#!home

The flight back had been quite uneventful. A quiet ride, from Russia back to the States- from old home to new, she supposed, though she hardly considered Russia home anymore. It was just a good place to go, to hideaway, because few would even know where to begin looking for her.

But James had known, and James had convinced her to come home. The agreement was she would stay with him, probably for a few days before returning to her apartment.

When she’d gotten off the plane and grabbed her lone bag, Natasha looked around- families waiting for returning members, old friends, smiling faces. A brow arched. What simple lives. What easy lives.

It wasn’t something she pinned for, though curiosity made her wonder what it was like, to have someone greet you at the airport with open arms, a smile, words falling from their lips as you were welcomed home.

But this wasn’t the time to even consider such things. She had left without warning, and came back in the same manner. She would text Danni later to tell her she’d be home in a few days, but for now-

The redhead walked out of the airport, heading down the road. She would get to James’s place in due time, maybe just sleep a while. She wasn’t sure yet. Her mind wandered to the things she needed to do, not to mention the shit she’d take from Fury for vanishing the way she had- Nothing she couldn’t handle.

She'd chosen a place in the middle of nowhere. Far from anyone or anything, with no intention to be found. Because she didn't want to be found. She didn't want to go anywhere or do anything--

This never happened before. She never felt this way before, so distraught- heartbroken. That's what it was.

Natasha had just finished her nightly work out, showered and changed into something to sleep it. It was late, she had an early day the next morning, so it was probably a  good time to at least attempt some sleep.

She turned off the lights in the apartment, going into her room. A moment, she paused and climbed out onto the fire escape.

There was a little bakery Natasha liked to frequent, tucked away from the busy life of S.H.I.E.L.D.. It was a small place, barely known- French owned. It was in a worse part of the district, but she didn't worry.

Natasha had offered to make this trip- which was odd, considering, but that was aside from the point. She let herself into the house and checked the lab first- and was not at all surprised to find him there.