Nat's eyes fluttered open and the beautiful site of Steve greeted her. He was still sleep with his arm still wrapped around her waist. She mused in the feeling and turned around to nuzzle in his bare chest. He smelled amazing, musky and delicious. He was snoring softly and Nat could see his small Adams apple vibrate with his each one. Their faces were inches apart and Nat was compelled to move even closer. His arms felt homely wrapped around her. His hand just above the cusp of her ass, with a wiggle she was sure he could get a handful. She smirked at the idea but held back from acting on it. Steve deserved more than a damaged woman, that thought alone made her stop the silly thoughts from entering her mind and just savor the little time she had before he woke up. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the sound of his breathing.

Steve began to stir and felt a heavy weight near him. He opened his eyes and saw Nat leaning into his chest. He squeezed his arms around her appreciating the moment when he saw her tilt her head.

"Morning." Her raspy voice responding in his ears.

"How'd you sleep?"

"Good, thanks to you. You?" A smile playing on her lips.

"I slept good. Best sleep I've had in awhile really." Returning with a lopsided grin.

"That's good to know."

"You hungry?"

"Yes, Thank you. Are you gonna make pancakes?' She asked with hopeful eyes.

"If that's what you want."

"Yes please." Nat cheesed at him. She loved his pancakes. He made them for her a few times before and they were by far her favorite dish of his. She could literally eat them all day.

"I guess we better get out of bed then huh?"

"Mmmm noooo. Do we have to? It's so warm." Nat nestled into him more, her hand gripping his side pulling herself closer. Steve didn't want to admit it but having Nat wrapped in him made him go crazy with desire. She molded perfectly into him.

"Well a few more minutes won't hurt." He caved and they both enjoyed being in each others arms. It was comforting for the both of them. Eventually Nat moved back and pushed Steve up so he can "go make my pancakes." Nat went into the bathroom while Steve made them their home cooked meal.

Nat came out a few minutes later with a fresh face and clean breath. She was barefoot with the shirt hanging to her thighs. Steve glanced over at her and smiled. She really was a site for sore eyes.

"Feeling fresh?'

"Absolutely. You wanna go freshen up? I can make some eggs while you do that."

"Yea thanks."

"Scrambled?"

"Actually, Sunny side."

"WHAT?! You're a sunny side kinda guy. I never pegged you for the type." Her mouth gaped in shock.

"Oh gosh you're a scramble kinda girl? Guess we'll just have to end this friend ship here."

"Oh please, you wouldn't last without me. Who else is gonna cuddle with you?" She winked.

"Touché. I guess I can overlook this small indiscretion for now." He squinted his eyes before smirking and walking away.

Nat bit her lip as she watched him go, his back muscles moving as he walked out of the kitchen. She focused on the eggs and wondered what she would do for the day. She knew she needed to finish up her apartment and probably get some more stuff to replace all the mess Bruce destroyed.

While she finished up the eggs, she plated them and Steve came out sporting a shirt and some pants. That reminded her that she needed to get new clothes now too.

"Looks delicious Nat."

"Well dig in. Do you want something to drink?" Nat asked opening up the fridge.

"I'm pretty sure I should be asking that but no."

"Mm if you say so." She grabbed some orange juice and poured herself a glass. She was more comfortable and Steve didn't mind. It just made him feel domestic and he loved it. He watched as she sat next to him and began eating her food.

"Mmmmm it's so good." She said after eating a mouthful. "You seriously have to teach me how to get my pancakes fluffy like yours."

"I don't know. Will you tell me about that Russian seasoning you use?"

"Fine! But you gotta make sure you use the right amount or it can make your food have a horrible after taste." She said making a face.

"I guess we both have some learning to do." Nat smiled at him and continued eating.

"So I'm going to go shopping later. I have to replace my clothes and some of the stuff that Bruce messed up."

"What time do you want to go?"

"After this, I plan on going to work starting tomorrow  so I'll need some clothes."

"Ok, I'll get dressed and we can go."

"Steve you don't have to go, you've done a lot. Why don't you relax today?"

