𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍 || 𝘞𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘛𝘰 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸

"IS THIS LINE ENCRYPTED?"

Nova couldn't contain her laugh. "You take me for a joke, Locke?"

"Just want to make sure you're safe is all. Hard to do that for people nowadays."

"How're things on your end?"

"Made do with an apartment in Scotland. Surviving with what I can get. I also got a dog"

Nova smiled, crossing her arms over her chest with a raised brow. "Oh, you did, now?"

"What do you expect? Got the Government gunning for me. I need some company from time to time," the man sighed on the other end of the phone. "How about you? You and Nat getting somewhere to set up?"

She glanced around, senses on high alert. "Getting there. Still, a few bumps in the road we have to get over. But we'll make it."

"Good. Let me know if you need anything, yeah?"

"Of course. Thank you for risking this for me," she said.

A low chuckle fell from the other end of the line, only widening Nova's smile. "First person and last person from the team I think I'll ever hear that from," he quipped. "I'll call you in a week. Stay safe and don't piss Nat off."

She shut the flip phone and popped open the back. Taking out the battery and encrypted chip, she tossed the device overboard before stuffing the chip in her pocket. Moving quickly in the direction of the vehicle she moved the hem of her shirt over the pistol sitting in the back waistband of her pants, eyes overtly glancing across the rows of cars.

Coming around the Civic, she slipped into the passenger door and shut it with an echoing slam. But it didn't waver Natasha's steely gaze of the port the ship enclosed on. Ready to unload the countless number of vehicles filled with travellers and homesteaders.

"Talk to Booker?" Natasha finally spoke after what had been hours of painful silence.

Nova's face scrunched up as she pulled her pistol out and let it rest on her thigh. Hand hovering over the weapon, fingers twitching with the readiness to open fire on anyone that may be hunting them under the orders of the General.

Sniffling, Nova wiped her nose with the back of her hand. "We both know I can't. Wouldn't do anything but just pull them toward us," she reasoned. "I also just don't want him pulled into this mess because of us."

"I wouldn't stop you if you wanted to," Natasha reassured, glancing at her girlfriend, who could only purse her lips.

As far as it stood, Nova didn't see the likelihood of talking to her brother being a possibility for a while. At least until the drama died down and Nova could move as free as allowed.

When she received no response, she sighed and held a cup toward Nova. "Warm lemon water. Might help with the cold."

It only felt like now Nova had taken notice of the effects of the weather. They had ventured to Norway to get away from their hunters. And the drastic change of climate from New York to Washington to now Norway had finally started to take its toll. But it could also be from the night she had to sleep out on the street waiting for Natasha to find her after their apartment was raided.

Taking the cup, Nova pressed a kiss to Natasha's cheek, smiling faintly. Muttering a quiet "Thank you," before taking a long sip of the beverage, unbothered by the scalding hot water that only intensified the burn of her throat.

Pulling the cup from her lips, Nova kicked off her shoes and crossed her legs beneath her. "Ross take the bait?"

Natasha scoffed. "Why wouldn't he? Man's too old and prideful to not take it."

"Crazy how you were siding with those ideas before," Nova muttered, unable to hide her teasing grin behind her cup. "Makes me think."

The smile only widened as Natasha leaned over and pressed kisses to her cheek roughly, muttering, "Wanna repeat that, pup?"

Nova turned her head, pressing her forehead against Natasha's distancing their lips. "Keep talking like that and you're gonna start something you can't finish, spider." The use of her nickname only spurred Natasha on as she grasped Nova's jaw and kissed her forcefully. Smiling at the faint taste of lemon on her girlfriend's tongue that tangled with her own.

It amazed Natasha that despite the situation and their falling out with most of the team, she could still find happiness. Only solidifying that if there was no one else in her life, Nova could be more than enough. She is more than enough.

Parting a breath away, the pair panted. Breaths intertwined as the pair took hold of parts from one another, holding on to the warmth they so desperately wanted to melt into. Drown in even with no worries about what could happen next. It's all they had wanted and were eager to find it as soon as possible.

Nova let out a soft chuckle, nose brushing against Natasha's. "Feels like an overdue vacation."

