Chapter 4: What is it with the 21st Century?

(3rd person)

It had been 3 months since the battle and today was The Avengers first day at Stark Tower. First to show up was Dr. Banner fresh from Africa. He was welcomed by Tony at the bottom of the Tower an the gave the Dr. his room key and a control panel. Banner got to his room and saw that it was decorated in green. He didn't know why but he wasn't really mad about it. Next to come was Barton. He gruffly said hello to Tony took his control panel and his key and went up to his modest grey and black masculine room. Next to arrive was Fury and his team. He was given a nice room in black and purple. Then Thor showed up closely followed by Agent Maria Hill. Thor got a lavish room decorated in red silver and gold while Maria got a more modest room in black and light blue. They got their key's and control panels and took the elevator together. Next to arrive was the Black Widow. Stark had to tease her, it was fun to push the assassins buttons. She got her key and panel and asked who had arrived. We're just waiting on Captain.

An hour later he hadn't arrived and Fury sent Agent Romanoff off to find him. Agent Romanoff asked Thor for help. He used his God-like powers to track him down. He was in Central Park. Stark let her use one of his vehicles and told her all the keys were on the hooks in the garage. Natasha put on her jumpsuit and a black jacket and took the elevator down. As she got to the garage she stood there in awe. In the middle was a giant turntable. It had 17 different branches. 14 of them were cars, one was a helicopter, one was a rack of bikes and the last was 3 motorcycles. She smirked and walked to the turntable of her choosing, picked her vehicle and grabbed a helmet off the wall next to the motorcycles and raced off to central park.

(3rd person Captain America's P.O.V)

Steve Rogers aka Captain America was sitting in the park. He was on his way to Starks when he passed it. It was one of the only things that hadn't changed much in NY, sure it had gotten a lot bigger but still… He was interrupted from his thoughts by the sound of a motorcycle. He didn't bother to look up but he heard the vehicle die. He didn't think twice about it until he heard a small cough. He was surprised he hadn't heard the person coming when he looked around he found out why he hadn't. Standing directly to his left stood Natasha Romanoff aka the black widow. She was wearing her jumpsuit and a black jacket. Standing with a motorcycle helmet in her left hand. Hey there Captain.

(3rd person Black Widow's P.O.V)

She saw Rogers and went up to him. She stood off to the side of him and coughed to get his attention. As his eyes roamed her she felt self-conscious. It was funny because she knew she was attractive it was just, did Steve think so. She imagined him with an all-american girl. Fitting Captain America and a perfect, goody-two-shoes, blonde haired blue eyed, girl. And Natasha Romanoff knew she was far from that. What with her horrible past and her red hair and her slinky attractiveness and her unlikeable qualities. She snapped out of it and said. Hey there Captain.

If you don't mind me asking, Agent Romanoff, what are you doing here?

I could ask you the same question…. I came to find you, you were supposed to be at Stark Tower almost three hours ago.

Why did they send you? Not one of the guys?

Because they thought you would need persuading. And let's think about this. If you even argued Bruce might turn into the Hulk and Clint's not a people person. Stark would just annoy the crap out of you. You don't really know Maria and Fury was too busy. And Thor wouldn't have been much help either. He would have used physical persuasion. So they sent me. I specialize in four things captain. Hand-to-hand combat, weapon mastery, interrogation, and persuasion. So they sent me, but I'm not going to persuade you per usual. I just wanted to know why you aren't at Stark's…

After a long pause he answered her.

I was planning on coming but I passed this place and, well it's the only place in New York that reminds me of the Old New York.

I'm sorry, I didn't think about that.

Aren't you ever homesick.

Captain, it's hard to be homesick when you've never had a home.

Not even Russia?

Rogers, if I thought Russia was my home why would I be an assassin for the United States?

True. Thanks for coming to get me, but can you give me a little more time?

Sure…She checked her watch… We have another 15 minutes before we have to be at Stark Tower.

