*5 months later: New York*
Steve walked into the main lounge at the tower. He'd been away for the last few weeks; tidying up Fury's loose ends. Now he was finally back in New York and would have the chance to catch up on everyone's lives.
"Stark." He nodded to Tony who was fiddling around with something on the couch, while on his way to pour a cup of coffee. The playboy-billionaire muttered something before setting the metal down and getting up to join Steve at the breakfast bar.
"Where's everyone?" The captain asked, sliding the pot and Tony. He caught it and in one fluid motion had a full cup.
Tony took a gulp from the mug before answering the question.
"Bruce is coming up from the lab. He's supposed to be bringing up a torch."
There was no point in asking questions, Steve had learned that months ago. Tony and Bruce hadn't burned down the tower yet, and if they managed to succeed, well, Tony had life insurance.
"Where's Natasha?" Tony asked. "I thought she was due to land with you."
Steve shook his head. "She hasn't been back for months. Fury is letting her decide what missions she wants, transferring her wherever she needs. Last I heard she was in Sydney patching some ties up with agents there."
Tony raised his eyebrows. Something wasn't right. Natasha had been absent from the tower for months. Specifically, since Clint's death. The team decided not to attend the funeral, they didn't think they would be able to hold themselves together, and Natasha had been gone since that afternoon. News around SHIELD had died down. Only the odd files came in concerning the Russian agent. Things never stayed quiet for long at SHIELD.
"You want anything to eat?" Steve asked, breaking Tony's concentration.
"Uh, no. I'm good thanks."
Tony for up from the stool and began to walk around, mulling ideas over in his head. Things just weren't right.
Shortly after Steve had cooked his chicken nuggets, Bruce came up the stairs into the lounge. He was wearing an old Stark Industries shirt and a pair of jeans. Since he'd moved into the tower, Bruce spent the majority of his time in the labs with Tony. Overall, the duo had a good partnership.
"Back for the week Steve?" Bruce asked, setting a blow torch on the tab. Steve turned the end away from his chicken nuggets.
"In theory, yes. I doubt Fury will actually let me have all seven days to myself."
Bruce smiled and sat down on one of the bar stools. "Any news from Natasha?"
Steve shook his head and sighed. "Just that she's in Sydney working on something for Fury."
Bruce looked concerned, but he didn't make any further comments. He had the ability to understand everyone's emotions without ever needing to ask. It probably came with the whole loosing control into a green monster thing.
"He's trying to figure it out," Bruce stated, turning his stood so he had a better look at Tony. Iron Man was now sitting on the floor, staring out the window at the Manhattan skyline. "He's been asking about them both for the last few months, but he manages to keep his mind busy. He rarely leaves the lab unless he has to."
Bruce smiled and poured himself a coffee. "You should see the lab now. He's basically built a second home down there."
Steve smiled, the smile you gave a friend when they were sitting at the ER in a hospital. It hadn't been an uplifting conversation, but he was glad to know the truth right away. There was no point pretending what had and hasn't happened.
Standing up, Steve set his dishes in the sink and started making his way to the elevator.
"I'm just going to clean up, and then I'll be back," he told Bruce while giving him a short wave. Bruce nodded and turned his attention back to Tony. It was time to discover what was still in Tony's head five months later.
When Steve got back from showering and unpacking his bags, he was relieved to find Bruce and Tony crouched beside each other on the couch with laptop between them. Steve wasn't entirely sure what was going on, but Tony had stopped looking like an abandoned puppy.
"Anything I can help with?" The super solider sat down next to Bruce, leaving enough space so he didn't feel trapped.
Bruce nodded and looked up from the computer screen. "We've got access to SHIELD's basic files. Jarvis is running the codes to get into the main hard drive."
Steve nodded and looked at the screen. So far it was just lines of code. Every once and a while, files would appear before quickly being swiped away.
"We've got the files on Natasha's missions, but they're nothing very interesting. Basically just pick up and drop off locations with minimal details on the missions themselves. Honestly, there's not much to go on. You were right when you said she's in Sydney."
