"I'll say you do. You're good at it." They both have some experience in those areas, but Natasha's done it before with Clint, and also with Bruce. Actually, she kind of worms her way in with everyone, whether they realize it or not. With the two of them, it was different. There was that first assignment of his, in which he made a different call, going against orders. That was just the start of things for them. He saw something in her, something more than just a dangerous assassin that represented a threat to national security.

And she saw something in him, too, when he didn't want to see it for himself.

"Your secret's safe with me, Nat." The corners of his mouth turn up, unable to stop smiling. It feels good to have something to smile about, especially when it's something like this. In spite of himself, in spite of everything, his heart feels lighter too.