Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Kate Bishop: Okay, living room is all clear. Oh shit.
Clint Barton: What was that?
Kate Bishop: I don’t know. There are, like, strobe lights attached to the wall.
Clint Barton: What do you mean, strobe lights?
Kate Bishop: I don’t know.
Clint Barton: Yeah, what do you see?
Kate Bishop: Okay, what am I lookin’ for?
Clint Barton: A watch, vintage Rolex. Belongs to someone I used to work with.
Kate Bishop: Haha. Is that the whole story, Clint?
Clint Barton: Fine. It’s Laura’s. Her identity is still attached to that watch.
Kate Bishop: Hmm how careless of you Clint. What if the Tracksuits find out about it?
Clint Barton: It would blow her cover. Goodbye, wife.
Kate Bishop: Uh huh. Why am I always cleaning up after you? I’m sensing a pattern here.
Clint Barton: What! What pattern? Also, do I need to point out that I was the one who saved your ass from Chrell?
Kate Bishop: Buddy.You and I remember the Skrull invasion very differently. I totally had everything under control till you decided to crash the party.

The Avengers were bickering back and forth but in the background Clint could hear Kate ransacking the apartment, looking for the aforementioned watch.

Clint Barton: Any luck?
Kate Bishop: Got the watch.
Clint Barton: Great.
Kate Bishop: Hang on a minute. Clint, somebody is taking notes on your family.
Clint Barton: What?
Kate Bishop: Clint Barton, wife Laura, son, Nathaniel, age 1 year old.

Out of the blue, Clint’s panicked voice comes through the earpiece again.

Clint Barton: Kate, get out of there now.
Kate Bishop: What? Why?
Clint Barton: That light’s an alarm. It’s a silent alarm for people that can’t hear.
Kate Bishop: Oh, crap.
Clint Barton: It’s Maya’s apartment.

A moment later, Clint’s voice is clipped and Kate hears muffled struggling coming through the earpiece. It sounded as if Clint was under attack and he was in the midst of fighting off his attacker, too busy to reply his partner.

Kate Bishop: Clint, what’s going on? Clint?

Just as Kate was about to bolt and head over to the rooftop to help Clint, a figure in black appears beside her in the darkness and shoots Kate at point blank. The bullet being a high calibre one destroys part of Kate’s helmet and visor. While still reeling from the weapon being discharged right by her ear, a quick punch lands square on her jaw. Kate could swear that the punch loosened a tooth as the gross metalic taste of blood slowly flooded her mouth. Kicking into high gear, Kate pulls out a dagger and employs a fighting stance, keeping her sharp sidekick pointed at her aggressor at all time, wherever she might be.

It was almost pitch dark and Kate’s mind was reeling, trying to calm down and focus on Maya’s movements. Keeping her stance tight and straining her ears, the Avenger hears Maya incoming and she moves at a 45 degree angle, blocking a swift kick from Maya. Kate makes a mental note about how that hurt more than it should, almost as if Maya’s leg was made of steel. Not wanting to lose momentum, Kate bull-dogs Maya; rushing at her with her hand to Maya’s chest and following with lightning quick dagger swipes to her torso. Maya yells in pain and stumbles backwards, and Kate takes the opportunity to crouch behind the sofa. She was contemplating her next steps as her directive was to get the watch, not engage with Maya. Her voice comes out in bursts of whispers.

Kate Bishop: Maya’s here.
Clint Barton: Yeah, I can see that.
Kate Bishop: Then why didn’t you tell me?
Clint Barton: I did. Maya’s on the roof with me.
Kate Bishop: No, Maya is definitely here.
Clint Barton: Well, who the hell am I fighting then?

Neither Clint nor Kate had the time to analyze what was happening as things were happening at breakneck speed. Maya was gaining an advantage from being familiar with the layout of her apartment while Kate was stumbling and knocking into furniture in the dark. Now hiding in a bedroom, Kate talks to Clint in whispers and plans for an exit. She knew that waltzing out the front door wouldn’t be an option with Maya and her handgun.

Kate Bishop: A little help here?
Clint Barton: Give me a second. Incoming.

Clint pushes away from his attacker and rapidly notches an arrow and shots it into Maya’s apartment - providing a quick getaway for Kate to escape and join him.

Clint Barton: Get on the zip line.

Kate comes out of hiding as she sees Maya walking around with her gun drawn in the moon lit room, Kate expertly disarms Maya and positions her body behind the Tracksuit Mafia general, quickly putting her in a sleeper choke hold. The hold slows the blood supply to Maya’s brain as Kate applies pressure to the sides of her neck with her dominant arm. Maya struggles but every second feels like an hour. To expedite things, Kate presses her hip into the small of Maya’s back and applies more pressure to her neck and slowly she goes limp. She drops Maya’s dead weight and eyes the zipline.

The zip line works great until it doesn't. Kate had accelerated out of the window but was now stuck in the middle of the line, dangling on top of the street like a weird Christmas decoration. She gritted her teeth and cursed at Clint for not giving her the incline to create the momentum needed to sail the whole way through. There was nothing much to do except lamely twist and wriggle her body about to get herself closer to the rooftop. As she tries to inch closer, Kate finally gets a moment to look at the person Clint was fighting, the attacker was in an all black suit and wearing night goggles.

Kate Bishop: What the hell. Is that.. is that Night Monkey?

She was making poor progress but then Clint’s attacker bounces off the wire to kick him, it gives Kate the momentum she needs to start sliding again, her feet already stretched out in front to kick the assailant as she leaps off the cable. The collision causes Kate to land on her hip but it also works in momentarily throwing off the assailant.

Kate Bishop: Oof. That’s gonna bruise.

The masked assailant is already on his feet and cocks his gun, taking aim at Kate, almost surprised by the intrusion. Before either of them could plan their next step, Maya comes down the zipline, kicking both the masked assailant and Clint out of the way, while undoubtedly looking cooler than Kate did. The two on two tussle was progressing now, chaotic punches and kicks thrown about. Kate kept trying to side step Maya, her interest more on the mystery assailant who seemed hell bent on kicking the shit out of Clint. Every time Kate tried to step in to help Clint, Maya would throw herself in the middle of the commotion.

Kate closes in on Maya and goes at her at an angle again, chopping her arm across her torso and swiping Maya’s legs from behind. Kate slams Maya’s head to the ground and she goes down for the second time that night. The Avenger then goes to engage with the mystery assailant, moving fast to deliver a devastating front kick to the assailant’s face before he can block it, then following it with a swift low kick to his knee, making his knees buckle as he collapses to the floor.

Kate moves to give an overhand punch while he is down, but the assailant is quick to his feet, absorbing the punch and then twirling his body and promptly pistol whipping Kate right at the temple. Kate’s vision blurs and her headache from the gunshot is amplified a thousand times - and in what could only be described as a few elegant and vaguely Widow-esque moves, the stranger flips Kate right off the rooftop. Kate lets out a cuss as she prepares to plummet to the ground when she oddly finds herself suspended by a wire almost 8 feet from the ground. Overhead, she hears Clint screaming and making his way to the ledge.

Clint Barton: No, no, no! No, no!

Clint rushes to the ledge, expecting to see Kate crumpled on the pavement - but instead he is greeted by the sight of Kate hanging by the wire like a marionette puppet that was tangled in Christmas lights. A breath of relief washes over him but he couldn’t deny how rattled he felt and the panicked look in his eyes told Kate everything she needed to know.

Kate Bishop: Pull me up!

His partner falling over a ledge was too eerily similar to what he had experienced with Natasha in Vormir. The memory brings about a wave of pain and Clint does the only thing that makes sense to him - pulls out his switchblade and cuts the wire. He had to keep Kate away at all cost because losing someone else was out of the question.

Clint Barton: Get outta here.

Kate groans as she lands with a thud on the pavement. Her temple was lacerated and she was bleeding. Wiping the blood off her face, Kate stands and looks up from where she just fell and muttered.

Kate Bishop: I fucking hate guns.

She was officially annoyed now, and within seconds, was running up the stairs to the rooftop with a new found fury. When she reaches the top, she sees Maya and the mystery assailant had both apparently teamed up to trade blows with Clint.

Clint was fending them off just fine but he was approaching the ledge off the building fast and Kate was sure that the mystery assailant was not going to do him the courtesy of clipping on a wire before throwing him off the roof. No, the stranger was definitely out to do some damage with Clint judging from the lethal kicks and punches that were being delivered. Kate decides that it’s time for the kiddy gloves to come off and notches a sonic arrow, letting it loose close to the dueling trio.

The sonic blast throws the trio off their feet and Maya is the first to stand up, the high pitched noise clearly not harming her as much since she didn’t use a hearing aid. Kate immediately draws a regular arrow and releases it, the arrow slices through the air and strikes Maya right at her shoulder. A flesh wound. Maya glares at Kate but Kate returns her glare with a steely look that says ‘That’s the only warning shot you’re going to get.’. Thankfully, Maya gets the message and decides to live to fight another day, making her exit off the rooftop.

Kate now turns her attention to the only aggressor left, the mystery assailant with the night goggles, who during this time had also regained footing and was gunnning for Clint again while Kate removed Maya from the fight. More blows were exchanged and Clint manages to rip the mask off the assailant, and as a response, the assailant aims what Kate notices are WIDOW BITES (!) and tasers Clint in the neck.

The older Avenger immediately feels the jolts of electricity coursing through his body and collapses to his knees, trying to get the taser of. The mask-less assailant limps and slowly turns around, revealing herself to Kate. Kate trails her target and watches the stranger’s face, which was now visible in the moonlight. Kate only needed a second to take the shot, less than that even but when Kate looked at the stranger, like actually looked, arrow still drawn and aimed at her heart, Kate found herself stalling as her eyes raked over the Black Widow.

She was about 5’3 and had windswept blonde hair around her face. However, what struck Kate the most was this odd sense of familiarity when she looked at the blonde but no matter how hard she tried - she couldn’t place her. The Widow was now looking straight at Kate and the archer pulls the arrow back with more force, the tension in the bow almost as taut as the tension in the air but for some fucking reason, Kate holds the arrow and the blonde’s gaze, her steadiness faltering when the stranger shakes her head ‘No’. Like an idiot in a trance, Kate lowers the bow and is gifted with a little smirk from the blonde.

Then in a split second, like everything that had happened before was in slow motion, the Widow throws a grapple hook and dives gracefully off the rooftop. Kate, now free from her daze, meets Clint at the ledge, both looking over to see if they could see which direction the Widow had taken off to.

Kate Bishop: Who the hell was that?
Clint Barton: You need to stay out of this kid.
Kate Bishop: I cannot be your partner if you don't tell me what's going on.
Clint Barton: You're not my partner. Do you understand that? You never were.

Kate winces but knows that Clint doesn’t mean it. She knows that the night had just brought out some very unpleasant memories for Clint and this was just his reaction to that. Kate swallows painfully and looks at Clint.

Clint Barton: Someone has hired a Black Widow assassin. This has gotten very real, very quickly. So I'm doing this alone.
Kate Bishop: No you're not. Look, I know that tonight didn't go as planned, but I chose to be here. I understand the risk, I understand all of that.
Clint Barton: I'm not gonna do it. Do you hear me? Go home Kate. It's over.

Kate pulls out the Rolex from her suit pocket and tosses it at Clint. He catches and examines it, and when he looks up again, Kate has vanished into the dark.

Chapter Text

Sonya: What do you mean you didn’t complete the mission?
Yelena Belova: It means that Clint Barton is still alive.
Sonya: And why is he still alive?
Yelena Belova: Because I didn’t complete the mission.

Yelena stated as if it was the most obvious thing and Sonya just rolls her eyes, making a point to also dramatically pinch the bridge of her nose to show her annoyance to no one in particular. Despite traveling together with Sonya to free Widows, and Sonya being the only person in the world that she could remotely even call a friend, Yelena hasn't exactly being forthcoming with details. In her defence though, it is something that she is trying to work on. This whole new found freedom thing is rather foreign to Yelena while Sonya has a leg up of five years on her due to the snap. Given this unique circumstance, they are still trying to figure out what their dynamics would be like when they aren't just two Red Room assassins out on a mission.

The way Yelena sees it, Sonya isn’t a complete stranger to her. She knew that Sonya was 160 cm tall and weighed 55 kg and had type B blood. She also knew that Sonya was especially skilled in poison and explosives, however these are things that the Red Room necessitates them to know about one another. What Yelena yearned for was to cultivate a genuine friendship and to ideally know things about Sonya that best friends normally would - like her favourite movie, her favourite places to visit, or her favourite meal.

The ex-Widows would like to think that they are making some headway though; the last time they were in the same city, the pair had tried fluffernutter cookie dough for the first time and were pleased to learn that each other’s favourite flavours were brookie dough and gimmie smore. So before Sonya could rephrase the question yet again, or worse, feign disinterest and not ask at all, Yelena raises her hand up as if to halt her, realising only belatedly that Sonya couldn’t infact see her through the telephone.

Yelena Belova: I couldn’t kill him. There was an unexpected element. Well, two actually.
Sonya: What do you mean? S.H.I.E.L.D intel said that he was going to be scoping out on the rooftop, alone.
Yelena Belova: Well he wasn't. His target came home early.
Sonya: Ahh Maya Lopez. So who was the other?
Yelena Belova: Someone else from S.H.I.E.L.D.
Sonya: An agent?
Yelena Belova: Worse. An Avenger. Call sign Spectre.
Sonya: Spectre. I’ve heard of her.
Yelena Belova: One of the good ones?
Sonya: Seems like.
Yelena Belova: God or alien?
Sonya: Neither. She’s human.
Yelena Belova: What?
Sonya: Entirely human. As in she’d bleed if you cut her.
Yelena Belova: Now that the Avenger knows I’m after Barton, she will try to get in the way.
Sonya: Well.. Since she already knows that you are after Barton, why not just talk to her first?
Yelena Belova: I can’t just show up and say ‘Hii, I’m Natasha’s sister and I’m here to kill your friend’.
Sonya: Not when you put it like that of course. But the Avengers were close to Natasha right? They were her family too. See if she will step aside.
Yelena Belova: The Avengers are annoyingly.. self righteous.
Sonya: Indeed, but fighting one is definitely easier than fighting two.
Yelena Belova: You’re right. I just need to find her.
Sonya: A needle in a haystack. Nothing you cannot handle sestra.

That same day, Yelena had parked herself on her couch, icing her knee that was still hurting and trying to find out the identity of Spectre but admittedly, it was a difficult task. She and Sonya had even tried tapping into their S.H.I.E.L.D contact to see if there was any information that they could uncover. The contact had shared some files, mission statements and project files but they all amounted to nothing as Spectre’s identity was highly protected and any clues that could hint to her identity were also redacted.

That night, the stranger from the rooftop found Yelena first in her dream. And in that dream they had talked and gotten to know each other, laughed at jokes even. But when the blonde arose from her sleep, every little detail that had filled the dream melted away. What felt like a vivid dream was now nothing but a vague memory and the blonde was frustrated that she couldn’t recollect the stranger’s voice nor her words.

The strange warm fuzzy feeling that she got because of the dream vanished too and Yelena was almost distraught. The same dream repeated itself almost nightly and was a welcome respite from the usual Red Room nightmares; but like clockwork, when sunrise came - all familiarity disappeared.

Out of desperation, Yelena had even turned to websleuths in a half hearted attempt to find out who Spectre was. There were many forums and articles that speculated on certain individuals and their possible links to Spectre, but it didn’t take much to see that there wasn't much credence to any of these sites. To make matters worse, after the encounter at the rooftop, Barton too had seemingly dropped off the radar and there were no further sightings of Hawkeye nor Spectre. They had clearly gone underground trying to keep Barton out of the Widow’s cross hairs.

A couple of days later, Yelena was having her dinner in front of the television, a guilty pleasure that she had developed post snap. She channel-surfed for a moment trying to find something interesting to watch, thumb speedily clicking the + button to move on to the next subsequent channel. Suddenly, a familiar face appears on the television screen and Yelena freezes, the spaghetti that she had collected on her fork unceremoniously slipping back onto the plate. Yelena kept her eyes glued to the screen, yes she was sure of it - it was the face behind her dreams.

Yelena quickly picked up her phone and dialed Sonya’s number, not knowing what else to do since the universe hardly threw her a bone like this. The ring tone went on for almost 20 seconds before Sonya finally picked up.

Yelena Belova: Busy?
Sonya: No, just getting in. Any updates?
Yelena Belova: I need you to get to the Bloomberg news website. Go to the live stream that's happening now.
Sonya: Okay.

Sonya puts Yelena on speaker phone and opens the web browser on her screen, typing out the news channel and deftly selecting the news piece that was currently streaming live. It seemed like some business biopic and she was puzzled by why Yelena was making her watch this, but she watches the video wordlessly anyway.

Reporter: -ost unexpected lesson in leading for growth?
Kate Bishop: I learned the hard way that you need to become credible and enlist support inside the company before you start trying to be a change agent. If you think that change happens by force of personality or position or even intellect alone, you’re in for a surprise.

Reporter: So what did you do differently when you started as CEO of Bishop Securities? You were only 22 years old then and the heir apparent.
Kate Bishop: Right, so I suppose they did think that I’d be able to help out on the cyber engineering front of things but the general consensus was that I was still green around the ears.
A lot of folks would probably say that they still remember me running around the office in diapers and those are precisely the types of ingrained perceptions that I had to stave off. So I devoted a lot of time in executive meetings and in R&D and I was meeting a lot of the younger staff in the company too. We heard a lot of new ideas, and that is how our most successful product for 2018 was launched incidentally.

Reporter: Leadership isn’t easy in this kind of dizzying environment. In recent years we’ve had the Blip and now this recession. What has your personal approach been?
Kate Bishop: Well, I think that a leader should always be switching between different altitudes - tasks of different levels of abstraction and specificity. At the highest altitude, I’d be thinking about the company’s mission and strategy for example. At the lowest altitude, I’d be looking at on-the-ground operations, such as making a particular yield.

Reporter: Different altitudes, that's an interesting take. Some business pundits have cited that the new mergers recently undertaken were rather risky. What has prompted you to this risk taking?
Kate Bishop: Haha. I have to attribute this to my uncle Jack somewhat. Watching him do business makes you go from having fanciful goals to being embolden. What I also did was rely a lot on the super team that I have over at the office. If my people say that they’ve analysed 300 companies and this is the best company to proceed with - then I will do what it takes to make the acquisition happen.

Reporter: It’s one thing to talk about bold moves when a company is growing like gangbusters. How do you do the same when a company gets bigger and growth inevitably slows?
Kate Bishop: I think honesty plays a key role here. We can maintain very strong growth over the next three to four years with our current products but beyond that? Who knows? Until every new product is strategized and launched, everything remains a speculation.

Reporter: Well said. I think that your radical candour and novel insights are the breath of fresh air that Bishop Securities needed, if the stocks are indication of anything at all. By the way, I’m getting the cue to wrap this interview up, so thank you as always Miss Bishop, for obliging us and offering us a sneak peek at Bishop Securities latest product launch and your ideas on moving the company forward. Our best wishes to you.
Kate Bishop: Not at all! Thank you for having me, Anderson.

Yelena and Sonya both watched the news clip silently, and while Sonya was probably watching it patiently to figure out what this had to do with anything - Yelena’s brain was trying to consume as much Kate Bishop as it could, lest the interview ended anytime soon. Yelena’s eyes fell on the young mogul and her sleek attire; she was wearing a crisp white shirt with a blue blazer, and matching blue ankle grazers. Kate finished the look with a pair of brown brogues, and next to her, propped up against the chair was her buffed brown leather briefcase.

Something about the way Kate carried herself, gracefully fitting her lanky frame into the chair with her legs crossed, coffee cup in her hand, was so effortlessly cool. The energy she exuded was one of posh and confidence; truly a young urban yuppie. Kate was clearly the result of years of prestiges schooling and elite high society. She was born to lead Bishop Securities and did so without apparent difficulty. Despite all of this though what intrigued Yelena was how Kate somehow remained approachable and self-effacing. Sonya waited until the interview was over before finally taking Yelena off speaker phone.

Sonya: Looking to invest, Belova?
Yelena Belova: She’s the one. I’m sure of it.
Sonya: I’m sorry, who?
Yelena Belova: From the other night.
Sonya: The rooftop?
Yelena Belova: Yes! She is Spectre. The helmet was smashed but I remember her eyes.
Sonya: As in Kate Bishop of Bishop Securities is Spectre?
Yelena Belova: It appears so.
Sonya: That doesn’t make any sense. Bishop is an industry giant. Why would sh-
Yelena Belova: I’m certain it's her.
Sonya: Okay but Bishop is old money. Think Rockefeller or Rothschild type of old money.
Yelena Belova: Old money means deep pockets.
Sonya: Money isn’t motive for everything. The only fighting this Bishop girl does is fighting off the women who throw themselves at her.
Yelena Belova: What is that supposed to mean?
Sonya: She’s one of New York’s better looking bachelorettes. She is practically a celebrity.
Yelena Belova: Hmm. Too high profile?
Sonya: Probably. It’s like Bono having an alternate personality.
Yelena Belova: I don't know..
Sonya: The tabloids are on her a lot, and it's always news about one girl or another. She’s quite the heartbreaker.
Yelena: So money and charm. Just like Batman.
Sonya: What? Nothing like Batman! This isn’t a comic. Sure, she is rich and good looking an- ah okay. I see it now. Yup. Definitely like Batman.
Yelena Belova: What’s the verdict?
Sonya: Tail her. See what you can find. But if you find some dirt...
Yelena Belova: Yes of course. I’ll let you know. And Sonya?
Sonya: Yes?
Yelena Belova: How do you know so much about Kate Bishop?
Sonya: I don’t take many missions these days. All that down time.. It's good to know what people our age are interested in.. What they are talking about.. Who they are talking about.. I have seen the benefits of keeping up with popular culture.
Yelena Belova: Hmm.
Sonya: What do you do on your down time?
Yelena Belova: Uhm, just the usual. I have to go now. Thanks for the tip.
Sonya: Anytime.

Truth be told, since achieving her freedom, Yelena barely kept still. She had legitimate concerns that being still would only result in her being alone with her thoughts, and that had proven to be unbearable. Always working, even if it’s just busy work is more up Yelena’s alley. There are some Widows who were like herself, but there were some too that had buried their troubled past quite readily. Like snakes who shed their skin, they stripped away the gore and violence and slipped naturally into what could pass off as ‘normalcy’.

Things were different now though. If Yelena didn’t have something to do in her down time before, she definitely had something to do now - tail one Kate Bishop. Her gut told her that Kate Bishop was Spectre but this was something that she had to prove to the skeptic within her as well as Sonya. No point dragging a civilian into this mess after all.

That night when Yelena slept, she was again greeted by Kate Bishop in her dreams. This time Kate Bishop had more to say and do, now that Yelena’s brain had more fodder to go on after watching the interview. In this dream too they just spoke and laughed and somehow Kate Bishop became more endearing to Yelena. All Yelena wanted to do was be around Kate and listen to Kate talk - and talk was clearly something Kate could do. When Yelena woke up, she realized that there was probably nothing that Kate could do that Yelena would not find at least infinitely interesting.

Chapter Text

Barista: Caramel macchiato for Miss Fanny!
Yelena Belova: Here!

Yelena quickly snatched up her drink order and moved to the corner table. The table was situated right at the corner of your eye as you’d walk in and on top of that, Yelena was fairly hidden behind the man who insisted on reading an actual, tangible newspaper - widespread. Yelena was at Zeus Coffee, which essentially was Kate Bishop’s favourite coffee place, judging by the cup she had at the interview. Yelena had been here every morning for three days, tailing her straight to her office building which was only a stone’s throw away.

And everyday after work, Kate did nothing except have her chauffeur drive her straight home to her penthouse with no detours along the way. Realizing that she can’t really glean any intel this way, Yelena resolved to take a leaf out of Kate Bishop’s book on being emboldened to move things along. The plan was fairly simple: she was going to meet Kate to see if she recognized her as the woman who was trying to kill Clint Barton. Plain and simple enough to see if anything visceral happens.

Yelena set off to work and hacked into Kate Bishop’s assistant’s phone, since hacking into her work laptop had been way harder considering the added encryption and security measures that were in place. Popping open the phone’s calendar, she set up a meeting for the owner of Bixby to meet with Kate Bishop. Yelena had chanced upon some emails from the R&D team that intimated on a possible collaboration between Bixby with Bishop Securities products and decided this would be an acceptable angle of infiltration.

At 10 a.m on the next day, Yelena was already seated at the waiting room, waiting to be called in right after Kate concluded whatever meeting she was currently in.

Sammi: How did you end up breaking your visor??
Kate Bishop: I don't know Sammi. Maybe being shot at, point blank is the limit for nanotechnology. Or any technology for that matter.
Sammi: You got shot at?
Kate Bishop: Yes, at point blank by some crazy mob lady.

Kate Bishop was currently in a meeting with her secret design team from the lab on the 34th floor, this was the very same design team that configured her nano suit and have been working on her with Spectre related projects; mainly weaponry and suit technology. This team worked together with S.H.I.E.L.D and therefore, none of the other employees knew about the 34th floor and this was the very team that Sammi was the design lead for.

Sammi: Were you hurt or did the suit absorb all the kinetic energy from the blast?
Kate Bishop: Actually, I am happy to report that I felt nothing. Otherwise I probably wouldn’t be standing here right now. So yea. 10 points for solid build.
Sammi: You have Leo to thank for that, she coded in the visor elements to make it more shatter resistant.
Kate Bishop: Alright. So what do you think? Fixable? Either way, I need my helmet back.
Sammi: I don't know Kate, let me tinker around with it for a bit and I’ll update you.
Kate Bishop: Okay, let me know a.s.a.p okay? I kinda have something brewing at the moment.
Sammi: Avengers stuff?
Kate Bishop: More like Avengers adjacent.

Kate replied with a wink before removing her signet ring and handing it to Sammi. Although interested in the capabilities of nanotechnology due to the progress that Stark Industries had made on the Iron Man suit - Kate was however not entirely sure about incorporating an AI into her suit.

She felt that the AI would only be open to corruption and decided that it was best to leave high technology out of the suit. As such, the suit’s primary purpose was to protect her identity; a job that it was failing to do currently thanks to one Maya Lopez. The suit’s secondary purpose was to harness any weapon she chose to carry, which usually were her daggers and blades.

Once the meeting about the helmet was over, Kate looked at her calendar to see what was next on her docket - a meeting with Bixby. It was slightly odd as she didn’t remember seeing this meeting on her calendar when she checked it at dinner the night before but last minute meetings are fairly normal in the everyday lives of CEOs and Kate found it best to just go with the ebb and flow of things.

Due to the meeting being last minute, Kate didn’t really have time to prep for it but she was fairly certain that she could wing it. The gist of what was talked about in R&D was about incorporating some Bishop Security solutions with Bixby to create a high end encryption model for smartphones and this was definitely something Kate Bishop could dance around in circles of. She still had a couple of minutes to herself and so Kate was furiously typing out an email, rushing to push something through for marketing before her assistant popped her head in through the door.

Dawn: Ready for Bixby Miss Bishop?
Kate Bishop: Hi Dawn. Yes, please send them in.

Kate promptly got out of a chair and walked over to greet the gentlemen who were going to walk in at any moment but instead of being greeted by the Carter twins, a stunning blonde in a suit jacket walked in instead. Kate recognized her immediately as the woman from the roof. What was she even doing here? Fuck. She must have seen the interview and recognized me. Stupid visor. Stupid Maya Lopez.

After the fight on the rooftop, Clint and Kate had taken some time apart before retreating back to the Compound for debriefing the next day. Upon coming into contact with Kate, Clint had immediately started mumbling his apology and Kate just rolled her eyes and shrugged it off. Afterall, she was not unfamiliar with the trauma. Meanwhile the team was trying to put together a dossier on who the Widow could possibly be and what her motives were for interrupting a S.H.I.E.L.D mission but currently they didn’t know if both the elements were connected or if the Widow was an anomaly with unknown motives.

Although a Widow is a threat that Clint could potentially handle on his own, Kate was interested in the case for all the wrong reasons much to Clint’s chagrin. Okay okay.. maybe not entirely. Clint’s safety was her top priority but Kate couldn’t deny that she was hooked on the femme fatale. There was danger swimming in those hazel eyes but something in her gut told Kate that she needed to get close to her anyway.

Kate’s infatuation with the blonde was a great source of irritation to Clint. Although Spectre was effective and professional, Clint was more concerned with her other persona. He was very aware of Kate Bishop’s kryptonite being devastatingly beautiful girls. In the past, he would often try to steer her clear of trouble but Kate’s personal life always found a way to turn into a media circus everytime she so much as even glanced in the direction of someone attractive. Over the past few days, Clint had told Kate how the least she could do as his partner was to not try to sleep with an assassin who was out to kill him. Kate had jokingly retorted something about not hating the player but hating the ‘game’ instead.

Back at the office, Kate surmised that the Widow wanted to test her. To see if she was Spectre. Kate tried to remain calm, and focused on her breathing while simultaneously pulling up a winning smile, knowing that this was most probably just a fishing expedition for the blonde. Kate buttoned her blazer and offered her hand to the blonde to introduce herself.

Kate Bishop; Kate Bishop, nice to meet you.
Carter: Hi. Megan Carter. Nice to finally meet you.
Kate Bishop: Pleasures all mine. Come on in.

While being completely focused on the task at hand; which incidentally was just to not fuck up and admit that she was an Avenger, Kate’s reptilian brain took over for a moment and she couldn’t help but notice how stunning the blonde was. She had on a grey pantsuit and her hair was up in a bun, creating an effect which was not dissimilar to their moonlit date several nights ago. Kate ushered the blonde to the sofa and offered her some refreshments.

Kate Bishop: Could I interest you in some coffee?
Megan Carter: A caramel macchiato actually, if you have them.

Kate observed her polished pan American accent and made a note in her head about how it was probably a made up accent. Kate kept up her cheery disposition and made no inclination or remark to having knowing the blonde. Luckily for her, Kate has been playing this dual role for a few years now and is adept enough to probably pass a drama class. Dawn popped back in with their beverages and gently closed the door shut on her way out.

Kate Bishop: You know, I was a little taken back to see you set a meeting.
Megan Carter: Oh, why was that?
Kate Bishop: Well, because these things are usually worked out on the golf course right?
Megan Carter: Oh yes, yes. I realize that all this may seem a little formal. But maybe we could just have a chat, a casual one to see if there are grounds for setting up more in-depth meetings about a potential Bixby-Bishop collaboration.
Kate Bishop: Well sure, we could do that but I would much rather talk to the Carter twins about a potential Bixby-Bishop collaboration.
Megan Carter: What do you mean?
Kate Bishop: I mean that I know Bixby was created by the Carter twins, no one else. And that you are definitely not one of the twins.

Yelena had been made out. She cursed herself internally for not doing her research thoroughly in the interest of getting answers quicker and for thinking that shock value alone was going to bring her success. She weighed her options carefully as clearly, Kate Bishop has been doing this for a while and will not be an easy one to crack. Yelena decided to play along because she figured she didn't have much to lose now that she has lost the element of surprise.

Megan Carter: How certain are you?
Kate Bishop: Very, considering I went to M.I.T with them.
Megan Carter: Okay fine. You got me.
Kate Bishop: Do I now? Is this the part where I call for security to escort you out or is there a crazy fan story you’d like to share first?
Megan Carter: You think I’m one of your more fanatic fans?
Kate Bishop: Well, I have to say that impersonating someone to get a meeting with me is pretty high up on the crazy scale..
Megan Carter: So what do you do with these crazy fans of yours? Is there a switch at the desk to fog up these windows?

Yelena spoke and gestured towards her desk. Kate wasn’t sure what the hell was happening but it seemed like the blonde..was..flirting with her? She had to remind herself not to fall for it. Because Clint. Fucking Clint. Ugh.

Kate Bishop: Haha, you have quite the imagination on you ‘Miss Carter’ but unfortunately this really is just a place of business.

Yelena’s little game wielded very little information except that perhaps Kate Bishop is actually flirting back with her? Yelena admonished herself for getting sidetracked and for failing miserably in proving that Kate Bishop is Spectre. She clearly had to up her game for Kate Bishop was definitely a wily one.

Megan Carter: Are you sure we haven't met before Kate Bishop? You look strangely familiar.
Kate Bishop: Oh. It must have been on the tele. There was an interview piece that seems to have reached quite the demographic.
Megan Carter: I must have made a mistake then.
Kate Bishop: I’ll hold off on calling security, since you are already on your way out.
Megan Carter: I’d appreciate that.
Kate Bishop: No worries, I’ve done way more for less beautiful women.

What the fuck was that? Reel it in Bishop. This bitch almost kills Clint and throws you off the roof and you’re flirting with her? How thirsty are you?! Kate continued beraging herself when the blonde walked out. What was she doing here? Wasn’t her target Clint? Perhaps she’s here to talk to me.. Hmm. That has to be it right? Well, what if she was trying to out you for being Spectre, like what happened with Peter Parker? That would be a whole world of shit storm and both Jack and Clint would definitely kill her.

