A/N sorry this is a bit late

The Older You Are

FEBRUARY 10th, 2007

"Hey, little munchkin!" Natasha coos as she picks her daughter up from her crib, carrying her into her and Maria's room. "How are you doing today on your special little birthday?" 

The morning air breezes through the window, giving both Sasha and Natasha a small shiver. It was hot this morning according to Maria, so instead of cooling down the AC like a normal person she decided to open the windows to the fury of snowflakes. And to say Natasha's the Russian!

Sasha giggles, smiling wide. "Mama!" she says, sort of mumbling sort of speaking. She's referring to both mothers as her 'Mama' at the moment, but the transition to 'Mommy' will start somewhat soon. But it kinda already is happening... as both mothers refer to Maria as 'Mommy' around and not around Sasha (if you know what I mean). Truth be told Maria's excited for the day she has her own parental name. 

"Guess who's birthday it is!" Ria playfully shouts as she moves the drawers into a staircase for Natasha to carry Sasha up.

Natasha looks at her little chubby redhead. "I don't know, Ria. Who's?"

"I don't know either! How about we ask this little sunshine!"

Sasha starts giggling and laughing again as she stares at her moms clapping her hands. As she's placed on the extended loveseat couch Natasha decidedly sits herself on one side and Maria joins on the other. Maria brushes her hand on Sasha's face and at that her daughter bites her finger. It doesn't hurt, nor is it harsh, but still they chastise her for her rude baby-like behavior.

"No biting, Sashy!" Maria says. Natasha looks over at her in surprise.

"Sasha Aleksandra!" She tries to hide her playful smile but it doesn't work. 

The morning goes by fairly fast. Maria searches up if babies can have pancakes, and to her pleasant surprise she's been holding back this treat since Sasha was six months old! How dare she! There weren't a lot of chocolate chips of course, but they added some because of course it is Sasha's birthday after all! It's Maria and Natasha's baby girl's birthday... how forever grateful they'll always be.

The party is set for five. As Clint was already back at work at SHIELD Headquarters along with Laura about to go on a midday mission... Cooper and Lila were supposedly being dropped off at 'Natasha's room' in about fifteen minutes. (The time is quarter 'til 1) Agents had somehow found out about Natasha babysitting a three and one year old but they were somehow missing a key factor. Not only was she watching over the Barton children but she was doing so with Maria, her beloved girlfriend of continuity, as well as keeping an eye over a newly turned toddler. Three toddlers... amazing.

So of course, what's the worst that could happen?

Let's start off now, shall we...

One. It seems as if Lila's terrible twos have started early. She's decided throwing Sasha's toys at Maria was a splendid idea! Those were supposed to be for stacking, Lila Barton, not for preparing your martial arts debut! 

From problem number one came solution A. If Natasha and Maria were going to pay attention to a screaming Lila and a rampaging three year old they were going to have to distract Sasha. That's why the mothering duo placed their beloved daughter in front of a mirror. It's kept the baby occupied in the past, alright!

That brings us to Cooper aka lovely problem number two. As soon as his mother was gone he took his clothes off, placed his underwear on his head, and started taking out the excess flour and mixing it into a bowl. When that became boring he resulted to running around the living space... after consuming an entire bar of chocolate from the cupboard. 

Solution B. That included Maria holding him down while Natasha gave him a rundown of how scary Aunty Nat could be. The list did not include abuse or mental torture. More so time outs, telling parents about this unsociable behavior... and no cake at the party.

Need I go on?

⧗ⴵ🦅🛡

Sasha sits on her highchair as the party guests gather 'round her. They're at a small safe house about a mile or two from SHIELD. Nick Fury's soft spot loves coming out for gatherings like these.

Speaking of which, the guest list is as follows;

Nick Fury ✔️
The Bartons ✔️

And of course Maria and Natasha themselves. It wasn't much but that was never on the table nor was it something either woman wanted.

Singing started echoing through the room as a smash cake was brought in via Clint. 

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Sasha! Happy birthday to you!" Smiles and laughs filled the air as people watched Sasha's tiny little fist break the cake then start scrounging the lovely blue and gold down her mouth.

There was another more decorative replica of the desert cut into pieces for the rest of the family. Both Lila and Cooper complained about the size difference compared to their cousin though people tried to explain it was about the same... just shaped differently. (No adult really knew if they were telling the truth or not in actuality) And they can have another piece if they want!

It didn't convince the babies but who were they kidding? 

Gifts were opened and thank you's were given. How could Natasha ever repay this kindness she never thought she'd have? Especially knowing she did not deserve it. Sasha was getting stuffed animals and a kitchen set along with cute outfits and books while she herself got hugs, kisses and compliments for how darling this party she organized was. She was loved and so was her daughter.

How can Maria live knowing her daughter will have to know how she came to be? How can she move on knowing she still hides flinches when someone hugs her too tight or moves hair behind their ear? How does she know she won't turn out like her father? 

"Another glass of wine, m'dear?" Maria says walking over to her girlfriend with some expensive looking bottle in hand. "We're here 'til Thursday thanks to Fury. Happy early valentines day, darling." She expertly pours the glass while giving Natasha a longer kiss than average for public appearances.

Nat smiles in reply before whispering in her lover's ear. "How about a little something spicier later?" 

"Wanna make another one?" Maria asks suggestively. 

Before anyone can say anything further there's some hoots and cheers coming from beside them. Fury's looking away while Cooper, Lila and Clint are clapping and whistling. A napkin is thrown in Clint's face and laughter is heard all about.

"You've got this place to yourselves by tonight!" Clint smirks. "You can keep it in your pants until then, I believe in you!"

<3

short, lovable chapter 

simping over my girlfriend 🥰