“ i know you’re still in there and i’m not gonna leave you, okay? ”
He knows a locked door wouldn't do anything to stop a determined Black Widow from getting inside anywhere she wants to be - but he respects the space she's giving him regardless. His mask lays discarded on the tiled floor at his side, the heel of his palm pressed hard against his forehead.
In retrospect, it would have made more sense to leave entirely; to swing up and out, back to his loft, and ignore the dull ache that had been building behind his eyes for hours. Natasha must have seen him make a quick clumsy exit once the area had been deemed safe, disappearing through the nearest doorway before she could ask any questions. " I . . . uh, I'm okay. This is -- "
A groan, and a stifled huff follow; trying to play it off. Somehow, Natasha Romanoff waiting outside was harder to deal with than Natasha Romanoff barging in. He'd gotten used to being completely alone.
" I'm okay. "
The words come out a little too quickly, punctuated by what could only be described as an unintentional whine. " That . . . sounded more believable in my head. "