Chapter Text

Kate opened the door and headed through it as quickly as she could. She was already running late on her training schedule and wanted to get at least an hour in before having to meet Clint again. She barely took a couple of steps into the penthouse before she heard it.

Yelena Belova: Kate Bishoopp. Hiiiii..

By reflex, she picked up the closest thing to her and flung it at the intruder - her object of mass destruction had been a bottle of Sriracha that was on the kitchen island. The intruder, who turned out to be Kate Bishop’s woman of mystery from the rooftop and the very same who tried to infiltrate her office too - had some pretty impressive reflexes, as without even so much as flinching, she caught the hot sauce bottle.

Now depending on who you asked, both Yelena and Kate would tell you how what happened next was entirely the other’s fault. What happened couldn’t be made up because what happened was that the hot sauce bottle had in fact not been screwed shut, which means that the moment Yelena caught it, the force of her grip had accidentally squirted out some of the legendarily fiery condiment. This would have been totally fine except that instead of squirting literally anywhere else, the hot sauce had actually squirted right into Yelena’s eyes.

Kate Bishop, who had been watching the whole thing in slow motion, which is how things often are whenever Yelena appears in her line of sight, widened her eyes in shock when she saw the scene before her unfold. The next couple of minutes was absolute pandemonium as Yelena started screaming out in agony while Kate was cursing and trying to usher her towards the kitchen sink to rinse out her eyes. However, a panicked Yelena is hardly a co-operative Yelena and the blonde was practically screaming swear words in Russian while trying to rub her eyes and walking into kitchen furniture.

Kate Bishop: Wait. Wait! Try not to rub your eyes.
Yelena Belova: It burns so much!!! Blyatttt (fuckkkk) !!
Kate Bishop: Hold still will you? I’m trying to help you!!
Yelena Belova: After dousing me with hot sauce?!?
Kate Bishop: I’m sorry! I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t think the damn thing was unscrewed and you really did scare the living daylights out of me!
Yelena Belova: Der’mo (shit). Why? I was just being friendly!!
Kate Bishop: Come here, we need to rinse your eyes out.

Kate figures that's enough of a warning and grabs Yelena by the elbow, dragging her to the kitchen sink.

Kate Bishop: Don’t move, I’ll be back.
Yelena Belova: Owwww. Blyat (fuck). Is this how you treat guests?
Kate Bishop: Just hold on a sec. I’m grabbing some milk. It should help.

Kate dashed to the fridge and pulled out a milk carton and then rushed back to the sink.

Kate Bishop: I’m going to start pouring out some cold milk. Try to rinse your eyes with it, okay?
Yelena Belova: Guhhh. Okay.

Kate starts to slowly pour out the contents of the carton, trying to control the flow so she doesn’t pour out too much and waste the milk before Yelena could get to it. Once coming in contact with the cold milk, Yelena quickly splashes some into her eyes, trying to rinse out her burning eyeballs the best she can. The action calmed her down somewhat when the cold milk seemed to do the trick and helped to drastically reduce the agonizing pain she was in.

Kate Bishop: Is this helping at all? I saw it in a documentary onc-
Yelena Belova: Yes yes. Shut up and keep pouring.

Kate decided to comply and kept slowly pouring the milk, carefully stopping whenever Yelena flushed out her eyes, making sure as much of the milk goes to Yelena’s poor eyes instead of the sink drain. Somewhere along the way Kate had mindlessly started to let her gaze roam over the blonde, seeing that the blonde’s sight was currently out of commision and this was probably the only chance Kate would ever get to just look at her.

She scanned the clothes the Widow wore, the light make up on her face, and her deliciously plump lips. Kate also took note of a faint vanilla perfume wafting between them which her brain had insistently pointed out as something that ‘she could totally get used to’. The Avenger tried to commit everything she could about the Widow to memory, ruing that she was almost done completely tipping the entire carton over.

Once she was done, Kate turned on the faucet, gently bringing Yelena’s hands to the flowing water so she could rinse her hands and face. After she was done washing up, Yelena gripped the sink basin before carefully opening her eyes, blinking glibly a couple of times before slowly turning her attention to Kate. What greeted Kate was slightly puffy eyes, and a very grumpy looking Yelena, the hair that usually would cover her forehead now slightly matted in a combination of milk and water.

Kate Bishop: How do you feel?
Yelena Belova: I’m good I think.. The milk helped.
Kate Bishop: Should I go get some more?
Yelena Belova: No, no. I think I’m fine.
Kate Bishop: Okay, okay. Cool.
Yelena Belova: Does it look bad?
Kate Bishop: No, not at all. Just like you’ve been crying a little over.. spilled milk..

Yelena narrowed her eyes at the brunette and gave a quick swat that landed on Kate’s arm as she tried hiding her grin. The swat stung a little but Kate knows that it was probably not intended.. But let’s be real now - Kate knows jack shit to be honest. Clint always said that Kate talked too much, especially when it came to talking with bad guys. According to him, one should do minimal if not zero talking with bad guys. Be that as it may, fraternising with the enemy to this extent is totally uncharted territory even for Kate Bishop.

Kate Bishop: Okay okay. Sorry. I totally deserved that.
Yelena Belova: Seriously Kate Bishop. What the hell? Here I am trying to be friendly and you attack me.
Kate Bishop: Excuse me? You broke into my house! How else would anyone react?
Yelena Belova: I even made macaroni if you want some.

As if on cue, they both turned to look at the pot that was resting on top of the stove.

Kate Bishop: I’m sorry. What?
Yelena Belova: Well, I was starving and you took forever. So I made some food.

Officially declaring this meeting stranger than the last, Kate walked over to the other side of the kitchen island, resting her elbows on the cool granite. Finally having a moment to drop her work bag that was slung across her shoulder and focus on the fact that an assassin had broken into her penthouse and for some bizarre reason, made her macaroni. She surmised that the Widow must be good because none of her alarms had been tripped, although Kate had in fact, not equipped her house with any unnecessary state of the art home protection system. By Kate’s logic, a state of art alarm would indicate that Kate had something precious to protect and we all know how Kate Bishop has no secrets..

Kate Bishop: Let’s start over. What’s your name?

The question looked like it surprised Yelena. In a way it was weird for Kate too, having had a couple of interactions and still not knowing a single thing about this mysterious stranger. Kate knew that she was running out of time. Up to this point, she still hadn’t fucked up in anyway to confirm Yelena’s suspicion that she was Spectre. She now had to decide what route to take, either to continue pretending to just be Kate Bishop - the CEO who Yelena is now positively stalking. Or Kate Bishop, CEO who also moonlights as an Avenger. Kate decided to play it by ear and find out why exactly Yelena is targeting her and then decide how much to let on.

Yelena Belova: It’s Lena.

Kate and Yelena were both taken aback that Yelena was willing to be forthcoming with her name. Although of course, unless Kate checks the S.H.I.E.L.D database, there is no way to know if Yelena is telling the truth right now, or just fucking with her. She decides to give her the benefit of the doubt and tries saying the name a couple of times in her head to get a feel of it.

Kate Bishop: Okay Lena. Now how can I help you?
Yelena Belova: Are we really going to play this game?
Kate Bishop: What game?
Yelena Belova: You were at the rooftop the other night. With Clint Barton.

Kate’s brain was firing in all cylinders, trying to quickly formulate the pros and cons of all the potential replies. Her gut said that it's still too soon, and to hold out just a little longer - just enough to at least have an inkling on the blonde’s motive behind all this.

Kate Bishop: Clint Barton, the Avenger?
Yelena Belova: Yes. The Avenger. And you are one too.
Kate Bishop: Out of curiosity, what does a Kate Bishop fanatic want with an Avenger?
Yelena Belova: I know that you are trying to play safe. But this isn’t about you. It’s about Barton. You could say that I have a score to settle with him.

Kate sighed deeply. Okay, now we are getting somewhere… So seems like fucking Grandpa did something to peeve Lena and now he has to die. Sounds fair; sometimes he steals Kate’s lunches at the Avengers compound and on more than one occasion, Kate had thought that that was fair grounds to want to kill him. And surely for Lena to be this determined, it must be a pretty big score to settle. She watched warily as Yelena moved to the stove, carrying the pot of macaroni and placing it on a mat in front of Kate.

Kate Bishop: What do you want?
Yelena Belova: Relax, Kate Bishop. I just want to talk, okay? Are you really not hungry? It’s really tasty. Really tasty.
Kate Bishop: I know what boxed mac and cheese tastes like. I know it’s… It’s delicious.
Yelena Belova: And I believe it’s your turn now. Were you the one on the rooftop?

Kate weighed her options, hypothetically, if she told Lena right now - the Widow would still have zero evidence to prove that Kate was Spectre. And judging by her body language, Kate surmised that there is truth to what the Widow is saying thus far, so maybe this really doesn’t have anything to do with her. After all, she did decide to join Clint on a whim that day, no one could have guessed that she was going to show up there. In fact, Clint should count his lucky stars because if Kate wasn’t there to intercept, Clint might have gotten hurt badly either by a Tracksuit general, a Black Widow, or both even.

Kate Bishop: It was. You have good instincts. So what do you want with Clint?

But that question may have fallen on deaf ears as Yelena was already back at the kitchen shelves, opening drawer after drawer, seemingly in search of something.

Yelena Belova: Forks. Forks. No. You have one fork??
Kate Bishop: I’m one person.
Yelena Belova: That’s so weird. Kate, this is not cutlery. This is not cutlery.
Kate Bishop: Ugh.. Yea. Yea don’t I know it. I just moved in and haven’t gotten the time to get settled.

Lena marched back victoriously to her spot on the island with one proper fork and a take out fork and promptly started digging into the macaroni. She pushed the pot towards Kate and gestured at it.

Kate Bishop: I am not gonna have dinner with you after you tried to kill me and then break into my house.
Yelena Belova: I did not try to kill you. A, I put you on a wire to remove an obstacle. And B, I did not break anything. I am way too talented than that. And C, stop being so defensive. Okay?

Kate watched curiously as Lena feigned shock and did an entire monologue on her own. Hmm she is almost as strange as me, Kate thought to herself. Kate reasoned that even in her line of work, she hadn’t actually chatted up any assassins or Widows, so it is unfair to assume that they all lacked charisma and an endearing personality.

Yelena Belova: You’re so hostile. I’m not going to hurt you. I promise. I don’t have any weapons on me. Okay.. I take that back. I don’t have any weapons currently in my hands.

Kate pointedly stared at Lena’s widow bites. She was more than familiar with Natasha’s gear and was very well aware of the damage that those little suckers could do to unsuspecting victims.

Yelena Belova: That’s a lie also.

While Kate was busy visually analysing the Widow seated in front of her, the brunette was somewhat amused that Lena had not faltered and was still committed to seeing her monologue through.

Yelena Belova: Come on, take a fork. Eat. Eat. Please, my daddy says it’s good for you.

Kate pulls out a stool and sits at the island, she gingerly reaches over to take a bite out of the macaroni and just like Lena promised, it tasted delicious. She was hoping that at least by doing this, Lena and her were breaking bread and hoped that the connotation of this being a meaningful social interaction was genuine. Kate was at least confident that the Widow was not trying to poison her because they shared the macaroni out of the same pot. There were probably no other pros to not owning plates.

Yelena Belova: You’re probably thinking,“What? This is crazy. I’m going to have dinner with the enemy?” “And she made some really good smelling macaroni.” But in all honesty, if I wanted to kill you…
Kate Bishop: You would have already.
Yelena Belova: Right, as you opened the door.
Kate Bishop: I probably wouldn’t have time to shut it.
Yelena Belova: No.
Kate Bishop: I’d have been dead. Okay.
Yelena Belova: No.
Kate Bishop: Yeah.
Yelena Belova: Are you done?

Kate was surprised by the question from the blonde as she gestured towards the pot between them. Lena must really like macaroni. Kate filed that little information away somewhere in her head.. you know, for research purposes. It's not like the blonde was incredibly hot and Kate wanted to boink her or anything.

Kate Bishop: Yeah.
Yelena Belova: I go?
Kate Bishop: Sure, can.
Yelena Belova: I could put hot sauce on it?
Kate Bishop: Hmm. Are you sure? After earlier?
Yelena Belova: Ah, yess. I looove hot sauce.
Kate Bishop: So what do you want?
Yelena Belova: Well, it’s my first time in New York. Mmm-hmm. It’s a business trip, so time is limited. But I want to see some things. I want to see, uh, the Empire State Building, the new and improved Statue of Liberty, and the Rockefeller Center.

Yelena was still beating around the bush and Kate’s patience was thinning. It had been a long day and she needed to vent into a punching bag and not talk around in circles with an assassin. Even if the assassin had an ass for days. Her change in demeanour was not lost on the blonde as she tried to bait Kate into taking part in the conversation more.

Kate Bishop: Very funny.
Yelena Belova: What, it’s not good?
Kate Bishop:Oh. No, they’re-they’re great. Yeah, you… I mean, you’ve gotta see the tree.
Yelena Belova: Mmm. Exactly. See? I love American Christmases. The tree, the presents, the super-powered reindeer, Rudolph. Mmm-hmm. Rudolph. Heh. He is so weird.

Kate’s eyebrow shot up in an arch. Rudolph is weird? Haha. If anyone else thought that, they should meet Lena. Kate was beginning to enjoy the conversation a little more now, the Widow seemed pretty random, and you couldn’t really anticipate what she was going to blurt out next. That made it sort of easy to hang by her every word.

Yelena Belova: Have you ever eaten reindeer?
Kate Bishop: Cannot say I’ve had the pleasure. No.
Yelena Belova: It’s… No, it is not a pleasure. No, it’s, um, it’s really tough. It’s chewy. Mm, you have to braise it for a really long time. But, hey, Kate Bishop, you grew up here, right? You must have some recommendations for me.
Kate Bishop: Yeah… Um… Yeah, I-I have. Let’s see. The High Line. High Line is great. Um… There’s a Christmas market in Union Square. Um… I’m not quite sure those are the right fit for the blood-thirsty vigilante type.
Yelena Belova: Blood-thirsty vigilante. Sometimes you’re funny, Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: Do you say my whole name to point out that you know it?
Yelena Belova: Yes. I know a lot about you. Mother, Eleanor. Lives on Park and 41st. Father, Derek, deceased. Very sad. And you recently walked into traffic to save a dog, which I’ll admit is pretty cool, and you got a few points from me on that. Um… University, M.I.T alumni, double major in cyber engineering and bio-engineering, graduated summa cum laude and…

Kate bristled when her father’s name was mentioned. The topic will always remain a sour one for Kate to talk about, especially since she didn’t have the greatest relationship with her mom. Kate chooses to let the remark go to focus on Lena’s statement about the dog she rescued - this means that the Widow had been keeping abreast of the whole Kingpin situation. The Avenger wondered how much she knew about the Tracksuits or S.H.I.E.L.D’s mission for Clint (and Kate). Not much probably. She has made it pretty clear that Clint is her focus here.

Kate Bishop: Right, okay. We get it. Thank you. Are you in New York to talk to Clint? Is that why you’re here?
Yelena Belova: No. No, no, no. I’m here to kill him.

If the remark about her father bristled her feathers, Kate found the second one about outwardly wanting to kill, downright offensive. She remained on high alert and waited for the assassin to go on. Kate had figured out by now that the less she spoke, the more the blonde was trying to fill the void with words.

Yelena Belova: I have a question for you.
Kate Bishop: What is it?
Yelena Belova: Why do you risk your life for him, Clint Barton? How has everybody forgiven him for his past?
Kate Bishop: He saved the world.
Yelena Belova: No. My sister saved the world. Natasha Romanoff, she saved the world.

Kate shot up straight in the chair, did she just say what Kate thinks she said? Could Lena really be.. Yelena Belova..? Kate felt fucking stupid now, she should have put two and two together. No wonder she had that persistent gnawing feeling like she knew Yelena from somewhere the first time she saw her. Also, how many Black Widows are there who are linked to S.H.I.E.L.D or the Avengers?? This admission helped the situation a lot because now there were more pieces of the puzzle in play and things were slowly starting to make sense.

Yelena Belova: Stop pretending like you’re not surprised. It does not look cool.
Kate Bishop: You’re really Natasha’s sister?
Yelena Belova: Yes.
Kate Bishop: Yelena Belova.

She almost whispers her name out and it was Yelena’s turn now to pretend not to be surprised that Kate knew her name.

Yelena Belova: In the flesh.
Kate Bishop: I did not see that coming. I mean, you look different than how I pictured you. You’re lucky I didn’t kill you up there!
Yelena Belova: You kill me? Again, oh, Kate Bishop, you are so funny. That’s hilarious. That one is the funniest.
Kate Bishop: I think you’re the one who has lost the plot here Yelena. Natasha and Clint were best friends. So why are you after him?
Yelena Belova: You are so fond of him. It tells me you don’t really know who he is.
Kate Bishop: He has protected me before. I guess you could say that we are partners.
Yelena Belova: No. He just tries to protect his reputation. Do you know how many people he killed? The trail of blood that follows him, it could wrap around the entire world.
Kate Bishop: Okay. Wow. That was very Russian.
Yelena Belova: Hmm.
Kate Bishop: He’s still an Avenger.
Yelena Belova: What does that word even mean? Huh? That it holds so much power. You call him a hero no matter what he does?
Kate Bishop: It means that when you choose to spend your life trying to help people, there are going to be things that you lose. When you face the kind of threats that he has, there’s going to be fall out, collateral damage.
Yelena Belova: My sister is gone because of him.
Kate Bishop: What? No. No, that is not at all what happened.
Yelena Belova: She’s gone. Is she collateral damage?
Kate Bishop: No, look, there is so much more to the story that you clearly don’t know. Natasha was my best friend too and I feel her loss every day but that’s not how things went down.
Yelena Belova: How long have you known Clint Barton?
Kate Bishop: About 8 years. And look, I know that he is not perfect. After Natasha was lost, he kinda lost his shit for a while and became Ronin. The thing is, nobody’s perfect. But he is good.
Yelena Belova: However he convinced you about who he is or how many people think or call him a hero, truth is, it doesn’t matter. We are defined by what we do. Not by nice words.

Kate sighs and massages her temple, letting Yelena’s words sink in. This is ridiculous, the person that she’s been searching for all these months, is actually right here before her and has a vendetta against Clint, of all people. Something about it didn’t feel right though. Kate’s gut said that someone was manipulating Yelena’s pain and misdirecting her fury towards Clint.

Yelena Belova: Like it or not, there is no escaping this. So… Where is he?
Kate Bishop: I don’t know.
Yelena Belova: Okay.

Kate hated the direction in which the conversation had turned, for a moment it seemed like they were actually getting along and now it's all gone to shit. The Avenger wished she could have a do over because obviously she messed up. There is no way that Clint is to be blamed for what happened to Natasha. While she was still processing all of this, Yelena got up and headed towards the bay windows.

Yelena Belova: Thank you for the girls’ night, truly. Oh. And, Kate Bishop, do not get in my way again.
Kate Bishop: I’m not going to let you touch a single hair on his stupid head.
Yelena Belova: You have chosen death then because like I said, this isn’t going to go away.

Then as promptly as she had gotten up, Yelena shot grapple hooks into the concrete and as graceful as a ballerina, swan dove out of the window leaving a very unsettled Kate behind.

That night, Kate had tried her damndest to fall asleep, but all she succeeded in doing was toss and turn. She finally gave up at around 4 a.m and got up to grab a shower. It was early in the morning, far too early for even Kate’s liking but she hastened her steps and rounded her way to the Avenger’s training facility. She was sure that she’d find Clint there, and as she pushed through the heavy doors - she was greeted by the sight of Clint training with his bow. He was in a simulation that had multiple drones flying about and he was picking them out one by one like it was the easiest thing ever.

Kate waited patiently in the side, hanging back while Clint was working his way through the obstacle course. When the simulation had completed, Clint finally turned around and noticed her. Picking up his towel and water bottle, he ambled towards her, his bow casually thrown over his shoulder.

Clint Barton: Heyya kid. Early one at the office?
Kate Bishop: Nah. Not really. I think my insomnia is back.
Clint Barton: That blows.

She just shrugged as they made their way towards the cafeteria. They had both grabbed coffee and were seated opposite each other at a table.

Kate Bishop: So what did Fury say about Friday? Are we all set?
Clint Barton: Yeah, the intel checked out. The big guy is going to be there for some black market weapons sale.
Kate Bishop: I still don’t get why we have to detain him. He’s a piece of shit.
Clint Barton: For starters, Fury gave me the assignment. So it’s more like a ‘me thing’, rather than a ‘we thing’.
Kate Bishop: Yea well, you have a Black Widow tracking you. Somebody has to watch your six.

Upon hearing those words, Clint groaned as if being reminded of the Black Widow actually pained him physically. He had told Laura about what happened, and his primary focus was still to get back home for Christmas on time and even if he didn’t admit it for fear of causing Kate’s ego to implode - he was glad that she was teaming up with him on this.

Clint Barton: The place is going to be swarming with those tracksuit morons.
Kate Bishop: Uh huh. We got any trick arrows left? I haven’t gotten around to making any but I could if you need them.
Clint Barton: Nah, Christmas came early. Maria totally delivered on that front.

Kate chuckles as she thinks about Maria Hill, who was a total badass and would never let any of her agents go into the field unprepared. Kate was fidgeting and twisting her signet ring around, thinking how best to approach the topic that she actually came here to talk about.

Kate Bishop: Well, there’s, uh… one more thing we should worry about.
Clint Barton: Yeah? What’s that?
Kate Bishop: Erm..so the girl from the other night, the Widow?
Clint Barton: Uh-huh.
Kate Bishop: I spoke to her.
Clint Barton: And?
Kate Bishop: She said she’s Natasha’s sister.
Clint Barton: Yelena?
Kate Bishop: Yeah.
Clint Barton: Okay.

Kate and Clint sat still, the quiet washing over them and leaving an unsettling feeling altogether. This topic was always so hard and rough to talk about and left prickly feelings in her fingers.

Kate Bishop: You all right?
Clint Barton: Yeah. It’s all going to come to head on Friday huh?
Kate Bishop: Oh yeah.

Chapter Text

It was the spring of 2018. Just a few days ago in the battle that took place in Wakanda, Thanos had used the combined powers of the infinity stones to cause a universal genocide - successfully eliminating half of all living beings in the known galaxies. After the battle, the world, or rather what was left of it was still reeling from the fact that they had lost. The Avengers had lost and Thanos had won.

Wakanda was descending into chaos now that King T’Chala was gone too, the Wakandan aristocrats were struggling to keep their people together on top of planning a royal funeral. There wasn’t really much for the Avengers to do in Wakanda at that point and so after paying their respects to the royal family, what was left of the team left to assess the damage caused by Thanos in their respective parts of the globe. Kate and Dr Strange had portaled their way back to New York and what greeted them was a horror show.

The streets were empty but there were wreckages and abandoned vehicles everywhere. The streets were littered with posters of missing people that were also plastered on every and all available surface. Kate bid Dr Strange farewell and hightailed it to her mom’s penthouse. She entered the penthouse and sighed a sigh of relief when she saw her mom and her uncle in the office, talking to someone on the phone. She already knew that Eleanor and her Uncle Jack were not blipped, but still seeing them in person was a sight for sore eyes.

Kate Bishop: Mom. Uncle Jack.
Eleanor Bishop: Oh Kate. Thank god you’re back.

Jack couldn’t find words and so he just walked over to hug Kate tightly. His eyes were teary and Kate pulled back to look at her mom, who had now hung up the phone.

Kate Bishop: Are you both okay?
Jack Bishop: Yes, yes thankfully.
Eleanor Bishop: Where have you been Kate?
Kate Bishop: It’s alright Mom. I’m okay.
Eleanor Bishop: Wake up Kate. Nothing is okay. Our stocks are crashing and investors are threatening to leave.
Kate Bishop: Is that honestly the most important thing right now? Half of the world is gone Mom.
Eleanor Bishop: And there is nothing that I can do about that, can I? This company is all that I have off your father. I won’t stand by and watch what your father built just crumble.
Kate Bishop: I understand that. I’m not saying it's not important. It’s just.. so many lives were lost..just give me a second to breathe.
Eleanor Bishop: I’m going to need you to attend an emergency board meeting later today.

Kate decides that she has had enough of her mom already, surprised that she even lasted that long. She turned on her heels and walked to the doorway when she heard her mom call out again.

Eleanor Bishop: Don’t let me down Kate.

Kate paused momentarily before walking out of the office, heading straight to the balcony, throwing open the french doors and gulping in heaps of fresh air. She leaned over the balcony, peering into the city, the chaos from the streets not hidden even from this high up. Behind her she hears footsteps approaching.

Kate Bishop: I don't know what I was expecting.
Jack Bishop: Give her some time, Katie. I think she’s still in shock.
Kate Bishop: Honestly Uncle Jack, she has no idea how much we are all going to hurt because of this.
Jack Bishop: What happened in Wakanda?
Kate Bishop: You want the short version? We couldn’t stop him and he kept his promise. Half of all life in the universe, gone. Just like that. With one fucking snap.

Her uncle approached her and leaned onto the balcony by her side. Their forearms were touching and the soft contact brought more comfort to Kate than her mother ever could.

Jack Bishop: It’s been a few days but I keep hoping that this is just a dream and that I’ll wake up.
Kate Bishop: This isn’t a dream. This is a nightmare.

Jack turns and faces his niece, and what he sees is just a kid who’s shouldering way more than she should. Calling Kate his niece would only be technically correct because in all honesty, Kate was much more to him than that. His brother’s progeny, the heir apparent to the Bishop dynasty but to Jack, she might as well be his daughter.

Jack Bishop: How’s the team doing?
Kate Bishop: So many of them are gone.

Kate gripped the concrete, tears threatening to fall and gave her Uncle some information on the Avengers that got blipped. Her uncle didn’t know all of them, but he knew enough about Kate’s double life to know how she was doing. They talked a bit about the battle in Wakanda itself and Jack was always making sure not to prod too much, always appreciating that Kate couldn’t divulge everything superhero to him. Kate sighed deeply and covered her face.

Jack Bishop: What are you going to do next?
Kate Bishop: Well you heard her. An emergency board meeting.
Jack Bishop: I mean after that.
Kate Bishop: I don’t know. I honestly don’t think I’m needed here.
Jack Bishop: Kate.
Kate Bishop: I mean don’t worry. I’ll do what I can with the company. Some damage control. Take stock of where we are and come up with a recovery plan but after that, I’m out of here.
Jack Bishop: Back to the Avengers Compound I assume?
Kate Bishop: Yea. There’s just a lot to do. But don’t worry. I know the promise I made, I won’t let you or dad down.
Jack Bishop: Katie. You couldn’t even if you tried.

The rest of the day and the following couple of weeks was a whirlwind of emergency board meetings and executive sit downs to come up with a recovery plan for the company. The board made plans to open up hiring to replace the lost resources, the marketing team also scrambled to see what products can be launched immediately to draw back investors while the PR team was also putting some meetings together with government officials to see how Bishop Securities could help the government maintain some sense of peace and stability for the people.

The NPD team was tasked with coming up with something new that might be more relevant to the current state of global affairs. The board spoke about a lot of things in broad strokes, but the one common theme was that Bishop Securities is going to show a strong hand to its competitors and its community. They were going to come out of this mess bigger and stronger, and that was the promise that Jack and Kate had made to their investors.

Once Kate was satisfied with the stride that she had set for her company, she was confident that given time, the ship will right itself. She didn’t have to be at the office every day anymore and she could keep a pulse on things through her phone and laptop. Once she was sure that she had done all she could, she paused in front of Jack’s door before knocking and peeking her head in.

Jack: Katie, come on in.
Kate Bishop: Uncle Jack, just to let you know - Strategon doesn’t have cold feet anymore. They are on board.
Jack Bishop: That’s great news!
Kate Bishop: Yeap, just make sure Legal follows through with the paper work.
Jack Bishop: Will do.

There was a pregnant pause as Kate still lingered in front of Jack’s desk, slightly bouncing on the heels of her feet.

Jack Bishop: That was the last one wasn’t it?
Kate Bishop: I’m sorry?
Jack Bishop: The list. I know you made a list of things you wanted to get done before leaving.

Kate smiled sheepishly and just shrugged. Jack was definitely someone that Kate had always been thankful for. He was always ready to let her lean on him but also give her the space she needed to explore leadership on her own. Not to mention that he was practically her partner in crime when it came to covering for Kate with Eleanor.

Jack Bishop: So what is it this time? I’m guessing you will be away for a while.
Kate Bishop: Oh. I was thinking of an extended holiday somewhere.. somewhere tropical maybe. You know, burning away my inheritance as would be expected of any heiress.

Jack gave Kate a chuckle and got off his chair. He gathered some paperwork and arranged them neatly into his suitcase.

Jack Bishop: Yes. That should work I suppose. But I can count on you to occasionally make an appearance right? I have mastered the art of keeping Eleanor calm, but my powers aren’t infinite.
Kate Bishop: Oh no no. I will check in almost every day and if I’m needed here, I’m just a flight away.. or a portal away.. you know how finicky these things are.

Jack chuckles again, the mirth showing in his eyes. For a brief moment, Kate was struck by a profound adoration for the man. Someone who had absolutely no reason to be everything to Kate, except that they were bound by blood.

Kate Bishop: Thank you Uncle Jack.
Jack Bishop: What’s this now? Getting soft on me?
Kate Bishop: No, no. I mean yea. Thank you for everything. For helping me navigate this insanity that I call life.
Jack Bishop: I wouldn't have it any other way Katie. So what time are you being sprung out from here?
Kate Bishop: Oh erm, I think Natasha will be stopping by in a couple of hours to pick me up. She had some errands to run in the city.
Jack Bishop: I always hate this part.
Kate Bishop: Me too.

They were standing closer now and Jack gathered his niece in his arms and gave her a tight hug.

Jack Bishop: Well. Be safe. And I know you’re going to help people, but take care of yourself too alright?
Kate Bishop: Always. Please look after mom for me.

Jack just smiles and squeezes her arms before releasing her. Kate sighs and walks over to his door before turning to look at Jack one more time before she walks away. He was back to arranging his suitcase and Kate threw him a little smile before quietly shutting the door. The drive back to upstate New York started off silent. Natasha was definitely relieved to see Kate and Kate could tell from the hug that lasted just a few seconds than it normally would. Kate had filled the redhead in on what she had been up to and Natasha filled her in on some of the ground work that she and Steve had set up to bring some sense into all this chaos.

While Natasha drove, Kate glanced at her face and noticed the dark circles around her eyes, it was evident that she and Steve had been working hard. It also didn't help that Clint was currently missing but they weren’t super worried about that. They had an inkling that he was spending time with his new wife somewhere below radar. Laura and Clint had decided to forego the big traditional wedding and elope instead. It was obvious that they each had their own ways in coping and processing everything that had transpired. Either way, Kate was glad that she was back with Natasha. She always found the compound to be her first home rather than her second and she was looking forward to helping Natasha and Steve.

Barely a week later, while Kate was running the regular scans across Earth’s hemisphere, she discovered a spaceship approaching. Grabbing Natasha, they both worked the consoles trying to establish if there was an incoming threat. To their surprise, the ship ended up being the Benatar and it wasn't being piloted, but rather carried by a luminous being who they now recognized as Captain Marvel. She had essentially found Tony and Nebula floating around in space post snap. This was considered a small win because everyone had thought that Tony and Nebula were simply blipped or worse dead.

Following the return of the Benatar and the arrival of Captain Marvel, the Avengers finally felt like they had a fighting chance and soon a plan started taking shape. It was pretty straightforward and was very much reliant on the combined brute strength of the team. Thanks to Nebula figuring out where the Titan had retreated to, they were going to ambush Thanos to steal the gauntlet. When they reached his planet, everything moved like clock work. Captain Marvel had blasted her way into Thanos’s hut and put him in a headlock while Bruce in his Mark XLVIII suit burst up from the floor to further restrain Thanos.

Arriving to complete the plan, Thor flew into the hut and sliced off Thanos’s left arm with his axe. As the severed limb landed in front of Thanos, a bolt shot out of nowhere and struck the limb. The bolt then immediately retracts, zipping away with the severed arm, effectively creating more space between Thanos and the gauntlet with each passing moment. The arm finally stops at Kate’s feet, and she collapses her crossbow before picking the severed limb up. She anxiously overturns the gauntlet only to find that there were no infinity stones there.

Calling the info in through her comms to the rest, Thor and Captain Marvel interrogate Thanos only to find that he had already destroyed the stones after eradicating half of the population. With that confession, Thor swiftly separated Thanos’s head from his body. The failure to retrieve the infinity stones for a do-over loomed over the heads of the Avengers, and following this failure, they each went down a path of guilt and depression, with Thor even retreating to New Asgard and Tony hiding away in his secret cabin with Pepper.

