A/N Another update! Let me know what you think.

What was that?

Looking up from the frying pancake, a heavy thud had come from down the hallway followed by a muffled groan. Sighing, I turned down the heat of the pan before making a glass of water. Heading down to the Soldiers room, I opened the door to see him pushing himself up from the ground. He must have fallen off. Making my way over, the Soldier sat on his legs while trailing his eyes up the length of my own.

Groaning again, he turned his head away "Here" I said while lowering the glass of water into his view "You should drink this. You need to rehydrate after last night" staring at the glass, he eventually took it and downed the whole lot with a few gulps. Taking the glass back, I wrinkled my nose at wafting of alcohol still lingering on his clothes "Go take a shower and I'll make you some eggs"

I walked back to the kitchen as the Soldier stumbled his way to the bathroom. Finishing with the pancakes, I grabbed a few eggs out of the fridge and whisked them before pouring the yellow liquid into the same pan. Pushing the contents with a spatula, the Soldier didn't take long as he emerged into the open space of the apartment to sit down on a stool. He'd changed into a black shirt and his hair is still dripping wet.

Plating the scrambled eggs, I pushed it toward him with a fork before dishing up my own pancakes. Unloading a heavy shower of salt, it was for now particular reason other than to satisfy my abnormal cravings; which is to be expected. Eating our meals in relative silence, our cutlery made a slight grazing noise every now and then.

"What time is it?" mumbled the Soldier.

I glanced over to the clock hanging on the wall "Nearly ten" I replied before taking away the now empty dishes and wiping the bench "How come you went to Steve's last night?"

He sighed "I needed some time to relax alright" I wanted to scoff at the answer. Relax. How is getting drunk relaxing in any way?

Getting up with a squeak of the chair, the Soldier grabbed his wallet and keys. Shrugging on a jacket, he opened the door "Where are you going?" I questioned with a confused look.

"I'll be back in a few hours. Don't leave the apartment" he replied. I scowled at the Soldiers retreating form before the front door closed with a thud. So much for wanting to keep a close eye on me. That man is extremely complicated to understand sometimes and it's annoys me to no end.

Sighing, I placed my hands on my hips while looking around the empty apartment. I'm all alone once again. Marching back into my room, I didn't care what the Soldier had told me as I changed into the appropriate clothing for the gym. If he can leave then so can I. Taking the spare key from on top of the fridge, I stepped through the front door and walked down the hallway.

Tuning into the soft music of the elevator after stepping in, I went down a couple of floor before a chime sounded out and the metal doors slid open. Looking up, a curvaceous and tall red head stepped in to join me. I knew her almost instantly. Pressing one of the buttons, she took a step back and crossed her arms. It was awkwardly quiet for a moment until she the Russian spoke "Do you remember me?"

I nodded "Yes"

"Considering how things ended last time, I think we should reintroduce ourselves" she replied before turning and holding out her hand "Natasha Romanoff"

I stared down at the invitation with a sceptical look. I wondered if it was a trick, but I decided to push those thoughts aside and return the favour "Katya"

Pulling away, it went back to silence as we stood in the elevator. I couldn't help but think about who the woman beside me really is and I have to admit, it bothers me. In the dark reaches of my brain, I know she's everything the Program wanted. She's everything that I was meant to be and perhaps even more. I'd be a liar if I said that I didn't feel jealous about the fact. It's hard to see someone else hold the title I'd worked so hard to earn; something I've killed for.

It made me a little curious as to what exactly it was like for her in the Red Room. I wonder if they made any changes to how they approached things. I wonder if she had to do everything I had to do; if not more or less. The bigger questions I asked myself is, what did they do to make it work? Why didn't it the first time? Those are the ones that plagued my mind every now and then – questions I'd probably never get the answers to.

Chiming out, the elevator doors opened again and I'd arrived to my floor. Not looking back to the red head, I stepped out and made my way down the hall. Pushing through the gym door, the lights immediately lit up with my presence and I found the place to be empty. Getting on the treadmill, I pushed a few buttons before setting an easy walking pace before eventually escalating to a calm running speed.

Feeling the heat bloom in my muscles and insides, my body never ached or hurt. Listening to some music, I'd zoned out too much and I didn't hear the person approaching. Snapping their fingers in front of my face, I stopped the machine before turning my head "Stark?" I questioned "What are you doing here?"

