NOOOOOO 😭😭

NOOOOOO 😭😭

All Roads Lead To

Natasha Romanoff x fem!reader

A Family of Her Own Series

8/10

Masterlist | General Masterlist

w/c: 4.1k

Summary: After the fall of the Avengers, Natasha Romanoff returns home to her secret family—a life she's carefully hidden away for years. Struggling to balance her role as a mother and wife while avoiding the dangers of her past, Natasha is forced to make difficult decisions that impact her loved ones.

This Chapter: Thanos has too much power in his hands and changes the world with a simple snap of his fingers. Set during Infinity War

There’s something about the way Natasha kissed you. Her lips were always soft and warm, moving slowly as if savoring every second. She trailed her fingers along your hip, her touch gentle and reassuring. You were both tangled up in the sheets, nestled close, listening to the quiet rhythm of each other’s breathing.

When the need for air became too much she pulled back just a little, her forehead resting against yours, her thumb tracing gentle circles over your side. Her eyes were soft, carrying that familiar look of quiet affection.

“Stay a little longer?” You asked softly, reaching up to brush a lock of red hair from her face. "In bed with me. The kids aren't awake."

Natasha smiled, her hand covering yours. “I can manage that,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. For a moment, the world outside didn’t exist. It was just the two of you, wrapped in warmth and each other.

Her hand slipped under your shirt, her touch trailing lightly over the skin. The two of you shifted just enough to remove the clothing, leaving you bare before her. She kissed your neck and collarbone, her hand resting over your heart.

Natasha's lips met yours again, her teeth scraping against your lower lip. You let out a gasp when she nipped your skin, your nails digging into her shoulder. She soothed the small bite mark with her tongue before kissing her way down your chest.

Your breathing quickened when she reached the swell of your breast. Natasha looked up, meeting your gaze. She waited, and when you nodded, her mouth descended, her tongue drawing a circle around your nipple.

You arched up towards her, a breathy sigh escaping your lips. Natasha sucked the sensitive bud, her free hand sliding over your skin, tracing patterns across your body. She's so gentle, treating you like you're precious.

The sensation is overwhelming. It's not just the physical pleasure. There's an emotional connection, a closeness that feels almost too much. The two of you were connected, bodies and minds intertwined, and she knew exactly how to touch you. This was the longest period Natasha's been home in a long while. You didn’t know how long she'd be able to stay. You couldn’t think about that then. Not with her lips on your skin, her fingers dipping between your thighs, teasing and exploring.

You tugged her closer, desperate for the feel of her against you, and Natasha responded eagerly. She slid a leg between yours, her thigh pressing against you. You whimpered and ground against her, seeking out more.

"I love you," She whispered into your skin.

"I love you too." You kissed her again, your hands sliding down her sides.

Natasha rolled her hips against you, and your breath hitched. You clung to her, letting her lead. Just as Natasha leaned in to press another kiss to your lips, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. The unexpected sound cut through the calm, and she sighed, her expression shifting.

"Ignore it," She mumbled.

It wasn’t a difficult request. You wanted to. But even as Natasha's lips returned to yours, her hand slipping between your thighs, the phone buzzed again. And again.

Natasha cursed under her breath, pulling away reluctantly. She picked up the phone, glancing at the screen, her shoulders tensing.

"What," She snapped. You almost felt sorry for the person on the other end of that call. As she listened, her eyes darkened, and the relaxed warmth she wore moments ago vanished. You watched her face change, the worry becoming unmistakable.

"There's a threat," Steve's voice crackled over the line, his words heavy. "Wanda and Vision are in trouble."

She sat up, her expression unreadable. Her hand dropped from its place on your thigh to the bed. You scooted out from under her to sit up.

"Nat? What is it?" You asked. 

"Edinburgh is about two hours away from here by car," Natasha held up a hand. "I wouldn't make it to them in time."

"What's happening?"

"Wanda and Vision need backup. There's a group of people, they're... enhanced or aliens. Not sure. They're going after Vision, they think he's some kind of threat. They're trying to destroy him." Natasha gave you the cliff notes version. She's been keeping track of this ordeal for the past few days.

"So what's the plan? What are we going to do?" You questioned.

"There's a black car pulling up in less than five minutes," Steve informed her over the phone. "I have a jet."

