The clock was almost striking midnight when the sound of the lock turning pulled you from your thoughts. Outside, snow covered the streets in a white blanket, and the Christmas tree in the living room flickered softly with colored lights. You'd promised yourself you wouldn't stay up waiting... but here you were, sitting on the couch with a blanket over your shoulders, staring at the door hoping to see Natasha walk through it.

And then, there she was.

Her red hair fell in messy waves, her black coat still covered in snow, and a tiredness visible in her green eyes. But when she saw you, a tired but genuine smile appeared on her face.

"I thought you'd be asleep by now,"she said, dropping her bag on the floor.

"And I thought you'd be here earlier,"you replied, arms crossed, but still unable to stop yourself from smiling.

Natasha shook her head in amusement and leaned closer, placing a warm hand on your cheek before wrapping you in a hug. Her scent was still the same as always, with a faint hint of gunpowder and cold, but also with that comforting warmth that only she could give you.

"Sorry, doll. The mission took longer than I expected."

"It's always the same,"you murmured against her coat.

"But I'm here now,"she whispered, tightening the hug a little, "And I brought gifts."

You pulled away to look at her skeptically, but she just raised an eyebrow and pulled a package wrapped in red paper out of her bag.

"Did you really have time to buy something?"

"Don't underestimate my skills, little one."