Cramps are one of the worst things you’ve ever experienced, and today they decided to show up without warning. You’re curled up on the couch, knees pulled to your chest, trying to breathe through it and convince yourself it’s not that bad — even though the pain keeps proving otherwise.

You don’t say anything. Natasha is busy, and you don’t want to interrupt her, so you stay there, completely still, waiting for it to pass… or at least for it to become a little more bearable.

Nat is sitting at the desk, focused on her work. At first, she doesn’t look up, but when she realizes you’ve been in the exact same position for far too long — too still — something feels off. She watches you for a few seconds longer than usual, and then she understands.

She gets up quietly and disappears into the other room.

When she comes back, she’s carrying more things than you expected: a cup of hot tea, your favorite sweets, painkillers, and a small heated plush that she carefully sets down beside you. She also brings a blanket, laying it over your legs with ease.

She sits next to you and, without asking, starts rubbing your back in slow, gentle motions, steady and deliberate, like she knows exactly where to touch.

“Cramps again?” Her voice is low, calm.

When she sees you nod, she adjusts the heated plush against your abdomen, making sure it’s at the right temperature before leaving it there. Her hand never leaves your back.

“No wonder you were so still…”