"I'd rather spend the time with you and helping you out. I really don't mind." He said nonchalantly. It wasn't a big deal to him but it meant a lot to Nat. Even with the small gesture, she could tell he really cared about her.

"Thats real sweet of you. I appreciate it." They finished their food and Nat put on her sweatpants that she had on yesterday, but kept the shirt Steve gave her. It was quite comfortable. In 20 minutes, they were both ready to go.

"I was thinking Queens Center Mall. It has a lot of stores that I can jump around to so we don't have to go to a bunch of different places."

"Alright whatever works best for you."

They took the train and the first store she went to was Express. She needed a lot of clothes for work but for now she would just grab 2 jeans, 3 pants, and 1 suit. She tried them on and of course she got Steve's opinion on her. He approved of a few but some he didn't like so she put them back.

"We can go to Victoria Secret. You don't have to come in there if you don't want." Nat knew some men got uncomfortable so she would understand if he didn't want to.

"Nat, I'm a a grown man. Bras and panties don't faze me. I'm just here to help you out." He said making her laugh. Nat bit her lip as her cheeks turned a rosy color, there was something about a man who had "BDE" big dick energy and Steve was a walking example.

"Gonna tell me what looks best on me?" She raised her eyebrow at him.

"Only if you want." He teased back.

Nat shook her head laughing. They entered the overly pink store and immediately Nat's eye caught the sight of a red set. It was lace and full cup. Nat thought it would cover her 34D breasts perfectly. She looked through the drawers below the mannequin and immediately pulled out her size.

"What you think?" Nat said holding it up to her.

Steve stared at the beautiful set imagining how she would look in only that. Her perfectly round breast filling out each cup. Her smooth legs sliding into the matching red panties. It would be a sight to see, but Steve opted to just say "Its nice Nat." He didn't want to seem like he was longing for her but his imagination was doing a number on him.

"You think I should get it? Or maybe something else?" She said looking at him.

"I like it. It'll look good on you. You can get a few pieces to start out." He suggested

"Alright, maybe that green one over there." She said pointing towards another sexy set on display. It was lace with a 3/4 cup that would show her off just nicely. She walked over with Steve in tow and looked through the selection available. "Here, Give me the bags." Steve said reaching for the bag so she could have her hands free.

"Thank you," She continued to look through the clothes and soon they were checking out. They visited a few more stores and were making their way home.

"You think you have everything you need?" He asked as they were exiting the mall.

"Yea I'm sure. If I don't, I can just pick up a few things tomorrow."

By the time they finished it was late afternoon. They dropped off the bags at Steve's apartment and brought the frames they purchased to Nat's place.

"I just want to put these in and then we can go back to your place."

"Ok." He said sitting on her floor, looking at the various photos laid out. She still didn't have a table, so they got comfy and started the project.

"Oh my gosh. Is that you as a kid?" Steve asked lifting a photo of Nat in two ponytails and buck teeth and braces.

"YES!" She said snatching the photo. "Don't laugh at me. I was going through my puberty stage." Nat held the photo in her hand laughing at it.

"You know what they say?"

"What?" Her eyes locking with his.

"The ugliest kids make the most gorgeous adults."

"Shut up. They do not" Nat whined as she threw one of her new pillows at him, which he caught.

"I'm just kidding Nat. You were adorable."

"Yea yea I'm not trying to hear your lies." She grinned at him. The atmosphere was light and airy. They joked around as they placed the photos in their new shiny frames. Nat's eyes fell on the last photo. The photo of her and her parents. Her fingers lightly brushed it hoping that it would magically repair itself. Her eyes welled but she blinked them away not wanting to spoil the happy atmosphere. Steve watched her as she stared at the photo. He knew how important it was to her and he could sense the sadness coming from her. She looked away from him and that was all he needed to see before he held out his hand. Nat turned her head back, furrowing her eyebrows.

"What?" She asked as she put her hand in his.

"Come" beckoning her to follow him. " I want to show you something."

Nat stood up and they left her apartment to go to his. "What're we doing Steve?"

"You'll see." He gave her a soft smile leading her into a room that she never went into. She had noticed it when she first came to his apartment but never asked about it. Steve lead them into the white room. There were paintings all over the floor, an easel sitting in the center with a wooden high chair in front of it. "This is my art studio. I come here to focus, clear my mind, get me out of a funk. I think you should try it."

