BLACK & RED | NATASHA ROMANOFF X READER | MARVEL

26

A/N:
Very sorry for being inactive! The summer passed me by and I just started school so I've been pretty busy, but I'm back! Here's chapter 26 :)

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NATASHA ROMANOFF POV

I sit alone in Alana's bedroom, staring at the spot where she used to lie. I have no idea where she is. Far away, I assume.

It's been a few days since she left, and I can't shake the feeling of emptiness, like I'm missing a piece of myself.

I know I should get up and do something, anything to break this cycle of despair. I haven't showered in days, I haven't changed out of my pajamas, and I haven't eaten anything substantial since Alana left.

With a tremendous effort, I force myself to sit up on the edge of the bed.

I shuffle across the room to the bathroom, and I finally reach the shower. I turn on the water, hoping the scalding hot spray will somehow wash away the despair and guilt.

I drove her away. It's my fault.

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I see Tony in the kitchen, working on some project or another. He glances up from his work and spots me standing there like a zombie. He notices my state and the dark circles under my eyes, and the concern is clear in his expression.

He sets down his tools and approaches me. "Nat?" he questions. "I haven't seen you in days."

I look up at him, my eyes bleary and lifeless.

He studies my face for a moment, taking in the visible signs of my despair. "You don't look so good," he says gently, his voice filled with genuine worry. "Have you been taking care of yourself?"

I shake my head, not even bothering to put on a brave facade. I have no energy to hide the pain I'm in.

Tony seems taken aback by my blunt answer.

"Alana?" he echoes, a hint of surprise in his voice. "Is everything alright between you two?"

"We broke up. And she decided to skip town rather than face me." I lie. I mean, it was a half-truth.

Tony's eyes narrow a little bit, studying my face as if trying to read the truth in my expression. The last thing I need is him digging into the details of how much of that is true, so I plaster on a neutral expression.

"I see," he says slowly, a hint of disbelief in his tone. "That's... not good. Do you know where she went?"

I shrug. "No idea," I reply, maintaining my composure. "She's probably already halfway across the world by now."

"You know," he begins, his voice softer now, "you can talk to me, Nat. I'm not here to judge, just to listen."

His words hit a nerve, and for a brief moment, my resolve almost crumbles. I want to tell him everything, let it all out and seek his advice and support. But the thought of speaking the truth aloud, of putting my pain and guilt into words, is almost too much for me to bear. So I shake my head, avoiding his gaze.

"I appreciate that," I mumble, my voice low and distant. "But I don't really feel like talking about it right now. Just... give me some space, okay? And don't bother looking for her, either."

Tony looks at me with a mix of disappointment and understanding. He knows he won't make any progress by pushing too hard.

He takes a step back, giving me a bit of space. "Alright. I get it."

I nod, giving him a small smile.

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As the days blend into weeks, and the weeks into a month, I find myself stuck in a cycle. I spend my days training, trying to work off the anger and pain that plagues me, but it's a futile attempt. No amount of physical exertion can erase the emotional torment I feel within. I've been hurt many times, but never like this.