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It only took seven years, but Indigo finally got Nat to go to the mall with her. Even if it is for a mission, she thinks it counts.
Indigo looks over to Steve, noticing his fidgety eyes and fast pace. "First rule of going on the run is, don't run, walk." she remark with a wry smile, her tone light but firm.
"If I run in these shoes, they're gonna fall off." Steve says as they enter a Mac store.
Nat reaches into her pocket pulling out the flash drive, "The drive has a Level Six homing program, so as soon as we boot up SHIELD will know exactly where we are." she says.
Indigo nods, silently acknowledging Nat's proficiency with technology. Thanks, Nat. Indigo always left the tech stuff up to Nat, she think to herself, feeling a sense of relief that she's on their team. Her expertise in handling sensitive equipment has saved them more times than Indigo can count.
As Steve asks about their time frame, Indigo glances around the store they're in, scanning the rows of sleek gadgets and shiny displays. The soft hum of electronics fills the air, mingling with the muted chatter of other shoppers as they browse the aisles.
Indigo hears Nat reply saying they had nine minutes till S.H.I.E.L.D. agents are here. But despite her warning, Indigo finds herself tuning out their conversation, her thoughts drifting to the enigmatic figure of the Winter Soldier. What do they really know about him? Indigo wonders, her mind replaying snippets of stories she's heard from other Black Widows and from Natasha herself.
But beneath the veil of fear and uncertainty, there's something else lurking in the shadows - a sense of intrigue and fascination. Who is he, really? Indigo ponders, her curiosity piqued by the enigma surrounding him.
Indigo turns to see a nerdy looking Apple worker engaging Steve and Nat in conversation, a bright smile on his face. "Congratulations. Where do you guys thinking about going?" he asks, his tone friendly and enthusiastic.
"New Jersey," Steve replies, his voice steady and resolute.
Indigo can't help but raise an eyebrow at his response, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of her lips. New Jersey? She think to herself, suppressing a chuckle.
"Oh," the worker hesitates for a moment, his gaze lingering on Steve. "I have the exact same glasses," he says, a hint of surprise and excitement creeping into his voice.
Indigo can't help but stifle a laugh at the unexpected comment, finding the situation oddly amusing. "Wow, you two are practically twins." Indigo says looking over at Nat, trying not to crack up.
"Yeah, I wish. Specimen. Uh...if you guys need anything, I've been Aaron." the worker replies.
Indigo hears Steve give him a quick thank you before turning back to her and Nat. He looks down at his watching, saying "You said nine minutes, come on."
"Shh, relax. She's got this." Indigo says, her tone gentle but confident.
Indigo looks down at the computer, seeing Wheaton, NJ on the screen. "You know it?" Nat asks Steve.
"I used to. Let's go." Steve says as he takes the flash drive out of the computer, ushering us out the front doors of the store.
Indigo looks up to see two agents walking straight for them. She hear Steve say, "Standard tac-team. Two behind, to across, two coming straight at us. If they make us, I'll engage, both of you hit the south escalator to the metro."
"Shut up and put your arm around me, laugh at something I said. Indie, walk behind Steve, use his body like a shield." Nat instructs them.
"What?" Steve says questioning her.
Natasha looks at him with a sharp gaze, her expression serious and determined. "Just do it," she commands, her voice brooking no argument.
Steve hesitates for a moment, clearly taken aback by Nat's uncharacteristically forceful demeanor. He quickly puts an arm around her.
Indigo takes her place behind Steve walking quietly in step with him. They make their way onto the escalators leading down to the ground floor. Indigo still standing behind Steve hoping to not be noticed by the Rumlow and the agents making their way up the opposite side.
"Kiss me" Indigo hears Nat tell Steve. "What?" he quickly replies obviously uncomfortable with the thought of kissing one of his closest friends.
"Public displays of affection make people very uncomfortable." Indigo echos, her voice carrying a note of understanding as she steps in to support Nat's directive.
"Yes, they do." Steve replies still hesitating. Seeing the agents drawing closer, Indigo knows they're running out of time. Without hesitation, Indigo springs into action, pushing Steve aside and seizing Nat by the jacket, pulling Nat close to her with a sense of urgency.
In a bold and daring move, Indigo presses her lips to Nat's, the warmth of Nat's breathe mixing with hers, the kiss serving as a desperate bid to maintain their cover amidst the chaos of the crowded mall. With a steady hand, Indigo cups Nat's face, shielding her identity from prying eyes.
As Indigo breaks the kiss, her gaze flickers up to see Rumlow turning away and continuing up the escalator, his attention diverted by some other distraction. With a sense of relief washing over her, Indigo turns back to Steve, a wry smile playing at the corners of her lips.
"You still uncomfortable?" Indigo asks, her tone light and teasing, an attempt to break the tension that lingers in the air between them.
Steve's response catches Indigo off guard, his gaze lingering between her and Nat as he considers his words carefully. "It's not exactly the word I would use." he says, his tone mixed with hesitation and desire.
