Bab 50: Chapter 67-68-69
Chapter 67: Revelations and Hope
The moon softly illuminated John's room, its silvery rays penetrating through the half-open curtains. It was late August, and the summer heat still hung in the air, but inside John's house, a more intimate and serene atmosphere prevailed. The room was in a comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional sound of John and Natasha's breathing, lying side by side in bed.
Natasha rested her head on John's chest, while her fingers glided gently over his skin. They had been together for months, and at that moment, after so many missions, secrets and separate lives, they felt safe enough to share their deepest stories.
"I never really told you about my childhood, did I?" John began, his voice low, as if he were reliving long-buried memories.
Natasha raised her head slightly, her gaze full of curiosity, but also of understanding. They had become very close, and she knew that, just like her, John had parts of his story that he had not yet revealed.
"No," she replied softly. "You always mentioned bits and pieces here and there, but never the whole thing."
John took a deep breath before he began, as if he were organizing the words in his mind.
"I lost my parents when I was very young," he began, his voice carrying a tone of pain that Natasha rarely heard from him. "They died in a car accident. I was with them, but I survived. I was sent to an orphanage, but I got out of there as soon as I had the chance. I enlisted in the army as soon as I turned 18."
Natasha caressed his chest tenderly, encouraging him to continue.
"I joined the Green Berets, and during the missions, I realized that it was the only place where I felt part of something bigger. But it didn't stop there. A few years later, I was selected for the super soldier serum experiment,"
John paused, as if he was still processing the events.
"What came after that… was intense. My physical and mental abilities were enhanced. Soon, I was sent to Delta Force. There, my team and I faced some of the most dangerous situations you could imagine. But even then, something was still missing. I didn't know what it was until I joined SHIELD."
Natasha listened intently, knowing how hard it was for John to share this part of his life. She lifted her face, looking into his eyes.
"And now? Did you find what you were missing?" she asked softly.
John smiled lightly, caressing her face with his fingertips.
"Yes. I found you."
Natasha smiled back, feeling a wave of warmth pass through her body. But she knew she had her own wounds to share as well.
"I think it's my turn," she murmured, her expression darkening a bit. John noticed the immediate change in her tone and stood at attention, holding her hand in a gesture of support.
"My childhood… wasn't real," she began. "I was part of an undercover mission in Ohio, along with a group that pretended to be my family. I had a fake little sister, Yelena. My parents were fake too, Alexei and Melina. For a while, we lived like a normal family... or so it seemed. But everything fell apart when the mission ended. I was sent back to the Red Room."
Natasha's eyes darkened at the mention of the Red Room, the place where her childhood had been brutally ripped from her. John squeezed her hand, signaling that he was there for her.
"They trained us to be weapons. And part of that training... involved taking away our ability to... have children." Her voice shook, a rare sign of vulnerability. "They removed my reproductive organs, and in that moment, I knew I would never have the chance to be a mother."
John felt a tightness in his chest at that. He knew Natasha was a warrior, but hearing about this part of her life was devastating. He leaned in, kissing her softly on the forehead, trying to offer comfort, even if he couldn't erase the scars of the past.
"I'm sorry, Natasha," he murmured. "No one should have to go through that." She moved closer to him, enjoying the warmth of his body against hers, seeking solace in his gentle touch and loving words.
"After all this, I defected," Natasha continued. "With Clint's help, I managed to destroy the Red Room and kill Dreykov. But… I also killed his daughter, Antonia. She was in the middle of it all, and I… I had no choice. Since then, I joined SHIELD."
John caressed her face, looking deeply into her eyes.
"You did what you had to do, Natasha. And now, you have a new chance. We can't change the past, but we can build a future together." She leaned in, pressing her face against his hand, and John continued.
"And as for what they taught you, about love being for children… that's a lie." His voice was firm, but caring. "Love is for all of us, and I want to show you that, every day. If anyone ever one day we decide to have children, we can adopt. We will form our own family, with or without blood. The important thing is that we are together.
Natasha felt a lump in her throat, an emotion she rarely allowed to surface. His words were a balm for wounds she thought would never heal. For the first time in a long time, she felt hope. Hope for a better future, for a life away from violence and control.
"Do you really want that?" she asked, her voice soft and full of emotion.
John nodded, looking into her eyes.
"I want you. I want us. And I want a future where we can be happy, together."
Natasha couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips. She leaned in to kiss him softly, letting the gesture speak for itself.
After a while, she pulled away just enough to murmur:
"I want that too, John. I want to try."
They were silent for a moment, just enjoying each other's company. There were no more words to be said that night. What mattered was the silent understanding between them, that despite their dark pasts, the future could be filled with love, companionship and hope. John held her tightly, and they stood there, in peace, ready to face whatever the future would bring, together.
Chapter 68: A Night to Remember
The beginning of October brought with it a gentle breeze, carrying the first promises of autumn. The streets of New York were vibrant, with leaves falling gently from the trees, forming a carpet of orange and gold on the sidewalks. John Hawke and Natasha Romanoff walked side by side, John's arm wrapped around Natasha's waist as they headed to a chic restaurant on the Upper East Side.
