A/N: I wrote this a while ago and now I'm re posting it.
Disclaimer: I own only my story not the character or the franchise, but trust me I would love that.
Prompt: "in three words I can sum up everything I have learned about life: it goes on"
Clint Barton left. He was gone, he couldn't cope with what he had done when he was under Loki's control. He left and was never coming back. The avengers were saddened by this, but Natasha was the most affected. She felt guilty. She had owed him so much for saving her, but she felt as if she had failed him and that was not something that she could accept. That is until one day she was told that she would have to get a new partner. Fury had called her to his office to talk and she had a feeling she knew why. She would have to have a new partner. When she entered his office he had an unreadable mask on his face and spoke in a monotone voice "agent Romanoff. It has been a few months since agent Barton has resigned it's time for you to get a new partner." Yep, exactly what she thought.
"Director, I am more than capable enough to work alone." She insisted
"I am well aware of that but the brass insists I partner you up with someone and let's just say you could both use the company" that confused her. Why would she need the company? And who was this mystery person?
"Who am I being partnered with?" And as if that person had read her mind he walked right through the door
"Captain, here's your new partner." Steve and Natasha were both confused why would they put an ex-Russian assassin and Americas golden boy together? It just didn't make sense to them.
"Um, ma'am." Steve said nervously still not knowing Natasha all that well even if they did save New York together
Although hesitant at first she thought this isn't that bad he is something good to look at NO! He is now your partner don't think of him like that "Ok this will only work if you start calling me either Natasha, Nat or Tasha. No ma'am, agent or miss Romanoff!" She demanded
"Yes, ma'-" receiving a glare from her he changed his words "I mean Natasha."
She smirked a little "ok this we be fine " Fury nodded and said "good"
The two of them left with orders to regroup and get to know each other better. They decided a movie night would work however, they just ended up talking through the whole thing. They were light and funny jokes and questions thrown around Until Steve asked her a question rather shyly "ma- Natasha" he recovered quickly "if you don't mind me asking why are you okay with having a partner so easily? You and agent Barton were rather close." He asked his curiosity getting the best of him.
She really thought about this question for a moment before she responded "in three words I can sum up everything I have learned about life: it goes on. Just because Clint couldn't handle the job does not mean it isn't okay for me to move on." He nodded "And plus how many people can say they are captain Americas partner?" she teased with a grin. It may have only been a few hours but they were already close and Steve was finally comfortable around a woman, and he noticed how attractive she was too, so he was proud that he could still be calm and attracted towards her.
"This might be early, but I think this partnership will work!" Steve spoke honestly
"Yeah. I do too" and new partnership or not, it was the start to something great.