Just Him&I: In a Universe of Cruelty

Part 17

Do what you fear most and you will find freedom.

I was sitting in an interrogation room: dark walls, a large rectangular table. A light fixture to my right, something like a mirror. But I know it's not real, just a window disguised as a mirror.
Across from me sat a dark-skinned, older woman. She was writing something on a sheet of paper, carefully watching what she was noting down. The table trembled and bent from her movements.

— Your full name — she said, looking at me. Large, transparent glasses. Blonde hair with streaks of gray. Everything hinted at her stressful job.

— Berest Mariya — I said and glanced away at my hands. The light flickered from time to time.

— Date of birth — her voice was rough as gravel and unpleasant. I didn't know why, but I felt disgust toward her. What it was connected to, who knows.

— March 23, 1993 — I tapped my fingers nervously, waiting for further actions.

— Nationality? —

— Half American, half Ukrainian — I didn't know when this would end. I didn't even know when it began. I lost track of time a long time ago. With no windows in the room, I couldn't figure out what time of day it was.

— Alright — she studied me before finally saying it. She removed her glasses, rubbing the bridge of her nose.

— You're in serious trouble — she stated and walked away. This didn't calm me at all, and I continued sitting motionless.
I heard footsteps coming closer and closer to the door. Firm and quite loud. Maybe a man's, I thought, without raising my head.

— No one wants to put you in prison. — said an unfamiliar voice somewhere behind me. The door slammed shut, leaving silence as part of the room's decor. My hands were cuffed. I sat in a chair, with no one around, but someone had decided to disturb this.

— Who are you? — I asked, as a figure stepped into the light. A man with a black patch over one eye. Bald, dark-skinned, in a black cashmere coat. I looked him over, trying to remember if I'd ever seen him before. But my mind refused to respond, signaling — "You don't know him."

— Nick Fury. Miss Berest. — he moved a chair across from me and sat. I squinted, waiting for his next move. After I was arrested, I felt incredibly guilty in front of Steve for lying to him so much. But it was a precaution, both for me and for him.
The oppressive silence, then the noise from my words. Fear, confusion, and amazement in the eyes of James, Steve, the judge, and everyone else present — I will never forget it.

— What do you want from me? — I didn't take my eyes off him. He licked his lips, smiled at me, and continued.

— Understand, Mariya, I mean you no harm. I'm here to save you from prison. — the smile disappeared from his face, and he watched me intently. The air grew tense and cautious. I leaned back in my chair.

— It's all too simple, don't you think? — I remarked.

— It seems, you'll need to do something. Sign papers and work for S.H.I.E.L.D. We need to be sure you don't want to continue what your father was doing. And I promise you, tomorrow you'll be free. Almost..! — my thoughts were tangled. Arguing over whether to agree or not. Could he be from Rumlow — only God knows. And if it turns out to be true, I'll never escape from there. It would be the second circle of seven hells. One on which I would certainly die, without experiencing the others.

— Our time is up. The final word is yours. — he was rushing me. Pushing me hard to decide.
But if I'd already done what I did. What could be worse?
There could be something worse, and I know it. But I don't know what that worse could be.

— What guarantees? — my words sounded very quiet; I could barely make out what I was saying.

— None. I think my word is enough for you if you've already made up your mind. — he replied. And that didn't reassure me in the least.

— Your time is up..! — shouted the guard from outside. I remained silent, covering my face with my hands. I could no longer trust anyone, nothing, and no one. He stood up quickly and headed toward the exit.

— I agree! — it was a scream. A real scream that I no longer hid. I clenched my hands into fists, leaving crescent-shaped nail marks. They were red, almost bleeding. But I felt no pain. I had cooked this stew myself. And I would eat it myself. I hoped that at least I had saved him. James...

— I'll come tomorrow — he added, and hurriedly exited the door.
My body trembled as if shocked by electricity. My heart was beating wildly, pounding in my temples. I wondered if I had done the right thing by trusting him. My insecurity was eating me from the inside.

The next day, I was ready. I had nothing to pack, after all. I was (and would no longer be) not in prison yet, only in a temporary cell, in my own clothes with my own belongings. I didn't know what time it was when the same man I saw yesterday burst into the room. The one to whom I entrusted my whole life. Maybe what was left of it — large shards. Shards of glass that could cut you.
I felt cold sweat creeping to my forehead.
He handed me two sheets of printer paper with a large amount of text. At the bottom was a blank line. Without thinking, I grabbed a pen and signed, both on one paper and the other.

— Not even going to read it..? — Fury was surprised. But I said nothing. Waiting, I looked at him and put the pen on the table, so loudly that I almost broke it. Either the table or the pen. I waited for the handcuffs to be removed.
He nodded toward the guard, who unfastened them. I rubbed my wrists, where red marks remained.

— Welcome to S.H.I.E.L.D. — he extended his hand, and I shook it uncertainly. My hands trembled slightly in anticipation.

— I have one more question. — he looked at me in surprise. And gave a nod of agreement.

— James, he... — I couldn't finish the sentence before he interrupted me.

— He was pardoned by the government. He also works for S.H.I.E.L.D. now and is seeing a therapist. You'll be able to see him when we arrive. — I felt peace in my soul. I restrained myself from laughing. I really didn't understand what I felt for him.
But I was immensely happy that everything was fine.