Whatever it Takes: Black Widow

Chapter 12

When they all reached Melina's house, the woman looked somber and almost sad, as if she couldn't believe that her family was right in front of her after 20 years. She had a gun in her hand, proper protocol for an experienced Widow.

"Honey, we're home," Alexei said softly with a smile on his face. He had always loved Melina and wasn't afraid to show it.

Natasha glanced at her adoptive mother, then back at Bruce while still holding onto his hand. She wasn't afraid to let Melina know that had someone in her life.

Melina led them into her house without a word, instantly going into Black Widow mode.

"Welcome to my humble abode," Melina said as they entered her house. "Make yourself at home. Let's have a drink."

Natasha let go of Bruce's hand and followed Melina to where she was heading. She watched as the older Widow opened the pantry cabinets to reveal weapons storage and other gadgets.

"Hey, no funny business," she said, not fully letting her guard down.

"I am putting away my weapon," Melina said as she put the gun up. Natasha knew she was going to alert the Red Room, which was part of why they were here. If Melina wasn't going to say anything, then the next best thing is bringing the Red Room to them.

Natasha turned her back to Melina and went to the kitchen.

"Are there any booby traps around here," Natasha asked Melina, her years of experience as a Widow never leaving her. "Anything we need to know about?"

"I didn't raise my girls to fall in traps," Melina said.

"You didn't raise us at all," Natasha snapped, still bitter over Melina's ties to the Red Room and not looking for her and Yelena.

"Oh, maybe so. But if you got soft, it wasn't on my watch."

Natasha looked at her, knowing that statement had everything to do with her leaving the Red Room and becoming an Avenger.

Melina and Natasha went into the dining room, where Bruce and Yelena were sitting across from each other playing rock, paper, scissors.

"Dr. Banner, I presume," Melina said as she walked into the room.

Bruce stood and shook her hand while replying, "Yes ma'am."

He pulled up a chair for Natasha as she sat then watched him sit back down next to her while Melina sat next to Yelena.

"So, you're dating Natasha?"

"Yes," he said while nodding a bit.

"Natasha, you chose well. A world-renowned scientist with 7 Ph.Ds."

"She's a scientist too," Yelena explained to Bruce.

"And I've followed your career with great interest," Melina said to Bruce. "Especially when I found out you and Natasha were together. It's been over one year, yes?"

Natasha glanced at her but didn't give away her surprise that Melina had been following her relationship with Bruce.

"Yeah, it's been a little over a year," Bruce answered while wringing his hands, then putting them in his lap.

Alexei could be heard grunting from the bathroom, but the women ignored him. The only one who glanced in that direction was Bruce until he looked back at Melina and the two of them fell into an easy scientific conversation while the elder Widow poured them all drinks.

Natasha looked ahead and smiled ever so slightly at the sight of Alexei in his Red Guardian outfit, remembering all of the times he put it on when she was a kid. He laughed in joy that it still fit as Melina made a comment about never washing it.