Steve smiled to himself and kept reading. Maria had told him something truthful at least, but like Tony and Bruce, he was becoming more skeptical with every day that passed.
"Sir," Jarvis' voice filled the empty room, "the archives and Fury's personal network has been opened. You have a few hours until he notices the changes."
Tony nodded and pulled down one of the holographic screens. "Thank you Jarvis. Search for anything with Agent Barton and Romanoff's names within the last year please."
"Certainly sir."
Within a few seconds, the layers of files and code had been replaced with the main files pertaining to Tony's description.
"Capt, take the laptop from Bruce and read all the files about Red's latest adventures. Look for repetition, code names, anything that your army eyes suspect gets highlighted."
Bruce opened up the files and passed the laptop over to Steve, who carefully placed it on the coffee table and started to read.
"Bruce, open another screen and start looking through the paper work. I'll take the main files and reports."
A few hours passed and still nothing came up. If Fury was hiding something, he had gone to multiple extends to bury the paperwork. Seeing as both Clint and Natasha were top agents, there were multiple files regarding everything from training schedules to hit lists.
"Got something," Steve practically shouted. Simultaneously, Bruce and Tony leaped up and were perched on either side of Steve.
"It's not much," the super solider admitted, "but it's a hole. Every flight that Natasha catches coordinates with a shipment flight a few days before. The flights are prearranged. In the reports, no time line is given. However, each mission is completed within 7 days, the exact time shipments go to each base."
Steve shrugged and turned to look at Tony's who's eyes were scanning the multiple maps and files that Steve had managed to find.
"Well, you're right Spangly in that it's not much." Tony took the laptop and flicked through more pages before closing them and returning the laptop back to the table. "It could just be that they're saving fuel, but it's defiantly odd."
Suddenly Bruce's screen started lighting up, with a small siren noise playing over the sound system. The three Avenger's abandoned Steve's screen for Bruce's.
"Deceased?" Bruce's lip twisted in an odd way. "Hey Tony, pull this other file up on yours -it's sensitive."
Tony nodded and slid the file over to his screen. Steve simply watched as the Science Bros read through the reports.
"Deceased files for Barton," Bruce muttered without taking his eyes off the screen. "Basic information, but there's corners reports and Natasha's mission report as well."
"Mark it and save it to Jarvis. We'll go through it later. Right now I might have got our problem."
Tony made his screen larger so everyone could clearly see. The file was stamped with 'Termination' cleared printed in red ink. The file opened and Tony began paraphrasing.
"Termination of contract...resignation upon death of partner...reference to the Red Room and other files...hey listen up. "Although Agent Romanoff has resigned, her files will not be erased due to the Avengers Initiative and her connections with the Red Room. However, upon reconfirmation, Agent Romanoff will return to SHIELD under the protection of the United States Government and the World Security Council. Failure to do so will result in her permeant termination.""
Bruce whistled. "So that means-"
"-Fury refuses to accept her resignation." Steve gave Bruce an apologetic look for cutting in. "Whatever she's done, people will be hunting her. By saying she's still part of SHIELD, Fury can keep her safe and have something to hold over her head. Until she comes back, that file is still good. If she's brought in anywhere and refuses to accept help from SHEILD...well she's on her own."
Tony quickly saved the files and closed the screens. He stood up from the couch and began pacing again. His mind was processing a million thoughts at the moments, but he couldn't focus on a single one.
"Was there anything about where she is now?" Steve asked, getting up from the couch to make another pot of expensive coffee.
Bruce waited for Tony to answer. He didn't, so Bruce tried to remember what he'd read. "She's off the map at this point. No one's made contract with her or picked up a trace."
For Steve, having a friend go missing was not only stressful, but also concerning. Since the loss of Bucky, he always did his best to protect the people who he cared for. Natasha was one of those people. She'd been kind and helpful on missions, but never once second guessed his usefulness or strategies.
"Have a plan Capt?"
Steve was shaken from his memories by Bruce's voice. The man wasn't angry yet; simply frustrated by the lack of results.