By Kate’s recollection, the Benatar’s return was the most exciting thing to happen in spring, and now summer was closing in. Kate often found herself wondering, which was worse - getting blipped or being left behind? Many would often say that disappearing into nothingness was bad, and they are right, sure. But Kate felt that it was worse being left behind in the massive void that the disappearance of half the universe had created. Families had been ripped apart, friends were lost.

The snap had caused a ripple effect all around the globe - there was an obvious resource issue with half of the population missing, the welfare department was also drowning in cases of children who were displaced, and crime levels were rising thanks to a reduced police presence. Internationally, some countries were not coping as well as others and many governments had to shut down, this resulted in coups or unrecognized rebels trying to achieve new statehood. Some of the smaller countries had even opened up their national borders to encourage population growth.

Regardless of all these issues and more, Kate felt that the general mood of hopelessness was more dangerous than anything else. Since the snap, there was this aura of futility in the air and it was grinding her down. Sure, the Governments offered as much support as they could, and there were also support groups for people to reach out to others in similar situations. The world was trying to get back on its shaky legs and people were doing what they knew to cope with the anguish and grief.

Despite that, sometimes it still felt like all the team did was fight fires. They tried to keep peace on Earth while also keeping in touch with Captain Marvel, and what was left of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Captain Marvel was keeping her ears to the ground, to alert the Avengers if there was even a whisper of a threat trying to find its way to Earth.

Before the snap, Kate felt she had more peers or ‘young Avengers’ around in the facilities. There was America and also Peter, but now Kate felt lonely and often out of place. Being around Captain America and Captain Marvel felt like she was being surrounded by giants, and the ones that weren’t there left some pretty big shoes to fill. Sometimes if there was a crisis, they would hop on the Quinjet and jet off towards trouble. Those days however, were far and in between so Kate focused on developing herself into one of the best martial artists the world had seen. As the days moved by slowly, Kate had found that focusing on her training helped the time pass.

Initially, Fury had put her on a training schedule with the rest of the new intakes but now there wasn’t much of a structure left as far as S.H.I.E.L.D careers go. Considering that the only thing that was permanent was the possibility of more threats, Kate doubled down on her training and work out. That was the only plus side to the snap, that Kate had improved exponentially. At 23 years old, she was already a formidable fighter, but it was undeniable that without constant practice, any skill could grow dull, and so Kate trained, trained until her fight skills were almost muscle memory.

She would train with the rest of the team whenever they weren’t in briefings. Steve worked out with her to develop her resistance and strength, Natasha practised her hand to hand combat skills with Kate while Clint trained with her on archery and sword fighting whenever he was around. Kate was definitely benefitting from training with the world's best fighters. She was even allowed to lead some missions every now and then and being an Avenger exposed her to all sorts of assailants; humans and otherwise - and that was definitely something that she had not encountered during her vigilantism days.

It was during one of these sparring sessions early on when Natasha casually mentioned that she had a sister and promptly executed a body throw while Kate was distracted. Kate was sprawled on the practice mat, a look of bewilderment etched on her face.

Kate Bishop: I’m sorry what??
Natasha Romanoff: A sister.
Kate Bishop: Yea I heard you. I thought Black Widows didn’t have families.. anymore.. I mean.
Natasha Romanoff: For the most part, it is true. The Red Room tears you apart from your family when you’re just a baby but I guess in some twisted way, I got lucky.
Kate Bishop: So.. is this..is this someone you met in the Red Room?
Natasha Romanoff: It’s complicated. I was put on a mission when I was 12. Essentially the Red Room created this fake family and sent us to Ohio to spy on a Hydra facility.
Kate Bishop: A fake family?
Natasha Romanoff: Yes. I had a fake mom, a fake dad, and a fake sister for three years.
Kate Bishop: How old was she then?
Natasha Romanoff: When we got to Ohio? Three years old. She was just this little thing.
Kate Bishop: Jesus.

Kate had given up trying to stand and had resorted to sitting lotus style - she was definitely floored with what Natasha had just said but Kate was also worried that any sudden movement would inevitably break the moment, and Natasha would stop sharing. They had been growing closer since they met a couple of years ago, a bond definitely beginning to form after Budapest and now as a byproduct of all their time spent in the Avengers compound together.

Natasha was twirling her baton around absentmindedly, her face still wistful and contemplative despite her actions. However, there was nothing random about the twirls of the baton though, they were proper and coordinated and could be dangerous if it was targeted at someone with intent.

Natasha Romanoff: It would have been her birthday today.
Kate Bishop: Where is she? Did you try finding her after Budapest?
Natasha Romanoff: I did actually. Took me a while but I found her. Remember that time I went to Portugal alone a few months ago? It was to see her.
Kate Bishop: Oh yeah. I remember that trip. You seemed oddly toothy when you got back. I figured whatever it was, it must have gone well..
Natasha Romanoff: Hardly. There was some angst.. she thought I left her in the Red Room, which wasn’t really much of a stretch really. I wanted to meet her more after that, wanted to pull her stateside, have a relationship with her.. but.
Kate Bishop: But?
Natasha Romanoff: She got blipped. Her counterpart, another ex Widow called me to let me know.
Kate Bishop: You just found your long lost sister, and she fucking blipped!? Fuck. I swear that sometimes the universe hates us.

Kate exclaimed loudly, and gestured her two fingers into a gun and pretended to blow her brains out. And then for added measure, she collapsed backwards onto the mat rather dramatically. Natasha smirks and walks over to the young Avenger, giving Kate’s feet a gentle kick.

Natasha Romanoff: Like I said, it's complicated. When we met, I found out pretty fast that she wasn’t really a fan of the Avengers. She must think that I'm some kinda sell out you know? Left Russia for the American dream and all that. And then, well you know the rest.
Kate Bishop: I’m so fucking sorry Nat. How are you holding up?
Natasha Romanoff: I keep thinking about her these days. All that time wasted. I should have put in more effort to bridge the gap between us.
Kate Bishop: Hey now.. don't do that. Don't blame yourself. No one could have predicted Thanos, okay? No one.

Kate sat back up on the mat, seemingly having recovered from her gunshot wounds. She reaches out her hand to Natasha, pulling her down once the redhead accepts it. They were now sitting across from each other.

Kate Bishop: You said it’s her birthday right? Tell me more about her.
Natasha Romanoff: It's her fake birthday.. but it's the only one we knew off.

Natasha pulls out a photo from her pocket and shows it to Kate. It was the kind of picture that you’d get at a photobooth, it had multiple frames and each was filled with a young Natasha and a little blonde girl. The photo itself was crumpled and seemingly ripped as it was missing a few more frames but Kate could tell that it was probably one of Natasha’s most prized possessions. The brunette studies each frame, committing the photo to memory. Every stray hair and crooked smile.

Kate Bishop: Who’s the smurf next to your sister?
Natasha Romanoff: Heyy!
Kate Bishop: Seriously though, did you get the hair dye at Walmart?
Natasha Romanoff: I was experimenting.
Kate Bishop: No kidding.

Once the laughs had died off, they were back to staring at the picture. Kate could tell that they were both staring at the little blonde now. So young and happy and oblivious to the shit storm that was coming her way.

Natasha Romanoff: Her name was Yelena.
Kate Bishop: Yelena?
Natasha Romanoff: Mmhmm. She’d follow me everywhere I went. Cycling, rock skipping, exploring the woods near our home. She liked fireflies and was always fascinated with them no matter how many times she saw them. She was awfully curious too, so many questions.
Kate Bishop: She sounds amazing.
Natasha Romanoff: I was older, so I knew that she wasn’t my real sister but after three years, she grew on me. I loved her like she was blood and I guess after three years, you kind of lose sight of the mission and start thinking that maybe.. things will be permanent this time around.. But then one day my dad came home from work and I just knew that it was time to leave.

Kate’s stomach started roiling with guilt and anger as Natasha told her everything about Ohio and those dramatic last few hours - about flying the plane because her mother was shot, about not being able to comfort young Yelena who was petrified, about reaching Cuba and having been betrayed by her parents to be returned to the Red Room and the worst part of it all - about having Yelena pried from her arms to never see her again. Kate couldn't find any words to comfort Natasha, everything she could think of sounded fake and derivative.

Kate Bishop: I wish things were different. I mean, I hoped that Budapest would have brought you some closure, but I think there are some things that you just don’t get over, and that’s okay.

Kate reaches out and squeezes Natasha’s hand gently. Natasha just looks up at her wordlessly, tears brimming before wiping them away and nodding her head with a little smile.

Natasha Romanoff: You know, the more I think about it, I actually think that you two would have hit it off immediately.
Kate Bishop: Haha, oh yea?
Natasha Romanoff: Yea, you both are extremely annoying for starters.
Kate Bishop: Funny. For what it's worth though, I’m sorry that I couldn't meet her. I’m sure she’d fit right in with our family here.
Natasha Romanoff: I know. Me too.
Kate Bishop: Thank you for telling me.
Natasha Romanoff: Well it wasn’t entirely for nothing.

Natasha got up and did a couple of stretches while still talking. There was almost no evidence of the tender moment that they had just shared. Kate took it as a cue that they were going back to sparring now, afterall it had barely been a couple of hours since they started. Kate got up and did a few quick jumps to get her blood pumping again, although Kate could take a beating, it always helped to warm up first.

Natasha Romanoff: I want you to come to Russia next week, to meet Alexei.
Kate Bishop: The Motherland? Nice. Who’s Alexei though?
Natasha Romanoff: Like dad, Alexei.
Kate Bishop: Wait. Natasha. Really? I get to meet your dad?
Natasha Romanoff: He has some intel that we need on Ursa Major. They are currently incarcerated together.
Kate Bishop: Wow. The Black Widow’s dad.
Natasha Romanoff: I know kid. I know.

Natasha was now ready in stance, twirling her baton and eyeing Kate dangerously. She made a come hither gesture with her fingers, and as Kate approached brandishing her own baton, Natasha added:

Natasha Romanoff: And Kate?
Kate Bishop: Yea?
Natasha Romanoff: Stop pulling your punches.

Chapter Text

Friday finally rolls around and S.H.I.E.L.D’s tactical team is droning about, setting Kate and Clint up with their weapons - which in this case was tons of trick arrows and Spectre’s sword. The IT guy then hands them their earpieces which they deftly insert into their respective ear canals to test. From a strategic standpoint, everything seemed to work perfectly. Once that was done, Kate and Clint finally got a moment alone to get dressed in the situation room.

S.H.I.E.L.D had gotten Clint a nice tux and Maria had handpicked a flowy wrap around dress for Kate to wear over her suit. The pair wouldn’t usually suit up this early before a mission, but knowing what a loose canon Kingpin was, Maria had insisted that Clint and Kate both had their suits on underneath their formal wear. Clint was fixing his bow tie while Kate was applying some light makeup.

Kate Bishop: Have you thought about what you’re going to say to her?
Clint Barton: I.. not really no.
Kate Bishop: You need to figure it out. I can only slow her down - but only you can stop her. Make her see what happened.
Clint Barton: Yea, and we all know what happened.

Kate stops applying her eyeliner and sighs looking at the back of her partner’s stupid head. She turns him around to face her, as if to drive her point home.

Kate Bishop: I’m serious Clint. I know you feel guilty for making it home, I fucking get it, but none of this self depriciating shit okay? Because she will kill you.
Clint Barton: Yea yea. I got it. I’ll figure it out when the time comes. Now, are you sure you’re going to be okay on your own?
Kate Bishop: Yea, don’t worry. I won't let him slip away.

The partners had pretty much gone through what was potentially going to happen that night. Yelena was undoubtedly going to show up and throw a wrench in the mission and it was Kate’s job to slow her down and keep track of Kingpin while Clint deals with the entire Tracksuit army. Then together, they will go after Kingpin. The plan is to stick to their designated baddies, but if things go south, Kate was supposed to track down Kingpin until the tactical team got there, while Clint will no doubt be having his hands full with a certain Russian assassin.

Clint Barton: Hey Kate?
Kate Bishop: Yeah?
Clint Barton: Take it easy on Yelena okay? She’s.. just a kid who’s grieving.
Kate Bishop: Of course Clint. No way in hell am I ever going to hurt Nat’s sister. She’s practically family.
Clint Barton: Exactly. Now let’s just hope that she shares that sentiment by the end of the night.

Kate hums her agreement and they go back to prepping. Before long, Clint and Kate made their separate way to the party, making sure they are not spotted together. Kate managed to get in because her surname practically acted as an invite to all things exclusive while Clint had gotten in after tempering with the guest list.

Once inside the ball room, they were casually making their rounds. Clint was by the window sipping on some champagne while Kate was actually mingling with the guests and being social. Suddenly, Clint catches a red dot from the building across the street and yells for everyone to duck. The bullet shatters the glass window and hits some silverware, creating uproar amidst the partygoers.

Knowing that he is the target for the sniper, Clint inconspicuously leaves the party and heads to his designated spot. They had not expected things to go sideways this fast and both the Avengers knew that they were going to have to wing some parts of the plan. Kate helps the security to usher the guests to safety when through a sea of chaotic formal wear, she spots a blonde in a green coat, making a beeline towards the service elevators. Kate discreetly lets Clint know that she has made contact with Yelena and was in pursuit.

Kate Bishop: So, I know it’s your first time in New York but I didn’t think you’d have the time for a Christmas party.
Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop. Don't worry. I’m not here to ruin anything. I’m just going to kill Barton, have some appetisers, and then go.
Kate Bishop: Well, I hope you enjoy the bruschetta, cause it looks like you already lost him.

The Widow gestures towards the elevator and looks at Kate like she is an idiot.

Yelena Belova: He’s in the elevator.
Kate Bishop: Yeah, what, out of 65 floors, you think you’re just gonna magically guess which one he’s on?

Kate silently wills the gods of all known religions to let her retain some level of cool while dealing with Yelena, but she is promptly denied as the elevator then dings right on cue to indicate what floor it stopped on. Kate feels a flush of embarrassment rise up and of course the blonde relishes in the fact.

Yelena Belova: Twelfth floor.
Kate Bishop: Damn it.
Yelena Belova: Enjoy the party.

Yelena steps into the elevator and stands stoically. Like she isn’t about to hunt and kill an Avenger. Kate moves to get into the elevator with her.

Yelena Belova: No, no, Kate, stay.

Yelena tries to stop Kate from entering the elevator but Kate jumps in right before the door shuts. She rakes her mind on how to slow down the blonde and decides that fucking with the elevator was the best option right now. She goes to press the buttons when Yelena swats her hand away.

Kate Bishop: Oww.
Yelena Belova: No, Kate Bishop.

Not one to be deterred, Kate tries again but Yelena catches her hand and puts her in a wrist lock to keep her still. Her frustration and annoyance mounting, and purely out of reflex, Kate smacks Yelena across the face.

Yelena Belova: What was THAT?
Kate Bishop: I.. don’t know.

Yelena actually looked affronted, like Kate had broken some secret agreement about playing nice.

Yelena Belova: No! No. No, no, no!

Yelena tries to stop Kate and in trying to yank Kate away, she accidentally tugs too hard and Kate’s wrap around dress comes off.

Yelena Belova: Oh, my God, what is happening? Did you plan that?
Kate Bishop: Yes.

Yelena looks at her dubiously and Kate relents. While Yelena is still flustered, Kate quickly turns around and hits on every single button on the elevator panel, successfully delaying the blonde from reaching the 12th floor. She turns and looks smugly at Yelena.

Yelena Belova: No, no! Come on, that is so annoying. Cyka (Bitch).

Yelena removes her green coat and shoves it into Kate’s hands before running off when the elevator door opens. Kate stands there dumbfounded for a moment, before engaging her suit to mask her face as well. She then drops the coat and takes off running after the Widow. This was the beginning of a play tustle that they both engaged in quite happily like children do; with Kate trying to stop Yelena and Yelena trying to get Kate off her back. Kate had to keep reminding herself that Yelena was a friend, not a foe and to really pull her punches. Her mission here was to slow the blonde down, and not actually take her down.

She could if she wanted to, the option had arisen when she was discussing it with Clint. To subdue Yelena and bring her back to S.H.I.E.L.D and slowly make her see reason. But both the Avengers agreed that that move would probably only aggravate the Widow more and she will double down on her resolve to kill Clint. This needs to end tonight, one way or another - and Kate was really hoping for the amicable option and not the other one where she loses another best friend. She decides to take another swing at talking some sense into Yelena.

Spectre: What are we doing, hmm? I mean, it’s a Friday night. Let’s grab a drink, huh?
Yelena Belova: Okay. Yeah. Sure.

The Widow seems to consider the invitation and Kate is relieved that she finally got through to Yelena.

Spectre: Cool.
Yelena Belova: After I kill Barton.
Spectre: No. No, that’s not what.. Come on! You don’t need to..

Yelena suddenly lunges forward and dropkicks Kate in the ribs and Kate staggers back before falling. She is quickly back on her feet though, valiantly retaliating by throwing a keyboard at Yelena and purposely missing instead of knocking her out cold with it. Now IF ONLY Yelena would appreciate Kate’s ongoing efforts not to beat the shit out of her.

Clint Barton: Kate, where are you?
Spectre: Yep, give me a minute.

While Kate was momentarily distracted, Yelena takes the opportunity to run towards the window but Kate catches up again and hits her with a bola that proceeds to shatter the window in front of the Widow. The bola had struck Yelena on the wrist and Kate cringes internally for accidentally hurting the blonde again. Kate might as well be an Argentinian cowboy and Yelena, her targeted guanaco.

Yelena Belova: That really hurts!
Spectre: Yeah. Yeah, well, so did the kick to the ribs.
Yelena Belova: Oh, yeah. That was a good one. That was good form. But you did the really cool body throw.
Spectre: Yeah, thank you. Thank you. Hey! Stop making me like you.
Yelena Belova: I’m sorry, I can’t help it.

The blonde shrugs cooly and that results in the two of them smiling at each other like dorks, the chemistry between them very much alive and palpable. Kate forces her attention back to the pressing matter at hand. Knowing that it was potentially seconds before she, Yelena, and Clint are hurled into a point of no return.

Spectre: You don’t have to do this. Clint was the one who saved Natasha from the Red Room. It doesn’t make sense for him to kill her.

Something flickered in Yelena’s eyes at the mention of the Red Room and Kate knew that she’d hit a nerve. She saw Yelena willing her focus to return, to go back to schooling her features into that effortless nonchalance that she wears proudly.

Yelena Belova: If you knew anything about the Red Room Kate Bishop, then you’d know that there is never really escaping it. Anyway, this was really fun. Bye!
Kate Bishop: Yelena - wait! Fuckk.

And with that, Yelena had thrown her grapple hook and was speedily scaling down the height of the building, looking for Clint who’s on the 12th floor. Kate knew that Yelena always carried her glock and she was frantic, trying to warn Clint who had his head poking out the window.

Spectre: Clint!
Clint Barton: Was that you?
Spectre: It’s Yelena. Watch out!

Clint sees Yelena rappelling down and only narrowly avoids her gun shots. Relenting that this was definitely the fastest way to the thick of the action, Kate keeps muttering how ‘this is not insane’ as she jumps out of the window, gripping onto Yelena’s cable so she doesn’t free fall.

Gripping the cable does absolutely nothing to slow her descent without a descender and so Kate employs her feet to slow down. She couldn’t help but notice that she had just met Yelena a week ago, and she was already jumping out of a fucking building for her. She shuddered thinking what else she’d end up doing for Yelena. Kate manages to slow her descent enough to leap off a few feet before hitting the pavement hard. The Avenger turns to look around for Yelena, but she is gone.

She briefly considered looking for the Widow until she realised that she was now surrounded by a few of the Tracksuit morons. Kate pulls out her sword, brandishing it dangerously in front of her, and that action on its own makes the Tracksuit morons wary and take a few steps back. After a few precious seconds, the dumbest of the bros engage with Kate and there’s a whirlwind of kicking, slashing and stabbing as she takes the bros out one by one. She parries and moves to slash the last one when she catches a glimpse of a huge figure turning down the street.

Spectre: Got eyes on Kingpin. In pursuit.
Clint Barton: Copy that, I’ll head on over.

But Clint doesn’t show up and Kate has no choice but to deal with Kingpin on her own after tracking him down a couple blocks. Not unlike a hunter and a dangerous mammal, Kate maintains her distance and shoots multiple arrows at him but he just snapped them off. She then shoots a trick arrow that comes with a cable so she could try to lasso him into submission but it was futile. He was just too big and too strong.

In fact, he punctuates this point when he pulls Kate closer to him by the same cable and punches her away like she was a goddamn yoyo. He then moves into the toy shop and Kate follows him in. She shoots an electric arrow to the opening in the wall, effectively creating a galvanic barrier and sealing Kingpin in the shop with her. Kate knew that she had sealed herself in with a very dangerous opponent but she was determined not to let him go. They were now in close quarters and Kingpin had yanked her quiver away, snapping all the arrows in it like they were twigs.

Kate knew that she was running out of both time and option, and had to engage the bald bastard from hell directly while waiting for backup. She drew out her sword but everytime she got close enough to throw a kick or slash him with the sword, it always resulted in her being flung or smashed against a wall. This goes on for a while, where Kate slashes at his joints whenever she gets a chance but the price of each blow was always the same - a thunderous bellow before being slammed into the opposite wall.

Despite definitely being known as someone who can take a beating, Kate had no plans on being slammed like a rag doll the entire time while waiting for backup. It was then that she finally noticed the trick arrows scattered on the ground. Yes, Kingpin had snapped the arrows in half but the arrow tips would still be functional and she was fairly certain that there were at least a couple of explosive ones left.

Knowing that this very well was a Hail Mary pass, she jumps onto the hulking figure to tackle him again, and quickly works on removing a cufflink before he throws her against the wall for the umpteenth time. Using a nifty party trick that Clint had taught her while they were drinking many years ago, Kate flicks the cufflink hard and it hits one explosive arrow with enough force to explode. The rest of the arrows explode consecutively and for what feels like eternity, the toy shop shakes with the force of the collective explosions.

Kate stays cowering against the wall, her eyes finally snap open when silence ensues. Her heart’s pounding as she suspiciously looks around the room, getting up cautiously and using the fire that was hungrily consuming the toy shop to finally pick out the large body that had collapsed, laying face down. The body was adorned in Kingpin’s unmistakable Hawaiian shirt and white suit. Finally when the smoke and flames clear away a little, she relaxes enough to lower herself against the rubble, panting hard and trying to catch her breath as she hears police sirens.

Spectre: About damn time.

She deactivates the electric barrier and the tactical team comes in and lugs Kingpin away, loading him into a SWAT truck that was surrounded with armed FBI agents who would escort the truck.

FBI Agent: Thank you Spectre, we’ve got him now.
Spectre: What? Sure, sure. Yea.

Kate could swear that she is losing her hearing sometimes. When the truck drives off, Kate starts slowly limping away from the toy shop and heads towards the ice rink. It was where she saw Clint last as he was surrounded by the Tracksuit morons. She finally spots him sitting by an ambulance, getting checked out by the paramedics.

Clint Barton: Hey.
Spectre: Hey yourself.
Clint Barton: Heard you got the big guy.
Spectre: Yeah. He’s the FBI’s problem now. Where's Yelena?
Clint Barton: She ran off. After giving me a couple of concussions at least.

Kate smirks a little before remembering the sharp pain that was radiating all over her torso. She winces but still waves off the undoubtedly new paramedic officer who turned to fuss over her. Clint just snickers as it was a pretty widely known fact that Spectre was not going to remove her suit to have the medics look at her. No, they have the S.H.I.E.L.D medics for that or sometimes, Kate just takes care of herself. Either way, the suit doesn’t come off in public.

Spectre: Sounds about right. Is she okay?
Clint Barton: Probably not.
Spectre: Yea. Yeahh..

Kate and Clint both sigh dramatically, flashing lights illuminating their faces as they sit quietly, watching the huge tree - a familiar pain coursing through both their nervous systems.

Chapter Text

When Scott Lang had popped up on the security stream at the Avenger’s compound in 2023, Natasha and Kate had just stared dumbfoundedly at the screen, not knowing what actually they were witnessing. Minutes later, Kate, Natasha and Steve were gathered around Scott, watching him rant like a crazy person about the quantum realm while pacing around the room. To Natasha’s merit, she knew way more about all that quantum stuff than Steve or Kate, which in fairness wasn’t all that much anyway. Natasha knew the basic concepts when she had to study it for one of her espionage missions years ago. While Scott was inhaling some PBJ sandwiches, the three spoke in hushed whispers.

Steve Rogers: Natasha?
Natasha Romanoff: I don’t know. He seems to really think there’s a way.
Kate Bishop: Even if it is a huge maybe, shouldn’t we at least hear him out?
Natasha Romanoff: Yeah, especially when this ‘maybe’ is all we’ve got the past five years.
Kate Bishop: We need to get everyone back.
Steve Rogers: Agreed. Boy, Tony sure isn’t going to like this.

It was decided that Scott’s rant was viable enough to grant him an audience with Tony Stark, the resident physics expert. The billionaire recluse had gone into hiding once the snap happened and the Avengers had failed to undo it with Captain Marvel’s help. It wasn’t a secret how that attempt had left a bitter taste in all their mouths and so they had left Tony Stark largely to just ‘be’ - hidden away and focusing on his family.

Natasha and Steve left immediately with Scott to where Tony Stark was holed up while Kate was tasked with contacting the rest of the Avengers. She sat at Natasha’s seat at the communications console and hailed Rocket, Nebula, and Rhodey via radio. Once the communication patched through, three holographic images appeared right before Kate.

Kate Bishop: Hey guys.
Rocket: Heyya Kit Kat, another meeting so soon?
Nebula: Where is Okoye and Captain Marvel? Shouldn’t they be here as well?

Kate stood tall in front of the holograms, her arms clasped behind her body and exuding an aura of confidence that only comes with age and experience. Although most of the Avengers still called Kate a kid, she was far from being one, at the age of 28. Much older and experienced now, Kate Bishop was at her peak and in her finest fighting form. Physically, she was much stronger and faster than she ever was. The years had been kind to Kate, as she grew to be more confident in her abilities than ever as CEO of Bishop Securities while also moonlighting as an Avenger. It was tough initially, to achieve an equilibrium of sorts between both worlds, but Kate had found the sweet spot now and was very much intune with the type of work that she did daily, be it as a CEO or an Avenger. She looked at each of her teammates before responding.

Kate Bishop: We’ll loop in Okoye and Carol when we know things more definitively. For right now, I’m not sure how to start but we have some development.
Rhodey: A development to what exactly?

Rhodey’s question made Kate chuckle slightly. It felt insane to even contemplate the possibility of what Scott was suggesting.

Kate Bishop: We might have a solution to the snap.
Rhodey: A solution? What? How?
Kate Bishop: Yes, but it’s still a huge maybe at this point.
Rocket: What exactly happened Kit-Kat? Seems like we missed out on quite a lot.
Kate Bishop: Well..Scott Lang just showed up at the compound and-
Nebula: What’s a Scott Lang?
Kate Bishop: Who rather.. He is Ant-Man. An Avenger. Long story short, he has been stuck in the quantum realm all this time, he wasn’t blipped.
Rhodey: How did he get out?
Kate Bishop: Err.. something about a rat. But listen. He actually thinks that there is a way to undo the snap. Could you guys come in for a debrief? Natasha and Cap have gone to get Tony and hopefully Bruce too. We need all the brains we can get for this.
Nebula: We are charting a return to Earth right now.
Rocket: Hey Rhodey. Care for a friendly wager?
Rhodey: What did you have in mind?
Rocket: To see which of us can get to the compound the soonest.
Rhodey: You’re on! They don’t call me the War Machine for nothing.
Kate Bishop: Guys, I need to find Clint. I’ll see you all soon.
Rocket/Nebula/Rhodey: Copy that Bishop.

xxxxx

The past five years moved agonisingly slow for Kate. All she ever did was head her company or work on missions. And now, after such a long wait - finally something was happening. The last time anything this exciting happened, it was when Captain Marvel brought the Benatar back home with Tony and Nebula in it. Personally, Kate was wary..but also psyched that there was an opportunity to reverse the damage that Thanos had caused.

It took them a couple of days to get everyone together and then the briefings had started. To say that they were intense would have been an understatement. Kate felt the weight of the entire world on everyone’s shoulders. There was just one chance to bring everyone back and it involved a plan that had so many opportunities for failure. So in the briefing room they sat for days, discussing each of the infinity stones, what powers they contained and where their last known locations were. The idea was to pinpoint the location of each stone in different timelines so that the team could go into the quantum realm to steal them.

Kate had also spent that time pouring through all the literature she could get on quantum space including research papers by Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne. She worked with Scott and Bruce to create a computerised version of Scott’s van that would allow them to execute the ‘time heist’, as Scott had affectionately termed it. The timing had to be precise and the quantum machine had to perform correctly to ensure that everyone was delivered to specific points in time and then brought back to the current timeline accurately.

It was a different kind of time travel than what is usually depicted in popular culture, much to Kate’s disappointment. What they were trying to do here was not to rewrite the past, but instead create a different future where they will gather all six of the infinity stones and then recreate Thanos’ snap. In doing so, they should bring back the people who have been gone for the past five years. They won't remember the past five years - but they will be back. Furthermore, once the universe had been restored, each of the stones needed to be returned to their respective timelines.

There were only a handful of Pym particles to go around and Kate figured that she would be most helpful manning the computers since no one else knew how besides her, and Bruce. Plus it didn’t feel right leaving things unmanned especially after what had happened to Scott. The rest of the Avengers had suited up and were in high spirits, the atmosphere was contagious but there was also a lot of anxiety on Kate’s part because the moment the team went into the quantum realm, she was going to be all alone on this side. Kate knew it wouldn’t matter though because of how time worked in the quantum realm, the teams could be gone for days even and it would still be barely a few minutes for her on this side of things.

Kate beamed at her team in their quantum suits as they stood in a circle. Nebula was partnered with War Machine to go to planet Morag in the year 2014 to retrieve the power stone. Thor and Rocket were assigned to collect the reality stone in the planet Asgard in 2013. Bruce was going on a solo trip to New York in the year 2012 to get the time stone from the possession of the Ancient One. The space stone was the responsibility of Tony, and Scott who had to go to New York in 2012. Steve was also to head to New York in 2012 to retrieve the mind stone. It was Kate who had pointed out that three of the infinity stones were in New York at the same time - in 2012. Finally, Clint and Natasha were partnered to retrieve the soul stone from Vormir in 2014. When they were in place, Steve got them started off.

Steve Rogers: Five years ago, we lost. All of us. We lost friends. We lost family. We lost a part of ourselves. Today we have a chance to take it all back. You know your teams, you know your missions. Find the stones, get them back. One round trip each, no mistakes, no do-overs. Most of us are going somewhere we know, that doesn’t mean that we should know what to expect. Be careful. Look out for each other. This is the fight of our lives.
Tony Stark: And we are going to win.
Steve Rogers: Whatever it takes. Good luck.
Rocket: He’s pretty good at that.
Scott Lang: Right??
Tony Stark: You heard the man. Stroke the keys, kid.
Kate Bishop: Tractor’s engaged. See you in a minute.

And with that the team had gone into the quantum realm, leaving Kate standing in the hangar alone. She was vigilantly observing each monitor and reading while also keeping track of the time.

xxxxx

Clint Barton: How’s it going?

Clint waves at the floating red guy.

Clint Barton: Jesus. Maybe he’s making this shit up.
Natasha Romanoff: No. I don't think so.
Clint Barton: Why? Because he knows your daddy’s name?
Natasha Romanoff: I didn’t. Thanos left here with the stone...without his daughter. That’s not a coincidence.
Clint Barton: Yea.
Natasha Romanoff: Whatever it takes.
Clint Barton: Whatever it takes.
Natasha Romanoff: We don’t get that stone, millions of people stay dead.
Clint Barton: I guess we both know who it’s gotta be.
Natasha Romanoff: I guess we do.

They hold hands and rest their foreheads together. Even if Clint was married, it's undeniable that Natasha is his soulmate. His best friend. To him, what they needed to do was simple, he was going to sacrifice himself and Natasha was going to return with the soul stone. There was no other way, Natasha was the glue that kept the Avengers together while Clint was just some guy with a bow and arrow.

Clint Barton: I’m starting to think we mean different people here, Natasha.
Natasha Romanoff: For the past five years, I’ve been trying to do one thing - to get to right here. That’s what it's about. Bringing everybody back.
Clint Barton: Now don’t you get all decent on me now.
Natasha Romanoff: What? You think I want to do it? I’m trying to save your life, you idiot.
Clint Barton: Yea well I don’t want you to. How’s that? Natasha, you know what I’ve done. You know what I’ve become.
Natasha Romanoff: Well I don’t judge people on their worst mistakes.
Clint Barton: Maybe you should.
Natasha Romanoff: You didn’t.
Clint Barton: You're a pain in my arse you know that?