(1st person Steve Rogers P.O.V)

I expected her to leave me, not caring about my problems but she sat down on my left and leaned back looking around. I stared at her and even though I was pretty sure she noticed, she didn't let on. She had her hair loose on her shoulders. It was pretty, I liked her hair, the red was unique, like her. The curls framed her face and showed off her pale skin and bright eyes. Speaking of her eyes. I could tell, even with my minimal experience in this department, that she didn't wear any make up except a bit of eyeliner and a metallic colored eyeshadow. It was simple and that was good because she was complex enough without all the make-up. Her jacket was tight fitting but not quite as tight fitting as her jumpsuit and I couldn't help but sweep my eyes across her toned arms and legs and thin waist. I then took a bit more time to just remember and it was nice, sitting with her in the silence. A few minutes later she rose and grabbed my left arm and said. Sorry to rip you from your memories but we need to head back. How we getting back? The motorcycle she said and let go of my arm walking off.

(1st person Natasha Romanoff's P.O.V)

I had seen him watching me while we were seated, so I decided to tease him, give him a little show on the way home. I swiveled my hips more than usual while sauntering off to the motorcycle. I sensed him stopping and staring and threw a You coming? over my shoulder. He ran to catch up with me. I got on the motorcycle, put on my helmet and gave him a helmet of his own. He stared at me a second, wondering where to sit when I lifted the screen of my helmet, smirked at him and told him to sit behind me. He looked at me and cautiously threw his leg over the motorcycle sitting a good few inches behind me. I looked over my shoulder at him and smirked. I know you're a super soldier and all but I drive pretty fast so you might want to hold on. WIthout warning I sped off leading Captain America to grab onto my waist and slide up against my back. I smirked and drove off, enjoying the closeness.

(1st person Steve Rogers' P.O.V)

I watched her walk towards the motorcycle and stopped in my tracks. Her hips were swiveling and she was walking with the gate of an assassin, deadly silent and yet she looked pretty good doing it. She startled me as she yelled You coming? I scrambled to catch up with her and watched her throw a leg over the motorcycle shake out her hair and put on the helmet. I was a bit confused, where was I supposed to sit? Then she smirked at me and told me to sit behind her. I nervously threw my leg over the motorcycle. She was an attractive dame but I wasn't going to be so forward as to sit flush against her and wrap my arms around her. She smirked at me over he shoulder and said. I know you're a super soldier and all but I drive pretty fast so you might want to hold on. Then she took off and I had no choice but to grab onto her waist, leading me to slide up the seat, exactly where I did, but didn't want to be. We drove the whole way like this.

After a bit I relaxed and enjoyed not only the ride but the closeness and how the situation wasn't awkward at all. We soon arrived at Stark Tower and I have to admit I was a little upset to let her go and hop off the motorcycle. I could tell she was teasing me as she smoothly got off the motorcycle turning around and ending up an inch away from me. She then took off her helmet, set it on the rack and took mine off me too. She shook out her hair and sauntered off. I let out a breath I had been holding and walked after her, my pants feeling more and more tight as the day went on. We had dinner and then were briefed on what was going to happen. Until any big issues arise it was going to be a hell of a lot of training. I could deal with training.

We spent the first month getting used to life at Stark Tower. With small individual or paired assignments we were doing well. I was very solitary. So was Romanoff. Stark and Banner did a lot together, and if Stark wasn't with Banner he was with Miss. Potts. Barton and Fury worked together a lot. Agent Hill was assigned to help Thor get used to life on earth and one day a week and a half after our first day I learned I was also assigned someone to show me around.

I was in my room. It was pretty late at night but I didn't care, I couldn't sleep. I heard a small knock at my door and walked over, wondering who would be here at this hour, 3:17 am. I opened the door and was quite surprised. It was Agent Romanoff. She was wearing running shorts and a baggy sweatshirt, pajamas. I was instantly uncomfortable in my own pajamas. I had on flannel plaid white, blue and red bottoms and a tight fitting grey v-neck. She smiled tiredly at me and I let her in.

