Fears of the Widow

Truth and Consequence

Natasha grunted and kicked the dummy until she couldn't feel her legs anymore. Steve stood by in awe watching her work at the little punching bag she tore to pieces. She started panting and screaming our frustration after frustration.

Why had Clint not takin the shot? Why was she dying? Why did all of this crap always have to happen to her? What did she ever do to deserve all of this? And... If it was her who was dying shouldn't she be the one who was on the case? Shouldn't she be going after Zarcov?

"Hey, hey," Steve appeared behind her, pulling her angrily flying fists down to her side, "you gotta calm down. Don't work yourself up Natasha."

He was right, she didn't need to freak out or the toxin would work faster, being pumped through her body faster. She nodded helplessly before shrugging away from Steve's incredible grip.

"Do you need water or something?" He asked politely.

She shook her head, "you aren't babysitting me, Cap. You're just making sure I don't die early then the scientists say I will. Keeping them accurate."

Steve chuckled, "you've got that right, but there's nothing wrong with being polite."

"I agree, but I have water already," Natasha picked up the water bottle next to her workout bag.

Steve rolled his eyes, "I guess I try a little too hard to be polite."

"Maybe," Nat decided this was her chance, "I appreciate it though, Steve. Thank you." The words felt foreign coming from her mouth.

"Just being a gentleman."

"I don't get many gentleman."

Clint. So true. But she felt kind of guilty saying it. Clint had been the one to stay with her. He felt guilty for everything anyways.

"I've noticed," Steve replied. Natasha was alarmed to see that they were drawing closer together. They worked together and lived with Tony Stark, so what did he plan to do?

"I'm sure."

"Maybe you just need more men who now how to treat a girl like you, right," Steve stepped closer till she could feel his breath feathering out across her face.

Nat's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her blank expression, "maybe."

"Is that all you say? Maybe?"

"Maybe," she let a small grin loose before pulling her expressions back under control.

And then he kissed her. Literally full mouth, tongue. Everything, and what bothered her the most was that she didn't stop him... Well not at first.

"Oh my gosh!" Natasha screeched as she shoved Steve backwards. He stumbled, alarmed by her anger.

"I... What?" Steve stammered.

She pointed an accusing finger at her, "You kissed me! You kissed me!"

"But... And... You didn't stop me!" Steve pointed out. True. She didn't stop him, but... He kissed her!

"Are you that shallow?" She stormed towards the door, but he caught her and turned her back around, "no, I thought you were... Flirting..."

"I'm dying. And you think I'm flirting. And you kiss me. Is this all part of that stupid ass competition you and Barton have about being my partner?" Natasha raged.

Steve eyed her with surprise, "competition? I mean I don't think it's a competition... We... How?"

"You two are both pathetic!" Natasha's eyes became red, and she wobbled a little bit as she turned around and stormed over to her jacket.