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[deaddrop]

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[hypoxic]

I already told you that there's an arrangement in play. Someone independently engaging on a manhunt would be considered a violation of that arrangement. There would be repercussions.

[deaddrop]

I'm not saying this to make threats, Fitz. And I'm not looking to start a war.

[At the moment, whoever this person is they seem to be keeping a low profile. The problem is that with Hydra that isn't entirely reassuring.

She remembers Zola's words, calling it a beautiful parasite.]

But there is someone here who has extremely sensitive information. Information that could compromise an enhanced assassin who has been stable.

[Semi-stable.]

That's a risk to Barnes and to anyone who might become his target.

[hypoxic]

I'm aware of the risks, Natasha. This isn't a new issue just because you've newly become aware of it. It's under as much control as it can be. Changing the balance would just give the agent in question reason to break our truce.

[deaddrop]

That's not reassuring.

[hypoxic]

It wasn't intended to be.

[ he sits a bit straighter. ]

One would imagine that you of all people understand the value of a kept secret. I hope you won't make me regret trusting you as much as I have.

[deaddrop]

Which is why you're here talking to me rather than Captain America right now.

[hypoxic]

An odd way to not be threatening. Shall I increase the frequency with which I look over my shoulder?

[deaddrop]

It's really not that complicated. I've kept quiet about it so far and I'm prepared to keep that up, but I need more than you've given me to keep this up.

I've had enough leaps of faith to last me a while.

[hypoxic]

I can't give you enough to identify the source. You have to know what kind of danger that would create.

[ He would have full access to the person he hates most if he were to slip out now. ]

I can't risk Jemma's wellbeing just because you're not satisfied.

[deaddrop]

I'm sure we can come up with something short of revealing your source's identity. Do you have some evidence that they're not an active threat?

[hypoxic]

Anecdotal. We've interacted at home. This person is a pragmatist. Dangerous, but only when provoked. There's a common enough dilemma here that there's nothing to gain by working against us.

[deaddrop]

That's tricky. If he's still Hydra and just looking for an opening, then there's no telling what he might do if he sees an opportunity.

[hypoxic]

There's no real support here. No armies and a very present group of Avengers. It's warning enough.

[deaddrop]

[Natasha cocks her head, raising her eyebrows. She's made her stance on this clear.]

Until the Mares come back. Or there's some other blow up that changes our perspective, messes with our heads. Next thing we know the head of Hydra is here and he has a hell of a weapon at his disposal.

[hypoxic]

You genuinely don't trust me to handle this, do you?

[deaddrop]

It's bigger than if I trust you.

[hypoxic]

I know the stakes. Right now, my hands are tied.

[deaddrop]

Also not reassuring.

[Natasha sighs, then takes another drink of water. She's been here long enough to have worked up a significant sweat.]

You're putting me in a very difficult situation.

[hypoxic]

Then let's set the professionalism aside for a moment.

[He leans closer, intent enough that he doesn't notice his towel sliding away from his chest and pooling in his lap.]

As a friend. I need this quiet. Jemma doesn't know. She can't know. He wants her dead, specifically.

[deaddrop]

[He really is not reassuring her.]

I had occurred to me you were protecting her. One way or another.

[hypoxic]

Then you understand why you need to let me handle this alone.

[deaddrop]

I still need something. Some kind of a fail safe.

[hypoxic]

What would possibly satisfy you, short of telling you who not to trust?

[deaddrop]

I just said, a fail safe. I need a way to know if things go wrong.

[hypoxic]

You think you wouldn't be the first one I'd come to?