Breathe

Part 4

JUNE'S POV 

I spend the night whispering the poems I used to write, most are short and incomplete, but they get me through the night. Natasha comes for me after breakfast, "Jeez June (I'm allowed to call you that right?) did you sleep at all?", she looks worried. "Not really I've learned something really cool though, did you know when everyone is asleep there dreams practically fill the air? It tastes soft and sweet.", she brushes her red hair behind her ear and smiles. "I've been trying to ask you, what do you want June? Do you want to stay or?" she's nervous, these are the strategies she's been taught. I turn away and start braiding my hair, "You're a survivor Romanoff, you adapt and find your way, you where raised to do so. So was I, I'm a killer, a soldier. If you get me in your little team I'll follow orders and kill for you as long as you don't loan me to random men.".Natasha turns around and gets her handcuffs <great Juniper you messed up again>, Juniper, Esther used to call me that. <Esther, you killed her, she loved you and you killed her. You Caroline Bellini, are not a monster, you are your mother. You are so much worse than a monster, the devil is nothing compared to you.> "Hey Bellini, if you're back from your little world I'd appreciate it if you could get your wrists into the damn handcuffs." Wow that was cold, I turn around and punch the wall with all the strength I posses then I turn around, smile sweetly and put my bleeding hand in the stupid handcuffs. 

NATASHA'S POV

The way June punches the wall if terrifying, the smile she gives me bone chilling <why do I always mess up?> . We walk to the office where Fury's standing behind a desk, Hill is standing by the door and a random agent sitting on another chair. "What happened with her Nat?", Hill whispers "I don't know Maria, asked the wrong question? Turned her into a ghost?", wow that was sharper than usual. June's hand is still bleeding "So Bellini, I ask questions, you answer and show us what you can do got it?". June nods "yes sir", "Is it true you're not fully in control yet?" "Yes sir", okay she's polite that's good. <why do I care?> "Bellini I want you to show us everything you can do on this agent, no funny business" Fury nods in the direction of the agent that now looks like he's going to faint. June smiles and uses her powers to get off the handcuffs, everyone is on edge, she's so incredibly powerful.  

JUNE'S POV

I walk over to the agent, touch his shoulder and focus on a happy memory. When I open my eyes my green bubble is already floating, it shows me a woman. The agents eyes fill with tears as we watch her dance, laugh and sing, she looks so happy.Then hell breaks loose and the whole field is blown up, her screams are terrifying. I stop it as soon as possible and apologize to the agent who just nods and leaves the room, empty. "I'm so so sorry, they really loved him and God I didn't know, I was so blinded. I'm sorry." Fury keeps asking questions and I answer. "Sir, if you want to I can show you one of my memories, to make it up", he looks at Hill <I knew she's the real boss!> and nods <this is your last opportunity June, you'll be okay>.  

The clearest memory I've ever made. A dark room, I can hear the other girls crying and the pain in my legs. A soft red light goes on and we start dancing, Esther is dancing next to me. She's beautiful and moves with such elegance, she floats, I was their best killer but she was their real Russian beauty. My feet are bleeding at this point, happy moments were rare but this is it. We float, 21 young girls, assassins, floating and balancing, fighting to stay alive. "Again!", I know what happens now, but I don't care, I can't stop. The room turns dark again, I'm begging to stop, but no one listens. His hands are cutting in my wrists to make me stay still, it hurts, everything hurts. If I wasn't crying earlier I'm definitely crying now, sobbing at this hideous memory. Screams, were those mine? Piercing pain in my stomach, stop it now, please? "You are made from marble, no one will ever break you Bellini", the pain is unbearable at this point, my screams and sobs fill the room. I glitch, everything is gone. Fury is sitting there, horror written all over his face, Maria Hill is crying softly and Natasha hides behind her though exterior. My hands are trembling and I'm crying silently <when did you get this weak June?>. "I hope you consider me." I make a little bow <you are a clean Agent X, no more feelings>, slide my wrists back into the handcuffs and walk to the door. In the elevator Natasha turns to me "Did it happen often?", her voice breaks "I'm guessing they never loaned you for those kind of activities?". She shakes her head "I'm so so sorry June". I shrug "I am made from marble Natasha, nothing can break me." her lips form a small smile "Right, you know it'd be okay if it does hurt you June. It's okay if you're not okay". I start crying very softly again, she gets it. "Also please call me Nat, I don't know what the decision is yet but I feel like I know you." I laugh through my tears, no one has ever cared like this for me. The silence that lies between us feels comfortable and warm, we both know where we came from, monsters are made not born. 

 "You should check on your girlfriend Nat, she looked pretty shaken.". Nat laughs as she closes my cell, I don't need a lot of time to see how the redhead in front of me loves Maria Hill.