The quip managed to pull a laugh from Natasha as she gently shook her head. "I love you, Nova."

"Keep it your pants, Romanoff," Nova replied. "We're coming up on the port."

A quiet whine fell from Natasha's lips as she shifted in her seat. But kept her right hand resting on Nova's thigh that she squeezed gently and brushed her fingers across. Tracing shapes across the limb like it was a canvas for her artistry to be shown.

Riding off the barge, the true stretch of the journey began into Norway. The destination had been thrown at random when Nova and Natasha had spent a night in the vehicle they'd stolen. Reminded of Carter and Wanda's conversation they had overheard in Lagos. So, they decided that would be where they would hide for however long.

Nova didn't exactly have experience in this field of things. Rarely did she ever have to be on the run from anything like Natasha. She also hadn't done many missions without her APEX suit. But with that having been taken from Tony, she was left with her pistol and will to not satisfy Ross's desire of locking her up.

It kept her incredibly resilient to hurdles going forward.

Coming to a corner store, Natasha parked the car. "This is where we split up for the time being." Reaching into her pocket, she handed a piece of paper and a stack of money to Nova, who took it without hesitation. "I'm going to meet our asset at the location. You grab food, the essentials, and steal a car, all right?"

Nova let out a quiet laugh. "Sam would be laughing at how clueless I look right now, huh?"

"Yeah, but I suspect he wishes he was holding Steve's hand." Leaning over, she pressed a kiss to Nova's forehead, smiling. "I'll see you soon."

Nodding, Nova slipped out of the vehicle and made her way inside. Glancing over as Natasha pulled away and continued on her way down toward where the safehouse was.

Entering the store, the sharp fluorescent lighting made Nova squint as she waved at the man at the register, who nodded in greeting. Moving through, she grabbed vegetables, candy, and the essentials for their survival at the moment. Aware of the cameras that covered each corner and front register.

After buying the food, Nova carried the bags toward a car that looked like hadn't been used in years. The paint peeling off with rust evident on the front fenders and miscoloured hood. "All right, steal a car," she muttered. "What's the worst that could happen?"

Smashing the window open with her pistol, Nova placed the food in the back before slipping inside. Sighing at the ancient inner workings of the dash as she slumped in her chair reached beneath the steering wheel and grabbed at wires. Face scrunching up in concentration, she heard the sparks ignite upon contact. Doing it a few more times, the car rumbled to life, shaking as the engine found its natural hum.

Nova sighed, putting the car into drive before speeding down the road she'd seen Natasha go. Reaching toward the glove compartment, she popped it open and began fishing through. Pulling out papers and the vehicle manual that spilled onto the floor. Finding nothing of substance, the girl huffed in annoyance and slammed it shut. Grabbing the piece of paper, she held it toward her and continued to drive. Keeping her eyes focused on the signs that she occasionally passed.

But as she drove with nothing but the wind howling in her left ear, she could the same sort of simulating feeling it gave to flying. The whistling wind, the speed, the freedom. It was where she was at her best. Where she could think.

Her bottom lip trembled, blinking rapidly as she quickly wiped away a stream of tears. Lips parted with a shaky exhale, her chin trembling as she pursed her lips, face scrunching up with a sharp inhale. Resting her left arm on the door where she held her head, staring at the open road ahead of her through foggy eyes. Her hands trembled as a sob racked her body, placing the back of her hand over her mouth in an attempt to restrain the urge. Gently bit down on her finger with stuttered exhales falling from between her lips.

She missed the team. Despite how things ended, she missed them all equally. All she had known was that group and knew they held a consistency in her life that was unmatched by anyone else, other than Natasha. Their presence was the very thing she held dear to her heart and she was left to watch that family be torn apart from the inside over mistakes that were far out of their control to change.

But that resentment had only added fuel to the fire in Nova's heart. Something she hadn't felt in years that she yearned to have in a time like this. It's where she needed it. But right now, she allowed the tears to fall and wash herself clean of any sorrow or guilt. Now, the only way forward was hiding and staying alive.

