Budapest (Black Widow: Love is for Children)

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"There's not many people who can sneak up on me" Loki turned around. I stood near the doorway with my arms crossed, watching him expectantly.

"Thought you'd figure I'd come" I replied in monotone.

"After. After whatever tortures and fury can concoct, you would appear as a friend, as a balm. And I would cooperate."

I had no intentions of falling for his stupid games. So I cut to the chase:

"I wanna know what you've done with Agent Barton."

"I'd say I've expanded his mind." He gave me a smile, obviously amused.

Expanded? More like screwed. I thought. I felt hot anger burning from inside me. I took a deep breath to calm myself. I slowly walked closer to him.

"And once you've won... Once you're king of the mountain..." I started, my voice dripped with sarcasm, "What happens to his mind?"

"Oh... Is this love Agent Romanoff?" He smirked

My posture noticeably stiffened.

"Love is for children, I owe him a debt." I said bitterly.

Love is bullshit; I reminded myself. Love is not real, just something people fantasize about to make themselves happier. I focused my attention back to Loki who was grinning like a fool.

"Tell me." He challenged.

I thought for a second. Then I walked a few steps back and took a seat on the railings.

"Before I worked for S.H.I.E.L.D. I... uh... well... I made a name for myself. I have a very specific skill set. I didn't care what I used it for... or on."

Loki looked fascinated, like a child hearing the most exciting bedtime story.

"I got on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s radar in a bad way. Agent Barton was sent to kill me." I forced the lump back down my throat, "He made a different call."

"And what would you do if I vowed to spare him?" Loki asked

"Not let you out-"

"Oh but I like this." Loki stood up, "You're world in balance and you bargain for 1 man?"

"Regimens fall everyday. I tend not to weep over that-I'm Russian. Or I was..." I tried to sound nonchalant

"And what are you now?" he asked

I realized he was prying me for information, stalling me.

"It's really not that complicated." I said ignoring his question, "I got red in my ledger; I'd like to wipe it out."

"Can you? Can you wipe out that much red?"

My mind searched for an answer.

"Drakov's daughter, Sao Paulo, the hospital fire?"

My heart raced. How did he know?

"Barton told me everything." As if he read my mind, he continued, "Your ledger is dripping, it's gushing red, and you think saving a man no more virtuous than yourself will change anything? This is the basest sentimentality. This is a child at prayer... PATHETIC! You lie and kill in the service of liars and killers. You pretend to be separate, to have your own code, something that makes up for the horrors. But they are a part of you, and they will never go away..."

I swallowed another lump that had formed in my throat.

"No!" He slammed the Plexiglas that separated us. I fell a step back, "I won't touch Barton. Not until I make him kill you! Slowly, intimately, in every way he knows you fear! And when he wakes, he'll have just enough time to see his good work, and when he screams, I'll split his skull!"

I turned around so I couldn't see his face. SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP! I didn't want to hear anymore.

"This is my bargain, you mewling quim!" He growled

"You're a monster..." My voice cracked

"Oh no" he chuckles, "You brought the monster..."

Bingo...

"So, Banner, that's your play." I turned around. Loki looked shocked.

"What?' he asked obviously surprised.

"Loki means to unleash the hulk." I spoke into my microphone; he microphone that had monitored this entire conversation. "Keep Banner in the lab I'm on my way. Send Thor as well."

"Great work Natasha." Director Fury replied. I shut my headset off

"Thank you," I said facing Loki, "For your cooperation."

Then I walked out the door leaving Loki trying to understand what had just happened.

When I was out of earshot I turned my headset back on again.

"Romanoff?" Fury asked

"Here sir." I asked speed walking down the hall.

"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with Loki. It was quite a performance you gave."

"Thank you sir."

"Too good in fact." I prayed he wouldn't say what he did next, "I think Loki got under your skin this time."

I hesitated

"Natasha?" he asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine sir. Nothing Loki said to me had any effect. It was all just part of the act."

He gave an unsatisfied grunt but he did not carry on.