Date: October 14, 2022
Words: 3628

~ Author's Note ~

Lyrics belong to I Prevail, Paranoid

So... according to fandom, the Ohio mission started on May 2, 1992. This would make Natasha 7 years old. Yelena is three, born sometime after early May in 1988 or before May in 1989.

I head canon that the red room doesn't always feed the girls the correct amount of food. Also, Natasha is tiny for her age.

Should Dimitri still be alive? Should Yelena kill him?

Melina calls Natasha, "Natalia".

Something isn't right, I feel it in my bones

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Red Room, Russia
May 2, 1992

Click. Clack.
Click. Clack.

She hears the heels clicking along the concrete floor. The sound echoes more and more, as it gets closer to the office door. The brunette places a carefully crafted mask over her solemn expression. She can't afford the consequences of anything slipping. Not now. Not with the two men watching her every move.

Both of them watch for different reasons.

Dreykov. Alexei.

The soldier is running his teeth over his bottom lip, his eyes lost in a lust-filled gaze. She doesn't pay him any attention, used to lust burning through him. Alexei has never been one to shy away from what he wants, and he never will be. His ego is massive, a storm controlled by never-ending pride.

He wants her.

Now, he can finally have her. This mission is going to be a long-term assignment, Alexei knows this, but she can tell he does not realize the implications. There will be no action. No fighting. He will need to lie low, hang below the radar. Blend in with everyone else.

Nothing a soldier is trained for.

Melina is a spy.

It is going to be her job to keep him in line, and she will. Dreykov gave her orders, privately of course, and she will follow them perfectly. Besides, the orders are simple: keep Alexei in line and don't let him ruin the mission, closely observe the two dolls placed under her watch, and no matter what the cost, always complete the mission.

Simple. She will be perfect as always.

The headmaster is sitting calmly behind the desk, his lips circling around a cigar. His chocolate brown irises are calculating and cold. It used to be unsettling, being the focus of his intense gaze, but recently, she's found herself becoming used to the torment.

She is a tool. That's all she has ever been.

And that's all she ever will be.

A prized object of General Dreykov's. She is a weapon of mass destruction that only he controls. Melina does not answer to Madame B or Dimitri, for her skill set is far too precious. She has no illusions. People know of her name for a reason.

She is a monster.

The Iron Maiden.

Whispers of her name spread faster than a flame. She can't remember the number of people she's killed. The images of their faces blur together through the haze in her mind. Memories of Dreykov drawing her closer, his lips trailing across her skin, as he whispers how proud he is of her.

She pities the next doll he chooses as his favorite.

Click. Clack.
Click. Cla—.

The sound comes to a sudden stop. Everyone in the room turns their attention sharply, their eyes trained on the twisting door knob. It doesn't take long for a familiar blonde to emerge from behind, her muddy brown eyes criticality sweeping across the office. It does not take long for Melina to notice the unknown edition entering the office behind Madame B.

A little girl, maybe six. Or five.

But then again, she might just be tiny.

Melina tilts her head subtly, closely studying the young girl. She's clearly obedient. Her posture is perfect, with her standing up straight as her hands are placed tightly behind her back. Her flaming red hair is tied neatly into two braids and her expression is solemn, deprived of all the emotions one would normally see within a child of her age. She's perfect for the Red Room.

She's a perfect little doll.

Except, her emerald irises are burning.

They burn alive with curiosity, sweeping over all of the individuals in the room. She freezes momentarily once her gaze lands on the Headmaster, as a sense of fear spreads through her veins. Dreykov notices the change immediately, and he doesn't bother to hide the wolfish grin spreading, as he darkly peers forward.

"This is Natalia Romanova." Madame B tightens her grip on the girl's shoulder, her fingers digging into the skin. "She is the brightest girl of her year, surpassing other dolls who are far older. She will be perfect for the mission."

"Excellent," Dreykov drawls out.

"The car has been prepared," Madame B starts slowly, "Dimitri is already waiting at the entrance with the files and the other doll in your charge, Maiden."

"Melina," Dreykov calls for her attention, "Take the little doll down to the car. Alexei, Madame, and I have some details we need to discuss."

"Of course," Melina complies.

The Maiden forces herself forward, noticing the child's eyes studying her intently. Surprisingly, there is no fear within the little girl. There is something else. Something she can't describe correctly.

Awe. Like the child just saw her hero.

Just saw someone she should look up to.

"Come," Melina orders.

The child moves immediately, her fingers reaching for Melina's outstretched hand. The two move robotically towards the door, but a cold voice freezes them in their tracks.

