Intimidating Presence

                                    

                                          
Natalia
                          
His eyes locked onto mine. He watched as I pushed myself off of the mat. 
                          
I spat blood out of my mouth, and wiped my face with the back of my hand. 
He walked past me and towards the instructor. Girls parted as he walked. They started to whisper. 
                          
I step down from the mat and towards the others. 
                          
"Girls, split up at the targets and punching bags." The instructors yells at us. 
I am pushed towards the punching bags. 
                          
In time with the other girls, I punch at it. While the bag swings for the other girls, I can barely get mine to move. 
I have no muscle. 
My knuckles split and I hiss in pain. 
                          
I am weak. 
                          
~~
                          
He stands behind me. I don't have to look to know this, I can feel his presence. 
It's overwhelming and intimidating. 
I straighten my back and ready myself to punch the bag. 
                          
I rear my arm backwards, but before I can strike.. the Winter Soldier puts his hand on my elbow. 
                          
~~
                          
"Your form is incorrect." His voice is low and husky. 
                          
I keep my eyes down. You do not make eye contact with your superiors, they take it as a challenge to their authority. 
                          
"You have no muscle. You are smaller and weaker than the other girls." 
                          
I bite back a sarcastic comment. 
                          
"Use your whole body. And your agility, to fight. Focus on using your elbows and knees. Small jabs...not brute strength." He releases me. 
                          
"What is your name?" 
                          
I huff. Why would he care? 
                          
"Natalia." I comply.
                          
"Well, Natalia, if you don't work hard...you'll be kicked out of the Red Room. Guaranteed. The weak are not allowed." 
                          
I nod, still not making eye contact. 
                          
"Look me in the eyes." 
                          
My eyebrows screw together in confusion. 
                          
Is this a trick? 
                          
I look at him. His hair is long for a man, reaching his chin. He has small white scars on his forehead and cheek. 
                          
And his eyes...are a striking blue. 
                          
"That's better." 
                          
~~
                          
Written by _clintasha_
                          
(Sorry it's a short one)