Budapest

Redefining Yourself

Natalia didn't expect to be let out of her cell this soon, but here she was, being led to a meeting room where she hoped the director sat. She was surprised when she was waved in to see not only who she could guess was the director, but Clint and another high-ranking agent. Clint had an expression of shock on his face which told Natalia he was not informed at her presence at the meeting. She could only assume it had been his debrief, and it was highly unusual for anyone to join those. Nerves had Natalia brushing her fingers through her red curls as she was introduced to the people at the table.

"Natalia, this is Director Fury and Deputy Director Maria Hill." Natalia briefly nods her head in greeting before returning her gaze to the director.

"As you know, this is not a typical meeting, Ms. Romanova. I believe you are quite aware of the condition you are supposed to be in, aren't you?" Fury asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Good. I'll have to say you're quite bold, saying what you did in the interview and all. I've had my own agents head served on a platter for much less."

"Yes, sir," Natalia says, bowing her head down in submission.

"However," Fury starts as Natalia's head lifts, "I am quite fond of agent Barton here, and I'd hate to lose him for this. I don't like being proved wrong, but for your sake, I hope Barton here made the right decision. Ms. Romanova, you are to stay on SHIELD property until I deem it unfit. I am willing to give you a chance, but that's it. You break the rules from here on out, you face the consequences."

Natalia couldn't believe the words hitting her ears and looking over at Clint, their faces matched expressions of disbelief. Natalia had millions of thoughts flying through her head at once, but one came to the forefront.

"Director Fury, may I ask a question?"

He nodded as to say go on and she did, "I'd like to change my name, my aliases don't extend to the Red Room, so I'll need a new one to stay off their radar."

"What did you have in mind?" Fury asked.

Natalia had to think for a few seconds before she responded, "Romanoff, sir. Natasha Romanoff."

"Very well. You are dismissed Natasha, Clint will lead you to an adjoining room." Relief swept through Natasha in waves, but Clint looked hesitant. Natasha could feel her eyebrows raise in her skull as Clint raised his hand like a schoolboy and caught Hill's eye roll.

***

Phil Coulson was the one to respond to his agents' childish maneuver, "What is it Clint?"

"Sir, are adjoining rooms the best idea? Surely Natasha would-"

"Are you questioning my decision Agent Barton? You brought Romanoff here, you're going to have to face the consequences. That means you are in charge of her care for right now, and that includes an adjoining room. If it's her you're worried about, I think if she hasn't killed you yet, she'll be able to restrain herself now. I am just barely holding that restraint myself Barton, so I'd suggest you go. And before you go scheming, Agent Coulson did the honors of testing Ms. Romanoff's loyalty himself, so you can thank him for this arrangement."

Clint took the gratitude as it was given and said a curt thank you to Phil before taking his leave with Natasha. He'd have plenty of time to catch up with Coulson later, right now, he'd have to accompany Natasha to the cafeteria for lunch.

As they walked, Natasha was garnering looks from everyone in the cafeteria and the forced silence was unbearable to the man. "What are you looking at?!" Clint shouted as the agents turned to mind their own business. Natasha was thankful and sour for the intervention, glad eyes were off her but would rather they leave her alone of their own accord. She expressed her mixed emotions to Clint once she took a seat across from him, setting her food on the table in front of them.

"I can handle myself Agent Barton," Natasha snapped harsher than she realized. Clint on the other hand, took no notice as he continued to scarf down the food by the second. Natasha's short temper raised and she was going to repeat herself when Clint spoke first, "I know." He paused for a second to finish his mouthful than gestures towards Natasha's untouched plate, "You not going to eat?"

Natasha's response consisted of a raise of her eyebrows, "Not hungry." Clint seemed to perk up and took a piece of chicken from her plate, "Shame. Lunch is awful good today, and you haven't eaten or slept since I picked you up."

Natasha was shocked and quickly to snap, "How did you know that?"

"You might be able to hide your hunger Ms. Romanoff, but your eye bags speak for themselves. You only confirmed my other assumption just now," Clint finished, looking smug. Natasha narrowed her eyes at his look, but slowly began eating her food now that she knew it wasn't poisoned. She suspected Clint knew that was why she hadn't eaten, taking off her plate a gesture she had misinterpreted as rude. Once they finished eating, Clint led Natasha toward their adjoining rooms. Natasha let her eyes roam the comfortable room, taking in the books, sofa, and kitchen that connected their rooms before landing on the locked door that separated her room from his.

Clint gave Natasha the key and closed her palm over it, "This is the only key to the door, there's your bedroom and you have your own bathroom as well. You settle in here and I'll be just a minute." Natasha was quick to take the key and unlock the door, taking in the sight before she noticed Clint's leaving figure. Before she could think better of it, she grabbed the man's arm and looked in his eyes, desperate for an answer, "Why?"

Clint's body relaxed as he realized her grasp wasn't in an attempt to beat him to a pulp. He had faith, but he knew people could lash out in anger when they feel threatened. Once he processed her question, he looked back into her eyes, "You'll see." He closed the door behind him in a flash and Natasha was left recoiling from the action, the millions of curiosities only stirred by his response.

***