Holding a red candy in his hand, he gestured with a similar one "Lollipop?" he asked and I shook my head "So, what's the pregnant mutant teenager up to today? Jogging I assume" I raised an eyebrow "You know, that can't be good for the baby. You should probably lay off the ten miles a day thing you've got going on"

"I know what I'm doing. The doctor said I can continue my exercise without harming the baby, as long as it's light" turning back to the control panel of the treadmill, I went to start it back up when Stark continued to talk. I sighed. I don't have time for this.

"What about mister dark and brooding?" he questioned "I doubt he's happy that you left the apartment"

I paused "How did you –"

"Oh no, wait" Tony interjected with sarcasm "I meant to say he's definitely not happy you left the apartment" sucking on his lollipop, he added "He came to me demanding that I find you. I haven't told him where you are yet. I thought I'd pop in see how you're going first"

"How considerate of you" I spoke through clenched teeth. A sense of dread and anger mixed inside of me. Although I'm thankful for all that Stark has done for me, its times like these that make me livid "Where is he?" I asked.

"Oh, you know him" Tony said not so seriously "He's probably throwing a tantrum in the apartment and doing god knows what with my furniture" he tilted his head to the side "If I could make a suggestion for future reference, I'd say to leave a note next time you want to wander off. I think he scared off half my employees while making his way to my office" Tony then spoke a little louder "Alright Friday, let the beast out"

Giving me a salute on his way out, I was left in the empty gym with anxious breaths. The Soldier couldn't be that angry that I'd left. Stark is just exaggerating like he always does. Bracing my hands on either side of the treadmill bars, I glanced around the room full of exercise equipment. What should I do? Should I stay or should I hide?

Heaving out a sigh, I hesitantly restarted the machine. There's no point in me hiding anywhere. There isn't anywhere to run and he'd find me sooner or later. Warming up from a slow jog, it wasn't long before the gym door busted wide open and the Soldier came storming in with a cold expression on his face.

"What part of don't leave the apartment did you not understand?" ignoring his words and the tone of his voice, I kept my mind focused elsewhere. At least Tony wasn't lying.

"I'm exercising" I stated obviously after deciding that maybe pure silence isn't a good idea. Flashing in front of me, a metal hand pulled the emergency stop button and the machine came to a sudden halt. Almost losing my balance, I caught myself in time with a scowl on my face "Why did you do that?"

The Soldier disregarded my question for one of his own "Why did you leave when I told you not to?"

"I don't have to explain myself to you or ask for permission" I retorted with a snap. Getting off on the other side of the machinery, I made sure that there's plenty of space between me and the Soldier. I wouldn't doubt that he's still feeling a few effects of the alcohol from last night. Heading to make my way around him, the Soldier side stepped to plant himself in front of me.

"Stop avoiding my question and answer me" he said.

I wanted to quick and scream "You left"

The Soldier raised an eyebrow "I left?"

"Yes" I said "You're always leaving. You can't tell me that you care when all you do is disappear, to just get up and leave me alone and by myself – like last night. You went for a run and then didn't come back until the middle of the night, too drunk to even stand by yourself. And then there's today. Five minutes and you're gone. You can't expect me to stay locked up in that place because you're too afraid to let me leave. I'm sick of being left alone with nothing to do but sit and stare at myself"

I sucked in a breath and gave the Soldier one last look before shoving past him. I need to get away before I say something I don't mean again. Hurrying back to the apartment, I slammed the front door with a bang before making my way into my room. Taking off my clothes, I slipped under the covers of my bed. The day has been exhausting and I'm starting not to feel so well.

The stinging sensation blossomed into a fiery burn as the Soldier backhanded me with his metal hand. Reeling my head to the side, I could taste the flavour of iron and salt as my lip had been split open. Ignoring the blood, I blocked his oncoming attack before punching him in the face. It's been eight days since we'd been given the Serum and we've resumed back to training with the Soldier.

The first time had not been a success on my part, but after the conditioning process I'd been made much more compliant. However, with this compliance came emptiness. Foreign and strange, I didn't understand it. The only way I could explain the feeling is that a weight had been lifted from my shoulders, and all that matters in the world is my duty – a duty to serve.

Hitting harder and faster, I'd discovered a growth in my skills and endurance. Everything is coming with an easiness that wasn't there before. Kicking the Soldier in the stomach, he took a step back before I ran and jumped up onto his shoulders. Reaching down, I attempted to strange him with my arms locked around his neck. Digging his blunt fingers into my thigh, I concentrated on my hold as he took several steps back.

