Natasha
By noon, you were back in your room and showered, the scent of chlorine having finally been scrubbed from your hair. You’d slipped into your favorite pair of pajamas following the shower and now you sat in front of the mirror, slowly combing through your hair. As you combed your fingers through your damp hair, you soon found yourself lost in thought. A knock on the door drew you from the trance you’d slipped into.
“Come in!” you called, watching the door in the mirror.
The door opened and Nat stepped in, shutting the door behind her. She took a seat on your bed and studied you silently for a moment. Your eyebrows drew together, puzzled, and when she patted the bed next to her you got up and sat next to her.
“What’s going on, Nat? Is everything okay?” you asked curiously.
“I should be asking you that. I know you didn’t forget to file a report - we do them together, remember?” she waited for your answer, her eyes searching yours.
For a moment, you considered keeping the lie going, but when you met her gaze you decided against it.
“I asked Steve to pull me from missions.” you offered, wondering if she’d push it farther.
“How come?”
“I’ve been really down lately. Everything’s just been so hard and the other day I woke up and realized I don’t really care if I’m alive tomorrow? Like I’m not going to race out and y’know, but I’m also not sure I would care if I was dying?”
“Oh, Солнце” her voice was soft as she placed her hand on your thigh, “I’m sorry.”
“Why are you sorry?” you tilted your head slightly.
“I should have noticed you weren’t feeling well. I didn’t mean to make you fight alone.”
“Come on Nat, that’s not your fault.” You bumped your shoulder against hers.
The flash of a soft smile lit up her face for a moment, “Well I’m here now. You’re not in this alone. No matter what your head says, this isn’t a battle you’re fighting by yourself.”
You swallowed heavily and looked down at the quilt you kept on your bed, thoughts racing through your head. Nat’s hand found it’s way to your chin, and she gently turned your head to look at her again.
“What’s going on in there?”
“It’s nothing - don’t worry about me, it’s fine.” you tried to smile, but it was more of a sad grimace.
“I’m a spy. You can’t really think I’d believe that lie. Tell me what’s going on, please.” her voice was soft, but strong, and you knew she wouldn’t let this drop.
“I feel guilty. You guys don’t need to worry about me, I’ll be okay. I didn’t mean to worry anyone, and you don’t have to help me. I don’t want you to feel guilty for not realizing it or feeling like you’re not helping. I don’t want to be a burden. My mind, my problems” you sighed.
Her hand moved to cup your cheek as you spoke, and her eyes hardened, her voice remaining soft as she spoke, “You could never be a burden. Ever. You’re one of us, and I will always be here for you because I love you - and the same goes for the rest of the team. You’re a part of this family, and if you weren’t here we’d be missing a big piece of us. You’re always here for the rest of us, no matter what. You’re always quick to comfort one of us when we need it, or help out when Clint catches the flu. But I’m not just here because of the things you do for us. You’re amazing, and I love you. I’m here with you because I want to be here with you, not because you’re a burden. And you’re not getting rid of me - I’m going to stay right here with you until you’re feeling better, no matter how long that takes.”
By the end of her speech, tears were flowing down your face. You weren’t sure who instigated the hug but you found yourself wrapped in Nat’s arms. Her grip was firm and you found yourself thanking the universe for giving you her. As you stayed in her arms, you couldn’t help but feel like maybe there was a chance to win this battle.
With Steve, Clint, Bucky, Nat, and the rest of the team by your side was there anything you couldn’t take on? Sometimes all you needed was a reminder that you weren’t fighting alone, and if the last few days had proved anything it was that you had people who loved you and would stand by you until the bitter end. With them, there was no way you’d lose this battle - no matter how long it takes.