atop the bed. 

You nod toward the bed, silently urging her to stay by your side.

Natasha's tense posture relaxes at your gesture, and a faint, relieved smile forms on her lips as she takes a seat at the edge of the bed. She reaches for the cup on the nightstand, bringing it to your lips and helping you take a sip, soothing your parched throat.

In a whisper so soft as if afraid to break the moment with you, Natasha asks, "How are you feeling?"

“Sore,” you respond honestly, your voice still strained.

A flash of regret flickers across Natasha’s face as she looks towards your injury. Not wanting her to spiral into guilt over what happened, you tug on her clasped hand to bring her attention back to you.

“Can you help me sit up?” you ask, determination in your tone as you release her hand and prepare to push yourself upright.

“You really shouldn’t be moving right now,” Natasha cautions, her hands hovering tentatively in concern.

“I know, but I want to,” you insist. 

The thought of continuing to lie helplessly on your back, a sight that likely tormented Natasha during your time of unconsciousness, doesn’t sit well with you.

You want to reassure her that you’re feeling better than your previously weakened state.

Natasha hesitates, torn between honoring your request or prioritizing your well-being. However, she comes to a decision when she sees the determined look on your face.

“You’re so stubborn,” she remarks with a gentle shake of her head, a hint of fondness in her voice, as her hands move to support you carefully in sitting up against the headboard.

“Takes one to know one,” you tease lightly, offering a small smile as you lean back, taking a moment to catch your breath.

A comfortable silence settles between you as you stare up at the ceiling, lost in thought.

Memories flood back, and you distinctly recall Natasha’s anguished face above you before darkness consumed your vision. 

Your smile drops slightly at the memory, and with a tired sigh, you turn to meet her patient gaze, breaking the silence.

“How long was I out for?” you ask softly.

“Three days,” Natasha responds gently.

Processing the information, disappointment washes over you as you realize what was supposed to have taken place yesterday.

“Your coronation…I missed it,” you say sadly.

Natasha chuckles softly, shaking her head in disbelief at your priority.

“No, you didn’t,” she reassures. “I’m not the queen yet.”

At your confused expression, Natasha continues her explanation.

“I postponed it. And before you say I didn’t have to, you know that there was no way I would have gone through with it without having you there.”

“Besides,” Natasha adds with a playful smirk. “Staying by your side is always better than any kind of event, even if it’s my coronation.”

Her comment lightens the somber atmosphere, drawing a small laugh from you, which makes her grin in turn.

The action causes a dull ache to appear at your side, and unconsciously, your hand moves to brush against the bandages covering where the blade had pierced you, reminding you of your ordeal.

“So what happened after…” you trail off, unable to voice the memory.

Natasha's gaze shifts sadly to your wounded area as she begins to explain.

"Yelena arrived with the physician shortly after. They tended to Pietro and you," she recounts. "Meanwhile, Kate stayed at her manor to apprehend the attackers and helped Wanda to recover."

Concern flickers in your eyes, prompting Natasha to offer a reassuring grin.

"Don't worry, Wanda's fine. She just tired herself out when she took down Rumlow and his followers.”

At your puzzled expression, Natasha moves her hand pointedly, mirroring the similar action of Wanda’s whenever she uses her powers.

“Oh,” you say, at a loss for words in realization.

Natasha chuckles at your expression, raising her brows at you.

“You did say she had a special way with people.”

Sighing worriedly, you explain your reasoning for keeping Wanda’s abilities a secret.

“You know how some people are towards magic, Natasha.”

“Well, considering she saved our lives, I’ll make sure no one messes with her, though I’m sure she can protect herself just fine.”

You let out a small breath of relief at her reassurance before inquiring further, “What about everyone else?”

Natasha tilts her head in thought as she continues to recount the events afterward.

“Clint was able to warn my dad, Steve, and Carol in time to capture the ones under control here in the castle. And as for the ones that went after my mom…” 

She lets out an exasperated sigh before continuing, “...let’s just say that they shouldn’t have attacked her in her lab when she was in the middle of mixing certain chemicals and powders.”

You chuckle lightly at the thought, knowing about Queen Melina’s tendency to cause explosions in her lab during her experiments. 

However, the mention of explosions brings a grim reminder of another figure Natasha hasn't mentioned yet.

“And Dreykov?” you ask cautiously. “Did he escape?”

Natasha's hand clench into a fist at his name, her expression clouding with silent fury.

"No, he's currently in prison, awaiting trial. Along with the rest of the traitors," she responds, shaking her head with resolve. 

Taking your hand in a reassuring grip, she adds, "But you don't need to worry about him. I won't let him hurt you ever again."

Natasha lifts your hand to her lips, pressing a gentle kiss against your skin.

“I promise.”

You offer her a grateful smile, relieved at the information.

However, a sense of resignation settles in as you prepare to bring up the next topic.

“I guess all that’s left is to decide what to do about me,” you say with a heavy sigh.

Natasha tightens her grip on your hand as she urges gently, "Just concentrate on getting better.”

You chuckle lightly before your expression turns somber as you clarify.

"No, I mean about me being the Stark princess."

An awkward silence descends in the air, both of you acutely aware of the weight of the decision looming over you.

As much as you dislike it, the reality of your identity remains, and you need to officially address its involvement in your future eventually. 

“What do you want to do?” Natasha finally asks, breaking the silence.

You contemplate your options and remember your conversation with Bucky, finding that your feelings about your decision remain unchanged even now.

"Honestly, Natasha, I want to just leave it in the past," you admit. "Everything's relatively peaceful between the kingdoms at the moment. What's the point in bringing up troubling revelations from mistakes in the past?"

“Are you sure?” Natasha questions in concern before pointing out. “You’re essentially rejecting your title as a princess.”

You nod, giving her a content smile.

​​"I've never needed it in my life before,” you say as you tilt your head at her in question, a hint of warmth in your voice as you ask, “Besides, I already have a princess in my life, don't I?”

Natasha returns your gaze with an affectionate smile before intertwining your hands together.

"Yeah, I'm yours," she affirms softly.

Gradually, you feel more strength returning to your body as you remain awake, nodding confidently as you adjust your position carefully.

"I think I'm feeling better enough to go back to my manor this evening," you observe, suggesting, "If you could have the twins come and help me, then you can finally get a proper night's sleep in your own bed tonight."

Before you can sit up any further, Natasha’s hand moves to your shoulder, gently holding you in place, her expression filled with disbelief.

Glancing at her hand, you give her a questioning look, causing Natasha to shake her head exasperatedly.

"If you think you're going to leave this bed anytime soon, especially after being stabbed for my sake, you need to think again," Natasha says firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Meeting her gaze, you both engage in a standoff, locked in a silent challenge. After a moment, Natasha raises her brow at you.

“If the situation was reversed, would you let me move?” she asks pointedly.

You open your mouth to reply before deflating in resignation, knowing you would do the same as her if you were in her position.

“Fine,” you concede, though a small pout forms on your lips, before adding, “But I should still return your bed to you and move into one of the guest rooms.”

Natasha tilts her head in thought as she traces a pattern on the blanket on your lap before commenting.

"Is that really necessary? It's not like we haven't slept in the same bed before," she reasons, her tone light.

Then, with a teasing smirk, she adds, "Unless this is your way of avoiding me after I confessed that I love you."

You pause, taken aback by her casual declaration, and you feel your cheeks heating up as you finally process her words. 

When you see the victorious smirk on her face, you roll your eyes and shake your head, giving her a chatising look.

“You’re unbelievable,” you mutter, frustration evident in your tone, though there's a hint of fondness.

“I believe you’ve always called me charming,” Natasha retorts, her smirk widening.

Frustrated, your hands grip the collar of her tunic tightly, pulling her closer to you.

"Natasha Alianovna Romanov," you begin, your voice tinged with both exasperation and affection.

She smirks, amusement dancing in her eyes as she catches herself with her hands against the bed on each side of you, encasing you between her arms. 

Gazing at you with a teasing expression, she prompts, "Yes?"

With a small smile, you finally gather the courage to voice the words you've been longing to tell her.

"I'm in love with you," you confess softly, your heart pounding in your chest.

"That's good..." Natasha replies, her voice tender as she leans in closer, "...cause I'm deeply in love with you too."

Her words brush against your lips softly, and without hesitation, you tug her closer, closing the tiny distance between the two of you.

The kiss feels both new and familiar, a perfect blend of passion and tenderness, as you lose yourself in the moment, savoring the warmth of her lips against yours.

Natasha is the one who pulls back first, resting her forehead against yours and letting out a happy sigh.

"You have no idea how many times I've wanted to do that," she admits, her voice filled with sincere longing.

Unconsciously, you lightly bite your lip to keep the warmth and feeling of her there for a little longer, before noticing Natasha's gaze drifting down to the subtle movement. 

You recall the countless times you've witnessed that look of desire in her eyes, prompting a small chuckle to escape your lips as you pull her in closer.

"I think I do," you tease, brushing lightly against her lips. "You're not exactly subtle, princess."

Natasha lets out a tiny huff, her lips curving into a playful smile before she leans in for another kiss and then another, each one gentle and delicate, never leaving your lips for more than a second, as she steals your breath away and makes you melt against her.

Your hand, still lingering on her collar, instinctively seeks more contact, slipping beneath the thin layer of her clothing to clutch at her bare shoulder.

The warmth of her skin beneath your touch only intensifies the longing between you as you try to pull her closer.

As you go to deepen the kiss, the moment is suddenly shattered by an unexpected interruption.

“Oh my—Nat! Let her breathe! She just woke up!”

Startled, you pull back from Natasha, breaking the kiss, as your gaze shifts to the doorway where Yelena and Kate stand. 

Natasha groans in frustration, her head falling against your shoulder.

Kate quickly steps in to cover Yelena's mouth, offering you an apologetic expression.

"Sorry! We just wanted to check on you two. We didn't mean to interrupt," she explains, as Yelena’s objection is muffled behind her hand.

Still pressed against your neck, Natasha responds in an annoyed tone, "Then leave."

Yelena rolls her eyes at her sister's bluntness, pulling Kate's hand away to respond, "Alright, alright, we get it."

With a warm smile directed at you, Yelena adds, "It's good to see you awake, Y/n."

"Yeah, we're glad that you're okay," Kate chimes in, relief evident in her eyes.

You offer them both a grateful nod. "Thank you two for coming."

“I guess we’ll visit you later then,” Yelena remarks, moving to take Kate's arm and guide her away from the door.

As Kate closes the door behind them, you catch snippets of their conversation.

"Should we really, though?" Kate's voice holds a hint of hesitation. "I don't want to interrupt them again while they're...you know."

Yelena hums thoughtfully before responding, "I mean it's a good thing we did this time, or else Y/n would have probably pulled out her stitches trying to undress Natasha."

Your face flushes with embarrassment as you instinctively cover it with your hands, feeling a wave of mortification wash over you. 

Natasha chuckles lightly, adjusting her tunic as she shoots you a playful smirk, a teasing glint dancing in her eyes.

“Don’t even start,” you warn, noticing her mischievous expression.

Natasha holds up her hands innocently, adopting a nonchalant tone as she suggests, "I was just going to say we should have the physician come and check your condition."

She then adds with a teasing edge, "After all, you may have overexerted yourself from being so eager to kiss me."

You huff in disbelief, raising a skeptical eyebrow at her.

"I'm the eager one?" you ask, a hint of amusement in your tone.

Natasha nods with mock seriousness. 

"If you say so."

Rolling your eyes, you playfully swat at her shoulder, then turn away with a small pout.

"In all seriousness, though, let me go get the physician," Natasha says, amusement evident in her voice at your behavior.

As she turns to leave, you call out to her.

"Wait, Natasha.”

She turns back to face you, curiosity in her eyes.

Leaning forward, you catch her off guard with a surprise kiss before pulling away.

"...okay, now you can go," you whisper against her lips.

Natasha's eyes fluttered closed at the unexpected contact, her tongue lightly tracing where your lips touched hers. When she finally opens her eyes again, they seem impossibly darker, filled with a mixture of desire and love that makes your breath catch.

“That’s unfair,” she breathes out, her voice husky with desire. “…doing that just as I’m about to leave.”

You pull away slightly, only for her to follow, not allowing the distance between you two to grow. A sly, knowing grin spreads across your face as you tease her.

"I just wanted to see who between us is actually the one who's more eager."

"I'm your princess, yet you're teasing me like this," Natasha says playfully, feigning disbelief.

"And you still love me anyway," you point out, a fond smile playing on your lips.

Natasha's eyes soften, and she closes the distance between you once more, whispering her next words against your lips.

“Yeah, I do.”

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

Upon hearing that you were awake, Wanda and Pietro arrived quickly just as the physician was assessing your condition. 

Soon after, a request from her mother to speak with Natasha in private causes her to leave the twins in charge of watching over you at your insistence.

Now, Natasha stands in her private study, a deep frown creasing her forehead as she examines the letters that her mother had handed to her.

“What is this?” Natasha asks, her voice steady but laced with a subtle hint of anger as she reads the contents of some of the letters.

Melina lets out a heavy sigh, rubbing her temples as if trying to ward off an impending headache, knowing that her daughter won't take the news well.

“Many of the heads of the other noble houses in the kingdom are asking for Lord Dreykov’s release,” she reveals grimly.

“He tried to kill me,” Natasha states incredulously. “And yet they’re still defending him.”

“I warned you that Lord Dreykov is influential among the other nobles. You need strong evidence if you want people to turn their back on him,” her mother reminds her.

She then places a stack of documents on the desk, and Natasha quickly realizes that these are the results of Steve’s investigation.

Her mother continues her lecture, as Natasha skims the contents.

“The staff from the Bishop manor provided witness accounts of Lord Rumlow and the others' betrayal, but there were no witnesses at Dreykov’s manor besides you and Y/n.”

“What about his guards?” Natasha suggests.

Melina shakes her head grimly. “Found dead in their cells by unknown means.”

“What about Barnes?” Natasha points out the presence of the old captain.

