Winter's Widow

Chapter 49

Natasha's pov:

We were all sitting on the couch watching a movie. A peaceful day so far. All was calm and well today. I hope it stays that way.

We're watching 'Anastasia'. I've always loved that story. A Russian princess who miraculously survived her murder and ran away. Her whole family was killed, but she escaped and moved on. In the movie, she returned and took her rightful place as Queen. In the real life story, she was never found. She never came back for the throne. Nowadays, little girls in Russia fantasize of being the lost princess Anastasia. A role model to little girls in Russia. Always one of my favorite stories as a child. I have the story memorized by heart. In the red room, I used to tell that story to the other little girls at night sometimes. It was always the best part of the day. I clench my fist and dig my nails into my palm. Seeing this movie doesn't exactly bring back memories I'm fond of. Having Clint all cuddled up at my side makes me feel a little better about it though. Her story reminds me of my own. My family died, but I barely survived. I was left all alone, with no family left. I later survived what was supposed to be my end a second time, and I used this third chance wisely. I was reborn. I decided to learn, and take my rightful place as the Black Widow. She wears a crown, I wear an hourglass. Free from Hydra and the KGB.

Bucky on my other side grabs my hand and squeezes it. My palm stings, but the cool metal feels nice against the cuts. I squeeze his hand in return. I wrap my other arm around Clint in a sort of hug. He gets the idea and wraps his arm around me in return.

...

Once the movie is over, everyone starts heading to their rooms. It's 11:30. I start lazily walking to my room when a hand on my shoulder stops me. I turn around to Clint.

"You ok?" He whispers.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Are you?" I ask.

"Yeah, it's just that... You hugged me." He narrows his eyes.

"Yeah. I can't hug a friend?" I smile at his worry.

"I mean... Alright. Goodnight." He sighs reluctantly.

"Night." I turn back around and head towards my room again.

As I'm opening the door, I feel a hand on my shoulder again. Can I just go to bed?

"What, Barnes?" I sigh and turn to him.

"You say you're fine..." He doesn't finish his sentence.

"And I'm right." I take his hand off my shoulder.

He grabs my hand and looks at the punctures I made in my palm with my nails.

"Sure about that?" He doesn't take his eyes off the cuts.

"Positive." My voice goes dark.

"Was it the movie, or something else?" He asks.

I don't answer, only stare at him. He looks me in the eyes.

"So the movie?" He guesses.

"I didn't say anything." I furrow my eyebrows.

"Exactly." He says.

I rip my hand out of his and enter my room. He follows closely behind. He shuts the door so nobody hears our conversation.

"...I'm tired, James." I sigh.

"And I'm concerned." He returns the sigh.

"Don't be. Let me go to bed, and all will be well tomorrow morning." I tell him.