Natasha’s hand closed around her phone. She muttered another curse under her breath as she shifted into a more upright position, the intensity in her eyes returning. You moved to sit beside her, instinctively reaching for her hand.

"Nat? What’s going on?” you asked again quietly, but the gravity in her expression told you more than words ever could.

She squeezed your hand, looking at you with an apologetic half-smile. “I have to go." Natasha’s eyes softened at your response, even as her body tensed with the need to act. “Steve’s sending someone to pick me up. They’ll be here in less than five.”

“Of course he is,” You said with a sigh, giving her hand another squeeze. Despite your hangups, you knew her team needed her too. “You’ll make it in time, right?”

She looked away for a second, her jaw set. “I hope so." Natasha’s voice was calm but edged with a tension you rarely saw—one that always appeared when it was about someone she cared for. She glanced out the window, her fingers tapping absently as if counting down the seconds until the car arrived.

"You're waiting for me to say yes," You realized. Natasha remained silent. "Would you stay if I said no?"

"I would," She replied. "But I have to go anyway. If you didn't want me to."

"That's not fair."

"I know," Natasha replied softly. She didn’t look at you.

The silence stretched. It was not an uncomfortable one, but it did leave plenty of room for thought. You took her hand again. "I love you, Nat."

"I love you too," She leaned forward to kiss you. It wasn’t rushed. Her lips were gentle against yours, and her free hand caressed your cheek. She broke away first, resting her forehead against yours. "I have to get dressed."

You nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, okay. I'll be here when you get back."

"I'll be back soon." Natasha pressed a soft kiss to your forehead before getting out of bed. She moved swiftly but with purpose. She headed to the bathroom, brushing her teeth with quick, practiced motions, her mind already a step ahead, planning her next actions. A pair of sweatpants, a t-shirt, and her sneakers were on in seconds; her real gear, she’d change into on the jet. She spared a glance toward the bedroom, where you sat watching her.

"I'll take them home," You told her. "Back to Missouri." It's where they would be the safest. Where you would be the safest.

"I'll call you," She promised, her voice low. Her phone vibrated again, and her brow furrowed. "And I really have to go."

You nodded, a lump in your throat. "I'll see you when you get back."

The corner of Natasha's lips twitched up in a tired smile. "Take care of yourself. Stay safe."

With a final look, Natasha turned to head out but paused in the doorway. A small smile crossed her face as she tiptoed down the hall, slipping into the room where your two little ones were fast asleep.

First, she leaned down to press a soft kiss on Stella’s forehead. The three-year-old stirred slightly, murmuring something before settling back into her dream. Natasha brushed a stray lock of hair away from Stella’s face, her heart tightening with a love so fierce it ached. She moved to Nicky’s crib, watching the one-year-old sleep peacefully, his tiny hand curled around his favorite blanket. Natasha leaned down, pressing a light kiss on his cheek.

It took all her strength to pull away. She slipped out of the room quietly and headed to the front door, where the black car waited in the early dawn light. Natasha took a deep breath before stepping outside, casting one last glance back at the home she was leaving behind—for now. This time on the run with you, she'd figured out what was important to her. Not that she'd ever forgotten. She'd been stubborn to think that she could live these two lives.

You watched her from the window as she headed to the car, her posture tense, her head bowed. You wondered if you should stop her. You could have. She'd stay, and you'd talk her down and keep her safe.

But that wouldn't be fair. You've had this conversation a hundred times. You've talked until you're blue in the face. The world is still a dangerous place, and she would never turn her back on that.

A sudden, sharp cry echoed from the hallway. Nicky was awake. You had a job to do also.

********

Being in the quinjet felt nostalgic. It felt like home. Sam sat in the co-pilot's seat, his fingers deftly navigating the controls while he glanced back at Natasha and Steve, who were securing their gear.

“ETA fifteen minutes,” Sam announced, his voice steady but laced with an underlying tension. “We’ll be touching down just outside Edinburgh.”

“Got it,” Steve replied, checking the straps on his shield before looking over at Natasha, who was securing her holster to her thigh, the familiar click echoing in the confined space. She looked up, her expression focused.

“Banner filled me in on what he and Tony discussed,” Steve said, leaning against the wall of the cabin. “Thanos is coming for Vision. If he gets the Mind Stone, it’s game over.”

