Ghost

Chapter Forty

                                       Nats POV

Yelena had been called off on a mission. She says it should only be a day or two but I know how that can go. Fury called her early this morning and needed her right away, so we're here in her room as she packs a small duffel bag.

Spencer doesn't seem surprised and Yelena told her about it so it's fair to say that Spencer knows all about Yelena's work. Well, as much as she can anyway.

At least Yelena has someone to share things with. Spencer knows when she's gone and when she should be back and Yelena tries to keep in touch. It's nice to know that she has someone at home to worry and care about her while she's gone and to raise a red flag if something doesn't seem right.

I know I have the team. And Fury always looks out for us. But it's always great to have a person to come back and talk to, to share those hidden fears with and how you barely made it out with your life.

I haven't been as close to Yelena as I'd like to admit, being away and focused more on missions has made it easier for me to give excuses but I don't want to do that anymore. I know Yelena has Spencer but I want to be there for her too. We can be there for each other.

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Yelena's POV

I hate that I have to leave while Natasha is here but when Fury calls you pack a bag. Hopefully I'll be able to make this a quick trip and Natasha will still be here when I get back. Spencer had me tell her all of the details this morning before I told Natasha I was leaving. She wanted to make sure I'd be good on my own and have an idea on what I'm doing in case I need her. Not because she thinks I can't handle it but because she cares and wants me to be safe. It's a good feeling knowing someone cares that much.

She hates that she can't go on the mission with me but that just can't happen. Not unless we want Natasha knowing. And then that would lead to questions of how she's able to fight people and why Fury can't know and it's just not worth all of the mess that that would create.

I wish she could accompany me on the mission, too. It's going to be weird not having her along with me after having her there for the past few trips. I'm going to miss having her company and back up. She may be small, but she kicks ass.

I just have to kick ass by myself without her there to keep things quick and make it back here ASAP. Because as much as it means I'm going out alone, it also means that Natasha and Spencer will be here alone together.

I know they're grown ups. I know they can make their own decisions. I know whatever they do is their business. And that's fine with me.

I just don't want either of them to get hurt. And it's hard to picture a scenario where Spencer wouldn't get caught or Natasha wouldn't get crushed.

I've seen the way they've looked at each other. I just hope they're able to keep one another from the hurt I know is bound to occur.

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Spencer's POV

"You'll be careful, right?" I can't help but ask Yelena for the one hundredth time.

She rolls her eyes as she says, "yes, I always am. I'm still here, aren't I?"

"Well yes, but you're always here until you aren't," I say it a little more stern than I intended but I can't help the worry that's clouded my mind.