"Steve, this is amazing." Her eyes glistening in awe. She walked around the room admiring the many unfinished pieces. She surveyed the art, one was covered by a simple white sheet. Her curiosity getting the best of her as she began lifting up the fabric to get a better view but was quickly stopped by Steve's hand. "Its not ready for anybody to see yet. I'm really working hard on it and I don't want you to see it til its done."

"Ok sorry. I love what you have here Steve. I've always wondered what this room was. Thank you for showing me." Nat appreciated him opening up to her with something so personal to him. It was one of the things she admired about their friendship, neither was afraid to give more of themselves to the other, it was something that lacked heavily with her and Bruce.

"I figured you could use a little pick me. You can paint if you want?" He offered handing her a small paintbrush.

"Oh I'm no good at that." She chuckled. "Maybe another time."

"Yea sure." Steve set the brush down and led her back out to the main room and they talked for a while. "Nat, I've been thinking about something."

"What?" Giving him her full attention. "I think you should move out." Nat was shocked, confused. "What do you mean?" she hadn't been staying with him that long, had she? Steve could read the confusion on her face and quickly continued.

"I mean I don't think you should stay in your apartment. Bruce knows where you live and for your own safety and peace of mind I think you should move somewhere else."

"Where Steve? How the hell am I going to find another apartment?" She asked standing up combing her fingers through her hair. "This apartment is perfect for me. It's right between my job and dance studio. Steve, I can't. I just cant."

"Nat it's just a suggestion. If you don't want to, it's fine. I want you to be safe. I know you don't want Bruce to end up coming back to your place. I just trying to look out for you." He said grabbing her hand to stop her from pacing.

She sighed holding his hand. "I know. I know. I'm sorry. It's just... he's already messed up so much of my life and I don't want to have to keep changing things because of him." She said finally sitting back down.

"This will be the only thing Nat. Think about it as a fresh start. A new home with no memories of him."

Nat pondered his words and knew that he was right. The last thing she would want is to finally get rid of him but only to be constantly reminded of him every time she saw her bed or her badly patched walls.

"Ok, I'll go downstairs and ask the landlord if there's anything he can do."

"Alright, we have the paperwork to show him proof if he needs anything to corroborate your story."

"Well I guess I better get on that then." She gave him a small smile standing up to leave. "I'll run downstairs for a little and see what he'll say."

"I'll whip up some lunch for us for when you come back."

"Thanks." Nat left out in search of her landlord. She took the elevator to the basement and quickly found his office.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Come in." His fragile voice called out.

Nat stepped in and saw the lanky older man sitting at the desk.

"Hola, Ms. Romanoff. Como estas?" He greeted with a thick spanish accent.

"Bien. Y tu?" She had took basic Spanish classes and could pick up on the common phrases.

"Bueno. What brings you by today?" He looked up from his glasses smiling.

Nat liked her landlord. He was sweet man who always fixed the things she needed.

"Well I was wondering if I could move? I love this building, but I've...I..my ex.. he knows where I live and he's been abusive. He comes by and I can't stay there. It's not safe for me." She quickly explained hoping he would take a small grace on her.

"Oh Natasha, lo siento. Whatever you need. I have two apartments available. One on the 11th and one on the 14th. The 11th one is a studio so its smaller than yours and the 14th one is a two bedroom." He pulled out some papers for her to look at the two apartments.

"Thank you so much Mr. Delgado. Is it possible for me to take the one on the 14th?" She pointed to the one she liked the most. Better to go bigger in case Steve eery wanted to stay the night, he wouldn't have to sleep on the couch. Wait, why was she even thinking about him sleeping over? She quickly dismissed the idea though the fluttering in her chest didn't stop.

"Si, very good. You know what? I'll keep it at your same rent. Take it as a.. uh..welcoming to a fresh start." He gave her a pen to sign over the apartment.

"Oh my gosh. Thank you. Thank you." She said giving him a tight hug causing him to laugh.

