malignant (Natasha X Reader)

part 26|shock and bonding|

SONG OF THE CHAPTER: No Surprises - Radiohead

It was a normal morning for the Avengers. Except for Nat.  She had woken up to an empty bed and no sign of Y/n. She presumed she was training but after having been downstairs herself, there was no evidence of where she was.

They were gathered around the kitchen island, having their usual breakfast options.

Natasha subtly swayed, her anxiety trying to get the better of her. She'd had no text or note from Stygian, which was very unlike her.

When the group was starting to split off to get ready for their days, the elevator opened.

Out came a brunette, looking a mess, taking small steps. She was pale from head to toe; a messy bit of fabric was thrown over her arm, blood still rolling down her arm.

Almost as soon as she had fully left the elevator she collapsed onto the floor.

Nat was the first one to run over, the others immediately following.

Natasha lifted the girl as Bruce rushed to open the elevator again.
There was lots of noise as people were shouting orders and questions that no one had answers for.

When they had gotten to the lab Natasha laid Y/n down gently. Bruce rushed around getting IV tubes and blood pouches ready to inject into the girl. There were a few other doctors in the room helping, and Natasha felt extremely out of place.

When she looked at the girl, she started to cry. Covering her face with her hand, Nat let out a few quiet cries. Wanda had walked in to try and comfort her. She wasn't used to showing emotion but it was too hard not to in a situation like this. All she could see through the congregation of doctors was a very ill-looking girl, who looked fragile and close to death's door.

The thought of her dying had crossed Natasha's mind and it made her feel sick. She gagged, trying to compose herself but it was hard not to throw up.

Nat quickly rushed out of the room, entering the nearest bathroom.

There, she was sick. Wanda had come in shortly after, helping Natasha by holding her hair and gently rubbing her back.

Finally, after a while, Nat had finished. She leaned against the wall, trying to take deep breaths. Wanda sat opposite her, not knowing whether to talk or not.

After lots of debating, she managed to gather a sentence. "It'll work out, she's in good hands. She'll survive and be healthy in no time." The witch tried giving a small smile at Natasha.

The only response she got was a disbelieving half-smile back.

They sat in silence for a long time. Natasha was trying to control her questions and anxiety, whilst trying to keep herself from going out there and finding who did this to kill them.

'I should've woken up earlier, I could have stopped whatever she wanted to do. This is all my fault. This is all my fault. Why would she go out without a note or message or anything? I should've noticed something had changed in her behaviour. Did she regret being with me? Did she have another message from her burner phone?'

"Natasha?" Wanda called, making the redhead looking at her with glossed eyes. The witch knew how she felt. In fact, she was beginning to feel it again. She and Y/n had gotten close over the past month and managed to help her a little. "It's not your fault. You couldn't help whatever happened. There must have been a reason, and she will tell you when she wakes up."

"How- Oh, I forgot you can read minds."

"I'm sorry, it wasn't intentional, your thoughts were just quite, loud."

"It's okay, thank you for being here."

Tony knocked on the door a little while later.
"Wanda? Nat? I think they've finished if you want to see her, she's not awake yet though."

"Okay, thank you, Tony, we'll be out soon," Wanda spoke for Nat.

The redhead inhaled to try and calm her nerves. She then stood up and left the bathroom with Wanda.

Entering the room, the girls were presented with a fragile; weak Y/n. She had bruises and a few gashes all over; linked to multiple machines and liquids.

When the assassin walked over, she held the girl's hand, gently brushing the hair from her face.

The witch left shortly after, leaving the assassin and stygian alone.

"What happened Y/n... please don't tell me you tried to kill someone else again."

Of course, she got no response, even though there was a small spark of hope inside of her.

Bruce knocked on the door.

"She'll be out for a while, by the looks of it she was heavily sleep deprived."

"Oh, Y/n..." Nat sighed.

"I suggest you still look after yourself though whilst you wait for her to wake up."

"Thanks, Bruce."

"It's okay, anything you need I'm here."

She smiled at him as he left.