Miss. Romanoff, what are you doing up so late?

Couldn't sleep, sorry to bother you but I'm relaying some information. If its too much of a bother I can go back o my room and tell you tomorrow…She started rambling. Rambling was cute on her, but I hadn't heard an assassin ramble before, it must have been from her tiredness.

Miss. Romanoff do not worry, please come in.

How many times have I said this, call me Natasha. She said as she stepped through the door.

Ma'am it's a bit of a habit.

Well then Mr. Rogers I guess we will go formal. She said, but I noticed she didn't really sound grudging at all.

What did you need to relay to me?

Fury is worried that you are not adapting in the 21st century so I have been instructed to tell you a little about it.

I know about it. People are lazy and fat, economy is going down, technology's huge. 1st black president, lots of new advances, what more is there to know?

Well, you've done your research, but I think Fury wants you to be more comfortable with the social, public, and civilian side of the 21 century, and I'm going to show it to you.

I don't know.

If you want someone else to do it I can pass it on to Fury. She said, a little put out.

Ma'am my friends died, my best friend. The only woman I ever came close to loving and a lot of brothers in arms. I missed a big portion of my life and theirs and I don't really want to be in the 21 century so excuse me if touring the city isn't high on my priorities. I said a bit defensively, but the flicker of sympathy in her eyes stood out and then she talked to me. Not angry but forceful yet friendly.

I was the same way when I cam here. I had recently been brainwashed and it's horrible having someone take out who you are, your morals and ideals and replace them with something else, and for you to have no control over it. I didn't want to meet people who had never gone through that. I didn't want to learn about America. But I'm restless so I went out by myself. I learned a bit and found that being preoccupied in the outside world was better than moping around and being jealous, so excuse me, Captain, if I don't want that to happen to you. She said and turned to walk out. I realized she was somewhat right and was a little pleased with her concern for me, so I grabbed her arm before she could leave. The second after our skin made contact I thought two things. One that my arm was crazy because it was tingling and two that I was nervous she was going to karate chop me into oblivion. She just turned around, too tired or not interested enough to fight.

You're right. I would enjoy that. Thank you and I apologize.

You, sir, are a mystery. I'll see you around.

See you. She walked out with a yawn and closed the door.

(1st person Natasha Romanoff)

The next day I looked back at our meeting and felt a little embarrassed. I had rambled, told off Captain America, twice, and, when he touched me I didn't go all ninja on him. I must have been really tired, even for me. I went to Captain America's Room and when he didn't answer I knew where he would be. I went back to my room and put on some sweatpants and a t-shirt and headed down to the training center. When I got there I saw exactly what I was expecting. The gym was silent and empty besides one man in pants and a t-shirt who was punching away at what looked to be his 3rd punching bag. He wasn't sweating but man, I would not want to be one of those punching bags. I walked up to him and wasn't surprised when he didn't notice her. I am, after all, an assassin for a reason. I decided surprising him wouldn't be an idea since he seemed pretty wound up so I took a step loudly and he looked up. I smiled at him and walked over.

How do you do that? He asked, putting up a new punching bag.

do what?

Walk like that, I never hear you coming.

I'm an assassin not a superhero, I'm a stealth master.

Well, it's a bit odd, but very cool too.

Mr. Rogers uses the word cool, it should be on a headline.

So, what are we doing today?

I think today we're going to sit in one of our rooms, watch some movies and television that show everyday life and talk through what you're comfortable with.

Ok. he said and unwrapped his hands and followed me off to the elevator. We went to my room.

Of what I saw in Rogers' room last night it was simple. The furniture and woodwork were all dark brown and the carpet was a burnt red, the walls were light blue and the accents were white. Tony had obviously tried to make it feel like the time that Captain America came from, and he did that well. My room on the other hand was a lot different. The furniture was either white or silver and the woodwork was black. The carpet was black and the walls were a very light silver. The accents were red though and it was very modern and edgy. We walked in and sat down on the white couch facing the t.v. I looked at him and told him we were going to start by watching some reality television. We spent 3 hours watching parts of Jersey Shore, Desperate Housewives, Teen Moms, The Bachelor and Bachelorette, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and a lot more. I explained to him what parts were real and what parts were made up, or enhanced. We watched a few movies and then we talked.