Melina gives her a look of disbelief, raising an eyebrow. 

“The other nobles are not going to believe the words of a known criminal.”

Frustration and disbelief cloud Natasha's expression as she processes the information. She searches for another angle, another way to bring Dreykov to justice.

“If we can’t prove attempted murder against me, then what about the fact that he almost killed Y/n?”

Melina grimaces, her reluctance evident in her expression as she braces herself to deliver the answer Natasha doesn't want to hear.

“What is it?” Natasha presses, her tone betraying a hint of impatience.

Melina taps the stack of letters pointedly before explaining, “Many argue that Dreykov’s actions against Y/n are akin to a father disciplining their child and is not a crime, especially considering she survived. They believe it's a family matter that should be resolved within the respective house and not involve any others.”

Natasha's frown deepens as she hears this, her hand tightening around the letters.

“I told you handling the relationships between the nobles of the court is delicate work,” Melina reminds her gently.

“Yeah, I’m starting to see what you mean,” Natasha concedes, her expression resigned in anger at the twisted parts of the kingdom.

Melina offers a comforting gesture, placing a hand on Natasha's shoulder and giving her a proud look.

“Don’t worry, Natasha. Lord Dreykov can still be forced to face trial if you want. And I’m confident that you can convince the others to be on your side. In this matter and the future.”

Her mother’s encouragement does little to ease Natasha’s mind of the difficult task ahead for her once she becomes the queen.

Despite the troubling news, Natasha still thanks her mother for the warning before taking her leave.

Returning to your side, Natasha finds you resting once again, exhaustion evident in your features. She watches you with a tender and affectionate gaze, remembering her promise to protect you from any further harm. 

If there's one thing Natasha is certain of for the future, it's her unwavering commitment to fulfilling her vow to protect you.

With that resolve in mind, she later finds herself standing at the entrance of the most secure cell in prison, her arms crossed as she fixes a steely glare on the person seated in the shadows.

"Well?" Dreykov's voice cuts through the stillness of the chamber. “Is that girl dead yet?”

Natasha's jaw clenches at his callous words, refusing to be baited by his cruelty. 

A click of his tongue signals his understanding before he speaks again, his tone laced with a hint of mockery.

“No, you wouldn’t let that happen. So, then, are you here to finish what you started?”

Dreykov's eyes finally meet hers, his form emerging from the darkness as he tilts his head, his injuries still evident in the flickering light.

His face bears the remnants of bruises, one eye swollen shut—a testament to the beating Natasha had inflicted upon him when she first learned of the severity and uncertainty of your condition from the physician.

Unconsciously, Natasha's hands clench into fists, the memory of her rage surfacing as she recalls the moment she unleashed her fury upon him, her knuckles bruising and bleeding until Yelena intervened to pull her away. 

Dreykov catches her movement, a knowing glint in his eyes as a smirk tug at the corners of his lips.

“I see, so you’re mad because you can’t kill me,” he says confidently, accurately guessing her current predicament. “Tell me, how many of the other nobles have interceded for my release?”

Natasha grits her teeth in irritation at the extent of Dreykov's influence over the court and the fact he already knows that some nobles would rally to his defense. 

“They’ll abandon you once they realize what sort of person you truly are,” she retorts, her tone firm.

Dreykov chuckles in amusement, unfazed by her words.

“Feeling pressured already?” he taunts. “It’s just going to get worse from here on. After all, I’m not the only one in this kingdom who wants a war.”

“And you already know that I would never let that happen,” Natasha counters, her voice tinged with resolve. “That’s the whole reason why you didn’t want me as the queen in the first place.”

Dreykov eyes her critically, considering her words before a smirk dances across his lips.

“Perhaps I was wrong about you. You have potential. You just need the right…” he waves his hand dramatically. “…motivation.”

Rolling her eyes at his attempt at manipulation, Natasha turns to leave.

However, before she can reach the exit, Dreykov's voice calls out to her, stopping her in her tracks.

“Do you know what causes war the most, Your Highness? More than greed or vengeance?”

Natasha turns back to glare at him, irritated by his continued insinuations.

At her silence, he answers his own question.

“Love,” he spits out the word in disgust. “Such a foolish emotion, but you’d be surprised at how much destruction it can cause.”

He raises his brow at her, gesturing pointedly. “And it seems you have plenty for that pathetic girl.”

Natasha slams her fist against the bars, anger erupting, as she glares daggers at him.

“You better hope you don’t get to leave this cell, Dreykov. Because if I ever see you free…” she pauses, her voice lowering to a dangerous tone. “…I’ll kill you myself.”

Despite her threat, a pleased smile forms on Dreykov’s face, as if her words confirmed something for him, infuriating her further.

Turning swiftly to the door, Natasha indicates to the guards to let her out, but Dreykov's voice interrupts her again.

“I do have one more question for you.”

The door opens for her to leave as he continues.

“If that girl ever ends up in the way of you and your so-called peace, would you still choose to avoid war then…or would you fight for her?”

Natasha clenches her hand, finding herself unable to respond, her mind consumed by the weight of his words.

With a determined look, she decides not to entertain his question further, swiftly leaving the cell and slamming the door shut behind her.

“I look forward to seeing what your choice would be when that time comes, Your Majesty,” Dreykov's voice echoes tauntingly down the corridor as Natasha makes her way back to you.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

The unsettling exchange with Dreykov from that night a week ago still lingers in her mind as Natasha sits at her desk, lost in thought.

She ponders his cryptic words, bothered by his confidence that trouble was coming, and especially at the implication of having you in the middle of it all.

Her main concern is for your safety, prompting her to consider every possible scenario where you might be at risk.

After all, she had come dangerously close to losing you during the recent conflict, a thought that sends a shiver down her spine every time.

Leaning back in her chair, Natasha’s gaze falls on the small opened box resting on her desk, illuminated by the soft moonlight filtering through the window.

The red gemstone embedded in the golden band glimmers with a silent promise, one that she hasn’t dared to ask you yet.

Pushing aside the unsettling thoughts of Dreykov's words, Natasha closes the lid of the box with a gentle sigh, tucking it away in the drawer for safekeeping. 

One day, she promises.

When she can guarantee your safety and ensure that she can provide you with a peaceful future, she’ll give it to you then.

A knock at her door draws her attention, and Natasha looks up to see you poking your head inside, a playful smile dancing on your lips.

"Don’t tell me you’re hiding already?" you tease, your voice laced with amusement.

Natasha's lips curve into a fond smile at the sight of you, her worries momentarily pushed aside by your presence.

Chuckling softly, she shakes her head before asking, “Did my mother send you?”

“She wanted me to make sure you wouldn’t be late,” you reply, walking over to her with cautious steps, mindful of your injury.

Leaning back against her desk, you give her a pointed look.

“After all, it’s your last ball as the princess before you become the queen tomorrow.”

Natasha smiles gently at the reminder before glancing down at the area of your dress where she knows the bandages are hiding underneath. Her expression softens with concern as she meets your eyes.

“How are you feeling?” she asks.

“Better,” you assure her. “I’ve been able to move around by myself without any help.”

Standing up, Natasha intertwines her fingers with yours, drawing you closer as she gazes at you.

“You look beautiful,” she compliments softly, her eyes reflecting genuine admiration.

“So do you,” you respond, your hand reaching up to gently brush against her cheek, slowly losing yourself in her gaze.

Then as if remembering your original goal, you clear your throat and nod towards the door. 

“We should go. Your mother’s expecting us,” you remind her.

At your suggestion, Natasha moves closer to you, enclosing you between the desk and her body.

“I’m sure we can spare a couple of minutes, can’t we?” she asks, her voice lowering suggestively, caressing the air as she leans in.

Raising a brow skeptically, you tilt your head slightly, your lips barely grazing hers as you ask, “Only a couple of minutes?”

The moment your lips touch hers, Natasha's eyes darken with desire, her breath catching in her throat.

Absentmindedly humming in agreement, she whispers, “…yeah, just a couple…” before closing the distance between you.

Arriving at the ball later than expected, you and Natasha are greeted by her mother at the entrance, who gives you both a reprimanding yet knowing look.

“I’m sorry,” you apologize, offering her a genuinely apologetic expression. “We lost track of time talking.”

Melina raises her hand in a stopping gesture at your explanation.

“No, don’t apologize, Y/n. I’m sure I can guess what happened,” she says, shooting a pointed glare at her daughter before turning her attention back to you.

“Would you mind giving us a moment alone?”

You nod in understanding, softly excusing yourself.

Natasha brings the back of your hand up for a gentle kiss goodbye before releasing it, and you turn to leave the two women to their private conversation.

“Hold on, Y/n,” Melina calls out to you before you can go too far.

Stepping up to you, Melina carefully examines you before adjusting the strap of your dress on your shoulder slightly.

“Do try to direct Natasha to a less visible area the next time you two decide to ‘talk’,” she advises with a raised brow.

A flush spreads across your face in realization, and you quickly place your hand atop the area she adjusted, before giving a reprimanding look to Natasha, who looks away, barely concealing the satisfied grin playing on her lips.

You offer a quick, polite thanks before swiftly making your exit, eager to leave the embarrassing situation behind.

Turning back to her daughter, Melina meets her gaze with a raised brow.

“I guess it’s safe to say that your relationship with Y/n is still going well?” 

Natasha smiles softly at her observation, her eyes still following you as you go to join the others.

“Yeah, it is,” she replies honestly.

“That’s good,” Melina comments, handing her a cup before taking a sip of her own. “It’s important to show the other nobles how good the two of you are together so that they can have more confidence in the future with you as the ruler.”

Natasha nods in understanding, taking a sip of her drink in preparation for another lecture from her mother.

“Even if your relationship started as a ruse in the beginning,” her mother adds nonchalantly.

Natasha chokes on her drink in surprise at her mother’s words, coughing lightly as she gives her an incredulous look.

Melina raises a brow at her in challenge, daring her to deny her claim.

Looking away, Natasha glances over to where you are, oblivious to you and her arrangement being revealed at the moment.

As if feeling her eyes on you, you glance up, meeting her eyes and giving her a soft smile. She returns it before returning her focus to her mother.

Knowing there’s no point in trying to convince her mother otherwise, Natasha asks instead, “When did you figure it out?”

“Oh, I’ve had my suspicions since the beginning,” her mother reveals, swirling the contents of her cup in thought as she recalls how the events all started. 

“That morning, Y/n mentioned in passing about her meeting with Lady Maria as a potential partner, so I knew I had to do something to make you act.”

Natasha's brows furrow as she pieces together her mother's words with her own memories. She was right to think it was odd that her mother would suddenly take an interest in her love life, especially with such a ridiculous ultimatum given in such a short time.

“Wait, let me get this straight,” Natasha interjects, holding up her hand as she processes the information. “You're saying the only reason you pressured me to find someone was because you found out about Y/n’s date with Lady Maria?”

Melina nods before offering Natasha a sympathetic pat on her back.

“Let’s be honest, Natasha, you can be quite oblivious when it comes to your feelings for Y/n. I only pushed you to pay more attention to your love life because I didn’t want you to miss your chance with her.”

“No, you said that if I didn’t find someone, you were going to choose someone for me,” Natasha reminds her mother, her tone tinged with frustration.

Melina waves her hand dismissively.

“I was confident that you would come up with something before it ever got to that point, and you did. This charade that the two of you concocted worked out much better in the end, wouldn’t you agree?”

Natasha gapes at her mother, blinking in disbelief. She pinches her brows, feeling a headache forming at her mother’s antics.

“Please, go meddle with someone else's love life,” Natasha pleads, her patience wearing thin.

“Don’t be so dramatic, Natasha,” she says, chuckling, before pressing on, undeterred by her daughter's exasperation. “Now, tell me, have you thought of a plan on how to propose to Y/n yet?” 

Meanwhile, after leaving Natasha with her mother, you join the pair at one side of the ballroom. Stepping in front of the twins with a warm smile, you admire their new formal clothing that you had arranged for them to attend the event. 

“Well, don’t you two look beautiful and dashing?” you compliment, ruffling Pietro’s hair playfully. He swats at your hand lightly with a pout, then tugs at the collar of his shirt.

“I think you and Wanda are just trying to choke me in this,” he comments.

A red mist envelopes his topmost button and undoes it, granting him some relief.

“Better?” Wanda asks, returning her hand to cross her arms at her brother’s exaggerated behavior.

“Yes, I can actually breathe now,” Pietro responds with a teasing smirk, nudging his sister in thanks.

At the corner of your eye, you notice some nobles nearby shooting disapproving glares at your group, their attention mostly focused on Wanda, and then they begin to speak to each other, their voices intentionally loud.

“So disgraceful that they allow such people in here.”

“Did you see her eyes? They say it’s red like a demon.”

Pietro scowls at their words, moving protectively in front of his sister, but you stop him before he could confront them.

Then placing a comforting hand on Wanda’s shoulder, you check up on her. She gives you a reassuring smile, truly unbothered by their harsh words. 

You’re glad to see her adjusting okay to the fact that her powers are now known by others in the kingdom.

Still, you will not stand idly and let them talk about people you care about like that. The twins may not be in a position to say anything, but you can always defend and protect them.

Before you can confront the rude nobles, however, they are suddenly pushed off balance, stumbling to the ground, as the pair of canines rush through their legs towards you.

Their respective owners follow swiftly after them, with the younger princess giving the people a glare and challenging look, causing them to avert their gaze in embarrassment, looking elsewhere.

Yelena turns to your group with a satisfied grin.

“Don’t mind them, Wanda. They’re always judging everyone,” she says.

Kate nods in agreement, adding, “Yeah, intolerant people like them are not worth your time. There’s plenty of people in the kingdom who already know you’re amazing.”

Pietro chuckles and places his hand atop his sister’s head teasingly, remarking, “Careful with the compliments now, we wouldn’t want her getting a big head.”

Wanda rolls her eyes in response, shoving his arm off and commenting pointedly, “Your head is already big enough for the both of us.”