"Nothing that would be remotely possible or makes sense."
Both avengers sat in silence, their minds processing the information while their eyes followed Tony back and forth across the balcony. If someone were to look into their brains at this moment, they would see millions of ideas, ranging from stupidly easy to nothing that would ever actually be able to happen. For every idea that was created, there were ten good reasons why it wouldn't work.
It took a doctor, a super solider and a millionaire-playboy-philanthropist five more hours to create a plan -a solid, questionable plan.
"So I'm just going to walk in there, get a scan of his eye and leave?"
"Yes, that is the plan Captain."
"What if he doesn't even have the stuff we need? We could just break into the government at this point."
"Trust me, I've done both and this is easier."
"Where's Bruce? I thought you said he would meet me in the lab."
"Small change in the plan, he's going to Natasha's house. He found the old keys."
"She changed the lock."
"It was a widow key."
"Oh...so do I somehow assault him and get the eye patch off right away or did we decide poison?"
Natasha closed the door and slumped into her chair. She was exhausted, but the good kind of exhausted that came from aching muscles and concentration. Once rested, she took a hoodie off the hook on the door and slipped it over he head, careful not to pull the pins from her hair. She had an hour or so until she had to go back. More than sleep she need something to eat.
She stuffed her boots on and grabbed her coat before walking out of the room and down the hall to the exit. Her legs would be cold with just tights on, but the cafe was just down the street. If she walked quickly, she'd only be outside for a minute.
The cold Moscow air bit her cheeks and legs as she quickly walked down the street. Natasha was happy that the cafe was empty when she stepped inside. She would be able to get a coffee and salad without being recognised. The days had passed when she ducked her head to the side while passing camera and people who looked suspicious. Although still cautious, Natasha was calmer in public and able to walk down the street without much fear.
"The usual?" The waitress asked when Natasha approached the counter. She nodded and patiently waited for the travel cup to arrive on the counter.
Seeing as it wasn't busy, Natasha stayed to eat in the cafe, choosing the bench in the back corner. Salads were always better off in a bowl rather than the plastic take out container. Plus, her coffee would still be hot ten minutes later.
She stuffed her salad down fairly quickly, before draining back the coffee. Before leaving, she gave a quick wave to the waitress, making sure to point back at the tip on the table.
Natasha walked just as quickly back to the theatre as she left it. For a sunny day, it was still cold and dreary. Normally she would've gone through the back doors, but due to the cold, she didn't feel like waiting for someone to come let her in. Instead, she ducked through the front doors and found her way backstage again.
Walking down the hall to her dressing room, she found one of the other girls heading towards the stage.
"Full costume Nina?" She asked, trying to remember what they had decided this morning.
Nina nodded. "Finishing layers were added this morning but we should be good for them now."
Natasha smiled and nodded, telling Nina that she'd be onstage shortly. If there was one day Natasha looked forward to with every ballet, it was the first run through in costumes.
Almost running, she found her dressing room and let herself in. A smile appeared over her face when she saw the bag hung upon the costume racks. Natasha could have torn the bag open, but she restrained herself.
Deep breath, she thought, carefully unzipping the bag. You'll be a fool if you rip any of the layers.
The black tutu shimmers when she turned it, the edges looking sharp as ice. She hadn't expected it to look like this. Everything she'd read about the performance led her to believe that the costume would be daintier, something that formed more to the dances. However, she had to admit that this was so much better.
Before long, she was in full costume and was standing on the stage wings. When the act ended, she walked out onto the stage where all the other had gathered.
"Did you want it to be like this?" Her voice was quiet, but strong. As the director and every other person in the room turned to look at her, she lifted her arms and slowly turned.
The directed nodded. "Could not be more perfect." He finished telling Nina something about the last dance before sending her away and beckoning Natasha to his side.
"I thought it was going to be softer," she explained, carefully touching the edges.
"For another girl, maybe." The director took a step back and signalled to Natasha to start the dance. "You, Natalia, managed to take the black swan to a different level of insanity and distress. It's been many years since I have been able to perform this variation. Someone so cold deserves a costume fitting to the character."
