Who saw Black Widow? I did and Yelena is a whole mood! Thanks for keeping with this story! I promise to try to update more frequent, it is a bit hard now with all this new Marvel content. Please leave some comments!

V. New York City

It had been three days, and Natasha had spent most of her time training alone. She avoided Wanda, who wanted to talk and spend time. Most of her meals were catered by Sam, who tried to start endless conversations. Bucky didn't push her, and at most times avoided her except for a few hellos. It was Steve that she tried to avoid the most.

He didn't say much, but he stared as if she was going to disappear if he blinked too many times. She felt unnerved underneath his gaze, as if she made one wrong move. He would figure it out. Furthermore, she had to swallow the pain of knowing he had moved onto Sharon. Although she would never admit it, it killed her, but she was also pleased that it would be easier to cut him out.

She leaned against the wall and drank some ice-cold water when she heard the door open. As far as she knew, she was the only one who decided on 5 AM workouts. He came into her view and she cursed underneath her breath. Steve was dressed in sweats, and he was carrying a punching bag over his shoulder. She tried to lean further into the shadows, but she made a sound. He turned to it, and they entered their current favorite pastimes, a staring contest.

"Look any harder, and I might implode Rogers," Natasha said as she got off the wall.

It was easier if she just escaped first, and cut the tension. Steve dropped the punching bag and stuttered over his words. Natasha couldn't help but smirk as he befuddled over his words.

"I'm sorry I thought everyone was still asleep," Steve said.

"Don't apologize, this is more your place than mine, and I thought the same thing," Natasha said as she leaned down to grab her sweater off the floor.

"You can stay, I can go," Steve said as he turned away.

It hurt how quickly he was willing to get away from her, but another part of her appreciated it. They were both hurting, and it was easier to be apart than together. It would make everything easier.

"No, I have been working out enough. Just thought I get some time in before Sam fattens me up," Natasha joked.

"Yeah, he should really look into becoming a chef or something. God remember when he made us paella in Belize?" Steve said with a smile.

Natasha froze at his words and thought back to when they were on the run together. She had followed him into a world of vigilante, and they had gotten closer. She had also gotten closer to Sam and Wanda, basically becoming a mentor to Wanda. She cursed herself for pushing the young woman away.

"Yeah," Natasha trailed.

Steve's smile faded as he realized he made her uncomfortable.

"Sorry, just reminiscing," He said and turned back to the punching bag.

She watched him lift it effortlessly and hang it on a hook. He didn't say another word, and she took it as her chance to escape. As she reached the door, she heard him call out to her.

"Nat?"

She spun on her heel and faced him. He half-turned to her, and she could see he was struggling to get the words out.

"Hmmm?" She asked.

"I'm glad you're here, and at home again. I missed you, you don't even know how much, but … I'm happy you're here," Steve said, and Natasha nodded.

She didn't respond and instead rushed out of the gym. As she hurried back to her temporary room, she ran into Wanda. She could see Wanda was unsure of how to approach her, and Natasha smiled.

"Want to hang out in my room?" Natasha asked, and Wanda nodded.

Natasha hurried into her room, and Wanda was close behind. Wanda sat at the desk while Natasha sat on her bed. Wanda moved to say something, but she didn't.

"What's up?" Natasha asked as Wanda sighed.

"I don't like her," Wanda muttered.

"Oh, don't dislike her on my behalf," Natasha said, as she knew who Wanda was referring to.

"I don't, I just … I get a vibe from her. James won't let me use my powers on her," Wanda said and Natasha smiled.

"James, huh? You two seem to be pretty close," Natasha said with raised eyebrows.

"We have been each other's support systems since I lost Vis and his integration back into this world," Wanda said and a smile appeared on her face.

"I'm happy for you Wanda," Natasha said and smiled.

"What are you going to do about it?" Wanda asked.

"About what?" Natasha asked, confused.

"About Sharon, and getting Steve back?" Wanda said simply.

Natasha sighed dejectedly and gave Wanda a look. Wanda raised her eyebrows in response and the two stared at one another.

"What is with everyone trying to answer with their eyes, did I miss a training or something?" Natasha said and laughed.