"And this Thanos..." Natasha questioned.

"Bad news," Steve sighed. "He's an alien warlord from the planet Titan, and he wants the Infinity Stones. If he gets his hands on them, the universe is screwed."

"What are the chances we win?"

"Well, considering we're the good guys, we should have the odds on our side."

"Yeah, well, you're Captain America," Natasha shrugged, securing the last buckle. "If anyone can beat the odds, it's you."

"And if I fail?"

"Then the rest of us will pick up the pieces and try again. That's how this works." Natasha smiled at Steve. "And I'll be right beside you, whether you like it or not."

"Thank you," Steve replied, his expression serious.

"Hey, what were you doing on this side of the world anyway?" Sam asked from his seat. Flashes of the past eight months came to her. You and the kids, the house, the simple life, the love.

"Just checking in with some old friends," Natasha smiled, but it was a thin, forced one. Steve gave her a knowing look.

"You've got friends?" Sam grinned. "Other than us I mean."

"Don't sound so surprised, Wilson."

"We'll have time for catching up later," Steve reminded her, looking at Natasha. "When this is all over."

Natasha nodded, but the words hung in the air, and her eyes betrayed her uncertainty. She took a deep breath, trying to push the doubts away, to focus on the mission.

***********

The atmosphere in the Avengers Compound was tense and she needed a moment to be alone. After saving Wanda and Vision and flying back to New York she needed time to breathe. She decided on the courtyard. The cool breeze blew through her hair, a slight chill in the air. Her arms crossed, gazing out at the horizon as the sun dipped below the trees. She could hear the distant chatter of the others as they strategized, but her mind was elsewhere.

"Hey," Steve approached her. "Am I interrupting?"

"No, I'm fine." Natasha shook her head. "Just needed a moment."

"Everything alright?"

"It's fine, Cap," Natasha replied. "Don't worry about me."

Steve's expression softened, and he hesitated, looking out at the sunset. "Do you ever wish things were different?" He asked.

Natasha let out a humorless laugh. "All the time."

"I'm sorry," Steve said."How are y/n and the kids?"

"They're okay," Natasha's lips tugged upward at the thought of you. "They're probably on a plane back home now. Safe."

"They'll be glad to see you when we're done."

"If we get out of this."

"We will," Steve reassured her. "I promise. We'll go through everything we can find, and we'll figure it out."

"You don't know that."

"Maybe not. But I can hope."

"Sometimes I wonder why I bother coming back," Natasha said softly. "Every time I walk through the door, there's a chance it'll be my last."

"Why do you?"

"Because it's worth it," Natasha said simply. "It means something."

Steve nodded, understanding. "You don't have to come back."

"I can't just walk away."

"Why not?"

"Because someone has to be there." Natasha's voice was quiet. "Someone has to fight."

Steve nodded. "You've got a family. And they're waiting for you."

"I know," Natasha's voice was softer, her gaze dropping.

"I'm not gonna force you to go," Steve continued. "But it's not gonna be the same without you. So think about it. We could use your help."

"I'm in," Natasha decided, meeting his gaze. "I'm here aren't I?"

"Yeah, you are," Steve smiled.

"What's our plan?"

"I don't think we have one," Steve admitted.

"You're the tactician, Rogers."

"So are you," Steve pointed out.

"You're better at it," Natasha insisted.

"I'm not."

"I am," Natasha replied, the two of them grinning.

"Okay, fine," Steve laughed.

*********

The car rumbled down the paved road, the trees lining the way to home as you glanced in the rearview mirror. You didn’t expect her to be awake but Stella's eyes looked back at you through the mirror.

"Hi, baby," You cooed at her. “We’re almost home.” 

"I'm not a baby. I'm three," She held up three fingers.

"Of course, you're not."

"Where's Mama?" Stella asked.

"She had to go away for a bit," You told her.

"But she'll come back?"

"Yes," You nodded, turning down the long driveway.

"Okay," Stella sighed.

You pull up next to the house, killing the engine.

"Can you call her and tell her we're at this house now? So she doesn't forget," Stella asked.

"Sure thing," You nodded. Truth is you'd tried calling Natasha several times in the past day. As you sat in the driver’s seat, the knot in your stomach tightened, overshadowing the comfort of home.

