DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING. ALL CHARACTERS BELONG TO MARVEL COMICS/STUDIOS.
Natasha was a lot of things, but she'd never thought of herself as a coward. But there she was, leaving a goodbye note on Steve's nightstand at two in the morning. She'd planned to tell him face-to-face, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, she'd kissed him hard and they'd made love for the last time, though he didn't know that.
Natasha agonized over the note, for there was nothing to say that she could really put into words. In the end she kept it short and honest. She owed him that, at least.
Steve—I'm not sorry. I'm tired, tired of watching the Avengers get ripped apart. So I'm registering. I know you think that's hypocritical, but I truly believe this is the way to fix the team once and for all. Don't think I'm choosing Stark over you, because I'm not. This is atonement, Steve, nothing more. You know how it is. If worst comes to worst, at least I'll be in close to Stark. Be careful, please. Don't hold back.
—Natasha
She placed the note carefully on the side table and slipped out the window without looking back.
"I didn't think you'd leave him."
"I know my own mind, Tony.
"Oh, believe me, I know. But Steve's not an easy one to walk out on."
"I'm cold-hearted."
"I believe you."
"Have you been drinking?"
Tony turned away from the window. "No. I figured I owed him at least that."
They all owed Steve. It made Natasha wonder who the real traitors were here. She pushed the thought away. Too late for second thoughts now.
"Good," she said, going over to the bar and pouring too much vodka. "We have work to do."
Sorry this is so short—I saw The Force Awakens today and I'm trying to decide whether or not I'm dead or more alive than I've ever been. It was fantastic, and I'm still in mourning over…one…certain…part.
There's absolutely more to come in this story, so stay tuned for new chapters. Winter break is 2 weeks long this year, so I'll have plenty of time. Go see Star Wars! Try not to scream! Pray for the Redskins!