ANTI-HERO [N. Romanoff × Female Reader]

Chapter Twenty-Five

The night was dark and silent as Y/n, now a trained and conditioned operative, slipped out of Valentina's compound. Clad in black tactical gear, she moved with the stealth and precision drilled into her by weeks of grueling training. Her mind was focused on the mission ahead, and the contained rage that Valentina had so relentlessly ingrained in her drove her every move.

The Avengers compound was a fortress of technology and security, but Y/n knew its vulnerabilities. Information fed to her by Valentina detailed the best points of entry and the schedule of the guards. She bypassed the perimeter defenses and slipped through a service entrance, her movements silent and efficient.

Inside, she moved like a shadow, her knowledge of the compound guiding her steps. She avoided the main hallways, sticking to maintenance corridors and unused rooms. Her objective was clear: gather intel and find a way to bring Natasha to her knees.

Y/n made her way to the operations room, where she hoped to find valuable information. As she was downloading data from a secure terminal, she heard footsteps approaching. She quickly hid behind a large server rack, her heart pounding.

The door opened, and Clint Barton entered, his sharp eyes scanning the room. He approached the terminal, noticing the active download.

"What the—?" he muttered, drawing his bow instinctively.

Y/n stepped out, her hands raised slightly. "Clint, wait. It's me."

Clint's eyes widened in shock. "Y/n? What the hell are you doing here?"

Y/n's mind raced, the training kicking in. "I escaped, now I'm here to help. Valentina's been planning something big, and I needed to get this information to stop her."

Clint frowned, lowering his bow slightly but still wary. "Natasha said you didn't trust us anymore. What's changed?"

Y/n hesitated, the conflicting emotions battling within her. "I realized I was wrong. I know I made a mistake."

Clint nodded, still cautious. "We need to get you to Natasha. She'll want to know you're here."

Y/n nodded, feigning agreement. "Lead the way."

Clint led Y/n through the compound, his presence a shield against suspicion. They reached Natasha's quarters, where she was reviewing mission reports. She looked up, surprise and relief flooding her features as she saw Y/n.

"Y/n!" Natasha exclaimed, rushing to embrace her.

Y/n stiffened at the contact, her mind screaming the mantra drilled into her by Valentina. So instead, she said,  "Nat," her voice steady, "we need to talk. Valentina's planning something, and I need your help to stop her."

Natasha pulled back, her eyes filled with concern. "Tell me everything."

Y/n began to relay the false information Valentina had given her, weaving a story designed to lure the Avengers into a trap. She described a fictitious weapons cache and a planned attack, the details vivid and convincing.

Natasha listened intently, her trust in Y/n overriding her suspicions. "We need to act fast. Clint, get the team together. We move out in ten." 

Clint nodded, leaving the room to gather the others. Natasha turned back to Y/n, her eyes filled with a mix of worry and serenity.

"I'm so glad you came back," Natasha said softly. "We'll stop Valentina together."

Y/n forced a smile, the conflict within her intensifying. "Yes, together."

The Avengers mobilized quickly, preparing for the mission based on Y/n's intel. Y/n stayed close to Natasha, her role as the insider guide ensuring she was always at the heart of the operation. They boarded the Quinjet, flying towards the location Y/n had provided.