The process of returning to Earth was smooth, with the only minor issue being Sif, who had become a totally curious child.
During her previous descent, her attention had been entirely on Thor, and she hadn't noticed Earth's situation at all. Now that she had decided to stay on Earth for Peter, she found everything fresh and new.
For a time, she clung to Peter so much that he had a massive headache, while the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents stared at him with envious eyes.
The Director was truly a role model; while handling a hammer, he actually managed to bring a goddess home.
Eventually, Peter was so pestered by Sif that he came up with a makeshift solution. He assigned Sif a task: go comfort Jane Foster, who was feeling incredibly low because Thor hadn't descended to Earth with them.
Sif's heart was now entirely on Peter, so she didn't care about Thor anymore and naturally had no issues with Jane Foster, her "rival" from the original timeline.
Thus, for the future happiness of his good brother, this silly girl patted her chest and took on the "difficult" task without hesitation, running off to pester Jane Foster instead.
Finally able to breathe, Peter just got the chance to take a relaxing bath when another knock sounded at the door. Peter used his Byakugan to check and saw Natasha standing outside, so he spoke casually:
"The door is unlocked."
Natasha pushed the door open and entered. She had changed out of her usual black bodysuit into loose loungewear. She had clearly just finished a shower, as her wet red curls were draped over her shoulders, making her look lazy and charming.
"Need something?" Peter had already guessed what she wanted to say, but he took the initiative to start the conversation.
Natasha closed the door behind her and sat in the chair opposite Peter. After a moment of silence, she spoke:
"I saw that woman, Sif, holding your hand."
She had indeed come for this.
"She said she admires my bravery. Having lived for thousands of years, she actually can't distinguish between admiration and love," Peter said casually.
But Natasha's emotions suddenly became somewhat agitated:
"Who can really distinguish them?!"
"I once thought my feelings for you were just admiration, until you fell from the sky like a piece of charcoal." Her voice became very soft, as if she were talking to herself. "She is very brave. Much braver than I am." Natasha looked down, her gaze falling on the light reflected in her cup.
Peter looked at her but didn't speak immediately; he knew that at this moment, listening was enough.
"Do you know? Since the day I returned to Russia at age 11 and was sent back to the Red Room, I told myself—Natasha Romanoff doesn't need anyone."
Her voice was steady, as if narrating someone else's story
. "I am a spy, an assassin, a tool. Tools are not worthy of emotions. The Red Room taught us that emotions are weaknesses; once a spy exposes a weakness, they die."
"But I didn't want to be just a tool. The three years I spent in Ohio under a fake family were the happiest times of my life. To find that feeling again, I fled the Red Room and joined S.H.I.E.L.D. at Nick's invitation, but I always knew I wouldn't get anything here—until I was assigned to contact you."
She looked up into Peter's eyes, a burning fire flickering in her green eyes.
"It was you who turned me from a monster back into a human. I'm not like Sif; I can't announce to everyone that you are my prey without a care.
I also know I can't compare to Gwen or Felicia. I have filth on me that can never be washed away. I tried to suppress myself, tried to maintain the status quo.
But I can't control myself, like a moth to a flame. Perhaps the ending is destined to be shattered, but at least, this process won't make me feel lonely."
Her last words were very soft, but Peter still heard them. He let out an imperceptible sigh and then gave a self-deprecating smile. He had just laughed at Sif for not being able to distinguish between admiration and love, but now, wasn't he the same? Compassion, affection, desire... had he truly distinguished them?
This thought caused a flicker of confusion in Peter's heart, but it was soon drowned out by a more resolute voice.
Why bother distinguishing them so clearly? Anyway, there are no rules in this world that can bind you anymore!
With this thought, Peter felt his mind clear. He stood up, took Natasha's hand, and pulled her into his arms.
"Actually, that day after you left my office, I saw everything."
Hearing this, Natasha's body couldn't help but tremble. She looked up at Peter with eyes that were both resentful and anxious, fearing she might hear cruel words.
"It was just that at the time, I also couldn't quite tell—was my feeling for you compassion, or affection? But today, Sif indeed taught me a lesson.
Why bother distinguishing them so clearly? Anyway, I've always had a problem—once I get my hands on something, I won't let a second person touch it."
Natasha was stunned for a moment. She didn't quite understand the meaning of those words at first, but immediately after, intense joy exploded in her heart. While she was dizzy with happiness, Peter gently lowered his head and kissed her.
The night in New Mexico was thick, and the city's neons continued to flicker. But in this temporary residence, the world went quiet. Tonight, the world did not need saving. Tonight belonged only to the two of them.
...
As dawn approached, Natasha rested her head on Peter's chest, looking rare and relaxed. Peter held her, though his expression seemed somewhat preoccupied.
"What are you thinking about?" Natasha couldn't help but ask.
"Thinking about what kind of gift would be best for you."
"...What?"
Peter didn't explain much because he had already made his decision.
[Zoan Type · Mythical Beast · Model: Okami]
[Price: 5,000 Sacrifice Units]
"Deal!"
As Peter murmured in his mind, a strange ice-blue fruit appeared in his hand the next second. Peter hadn't intended to buy this thing, but since Natasha was now his woman, he couldn't let her remain just an ordinary superhero.
Natasha stared at the fruit that appeared out of thin air, looking a bit dazed.
"What kind of fruit is this? I've never seen it."
"A Devil Fruit," Peter said, stuffing the fruit directly into her hand. "After eating this, you will gain a special ability, though the taste might not be very good."
Natasha looked at Peter skeptically, then tentatively took a bite of the fruit.
And then...
"Ugh—!"
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