"You're changing the subject. I know you're deflecting, Nat, don't let him go. After losing Vision, and experiencing it was earth-shattering. If I could bring him back, I would, even with how I feel about James. Steve has a piece of your heart, and you have his. Sharon doesn't compare to that," Wanda said.

"We're just friends," Natasha said coolly.

"Friends don't look at each other the way you two do," Wanda said, and they were both interrupted by a knock.

Bucky opened the door and stuck his head in. Natasha could see that he was uncomfortable, but he was there for a reason.

"Fury wants to meet us in the conference room in ten," He muttered and then closed the door.

"Finally, some action," Natasha said and got up from the bed.

Wanda opened her mouth to say something but decided against it and followed Natasha out of the room. Natasha hurried downstairs and walked over to the conference room. Sam was sitting in a seat already and was purposefully bothering Bucky, who was trying to sit across from him. Wanda sat next to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. Sam smirked and patted the seat next to him so Natasha could sit. Natasha smiled and plopped into the seat next to Sam, who nudged her to the couple in front of them. Wanda and Bucky were smiling at one another and in a hushed whisper.

"Never would have seen it coming," Sam whispered.

"Sometimes it just happens," Natasha whispered as Steve walked in.

He had put a black hoodie on and looked drained. Natasha shook the thoughts out of her mind before she let it get too far. He walked over to the head of the table and sat down.

"Working out?" Bucky asked.

"Yeah, for a bit. I'm surprised you're all awake," Steve said, and he looked over to Natasha, who looked away.

Steve tapped the desk and a 3D keyboard appeared. Steve typed something in, and a holograph of Fury appeared in the center of the table.

"Well, finally," Fury said as everyone sighed.

"Fury," Steve greeted.

"Captain, glad to see the team is here, all of them," Fury said as his eyes landed on Natasha.

"What's going on?" Steve asked.

"I need Romanoff and you to come to New York City and extract a package," Fury said.

"I think it might be best if Natasha rested a bit more," Steve said, and Natasha raised her eyebrows.

"I think Romanoff is very capable of handling herself," Fury said, ignoring Steve's pleading look.

"He's right, you know," Natasha said to Steve.

"You just came back and-"

"It's been three days. You can't hold me up in the compound as a prisoner. Fury what's the package," Natasha said and brushed off Steve's look.

"Need to know basis. Can you guys be here in an hour?" Fury asked.

"Yes," Natasha said and Steve sighed.

"If this job is too hard for you, Captain, I can get Barton-"

"No! I will go, Nat … wheels up in five," Steve said as Fury smirked.

"The rest of you, I need you guys to look into some paperwork. It concerns the stones," Fury said.

"I am up at 5:30 in the morning for paperwork?" Sam muttered.

"Suck it up Wilson, I'll send the paperwork now and Rogers, Romanoff, New York by 6:30, this is time-sensitive," Fury said.

'Trust me, I know time sensitive' Natasha thought as Steve ended the call.

"Okay, you guys work on the paperwork as we head to New York. If anything happens, call me," Steve said looking at Bucky and Sam intensely.

Natasha didn't wait for Steve and bounded out of the room. She wanted to change into some new clothes and grab some weapons before they headed out. As she headed for her room, she could hear his footsteps behind her. His pace had quickened, and she spun around before she reached her door. He stumbled and then coughed as he regained himself.

"Rogers," Natasha greeted.

"We go to New York but you stay on the Quinjet," Steve said and Natasha laughed.

"Oh, you're serious?" Natasha asked and opened her bedroom door.

"Nat, look, I just think for your safety," Steve said.

"Is it for my safety? Do you doubt my abilities?" Natasha asked as she pilfered through some clothing.

"What of course not Nat, I just want to make sure you're okay," Steve said.

"I am okay, look I will go with you to get the package, and we will come right back," Natasha said as she walked into the closet and changed her shirt into a black sweater.

"Nat," Steve said softly as Natasha pulled out her dual batons from the top of the closet.

She swung them swiftly, and she could see something in Steve's eyes. As she opened the desk drawer, she pulled out her Glock 26 and placed it into her waistband.

"No," Steve whispered.

"Let's go, Rogers," Natasha said.

"No! You're going to stay on the Quinjet," Steve said louder.

"Steve look-"

"I won't lose you again!" Steve yelled, and Natasha quieted down.

