Between Time- MCU

The night has fallen completely, but the city's pulse doesn't stop. Natasha's black tactical gear blends seamlessly into the shadows as she moves quickly through the alleyways of Manhattan. She's in familiar territory — tracking, moving silently. Her mind is set, but her heart isn't as steady as usual.

She feels the weight of her mission tonight. Alex isn't just another mission; she's someone Natasha's come to care for, even if Alex hasn't yet allowed herself to trust that.

The signal still faintly pings in her ear, guiding her deeper into the maze of tunnels and abandoned spaces Alex seems to favor when she's on the run. Natasha listens closely to the hum of her comm, watching the map that Bruce had pulled up earlier, her eyes darting over every new detail that pops up on the screen.

The comm device Alex had activated is their first real lead. Natasha is certain she'll find her. But it's not the "finding" that worries her. It's what happens when Alex is found.

She can feel the lingering tension of the last conversation, the moment where Alex almost let herself be seen for the first time. Natasha's not deluding herself, she knows how this works. One foot forward, two steps back. Alex has always run, and she's good at it.

But what's different now? Natasha can't help but wonder.

She slides through the narrow passageway, checking her corners, moving low. The device's signal blinks stronger now. Closer.

The sound of running water echoes ahead, the tunnel's end should be nearby. She crouches down, scanning the area around her for any signs of movement. Her breath is steady, calculated. She's not going to rush this. She has to approach carefully, let Alex make the choice.

Suddenly, she hears a rustle. A shadow shifts.

Alex.

Natasha freezes, eyes narrowing. She pulls her gun from its holster, but doesn't aim it. No need to escalate. Not yet. Not unless Alex forces her hand.

Her steps are deliberate now, slower. She approaches the alcove where the rustling came from, stepping silently across the wet ground. The soft glow of a small light filters through a crack in the wall, illuminating the figure crouched there.

Alex.

Alex doesn't see her at first. She's staring down at something in her hand, her fingers fidgeting with a small object, the comm device. Her shoulders are hunched, her posture tense. She's not sleeping. She's not eating. She's barely functioning, and Natasha can feel it from here.

Natasha stays still for a moment, watching her, before speaking in a soft, controlled tone.

"You don't have to do this alone, Alex."

Alex's head snaps up, and her eyes go wide with a mix of shock and panic. She stands quickly, as if ready to bolt. But Natasha's already in her line of sight, her stance unthreatening, voice steady.

"I'm not here to drag you back, Alex," Natasha continues, taking a cautious step closer. "But you don't have to keep running."

Alex doesn't say anything at first, her eyes darting back and forth, searching for an escape. Her fingers twitch, ready to grab something, anything, to run again.

But Natasha is patient. She knows how this works.

"I'm not gonna ask you to trust me," Natasha says. "Not yet. But you don't have to stay like this. You don't have to keep fighting everyone, yourself included."

Alex swallows, her jaw tightening. "You don't get it. I don't belong with you. I don't belong anywhere. I'm not-"

"Yes, you are," Natasha interrupts, her voice firm but not harsh. "You are, Alex. You've been running your entire life because you think you're not worth it. But you are."

Alex's face twitches, the fight in her eyes flashing for a second before she clenches her fists, her head bowing in frustration.

"You don't know what it's like," Alex whispers, her voice cracking. "You don't know what it's like to lose everything. To freeze in the worst moment of your life and still not be able to save anyone."

Natasha's heart clenches at the rawness in Alex's words. She's not just running from the Avengers. She's running from herself, from the trauma that still haunts her every step.

"I know more than you think," Natasha says softly. "I've been exactly where you are. I've felt that loneliness. I've carried that guilt. But running... it's not freedom. It's just more of the same. And you're stronger than that."

Alex shakes her head, almost defeated. "I don't have anyone left. I don't know how to fix this."

"You don't have to fix it," Natasha says, stepping closer but still keeping her distance. "You don't have to do anything right now except take one step forward. You can't do it alone anymore, Alex. You don't have to."

The tension hangs in the air for a long, long moment. Alex's hands twitch, eyes brimming with unshed tears.

Finally, she exhales, the breath shaky. "I don't know if I can trust you."

"You don't have to trust me," Natasha replies gently. "Just come with me. Let us help. No strings attached. You're not alone."

Alex looks down at the comm device in her hand again, her fingers brushing over it. She's trembling. Natasha can see the hesitation, the inner war Alex is waging.

"I'm scared," Alex admits quietly, her voice small.

"I know," Natasha responds. "But you don't have to face it alone."

Alex's gaze flicks up to meet hers, searching Natasha's face. For what, Natasha isn't sure, maybe for any sign of deception, or perhaps for reassurance. Either way, she doesn't look away.

After a long, silent moment, Alex finally lowers her hand and places the comm device back in her pocket. She doesn't speak, but the decision is clear.

"I'm coming with you," Alex whispers.

Natasha nods, offering her a small, reassuring smile. "You don't have to apologize for needing help. Let's go."

As they move toward the exit, Alex walking just a bit behind, Natasha knows this isn't the end. It's the beginning of a new chapter. One where Alex will have to learn that she doesn't have to keep running. But for now, Natasha is willing to be her steady guide.