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second chances

Natasha wasn't one for feelings, especially ones she couldn't shake no matter what she tried to do. And right now, after hearing about Loki and speaking to Clint, it became apparent to her that she's too close to this.

She may not have known Loki, but if Thor was correct, then she was Loki. She hurt people, so many people, just like him. But the difference between him and her is that he was forced to do it, while Natasha liked to do it. 

She liked to please her superiors, she liked to be at the top of her class, she liked to do whatever she could to follow the rules. Clint had told her many times that those feelings were from the brainwashing and torture she was put through, but still, she didn't believe it. She also knew that if Loki was under the control of something or someone, then it would take a long time to get him out of control. And that it would cause a lot of memories to resurface in her.

Knowing all this makes Fury calling to speak with her less intimidating, as she knows what he wants to talk about. Fury hadn't called Clint, so whatever this is about is either an assignment for her or someones compromised. Someone being compromised is about as close as Fury gets to being personal.

The door opened in front of her, and there stood the Director himself. He was staring out the window at the clouds, and she walked forward silently, waiting for instructions.

"You know, sometimes I like to just look at this view," Fury said.

She continued to walk until she stood beside him, staring straight ahead and out the window towards the clouds.

"You know the best thing about this view Agent Romanoff?"

Natasha remained silent, knowing that whatever Fury would say wouldn't involve any fluffy clouds.

"The birds. Them peacefully flying, free and all, until they run straight into the Helicarrier and are killed."

Fury turned towards her, and she continued to stare out the window.

"Before that meeting, we all were that bird, flying high and free, and now any second, we will hit into something we can't see and get ourselves killed. Do you understand?"

Natasha finally turned to look at him.

"You want me to keep an eye on Clint, seeing as you asked Steve to watch over Thor. And me being Clint's partner and friend also helps," she responds.

"It does," Fury began. "But you are also an agent, and agents watch over each other, especially when the mission involves a psychopathic god that your partner is connected to," he says.

"Was connected."

Even after saying it, she knew that it was a lie, and the look Fury gave her showed he not only disagreed with her but knew that what she said was far from the truth. If anything, the conversation she had with Clint proved he was connected to Loki. Her partner may not want anything to do with Loki, but having him be a part of this has already compromised Clint. There are still so many unknown things about mind control. Even if Clint wasn't in danger of being controlled, if he spends too much time with Loki he'll either grow attached or lose himself.

Before she could say anything else, the door opened, and Clint walked in. He looked at the two of them as he walked towards us, stopping beside her.

"What'd I miss?" Clint asked.

"I brought you both here to discuss-," began Fury.

"Me being compromised."

"No, Agent Barton."