Steve left Natasha's room and closed the door. He stood outside, trying to understand what had just happened. Natasha stroked his hand, or it was just an impression? Was she really caressing his hand, or was she just trying to make him feel the babis? Steve is pretty aware that he can understand any signal coming from her in the wrong way, the way he wants it to be and not what it really is.

- Are you alright, sir?

Steve looked at the nurse who thought something was wrong with him.

Steve nodded.

S: Yes, thank you.

If Natasha is trying to get close to him, it could be just a pregnancy effect, or it could be for real, or she might not be trying anything. In any case, in what of thos situations, Steve wouldn't ended up hurt? That was his though, and he always comes to the same conclusion: he would get hurt.

Natasha trying something, now that he's so close to his freedom... No... no way. He can't take a chance, so he can't even have any form of contact with her now, because if she is really trying something, he still not that strong and if he looks into her green eyes, it becomes much easier to give in to her charms.

Steve left the hospital and did not return to visit Natasha, despite going to the hospital to know about her condition and the babies'. Cho said that Natasha had a little bleeding at night, but that was normal and didn't offer risk to her nor the babies.

...

A few weeks later, Natasha was already able to walk around the room and around the hospital corridors and from time to time she would threaten to leave the hospital for good, but she ended up beind conviced to stay by the nurses and also because she feels pain when she walks too much.

Natasha heard knocks on the door, she waited for the person to come in and she always thinks it will be Steve, but it was not him. Again.

If it wasn't him yesterday or the day before yesterday, why would it be him today, you stupid? Natasha fought with herself.

Nick Fury entered the room.

NF: Romanoff, how are you?

N: Huge.

NF: Indeed. So, boys or girls?

N: Both.

NF: A boy and a girl? Interesting. What are the names?

N: I don't know.

Nick looked confused.

N: Their father didn't decide and didn't even show up around here anymore, so I don't know.

Natasha sighed and sat down on the bed. Fury approached.

NF: He's hurt, Natasha. He's moving on.

N: Yeah, without me.

NF: Yes. Sometimes people get tired of chasing someone. I'm not saying you made him chase after you on purpose, life threw a big prank on you when you had that accident and woke up without any memory, but try to see his side too.

N: I see his side! I always did and I'm sorry! I really am, but I didn't love him, Fury. Should I have lied?

NF: No. I'm not saying that, but now you do love him, and why don't you tell him?

Natasha laughed and shook her head.

N: He doesn't even show up here anymore. I think he lost the love he claimed he had for me.

NF: That does not happen easy.

N: What do you know about love?

NF: Nothing, I'm just a good observer. And when I see Steve, when he comes to ask me about you and the babies, I observe love. But I also observe reluctance, he does not want to feel it anymore, and if he continues like this, he'll get what he wants and you're not doing anything to stop him.

N: I can't do anything.

NF: You're the only one who can do something about it.

N: How? Would I tell him that I love him now and would ask him to try again? We tried and it didn't work, I can't tell him that, it's the dumbest thing anyone can do.

NF: Stupid assume you love someone?

N: Sounds stupid even when you repeat that. I can't, I'm not like that. I'm not romantic as he is, I... He should be with someone who is what he wants and needs.

NF: You're what he wants, in the way you are, you're no different as you think. He loved you when no one else did or felt safe enough to do it. He loved you just as you are, cold, gross and stupid, not to mention proud.

N: Did you come here to insult me?

NF: No, I came to alert you.

Nick Fury got up and approached the door. He looked at Natasha.

NF: Sometimes a little sacrifice can make the game turn. Wouldn't it be worth sacrificing your pride and saying what you feel just once, even if it sounds stupid? Is he not that worth it?

Natasha didn't respond to Fury and he just wanted to make her think. Nick left the hospital room and a pensive Natasha back.

Natasha imagined her saying romantic words, and began to laugh alone, but it was not so funny, because what she has to lose without doing it, is much bigger.

Natasha lay on the bed and put her hand on her head, then punched the bed.

N: That's stupid! I can't say that!

S: Can't say what?

Natasha took a fright, she didn't notice that Steve was in the room, she looked at him frightened.

S: I'm sorry, I didn't knock on the door, I thought you were asleep.

Natasha has a hard time letting go of what bothers her aside, and Steve has been missing all those days makes her forget she should not fight him when she wants him around. But damn it, anger first, love after.

N: What are you doing here?

S: I came to know how you are...

N: Apparently you have done this without having to come see me. If you'd rather meet the nurses, be comfortable, I don't need you to come and see me.

J: Mom?

Natasha looked at James, who was entering the room, after Steve and she was surprised again, she sighed and was speechless.

S: Like I said, I brought the kids to see you.

Natasha looked at Steve and she was so angry. So not even to see her, he came, he just came to make the sacrifice to bring the children for her? Okay, Rogers, I hate you now. Natasha thought.

Sarah: Mommy, look. Let me pass.

Sarah shoved James, who pushed her back.

S: Stop it.

J: She started.

Sarah: He started!

J: You.

Sarah: You!!!

Natasha was not patient at the moment, she took a deep breath and looked around. Sarah approached the bed and showed her knee with two band-aids.