"Natalia," Madame begins, calling for the young child's attention. "You won't fail," she states darkly, a critical gaze gleaming through her chocolate irises. "You are made of marble."

The young child stares back unflinchingly, almost as if these very words have been spoken to her a thousand times before. There is a deeper meaning to them than Melina understands, but to Natalia Romanova, there is no question in the value.

Melina tightens her grip, gently gaining the redhead's focus. She pulls her toward the hall, their steps quietly echoing through the walls. The brunette takes an even breath, aware of the child's observing eyes.

"Are you the Iron Maiden?" The child asks softly.

"Yes."

"You're my hero," she replies in awe.

XX

Saint Petersburg, Russia

"Welcome to my humble abode."

Natasha swallows deeply, stubbornly forcing her mind to clear. She feels Steve behind her, and allows herself to feel the comfort of his presence. Her emerald irises sweep through the unfamiliar room, critically studying the surroundings.

She notices the different shades of color spread out all over the place. The books are covered in dust, all of them varying in size. This must be Melina's personal escape. Her way out of the prison.

"Make yourself at home," Melina comments. She sighs, rounding the corner towards her kitchen. "Let's have a drink."

The brunette notices the younger woman following her closely, and knows she will need to be careful. Natasha was Madame's favorite for a reason. She's able to put her emotions aside, and see everything from a different perspective. Melina doesn't know why they came here exactly, but she does have her guesses. Dreykov has never been shy about getting what he wants.

He wants Natalia. His message was clear.

No matter what, she must complete her mission.

Melina spears the younger woman a glance, noticing the brunette man behind her. The blonde man seems to be looking around the room, probably trying to find traps hidden throughout. How sweet, she thinks, they care.

She turns her attention to opening her pantry, quickly pushing the shelves aside. It opens to show her hidden weapons vault, a place of comfort. Her vault holds all types of guns, knives, and other special treasures she holds dear.

"Hey," Natasha calls out, panic spreading through her veins. "No funny business."

Melina stills, releasing her black rifle along the inside of the door frame. Her finger brushes over the bright, red panic button. She doesn't press it. Not yet. She can not bring herself to send them back to that hell hole. Not till after she talks with them.

She stares at the redhead calmly, ignoring the distrust glaring at her through her emerald irises. "I am putting away my weapon."

Natasha tightly clenches her jaw, turning away from the woman she used to call her mother. She can't trust her, and never should have before.

"Are there any booby traps around here?" Tony meets her gaze evenly, a question lingering in his eyes. She nods stiffly, glancing at Steve and Yelena. "Anything we need to know about?"

Melina smiles, "I didn't raise my girls to fall in traps."

"You didn't raise us at all," Natasha dismisses. There is no flash of emotion on her face. It's not surprising, but it cuts Melina deeper than she thought it would.
"Oh, maybe so," Melina whispers, "But if you got soft, it wasn't on my watch."

Natasha shakes her head, moving towards the wooden dining room table. She sits down robotically, struggling to control her expression, across from Melina. Yelena stares stoically, watching Steve occupy the seat closest to her sister and Tony sits at the head of the table next to him.

Yelena smirks, studying her sister's face, before tilting her head in the guy's direction. The redhead rolls her eyes, obviously annoyed by the actions. Of course, she thinks, they had to sit beside each other. They better not argue, or Natasha swears she'll kill them.

The group tries not to listen to the sounds echoing from the bathroom, but it's hard with the loud cries slipping past Alexei's lips. Steve grimaces, "Is he alright?"

Melina smirks, not concerned with the noise, even if it's getting louder than before. She pours each of them a shot glass full of vodka. "Let's drink."

Tony stares at the drink placed in front of him, trying to resist the urge to drink. He has been trying ever since Siberia. Ever since he woke up in a hospital room with Pepper holding his hand and no clue where Natasha went after she put him in the jet.

The brunette glances up, watching the other people at the table. None of them are talking. Awkward silence flows through the air. He turns his attention to Alexei, hearing the older man coming out of the bathroom. He looks ridiculous. His suit is obviously too small, causing it to look as if it's about to explode.

Why would he force himself to wear it?

"Okay," Alexei starts, pulling out the chair at the head of the table beside Melina and Natasha. He turns to the brunette, smiling, "Still fits." Melina whistles, clapping at the man dancing around awkwardly.

"Oh my god," Yelena cries bitterly.

"I never washed it once," Melina confesses, smirking at the man beaming with joy. "Come and drink."