Why is America so messed up?

Captain, that's the part of America that is messed up, there is so much more of it out there that isn't. There are so many more things you have to learn. I showed you that to let you know that the world isn't all like that. Tonight we're going out. We're gonna see the empire state building and maybe go to a restaurant. Let's go pick out what to wear.

We went to his room. His closet was limited. A lot of the clothes made him look like he was from the 40's or the 50's. He had a pair of jeans which I told him to go put on. i then picked out a nice button down and a leather jacket. He put them all on and he looked comfortable but nice. I told him to meet me at the garage in 25 minutes. I then went back to my room to get dressed. I put on my jumpsuit just in case and threw on some clothes and took the elevator down, arriving just in time.

(1st person Steve roger's P.O.V)

She picked out my clothes and I trusted her to put them on. As I stepped out of the bathroom she gave me a once over. I felt a bit self-conscious, then she smiled a bit and told me to meet her at the garage in 25 minutes. I decided to make sure I wasn't late in any way so I took off the clothes put on my suit, threw the clothes back on and put my mask in my jacket pocket and ran downstairs.

I had 3 minutes to spare and right as I arrived the other elevator opened and she came out. I felt my jaw go a little slack and hurried to close it but I couldn't help but stare a little as she walked out. She was wearing dark skinny jeans that showed off her amazing legs, a red v-neck a white leather jacket and her black jumpsuit just barely showed through her shirt. She smiled at me and told me we were going to walk. We exited the building and walked side to side down the street. It was dark out and we walked by central park.

We walked for a few hours, talking, observing, and enjoying each others company. We were watching some fireworks when she got a call from Tony, we needed to meet back at Stark Tower ASAP we were off on a mission. I looked at her she looked at me and we both started ripping off our clothes. I opted for taking off my leather jacket ripping my shirt off and sliding out of my jeans. She slid off her jacket and top in one motion and took off her jeans quickly. We dropped the clothes on a bench and ran. As we ran I felt bad, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable about my super stamina I ran at a quick, yet easy pace and when she smirked at me and started running much faster I quickened my pace. She stayed at pace with me the whole time and we made it to the tower in 3 minutes flat. We met the others outside, went into the helicopter and were quickly debriefed.

It had been a few more months and everything was going well. Me and Natasha were getting along better and me and Stark weren't at each others throats all the time. I decided the I was in the mood for a little outing so I went up to Natasha's room. I knocked and she yelled come in. I walked in and she said she was in the bedroom and that she needed some help. Always happy to be of assistance I walked in, not expecting her to be in a dress, trying to unzip it.

Will you unzip this thing please?

Sure.

Thanks, I was undercover at some yacht club and this thing was so uncomfortable.

As I unzipped the dress I let my fingers slide against her soft smooth milky whit skin. I undid the clasp and looked away as she changed into jeans and a t-shirt. She asked me why I was in her room, I told her I wanted to go on an outing. She said she was a bit tired so I told her we could watch a movie.

I woke up with a horrible crick in my neck. I looked to my right and Natasha Romanoff was curled up legs on the couch and pillow on my lap. I had my arm on the head of the couch and I looked down at her. Asleep she looked much more peaceful then she did awake. Her nose twitched and I decided to spare her any embarrassment by pretending I was asleep. I was startled when she made a noise stretched a bit and readjusted her position. I pretended to wake up and look at her. She was looking up at me. She smiled and said. Hey.

Hey, yourself.

She sat up and we both stretched. I then offered to make her some breakfast so while she got changed I made some eggs for her. We had a quick breakfast and then I went to my room and changed. Me and the Black Widow spent a lot of time together in those 3 months at Stark Tower.

Next chapter will have some Thor/Maria Hill!