“I don’t want her to forget us,” Stella said, her small fingers twisting in the hem of her shirt.

You turned to face her. "She won't forget us," You reassured her. "Your Mama loves you so much. And she's going to miss you every minute. Now how about we go inside and cuddle? Me, you, and your brother?"

"I want a cookie," Stella said.

"After dinner."

"Okay," She bounced.

You stepped out of the car and opened the door for her. She slid out, running toward the house, her small legs carrying her across the lawn. She stopped at the door and turned back to wait for you. You carried Nicky, following her into the house.

"Can I watch a show?" Stella asked.

"Just one."

"Thank you," Stella grinned and rushed off to the living room.

You took the moment of peace to lay Nicky down and give him a bottle. Your mind wandered to the last time you were home. Almost nine months ago. Being on the run you'd spent your time in different places, different cities, but none of them felt like this home. This house you'd picked out furniture with your wife. A few hours ago, Natasha had been holding the kids. The thought of her being gone already stings.

You pulled out your phone, sending a quick text.

Hey. We're home. Miss you already. Call when you can.

You put the phone on the counter and walked back to the living room. Nicky was still asleep. It's amazing what he could sleep through.

"TV's not working," Stella announced.

"I'll fix it after dinner," You assured her.

"And I can have a cookie?"

"After dinner," You said again.

Stella sat cross-legged on the couch. "Do you think Mama's okay?"

"I do," You nodded.

"But she's not here," Stella pouted.

"She wants to be," You replied. "And she's gonna come home soon. Okay? Do you trust me?"

"Yeah," Stella nodded.

"So, let's make a list of everything you want to do with Mama when she gets home."

"We can go to the park?" Stella offered.

"Absolutely. That's a good one. What else?"

"Um..." Stella thought. "We can play dolls?"

"She'd love that."

"And have a tea party."

"Oh, that's a good idea."

"And make cookies," Stella suggested.

"Yes, we can make a lot of cookies."

"And have a sleepover."

"Mama would like that," You nodded. "She will be home soon."

***********

The Quinjet touched down with a quiet thud, the engines winding down as Natasha stepped out onto the grassy field. The air was still, heavy with a silence that felt almost surreal after the chaos of the last forty-eight hours. She had left the remaining Avengers behind, her heart pounding with urgency as she stole away in the jet. The world was in turmoil, but all that mattered now was getting back to her family.

As she scanned the familiar landscape, her heart raced. The truck sat parked in the driveway, just like always. The sight filled her with a false sense of hope—a flicker of normalcy amid the chaos. Maybe it was just another day. Maybe Stella was inside, and Nicky was playing with his toys, waiting for her to come home. Maybe she would find you with your glasses perched atop your nose, reading some book you'd found on Reese Witherspoon's book club list.

Natasha climbed the porch steps, her body feeling like lead, exhaustion setting in as the adrenaline rush faded. She opened the front door quietly, stepping inside the darkened house.

"Y/n?"

Her voice echoed through the stillness. There was no reply.

Natasha's heart sank. It was just as empty as it had been before. No sounds of Stella's laughter or Nicky's cries. No sign of life. The familiar scent of home was still there, but it felt hollow. No laughter echoed through the halls, no little feet scampering to greet her. The stillness was suffocating.

She walked into the room, taking note of the obvious signs of you being there before. Stella's stuffed shark was on the floor, and Nicky's blanket was thrown carelessly on the couch. Thanos snapped his finger and everyone was gone. Right before her eyes her friends, her family, and her people disappeared. Now she's come home to an empty house, the only proof that any of you ever existed.

You were gone.

Natasha sat on the couch, the weight of the realization crashing down on her.

Her hand moved instinctively to the ring hanging from a chain around her neck.

"Y/n?" She called again, hoping against all hope that you would appear out of thin air and hug her and everything would be fine.

"Hello?" She received a response back. It caused her to jump to her feet. She rushed toward the front door and her heart almost fell out of her chest. Standing before her was your neighbor from the house down the road, Mabel. She had a shocked expression on her face but it wasn’t about her. It was about the tiny boy in her arms. Nicky was cradled on her hip, tears hanging at the tip of his lashes, and his eyes red.

"Nicky," She breathed, disbelief flooding her senses as she pushed open the screen door and rushed to Mabel's side. "I can't believe it. You're okay."

