The Girl Next Door

Chapter 8

January 12th, 2014

Natasha's POV

                 I toss and turn in bed unable to sleep. I can't stop thinking about them. Not just Y/N, Steve too. He's in the hospital after almost dying, I'd be there right now if I wasn't so worried about her. She's here, she's right there, she's with me again...but she's not with me. She's not actually here, not yet anyways.

I look up at the ceiling, star nightlights. Tony had them installed when they renovated Stark Tower into the Avengers Tower. Me? Fearless Black Widow scared of the dark? Terrified...

I don't know what it is I'm just scared, scared he's going to grab me in the middle of the night. Even though he's dead, he'll never stop haunting me. It's as if he's still alive.

I can't sleep now. Maybe I'll just stay up tonight, better than sleeping honestly. I crawl out of bed, my auburn red straight trimmed shoulder length hair in a messy bun as I slip on some sandals and turn the big light on before opening the door to my bedroom and closing it behind me.

All the lights were lit on the halls of the building just not the individual bedrooms. I make my way towards the elevator and step inside waiting for it to take me to the kitchen and living room floor. Once I arrived, I stepped out and walked towards the kitchen. I take a deep breath before pouring myself a refreshing glass of water.

"Can't sleep?" A familiar voice asks from behind.

I jump hearing his voice. I just gulp and nod, a lump forming in my throat holding back tears. "Mhm," I simply reply with a nod. Then I turn around seeing one of the people I trusted most in my life. "Clint? What are you doing here?" I ask in disbelief.

He puts his hands in his pockets walking towards me. "I heard about what happened, and who we found. Figured you needed some comfort." He says softly.

Clint even being here was comforting. I give him a small smile. "Thanks for being here, but I'm okay. I'm fine." I reply.

He heavily sighs. "Every time you say you're fine, you're not." He comes closer to me and reaches out to place his hand on my shoulder when I instinctively flinch.

Closing my eyes tightly with my back slightly turned as a habit and reflex. "S-Sorry Clint I-"

He interrupts me, "Can I hug you?" He asks, his voice soft and soothing, letting me know it's okay.

I nod as tears start falling. He pulls me into a warm embrace, wrapping his arms around me like a comforting blanket as I sobbed.

"He's not gonna hurt you anymore, I promise. He's gone, you don't have to worry." He continued soothing my soul reminding me HE was gone.

He can't hurt me but the wounds are so deep, I don't know if they'll ever heal.

I didn't even realize we were on the couch now until I somewhat stopped crying. I whimpered in Clint's arms trying to stop crying but I just can't. He pulls me closer comfortingly, letting me soak his shirt with my tears.

I hated being weak like this.

He's one of the only people I let my guard down for.

_ _ _ _ _

I wake up laying on the large comfortable couch with a blanket and a pillow supporting my head. I open my eyes as bright sunlight hits my face. Last night was a rough night. Then my mind wanders back to Y/N. I shake off the thought of her knowing this wasn't something I needed to worry about when I first wake up.

Slipping out of the blanket, I standing up on my feet then take a moment to stretch and crack my back a bit. I let out a yawn before the smell of delicious breakfast fills my nose.