Covert Affair | Natasha Romanoff

Chapter 37: Impromptu Assassination Attempts

In the depths of Sokovia, a HYDRA base buzzed with activity as the Avengers moved stealthily through the dense woods. Their mission: to infiltrate the stronghold and recover Loki's scepter.

As they approached the base, Tony Stark, clad in his Iron Man suit, soared ahead, only to be met with an unexpected obstacle—a shimmering forcefield that repelled his advance. "Shit!" he cursed, frustration evident in his voice.

"Language!" Steve Rogers chided. .

Meanwhile, Thor recognized the handiwork of the scepter in the defense surrounding the base. "Loki's scepter must be here".

"At long last is lasting a little long, boys," Natasha quipped, a hint of impatience creeping into her tone. A grin spread across Natasha's lips as Zero sidled up beside her.

As bullets whizzed past them, Natasha and Zero found themselves taking cover. Natasha spared a quick glance at Zero, her grin unwavering despite the danger surrounding them. "How are you holding up?" she asked.

Zero flashed her a smile, "Oh, you know just perfect" she replied, her tone light and playful. "Are you sure you don't want a gun?" Natasha asked, her voice laced with genuine worry.

Zero waved off her concern with a casual shrug. "Nah, it's fine. I'll just talk them down from shooting me or something," she replied, her tone light as if discussing the weather.

Natasha couldn't help but glare at her, a mixture of exasperation and affection in her gaze. "You do realize this isn't a negotiation, right?" she retorted.

Zero met Natasha's glare with an impish grin. "Hey, it's worth a shot" she quipped.

Natasha rolled her eyes, but there was a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "If you die, I will kill you," she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Clint Barton found himself in a tight spot as bullets whizzed past him. "Yeah. I think we lost the element of surprise," he remarked wryly, his bow at the ready.

"Wait a second. No one else is going to deal with the fact that Cap just said 'language'?" Tony interjected, unable to resist the opportunity.

"I know," Steve admitted, his focus already shifting back to the task at hand. 

Tony's voice crackled through the comm system, a hint of urgency in his tone. "Well, we know Strucker's not going to worry about civilian casualties. Send in the Iron Legion."

Pietro Maximoff raced through the trees with blinding speed, a streak of silver against the greenery. Clint Barton released an arrow towards a bunker, Pietro intercepted it, catching it mid-air before circling back to knock Barton off his feet. "You didn't see that coming?" he taunted, a smirk playing on his lips as he vanished in a blur of motion.

Before Barton could retaliate, Pietro was gone, leaving behind only the echo of his challenge. But as Barton found himself under fire, Natasha's voice rang out in alarm, her concern for her teammate palpable.

"Clint!" she called out, her voice filled with urgency as she rushed to his side. 

As Natasha and Zero rushed to Clint's side, her heart clenched with worry ,"Clint's hit!" she called out, "Somebody want to deal with that bunker?"

But before anyone could respond, a thunderous roar echoed through the air, The Hulk charged towards the bunker his fists crashing through concrete and steel.

Natasha's expression softened into a grateful smile as she watched the green behemoth decimate their enemy's defenses. "Thank you," she murmured.

Zero's gaze shifted to Clint's prone form, a flicker of concern in her eyes. "I could try to heal him," she offered tentatively, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Natasha hesitated for a moment, her mind flashing back to past missions. "No," she replied firmly, her voice steady with conviction. "You know what happens."