The Spark That Never Dies Part: One

Chapter Twenty-Five

In the meeting with Fury you had a few days ago after returning, he went on to explain everything that had happened prior to the trip. You pushed, and he revealed that the moment you went missing, Natasha went rogue searching for you. She swept through every suspected Hydra base she could locate and eventually slipped, getting captured. It pained you to hear, but you were curious about the slip up since it didn't sound like her to do. He agreed, explaining that in her report she hadn't slept in days, most likely suffering hallucinations at that point, and this paired with the heavier security in the base she soon infiltrated, got her apprehended.

You nodded along numbly as he spoke after that, trusting you not to share this information, and only briefing you on it because he was concerned for her safety. If she went against protocol this quickly for you, it could happen again, putting herself and others in further danger.

Next time, maybe not being so lucky.

Lucky.

You stopped yourself from scoffing at the word.

Currently, you were cuddled up next to said girlfriend on day two or four – hard to keep track now, on the couch binging Friends because somehow neither of you have seen it yet. Your head was on her lap as she played with your hair, and you wished you could enjoy the feeling more but there's a kernel of popcorn stuck in your teeth and it's driving you fucking mad.

"Why're you tense?" She asked when the theme song came on and you realized you were both at the end of season two already.

"I need floss, but I don't wanna get up," You sighed dramatically, "It's a struggle."

She chuckled with a small snort, not expecting that answer, and you smiled at the noise. The more the two of you hung out, away from the 'Avenger life' and all it entailed, the more relaxed with each other you could be. Again, these things just kept making you fall more and more in love with the assassin.

"Go get it." She smacked your butt, making you laugh, and you reluctantly got up afterwards.

"Come with me?" You smiled shyly, using puppy dog eyes, and holding out your hand, wiggling your fingers.

"Since I'd have to pause it anyway..." She teased and you rolled your eyes, leading her out of the room and into one of the tower's many restrooms.

"Floss..." You searched, mumbling under your breath, "Floss...ah! Here we go."

"I'd think you'd be sick of me by now." She observed out loud, hopping up on the counter connected to the sink to watch you work.

"Not a chance." You slurred, digging the kernel out.

You raised a fist in success and cleaned up, helping her down before walking back out together.

"Why'd you sneak away last night?" She asked, catching you off guard.

"Whaddya mean?" You played innocent, voice going a little higher, exposing yourself.

"After I fell asleep, you left," When you didn't have an immediate explanation, she continued, "Do you not like sleeping next to me?"

This made you turn to her and even though she showed no signs of weakness or vulnerability, you knew it took a lot for her to ask this question, risking these things.

"It's not that, I promise."

"Then what?" She pushed, sitting next to you on the couch again.

"I'm in full control when I'm awake," You started, swallowing thickly, "But when I fall asleep, I see things that feel incredibly real and they're not...pleasant."