As the four of them continue their playful conversations, your eyes spot a familiar face hovering in the shadows at the edge of the ballroom.

Excusing yourself, you make your way over to the lone captain.

“Not one for parties?” you ask as you step up next to Bucky.

He sighs and shakes his head as he observes the surrounding guests joyfully engaged in celebration.

“It’s been a while since I attended events like these, but then again, I’ve never enjoyed them before anyway,” he admits.

Curious about something that you’ve been wondering about him, you finally ask. 

“Why did you decide to come to this kingdom? You know, after hiding away for so long.”

A silence follows, and just as you think he’s going to leave your question unanswered, he finally responds, nodding toward the distance. 

“To visit a friend.”

You follow Bucky’s gaze and realize he’s looking at Steve, who’s currently in conversation with Clint and Maria.

As if feeling your eyes, Steve glances up toward your direction, giving you two a welcoming smile and waving his hand in invitation.

A small smile forms on Bucky’s face, surprising you, and you find yourself asking curiously, “Then why not just stay? Enjoy life without constantly looking over your shoulder for danger and having to run away.”

He chuckles ruefully, giving you a look of disbelief. 

“I’m the most wanted criminal of the Stark Kingdom. Nowhere is safe for me or for those who help me.” 

“Well, at least consider the option,” you say, nudging him gently and giving him a pointed look. “Because you do have more than one friend here.”

He examines you carefully before giving you a silent, noncommittal nod, and you understand that this will be the most you’ll get from him.

“Y/n!” 

At the call of your name, you turn to see Carol coming towards you. As you turn back around to excuse yourself, you're not surprised to find Bucky has sneaked away.

Carol stops in front of you, the happy smile fading slightly into a serious expression as she examines you critically.

"How are you feeling?" she asks with genuine concern.

The familiarity in her question makes you laugh lightly as you shake your head.

“You and Natasha. Why do you two keep asking me that?”

Carol raises an amused brow at you.

"It's because we both care about you, Y/n," she answers softly before tilting her head in thought. 

"Maybe the fact we both like the same things is why we're always competing with each other," she muses aloud before extending her hand in invitation.

"Speaking of, would you like to join me for one dance before Natasha decides to keep you all to herself?"

You give her a playful warning look, raising your brow at her.

"No extravagant twirling, lifts, or dips?" you ask, knowing her tendencies.

Carol nods in reassurance, answering firmly, "I promise."

As she leads you in a slow dance, keeping an easy pace to avoid tiring you, you seize the moment to ask her something.

“Are you leaving after the coronation tomorrow?”

Carol nods in confirmation.

“That’s the plan,” she responds. “I want to do as much exploring as I can before my own coronation.”

A tiny, sad smile forms on your face at Carol's words. You've honestly missed her since she started her travels. Poking her pointedly, you give her a serious expression.

"Still, you should come visit more often," you tell her. 

Her eyes soften, and she gives you a small nod.

“For you, I will,” she says, a hint of affection slipping into her tone. "If you ever need anything, Y/n, just let me know, and I’ll have my ship practically fly back to you."

Her eyes glance at something behind you before she shrugs, adding with a sigh, “And I guess the same applies to Natasha if she ever needs my help again.”

“How generous,” Natasha remarks dryly, her voice tinged with sarcasm, as she comes to a stop beside you.

Carol gives you a small bow in thanks, her expression teasing as she remarks, “Looks like my time’s up.”

“Natasha,” she greets, giving her an acknowledging nod.

Natasha returns the sentiment, her demeanor cool as she replies, “Carol.”

Carol gives you one last smile, before pressing a chaste kiss on your hand goodbye and whispering sincerely, “Be happy, Y/n.”

As she leaves, you glance at Natasha and notice the small displeased pout on her face.

Unable to resist teasing her, you nudge her gently, remarking, “Jealousy looks cute on you.”

Natasha huffs in disbelief at your statement before offering her hand to you.

“May I have a dance?”

As Natasha leads you in a slow dance, you can’t help but feel nostalgic, leaning your head against her shoulder.

“This feels familiar, doesn’t it?” you ask softly.

Natasha hums in agreement and nods against you, responding, “Last time we danced like this, we decided to be a couple.” 

You chuckle at the memory, reminiscing about how clueless you were back then, never imagining how things would turn out for the two of you.

The soft music creates a serene atmosphere, cocooning you and Natasha in your own world, away from everyone else.

Recalling the details of your original agreement, you meet Natasha’s eyes, a mischievous glint dancing in your gaze.

“You know, according to our deal, our fake relationship is supposed to end after your coronation tomorrow,” you point out.

Natasha raises an intrigued eyebrow, curious about your intentions.

“So, what should we do about that then?” she asks, her tone playful.

You tilt your head, pretending to ponder before flashing her a teasing smirk.

“Didn’t we agree that if anything were to happen between us, it would be the princess who confessed her feelings first?”

Understanding dawns on Natasha’s face, and she grins in agreement, a fond smile playing on her lips. 

“Y/n,” she begins softly, her gaze filled with affection. “From the moment I met you, I knew you were amazing…then I learned that you were really stubborn.” 

You roll your eyes at her teasing, but Natasha just chuckles before continuing. 

“But you're also kind and smart. And truly the strongest person I know.”

She leans in closer, her breath mingling with yours. 

“My heart and my life have always been yours, Y/n.”

You feel warmth spreading through your chest at her confession, and you can’t help but cup her face gently with your hands.

“You’re my best friend,” Natasha continues, her voice barely above a whisper as she covers your hand with hers. “But I would be honored if you are willing to have me as more than that.”

Your heart swells with love, and you nod happily as you respond.

"I want that too, Natasha," you whisper sincerely. “I want to continue to stay by your side and be yours too. Always.”

With those words of promise, Natasha closes the distance between you, her lips meeting yours in a tender kiss.

The sound of cheers and applause surrounds you, but you pay no mind, lost in the moment with Natasha.

You don’t know what the future holds, but you’re not afraid. As long as you’re together, you know you can overcome anything that comes your way.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

Epilogue

In another kingdom, far away, inside one of the workshops of the castle, the king’s assistant waits patiently by the doorway for a pause in the king’s pastime of tinkering.

“What’s the matter, Jarvis?” Tony Stark asks without looking up from his careful concentration.

“A letter arrived for you, sir.” 

“Is it about the next shipment of parts?”

“No, sir, this came from a nobleman in the Romanov Kingdom.”

“Oh…you can just toss it in the fire then.”

There’s an awkward silence as his assistant makes no move to do as he asked, causing Tony to glance up in question.

The assistant hesitates before explaining.

“Counselor Potts strongly advised us not to do that anymore, under the warning of severe punishment should she find out. Also, the messenger stressed that the contents pertain to an urgent matter.”

Tony stops and furrows his brow. After the war and the deaths of his whole family, he preferred to keep contact between the kingdoms to a minimum. Just because there’s a peace treaty between them doesn’t mean he has to like or care about anyone there.

On the other hand, facing the wrath of his most trusted advisor for ignoring this letter is not something he wants to deal with in the foreseeable future.

“Just leave it on the table then,” he sighs with a roll of his eyes. 

If anything, it’s probably more news about the coronation of their upcoming queen. He’s already sent his decline to attend the event and a decent enough congratulations present that Pepper picked out.

He doesn’t understand why they can’t just keep the indifferent relationship between the two kingdoms as is instead trying to make them into something closer.

Shaking his head as Jarvis closes the door behind him, Tony attempts to return to his flow of concentration, picking up his tools as he continues to tinker with the parts in front of him. 

Unfortunately, as time passes, his eyes keep glancing at the letter sitting in the corner, something about it gives him some sort of unnerving feeling. 

Slumping with a resigned sigh that he can’t keep his focus anymore, he places his tools down again and swipes at the letter, sitting at the edge of the table.

Opening it, he skims the contents quickly before his posture suddenly straightens with tension, his expression turning serious.

The door of the workshop slams open, and Tony strides out purposefully, calling to his assistant.

“Jarvis!”

They are at his side in an instant, following him and listening for the next orders.

“Tell Vision to prepare the carriages and let Pepper know I’ll be away a bit for some business.”

“Yes, sir. May I ask where you will be traveling to?”

“The Romanov Kingdom,” Tony answers, glancing at the letter in his hand before tightening his fist, crumpling the paper slightly.

“Looks like it’s time to pay this new queen a visit after all.”

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

Series Masterlist : Boundless Devotion

a/n: Thank you to everyone for reading all the way to the end of this series! (especially this long chapter) It's been a journey, and I'm happy that many of you enjoyed it and showed up for every update (all of your comments and reactions are so sweet and fun to read and honestly helped to keep me motivated).

This is the final part of the series, but it's not the end yet. There will be a sequel for Boundless Devotion, and it's called Everlasting Devotion (title mention in prequel Fateful Encounter 🤗).

I’m still in the middle of working on it, so the first chapter is not going to be released right away since I also want to finish some other one shots that I‘ve been working on and maybe take a little break.

That being said, for those currently in the taglist for Boundless Devotion and anyone else who's interested, if you also want to be added in the taglist for when the sequel starts, please let me know. (I prefer to ask again just in case instead of just assuming and forcing you along on another series that you didn't sign up for)

Again, thank you to all of you for reading!

Taglist: @lightwhoranoutoflight, @taliiiaasteria, @romanoffprentiss, @canvascoloredin,  @silentwolfsstuff, @blacklightsposts, @arcturusseer, @presser24, @dvrkhcld, @jujuu23, @screechcat, @vivs46, @cd-4848, @youneversawmehereooooooo, @pancakefan7529, @confusedspaceotter, @natbelovasblog, @izzy-b09, @iamheartless, @mrsrushman, @fxckmiup, @natty-taffy, @2silverchain, @traveler-at-heart, @autorasexy, @natsxwife, @mviswidow, @slut4johansson, @automaticdinosaurtaco, @jono723, @mousetheorist, @tofu9162, @natsbiggestfan1, @iheartjohansson, @nothanksbye07, @midastouch013, @dvrkhcld, @red1culous

[yumeka-sxf]

It's been a while since we've seen Fiona, especially as the focus of a chapter...and yeah, her over-the-top Twilight obsession that she tries so desperately to hide still cracks me up 😅

2.20 seconds to fully clean up a room and herself, not bad. I wonder how Yor's cleaning skills would compare, lol.

I haven't read the first chapters with Dr. Gorey in a while. Was he this...creepy? 😅 Also love Fiona's exaggerated slam against the door.

Some text was left out from the Japanese version (editor's notes perhaps) that says 下心しかない上司 which means "a boss with ulterior motives." Hinting early on about Gorey's motives.

Girl, I can totally relate to having to hold back coughing and sniffles in formal situations. I think we've all been there before and I would say this is "rawest" way I've heard it described...so nice, Endo 😅

As usual, even with short mission chapters that focus on comedy, we get at least one scene that shows a "soft" moment, whether it's character development however slight, or a message/theme that Endo wants to highlight. In this case, it seems to be Fiona coming to a realization that her coworkers care about her well being more than her ability to push herself to be a perfect spy.

Of course, she's not gonna totally change overnight, so her recording Twilight and listening to his words as she sleeps seems about right for her 😂

It's hard to say if the "intel" that Twilight had for Fiona will be related to an upcoming arc or is simply part of this chapter only. There's been a lot of cases where short missions are immediately followed by an unrelated arc: Short Mission 9 (Loid's Spy Wars cartoon) preceded the bus hijacking arc, Short Mission 10 (Eden kids discussing the space race) preceded the mole hunt arc, Short Mission 13 (Bond and Penguinman) preceded the Martha/Henry arc, and Short Mission 14 (Yor, Martha, Becky, and Anya at the movies) preceded the Melina therapy arc. So fingers crossed that the next chapter will be the start of a new and exciting arc!

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Lalita Pawar (Shree 420, Mr and Mrs '55)—look at her 1930s swag in this photo i found [first photo below the cut]. stunning

Melina Mercouri (10:30 P.M. Summer, Phaedra, Topkapi)—no propaganda submitted

This is round 1 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

[nickeverdeen]

Taken pr. 2 | Mom!Natasha Romanoff x fem!reader

Pairings: Natasha x Melina (half family)

Type of fic: Tension

Warnings: None

Parts -> 1 -> 3 -> 4 -> 5 -> 6 -> 7 -> 8 -> 9 -> 10

Summary: After your abduction Natasha is determined to get you back even if it means seeking help from someone she hasn’t been wanting to talk to in years. But for you she’d do anything.

——————————

The cold night air bit at Natasha’s skin as she stood outside Melina’s isolated home, waiting. The phone call had been brief, but Melina owed her, and Natasha was counting on that debt to come through. She knocked twice, the sound sharp against the quiet wilderness.

The door creaked open, and Melina’s sharp gaze met Natasha’s. There was a flicker of surprise in her expression, but she quickly masked it. “Natasha,” she said, stepping aside to let her in.

“Melina,” Natasha replied curtly, wasting no time.

Once inside, Natasha paced the room, the tension rolling off her in waves. Melina watched her carefully, arms crossed. “What’s this about?”

Natasha stopped, taking a deep breath. “Someone close to me was taken.”

Melina raised an eyebrow. “Taken?”

“By the Red Room,” Natasha said bluntly.

That caught Melina’s attention. She straightened, her expression hardening. “And you think I can help?”

“I know you can,” Natasha said, her voice firm. “You still have ties. I need information—anything that can help me find them.”

Melina narrowed her eyes, her mind clearly racing. “Who is this someone?”

Natasha hesitated, her jaw tightening. She had been careful not to mention your name, knowing how many questions it would raise. But as Melina’s expectant gaze bore into her, Natasha realized there was no avoiding it.

“She’s…” Natasha faltered, her voice softer now. “Her name is Y/N Romanoff.”

For the first time in the conversation, Melina’s composed demeanor cracked. “Romanoff?” she repeated, her confusion evident. “Who—”

“It doesn’t matter,” Natasha cut in sharply, her voice firm. “What matters is finding her before it’s too late. Can you help me or not?”