Slamming my back against the black metal bars of the cage that surrounded us, I gasped from impact. Letting go of my thighs, the Soldier began to pry my fingers away from his throat as he slammed me against the metal bars every now and then. Finally managing to free himself, the Soldier bent all the way forward to throw me off of his shoulders.

I can tell something isn't right.

Closing my eyes as I felt myself weightlessly falling, I waited for the hard impact that never came. Instead of the hard concrete flooring I'd been expecting, I'd landed on something soft and slightly bouncy. What happened? Opening my eyes, I found myself staring into the cold eyes of the Soldier as he crawled his way on top of me in an almost predator-like way. He wore his black military uniform besides the mask.

"What's happening?" I asked. Everything is starting to come clear now and I realised this isn't a real memory; even though it had started off that way.

Glancing around, I found my surroundings to be unfamiliar. I don't know where I am. Turning my attention, I looked up to see the Soldier still situated above me. He hadn't answered my question and as I kept repeating myself, he made no reply. Feeling the heavy weight of his body on top of mine, I could feel the scratchy and also smooth fabric of his uniform along my bare skin. I shivered once I realised I'm naked.

The Soldier rocked himself against me and the metal springs of the bed creaked in my ears. I opened my mouth to speak and ask him what he's doing when I felt it; a searing burn coming from between my legs. I tried to squirm away but I can't move. It's as if I've been paralysed. I can hear myself screaming as I closed my eyes. The pain only became worse and I wished it would all go away – and it did.

The pain vanished along with my screams and when I opened my eyes again, I found the Soldier had gone and I'm now lying on some sort of examination table; dressed in a thin blue gown. Blinking, the room appeared incredibly dark apart from the bright light beaming down above me. Squinting, I held my arm out to shield my eyes.

"Stay very still Katya. This will all be over soon"

I know that voice. But where did he come from? Lowering my arm, I glanced down the length of my body to see my legs propped on metal stirrups. The end of my gown had been pushed up and I can see blood seeping through the fabric. The voice is Pavlov.

"What are you doing to me?" I questioned as my voice trembled. He's supposed to be dead. There all supposed to be dead. How is he here?

"He's just assisting with the procedure" I turned my head to see doctor Cho standing on my right "You have nothing to worry about" she smiled.

"Please" I begged "Please, help me"

Reaching out a hand I tried to grab at her, but even though I knows she's standing right there I can't seem to reach. It's as if she's far away. Looking into the woman's face, Cho continued to smile before her lips began to move. She sung the lyrics of a Russian poem; one that Krupin used to sing to himself and the girls when we were younger. I hated it.

"Раз, два три четыре пять. Вышел зайчик пагулять" (one, two, three, four, five. A hare went out for a walk)

"Вдруг охотник выбегает. Прямо в зайчика стреляет" (Suddenly a hunter appeared. And shot the hare) Pavlov sung the next few lines and I closed my eyes. This is just a dream.

Shivering, a cold touch caressed itself from my knee and all the way down to my ankle. A familiar deep voice began to hum the song and I dared to open my eyes. Pavlov and Cho had disappeared in seemingly thin air, and the person who'd taken their place is none other than the Soldier. He stood between my parted legs; dressed in the same uniform as before.

I felt a pressure and tug pulling from my stomach followed by an emptiness and sharp pain. Crying out, I knew it hadn't come from the Soldier – it's something else. Continuing to hum, he finished the poem "Пиф Паф. Умирает зайчик мой. Прмвезли его домой. Оказался он живой" (Bang bang. My hare is going to die. He was brought home. And he turned out to be alive)

Sweat began to form on my brow and skin. Panting laboured breaths, I felt incredibly tired as the Soldier walked toward me while rocking a bundle of flesh in bloodied blanket. Leaning down beside me, he showed me the face I know is there but can't see. A tear slipped from my eye as sadness and pain rippled through me.

"He's going to be just like me" spoke the Soldier "You're going to be a good mother, you'll see"

I gasped into the night air.

Swallowing dryly as sweat clung to my skin, I whimpered before holding my stomach in agony. A sharp pain kept throbbing in my abdomen and groin, and it had tears beginning to pool in my eyes. I've never felt something like this before. Rubbing my legs together, I felt a wet stickiness coating my thighs. My breath hitched.

Quickly reaching over, I flicked on the lamp light with a squint before peeling away the blanket. My eyes immediately went wide and panic quickly overtook the shock. I can feel my stomach starting to churn as my vision narrowed down at the site of the blood soaked sheets. My breaths became laboured and I was too frightened to move, and so instead – I screamed.