Fragments of Us: A WinterWidow Short Story

Chapter Six

He lay, eyes closed focusing on the moment. Trying to live in the here and now even though he knew he had to leave shortly. Steve was right, he should have taken a break. But he couldn't do that after begging for his friend to give him a mission. At least it would be a short one. Back home by tonight to explore the possibilities with her.

The bed was far too small for the two of them but they had been in worse situations and made those work. At least now it was soft and the heater worked. She lay on top of him her fingers traced the scars on his chest, lips following their paths. He was breathing deeply, memorizing the warmth of her touch - the same touch he thought he would never feel again. Thirteen weeks of pure torture. All the horrors he had endured as the Winter Soldier were nothing when compared to the pain loosing her had caused. He had been numb inside while going about his days.

The shrill beep of his alarm yanked them both from the haven they'd created. He'd already snoozed it twice. He couldn't wait any longer. It was time to go. The briefing was due and his team would be ready to leave shortly. James couldn't keep them waiting. He groaned and rolled over to silence the blasted device. Natalia scrambled to keep herself from falling off the twin sized bed as he did so. He wrapped his arm around her, gently pulling her back onto the mattress savoring the moment before he forced himself up. Bare feet curling when they hit the cold floor.

"Do you have to go?" Her eyes were cast downward, lips in a pout. An expression he'd only seen her use to disarm and confuse her targets. It was odd being on this side of it. He could see why so many fell for it. It was a convincing look, and it was taking all of his resistance to say no to her.

He chuckled, nodding. "I made a promise. I can't break it."

"Call in sick." She traced circles on his arm looking up at him from her place on the bed "James, it's been too long. Just take a break and stay. Stay here. With me."

It sounded so tempting. All it would take was one phone call and they could have the rest of the morning, the rest of the day. His gaze drifted to his phone sitting beside the clock on his make shift night stand. He let it linger far too long before he finally shook his head. "Nat, you know I can't. They need me."

She pulled herself up, hair falling slowly across her face. Without brushing it away, she took his hand urging him back to the bed. "I need you."

He leaned down capturing her lips, savoring the taste of her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, fingers tangling in his hair. She tugged gently, pulling him closer and closer. Almost convincing him to surrender to her wish.

With a low groan he broke away from the kiss, much to her dismay. And his own. She let out a frustrated sigh, and folded her arms across her chest. He unzipped his go bag to dig out his tactical gear. He already was running late, but now he would have to be ready to go instead of changing after his briefing. Not something he wanted, it was easier to hide within the ranks of SHIELD agents when he was out of uniform. He pulled on the tactical pants, and grimaced at the wrinkled state of his undershirts. He finally settled on the only one he felt clean enough to use.

"One day, I'll be back by tonight. Then we can talk over dinner, we can figure out where we go from here."

Natalia picked up the leather jacket and handed it to him, with a begrudging smile. He slid it on and adjusted the collar, once he got it right he reached for the zipper, but her hands stopped his. Slim fingers curling around the edges of it to pull him closer. Her fingers slipped under his shirt, brushing his sides as he cupped her cheek, gazing into her green eyes. They were just as captivating now as they had been just yesterday in the hallway. If only he'd listened to Steve.

"I like the look," she whispered, fingers tracing down his abdomen, leaving a trail of sparks under his skin. "Taking back what they forced on you. Making it mean something more."