"Come on old man, can't keep up?" Nat yelled back as she ran ahead of Steve.

"Oh I can, I just enjoy the view I'm getting." He teased.

This had been their normal morning. Soon after they made it official, Steve started inviting Nat on his morning runs which she actually enjoyed a lot more than she thought. After five months of running, she was able to keep up with her counterpart, barely stopping.

Nat shook her head at his antics and continued to run until her lungs felt like they were on fire. She stopped, gasping for air. As she bent over with her hands on her knees, Steve ran past her. "Who's the old one now?" He kept going until he reached the bars 40 feet ahead of them.  Nat couldn't even respond too busy focusing on trying to catch her breath. After a couple minutes, she straightened up and met him at the railing. The Hudson was beautiful at this hour, with the sun reflecting across the ripples, it was a nice sight.

"You're still the old man." She said standing beside him.

"As long as I can keep up, thats all that matters."

"I guess we'll see about that" and just like that, Nat took off running back to their building. She maintained her speed, determined not to stop like moments before. Her feet hit the ground and she felt exhilarated. The building was finally in view and she knew that Steve was probably close behind, but rule #1 of racing, is to never look back. She learned that after their first race. Nat was just about to hit the building doors when she felt two strong arms wrap around her waist and swing her up.

"AH" She yelped. Steve's laugh radiating through her body. "Put me down." She said in between laughter.

"Nope, it is my duty to carry you the rest of the way."

Nat kept laughing until her feet were firmly planted on the ground.

"You only did that because you knew I was gonna reach the building before you." She declared crossing her arms.

"Whatever you say Nat." He smirked. They took the steps up, ignoring the soreness of their legs.

"Meet you in 30?" She asked.

"Of course." Steve kissed her chastely on her floor before continuing the flight to his floor.

They both wore kool aid grins and got ready for their day.

Nat entered her apartment and felt like she was on cloud now. She had her smoothie pre-prepped. Grabbing it out the fridge, she downed the strawberry banana drink before hopping in the shower. Her voice sang out as the warm water trickled down her back. Today was a big day for her, she was getting her little kitten. She had been talking to Steve about it for a while and she finally found one that she loved. He was a small black cat with one green eye and one blue one. The perfect mix of her and Steve. They were going to pick up a few things for him before going to the shelter and getting him. Nat was going to leave work and meet Steve at the office since the shelter was a 10 minute walk from his job.

After her shower, she got ready in a pair of jeans, booties and a thick sweater. Fall was in full swing now and she did not want to deal with getting sick anytime soon. Nat left her apartment and saw Steve stepping off the elevator, on time as usual. He noticed her and quickly stepped back to save the elevator. Nat got on and the two talked about the day.

"So I'll meet you around 5?"

"Yea that's good. I might still be wrapping up a few things but you can just wait on the little sofa in my office."

"Ok boss."

They stopped for their usual coffee. Nat opting for a hot coffee opposed to her normal iced one due to the weather change. Steve went for the large black mocha flavored coffee with a bagel. They chatted through the streets and on the train like normal before parting. With a quick kiss, Nat got off and Steve watched as she walked away.

"You guys make a beautiful couple." He heard a frail voice say. He turned to see an older woman sitting down with a bag and oversized coat on.

"Thank you ma'am." He said with a smile.

"I see you two just about every morning and all I see is love. It's what I had with my late husband, Chris. I wish you all the best."

"I appreciate that. Thank you. I do love her a lot."

"Did you tell her?"

"No not yet, I want to wait for the right timing. I'm taking things slow. I'm sure she knows though."

"Well don't wait too long young man."

"I promise I wont." Steve smiled again at the woman's insistence before waving goodbye when his stop came.

He soon was walking through the building of the law firm. It hustled and bustled just like he liked it.

"Morning Wanda." His voice full of joy. It was different today than normal.

"Morning Steve. I take it you and Nat had a good morning."

"Yes we did. That woman is whew." He let out a breath. "She didn't do anything particularly special but just seeing her and getting to spend that time with her, really brightens my morning." He knew how corny he sounded but it was the truth.

"Well I'm glad she can brighten your mood that instantly because you're gonna need it. You have a visitor." She gestured towards his office.

Steve looked perplexed at Wanda's words. He leaned back and peeked through the glass window on the side of his office door. There she stood. The woman who broke his heart. The only woman he loved and hated, standing in his office.

"What is she doing here?" He hissed.

