𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 || Natasha Romanoff x Reader

Chapter IV: The Showdown

It had been two-and-a-half years since the Red Room had been taken down, and in those two years, Natasha and (Y/N) were on each other's trail, hunting each other down. (Y/N) wanted to bring Natasha back to the right side, whereas Natasha was simply instructed to eliminate the target that had caused Hydra so many problems.

Natasha was blinded by anger and betrayal so much that she failed to think through and reason (Y/N)'s departure. She only believed he didn't want to be alongside her any longer, that he betrayed their cause and abandoned what they had spent all of their lives working on. She forgot what he had told her, how he was bound to die if he stayed, how he would never see her again. All that she thought was to get revenge.

Whilst Natasha was a well-known Hydra mercenary, (Y/N) had spent all of this time working alongside the Brotherhood, even becoming a Legend amongst the creed. He had gone on various missions and completed different contracts for the order. He killed with unyielding speed and aggression, no man or woman could oppose him. He showed no sign of fear or hesitation when it came to killing. In very little time, he had earned the title amongst people as "The Slayer".

His identity wasn't hidden in the slightest, as footage of his face circled after the incident with the Red Room, thus he wasn't afraid to show his face in person. Amongst the mob and gangs that he fought both with and against, he was known for his iconic motto "rip and tear". The phrase alone was enough to send shivers down anyone's spine.

And so, their stories carried on, not meeting in person once, up until now...

~At the Santino Mansion~

The mission was simple: go in, kill Santino D'antonio, get out. It was easier said than done, of course, as he was heavily guarded with barely any opening for (Y/N) to infiltrate, so he needed a lot more... direct approach. He wore the classic suit the tailor had made for him, one that was very distinct as it had very minimal red details around its sleek black design. It was, of course, completely bulletproof and was specifically designed for (Y/N)'s style of combat.

Natasha knew how vulnerable Santino was in said party, yet she knew he had to attend and given Santino's influence in Hydra's organization, she must guard him at all costs. She knew (Y/N) was coming, she knew it was now or never.

(Y/N) fixed his tie as he walked inside the large building. Music blared in the concert as people yelled and cheered on, all the while (Y/N) emerged from the shadows. The mansion was located in what seemed to be inside a set of broken-down castle walls, where a concert was being hosted. Unbeknownst to him, Natasha had already seen him enter and began walking directly to him, her heart beating faster than it ever had. All she kept thinking was "Do it, shoot him, kill him, finish this."

(Y/N) walked quietly and discreetly through the small crowd of people by the entrance, before hearing a very familiar voice, one he had not heard in years...

Natasha: (Y/N) ...

(Y/N) froze in place, slowly turning and facing the redhead once again. She had a sleek, black one-shoulder dress and very minimal makeup. She looked simply stunning and upon seeing her beauty (Y/N) felt his heart beating faster and faster by the second. Natasha had to admit it, despite her telling herself to just kill him, she could not bring herself to just finishing the job. She missed his presence, his warmth, she missed every single piece of him. He looked stunning with his suit and tie, her eyes lingered through his body, unsure of what to do or say.

(Y/N): Natasha...

Upon hearing her name, her eyes perked up to meet his own. She missed hearing his voice. She kept staring at his (e/c) eyes, captivated by their beauty.