STRIKE Team Omega

In mid-October, John decided it was time to introduce Natasha to one of the most important people in his life: Peggy. On a rare day off, he suggested they pay a visit to the nursing home where Peggy lived, in Washington, not far from the Triskelion.

Natasha, curious and a little anxious, accepted the idea immediately. She knew who Peggy Carter was, the legend, one of the pioneers in the world of espionage and intelligence, as well as the founder of S.H.I.E.L.D. Peggy's reputation preceded any formal introduction.

John, however, saw Peggy in a different way. To him, she was not only a historical figure, but a mentor, almost a mother. Someone who had guided and advised him since he joined S.H.I.E.L.D.

"It will be good for you two to meet," John said, with a slight smile, as he drove through the streets of Washington.

Natasha looked out the car window, taking in the scenery, but couldn't help but smile a little when she heard the affection in John's voice. He had a special relationship with Peggy, and it was evident.

"I've always wanted to meet her," Natasha said. "Her reputation in the espionage world is legendary. When I was younger, in the Red Room, I heard about her. One of the first true female spies. She was an inspiration, even if from afar."

John nodded, his gaze fixed on the road ahead.

"She's all that and more. She's the one who helped me find my way here at S.H.I.E.L.D., and she's always been there to guide me when I needed it."

Natasha looked at John with a soft expression, touched by his sincerity. She knew that for someone like John, with a life full of struggles and battles, finding a mother figure like Peggy was something rare and precious.

When they arrived at the nursing home, John opened the door for Natasha, a simple gesture, but full of care. Natasha smiled at him as they both entered the building.

The place was quiet, with well-kept gardens and a calm atmosphere. As they entered the living room, they were greeted by a nurse who led them to Peggy's room.

Peggy was sitting in a comfortable armchair, with a blanket over her legs, reading an old book. Her eyes, still bright and full of intelligence, lit up when she saw John walk through the door.

"John!" she said with a warm smile, closing the book and putting it aside. "You took so long to come visit me, I was beginning to think you had forgotten me."

John smiled broadly and came over to hug her. "Not in a million years, Peggy. I've been busy, but I thought it would be the perfect time to bring someone very special to meet you."

He stepped back slightly and gestured to Natasha, who was standing a little behind. Natasha took a step forward, feeling unusually nervous. Even being who she was, meeting influential people in different parts of the world, being in front of Peggy Carter made her feel a little small.

"Peggy, this is Natasha Romanoff," John said with a slight pride in his voice. "I think you've probably heard of her."

Peggy watched Natasha for a moment, her eyes shining with recognition. Then, she extended her hand to the redhead, who promptly shook it.

"Natasha Romanoff, the famous Black Widow. I've heard a lot about you, my dear, and I've always been curious to meet you. Welcome." Peggy's voice was soft, but with an underlying strength, still full of authority and wisdom.

Natasha felt the strength of that greeting and smiled sincerely.

"It's an honor, Mrs. Carter. I grew up hearing stories about your missions. Your trajectory inspired me, even when I was on the other side." Natasha spoke sincerely, Peggy's eyes fixed on hers.

Peggy laughed lightly, a pleasant and welcoming sound.

"Ah, 'Mrs. Carter', are we starting like this already? Just call me Peggy. And it seems that you and I have more in common than we could ever imagine. — Peggy looked at John and then back at Natasha. — He treats you well, doesn't he? He's always been stubborn, but he has a big heart.

Natasha looked at John, a slight smile forming on her lips.

"Yes, he treats me very well. And yes, he is stubborn." — She replied jokingly.

John shook his head, crossing his arms with an expression of false indignation.

"You're already conspiring against me. I can't believe it."

Peggy smiled, enjoying the interaction between the two.

"Well, John, I knew that one day you would find someone worthy of you. And it seems that you have. Natasha, what do you think of this soldier of ours?"

Natasha looked at John with a soft gleam in her eyes, remembering all the times he surprised her with his kindness and strength.

"He is... exceptional. I didn't expect someone like him to appear in my life, but I'm glad he did." — Natasha admitted, her voice sincere, without the usual harshness it usually carried.

Peggy watched the exchange between the two and nodded, satisfied.

"You two make a good pair," she said, before adding with a mischievous smile. "And don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Especially the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, who love to make comments about everything."

Natasha laughed softly, knowing exactly what Peggy was talking about. The teasing and joking at S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn't gone unnoticed.

"Oh, they're already teasing us, don't worry. But we're having fun with it."

Peggy shook her head, smiling, before looking at John again. Her gaze softened, and for a moment, she seemed lost in thought.

"John, you know I always wanted the best for you. And seeing you with Natasha, seeing the man you've become, makes me feel like everything we've done over the years was worth it. You've found someone who understands you and who can walk by your side. There's nothing more important than that."

John lowered his head slightly, touched by Peggy's words. He approached her again and held her hand.

"You've always been my guide, Peggy. Thank you for everything. And for helping me become who I am."

Peggy smiled with teary eyes, but quickly blinked away any excessive emotion. She wasn't the kind of woman who let herself be carried away by sentimentality, but seeing John happy and well made her happy.

"Now, tell me more about how you two met," Peggy said, changing her tone to something lighter.

Natasha and John looked at each other, both smiling as they remembered their missions together and how they ended up getting involved. Natasha began to tell the details, describing with humor and lightness some of the most dangerous missions they had carried out together.

The afternoon passed peacefully, with lively conversations and occasional laughter, until the time to leave arrived. Peggy said goodbye to Natasha with a warm hug, thanking her for visiting.

— I hope you come back more often, and Natasha, take good care of our John. He needs someone strong by his side.

Natasha nodded, feeling honored by the affection and respect Peggy had shown her. As they walked out, hand in hand, Natasha looked at John and smiled.

"She's amazing. Now I see why you talk about her so much."

John smiled back.

"She is. And now she likes you, which is a great sign."

As they walked to the car, Natasha thought about how important that meeting had been, not only for John, but for her as well. Meeting Peggy was a reminder of how much their history was intertwined with greater legacies, but also with something simple and profound: the love and respect they shared.

And so, they moved on, ready to face the future together.

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