The Torn Soldier: The Untold Story

Daydreaming.

Karolina watched Natasha with the kids with a soft smile before following Laura, grabbing the bag. She stopped after a few steps and looked back at Clint.

"Karolina." She held out her hand as Clint hesitated. He looked over at Nat, who shot him a glare. "Clint." He shook her hand.

Karolina gave him a small nod before continuing to follow Laura into the house.

Laura gave her a whole tour and ended with the room her and Natasha would be staying in.

Natasha had always come over when time allows, some details filled with her around the room.

Laura pointed around, showing her where the closet and bathroom were as Karolina placed their bag on the bed.

Laura stopped for a moment and noticed Karolina stayed still and quiet.

"Would you be more comfortable in the other room?"

"No, no, this is fine. Thank you." She turned to Laura, "For the hospitality. Truly. I appreciate it." Laura touched her shoulder with a warm smile, "You know, I have a good feeling about you."

It wasn't unknown that Laura was more open minded to the whole situation of letting Karolina come with Nat. Clint still had his guard up but no one could blame him, especially not Karolina.

Karolina gave her a soft smile as her gaze fell to the floor.

"I'll let you settle." Laura walked to the door and was about to leave before she turned around. "Hey, I'm going to be starting dinner soon. I hope you're hungry."

Karolina nodded as she soon heard Laura go down the stairs.

It was incredible how sweet and compassionate Laura was. Especially to someone who had a known past now due to the files being out for all to see. Her warmth was enough to heal the shattered soldier in so many ways. It had been so long since she received such gentle and heartwarming hospitality.

Karolina took off her leather jacket and placed it over the bag before going into the restroom to wash her hands.

She pulled off the sweater and took a deep breath while looking in the mirror. The image of the muzzle over her mouth passed her eyes as she shook the image away. Karolina closed her eyes before leaning down and washing her face.

She dried her face before putting on a short sleeve t-shirt over the tank top she already had on. She assumed Nat would still be with Clint outside as she decided to go into the kitchen to see if Laura would like some assistance.

"Hey." Karolina spoke softly as to not startle Laura. The woman turned around with a smile, "Hey!"

"Want some help?"

"I'd love that." Laura smiled and welcomed her in.

"So what's her story?"

"Clint.."

"Tasha."

Natasha sighed before telling him, "She protected me in the Red Room." Nat said the last part softly before going on. Her eyes looked over the grass and forest surrounding the house. "She served in the war with Steve and knew him back in the 40s. You know the rest... look, we have a past. Can you just- "

Clint nodded, "Yeah."

He was still so unsure of Karolina, it was the same with the Winter Soldier. Only she had a lot more missions and experience. He didn't know her triggers, how long it had been since she has had control, how they controlled her. He didn't want to put the kids in danger but he remembered what Laura told him. "She was taken advantage of and hasn't had a safe space since before this century. If no one gives her a chance how will she get any better if no one gives her the opportunity?"