"Your welcome." He watched as she signed the paper and felt proud for helping out one of his best tenants.

"When can i move in?" She asked eagerly. Nat didn't know it would be this simple, this easy.

"When you're ready. You can do it this week if you want?"

"Yea, that'll be great. I'll try for tomorrow if that's ok."

"It's good. I'll get the keys ready for you. Pick them up when you start moving."

"Alright i will. I'll see you tomorrow." Nat gave him a wide smile and left his office. She was excited. This was a fresh start. She may have been hesitant before but now that she actually had time to let it settle in the thought, she couldn't be more happy. She hurried up to Steve's apartment and immediately told him the great news.

"Steve, Steve! Guess what?" Her hands clutched together in excitement

"What?"

"I got an apartment on the 14th floor." She let out.

"Oh my gosh, that's amazing Nat." He said picking her up into a hug.

"Right! I'm gonna move tomorrow!" She said into his neck with her arms still holding him tight.

"Tomorrow?" Steve asked confused putting her down. "I thought you were going to go to work tomorrow?"

"Yea well i think Maria can manage for one more day. I just need to pack up my apartment. This is too important so I want to make it happen as soon as possible...  I'm not bringing any of my old furniture except my end tables, so my couch and bed aren't coming with me. I'm done with anything that reminds me of Bruce. This is it for me Stevie." She said looking at him hopeful.

"Well then tell me what you need and I'm game."  Giving her a wide grin.

"I could use help packing up my clothes and a few other things. He messed up majority of my glasses and decorations so it's not like i have much to bring." Nat said making a beeline towards the kitchen for something to drink.

"Ok when do you want to start?"

"Whenever you're ready. I wanna get started today so i can at least have majority of it packed for tomorrow. I know you'll have to go to work but since i don't. I want to make it as quick as possible since I'll be alone."  She drank her water and carried down the sandwich Steve made her while she mentally prepared for the big day.

"We can pack everything tonight and tomorrow when i get home, then we can transfer the stuff into the new place. It shouldn't take long like you said. I have a couple suitcases you can use for the clothes and shoes you have left. We'll bring them in here tonight and then tomorrow you can put them in new apartment."

"Alright man with the plan, let's go then."

They set off to work on Nat's apartment and didn't finish until 11 that night. Both were utterly exhausted but it was well worth it. The apartment was packed and ready to go. She had about 20 actually boxes worth of stuff, so it shouldn't take them longer than an hour to move everything tomorrow. Nat had took the liberty of ordering a new bed set and couch online to be delivered to her new place tomorrow morning. It would be shortly after Steve went to work, so she asked him to make sure she was up when he left, which he agreed to. The two ordered their favorite Chinese food and slept to their hearts content on Nat's couch, wonderfully unexpected.

The next morning, Steve stretched his body and looked over at Nat who was drooling on his chest. He found it adorable and couldn't resist giving her a quick peck in her hair. He checked his phone which was on the verge of dying. It was 6 a.m. He had some time to get ready for work so he cooked a small breakfast, knowing she's one to appreciate waking up to a home cooked meal. Sure enough he was right, as the last pancake flipped, Nat was groaning and stretching her limber body on the couch.

"Mmmmm Steve." Her throaty moan causing more excitement in Steve than he expected. He had to admit the sound of his name coming from her lips in that moment was enough to make him want her right there on the couch. He, being the gentleman he is, didn't address that and only spoke up with a good morning sleepyhead.

She lifted off the couch wiping her mouth. "Good morning Stevie."

"How'd you sleep?"

"Amazing. It always is with you."

"I can say the same."

Nat bit her lip and walked over to the tall blonde. "Pancakes?"

"Already done." He slid her fully made plate over the counter and they both ate their food. "The movers said they'd take the old couch and bed for an extra hundred so I'll get them up here first to move this out."

"Oh not bad. 9 right?"

"Yea 9."

"Ok I'll try to be back by 8 or 9 tonight. I'll call when I'm on the way home." Home. It almost sounded like he was coming home to her. It was natural and unforced, something neither of them seemed to mind.

"Alright, i should have a lot of my stuff in there by the time you get in."