This carried on until she arrived at the safehouse; a trailer in the middle of nowhere. She'd say she expected more considering Natasha's skills. But perhaps being incognito was better than having an apartment in a city or town.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Nova stared at her feet for a moment, blinking rapidly. But when she felt like she was ready, she grabbed the bag of groceries and got out of the car. Reminding herself to cover the window up one of these nights so no possible rain could get in.

Entering the trailer, she was immediately greeted by the sight of Natasha getting everything inside in order. Tossing things in the garbage and organizing the rather astray kitchen, if you could call it that. It had a stove, countertop, fridge, and microwave. It held the bare minimum like the rest of the trailer she would be calling home for however long. But she couldn't be picky.

Quietly, Nova placed the bags on the counter with her hand fishing inside and grabbing ahold of two boxes. Stepping away before Natasha could even turn to and greet her, maybe even make a little quip about their new "home". But she had already locked herself in the tiny bathroom that felt even more suffocating than the kitchen.

Dropping the boxes into the sink, Nova looked between them with a sense of dread for their purposes. "Alright." She lifted the hair dye box; blonde. The sight alone made the girl cringe at how she might look. Lips pursing as she looked up at herself for a moment then back down at the box. "I'm already hating the idea of spycraft."

NATASHA WAS ALREADY CHOPPING UP SOME PEPPERS AND COOKING SOME GROUND BEEF WHEN NOVA FINALLY EMERGED FROM THE BATHROOM. Too focused on the food to look up, she said, "I am making your favourite tonight. I thought it might be helpful after the long few days we've had-"

As she averted her gaze from the peppers, she felt her breath be caught in her throat. Nova, stood at the doorway leading toward the bedroom and bathroom, showcasing what had been taking her so long in the bathroom.

Her hair was cut haphazardly, yet had a level of care. The wolf cut had texture with a level of volume likely from how fresh it was. And as surprisingly as it already was, it was blonde with only the roots showing any sign of her natural colour. But Natasha still felt a shuddering breath rush past her lips as she stared at her girlfriend.

Stepping toward Nova who looked ready to jump out of her skin because of how uncomfortable she felt, Natasha grasped her waist and stared at her intently. Eyes drifted and followed her hands that began to toy with Nova's jeans button. A certain eagerness was sensed in her frantic twisting of the button that just wouldn't go through the tiny slit in the fabric. Creating a divide from the primal desires that Natasha had been putting off for long enough.

Meeting Nova's gaze with a smirk tugging across her lips. "Are you trying to tell me something, pup?"

Nova, feeling reassured by her abrasive decision, smiled at the question. Tilting her head as she leaned against the wall. "Only that one of these times my decision-making could make me look real fucking ugly."

"Never." Natasha kissed the girl's neck, smiling at the shuddering whine slipping from Nova's lips. Her hands grasping the other's biceps and squeezing.

"Hold on a sec." Parting enough, Natasha stared at the girl for a moment before a golden ring rose into her vision. Her eyes slightly widening as she looked between the small bangle and her girlfriend who wore a sheepish smile. "I just thought that if we spend the rest of our lives like this and can't do anything formal. Might as well get it over and done with, right?"

Natasha took the bangle and stared at it. In no way was it anything special with its appearance. Truthfully, Natasha believed she could break the ring with enough force. But the meaning behind it, the message of it, had been enough for her lips to curl into a grin.

Exhaling sharply, she looked up at Nova. "What about yours?"

Nova bit her bottom lip, pulling her right hand from behind her back and showing the matching golden band. That had been enough for Natasha's eyes to welt up in tears. But the sight only made Nova laugh softly, wrapping her arms around her wife's neck. "So, how about it, Nat? Think you're willing to let me share your last name for the rest of our lives?"

A soft sob fell from Natasha's lips as she nodded, letting out a laugh. "I'd do anything if it involved you." Pulling Nova flush against her, she tucked her face in the girl's neck. Soft and shaky breaths fell from her lips as Nova stroked her back softly, whispering loving words in her ear that slowly ebbed her from the euphoria that had rushed through her.

"Now, if you were going to make tacos, I suggest you get on that before I break some skulls."

