She does, in silence, her shoulders tense and her movements suddenly precise, deliberate, like a coiled wire rests just under her skin. She won't ever admit it but she lives for moments like this. There have been a few since she left, but not enough. She needs the life, whether she can admit that to herself or not.

They reach the motel room, and it only takes Natasha five minutes to throw everything she owns in a backpack. Then she turns to Steve and gives him a nod. She's ready.