Widow's Shadow

XI: Distance

January 18, 2027

Rouen, France

Natasha's fingers gripped James' back. Her face digging into his neck, tears streaming down her nose and onto his shoulder; blending in with hot water. James went stiff in shock; he didn't expect her feelings to change so quickly. Then it struck him, she's been holding it in. The mission has been distracting her but no matter how hard she tries the pain still resurfaces.

He returned the hug, holding her ever so tightly. His hair brushing her as he kissed her shoulder, forehead, and nose.

"I'm so sorry." Was all he could say; he didn't know what to say actually. No words can change how she feels right now and that is what scares him the most.

She gripped onto him a little while longer, her breathing heavy as if she was trying to prevent the pain in bones from breaking her apart. This has been happening more often than usual. The constant reminders of moments in her life that she doesn't want to remember, moments that not only connect to Rose but to her past. She thought she made peace with it, she thought she could cope but it turns out that was all a lie. A lie that she told herself constantly; a lie that would hopefully one day become true. Natasha took one long breath before letting go if James.

His eyes were on her, watching as she took as step back and slicked her fingers through her hair. She did two quick nods before saying "I'm okay." And walking out of the shower. The aqua tiled floors were cold under their feet as they pulled out two soft towels.

A few minutes later they walked out of the bathroom; the steam from their hot shower rushing out as well. Natasha headed to the open kitchen and pulled out two mugs and her choice of coffee; putting the little containers into the machine and watching as it filled them up. Steam danced on top the deep brown liquid as she handed James the other mug. She held it with both hands and blew lightly.

James on the other hand set his down and pulled out his laptop, looking over the pictures Natasha took. He squinted at the screen long and hard then looked up at Natasha who was already watching him with curiosity.

"So are you going to tell me about our newfound lead or what?"

Natasha sipped her coffee, the bitterness burning down her throat. "There was nothing on HQ locations, chemical usage, or allies." She leaned on the counter that stood between them. "But, we know of one ally."

"Currently dead." James responded.

"But his work still living." Natasha continued. "The Merchant had a big role in the initiative and that was shipping the serum and bringing it safely. You would think because he's dead that they would cancel the shipment and choose a more a safer route but they have no time for that and finding someone right for the job would take some time."

"Like their first choice wasn't bad enough." James said sarcastically.

"They have another shipment that was ordered a week ago and is scheduled to leave tonight."

A naughty grin grew across James' face. "We're gonna infiltrate it aren't we?"

Natasha responded with a light smirk, her moment in the shower still heavy on her chest.

Later that day

The familiar pale blue sky was slowly being eaten by the lush, fiery glow of the sun and that was being swallowed by the deep blue night. Natasha and James perched themselves up on the building that faced the lively port. The salty breeze brushed their skin and clung tightly to their hair. Sounds of trucks backing up and carts holding large steel boxes clanked and rattled as they were pushed in shipment containers.