Learning to Love

Chapter 12

-Natasha's POV-
As I wake I feel a presence surround me. It's warm and familiar but also strong a secure. I slowly sit up. I take Steve's arm that was wrapped arround me and place it on the bed. First, I notice that I am only in a bra and shorts. I remember that I stopped everything last night. In my head I give myself a pat on the back for making a good decision. I head to the bathroom and wash my face and brush my teeth. I find Steve's hoodie on the ground near the bed. I take it and put it on. Steve looks so at peace. His lips are slightly parted, his blond hair is unruly. I smile but the red alarm clock glares in my face.
"Shit!" I screech, loudly. This abruptly wakes up Steve.

"Nat, what's wrong are you ok?" I hear him say but I'm already packing everything up.

"Steve, look at the time!" I yell from the other room. A loud thud comes from the bedroom. Steve fell out of bed and onto the floor. Then he quickly stands up and rushes over to his things.

"Let's go Rogers!" I call.

"Coming coming," He answers. The time is 9:12 am. The ride to the airport is atleast 40 minutes. We still need to pack everything. We both rush around at a break neck pace. I prioritize and pack everything from the mission into my backpack, along with my computer. I find the letter and shove into one of the pockets. I had not shown Steve the letter yet. I don't know if I will. Then I pack my clothes.
In 10 minutes, we have the room fully packed and we are out the door. I doesn't take me long to realize that I'm in Steve's hoodie and short tight shorts. Steve is in nothing but sweatpants.
"Oh my god," I laugh as we are secured in the elevator. Steve joins in and laughs goofily also. It's not like I'm complaining of Steve's wordrobe selection.
In the lobby two men with SHIELD apparel escort us to a black Suburban with tinted windows. Steve and I sit in silence as we are rushed to the airport. Even though we are flying on a private jet, Fury is strict about timelines. Neither if us dare to disrespect him. My daze drifts to the window. Then towards Steve. His daze locks with mine. Both of heads are wearily slumped against the seat. Our eyes dance around eachothers. Steve reaches his hand to the middle seat. I place mine near his, and he grabs my hand.

-Steve's POV-
The plane ride was long. But time flew as Natasha and I shared stories and just talked. Like normal people. I have always searched for someone with shared life experience. Although we have different backgrounds I feel that the experiences of mine are shared. We must of talked for 5 hours straight. We both slept well the night before. More sleep than we needed. So we watched a few movies. Two of these included The Nanny Diaries and Before We Go.
Once we landed it was late. We both decide to head separately to our rooms. I throw my shield, backpack, and suitcase on the floor. On the flight I had managed to smuggle a shirt out of my suitcase. But I decide to shower. After that I find myself on my couch, sketchbook and pencil in hand. I stare at a blank page for what felt like hours. Nothing worth artistical expression comes to mind. I can't sleep. Reluctantly I head over to Natasha's room. I knock lightly on the door. Not wanting wake her if she is asleep.
"Come in," I hear from inside. I open the door and find Natasha sitting on her bed. Staring down at a vanilla envelope.

"What's that?" I ask. With no answer she hands it to me. I take a seat beside her.

"I found it at the Hydra base. Sorry I didn't show you," She whispers.

"It's fine," I nod understandingly. I run my fingers over the name on the front. Natalia.

"I can't read it," She chimes.

"Would you read it for me?" She pleads.

"Are you sure you want me to?"

"Ya I trust you," I open the envelope slowly. Then I proceed to unfold the soft piece of paper inside. I clear my throat and begin to read it.

"Dearest Natalia,

I'm suprised at your recent peregrinate to Moscow. You were so close to home. I'm ashamed you didn't visit. Our program has suffered without you. Yet your absence has been a succesful provocateur to the newer recruits. It will be insightful for them to see your death. To see what happens to traitors. Traitors and their loved ones. It's sad to hear you found a gullible bunch of cretins to follow. You were meant for much greater things. Greater things than friendship. Greater than love. As your teacher I find it neccesary to remove these distractions from your life. Then you can join us. Join us in our conquest. Even if that means as an example.

I would also like to inform you that James is in our custody once more. Make the right decisions Natalia. As they will change you and the lives of the people you surround yourself with.
I hope you haven't grown attached to this fictional life of yours. It won't last much longer.
          -With consideration, Madame B and various Red Room operatives."

I finish the letter and look up towards Nat. Her eyes are shallow and her posture sturn. It's scary.

-Natasha's POV-
I don't really know what I expected of the letter. I guess that was one of the things I imagined it to be. Thoughts no longer form in my head. I don't notice Steve's worried look. I try and focus on the next step. After moments of silence. I whisper,
"Steve we need to go talk to Fury. Now."

"Ya. Ok lets go," He agrees. I jolt up and put on sneakers. I pull a sweater over my tanktop. I grab my backpack that have the files in them. I run out the door with Steve close at my heels. I know Fury will still be in his office. He almost never leaves. In the elevator a worried Steve grabs one of my shaking hands. I grip his back firmly. The elevator dings and the doors open. We jog down the hallway and barge into his office. I give Fury the look. The look that I gave him after Budapest. My glare pulls Fury's to mine. He nods then speaks,
"Tell me everything."

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-Your author, Ellie.