Learning to Love

Chapter 3

-Steve's POV-
I stop drawing when I hear JARVIS come over the intercom. He informs me that I need to meet with Director Fury in his office. Along with Natasha and Clint. When the message ends, I stand up and put on a pair of sneakers. I quickly leave my room and head towards Fury's office. I wander down the hall and step into the elevator. The doors are about to shut when I hear,
"Can you hold the door?" I immediately recognize the voice, without hesitating I shove my arm between the elevator doors. In comes a tiny red head with enchanting eyes.
"Thank you," Natasha pleads.

"It's no problem," I respond. I reach over to the side where Natasha is standing and I hit the button that reads 45. I return to my place. We both stand in silence facing the doors. I decide to break the stillness with,
"How are you Natasha?"

"What do you mean?" She replys. She knows what I mean.

"Natasha, I'm worried about you," I start.

"I've been fine my whole life without you worring about me. No need for you to start now," she retorts. I try not to take her words personally. I know she is playing games. It's one of her strategies to keep everyone out. That's when the elevator gives a freeing ding. I sigh to myself in relief. We both go to step out and our shoulders hit. She steps back and lets me go first. I nod showing thanks, she gives me one of those no problem anytime keep on moving smiles. I shrug it off and I follow the hallway over to the Director's office. I notice the amount of SHIELD agents on this floor is higher than usual. What's going on? Instinctually I put my guard up, I make sure I stay attentive and gaurded. I wonder what it's like to be like this all the time. Always ready to leave everything and run. Always ready to spring into a fighting stance. I try my best to sympathise with Natasha. I can't. I know almost nothing about her, even though we have been working together for years. All I know is that she is the most intriguing person I have ever meet. A mystery I will solve. A case to crack wide open.
I realize that my walking pace has significantly slowed. Soon Natasha over takes me and glides ahead.

-Natasha's POV-
Why am I such an idoit. My plan was to apologize to Steve not make matters worse. This is why I don't deserve Steves worry. Sure part of it is me being independent. But another part is me being guarded and calculated. I try to shake customs of my past. I guess it's true, old habits really do die hard. As we are walking down the hallway Steve slows down. He doesn't stop though. He almost slows his pace in hesitation, or worry. I disregard the thoughts. I continue my pace and reach Fury's office door before Steve. Steve catches up to me. He reaches past me and knocks on the door. A faint,
"Come in." is heard. Assuming it's Fury, Steve opens the door for me.
Inside Clint is already chatting with Fury.
"Agent Romanoff, Captain Rodgers. Please come sit," Fury addresses.

"What is this about?" I question. Taking a seat next to Clint. Who seems disappointed. Steve seats himself on the other side of me.

"Romanoff, you and Agent Barton have been working together for some time. I belive that you-," Fury begins to say as Clint interrupts. Clint turns towards me.

"He thinks that since I have a lot of experience with SHIELD, he wants me to partner with newer agents. Agents with less experience." I put the pieces together, cleary Steve doesn't.

"Sorry to be blunt, but how do I fit into this?" Steve questions uncomfortably.

"Rogers you are Romanoff's new partner. Barton you are dismissed." The Director answers. Clint stands up and pats my back. He gives me a thoughtful look and leaves. Shutting the door a little to hard behind him.

"Ok. So is that all or," I trail off hoping for someone to respond.

"Rogers, Romanoff. You two better get familiar because you have your first mission," Fury states. I glace over at Steve, he looks back at me. I give him my best we should talk, i'm sorry look.
Fury continues to inform us about our mission. He explains that this is a high level mission. Information about a new HYDRA base in Russia has just come to light. I notice Steve move foward in his seat.

"Is that why there is so many agents up here?" Steve asks. Fury nods. Then the Director describes that we must infiltate a black tie event that will be hosted. This is due to the fact that we need two differnt key cards, in order to successfully take down that base. Finally, he hands us both files regarding our roles in the mission. Fury hands me another file. Printed at the top is the name Steve Grant Rogers. Next to it a picture of Steve. Fury also hands Steve a file on me.

"I thought you two could get to know eachother a little better. You are both dismissed. Meet at the airfield tomorrow at 4 a.m." Both of us stand up with our files in hand, exiting the office.

-Steve's POV-
While leaving the office, I glance down at the file of Natasha. I haven't been through it before. Enticing green eyes glare back at me. She is really something else. Soon after I press the down button the elevator doors open quickly. I step in then I hear Natasha speak.
"Hey, I'm gonna go find Clint." She pauses. "Also, assuming Fury gave you the de-classified version of my file. After you read it, I really hope you don't see me as less of a human," She finishes. Turning away from me and walking back down the hall. I catch a finale glimpse of her fiery scarlet hair. Then, the elevator doors tightly close. Thousands of thoughts flood my mind. What does she mean? Why would I ever consider thinking of her as less of a human. I know she has a past she doesn't like talking about. But how bad could it be? I let every thought follow me out of the elevator. Down the hall in which I live on. And into my apartment.

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-your author, Ellie.