Author's Note: First of all, apologies for the late posting. RL kind of exploded over the weekend, so I'm playing catch-up now. Secondly, I had hoped to have a new chapter of "Not All Wars" up today, but that might not happen. If it does, it'll be late. :) Thirdly, due to some RL complications, my new story will be delayed a bit. But it's coming sometime in April. Just later than I'd originally hoped.
assantra: Thanks! I like back story.
As always, hope you all enjoy! ~lg
oOo
Clint coughs as the smoke gathers in his lungs. He's re-injured his shoulder, and he feels blood dripping down the other side of his face. But he's alive. All because of the Black Widow.
Speaking of. . . . He turns to find her standing with her back to the fire, glaring at the forming crowd of observers. Before he can figure out who she's watching, she starts frantically searching the crowd.
Clint surges to his feet. "Hey."
Natasha spins to glare at him. "What?"
He realizes he stood up before fully assessing his injuries. "Just. . .don't run off. Okay?"
She doesn't move, but her expression shifts and becomes cold. "This wasn't an accident. This was a message. To me. She wanted me dead."
"Who?"
"Drakov's daughter."
Clint spies Coulson talking with the local authorities and makes a decision. "Come with me."
She blinks in surprise. "You want me to go with you?"
"Why not?" He shrugs. "We'll protect you."
"I don't need protecting. Or saving."
Maybe not, but the world needs it. From you. But Clint doesn't say that. As Coulson approaches him, Natalia whirls and rushes around the corner of the burning hospital. He sees something in her eyes during those few seconds. She's out for revenge, for absolution. And she'll stop at nothing.
"Barton?" Coulson coughs, covering his mouth with a handkerchief as he leads Clint away from the fire and toward SHIELD's medics. "You okay?"
Clint doesn't have an answer. Next time, he might not be able to save her. She might not give him a choice.
~TBC