The night from there fell into a steady rhythm of cooking, prepping a movie, and eating while watching said movie. The atmosphere had suddenly twisted to more joy than the sorrow they both had felt. Sharing laughs and quips that were uncharacteristic of their current predicament. But Nova only saw it as something new for them. A whole new life for them was to grow.

Nova left to giggle at Natasha able to recite every word from each character with perfection.

Although it was the first night of many others ahead, Nova couldn't help but find comfort that she wasn't alone during it. There's no telling what might've happened.

As Natasha was going to continue, the power to the trailer shut down. "Gotta be kidding me?" She muttered, placing her taco down on the plate. Nova sat up as Natasha slid from the table and toward the kitchen.

"I thought your asset had reliable gear?" Nova asked with a smirk stretched across her face.

From the bedroom, Natasha responded, "I said no such thing! He just gave us what we would need! The rest was left to us!"

Emerging from the bedroom, Natasha sported her grey sweatpants. "Mind giving me a hand? Just need a light."

Nova huffed, moving from her spot and toward one of the boxes full of piddly belongings. "Whoever your asset is is going to get a swift kick in the ass." The grumbled response made Natasha chuckle as she stepped outside and moved toward the generator, Nova hot on her tail.

Giving a few pulls of the pull cord, it still showed no life. Natasha then reached inside with the guidance of Nova's flashlight and pulled out one of the spark plugs covered in oil to see the terminal nut blackened. A growl fell from her lips as she tossed the nut aside and placed the spark plug on top of the generator.

"I'm going to have to head into town," Natasha announced, shaking either gasoline cans or finding both to be empty. "Need to grab gas and some parts for this piece of shit." She kicked the machine, glaring at it as if it would fall under pressure and fix itself.

"Okay. I can clean up before you get back. Maybe prep something for tomorrow's dinner," Nova suggested with a shrug, using Natasha's sweater to hug herself.

"If you wouldn't mind." Natasha pressed a kiss to her cheek before tossing the gas can into the SUV and grabbing her jacket. "Don't open the door for anyone unless you hear five knocks, okay?"

"I know," Nova reassured, closing the distance between them and pressing a kiss to the corner of Natasha's mouth. "Just be careful."

She watched Natasha drive off into the night. When she saw the brake lights fall out of her sight, Nova stepped inside and began to clean. Putting Natasha's taco in Tupperware and scrounging up whatever leftover garbage they both had left when they arrived.

Something about the act of these tedious chores made her cheeks warm. Unable to stop herself from twirling the ring cuffed around the ring finger with her middle. She couldn't but laugh at the realization that washed over her.

She was the housewife.

Although she knew she wasn't capable of staying at home and letting Natasha do the heavy lifting, the idea of it sounded nice. Leave her something to be hopeful for whenever this is all over.

After around an hour of pure silence, Nova, fading in and out of sleep, was awoken by five knocks at the door. But instinctually, she reached for the gun resting on her chest. "Baby, it's me." Hearing Nat's voice made Nova sigh, running a hand over her face as she sat up from the bed and made her way to the door.

"Do you need help with the generator-" When she swung the door open, she found Natasha soaked and with smears of blood on her temple, her lips split from whatever or whoever caused it.

"Jesus, Nat! What the fuck happened?" She exclaimed, grabbing the woman and pulling her inside, making sure to glance around outside before slamming the door shut and tucking the gun in the back of her pants. Crouching down beside her wife and looking her over carefully, not hiding the frantic and fearful look in her eyes. "Are you hurt?"

"Only my pride," Natasha quipped between pants before forcing herself to her feet. Nova followed her closely. "We've gotta go. Something just came up."

Nova could only frown. "What the hell could you have that came up?"

Reaching into her pocket, Natasha revealed an ensemble of red glowing viles. But before Nova could even question that, she was handed a set of Polaroid pictures. Looking at them to find three children smushed into the frame. Each of them smiling and making funny faces.

A boy and two girls.

Looking up at Natasha, Nova was greeted by a smirk. One that made her nervous for what came next.

"Ready to meet your sister-in-law?"