Melina’s brows furrowed, clearly wanting to press further, but she knew better than to argue with Natasha when she was like this. With a small nod, she moved toward her desk, powering up a laptop.

“I still have some access,” Melina admitted, her fingers flying across the keyboard. “Not much, but enough to get into the system.”

Natasha stood behind her, every muscle in her body taut with anticipation as Melina worked. Minutes passed in tense silence, broken only by the occasional tap of keys.

Finally, Melina spoke. “I found her. She’s been registered for Widow training—just starting.”

Natasha’s breath hitched, her stomach twisting. She leaned closer to the screen, her sharp eyes scanning the information Melina pulled up. “Where is she?”

Melina hesitated. “I can give you coordinates, but they’re fragmented. The Red Room doesn’t keep all their information in one place anymore. They’ve learned from the past.”

“Give me what you’ve got,” Natasha demanded.

Melina jotted down a series of coordinates on a scrap of paper, handing it to Natasha. “It’s not much, but it’s a starting point.”

Natasha grabbed the paper, her grip tight. “Thank you,” she said, turning to leave.

“Natasha,” Melina called after her.

Natasha paused, her hand on the door.

“Who is she?” Melina pressed, her tone softer this time.

Natasha didn’t look back. “She’s my daughter,” she said simply before walking out the door.

Hours later, Natasha sat in the dimly lit cabin of a private jet, the coordinates clutched tightly in her hand. The roar of the engines barely registered as she stared out the window, her mind racing with plans, contingencies, and possibilities.

She didn’t know what she’d find when she reached her destination, but one thing was certain—she wasn’t stopping until she brought you home.

No matter what it took.

[obi-wokenobi]

Regardless of what some think about Life is Strange: Double Exposure, its undeniable that Hannah Telle once again proved to the damn world that nobody else can play Max Caulfield better than her.

She has deservedly been nominated in the "Best Performance" category at the Game Awards.

Let's see if the fandom at least agrees that Hannah Telle deserves an award that recognizes her acting talents. And hopefully she'll land more (voice) acting gigs.

Link to vote for Hannah Telle is included below:

https://thegameawards.com/nominees/best-performance

UPDATE: Actress Melina Juergens won. Well deserved and congrats!

BTW, I was told by someone in the know that the winners are not decided by fans at all (except those in the player's voice category). And that the whole voting thing is merely a PR stunt to help promote the event. The winners are always selected by gaming journos & people from the industry. Only about 10% of the votes come into play in case of a tie. Which is a rare thing to happen.

So, yeah. That's something to remember for the next time.

[togrowoldinv]

The Beach House

Natasha Romanoff x Female Reader (and some Yelena Belova x Female Reader)

You spend your summers at a beach house with Natasha and Yelena. You’ve always had a crush on the oldest girl, but what happens this summer when Yelena starts crushing on you?

Note: This was fun to write! It’s partially based on the show The Summer I Turned Pretty, so if you’ve seen that you know things get messy and juicy 😂 It’s mostly Nat x reader, but Yelena can’t be ignored here. Enjoy it and let me know what you think!

Natasha Romanoff Masterlist 1, Natasha Romanoff Masterlist 2, Main Masterlist

For as long as you can remember, you have spent every summer at the beach house with Yelena, Natasha, and their parents.

Your parents had been friends for a long time and growing up together you have always been close with Yelena and Natasha. Especially Yelena.

The blonde girl is close to your age, and you’ve clicked since day one. Running around the beach and baking cookies together before watching movies have been some of your favorite pastimes every summer.

Natasha used to join in, but last summer you noticed a change in her. She is older, and fresh out of college while you and Yelena are only in your second year. Natasha started acting like she was too old for your antics.

But you missed her. During those moments, you kept wishing she was there. And you had to admit to yourself that you liked her. There had been a summer a few years back when you realized that you were attracted to her, but the crush continued to blossom.

And now, this summer, it’s in full effect. You arrive at the beach house with your parents and hop out of the car to find Yelena waiting for you.

“Y/n! You’re here!” she shouts, pulling you into a hug.

“I missed you so much!” you tell her, burying your face in her neck.

Yelena pulls away from the hug and looks you over.

“Damn, you got hot,” she says. A heat rises up your neck. Nat may be the one you have a crush on, but Yelena is far from unattractive. “Alright come on in. My mama wants to see you.”

You follow the girl inside and Melina is waiting by the kitchen counter.

“Ah, dorogoy, come here!” Melina says, her accented voice sounds nostalgic. “My goodness, you grew up even more than last year!”

She pulls you into a hug and you greet her happily. She has always been like a second mother to you.

“It’s good to see you, Melina. Where’s Alexei?”

“Oh, he’s out with Natasha. They are fishing today,” she says.

“Sounds fun.”

“It’s not,” Yelena says. Her head is buried in her phone, and you make a mental note to ask her what that’s about.

After all the greetings, you go upstairs to put your luggage in your room. It’s the same one you’ve been using since you were a little kid, and it feels like coming home every time you step inside. The walls are lined with pictures from every summer before. And the dresser is littered with movie tickets, seashells, and a stuffed bear that Natasha won for you at the summer carnival.

You were only 10 at the time and wanted it more than anything. She spent over an hour playing a game to get enough tickets to cash them in for the bear. You miss that version of her.

“Y/n,” Yelena barges into your room and interrupts your thoughts. She plops onto your bed. “Let’s go to the beach.”

“I’m just settling in, Yel. Maybe another time,” you tell her.

“Come onnnnn,” she begs. “I haven’t been today, and I waited for my best friend to go with me. Please, please, please!”

“Fine,” you relent.

“Yes! Meet you downstairs in ten,” she says.

You grin at her antics and get changed into a swimsuit. Most summers you have been modest, but this year you decided to try out a new bikini. Your friend Jane had convinced you that it was about time. You slip on a Hawaiian button-up shirt and go downstairs.

As you open the front door, you are met with two people on the other side.

“Y/n!” Alexei yells. “I would hug you, but I smell like fish!”

“Nice to see you, Alexei,” you say.

He moves inside and reveals Natasha standing behind him. She doesn’t look like she’s been fishing all day. She looks perfect.

“Hey- hi Natasha,” you say.

Her eyes rake over your body and land back on yours.

“You grew up,” Natasha acknowledges.

“Yeah, I guess,” you reply, not really knowing what to say. “I’m going to swim with Yelena, so excuse me.”

“Have fun,” she says. You walk by her, and she watches you go. She kicks herself for not saying something better to you, but she didn’t know how to react. You were always beautiful to her, but something felt different when she saw you this time.

You spend the rest of the day with Yelena on the beach laughing and catching up with each other. She tells you about this new girl she’s talking to, Kate, and how she doesn’t know if the girl feels the same. Yelena explains that Kate is going to be at a party and practically begs you to say yes to going.

The first day ends like every day at the beach house does, watching the sunset with your friends and family.

The next morning, Natasha and Yelena are up early to go help Alexei at the docks. They tried to convince you to go with them, but you got out of it. One time of getting seasick years ago and they accept your excuse that it could happen again.

Instead, you go to town and buy drinks for the party tonight. At the store, you run into a beautiful girl.

“Are you new around here?” the girl asks.

“I’ve been coming here since I was a kid actually. But this,” you gesture to the drinks in front of you, “is new.”

The girl laughs gloriously and sticks her hand out for you to shake.

“I’m Wanda,” she says.

“Y/n,” you reply. “Are you going to the party tonight?”

“I was thinking about it,” Wanda answers. “If a pretty girl like you is going to be there, then I think I’ll make an appearance.”

“I’ll see you there then,” you say. You’re not sure where the sudden wave of confidence comes from, but you’re satisfied with yourself.

You bid Wanda a goodbye and drive back to the house. Later when Yelena and Nat return, they get dressed and you tell your parents you’re going out. They don’t love the idea, but Natasha promises to keep a watch on everyone.

Natasha drives to the other side of the beach and there’s already a good number of people at the party. A bonfire rests in the middle as everyone talks and music plays from the speakers.

“Don’t get into any trouble,” Nat says, taking her own bag of drinks and disappearing into the crowd. You try not to feel disappointed that she’s not going to hang out with you and Yelena.

“Oh, god, okay there she is,” Yelena says. She turns towards you to avoid staring directly at Kate.

“She’s cute,” you tease her. “Go talk to her.”

“No way,” Yelena says.

“Why? Don’t you text her like all the time?”

“Yes, but that’s different.”

“Fair enough,” you say.

Yelena takes a long sip of her drink, and you laugh. Out of the corner of your eye, you see the girl from the store today. Wanda.

“Oh shit, she actually came,” you mumble.

“Who?” Yelena asks.

“I forgot to tell you,” you begin. “I met a girl today at the store and kind of invited her.”

“Well, well, well. Y/n, the smooth talker,” Yelena teases. “Where is she?”

You point to the girl who’s standing by the bonfire and talking to a guy.

“Fuck,” Yelena mumbles.

“What?”

“That’s Wanda Maximoff,” Yelena says.

“Am I supposed to know who that is?”

“She hooks up with like everyone, including Natasha.”

“Oh,” you say. The idea of someone else hooking up with Nat breaks your heart.

“Trust me, you don’t want to go down that path,” Yelena says. Her usual funny nature fades into a serious voice.

“I won’t,” you say. “Oh, look here comes Kate. You look great.”

The tall brunette approaches you and Yelena. She smiles at Yelena and the blonde’s legs threaten to give out.

“Hey I’m Kate, I don’t think we’ve met,” she speaks to you first.

“Y/n. It’s nice to meet you,” you tell her.

“Hey Yelena,” Kate says. Both girls blush.

“I’m going to grab another drink,” you excuse yourself.

Walking towards the drinks, you run into Wanda.

“There’s the prettiest girl here,” Wanda says. “I was looking for you.”

“Oh, hey yeah I was with some friends,” you say. You try not to sound too interested, but the woman is compelling.

You don’t notice Natasha’s eyes on you and Wanda.

“Nat? Are you even listening?” Maria asks the woman.

“Hm? Yeah, yes, I’m sorry,” Natasha says. She kisses the woman on the cheek quickly. “I’ll be right back.”

Natasha makes her way over to you and Wanda. Yelena notices and tries to interfere.

“Nat, I already told her to not get with her. She’s fine. They’re just talking,” Yelena says.

“I don’t fucking care. She needs to stay away from y/n,” Natasha says.

The redhead barges past Yelena. She places a hand on Wanda’s shoulder.

“Well hello Romanoff,” Wanda says with a grin.

“Don’t. Why are you talking to y/n? I thought I told you to stay away from these parties,” Natasha says.

“Natasha, hey it’s fine. I can handle myself. We were just talking,” you try to cut in.

“You heard the girl,” Wanda says.

“Leave her alone,” Natasha grits out. “Or I swear to god you will regret it.”

“What are you going to do about it?” Wanda asks, getting in the girl’s face.

“Alright, let’s just calm down here,” Yelena tries to diffuse the situation. “Why don’t you just leave Wanda?”

“I have a right to be here,” Wanda says.

The girl is taller than Natasha, but Nat doesn’t back down. Not even slightly.

They stare each other down for what feels like forever before Carol, whose party this is in the first place, comes over to the group of you.

“All of you have to go,” Carol says. “Come on, Natasha, I thought you were better than this.”

“Whatever,” Nat mumbles. You and Yelena follow her to the car. Yelena apologizes to Kate.

“Hey, you can’t just do that shit to me Nat! I was just talking to her!” You yell.

“Just get in the car,” Nat instructs.

“Get in, y/n,” Yelena says.

You relent and get into the car.

The next morning you see Natasha sitting on the balcony overlooking the beach. You take a deep breath and walk toward her.

“Hey Natasha,” you say. She lifts up her head from the book she’s reading. “Can we talk?”

She doesn’t reply but she pulls out the chair next to her and gestures to it.

“I don’t think it was cool that you interrupted me and Wanda last night,” you say. “Nothing was going to happen.”

Nat shakes her head. “You need to stay away from her.”

“I can handle myself.”

“I know. I know- it’s just that I have the urge to protect you,” Nat admits. “Maybe I did overreact though. I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright,” you say.

“So, are you going to the carnival tonight?” Nat asks. It’s the first effort she’s made at small talk all week.

“I think so, yeah. Yel wants to go,” you say. “What about you?”

“Maria wants to go, but I would rather just stay here and read,” Natasha says.

“Are you- um- dating Maria?”

Natasha seems to think about it for a moment. “No, but we’ve gone out a few times. She’s pretty and nice, but it’s nothing serious.”

“Right,” you say. You see Yelena come towards the balcony, so you excuse yourself. “I’ll see you later.”

Before Nat can reply, you’re out the door and Yelena fills the empty seat next to her. She sits in it sideways, and half of her legs end up in Natasha’s lap.

“I’m sorry about last night,” Natasha says.

“I know you are,” Yelena says. “But I do want to ask you why you got so defensive of y/n. We’re not little kids anymore, you know.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Nat says. She looks out over the water and the morning sky.

“You do know.”

“I don’t.”

“Natasha,” Yelena says sternly.

“Yelena,” the redhead matches her tone. “Fine. I may possibly be somewhat into her.”

“I knew it!” Yelena says. “Ever since last summer you’ve been weird about her!”

“Shut up,” Natasha says. “It’s just a crush. It’s stupid.”

“I don’t think it’s stupid,” Yelena says. “She’s beautiful. I’ve even had my moments this summer where I think about her.”

“Yeah?”

“Yep,” Yelena says. “But liking your best friend is a shitty idea.”

“I don’t know about that,” Natasha says. “Odds are she doesn’t like either of us.”

“That’s probably true,” Yelena says.

The two sisters laugh and start talking about other stuff. You didn’t mean to overhear their conversation. And you definitely shouldn’t have stayed once they started talking about you, but you did, and you can’t believe both girls like you. You don’t even always like yourself.