Sarah: I fell, mommy.

Natasha wanted to roll her eyes. So, you fall? So what? You're alive, why are you showing me this as if it were something really bad? That's what Natasha thought, until she looked into Sarah's eyes. It was as if she had just fallen and needed her help, because the look of desperation she made, touched Natasha's heart.

Natasha sighed.

N: That seems bad. Is it hurting?

Sarah nodded.

Sarah: But I did not cry.

J: But you wanted to cry.

Sarah: But I did not cry!!!

N: It's okay to cry if you feel pain, Sarah, but if you haven't cried this time, it means you are growing.

Natasha leaned her finger against the tip of Sarah's nose, which made her smile. Natasha didn't notice her mood improving almost immediately.

N: What about you, James? And the games?

J: Well, I was just on the bench in the last game.

N: Really?

J: Yes.

N: Maybe next time, you will play.

J: Will you be there?

N: Yes.

J: Then I'll make a point for you.

N: I will charge that.

Natasha smiled.

Sarah kept her eye on Natasha's belly.

N: Do you want to touch my tummy?

Sarah: Uhm...

N: They kick.

J: Yeah? Are they playing ball in there?

Sarah: Are you dumb? It doesn't fit a ball in there with two babies already inside.

J: But maybe the ball is little.

Sarah: Oh... Is there a ball in there, mama?

Natasha was amused and shook her head.

N: But they'll probably enjoy playing ball. You can teach them.

J: Yeah. I'm not so good at soccer.

N: It could be baseball.

Natasha lifted her blouse and Sarah laid her hand on Natasha's belly. James put his hand on the other side.

J: They're not doing anything.

S: That's because you're not talking to them.

Sarah: He's in there, how's he going to listen?

S: They listen. Pay attention.

Steve stood by Natasha's feet, beside the bed, he bent down to face her belly, then he stroked Natasha's belly.

S: Babies? It's Dad here. Talk to me.

The babies kicked hard at the sound of Steve's voice. Sarah and James opened their mouths in shock.

Sarah: Oh my God, they kicked! They kicked !!!

J: I felt it!

Natasha and Steve smiled and both looked at each other and looked away.

Sarah: Oh, Mommy, Daddy bought lots of stuff for the babies and nothing for me!

J: Not even for me!

S: It's not your birthday.

Sarah: Is it their birthday?

S: It will be when they are born.

J: Dad took us to the new house.

Sarah: We will have children as neighbors. There are girls!!!

Sarah clapped her hands and lifted her feet, excited.

N: Really?

Natasha looked at Steve.

J: There's a room only for the babies.

N: Sounds nice.

J: Yes, you will love it.

Sarah: When does Mommy go home with us?

S: I don't know, children and I talked to you about that...

J: It's not fair, you're going to have two babies, you have to be together.

Natasha and Steve were embarrassed.

S: James, we talked about it several times. Do not start.

J: So babies are no good! They don't serve for anything!

James crossed his arms.

N: They will play with you. Don't forget it.

J: Blergh.

James grunted.

S: Cho told me you can go home. You just have to rest.

N: Really??? Finally!

S: I just... I want you to stay with me until the babies are born.

N: No.

S: Natasha, you will not rest if you're alone. Let me take care of the babies and of you. Please.

Natasha looked at Steve when he mentioned about taking care of her, she didn't expect that phrase and of course it touched her heart, especially in this delicate situation. She was about to enter on the seventh month of pregnancy and she can't stand being in that hospital room any more.

S: I will not force you, but I would feel better if you...

N: Okay.

S: Okay?

Natasha nodded.

Sarah: Mommy's going home!!!!

Sarah celebrated.

Sarah: Come on, come on, mommy, get up.

S: Easy, Sarah.

Steve looked at Natasha.

S: Do you need help getting your things?

N: No, I can do it.

Natasha lowered her shirt and her movements are much slower and harder because of the size of her belly. She got off the bed and went to pack her clothes. As she closed the suitcase, James ran and grabbed it for her.

J: I'll take it.

N: No need, James.

J: I want to, Mom.

Natasha ran her hand over James's head and smiled. Cho was entering the room with the discharge papers, she reminded Steve and Natasha about the total rest that Natasha needs.

S: Don't worry, she will behave.

Cho: And you know you can't have...

Steve and Natasha frowned uncomprehendingly. Cho didn't want to talk about sex because of the children.

Cho: You know... That thing...

N: Oh.

S: Huh?

N: We won't do it.

S: We won't do what?

N: Sex.

Natasha walked out of the room, leaving Steve embarrassed back.

Steve thanked Cho and the nurses as Natasha waited for the elevator to arrive without even looking in anyone's face. Why does he have to be so polite? So annoying! I hope I never see these people ever again. Natasha thought.

As they entered the elevator, Natasha sighed in relief.

N: I can't believe I'm walking.

S: I can't imagine how hard it is for you.

N: I will survive.

The elevator doors opened and they all left to go to Steve's car.

S: The belt, Natasha.

N: No.

S: I'm not leaving here without you putting on your belt.

Natasha snorted and put on her seatbelt, which bothered her even more because of her belly.