"Said she was waiting for you because something important needed to be discussed. I told her you weren't in but she practically barged her way in and has been standing there for the last 15 minutes."

Steve sighed but just nodded. "Ok. Thank you. If anything comes up, please feel happy to interrupt." He walked in and her back was facing him. The sound of his feet hitting the floor caused her to turn around. A large smile came across her face. "Steven. How good to see you." She said in an over joyous matter. It was like one of those sorority girls he went to school with, preppy and cat like.

"Sharon...What're you doing here?" He glanced over her. She looked the same, lean and in shape. She wore a simple beige dress that fit her like a glove with a small diamond necklace. He recognized it immediately. He had given it to her on their third anniversary right before he proposed.

"Well I heard you had moved down here and I was visiting Uncle Joey, so I popped in for a quick hello. You look good Steven." He fought the urge to roll his eyes and mumbled a thank you.  "How have you been?"

"I've been good, working hard on a lot of cases. Quite busy all the time actually." Although the last part was only partially true, he didn't want her to think he had all this leisure time to spend chatting her up.

"Oh my, well don't let me hold you up, how about lunch today say around 1?"

"Uh I dont kn—"

"I won't take no for an answer. I'll meet you back here."

"Ok." He didn't say anything else, so Sharon took that as her cue to leave. He huffed when she walked out.  "Oh my god." His hands raked over his face. The last thing he wanted was to be forced to have lunch with her. He mentally recalled their relationship. It was nice at first, they discussed marriage, kids, buying a house but then the arguments, the lying, and the flirting with other men came. He was a complete simp with her, but how could he not be? He was in awe and in fear. She was oddly intimidating, she could make the biggest man cower. He let her walk all over him and he didn't have the backbone to step up and leave, at least not before she did. He came home and found a note with the ring attached. She called off the engagement because she couldn't do it anymore. She needed time to focus on herself. If anything it was a blessing for him. He booked a one way ticket to Brooklyn after drowning in tears for three months. He started fresh and now he was actually happy. He didn't want her to have that affect on him again but the quiet demeanor he had taken with her years ago seemed to still be there.

Moments later, Wanda walked in. "So?" She said sitting by his desk.

"We're having lunch this afternoon."

"Why in the world would you do that Steve? You hate that woman."

"I know but I just can't say no to her. She's not exactly the type that knows what that means."

"Don't let her get into your head. You know what she's like. You have a good woman who cares about you and adores you."

"I know. I'm done with Sharon. She's not gonna weave her way back into my life. I had my time with her and its over. I've got Nat." He said, a smiling appearing on his face after the mental image of his girl popping in his head.

"Good to know."  Wanda left and Steve worked on his cases. He had a few forms that he had to draw up for court next week so he spent the next four hours working diligently on them. Time flew by, he was engrossed in his work until he heard a knock on his door. He looked up to see Sharon. She looked nice, though changed into something more comfortable. Her face looked moisturized and her hair curled over her shoulder. It was always a favorite look of his. He shook the thought out of his head and greeted her.

"Hey, It's 1 already?"

"Yea, I see you're still a hard worker."

"Yup that never changed."

"I don't doubt it. You ready?"

Steve nodded and fixed the papers on his desk before grabbing his jacket and throwing it on. Sharon walked out first passing Wanda, then Steve, who gave her a tight lipped smile. "So where are we eating?" Steve asked once they entered the elevator.

"Just going around the corner to the Thai place. I have been craving it since I got here."

"Ok great. I think I've been there before once or twice."

The two maintained small talk until they sat at the restaurant. After placing the order, Steve was the first to speak up.

"What's been going on?"

"Well I have made it to Director of Sales at Friedman. I'm currently getting a new place, but still in Buffalo. Everyone is doing well, they ask about you sometimes. I'm single now, so of course, they must bring you up anytime that happens."

"Oh well congrats on the promotion and tell everyone I said hello."

"I will but you know I wanted to address something first before we get started." She said slowly.

Steve looked at her knowing where this was going. He dreaded every moment of it.

"I know how I left was ridiculous and I am so so sorry for hurting you. I was lost and in that time I just couldn't deal with not having my life together and becoming a wife. It had nothing to do with you and it was all on me. I loved you, I still do and I promise that if I could've done it all over again I would have. I'm sorry."