Natasha grimaces, wrinkling her nose at the thought of the suit. It smells disgusting, the aroma worsening the nausea swirling in her belly. She tenses, clenching her jaw, stubbornly ignoring Steve's worried gaze.

"Rise, you workers of salvation," Alexei sings, before sitting down with the rest of them. "So," Alexei beams, "Mr. America, do you remember who I am?"

Steve frowns, his mind filling through the memories. He does remember, but not because he has ever met the man in person. He remembers because he has seen a file about the Red Guardian on Natasha's desk. It had taken him a week to finally get her to open up about the man, and even longer for her to tell him about the mission in Ohio.

"You're the Red Guardian?" Steve asks, unsure.

"Yes!" Alexei exclaims, "It's been too long." He smiles at Melina, before turning his attention to the girls. Both of them are staring at him darkly, and he is barely able to hide a flinch. "Family," he tries to change the subject, "Back together again."

"Seeing as our family construct was just a calculated ruse that only lasted three years, I don't think that we can use this term anymore, can we?"

Natasha nods, "Agreed." She shakes her head, trying to push the thoughts away from her mind. "So, here's what's gonna happen..."

"Okay," Alexei groans, reaching across the table for the plate of salad. "A reunion then, huh? And, uh... I want to say something right off the bat." He stares at Melina, lust burning through his eyes. "You haven't aged a day, huh? You're just as beautiful and as supple as the day they staged our marriage."

Natasha rolls her eyes, ducking her head to cover her reaction. Her hand falls to her lower abdomen, hidden by the table. She glances around the group, noticing Yelena trying to hide her disgust. Steve is watching her, trying to be there when she needs him. Tony is staring at the table, anxiously playing with his fingers.

Fuck.

She notices the glass in front of him.

"You got fat," Melina comments, smirking. She brings her fork to her mouth, chewing the food slowly. "But still good."

Yelena struggles not to roll her eyes. She grimaces, watching the people she thinks as parents flirt in front of her. It's disgusting. Alexei chuckles, glancing around at his audience.

"I just got out of prison," he starts, glancing around one last time, "I, uh... I have a lot of energy."

"Oh!" Melina raises an eyebrow, tilting her head.

"Please don't do that," Natasha groans.

She can feel her stomach twist, and her hand tightens over her abdomen. The thought of these two flirting in front of her makes her sick, but for her to see it? It's not something she wants to do. And sparing a look around the table, she knows the remaining people agree with her.

"So, here's what's gonna happen."

Melina interrupts, "Natasha, don't slouch."

"I'm not slouching," Natasha denies, even though she straightens her posture unconsciously.

"Yes," Melina argues, tapping her "husband's" arm to get his attention. "Yes, you are."

"I don't slouch," Natasha insists.

Melina sighs, "You're going to get back hunch."

Alexei chews a mouthful of food sloppily, as he touches Natasha's extended arm. "Listen to your mother," he scolds.

"Oh, my God, this..." Natasha exclaims.

"Up, up!" Alexei commands. He straightens his own posture, for example. Natasha rolls her eyes, trying to ignore Steve and Tony hiding their smiles.

"All right, enough!" Natasha commands. She narrows her eyes at the three individuals sitting at the back of the table. "All of you!"

"I didn't say anything," Yelena complains, bringing a glass up to her lips. She frowns, dramatically offended by the suggestion. Tony, even though he desperately tries to keep it inside, can not help the laugh that slips past his lips. "That's not fair!"

Natasha huffs, switching her attention to the brunette at the end of the table. Tony quickly holds his hands up in surrender, "Come on, red!" He smirks, "I didn't say anything."

Steve laughs, but he quickly sees the emerald irises turning in his direction. He tries to use his hand in order to hide the smile still lingering on his lips, even though the attempt does not fool Natasha. Her glare deepens, before her hand clashes with his shoulder.

"Oh, come on, Nat," he tries.

Natasha ignores his attempts, slamming her hand on the table, trying to get everyone to listen to her. They seem to focus on the food. She narrows her eyes, "Here's what's gonna happen..."

Melina shakes her head, scooping food onto Yelena's plate. "I don't want any food," Yelena complains. She grabs the glass placed in front of Tony, quickly shoving the contestants down her throat.

The blonde will deny it if anyone asks her, but she saw the way he was staring at the glass. At his questioning glance, she shrugs. The least she can do is help take away his misery. Or at least some of it.

"Eat a little something, Yelena, for God's sake," Melina demands.

The young blonde rolls her eyes, ignoring the words slipping past the woman's mouth. She can't stomach food right now. Not with the woman she used to call mother wanting nothing to do with her or with the man, she used to call father be a total stranger.

