S: Excuse me.

Steve apologized to his Avengers colleagues and ran out of the room after Natasha. He saw her walking quickly through the corridors.

S: Natasha! Natasha wait!

Natasha didn't stop, she turned in another corridor and Steve ran until he reached her. He took her by the arm and made her turn to him.

S: Natasha!!!. What was that?

N: That what? Oh, actually, I was wondering the same thing. What was this shit, Steve? You had fun last night, enjoying yourself in my hand and the next day handing me the divorce paperwork? That was so fucking low and dirty! I thought you were honest, I thought you were different. They told me you were and I believed and now I feel so stupid to have fallen for the story that you're a good man, but you are a man, just like the others.

Natasha pulled her arm to free herself from Steve and tried to walk away, but Steve grabbed her arm again. He took both of her arms and leaned her against the wall. He wanted so badly that she would stop to listen to him, that he didn't measure the strength that he held her.

S: You have to listen to me!

N: I don't have to do anything!

S: Natasha, I just...

N: Let me go!

S: You have to let me explain.

N: I don't want to hear! You are hurting me. Let go of me!

Steve looked at his hands in Natasha's arms and was red around where his hands are, he didn't realize the strength he was wearing. He released her immediately.

S: I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

In fact, that didn't hurt Natasha but she knew that he would let her go and even feel bad thinking that he really hurt her, and the more she can hurt him now, better.

Natasha walked to the elevator.

N: The worst thing is that I was willing to try again. I was about to call Fury for him to schedule with the witch Wanda, but now...

S: Won't you try anymore?

N: I don't know, Steve. Probably not.

Natasha stepped into the elevator and left behind a frustrated and disappointed Rogers.

Steve punched the wall angrily and it still took him a few minutes before returning to the auditorium.

As soon as Steve returned to the auditorium, Tony was crazy to make jokes, but the look of sadness on Steve's face made him remain quiet. So did all the other Avengers, who were quietly listening to what Steve had to say about the Avengers Base spending cuts.

After the meeting, Steve got in the car to pick his children, but now he was too angry to deal with them, they don't have to go through this stress with him.

Steve decided to take a break at the usual diner, near James' school he walked in and sat down, the usual waitress saw him come in and approached Steve's table.

- Though day at work?

S: I guess so.

- What will you want today?

S: A beer.

- Sorry, we don't sell alcohol here and I saw you driving. Alcohol and direction do not match...

S: I know. It doesn't matter, these drinks have no effect on me.

- You know, I think I know what you need I'll be right back. And... Elisa.

S: Huh?

- My name... is Elisa.

...

Natasha drove to a bar, where she and Hill used to go all the time. Natasha ordered a drink and then sent a message to Hill, asking her to meet her there and Natasha only said it was something urgent.

Hill arrived at the bar and sat on the bench next to Natasha.

H: I hate it when you start drinking without me. And if you're drinking, it's not about work, so let me guess... Steve? Bucky? The kids?

N: He filed for the divorce, Hill.

H: Oh. That's good.

N: Good?

H: Is not that what you wanted?

Natasha opened her mouth to speak, but no word came out, she seemed to be thinking of an answer. After a few seconds, she spoke.

N: We slept together last night.

H: Wow, you really don't know how to keep your legs closed for him.

N: I... I was myself with him last night. I was about to surrender, you know? Then he left and then his lawyer came to leave the divorce paperwork, as if nothing had happened the night before. I don't know why I'm so angry.

H: Because you have feelings for him.

N: That's not it. I just thought he was different. I expected this from any man but I really thought he was different.

H: He is, Natasha. Look, I'm sorry, but... You're the one who left his home, you tried to stay with other men, you wanted the divorce. What did you want Steve to do? He sure was thinking the best for you, anyone who knows Steve, knows he's crazy about you. Crazy enough to let you free to go on with your life without him, if that means your happiness.

N: Hill, you're not helping! You're trying to make me feel bad.

H: No, I am exposing the facts, if you feel guilty, it is because you are.

N: You know I hate you for being honest.

H: I think the only person who loves me is myself, and that's fine for me.

Hill ordered a drink while Natasha looked thoughtful.

Natasha sighed.

