James: Poop face!

Sarah: You poop face.

J: You.

Sarah: You. You're horrible.

J: You're horrible!

Sarah: No, you horribleee!!!

N: Hey! Hey! You two... how about you stop fighting and come here for a moment?

Sarah and James ran up the stairs, while pushing each other. Natasha walked to the bedroom and the children followed her.

N: There is a way for you to stop fighting so much.

Natasha took a sheet from the cupboard.

N: So... you can stop fighting one another or I'll tie you two together that you'll never be able to get free again.

Sarah frowned.

Sarah: What if I had to pee?

N: You're going to have to go with him.

J: Ewww, and how would we sit in the toilet?

N: I don't know, you will figure it out.

Natasha approached with the sheet.

N: What do you prefer?

Sarah and James looked down and muttered the answer.

N: What?? I did not hear!

J: We will not fight anymore.

N: Great!

Natasha yawned and her back complained of standing for so long.

N: I need to lie down for a bit. Can I trust you to behave?

Sarah and James nodded. Natasha wasn't very confident, but she needed a lot of rest.

N: Don't you two want to lie down a bit too? You can lie here with me.

Sarah: Okay.

Natasha lifted the blanket and lay down, James lay by one side and Sarah by the other, cuddling with their mom. The three of them fell asleep quickly and easy, but it didn't last much.

Sarah and James slept for only 20 minutes because they heard the bell ring. They sat on the bed and looked at each other, then at Natasha.

J: Mom?

Sarah: Let's see who it is.

Sarah whispered and James nodded, he got up and walked down the stairs, along with Sarah.

James does not have enough height to see who it was, so he went to the window to check and saw that it was a kid.

J: It's a child.

Sarah: Really?

J: I think he wants to play.

Sarah: We can't open the door.

J: But he's a child.

Sarah: He's a stranger.

J: Strangers only hurt us if they are adults.

Sarah: Oh yeah?

J: Yeah!

James opened the door.

- Hi!

J: Hi.

- I saw you moved here, do you want to play?

Sarah: We can't!

J: Shut up, Sarah!

James stared at Sarah with a frown, then looked to the boy.

J: Our dad is not at home, we can't go out.

- Oh... but can I come in then?

Sarah: No!

J: Sarah!

James frowned again then smiled.

J: I'm sorry. Yes, you can.

- I'm just going to tell my dad.

J: Okay.

The boy ran to his house and returned in less than five minutes.

- My dad allowed it because it's Captain America's house.

James smiled.

- My name is Mike.

J: James. Come in...

The kid came into the house and James closed the door.

Sarah stared at him.

Sarah: Let's play what?

The boy was even older than James, he looked at Sarah and frowned.

- Is she going to play with us?

Sarah: Yeah!

J: No!

Sarah: I will.

J: No, you will not!

Sarah: Yes, I will!!!

J: No, we don't want to play with you. You little.

Sarah lowered her head and threatened to cry.

Sarah: I'll tell my mommy...

Sarah ran up the stairs and opened the door to Natasha's bedroom already crying.

Sarah: Mamaaaaa...

Sarah climbed on the bed, sobbing and shook Natasha to wake her, but Natasha was in a very heavy sleep, she took a while to wake up.

N: Wh-what ? Sarah?

Sarah: James doesn't want to let me pla with him!

Natasha sighed, and she didn't even open her eyes.

Sarah: Mama! Jamie...

Sarah was still crying.

N: Sh... hush, hush...

Natasha pulled Sarah by the arm and made her lie down beside her. Natasha was still sleepy and stroked Sarah's back until she calmed down and fell asleep again.

About one hour later, Steve parked the car in front of the house. James knows the sound of his father's car.

J: It's my father!!!

Mike: Captain America? How cool!

J: He's going to kill me, we have to clean it up.

Mike: There's no time for that. Don't be silly.

J: Oh no, he's going to be so angry with me. I'm going to get in trouble!

Mike: Well, I have to go now.

J: You said you were going to help me clean up.

Mike: Yeah, but I have to go home now, bye.

