True Love Never Runs Smooth (Natasha Romanoff)

Chapter 9

Wanda and I are currently sparing. She is making me go light because of my concussion and because Bruce said I still have to wait another week. Wanda threw a light punch at me which I easily blocked and then swiped my leg at her to take her feet out but she used her magic before she could hit the ground. Cheater.

"Ease up Naomi, I shouldn't have to tell you this every day."

Of course, Natasha walked in when I finally decided to make a move against Wanda. She has been here every day, watching me train, to make sure I don't go too hard. But she wasn't supposed to be here today so I was confused.

"Bruce said he's ready to take your stitches out."

I gave her a nod and was getting ready to start again with Wanda but she stood there waiting with an impatient look.

"Now."

I let out a huff but nonetheless listened to her and made my way to the door but not without Wanda shouting a good luck.

Natasha and I walked side by side to the medical wing and I was starting to feel a little intimidated walking beside her. Her strides were long and powerful, making it difficult for me to keep up. I don't know how someone could manage to radiate so much dominance by just walking but she managed to.

When we made it to the medical wing, I saw Bruce cleaning a pair of forceps and surgical scissors. I sat down in the chair beside him and patiently waited for him to get started.

As he started to get closer to my face, I gulped nervously. Natasha took notice and came to stand beside me and took my hand. Before I had time to dwell on it, Bruce started to take out the first stitch. I was praying to whoever would listen that this wouldn't scar, I already had plenty, and one on my face is something I don't need.

When he finished up on my face, Natasha let go of my hand as I sat up to check out my face. To my relief, there was no scar. I went to Bruce and hugged him while giving him my thanks. I then left to go to my room and shower.

Once I made it to my room, I took my shirt off and threw it into the corner of my room. I'll get it later. As I started to make my way towards my bathroom, I felt a presence behind me. I quickly turned around and saw Natasha staring at my body with soft eyes.

"Why were you so scared to get your stitches out?"

I sighed and sat down on the bed. She opted to stay standing.

"Well as you can see my whole body is littered with scars and other marks. My face is the only part of my body that doesn't have one. I'm scared it'll make me a monster if my whole body is covered like I'm Frankenstein or something."

"Naomi, all these marks don't make you a monster. The people that did this to you are monsters."

Natasha spoke with such sincerity it made my heart feel oddly warm. She then continued with a question.

"How come I never saw you in the red room?"

"I was sent there, by my father after you escaped. I must say you made an excellent escape but they were much harsher after you left."

"How?" Natasha asked with confusion.

"We barely had any time to sleep, it was always train or dance. We were only allowed one meal a day. They started to allow more male guards and if they took advantage of you, you just had to shut up and take it. Somehow I made it to the top, which meant I was always pushed harder. They would always refer to me as the next Black Widow and I was always being compared to you. Then when they heard about the whole Winter Soldier project, they decided to make me part of it so I could be better than you. And the whole shock torture thing was just a fail-safe in case I tried to escape. Seven years later I was on a mission but I came across Fury and Hill and they were able to get me out of my trance and set me free. It took time to adjust to being able to control myself and being able to make my own choices. I moved to Chicago and started my own life until a year later, Fury was in my home. I guess you know the rest from there."

When I looked up to meet Natasha's eyes, they were soft and filled with concern. She then started to walk towards me and did the most unthinkable thing, she hugged me. I was frozen, I didn't know what to do. 

"I know we hate each other but please just hug me back."

I did as told and Natasha gave me a slight squeeze in approval. Her scent started to take over my senses. I loved how it smelled like vanilla but also more masculine. I started to relax more into her hold until I felt her start to pull away.

When her arms dropped from around me, she just stared into my eyes. They looked conflicted like she was fighting something, she then sighed and left my room, leaving me to myself to go shower.