N: I told him that I feel something for him, but I don't feel enough to be with him. I think divorce was the best option for us. I can't decide anything right now.

Natasha sighed.

N: But I'm still so angry! I know he's right, but...

H: But you're going to make his life a hell.

N: No... Maybe. I have difficulties on this things, I end up hurting everyone around me. I need to get away from him.

H: You have children, you will always be communicating.

N: No, necessarily. I can have them picked and delivered.

H: What about how they will feel?

N: I'll talk to them after I talk to Steve.

H: Uh...

N: We need to talk, I don't want to walk away from him without explaining my reasons.

H: Okay, but try to talk with your panties on...

Natasha and Hill still had a few drinks, then they ate and went to SHIELD. Natasha helped Hill's team break data codes collected on SHIELD's mission.

At the end of the day, Natasha drove to Steve's apartment. She rang the bell and Steve opened the door, after checking who it was through the magic eye.

N: Hi.

S: Hi.

N: Can we talk?

S: Of course.

Steve opened the door wider and gestured for Natasha to come in. As soon as she entered, James ran to hug Natasha.

J: Mom!

N: James... Can you go to your room?

J: I'm not sleepy, it's very early.

Sarah: Mommy, Mommy.

N: James, why don't you teach Sarah how to play video games?

J: No, she will break it.

N: No she won't, if she breaks, I promise to buy another one for you.

J: Hmm...

S: Go, James. Listen to your mother.

James was reluctant, but he felt a heavy mood between his parents and he knew he had to go to his room.

J: Come on, Sarah.

James took Sarah's hand and led her to his bedroom. Natasha followed them and after they entered the room, Natasha closed the door so they wouldn't hear the conversation.

Natasha came back into the living room and she could barely look at Steve, she sat down on the couch and Steve sat facing her on the other couch.

First the silence dominated the room. Steve felt that he needed to apologize and explain what had happened.

S: Natasha...

N: Please don't. Don't say anything.

Natasha finally met his eyes.

N: You did the right thing. I was surprised by the divorce, I wasn't expecting it.

S: I asked the divorce when you left home and you said that I was free to go out with other people, I understood that you wanted to go out with other people and just forwarded the process for you. I was kinda angry, but I was thinking about you.

N: I know, I know that. But I felt so angry when I received the paperwork right after the night we had and...

S: Natasha, I swear I didn't remember the divorce any more, I didn't know he was going to deliver that day. I would never do that to you.

N: It doesn't matter now. You were right to ask. We can't stay like this anymore, I don't want to hold you with false expectations.

S: False? You said you felt something.

N: I lied.

S: You did not lie. I know you.

N: Yes, I lied. You know I'm a spy.

S: I don't believe, you're lying right now.

N: It doesn't matter what you think, what matters is that I have already signed and I hope you do the same.

S: Aren't you going to try with Wanda at least?

N: I will.

S: So let's wait.

N: No! If it doesn't work...

S: What if it works?

N: Well, so I'll regret it and I'll have you back again.

S: It may be late.

N: I'd rather take a chance.

Steve got up and went to his backpack and picked up the divorce document, he returned to the couch and placed the document on the table.

Steve picked up a pen and looked at Natasha.

S: Are you sure about this?

Natasha looked him in the eyes when Steve asked if she was sure, she looked away and nodded.

Steve sighed and prepared to sign.

A few minutes before, James and Sarah were in the bedroom, James turned on the video game and then went to the door and opened it quietly and stared through the doorway.

Sarah: Jamie? Let's Play.

J: Shh...

Sarah: Where's the control?

J: Sarah, be quiet.

Sarah: But mommy said I could play.

J: I know, I'll let you play, but you have to be quiet.

Sarah: What are you looking in there?

J: Dad and Mom.

Sarah opened the door wider and tried to look too.

J: I think they're fighting.

Sarah: Fighting? I do not like when they fight.

J: Me neither.

Sarah: Mommy!

James covered Sarah's mouth so she didn't call for Natasha.

James listened to the whole conversation until he heard they were going to divorce.

James closed the door. Sarah was listening too, but with only three years olds, she does not understand what is happening.

...

Steve signed the document.

S: You're free.

N: I don't think we should see each other for a while.