They trade a few blows and grapple on the ground. Natasha pretends to concede before running towards the ledge, but before she could reach it, Clint shoots an explosive arrow and it knocks Natasha off her feet. They start grappling and fighting again.

Clint Barton: Okay. You win.
Natasha Romanoff: Tell my sister I love her.
Clint Barton: You tell her yourself.

Clint pushes Natasha away and takes off to a running start and actually manages to leap off the cliff edge when he suddenly finds himself tethered to a cable and slams into the side of the cliff. Of course Natasha had put a wire on him.

Clint Barton: Damn you.

Natasha had leapt right behind Clint but Clint managed to catch Natasha by her hand. It wasn't a solid grip because Clint was twisted in a weird position, Natasha was slipping from his grip and the reality of things was setting in for him. He starts to panic. He wasn’t prepared for this.

Clint Barton: Wait.
Natasha Romanoff: Let me go.
Clint Barton: No. Please, no.
Natasha Romanoff: It's okay.
Clint Barton: Please.

Clint begs, absolutely begs from the bottom of his heart. He didn't know how to exist without Natasha but Natasha was trying to reassure him that it was okay. That this was the right thing to do. And just like that, Natasha lets go of Clint’s hand. Time feels suspended as he watches Natasha plunge into the depths of the cavern, before finally her body comes into contact with the ground.

There is blood oozing out the back of her head and Clint feels sick. He feels like the air is being sucked out of his lungs and the next thing he knows, he is floating in shallow water, with the clift of doom looming in the background. In his hand was the soul stone, and despite knowing how important the stone was, to Clint at that moment, it just felt like a useless rock.

xxxxx

Kate was keeping an eye on the timer and she was supposed to bring them back any seconds now. When the moment was just right, she started punching in buttons and electricity started crackling in the circle, indicating that something was happening. One by one, the Avengers appeared and everytime one of them showed up with their designated stone, Kate did a fist pump. When her eyes finally reached Clint, she noticed his eyes before she noticed the stone. Immediately she knew that something was wrong. The archer was standing alone with no Black Widow in sight.

Bruce Banner: Clint, where’s Nat?
Kate Bishop: W-was it me? Did I not bring her back?

Clint just falls down to his knees and starts crying and Kate could feel her nervous anxiety overtaking every thought and emotion that she was feeling. She has never seen Clint cry.

xxxxx

Tony Stark: Do we know if she had family?
Kate Bishop: She had a sister.
Thor: What?
Tony Stark: Huh?
Thor: Wha-what are you doing?
Tony Stark: I just asked her a question.
Thor: No. No, you’re acting like she’s dead. Why are we acting like she’s dead? We have the stones right? As long as we have the stones, Cap - we can bring her back. Isn’t that right? So stop this shit. We are the Avengers, get it together.
Clint Barton: Can’t get her back.
Thor: What?
Clint Barton: It can’t be undone.
Thor: Look, I’m sorry. But you-you’re a very earthly being. We’re talking about space magic that can’t seem very definitive. Don't you think?
Clint Barton: Yeah. Look I know that I am way outside my paygrade here but she’s still not here is she?
Thor: No..

Kate watches wordlessly as the conversation continues around her. She feels numb, almost dead inside that she doesn’t even flinch when Bruce rips the bench out and throws it across the lake.

Clint Barton: No. That’s my point. It can’t be undone. Or that’s at least what the red floating guy had to say. Maybe you wanna go talk to him okay? Go grab your hammer, and you go fly and talk to him. It’s supposed to be me. Sacrificed her life for that goddamn stone. She put her life on it.
Kate Bishop: We have to make it worth it. We have to.
Bruce Banner: We will.

xxxxx

When Tony Stark had finally snapped his finger, everyone that blipped came back. The masters of the dark arts were portalling everyone who could fight into the battle with Thanos. Kate unleashed all her fury, like they had said - she had to make it worth it. They all did. The battle was long but it ended how it should, with Thor beheading Thanos.

After the events at the compound, the world had started to heal for the second time. The whole universe was putting itself back together but Kate felt like some wounds were just too deep to heal.

It was now almost three months later, and Kate found herself at the Avengers memorial ceremony. The ceremony was held to honour all those who had fallen in the battle against Thanos. Right in front of the guests was a monument that had the names of all those who had lost their lives, Natasha Romanoff and Tony Stark included.

A searing pain rose in her heart as a particular memory of the redhead creeped into the forefront of her mind - but Kate pushed it back down so that she could be strong for Clint. She was sure the last thing he needed was seeing her all choked up as they sat through the service. And that was pretty much how Kate dealt with it - by not dealing with it. By compartmentalising the pain from the loss into a tiny box and throwing it across a proverbial lake, never to be touched again.

The past three months had been especially rough on Clint, he had taken to drowning his grief in liquor and Kate had spent much of that time trying to pull him out of his misery. Somehow his pain and grief felt much bigger than hers, so she always made it a point to suppress it whenever the hurt came surging up. Being with Laura helped Clint a lot, and with everyone else's support, he had finally stopped drinking and for that Kate was thankful. It had taken a bit longer for him to stop being Ronin though - the only person who accomplished that was baby Nathaniel Barton, who had used his chubby baby fingers to drag his father away from the darkness.

With all these drastic changes, he was still barely the Clint Barton that Kate knew though, but she figured baby steps. Kate prayed that they would be fine in time, because honestly - the alternative wasn’t an option at all. Laura had then decided that it would be good for Clint to keep busy, fearing that having him in the farm all the time will make him spiral into depression again. Director Fury had appreciated Kate looking out for him and even agreed when Kate suggested partnering her up with Clint for whenever Clint was ready to go on missions. Fury and Maria had assured her that they would start Clint off easy, so he can ease his way back to S.H.I.E.L.D.

And that was exactly how Kate had ended up on the rooftop next to Clint almost a year after losing Natasha, as they surveilled the apartment in the building in front of them. Kate had just returned from a mission in Hong Kong, helping Shang Chi with the notorious Si-Fan Cyber ninjas and instead of going back home for some rest, she decided to keep Clint company. What could go wrong, right?

Clint Barton: You do know that I don’t need babysitting right?
Kate Bishop: Pfft. Baby sitting? Is this what you think this is?
Clint Barton: Well yea.
Kate Bishop: Look at you being all suspicious of my intent. I was just trying to spend time with you. Figured we could both kick some ass like the good old days.
Clint Barton: As I remember, it was me doing the babysitting back then. Look at you, all grown up now.
Kate Bishop: Shut up grandpa and quit hogging the binoculars.
Clint Barton: You should have brought your own if you wanted to crash my mission.
Kate Bishop: Yea yea.
Clint Barton: So any luck on finding Yelena?
Kate Bishop: None whatsoever. The trail ended up going cold after a while. Honestly Clint, I feel like I’m searching for a ghost.

That wasn’t really far from the truth. It had been months since Kate started her search for Yelena. She had thought of numerous ways to find the Black Widow, including putting the photo from Natasha’s childhood through an automated age-progression software and then running that image through a facial recognition program that Kate had specifically created. She knew that the age-progression software would be a longshot, but Kate was leaving no stone unturned. That picture, coupled with some of the Red Room crumbs that Kate had found, put her on a trail behind the infamous child assassin and Kate hoped that she’ll catch a break one of these days.

Clint Barton: Well she is trained to do exactly that, but I’m sure you’ll get lucky one of these days.
Kate Bishop: Not sure how lucky I’m going to get with just a name and a photo from twenty years ago.
Clint Barton: Just trust your gut. You’re trying to do the right thing by reaching out to her. It's what Natasha would have wanted.
Kate Bishop: I don't even know what I’m going to do when I finally track her down. I can’t just be like ‘Hi I’m Kate Bishop, your sister said that we should be friends!’
Clint Barton: Well for starters, she needs to know what happened with Natasha. And the rest of it? We’ll figure that out later.
Kate Bishop: I guess. Just would be great not being two steps behind her all the time. Anyway, you wanna tell me what we are doing here?
Clint Barton: Something very important to me is pinging inside that apartment. It was stolen from a black market auction. I need it back.

Clint had the binoculars on and was clearly more invested in the stake out than Kate was. The younger Avenger was bored and still running on the adrenaline of her successful mission, and was jonesing to do something other than sit around all night and creepily look into people’s apartments with binoculars.

Clint Barton: No lights. No movement. This is our chance.
Kate Bishop: This would have been a lot easier if we were on a higher rooftop.
Clint Barton: That's what you think.
Kate Bishop: Yeah, exactly. That's why I said it.

Kate shot an annoyed look at Clint, boy he was really into this whole stake out thing. It’s so bad that Kate just shuts her mouth and listens to him prattle on.

Clint Barton: Kate, you always wanna prioritise a quick exit over a quick entrance so when things go sideways, and they usually do, you have an exit strategy. That's why I chose this spot. It's got good sight lines for all my exits.

It was probably around this time that Kate tunes Clint off and decides to just head into the apartment herself. She feels like they could be done in under 5 minutes if they did away with Clint’s theatrics and showy behaviour.

Clint Barton: Entry should be easy. Think it should take me about three and a half minutes to get in. So, if you see anything out here, just give me a signal Kate. Alright?

Clint lifts the binoculars off and notices that Kate is no longer beside him. He spins around and doesn’t find her anywhere on the rooftop.

Clint Barton: Kate?

It was eerily quiet before he hears a couple of cars braking and honking loudly and people cursing out from down below. He peers down and notices Spectre calmly jay walking across the street, clearly enroute to the apartment.

Clint Barton: Kate? Kate?
Spectre: There you are.
Clint Barton: I told you, you're supposed to be lookout.
Spectre: Yeah but of the two of us, who do you trust up there not to get distracted?
Clint Barton: That's not fair. That your inability to act like a grown up helps you get your way.
Spectre: No, it's not. But it is what it is.
Clint Barton: Alright look. I need you to use your grappling hook arrow to anchor yourself in. Propel down the side of the building to the window. If it's locked, break in quietly.
Spectre: Yeah, love all of that. Great plan, just a slight tweak though. Good evening, sir. Can I help you with your bags?

Kate approaches an elderly gentleman who was returning from grocery shopping with her megawatt smile and makes conversation. Figuring this would be an easier way to get entry into the apartment. In Kate’s defence, she was not usually this blaise about an assignment but honestly, they were going to retrieve an object, not fight Ultron or something.

Elderly gentleman: Oh. Thank you.
Spectre: Sure.
Clint Barton: What are you… No, no, no. Don't..don't engage.

Kate was totally being playful now, her main mission besides the object retrival being to annoy the fuck out of Clint.

Spectre: Got some celery, a little kashi. Okay, some pretzels?
Clint Barton: Where are you?
Spectre: Oh relax, I'm taking the elevator.
Elderly gentleman: I'm sorry, what was that?
Spectre: Oh I uh.. I'm sorry, I wasn't talking to you. Can I tell you a secret?
Clint Barton: Please don't do this.
Spectre: I was talking to an Avenger. He's in my ear.
Clint Barton: Maybe you should stop talking.
Spectre: Yeah, I'm his partner.
Elderly gentleman: I'll just take this back.
Spectre: I can help you to the door, no problem.
Elderly gentleman: No, that's all right. I got it from here.
Spectre: Alright, you take care now.

Kate bids the old man farewell and resumes heading to the target apartment. Once she is outside the right apartment and the coast is clear, she pulls out her lock picking set and goes to work on the door. Within seconds, she has gained entry and Kate has Clint’s bow drawn and aimed as she steps into the dark apartment.

Chapter Text

Kate was finally at her front door. Although usually just a quick stroll from the lift foyer, the effort felt herculean today. Her left hand was pressed firmly against her right rib cage while her right hand dug inside her jeans pocket to fish out her keys. Her head was pounding and she had to squint to slot the key into the keyhole, crusted blood and matted hair obscuring her view slightly. Sure, her suit had taken the brunt of the assault that Kingpin barraged on her but wearing a suit sometimes also felt like being placed in a metal can and rattled about.

She pondered if this is how Tony Stark had often felt after his missions but decided to file the runaway thought process away in favour of shoving the right key into the door knob. She tried jiggling it to get it to unlock when the keys slipped and fell to the floor. The Avenger eyes the bunch of keys by her feet and seriously considers how badly she needed to get into her penthouse.. Maybe crashing in the corridor wasn’t such a bad idea..? Then she remembers her nosy, old neighbours who were always trying to set her up with their grandchildren and decided against it, giving herself a little pep talk.

Kate Bishop: Okay. Come on now Bishop. One.. Two.. Three..

At the count of three, she lowered herself and swooped the keys off the floor. The small move made her curse and hiss out loud. Getting a second wind, she gently pushed the key into the keyhole and twisted, the door finally unlocking. The door swung open gently to a sight that should have surprised Kate but for some reason, it didn’t entirely. The sight before her made her forget her pain for a moment as she remembered that she wasn’t the only one who must have had a shit night.

Kate Bishop: What the hell Yelena? Why didn’t you get the damn door?

The brunette spoke as she made her way slowly to the kitchen counter, pulling out a chair across from the blonde who was seated there. Kate collapsed onto the chair and released a breath that she didn’t know she was holding, before reaching for the half empty vodka bottle on the table. She brought it to her lips, and took a couple of swigs without bothering about shot glasses or table manners. She leaned against the seat and threw her head back, eyes shut as the clear spirit made her skin flush delightfully and caused a warmth to spread to all her tattered and bruised limbs.

Settling the bottle down again, her eyes finally focused on the Russian who could be mistaken as a statue at this point. Yelena could have been a statue if not for the tears that were flowing freely before Kate had so rudely interrupted their free fall. Yelena could have been a statue if it wasn’t for the soft sniffles that she was actively trying to hide. She definitely wasn’t expecting Kate to come home and she most definitely wasn’t expecting Kate to have front row tickets to her mourning.

Kate tried to give Yelena some privacy by tearing her eyes away from her face. She brings the bottle up to her lips again and takes a few more swigs - determined to make her own dent to the bottle or to at least play catch up with the assassin. She wasn’t sure what exactly happened between Clint and Yelena but it didn’t take a rocket scientist to know that the blonde was hurting.

Yelena Belova: I’m sorry. I’ll leave now.
Kate Bishop: No. Stay. I’m sorry.
Yelena Belova: I-I just started running..and somehow ended up here.
Kate Bishop: No, it's fine really.

Yelena just looks at her and nods. They both were not ready to unpack this, not in this very moment anyway. Kate stood up with a wince, fingers wrapped tightly around the neck of the bottle - she felt like she had just interrupted something supremely private and wanted to give Yelena some space.

Kate Bishop: Stay as long as you need okay? There’s more liquor in the cabinet beside the fridge.

It occured to Kate that the last sentence was totally unnecessary because obviously Yelena knew where her liquor stash was already. She had successfully limped half way up the flight of stairs to her bedroom when she heard Yelena.

Yelena Belova: Don’t you hate vodka?

Kate looked at Yelena amused and wondered what other useless information Yelena had gathered on her since she had crossed paths with the Black Widow.

Kate Bishop: Uhh. Yea. But honestly, I’d even drink camel piss right now if it could even numb half of what I’m feeling.
Yelena Belova: You do look like shit.
Kate Bishop: Hah. Well. I feel like shit.
Yelena Belova: What happened?
Kate Bishop: Kingpin happened.

Yelena cocks an eyebrow as she studied Kate as if she was under a microscope. Kate stood there awkwardly, leaning against the stair railing and hoping, praying, that she wasn’t going to shatter into a thousand pieces from the pain and the scrutiny. It was then that Kate also realised that Yelena probably had no idea who Kingpin was and what exactly Clint and her had been up to tonight.

Kate Bishop: H-he is uh.. this asshole mobster.
Yelena Belova: And you couldn’t take on one mobster Kate Bishop?

The comment made Kate smirk but not because she had a witty reply lined up to burn Yelena to hell and back again. She smirked because Yelena must be feeling at least a little better to take a dig at her. Yes, Kate Bishop, part time CEO and full time Avenger was perceptive like that.

Kate Bishop: I’ll have you know that the mission was to have him arrested by the FBI. I just had to buy time till they got there.
Yelena Belova: And you bought time by being his punching bag?

Since hearing about Yelena’s existence from Natasha, Kate had often contemplated what their meeting would be like. And this, whatever that has been happening the past couple of weeks between them was not at all how she had imagined things would go. No. The young billionaire had presumed that she would exude this cool exterior that would be befitting an Avenger but Kate has only embarrassed herself in front of Yelena, the greatest child assassin in the world, time and time again. The remark made Kate cringe but seeing no way out, she decides to lean into it.

Kate Bishop: Kinda. Yea. This guy Yelena, you should have seen him. He’s built like a fucking tank. I couldn’t restrain him.
Yelena Belova: Mm.
Kate Bishop: I had to blow up a bunch of trick arrows near him just to knock him out.
Yelena Belova: Sounds like a successful mission to me.
Kate Bishop: Yea. Except that I do feel like a punching bag. So if you don’t mind, I’m going to patch myself up and crash till Thursday.

Kate took another swig of the vodka - one for the road, so to speak - and was about to begin her arduous journey ascending the stairs again when she heard the kitchen chair scrape against the tile, signalling that the blonde was now on her feet.

Yelena Belova: Let me help you.
Kate Bishop: It’s fine honestly. I was just being dramatic.
Yelena Belova: At least as payment for your hospitality?
Kate Bishop: Thank you. But really Yelena, this isn’t the first time I’ve fucked my ribs up.
Yelena Belova: Kate. Please.

Kate wondered if it was wise to have Yelena nearby when she was already feeling raw as a live wire right now and the air between them felt charged. Since that first meeting on the rooftop, Kate was acutely aware of the pull that she felt for Yelena. Images of the blonde slowly shaking her head, windswept blonde hair and hazel eyes came rushing back.

Thing is, between hunting down Fisk, helping Clint, and the launch of Bishop Security’s latest technological marvel - Kate hadn’t really had time to process how Natasha might have felt about all of this. She was pretty sure that Natasha would not appreciate Kate’s sentiments on wanting to boink her little sister. But.. Kate was also painfully aware that Natasha surely wouldn’t have wanted Yelena to be alone tonight, of all nights.

Kate knew that the decent thing to do would be to put her lecherous thoughts away and be a solid friend for Yelena to lean on. Yelena’s insistence also made the brunette wonder if this was maybe something Yelena needed more than her, and so she relents.

Kate Bishop: Alright Nurse Belova. Let's see you work your magic.

Kate had made it up to her room while Yelena grabbed the first aid kit and rounded up the stairs. When the blonde reached the doorframe, she was greeted by the sight of Kate mumbling curses while stripping off her clothes. Yelena hadn’t entirely meant to watch Kate but so much of her life had been spent watching others while lurking in the shadows that this almost felt.. second nature?

This is how Widows studied their targets afterall. They used all their receptors to absorb and digest every morsel of information that could be gleaned, that could be used against their targets. This time however, there wasn’t any assignment to complete or target to blackmail nor kill. Yelena was just looking because she felt captivated by the idiot that was Kate Bishop. Kate Bishop who was very quickly becoming one of the few things that Yelena had started to like looking at with her new found freedom.

Unaware of the pair of hazel eyes that were now studying her strong shoulders; Kate gingerly kicked off her jeans without tripping and gave herself a little cheer for that. She then moved on to her shirt, which proved to be a whole other story as Kate couldn’t flex her shoulders enough to shrug off her unbuttoned shirt. The blonde wordlessly shook her head as she watched Kate count to three before shrugging off the shirt, the simple action accompanied by more curses. Once she was done, Kate turned to the door, wondering where the assassin was when she noticed her, taking in Kate standing there in all her glory, wearing only a black sports bra and matching boxer briefs.

Kate Bishop: Enjoying the view?
Yelena Belova: Quite. I’ve never seen someone who needed so much help and yet be so stubborn.
Kate Bishop: Yea, well I aim to please.

The brunnette led the way to the ensuite bathroom, turning on the lights on the way in before jumping up onto the countertop by the sink so that the blonde could assess the damage. Yelena placed the first aid kit beside Kate and started examining her body. She took both of Kate’s hands in hers, and ignoring the way it made her heart flutter, she let her eyes roam all over with fevered purpose, before gently placing Kate’s hands back on her lap. Yelena then proceeds to poke and prod at Kate’s ribs, studying the bruising that had begun colouring the Avenger’s pale skin.

Yelena Belova: Any trouble breathing or shortness of breath?
Kate Bishop: Nope.
Yelena Belova: Take a deep breath for me.

Kate inhales as deeply as she could, hoping that she didn’t fuck up her ribs too bad. The last thing she needed was a flail chest or any other complications because of the bald fuck from hell.

Yelena Belova: Hmm a couple of fractured ribs for sure but I don’t think there is any damage to internal organs. And some superficial cuts and abrasions on the face of course.
Kate Bishop: Thank god. This is the money maker right here.

Kate knew that she made the blonde smile a little because she caught her lips lifting up in a curve. It was brief, but it existed nonetheless and Kate counted that as a win. She sat quietly for the next few minutes, taking careful swigs of the dwindling liquor. Thankful that she had this on hand to numb some of the pain away. Yelena made herself busy by cleaning the little cuts on Kate’s face before disinfecting them. She carefully picked up a few butterfly stitches and used them to close the wounds, before stepping back and eyeing her work. Once satisfied, she started packing up the first aid box.

Yelena Belova: Since this isn’t your first rodeo - I’m guessing you know that you should take it easy for a few weeks. No heavy lifting, training or you’re definitely going to break your ribs.
Kate Bishop: I’ll try.

Yelena just rolled her eyes at the brunette. She swore that Kate really had a way of being stubborn about literally everything and anything. Now that she had patched Kate up and the momentary distraction was gone, she stood there awkwardly, wondering if she should stay or leave.

Kate Bishop: You can stay the night if you want. It’s pretty late.

Obviously whatever that lurks in the darkness of New York is no match for a Black Widow assassin, but Kate figured she’d offer Yelena a place to crash anyway. She was determined to provide as much comfort as Yelena would take.

Yelena Belova: You’ve already done enough, I can’t..

Kate wasn’t dense, this wasn’t about the offer to spend the night. The blonde was referring to Kate trying to steer her away from Clint, trying to help Yelena see that her anger was misplaced. She knew that Kate didn’t owe her anything, but was trying to help her anyway - even if her motivations might be to honour the memory of a certain redhead.

Kate Bishop: Pfft. I thought you liked girls' night?
Yelena Belova: I do!
Kate Bishop: Okay, great because sleepovers are a huge part of that.
Yelena Belova: Since you are asking so nicely..
Kate Bishop: Alright. Cool. Did you want to shower? I could spare you something to sleep in.

The blonde nodded and so Kate hopped off the counter, their bodies flush against each other for a nanosecond. She hobbled over to the walk-in wardrobe, rummaging for a few moments before showing up with some clothes.

Kate Bishop: Here. Some sweatpants and a shirt.
Yelena Belova: Wow. Couldn’t find anything rattier?
Kate Bishop: Hey! That's the softest anything that I own. Take it back!
Yelena Belova: Crappy vodka and ratty clothes. I thought you were some kinda trust fund baby Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: Well, that's what you get for showing up unannounced.

Yelena squints and challenges Kate by staring at her and they stay like that for a while before both break out into matching grins. Kate exits the bathroom and once Yelena shuts the door, she leans against it and brings Kate’s clothes close to her face; inhaling deeply. It smelt like detergent and something comforting. Something safe. She stripped and got into the shower, examining the many luxurious shower gels that were meticulously arranged in the shelf. There was a shower gel for every fruit there was under the sky, and then some!

Limping away from the bathroom, Kate goes to her desk and picks up a folder that had ‘CONFIDENTIAL’ stamped on the outside in large, red print. She brings the folder to the bed and sits down, scattering the contents of the file onto the bed before picking one particular document and perusing it. Kate was so focused on reading the case file that she didn’t realise the shower being turned off.

What broke her attention was the bathroom door opening and a cloud of steam bellowing out. The scent of manuka honey emanated from the blonde, who was now dressed in Kate’s clothes. Yelena’s hair was wet and clinging to the sides of her face. They both locked eyes, unsure what the other was thinking before Yelena broke eye contact to look at the papers scattered on the bed. Kate followed her gaze and suddenly shot up from the bed.

Kate Bishop: Sorry! Here, let me clear this up and you can have the bed. I wanted to take a look at something before heading downstairs.
Yelena Belova: What are you working on?

Yelena approached the bed, her hand lazily towel drying her hair some more and launching water droplets that landed on Kate’s exposed skin. Kate thought that there was just something so intoxicating about that moment, something so.. enticing about Yelena that made her that much more ravenous. Kate wondered how warm her skin would be after the shower, and if Yelena would just smell like honey or taste like it too..

Kate sighed before giving her mind a figurative kick for downing so much vodka and succumbing to more thoughts from her dirty little heart. There was just something about Yelena Belova that made Kate crave her in the most primal and carnal ways. She reluctantly pulled her mind out of the gutter and started gathering the papers up, before stuffing them back into the folder.

Kate Bishop: Ugh, just a stupid case that I’m working on. We found movements of large quantities of sodium hypochlorite. Just trying to piece things together.
Yelena Belova: Sounds fun.

The comment makes Kate look at Yelena with a curious smile. To Kate, this was the tedious part of any mission and if it was up to her, she’d pick field work over an investigation any time but the large quantities of chemicals had Fury concerned and so she was helping the team put a case together.

Kate Bishop: I think you and I have very different ideas of fun.
Yelena Belova: I’m sure if we thought about it hard enough.. we could find something that's fun for both of us.

Shit. Fuck. Is Yelena flirting with her? Okay, playful banter is one thing, but saying flirty things that implied sexy times - totally different ball game. Pivot Bishop! Pivot goddammit!!
Before Kate could think of something that could pass as an easy let down, she noticed that the little nick on Yelena’s cheek was bleeding again.

Kate Bishop: Did Clint do that or was it me?
Yelena Belova: Are you drunk already?
Kate Bishop: No. I mean.. Your cheek - it's bleeding.
Yelena Belova: Oh.
Kate Bishop: Here, let me help.

Kate placed the folder on her desk and brought the first aid kit back to the bed, guiding Yelena to sit in front of her. Kate fished out the antiseptic gel and dabbed some onto a q tip before gently tracing it over the cut. Once she was done, Kate placed a hand on Yelena’s chin to tilt her face; before gently blowing on the cut. The act was intended to be soothing but she must have done something incredibly wrong because Yelena had pulled herself away and was now staring at her with misty eyes.

Yelena Belova: How.. how did you know to do that?
Kate Bishop: Wh..What? Like cleaning a cut?
Yelena Belova: You.. blew on the wound.

Fuck. Shit.

Kate Bishop: It’s..err.. something that Natasha used to do for us. When we got hurt.

Kate offered and that was all it took for the tears that were welling in those hazel eyes to come streaming down. The Avenger froze immediately, afraid that even breathing might make things worse. In front of her, Yelena had her face covered with her palms as she sobbed, the pain and grief seemingly coming out of nowhere. Kate’s mind cycled through all the possible things she could say to Yelena but they all seemed.. like bullshit and Yelena most definitely deserved better than that.

Since words usually fail her anyway, Kate relied on instinct and quietly wrapped her arms around Yelena’s shaking body. The blonde stiffened in her embrace but Kate held on tightly and before long, Yelena gave up and sank into the hug. When the sobs finally turned into soft sniffles, Kate let Yelena go and cupped her cheeks.

Kate Bishop: I’m really, really sorry Yelena.

The words were not novel or compelling on their own but as Yelena starred into Kate Bishop’s eyes, she felt the sincerity coming through and she relented. She forced herself to accept that she wasn’t alone in this feeling. That she, Kate and Clint were bonded through this trauma. Sensing that she might be getting through to the blonde, Kate continued.

Kate Bishop: I wish I could tell you that it would get easier, but it doesn’t.
Yelena Belova: I loved her so much..

For some reason, those five little words tore Kate’s insides up. Like someone had taken a cheese grater to her heart. Of course Yelena loved her sister, but hearing it coming out in choked sobs and in Yelena’s pained voice just made it all too real. Again, guided by instinct, Kate pressed her lips against Yelena’s temple.

Kate Bishop: I know you did. I really do.

Despite only knowing Kate Bishop for a couple of weeks at most, Yelena could confidently say that she knew Kate Bishop fairly well, for she had seen the many sides of Kate Bishop. She had seen Kate Bishop so annoyed at work that she threw proverbial daggers at some of her board members. She had even seen Kate when she was being an ‘annoying little shit’ as Clint would put it. But this gentleness, this calculated tenderness, this was entirely new to them both. As an act of solidarity, it made Yelena uncharacteristically hug Kate closer and nestle against her neck.

Yelena Belova: I just wished I had more time with her. First the Red Room. Then the snap. It’s not fair. I lost so much time.
Kate Bishop: I know. And you’re right, none of it is fair.

They both stayed quiet in the embrace. Yelena was still sniffling but felt heaps better being in Kate’s arms, relishing in the skin to skin contact and just inhaling her scent. Her scent carried traces of perfume, sweat and what Yelena thought might be concrete from the explosions earlier that night. There was something earthy about the scent that made her feel grounded and unlike the kite without a string she mostly felt.

Yelena Belova: Sometimes I feel stupid for crying. We spent so much time apart that I feel like I barely knew her.
Kate Bishop: I might be able to help with that. At least I think I can?
Yelena Belova: How?
Kate Bishop: I know you probably have mixed feelings about Clint, me and the Avengers or whatever.. but we were really her family too you know? And.. if you ever feel like you’re up to it, we can talk to everyone and piece together a more complete picture of Natasha for you. The Natasha that we knew anyway.

Kate felt Yelena nodding against her neck but it didn't feel good enough. She placed her hands on Yelena’s shoulders, gently pulling her back so she could look at her.

Kate Bishop: Okay?
Yelena Belova: Okay.

Their faces still inches apart, Kate was floored by how even in this moment, with her trembling lips and salted cheeks - Yelena was still so devastatingly beautiful. She wasn’t hot. She wasn’t pretty. No. She was achingly beautiful. There was nothing else that Kate wanted more than to brush their lips together, to trail soft kisses along Yelena’s skin until she was sighing out Kate’s name.

Yelena must have felt the change in the air as well because she was now staring at Kate with her trademark pout, her eyes almost daring Kate fucking Bishop to make the first move. Naturally, Kate mumbled something about it being late and untangled herself from Yelena. Hastily grabbing some clothes for herself, Kate makes her exit.

Kate Bishop: Uhh.. okay so I’m going to hit the hay..
Yelena Belova: Mmhmm
Kate Bishop: You good Belova?
Yelena Belova: Never better Kate Bishop.

Kate’s lips pulled into a smile as Yelena addressed her by her full name again. Little shit.

Chapter Text

It was a day just like any other cheat day and Kate was next in line at the pizza place. After telling the cashier her order and preferred topping, she shoved her hands into her pockets to pull out some cash. She pulled out her left hand but instead of cash, the Avenger found herself grasping a handful of.. bacon? Utterly confused, she pulls out her right hand from her pocket expecting something other than bacon, but lo and behold - there it was again. More bacon. Hidden inside her pockets.

Carefully arranging the bacon strips on the counter, Kate registers the look of annoyance on the cashier’s face. She also clocks the disgruntled complaints of the people behind her in the line. The billionaire quickly reaches for her wallet in her breast pocket to pull out her credit card, any one of them honestly, but all she finds are slices of.. cheese. Each elegantly slotted into the card slits. What. the. actual. fuck.

Okay.. so no pizza then. Kate mumbles a ‘sorry’ and rushes out of the pizzaria, already planning to rearrange Peter and Rocket’s faces when she gets to the Avenger’s compound. Sure, there was a time when they were younger that she had replaced Peter’s web fluids with confetti. There was also that time where she put pink hair dye in Rocket’s shampoo - but denying Kate Bishop food is where she drew the line when it comes to practical jokes.

She hastily makes her way to the subway and barely slips in through the doors before they close. Crashing onto the seat furthest away from the mystery liquid on the floor, Kate zones out for a moment. She was furiously replying to work emails when she felt someone sit beside her and ever the New Yorker, she dutifully ignored her neighbour. Kate was still replying to a particularly cumbersome email when she heard a voice.

Natasha Romanoff: Is it true Bishop?

The voice makes her snap her head to the left, lips curving to a curious smile when she sees her best friend.

Kate Bishop: Heh. Since when do you call me Bishop?
Natasha Romanoff: Since I heard that you’re running around with my sister.
Kate Bishop: Sorry, what now?
Natasha Romanoff: So you aren't BOINKING HER?
Kate Bishop: Jesus. No. No. Not yet?

The moment the words tumbled out, Kate comically shuts her mouth with both her hands, wondering if she left her god damn filter at the pizzeria. At this point, Natasha stands and pulls Kate up by her collar and promptly flings her to the opposite side of the train cabin. Kate slams against the wall, groaning before landing on the floor. Seeing Natasha and the mysterious gross liquid making her way towards her, she puts both palms onto the train’s sticky floor and proceeds to crawl backwards, trying to gain some distance from both. The train rattles on noisily as it moves over a bridge with its passengers equally unperturbed by what was taking place in front of them. Wow, New Yorkers have really seen it all huh?

