Natasha stayed by your bedside in the hospital for almost two full weeks before your vitals started to improve. She nearly jumped from her chair when she heard your heart monitor jump while she was reading to you.

"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit ... and that means comfort."

Before she could start the next paragraph, she felt your hand move in hers and your heartbeat spike. She immediately dropped the novel, leaning closer to you. "[Y/n]? Can you hear me?"

She leans in closer, and you mumble your first words since your overdose: "I'm sorry, Nat."

Natasha smiles widely, tears coming to her eyes as she holds your hand tightly. "It's okay, it's okay. Don't talk. Let me go get the doctor."

You shake your head and use what strength you have to hold onto the Black Widow. "Stay. I have...to tell you something."

Your heart monitor starts to slow down, and Natasha sits back down, brows pulling together in confusion. "You really scared me, [Y/n]." She wipes your sweaty hair from your forehead.

You give a small smile, closing your eyes. "I'm sorry I did what I did."

"You should've come to me," she whispers, kissing your hand. "I would've helped you."

You sniff and open your eyes. "I was sad and I didn't know what to say. I'm the youngest Avenger...I felt like I had to carry it all on my own. You're the best friend that I ever had. I'm sorry I made you so sad."

"You could've said anything, and I would've been there." Natasha smiles softly. "You never have to carry anything on your own."

You smile at Natasha, whispering, "You mean everything to me, Nat. If there was anyone who had the key to my heart, it would've been you--"

To Be Continued...