Rough Night

Chapter 1

  You're just about to crawl into bed when a hesitant knock sounds at your door. Confused at who it would be at this hour you go to open it, revealing Natasha. She stands there in her cozy pajamas, her long hair flowing past her shoulders and a shy smile on her face.

"Hi detka(baby)." She practically whispers between the two of you

You smile, "Hey baby. Everything ok?" You ask, true you'd been dating for a few months but it was unlike her to show up at such a late hour and without texting first.

Her brows furrow slightly as she nervously chews her bottom lip. Instinctively, your one hand cups her cheek to provide comfort. She leans into your touch, enjoying the peace your presence always gives her.

She sucks in a shaky breath, "Can I sleep in here with you tonight?"

You attempt to hide your surprise at her question, not wanting to throw her off at your reaction. You felt it was an important moment, she hadn't spent the night yet and though you never pushed her to stay or tell you why she wouldn't, you did long for her to want to stay. To be there when you awoke, to share in cuddles and lazy kisses with you.

Natasha shifts nervously at your silence, though it was only a few seconds long. It felt like an hour to her in her current headspace. She worries you'll turn her away, though her rational mind knows better.

"Of course you can Tasha." You answer, moving to the side so she can step inside

She hesitates to move past the first few feet into your room until she hears you shut the door. To ease her nerves you grab her hand, lacing your fingers with hers before bringing her knuckles to your lips to place kisses along her knuckles. She gives you a soft smile as you lead her over to the bed. She separates from you only to get into her side of the bed.

You get into your side, watching as your girlfriend gets comfortable. "You ok for me to turn out the light?" she nods so you turn it off before settling in next to her

A smile spreads across your face when you feel her cuddle into your side, her arm draping across your waist and her head nuzzled into the crook of your neck. "Is this ok?"

You kiss the top of her head, "Mmm, perfect."

Though you can't see it due to the angle and the darkness, her eyes glance up at you and a smile spreads on her face at your reply. She's still hesitant about this, she doesn't want to scare you. But she always felt safe in your arms so with as bad as her nightmares have been this week she simply wanted to be near you.

A few minutes pass and she can sense your breathing even out, signaling you've fallen asleep. She holds you close before shutting her eyes, intent on following you into slumber.

You're awoken by the thrashing beside you, confused you turn the nightstands light on again. You look at your girlfriend to see her brows furrow as her limbs move about as if she was trying to escape an invisible presences grasp. A thin layer of sweat covers her as she mumbles "No, no"

Your heart hurts at hearing and seeing this. You knew her past, and knew this nightmare must be about her time in the Red Room. This must be why she's never spent the night before, afraid to let herself be seen in such a vulnerable position. You're glad she came to you tonight though, now you could be there for her.

Carefully you place your hand on her shoulder, shaking gently, "Tasha, baby" The only response you get is her pulling away from you, a sob leaving her lips. You try again, a firmer grip on her shoulder and a firmer tone, "Natasha."

Before you can stop it or even comprehend what's happening her fist connects with your face before her eyes even open. As you fall backward she straddles you, her forearm pressing against your throat. Panic builds in your body as the ability to breath becomes harder, your hands squeeze her arms as your legs thrash.