Mike left the house and Steve didn't even see the boy leaving, because he was distracted taking a lot of baggages out of the car, the female neighbors came to their porchs and simply stopped to watch Steve carrying those baggages, and they sighed when he lifted the baggages up to his shoulder, and his defined abdomen got a bit exposed.

Steve knew he was being watched, but he thought it was only curiosity because he is new in the neighborhood or because he is the captain america, he even looked at two neighbors who were together on the sidewalk and smiled at them to compliment them. They smiled and waved back.

Steve put some baggages on the porch floor so he could open the door to his house and as soon as he came in and placed the baggages into the living room, he closed the door and noticed that the house was too quiet.

Steve looked around and went into the kitchen and he was shocked because the kitchen was destroyed, everything was dirty, he didn't even know what to think about what had happened there.

S: James?? Sarah??

Steve got worried now and started to scream for them.

S: Nat??? JAMES! SARAH!

...

Natasha woke up with Steve calling James and Sarah, she frowned and left Sarah on the bed, who was still sleeping.

Natasha walked slowly down the stairs, she placed her hand on her belly and then approached Steve in the kitchen and she was still yawning.

N: Steve?

Steve looked at Natasha.

S: Are you okay??

N: Yeah, why you were screaming?

Natasha noticed the kitchen and she was shocked.

S: What happened here?

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

S: You don't know??

James peeked over Steve and Natasha from behind the counter and he was feeling bad for seeing their parents initiating a fight.

N: I was sleeping upstairs and they were with me.

James stepped out from behind the counter, completely dirty with food.

J: Dad?

Steve put his hand on his waist and looked at James. Natasha rubbed her face, trying to wake up and understand what had happened.

S: Can you explain this, James?

J: Dad, it was my friend Mike.

S: Mike? What Mike?

J: He came to play here and said he was going to help m to clean everything after, but he left.

S: Hey, hey, hey! Slow down... He was in here?? A stranger came here??

J: He was not a stranger, he was a child.

S: James, I don't know him, so he's a stranger. Did your mother know about that?

J: No, she was asleep.

N: I thought you were in bed with me.

S: Didn't you hear anything?

N: No, I swear...

J: It's not her fault, Dad. I...

S: I'm not blaming her, James. I'm blaming you, I taught you so many times, no strangers at home. You disappointed me today.

J: But dad...

S: It could be some trap. You put your sister and mother at risk. Never bring anyone here again without us knowing and authorizing.

N: What were you doing here anyway?

J: He said he knew how to make ice cream of everything and I helped him.

S: Look at all the dirt I'll have to clean! I'm very disappointed, James.

N: You will not clean it, Steve. James, you're going to clean up. I want this kitchen shining like new. Did Sarah know about that?

J: No.

N: Good. Start cleaning!

Steve didn't take away Natasha's authority, but the kitchen was too filthy for James to clean on his own. Steve felt pity because James spent the whole afternoon cleaning and complaining that he was tired and he never had to clean anything in his life before.

Natasha sat at the kitchen door, reading one of the books Steve brought her.

J: I'm tired.

N: That's your problem, not mine.

J: Dad??

N: Your father will not get you out of this, it's no use calling him.

J: But I'm hungry!

N: Well, me too! Finish cleaning the kitchen, otherwise we won't have food today.

James grunted and went back to clean the kitchen, when he finished he went into the living room.

J: I finished.

S: Good, now take a shower and pack your things in your room, your bag is already there.

J: Aren't you going to do it for me?

S: No.

J: You'll do it for Sarah!

S: No, she'll do it herself when she wakes up.

Natasha watched Steve taking a little more attitude in educating their children and gave a small smile. She got up to go to the kitchen, Steve noticed and followed her.

S: What are you doing?

Natasha was staring at the fridge, but it was empty, just like the cabinets.

N: Looking for something to eat.

S: Damn, I didn't buy anything. I'm going to the market, right now.

N: Steve, calm down...

Natasha frowned.

N: It's okay, we can order food.

S: But you're hungry now, if they delay...

N: I will have to wait. I won't die for it. Don't worry.

Steve is already naturally careful with Natasha, and being pregnant with two babies, he is more than careful with her.

N: What do you want to eat?

