You never saw it coming, that's what you kept telling yourself, anyway. But the signs were always there, lingering beneath the surface, waiting to be acknowledged. How would you even begin to explain the whirlwind of emotions stirred up by your best...
Chapter note: It's lovely to see people following the story so I hope it means some of you like it. Feel free to leave comments or a star, that way I know what you think of the story and I appreciate it a lot.
Also been playing around with covers for the story, here's another one.
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You followed Natasha to her gallery while wondering if she truly needed you there or if she simply wanted you away from Wanda. Natasha was consistently tentative in the car, sending you smiles and occasionally reaching over to squeeze your hand when she wanted you to pay attention to the conversation. But her easy-going mood was waning the moment she set her foot inside the gallery. Her staff was already in motion, and Natasha's eyes flashed with frustration as her intelligent eyes swept over the large space. If you were to describe Natasha's business mode, it would be similar to a panther prowling the jungle. Tentative, critical eyes were sweeping over her jungle as the prey quivered underneath her scrutiny. Long, slender legs stretched out as she gracefully sauntered across the floor, utilizing her powerful limbs. You couldn't help but shudder at the sight of her, exuding all-powerful and quiet confidence.
The prey scrambled around her, simultaneously trying to avoid her but desperately trying to gain her approval, hoping the panther wouldn't strike for their jugular. As her intelligent eyes found yours, she jutted her chin towards the stairs, and no words were necessary as you scrambled up to her office.
The office was quiet as you began setting up your workspace, and you wondered how many would meet their end today. You didn't blame Natasha for desiring perfection; you've been the same with your schoolwork. So many things about Natasha that you admired when you were younger were now things that made you fall deeper in love with her. She was dedicated to her work with a burning passion, hard to please, and just as demanding of herself as she was with those around her. She would push you to be better, to get out of your shell when you were younger, and you wanted to please her. You didn't mind her molding you; in the end, it was all you ever wanted. If she desired perfection, you were determined to do everything in your power to be perfect for her.
When Natasha entered the office, you looked up to see her brows furrowed as she typed furiously on her phone. She looked up quickly and smiled tensely before making her way to her desk, and you couldn't help but want to ease the tension from her brows, to get back that soft look in her eyes.
Her grumbles could be heard across the office as she worked on her computer, and you wondered if you should do something. You counted up things that might help her relax, but your relationship had changed. It made this situation new, and you ended up doing nothing but sitting quietly, shooting her nervous glances.
Still, anything had to be better than nothing, you thought as you straightened your spine and walked quietly closer to the agitated panther.
"What do you need, little duckling?" Natasha asked, not removing her eyes from the screen.
