Echoes of Eternity: The Timeless Promise

Chpt. 5

Avengers Compound – 2018

Natasha POV

It's been a week since we returned from killing Thanos. The atmosphere in the compound is a sombre one. No one is talking if we do. It's a quick hi before we either retreat to our rooms, the gym or outside. The only time I see everyone except Y/N is for dinner. We will eat at the dining room table, basking in each other's presence. No one says anything, eating in silence, and once everyone is done, they disappear again.

I've been in the office every day trying to coordinate with World Leaders and the UN to give them hope or reassurance that we can get through this. When I'm not in the office, I'm in the city trying to help where possible. Most times, I'm aimlessly driving around, lost in my own thoughts. Eventually, the sombre thoughts of failure and losing my family fade, and they steer themselves to Y/N.

I can't understand why I am so drawn to her. In reality, I've only met her twice. The first time was on the Helicarrier in 2012, and now a week ago. Clint only told me a few stories after the incident, and I never pushed for more because it was such a sore subject. Even Laura would change topics when we'd start talking about family. She'd usually divert the topic to the kids, Bobbi or something else. It wasn't hard to tell how much she loved her little sister, but I could tell she felt some kind of guilt.

Y/N's been held up in Clint's room since we got back. I did offer her the spare room next to mine, but she refused. I haven't really seen her despite our small moments. She won't let me see her. The only person she lets in is Carol. A part of me wonders if she regrets the small gestures, but the other part of me knows she thinks everything that's happened is her fault. Nebula hasn't told us everything, but she's told us enough that Thanos turned her into a weapon.

I know all about being turned into a weapon and the guilt that comes with it. All I want to do is comfort her. When she wrapped her arm around me and pulled me close, I felt safe, protected and comforted. It made me feel like everything would be fine despite the world's uncertainty. I've never felt that comfort with someone's presence, not even with Bruce. It feels as if I've walked by Clint's room for the hundredth time today, but in reality, it's only been six times. Each time I stand at the door about to knock, I hesitate before walking away.

I was about to step away from the door when I heard Y/N shouting. "Are you kidding me? You're leaving? You find out about Maria, and you leave?"

"I can't stay. The Universe needs me." Carol shouts back as she storms toward the door, forcing me to step away.

"Right, and not like Maria needs you after her daughter disappeared." Y/N retorts, forcing Carol to stop in front of the door.

"AND WHO'S FUCKING FAULT IT THAT!" My heart drops, and the room goes silent.

I'm about to force my way through the door when Y/N shouts back. "That's not fucking fair, and you know it. If you want to leave, then leave! I'll go be with Maria since you clearly don't give a shit." The door flies open. Y/N storms past Carol, and she stops in her tracks when she sees me. She was furious, but tears streamed down her cheeks, breaking my heart.

I want to reach out and comfort her, but she doesn't give me a chance before she storms past me and down the hall. "Y/N..." Carol called out weakly as she stepped out of Clint's room and tried to follow her, but my hands flew up to her chest, forcing her to stop.

"Carol, don't. She needs her space..." My hands motion for her to stop again as she tries to step past me. It's clear she won't leave until she talks to Y/N. "I've got this. Maybe wait before you fly off to save the universe." Carol gave me an apologetic but thank you smile before I turned around and rushed to find Y/N.