Natasha took her cellphone in her pants pocket and approached Steve, she placed her hand on the counter and Steve was instantly embarrassed by the proximity between them. Steve avoided eye contact.

S: Whatever you want it's fine for me.

Steve turned to leave the kitchen, but Natasha stepped forward and stepped in front of him, she put her hand on his chest and looked at him.

Steve only looked directly into Natasha's eyes for two seconds, then he looked away. Natasha frowned and she was trying to understand his behavior.

N: Steve?

S: What?

N: What's going on?

S: Nothing...

Steve was avoiding eye contact again.

N: Steve? C'mon, look at me.

S: Why?

N: Because I'm talking to you.

Steve looked at Natasha.

N: Why... why are you so different with me?

S: What do you mean?

N: You're... you've been distant...

S: Is not that what you wanted?

N: Are you punishing me?

S: No. I just don't want any more.

N: You don't want what?

Steve opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn't say anything, he looked away again.

N: Speak, Rogers. Are you talking about me?

S: Natasha, we don't have to do this. We are fie, ok? We will have these babies, you will move on with your life and I will with my life.

N: Is that what you want?

S: Do I have a choice?

N: Yes!

Steve looked at Natasha, trying to figure out if she's meaning to want to stay with him or if he's misunderstanding her, he's already so pessimistic that he'd rather thinks that he's misunderstood.

S: Natasha.

N: I want this!

Natasha said firmly.

Steve shook his head and tried to walk out of the kitchen again but Natasha pushed him back and made him look at her.

N: I want us.

S: You want us?

N: Yes.

S: Why??? Why now?

N: Because...

S: You said you didn't love me, you accepted the divorce and left me!

Steve interrupted Natasha.

N: Because I did not love you! I did not know you!

Steve took a deep breath and became static, still hurts to hear that phrase and he even noticed that the verb to not love him anymore is in the past.

S: That's what I mean. We tried, you tried and it didn't work. It's okay, Natasha, I overcame the fact that you dn't love me anymore. I don't hate you, I'm not angry, I just...

Steve sighed.

S: I think it's better for everyone if we avoid seeing each other...

N: Shut up, Steve!

Natasha screamed and slap the counter.

S: Wow, that's rude, I'm being nice to you.

Natasha stepped away from Steve and she was a little red and also shaking. Natasha took three deep breaths and ran her hand through her hair. Natasha was on her back and Steve was watching her, still trying to figure out what was going on.

S: Natasha?

N: Steve, please don't say anything.

Steve became silent.

N: I didn't love you, it's true. I couldn't be with you. It wasn't fair to you, I never meant to hurt you. I was trying to protect you from me.

S: I understand, really. I didn't want to force you to stay with me, I never wanted to force anything with you.

N: I know that.

S: But like I said, now it's okay.

N: You can't keep your damn mouth shut for a minute, can you? I'm trying to tell you, Steve...

S: Tell me what?

Natasha put her hand to her mouth, as if she could hold the words she wanted to say, she shook her head, then turned and looked at Steve.

N: I didn't love you because I didn't know you. And now I... I realize that I... I lo...

Natasha didn't finish the sentence, because she felt a strong pain in her belly, she placed her hand in the belly and leaned on the counter with the other hand. Steve hold her instantly.

S: Nat?? What are you feeling?

N: I... Steve.

S: Sh... be quiet, don't say anything.

N: But I have to say it, you need...

S: Nat, please, stay quiet.

N: No... you need to know that I...

S: Natasha, it's okay, I'm going to take you to the hospital now.

Natasha was breathing slowly, she couldn't reason anymore to say anything now, the pain was terrible. Steve took her in his lap.

Steve shouted, calling the children, the two came right away. Steve asked James to get the keys, Natasha ended up losing consciousness.

When Natasha woke up, she was back on the same bed and hospital room. When she made her first move, Steve stood up with Sarah in his arms and approached her bed.

N: What happened?

Sarah: Are you okay, Mommy?

N: Yes, sweetie.

S: I'm sorry, Natasha.

Natasha frowned, not understanding why he is sorry for.

Dr. Cho entered the room.

Cho: Look who's back already.

