The Black Widow

The Man Who wouldn't Stay Dead

I walk home slowly trying to figure out what my next move should be.  I have never been nervous before. Sure there have been times that I haven't been feeling 100% confident but it was never nervousness. I have just done something I never dreamed that I would do.

 I questioned authority.

I have confronted them before but those confrontations were always very well thought out. This was impulsive and angry. Maybe I really am slipping. Why did I ever listen to that idiot?
And I have never turned down a job either. I didn't realize that it was an option until just then. When I get about halfway to my house it starts to rain.

"Great." I mumble and pick up speed. A little rain never hurt anyone but it is still very annoying. By the time I arrive home I am soaked. It's only ten in the morning and already I am having a horrible day. I unlock my door and step inside. I just stand there for a few minutes letting water drip down onto the ground.  I start to walk further into the house but am not sure which room to turn into to.

The bathroom for a warm shower and relaxation.

The bedroom for a change of clothes and maybe a suitcase. I could pack up, leave and never come back. I could leave all of this behind me.

Or I could leave things the way they are. I could go back tomorrow and apologize, accept the job.

I don't know what to do.

A completely new experience for me. I always have some kind if a plan or at least a part of a plan. I run my hand through my soaked hair tying to make a decision. Any decision will work I just need to choose.

I need to make up my mind.

Do I still trust them after everything they did?

Before I can reach a conclusion I hear something in the kitchen. A screeching sound like someone is moving a chair.

Someone is in my house and I am going to guess they don't have and invitation.

I take my gun out of its holster and switch the safety off. Chances are they already no I'm home.
I walk slowly down the narrow hallway to the kitchen. Slowly and silently. What if its Clint again? What of its just him and he wants to talk again?

The thing is I'm not sure I want to talk to him again. I don't need anyone pushing me to make a choice and that is exactly what he is doing. I jump out from my hiding place and point the gun. I originally planned to only take a quick glance at the intruder before I shoot them.

But then I see him.

The light brown hair carefully styled. The square jaw. The brown eyes wide in confusion and surprise. I don't drop the gun or at least not on purpose but my hands feel like spaghetti. It kind of just falls out. His eyes soften with recognition and his face lights up with a smile.

"Hello Nata-" He starts.

"Alexei!" I cry out and rush towards him. I wrap my arms around him and he does the same. I can't let go. I need to make sure he is real. I need to know that this isn't some wishful dream to give me hope when I have none. I breathe deeply taking him in. He smells like home.

"Hello Natalia." He whispers to me without letting go.

Reluctantly I release him and stare up at his face. "I thought you were dead. What happened?"

He shrugs and frowns, "I don't know. I woke up in a hospital room. They told me you had died. I didn't-" 

I shake my head angrily, "I can't believe that they did that again."

But that isn't really true. That sounds exactly like something They would do. They have no regard for my feelings in fact I think they would rather I not have any at all. Why am I only realizing this now? I stare into his eyes again but something feels a little off. Like he is staring at me but still not focused.