Connections

30: Sitwell

A/N: Slight...and I mean very slight spoiler for Black Widow. If you don't want even a hint about the movie then I suggest skipping the first half of this chapter.  I'll have it noted on when to start and stop reading.

"I got eyes on Sitwell." I said. I pressed the buttons on Tony's glasses. The image of a stumpy man in a suit zoomed into the frame clearly. I stood with Natasha as she held a sniper rifle in front of her. We both stood on the roof of a tall building looking down onto the steps outside a restaurant.

"Affirmative. Everyone in position." I heard Steve through the earpiece. Natasha and I stood silently as she held the gun. I listened as Sam talked with Agent Sitwell on the phone. I watched as the exchanged happened. Natasha lit up the laser on her gun and aimed it at his tie. It was enough to scare the man.

Sitwell headed towards the car Sam had ready for him. I took the glasses off and set them back into the case and into my pocket. I took a deep breath and began moving as we waited for Steve to get here.

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A/N: Scroll away if you want zero spoilers

I quietly opened a bag and pulled out a gun Nat loaned me. She crossed her arms over her chest as she watched me piece the gun together. She sighed loudly before finally speaking.

"Are you sure you want to be a part of this? With Hydra now in play it's dangerous." She called out as she walked closer.

I didn't even stop my movement. Not even looking up I answered, "That's why I'm doing it."

Natasha just continued to stare as a moved. I could tell she wasn't just going to except that answer. I let out a long sigh, realizing now I was going to have to discuss something I held closely to me. The only person that knew everything about my time with Hydra was Fury. I locked another piece in place before stopping.

"Did you know Hydra takes inspiration from the Red Room when it comes to newer recruits?" I asked. My voice was quiet and soft. I flicked my eyes over to Nat as her face turned into a slight scowl. I looked back down at the ground as the memories of my time as a child in Hydra came back.

"The kids born into families of Hydra agents are thrown into a school. Conditioning beginning as soon as they are born. Taught to be a perfect follower for Hydra."

I clenched my jaw once more as I continued, "For the ones stolen at a later age its different. In just five years I was taught seven different languages, weapons training, combat training, anything you can think of that would turn someone into an elite and deadly assassin. The only difference was your graduation ceremony..." I paused as my jaw began to clench. My heart broke thinking about it. I could see Nat was feeling the same way. My voice cracked as I finished, "For us it wasn't a graduation. It was done as an entrance ceremony."

Nat took in a large breath, her chest moving up slowly as she held it in. I looked back down at my gun. Biting my tongue to keep myself from crying. I could feel the tears begin to well up in my eyes. Remembering a future of having a family like my parents was ripped away from me when taken to Hydra.

I locked the last piece of the gun together and stood back up. I clutched tightly to the handle. I could see Nat's expression change into one full of sympathy. Understanding exactly what I was feeling.

"This is my Budapest, Nat." I stated. She thinned her lips and nodded. She looked out into the distance, finally letting out that breath she was holding in. After a few seconds she finally turned with a smile. She walked up to me and placed a hand on my shoulder.