OOM: Moscow, USSR, January 1947

[redintheledger]

Natasha should be in her room, studying. Unlike her fellow students at the Moscow State University, her semester breaks are spent back at the Red Room, where she has little time for her textbooks. Today is the first day she's been back in Moscow in (once she added up the hours) four days.

Four days spent in the nearest approximation to wilderness that geography had to offer near Moscow, which in the middle of winter was no joke. She is glad to be back in the warm and dry, with hot water and no need to try and melt the ice from her eyelashes. Not to mention the ability to wear a civilian girl's clothes, instead of a soldier's layers.

But after four days with the company of Comrade Winter, her room with a bed just for her seems too much like a cell for her to be comfortable in it.

So Natasha is in the common room, newly outfitted with amenities such as some sofas, tables, and a wireless. There is also a piano, old like the sofas but kept in good condition. Despite herself, she gravitates towards it, and walks her fingers across the keys. It reminds her of Papa, and today isn't a very good day for that.

Natasha sits down, and tries to play anyway. She can't remember any of the music Papa taught her, but she can stumble her way through some chords. It's better than sitting in her room and wallowing.

Comments

[nerves_of_ice]

The general nods again.

"Your service is appreciated," he says, and a startled flicker is visible in the Winter Soldier's glance before he controls it. "Escort him to debriefing," he continues, addressing the soldiers, who trade a single look and release their grasp as the general's attention turns to Romanova.

"You are to report to Comrade Sergeant Tkachyov. Oksana Vasilyevna will have your next training assignment."

Meanwhile, the guards reclaim their weapons and all four fall surround their charge in formation. Walking calmly between them, the Winter Soldier starts down the hallway.

He doesn't look back.

[redintheledger]

Damn.

"Yes, Comrade General," Romanova says, and salutes him sharply before walking down the hallway herself. When it comes time to walk through another door, she turns, walks through, and glances across the hallway before shutting the door behind her.