"I won't lose you again. You stay on the Quinjet, I am in charge and I am telling you to stand down, Nat," Steve said and walked out of the room without another word.

Natasha reeled in his emotions and tried to calm her own. He was going to lose her; she was a countdown to god knows what, and she was going to be gone. She knew she had to tell him soon but a part of her couldn't, because she didn't want to admit to herself that she loved him as much as he loved her. Love makes you weak and an easy target. She swallowed her emotions for the fifth time that week and grabbed her leather jacket. She wasn't going to stay on the Quinjet.

Natasha watched Steve put his helmet on and grabbed his shield off the bench. The Quinjet parked on Stark Tower's helipad, and Pepper with Morgan waited for them at the door. Natasha walked out and smiled brightly at the two. Pepper's eyes were wide as she saw Natasha and gripped the redhead into a tight hug.

"What?" Pepper asked.

"Unclear," Natasha said as she understood the question.

Morgan smiled at her, and she giggled as Steve picked her up. Natasha watched the two and for a split second, she could imagine Steve holding their child. She shook her head as Pepper walked them into the tower.

"Did Fury tell you what the package is?" Steve asked as he placed Morgan down.

"No, just that it's at Stephen Strange's place," Pepper said as she put on cartoons for Morgan.

She motioned them to follow her into Tony's office and she took a seat at the chair. Natasha could feel her stomach turn and bile build up in the back of her throat. Tony was gone. She sacrificed herself so he could stay here with Morgan, and it didn't even matter. He was still gone.

"Strange should be there but Fury said that others may go for the package as well. The only reason I am assisting is that Fury said it was a matter of life or death," Pepper said as she crossed her arms.

"Life or death?" Natasha asked.

"Another major event, life or death for everyone, Morgan is my primary concern and I need to make sure nothing happens to my family," Pepper said.

"We understand Pepper," Steve said.

Pepper sighed as she opened a drawer and pulled out two small gadgets and held them out to Steve and Natasha. They each grabbed one, and it morphed in their hands and over their fingers. The gears clicked into place, and a small light emitted from them.

"They're mini repulsor rays Tony made for me. Fury asked if I could lend you guys some weapons. There is a bike for you guys downstairs," Pepper said as Natasha gripped her hand closed.

It was like having a piece of Tony with her, and it killed her. She could tell it was killing Pepper to even help with this, as she didn't want Tony to go in the first place. Natasha felt guilty for even going to the farm and bringing Tony in this.

"Please be safe," Pepper said and broke Natasha out of her thoughts as Steve had walked towards the elevators.

"Yeah," Natasha said as followed Steve.

"Nat," Steve warned.

"I'm coming and you can't stop me," Natasha said, and they walked into the elevator.

The two could see Pepper walk over to Morgan and caress the small child's face. They looked at one another, and Natasha closed the door. She leaned her head back as Steve fixed his shield and sigh. The elevator ride felt as if it was going on forever since neither party was talking. When the doors opened, Natasha headed straight to the lone motorcycle and got on.

"Nat," Steve sighed.

"Don't you get tired of that, Rogers? Expecting me to just take the backseat to anything. Look, I get it, I'm back and it is throwing everyone for a loop but … I am here, and I am going to work. I need to work, I need to make sure that me being back is for something. So let's get this package and you can see I am the same old me," Natasha said.

"Okay," Steve said simply, and Natasha nodded.

"I'm driving," Steve said and Natasha rolled her eyes.

Steve got on the bike and turned the key. The motorcycle revved, and Natasha wrapped her arms around his waist. She could feel her heart beating erratically against her chest as he kicked the stand. The motorcycle took off and Natasha gripped Steve tighter. The two dodge between New York City traffic and down Manhattan.

Natasha could feel the bile build up in her throat again and calmed the anxiety she was having. Steve did a sharp turn down a street and weaved through more cars. Natasha didn't understand what she was feeling, she was used to motorcycles; it was one of her preferred ways of driving. Yet she felt as if she was having a panic attack. Steve braked in front of 177A Bleecker Street and Natasha could feel her arms go numb.

"You okay?" Steve asked, as she hadn't let go.

"Yeah, yeah, sorry I guess I am not used to being the second passenger," Natasha mumbled and got off the motorcycle.

