Frail heart

Amelioration

Chapter two

Adjusting to the routine of sporadically being called on missions, returning at random hours of the morning and night covered in soot, and other times in cuts, wasn't the easiest thing. Everything had been going smoothly for the most part, but there was always this lingering voice in the back of your head, and you couldn't seem to get rid of it.

It was distracting, it'd taunt you, predict the next bad thing. Having had control over your body for more than two months straight was quite the achievement, and the team recognised that, but with the celebration came the dread. It felt as if every corner you turned, something sinister was lurking, just waiting to strike and ruin all of your hard work. What differed now compared to all those months ago, however, is a new sense of empowerment. This was your body, your mind, and you weren't gonna let anything or anyone take that away from you.

You had to admit, getting back into training, and physically exerting your body felt good, of course you'd appreciated not having to do practically anything during your break, but ultimately, this was what you did best. Anybody could notice the lighter atmosphere during training, the playful air to it as you went head-to-head with various members of the team.

It was relieving to know that your strength was no longer something to be feared, it could be improved and shaped to protect you and others, and that's all you'd ever wanted. Knocking Steve to the mat every now and then was also a bonus, though.

"Is the Steve Rogers tapping out? Is this what I'm seeing right now?" Tony laughed; arms crossed with a smug smile on his face.

You glance over at his grinning face, shaking your head in amusement as you sat back on the mat to let Steve gather his bearings, "This will never get old." You fell back to the mat in a heap of chuckles as Steve threw you a faux glare, rolling his eyes with a surprising amount of attitude before holding a hand out to help you up.

"Laugh it up. I think you guys forget who assigns you missions." He mutters, making everybody in the room laugh a little harder at his despondency. Blonde strands of his hair fall in front of his face as his chest heaves from the previous duel, white tank top barely marked by his sweat.

You tightly grasp his hand as he lifts you to your feet, patting his shoulder comfortingly, "Don't worry, Cap. I'm sure you'll get me next time." He lowers his head with a small laugh, carding his fingers through his hair, "Is that right?"

You gently shake his shoulders before strolling over to Natasha as she leans against the wall, water bottle extended to you, "Thanks," you speak breathlessly, downing the bottle before tossing it into the bin on the other side of the room, the trash can shaking with the force of your throw. "How come you didn't join? I was waiting for you to get all up in that."

Natasha raises a brow in disgust, the corners of her mouth falling as she grimaces, "You do realise that was just a whole mess of testosterone and sweat, right? Why would I subject myself to that?"

You shrug, rocking back and forth on your feet as you consider her words, "Because you're my friend and I needed you?" Your child-like grin has her fighting the smile on her face, shoving you back by your shoulders, "You're an idiot."

As everybody makes there way to the exit, presumably to go shower, you fall into step with Natasha, "Alright then. If not to help me, then to help Steve. I know you were worried sick watching me slam him into the mat a couple times."

She doesn't entertain your words, instead picking up her pace to try and escape your nagging. You only take this as a challenge, nudging her shoulder lightly, "Come on, admit it." You quickly step to the side to avoid her jab, laughing as you watch her walk away, "I'll get it out of you someday, Nat!"