After SHIELD went down, the only thing on Steve's mind had been finding Bucky. He knew it wasn't healthy to throw aside everything to chase a part of his past that barely remembered him, but that was his choice and there wasn't anyone to stop him any more.
Sam had come with him, which had been a good thing considering what they had found out about the Winter Soldier and HYDRA. Having someone else there had made it easier not to lose himself in guilt and horror and frustration when they finally hit a wall. Then, with timing too good to be coincidental, Tony Stark had called to tell him they were reactivating the Avengers Initiative.
They gathered at Stark Tower, where Steve had been surprised to hear that Natasha dropped completely off the grid after the hearings, not even leaving Clint a way to contact her. Because she didn't want to be found, Clint had insisted, but Steve wanted to hear it straight from her. And if he also wanted to make sure she was alright, all the better if she was well enough to mock him for it.
Thor turned out to be helpful, locating her with the help of another Asgardian called Heimdall. It leads to Steve breaking and entering a motel room, going through the meager belongings of someone he damn well hopes is Natasha, or he's in for some awkward questions.The sound of keys in the hallway makes him tense up, but there's a noticeable pause before the door is unlocked and swings open. Steve decides to take a chance.
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Sam had come with him, which had been a good thing considering what they had found out about the Winter Soldier and HYDRA. Having someone else there had made it easier not to lose himself in guilt and horror and frustration when they finally hit a wall. Then, with timing too good to be coincidental, Tony Stark had called to tell him they were reactivating the Avengers Initiative.
They gathered at Stark Tower, where Steve had been surprised to hear that Natasha dropped completely off the grid after the hearings, not even leaving Clint a way to contact her. Because she didn't want to be found, Clint had insisted, but Steve wanted to hear it straight from her. And if he also wanted to make sure she was alright, all the better if she was well enough to mock him for it.
Thor turned out to be helpful, locating her with the help of another Asgardian called Heimdall. It leads to Steve breaking and entering a motel room, going through the meager belongings of someone he damn well hopes is Natasha, or he's in for some awkward questions.The sound of keys in the hallway makes him tense up, but there's a noticeable pause before the door is unlocked and swings open. Steve decides to take a chance.
"Nat?"