Steve sighed and felt his heart freeze. Beyond the divorce, he will have to be without seeing her? Doesn't she know that this would kill him?

N: We should see each other just for work.

S: But the children...

N: I'll have someone to get them and bring them back to you.

S: That's an overreaction.

N: No, it's not. You need to get over it and move on.

S: But I don't want to.

N: Steve... Please.

S: Natasha, you expect me to sit and watch you walk away from my life?

N: There's nothing you can do now, Steve. I don't love you!

Steve was ready to start a speech about his motives to not let her go, that he loves her and needs to be with her, but that final phrase struck him like a hail of arrows piercing the skin of his body. "I don't love you". Steve lowered his head and put his hand on his forehead.

Natasha sighed, she knows how much that hurt Steve, so much that even she felt her chest tighten and that has never happened to her before.

Natasha had already hurt people she liked before, like Bucky himself, but that never made her feel that pain she is feeling now, but now the phrase is said, Natasha needs to be strong on her decision.

N: We should talk to the kids together.

Steve nodded, and he just didn't cry because the kids were in the apartment.

Natasha knocked on the bedroom door and called them to come to the living room.

Before Natasha knocked on the door of James's room, he was talking to Sarah explaining what Steve and Natasha were talking about.

J: They are separating.

Sarah: Separating?

J: Yes, Sarah. It means that Mom will never go back to live with us.

Sarah frowned and lowered her head.

Sarah: But I want Mommy here.

J: Me too.

...

N: Come. Sit here.

Natasha sat down on the couch and asked the children to sit next to her. Steve looked at his children and just sighed, creating the courage to speak to them.

J: You can't separate! Please! Mom!

Natasha and Steve looked at each other, apparently closing the door didn't help, they listened.

Sarah: You can't leave me, Mommy.

N: I'm not leaving you, Sarah. We'll always see each other.

J: It's not the same thing! Dad, you said she was going to come back someday.

S: James, it's complicated. You have to understand that we both love you two very much and that will never change.

J: I don't want anything to change! Was it something I did?

N: No, James... of course not.

S: This is between your mother and me.

Sarah hugged Natasha's waist and began to cry softly.

N: Don't cry, Sarah. I promise we'll see each other. We'll have a lot of fun.

J: I don't understand!

Natasha ran her hand through James's hair.

N: You're very young, but one day you'll understand.

J: Did Dad do something wrong?

N: No, James.

J: Why then?

S: James...

J: I don't want you to separate.

Sarah: Me neither.

N: We were already separated, James. Don't worry, you can stay in my home whenever you want, I promise. Nothing is going to change.

J: Everything has already changed! Since you came back! You're very different and I hate that!

James got up and held Sarah by the hand.

J: Come on, Sarah. Let's go.

Sarah looked at Natasha and released her, following James to his bedroom.

Natasha sighed and looked down.

N: I thought they would understand.

S: They will someday but not now, but they will be okay.

N: I... Hum... I should go now.

S: Okay.

Natasha still stared at Steve for a few seconds, then she got to her feet. Steve got up and opened the door for her. Natasha walked past him and before leaving, she whispered.

N: I'm sorry.

Natasha headed for the elevator and Steve closed the door.

Steve sighed and paused for a few seconds, he can't deal with his own pain now, because his children are in pain too, so Steve went to James' room and knocked on the door.

Steve opened the door and saw James and Sarah playing the video game, but the sadness on their faces was very visible, especially since they were not even talking.

S: Do you want to eat something?

James and Sarah didn't look at Steve, they just shook their heads.

S: Are you guys okay?

They did not respond, just ignored Steve and continued to play.

Steve wanted to talk to his kids better, but the truth is he needs time to take in everything that's happening, he watched them for a few minutes, then he went to his bedroom.

Sarah: Jamie, I don't like it when Daddy is sad.

J: I have a plan, Sarah.

Sarah: Plan?

J: Do you want Daddy and Mommy to be together again?

Sarah nodded.

J: Then you have to help me. You'll do as I say. Okay?

Sarah nodded again.

J: We're going to make them stay together again, you and me.

Sarah smiled and James smiled back at her.

**Maybe the kids can help =(**