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[krasnaya_smert]

[ Shit.

It says something, that Natasha trusted her enough with this. But still... She makes a note to show her other self the first 'tattoo' she's ever had and been able to keep (involuntarily as it may be). ]

Well, then. Looks like I have some catching up to do.

[ Now that Natalia is bedding three different men, might not be so difficult. Which isn't a comforting thought, except for the consistency of it all. ]

Any ideas on what brought that about?

[deaddrop]

Hard to say specifically. Could be a few things.

Sinning. Failure to participate enthusiastically in punishments. Falling back on hold habits. Gambling with my soul.

[The falling back on habits is for Natalia specifically. Keeping secrets. Agreeing to do undercover work. Betraying friends in the process.]

There's plenty to catch up with me.

[krasnaya_smert]

Hm. Yeah, that'll do it.

[ The first two are written off, understandable. But it's the latter two that have Natalia hung up. ]

We don't talk about sharing a certain friend in a certain manner, and I like to keep it that way. I don't know how much farther it goes beyond the sex, but I can be in your corner too, if you'll have me. Rather, this is a reminder that I'm already there.

[ Tasha doesn't have to be alone with the spy shit, is all. ]

[deaddrop]

Don't think I don't appreciate it either. Especially now...

Clint's supposed to be here to pull me out if I get too deep. It's good to have a few other people around who can keep perspective.

[krasnaya_smert]

Nichevo strashnava.

Given what's happened to you, do I need to pull you out?

[ A beat, and then -- ]

You know, it would be really convenient to know causes. While providing an explanation, it could also help ensure one does not repeat the deed if the redemption spiel is worth anything.

[deaddrop]

It'd rather you didn't. It'd undo a lot of work I've done.

[But Natalia will have to be the one to judge when. At this point, Natasha is largely in a holding pattern, waiting for the Veiled Order's next move. She doesn't think they need to start blowing her cover.

But the whole point of having someone outside is that they use their judgment.]

When are we ever that lucky?

[krasnaya_smert]

Does this make me my own handler now?

[deaddrop]

If you want to put it that way, I won't stop you.

[krasnaya_smert]

Sure. Why the hell not?

Any plans for the new overlord?

[deaddrop]

[At least Natalia has enough sense to be discreet. Not that it's a surprise, but considering some people's reactions, it's a welcome change of pace.]

Not yet. There could be some coming. TBD.

Meet me for coffee?

[Meaning that's something she'd rather discuss in person—and that there is something else to discuss.]

[krasnaya_smert]

Caffeine sounds perfect. At Hella Shorty's or coffee from home?

[deaddrop]

Hella Shorty's will do. I could stand to stretch my legs.

I'll meet you at the door.

action ;

[krasnaya_smert]

[ Natalia arrives with at least one blade and one gun hidden beneath her innocuous and comfortable outfit. At the sight of her other self, she gives the place a curious once-over and announces -- ]

First time here. And I'm surprised they let us have our own business, while at the same time? I am most definitely not surprised in the slightest.

[deaddrop]

I don't come here often.

[Natasha admits slowly; she tends to prefer the hotel bar when she does drink. And she finds her way to the club when she makes bad choices.]

Seems a little bit like settling in. Which...

[Half a shrug. There's a reason it's not all that surprising. And not unrelated.]

Well. It'll do for now.

[krasnaya_smert]

Somehow fitting that it used to be a warehouse.

[ Natalia locates a place to sit and seeks direction from the veteran. ]

Do we place our coffee request at the bar or will someone be by? Unless you'd rather forego drinks and just dive right in.

[ Not all words are code, after all. She can do with or without said caffeine. ]

[deaddrop]

By all means, order something if you're interested. I'd go to the bar if you want something.

[But while coffee might not have been a code, it's all pretext.]

Or we can chat first and drink later. The advantage of that is if we decide coffee isn't strong enough we have other options.

[krasnaya_smert]

I won't ever turn down coffee and booze.

b>[ Still, content, Natalia sits and conducts the usual inventory. ]

Before we talk about our new friend, I wanted to ask if you were one of those tricked into marriage?

[deaddrop]

No. Luckily. I don't want to know what happens when they're asked to move in together and play happy little union.s

[That's a subject that cuts close to part of what Natasha wanted to discuss here, actually, and a little bit of her tension slips out.]

You?

[krasnaya_smert]

[ She shakes her head gratefully. ]

Praise be, I did not. And so far as I'm aware, neither did Aiden or Ray, so our rooming situation remains unchanged.

[ And as that was the only other topic Natalia wanted covered before scheming and the like began, she leans closer for the semblance of privacy, head canting and eyes narrowing into another level of concern. ]

This is bad. Right?

[deaddrop]

Yeah.

[Catches herself playing with one of her fangs with her tongue as she considers how to say what she's got to say next. The last thing she needs to do right now is develop a tell because of the little distraction in her mouth.

Forcing herself to stop, sighing.]

I can't say for sure. I don't know this guy. But some of what he says... it rings a bell. I wish it didn't.

[krasnaya_smert]

[ She gives Tasha an empathetic look when noticing the tongue prod, knowing she'll need to practice subtly unsheathing her claws, just as she had to learn activating the Bites without notice.

Echoing the redhead's words, Nat's words carry weight. ]

Yeah. Like, Mother Land bells.

[ USSR propaganda. Empty Red Room promises. ]

[deaddrop]

[Natasha nods slightly, a small but weight tip of her head.

She's not surprised Natalia makes that connection—Natasha brings this up with her because she expects her double would.]

Not just that, but here. The one time Lucifer echoed rhetoric like that, we were brainwashed into living these... these twisted versions of suburban life. Families, jobs, lives. They rewrote us.

[She searches the other woman's face for understanding.]

[krasnaya_smert]

[ Cobalt eyes darken into something tempestuous as lips harden enough to drain them of color. She lays a hand on the table, palm up, for Natasha to take. ]

We're not going to let them rewrite us again.

[ Just. Fuck that. Even if Natalia has to sacrifice herself or add more sins, she vowed to protect James's mind, and thus Bucky's by extension. ]

Maximoff did something like that once, to the mutants. Not a pretty chapter for that lot.

[deaddrop]

[Natasha touches Natalia's hand lightly, her fingers resting on the other woman's palm in a gentle but distinct bid for solidarity.

She doesn't like what she's saying right now.]

That might not be up to us.

[She's doing her best to be realistic here, compartmentalizing all the little parts of her that want to scream or cry at the prospect, each impulse boxed up and labeled and put away until she can't avoid dealing with them like so many other traumas.]

It might not be the same. Probably I should borrow trouble, but even if this guy doesn't use the same tactic, I would lay money this is going to be off the same model. Somehow. Whatever that looks like.

You should know it's happened before, and this reminds me of it. I think whatever happens next is going to hurt.

[krasnaya_smert]

Right. Fuck.

[ Natalia's free hand comes up to rub at an eye as a brief but heavy sigh pushes through her nose, and then nestles into her hair. They need to makes lists. To prepare just in case such small graces are granted. ]

Could Loki or anyone like him protect us?