Natasha, dressed in an elegant black dress that molded her body to perfection, exuded a confidence and sophistication that made heads turn as they passed. John, in a tailored dark suit, was not far behind. His gaze was fixed on her, admiring every move. The sparkle in their eyes reflected the special night they were about to experience.
"You look stunning tonight, Natasha," John said with a sincere smile, pulling her slightly closer.
Natasha gave him a sideways glance, her lips curving into a soft smile.
"You don't look half bad yourself, Hawke." — She laughed softly, the sound sweet and sincere.
Arriving at the restaurant, the maître d' greeted them with a discreet bow, leading them to a reserved table in a more intimate corner, lit only by soft candlelight. The ambiance was refined, with classical music playing in the background and the soft murmur of other couples enjoying their meals.
As they sat down, the waiter brought them the menu. John glanced at Natasha with a sideways smile.
"May I suggest the wine?" he asked, his eyes playful. Natasha, although she liked to take the reins in many situations, allowed John to lead the way that evening.
"Go ahead, captain," she replied with a wink.
John laughed and ordered a bottle of an Italian red wine that he knew to be one of the best in the house. Dinner was served soon after, sophisticated starters that included beef carpaccio and bruschetta, followed by main courses that consisted of a succulent filet mignon for John and grilled salmon for Natasha. Each bite was accompanied by small smiles and knowing glances.
During dinner, the conversation flowed naturally between them, between stories of missions, jokes and lighter moments. They were in tune, laughing and enjoying each other's company in a way that transcended anything either of them had experienced before.
"You know, I wouldn't have imagined a few years ago that we would be here," John said, placing his wine glass on the table and looking at Natasha with a look that carried both affection and admiration. "The two of us, in a fancy restaurant, talking about everything but work." Natasha looked at him, her green eyes shining in the candlelight.
"Neither did I," she admitted, her voice soft. "The life I had... it didn't seem possible to live something like this. Something normal." John reached across the table and took her hand, gently stroking it with his thumb.
"This is real, Natasha. We are real. And that's all that matters."
She squeezed his hand back, her heart beating a little faster at his words. There was something so genuine about John, something that made her believe that despite all the scars and losses she carried, she could still have a future.
A future with him. Dinner continued at a relaxed, intimate pace until the waiter brought dessert, a selection of delicate pastries. Natasha took a spoonful of chocolate mousse and brought it to John's mouth, smiling as he accepted her joke with an amused look.
"I never took you for the romantic type," he commented, wiping his lips with his fingertips.
Natasha laughed, her eyes shining. "Maybe you're turning me into that."
After they finished, they paid the bill and walked out into the cool autumn night. John, as always, put his arm around Natasha as they walked to his car. The ride back to Natasha's apartment was marked by a comfortable silence, both of them absorbed in the moment and the feelings that this night had brought.
When they arrived at Natasha's building, they climbed the stairs to her apartment. As soon as the door closed behind them, the mood changed slightly. There was a tension in the air, something they could both feel. John pulled Natasha close, their bodies touching as he looked into her eyes.
"I don't think I've ever told you how grateful I am to have you by my side," he murmured, his voice low and thick with emotion.
Natasha didn't respond with words. Instead, she pulled John into a deep kiss, her hands moving up to his neck as he held her by the waist, pulling her even closer to him. The kiss was hot, intense, full of desire and affection that had built up over the past few months.
They stumbled down the hallway to the bedroom, their lips never separating for long. When they finally reached the bedroom, John pulled away for a second, looking at Natasha as if to burn that moment into his memory forever.
"You're amazing, Natasha," he said, his voice soft but full of sincerity.
She smiled, pulling him closer.
"And you're exactly what I needed, John."
They fell into bed together, tangled in each other. That night, they made love as if the outside world didn't exist, their bodies and hearts connected in a way that transcended the physical. There was passion, yes, but there was also something deeper, the knowledge that, despite everything they had been through, they had found each other. And that, for them, was enough.
Afterwards, while the sheets were still disheveled and the room was plunged into darkness, Natasha rested her head on John's chest, listening to the quiet beating of his heart. He ran his fingers through her hair, stroking it tenderly.
"I love you, Natasha," John murmured, his words full of sincerity.
Natasha, who rarely let her emotions take over, smiled against his chest.
"I love you too, John," she whispered back, feeling the weight of his words and how much they meant to her.
In that moment, she knew that despite all her fears and what she had been taught, she had found something worth holding on to.
Chapter 69: Cafeteria Conversations
It was the second week of October, and the Triskelion cafeteria was busier than usual that afternoon. S.H.I.E.L.D. agents milled around the tables, eating and chatting, while others prepared for missions. Among the many people gathered at one of the tables, a group of women were chatting animatedly. Natasha Romanoff, Sharon Carter, Bobbie Morse, Melinda May, and Maria Hill were sitting together, enjoying the rare moment of relaxation.
Natasha was relaxed, something that surprised even herself. Being in a relationship with John had brought a lightness to her life that she hadn't expected. She glanced over to the corner of the cafeteria, where John and the rest of Strike Team Omega were gathered, dressed in their black Multicam tactical uniforms, preparing for an operation.