Steve nodded and then knocked on the door with all his might. No answer came, and Natasha looked around for a way in. She could see a window open on the side and motioned to it. Steve watched Natasha climb a pipe, and he hesitated.

"Something isn't right Nat, Strange should have opened the door," Steve said but Natasha straddled the pipe and then through the window.

Steve panicked and climbed up the pipe himself. Natasha was no longer in his view and he had no idea what she was going into. He climbed through the window and jumped down to the ground. He looked around and couldn't find Natasha and his panic levels rose.

"Natasha!" Steve whispered as he looked around.

Still no sight of her, and he panicked. He walked around the sanctuary and looked for the familiar redhead. He didn't care what was out there, Natasha was gone. As he turned the corner, a beam of light flew at him and he ducked. A bullet flew past his right shoulder and he raised the shield. He could hear voices, but couldn't make out what they were saying. Then he heard rhythmic stomping, and he knew it was some military-type enemy.

"Nat?" Steve called as he heard grunts and more bullets.

Steve spun out from his place and shielded himself from the incoming bullets. With a flick of his hand, the shield spun and knocked out two enemies dressed in black onto the floor. Steve rushed past them and towards an enormous staircase, and could hear crashing upstairs. He ran up the stairs as an enemy ran out of the doorway. Steve shielded himself from the bullets and rushed the enemy into the wall. He punched the enemy, and the enemy collapsed to the floor. He heard Natasha yell and then an enormous crash and Steve ran into the room and noticed an Asian man on the floor knocked out and Natasha was taking a man out with her signature scissor leg takedown. Steve punched the man and Natasha slumped to the ground as the man fell.

"What the hell, Nat?" Steve said breathlessly.

"Wong," Natasha said, ignoring Steve and walking over to Wong.

"What?" Steve asked and heard more crashes.

"This is Wong. It looks like they were looking for the package," Natasha said as she sat Wong up and tried to wake him.

Steve heard another crash, and he ran out of the room. Natasha leaned Wong against the wall and ran after Steve.

"Go back," Steve said as he reached another landing.

Natasha ignored him and pulled out her gun. Two doors flew open, and both ducked from the bullets. Natasha shot two enemies down as Steve threw the shield. It bounced off the walls and into the two enemies' faces, knocking them out. The shield flew back into Steve's arm and he grunted. Another enemy turned the corner and Natasha used the mini repulsor ray on them. The enemy flew backward into the wall with a loud thump.

"I handled that fine!" Natasha said as she moved forward.

Steve took the opposite wall, and they both ran into the room. It was large and there were doors everywhere.

"Which one?" Steve asked as Natasha crept against the wall.

"Where is Strange?" Natasha asked.

As she asked Stephen flew out of a door with enemies trailing behind him. Stephen opened his hands and orange rays flew out towards the enemies. He created a shield as bullets flew towards him. Natasha shot towards the enemies, taking three out in the chest and Steve ran towards them in full force. As the three battled the enemies, a small figure crawled on the floor. As the last enemy went towards it, the Cloak of Levitation wrapped itself around the enemy and squeezed tight, knocking them out. Natasha turned her gun towards the small shadow figure who whimpered and Steve raised his shield.

"Romanoff, Rogers," Stephen said as the Cloak returned to him.

"Lower your weapons," Stephen said as the two hesitantly lowered them.

"Soldiers?" Natasha asked.

"Super Soldiers," Stephen said and motioned for the figure to come towards them.

Steve and Natasha watched as the figure moved out of the shadows, and a teenage girl stood in front of them.

"Whose that?" Natasha asked as the teenager walked towards them.

"The package," Stephen said simply as the teenager stopped in front of them.

She had long brown hair pinned back with brown eyes that matched. She was dressed in all black, similar to the soldiers but she had blades sticking out the side of her belt. She had a bandage armed and her eyes were serious but both Steve and Natasha could see the fear.

"She's a child," Steve said simply.

"What is going on?" Natasha asked.

"She came out of a portal and claims to know about the stones, and how they are coming back as a threat. She hasn't said much except her name and her message," Stephen said.

"Which is?" Natasha asked.

"JT," the girl said.

"And I'm here to stop the end of the world," she finished as Steve and Natasha's mouth slacked open.