Marvel | Natasha (& Bucky) - I know what it takes to move on
prompt: I know what it takes to move on, I know what it takes to lie
fandom: MCU
characters: Natasha Romanov, Bucky Barnes
written: 2020.05.02.
originally posted: https://archiveofourown.org/works/23968309
I know what it takes to move on, I know what it takes to lie
She takes charge because no one else will.
She never used to believe in heroics. There was always the mission, regardless of personal cost, that much somehow never changed, no matter who she was owned by - but blind denial of failure, a stubborn need to go on fighting even when there was no way out... that was always other people. People like Steve or Thor, even Stark she eventually realised.
But they’re all gone now. In one way or other. Steve erased, Thor crushed by guilt, Stark defeated.
At first it’s not even a conscious choice. She was never trained to lead. Hardwired to always follow orders to perfection. And yet within a few months she becomes who everyone is looking to for advice. And that makes her realise that in a way she’s the last one standing of the Avengers. That thought breaks something deep inside her but fortifies the rest.
So when eventually, a year after Thanos, Barnes turns up, looking absolutely wrecked still by all they’ve lost, who he lost, Nat just nods and without waiting for him to ask with words, she says:
“I have a job for you. People out there could use your help.”
fandom: MCU
characters: Natasha Romanov, Bucky Barnes
written: 2020.05.02.
originally posted: https://archiveofourown.org/works/23968309
I know what it takes to move on, I know what it takes to lie
She takes charge because no one else will.
She never used to believe in heroics. There was always the mission, regardless of personal cost, that much somehow never changed, no matter who she was owned by - but blind denial of failure, a stubborn need to go on fighting even when there was no way out... that was always other people. People like Steve or Thor, even Stark she eventually realised.
But they’re all gone now. In one way or other. Steve erased, Thor crushed by guilt, Stark defeated.
At first it’s not even a conscious choice. She was never trained to lead. Hardwired to always follow orders to perfection. And yet within a few months she becomes who everyone is looking to for advice. And that makes her realise that in a way she’s the last one standing of the Avengers. That thought breaks something deep inside her but fortifies the rest.
So when eventually, a year after Thanos, Barnes turns up, looking absolutely wrecked still by all they’ve lost, who he lost, Nat just nods and without waiting for him to ask with words, she says:
“I have a job for you. People out there could use your help.”