N: Not for long, I hope.

Cho: No, you're free to go.

N: I fainted?

Cho nodded.

Cho: I need to reinforce with you that any kind of stress will affect you, Natasha. Stay calm and away from annoyances, or you'll have to spend the rest of the gestation here with us. I have to go now, please call me if you have problem again.

S: Thank you, Cho. It won't happen again.

Cho left the room and Steve looked at Natasha guiltily.

N: Why were you apologizing?

S: I shouldn't have argued with you.

N: It's not your fault. I was more nervous than I should have been.

Steve sighed.

S: Shall we go home?

Natasha nodded and Steve put Sarah on the floor to help Natasha to stand up.

N: You don't have to carry me.

S: I'll get a chair.

N: Steve, I'm fine. I can walk.

S: Please.

Natasha would argue, but Steve begged her with the look he gave her. She nodded and agreed to be carried through the wheelchair to the car.

When they got home, Steve insisted on taking Natasha on his arms to the bedroom bed and she accepted.

After placing Natasha on the bed, Steve covered her and stood by the bed watching her.

N: I'm not sleepy.

S: But remain lie down, please.

N: Do I have a choice?

S: No.

N: Can I ask you something?

S: Of course.

N: Can you sleep here with me?

Steve breathed slowly. His mind screamed it was a bad idea.

With Steve's silence, Natasha tried to persuade him once more.

N: Just sleep... I can't do anything with it.

Natasha put her hands on her belly.

S: Okay. I need to order some food, did you eat in the hospital, but are you still hungry?

N: Yes.

S: Okay.

Steve walked out of the room, when he reached the door, he remembered the conversation they were having. Steve turned to look at Natasha.

S: What were you going to tell me earlier today?

Natasha looked at Steve and shook her head.

N: I don't remember.

Steve nodded and left the room. Steve went down the stairs and noticed James and Sarah, kneeling on the couch, watching the children play in the street, in front of the house, through the window.

J: Dad?

Steve looked at James.

J: Can we play outside?

S: James, I don't think so. I don't know anybody here.

Sarah: But there are a lot of kids there!

Steve looked at the children playing on the sidewalk, he is very afraid when it comes to his children, his enemies and even his fans can put his kids at risk and he has learned that he can't trust almost anyone, but... Steve also knows that kids need to play, and James and Sarah are kids and they need friends.

Steve approached them on the couch.

S: I will allow it.

J: WWWEEEEEE.

Sarah: YAY!

The two have already begun to jump, excitedly.

S: But... What did we talk about?

J: To not go to anyone's house.

Sarah: Not talk to strangers.

J: Don't accept anyone's candy.

S: And?

Sarah: Not fight!

J: And don't eat plants!

S: Yes. But James, there's something else you must remember as well.

James frowned.

J: Take care of Sarah...

S: Yes. You are a big boy already and she's young.

Sarah: I'm big too, daddy, I know I can't go on the street.

S: Yes, your limit is the sidewalk.

J: See? She knows this!

S: I know, but she forgets and she can be distracted. I'm trusting you to take care of her. Are you capable of that?

James nodded and saluted. Steve smiled and saluted him too.

S: Now, go ahead.

They remained still, staring at Steve, not believing he will really allow it.

S: Go! Go!

Steve smiled.

J: Yes!

They both ran toward the door.

S: Hey!

They both stopped and looked at Steve again.

S: I love you.

J: Ufff!

Sarah smiled broadly.

Sarah: I love you too, Daddy!

The two of them went out and went straight to make friends with the children. Steve was watching them from inside the house and he ordered food by the phone, then he came up to check on Natasha.

When Steve entered the room, he saw Natasha standing in front of the window, stroking her belly and looking at the children playing in the garden ans she looked so in peace.

Steve avoided making any kind of noise, he wanted to memorize every detail of that scene. She looks beautiful, even pregnant. Her body against the light, would give the perfect photo, but he is not that good with cameras, but he is great with drawings and painting.

S: I should paint you now.

Natasha was not startled to hear Steve's voice, she knew Steve was standing in the doorway of the room watching her. Natasha stopped looking at the children, to look at Steve, she gave a small smile.