Steve didn't speak for a moment, pondering what she had said. In that moment, he had clarity. He no longer wanted to be upset or angered. "You know over the time that I have been here. I have learned a lot and one is forgiveness. Everything has its season and ours ran out. I don't blame you nor do I harbor any ill will anymore. I used to be angry and hurt, but I'm glad that happened because I learned a lot about myself. I'm glad that you are ok and doing well. I wish you the best always and I'll always love you too. I hope that you find whatever it is in life you're looking for."

"Thank you. That meant a lot. I guess I didn't know how much I needed to hear that." He gave her a soft smile. "So what's been going on with you?" She said trying to lighten the mood.

"Really same as always, I'm still focusing on my artwork and law. I actually had an art showing about 7 months ago, give or take a month."

"That's amazing Steven. You've always been so talented. Remember that time we went to Blick and we bought all these art supplies and the cashier was looking at us like we were the craziest people in the world?" He laughed out.

"Yea well we did have three boas, oil, acrylic, rope, sheets of metal and a bunch of other things that don't even go together." Both laughed at the memory. He didn't even notice when Sharon placed her hand on top of his.

"Exactly, I don't think another moment could touch that."

"Oh yes, remember that guy from the Walmart?" He laughed again.

"Right! Sammy the 'do I need to come down there' man." She said imitating the older man's voice.

"He was so serious! I couldn't help but laugh at that." The two continued to recall memories, laughing through the whole lunch.

"Gosh this food is delicious." Sharon said.

"Yes it is. I definitely haven't been here before. Couldn't forget something this good."

"Hey this may make a great first date for some lucky girl."

"It sure would."

"I don't even get how you're still single. I mean you were such a treat today." Sharon said as he paid the bill. "You're amazing, smart, and hilarious." Steve didn't want to bring Nat into it. He cared about her a lot and although they had made it official, he didn't want Sharon to bring any unnecessary drama to her because the one thing that strained them was her jealous streak.

"Well you know. It is what it is. this was great though. I had fun. A little over my lunch time so I must get going but thanks for everything."

"Thanks Steven. You too. Maybe we can catch up another time. You still have the same number?"

"Yea." He said.

"Ok, I'll give you a call."

"Alright." He said and walked back to work. His mind was whirling. He had a clear mind and the lunch had went great. They cleared the air and he could finally let go of the past that he didn't even know he was holding. He walked to his office and saw Wanda. She raised her eyebrows hoping to understand the huge grin on his face.

"We cleared the air." Was all he gave and went back to work.

"Hey, Nat called earlier while you were out. She said she'd come around 5:30 instead." Wanda said right before he closed the door.

"Ok cool thank you." He thought about his redheaded girlfriend and somewhat felt bad for not saying he had one. He supposed it was from a good place but something bothered him about it, however the time had passed and he couldn't change it now. Time ticked on and Steve ran around the building filling last minute meetings. He walked back to his office at 5:45 and saw Nat sitting on his desk waiting for him.

"Hey baby." He greeted.

"Hey handsome." Her red lips turned up into a smirk which oozed sex appeal. He walked closer dipping his head to capture her lips. Her legs parted on the desk so he could slide in between easily. Her arms snaked around his neck and she deepened the kiss.

"Mmmm your lips taste so good Nat."

"You know I have something that taste even better."

"Oh" He said raising his eyebrows and looking at her.

"Yea, get on your knees and you can have as much as you want." She bit her lip and watched how his eyes darkened at the prospect. His favorite thing seemed to be devouring her until she was a withering mess.

Just as he was about to go down, there was a knock at his door. He pulled back and Nat slid off his desk.

"Come in." He yelled.

"Just letting you know I was heading out for the day. See you guys later." Wanda said with a sly smile.

"Ok bye." They both replied.

But of course the mood was now gone and Nat wanted to go to the shelter.  With a kiss and promise to finish later, Steve begun to pack his things and walk out with his girl. He knew he was the cause of a lot of envy around the office. Nat was a sight for sore eyes, she had hips and breasts that any man could get lost in. Her ass was beautiful and round and her lips, the things those lips could do. More often than not, he would catch someone looking at her whether it was at his job, hers, or just out in public, especially on their runs. He tried not to let it get to him, instead holding her closer or giving them glares to turn them away, which typically did the trick.

Leaving the office, they walked one block over to the local pet store and grabbed a carrier for the new cat and a couple toys and food. They didn't get too much, but just enough to last a week. Nat knew over the weekend she would go to the one closer to the apartment so their wouldn't be so much to carry. Once they checked out, they headed over to the shelter which was closing in an hour.

