𝑾𝑰𝑪𝑲𝑬𝑫 𝑫𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑴𝑺 ━━ 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚟𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚜

11 The Layers of Deception

THE EARLY morning sun cast a pale glow over the tarmac as Natasha Romanoff and Kalum Tiberias waited beside the quinjet, both clad in sleek stealth gear. The air was crisp, with a hint of anticipation mingling with distant engines' subtle hum. Natasha adjusted her gauntlets, her expression Stoic and unreadable, while Kalum's ever-present smile played at the corners of his lips, starkly contrasting her somber demeanor.

"You know," Kalum began, his voice light and teasing, "for someone who's about to embark on another daring mission, you look awfully serious. Lighten up, Romanoff. Not every day you get to work with a literal god."

Natasha smirked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she glanced at him. "What are you even doing here, Kalum? This is a simple mission. Nothing Cap and I can't handle."

Kalum placed a hand over his heart dramatically, a mock hurt expression crossing his face. "I'm here to look after my favorite Russian friend, of course. Can't let you have all the fun, now can I?"

Rolling her eyes, Natasha couldn't suppress the slight flutter in her chest. "I'm sure Cap appreciates the help, but don't you have someone else to babysit? Like, say, Alora?"

Kalum's grin widened, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Alora? She's a grown, stubborn woman who can handle her own behind. Besides, she's too busy running her mother's fundraiser to pay attention to me or do anything fun. So, I thought I'd pop by SHIELD and see what you were up to. When they told me you were going on a mission, I decided I'd tag along. You know, to keep things interesting."

Natasha shook her head, a chuckle escaping her lips despite herself. "You just can't resist, can you?"

"Resist what?" Kalum leaned closer, his tone dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Your charm? Your beauty? The chance to watch your back? Not a chance."

"You're incorrigible," she shot back, though her smile betrayed the enjoyment she was getting from their exchange.

"I prefer to think of myself as dedicated," Kalum replied with a wink. "Besides, someone has to make sure you don't get too serious. Wouldn't want you turning into a complete workaholic."

"Too late for that," Natasha quipped, but her eyes sparkled with amusement.

"Ah, but it's worth a try," Kalum replied, his tone light but his eyes sincere. "I mean it, though. You're not just a weapon, Nat. You're someone worth knowing, someone who means something."

Natasha shook her head with a soft chuckle. "Always looking for an excuse to tag along, aren't you?"

"Guilty as charged," Kalum said, flashing her a grin. "But seriously, Nat, you're not just a soldier. You've got layers, and I'm determined to peel them back."

Natasha arched an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. "You make it sound like I'm an onion."

Kalum laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "More like a rose with a few thorns. Worth the effort, if you ask me."

Just as the tension between them reached a crescendo, the sound of boots on gravel drew their attention. Captain America approached the quinjet, he spotted Kalum Tiberias with a bright smile on his face. "Kalum! Good to see you," Cap greeted warmly, extending his hand.

Kalum clasped Cap's hand in a firm shake, his eyes twinkling with genuine happiness. "Steve, it's been too long. Six months, if I'm not mistaken. How've you been?"

Steve chuckled, the familiarity of old friends bringing a moment of comfort. "Busy, as always. And you? Still causing trouble?"

"Always," Kalum replied with a wink, then turned to Natasha. "Keeping him out of trouble, Romanoff?"