"It's not that I don't think you capable of enduring this Natasha. It's the fact that you have to. I'm sorry Natasha . . ."

He was quick, and the strokes were clean. Shallow too, barely enough to draw blood, but he knew they'd have to be at least that deep to count. Each movement hurt the hell out of him, but he did it. It wasn't the worst thing he'd ever done to someone, it was just awful to have to do it to a friend. Steve cupped her cheek, searching Natasha's eyes.

"Still ok? I don't have anything for it in here, but hopefully the door won't stay shut much longer. I have stuff in my room . . ."