Chapter 1
2013, 10 February
Galina walks through the hallways of S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy with Yelena. All the chattering was obnoxiously loud. So unlike the quiet murmurs and swishing of leotards and clinking of handcuffs in the Red Room.
Yelena, it seems, is also thinking the same thing, grip on her hand tightening.
There's a sea of students and trainers, Yelena and Galina stay invisible.
They walk up together to the Principal's office, where Natasha and Maria would be.
Galina hears the newer students complain about having to wear uniforms. She doesn't see what's wrong, she's proud to be of S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy. She's worn a uniform her whole life, most of her new closet consisting of the uniforms.
Their uniform was nice enough, with pinafores for the girls and neat blouses worn on the inside. The pinafore is an inky grey, almost black. They were allowed to wear culottes every friday, the culottes a shade of dark blue. They wore their training attire with that, shorts underneath and a collared standard training shirt. They kepy their hair neatly tied, Galina choosing to tie her hair in a simple ponytail while Yelena had her hair braided.
If she remembered correctly, braiding was another tradition of the Red Room. One twist for every ten fights won. Students were only allowed to braid on special occasions once they reached the age of 13.
Some things sticked, no matter the rigorous re programming they had to go through before they were cleared, just like Natasha.
Speaking of her mom, they were at the office.
Knocking gently, Yelena opened the door.
"Ah yes, Ms Belova and Ms Lazarev, come in."
They had chosen to keep their own names for the sake of subtlety. They didn't want the whole place to know that they were the adopted daughters of the Deputy Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Black Widow. Their relationship was also very private, preferring to keep to themselves.
Only Fury, Carter and Barton knew. The principal was told that they would be accompanied by the two women, but not that they were technically their moms.
"Take a seat." Galina settled down in the chair, Yelena sliding beside Maria.
"So, today we'll be sorting them into grades and classes. Based on their applications, I'll say I am quite impressed. Ms Belova, at 15, is supposed to be in Grade 10, but with your express permissions, she can be enrolled into the Computer Sciences course for 17 year olds. If so, you'll have to fill in another form, here."
"Now, for Ms Lazarev, I have been informed that her case is, special. In S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy, we do not allow students to choose their courses until age 15, but we instead have the students go through different courses throughout the years. She may choose to participate in co-curricular activities that complement her interests as there are a wide variety. If you'll sign here."
Maria and Natasha looked through the forms, let Galina and Yelena have a look, before signing.
"Congratulations, Agents in training. Welcome to S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy, head to your respective classes before you are late."
They headed out of the office, thanking the principal.
Once they got into the bathroom, their "we're just their accompanying adults" personas faded.
"Congrats girls, you're going to the Academy!" Maria says.
"We're going to keep this short, because the bell rings in fifteen minutes, but stay out of trouble, don't make too many enemies, and have fun okay? I'll be working until 7 tonight, and then we're going to buy a cake and celebrate," Natasha says, twinkle in her eye.
"You're not supposed to have sugary foods until next month, remember the diet plan you resolved to stick to?" Yelena raised her eyebrow.
"Okay, but today's special," Natasha argues.
"She's right, don't be a spoilsport Lena," Galina says, taking Natasha's side.
"Thank you! At least someone in this household appreciates sweet food."
"You're going to get fat," Maria teases.
"No, I'm not, I workout."
"Getting heavy Nat," Maria says in a sing-song voice.
Natasha scowls and pokes Maria in the ribs.
"Get a room you two," Yelena sarcastically says.
Maria and Natasha look at each other, eyes sparkling.
"Oh god I know that look. Stop having eye sex, we're too young for this," Yelena groans and covers Galina's eyes, who in turn bats and her hands.
"We'll, since you told us too," Maria wiggles her eyebrows.
"Please don't."
Natasha and Maria chuckle.
"Alright girls, see you two tonight. I'm going to bring you two to cake shopping and we'll wait for Nat to come back, okay?"
"Yes mama."
"Please don't get into any fights. Please don't."
"We'll try mom."
Yelena and Galina grin and they head out.
"Your children are going to be keeping the principal busy Masha."
"Oh, my children? Really?" Maria shoots her the unimpressed look.
"That reminds me, we have to get cat food for Liho. She's come back yesterday but we ran out. Liho baby hates me now," Natasha pouts, and Maria laughs, leaning down for a kiss.
"Yeah yeah, that's your cat, we better head for work."
Natasha sighs.
"Here's to another day of beating rookies into shape and drinking crappy S.H.I.E.L.D. coffee."
Maria laughs.