A/N:

Would you look at this? I updated early. Yay! Anyway, thank you to all who've reviewed, followed and favourited. You're the best. Hope you like this chapter because a little angst hurt no one.

Disclaimer: Sadly, these beautiful characters aren't mine.

F for Fallible

She sat on the floor, in her apartment, her back against the wall. Her knees were drawn up to her chest and she rested her head in her hands. The doorbell rung, she didn't bother checking or opening but the person outside was persistent and rang the bell, again, multiple times. Annoyed, she finally got up to open the door. As she turned the knob, it turned red. Her hands were stained with the blood of another innocent and she hadn't bothered cleaning. After all, what good would it do? They'll always remain dirty, covered in someone's blood.

She found Steve standing outside. His face fell the instant he saw her. She immediately slammed the door shut, in his face. Apparently, he didn't leave as only a few moments later, the bell rang again. Exasperated, she once again opened the door. "I don't think I want company Captain" she said, refusing to look at him.

"I don't want you to be alone" He looked earnest, sincere. She didn't deserve this, she didn't deserve anything. "You don't have to tell me what happened, we don't need to discuss anything. I just want to be here with you. Is that okay?"

She knew he wasn't going to leave. A long sigh escaped her as she moved away, allowing him to enter. She went back to where she was originally sitting and took on a similar pose. Steve wasn't next to her and her heart hurt. He was repulsed, she wasn't surprised just upset.

Eventually a weight settled next to her. He had a utensil filled with water in his hands and a rag. Gently, he took her hands, wet the cloth and wiped her hands. Dumbfounded, she stared at him. He didn't look at her, just continued wiping her hands. Eventually the water was completely red, so he got up and returned with more clear water and simply repeated the steps.

Once her hands were clean, he took her face in his hands. Hooking a finger under her chin, he turned her face towards him. While she had been cradling her forehead, she'd smeared some blood on her head. As he was cleaning, she started to tremble. Her eyes brimmed with tears and she looked down.

"Natasha, look at me" Her face was now clean, he put the cloth away. She didn't look up. Once again, Steve turned her face, forcing her to look at him.

"You shouldn't be this gentle with me" A single tear slipped down her face and she looked down at her lap. Her shoulders were shaking as she sobbed mutely.

Steve wrapped his arms around her, patting her head, cooing to her, letting her tears moisten his shirt. When she stopped he pulled back. He was smiling and there was so much adoration in his eyes, it made no sense.

"I can't believe you're smiling"

"I can't help it" He got up and disposed the water and cloth. Once he was back, he asked "Wanna get Chinese for dinner?"

"I'm not worth all of this" she said, barely audible. "I'm an assassin, I kill without a thought. I may be in a different place now but it's all the same. I just carry out order irrespective of consequences. I'm not worthy of your care, of your love Steve. Please leave"

"I won't. You're worth all of this and more. The fact that you cry over their death is just a testament. I will always be here. I refuse to walk out."

Life had been so unfair to her. So many lived such easy lives, with a loving family, without having to kill anyone, good or bad. But she was coerced into this situation yet she held only herself responsible. She was fallible, she was human and in those weak moments, he loved her unconditionally.

A/N:

Thank you for reading. Please R&R. Also gimme a bawse word for 'G'. Until next time :)