STRIKE Team Omega

The August sun shone brightly over the Triskelion, but even with the stifling heat, the corridors of SHIELD remained bustling. Agents hurried from one side to the other, briefings in hand, reports to be delivered, missions to be coordinated. However, in the last few days, something else caught everyone's attention. It wasn't a new secret mission or a technological advance; it was something much simpler, but unusual for those who knew John Hawke and Natasha Romanoff.

The two, already known for their coolness and efficiency in the field, now displayed unexpected moments of affection in the corridors, attracting curious glances from other agents.

It all started subtly. In the early days, it was just smiles and exchanges of glances that few noticed. But, as time went by, the moments of affection began to be more frequent and, inevitably, more visible to SHIELD colleagues.

One day, while John was in the Omega planning room, reviewing maps and strategizing for a possible mission in Europe, Natasha entered silently. The agents around him continued their conversations, but some looked around, attentive.

Natasha, without caring about the presence of the others, approached John from behind. She slid her arms around his waist, resting her head on his back in a gesture of affection. John, taken by surprise, stopped for a second.

He smiled and, without turning around, placed his hand over Natasha's, holding them firmly but gently.

"Any special reason for this hug?" John asked in an amused tone, without taking his eyes off the papers in front of him. Natasha closed her eyes for a moment, enjoying the warmth and security she felt when she was close to him.

"No reason needed," she murmured, with a calmness that contrasted with the lethal personality everyone knew.

The surrounding agents, who had previously been focused on their tasks, were now exchanging knowing glances, pretending to continue working. It was hard not to notice the scene, especially since both John and Natasha always maintained a serious and professional demeanor. Seeing this more human and vulnerable side of both of them was surprising, to say the least.

"Do they get like this often?" whispered one of the agents to Melinda May, who was standing next to them, watching discreetly.

"More than you can imagine," May replied with a small smile, without looking away from what was happening.

At that moment, John turned slightly, letting go of Natasha's hands and gently pulling her forward, now looking directly into her eyes.

"You really know how to distract me, Romanoff," he said with a smile, clearly pleased with her attention.

"That's my job, isn't it?" Natasha replied with a sparkle in her eyes, leaning in for a brief but sweet kiss before pulling away and getting back to work.

The murmurs started as soon as Natasha left the room. The agents, who had always been used to seeing both of them as cold and calculating fighting machines, were now starting to get used to this new dynamic. It wasn't the last time they saw moments like this.

A few days later, during a quiet afternoon in the cafeteria, John and Natasha were seen together again. This time, Natasha was sitting next to John, wrapped in his arm, as they chatted casually. John, with a rare smile on his face, had his hand resting on her shoulder, occasionally lightly stroking Natasha's arm. Clint Barton, who was at the next table with Bobbie Morse, couldn't help but notice the scene.

"Look at them," Clint said, nudging Bobbie. "Our SHIELD couple is looking more comfortable every day."

Bobbie smiled, watching the two curiously.

"And who would have thought Hawke had such a caring side?" She commented, taking a sip of her coffee. Almost unbelievable."

"You should see the women complaining around here," Clint continued. — Most can't believe the SHIELD hunk is off the market. And as for the men… well, they're mad at John for stealing Romanoff. It's a complicated situation.

Bobbie laughed.

"It's good to see they both found someone. They have a lot in common, after all. I guess it was inevitable in the end."

"Amazing, still," Clint said, shaking his head. "But good for them. Natasha deserves to be happy, and if anyone can handle John, it's her."

That kind of interaction between John and Natasha continued throughout the halls of SHIELD. Sometimes, it was Natasha who would come up to John during a break, wrapping her arms around him, or simply leaning back in his chair as they talked. Other times, it was John who would casually put his arm around her, pulling her close as they chatted with other agents or reviewed reports.

Once, as they walked down the main hallway of the Triskelion, they were both laughing at an inside joke. Natasha, as usual, she got closer to John and hugged him from behind, with a light laugh. That, once again, did not go unnoticed by the attentive eyes of the other agents.

Melinda, who was passing by in the hallway at the same time, watched the scene with a neutral expression, but inside, she couldn't help but smile. It was good to see that, despite the adversities and responsibilities they carried, John and Natasha found small moments to be together in a lighter and more affectionate way.

"I bet this will become the talk of the day," May casually commented to Maria, who was next to her.

Maria nodded, also observing discreetly.

"Without a doubt. But who would have thought?" Maria smiled slightly. "It's good to see that, in the middle of all this, they still have time for... this."

Rumors and comments ran wild in the hallways. For many, it was almost surreal to see two of SHIELD's most dangerous and efficient agents behaving in such a human way. The affection between John and Natasha was evident, but it never let itself become a distraction from work. They knew when to turn off that side and focus on their missions, but in their free time, they had no problem showing what they felt for each other.

At the end of the day, while most of the agents returned to their respective offices, John and Natasha walked together through the hallways towards the parking lot. The sun was already setting, and the shadows of the building created a more peaceful and intimate environment.

Natasha looked at John, a slight smile on her lips.

"Did you notice that we're becoming the main topic of conversation around here?" She said, teasing slightly.

John smiled at the corner of his mouth, without taking his eyes off the path ahead.

"I did notice. But I guess I don't care as much as I thought I would."

"Really?" Natasha raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

John paused for a moment, turning to look directly at her.

"No. Not when I'm with you," he said simply.

Natasha felt the heat of the moment and, even though she was used to always maintaining a cool and professional posture, she couldn't help but approach him, resting her head lightly on his shoulder as they continued walking.

In the silent corridors of the Triskelion, the two walked side by side, with calm and confident steps. Even amidst the responsibilities and challenges that the future would bring, they knew they could count on each other.

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