Someone to Have

“Come on, there has to be someone.” Natasha Romonoff bit the inside of her lip to keep the smile away as she watched the man across from her squirm uncomfortably.


Most people wouldn't notice he was uncomfortable, but a lifetime of having to study people made it very easy for Natasha to see. The slight shift of his eyes when she asked the question; the subtle, tense, stiffness of his broad shoulders.


Oh yes, he was uncomfortable.


“I don't think that’s appropriate work conversation.” An answer she was expecting from the straight laced, old fashioned man.


“What work?” She scoffed. “They’ve had us sitting at this table, in this empty room for over twenty minutes.”


“They brought us here for a reason.”


“Even if they did, no one’s in here now. We can talk; we still have that freedom.” His mouth set into a hard line at her words. Talking about freedom with Mr. Freedom; she should have known.


“Natasha-”


“There must be someone if you’re avoiding the question this much.” His mouth snapped shut. He thought he was so stoic, so impassive, so convincing. Natasha knew better. He was keeping something, someone, from her.


“There isn't anyone.”


“Steve, I’ve known you for years now. And it’s also my job to know when someone is lying. You’re lying.” He swallowed hard and looked down. “She must be something if she has you this nervous.”


“She’s beautiful.” His eyes were focused on his hand resting on top of the table, but all he could see was her face. “Smart, soft, sweet-”


“The three S’s.”


“Yeah,” he finally smiled, a boyish look taking over his masculine face. A softness Natasha had never seen from him.


“How is the chemistry?”


“Pardon me?” She made sure not to laugh at his confusion; she knew how much he hated it when people heckled him for his lack of 21st century lingo.


“The connection between you two, how is it? It’s clear she has a hold over you. Is it mutual?”


His eyes went down again. “We haven’t...I haven’t…”


“Made a move?”


His eyes shot up to her briefly before looking back down. “Yeah.”


“Steve, how will you know if you don't make a move?”


“I really hate that term,” he looked up, an almost pained look on his face at the expression.


“Ask her on a date. Have you even talked to her?” She wouldn't be surprised if he said he hadn't.


“Yes, of course.”


“The worst she can say is no, and most women aren't going to say no to you.”


“I don't think she’s most women.” The softness began to come back again.


“Do you need me to help you with asking her?” His eyes widened slightly, and Natasha couldn't quite place why. His mouth opened to answer just as Nick Fury walked into the room.


“Agent Romonoff. Captain.” Steve sat up straight, a no nonsense look on his face. It was time for business. “Sorry for the wait.”


“What do you have for us?” Steve braced himself.


“Official, unofficial Avengers matters.” Steve and Natasha looked at each other, both equally confused.


“A secret mission?” Natasha knew all about secretive work.


“The complete opposite.” They were still confused. “People see the Avengers as heroes; most people at least. They idolize you. Look to you for comfort in the event of doom.”


“I don't like where this is going,” Natash grumbled. Steve quirked an eyebrow at her, still confused.


“Their support weighs out the neigh-sayers, for the most part.” Fury stood straight, hands behind his back. “We want the public to see a more...human side of the Avengers.”


“Are you going to ask us what I think you're going to ask us?” Natasha was not at all thrilled.


His response was simple. “Yes.”


“What exactly are you asking us?” Steve seemed to be the one out of the loop.


“They want us to do press,” Natasha answered.


“Press?”


“Put on a good show, a pretty face,” Natasha answered again. “Basically be a dancing monkey.”


Steve had flashbacks of his time after the serum injections. Touring across the states, putting on a show for the people, make them think the war was glamorous and carefree. But that was all a lie.


“If I may, Sir, I’ve done that before,” he told Fury. “I joined the Avengers to protect people, to do what was right. Not to parade around and smile at people.”


“Same,” Natasha sided.


“Trust me, I understand. Right now we’re at a time of peace. As much as we can be without needing to assemble the Avengers. And even though you all have been inactive for months, there are still people trying to eliminate it.” He stopped, bent over with his hands resting on the table. “I need you two to show a little humanity to them.”


“Why us?” Steve asked.


Fury chuckled as he answered. “Thor is from another dimension. Banner doesn't do well with crowds. Barton doesn't have the personality for publicity.”


“Stark would be perfect.” Steve could just see Tony in front of a crowd, basking in the light.


“Stark is arrogant.”


“No argument here,” Natasha scoffed.


“People don't want arrogancy. They want humbleness, quiet strength.” He looked at Steve. “That’s where you come in.”


“Then why do you need me?” Natasha was beginning to get very annoyed with this meeting.


“People look up to you, Natasha. Little girls see you on T.V, get inspired by you. They want to be you.” She swallowed down the lump that was beginning to form in the throat. Never did she think she would be a role model to little girls.


Steve looked at the red head. He knew she had an inner turmoil with her past. He was proud of Natasha. It wasn't an easy thing to turn your life around and become someone people admired.


Steve spoke for both of them. “Can we think about it and get back to you with an answer?”


Fury hesitated, but with a sigh nodded. “Yes. But I need an answer ASAP.” Steve nodded, Natasha seemed to still be in a daze, but with a soft nudge at her foot under the table from Steve, she was back in reality nodding her head as well. “Good. Meeting done.”

Notes