Are you Real?

Shadows and Promises

The first light of dawn filters through the window, casting a soft glow across the room where you lie sleeping. Natasha sits nearby, her eyes fixed on you, lost in thought. Yesterday's conversation with Scarlett lingers in her mind, merging with the disturbing remnants of her nightmare. The room is silent except for your labored breathing and the distant, muted sounds of Budapest waking up.

Despite the calm of the morning, sleep has evaded Natasha, kept at bay by the gnawing fear of the danger that still looms over you both. She holds a cup of coffee, the warmth a small comfort against the chill of dread that has settled in her heart.

Her thoughts drift to Wanda, empathizing with the agony she must be enduring, her maternal instincts in turmoil over your condition. Now, more than ever, Natasha understands that depth of love, a force so powerful it compels her to face the darkest nightmares to protect you.

But then, a faint, out of place sound cuts through the silence, a soft static hiss, barely audible. Natasha's trained ears catch it immediately, a discordant note in the quiet morning. Her gaze sharpens, scanning the room until it falls on a small, innocuous device hidden beneath the coffee table, on the floor.

With a quiet sense of urgency, she sets down her coffee and moves closer to investigate. Crouching down, Natasha reaches out, her fingers brushing the carpet. A hidden bug, planted on her ripped shirt by someone tracking you, a stark reminder that the threats encircling you are ever-present, even in this moment of apparent safety.

Your breath catches in your sleep, a soft moan escaping your lips, drawing Natasha's attention back to you. Her heart clenches at the sound, a mix of love and fear flooding through her as she watches over you, her resolve hardening.

"We need to find a way out," Natasha whispers to herself, her eyes lingering on your face. "I'll protect you, no matter what it takes."

The sudden realization of the surveillance bug reignites the urgency in Natasha's veins, a stark reminder of your precarious situation. As she examines the tiny device, a plan begins to form in her mind, one fraught with danger but necessary to ensure your safety.

Natasha's thoughts are interrupted by the sound of your stirring. She turns her attention back to you, her expression softening. "Hey Detka, how are you feeling?" she asks quietly, her voice laced with concern as she reaches out to brush a stray lock of hair from your forehead.

You try to muster a smile, your voice a whisper. "Better now that you're here," you say, attempting to mask the pain that lingers in your every movement.

She offers a small, reassuring smile, but her eyes betray the fear that she's been carrying all this time. "We're in a bit of a tight spot," Natasha admits, her gaze shifting momentarily to the dismantled bug on the floor beside her.

Your brow furrows in worry. "What's wrong?"

Natasha hesitates, then decides to lay out the truth. "Hydra, the Red Room... they're closer than we thought. I found this," she gestures to the bug, "which means we need to move, and soon."

The weight of the situation settles between you, a heavy silence that speaks volumes. Natasha watches you carefully, gauging your strength, wondering how much more you can endure.

"We need to get you proper medical attention," Natasha says firmly, her voice tinged with an unwavering resolve. "And I have a plan, but it's going to be risky."

Your eyes meet hers, a silent understanding passing between you. Despite the fear, there's a trust there, born of love and the many battles you've faced together. "Tell me," you urge, your voice stronger now, fueled by the need to survive, to fight alongside the woman you love.