Deals
Natalie Romanova
~~~
Nova cries herself to sleep on Natalie so Natalie gently cuffed her back to the bed and slunk back into her own bed. She lays awake perplexed and her new found emotions for the girl.
Natalie has never batted and eye or even cared much about other new girls. Yes she has shown softness but never ever has she let one hold her hand or cry on her. This deep protective feeling she has for the girl is a new emotions to her. She doesn't know whether to be glad or scared.
~~~
"James do you remember anything before this?" Natalie inquires during room time the next day. Nova is still in combat and Natalie was ordered not to attend.
"Sometimes I do other time I barely remember days past," James replies blankly.
"Did you ever meet anybody that made you feel something new? Something deeper than ever before?" Natalie asks head tilted. James is much much older than her so he must have some experience with this.
"Once maybe. It's fuzzy but I think it was a blonde boy with blue eyes. I don't remember anything but his face and the fact he made me feel a deeper sense of love." James eyes get glassy and he stares listless at the wall. He looks dazed. "I don't remember how to love though. I just know it felt..nice."
"Do you not remember his name?" How could someone that makes you feel so real be forgotten even a little.
"The name comes and goes. I used to be able to check my arm but they cut it off. He is gone completely," James explains sourly glaring at the metal arm. Sometimes he lets Natalie paint over the red star. The handlers favor Natalie so they turn a blind eye.
"Will that happen to me? Will they take everyone who ever makes me feel?" Natalie questions frantically. They can't take Nova!
"Yes."
~~~
Haunted by James honesty Natalie sighs loudly in relief when James escorts Nova back to their room. She looks terribly worn and beat. Natalie lets out a laugh of joy and hugs her tightly.
"You should rest before dinner. I'll sneak you some ice for your bruises and extra rations to keep you strong. Sweet Nova I will see you through this," Natalie vows. "You have given me the first real feeling I have had since I came to this place. I will not lose you." Nova nods into Natalie's chest close to tears again. Neither girl cares they've only just met. In a place like the Red Room with death always around the corner relationships develop quickly.
"Thank you," Nova cries.
"I'm going to save you because I couldn't save myself," Natalie whispers. "I'm going to save you."
~~~
During dinner Natalie sneakily hides extra food in her pockets and even slips some to Nova under the table. This time she's thankful for her skills in the slight of hand and even more so when she manages to wrap some ice from her glass in a cloth napkin to press to Novas bruises. Luckily James turned a blind eye and the Madams weren't joining the girls for dinner.
~~~
"Lay still," Natalie orders gently pressing the ice to Novas head. She has bruises other places but it's important to treat head wounds first. James stands still watching them. He says nothing and Natalie thanks the lord he remembers their hesitant friendship. Sometimes he forgets and lashes out.
"Thank you Natalie," Nova mumbles her eyelids fluttering shut.
"Your welcome."
~~~
"It's a dangerous game you're playing young spiderling," James coos once Nova is asleep. James has time before the Madams come around and cuff the girls so the escorts can leave.
"But it's worth it. I refuse to live a life with no feeling," Natalie replies. "I have been here fifteen years and in that time I felt numb. If she is too make me keep my humanity I will dance with the devil for her safety."
"You might find that dance will end both of you."
"James if the blue eyed boy was in this place would you not do the same?" Natalie counters tilting her head. James is silent.
"I would." There's a beat of silence before James speaks again. "In all my time I have been here I have noticed the Red Room makes exceptions for its favorites. Because you are a favorite Natalie you may be able to make a deal with the devil." This new information is pleasing.
~~~
"Natalie here is your mission. Kill this man but make it look like an accident," Madam Knox orders sliding a photo and profile of a U.S. senator across the table.
"Yes Madam Knox." Natalie who's to the will of the Madams but today she has a bargain. "I must ask am I the only one capable of doing this job?"
"Yes your stealth and skill with killing puts you at first choice," Madam Knox replies with an eyebrow raised. "Why?" Natalie takes a deep breath and clears her throat.
"Because I want to make a bargain," she announces bravely. The Madam
is taken a back and gasps.
"What bargain? What do you want?"
"I want the safety of the new girl, Nova. I want her to remain untrained, well fed, safe, and alive. If you promise to do this I will do all you ask and more," Natalie states strongly. Madam Knox sits in he chair and takes of her glasses. Natalie doesn't fidget under her hard faze and remains poised. The chair Natalie sits in is made to be uncomfortable but she sits like a queen. Inside she is scared and hopeful.
"So you've noticed your value then? Okay deal she will be safe but whenever we don't think a mission is being completed correctly, is taking too long, or you are just acting disorderly we punish her." It's not a threat it's a promise and they will strictly hold Natalie to this deal.
"Deal I will not fail."