The woman, Geraldine, at the office showed them through the doors to the caged animals and Nat's eyes fell on the one she wanted. He was perfect. He purred when he saw her. The black kitten was only 6 months old and quite small. Geraldine opened the gate with a small gold key and out hopped the little guy. Nat caught him in her arms and he meowed. He snuggled up against her and anyone with eyes could see the two were a perfect match.

"Isn't he just the cutest Stevie?" Nat asked not looking at him, instead still playing with the kitten.

"He is. looks like he's just as in love with you."

"I know. I'm glad he still remembers me. I can't wait to take him home today." She said as the cats paws played with her loose hair.

"All you have to do is fill out the release forms and you're good to go. I have the other ones you sent via email already in your file."

"Oh thank you."

The three walked out to the main office with little Sebastian in Nat's hands. She couldn't put him down if she wanted to. With her right hand, she signed and initialed on every paper officially making her Bash's new mommy.

"Come on little Bash. We're going to get you home and show you your new house."

Steve watched how Nat was gentle and cooing the little cat as if he was a baby. It made him feel slightly disheartened because he knew she was living vicariously, hoping that little Bash was a real baby and not a replacement for one. They continued walking until Steve heard his name being called. The street was fairly busy but as soon as he turned around, he identified the source, Sharon.

Nat had looked up as well, facing the same direction as Steve. She saw the perky blonde make her way over with a huge smile on her face.

"Oh my gosh, what're the odds of seeing you again today. I thought I'd be done with you after lunch." She joked.

"Yea me too. We were leaving the animal shelter." He said. Sharon turned her attention to the woman who was four inches shorter than her. "You must be Steve's friend, I'm Sharon." She said extending her hand for a shake, which Nat took.

"I'm actually his girlfriend, Natasha. I'm not sure I remember you though." Her tilted to the side.

"I'm surprised he never mentioned me. We were just engaged last year." She laughed lightly. "but I thought you were single Steve?" Sharon asked confusion on her face.

"Why would you think that?" Nat, who had now looked to Steve for an explanation.

"Because he said it at lunch, but you know him, he probably wanted to keep a beauty like you all to himself. He's playful like that." She said swatting Steve's chest. "But on a different tip, this kitten is gorgeous."

"Mhmm thanks." Nat said trying to keep her anger under control. She could feel Steve sulking as he burned a whole in her face.

"I remember when Steven and I were going to get a cat. It was either that or a baby. He was insistent that we go for the kid as soon as we got married. He had this whole "we could be a real family" thing going on in his head, but what better way to see if you're gonna be good parents by getting a pet. Right?"

"Right." Nat said tight lipped.

"I'm glad you could get him on the cat side, maybe now he sees what I was trying to say." Sharon smiled at Nat before turning to Steve.

"Look I won't hold you guys much longer, just didn't want to see you and not speak. Thanks again for lunch Steven." She gave Steve a brief kiss on the cheek and waved bye to Natasha, who was fuming. The moment Sharon turned around, Nat immediately stormed off.

"Nat..Nat.. please wait up." Steve called out.

He had some nerve. She didn't even want to see his face, let alone be in the same car as him. Not only did he have lunch with his ex and not tell her when he recounted his day, but then he denied her, saying he was single and on top of all that, she knew that deep down he truly did want to be a family and not a "fake" one with her and Bash. Her emotions were a shit storm. She was angry, sad, confused, heartbroken. Here she thought, she finally got a catch, but when things are too good to be true, then they usually are.

"Nat please just stop walking." He grabbed her arm. She jumped and immediately her heart began to race. A flick of fear crossed her face and he let go instantly. "I'm sorry, I just really want to talk to you."

"Theres nothing to talk about." She said as she power walked away.

"It's not what it sounds like. It was an innocent lunch. I swear. I couldn't tell her no."

Nat whipped her head around momentarily stopping "And you couldn't tell her you had a girlfriend either huh?" She said before walking again.

"It's not like that. I was trying to protect you."

"PROTECT ME FROM WHAT? YOUR EX-FIANCE? I'M A GROWN ASS WOMAN, I DON'T NEED YOUR PROTECTION." She yelled earning a few looks from a couple passerby's.