Natasha Romanoff: I’ve barely been dead a year!
Kate Bishop: So I just need to wait? How long would you say is appropriate?

Natasha was now hovering above her fellow Avenger and Kate seriously starts wondering why she seemed to have a death wish today. The Black Widow responds by kicking her in the gut, her boots digging in deep. Kate is now wheezing and coughing while the older Widow frowns at her.

Kate Bishop: Okay, okay. Wrong response..but I mean come on. Have you seen her??

Natasha then lifts Kate by the collar and practically drags her towards one of the train doors. The red head hits the emergency button and the doors swing open. Cool December wind rushes in and loose thrash that was scattered around the cabin swirls a couple of times dramatically in the air before being sucked out the door. Natasha now has Kate dangling out of the moving train. Kate frantically tries to find purchase on the Black Widow’s forearms while trying to talk some sense into her.

Kate Bishop: Whoa! Whoa Nat!
Natasha Romanoff: Stop trying to boink my sister!!
Kate Bishop: Jesus.. Okay, let's calm down now..
Natasha Romanoff: She deserves someone who doesn’t carry cheese in their wallet!
Kate Bishop: That’s not even my cheese!

Not satisfied with her answer, Natasha lets go of the collar and Kate falls. She free falls, hands and feet flailing in the air, she desperately gropes her finger for her signet ring to launch her suit but can’t find it. This makes it all too real for Kate, and she’s screaming now, fully expecting to be a human pancake on the concrete pavement 30 feet below. The next thing that Kate feels however is a sharp pain on the side of her head and when she carefully pries her eyes open, she doesn’t find the Black Widow that she expects, but sees Yelena instead, looking perplexed as ever. Feeling like she needed to explain herself, Kate practically yells out the next sentence like it would explain everything perfectly.

Kate Bishop: It wasn’t my cheese!

Kate’s exclamation makes Yelena scrunch up her face. The blonde had both her hands on her hips, trying to steady herself against what she was sure was going to be a headache-inducing Kate Bishop moment. Her lips curled up slightly in amusement.

Yelena Belova: It was just a dream Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: What the fuck?
Yelena Belova: What the fuck indeed.

Kate looks around confused, finding herself safely in her penthouse again, dressed in sleep shorts and her M.I.T pullover. Traces of the dream still linger in the forefront of her mind and her filter apparently was still left unclaimed in the pizzeria from the dream.

Kate Bishop: Someone put cheese in my wallet.
Yelena Belova: Uh-huh
Kate Bishop: ..and bacon in my pockets..
Yelena Belova: Hmm.
Kate Bishop: Yea..
Yelena Belova: Was there more to this dream? It sounded like a nightmare, the way you yelled. You hit your head when you fell off the couch. Right there.

They both looked at the edge of the ornate coffee table that Yelena was pointing at and Kate’s ears immediately grew hot remembering her conversation with Natasha. No way in hell she was going to divulge Yelena with that information. Heh. So her filter is back.. the Avenger mused in the back of her mind.

Kate Bishop: Oh. So that was it.
Yelena Belova: Mmhmm.
Kate Bishop: Okay.. I’m uhh.. I’m going to.. go shower now. Bye.

Kate promptly got up, massaging her temples while making her way upstairs, ignoring her protesting ribs and bounding up the steps, two at a time. She strips off her clothes and sighs when she enters the bathroom, grateful for some solitude. Kate turned the heat on the shower up and just stood under the rain shower with her palms pressed against the bathroom tiles. She leaned her forehead against the tiles and mumbled to no one in particular.

Kate Bishop: Stupid fucking vodka. Never again.. Okay.. I guess we now know how Natasha feels about all this. Just thinking about her sister is going to make Natasha’s ghost come straight out of Vormir to murder me. Cool. Cool cool cool cool cool.

She shut off the shower once she was done and towelled herself dry before standing in front of the huge mirror. The same countertop that she had sat on last night, as she and Yelena acted out an overplayed Hollywood trope like they were main characters belonging to an overzealous fanfiction writer. The Avenger stood still and closed her eyes for a moment, doing a breathing exercise to calm her racing mind. When she felt steadier, she tried to take stock of what was hurting and how much it was hurting. The only pain that seemed to register after the blistering hot shower was the throbbing in her ribs and the side of her head from hitting the stupid coffee table.

The billionaire groans as she notices the dark circles below her eyes and could almost hear her mother’s voice in her head about keeping up appearances and looking like an ‘actual Bishop’. Whatever the fuck that meant. Kate still felt tired to her core and wished that she could sleep in but she had planned on putting in a couple of hours of work before jumping on that sodium hypochlorite case. Sighing, she slatthers on some Babor moisturiser onto her face, carefully rubbing it in without getting any on the cuts and scrapes. She then massages some curling cream into her wet hair before slicking it back away from her face.

Dressed in a black crew neck t-shirt and boyfriend jeans, Kate sauntered over to the kitchen and for the first time that morning, actually registered that Yelena was still here at the penthouse. That she hadn’t taken off at first light. Nope. Here Yelena was, looking hot as hell in Kate’s clothes, plating breakfast for them both. She had made them bacon (ohh…) and a cheesy omelette (double ohhh…), slowly pushing a plate towards Kate across the huge kitchen counter that doubled as the dining table. The gesture was as if the assassin had dramatically slid a piece of paper scribbled with super secret figures over the table, like they were from a bygone era. While all this was running through the Avenger’s head, the Russian was looking at Kate. Yelena tried to hide her smile but her mirth only grew and made her smile wider.

Kate Bishop: Something on my face?
Yelena Belova: No. It’s just something silly.
Kate Bishop: Well, now I’m curious.
Yelena Belova: Hmm..When I was little, I thought that only villains would slick their hair back.

She motions towards Kate with her chin. Kate’s eyes widened with amusement at this little tidbit from Yelena’s past. She had her fair share of dumb anecdotes from her childhood and was pleased with Yelena sharing that with her. Deciding to play along, Kate leans in close to the blonde and whispers..

Kate Bishop: You aren’t completely wrong, you know? I can be..very..bad..sometimes.

A light pink hue spreads across Yelena’s face as she tries to school her expression while Kate smirks and situates herself beside the blonde, after thanking her for the breakfast. Kate then reached for the TV remote, flicking on the news so they could have something else to stare at besides each other. The news acted more like white noise as Kate polished her plate, musing in the fact that Yelena was great at making comfort food. She felt like she deserved to have a cheat day from her usual breakfast which typically consisted of healthier options.

Yelena was still chewing on her bacon, so Kate decided to wait for her before clearing up the plates. While waiting, Kate grabs an apple and a knife to cut up some slices. She cuts small pieces of the fruit, offering half to Yelena before biting into a piece herself when suddenly, Kate hears something on the TV that piques her interest. She grabs the remote and increases the volume to catch the tail end of the report.

‘…… an extensive manhunt has been announced early this morning by the FBI to bring the New York based mobster to custody ……’

Yelena observes Kate watching the news and notes the changes in her body language. Where just moments ago, Kate looked like a corpse from a freshly dug grave - she was now sitting up straight, her eyes alert and her hand was gripping the paring knife so hard that her knuckles were almost white. Her dark hair was a little dryer now, soft waves taking shape and framing her face.

Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: He got away.
Yelena Belova: From last night?
Kate Bishop: Yea. Kingpin. The FBI doesn’t have him in custody.
Yelena Belova: They’ll find him soon.. there’s a manhunt.

The assassin pointed at the TV, as if it was obvious but Kate wasn’t buying it.

Kate Bishop: Ha ha.. No. The fuck they are.
Yelena Belova: If you are suggesting what I think you are suggesting..
Kate Bishop: I’m going to find him.
Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop! No. You said yourself that he was built like a tank!
Kate Bishop: Well I tried S.H.I.E.L.D’s way, so now I am going to do this my way.

Yelena leaned back on her chair and folded her arms. Eyes gazing intently as she watches the gears in Kate’s head spinning and whirring, already formulating a plan that she was sure was both dangerous and completely unauthorised by S.H.I.E.L.D. The news piece was over and the telecaster had moved on to reporting on the city’s Christmas preparations while Kate was now focusing all her energy into carving the apple, probably imagining it to be Kingpin. Yelena braves Kate’s bellicose mood and tries again.

Yelena Belova: Need I remind you that you are injured?
Kate Bishop: Just some scrapes.
Yelena Belova: You are literally bruised like a peach.
Kate Bishop: I’m fine.

To prove a point, Yelena actually leans across the counter to Kate and jabs her in her sides, earning a soft growl from the Avenger. Her eyes shoot up and glare at the Widow and her audacity.

Yelena Belova: You said it wasn’t your first time fucking up your ribs. You know that you need to take it easy for at least four weeks.

Kate closed her eyes and sighed. She knows that Yelena was right, there was no point in going in guns blazing. There were a lot of things to mull over - like where Kingpin was hiding for example, and how to infiltrate whatever cockroach nest he was hiding in.

Kate Bishop: What is the date today?
Yelena Belova: 3rd December.
Kate Bishop: Fine. Then on 31st December, Kingpin will die.

As she spoke, Kate threw the paring knife to her right without looking and it hit the calendar that was hung on the kitchen wall, way across the room. The knife was buried squarely in the tiny box that marked 31 DEC, embedding itself in the drywall and in that moment, Yelena decided that Kate Bishop was the coolest person that she ever knew and that she had a rather huge crush on her.

xxxxx

After breakfast, there had been a lull in the conversation as Kate picked up her work laptop and set up shop at the kitchen counter. She was vaguely aware of Yelena still hanging about the penthouse and she didn’t have the heart to ask the blonde when she had intended to leave. Yelena, having recognized this tacit approval to her continued presence in the penthouse, had walked about looking at photos that Kate had on display on the shelf next to the television. There were pictures of Kate with friends as well as some with her mom and her uncle, Jack, taken mostly at galas and the likes.

The assassin had also examined all the books that Kate had in her huge bookshelf, carefully tracing her pointer finger along a few select titles that she was familiar with, finally stopping to pull out an Oscar Wilde book of poetry. Making herself comfortable on the couch, Yelena was delighted to find that Kate had scribbled notes next to some of the prose, jotting down her thoughts when she was immersed in the poems. The assassin traces her fingers over the scripty handwriting before stealing a glance of the brunette. It felt like a rare glimpse into the otherwise reserved and guarded Kate Bishop. Kate on the other hand was fully focused on the email that she had been crafting, deciding to read it over before hitting ‘send’.

—--------------------

Greetings,

It’s hard to believe that we are in the home stretch of 2024! I know that at this time of year everyone is focused on finishing the year strong. I wanted to take this opportunity to gather us together (virtually, at least) and provide updates on what our team has been up to.

Earlier this quarter Erika Gentile joined my staff supporting Global Operations - Welcome Erika! I’m also happy to share the Q4 ‘All Hands on Deck’ call with the organisation, along with the Q4 Worldwide Ops Newsletter.

As I reflect upon 2024, I’m struck by how, over the course of this year, our organisation has come together with a common purpose. And as we look forward to Christmas I want to convey my heartfelt gratitude for this team, your work, our accomplishments together, and for the simple joy of reconnecting. I look forward to more in 2025!

I encourage you to browse the newsletter and watch the ‘All Hands’ to stay current on our projects and initiatives throughout the organisation. As always, if you have questions, or notice synergies–reach out! Your engagement and innovation are what drives this team forward.

Merry Christmas, and best wishes all!

Kate Bishop,
Chair and CEO

—-----------------------

After changing a couple of things, Kate forwards the email to her secretary to add the necessary links before sending it out to all employees of Bishop Securities, officially. Once she was done, she shut down the laptop for a while, wanting a little break to stretch. As she arches her back slowly while minding her busted ribs, Kate’s eyes land on the paring knife that was embedded into the kitchen drywall and her expression grows dark again. Yelena, who had noticed Kate finally moving after close to an hour, closes the poetry book and speaks up.

Yelena Belova: So what’s the plan?
Kate Bishop: Excuse me?
Yelena Belova: The plan for Kingpin?
Kate Bishop: Why would you be interested in that?
Yelena Belova: I thought I’d stay in the city longer and help.
Kate Bishop: Yelena. You have no idea who Kingpin is. The last thing I need is you being involved and getting hurt.

Yelena gasps in mock surprise. It usually wasn’t Yelena’s habit to volunteer herself for suicide missions, especially not when she actually has a say over the missions that she gets to work on. In all honesty, Yelena thought she’d already be on the other side of the globe after killing Clint Barton. She had not paused to consider the alternative, the alternative being her sparing his life. And now that is done and over with, Yelena finds herself rather.. aimless.

Getting to know Natasha’s best friend while tracking down a New York city mafia boss sounds like the perfect vacation to be honest. Even though Yelena doesn’t especially know Kingpin, she knows the type - and she knows how dangerous things might get, and she wasn’t about to let Natasha’s best friend (and maybe her friend too?) take on any reckless missions on her own. The blonde knows that things are awkward and weird now, what with the Widow trying to kill Clint and all that, but she can’t help feeling responsible over Clint and Kate now.

Her gut says that's what Natasha would want her to do - look out for her friends the way they had looked out for her all these years. Plus, there was something inexplicable about the brunette that Yelena cannot place. All she knows is that she delights in the time that they do get to spend together, in whatever capacity that may be. Despite having very good reasons for staying, Yelena decided that Kate did not need to know her every thought and reasoning. The important thing was that Yelena was going to help with Kingpin, whether Kate approved or not.

Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop. I happen to be very good at my job. The best even.
Kate Bishop: I’m not questioning that at all. It’s just.. wouldn't you rather do other things in the city? Like go sight seeing or whatever?
Yelena Belova: Who says I won’t be still doing that? In fact, you can take me! As payment for my Black Widow duties.
Kate Bishop: Pay you, even though I don’t want you getting involved in the first place?
Yelena Belova: Yes.

The blonde answers as a matter of factly. Kate groans before pretending to hit her head a couple of times on the counter top, but she knows better than to argue. It's not rocket science to know that Yelena is a master assassin and is going to do whatever damn well she pleases. If she wants to hang around with Kate and kick some mafia ass - then who was Kate to deny her? Although Kate does make a side note to come up with an actual plan, one that would give Yelena as minimal contact with Kingpin as possible. Kate grabs her tablet from her room upstairs and opens up the file on Kingpin to show Yelena.

Kate Bishop: So this is what we are dealing with. Mass murder, organized crime, corruption, smuggling.. it's a laundry list of all things..crime-y.
Yelena Belova: Hmm.
Kate Bishop: He basically operates out of Hell’s Kitchen but the whole of New York is his playground and I don’t want to just kill him. I want to destroy his entire empire.
Yelena Belova: That sounds ambitious. Says here that his resources are limitless, that he has powerful connections, and an army of thugs to do his bidding.
Kate Bishop: And that’s exactly where we will hit him. Methodically. Deplete his cash flow. Obliterate his army. And then lastly, we’ll take him out.
Yelena Belova: I like it. Maybe drive him insane in the process.
Kate Bishop: That’s what I’m hoping for - that by the time I’m done with him, he’s going to be the one who is looking for me.

Yelena scrolls through the report, she was almost at the end of it now where there were multiple pictures of Kingpin and his associates.

Yelena Belova: You were not joking. He is huge!
Kate Bishop: Uh huh. Dude is a gold mine for Yo Mama jokes.
Yelena Belova: I’m not familiar with these jokes Kate Bishop.

Kate looks at Yelena bewildered and takes it upon herself to educate the blonde.

Kate Bishop: Well.. they are sorta like maternal insults. You know, like making fun of your target through their mom..
Yelena Belova: I can’t imagine that to be very funny.
Kate Bishop: God. You’re going to make me tell you one aren’t you?

Yelena has placed the tablet down now and is looking at Kate expectantly. Kate feels a little pressure so she tries to think of the least offensive but funny joke off the top of her head.

Kate Bishop: Okay first off - nothing against your mom okay. I’m sure she was a..splendid mother. So okay, here goes.. Yo mama’s so fat, when she goes camping, the bears hide their food..
Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop!!

Yelena squeals suddenly and covers her mouth as she bursts out laughing. It was a full, genuine laugh that originates deep down from her belly and it warms Kate’s heart.

Kate Bishop: Oh you like that one huh? Here’s another.. Yo mama’s so fat, she can’t even jump to conclusions.

Kate has Yelena doubled over now, arms hugging her stomach as she laughs heartily. Kate has her arms locked at her elbows, her biceps showing off nicely in her tight t-shirt, face painted with an amusement that she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Kate Bishop: You wanna try one? So I don’t feel like the only jerk?
Yelena Belova: Really? I go?
Kate Bishop: Sure. Knock yourself out.
Yelena Belova: Okay. Let me think.

Kate watches as Yelena purses her lip, deep in thought until she looks at Kate with a glint of mischief in her eyes.

Yelena Belova: Got one!
Kate Bishop: Let's hear it Belova.
Yelena Belova: Yo mama so fat, she makes Hulk look like an action figure!

Kate bursts out chuckling because she definitely was not expecting that.

Kate Bishop: Hey! That was.. that was pretty good!
Yelena Belova: Really?
Kate Bishop: Oh yea. Top notch.
Yelena Belova: I’m going to text my friend, Sonya this.
Kate Bishop: Uhh.. Yea, you do that. I’ll do the dishes.

Kate bit her lip to stop laughing as she gathered their plates from breakfast. It amused her how quickly she was cycling through various emotions with Yelena by her side. This morning, she had woken up confused and embarrassed, then during breakfast she was raging over Kingpin, and now, she was biting her inner cheek so she didn't burst out laughing at Yelena’s first attempt at insult humour. Maybe having a partner in crime wasn’t that bad. Kate’s phone rings from somewhere inside the house and the brunette heads to the living room - flinging throw pillows from the couch before victoriously locating her phone.

Kate Bishop: Hey man
Clint Barton: Hey. Guessing you’ve heard by now?
Kate Bishop: Oh yea. Just did.
Clint Barton: You seem chipper.. considering..
Kate Bishop: I might have a plan.
Clint Barton: Okay, let's hear it.
Kate Bishop: Okay scratch that. I'm working on a plan. Yelena volunteered to help..

Kate replies quietly, eyeing Yelena who had a cute grin plastered on her face as she excitedly texted Sonya, who presumably was a Black Widow assassin as well.

Clint Barton: Yelena is still there?
Kate Bishop: Err yea. I think she just needs some time before gaining her footing again.
Clint Barton: How is she?
Kate Bishop: She seems fine now but you know how these things are. You can’t really tell.
Clint Barton: Yea, I know what you mean. I don’t think we should let the kid get involved with Kingpin though.
Kate Bishop: You think she’s giving me any choice on the matter?
Clint Barton: Stubborn as Natasha huh?
Kate Bishop: You have no idea.
Clint Barton: Well I have some idea.

Clint replies honestly, his hand subconsciously rubbing the back of his head where Yelena had hit him with her baton multiple times. Laura even joked that if his head wasn’t as thick as it was, Clint would have been heavily concussed.

Kate Bishop: Haha. Oh yea. How’s the ol' noggin?
Clint Barton: It’s better. Laura made it better. Wait hold on. Maybe this isn’t so bad. This way we can keep an eye on her. Make sure she stays out of trouble.
Kate Bishop: You mean so I can keep an eye on her?
Clint Barton: Pretty much.
Kate Bishop: Damn it. Alright. Well I’ll let you know when I have something lined up.
Clint Barton: Okay. You know where to find me.
Kate Bishop: Yea, thanks man.

Chapter Text

It was now a couple of days later and Kate had pretty much formulated a strategy on where and how they should start with their planned attacks on Kingpin. Yelena was lounging on the couch demolishing some potato chips when Kate had rolled out the glass white board that she had in her study. Since the 3rd of December, Yelena had pretty much moved into the penthouse, only leaving to grab more clothes, which had also started piling up in Kate’s wardrobe, much to the Avenger’s growing amusement.

All this indicated that Yelena did in fact have a place somewhere in the city but Kate decided to turn a blind eye to all of it, wanting to give the blonde space while she processed her feelings and thoughts. Once she positioned the board next to the TV, Kate clears her throat, white board marker in hand as she waits for Yelena’s full attention. When the young assassin was done dumping the potato chips crumbs from the bag directly into her mouth, she finally notices the Avenger looking at her, with wide eyes.

Kate Bishop: Uhh..I think you have another bag in the kitchen?
Yelena Belova; Kate Bishop. The crumbs are the best part. Everyone knows this.

The billionaire doesn’t say anything but just looks up at the ceiling, like she had a direct line to heaven or wherever the hell Natasha was and she was complaining to Natasha about what a pain Yelena was. How dare she. Yelena couldn’t be sure but she decides that’s what happened in that moment when Kate had looked up.

Kate Bishop: Okay. Anyway. I’ve been doing some homework and got some intel that a couple of major things are happening this week. The first being, the TSM has just gotten a huge shipment of smuggled weapons and they are sorting them out in a few locations to be distributed all over the city. The second being, we can expect movement of large quantities of money for the purchase and sales of these weapons.
Yelena Belova: Is your intel good?
Kate Bishop: Without a doubt. I’ve got a few people running surveillance for me.

Kate was referencing Clint and Peter who had been staking out TSM activities and gathering evidence on her behalf while she recuperated. Honestly, if Yelena had not practically manhandled Kate into resting, she would have been doing the surveillance herself but as Clint had so helpfully put forward - Yelena goes where Kate goes. So if Kate stays put, then Yelena will be out of harm’s way. Some parts of her and Clint’s collective effort to protect Yelena may be comical to some, but the way both the Avengers saw it was that if they couldn’t protect Natasha, then they sure as fuck were going to protect anyone who was important to her.

Kate Bishop: It’s going to be busy, but if we do calculated hits, we can paralyse him. He won’t be able to do jack shit if he is haemorrhaging money and weapons.
Yelena Belova: I see.
Kate Bishop: I’ve pinpoint a few locations, a few routes for this purpose.
Yelena Belova: Not bad for a baby Avenger, honestly.
Kate Bishop: Excuse me??
Yelena Belova: Yes, like trainee Avenger da?
Kate Bishop: Wait. How old do you think I am?

Kate asks the blonde while squinting at her.

Yelena Belova: Share the locations and all access points with me. I will take the lead on this. And you Kate Bishop, you learn how the professionals work.

Kate was too puzzled to wrap her head around what was happening here but the blonde pressed on and so Kate ignored her nagging feeling.

Yelena Belova: How many bodies are we expecting?
Kate Bishop: The usual, give or take around 20 per location based on the stakeouts and chatter.
Yelena Belova: That’s not that bad.
Kate Bishop: That’s my point. They won’t be anticipating it. It's the best time to hit them.
Yelena Belova: Mmhmm
Kate Bishop: Yea so we just keep hitting them up, and sooner or later, we are going to find someone high up enough to know where Kingpin is actually hiding out. Which is why I’m calling this operation…

Kate faces the glass white board and writes out confidently - ‘OPERATION URGENT FURY’. When she looked over at the blonde, she was greeted with a scrunched up face.

Kate Bishop: Pretty cool right?
Yelena Belova: Is it named after Nick Fury?
Kate Bishop: What? No.. It's like.. to explain our ferocity or wrath you know..?

The Avenger started making weird and vague hand gestures that one might consider to portray a sense of urgency, but the assassin isn’t buying it.

Yelena Belova: Hmm I don’t like it.
Kate Bishop: Oh. Okay. You think you can do better?
Yelena Belova: May I? I haven’t gotten to name one of these before.
Kate Bishop: Err.. I mean yea.. sure.

Yelena heaves herself from the couch and makes her way to the board. She holds out her palm and notices Kate’s hesitance in handing over the Sharpie. She practically wrestles it out of the Avenger’s fingers and proceeds to scribble - ‘OPERATION SHAKE THE TREES UNTIL A SNAKE FALLS’. When she’s done, she turns and looks at Kate triumphantly.

Kate Bishop: What the hell is that?
Yelena Belova: That's.. that's what we are doing, yes? Hitting his establishments to lure him out?
Kate Bishop: I mean yea.. but.. i-it doesn’t sound cool Yelena!
Yelena Belova: Yes it does. It's sooo cool in Russian! Maybe it’s not translating well to English.
Kate Bishop: Sure.. but like ‘OPERATION URGENT FURY’ just sounds more awesome though right. Kinda short.. and to the point..?
Yelena Belova: Perhaps. But people could be confused too.
Kate Bishop: Who are these people Yelena? Who’s going to be confused? Literally only you and I know about this.
Yelena Belova: I'm just saying, doesn't hurt to be precise.
Kate Bishop: It's a mouthful Yelena.
Yelena Belova: Hmm I guess we could change it back.

The blonde was sporting a tiny pout and made a move to erase what she had written. Kate groans internally and massages her temples.

Kate Bishop: You know what? Let’s just leave it.
Yelena Belova: Really?
Kate Bishop: Yea.. it sorta uhh.. grows on you. OPERATION SHAKE THE TREES UNTIL A SNAKE FALLS. Yea.
Yelena Belova: See, I told you.
Kate Bishop: Uh huh.. You sure did.

xxxxx

Relying on data supplied by Kate, the past week had been a whirlwind of breaking ins and setting TSM shit on fire. ‘Scorched Earth’ Kate had called it but Yelena wasn’t bothered about semantics this time, not while they were on the move anyway. She was a professional after all. They had even hit a couple of warehouses and Yelena had made it a point to take the lead. Upon some needling and prying by Kate, the way Yelena had put it was that based on what she had seen at the Rockefeller Centre, Kate was skilled but needed more training, training that Yelena had been so graciously giving her.

So everytime they do encounter some Tracksuit morons, Kate just stands around as a flurry of white enters the room and beats the shit out of the bros. In fact, the last time, the only work Kate did was literally step out of the way as a bro was flung overhead by Yelena. Kate spends her time watching Yelena’s fight technique, impressed by her skills and how flawless she looked kicking ass in that skin tight suit.

Kate is no idiot, she knows that Yelena is clearly mistaken, thinking that throwing Sriracha and fooling around like at the Rockefeller centre was the peak of Kate’s skills. The skilled Avenger knew that there was a misunderstanding, and honestly, she did contemplate clearing the air up with Yelena. To tell her that she could more than hold her on, she was an Avenger goddammit. But the wicked part of her decided to just play along and prank Yelena the more she made fun of them as spandex wearing superhero wannabes. Kate’s ribs also appreciated the reprieve and coasting as Yelena did the majority of ass kicking while Kate stood in a corner reading her Tintin comic book.

It of course was very helpful that during each run in with the Tracksuit Mafia, the bros would start shaking in their boots (Adidas?) when they see Spectre breaking in. Although of course, Yelena who was oblivious and full of herself had surmised very wrongly that the Tracksuit Mafia bros were actually petrified of her! She didn’t even stop to think that perhaps they had no idea who she was, or that she was a Black Widow. Nope, that thought had not even crossed Yelena’s head, god bless her innocent soul.

Kate couldn’t really blame the bros for their outrageous outbursts and reactions though. The bros and Spectre had a very professional relationship that spanned a few years and across multiple warehouses and docks throughout New York city. It was Spectre who usually kicked their asses and so it tracks (haha tracks) that they would react that way every time they saw her. In fact during their first ever run in with the TSM bros that week, there was a bro who actually started screaming and shrieking in falsetto when he saw Spectre.

Yelena Belova: Whoa.. I think my reputation precedes me.
Kate Bishop: Uhh.. Yea.. that's totally what it is.

Kate had tried her absolutely damndest not to burst out laughing at Yelena’s face after that interaction. In the brunette’s defence, she wasn’t going to let this deceit go on for long. She was very well aware of her fiduciary duty to keep Yelena safe, that was never far from the forefront of her mind. However, she was enjoying Yelena showing her up this past week.

Yelena had really gotten into a groove and gone into her element, ‘teaching and guiding’ Kate, attempting to protect her from the Tracksuit Mafia and much more. If Kate had to be honest, it was all kinda cute. That Yelena actually saw her as someone who was naive and innocent - two things that Kate Bishop would never be described as. To an extent, it was even a little refreshing to see someone look at her differently.

And so that had been their routine thus far, wreck havoc all night, then recoup at the penthouse over beers voting on which one of Yelena’s take outs had been the most devastating. It was an act of camaraderie, much alike to Kate’s relationship with Clint or Natasha, minus the fact that Kate was sighing to herself every time she got a look at Yelena’s ass in her widow suit.

xxxx

Tonight is the night, they were breaking into one of the bigger weapons storage facilities that belonged to Fisk. The duo found themselves in an abandoned factory and from their vantage point, they could see where the Tracksuit Mafia were sorting out the firearms that had been smuggled and brought in with their latest shipment. Between the two doing a perimeter check, they had counted 22 tracksuit wearing morons.

There were only four guarding the perimeter around the factory and they weren’t even armed to the teeth. This just proved to Yelena that the Tracksuit Mafia and Kingpin to a certain degree, were not at all concerned about being attacked or stopped in any way. It was very telling that anyone that impedes any TSM activities would pay for it with their lives.

There were eight more thugs sitting around in a makeshift kitchen of sorts, eating cake jovially. It was some poor schmuck’s birthday today. Kate had counted the ten doing the packaging and redistribution of the weaponry into wood pellets herself. They were putting them into crates and loading them into a small cargo helicopter parked on the helipad. Because of the presence of the chopper, Kate and Yelena had to work their way from the bottom-up so they wouldn’t alert the chopper pilot and risk him leaving with the goods.

The young Black Widow had taken out the four guys walking the perimeter easily with her Widow bites and they went down like sleepy toddlers who had a big day out. Then the duo had split up, with Yelena taking the lead by entering through the kitchen door first, kicking the shit out of all eight guys who were there.

Then together, Kate and Yelena had stormed the loading bay where the remaining ten bros were putting the packages into the cargo area of the old chopper. Kate had wanted to help, but Yelena actually had the cheek to put her hand on Kate’s shoulder and say ‘No, Kate Bishop’ which ironically reminded Kate of when she tried following the young assassin into the elevator at the Rockefeller Centre.

And so Kate was benched again, to only watch as Yelena flexed her literal and figurative muscles in taking all nine baddies at once. Nine because one had slipped away and was about to make an escape when he had run instead directly into Kate. This left Kate with no choice but to do a cool Widow-like body throw that replicated Yelena’s infamous move. The tenth guy hit the floor with a thud and it was ‘lights out’ for him.

Once all the bros were dispatched, Kate had rigged an explosive inside the chopper and just as Kate and Yelena ran to the edge of the rooftop, the helicopter exploded gloriously. Destroying all the firearms that were there. The pair then made a run for it to the side of the building, catching their breaths half way down the fire escape while also laughing giddily.

Kate Bishop: That was kickass!
Yelena Belova: Yeah, and you did that cool body throw!
Kate Bishop: Oh you saw that?
Yelena Belova: Uh huh, nice form.

Yelena was hunched over panting from exertion while Kate cooly leaned against the rusty metal railing, looking out into the starry night.

Kate Bishop: I didn’t think I could do much to impress you.
Yelena Belova: You do more than you think, goryachiye veshchi (hot stuff).
Kate Bishop: Ty dumayesh’ ya goryachiy? (You think I’m hot?)

Kate queries with a devilish grin before leaping off the final ring of steps. It takes Yelena a long second to process what just happened and while she wraps her head around what had just occured - she hears the distinct sound of her motorcycle revving and speeding off into the night.

Yelena Belova: Cyka! (Bitch!)

Chapter Text

As the sound of her motorcycle grew more faint, Yelena was still standing in the fire escape of the factory, looking confused as hell. Her face was scrunched up as if she was in pain and her eyebrows were knitted as she kept looking at the spot where Kate Bishop was just standing a moment ago, to where the Avenger had disappeared to. The Widow could hear the sounds of some Tracksuit bros’ muffled groans coming from the rooftop but she wasn’t alarmed enough to move. She was a bit discombobulated in all honesty.

There were a myriad of feelings bubbling inside of her and she was trying to cycle through them one by one. She was no stranger to anger - but there was this other feeling that accompanied it but felt foreign to the blonde. Was it, embarrassment? Her ears were still hot so yes, she was definitely embarrassed that she had been duped by one Kate Bishop. Kate Bishop can speak Russian??
Yelena groans in mortification as she thinks of all the cute little nicknames that she had been throwing around the Avenger carelessly since they met.

How the hell did Kate Bishop in all her clumsy, blabbering mess actually dupe Yelena, one of the most prolific Black Widow and international assassins ever? Yelena felt disconcerted that she had let her crush blindside her. Yes, she should have been more vigilant and careful instead of fooling around with Kate Bishop. So.. she spoke Russian.. What else did Yelena not know about her? A more accurate question at this point would be if Yelena even knows anything at all about the real Kate Bishop?