S: Well, I was going to leave to move the house after the babies were born, but I think you'll be more comfortable in a house than in an apartment.

N: Do not worry.

S: I worry because is not always that the elevator of my building works and you can't climb the stairs. Anf the new house is fully furnished, it's everything ready for us to move in.

N: If you say...

Steve drove to the new house and when they arrived there, Natasha was shocked by the huge living room, her whole apartment could fit in there.

James and Sarah came in and started running around.

J: You have to see my room, mom!

Sarah: No, mine first!

J: My!

Sarah: Miiiiine!

J: My, my, my, my.

Sarah: My, my, my.

S: Guys! Guys, please.

N: I'll see everything. I hope I can see everything today.

Natasha looked around, still amazed at the size of the house.

N: That's too big, do not you think?

S: I don't think so. James and Sarah have a lot of energy, they can play a lot in this house, they can bring their friends and the twins are going to need space too.

J: We have a pool!!!!

James tried to move into the backyard, but the door was locked.

S: The pool, it's only when have an adult around.

Sarah: We can have a puppy!

S: Kitty is enough.

Sarah: He'll love it here.

Steve turned his attention to Natasha, who was looking out the backyard through the glass door.

J: Let's show her the house, Dad.

S: Come on, Nat, otherwise they will not be quiet.

Steve guided Natasha into the kitchen, that is connected to the dining room and the living room.

N: Huge too.

S: I like to cook, so...

Natasha gave a small smile and Steve smiled back. Steve crossed all the room and got into a wide hallway. Natasha followed him, and so did the kids.

At the first door, there was a social bathroom, and on the opposite wall, there was another door, and inside was a small studio.

Sarah: It's mine and Dad's to draw.

N: That's too much, Steve.

S: It's not. Come here.

Steve opened the next door and it was James' room, James showed the whole room decorated with new furniture. A little farther down the hall, there was another room, Sarah's. Everything was just like her.

N: Did you decorate this house by yourself?

S: No, I swear. I called a designer just for the children's rooms. When I arrived here, I saw that this house was ideal for us... I mean for me and the kids.

Natasha looked at Steve and nodded.

At the end of the corridor, there is an access staircase to the second floor. Natasha and Steve went up alone, because the kids were distracted by other activities.

Steve opened the first door to the hall.

N: This is your bedroom, I bet. It suits you.

S: Really?

N: Yeah, there's nothing too much or extravagant about it. It's totally you.

And totally me. Natasha thought, but she thought it was better not to comment about it.

S: The bathroom in this suite is even bigger, there's a bathtub in there.

Steve opened the bedroom door further down the hall.

S: And this belongs to the twins.

Steve gestured for Natasha to come in, and when she entered the bedroom, she wasn't expecting anything, but upon seeing the room, she was impressed. She has seen several rooms of babies before, but that one was for her own babies, so there's no way she coulnd't feel anything, she got emotional, but disguised well.

The whole room is decorated in yellow and the furniture is all white.

Natasha came in and watched every detail, the wallpapers, the chandelier that projects images of animals when it's dark, the cabinets, the cribs.

Natasha walked to the first crib, all white and there were pink laces on the bedding, Natasha smiled unintentionally and Steve didn't take his eyes off her in any moment, he was also touched with her good reaction.

N: Clint made these cribs...

S: How do you know?

N: I know his work.

Natasha looked at Steve, still not noticing that she was smiling. She approached the other crib, identical to the first, but with blue little bows.

N: That's his.

Natasha slid her hand down the crib and looked at Steve.

N: I want him to be named Nicholas...

S: Fury ...

N: Yeah...

Natasha sighed.

N: If you don't mind.

Steve didn't seem very pleased with the choice, but he chose the names of their first children, so it was fair to let Natasha choose the name of the twins.

S: What about the baby girl?

N: You said Lindsay.

S: Or Charlotte.

N: I think I like... I don't know.

Natasha laughed.

S: We can decide that later.

Natasha nodded and sighed again.

N: This is incredible. This room...

Natasha sighed and looked around on more time.

N: The rocking chair... It even almost made me want to breastfeed.

Natasha smiled.

N: Almost!

Steve laughed, this Natasha happy to see the babies's stuff and making jokes about it, this is exactly the Natasha he married. A happy Natasha who loves her children.

Steve smiled a little and he already feel like he was lowering his walls for Natasha again, so he just walked out of the room. Natasha frowned, noticing the change in his mood.

Steve went downstairs.

N: Steve?

S: I just... I have to get some clothes for you and for the children. Please try to rest. You get the bigger room.

Steve said, Natasha looked at him from the top of the stairs and nodded.

S: James, Sarah. Let's go.

N: No...

Steve looked at Natasha.

N: Leave them here.

S: They will bother you.

N: They won't.

S: Okay.

Sarah and James walked into the living room.

S: I'll be back soon, remember what we talked about, don't fight, don't give any work to your mother and behave.

Sarah and James nodded.

S: I'll bring Kitty for you, Sarah.

Sarah: Yes!!!

Steve left the house as fast as possible and it was not because of the rush to get their clothes, it was the rush to get away from Natasha and the love he feels and will always feel for her.