Week 375 – Tony was still feeling guilty for leaving Natasha the way he did

Four weeks.

That’s how long it had been since he’d rescued Natasha and she’d moved into his apartment. Things between them had settled into a comfortable pattern. They’d gotten to know one another and there was definitely something growing between them.

But the more things improved between them the harder it got.

Tony was still feeling guilty for leaving Natasha the way he did. Everything that had happened to her was on his shoulders. He should have taken his time, set up a proper trap, made sure that there were protections in place for her.

How did she not hate him?

If there was one thing he was absolutely sure of it was that she was too good for him.

Way too good.

Which is why he would spend the rest of his life trying to make it up to her.

If she let him.

“Hey, honey,” he said as he walked into the kitchen. One thing they’d both learned over the last month was that Natasha didn’t like anyone sneaking up on her. Even if it was accidental. A lot of therapy was helping but she still had a lot of triggers and he did his best to accomodate them all so he didn’t set off panic attacks.

“Hey,” she returned, giving him a small smile. While her smiles might be mostly small they were bright, like little bursts of sunshine, and he was so honoured that she was allowing him to be there for her during this difficult time.

“Garret is on his way up,” he told her. His partner had also become a friend and support for Natasha.

“Dinner is almost ready,” she told him. Even though he had assured her that she didn’t have to cook for them she’d insisted. Told him she enjoyed cooking, it was relaxing and therapeutic, so he’d helped in any way she wanted while also giving her space if she needed it.

When there was a knock on his door he headed out of the kitchen towards the living room. It was a tightrope trying dealing with Natasha, not wanting to upset her and give her the space she sometimes needed while also ensuring she knew he was there for her one hundred percent. But hard as it was he was happy to do it, enjoyed her company, and grew more enamoured with her every day.

The smile fell from his lips as he opened the door and Garret stepped inside.

His partner wasn’t alone.

After four weeks of no sightings of Brandon the man was now standing in the hall outside his building.

Garret had betrayed them?

Fury ignited inside him until he saw his partner’s pale face.

“I’m sorry,” Garret mumbled before collapsing to the floor half in and half out of the door and Tony saw all the blood.

“Time for a family reunion,” Brandon beamed, pointing a weapon at him.