Natasha was sitting alone at the kitchen island, a cup of black coffee in hand. It didn't taste as good as usual because Steve wasn't making coffee every morning now. He was always out, in the gym or spending time with other agents. What was worse was that she had no idea why. She put the coffee down and sighed.

'Penny for your thoughts?' Clint hopped up onto the island.

'It's nothing.' she murmured, staring at her mug.

'Wow, you've gotten bad at lying.' The archer replied.

'Why is Steve never here anymore?' she blurted out.

'I thought you were over that.'

'That doesn't answer my question.'

'I don't know, maybe he needs to be around some other people. He does a lot for us so he probably needs a break.'

'Yeah but he'd never miss movie night or forget to brew coffee.'

'Well, why don't you ask him?'

'He's avoiding me, that's the problem.' Clint rolled his eyes.

'You sound like a teenage girl in one of those stupid chick flicks Laura likes.'

'I'm serious, Clint. I don't know what to do.'

'You know, it could be something to do with the fact that you're always with Bruce.'

'What do you mean?'

'Come on Nat, everyone knows you're using him as a rebound after you didn't tell Cap how you felt.'

'Not everyone does.' She replied indignantly

'Yeah they do, including Bruce. He's just too nice to say so.'

'Oh.'

'Nat, we all take care of each other and Bruce gets it that if this helps then that's okay. I thought it was working as well... until now.'

'Steve doesn't know though.'

'Why does it matter if he doesn't? You're getting over him so he's probably trying to do the same.'

'That's just it Clint, I'm not over him.'

'Oh God, someone get the cookie dough out of the freezer.' Tony interrupted from the doorway.

'Can it, Stark, I'm allowed feel just as much as the rest of you.' She stared daggers at the mechanic.

'Hey,' he held his hands up as he walked over to her 'I know that, you just hide it better than all of us.' He kissed her on the top of her head; 'is this about Spangles?' he pulled up a stool next to the spy.

'She's worried about why he's never here anymore.' Clint answered for her.

'Well you kind of made it clear you didn't see him like that anymore when you started getting with Bruce.'

'I know, Tony. We've been over this.' She put her face in her hands, exasperated.

'Well then, why don't you end it with him and tell Steve how you feel.'

'He's not around enough and every time I've tried to talk to him he's run off because he's "too busy".'

'Yeah, he's definitely avoiding you.'

'Not helping, Tony.' Clint punched him in the shoulder.

'Hey! Just saying!' he whined, 'look, why don't you do something to take your mind off it. Go and visit Bucky and see how he's doing.'

'Yeah, maybe he could give you some advice.' Clint agreed. Natasha nodded, still quite upset by Steve's cold shoulder.


Steve sighed as he unwrapped his fingers after two hours of boxing. He missed sparring with Natasha but he knew that it would only make things worse if he tried spending time with her again. Despite that, he knew he was hurting her more by avoiding her but even he had to be selfish sometimes. If avoiding Natasha was what was best for him then she would have to accept that.

'Is everything alright, Steve?' he hadn't noticed Wanda come in.

'Oh, hi,' he said, 'yeah, I'm fine.'

'You're never around the tower anymore. You're always working or in here.'

'I know, I'm sorry. Got a lot on my mind.'

'That's usually what people say when something is really upsetting them. Maybe you should talk to Natasha about it?'

'We're not really talking much at the moment.' He sighed.

'Why not speak to Bucky later? He might be able to help with what is bothering you. If not, my door is always open, Steve.'

'Thanks Wanda.' He nodded before leaving.

So... we all know what'll happen next! ;)