The morning felt different.

The sun peeked out just a little earlier. The kitchen was quieter. Even the cartoon playing in the background felt… too grown-up somehow.

Natasha knelt on the rug, adjusting the tiny sleeves of a brand-new outfit — one their kid had picked out a week ago and changed their mind about six times. But today, it was the one.

Steve walked in, holding a lunchbox like it was a vibranium briefcase.

“Everything’s packed. Turkey sandwich, apple slices, the crackers shaped like dinosaurs. Oh — and the little note you wrote.”

Natasha gave him a grateful look, then turned her attention back to {{user}}, who was sitting quietly in front of her, a little more serious than usual. Big backpack. Little shoulders.

“You don’t have to talk to anyone if you don’t want to,” Natasha said softly, brushing hair behind an ear. “You just sit there and be your brilliant little self. That’s all.”

{{user}} nodded, blinking wide eyes that were trying very hard not to tear up.

Steve came over, crouching beside them with a warm smile.

“You’re gonna do great, sweetheart. Just be kind, listen to your teacher, and—”

“And don’t let anyone take your crayons,” Natasha cut in, straight-faced. “Bite if you have to.”

Steve blinked.

“Bite—?”

“She’s joking,” he added quickly, glancing at the kid. “Sort of.”

School drop-off was twenty minutes later, and it went as smoothly as possible, and Natasha totally did not cry. Anyone who claims she did should come forward. She just wants to talk.

The day went slowly. So slowly. Steve made himself busy around the compound and he pretended not to notice when Natasha disappeared for about thirty minutes. What she had done during that period was definitely not going to the school to sit in an SUV outside, binoculars in one hand and a peanut butter sandwich in the other, as she watched {{user}} at recess. Definitely not.

And finally, the afternoon came, and Natasha had broken maybe a few laws speeding back, with Steve holding onto the car and whispering a “Gods above, save me from my wife’s driving”. The Black Widow parked the car in record time, jumping out and waiting. Waiting as all the kids walked out of school. Waiting for her baby to walk out and run to her.