Songs From Siberia

Roses

Chapter Inspiration: Roses, The Chainsmokers ft Rozes (Vitamin String Quartet)

Natasha never forgot the first time he kissed her.

From the first time their eyes had locked, there had been a tension between them; as though they were waiting for something terrible or wonderful to happen. As it turned out, it was both.

Natalia couldn't help but be drawn to him. The Nameless Soldier. There was something beneath those dangerous blue eyes, and Natasha endeavored to find out what it was.

-

They'd been at the beach, the first time Natalia kissed him. It was early September. They were waiting for their target to pass, so they could plant some intel. He was going to be a while.

She had suggested they get something to eat; he chose cotton candy and she chose ice cream. Somewhere along the line, she'd slipped he hand in his.

She'd break a few pieces off from his cotton candy, and eventually he accepted some of her ice cream. As they walked along the sea front, it occurred to Natalia that this was the most relaxed she'd ever known The Soldier to be on a mission- although he seemed deep in thought for most of it.

Finally, Natalia spotted the target approaching. She turned back to The Soldier, and noticed he had some ice cream on his bottom lip. Natalia bit back a giggle, before reaching up and kissing it away.

It was a gentle kiss. Gentle and unexpected. It lasted a few moments longer than it should have.

"<The target? >" He asked, looking at anything but her.

"<It's done. >" Natalia replied simply.

The damage was definitely done.

Natalia was always surprised by how soft The Soldier's lips were on hers. After that day on the beach, Natalia kissed him whenever an opportunity presented itself. He never protested. But he didn't kiss her back, either.

Sometimes she kissed him to see the puzzled expression on his face, although sometimes he looked lost and confused. Occasionally he would smile.

It was late spring, but a cold winter wind still lingered. They'd been sent to a remote palace 90 miles south of Belarus. It was a simple drop off mission.

The drive had been long, and they were both quiet people, but they'd found that conversation came easily between them, when they chose.

Natalia pulled her coat closer to her, as they approached a long driveway.

They had both had to be unusually smart for this mission. Natalia gathered that their clients were very traditional. The Soldier had even shaved.

When she had remarked on him being dressed like a chauffeur, he had smiled. She was sure he was wearing a suit and tie, beneath his long black coat, and grey scarf. He wore black leather gloves on both hands, and his shoes had been polished. He looked very handsome, Natalia thought. Almost Russian.

Natalia, on the other hand, was undoubtedly Russian, in her white shapka and fur coat that covered a midnight blue winter dress. The Soldier didn't remark on her attire, but she could tell he liked what he saw.

After another 30 minutes passed, they eventually pulled up in front of the main entrance. There were already three cars parked, and the door was open.

Natalia looked at The Soldier for some kind of reassurance, as they approached the steps. The Soldier gave a nod of encouragement, and they went in.