Unexpected Romance

Chapter 29

Natasha:
I wake up to Valerie still in my arms from the night before. It's been a few weeks since I found out about her self-harm. It's been difficult but we're handling things together. I promised she wouldn't do anything alone and I plan to go through with that promise.

"Good morning, sunshine," I coo when I feel her hand slide across my chest.

"Hi," she yawns, nuzzling her face further into my neck.

"Would you like to work out with me?"

"I'm a bit tired. Maybe another time."

"We could take a walk?"

"Do I have to?"

"I think it would be good for you."

She sighs lightly, her breath tickling my skin. "Okay," she whispers.

"Good. Let's go."

Val reluctantly slips out of bed, dragging her legs over the side. I pull out leggings and a tank top for myself and toss Val her classic leggings and t-shirt but she just stares at the clothes when they land in her lap. I watch her pick up the t-shirt hesitantly and put it back down.

"Don't like the shirt I chose?" I ask in a teasing manner.

"No, it's not that."

"Hm." I sit back down next to her and slide my hand into hers. "Would you be more comfortable in long sleeves?"

"No. I don't know," she sighs sadly.

Even though she didn't give me a straight answer, I choose a long-sleeved t-shirt anyway. This time, she does put it on. I silently congratulate myself on knowing my girlfriend like that. Although, instead of the leggings, she puts on a pair of sweatpants.

We make our way outside and begin our walk. At first, Val stays quiet. But after a little bit, she starts talking. And it breaks my heart.

"I've been thinking about a lot these days," she starts.

"Wanna talk about those things?"

She takes a small breath and lets it go slowly. "I think I need to retire."

I stop in my tracks and she turns back to face me. "Retire?"

"Yeah. That mission really got to me. I know SHIELD has ways to make people disappear, so I think I'm gonna talk to Fury and arrange that."

"Have you thought about this?"

"More than you know. I'm never allowed on missions anymore. But maybe it's all for the best."

"You've really thought about this, huh?"

"Yeah."

"And you think this is best?"

"I do."

"Okay. And what about us?"

"That's the harder part. In order for me to go incognito, I really have to sell it. No one can know where I am or anything along those lines."

"So what are you saying?"

She stays silent.

"You want to break up."

"I don't want to. I just know what comes with going off the grid. I'm sorry, Nat."

"If this is what is best for you, then okay. I support you."

Val gives me a sad smile and we finish our whole walk in silence. When we get home, Val and I part ways at the door.

Valerie:
With a sad sigh and a strong decision, I arrange a jet to take me to DC. I didn't make this decision lightly. I know what I'm capable of. But I also know what I lost after that mission. I can't be an Avenger anymore. Not after that mission. I've tried, but nothing seems to work. I know my limits. And I've reached my last straw.