For the rest of the day, you mostly avoid the girls. It wasn’t too hard since Melina and your mom asked you to go shopping with them. Melina always does too much and buys you more clothes than you could ever need. But it’s a fun day, nonetheless.

When you get back to the house, Yelena is waiting for you by the stairs. She is wearing a swimsuit and you can’t pretend not to notice. You never let yourself think of her like this, but God she is beautiful. She follows you up the stairs.

“Are you still down to go to the carnival tonight?” Yelena asks.

“Yeah. Who else is going?” You ask.

“I was thinking just us. Like old times,” Yelena responds. A cute smile is on her face.

“Sounds perfect. I’ll get changed.”

In your room, you wonder what you should wear. It’s just two old friends going to the carnival, you remind yourself. You slip on a dress and go to Yelena’s room.

You knock on the door frame. “You ready?”

“Yes,” she says, turning from her vanity. “You look good.”

“Thank you,” you reply a little shyly. “So do you.”

She’s wearing high-waisted blue jean shorts and a green crop top. Her eyes are perfectly accented by the color.

Yelena drives to the pier and you two enter the carnival. You play all of the usual games and eat way too much food. She asks you to go on the Ferris wheel with her.

“I’m scared of heights,” you remind her.

“It’ll be fun! I promise I’ll keep you safe! Please!” the girl begs.

“Alright, fine,” you relent.

You wait in line and sit in the seat together. It starts going up and you hold her hand.

“You’re good, detka. You’re good,” Yelena says.

“What does that mean?” You ask before you bury your face in her neck in fear.

She laughs and soon you come to a halt at the top.

“Y/n, look,” Yelena says. She uses her hand to pull your head from her and you peak out at the view. “Look how beautiful it is.”

“Oh, wow,” you say, looking at the way the moon falls over the ocean. You accidentally glance too far down and scare yourself again.

“Woah, hey you’re alright, malysh. Relax,” Yelena says. “Just look at me.”

And you do. You look at her eyes. And her perfect lips. Her hands on either side of your face brush softly against your skin.

“Yelena-”

You’re cut off by her lips on yours. They’re so soft and gentle. It doesn’t feel odd at all to kiss your best friend, but you’re not sure if sparks are flying either. The kiss breaks when the Ferris wheel starts moving again.

“That was-”

“Yeah,” you interrupt Yelena this time. “I didn’t know you- um- liked me like that.”

“I honestly didn’t realize it until this summer,” Yelena explains.

“Look Yelena, maybe we should just be friends?”

“Oh.”

“Not that that kiss wasn’t amazing or anything! But I just don’t want things to get fucked up, you know,” you explain.

“Right. No, you’re making sense,” Yelena says. She wonders if maybe Nat was right.

“You should text Kate,” you tell her. The ride is over, and you hop off. “I’m going to head out.”

“I’ll drive you,” Yelena says.

“That’s okay. Kate is here and you two should hang out.”

Yelena pulls you into a long hug. “I love you, y/n.”

“I love you too, Yelena,” you say.

You catch a ride with another friend of yours, Monica. She takes you to the beach house. You thank her and catch sight of Natasha in the pool.

“So, you didn’t make it to the carnival?” you ask her.

“Nah,” Nat says. “You did?”

“Yep,” you say.

You sit on the edge and put your feet in the pool. Nat swims over to you. Her red hair looks beautiful as it falls over her back.

“How was it?” Natasha asks.

“Eventful,” is all you supply. “How was your night?”

“TBD,” she says.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. Join me?” She asks.

“In the pool?”

“Where else?”

“I’m not in a swimsuit,” you say.

“So? Like old times, come on,” Natasha says. The alluring smile on her face doesn’t leave you room to argue.

You let her pull you into the pool. She holds you under the water like she did when you were kids.

“Hey!” you splash her with water when you come up to the surface. “Meanie!”

“Meanie? What are you seven?”

“Shut up,” you say.

Natasha tries to grab you to pull you under again, but you escape her grasp. She pushes you against the wall and you’re pinned by her. Her legs intertwine with yours. Natasha’s lips hover just inches from yours.

“You’re so beautiful,” Nat says. Her voice is barely above a whisper. “Can I kiss you?”

Your heart is screaming yes, but your mind is in dilemma.

“Y/n?” Nat tries.

“Yeah- yes please,” you say. Fuck it.

Natasha smiles and pulls you by the neck into a kiss. It’s rougher than the one with Yelena. It’s hungrier and more handsy. Nat’s hand slips under the neckline of your dress.

“Wait,” you say into the kiss.

Natasha pulls away and looks at you. “What’s wrong? I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay. I just- I can’t do this right now,” you say.

You get out of the pool quickly and leave Natasha there confused. And Yelena was watching the whole thing from the driveway.

God, what kind of mess have you gotten yourself into?

[cometblaster2070]

i beat rykard in elden ring today and like what the fuck what the actual fuck I'm still reeling over that bossfight.

elden ring's been out for ages now and I had seen rykard's bossfight before on streams and shit but DAMN PLAYING IT WAS WILD???

BECAUSE THERE'S THAT FUCKASS SNAKE FIRST OF ALL AND THEN THERE'S THE ABSOLUTE SHEER HORROR OF RYKARD'S FACE JUST BEING MELTED ON THE BACK OF THE DEAD SNAKE???? ALSO HIS ARMS???? AND LEGS??? TEAR OUT FROM THE SNAKE'S BODY???

i've heard people describe it as a spectacle and it did NOT disappoint oh my god I had SO MUCH fun with that fight it was actually unreal and it was genuinely such a cool fight.

morgott's fight was my favorite so far but I think honestly I'm going to put rykard in as a close second above radahn because that was INSANELY cool.

[gunsandspaceships]

MCU Timeline: Black Widow

1970s - Early 1980s - Melina Vostokoff is cycled through the Red Room (four times).

1980s - Alexei Shostakov serves as the Soviet superhero Red Guardian.

December 3, 1983 - Natalia Alianovna Romanova is born.

Note: In CA:TWS, Zola said Natasha was born in 1984, so it's not entirely clear which year is correct. Considering she looked older than 10 in September 1995, and the fact that CA:TWS was a mess in terms of dates, I'd go with 1983.

December 1983 - 1984 - Natasha is selected through a program to assess the genetic potential of infants and taken from her family.

1984 - 1990s or 2000s - Natasha's biological mother is looking for her.

1989 - Yelena Belova is born.

1992 - the last time Alexei Shostakov was on a mission as the Red Guardian.

1992-1995:

Natasha, Yelena, Alexei and Melina play family in Ohio.

The "Parents" infiltrate the North Institute (a front for S.H.I.E.L.D./Hydra scientists working on mind control techniques as part of the Winter Soldier program).

~September 1995:

Alexei steals data from S.H.I.E.L.D./Hydra and burns down the North Institute. They leave the States and fly to Cuba.

Girls are sent to be trained as spies and assassins.

Dreykov throws Alexei in prison for life.

1995 - Early 2000s:

Natasha undergoes training in the Red Room and becomes the Black Widow.

Natasha's biological mother is killed on Dreykov's orders.

1995-2016 - Melina perfects mind control for the Red Room using stolen data.

2000s:

Natasha takes part in KGB missions all over the world.

Yelena is used as a child assassin.

2008:

Natasha defects to S.H.I.E.L.D. after meeting Clint Barton.

As the final step in this process, she blows up General Dreykov and his daughter Antonia in Budapest. For the next eight years, she believes he is dead and the Red Room is gone.

Next 10 days - Natasha and Clint hide from Hungarian special forces, including 2 days in a subway ventilation shaft.

Antonia survives, and her father turns her into a weapon - an operative Taskmaster.

After Natasha's escape, Dreykov begins using chemical subjugation on his agents to prevent anyone else from getting out.

The main events take place in May 2016.

First days of May:

Yelena is freed from mind control while hunting former Black Widow Oksana in Morocco. Oksana, mortally wounded, asks her to free the others with vials of Red Dust. Yelena defects from the Red Room.

With Mason's help, she hides in a safe house in Budapest.

Through him, Yelena sends Red Dust to Natasha.

May 4:

Natasha aids the Rogue Avengers at Leipzig/Halle Airport, attacks T'Challa, and goes on the run from Ross, who places her on an international wanted list.

~Night - Secretary Ross has another heart attack and a second (presumably) triple bypass surgery.

Note: it's probably Tony's fault.

~May 5-7 - Natasha is in the US. She leaves her suit and tracker at the train station and heads back to Europe.

~May 8, 8:50 am (US)/2:50 pm (Norway) - Natasha tricks Ross on her way to Norway and gets rid of her phone.

Why May 8th: Here's the thing - we don't know when Ross's heart attack happened. But since he wasn't monitoring Tony after Raft, I'm guessing it was the same night of May 4th-5th or May 5th. It takes 3 days to start walking after artery bypass surgery. So we have to assume it was at least May 8th. More than a few days would also be weird since Natasha was on the run, not on the crawl.

~5 pm - Natasha buys groceries and arrives at a mobile home in the Norwegian wilderness, where she finds Mason, who has brought her fake IDs and mail from the safe house in Budapest.

~11 pm - the power goes out in the mobile home, and Natasha goes into town to get fuel for the generator, taking the vials with her in the trunk.

She is attacked by Taskmaster, who is looking for the vials. They fight. Taskmaster defeats Nat by throwing her into the river, but she manages to take the vials.

~May 11:

Natasha comes to Budapest.

Why 3 days later: 1) The train ride from Budapest to Norway takes about 2 days. 2) She split her lip during the fight with Taskmaster, which had already healed by the time she arrived in Budapest (takes at least 3 days). 3) The bruises on her body turned purple (takes 2-5 days after they appeared).

She arrives at the safe house and meets Yelena. They then fight, but end up in a truce.

Natasha learns that Dreykov is still alive and the Red Room still exists.

Natasha and Yelena are attacked by mind-controlled Black Widows.

Before they could use Red Dust on one of the wounded Widows, she was killed remotely by Dreykov.

Natasha and Yelena are pursued by Taskmaster until they reach the same ventilation shaft that Natasha and Barton hid in 8 years ago.

Evening - Nat and Yelena decide to destroy the Red Room and kill Dreykov. For real this time.

Natasha orders a jet through Mason.

~May 13:

Yelena and Natasha arrive in Russia.

Mason gets them an old Russian helicopter.

Why May 13: The drive from Hungary to Russia takes ~20 hours. They left at night and could only arrive the following evening. They met Mason in the daytime, that is, the next day.

~May 14:

Natasha and Yelena arrange Alexey's escape from prison in Russia.

F*ck up time: here we go again - snow in Russia in mid-May. I could say "okay" if we were talking about Oymyakon, but it's very far from St. Petersburg, and from the distance they could fly with this helicopter. On the way back they only had fuel for ~100 km of flight. This means that this prison had to be very close to the city. But it definitely wasn't, if our eyes are to be believed. There are no such frozen mountain places around St. Petersburg.

They head to St. Petersburg to find Melina, but they run out of fuel before they reach their destination, so they walk the rest of the way.

Evening - family reunion. They come to Melina's house outside the city.

Melina alerts the Red Room.

Alexei put on his Red Guardian suit (Melina had kept it all these years).

The fake family drinks vodka and argues. Melina tells Natasha the truth about her parents.

10 pm - Melina tells Nat she alerted the Red Room. They create a plan and Melina tells Nat how to defeat Dreykov. Natasha and Melina "switch bodies."

~10:12 pm - Dreykov's agents arrive and take everyone to the Red Room.

~May 15:

1:35 am - Natasha, disguised as Melina, comes to Dreykov's office and activates her tracker, allowing Ross to find her.

The Red Room surgeons prepare Yelena for a craniotomy so that Melina can dissect her brain while Yelena is still alive.

Alexei and the real Melina, in the guise of Natasha, wake up in the Red Room cells on level zero.

Dreykov exposes Natasha.

Melina, Alexei and Yelena escape.

Dreykov reveals that Taskmaster is his daughter, who survived the explosion. He sends her away and is left alone with Natasha.

Alexei fights Taskmaster. He and Melina manage to put her in a cell.

Dreykov prevents the activation of the landing protocol and shows Natasha the console from which he controls all the Black Widows.

Natasha breaks the pheromone lock preventing her from killing Dreykov and attacks him.

Melina destroys the Red Room's engine and the structure goes on an (un)controlled crash.

Black Widows attack Natasha.

Yelena blows up the vials, exposing the Black Widows to the Red Dust.

Natasha downloads the Black Widow database.

She frees Antonia from the cell.

Yelena kills Dreykov, Natasha fights Taskmaster.

After sunrise, somewhere in eastern Russia, few time zones away from St. Petersburg - Natasha, Yelena, and Antonia land. Natasha exposes the latter to the Red Dust.

Family gathering. Yelena gives Natasha her vest with many pockets. Natasha gives her a mission to free other Black Widows around the world.

Yelena, Melina, Alexei, Antonia and the freed Widows leave. Natasha surrenders to Ross, who has arrived. She then escapes from his car.

Late May (3 days before the next date) - Mason travels through 6 different time zones to get a quinjet for Natasha.

2 weeks after the termination of the Red Room, last days of May/first days of June 2016 - Natasha, dyed white, finally receives the Avengers jet from Mason and flies to help Rogers organize the Rogues' escape from the Raft.

I can't imagine how he didn't melt in those layers of clothing in the summer.

2016 - May 2018 or late 2023 - early 2024 - Yelena adopts a dog, Fanny.

Late 2023 – Early 2024 – Natasha Romanoff receives a tombstone in Ohio.

Late April/Early May 2024:

Yelena visits the gravesite on her holiday.

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine comes too and gives Yelena her next target - Clint Barton.

MCU Timelines: Phases One and Two

[thevibraniumveterans]

For some reason, I rewatched Black Widow (2021) last night, and earlier today, I saw some gifs of the moment in CACW where Steve and Sam question a captive Bucky.

I feel like I’m a bit slow on realizing this, but it should already have been clear, but I found an interesting connection between both, and it’s not the whole Sokovia Accords thing, it’s not.