The groaning and grunting got louder and Yelena assumed that the Tracksuit bros had fully regained consciousness and were probably ready to call for backup, if the huge explosion on its own wasn’t enough to alert them. The blonde decided that it was time for her to high tail it out of there. She leaped off the fire escape and ran further up the dark alley. She saw a few cars parked in the barely lit street and proceeded to steal one, hot-wiring it to start and beginning her 20 minute drive back to the penthouse.

Reaching the penthouse, Yelena ditches the car a few streets away and runs back to Kate’s building, eager to rip her a new one. Kate wasn’t sure how Yelena had elected to get across town but when the roof door to the red brick penthouse was thrown open, Yelena was panting. The blonde’s face was flushed and she didn't slow her gait as she got closer to Kate, shoving her hard. Kate staggers back a few steps, chuckling. The beer in her hand was miraculously unspilled.

Yelena Belova: You hustled me!
Kate Bishop: Haha what?
Yelena Belova: You heard me.
Kate Bishop: I hustled you because I stole the keys to your bike?
Yelena Belova: No, for the other thing.
Kate Bishop: Ah right.

Yelena locked her elbows in a defensive stance, trying to reign in her annoyance at the billionaire who was clearly very much pleased with herself and the outcome of the night.

Yelena Belova: So you speak Russian?
Kate Bishop: Mmhmm.. and German, and French, and Italian, and Spanish, and Arabic, and Mandarin, and Japanese, and.. a few other languages..

Kate's voice started off high but got lower and lower the more languages she listed as Yelena’s face turned a few shades darker. Boy, she really didn’t like being at the butt end of jokes huh? There was a mischievous glint in Kate’s eyes and it only served to irritate Yelena more.

Yelena Belova: Blyat. (Fuck.)
Kate Bishop: Come on. It’s not that big of a deal.
Yelena Belova: It is. It is to me. I thought this was real.
Kate Bishop: What? I-it.. it is real.
Yelena Belova: You messed with my head.
Kate Bishop: Jesus. I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t think of it like that. I just..wasn’t sure if I could trust you.

The Widow throws Kate a look that she wasn’t prepared for. There were flashes of hurt behind the anger.

Yelena Belova: Did I give you a reason not to?
Kate Bishop: No. No you didn't. But you’re a Black Widow assassin!
Yelena Belova: Ex-Black Widow assassin!
Kate Bishop: You know what I mean.

Kate goes back to observing the night view, nonchalantly taking a swig of her beer. Because her attention was somewhere else, when Yelena punches her in her arm, the Avenger is genuinely shocked.

Kate Bishop: Oww. What the hell was that for?
Yelena Belova: Because!
Kate Bishop: Gah! Fine.
Yelena Belova: Was everything a lie?
Kate Bishop: Define.. everything..?
Yelena Belova: You said you didn’t know how to drive?
Kate Bishop: Haha. Well that was definitely bullshit. I can drive.. and fly. You know, because of the Quinjet..

Kate flattens her palm in front of the shorter woman’s face and mimics an aeroplane taking off into the horizon as she answers the blonde. Yelena covers her flushed face with her hands and groans.

Yelena Belova: When I offered to train with you? Did you actually know what you were doing?
Kate Bishop: I mean.. you offered to train me and I didn’t want to be like.. rude.
Yelena Belova: So you were acting like you were incompetent on purpose?
Kate Bishop: Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak. Just a little gem by Sun Tzu. Heard of him in the Red Room?

Yelena just glares at Kate who was still not done teasing her. The blonde moves closer and swipes Kate’s beer that she had parked on the ledge. In a bratty show of dominance, the young assassin chugs down the beer until the bottle is drained. Kate just smirks and gets them both fresh bottles from the six pack that she had brought up for them.

Yelena Belova: I feel pretty stupid.

Kate’s beer-addled brain supplies ‘Nah, you’re just pretty. Stupid.’ and she promptly shuts down that train of thoughts as she sees the dejected blonde in front of her.

Kate Bishop: Are you honestly saying that I’m the first target that you got all wrong?
Yelena Belova: The Red Room doesn't allow much room for errors.
Kate Bishop: Uh huh. Right. Okay, look. You didn’t get everything wrong.

Yelena just looks up at her, almost expectantly. Based on the blonde’s reaction, Kate decides that she’s on the right track and keeps talking.

Kate Bishop: Whatever that you did find out about my mom.. my dad.. all that is true.
Yelena Belova: And M.I.T?
Kate Bishop: Yea. That too. So you see. You do know Kate Bishop. You just don't know about this.. thing.. that resides in me.

Yelena blinks slowly. It’s all so obvious now. Kate was not a regular Avenger, she was the only one that actually valued her privacy and strove to keep both parts of her life separate. The implications of this revelation was staggering to the Widow. The hairs in the back of Yelena’s neck stand when she thinks about how every experience or interaction that she has had with Kate had actually been so carefully curated just for her.

The Avenger had only shown Yelena what she had wanted Yelena to see. Even their ‘meet-cute’ as Sonya had called it, the throwing of the Sriracha bottle, and their subsequent meetings - there wasn’t a moment where Kate had actually been intimidated by her at all. Kate could have incapacitated her at any moment but just chose not to.

Kate Bishop: And this Spectre thing.. it's complicated, okay? And for that reason, a lot of who she is, is under lock and key.
Yelena Belova: For your safety.
Kate Bishop: Yea. And most importantly, for the safety of the missions.
Yelena Belova: Does anyone really know you then?
Kate Bishop: Sure, there are a select few who do. High clearance types at S.H.I.E.L.D.

Kate watches Yelena as she aggressively picks at the beer label. The Avenger feels bad and what Yelena said about Kate messing with her head kept replaying itself and was eating her up. The Avenger hadn’t really been that introspective about it, she had just wanted to protect her identity but she never intended it to affect the blonde the way it did. Clearly the blonde was getting more out of this weird partnership than she had been letting on. Perhaps the blonde had been earnest about wanting to help, Kate contemplated. She emptied her beer bottle before gently nudging Yelena.

Kate Bishop: Let me make it up to you.
Yelena Belova: How?
Kate Bishop: Ask me anything.
Yelena Belova: Anything?
Kate Bishop: Mmhmm. Sure.
Yelena Belova: I thought you didn’t trust me?
Kate Bishop: Well you helped to fuck up some tracksuit morons for me on more than one occasion, so that’s got to mean something right?

Yelena peered over the roof, glancing at the New York skyline. She doesn’t say anything because trust is complex and it means different things to different people. Some people trust easily while others just don't. Sensing that the offer alone wasn't enough, Kate adds on.

Kate Bishop: I do trust you okay? Now go ahead. Ask me anything.
Yelena Belova: Why Spectre?
Kate Bishop: Wow. You went for the big one huh? Right away. Just. Well. I don't know.. something about the duality of it all. A spectre isn’t real, it's just an apparition - but the fear that it instils? That’s real.
Yelena Belova: Wait.. Those tracksuit guys !?!

Kate just nods slowly, as it dawns on Yelena that the tracksuit mafia’s reactions had purely been due to Spectre’s presence and Spectre alone. Yelena whines pathetically, placing the cold beer bottle against her forehead to soothe her shocked system.

Yelena Belova: Ugh. Do you have any abilities?
Kate Bishop: Like super powers? No, but I do have a bunch of skills that help leverage the playing field.
Yelena Belova: Like being one of the world’s greatest archers?
Kate Bishop: Haha. Yea, but it’s not just archery though. Give me anything, and I won’t miss a shot.
Yelena Belova: You’ve never missed a shot?
Kate Bishop: Not to sound braggy, but nope. Never missed a shot.
Yelena Belova: See that satellite dish over there?

Yelena juts her chin out to the dish that was affixed on the building next to theirs and Kate nods slowly, trying to make out what the blonde was getting at.

Kate Bishop: Uh huh. What about it?
Yelena Belova: Hit it.

The blonde says casually, taking a new beer bottle from the six-pack and thrusting it into Kate’s hands. Kate just knew that this was one of those times where action would speak louder than words so she decides to humour the blonde without protest. The way she saw it, she hurt Yelena, and now she was at the blonde’s mercy. The Avenger grips the bottle, weighing it carefully with her hand, estimating its weight and the trajectory she’d need to fling it to hit her mark. Kate estimates the distance to be about 140 feet, give or take. Once satisfied with her computation, Kate takes a step back and twists her body suddenly and gracefully like a baseball pitcher, as she hurtles the bottle across her building.

The bottle launches into the air, almost like a guided missile, zooming across the length of the penthouse, and then the building next to it, seeking and successfully crashing upon the satellite dish. The loud sound of glass shattering causes the light to flick on in a few apartments around the area and instinctively Kate and Yelena drop down to their haunches. The pair laugh in hushed giggles before sitting with their backs against the roof ledge and when their laughter dies down, the blonde resumes.

Yelena Belova: Why a bow and arrow?
Kate Bishop: It really depends on the situation. If I’m far away, then a bow comes in handy and S.H.I.E.L.D lets me share Clint’s stuff. That time on the rooftop was one of those rare moments. But if the action is much closer, I prefer melee weapons.
Yelena Belova: What is your weapon of choice then? I still use my Widow stuff, they are pretty effective.

Yelena activates her Widow Bites in her hands and they glow red, letting out small crackling sounds. Yelena always found the sounds to be rather comforting.

Kate Bishop: We should probably head inside now.

Kate unexpectedly gets up and starts gathering the empty beer bottles before just as abruptly heading into the penthouse. Yelena follows suit, right at her heels. She was not going to let Kate deflect or distract her anymore. She had one chance to decipher Kate Bishop and she was not going to let it go to waste. Kate had discarded the bottles in the recycling bin and was leaning against the kitchen counter when Yelena walked in.

Yelena Belova: You said you’d answer all my questions.
Kate Bishop: I know, but for this part, it’s easier if I just showed you.
Yelena Belova: Spoken like a true subway flasher.
Kate Bishop: Ha ha.. but no. What I wanted to show you was this.

Kate walked past Yelena and stood beside the side of the kitchen wall that connected with the living room. She lifted both palms and pressed them evenly into the wall and suddenly the wainscoting moved apart and revealed a computer panel. Kate throws a glance at Yelena and Yelena just raises her eyebrows. The Avenger punches in the password and the wall collapses into a doorway. Kate gestures to the blonde to enter.

Yelena Belova: KATE BISHOP!!
Kate Bishop: What?
Yelena Belova: You had this here this entire time??
Kate Bishop: Uh huh. You’re lucky that I’m in a chatty mood.
Yelena Belova: This entire time!!

Kate just smiles sheepishly as she walks in through the doorway first. It was a corridor that led to a number of other spaces. Yelena pictured the floor plan of the penthouse and figured that Kate had in fact purchased the entire floor of her building to allow for these modifications. Yelena mutters something about ‘just like Batman’ before following the brunette. The look of childish excitement had not gone unnoticed by Kate.

The first room they entered was a lab of sorts. There were a couple of computers hooked up to multiple screens. One of the screens was connected to a surveillance device and showed a live stream of the penthouse. On the table next to it was a stool and some bits and pieces of what looked like trick arrow parts and other electronic gadgets.

Yelena Belova: Is this like a Unibomber thing?
Kate Bishop: You’re a regular comedian aren’t you? Don't mind those, I’m working on some trick arrows for Clint... a Christmas present of sorts.
Yelena Belova: Is this where you make your suit?

Yelena had wandered off to the corner of the lab lab now, where there was a Stark fabricator, and some holographic images on the table next to it that showed multiple suit and weapon designs. There was also a live scale glass case with a prototype of a suit in there.

Kate Bishop: Yes and no. I design them here. Test out some changes.. tweaks..
Yelena Belova: I never understood how nanosuit works. I mean they seem amazing. Instant protection at the push of a button.

Kate noted that Yelena sounded a little bitter at that last sentence. And it made sense too - if the Red Room had seen the Widows as investments and not mere weapons, they would be better protected. Sure, they use some high tech weapons and stuff but no real protection when it comes to suits. They largely wore their leather Widow suits that were not even bulletproof.

Kate Bishop: You know, nanotechnology has been around longer than you think. Around the ninth century, they were actually used to make iridescent glassware and ridiculously sharp Damascan swords. And then-
Yelena Belova: And then Stark decides to weaponize it.

Kate just rolls her eyes at Yelena’s obligatory jab at the Avenger.

Kate Bishop: Sure. But actually Stark and Bishop Securities founded graphene. Graphene is a one-atom thick sheet of carbon arranged in a repeating hexane pattern that has some really amazing mechanical properties.
Yelena Belova: This does not sound cool. This sounds boring.
Kate Bishop: Yelena! Graphene is one of the strongest materials ever manufactured. It has a breaking strength 100 times greater than steel and weighs thousands of times less. It’s even harder than diamonds! Graphene can be rolled up into tubes, called carbon nanotubes, which are even stronger than graphene sheets. And these carbon nanotubes can be spun together and woven into fabrics which can then be made into suits.
Yelena Belova: So what does your suit do for you? Super strength? Speed?
Kate Bishop: Ha.. Nope. The world doesn’t need another Iron Man.

Yelena nods again and leans against the table. Taking a sip from her long forgotten beer. Yelena cringed internally at how much she had underestimated Kate Bishop. Who she thought was a spoiled, trust fund baby that wanted to play superhero, was actually a genius who knew exactly what she was doing every step of the way. It occured to Yelena, that when it came to Kate Bishop, it was Yelena who was incompetent. As much as it all irked Yelena, she couldn’t help but admire that. Kate had been patient, played the long game and got her good and the blonde was okay with giving credit where credit is due - she just didn't think that Kate Bishop had to know THAT.

Yelena Belova: That we can agree on. So what’s it for then?
Kate Bishop: Well anonymity mostly. I mean that’s how it started. A few years ago, after Thanos, I incorporated D30 gel into my suit. It’s a protective nanogel and is a dilatant non-Newtonian fluid, which.. basically is a fancy way of saying that it is flexible when moving slowly but rigidifies upon impact. The gel also absorbs much of the energy from a shock or impact, greatly reducing the damage to the wearer.
Yelena Belova: So anonymity and durability.
Kate Bishop: Mmhmm

Kate nods enthusiastically. After all, it's not everyday that she gets to talk about her top secret superhero stuff.

Yelena Belova: So you engineer all these nanoparticles and then you program the parameters with your computers.. but how do you activate them?

Kate notices that there's a sparkle in Yelena’s eyes. Clearly she doesnt think that this is boring and that made Kate feel a bit better for geeking out on her. The question that Yelena asked remains though.. and Kate contemplates if she should share the most dangerous thing about Spectre. Kate peers into Yelena’s eyes.

Kate Bishop: If I tell you, it's just the same as putting my life in your hands.
Yelena Belova: That sounds very dangerous Kate Bishop.

Yelena was challenging her with her smirk, willing to push Kate to her limits. How much did Kate actually trust Yelena? Her brain tries to help by pulling up the image of Yelena in her apartment, post Rockefeller - breaking down and crying in her arms. Kate exhales and approaches Yelena with resignation, standing barely a feet apart, she brings up her left hand and turns it upright.

Under the dim lights that were scattered around the lab, Yelena saw it. Saw that the little gold ring that Kate wore around her pinky was in fact not a gold band, but a signet ring that had been turned to face down. The signet had the carvings of the Bishop coat of arms and was an elegant piece of jewellery that showed the importance of the family through the passage of time. Kate presses the engraving and immediately her suit launches. With a soft mechanical whir, the nanosuit covers her torso and head simultaneously before spreading rapidly to cover her limbs.

Yelena just grins as the suit forms in front of her, not even flinching at how close they are standing. Kate knew that Yelena couldn’t see her under the suit but she still felt nervous somehow, and she bit her lip, waiting for the blonde to say something. But she doesn’t, instead what the Russian does is bring her hand up and caresses Kate’s cheek, eyes full of amazement and something else that the brunette couldn’t place.

Yelena Belova: So what happened the other night? Your mask only hid half your face.
Kate Bishop: I was shot at. Right before I got onto the rooftop with you and Clint, Maya shot me with a handgun at point blank range and I..
Yelena Belova: ..and you could have died.

Yelena’s stomach twists with something unfamiliar. She didn’t realize how close she came to not having met Kate Bishop at all. She turned to the fabricator, pretending to suddenly be interested in its contents to hide her face from Kate and inadvertently creating space between them. Luckily, Kate was oblivious, and had disengaged her suit while defending its effectiveness with much gusto.

Kate Bishop: Point is.. I didn't. I always knew that the suit could handle a ridiculous amount of energy but I didn't think that I could pull THAT off.
Yelena Belova: For what it’s worth, I’m glad that your nerdiness protected you, Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: If you think that was nerdy, wait till you see what I’ve got cooking here.

Kate moves over to the workstation next to the fabricator and starts moving the holographic images around. Opening some random files and displaying them in the space between them for Yelena to see. Kate was chewing on her thumb and bouncing on her feet nervously while she waited for Yelena to take a look at the materials before her.

Yelena Belova: Camouflage?
Kate Bishop: Yes! Cloaking technology to be specific. It's something new I’ve been working on.
Yelena Belova: How does it work?
Kate Bishop: Glad you asked because this is my favourite part - quantum dots!

Yelena stares blankly at Kate, her great reveal not revealing much to the assassin. Yelena was a smart cookie but all this tech talk? She was way out of her league. She was a machine, a weapon, she was never a mastermind or a science nerd. But Kate Bishop was 100% a nerd and that fact warmed Yelena’s heart.

Yelena Belova: Care to elaborate Kate Bishop?
Kate Bishop: Okay see, so people have been working on achieving camouflage for decades now. It started with Susumu Tachi in 2003, and he wasn’t very successful but he was theoretically correct. All cloaking is basically light bending. An optical illusion.
Yelena Belova: Easy peasy.
Kate Bishop: Yea but I decided to go a different way.
Yelena Belova: Of course you did..
Kate Bishop: The principle is to fabricate a material with different coloured lights attached to motors, which are embedded at the surface. The lights can then be rotated and turned on and off dynamically to match the colours of your surroundings.
Yelena Belova: Like a chameleone.

The young billionaire nods enthusiastically and bites her lip. Really glad that Yelena was following her train of thoughts. Kate was glad that she could share this with someone else. Before this she would share everything with Clint and Natasha but things were different now.

Kate Bishop: Mmhmm exactly. But the catch was scaling it down to a molecular level.
Yelena Belova: Because of the nanotechnology..
Kate Bishop: Yeap.. Molecules don't have motors and they dont have light bulbs either, so.. enter quantum dot nanocrystals. They are highly fluorescent nanoscale metal semiconductors which can absorb and emit light of different wavelengths.
Yelena Belova: Different colours.
Kate Bishop: Yes! Now imagine millions of quantum dots that are differently coloured, all moving around in a controlled pattern on the surface of your suit.
Yelena Belova: You’d be practically invisible.
Kate Bishop: Exactly. I just haven't figured out the intensity and positioning of the quantum dots so I guess I’m kinda stumped there.

Kate finishes talking and gathers a handful of colourful quantum dots and dispells them around her and Yelena. The little holograms spin and swirl around them, making the blonde grin widely. They stay like that for a moment, just grinning at each other, pretending to be in a little bubble that was just meant for them. Yelena couldn’t help but think of the fireflies that she was so obsessed with as a child in Ohio. This was their little fantasised world, and everything in it was immensely beautiful and indescribably meaningful.

Chapter Text

Yelena Belova: I have to admit Kate Bishop, I didn’t know that you were a genius. I mean, I did hear that conversation about the boomerang arrows.

Kate widens her eyes as heat rises up her neck. She takes a second to think about all the inane conversations between her and Clint that Yelena had definitely tapped in on during the time she was tailing them. That particular one about the boomerang arrow had been when she and Clint were chilling at the penthouse and slamming down frozen margaritas. Laura was out of town with Nathaniel and the two Avengers were doing a throwback night to celebrate their lost 20s. This was a couple of days before the rooftop if Kate remembers correctly.

Kate Bishop: Don't let Clint hear you calling me that, he thinks I spend way too much time on my ‘toys’ as it is. Let me show you around some more.

Satisfied that she had successfully riled up the Avenger, Yelena nods. Eager to carry on with her personal tour of the penthouse.

Kate Bishop: Plus, if we stay here any longer, I’ll end up giving you a crash course on metamaterials and I’m not sure how hot you’ll think I am then.

‘Very hot’ Yelena thought. Very very hot. Kate was now leading the Russian out of the lab and into the next room. This second room was nothing at all like the first, the first being a symbol of Kate Bishop’s innovation and ingenuity, this second room was a symbol of violence and hardness. While Yelena could not personally see Kate as a violent person, she knew now that as an Avenger, there was so much more to Kate Bishop than what meets the eye. Yelena lets out a little low whistle to show her appreciation.

Yelena Belova: Whoa..
Kate Bishop: Yea I figured you’d get a kick out of this room.

The room had shelves on both sides, each carrying a wide array of weapons encased in glass showcases. Each weapon was carefully arranged according to class and type, and Yelena couldn’t help but notice how immaculate everything was. In the far corner of the room were target practices, that Kate presumably used to sharpen her skills. After a beat, the blonde turns to Kate with a curious expression on her face.

Yelena Belova: Where are the guns?
Kate Bishop: The what?

Kate looks at the blonde with her eyebrows furrowed. She lets out an exasperated scoff like she’s heard this question a million times but still doesn’t supply an answer and so Yelena prods her.

Yelena Belova: Guns, you know. The things that go pew pew?
Kate Bishop: Oh right. I’m not really a gun fanatic.
Yelena Belova: That’s disappointing Kate Bishop. After all this, you end up being a pacifist?
Kate Bishop: What? How can you call me a pacifist when we are standing in a room that is literally covered in weapons??

Yelena turns to look at the shelves again, hands akimbo and face now serious as if to give them a second chance to truly impress her like guns do. There were rows of swords, daggers, throwing stars and a familiar bola that Yelena had been at the receiving end of. There were also practice bokkens, spears and batons. There were also a wide range of weapons that Yelena had not even seen before.

Yelena Belova: Oh you know what I mean. While these are all very, very cool - you can’t deny how effective a gun can be?
Kate Bishop: Nothing against their effectiveness.. It's just..
Yelena Belova: What?
Kate Bishop: If I tell you, you’re going to be offended.

The young billionaire shakes her head and locks her elbows, her biceps straining under the shirt that she wore. She wonders why she even bothers saying no to Yelena because the blonde is going to get her way anyway. Yelena was starting to really become a kryptonite of some sort to the Avenger.

Yelena Belova: Try me.
Kate Bishop: Guns don’t exactly require skill do they? Any brute with a gun can do damage.

Yelena’s mouth was agape in shock. How dare Kate Bishop?? The assasin cock’s her eyebrow up and faces the brunette like in a Mexican standoff.

Yelena Belova: Guns don't require skill??
Kate Bishop: Yea, not as much as any melee weapons anyway. They are loud, and impersonal and while I have handled my share of guns, they aren’t exactly my style.

Yelena just puffs out air and crosses her arms. She conceded that Kate Bishop had brains, but she wasn’t going to lie down and be called a meathead with a gun. This was definitely not going to be their dynamics.

Kate Bishop: Anyway. To answer your question..

Kate moves away from Yelena and approaches the corner shelf, opening the glass and pulling out the tray for closer inspection.

Kate Bishop: These are my go to weapons.
Yelena Belova: Daggers.
Kate Bishop: Push daggers.

Kate picks up a unique looking dagger and offers it to Yelena. The blonde examines the blade, and turns the dagger around, inspecting it.

Kate Bishop: It is a pretty ancient weapon that I think is really neat. It's called a katara.
Yelena Belova: It looks complicated.
Kate Bishop: It’s not really, let me show you.

Yelena nods and hands the weapon back to Kate and Kate wields it.

Kate Bishop: The difference between a regular dagger and a katara is in the shape, naturally. Notice the H shaped hold so you can hold the katara more naturally, with the grip of your fist.
Yelena Belova: Mm. Interesting.
Kate Bishop: Right? And the best part is, you’d never risk dropping it mid fight and holding it like this, sorta makes you feel like it is an extension of your arm.

Kate steps back a couple of paces and elegantly swings the blade around, making sharp puncturing motions.

Yelena Belova: The blade is thick though, so it’s not going to be good for slashing.
Kate Bishop: You’re right. This is strictly for stabbing your run of the mill asshole. I know you’re into quick slashes and dagger throwing, but the katara isn’t for that.
Yelena Belova: I use my daggers to buy time - to slow attackers mostly. I like how quick they can be if I don’t have a gun on me.
Kate Bishop: You know, this isn’t even my favourite one.

Yelena quirks her eyebrow and follows Kate to replace the katara and watch while she picks up something similar.

Kate Bishop: This is my baby. It's a scissor katara.
Yelena Belova: A scissor?
Kate Bishop: Here, let me show you.

Kate wields the katara again, her hand snuggly holding on to the metal of the blade. She brings her hand to Yelena to show her something.

Kate Bishop: The dagger is made of two knives joined in the middle, and there is a lever here in the grip. And if I squeeze it just.. right..

Kate squeezes and the blades open up, revealing a smaller blade on the inside.

Kate Bishop: Now imagine stabbing someone with this, and then squeezing the lever.
Yelena Belova: You’re tearing up their insides.
Kate Bishop: Precisely.
Yelena Belova: Whoa! That’s dark.

Kate chuckles and puts the katara back. Pushing in the tray shelf and then shutting the glass case. She leans against the shelves and looks at Yelena.

Kate Bishop: So, what do you think?
Yelena Belova: About?
Kate Bishop: Me. Do you feel like you know me better now?
Yelena Belova: Sort of. The lab makes sense, but you and weapons? I don’t know.
Kate Bishop: Still think that I can’t handle myself?
Yelena Belova: Well you did just admit to running around with scissors, so..
Kate Bishop: Okay you know what? That one is on me. You’re right.
Yelena Belova: Mmmm
Kate Bishop: Come on, we’ve got one more stop.

Kate leads Yelena to the last room in the corridor, the biggest of the three. It was essentially a vast training room with a dojo in the middle of it. In one corner, some equipment for training was laid out. Yelena spied a heavy punching bag, a grappling dummy, and then a shelf that had weights and jump ropes arranged on them. There were kettlebells, medicine balls and dumbbells laid out on the shelf in the corner, and a skipping rope hanging from the side. Whenever the blonde sees something that piques her interest, she asks Kate about it.

Yelena Belova: Who’s your friend?
Kate Bishop: This guy? His name is Matt. He is my Wing-Chun dummy.

The blonde rolls her eyes even though her lips curve into a smile and moves towards the back of the training space, where there was an agility ladder, and a few ropes of various heights dangling from the wooden beams. It was obvious that the training space was set up after much thought and consideration. Each part of the space had a specific function, and the dojo was the central piece.

There was foam flooring to accommodate for high impact exercises, while the rest of the training space had artificial grass - which combined with the paper walls (Shoji, Kate had called it), gave a calming ambience to the room. And finally, on the right end of the room was what seemed like a shrine, with a statue of Buddha and a place in front of the statue for meditation or the likes.

Yelena Belova: You went all out huh.
Kate Bishop: Kinda. I built the dojo myself. It was an interesting experience to say the least.
Yelena Belova: Where did you learn all of this?
Kate Bishop: In Japan mostly, a couple of other places. It all kinda stayed with me.
Yelena Belova: So, are you going to show me what you’re made off?
Kate Bishop: What? You want to spar?
Yelena Belova: Of course. I’m curious. Show me.
Kate Bishop: I don’t think this is a good idea.
Yelena Belova: Come on. I’ve always wanted to fight an Avenger.

The reasonable part of her brain was of course trying to convince Kate to be the level headed one between the two but the last remark from the assassin comes out with a smirk and Kate knows the look so well. Yelena thinks that the Avengers are basically a group of spandex wearing idiots and to be honest, there was a tiny part of her that really, really wanted to put Yelena in her place. Kate doesn’t know what the fuck it is, but her id always wins when it comes to dealing with Yelena.

Kate Bishop: Okay, fine, but remember, you asked for this.
Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop - no holding back this time, yes?
Kate Bishop: That’s what Natasha always said.

Yelena just rolled her eyes while the brunette walked to one corner of the training space, through a door that Yelena had not noticed earlier. While waiting for Kate to emerge, Yelena stepped into the dojo, stretching the muscles in her shoulders, and arms. After a couple of minutes, Kate walks out looking.. different to say the least. She was wearing a black martial arts outfit and walked to the dojo barefooted.

Yelena Belova: You had time for a costume change??
Kate Bishop: This is a gi. It's what I train in.

Reaching the opposite end of the dojo, Kate steps in and bows at Yelena. Yelena just laughs and rolls her eyes at Kate and her theatrics. Kate tightens her black belt and ignores the blonde's mockery, choosing instead to stabilise her breathing.

Kate Bishop: What are the rules of engagement?
Yelena Belova: Real fights don’t have rules, do they?
Kate Bishop: No, they don't. But this isn’t a real fight.
Yelena Belova: You better treat it as real because I am.
Kate Bishop: That's fine. How about this - we’ll do two rounds. First, we can just practice our hand to hand combat skills. Then for the second round, if you’re still up for it, we can use weapons.
Yelena Belova: Fine by me.

Yelena cracks her neck and knuckles menacingly and this should intimidate Kate, but it doesn’t. She is in her zen place and is completely prepared for Yelena. After all, Kate had spent years training with the Black Widow herself and to say that she had picked up a trick or two would be a gross understatement. For example, Kate knew that Natasha was a momentum fighter - she was relentless, and improvisational.

Natasha was also quick on her feet and she fought like any woman should; fast with powerful strikes to vital organs, even using her own body weight sometimes to bring down her opponents. Despite being well versed with the Black Widow fighting style, Kate is also very much aware that Yelena is from a different generation of Black Widows - one that was equally ruthless and efficient even if not as elegant.

Kate runs a couple of strategies through her head and decides that the Keysi Fighting Method (KFM) would be a good place to start for the night. She had picked up KFM when she was spending time in Europe and this fighting style was one of her favourites because it was unique, it was intrinsic but also employed a lot of covering. The Avenger was anticipating Yelena to come at her hard and fast because it was painfully obvious that the blonde was still smiting from the fact that Kate had pulled a fast one over her. The Widow throws up her arms in a fight pose and takes a step forward but is interrupted by Kate.

Kate Bishop: Wait, wait, wait.
Yelena Belova: What now Kate Bishop? Scared?
Kate Bishop: We should set a wager. If I win, I get to ask you some questions. I think it’s only fair because you know everything about me now.
Yelena Belova: Alright. That’s fair. But what happens when I win?
Kate Bishop: IF you win, you.. you can have whatever you want.
Yelena Belova: Whatever I want?
Kate Bishop: Yes, anything you want.
Yelena Belova: See now I’m not sure if you’re just cocky or stupid.
Kate Bishop: Call me confident.

Yelena just scoffs and lunges at her, and the next few minutes pass by as a blur. Yelena kept coming at Kate like a battering ham, sheer power and force and Kate deflected most of the hits. That didn't deter Yelena who was raining down punches and kicks but Kate kept her arms up, blocking her face and sometimes taking a hit to her face in favour of protecting her busted ribs. Yelena was a force to reckon with, the combos she used were ruthless, including one especially strong kick to Kate’s hip, where Kate could actually feel Yelena digging her heel in for maximum contact.

Kate winces and Yelena catches that, smirking lightly. It occurs to Kate that the blonde was repeatedly going for her known weakness - her ribs and the Avenger figures now is just as good a time as any to go on the offensive. Kate switches modes and decides to employ her Muay Thai skills now. She picked it because it was one of the best striking martial arts and utilises all the limbs; fists, elbows, knees and shins, and it was perfect for someone tall.

It’s the brunette’s turn now to be the aggressor and she makes sure that Yelena knows this. The next time the blonde throws a kick, Kate catches her foot, smiling before spinning around and delivering a swift elbow to Yelena's face. The blonde staggers a bit, seeming dazed for a few seconds, shaking her head but the Avenger doesn’t let her recover. She keeps Yelena close so that she doesn’t have the space she needs to perform any classic Black Widow moves. Kate follows up with punching Yelena a couple of times with quick jabs and a mean left hook after disrupting her rhythm with feints.

Kate draws blood with the left hook and Yelena is cautious now, finally realising that maybe, just maybe Kate knows exactly what she’s doing. Kate Bishop is dangerous and if Yelena isn’t careful, she’s gonna have her lights knocked out. The Avenger advances again and Yelena throws her arms up to block but Kate charges fast and leaps, pulling Yelena towards her knee as she drives her hip forward and delivers a spear knee to the blonde’s chest. It happens so fast that Yelena’s entire chest is on fire and she feels like she just got hit by a truck. The force of the spear knee throws the assassin back onto the mat, wheezing and gasping for air.