"You're gonna tell us the location of the Red Room."

Melina inhales sharply, her face falling blank. Everyone can feel the tension rising in the room. The forbidden words have been spoken, and the effect is obvious to everyone.

"You know," Melina starts, "It's like when you told them that they could stay up late to catch Santa Claus." Her gaze is stern, staring darkly into Alexei's eyes.

"What? That was fun," Alexei argues, "You know, "He come down the chimney, girls. Look out. Where is he?" You wait for him, and then when the cookies are gone, then you see he's there."

Melina shakes her head, rationalizing her thoughts as they burn through her mind. Their family was created to become the perfect American dream. A mother and a father living happily with their two daughters. They went on vacation, created memories, and did all of the things a normal family would do.

Too bad it wasn't real, Melina reasons.

"No, no." Alexei's smile fades, "What? I want them to follow their dreams."

"No good," Melina forces out.

"Reach for the stars, girls," Alexei insists.

"Finding Dreykov is not a fantasy," Natasha interrupts, "It's unfinished business." She notices Tony and Steve nodding along with her statement, and though Yelena remains quiet, Natasha can see the agreement shining in her eyes.

"Unfinished business," Melina mumbles, surprisingly nodding in agreement. "Yes, it is for you, isn't it? You and Dreykov have always played this game. On whom could hurt the other more. Who could control the other more?"

Natasha scoffs, "No." She disagrees.

"It was always fascinating to watch," Melina continues, "The way you two played with each other. How you got in his head or how he got into yours. I mean, when you were younger, you did not care what you had to do or who you had to kill. You would have done anything for his praise. You would have done anything to make him proud of you."

Natasha swallows, stubbornly meeting Melina's glaze, even though she can feel the stinging in her eyes. She doesn't want to look at everyone else, too afraid of the emotions she might find. What's Steve going to say to her? What does he think? What about Tony?

"Of course, it was not until after Rose that you started playing games with him," Melina continues, unaware of the ringing echoing in Natasha's ears. "After her Death, you were different. You didn't care anymore. Not about the mission or him. It was like that fire that separated you from everyone else was gone. And then everything changed once you met the Winter Soldier."

Natasha's bottom lip quivers, "Stop."

Steve straightens, glaring darkly at Melina. He places his hand on her thigh, trying to offer her some type of comfort. He can tell by the look on her face she can't take much more of this. She is either going to snap or shut down.

Probably shut down. Push all emotions away.

"The Soldier changed you, and before we knew it you were gone," Melina pauses, swallowing deeply, "That didn't change Dreykov's obsession with you. He is still obsessed with you. You are his marble structure. He looked for you, but SHIELD kept you hidden. It wasn't until two years after you escaped that we finally caught sight of you, and by then it was too late."

Natasha feels the tear slip down her cheek, struggling to hold the river back. She can see Tony halfway out of his seat, and the tension in Steve's body is worsening. Her fingers are clenched tightly into a fist, trying to stop them from shaking with the overwhelming anxiety.

Yelena frowns, anxiously glancing at her sister. Every word that slips past their mother's lips is like a stab in the gut. The blonde did not expect Melina to be warm and fuzzy, but this? Why is Melina doing this? Why is she talking about this?

This Rose person. The Soldier.

What is she trying to say?

"Dreykov had me study the reports," Melina shakes her head. "You watched Antonia for weeks. You wanted to know every little detail about her. You learned all of her weaknesses. Her strengths. You had been planning the way to take him down for at least two years, probably more. Even after all of this betrayal, he is still obsessed with you. I do have one question though..."

Time freezes.

The sword is aimed for its final strike.

"Do you blame him for your daughter's death?"

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Take me to the edge like hands around my neck
Hanging by a thread again

XX

Next Chapter:

Count my cards, watch them fall
Blood on a marble wall

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"Do you blame him for your daughter's death?"

Oh, fuck.

Natasha swallows deeply, her throat dry. Her eyes are burning, and she doesn't bother wiping away the tears trailing down her face. Melina should not know about Rose. The only ones who should know are Madame B, Dreykov, and herself. The Winter Soldier erased all the files, plus his mind was wiped clean. She took out all the doctors. Dreykov had Nikolai killed.

"How do you know about Rose?" She asks weakly.

The redhead can feel the eyes of everyone in the room studying her intently. The shock shines through Tony and Steve's gazes. The worry lights up Yelena's face, as she glances between the two assassins.

"I've always known about her," Melina starts carefully.

XX

What do you think? Questions? Ideas?