Another busy day at the S.H.I.E.L.D Training Facility, Maria was busy as usual. She might as well be working in the Triskelion or the Hub. Honestly, it was like the rest of S.H.I.E.L.D was totally incompetent without her. Even the Director himself would be lost without her, what would he ever do without her? She was his rock, his advisor, his non biological daughter.
She just about had enough at the end of her last session, Maria had offered to cover for Agent May and train the new set of recruits. May had to leave for an urgent mission in Bahrain, she wouldn't be back for a while. Maria didn't mind, she liked the training facility. However, It was in that moment when she realised why May complained so much, it was as if these adults were giant children. She laughed at the thought, a rather new agent came to mind. Romanoff was definitely a big child, but at least she knew her left from right unlike these rookies.
Maria had hit the showers shortly after the long lesson in the gym, they were only sparring but one of her men slipped up during the tutorial she was giving and accidentally decked her near her eye. Of course, she didn't complain but she did give him her 'make a mistake like that again and I will personally destroy you' commander glare. It was definitely going to bruise.
Maria enjoyed working in the Training Facility, most days she was stationed at the New York Head Quarters dressed in smart casual attire holding some sort of Ipad or computer. The training facility allowed her to be a bit more low key and dress how she'd usually dress at home. Just a tank top, Shield issued jacket and military grade cargos. Maria had always been like that, 'low effort'. She used to be outcasted as a child for not wearing cute pink skirts or a stupid flowery top alongside carrying a handbag and lipstick. She always felt more comfortable when she was in jeans and no make up. She'd take working at the Training Facility over the Triskelion any day.
As soon as she was dressed and out of the shower she made her way to her office, she hadn't bothered drying her hair. No one was going to see her anyway, only the future agents of S.H.I.E.L.D trained here it wasn't like she'd bump into Tony Stark or anything.
Maria pushed open her office doors and was surprised what she found inside. It was Agent Romanoff fast asleep on her couch, her fiery red hair sprawled all over the cushions and face. It was almost adorable. Maria was surprised Natasha hadn't woken up when she walked it, Natasha had freakishly good senses. Maria stood there awkwardly, her wet hair dripping onto her shirt, it was her office for god sakes why was she being so weird? And why was she suddenly so self conscious? 'God Hill, get a grip' she told herself.
She cleared her throat hoping to wake the Russian up but it didn't work, under closer inspection she noticed the make shift bandage on the red heads ankle and the light bruise on her arm. Maria imagined the Spy had just got back from a mission, but why did Natasha choose to come here of all place. Surely she should be at the MedBay? Sure they'd become close, maybe even friends. And, yes they did share some flirty banter every now and then but Natasha never came to Maria's office.
Maria thought about letting the Russian sleep a little longer, she clearly needed it. Maria made her way to her desk and pulled out her computer to do some work. Ever now and then glancing over to the red head, to make sure she was okay.
About an hour had passed and Maria was snapped out of her work state trance by the sound of some one stirring, the red head eyes opened instantly and she flew to sit up. She looked panicked, as if she'd had a bad dream. Maria balled her hands into fists feeling absolutely helpless watching the Russian struggle. Maria wanted to run over and just hold her and tell her it was fine and that she was safe but she didn't want to over step.
Natasha soon calmed herself down and became aware of Maria behind the desk, she schooled her features perfectly.
"Oh, hey there Hill" Natasha smirked as if she didn't just have some sort of panic attack five seconds previously.
"Hi" Maria answered sweetly, almost smiling. Maria didn't even bother to ask Natasha why she was in her office because she truly didn't mind. She knew Natasha does whatever she wants and who was Maria to stop her?
"I just came back from a mission, it went FUBAR. Clint was talking my ear off when we got back and so I looked for a place to hide from him and those god awful medics" Natasha began explaining herself, Maria just nodded along to her every word taking in everything she said. She had suspicions about the red head hating the MedBay and Natasha had just confirmed it for her unknowingly.
"Anyways, I just thought what is one place no one would dare to go? And boom, no one would mess with the future Director of SHIELD! She's legit got an office in every single SHIELD building, both official and unofficial" Natasha finished, Maria laughed. Although, Natasha wasn't wrong Maria really was the best Agent they had and she knew Nick was going to ask her to be commander soon. Maria wondered if Nick would ever appoint her as Director when he retires.
"Romanoff, I don't know what you're on about. There are no 'Unofficial' buildings" Maria deadpanned.
"Sure thing babe, there's deffo not one in England or anything" the red head rolled her eyes, she discovered a lot of secret SHIELD facilities a while ago. It was quite unnerving thinking about how Romanoff knew so much.
"That's above your clearance level" Maria raised an eyebrow jokingly before adding "And, I'm not your babe"
"Not yet anyway" Natasha replied, Maria almost choked. She knew Natasha was only teasing her, that's just what the red head does. Natasha likes to play games, especially with her.
"very funny Romanoff" Maria brushed the comment off.
"Maria, if you wanna date me just say. I mean, actually letting me sleep in your office? God, lets skip the dinner and go straight for dessert" Natasha joked, pulling a shocked face.
"Wouldn't you like that" it was Maria's turn to throw the red head off guard, Natasha's face blushed. She seemed to struggle for a response, so Maria put her out of her misery.
"I was thinking chocolate cake, Romanoff. Why? Did you have something better planned?" Maria played the innocent card, she knew exactly what she was insinuating.
"Oh, me too." Natasha lied. "God Hill, get your mind out of the gutter!" Natasha recovered. Maria just shook her head, still smiling.
"I've got work to do" Maria stated, Natasha's smiled dropped. "But, you can stay here. You'll just have to be quiet" Maria added, Natasha's smile came back.
"I'm always quiet Hill" She grinned.
"Right" Maria snorted.