The Avenger quickly manoeuvres her body low and puts the Widow into a shoulder lock, her movements precise, almost as if it was all just muscle memory. Yelena struggles and thrashes around, still breathless from Kate knocking the wind out of her. She tries to get free but Kate bares her weight and pins Yelena down, causing pain to radiate down Yelena’s shoulder and elbow.

Kate Bishop: Tap out.
Yelena Belova: No.

The strangled ‘no’ isn’t very convincing but this goes on for almost another minute. With Yelena being in a lock but not conceding, the fight wasn’t going anywhere. So Kate begrudgingly releases her, before rolling off her back and standing up. She speaks while adjusting her gi, tone laced with the slightest disdain, a proof if anything at all that she truly was Eleanor Bishop’s progeny.

Kate Bishop: I think I won that round, don't you?

Yelena picks herself up and furiously steps off the training mat and returns with two staff, throwing one at Kate and officially kicking off their second round. Unbeknownst to Yelena, Kate is very comfortable around a staff, and to further provoke her, Kate spins the bo from the front to the back of her body as a show of her agility, and then gestures at Yelena with a ‘come here’ motion with her fingers. Yelena’s lip curls up in a snarl as she advances, striking down diagonally, southwest and then southeast in quick succession.

Kate can tell that Yelena has got a second wind because she can feel the impact reverberating along the length of the oak wood staff after each blow from the blonde. The Widow proceeds to do a quick front thrust at Kate but the brunette does a downward rowing block and Yelena’s staff is driven away and Kate immediately follows with a side strike, the staff making contact with Yelena’s thigh. It was Yelena’s turn to wince now, her eyes shining brighter with something unfamiliar.

Knowing that the key to fighting with a staff is in the foot work, Kate decides to move around more, making it harder for Yelena to strike. The Avenger moves forward and then parries sideways as she works through her combos with speed and dexterity. Because Kate was now actively coming at her, Yelena is forced to move backwards, and hold her defence lest any of Kate’s strike comes through.

Kate is now spinning her staff and using a special combo that she devised, hitting Yelena hard on her knee and then slotting her foot behind Yelena’s, making her trip when she tries to distance herself from Kate by reflex. It all happens so quickly and before Yelena knows it, she is on her ass and Kate is straddling her, bringing the staff to her neck and applying pressure to her throat.

Kate Bishop: Tap out.
Yelena Belova: No.
Kate Bishop: You have to tap out Yelena.

The brunette applies more pressure and is now choking Yelena with the staff but Yelena, just like before, refuses to relent. Recognizing the bad sportsmanship, she eases up and off Yelena. Annoyed, Kate walks away spinning her bo very, very fast with both hands to expel her negative energy. The spinning staff turns into a blur and makes a light whizzing sound as Kate slices through the air with it. When Kate finally turns to look at Yelena again, she notices that the blonde was standing now, looking like a wild animal caught in a cage, her eyes bouncing off of everything in the room and her breath coming out in weird intervals. Kate freaks out for a moment, wondering if she had hurt Yelena’s windpipe by pressing too hard but she knows that deep down, this was something else.

Kate Bishop: What's wrong?

Yelena doesn’t reply and just looks at her panicked, with a haunted look in her eyes. Before Kate can close the gap between them, Yelena mutters something about having to leave and rushes out of the dojo. Kate just stands there wondering what the fuck just happened. She contemplated going after the blonde but decided that perhaps that might end up exacerbating the situation further.

It takes a full two days before Yelena shows up at Kate’s penthouse again. And during those two days of her absence, Kate ruminates over everything that happened at the dojo. One part of her was annoyed that Yelena was a sore loser, and refused to tap out in the spirit of good sportsmanship. However there was another part of Kate that was truly worried about Yelena. Not because Yelena was freaking out somewhere alone, but because Kate was genuinely worried about Yelena’s approach to fights in general.

There was so much anger and arrogance that Kate was sure if Yelena didn’t mend her ways, her hubris would be the death of her. The blonde needs to accept that one can’t be good at everything and that there is always room for improvement. And importantly, that there are times when backing out of a fight is probably a better idea than starting a fight. The more Kate thought about it, the more the brunette felt that Yelena was immature and conceited and that this was a lethal combination to have.

When the second day was drawing to an end, Kate was more than ready to just settle down for the night and watch a documentary on Netflix that she had heard a lot about. The documentary was starting to pick up, when Kate felt the temperature in the living room feel just a tad bit chilly. Like someone had opened one of the windows high up, inadvertently letting the cold in. Kate didn’t even have to look to know that Yelena was now through the window and hanging out on her rafters.

The Avenger doesn’t acknowledge her presence and waits for Yelena to make contact instead, but Kate does turn off the documentary and put on Yelena’s favourite trashy reality show instead. Almost twenty minutes goes by with Kate slumped on the couch, trying to understand why reality show stars bicker about the stupidest thing - when it happens. A soft thud indicated to Kate that Yelena was off the rafters and is now standing in the edge of the living room, in the darkness. She walks forward into the light and greets the brunette.

Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop. I didn’t know you were a fan of Love is Blind.
Kate Bishop: I’m not.

The blonde takes a seat next to Kate on the couch and they both stare at the TV for a few more minutes reticently. Both waiting for the blonde to finally break her silence.

Yelena Belova: I’m sorry for running out on you like that.

Upon hearing the apology, Kate turns in her seat to finally look at the blonde, but Yelena places her hand on Kate’s cheek and directs her face back to the TV. Kate gets the message and stares at the TV so that Yelena can apologize without eye contact.

Yelena Belova: The other night, when we were sparring..something triggered me and I felt like I was back in the Red Room. In the Red Room, failure isn’t an option. If you concede or tap out, that means death. They would get the victor to shoot the loser.

Kate contemplates this new information, internally kicking herself for agreeing to spar with Yelena and for pushing her into a dark space.

Kate Bishop: I’m sorry too.
Yelena Belova: No. no, none of it is your fault. You didn’t know and I didn’t hang around long enough to explain.
Kate Bishop: Yea but in hindsight, it was so stupid. There was no reason to show you up.
Yelena Belova: It wasn’t stupid Kate. I wanted to experience that, I wanted to spar with you.
Kate Bishop: Yea but I could have taken it easy.
Yelena Belova: And I would have hated you for that. It’s fine really. I’m fine now. It just occurred to me that post Red Room, I hadn’t exactly sparred with anyone. It started off fun, but then I just felt rusty and out of practice, and the little voice at the back of my mind kept saying ‘dont lose’. And for a moment I was transported back to the Red Room, so I refused to tap out.
Kate Bishop: Because that would have meant certain death.
Yelena Belova: Mmhmm.

They sat in silence for a few more minutes before Yelena spoke again. The reality tv show stars now bickering about something else equally trivial.

Yelena Belova: Can we have a do-over?
Kate Bishop: I don’t think that’s a good idea.
Yelena Belova: I’m better now, I promise. I’ve had time to think and I feel like I kinda need this.

That was honestly the truth. Yelena had been deliberating for the 2 days, her mind replaying everything that happened. How Kate had opened up and showed Yelena parts of her that nobody else knew and Yelena had squandered it away. How Yelena had repeatedly made fun off and mocked Kate, but Kate had so elegantly and eloquently put Yelena in her place, over and over. The blonde is almost taken back by her duality, how Kate Bishop and Spectre are oceans apart but Yelena knows that if she looks deep enough, she will find a place within Kate where the two oceans actually merge.

She had also not told Kate how thankful she is of her duality, how Yelena thought she’d never meet someone who has their toes dipped in darkness but isn’t plagued by it like she is. Yelena isn’t a child, she knows that Kate is far from perfect but she stubbornly tells herself that Kate is still a beacon of hope. A lighthouse that can guide Yelena out of her own darkness and teach her how to actually live instead of merely surviving. Yes, Kate makes everything feel possible. Do-able. Yelena finally allows Kate to turn and so Kate faces her on the couch, intently studying her face.

Kate Bishop: Are you really sure?
Yelena Belova: Yes.
Kate Bishop: Okay fine.
Yelena Belova: Yessss!
Kate Bishop: I swear nobody has been this excited for an ass kicking.

Yelena just shoves Kate and makes her way into the training room first. When Kate goes to put on her gi, Yelena to her pleasant surprise asks her if she could dorn one too. And of course Kate complies, pulling out a fresh white gi for Yelena and showing her how to knot the belt the right way. It also didn’t go unnoticed how this time, Yelena had taken off her shoes before entering the dojo and bowed when Kate bowed at her.

This time their sparring was noticeably more intense, now that Yelena too was in the right frame of mind. While Yelena was still using brute force, Kate was strategizing in her head, oftentimes allowing Yelena to strike her once so that the blonde is open and Kate could strike her back multiple times.

Yelena gave some really good hits that Kate absorbed and received as good as she gave. The best part was that everytime Kate had put her in some kinda body lock, Yelena would tap out and they would rinse and repeat. This went on for a few rounds until they were both sufficiently spent and breathless. Kate was now sitting lotus style while Yelena was sprawled on the floor, facing up and panting. The scene reminded Kate vaguely of when Natasha had first told her about Yelena and her heart twinged painfully.

Kate Bishop: That was really good. Glad to see you broke a sweat.
Yelena Belova: Break a sweat? I’m dying here Kate Bishop.

Kate just chuckles and brings both her knees up, wrapping her arms around them and resting her chin on top of her knees.

Kate Bishop: You almost gave me a run for my money back there. But that’s what you get when you fight with the world’s greatest child assassin right?
Yelena Belova: Ugh. World’s greatest child assassin. What does that even mean? Nothing. It’s stupid. It just means that nobody suspected me. It’s way easier to kill people when they don’t even think that you’re a threat.
Kate Bishop: Hmm
Yelena Belova: You? You’re great though. I see how much I underestimated you.
Kate Bishop: I don’t think it’s a fair comparison, we’re just different. I spent my entire life crafting it to be what it is today. I seeked out the skills that I have. You on the other hand, whatever skills you have - it was beaten into you. And I can’t say which is the superior motivator, the desire to learn or the desire to survive.

Kate knows that it was dangerous to say these things. To talk about choices and free will with a Black Widow, but these were things that needed to be said out loud. Yelena needs to know that Kate understands more than she let on. Thankfully the remark doesn’t bristle Yelena’s feathers and they carry on amicably.

Yelena ponders Kate’s words for a moment, remarking on how much truth they carried. The two of them shared so much similarities, but they differed in the ways that mattered. Kate had been driven by her love for helping others while she herself had been driven by the fear of death on its own. Yelena then finds herself worrying about the differences between them, she wanted to align herself to Kate and pointing out their differences made her restless.

Yelena Belova: Do you think that our differences are bad?
Kate Bishop: Not at all. We both have different things that we are good at, and I think that’s important to every partnership.
Yelena Belova: You think I’m good at things?
Kate Bishop: Pfft, yea. Only like so many things! Like espionage for starters. You’re an international super-spy. And I was just a kid who was obsessed with martial arts.

Yelena immediately feels better. Kate had a way of doing that, of making her stop for a second and see things from a different perspective. To dig deep and be honest no matter how scary that could be. Yelena laughs suddenly.

Yelena Belova: Seriously. Which 5 year old wants to be a superhero and actually means it?
Kate Bishop: Haha, a deeply troubled one?
Yelena Belova: You turned out alright Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: Jury is still out on that one.
Yelena Belova: I think I know why Natasha thought we’d get along.
Kate Bishop: Oh yea?
Yelena Belova: You’re not all bad Kate Bishop. For an Avenger.
Kate Bishop: One day, I hope you’ll explain to me why being a superhero is a bad thing.

Kate queried, honestly wanting to know why Yelena had such a low opinion on the Avengers. Why wanting to help and do good was totally ‘not cool’ in the blonde’s book.

Yelena Belova: Because I don't understand it. I didn’t understand Natasha’s drive either. If I could forge my own path, I’d choose a fight-less one.
Kate Bishop: Why not do it then?
Yelena Belova: Do what?
Kate Bishop: Forge your own path. Do your own thing.
Yelena Belova: I can’t. I still have a lot of work to do.
Kate Bishop: Yea yea, your secret little missions. I’m aware.

Yelena just responded by throwing her sweaty towel at Kate. Kate was alluding to the fact that every now and then Yelena would take off for a few days, and when she returned, there were minor scrapes and cuts to show that she’d seen some action. The brunette didn’t make a show of pointing these things out, but nothing went unnoticed.

Kate Bishop: So if I’m not mistaken, you owe me a question. Well, an answer rather.
Yelena Belova: Ah yes. The prize. What is the question Kate Bishop?
Kate Bishop: Why are you still in New York? Why do you really want to help me with Kingpin?

Yelena sits up now and looks at Kate, she takes a beat to think before finally answering.

Yelena Belova: It’s for the same reason you didn’t shoot me with your bow and arrow.

Kate just smiles as her heart strums a little faster because Kate gets it. She totally gets that inexplicable feeling whenever she looks at Yelena and it's understandable that the blonde isn’t able to articulate it either. They weren’t poets, they were just trained killers.

Chapter Text

Kate was fully engrossed in reading the report in front of her when she failed to hear the slight knock on the door. Before long, the voice of her assistant rings out and grabs her attention.

Dawn Yearwood: Kate, it’s Miss Bishop for you, again.
Kate Bishop: Uhh.. I’m at the dentist?

The young CEO looks up and frowns when she still sees Dawn at the door.

Kate Bishop: Anything else?
Dawn Yearwood: We've already used that one.

Kate drums a little beat on the desk with her fingers while her eyes scanned her entire office, waiting for inspiration to spark.

Kate Bishop: Oh, how about this - tell her I’m out of the country?
Dawn Yearwood: Too late I’m afraid, her office already knows that you’re in today.

Instead of replying in a coherent sentence, Kate opts to cover her face with her hands and groan out instead. Her assistant picks up on her boss’s frustration and tries to offer some comfort.

Dawn Yearwood: I’m sorry boss. I really am running out of excuses, which is saying something, even for us.

It was true though. Like the perfect crime duo, Dawn and Kate had been perfectly in sync, dodging Eleanor’s call for the better part of the week. Seeing no way out, Kate pretends to bang her head against her desk a few times before groaning her acquiescence. Her assistant just laughs at Kate’s antics because there truly never was a dull moment when you’re working with Kate Bishop. When she first joined Bishop Securities three years ago, Dawn found out very quickly that Kate Bishop was unlike any of the Fortune 500 CEOs that she had previously worked with. Now having spent a few years with the young CEO, Dawn knows to expect a little bit of quirkiness every now and then from the billionaire.

Kate Bishop: Fine. Let her know I’ll see her in an hour.
Dawn Yearwood: Okay, thank you Kate.

Once she was in the solitude of her office, the brunette leaned her head against her chair and closed her eyes, sighing deeply. Sure, her mom can twist her arm into meeting but there wasn’t a chance in hell that this conversation had to happen while Kate was sober. She makes her way to the bar in the corner and pulls out her Japanese gin. Pouring out a glass, Kate sips it slowly as she looks out her office windows. She appreciates the view her office granted and the gin’s nuanced flavours for a second before throwing the whole glass back. Kate refills the glass and repeats the process.

In all fairness, Dawn was right. Kate had been dodging her mom for days now and it was honestly because she had other things to do than to placate her mom. Also, she knew exactly what her mom wanted to talk to her about. It all started a few weeks ago when the young billionaire had been working on wanting to do a complete overhaul on Bishop Securities’ core financial system. It was about as basic an infrastructure project as one might imagine. The new infrastructure would create a safer environment for their clients and they wouldn’t have to keep fixing all the shortcuts that they had made over the past couple of years trying to wrangle the old system.

However, since this was considered a major investment and caused a pretty dime, Kate had to unfortunately get the approval of her board of directors before proceeding. The driven CEO had invited them all to a meeting to discuss the new infrastructure and in preparation, she had already predicted the two main pushbacks to anticipate. The first hurdle was the BOD’s propensity to say ‘no’ to new technology, while the second was getting them to say ‘yes’ to giving her the funds needed.

In tackling both these issues, Kate knew that the biggest point that she needed to drive in was getting the directors to understand the benefits of the new technology because understandably, no one was going to get excited about spending millions of dollars in a project without seeing its strategic value. Keeping all this in mind, Kate had racked her brain trying to come up with the perfect presentation. It was hardly her first time presenting in front of the Board. It's just that a lot was at stake here and she really wanted to get her point across successfully.

As much as kicking Tracksuit Mafia butt had been a gift that kept on giving - Kate really needed this win. She needed this win to continue maintaining the perfect equilibrium where both her worlds were concerned. A small slip on either side could cause a ripple effect big enough to threaten the other. The meeting was creating a lot of buzz around the office too, which added more pressure on Kate.

Finally the day of the meeting comes and Kate enters the conference room last, after Dawn had made sure that the 11 directors had shown up. Kate was dressed in a navy power suit and exchanged brief pleasantries with those that were seated the closest to the front. Throughout all this, she carefully eyed her mom who was making conversation with an external director while Jack had discreetly shown her a ‘thumbs up’ which made Kate chuckle at her uncle’s antics.

Once Dawn has set up the slide deck, Kate clears her throat and takes a sip of water. Giving the directors a chance to settle down. When the room has quietened down, Kate begins rather cooly, with both hands tucked into her pockets, oozing a relaxed confidence that not many can mimic.

Kate Bishop: Good evening ladies and gentlemen. As you guys know - we’ve got a hot topic up for discussion today. The overhaul of our existing financial system and replacing it with a new infrastructure called ATLAS.

The opening statement garnered some nods as the directors paid their undivided attention to the young but capable CEO in front of them. As she paused, Kate looked at the clicker in her hand, before smiling and continuing. It was a smile that Yelena would later discover as Kate’s ‘go big or go home’ smile. A smile that showed Kate’s resignation and acceptance to deal with whatever shit storm that was about to come her way.

Kate Bishop: To be honest, I don’t have a big speech written up because sometimes less truly is more.

Kate hits the clicker and the first slide pops up - it contained just a picture of a house, a beautiful multistorey house that was at the beach. The house was in the middle of the ocean, and stood up on precarious stilts, keeping the lapping green water at bay. Behind the house, a scenic view of the beach can be seen. Kate points at the slide before resuming.

Kate Bishop: That, folks, is what our technology looks like. Just like that house on stilts. We have a system.. and it functions. But the catch is that it’s built on nothing because we haven't invested in the base infrastructure.

Kate brings her attention back to the 11 board members and makes sure to look each of them in the eyes before continuing.

Kate Bishop: So if a big wave or in our case, a big financial crisis comes along, it’s all going to come crashing down. My plan, for the next six months, is to build up your foundation. Questions?

Kate tosses the clicker onto the conference table where it lands in a thud, and she returns her hands back to her pockets nonchalantly like she hadn’t just threatened her board members with the inevitable ruin of Bishop Securities as they knew it. Immediately the entire room was buzzing again, the directors knew that this was a pressing matter to discuss but they were expecting Kate to walk them through a more mollified experience that would end with her imploring for the required funding. They were most certainly not prepared for the very real possibility that Kate had laid out for them.

The clamouring and overlapping dialogue worried Dawn and she casted a concerned look at her boss, which she placated with a reassuring smile and nod, letting her assistant know that this was all part of the plan. Out of the corner of her eye, Kate could see Eleanor’s bewildered expression. Thankfully, there were some questions for her to address.

Director 1: As you know, overhauling the system is a great idea but it has been a lower priority than our other, more urgent initiatives..
Kate Bishop: I completely understand, but we will need to bump this up to priority one and maybe deprioritize something else or even outsource it, if we need it that bad. We have to fix our shortcuts before it all comes down on us like a house of cards.
Director 2: Kate, you are asking for a sizable investment for something that from a user’s standpoint, will be of no change at all. How will you justify this?
Kate Bishop: True. It is a big ask, but can we really put a price on security? It’s literally our brand. I ran the numbers and once ATLAS is in place, we are going to be performing in a more stable environment and we can more than halve our transaction times. This modernisation needs to happen.

There was a little bit more back and forth with the directors. They were asking all the right questions and Kate was glad that the image of the house on stilts was jarring enough to push some of the directors outside their comfort zone. Kate had also shared how she had a team run a pilot of the new infrastructure in a test environment to gather more data that would help the decision making process. The Board agreed to reconvene in two weeks to take a vote, during which time Kate will share a detailed report on the benefits of the new system and what it means for them in terms of dollars and cents.

This brings us to the present day, where Eleanor had been trying rather unsuccessfully to meet with Kate before the younger Bishop finally relented. Kate shows up at her mom’s office an hour later, as promised. The young CEO shuts the heavy doors and leans against it, sighing heavily and mentally preparing herself. Eleanor was having her evening coffee with Jack, and Kate was low key glad that her uncle was there as a buffer. Kate had barely pushed herself off the doors when Eleanor began to rebuke her daughter; which was too bad really because Kate was hoping to demolish at least one chocolate bismarck before her mother rained hell fire on her.

Eleanor Bishop: One slide! Really Katherine?
Kate Bishop: It was all I needed, Mom.

Kate replies tiredly, both her hands up in the air. Her response however is deemed as cavalier and only sets Eleanor off more, who was already lacking temperance in dealing with her daughter.

Eleanor Bishop: I simply don’t understand why you keep pushing for this overhaul.
Kate Bishop: Because Mom, that’s where we were, but we’re not there anymore. Our tools and systems must reflect this shift.

The young CEO explained her thought process earnestly. It was easy to be passionate about this because Kate really did know the ins and outs of their business. Her mom may be well versed in politicking but Kate was the expert when it came to digital security. After all, Jack and Eleanor had merely inherited Bishop Securities while Kate was literally born for it.

Eleanor Bishop: The Board isn’t going to approve this. Not after that horrible excuse of a presentation.

Kate was now looking out her mother’s office window wistfully, wishing that she was anywhere except where she currently was. She often found that not having eye contact helped her regulate her own emotions when dealing with one Eleanor Bishop. The younger Bishop maintained her composure somewhat and retorted.

Kate Bishop: Well I guess we will know at the end of this week then, won't we?

There was a pregnant pause in the conversation and the seconds ticked on as an uncomfortable silence blankets them. Kate closed her eyes and thanked whatever Gods that had bestowed Jack as her uncle.

Jack Bishop: Actually Eleanor, I have been hearing favourable things about this. Kate might be able to swing it.
Eleanor Bishop: Is it really too much to ask her to be..

Not wanting another bout of uncomfortable silence, Kate turns to face her mother, her words as fiery as her eyes.

Kate Bishop: To be what Mom?
Eleanor Bishop: To be better! Derek wouldn’t have pulled this type of.. stunt!

Bitterness coursed through Kate’s veins. It was moments like these that made her despise her lineage. Oh what a joy it would be to not be cursed by the Bishop name.

Kate Bishop: Good thing I’m not Derek then. Did you even pause to consider, that maybe after seven years in this damn job - that maybe, just maybe I know what the hell I’m actually doing? And that everything I do isn’t just weaponized incompetence?
Eleanor Bishop: Don’t you dare speak about your father like that!
Kate Bishop: It’s a fucking fact Mom. I’m not him, I’m ME.

Eleanor was on her feet now too and they stood toe to toe. To anyone who looked, Kate was almost a carbon copy of her mother. Both were statuesque, with matching pale skin, dark hair and blazing blue eyes but in that moment, Kate felt the furthest she had ever felt from her mother.

Eleanor Bishop: Oh I am painfully aware that you are not him. Sometimes, I wish that it was you who’d di..

A coffee cup clatters onto the tray followed by Jack’s resounding voice.

Jack Bishop: ELEANOR! I will have none of that.

But the damage was already done, Kate knew how to fill in the blanks. She knew exactly what her mom was going to say and it stung. Bad. It was something that Eleanor had made her feel before, but hearing it makes it all too real. And all of it for what? For a goddamn powerpoint. Kate could almost feel her shirt collar tightening and choking out precious air that she desperately needed. There were a million ways the young Bishop could have reacted, a million different caustic replies but she chose the most unexpected one of the lot when she grit her teeth and remained quiet, suddenly finding her Oxfords rather riveting.

Eleanor Bishop: Right. Yes. Yes.. I apologise Katherine.

Kate felt like that was her cue to leave and so she nodded and cleared her throat. She had made her way to the door, when she turned to face her mother again.

Kate Bishop: I.. I have a good feeling about this. Please be patient until Friday.

With that Kate walks back to her office, taking the longer route and using the emergency stairwell to bid her time. When she finally reaches her office, she starts packing up for the day. Seeing the despondent look on Kate’s face, her assistant gently prods.

Dawn: That bad huh?

Kate just gives her secretary a little pained smile before walking out the door.

xxxxx

When Yelena shows up in the pent house a little later, she finds Kate cross-legged on the floor and still dressed in her suit from work. Beside the Avenger was an empty glass that the assassin presumed housed some premium gin and an old picture album with a handful of photos scattered around. From what Yelena could spy, the photos were of Kate and her parents when she was younger; there was a collection of photos depicting the three of them in the zoo and another collection looked like a family holiday at some ski resort. Finally noticing Yelena, Kate closes the album and looks up at her.

Yelena Belova: Rough day?
Kate Bishop: If you call your mother wishing you were dead instead of your dad a rough day, then I guess yes.
Yelena Belova: Your mother said what?
Kate Bishop: That. Exactly that. Well pretty much. I had to fill in the blanks but you get the gist of it.

Kate chuckles a little when she responds but the redness that rimmed her eyes, and the general crestfallen look that she carried makes Yelena’s heart sink. It was a look that she could never prepare herself for and one that she wishes she’d never have to see again.

Yelena Belova: What happened Kate Bishop?
Kate Bishop: Oh just the usual. She still thinks that I’m just here, bullshitting my way through existence. Questioning my every decision. Comparing me to my dad.

Kate gives her hand to Yelena and the blonde accepts it, pulling the Avenger up onto her feet. The blonde knew that mother and daughter often butted heads. How Kate was smart and perceptive yet chronically misunderstood by Eleanor Bishop. Today wasn’t the usual hang up that Kate would laugh off though, today Kate genuinely looked wounded. The blonde’s heart ached knowing that her favourite Avenger was hurting. Hurting in a way that Yelena couldn’t fix. They both ended up on the couch, and maybe it was the melancholia that was seizing Kate’s heart, or maybe it was Yelena hiding all her jagged edges and offering Kate somewhere soft and safe to convalesce - but when Yelena queries her about her father, Kate for the first time doesn’t clamp up.

They pick through their Chinese food as Kate shares her turbulent thoughts with Yelena. How, it had been more than 20 years since Derek Bishop died. How she wished that her mother would see that losing Derek had hurt her too. How, when it had just happened, Kate thought that the first year without her dad was tough, but that was only until the second year came around. Kate was bracing herself the first year, knowing that it would be tough, but she had let her guard down a little the following year and that's when those special days - birthdays, holidays - they had snuck up on her and Kate felt like she had been sucker punched.

The words that the brunette utterered resonated with Yelena because they were so raw and true. Watching someone die isn’t like how it’s portrayed on TV or in the movies. Sometimes it's sudden, sometimes it's slow, sometimes it's peaceful and sometimes it's not. From what Yelena could gather, ten year old Kate had watched and heard her father die for two whole days. Those two days were very long, slow, and agonising, and meant that young Kate had also experienced the death rattle for the very first time.

Every time Derek breathed in, Kate panicked thinking it would be his last breath. She had not left his side for those 48 hours and it had been mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting. It was understandably brutal on a child and in hindsight, Kate acknowledges that she should have been kinder to herself during those days but she was too young to know otherwise.

While they did the dishes together after dinner, Kate talked about how no one tells you that watching someone die will change you as a person, right down to the molecular level. This statement definitely strikes a chord in Yelena. She remembers her first kill like it was just yesterday. The death still sticks to Yelena, just like how Derek’s death often replays in Kate’s brain like the world’s crappiest GIF. Some nights Kate swears that she still hears his death rattle all over again.

Yelena was fortunate that Kate had done most of the talking. Most of the sharing. Yelena knew that she was ill equipped in dealing with Kate’s grief but it didn’t make the yearning any less strong. Derek Bishop’s death had completely changed Kate as a person. His death had changed all the relationships around her too and nothing could have prepared her for that. The way her mom had grown cold and unkind, the way her uncle had stepped up as a father figure unprompted.

If Yelena was not damaged, she would have hugged Kate and apologised that Kate couldn’t share her grief with her mother at a time when they were both reeling from a tremendous loss. How she was sorry that instead of growing closer, Kate and Eleanor had drifted apart in the name of grief. Even though Yelena didn’t say any of those things, the night still ended with Kate feeling lighter than she had felt in a long time.

xxxxx

For those of you who are wondering, when Friday finally rolled around and the Board met again - in an almost unprecedented way, the entire Board had approved of the investment into the ATLAS system. Little did Eleanor know that the employees of Bishop Securities were still talking about that single slide presentation even decades later; the resounding impact left by Kate Bishop’s leadership still resonating strongly with her employees years later.

Chapter Text

When Yelena was still under the vice grip of the Red Room, she felt nothing on the nights before an assignment. There was no trepidation or fear, just a whole lot of nothingness. Once Yelena got out of chemical subjugation, the nights before assignments would mostly be sleepless. Even if the assignment involved saving lives as opposed to taking them, even if she wasn’t the only one on the job and she had Sonya or other ex-Widows to lean on, and even if they had planned out the whole mission for weeks.

A certain anxiety pooled itself in her stomach and just stayed there, heavy like lead. There was definitely a fear for her own mortality and that of others now. There was a worry that things wouldn’t go as planned or that they’d lose the element of surprise. The Widow just surmised that this was how it was for everyone in their profession - but that all changed when the blonde started going on little missions with Kate. Even if these outings as Kate called them were completely out of S.H.I.E.L.D’s radar and even if there was no back up to fall on; none of it jostled the Widow too much. It occured to Yelena that she was not afraid anymore.

No. Because running recons or missions with Kate was many things but they were never anxiety inducing. In fact, the blonde found the opposite to be true - running around with Spectre was very, very fun. There was something about the Avenger that made everything light and interesting honestly. It’s not that she didn’t take the mission seriously, it was just her weird personality that Yelena was getting a kick out off. At this point, they had been on quite a few run-ins with the Tracksuit Mafia already and Yelena truly felt that being with Kate was like having a box of chocolates, you’d never know what you’re going to get.

In her mind, Yelena had carefully categorised all the different Kate Bishop’s that she had the pleasure of encountering on these little missions. When she had to put these different Kate Bishops into words for Sonya and Anya, this was how Yelena had described it:

1) Cocky Kate Bishop.
This was one of Yelena’s personal favourites, and an example was when they were trying to intercept a weapons deal between the TSM and some firearm traffickers at the shipyard. Yelena and Kate were lurking around huge cargo contennas, inching their way closer and closer to the business deal when they suddenly stumbled onto a very musculed bro. He had come their way to check on a sound and while the three of them stared at each other, his radio crackled with an incoming voice requesting a status update. To Yelena’s absolute delight, Kate had said, ‘Go on, tell your girlfriend that it’s going to be fine. It’s okay to lie sometimes.’ before punching the guy square in his throat.

2) Apologetic Kate Bishop.
This version of Kate Bishop reared its head too sometimes and the Widow hasn’t quite figured out if it was sarcasm or not. There was once the duo had hijacked a ‘Trust a Bro’ truck that was full of laundered money. After fighting the driver and gaining control of the truck, Kate had said ‘Remember. This isn’t personal’ before kicking the guy out of the moving vehicle. Yelena, who was tailing the truck on her bike, had heard the comment over the coms and couldn't help snicker at that one.

3) Weird Kate Bishop.
This version was truly a wildcard because the blonde has no idea when and where it will show up and what brand of craziness the Avenger would exhibit. The one that sticks to the blonde’s mind was the time after Kate had just made her watch the Princess Bride the night before. During the mission, Kate had pulled out her retractable sword and said, ‘Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die’ before knocking out her target. She had said this to the TSM bros on every floor of the abandoned factory that they were working on top to bottom.

4) Smug Kate Bishop.
This Kate Bishop was very critical of her opponents fighting prowess. Based on Yelena’s observation, Kate would do this if they had spent hours staking out a location and she was bored out of her mind, which forces her to find her own amusement. When she is feeling this way, every time a group of bro approaches Kate, she’d beat the shit out of them and say something like ‘Come on guys. That was like, realllyyyy bad. A for intention, D for execution’.

5) Broody Kate Bishop.
This last one was probably Yelena’s least favourite because it didn’t come with any funny one liners or mid fight commentaries from the Avenger, which the Widow found highly entertaining. Broody Kate usually emerges when she has had a shitty day at work, which usually meant butting heads with Eleanor and this would usually put the Avenger in a sour mood. Whenever this was the case, the Spectre would always resort to dispatching the bros wordlessly. Yelena would be lying if she said that the brooding wasn’t sometimes sexy but she figured her friends didn't need THAT little detail.