So in Black Widow, several allusions are made to the fact that the Widows — lethal young women, all of them — can change the world on command. Alexei addresses his adoptive daughters on their way “home”:

“And Natasha, not just a spy, not just toppling regimes, destroying empires from within, but an Avenger.”

Later on, Natasha faces Dreykov, the brutal leader of the Red Room where she grew up. He tells her:

“These world leaders, these great men, they answer to me and my widows. Look at them. These girls were trash. They are thrown out into the street. I recycle the trash. And I give them purpose. I give them a life. It’s my network of widows that help me control the scales of power. One command, the oil and stock markets crumble. One command, and a quarter of the planet will starve. My widows can start and end wars. They can make and break kings.”

The idea here is that the Red Room’s collection of widows are able to, at a moment’s notice, reshape the world to Dreykov’s liking.

Here’s where it gets interesting.

We rewind back a few years, both chronologically speaking and in release date order, to Captain America: Civil War (2016). Bucky has his metal arm in a vice, and Sam and Steve want answers from him:

“What did I do?”

“Enough.”

“Oh, God, I knew this would happen. Everything HYDRA put inside me is still there. All he had to do was say the goddamn words.”

“Who was he?”

“I don't know.”

“People are dead. The bombing, the setup... the doctor did all that just to get 10 minutes with you. I need you to do better than "I don't know."”

“He wanted to know about Siberia. Where I was kept. He wanted to know exactly where.”

“Why would he need to know that?”

“Because I'm not the only Winter Soldier.”

“Who were they?”

“Their most elite death squad. More kills than anyone in HYDRA history. And that was before the serum.”

“They all turn out like you?”

“Worse.”

“The doctor, could he control them?”

“Enough.”

“Said he wanted to see an empire fall.”

“They speak 30 languages, can hide in plain sight... infiltrate, assassinate, destabilize. They can take a whole country down in one night, you'd never see them coming.”

The descriptions of what the Widows and the Soldiers do seem to match up, they do more or less the same thing, with more or less the same objectives.

In Black Widow, Melina makes reference to HYDRA’s pet project:

“We infiltrated the North Institute in Ohio. It was a front for S.H.I.E.L.D. scientists. Actually, it was Hydra scientists at that time. In conjunction with the Winter Soldier project, they had dissected and deconstructed the human brain to create the first and only cellular blueprint of the basal ganglia.”

This tells us that the Red Room and HYDRA worked closely with one another, and there’s also a hint of this in CACW when Sharon and Natasha ambush a brainwashed Bucky at an eatery. Not even a minute into the altercation, Natasha tries to bring Bucky down using her signature move but his size prevents her from doing that. He slams her down backwards onto a table, his metal hand around her throat. Natasha grabs hold of his wrist and forces the following words out:

“You could at least recognize me.”

Which indicates at some point in the past, Natasha and Bucky — as a Widow and a Soldier, respectively — may have either worked together or even gone up against each other. Nat clearly remembers him, but in his single-minded drive to accomplish his mission, he does not indicate any frame of reference for this supposed past encounter. (Edit: Nat and Bucky (as the Winter Soldier) did fight in CATWS. But that’s not the point.)

It seems that the Widows and the Soldiers were indeed highly trained in espionage, infiltration, spying, assassination. They were able to — on command — change the world at the drop of a hat.

If they truly had collaborated, the effects of their joint efforts would have been devastating, had both the Red Room’s Black Widow program and HYDRA’s Winter Soldier program not been snuffed out for good.

[mcu-fan-fics-blog]

Remember a time XIII

Series:  (Pt.1), (P.t 2), (P.t 3), (P.t 4), (P.t 5), (P.t 6), (P.t 7), (P.t 8), (P.t 9), (P.t 10), (P.T 11), (P.T 12) Wanda Maximoff x Fem! Reader, Natasha Romanoff x Fem! Reader

(High school/College Au ) No Powers Word count: 3,800 approx (longest update to date 👀)

Going back to California the following semester was harder than you imagined. You’d grown accustomed to being near your parents and Tony again. It was a big adjustment leaving them once more, and somehow it felt bigger than last year. Then again you were actually excited to leave at that point. “Come on Y/n!!! Your flight leaves in a couple of hours. You can’t miss it again.” You groaned and nodded. You’ve been ready for the past five hours. You were just waiting to leave. “I get it mom. I’m not missing this flight.” Your mother and father had been very accommodating the last couple of months. “You will feel better once you get back into your routine.” She encouraged. You smiled. “I know... I’m just going to miss you guys.” You said softly. “We miss you around here too but you’ve got your whole life ahead of you.” You nodded. Your mother knew everything now and she was grateful that you’d finally found the way to speak to her. “You don’t have to see her if you’re not ready.” She said this time with confidence. She didn’t dislike Natasha, but you were her daughter, and anyone who made you cry was immediately on her shortlist. “I don’t want to get into it right now…” You said finally gathering your things from your room. 

Natasha had returned to California sooner than she had expected, she couldn’t handle the pitiful looks her family would give her any time they crossed paths. Given they currently all slept under the same roof it happened often. When she finally exploded and managed to ask her family what was wrong with them, you’d come up. “We just... we just don’t know what to say to you.” She sighed. “And you haven’t said anything, we’ve heard the Maximoff boy passed, and you haven’t said anything.” Alexi said exasperated. Clearly, he was troubled, and as much as Melina tried to keep a straight face Natasha could tell it was eating at her too. Yelena on the other hand had an annoyed look on her face. “She’s screwed up somehow…” She said it like it was obvious. Natasha glared at the younger girl. “Come on!!! Y/n’s friend died and even now y/n can’t even look at her.” The words hurt to hear, but ultimately her sister was right. “Those kinds of things bring people together…” She mumbled going back to picking at her food. Natasha managed to swallow the lump in her throat and nodded. “She’s angry at me right now. Things weren’t going well, and then everything with Pietro happened… and I made a mistake.” She sighed, her feelings finally catching up with her. “A big mistake, one that I can’t take back.”

She flew to California two weeks before she had to go...

Being back now, things felt very different this time around. Your excessive partying was under control, no more drinking on random Tuesday nights, and more focusing on your school work. Your visits back home were more and more frequent, and you liked it. It was peaceful back home and spending time with Tony and Peter was always a good time. Yelena would hang out every once in a while things were awkward, as you still weren’t on speaking terms with her sister, but she didn’t push it so you were grateful. There were still moments of grief, your mind still couldn’t wrap around how he could be gone. It still managed to keep you up on long nights. But overall you’d actually managed to make more friends which you honestly thought was a miracle. Who would’ve thought that having a healthy social life could lead to that? Your sorority sisters were also not half bad; they were lovely girls who were very relatable. Things were good, you weren’t going to lie. That was until you managed to find yourself at a soccer sporting event your college was hosting. You thought things would be fine, nothing could go wrong. That was until you realized who was actually playing in this game. A friendly game between Berkeley and Stanford. 

There’s a lot of people you thought, no way she spots you. Wrong, you were incredibly wrong. Your friends had snagged the closest seats to the pitch that they could. “Y/n you alright? Is something wrong?” You’d heard your new friend Kate ask from beside you. You swallowed lightly and nodded. “My ex, or ex-friend is on the other team.” You managed to explain. Kate immediately jumped into action. “Y/n we can leave right now, If I’d known I wouldn’t have suggested coming.” She was stumbling over her words and the things she’s started gathering at this point you chuckled lightly. “It’s fine, and no we aren’t leaving. Our outing does not have to be ruined. I’m sure everything will be fine.” 

Everything was not fine.

Twenty minutes into the game you’d already heard Natasha’s name more than you cared to. Kate noticed the grimace every time so she took it into her hands quite literally. You were startled as you felt her arm wrap around you. Then suddenly all sounds were muffled. You smiled at the girl's attempt to make the situation better. “You don’t have to do that.” You chuckled. “Nonsense I shall remedy the situation.” You laughed, you could still hear everything but it was the thought that counts. You hadn’t really realized the implications of seeing Natasha and her team. As they scored goals you managed to catch their celebrations and some interactions. You weren’t proud of the feeling but you were jealous. You couldn’t help but hope the players would trip the other girl. Your eyes were plastered on the bold letters on the back of her shirt “HILL” Suddenly you weren’t jealous, just angry. A blinding rage, conveniently the taunting chants had started to pick up in the stands and your shouts were very much welcomed and even expected.

Kate was flabbergasted. Your mood had miraculously picked up, but still, she felt somewhat relieved. That was until one corner kick where an all too familiar redhead was now walking towards. A clear view of you and Kate with her arm still around you. The look sent her way was not one she’d normally receive, she picked up on the context embarrassingly late. Too late to just remove her arm. She was the Ex. Unconsciously her arm squeezed you. “Please don’t tell me that is her.” The girl said leaning into your ear. You simply nodded. After that interaction, the mood was detrimentally brought down. So much so that the both of you walked out mid-game not speaking a word. Once you were both out you sighed. “I’m sorry I shouldn’t have made you stay.” You shook your head. “You didn’t know. Plus I had fun for a while back there.” Kate sighed. “I just you’ve been through a lot these past couple of months. I wanted to distract you for a little while.” She explained her hands moved as she spoke. “And somehow I managed to drag you right back in the middle of it.” You laughed. “Somethings just can’t be avoided.”

You both walked off to a bench near the stadium. “What happened with her?” She asked curiously. You sighed. It was complicated… you’d tried to justify it in any way you really could. “She cheated when everything with Pietro was happening.” Kate couldn’t hide the shock. You nodded letting her take it in. “I wanted to come back and fix things with her and I found her In bed with someone else that happens to be her team captain.” Kate nodded. “Let's go back to your place and you can tell me everything.” You smiled. “Only if you buy pizza!” She smiled and quickly nodded.

You find yourself sprawled on your couch and telling Kate everything that has happened since senior year. Re-living the hardest moments Kate hugged you. “It must have been a hard loss. I’m sorry you went through it alone.” Her words hit you. And tears start rolling down your cheeks. “It just all happened so fast it was like a dream.” You sighed. “Then I was at a funeral holding my ex-best friend's hand through it all.” You wiped your tears. “And then she didn’t need me anymore, sent me on my way…” Sadness was an emotion you’d become well acquainted with. “Then I came back here, and the girl I was currently seeing…” 

You took another slice of pizza. “I am sad.” You settled. Sobs started raking through you before you could stop them. Kate’s arm settled around you softly pulling you in. “And I’m so, so, so unbelievably angry.” The slice was now forgotten. “At Natasha, and Wanda, and most of all Pietro.” You sobbed. “No one was there for you?” You shook your head. Of course, they were, Tony and Pepper were more than happy to speak with you. Your parents had tried to help you to the best of their ability. “Everything was just so fresh, and then life kept going and I kept rolling with it.” Kate hummed, rubbing your arm. “And now I just feel empty all the time.” You sighed pulling away. “I wake up and it's the same thing as the day before, and everything just still doesn’t feel real.” Kate nodded, moving to wipe your tears away. “I wish I had the right words for you.” She sounded conflicted. “But I can offer my support, and whenever you need me I’ll be here.” 

A loud knock resonated in your apartment. You sighed. “It’s probably my neighbor.” You spoke softly. As soon as you opened the door it was pushed in. “What the…” The sight before you was ethereal. There she was still in her uniform, her braids disheveled. Sweat clinging to her skin. That was as far as you got when she noticed your tear-stained face. Your puffy eyes. You saw when her eyes landed on Kate. You saw the fire in her eyes, the determination as she charged Kate. You were almost too shocked to move… almost. “What did you do to her!” She pointed an accusing finger, at the girl. Who to her detriment only opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water. Guilty written all over her face. It almost happened too fast, Kate however did have a survival instinct it seemed. Managing to place herself behind you. “Y/n please explain…” She mumbled into your ear. Natasha’s eyes were locked on Kate faltering at the closeness with you. “What are you doing here Natasha?” You asked, not sure if you wanted to hear the answer. 

Her fists were clenched at her side, and her breaths were shallow. “I wanted to speak to you.” She said matter of factly. “So you barge into my apartment, and threaten my friend?” Your words came out more cutting than you thought they would. “I think you should leave.” You feel Kate grasp your hand keeping you from moving. You didn’t take another step. The hurt that flashed on Natasha’s face made your heart clench. She slowly nodded, moving towards the door. She managed to walk out. “Wait here.” You ordered Kate as you quickly ran out. She was still in the hallway, her head leaning on the wall banging softly against it. The soft click of the door pulled her out of her thoughts. Then for the first time in months, you stood in front of the girl. Nobody and nothing in between the two of you. You almost felt relief, there was still a silent comfort in the girl's presence. She inhaled slowly. “I can’t…” She started, her emotions were catching up to her. “I can’t… Keep going on like this.” She wiped the tears that were beginning to roll down her cheeks.  

“I can’t not have you in my life Y/n.” You closed your eyes at her words. “I didn’t come all the way back from Russia to not be in your life.” She said her exasperation shining through. She stepped closer to you, her lips ghosting yours. “I know I made a mistake.” You let out a shaky breath at the proximity. It took everything in you not to give in to push it further. “We were about to break up…” You murmured softly. “You were about to break up with me…” You let your words hang in the silence. “We weren't working.” You settled, and finally took a step back. The tears that had subsided earlier came back with a vengeance. “And then… you left me alone. To go through one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to endure.” You sighed. “If it were me in your position… that wouldn’t have happened.” You settled finally letting the words you wanted to say out. She closed her eyes knowing your words held true, you’d done as much for Wanda. Even after months of not speaking to her. She didn’t even have to ask. “You threw it in my face, Natasha…” She nodded. You cleared your throat. “I’m not the one who slept with someone else.” You shuffled further away from her. “We were basically broken up.” You rubbed your temples. “Still…” You mumbled hurt flashing in your eyes. 