"Nothing should be in there if I'm not there. I don't want you here alone for five minutes, ok? I'll be home and we'll work quick so it's not an all nighter." Nat smiled to herself as Steve's overprotectiveness showed. He always made her feel protected and held her high. It almost made her want....more.

"Fine but I'll at least grab some things while the movers are here, so we will have less work tonight."

"Ok that's fine." They finished eating and Steve gave her a quick hug and kiss to the head before heading out of her place. It was simple and could simply be ignored by any onlooker who didn't know the two. Nat wasted no time getting ready for the day. It's was almost 9 by the time she did and the movers would be there soon. She grabbed her luggage that she packed last night and took it downstairs to her new place. She had just unpacked the smaller case in the closet, when her phone rang informing her that the movers had arrived. She went down to greet them and explained her situation to them regarding hauling out one set of furniture on one floor but moving in the rest on another. They guaranteed it was fine but, it was a long process trying to get the men to move out her huge bed and mid sized couch. The elevators were small and not as spacious as they thought. As the men fought their way to the elevator, Nat gathered two boxes stacking them on top of each other and brought them downstairs. It was only two floors, so it was less of a hassle. She continued that process finishing with her small TV stand until the men moved both her bed and her couch outside to their truck. By the time, they were ready to bring her new furniture, she had successfully moved her boxes to the new apartment.

"Can you please just place it right here?" She said pointing to the huge empty space in her new two bedroom. "I'll arrange it later."

The three huge men sat the extra long couch on the hardwood floors and went down to grab the bedroom set. It consisted of a dresser, two night stands and a king sized bed. They got everything together neatly and cleaned up any excess packaging from the boxes. Once they were finished, it looked like a fully furnished apartment. Nat smiled widely at her new place. Its crisp white walls were illuminated by the beaming warm sun. Her couch was now a rich blue velvet material that felt smooth to the touch. It added a nice temperament to the room. She was in awe of this place. It looked a little bare but with a few added decor, she would make this place feel like home in no time. Her favorite feature by far was the fireplace. She didn't have the  luxury of getting one upstairs but this did. She checked her phone and saw a text from Steve.

Steve: Everything going good?

Nat: Perfect! Thank you. Work is fine?"

Steve: Yea. Nothing I can't handle. Ready to leave and see your new place. \

Nat: I know you can and me either. I'm in 14B. I managed to get all the boxes out myself, so no work tonight :)

Steve: Nat...

She chuckled as she read his response, she could see his disapproval through the phone.

Nat: I promise I wasn't alone. I used the time the movers took to move my couch and bed to get everything. It was really fast, I promise.

Steve: Ok. I can't wait to see it. You need anything before I come in?"

Nat: Some hangers if you don't mind.

Steve: Will do.

Nat: Thanks

Nat threw her phone on the couch and went back to focusing on what she could work on. First she unpacked her clothes. Though it wasn't a lot, she didn't okay on living out of a suitcase for for the rest of year. Due to the lack of hangers, she folded majority of her clothes and left her jackets in the case for when Steve came in with the hangers.

It was already noon ad Nat still had a decent amount to go through, given that she just moved in, she didn't have any food. She called the pizza shop around the block and ordered a small pie with jalapeños and olives. Today was just one of those days. Nat worked diligently through the next 45 minutes finishing her clothes and adding the comforter to her bed. It was a little short because she had upgraded her bedside too but it worked for now.

Knock Knock

The knocking on the door was quick but for a second she hesitates. She thought about Bruce and the strange possibility that it could be him, but the odds of him finding out she left were slim. It's not like there was anyone to actually tell him she left, the only person who knew was Steve. Then, she remembered her pizza. Double checking, she looked through the peephole and sure enough there was a short pimpled faced kid holding her pizza. Nat opened the door and gave him tip exchanging the money for the food. He gave her a small smile and quickly walked away. The warmth of the pizza seeping through the cardboard warmed her heart. She loved the smell of this pizza it was some of the best she ever experienced.

Nat sat her bar counter and wolfed down two slices. The oil dribbling down the corner of her mouth while the cheesy entree filled her belly.

