REAPINGS

5

"You're an idiot."

Natasha glared as she finished covering up the handprint-like bruise on Elina's throat.

"I like to think I'm a risk taker, my love." Elina smiled up at her, the Romanoff rolling her eyes and kissing the brunette on her forehead.

"No, she's right," Tony shook his head. "You are an idiot for going out there unarmed."

"Relax, dude."

"El, what did I say about you calling me 'dude?'"

"I don't suppose you have any idea where they are?" Secretary Ross cut off their bickering as he looked to Tony.

"We will," the Stark easily reassured him. "GSG-9's got the borders covered. Recon's flying twenty-four seven. They'll get a hit. We'll handle it."

"You don't get it, Stark. It's not yours to handle. It's clear you can't be objective. I'm putting Special Ops on this," Ross said.

Elina laughed at him, rolling her eyes.

"You really think your little agents can stop, Cap," she laughed once again as she shook her head.

"What happens when the shooting starts?" Natasha questioned as she rested her hands on Elina's shoulders. "What, do you kill Steve Rogers?"

"If we're provoked. Barnes would've been eliminated in Romania if it wasn't for Rogers. There are dead people who would be alive now. Feel free to check my math."

Elina scoffed at Ross, standing from her chair as she glared at him.

"All due respect," she hummed shaking her head. "Actually no, I don't mean this with any ounce of respect, because you deserve none." Elina hissed as she stepped closer to the man. "Steve Rogers, will go through your men like they're deadbeat cops who never made it through the academy. So," she laughed mockingly. "Do everyone a favor, let us bring them in."

Ross sighed, looking between the three Avengers with annoyance.

"Thirty-six hours. Barnes. Rogers. Wilson."

"Thank you, sir," Tony nodded as Ross left the room. "My left arm is numb, is that normal?"

"You okay, tough guy?" Elina pursed her lips.

"Always," he sighed deeply. "Thirty-six hours. Jeez."

"We're seriously understaffed." Natasha frowned as she wrapped her arms around Elina's waist.

"Oh, yeah. It'd be great if we had a Hulk right about now. Any shot?" Tony asked the women hopefully, knowing they had been close with Banner.

"No," Nat shook her head.

"Plus, he'd be team Cap."

Elina was quiet for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"Great, she's broken," Tony scoffed.

"Hey, Tony," Elina held back a grin. "You got a plan in New York?" Tony's eyes lit up with recognition as he clapped.

"I take it back, you're a genius."

"I take it you two have an idea?" Natasha rose her eyebrows. "I do too, if that matters."

"Where's yours?" Tony asked, Elina standing behind the man and squeezing his shoulders in excitement.

"Downstairs." Natasha hummed, looking at the two as if they were crazy. "Where's yours?"

"Queens," Elina gave a wide smile.

"You coming?" Tony asked as he stood from his seat.

"No thanks, tell him I'm there in spirit."

The two women watched as Tony left the room, Natasha looking at the girl curiously.

"You never turn down a trip with Tony, what's up?"

Elina gave a sad smile to Natasha, resting her hands on the red head's neck.

"If I do something stupid, don't wait up." Natasha sighed at the girl's words.

"El-"

"You know I can't just turn my back on them. I know Clint's going to be with Steve, Wanda too, and if it comes down to it I don't think I can stay on this side of things."

Natasha frowned, kissing the inside of Elina's wrist.

"It will all work out," Natasha reassured.

Elina leaned in, pulling the Romanoff closer as she kissed her softly.

The archer pulled back with a smile, Natasha shaking her head teasingly.

"Don't say it."

"What? I love you?" Elina giggled softly. "I told you, you don't have to say it back until you want to."

Natasha laughed lightly as well, shaking her head as she pulled back from Elina.

"Are you still going to say that if we end up on different sides of this?"

"I'd say that if you had a gun pointed at me right now," Elina smiled as she took Nat's hands. "I love you."

"You're so cliche," Natasha pushed her away softly.

"Just enjoy the peace right now." Elina's smile disappeared as an uneasy frown quickly took it's place. "Things are about to get really ugly, Nati."

"Hey," Natasha rested a hand on the girl's face. "You knew this was coming to a fight, what's got you so worked up?"

Elina gave a sad laughed, beginning to pace the room.

"You think the Avengers will still be together after all this? You think Tony will just forgive Steve, you think Cap is going to see him the same? This is bigger than just the Accords, Natasha."

At the use of her full name, the Romanoff could see how truly unsettled Elina was becoming.

"This could be the end," the Cartwell girl sighed. "Of everything we all had together. I mean," she shook her head. "Sam and Wanda just got here. We've been with Steve and Tony for years." Elina cut herself off, successfully working herself up to the point where she almost felt like she could cry. "It's all going to be gone in thirty-six hours."

Natasha moved back to Elina's side, taking her hands and resting their foreheads together.

"It's all gonna be okay, no matter what. You know why?" The two girls shared smiled.

"Because I got you."

"Because you got me," Natasha repeated softy.

And the two girls enjoyed each other's company in the last moments of peace they would have for a while.