She flinched at the words coming out of your mouth. “It was a mistake.” She was completely aware of how pathetic her words sounded. “One, and now…” She looked to the door behind you. “Please, we were friends before we were anything else.” You sighed. “My friend would have showed up when Pietro died.” Your tears were blurring your vision, and you harshly wiped them away. “Those were your choices, Natasha.” You sighed. “I am trying my hardest to forgive you, not for sleeping with someone else, but for leaving me alone.” You scoffed. “I’m trying to be here for you now.” She looked genuine, and you nodded. “Too late.” Your tears stopped, and you were left with only an empty feeling. You looked at her, her shoulders were slumped. Her eyes were downcast, defeated. You relented. “Next time don’t bang on my door, don’t threaten my friends, don’t barge into my home… you have no right to.” You weren’t looking at her. You didn’t let her speak either. “We’re not talking about it, about him… nothing will happen between you and me.” You took a deep breath in. You turned slowly back to the door and walked in. You sighed when the door clicked behind you. 

Kate immediately rushed you. “Are you okay?” She was inspecting you. “Did she hurt you? What did she say? I can take her!” You chuckled at the thought. “I’m sure you’d try.” You assured her. “No, she didn’t hurt me… I’m sorry she charged you.” You apologized to the girl. “No, no It’s okay I’m glad I was here. I feel better because you aren’t alone.” She squeezed your shoulder. “What did you tell her?” She asked after a beat. You sighed deflating, and leaned into her hold on you. “I told her I’d give her a chance as friends… nothing more.” You mumbled into her chest. She chuckled. “You’re holding out on her?” She questioned. “Noo, yes… I don’t know. She looked so hot…” You confessed, and Kate laughed, fully and unabashedly. “I agree, It was hot when she yelled at me like she did.” You huffed out a breath. “I know.” She hummed fully pulling you into her arms. “Want to get drunk and forget about your problems?” You nodded softly. 

The night was spent like that. Drinking the cheap alcohol you had still lying around your apartment. Which looking back was a horrible idea. You confirmed as much when you woke up naked next to the girl, still snoring softly beside you. Then immediately after the pounding in your head wanted to be noticed you groaned. “Jesus.” You all but yelled. “Be quiet please.” Kate shuffled beside you. “You’re up?” You questioned, you kept your eyes closed, you weren’t sure why but you did. “I’ve been up, my head hurts when I move. We drank too much.” She settled. “I’d say so.” You could barely remember ending up in bed with her. The more you tried the more the memories flashed in your head. “Last night?” You asked and she hummed. “No strings…” She said after a beat. “Good.” You sighed somewhat relieved. “Don’t sound too relieved, I’m a catch.” She almost sounded offended. You chuckled. “I’m sorry, I mean… Darnnn it.” You let her chuckle. “We’re still friends, right? It’s not going to be awkward?” She moved her hand to hold yours. “I’m a big girl, you are too. I’m sure we can handle casual sex.” You nodded. 

You could not handle casual sex with Kate. It’d been a week and you were still avoiding the girl. It was harder than you originally thought, more so when you realized you ran in the same circles. You could not go a single evening without hearing the girl's name. Then you’d run into the other single person you didn’t feel ready to see. “Nat?” You questioned as you were walking out of your class. She looked hopeful when her eyes landed on you. You missed her eyes. You shook your head softly pushing the thought aside. “What are you doing here?” She cleared her throat softly. “I was calling… uhm but you weren’t picking up.” You then hit yourself on the head. “I’m sorry… I got a...” You were going to lie but you decided against it. “Nope, sorry I forgot I blocked you.” She raised her brow. “Well, I came to look for you. I didn’t know your classes, and since you said not to barge into your apartment. I figured I'd find you if I lingered here long enough.” You were about to reply when you heard the voice of a girl behind you. 

“Are you done avoiding me?” Kate asked, her hand reaching out to turn you to face her. “I’ve been busy Kate, I’m not avoiding you.” You winced. Your eyes widened, motioning to the girl now behind you. She shifted slightly to get a better look at her. She quickly moved back to face you, nodding along with you. “Well, you know me, can’t go more than a day without hearing from you.” She shrugged and you put your head on your hand. Natasha cleared her throat behind you. You turned to face her again. “Natasha this is Kate, Kate this is Natasha.” You introduced them both. “Good to finally properly meet you.” Kate extended her hand. Natasha’s jaw clenched but she still nodded along, extending her hand to greet the girl. “Likewise.” She forced a smile for the girl. “Ok, well I’ll leave you to it.” She said, stepping away. She then looked at you, her eyes pleading. “Call me, please.” You nodded softly. “I will.”

“That’s new…” Natasha murmured as you both watched Kate walk away, stumbling through everyone on her path. You sighed. “I told you not to harass my friends.” You said not looking at her. “Your friend… right.” You scoffed. “Natasha… We are not doing this.” You left no room for discussion. She sobered at your tone and sighed letting out a soft breath. “I’m sorry.” You nodded. “Why are you here?” You asked after a beat of silence. “Well, I uhm… I wanted to invite you to lunch.” You hummed. “I’m free.” You said walking ahead of her. She scrambled to catch up to you. The walk was rather silent. The small cafe you walked to had grown on you after many visits. “Y/n!” The barista greeted you after you walked in. “Hey!” You waved enthusiastically, soon after looking for a suitable table. “Do you come here often?” You heard Natasha ask. You nodded. “I like that it’s empty most of the time.” You explained. “How have you been?” You watched as the question slipped out of her mouth. You watched as she braced. “Hello, what can I get for you both today?”

You’d never been more grateful for an interruption. You smiled at the girl you’d come to know over the past months. “Claire Hi, Uhm I’d like my usual no coffee today though juice will do.” She nodded, jotting it down. She then turned to Natasha whose eyes were already trained on the woman. “I’ll have what she’s having.” She said with a deadpan look on her face. Claire nodded looking between the two of you, she looked back at you. You gave her a tight smile. “I’ll see you at the rally later?” She decided to ask after a beat. “Yes.” You answered swiftly. Then again as she was about to walk away she stopped in her tracks. “Kate’s been asking for you.” She probed again. You grimaced, nodding along. “Yes, I just spoke to her.” Claire nodded. “Good.” She said simply this time, thankfully actually walking away. “Where were we?” You turned back to Natasha, who now sported an annoyed look on her face.

“I asked how you were.” She stated again this time with no hesitation in her question. You, equally as annoyed, answered her question. “The brunt of it has passed Natasha. I am fine.” She flinched at your words. “I-I didn’t mean it like that.” You hummed. “I did.” You said looking down at your hands. “If you are worried, you shouldn't be.” When your food was delivered there was another stretch of silence. Claire this time seemed to notice the tension and cleared away quickly. “I do worry.” She said softly. “Natasha, it’s too late for you to worry.” You settled. “I needed you when the pain was so unbearable it hurt to breathe. Even after everything, when I came back… Had you come home, come to me?” You held your fork tightly in your hand. “I needed my best friend, not my girlfriend.” Natasha took your blunt words in stride. “You worrying now does nothing for me.” You settled. Natasha nodded. “How have you been?” You asked after a beat, it only seemed fair. “Be honest.” You added after you watched her hesitate. “Lonely.” She settled after a minute.

You nodded. “Still studying 24/7 I see?” You asked, attempting to lighten the mood even if only slightly. She hummed. “That and practice.” You nodded your mind flashing to Maria. You swallowed down the feeling. “You still partying?” She asked casually, still picking at her food. You shook your head. “It’s not really a sustainable practice.” You said chuckling. “I’ve made a lot of good friends, now that I’m sober at sorority events.” You said. Natasha actually laughed at that. “Who would’ve thought?” She asked rhetorically. “Not me, that's for sure.” You sighed. “Did you win the game last weekend?” She nodded softly. “I scored twice.” She said pulling out two fingers. You smiled… She’d won the game and right after went looking for you. “Why are you lonely then?” You asked after a beat, not understanding. “I just haven’t really been able to make friends.” You nodded. “You should come to my birthday party.”

Famous last words.

“I would love to!”

----------------------------------------------------------------------

A/n: Hey Ya'll... It's been another minute. Life gets in the way, but I am unwilling to go down without a fight. So here you go another update for Remember a Time. Honestly, I wish I could write ahead, but I can't whoops. By the time this is up I'm hoping to have a couple more little things ready so look forward to those in the coming weeks.

thank you for reading and keeping up with my nonexistent update schedule it is much appreciated. Leave a like if you enjoyed It. (It makes me feel good plz.) Hope you all have wonderful days.

Tag List: @marvelwomen-simp, @when-wolves-howl, @alyciaddict, @username23345, @arixxxxxxxxa, @justyourwritter69, @picnicminded, @alphawolfchicago1124, @xxxtwilightaxelxxx, @marvelogic, @wandasmistress, @alwaysgoodnight, @chickelittlsblog

[just-aake]

Boundless Devotion - Part II

Pairing: princess!Natasha Romanoff x fem!reader

Summary: MedievalAU. Natasha is the eldest princess of the Romanov Kingdom. As the time of her coronation approaches, she is suddenly forced to make a decision – either find herself a partner or her parents will choose one for her.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15

Warnings: slight angst, violence, abuse

Words: 2582

The carriage leaves the castle gates, carrying the two noblewomen inside.

“I don’t understand why I can’t be outside with the other knights,” Kate pouts as she looks out the window at the guards riding their horses beside the carriage.

Her dog mirrors her position, resting its head sadly against the opening of the window.

Flipping to the next page of the book Queen Melina gave you earlier today after your meeting with her, you respond without looking up at her.

“Because, Kate, even though you chose to become a knight, at the moment, you are still the daughter of a noble family."

You finally glance up at her with a pointed look as you continue your explanation.

"That means you still need to have some form of protection until then.”

Kate groans in disappointment as she slumps back on the seat across from you, crossing her arms as she sulks. 

After numerous pleas and persistent requests to her mother about her desire to join the Royal Guard, she finally gained permission to begin her training, though under a lot of conditions and restrictions. 

Quickly bored with her sulking, Kate glances at the book in your lap curiously before asking.

“Chronicles of the Red Room? Why are you reading about that?”

With a nonchalant shrug, you reply casually, “I just wanted to learn more about my family’s involvement in the war.”

The book in question recounts personal stories from the previous war between the Romanov Kingdom and the Stark Kingdom.

More precisely, it focuses on a place known as the Red Room, which was apparently under the control of your family's house during the war.

According to your findings so far, this place was mainly used for interrogating captured enemies, and it appears that during the war, the Dreykov House gained considerable recognition for its effectiveness in infiltrating enemy ranks and securing strategic advantages for the kingdom through the Red Room.

The queen graciously provided you with some books on the subject when you inquired about it.

Kate hums in casual interest before commenting curiously.

“Wasn’t your old governess also a general during the war? What was her name again…?”

Kate snaps her fingers when she remembers. 

“Madam B!” 

Your hand pauses mid-flip at the name, but Kate doesn’t notice your sudden discomfort as she continues.

"She's always been by your side since you were young, but I haven't seen her around for a while now. Where did she disappear to anyway?"

You compose yourself quickly when Kate looks at you, giving her a faint smile before replying, “I believe she moved to the countryside.”

Kate nods in acknowledgment, accepting your words.

As you're about to return your focus to the book, Kate's next words cause you to tense once again.

“It's odd that she decided to leave you now. You'd think she'd want to stay close, considering what happened."

Kate looks at you cautiously, knowing how sensitive the subject of the incident is for you. 

You sigh internally at her words.

Despite her cheerful and carefree demeanor, you sometimes forget how observant Kate can be about certain matters.

“Madam B has been a part of my family's employment for many years. It was just simply time for her to get what she deserved,” you explain vaguely.

Noticing Kate nervously biting her lips—a telltale sign of her uncertainty—you anticipate there's something else she wants to say.

Eventually, she gives in with a sad expression.

“That wasn’t the only thing that changed.”

Letting out a deep sigh, you're already aware of what she's referring to.

“I already told you, Kate,” you reassure her gently. “Just because we don’t spend all of our time together anymore doesn’t mean Natasha and I are not still friends.”

Shrugging your shoulders, you return your attention to your book, commenting, "We just…each have our own responsibilities now.”

Kate sighs sadly, slumping back into her seat, “I know, but it just doesn't feel the same. We miss having you with us like before, especially Natasha.”

Choosing not to reply, you pretend to concentrate on your book, ignoring the tightness in your chest at her words.

The truth is — you miss Natasha too.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

The carriage stops at the entrance of your family’s manor.

Your gatekeeper, Pietro Maximoff, waves at you as you enter. When he opens the carriage door for you, you see your lady-in-waiting, Wanda Maximoff, rushing down the front steps. 

“Welcome back, Lady Y/n.” 

The twins stand side by side when they greet you.

You give them a warm smile and nod at them graciously.

As orphans from the remnants of the war, Wanda and Pietro were brought into your family’s house by some of the staff members.

Due to their young age when they joined your household, the three of you practically grew up together.

As a result, you genuinely see them more like siblings than anything else, and they reciprocate the same sentiment.

However, in the presence of those outside the manor, they still try to maintain a respectful attitude toward you.

“Thank you,” you say before gesturing to the back of the carriage. “Pietro, can you help bring in the box?”

He nods at your request, moving to reach for the item.

When you’re about to go up the stairs, Wanda places a gentle hand on your arm, stopping your movement.

Her face holds a tense smile as she speaks.

“Your father has come home early from his meeting,” she states in a casual tone. Though, her eyes dart behind you with a meaningful glance.

The news causes you to freeze, your eyes slightly widening. Swiftly, you turn around and intercept Kate's path, stopping her in her tracks.

She tilts her head at you curiously in confusion. 

You offer her a reassuring smile, dispelling all the tense emotions that had crossed your face just moments ago.

“I think I’m just going to rest early today, Kate. It's probably best if you head home," you suggest.

Kate begins to examine you carefully, her expression turning worried.

“Are you okay? Do you feel sick?”

You shake your head, turning her around and lightly directing her back to the carriage before responding.

“I’m fine, just a little tired from reading during the ride.”