"Nat I wan—"

"I don't want to hear it. Just leave me alone." Nat saw a taxi and waved her hand so it could pick her up. As soon as it hit the curb she opened the door and got in. She grabbed the bags from Steve and shut the door living him on the other side. She riddled off the address for the driver and didn't bother to look at Steve through the closed window. As the taxi pulled off, her tears raced down her face. Sebastian clearly sensing her mood, purred against her and snuggled into her chest. He was all she needed anyway.

The ride home was a quiet and somber one, Steve felt like shit. After Nat got in the car, he walked over to a local bar and grabbed a drink. He loosened his tie and wallowed in his thoughts. How the hell could he be so stupid? Why did he deny Nat? It's not like he loved Sharon, so what the hell was the point? She was right. She didn't need his protection, she is not one to get easily intimated, so he's sure she could've handled it. He kept replaying the conversation over in his head. It was as if Sharon knew just where to jab Natasha. From the lunch to the girlfriend comment to the real family. He knew Nat would be thinking heavily about that, but his thoughts on family are different now. He wants whatever he can have with Nat, because all he wants is her, baby or not.

He eventually stopped his drinking and checked the time, it was going on 11pm. He called an Uber and got home around 11:45. It was late but he had to see her. He had took off his clothes at home and put on sweats and a tank top. Take the elevator to her floor, he knocked on her door and waited until she opened up. He could hear the sounds of a movie playing in the background and knew it was The Wedding Planner. It was one of Nat's favorite movies. He sighed and unlocked the door with his key. The apartment was dark except the for the light of the TV coming the through the crack of the bedroom door.

He walked closer, pushing the door open. She was laying there with her face glistening from fresh tears. He could see how bad she was hurting and he felt like shit all over again. She was snuggled up with Bash on the bed and as he took a step in, Nat quickly turned and looked at him.

"Jesus! You scared the shit out of me!" Her hand over her chest.

"Sorry." His was deeper, evidence of his drinking.

"What're you doing here?" Her voice laced with venom now.

"I wanted to talk to you."

"As my boyfriend or as a single man?"

He sighed and moved to sit on the bed. "As your boyfriend. I know that was stupid of me to deny you."

"Then why did you?" Her eyes narrowing as she asked.

"Because I didn't want you mixed up with Sharon. She would pry and eventually try to find you and get into your head and cause a problem between us."

"Oh yes because your idea was so much better." She rolled her eyes, her comment dripping with sarcasm.

"Nat I swear I didn't think of it in the way I know you are. I care about you deeply and I do not want her at all. I just know how she is. She has a way of manipulating people and destroying things around her. The last thing I wanted was for you to be put in that." After a few moments of silence, Nat's voice broke.

"Do you still love her?" Her eyes glossy as she made eye contact with him.

"I—Yes, but I'm not in love with her. I'll always have love for her but I swear to you, what I feel for you is deep, deeper than it ever was with her."

"How come you never told me about her? About the engagement?" In the time, they spent together, Steve never mentioned having a previous engagement or anything. He spoke of one girl and that was his first kiss early on when they played 21 questions. Nothing else was offered.

"I hated that time in my life. Yes we had good times but I was never truly happy in the way I should've been. I let her control my life and do things that I never should've allowed. I was blinded by what I thought was love."

Nat listened as Steve talked. She wanted to believe him. She really did but how could she? She's already been through one bad relationship, maybe this was a sign that Steve would just hurt her in another way. Nat stayed silent and pondered the thoughts in her head. Steve kept going nervous at her reaction to what he was saying. Did she believe him? Trust him? He could feel his heart racing and didn't know what else to do or say.

"Why didn't you tell me about the lunch?" She asked.

"I don't know. I guess I just wanted to forget about it. It was a shock and honestly I didn't know how'd you react. I didn't want you to read into it especially because then I'd have to get into my history and everything else."

"So anytime you can't gauge my reaction you just won't tell me things?" She asked sharply.

"No of course I will, but this was different."

"How?"

"I don't know. It just was Natasha. I'm trying to fix this ok. I don't know what to say but I'm sorry. I know trust is important and I know I broke it by not telling you but I will tell you any and everything. It was an innocent lunch that I didn't even want to go to at first. Nothing happened. I promise you that and it won't happen again."

Nat shook her head and let the tear fall. Steve reached out to brush it but she moved her head away. "I don't think this is going to work." She said lowly.

"Nat please don't do this."

"It's deeper than that Steve. I learned a lot today, I mean even her bringing up the real family. If I hadn't known I wasn't discussed, I would've thought she knew I couldn't have kids. Do you even realize how hurtful and embarrassing that is?"

