He didn't have doubt of her affection, no. Great doubts about this being something they should do, yes. And even if the I want you sent a tingle down his spine - in an unexpected, unremembered kind of way - it was what she said before that which kept his focus. And made him reach to hold both of her hands in his.

"You're not afraid, no. But you will be." It wasn't a threat, but it was something she needed to hear. "You've drawn attention and you are getting moved to the fast track. The... advanced training. Anything you learn from now on will be dangerous if directed against us - they do not know just how much already," he would have smiled here, because that was his doing, except what he was saying was ... not a laughing matter. Nor a smirking one. "It means that if you fail, if they can not use you, there will be no parting of the ways. They will make sure you are eliminated.

"Too many secrets. Too many skills. You will need to focus on knowing how to pull through anything that they - that we - can throw at you. I shouldn't be a distraction."

It wasn't a command. It was a plea, the concern for her clear in his eyes. Clear and certain.

"And when they're done with the training..." It would get worse. Then she would see just how discardable even the most valued assets were, in the field. "Then it will get harder. The training is preparing you for what we'll be doing, but even the worst we do to you here won't compare to what you'll be facing out there. Natalia... Natasha. Please promise me you won't let me stop you still in your tracks. Whatever happens, keep moving. Forward, and on, and again. That is the only way to get through, and you need to remember this.

"Don't let me, this, us... don't let me weigh you down."

Because if she was gone, if he caused her to be taken down... what?

"Get down! Let go!"

"I can't!"

"Nooooo!"

He swallowed. "Promise me."