"Mmmm soo good." She moaned as she took another bite. Why hadn't she had it in so long? As she savored the delicious delicacy, she went to grab a bottled water. Her throat was dying for a quick quench. Nat enjoyed the quiet time with herself and ate until there were 5 slices left. She figured she could save it for Steve when he came in. She placed the pizza in the oven to keep it warm.

Natasha put the rest of her things away until 9:30 when there was knocking at the door. She knew it was Steve because he texted her letting her know he was on his way over.

"Hey." He hugged her as he stepped through the threshold.

"Hi" She replied inhaling his scent. He smelled like Burberry cologne.

"This place is nice Nat." He said surveying the layout and slipping off his shoes.

"Yea it definitely is. I even got a fireplace." It was something that Steve's apartment lacked though they were almost identical.

"Dang, you sure you want to stay here, you're more than welcome to take my place. "He said chuckling.

"Um..no. I think I'll stick with it. I would hate to put you out of your home again." Causing them to both laugh.

"Fine but if you change your mind, you know where to find me."

Nat smiled and showed him the rest of the apartment. "This is my bedroom but I still have to hang the rest of my clothes. I didn't have hangers so thank you for bringing them."

"No problem. I can help you out with that."

"You've done enough Steve. You should rest tonight. You'e been such a help and I know I've brought more work for you, so just take a night for yourself. Have a nightcap if you need it." Nat suggested but couldn't bring herself to fully understand why she added the last part. The idea of someone else with Steve made her cringe.

"Why need a nightcap, when I can spend time with my best girl?" He smiled his schoolboy grin and wrapped his arms around Nat's neck. She playfully rolled her eyes in response before shoving him away and throwing some clothes at him.

"Fine. We can hang these up, then do the kitchen, but after that you're resting and I'll put on something for us to watch."

"Thank you your majesty for letting me stay in your presence."  They both laughed and talked about each others day.

"So I was talking to Bruce lawyers today and he is not willing to take a deal. We're going to have to go to court, but it's nothing to worry about. It's a slam dunk Nat." He said taking off his jacket and tie tossing it on the chair nearby.

Nat took her time listening to what he had to say. She hadn't liked the idea of going to court but if this is what it would take for Bruce to be gone then so be it.

"You really think he will get time?" She looked over at Steve who was watching her to gauge her reaction.

"Yea I do. We have evidence against him, thanks to your texts and we have the police report with the witness testimony."

"So I have nothing to be worried about right?"

"Right. I'll be keeping you up to date on everything. We should move to trial starting next week. If he contacts you, you have to let me know though, ok?"

"Got you champ." She flashed him her award winning smile and hung up the last of her clothes.

"Finally! We're done." She clapped her hands together and sat on the bed.

"One room down one more to go." Steve said referring to the still empty guest room.

"I know. It's amazing. I can't believe this is really my place now. It feels clean you know and not clean as in no dirt but...clean, energy wise. There's no negativity. I feel....free." Nat turned her head to see Steve staring at her. She grabbed his hand gently holding it. "Thank you Steve."

"Nat, no I do—"

"No, Steve really. Thank you. You've been such a big help to me and I don't think you truly understand how much you've really impacted me. I don't know what I'd do without you Steve." Her eyes welled up as she poured her heart to him.

Steve's thumb rubbed the back of her hand gently. "I'm glad I could be there for you. You did a lot too Nat. It took a lot of courage for you to leave him and start this process."

Nat rolled her eyes as he gave the credit back to her. "So..we're done for tonight. You want some pizza?"

"No, I actually have some leftovers from yesterday, so I'm going to eat that." He said standing up removing his hand from hers.

"You're heading out?" She asked trying to mask her disappointment. She knew he was probably ready to go home and relax in his own comfort, so she didn't press it.

"Uh yea, you need anything else before I go?"

Nat shook her head. "You've done enough. Thank you again."

"You gonna be ok by yourself."

"Yea I'll be fine." Nat replied glancing around the unfinished apartment.  She turned back to him and smiled walking him towards the door.

"Alright Nat. If you need anything call me or come up. You can still use that key whenever you want."

"I'll keep that in mind. Goodnight Steve."

"Night."