Black Widow: An Origin Story

S.H.I.E.L.D.

S.H.I.E.L.D.'s headquarters was massive. I mean, everything in the city was, but I'd never seen such a sight as I did here.

Everyone stared at us as we walked inside. Glimpses were thrown Fury's way, and no one made eye contact with Natasha. But they had no qualms in openly gaping at me.

"Leave the man alone," Natasha growled from Fury's side. "I'm sure you have better things to do than stare him down. If not, I'm sure I could find some use for you."

Everyone turned away after that and she threw a wink over her shoulder.

Were they that terrified of her? What had happened in the years that had gone past? The years that still made no sense to me.

God, would I ever figure this out?

"Feel free to stay here for the time being, Captain," Fury offered. "Agent Romanoff will show you to your room. We'll leave you to get settled and meet this evening."

I wasn't sure how to thank him. Should I salute or wave or what?

I decided on a quiet thanks and followed the redhead deeper into the base. She was quiet, but had no problem glaring daggers at those who stared too long at us. Most did not risk more than a passing glance.

I was curious, and a bit unsure whether she would answer or not, but decided the risk would be worth it anyway. "What did you do to everyone that makes them cower so?"

"They know my name and my reputation," she replied sharply. "Something I'm sure you'll hear about in the days ahead."

Not much of a talker then, I realized. Great. I knew this was same Natasha from back then, but yet, she was completely different. Still closed off, but this one was less personable and seemed angry all the time.

"Finally back, Tasha? Geez...all time slowest catch," a male voice snickered from the shadows.

"Shove it up your ass, Barton," she griped harshly, flipping him off without looking for him.

"And here I thought you loved me," the man replied, dropping down from the ceiling. I nearly leapt back in surprise, but managed to stand my ground. "So this is the infamous Captain America? Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye."

I shook his proffered hand. "Steve Rogers."

"Come on, Tash," he continued. "We've got a mission. Fury's been up my ass about this one."

"That's only because you can't handle them without me," she smirked. "He can wait. I need to take care of Rogers first."

"Fine," Clint pouted. "Nice to meet you, Cap. Hopefully I'll see you around soon. Hangar in twenty, Romanoff."

She growled as he slipped off into the shadows.

I said nothing as we continued on. She loved another man? It hurt to know that, but it had been seventy years and I suppose I had been frozen over. Most people would assume I'd died.

I'd just have to get over it. I just hoped I wouldn't have to see them together very often. I don't know how much I could stomach. He seemed like a nice man, a bit playful, but nice enough. And he was definitely strong, and very watchful.

"Here we are," she said, snapping him out of his thoughts. "If you need any assistance, J.A.R.V.I.S. will help you."

"J.A.R.V.I.S.?"

"He's an AI. Artificial Intelligence," she answered. "No time to explain, just ask for him and he'll answer. I'll see you at 7 for the briefing."

I gawked at her as she strutted off as if she owned the place. Which, according to the way people acted around her, she seemed to. What the hell had I gotten myself into?