KEEPER [N. Romanoff × Female Reader]

Chapter 26: Something New

The flight back to the compound was tense. You could feel the weight of the new information pressing down on everyone, especially on Natasha. She kept glancing your way, as if trying to read your thoughts, but you remained focused on the task at hand.

Once you arrived, you wasted no time. Everyone gathered in the briefing room, ready to debrief and plan the next steps.

"We need all the intel we can gather on the Red Room and any recent activities in Russia," you began, looking at your team. "Natasha, Clint, I need you two to dig into your contacts. Yelena, work with Fury to see what S.H.I.E.L.D. has on this."

"Got it," Natasha said, her voice steady.

"I'll see what I can find," Yelena added.

"Chase, you and Laura will handle security here. Make sure no one gets in or out without our knowledge," you instructed.

"Understood," Chase replied, while Laura nodded.

The team dispersed, each person diving into their assigned tasks. You retreated to your office, the weight of responsibility heavy on your shoulders. As you sifted through reports and old files, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were missing something crucial.

Hours passed, and the sun had long set when Natasha knocked on your door.

"Got a minute?" she asked, stepping inside without waiting for an answer.

"Of course," you replied, leaning back in your chair. "What did you find?"

"Not much we didn't already know," she admitted, sitting down across from you. "But there's something about those blueprints that bothers me."

"Me too," you agreed. "It's like she wants us to find them. But why?"

"To lead us into a trap?" Natasha suggested.

"Maybe," you said, rubbing your temples. "Or to distract us from something else."

"Either way, we need to stay vigilant," Natasha said firmly. "And you need to rest. You look exhausted."

"I'm fine," you waved her off. "We don't have time to rest."

"You're no good to us if you burn out," she countered, her eyes softening. "Just get some sleep. We'll pick this up in the morning."

Reluctantly, you agreed. Natasha was right. You needed to be at your best to figure this out.

But of course, you couldn't sleep. You tossed and turned in your bed for hours before you decided to step out of the comfort of your room and dragged yourself out into the dimly lit corridors of the compound.

The elevator dinged to a floor you didn't choose, and your head shot up to realize that a redheaded woman had stepped in. Her eyes were trained on you, giving you a once-over, taking in your figure leaning against the cold wall of the four-cornered tin box.

"Can't sleep?" you asked, watching her push the button to close the door but not selecting a floor number, assuming she was also going to where you would go.

"Just went for a run," she replied, and you took note of her slightly sweaty biceps.

You nodded in return, and she glanced at you with curiosity. "What?" you asked.

She turned, meeting your gaze. "Have you ever felt like you want to do something? Like try something new because you think you need it?"

Shrugging, "Sometimes, I think—" she hit the stop button of the lift. "Natasha, what are—"

Before you could finish, she cupped your face in her hands, her touch gentle but insistent. "Just let me do this," she whispered.

And then she kissed you.

It was soft at first, a tentative brush of her lips against yours, but it quickly deepened. All the tension, fear, and confusion melted away in that moment, replaced by the warmth and certainty of her kiss.

You responded instinctively, your arms wrapping around her waist as you pulled her closer. The kiss was a balm to your frayed nerves, grounding you in a way you hadn't felt in a long time.

When you finally broke apart, you were both breathing heavily, foreheads resting against each other. "You wanted to try that?" you mused, a ghost of a smile on your lips, while hers carried a sly smirk.

"Sometimes," she husked, making you shiver, which she noticed as she arched an eyebrow.

"Well, was it worth it?" Pulling away from her, you knew whatever her reply would be would make your cheeks burn, so you turned around just before and pressed the button she pushed before, and the lift started moving again.

"It was worth it. A bit shy, but I think I can change that," she answered, knowing full well that you were turning red.

"Is that a proposition, Miss Romanoff?" you quipped.

"I wouldn't call it a proposition or whatsoever; it would simply be an invitation," she quipped, making you playfully roll your eyes as the doors open and you stepped out of the lift.

Looking back at her, she stood still, looking back at you from the lift. "Then, I don't think that's a wise decision."

"Well, it's good then as it's not for you to decide," she replied just before the door closed, and you shook your head with a small smile while she gave you a confident half-smirk.

The next morning, the compound was buzzing with activity. Agents were coming and going, gathering intel and preparing for whatever lay ahead. You had sent a few trusted agents to Russia to follow up on leads, with strict instructions to report back daily.

As you were reviewing the latest reports, an encrypted message came through from one of your agents in Russia. You opened it, your heart pounding.

"Have located potential base. Sending coordinates. Awaiting further instructions."

You forwarded the message to Natasha and called a meeting.

"We have a potential lead on a base in Russia," you announced as everyone gathered. "I want daily reports from all agents on the ground. We can't afford any surprises."

"Understood," Natasha said, her eyes meeting yours with determination. "We'll get to the bottom of this."

"Good," you replied. "Everyone stay sharp. We can't let her stay one step ahead."