Natasha stayed en pointe long after the director has stopped talking. She tried not to let what he had said go to her head, but she had to admit, she deserved the praise. For the last five months, she'd thrown everything from her life -trauma, love, anger- into the ballet, challenging herself to be accepted as one of the principle dancers. And it payed off. She was now Odie, the evil twin sister, in Swan Lake. She wished she could tell Clint. He would've loved to see her on stage again.
When Natasha finished, the director called everyone back and had them run through the act again. It seemed they could never repeat the same movements enough. There was always something to be corrected.
It seemed like hours later when they were dismissed from the stage. Natasha wanted to crawl into bed and never come out at this point.
"Hey Natalia!"
The voice caught Natasha's attention, making her pop her head out of the dressing room door. It was Nina, coming out from her own room.
"You have anyone coming to the opening on Saturday? They wouldn't want to miss seeing you in that costume."
Oh Nina, the girl, no matter what seemed to happen, she could keep a genuine smile on her face. If only she knew.
Natasha shook her head and gave a sad smile. "I don't really have any family to come see it."
Nina's smile dropped and before Natasha could blink, she was wrapped up in the girl's arms.
"The whole country will be watching. People will fall in love with you. Besides, you've got a new family right here."
Natasha couldn't help but smile. This was her dream as a little girl; it was finally coming true. Just not from the reasons she ever wanted it to.
Steve, Bruce and Tony once again found themselves huddled are a computer screen. Only this time they were in a better mood.
"Are you sure we should be reading this?" Steve was still uncomfortable with the ideas of going through Natasha's personal files. Even though it would be beneficial to have read the file, the super soldier was nervous of the day Natasha found out.
"Well," Bruce mused, scrolling through the pages, "it's sure not pretty. But we've got some ideas to work from."
Tony opened up another screen and started quickly moving additional paperwork around before beckoning to Jarvis.
"Research any dancers at the Bolshoi Theatre in the last 30 years that have crossovers. Names, history, date of birth."
"Certainly Sir."
Upon hearing the alarm go off, Steve rose from the couch to take the pizza out of the oven. No one had felt like cooking or even calling the pizza parlour down the block. Eventually Bruce had found a frozen pizza and stuck it in the oven, claiming that it would probably taste decent.
"Why the theatre?" Steve asked while cutting the pizza into thirds. "I understand the Russia part; it's technically her home country."
Tony took a break from the screen to come eat the pizza. It was his first time in a few days actually eating at the table. A hungry and exhausted Bruce followed slowly behind him, taking the usual seat across from Steve.
"Ballet was one of the things taught in the Red Room," Tony explained between bites. "It was linked to the Bolshoi Theatre. There's a chance Natasha was actually part of the company. If she went back to Russia, she might have an old friend who's helping her."
Steve could see that as a possibility, although he didn't exactly see Natasha as a person to actively seek help. Bruce expressed that idea earlier in the search, but Tony had said over and over that they needed everything they could get. At this point they were looking for one person in the entire world.
"Sir," Jarvis' voice came over the system. There was a small hint of promise in the computerised Al. "I've found a match between the Red Room and Bolshoi Theatre. Natalia Alianovna Romanova was a student there in her childhood. Five months ago, she rejoined the company again for the production of Swan Lake. The opening is this Saturday."
Steve's jaw dropped. He was completely stunned. To an extend Bruce was too. Tony however practically jumped up from the table to start yelling commands at Jarvis.
"Do you think it's her?" Steve asked Bruce quietly. He didn't want to seem hesitant, but after days of research, he could hardly believe the news.
Bruce nodded, a gleam of hopefulness present in his eyes. "It would seem very probable. Natasha goes back to Russia, takes her old name. The ballet part is a bit of a shock. She never told us she danced."
"Meet me down in the garage in ten minutes ready to go." Tony was still yelling at them as he ran downstairs to get whatever he needed ready.
Did the man seriously think that ten minutes would be long enough to get ready and be in a car?