N: Why don't you paint me, then?

S: You can't stay still for so long, not with two babies in there, but you look beautiful.

N: It sucks... I can't do anything.

Natasha smiled and looked at her belly.

S: I imagine it's hard for you. A few more months and they will be out.

Natasha smiled again and turned her attention to James and Sarah playing on the garden with other kids.

N: They're so happy. Look at them.

Steve walked to the window, stopped in front of Natasha and looked at the children. Sarah and James were super happy to be playing outside. Moving from the apartment for a house was the best decision.

N: Sometimes I think I'm living a dream.

Steve looked at Natasha, who kept her eyes fixed on the children.

N: It's so weird having kids. I think that when I was about 6, I still thought about having a house, a husband and a son, but life happened so fast for me, I didn't have any control about it.

S: I know.

Natasha smiled and looked at Steve again, she forgets he knows her to the point of knowing things she would never tell anyone. This makes Natasha sure that she loved him enough to trust him completely.

S: I'm sorry for what happened to you.

Natasha sighed and nodded, she looked back at the children and touched the window glass.

N: At least I have this now...

Natasha touched her belly.

N: And this.

Natasha smiled once more.

Steve noticed something different in Natasha, it was as if she was happy and this is so difficult to happen.

S: You look... You seem to be attached to the babies now.

N: I am. That still freaks the fuck out of me.

S: Language.

Steve smiled.

Natasha laughed.

N: I think I'm quiet now. If I had these babies alone, they would be in trouble, I'm afraid of the damage their lives would be if they only had me, but when I look at James and Sarah, I just think they're so perfect, I mean they are wonderful children and it's all because of you. I know these babies will be fine, because they have you as their father.

S: That's very nice of you to say, but you shouldn't belittle yourself so much. You've always been a great mother too, they're crazy about you, Natasha. Even after you've lost your memory, it took you a while, but you're back to being their mother, they respect you and admire you, they love you so much. I wish you could see.

Natasha looked out the window and her eyes were full of tears, one tear ended up escaping and rolled down her face and Steve understands that cry, he knows everything she has been through since she was little, with no place in the world, without anyone belonging to her or her belonging to someone, it was a lonely life.

Steve placed the back of his hand on Natasha's cheek, to prevent tear from rolling down, then he stroked her face, trying to give her some comfort.

Natasha sighed and looked at Steve.

N: I just... I never felt alone again after knowing that I am their mother and I was so used to be alone. It's crazy that I love them that much now.

Natasha frowned a little.

S: I know.

When Steve removed his hand from Natasha's face, she took a step toward him and hugged his waist. Steve knows how dangerous this is, but she is extremely sensitive so he hugged her back. He stroked her back with one hand and with the other, he stroked her hair.

S: You're feeling what I felt, when you had that accidente and I thought I would die and be alone forever... I survived and I had a reason to go on, beucase I had them.

Steve instinctively kissed Natasha's forehead and rested his chin on Natasha's forehead, which made her close her eyes and take a deep breath because she was finally feeling Steve's touch after so long.

...

James was playing with that kid Mike again, climbing on his skate behind him and James lost his balance and fell to the ground, but because he fell on the grass, it didn't hurt him.

James looked at the window of his house for a second and saw his parents hugged, James doesn't remember smiling as much in his life as he is now.

- SARAAAAH!

James moved his attention from his parents to the adults who were coming running in his direction, he wasn't understanding what was going on.

James saw the adults running by his side and he understood that it was nothing related to him but for someone else, James turned to look at what Sarah had done for everyone to be screaming her name and running so nervous.

As James looked to his sister, he understood what it was about, he had to scream her name too.

Sarah was playing with a ball with the girls, but the ball scaped from theirs hand and ended up on the middle of the street, and she was so close to the street that her first reaction was to get the ball, so she ran toward the street... the only problem was that a car was passing there at the same time.

...

Natasha and Steve also looked at the window when they listened everybody screaming Sarah's name and a sound of a horn being pressed nonstop and the sound of a car trying to break fast...

**I never said Sarah was safe and you know they will have a big lost to be together...**