Each of them exuded unwavering confidence and an air of professionalism, but it was John that Natasha's gaze fixed on. He was the team leader, and even from a distance, his presence was impossible to ignore. Maria was the first to notice Natasha's stare at John. She smirked and elbowed the redhead lightly.
"Someone's been really distracted today, huh?" Maria said, her playful tone clearly hinting at something. The other women around the table laughed, and Natasha rolled her eyes, but an amused smile played across her lips. Sharon, who was standing next to Maria, gave Natasha an approving look.
"I don't blame you," Sharon said with a laugh. "John looks killer in that uniform. I think half the women at S.H.I.E.L.D. would be up in arms to be in your shoes, Nat."
Bobbie, who was munching on an apple, nodded in agreement, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement.
"You can't be lucky, Sharon. She hit the jackpot with this one," Bobbie joked, tossing a strand of blonde hair back. "Besides being a super soldier, he's also a bad boy. He has that protective air, strong, but also caring." She laughed as she took a sip of water.
Natasha arched an eyebrow, feigning indifference. "You know I could take all of you down without breaking a sweat, right?" She joked, but her tone was full of humor. "But I can't deny it, he's amazing."
Melinda, who was usually the most serious of the group, smirked, not taking her eyes off John and the Omega men. She crossed her arms and leaned slightly in her chair.
"He really has something special. John is disciplined, strong, and he never seems to lose focus, whether in combat or out." She gave him an approving look. "It's hard to find someone like that. You're in luck, Natasha."
Natasha felt her face heat up slightly, something rare for her. She wasn't used to receiving this kind of attention, especially about something so personal. But with these women, her friends, her colleagues, she felt comfortable.
"You're really trying to make me blush today, aren't you?" she said, trying to sound casual, but clearly enjoying how much they were praising John.
Maria, always quick to tease, laughed.
"We're just telling the truth. He's one of the few men around here who manages to have all the qualities: he's handsome, strong, and from what we can see, he loves to spoil you." She paused dramatically. "And best of all: he's completely loyal to you."
Natasha smiled broadly now, letting herself relax into the conversation. It was true. Since the beginning of their relationship, John had always shown a silent but deep devotion. He wasn't overbearing, but in every gesture, she felt the firmness of his commitment to her. Something that was new to her, and that she appreciated in ways she couldn't always express.
— Well, he's the best at a lot of things, but I won't brag too much, — Natasha said, winking at the others. — You already have enough to envy.
Sharon laughed out loud this time, catching the attention of some agents at the nearby tables.
"Oh, absolutely, Natasha, you have the boyfriend jackpot. If I were anyone else, I'd be more than jealous."
Bobbie, who had become more thoughtful, looked back at the table where John and the Omega were discussing the last details of the mission. She leaned forward a little.
"Seriously now, besides all the jokes, it's really cool to see how he takes care of you. You're like that unstoppable duo that everyone at S.H.I.E.L.D. talks about. And it's not just because of the missions. You two complement each other in a way that everyone can see."
Natasha smiled slightly, letting Bobbie's words sink in. She knew it was true. Since she had started a relationship with John, she had found a peace she had not expected. The barriers she had kept up for so long, for her own protection, were beginning to dissolve around him.
"He makes me feel like everything I have ever experienced before…" Natasha hesitated, but then continued. "…that everything in the past, ...Everything bad that happened to me doesn't define who I am anymore. John makes me feel free from that.
The other women around the table were silent for a moment, respecting the depth of what Natasha had just shared. It was rare to see her open up like this, even among themselves.
"That's what everyone should find," Melinda said, her voice low but full of meaning. "Someone who helps you move forward, to grow. It seems like you both have that."
Natasha nodded, her eyes returning to John, who was now standing, adjusting the strap of his tactical backpack. He looked ready for the mission, but still, for a brief second, he glanced in her direction, and their eyes met. The smile John gave her was one of those that only she knew, reserved, full of meaning. Natasha felt her heart warm.
"You're right," Natasha said, more to herself than to the others. "He's all that… and more."
The conversation was interrupted by the sound of Clint Barton approaching the women's table with a smirk on his face.
"What's going on here? Badmouthing the Omega behind her back?" Clint joked, throwing an apple in the air and catching it back.
Maria rolled her eyes and replied.
"Speaking too highly of John, actually. Are you jealous, Barton?"
Clint made an exaggerated face.
"Me? Jealous? I'm best friends with the S.H.I.E.L.D. hunk here. In fact, I'm pretty sure all the men are mad at him for stealing Natasha. And the women... well, let's just say they're mad at her for stealing John." He winked.
Bobbie laughed out loud.
"We were literally just saying that!"
Natasha just smiled, shaking her head as Clint walked away, still chuckling to himself. She knew he was just joking, but deep down, there was a bit of truth to what he said. She and John were a formidable duo, both on and off missions. And she wouldn't trade that for anything.
When the Omega team finished their preparations, John took one last look at Natasha, giving her a slight wave. She smiled back, knowing that at the end of the mission, he would come back to her. And, no matter how dangerous their work was, there was one certainty between them: they would always come back to each other.
And that was enough.
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