Jenna welcomes me in, all the while looking at me with a creased brow and inquisitive eyes. She leads me up the stairs to their guest bedroom, a quaint space I haven't been in since the night Selena Kyle stopped by for an unexpected, and unwelcome, visit. I sit heavily on the edge of the bed, my suitcase dropping to the floor.
"So, are you gonna tell me why you're here, or am I going to have to figure it out myself?" She sits next to me, her lips pursed, but eyes soft.
"I know he's only trying to help, but I can't take it anymore," I sigh, looking down at my clasped hands.
"Don't tell me you're calling it quits."
"Of course not! I still love him, but I can't see him without thinking of what could have been."
"Have you gone back to work yet?"
"No. I'm sure Nick's getting pissed that I keep ignoring his calls, but I don't know how to go back to life as it was before."
"I know I've never been in your situation, but I think you need to at least try working again. It might prove to be a better distraction than binge-watching Netflix."
"After everything that's happened, I don't think I'll be as... effective anymore."
"There's only one way to find out: call Nick." Jenna hands me her phone and squeezes my shoulder reassuringly before leaving the room. Still terribly nervous, I dial Nick's number.
"Rogers?" Nick asks.
"Romanoff, actually."
"What are you doing calling me from Jenna's phone?"
"It's a long story," I sigh. "I'm sorry I've been avoiding your calls."
"It's fine. I understand you're not 100 percent yet, but I would still like to talk to you in person. Are you willing to come to headquarters for a while?"
"I can be there in 15."
"Fantastic. See you then."
When I arrive, Nick ushers me into his office, closing the door swiftly behind me.
"Are you okay?" he asks as he takes a seat behind his desk.
"Truthfully? No. Not even close. But that's not why I'm here." I sit down across from him in the brown leather chair I've spent a lot of time in over the last decade. Nick's always been a good friend, but he's my boss first, a fact which is made evident by the large oak desk between us.
"Natasha, if you're not alright, I don't know if I can let you jump right back into work," Nick says softly.
"Since when have you cared if I'm fine to work?" I scowl. "You were pretty insistent that I take on another mission last week."
"I had time to go over everything while I wrote up the report, and I realized you were right; this mission was tough on everyone, but especially you. I understand you need to take time off. I was actually calling to discuss a leave of absence, but you kept refusing to speak to me."
"A few days ago, I may have agreed with you. But now..." I look out the window behind Nick, my gaze wandering across the city skyline.
"Did something happen after you left last week?"
YOU ARE READING
Return to Russia
Fanfiction[Sequel to The Mission] Natasha's years of training never prepared her for the things she's experienced lately. Despite her initial resolve to stay home, she finds herself being called back to Russia, only this time, she won't be going alone. With a...
