BLACK & RED | NATASHA ROMANOFF X READER | MARVEL

17

TW: Violence
—————————

The Quinjet touched down with a gentle thud several hours later, and the team quickly began gearing up. I checked and re-checked my gear, feeling the familiar weight of weapons and equipment. Nat stood nearby, strapping on her own gear.

Steve called out the final instructions, his voice firm and commanding. "Okay, everyone remember the plan. Stealth and speed are key. We get in, we get the agents, we get out. No screwing around. They might have bark and bite, but you all know what to do."

We all nodded our agreement, our expressions serious and focused. We knew what was at stake, and we were ready to do what needed to be done.

Steve signaled for us to move out, and we filed out of the Quinjet, heading toward the dark, imposing structure that was our target. We moved silently, relying on the cover of darkness to keep us hidden. The base was eerily quiet, a contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of activity during the day.

The first phase of the mission went smoothly. We infiltrated the base, slipping through the shadows and avoiding detection. We were careful and methodical, using every bit of skill and training we had to keep the mission covert.

As we made our way toward the target zone, I couldn't help but feel a sense of tension building. This was the riskiest part of the mission, and we all knew it. One wrong move, and the whole base would go on high alert.

We reached the target zone, and Steve signaled for us to go in. The agents were there, just as we expected. They looked up as we entered, their expressions a mixture of relief and fear as we held them all at gunpoint.

My expression looked about the same. I had recognized a few of these faces, meaning they surely recognized me too.

Before they could say anything, we signaled for them to remain silent. We quickly began gathering their information and any equipment they might have.

I knew they wanted out. When I was in their position, I did.

Time was of the essence, and we needed to get out of there before the base became aware of our presence.

We were almost done when Nat suddenly tensed beside me. Her eyes were fixed on something to the left, and her hand tightened on her weapon.

Immediately, I moved closer to her, my body on high alert. I followed her line of sight, but saw nothing. But I trusted her instincts, and knew if she was tense, there was a reason why.

Before I could ask her what she was seeing, the door burst open. A group of soldiers stormed in, weapons raised. We were outnumbered and caught off guard. But we didn't have time to think, only react.

As we fought, I heard someone shouting something about rigged bombs in Russian. I felt my stomach drop, realizing we had underestimated the base's security measures. The soldiers must have been given orders to blow the place if they were attacked.

Half the team didn't understand what he said, but Nat and I sure did.

"Everybody down!" I yelled.

Everyone scattered, taking cover behind what they could. I dove behind a stack of crates, my heart racing. My spot was safe. I knew the stability in the corner was the best possible place I could have got to quickly.From my position, I could see Nat ducked behind some heavy machinery and Steve covering him and Bucky with his shield.

Suddenly, the lights flickered and the base shuddered as if something massive had detonated far below. The explosion was powerful enough to shake the floor beneath our feet. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as the base began to shake violently. The soldiers' expressions changed from aggression to fear, their orders forgotten in the face of the imminent danger.