Kate casts a skeptical glance your way as she ushers Lucky back into the carriage.

“Okay…,” she says, her voice trailing off. She bites her lip again with uncertainty, remembering something. Then with a deep breath, she speaks again.

“Yelena and I plan to have a picnic at the usual spot by the lake tomorrow,” Kate hesitates briefly before continuing. “Natasha will be there too. I could come in the morning, and we can go together if you’d like?” she proposes with a hopeful tone.

You give her an apologetic look and shake your head, denying her offer.

“I can't, Kate. I have a meeting with Lady Maria tomorrow.” 

Kate acknowledges your response with a disappointed nod, retreating back into the carriage with a sad goodbye.

You wave as the carriage disappears through the gates. Once you're certain she's out of sight, you hurry up the front stairs and make your way into your family’s manor. 

Wanda and Pietro fall in step beside you. Together, the three of you move swiftly along the hallways, taking a less direct route to your room within the manor.

“Where is he now?” you ask, turning slightly to Wanda.

“He was in his study before you arrived,” she replies.

You glance at the box in Pietro’s hand, which contains other books that the queen gave you today. These books concern subjects that you don't want your father to know you are researching.

“Can you keep that in your quarters for now?” 

“Of course,” Pietro replies, nodding without hesitation.

You turn the corner toward the staircase that leads to your floor. 

“What do you think you are doing?”

The booming voice from above causes you to freeze, and you look up to see your father, Lord Dreykov, standing at the top of the staircase. His gaze is fixed on the three of you, examining you critically before shifting his eyes to the person behind you.

He points at Pietro, ordering, “You, take that box to my study.”

Pietro doesn’t move at the command. Instead, he turns his attention to look at you for direction. 

Dreykov watches the interaction with narrow eyes, and a flicker of irritation crosses his face. He descends the steps slowly, clasping his hands behind his back. 

You hold your breath nervously when he stops in front of you, your eyes watching him cautiously.

The sound of a sharp, echoing slap rings out in the room, and your head snaps to the side from the impact of the hit.

As you instinctively bring your hand to your cheek in shock, you cry out in pain when he harshly grabs your wrist and pushes you forcefully to your knees. 

You hear some movement from behind you. Glancing back, Wanda and Pietro both have shocked and concerned looks as they step towards you.

“Don’t move,” Dreykov commands threateningly.

Your father twists your wrist in a painful direction, causing you to cry out in pain again.

In response, Wanda and Pietro come to an abrupt stop, freezing in their tracks.

Dreykov chuckles darkly at them.

“So, the two of you can follow orders after all.” 

He observes your two obviously loyal attendants, seeing a mix of restrained anger and concern etched across their faces. Annoyance tinges his expression as he clicks his tongue in irritation.

“It seems that in my absence from the manor, some of the staff have forgotten who’s the one in control here.”

He turns to Pietro threateningly, his hand still holding your wrist in a deathly grip.

“Am I going to have to repeat myself?”

Pietro clenches his teeth in anger, his gaze shifting between you and your father’s vice-like grip on your wrist. With a reluctant bow, he hurries away toward the study with the box in tow. 

When Pietro disappears around the corner, your father finally lets go of your wrist.

You swiftly pull your hand back, cradling it protectively against your chest. 

Immediately, you sense Wanda’s presence behind you. Her hands grasp your arms, pulling you up and drawing you closer to her, creating a safe distance from your father. 

Dreykov sneers at you, turning to leave.

“Don’t ever disrespect me like that again, daughter,” he warns, his tone threatening.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

“The nerve of that man!” Wanda fumes as she holds your injured wrist in her lap.

You could see the purplish discoloration on your skin, indicating that a bruise was already forming.

“He’s absent for most of your life. Now, suddenly, he decides to stay and terrorize you and everyone else in the manor!”

Though her words are angry, Wanda is gentle as she applies the medical salves on your wrist. 

She's also not wrong about your father. Throughout your childhood, he was rarely at home, always away on trips and meetings to other kingdoms.

Honestly, any memories of moments when he was actually at the manor are hazy to you. 

For some reason, he has chosen to stay in the kingdom for a full year now. His return happened shortly after the incident that unfolded on Natasha's birthday.

However, it's hard to believe that his presence is solely driven by concern for you.

Wanda continues, “Not to mention those creepy guards of his that hide in the shadows.”

You wince when she begins to wrap the bandages around a tender area.

“Which is why you should lower your voice, Wanda,” you warn her.

A familiar knocking pattern sounds at the door before Wanda can respond. 

Knowing who it is, she calls out, “Come in!”

Pietro slips inside quickly, his gaze immediately focused on your wrist in concern.

“How is she?”

You respond before Wanda can continue her rant.

“I’m fine. Both of you calm down.”

Wanda huffs at you, crossing her arms, before noticing Pietro’s slightly disheveled hair and asking, “What took you so long anyway?” 

Pietro's expression shifts into his usual mischievous grin as he pulls out the bundle of books from behind his back.

You recognize them as the ones the queen had given to you from the box.

“I ran to the library and switched these out with some of your geography books,” he explains proudly. 

“Pietro!” you chastise before reprimanding him with a sigh. “Thank you, but please don’t do something that risky again. Who knows what my father would do if he caught you.”

Noticing Wanda and Pietro communicating silently to each other with their eyes, you ask them knowingly.

“What is it?”

Wanda's gaze turns sad and uncertain as she speaks, “We can’t really help you much given our position, but maybe if you tell Princess Natasha…” 

Wanda gives you a knowing look before confidently stating, "She wouldn’t let this happen to you."

Sighing tiredly at the repeated reminder of the princess’ absence from your life, you adjust your sleeve to conceal the bandages as you explain.

“Her coronation is in a couple of months. I’m not going to burden Natasha with problems of a single noble family when she’s going to have to worry about an entire kingdom soon.”

The twins give you sympathetic looks, already aware of the real reasons for your reluctance to involve the princess.

With a sigh, you remind yourself of the decision that you made after that incident last year.

It was the best option.

The further you stay away from Natasha, the safer she will be.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

The following afternoon, accompanied by Wanda, you go to meet Lady Maria Hill at her manor.

The purpose of the meeting was to see the compatibility between the two of you.

In other words, it was sort of like a first date.

The Hill family is renowned for their significant contributions to the kingdom's military. A majority of their family members hold distinctions as decorated soldiers or knights in the kingdom.

In fact, her cousin is the Captain of the Royal Guard at the castle. 

Even now, Maria wears her commander uniform while she sits across from you. Her posture remains perfect and attentive as she places her cup down on the table before addressing you.

“To be honest, Lady Y/n, I was surprised that you still wanted to meet with me today, given the recent news.”

Confused, you glance at Wanda in question, wondering if she knew what Maria was referring to. She shakes her head and shrugs her shoulders in response.

With a polite smile, you return your attention to Maria.

“I’m afraid we haven’t heard any news,” you tell her. 

“Well, it’s more like a rumor, just something Steve heard amongst the castle workers,” Maria comments casually before leaning forward slightly as if whispering a secret.

“Apparently, Princess Natasha disclosed last night that she’s in a secret relationship.”

You ignore the new uncomfortable feeling in your chest at the fact that there was something concerning Natasha that you weren’t aware of.

You manage to conceal the surprise and discomfort on your face as your hands cradle the cup in front of you, its warmth offering you little comfort.

“Oh? And did she mention who it is?” you ask, curious to learn more.

“That’s what makes this meeting so strange,” Maria pauses before nodding at you.

“She said that she was in a relationship with you, Lady Y/n.”

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15

Series Masterlist : Boundless Devotion

a/n: Thank you for reading! Hopefully the tags work, just let me know if you want to be added to the taglist for this series.

Taglist: @lightwhoranoutoflight, @taliiiaasteria

[scarfacemarston]

Hi! it's me again i requested Yelena x Reader hc

I meant things they might do on Valentine's day together and how Yelena would feel about the day overall.

Yelena's Valentine's Day with the F! Reader!

I tried hard to make this romantic or queer platonic! I hope I succeeded.

Yelena knows what Valentine's is, but it's not celebrated as widely in Russia as in the United States. However, it's not like she would have celebrated it as a Black Widow unless she was undercover in a relationship and was required to celebrate then while undercover. Yelena thinks it's a stupid holiday. She thinks love doesn't have to be proven constantly, especially through frivolous gifts and big romantic gestures. Additionally, she believes that if you love someone, then they should already know it through the everyday actions and time spent together.

However, if you want to celebrate Valentine's Day, then she will reluctantly do so because she's a simp and cares for you.

She wishes she had Natasha to ask, and she sure as hell isn't going to ask Alexei or Melina….so she texts Kate in a roundabout way, asking for advice, which Kate enthusiastically gives. Yelena only accepts….10% of it.

First, she would know your love language. (Love languages can still be involved in queerplatonic relationships.) That would be her guide for the rest of the preparations. 

However, do NOT expect anything grand or overly romantic. That is not her style. 

Bucky actually gives her the best advice and tells her to simply be herself.

"Your partner fell for you because you are you. No one else. No false identities to hide behind, but you as a person, strengths and flaws and all. I see the way Reader looks at you and I may not know a lot about a lot of things, but I recognize that affection. Don't beat yourself up over this, don't overcomplicate it. At the end of the day, it's about your care for one another. Now if only I could follow my own advice."

Despite this, Yelena still struggles because she has only recently started to develop her own sense of self. 

Yelena would much rather stay in and celebrate rather than go out. The restaurants would be a mess on Valentine's Day anyway. She isn't much of a cook, but she can handle herself. Part of her gift is definitely making you breakfast and your favorite dinner. You can bet she went to that special bakery to pick up your favorite sweets.

If you drink, she would absolutely find some of the best wine or vodka available to the point where you're wondering where she got it, but you know Yelena has her ways.

 As for material gifts, she finds jewelry, chocolates, and flowers to be too stereotypical and too "lovey-dovey," but if she thinks you want it, then by gosh, are you getting them, regardless of how Yelena will tease you about it later on.

She would much rather give you an experience that you two could share, like a concert or a weekend getaway. She would put the tickets or hotel reservations in a box and wrap it with a bow because she would feel like it was more related to Valentine's Day.

If she's feeling particularly inspired, she might drive you outside of town to stargaze, where she'd relax and tell stories from her childhood or talk about her dreams and goals for the future. All of which she hopes are with you.

When you get home, she draws a bath. Nothing sexual about the actions, just a relaxing bubble bath with the two of you bathing each other and cuddling.

If your relationship is sexual, she is more inclined to get a toy for the two of you to use for your activities. However, to her, it doesn't matter if the sex is on Valentine's Day or not. If you're both tired, why bother? It's just a day to her. She'd much rather you enjoy yourselves.

The night ends with you two turning something lame on Netflix to poke fun at while cuddling and taking turns playing with each other's hair.

You appreciate everything Yelena has done for you and give her a sweet kiss and an earnest "Thank you." She tries to shrug it off but can't help the warm glow she feels inside.

[nickeverdeen]

Taken pt. 3 | Mom!Natasha Romanoff x fem!reader

Pairings: None, this part is focused on Natasha only

Type of fic: Adventure, Small Angst, Mistery at the end

Warnings: Small stalking at the end

Parts -> 1 -> 2 -> 4 -> 5 -> 6 -> 7 -> 8 -> 9 -> 10

Summary: Looking for you felt like a never ending nightmare, but Natasha never gave up even if it took years, but today she needs rest after this long time, at least for one night. Of course she can’t even have that, can she?

————————

Natasha’s boots clicked sharply against the cracked pavement as she strode through the unfamiliar streets. The coordinates Melina had given her had led to a nondescript neighborhood of ordinary houses—quiet, mundane, and completely devoid of any sign of the Red Room.

Her jaw clenched as she surveyed the area one last time, frustration simmering beneath the surface. She’d spent weeks chasing down leads, every tip and scrap of information pulling her farther down the rabbit hole. But this… this dead end made her blood boil.

She’d been so certain.

With a frown, Natasha turned on her heel, shoving her frustration down as she slipped back into the shadows. If the Red Room wanted to play games, so be it. She wasn’t giving up.

The years that followed were grueling. Natasha cut herself off from everything and everyone—the Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D., and any semblance of her old life. Every ounce of her energy went into the search.

The trail often felt cold, the leads distant and unreliable, but Natasha refused to stop. She scoured cities, infiltrated hidden networks, and dismantled underground operations, all in search of one person: you.

But as months turned into years, the strain began to wear on her. The lack of progress, the endless nights of planning and pursuing—it was breaking her in ways she didn’t want to admit.

Eventually, she found herself in Budapest. The city was alive with noise and movement, but Natasha felt detached from it all. For the first time in years, she let herself acknowledge the weight pressing down on her chest.

She couldn’t keep going like this. Not today.

The motel room was small and nondescript, but Natasha didn’t care. She locked the door, pulled the curtains shut, and let her bag drop heavily to the floor. For once, she didn’t bother setting up security measures or preparing for the worst.

Her body ached, and exhaustion settled into her bones as she kicked off her boots and collapsed onto the bed. She lay on her side, her breathing slow and steady as she let herself drift into the kind of sleep she hadn’t allowed herself in years.

Outside, the city buzzed on, oblivious to the ex-assassin lying unaware in the darkness.

And from the rooftop across the street, a shadowed figure stood motionless. The Widow’s black tactical suit hugged their frame as they balanced the long barrel of a sniper rifle against their shoulder. Their target’s redish hair was barely visible through the partially drawn curtains, but it was enough.

The faint glow of a laser sight settled between Natasha’s shoulder blades.

The Widow steadied their breath, finger hovering over the trigger.

The mission was simple: eliminate the target.

But as they stood there, their gaze fixed on the sleeping woman, something flickered in their eyes—a hesitation. A flicker of recognition.

The silence stretched on, broken only by the city’s distant hum.

And then, the figure slowly lowered the rifle, the red dot disappearing from Natasha’s back.

The Widow slipped into the shadows, leaving no trace of their presence behind.

For now.