redinledger

[redinledger]

Hey Natasha.

How are you? I visited a small farmers' market pop-up shop and saw a crocheted spider, which reminded me of you.

-Yelena

A crocheted spider. That’s strangely fitting.

You didn’t bring it home? Missed opportunity. Could’ve made it our new mascot.

I’m holding steady. Training runs in the morning. Intel briefings at night. Same chaos, different day.

Your message made it better. Thanks for thinking of me, even if it was because of yarn.

[redinledger]

What you said about silence... no one's ever said that to me before. That it felt safe. I didn't know how much I needed to hear that until it came from you.

Your "yes"... I keep reading it.

Here I am. Entirely. Willingly.

I took the liberty of persuading your cat so I could leave a note attached to her collar. I hope it's still there. If not, I highlighted something there for you: "You have enough language in your mouth to be understood. You have a name, and someone wants to call it. Five fingers on your hand, and someone wants to hold it. If we just start there, every beautiful thing that has and will ever exist is possible. If we start there, everything, for a moment, is right in the world."

- 💌

It was still there. She didn’t even put up a fight. I think she likes you.

And you—you’ve ruined silence for me. Or maybe you’ve rewritten it. Now it carries your voice. Your yes. I keep reaching for it without realizing.

That quote… you left a poem tucked inside a collar, and somehow it made everything stop. Like the world could actually be quiet for once.

I read it again. And again.

You speak like someone who believes I deserve softness. Like someone who means it. I don’t know how to answer that. But I want to.

So here I am. Still. Listening. Holding the quiet between us like it’s something sacred. You’re not the only one who keeps rereading.

[redinledger]

The coordinates for the hydra base are xxxx. You should really go there it’s rather important. -🦉

Noted. If you’re right about what’s there… then I’ll find it. But if you want me to walk into a trap, you should know—I’ve made it out of worse.

Still, I believe you. Or at least, I believe that you believe this matters. That’s enough to take a look.

[redinledger]

Hey. Thanks for the time, Red. Even though we were just looking at people and judging them, it gave me a sense of normalcy that I yearn for.

It has been a while since I had a time for just leisure. Without you know. Turning in to dust or getting shot.

You were a natural there, too. Dancing. You looked dashing.

It was good to see you smile. Even if it was half-hidden behind a glass and a raised brow.

I know we don’t get many nights like that, but I’d like more of them. No missions. No near-death experiences. Just the sound of your laugh when you think no one’s listening.

You say I looked dashing, but you forget who I was dancing with.

Let’s do it again sometime. Before one of us gets turned into stardust.

[redinledger]

My fairy dust is not a containment hazard :(

It's very safe and very sparkly, sometimes. And I always make sure to not leave any in the labs. The labs are my little babies I would never do that.

- ⚔️

Plus I have a question, what do you think of my mom? What do you see her as?

Recently she got an ask of someone questioning if you guys were ever a thing and now I wonder what do you see her as.

Hm, is that so? Alright. The lab’s always spotless, and I haven’t seen a single glittery mouse since. So maybe your fairy dust isn’t hazardous. Just… persistent. Kind of like you.

As for your question—I’ve known your mom a long time. We’ve bled together, fought side by side, buried things we don’t talk about. She’s sharp. Steady. Stronger than most people ever realize.

We’ve never been that, no. I respect her more than I can say. In a world that changes every second, she’s one of the few constants I’ve had. Someone who stays. Who holds the line.

I see her as one of the only people I’d trust at my back. I think that says a lot. She’s lucky to have you, by the way. You probably already knew that.

[redinledger]

I'll tell her you said that :> /j

- ⚔️

You wouldn’t dare.

…Actually, you would.

If your mom finds out, I’m blaming you. No amount of glitter, cookies, or puppy eyes will save you. Thanks for the heads-up, Agent Sparkle. /j

[redinledger]

Here I am. Sorry to disappear on you. Still getting used to constantly being around decent company.

Proud? Don't be. You gave me a task (of a sort) and I fulfilled it. "Find a routine", you said. I found one. That doesn't warrant pride.

That's the one, yeah. I know that heaviness. But it isn't like the track is going anywhere. I feel like it waits for me at night now - I'm sure it's been waiting for you to feel ready to return, to help you find that silence there again.

I don't doubt that you're good on two wheels. I do doubt that you're better than me. So let's put that to the test. You can eat my rubber, Romanoff.

(Oh, and since I'm remembering - whatever you told Steve must have worked. He pulled me aside the other day and said he'd stop dragging me out at ungodly hours but that I would still be free to join him when I wanted. Thanks for getting him off my back.)

- 🏍

You don’t owe me an apology for needing space, but I’m glad you’re back.

Yes, I gave you a task, but you made it your own. You chose to show up for yourself. That’s what I’m proud of.

Tracks don’t vanish. They wait. They remember your shape. So do people—if you let them. As for the bike? I’d say “may the best rider win,” but you already know how that’s going to end.

I’m glad Steve backed off. Told him to let you find your own footing. He meant well, but sometimes that man needs a reminder that support doesn’t have to come with a stopwatch.

Let me know when you’re ready.

[redinledger]

Also I ain't invisible, I just DID get a few tricks here and there.

Awww you'd worry about me? You don't even really know me. That's very nice of you, I kinda expected you to worry you know, but at the same time I admire you too much to think you could worry about me with everyone else around in your life who are really important.

But yeah.. Mom is often right. A little too often. Oh expect in sciences and tech, then I know I am right 67% of the time.