"I ca—"

"To know that your boyfriend was so hellbent on starting his own family with a woman and literally wanting to do the exact opposite of what we are doing right now. You wanted a real family and I CAN NEVER GIVE THAT TO YOU! I CANT! I don't want you resenting me or anything because you thought you could live without your own child. I don't want to do that."

"I won't resent you! I know I wont. I don't care about what you can and can not give me. I want you. I told you before there's more than one way to become a mother or father. There are options. I just want you Nat. Fuck what Sharon said. I am in this for you and you alone. Please just let me show you that."

"How can you Steve?" Her voice cracking as she felt her relationship disappearing.

"We get a bank account. We put as much money as we can so when the time comes, we can start our family. Whether we have to do IVF, adoption, anything. We will be prepared. I will match you pound for pound. If its' 500,000 or a million. I want to show you how much I want this, hell or high water." Steve grabbed her hands and spoke with conviction. "I'm not going anywhere Nat. I'm not running and I'm not giving up." Nat closed her eyes and bowed her head. Steve took this as his chance to wrap his arms around her and let her collapse into him. Her shoulders shook as her tears came down.

"I love you Natasha. I really do. Just let me show you." He said as he stroked her hair.

Nat looked up and felt speechless. "Really?" She asked in disbelief.

"Really. I love you Natasha Romanoff. I do." He replied wiping the single from her eye.

"I love you too Steve." She leaned up and kissed him. Pouring herself completely into it. She was in love with the man truly and completely. A wave of relief washed over Steve as he felt them come together. They could taste the salty tears that had ran over lips. Their bodies intertwined as the sounds of their lips kissing filled the air. Panting and moans drowned out the movie in the background. Steve's calloused arms raised the big shirt Nat had on, exposing her creamy skin. Her hands tugged at his drawstring and slid them off his hips. He slid them to his feet and pulled the shirt over his head tossing it on the ground. Steve took her in and slid to his knees, she deserved the best. He feasted just like how he wanted to earlier. Her moans were at an all time high, with her hand in his hair and her legs shaking from pleasure. Steve's tongue gently sucked on her clit while his fingers pumped in and out of her. His free hand moving up to play with her nipple. Nat could feel the heat pooling at the bottom of her stomach. She could only take so much, her hips bucked against his face and Steve went faster bringing her to the edge. Moments later, she came, coating Steves face with her juices. Nat laid breathlessly, while he climbed on top of her, ducking his head down to capture her lips once more.

Her legs wrapped around him as she gripped his member putting him inside. Both thankful they got tested, so they could enjoy each other bare, Nat took him deep, arching her back at the sensation of his dick.

"I'm gonna make love to you baby. Nice and slow." He whispered in her ear. As he gently thrust inside of her.  Nat moaned in response, savoring the feel of his hands on her body. His chiseled chest illuminated by the blue light.

"Mmmm yes baby. Right there." She cried. Chest to chest. He ground into her, making sure she felt every movement. His dick pulsing every time she tightened her pussy around him.

"God you're amazing." Steve continued his slow assault on her until she couldn't take it anymore, begging for him to go faster. He gladly obliged. Pistoling in and out of her like it was the last time.

"FUCK YES! Just like that." She encouraged as her nails raked across his lower back.

"Nat Fuck I'm about to cum." His head thrown back, balls deep inside her.

"Yes baby Cum for me. Come on." Nat bucked her hips harder urging him to let go. He came deep inside her while she clenched around him, pushing her to her release. Her moans were enough to get him going again but he pulled out and gently slapped his dick against her clit to continue the pleasure. They were both spent. He slid off the bed and went to the bathroom to clean up and came back with a wet washcloth to wash her. He wiped her down and laid in bed next to her.

Nat turned to look at him and spoke softly.

"Just because we had sex doesn't mean I'm going to act like I'm perfectly ok with what happened because I'm not. A relationship is supposed to open and trustworthy." Her eyes never wavering. "If I can't have that with you, then you really will be single. I do love you and I'm happy to be with you, but if you pull some shit like that again, it's over." She spoke and did not stutter. She meant what she said and he knew it.

"I understand and I really am sorry. I promise it will never happen again." He said with relief. He was happy she forgave him because only lord knows what would happen if he lost her.

"Good." Nat gave him a peck and they cuddled into each other. The rest of the night, the two discussed their past. Relationships, situations, and everything in between. It was open and honest. No secrets. Just the way it should be.