Winter's Widow

Chapter 115: The Phantom Hiding in Shadows

Back in normal time now, not a flashback anymore

Also, I noticed that you guys really seemed to like the last chapter. I actually got the idea for the last chapter from a song I like. Here's the link to the song in case you want to hear it. I was listening to that song on repeat when I wrote the last chapter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmFM4S21Cjw&list=PLDJdqHCQ8BC2EhYrCioDkvEl_ysb_kJ6S&t=0s&index=111

Natasha's pov:

My whole body is tense. Every joint locked in place. I'm sitting on my bed. I can't move. Why? I'm panicking. Even breathing seems hard now. I'm super uncomfortable. I feel like someone's watching me, even though I know there's nobody else here. I feel like I'm not alone. I feel like I'm in danger, for no literal reason. I just feel like metal. So stiff. So inhuman. So cold. It's cold in here. I manage to cross my legs, and fold my arms. I grab the cuffs from my nightstand with a shaky hand and cuff myself to the bed. I feel myself freezing up again. I feel like I can't move. I feel defenseless. I'm so uncomfortable. Why am I panicking like this? Why? What's wrong with me? I crack my knuckles nervously. My hands are ice cold and sweaty. I'm in a cold sweat. For no reason. Fight or flight mode is activated. Images of little girls firing guns flashes through my eyes. I can't stay still, yet I can't move. I keep fidgeting and twitching, yet my whole body is tensed up. Like a malfunctioning machine. Well, that's actually what I am, no? I see blood and bodies of innocent bystanders flash before my eyes. I rock myself back and forth gently, trying to calm myself. It's not working. I rub my boots together uncomfortably. I stare ahead blankly, letting the dark and horrific memories flood my brain. I feel like crying, but I can't. I can't cry. I guess that's just a robot thing. I feel so fragile. So empty. So vulnerable. I hear frantic knocking on the door.

My head snaps to the person tumbling out of the vents, and I feel the panic overwhelm me. I scramble away best I can, but my hands are still cuffed.

"Natasha, it's just me! It's just- Stop!" He tries to ease me.

"Stop, stop, stop-" I huff, and frantically twitch.

My movement is uncontrollable now. I stare at the wall blankly again.

"Clint, open the door!" I hear a deep muffled voice from outside the door, but I block it out.

I claw at the bed sheets and my skin. Breathing is irregular and heavy. Sudden short breaths and deep ones.

"I got it Clint, give us a little space. Keep the others back."

Unpredictable movements and twitching.

I hear the door shut.

I tug furiously at the cuffs, but don't break my stare at the wall.

"Natalia."

When he gets closer, I snap my head to him with wide eyes.

"sssSt-stop- stop-" I frantically try to back up more, but I'm limited by the cuffs.

"Natalia, stop."

"n-n-no no no n-no-" I panic.

"Shh, baby doll, it's me." He's a huge dark figure.

He approaches me slowly and cautiously. He towers over me, even while bending over slightly. Broad shoulders and a muscular figure in all black and gray. Definitely a threat. Long hair covering part of his face, totally not shady at all.

"N-no, no- S-stop, get away-" I breathe in a panic.

"Stop. It's me. It's Bucky. I'm not gonna hurt you. Stop."