- ⚔️

You’re not invisible. Not to me.

I don’t have to know everything about someone to care. You show up. You put good into the world. You protect people. That’s enough.

I tend not to worry instead of everyone else in my life. I worry with them. You’re allowed to matter, too.

And listen—science wins are valid. 67%? Pretty impressive odds. I’d bet on you even if it were lower. Especially if your mom disagrees. Just don’t tell her I said that.

[redinledger]

Maybe not in my locker... We don't know how the aliens chemicals are gonna react to that Agent Romanoff and I do not want my locker to explode, AGAIN.

But yeah I have fairy dust wherever I go because I am a fairy so it's only fair for me to leave some in your office :P

- ⚔️

Again? How many times do I have to tell you—no alien samples near the lockers. Especially yours.

Fairy status or not, your “dust” is becoming a containment hazard. S.H.I.E.L.D. classified it as a Level 2 contaminant after the lab mice started glowing.

That said… if a little of it ends up in my office, I suppose I’ll allow it. Just… try not to make anything explode for a week. Please?

[redinledger]

OMG I KNEW IT. How can someone not like sequins!

Also, you know I leave fairy dust where I go? You probably saw some near your desk last time hehe my bad.

- ⚔️

You and your fairy dust. I thought I was losing my mind when my boots started sparkling.

Sequins. Glitter. Magic spark residue. You’re the only person who could get away with that in my office and survive it.

Just don’t be surprised if it mysteriously ends up in your locker next time. Fairy dust travels both ways.

[redinledger]

Naaaah I wouldn't not be protected. Mom would never let me do such thing. And I have powers, and Valkyrie's reflexes.

- ⚔️

You really just said “I’m invincible and I have supervision.” Typical.

Your powers, your reflexes, your shiny tech—they’re impressive. But don’t ever think I wouldn’t still worry.

Hill is right. She’s smart. You’re strong. That doesn’t mean you go without backup.

[redinledger]

I saw you wearing the bracelet during your meeting earlier :>

Hehe

- ⚔️

Caught that, did you?

I figured it was time to test it in the field. Besides… it suits me. Surprisingly well.

[redinledger]

Maybe words can stay, but yours... they settle. They hold.

That page, that line. I sat with it longer than I meant to. I don't think you know how much that kind softness undoes me.

I'm here, Nat. No rush, no noise. Just me. If it's the truth... then I want to be that someone. The one who stays, even in silence. Especially in silence. If you'll have me.

Let me share this poem with you, "The Quiet World" by Jeffrey McDaniel. I hope it finds you the way it found me.

- 💌

That poem… I read it twice. Then I closed my eyes and just let it sit.

You’re the first person who’s ever made silence feel safe for me. Not heavy. Not sharp. Just… full of room.

You talk about softness undoing you, but that’s what your stillness does to me. That quiet kind of loyalty that doesn’t demand anything but stays anyway.

If you’re offering that… then yes. I’ll have you. No rush. No noise. Just you.

[redinledger]

You stepping closer without realizing... maybe that's the most beautiful way someone can. I just wanted the door to feel open. I'm glad it did.

You keep doing this thing with your words; they linger, they aren't rushed, and they feel real. Just like you.

And I keep finding myself doing the same thing when you answer: I hold my breath. Still haven't quite exhaled.

- 💌

I never meant to step closer, but maybe that’s why I did. You made it easy.

I don’t always know what to do with words like yours. They don’t ask for anything. They just stay.

That breath you’re holding… you don’t have to. Not with me.

I left something for you. Torn page. Coffee stain in the corner. Middle drawer, beneath the report I definitely finished reading.

I underlined one line. It reminded me of you:

“I want to be with someone who dreams of me even in the quietest hours.”

No author. Just the truth.

[redinledger]

You did look good that night. Even with the glitter-induced injuries. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.

Thanks for finding the bar. You always know how to pick the right place. Close, quiet, and just enough peace to pretend the world’s not on fire for a few hours.

I’ll be ready when you get here. It’s good to hear from you again.

Hey, Red. It's been a while. How have you been? Still up for that margarita outing?

Hey, Hill. I’m still breathing. Still working on sleeping. You know, the usual.

It has been a while. Long enough I was starting to wonder if I’d have to come hunt you down myself.

And yes—I’m still up for that margarita. Pick the place. Just don’t make me wear anything with sequins.

[redinledger]

You missed me. Just say it.

And for the record—you wore sequins once. Berlin. Fundraiser for the Sokovia Fund. You spent the whole night scowling and asking if you could wear Kevlar underneath. I said no. You blamed me. Fair.

Looking forward to the spot you pick. Just… somewhere dark. Quiet. With good tequila and terrible lighting. You pick the table, I’ll get the first round.

Hey, Red. It's been a while. How have you been? Still up for that margarita outing?

Hey, Hill. I’m still breathing. Still working on sleeping. You know, the usual.

It has been a while. Long enough I was starting to wonder if I’d have to come hunt you down myself.

And yes—I’m still up for that margarita. Pick the place. Just don’t make me wear anything with sequins.

[redinledger]

I would totally bring you snacks in the middle of a fights

- ⚔️

I believe you. You’d show up mid-firefight with protein bars and no armor, telling me to hydrate while dodging bullets.

I’d get mad at you for putting yourself in danger, and then I’d eat the snack.

…Just don’t bring anything that crumbles. I’m not fighting with crumbs in my pockets.