Shatter: A Marvel Fanfiction

Natasha

I don't recognize the number on the screen, but random people call me all the time with work information. I answer it thinking it was something from Nick Fury or something.

"This is Natasha."

A woman laughs on the other end. Not like a sweet laugh but an evil laugh. "So, I've finally found you. How are you, Natasha?" The voice sounds so familiar. "Are you alone?"

"Uh, hold on." I motion to Steve that I am going to take the call outside. He nods. When I am out the door I say "Yes. I am alone. Now who is this?"

"You really don't remember me? Your own roommate from the good old training days?" Her voice drips with sarcasm. "It's me, Romanoff. Ashley Porter."

Instantly I am plunged into dozens of memories. Memories of intensive training. Dancing. Fighting. Shooting. Killing. I don't let it show. "Of course. I remember. Why contact me now?"

"Because, Natasha, you are the best the Red Room had ever raised. We need you."

"We?"

"I forget. You have been disconnected from your friends for too long." I hate how she says the word "friends". "A bunch of the girls from our level joined the Russian Girls Assassin's League. We are taking down the world nation by nation under the leadership of HYDRA. I'm sure you will know them." She knows what Steve and I did. "I would like to extend an invitation to join with us again. You don't have to stand by the failed SHEILD. I will be in America in a few days. You can either join us or you can leave us, but if you do abandon your sisters, you'll more than likely die. As will your friends. You have a week to decide. Oh, and don't call this number back. I'll find you when I arrive."

I open my mouth, but it's too late. The phone clicks to tell me the call has been ended. I spend a few minutes outside trying to calm down. I was hoping to have any contact with the Red Room again. I didn't want to talk to anyone from there either.

I suddenly remember Steve sitting in there by himself. How long have I been out here? I walk back inside trying to look as calm as possible.

"What was that?" Steve asks.

"Nothing." I take a sip of my drink.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Please Steve. Please don't.

"Nat. You're crying."

"I don't cry."

"Come on. We've paid. Let's get out of here. Want to come to my place?"

I shake my head and wipe at my eyes. Sure enough, my face is wet. Crap. What is wrong with me? "I'm just gonna go home. I-I'll talk to you later."

I walk out of the restaurant as soon as I could. I feel bad for leaving him in there, but I don't think I could stand to be in there anymore. I need some space.

A million thoughts crawl through my brain. What did I just do to Steve? What will happen if I turn Ashley down? How did she find me? I am afraid of what could happen to the Avengers if I turn the League down, but I am also scared of what could happen if I joined. No doubt the Avengers will fight against them. I need to figure out a plan. I need to figure out what to do.