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"HE kissed you?"

"Keep your voice down!" (Y/N) scolded to a much unnaturally happy Natasha Romanoff, who was sitting right across from her in a small couch.

More weeks had gone by, and the forgotten group known as the Avengers was called in once again to complete a new mission. Unlike Tony and (Y/N), who were dealing with the Mandarin, Natasha and Steve were dealing with completely different problems. It had been a hell of a briefing, from them telling how S.H.I.E.L.D. had Hydra growing right under their noses and how they were using Steve's old best friend as their ultimate weapon. It was confusing to say the least, but now the seven were gathered again to take down the remaining Hydra bases in the world.

Because of that, (Y/N) and the others were told to move back into the former Stark Tower — now known as the Avengers Tower — and for it to be used as a base of operations. Due to this, when they weren't busy fighting enemies, it gave Natasha and (Y/N) the opportunity to catch up.

"I honestly don't know how to react to this," Natasha responded, putting her coffee mug against her lips and taking a sip. After that, she placed it down on the table and tucked her loose strands of red hair behind her ear. "The Tony Stark kissed you?"

(Y/N) placed her head in her hands and nodded shamefully. Tony continued to be his usual self with her and completely ignored the kiss as if it didn't happen, or if he didn't believe it happened. That was the conclusion (Y/N) had on the whole situation, but she had yet to admit that they hadn't talked about it because whenever the two of them were left alone or the atmosphere got tense and serious, she bolted the other way.

"I just lost ten bucks to Clint, I honestly thought you were going to make it until the next month to pounce on each other," Natasha crossed her arms and let out a dry laugh before noticing the way (Y/N) was staring forward. "Oh, shit. Was it that bad?"

"It's not that. . .it's just," (Y/N) took a deep breath, feeling afraid all of the sudden. She wasn't sure if she should confess, but this was Natasha. One of her most trustworthy friends. "I'm afraid of having his memory wiped away from me again. Or to be separated again."

(Y/N) didn't know what the future held in store for her, and she was absolutely afraid of the remaining Kree she once fought to return and wipe her memories again. To have that freedom taken away for the second time and make him grief her like he did long ago. It seemed pathetic to her; to be so powerful on the outside and not showing fear to her enemies yet being afraid over the smallest things like relationships.

Natasha stayed silent and let her continue. "Also, he's known for being this stupid 'playboy' as he calls it, what if he just plays with me and tosses me away?"

"Has he proved that to you?" Natasha asked carefully, her playful facade being forgotten.

(Y/N) didn't respond.

"Look, I may not have much experience on the love department, but I do know this," the redhead continued. "Don't run away from the confrontation. Talk to him and settle things down. You may not know what the other wants if you don't talk."

(Y/N) knew she was right. "It just seems to complicated."

"No one said love was easy."

"Woah! Slow down!" (Y/N) exclaimed, looking at her friend with wide eyes. "We haven't gotten there yet."

"And you won't if you don't take my advice!"

"Alright, alright," she calmed down and raised an eyebrow. "Since when are you the one giving the motivational speeches?"

"I don't know, maybe I spent too much time with Steve," Natasha had furrowed eyebrows and she placed her palm against her chest as if she was feeling pain. "It's contagious."

"I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that."

A third voice entered the conversation and the room, and both women turned around to see Steve walking towards the couch they were on. He had a water bottle in hand and wore his typical tight shirts like he had just come back from a jog.

"What were you talking about?" he questioned, halting his steps to stand right beside the couch.

"Nothing your stubborn single self would understand," Natasha responded with ease, standing from the couch and taking her mug with her.

(Y/N) laughed at the offended look on Steve's face. He had told her that Natasha was too persistent in finding him a date since 'he probably hasn't gone out since the 40's' and how she had made several jabs at him for it. To say that (Y/N) joined in the teasing every now and then was an understatement, and now Steve had two people egging him on to find a date.

She smacked her lips. "Right. How is that going, by the way?"

"Still nothing, thanks for the concern," Steve sarcastically replied, a tone reserved for these types of situations.

"And the nurse I told you about?"

"Sharon?"

"Yes."

"Well, we haven't — " Steve stopped himself after realizing this conversation was straining on a different direction. "You're making me forget why I came here!"

Natasha returned from filling her mug with more coffee and went on to stand by (Y/N)'s side after she'd stood up from the couch too.

"Enlighten us, Captain," she told him and wrapped an arm around (Y/N's shoulders. Natasha leaned to whisper on her ear to say something else. "It's probably not that serious."

Steve's voice returned to his usual commanding tone, though the glint of amusement in his eyes didn't wear off. "Suit up. We found another base."

(Y/N) removed Natasha's arm from her shoulders. "It was serious, you idiot."

"Yay, another mission," Natasha muttered sarcastically, but still gave her a look that said 'how was I supposed to know'.

The two followed Steve out of the room into the king hallway of that floor on the tower. They were going to get ready and do the following routine the seven already had planned out after spending so many missions together. It was simple, everyone had at least 10 minutes to change and grab what they needed, if anyone passed those 10 minutes, they wouldn't hesitate to leave them behind and fly out to the mission. It had happened once to Thor, who couldn't figure out the function of the elevator and took longer than expected, and had to fly on his own to a small city.

The three walked on the hallway and stepped into the elevator after the doors opened, the elevator music drowning the silence before (Y/N) spoke up, curious about their future destination.

"So, where are we headed this time?"

"This country named Sokovia."

After a long time, here's an update. Another filler chapter but this one was to slow things down before moving onto the next act and show part of y/n's weak spots and fears.
i also wanted to write more scenes with nat and her since their friendship is special to the book.

-see you soon, bex <3