Nicky looked at her for a second, his eyes widening in recognition and then he let out a shriek.

"Mama!" He cried, stretching his arms towards her.

Natasha didn't hesitate. She scooped him into her arms, holding him close, feeling his tiny heart pounding against her own. “Mabel,” Natasha said, her voice trembling. “What happened? How do you have him?"

Mabel’s expression shifted from shock to sympathy, her lips pressing together in a thin line. “I came to check on you all after… well, after everything,” she said softly, her gaze dropping to Nicky, who clutched at Natasha’s shirt, still sobbing quietly. “I could hear crying. I had come for help. I peeked inside that window over there and saw him alone in his pack-and-play. I had to break the window." She raised her hand to show off her new injury wrapped in gauze.

"How long had he been here?" Natasha asked.

"I came maybe an hour after the dust took Roy," Mabel answered. "I knew your family was back in town and..."

The room spun for a moment as the reality of it all crashed over Natasha. The thought of her son being alone, frightened in the house, sent a cold wave of dread through her. “He was alone for an hour?”

“I got here as soon as I could,” Mabel reassured, her eyes filled with concern. “He’s okay, just scared. I held him until you came home.”

"Thank you, Mabel. You have no idea."

"Well, he's such a sweet little boy. It was my pleasure."

"Are you sure he's okay? I can take him to the hospital," Natasha offered.

"No need. He's a bit shaken, but otherwise, he's fine. And I was a paramedic remember? I know a thing or two."

"R-right, thank you," Natasha sighed, her relief mingling with her fear and exhaustion.

"Any time. If there's anything else, just holler," Mabel said, stepping off the porch. "I'll leave you all be."

"Wait, are you going to be alone?"

"No, no, luckily my sister lives in the next town over. She's alright and she's on her way."

"If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call," Natasha insisted.

"I will. I promise. You take care of that boy and yourself, okay?"

"I will."

Mabel hugged Natasha, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Take care, Natasha."

"You too."

As the door clicked shut behind Mabel, silence enveloped Natasha and Nicky. It all settled heavily on her shoulders, and she glanced down at her son, who was still nestled against her. His small frame seemed fragile in her arms, and she felt a rush of protectiveness flood her heart.

“Okay, little guy,” she murmured, trying to muster the strength she knew she needed. “It’s just you and me now.” Nicky’s bright eyes searched hers, and she could see a flicker of confusion and fear within them. “Mama’s here. I’m not going anywhere. We’re going to be alright.”

She took a deep breath. “We just need to take it one step at a time,” she told him softly. “That’s what we’ll do, okay? Just one step at a time.”

Nicky blinked up at her, his little brows furrowing in confusion. He didn’t fully understand what had happened, and the thought tightened Natasha’s chest. “I know it’s scary right now,” she continued, stroking his hair gently. “But we’ll find a way through this. We’ll be okay. I promise you.”

Her mind raced with the uncertainty of the future. You and Stella were gone, lost to the Snap. Natasha’s heart ached at the thought of you, and the crushing reality that she might never see you again weighed heavily on her. “I’ll get them back,” she whispered to herself, her voice breaking slightly. “I have to. I can’t let this be the end.”

Nicky squirmed in her arms, a tiny whimper escaping his lips. “Mama?” he called out, his small voice tinged with uncertainty.

“I know, sweetheart, I know,” Natasha said, her heart breaking a little more with each passing second. “But I’m right here. You’re safe with me. We’re going to figure this out together.”

She pulled him closer, feeling the warmth of his body against her, and took another deep breath. “Let’s start with something simple, okay? How about we get you a snack? I bet you’re hungry. You always are.” She tried to inject some cheerfulness into her tone, hoping to distract him from the confusion surrounding them.

“Snack!” Nicky echoed, a touch of excitement flashing in his eyes.

Natasha gave him a weak smile.

She made her way into the kitchen, Nicky still clutched tightly in her arms. She could see the remnants of the family left behind. A half-finished coloring page, a forgotten sippy cup, and a few crayons scattered across the floor.

She placed Nicky in his high chair, her eyes brimming with tears. He reached out, grasping at her shirt, and she took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. He was afraid she’d disappear again. 

"It's going to be okay," She told him, her voice shaking. "We're going to be okay. I'm not leaving. I promise."