"Seems like there's been a lot of storms lately," Natasha say softly, noncommittal. "Can't blame you if it keeps you awake."

She wonders, as she says that, how close she is to losing another friend because the circumstances revealed that she was hard—cold when it came to politics. Her history was what it was. Her skills were what they were.

Can't blame him if he judges.

But she hopes it won't come to that.

"Maybe we can chat about it a little more over dinner. After this blows over, and we've both had the chance to get some sleep."