Despite playing Russian roulette with her mood, Yelena still found the Avenger’s fighting style and technique equally thrilling and mesmerising. There was never a moment that Yelena felt unsafe. In fact, she always felt that her partner was more than capable of protecting herself and both of them if needed. In retrospect, Yelena was pretty sure that she has never so blindly trusted the capabilities of someone else as she did that of Kate’s. The assassin wasn’t sure if she was just being objective or if she felt this way because of her continued blossoming feelings for the young billionaire.

And tonight, as they stood outside what seemed like yet another abandoned factory, Yelena was absolutely buzzing with excitement. Buzzing to watch her crush kick ass, and also buzzing for what new intel she could extract from the bros. Kate would often leave the interogating to Yelena, citing her international super spy skills as far superior to hers and Yelena doesn’t complain. In fact, she is more than happy to be able to contribute in some way that will bring them closer to Wilson Fisk - the target that Kate was like a dog with a bone with.

Kate Bishop: Why is it always a warehouse?
Yelena Belova: I guess options are limited when you are in organized crime. You know, logistics.
Kate Bishop: Hmm. Okay so I’ll take the lead on this one too.
Yelena Belova: Yes, you definitely are. You still have ways to go to make up for when you hustled me.
Kate Bishop: I most certainly did not hustle you.
Yelena Belova: You made me do all the work that first couple of times!
Kate Bishop: Well you offered. It was very…chivalrous, how was I supposed to say no?
Yelena Belova: I thought you’d get killed if I let you in first! See. Hustled!
Kate Bishop: Alright alright. But honestly, I could watch you kick ass all night though. So.... talented. I especially like the Widow throw.
Yelena Belova: Yeah?
Kate Bishop: Oh yea. Totally. Such great form.

This was something else they did now, flirt shamelessly in the face of danger. It brought a huge smile to Yelena's face when they were being like this though. They were both currently leaning against the wall with their shoulders, faces full of smiles and silly grins. Kate was twirling a baseball bat around, wanting to test the efficacy of her go to weapon in case of a zombie apocalypse. Yelena had said that it might not be a good choice and here they were, testing it out. Because. Science.

Yelena Belova: And you too. That suit of yours? It definitely works for you.
Kate Bishop: Aw you just making me blush now.
Yelena Belova: We should probably get this show started, then maybe later we could do other things that make us blush?
Kate Bishop: Well, no need to tell me twice.

Kate responds with a lopsided grin and kicks the door in, throwing a stun grenade in and quickly shutting the door back. The grenade goes off with a bright light illuminating the space between the door and the walls, then is immediately followed with a loud bang. Soon after, various groans of pain can be heard from inside the space.

Spectre is through the door in a flash and takes stock off what they were dealing with. The room is full of crates - some covered and some open. The open ones revealed a whole lot of firepower. There were similar crates stacked almost to the ceiling. Kate does a spinning kick on the first bro who was hunched over with his ears covered. There were seven bros in the room and Kate wanted to take as many of them out before the effects of the stun grenade wore off. Right as Yelena enters the room, she sees Kate swinging her bat like a pro and catching a bro right in the rib. Leaving Kate to her devices, Yelena moves to the next room to make sure that the perimeter was clear and that there were no other bros that were left out of the party.

A few seconds have passed, and the bros were slowly recovering, Kate knows this because there is one rushing at her right now and in the corners of her eye, she sees another reach for the gun tucked into his pants. She flings the bat at the bro with the gun, a loud ‘thunk’ echoing as it hits him square on the head. Kate doesn’t get the opportunity to see him go down though, as the bro who was rushing her finally reaches her.

He moves to grab her arm, and Kate moves into his private space - holding his arm over her shoulder and flipping him over her. As he falls, she kicks and then twists his arm until a sick ‘pop’ is heard, dislocating his shoulder. She turns to release his arm when she is shoved by another bro and she breaks the fall, doing a forward roll over to her bat and grabbing it before jabbing it at her attacker’s shin. He falls to his knees clutching his leg and Kate promptly hits him on the chin with the handle of the bat.

She stands up slowly and spins the bat in her hand, looking over the two bros who were leftover and growling at her menacingly. One had a knife while the other had a chain. Kate engages and the bat catches the bro’s temple, she spins around and uses his chain to choke him and now they are tied together, Kate keeps him in front of her as a shield against the bro was was brandishing a knife and attempting to stab at her.

Sensing a moment to strike, she kicks off the bro in front of her - he staggers forward wheezing and slams into the wall. Kate quickly catches the wrist of the bro with the blade, he headbutts her but Kate doesn’t let go of his wrist. She starts applying pressure to specific points on his wrist until he starts screaming, dropping the knife that clatters to their feet loudly. Kate throws her head back and headbutts the bro and immediately he crumples to the floor, out cold.

Kate Bishop: And that’s how you do a proper head butt. It’s all in the shoulders really.

Kate talks to no one in particular as she stands in the middle of the room, panting a little when suddenly a door creaks open and someone dashes in. Kate swings to bash the person’s skull in when he screams, throwing up his arms.

Ivan: Bro! It's me! Ivan!!

Kate stops her swing mid strike, and pauses, as if in contemplation. Ivan. Yes. The friendly neighbourhood TSM guy. The bro that Kate is often chatting with in the middle of their entanglements much to Clint's annoyance. Nonetheless, Kate has a soft spot for the blubbering idiot and so lowers her weapon.

Spectre: You should know better than to come at me like that.
Ivan: I know bro. But there was an assassin bro!

He points exasperatedly to the door that he just came through and Kate chuckles under her mask.

Spectre: That would be my Black Widow partner. Looks like you pissed her off, tell me why I should save you from her?
Ivan: Bro!! I thought we were friends.
Spectre: That may be so, but this is business, isn't it?

Kate answers as she leaps onto the closest crate and sits on it, her legs swinging in tandem with the bat. Ivan starts absolutely freaking out and turns into a crying mess. Kate almost feels bad. She points the bat at Ivan, then at one of the chairs at the table which was in the middle of the room.

Spectre: Why don’t you grab a seat there Ivan. Make yourself comfy.
Ivan: Okay bro. Anything you want.

He still had his hands up in a surrendering motion, and slowly made his way to the chair in a weird crab walk.

Spectre: Let's make a deal. Tell us something interesting and maybe, just maybe I won’t let the Black Widow end you.
Ivan: Bro no bro. No Black Widow bro, please. I can’t die. My girlfriend will kill me!
Spectre: Oh yea. How are things with Gina anyway?
Ivan: Oh Spectre, brooooo. She is so tiring sometimes bro.
Spectre: Well. From what I’ve heard, relationships are work. Not just at the start, the whole way through.

The TSM soldier considers Kate’s words and humms in consideration. Despite them being foes so to speak, Spectre always gave great relationship advice. By this point, Yelena had cleared the rooms in the back and was headed back to the main area. Just as she walks into the main floor, she is greeted with the sight of Spectre seated on a crate, feet swinging away, almost like a child. If she was seated on the ledge of a building, perhaps it may have been cool. Oh who was she kidding? Kate Bishop was always cool, in batting pose, swinging her bat mindlessly with bodies littered around her as she spoke to one TSM moron that she had decidedly spare.

Ivan: But the reboots were so bad bro!!
Spectre: Yes, yes they fucking are. That’s what I’m saying. We don’t need like a thousand iterations of the same damn movie. The first one was a classic you know what I mean? Like Who you gonna call?
Ivan/Spectre; GHOSTBUSTERS!!
Yelena Belova: What the hell is going on here?
Spectre: Oh hey you.
Ivan: Hi Black Widow bro.
Yelena Belova: What is this?

Yelena tries to keep her amusement hidden as she queries the Avenger. Kate responds, again pointing with her bat.

Spectre: Oh this right here? This is a bird that sings.
Yelena Belova: Really now?
Spectre: Uh-huh.
Yelena Belova: Should we test it then?
Spectre: All yours Ma’am.

And with that Kate seemingly zones out of the interaction as she goes back to playing with the bat. Fiddling with it and trying out batting positions while her feet were still swinging against the crate. Yelena eyes the TSM moron and cracks her knuckles menacingly. She approaches him and leans lower, hands placed on the table.

Yelena Belova: We are going to play a simple game now.
Ivan: What game bro? I like games..
Yelena Belova: It’s an easy one, the more lies you tell - the more bones I will break on you.
Ivan: Bro! No bro!! Spectre bro! Tell her! Tell her how I suck at being a hunchman. I already said I’d tell you anything you need to know.
Yelena Belova: What? Really?

Yelena throws a side glance at Spectre, who is still largely ignoring this interaction. The assassin's eyebrows furrowed together at the scene that is unfolding next to her. The fear of Spectre was a very real one apparently. Yelena had almost never been in an interrogation that was going to be this easy, ever.

Ivan: Yes bro. Anything for Spectre bro.
Yelena Belova: Well let’s start with the easy one. Where’s Kingpin?
Ivan: Oh.. that I don’t know bro!
Yelena Belova: Off to a bad start ‘bro’.
Ivan: It’s true. Only the generals will know. We are only small fish bro.
Yelena Belova: Okay fine. Let’s try something else.
Ivan: Yes bro. Sure.
Yelena Belova: How did Kingpin get out of police custody?

This wasn’t exactly rocket science. Everybody knew the answer, and the answer was fairly simple. Corruption. To the core. But she had wanted to ease Ivan into it. By asking the obvious questions before they could delve into more pressing ones like who was supplying the weaponry to them.

Ivan: Connections. The boss has ties to everyone important.
Yelena Belova: Yes, he does, doesn’t he? But what does he do for them in return? Pay them?
Ivan: Depends, sometimes the boss pays or sometimes they do things for him out of fear.
Yelena Belova: He threatens to hurt them? Like the mayor?
Ivan: Not anymore, the mayor already knows what he can do.
Yelena Belova: What do you mean? Elaborate.
Ivan: The mayor won’t cross the boss man because of what boss did to the other mayor guy.

This piques Yelena’s interest. A past crime - a previous mayor murdered? She wanted to pull on this thread a little, see where it led to. It could be something they could use against Kingpin.

Yelena Belova: Kingpin killed a New York mayor before?
Ivan: Yes but he wasn’t a mayor exactly. Not yet because the boss man wouldn’t let him.
Yelena Belova: What’s his name?
Ivan: I’ve only heard stories..
Yelena Belova: I need a name Ivan.
Ivan: It was that Bishop guy.

Immediately there was a shift in the atmosphere. Out of the corner of her eye, Yelena noticed that Kate Bishop had stilled. Her legs weren’t swinging anymore. The bat wasn't spun around anymore in her hands. She was listening.

Yelena Belova: Derek Bishop? You are lying. That was an accident.
Ivan: No bro. That’s what the boss wanted everyone to think. He messed with the guy’s car.
Yelena Belova: How do yo-
Spectre: That’s enough. We are leaving.

With that, Kate Bishop leapt off the crate, landing gracefully and purposefully walking out the warehouse. It was a few minutes later when Yelena found Spectre leaning against her bike. Before the blonde could say anything, Kate Bishop spoke up.

Kate Bishop: It’s not true. It can’t be.
Yelena Belova: Which part Kate?
Kate Bishop: That he was murdered, that he’s linked to Kingpin, all of it!

Kate Bishop was getting riled up. Yelena already knew that Derek Bishop was a sore spot for Kate, so far they’ve talked about almost everything but talking about Kate’s parents had been like pulling tooth. It was obvious that some wounds sting deep. Unfortunately, Yelena also knew that they had to look into this, even if it means it's just closure for the younger Bishop.

Yelena Belova: What do you know about the accident exactly?
Kate Bishop: Exactly that, that it was an accident. An accident that changed everything.
Yelena Belova: And you were just a kid..

Kate got onto the bike, she waited for Yelena to get on before revving the engine. The ride back to the penthouse was silent. Kate had a lot of thoughts floating through her head, there were a lot of uncertainties that surrounded the death of her father now, but she reasoned that these uncertainties would not change the outcome of what would happen to Kingpin. In fact, it only served to solidify it, sealing his fate in the hands of Kate Bishop.

When they got back to the penthouse, Kate made her way to the bar - pulling out the bottle of gin and a glass. She pours herself a drink and throws it down immediately, following with another. Kate was behaving on autopilot and it made Yelena feel unseen. The blonde tries to start a conversation.

Yelena Belova: What can I do to help Kate Bishop?

The blonde saying her name pulls the Avenger out of her thoughts. She just stares at Yelena, as if she was trying to figure out who she was and what she was doing in her penthouse.

Kate Bishop: I need to know what really happened.
Yelena Belova: Okay.

Just like that, Yelena left the penthouse. Kate Bishop had needed something from her and she needed no other direction other than that. In her mind, what she had to do - what she was willing to do was crystal clear. Kate just watches her leave, too exhausted to even ask what the blonde was up to. Alone in her penthouse, Kate slumped into her couch, right across from her were some photos that she had put up on the wall. She was staring at one in particular, it was of her father and his brother after their annual rowing regatta at Yale again Harvard. They both look so fresh faced and young. Sighing deeply, Kate fishes out her phone and dials her uncle.

Kate Bishop: Hi Uncle Jack.
Jack Bishop: Katie! To what do I owe this pleasure?
Kate Bishop: Uh.. I need your help.
Jack Bishop: Alright, out with it.

Kate contemplated what to say. She didn’t want to blurt out everything that had happened with Ivan. There was no point in distressing her uncle about the nature of her father’s death. Not if she can help it anyway.

Kate Bishop: Well, it’s about dad actually. I uhh just learned that he uhh.. tried to run for mayor?
Jack Bishop: Yes! Haha. That was his brief stint of wanting to get political.
Kate Bishop: I didn’t know any of this.
Jack Bishop: Well it was about the time Eleanor sent you to boarding school, so I’m not surprised.
Kate Bishop: Can you tell me what happened?
Jack Bishop: Hmm, let me think. It’s been a while. From what I remember, Derek had some good plans for the city. He..he actually cared you know? And he wanted to put some of the Bishop dime to good use. Build the city up.
Kate Bishop: Sounds like dad alright..
Jack Bishop: Yea, it was all short lived though. He had the accident soon after.
Kate Bishop: Were there any trouble makers? With the campaign for example?
Jack Bishop: Now that you mention it, there was some opposition from the mafia that I recall. I remember because it all alarmed Eleanor. There were a couple of threats, you see but that’s about it I think. Then the accident happened and it all blew over.
Kate Bishop: Did the police look into it?
Jack Bishop: They did investigate the treats and ruled them unrelated to the accident. So nothing really came out of it. What this about Kate?
Kate Bishop: Uh.. like I said, I just.. didn’t know that dad had any.. political aspirations.
Jack Bishop: Haha understandably. Politics.. It wasn’t the way of Bishops.. but your dad had a knack for making people listen. Even your grandfather saw that, said that he had real potential to be a leader.
Kate Bishop: Hmm.
Jack Bishop: It was all short lived though. Funnily, the campaign managers were trying to rope me into replacing him as a candidate after that.
Kate Bishop: Really?
Jack Bishop: Oh yes. But I was young and had my eyes on our business. I think it’s more up my alley anyway.
Kate Bishop: Definitely. Yea. You’ve taught me so much.
Jack Bishop: Oh psshh now. You’re a Bishop. A natural.
Kate Bishop: Yea. A Bishop..
Jack Bishop: Anyway, I think I’m talking your ear off.
Kate Bishop: What? No, you're like my favourite uncle.
Jack Bishop: You mean your only uncle!
Kate Bishop: Haha. Seriously though..thank you for talking to me. I know it's not easy.
Jack Bishop: Nothing to it Katie. I understand you wanting to know everything about your father. Just let me know if you have any more questions.
Kate Bishop: Will do, good night.
Jack Bishop: Take care now. Buh-bye.

Kate thought about the conversation that she just had. It was all still sinking in, the biggest shock is that she thought that she knew everything there was about her father. And yet here she was, learning bits and pieces of Derek almost 20 years later. She wondered what else laid in the dark, things that Eleanor had deemed not important to be shared with her.

The young billionaire laid back on the couch and mulled over her father. Derek Bishop. Passionate, and ever ready to lend a helping hand. It tracked with his personality, wanting to build up the community and being a change agent for the progress that he wished to see. He had probably taken a hard stance against crime, and knowing Derek - the TSM probably found out that they couldn’t bribe him to bend him to their will. How do you bribe a guy who’s made of money? And so they decided to remove him from the competition all together, ensuring the victory of someone more pliable. It makes sense, people have killed for less.

But Kate needed more information and so she got up from the couch and headed to her office, turning on the computer and opening up the police database. She easily breaks through their firewall and accesses the case file for her father’s accident. She opens the folder and peruses the documents, the photographs, and everything but finds nothing out of the ordinary. She’s not entirely surprised, tampering with cars is more of a movie thing anyway.

The brunette was almost at wit’s end when she saw it, there was one photo of her dad’s Mercedes that shows some damage to the rear of the vehicle. The police reports however specifically say that her dad had lost control and crashed into the ravine and that those dents were already existing on the car, even before the accident. That didn’t sound right though and was suspicious if anyone knew how obsessed with the car her father was. Her dad loved that Mercedes. Kate’s gut said that her father had actually been driven off the road by someone. By Kingpin.

Kate was deep in thought that she didn't even hear Yelena come home. The Avenger was still staring at the photo when moments later, the blonde appeared and placed a dossier on Kate’s table. Kate stares at it then back at Yelena. It was the police report of her dad’s accident.

Kate Bishop: You broke into the police station?
Yelena Belova: You said you needed to know what happened.
Kate Bishop: Yelena. Police files were digitised in the early 2000s. I have it right here.

Kate pulls the monitor to the front, turning it towards the Widow. Yelena cringed internally, this is why Sonya always did the computer stuff. Yelena was more.. hard fist and rough edges.

Yelena Belova: Oh.
Kate Bishop: Yea.
Yelena Belova: I’m sorry Kate Bishop.. I was trying to help the only way I know how.
Kate Bishop: Hate to break it to you, but you are in above your head.
Yelena Belova: Why do you keep saying that?
Kate Bishop: Because it's true. This is personal now. You should get out while you can.
Yelena Belova: I’m not leaving you.
Kate Bishop: What’s the plan Yelena? You wanna get Shang-haied like my dad? Is that it?
Yelena Belova: What? No..

Kate knows that Yelena was trying to help, that she was not to be blamed for what happened with her dad, that Yelena definitely didn’t deserve her pissy attitude. But she couldn’t help it, the anger and futility that she felt demanded a sacrifice, a victim. Kate places her elbow on the table and pinches her nose, sighing loudly.

Kate Bishop: I appreciate your help. I just need..some time to process things.
Yelena Belova: Okay yea.
Kate Bishop: You should get some sleep.
Yelena Belova: You too, Kate Bishop.

Yelena offers a small smile that goes unnoticed by Kate. Not knowing what else to do, Yelena decides that she’ll give Kate some time to process how she feels. Till then, Yelena planned to steer clear from the Avenger, lest she lashes out at her again. They will talk when Kate is well and ready.

Chapter Text

It was just after midnight when Yelena returned to the Upper East Side. She had taken a longer circuit in Central Park for her run tonight trying to clear her head. When she walked through the door, there was pin drop silence in the penthouse, indicating that Kate was already in bed. After the events of the night before, Yelena had not seen the Avenger for the entire day. The Russian was fairly certain that Kate had spent the day brooding in her room, even skipping work which was highly unusual behaviour for the young billionaire. Knowing that she was in a foul mood, the assassin had made it a point not to disturb the irascible Avenger.

The blonde grabbed a quick shower before throwing on some clothes and making her way to bed. When the Widow had opted to stay and help Kate, the billionaire had offered her the guest bedroom but Yelena had insisted on sleeping in the living room. Kate had not argued much but the next night, Yelena noticed that the couch had been replaced with a rather comfortable pull out version. The Russian was seconds from dozing when she suddenly became aware of how thirsty she was. She grudgingly got up and trudged into the kitchen in the dark. It had been almost a month since she first broke in and she can pretty much walk the entire penthouse blind-folded now. Although in all fairness, she probably could do that after the first visit.

Yelena padded over barefoot to the fridge and pulled out a small bottle of water. Deciding to just finish the bottle there - she walks over to the sink and leaned against the countertop. From this angle, there was a small view where she could look out the window and see the night lights of New York. The city was still brightly lit and Yelena mused that it made sense to call it the city that never sleeps. The Russian was half way through the bottle when she suddenly saw the silhouette of someone in the dark, making their way to the kitchen. In panic that she had been caught off guard, the assassin stood absolutely still, and held her breath.

Her mind was running a mile a minute. How did the Red Room find her? Did she lead them right to Kate Bishop? Why weren’t any of the alarms tripped? Hoping that she was still shrouded in darkness; her free hand groped around frantically until it wrapped itself around the handle of a pan, waiting for the intruder to notice her and make his move. The Widow’s weapon of choice may seem comical to some, since a knife may seem like a better choice to the untrained civilian. But Yelena is hardly untrained nor a civilian and is completely aware of the damage a 10 pound cast iron pan can do to a human skull. It was then that the shadow stopped moving and addressed her; the voice belonging to none other than her partner / roommate and Yelena let out an audible sigh of relief.

Kate Bishop: Yelena?
Yelena Belova: Slava bogu! (Thank heavens!)
Kate Bishop: Sorry, did I startle you?
Yelena Belova: It’s okay. I just didn’t know you were awake.

Since there wasn’t a reply from Kate, Yelena returned the pan to its designated spot on the stove and resumed her position against the sink. She took a sip of water to still her racing heart. Kate opened the fridge door and the kitchen is suddenly illuminated by yellow light. In the dim light, Yelena looks down and remembers that she is only in a white tank top and underwear, both in retrospect seemingly a size too small. She looks up at the brunette who hasn’t noticed yet, Kate who’s perfect physique is covered in a light sheen of sweat from whatever workout she had obviously been doing. She finally decides on orange juice, pulling out the box and drinking straight from the carton.

Time seems to be moving in slow motion because Yelena can see the Avenger straightening up her sinewy frame and then gulping down each chug like she was parched - her biceps defined as she holds up the carton while her free hand was still resting on the fridge handle. Kate screws the cap back on and returns the juice carton, and then.. and only then do their eyes finally meet. Kate is staring at Yelena surprised, her dark eyes darting down the Widow’s body and back up to her face in half a second. Yelena hesitates, then stands a little taller. They’re adults, damn it.

Yelena Belova: Can’t sleep?
Kate Bishop: Mm.
Yelena Belova: I have a joke about counting sheep but it is kind of baaaaaddd..

The assasin lets out a short, spastic laugh but Kate doesn't join in. Weird. They were both behaving unlike themselves - a freaky Friday role reversal just like that movie Sonya made Yelena watch. Yelena wondered why she was still standing there and making lame jokes.. And why the hell was Kate just.. staring at her.. extremely shirtless, extremely sweaty and extremely toned. Kate’s stare is holding her hostage and she definitely has noticed now that the shorter woman is braless. Yelena stares back at her for as long as she can, playing with the water bottle in her hands until her own eyes start to wander.

Kate Bishop had on a sports bra and matching black sweatpants which were hanging rather precariously low on her hips, and her - now that Yelena had noticed, very chiselled torso, was hard to ignore. Kate walks towards the Widow, getting closer. She has walked the length of the kitchen island and is now right across from Yelena. Yelena looks up at her face and Kate’s just standing there, looking down at her. Yelena’s brain muses again, has she always been so tall? Did it just get hotter in here? Yelena can hear her breathing in her own ears but she can’t move. Forward or backward, she’s like a mouse caught in the eyes of a snake. A snake that Yelena has seemingly been taunting for weeks now and she swears she just heard the dinner bell.

Tha Avenger examines the blonde a moment further, and knows that she’s all talk and is too chicken shit to make any sort of move. She rounds the island so she’s right in front of her now. Yelena sets her water bottle down slowly and leans against the marble top, trying not to touch Kate and still trying to exude some kind of false bravado. While they’re still fixated on each other, Yelena can see the last puzzle piece click into place in Kate’s head, and it happens. Her large hands are around Yelena’s waist, pulling her tightly to her warm chest, and she’s kissing her. Yelena’s hands are squeezing the edge of the counter behind her as she breathes heavily through her nose. Her lips are pressed to Kate’s but she hasn’t decided if she’s kissing her back or not.

Kate’s obviously not satisfied with her uncertain response, and knowing that Yelena can do better, she moves again. She grabs Yelena’s ass like she owns it and lifts her off the ground. The Widow’s legs have nowhere to go but her sides and she is not using an ounce of effort as she is suspended above the ground. Holy fucking shit, is this really happening? Yelena’s hands are on Kate’s muscled shoulders, her ass still in her hands, and her mouth opens. Kate’s gentle but firm, knows what she wants and is taking it. Sucking on her bottom lip, her tongue dancing with Yelena’s.

Yelena’s eyebrows are tightly knit together, but her mouth isn’t stopping. Is she really letting this happen? Her mind is racing a million miles an hour because not only is this going to be her first time..after.. but this is Kate Bishop. Natasha’s protege, Avenger and tech billionaire extraordinaire. The same Kate Bishop who owned a single fork and is a dork 99% of the time. Kate Bishop is everything that Yelena should probably avoid but here she is anyway, kissing the fuck out of her.

Yelena’s heart is palpitating. ‘This is no ordinary crush’. Sonya’s words echo somewhere in the recesses of her mind. The thought makes her stomach tighten and she groans in confusion. Kate angles her head and kisses deeper; Yelena’s fingertips are pressing into her shoulders and everytime she presses a little too hard, a low moan rumbles from her throat. Naturally, Yelena presses harder, beginning to use her nails. If Kate Bishop is going to have her like she owns her, then she sure as hell is going to have some scars to remember Yelena by. Yelena refuses to end up like the many girls who throw themselves at Kate’s feet, nameless, faceless. Forgotten.

Kate Bishop: You might not want to do that.

She says in a husky voice, murmuring against the blonde’s lips. The sound of it makes Yelena’s stomach flip and by reaction, her nails are digging into Kate’s flesh again. She immediately steps forward and sets Yelena’s ass on the island countertop, her hands slip up to her small waist while Yelena’s arms wrap around Kate’s neck. As Kate is kissing her, one of her forearms slowly wraps around the blonde’s back, as the other makes its way down her hip. Yelena’s fingers are in Kate’s dark gorgeous mane, her tongue probing in the Avenger’s mouth as Kate’s hand rubs over Yelena’s thigh towards her center. Kate’s thumb presses against her clit and Yelena’s eyes fly open. Now she sees why Kate’s arm is at her lower back - she is squirming uselessly as Kate holds her in place.

And damn it, it feels amazing. Her hot hand is only making Yelena hotter. It's all terrifying but also amazing. Terrifying to give up control but there is also an odd sense of relief as she relinquishes control over to Kate. Since Okshana woke her, Yelena has been plagued by choices, and it’s been a roller coaster of deciding who to kill, what to wear, where to go, and what to say. All easy for regular people but so, so tough when you’re essentially a child in a woman’s body. And that makes surrendering to Kate Bishop so easy because she seems to know Yelena’s body better than she does. Kate’s playing her like a fiddle and Yelena’s body is lapping up all the attention. Traitor.

The Russian thinks that part of her is trying to break free, just to see how far Kate will go to have her. To see if Kate is as desperate for Yelena as Yelena is for her. While one part of her is trying to break free, Yelena’s pretty sure that the other part of her is grinding against Kate’s hand. No matter what Kate thinks Yelena is trying to do, she’s not letting her get away. Kate Bishop is here to stay and ready to play. Damn. Yelena thinks about how Sonya and Anna were totally right about her running her mouth into trouble one day. Well, today is the day it seems like..

Kate nudges the blonde's head to the side and hungrily kisses and then bites at her neck. Being the asshole that she is, she’s trying to mark Yelena as hers, but maybe Yelena is reading way too much into this. To her, the bite feels like a dominant animal forcing its mate to submit before mating. Yes. Maybe time to lay off National Geographic for a while. Yelena gets out of her own head and moans, arching her back, and pressing her body into Kate. Kate welcomes this reaction, pulling Yelena as close as their bodies will allow with her hand between the blonde’s thighs.

Yelena Belova: Mmm.

Kate bites her neck harder and that sends Yelena spiralling, words tumbling out of her lips.

Yelena Belova: Fuck.
Kate Bishop: Yelena. You’re making this so hard when you talk like that.

Kate’s words sound like some kind of warning, some kind of sexy warning. Confused by her comment, Yelena has no idea that her words were of any effect. But now she’s curious.

Yelena Belova: What?

Yelena asks softly and Kate’s hand stops. Smiling at the assassin, Kate pushes her chest until she’s laying on the cold countertop. Yelena looks down stunned as Kate lifts her knees over her shoulders, gripping her thighs tightly. When Yelena realises what Kate’s about to do, she leans up on her elbows and starts to pull away. This is just too much, too fast. Right? This shouldn’t be happening like this at all, but damn, Kate’s fucking fast. Within a second, she has pushed Yelena’s flimsy panties out of the way and she’s licking her. Yelena’s mouth hangs open as far as it can go, her eyes shocked and bewildered. Even Kate’s mouth is hot against Yelena, her tongue is licking up and down the length of Yelena's slit with just the right speed. Everything she is doing is perfect. Every move doesn’t feel like too much or too little anymore.

Yelena Belova: Blyat.. (Fuck...)

Yelena knows that Kate doesn’t want her to talk but she can’t help it because her blue eyes still haven't left her hazel ones and Yelena hasn't seen Kate Bishop’s beautiful blue eyes, look so dark and hungry. She is now watching Kate eat her like she’s her favourite dish in the world. They can’t do this. They def..mmm.. definitely can’t do this. Yelena has to say something but when she opens her mouth to speak, she ends up moaning Kate’s name instead. Yelena’s shaking her head side to side, but she can’t look away. Kate’s long strokes stop and she latches onto her clit, sucking hard. The Russian curses out loud and throws her head back.

Oh my fucking god, this is spectacular. Yelena gets it now why people are obsessed with sex. She has to lie back on the counter so she can grab the Avenger’s head for some control. The blonde fists Kate’s hair tightly and she moans. The noise makes Yelena’s back arch and Kate continues sucking on her. Yelena yanks on her hair again and Kate uses her tongue to flick at the Widow’s clit. Yelena curses and jerks at the same time. She can feel Kate smile against her, and Kate does it again, getting the same reaction.

Yelena Belova: Kate.. please.. Mmm, you have to sto-

Yelena’s cut off by another flick of Kate’s tongue. She arches her back further, and Kate starts to release her thighs, so Yelena tries to pull away from her mouth. Kate tightens her grip back immediately, humming in disapproval, and keeps the blonde where she is. The brunette tortures Yelena with a flick and a hard suck; she shivers in reply. In her lust-addled brain, Yelena finally sees what Kate's doing here. When Yelena does something Kate doesn’t like, she increases her actions by giving Yelena exactly what she doesn’t want - which incidentally also happens to be what she does in fact want.

Why does this feel so right? No one’s mouth has ever contoured to Yelena’s pussy so perfectly. No one’s hands fit around her body in just the right way. Kate’s body temperature, her height, her hands, her mouth, her lips and oh my fucking god, her tongue. It's all perfect. And for the first time in her life, Yelena can feel herself climbing.. a pressure building in the pit of her stomach. Yelena releases Kate’s hair and quickly leans forward on her elbows to watch what Kate’s doing.

Yelena Belova: I’m gonna cum.

Yelena cries out. The tingling in her body is spreading out farther and farther and Kate doesn’t stop. Almost there.. almost there.. As Yelena reaches the top of her mountain, everything stops, and she’s looking Kate right in the eye. Her mouth is still on Yelena. Oh my god. And she’s cumming.

Yelena Belova: Uunnngghhh fuckkk…!!

Yelena’s body continues to twitch and she’s writhing in Kate’s hands and it’s all so fucking hot. Kate doesn’t let her go and Yelena slowly, very slowly starts to come down. A full minute has passed before her back is laying completely against the counter. Yelena’s lungs are aching for enough room to breathe this air that’s coming and escaping her body way too quickly. Her eyes are shut and she could fall asleep right here, she doesn't want to move. Sated. Satisfied; nothing else has come close.

Another minute passes and Yelena opens her eyes to find Kate standing next to her. She’s staring at the assassin like she’s waiting for something, assessing the Widow’s actions. A tear escapes the corner of Yelena’s eye without her permission. She is not sobbing, She is not crying, She is just so..confused and overwhelmed. And now she officially feels like shit. Yelena sees panic flash in Kate’s eyes and she gently pulls Yelena up and lifts her off the counter, taking the blonde into her arms.

Kate Bishop: Do you want to go to bed?

She asks quietly. Yelena can’t speak so she just nods her head. Kate carries her back to the living room and lays her on the pull out couch, sitting next to the assassin. Yelena is staring past Kate, her mind blank. After a moment, Kate lifts Yelena’s hand and she watches Kate kiss it softly. Then she leaves. Yelena sees her back, as Kate makes her way up the stairs before disappearing into her room and Yelena is stunned. Methodically, Yelena pulls her covers over her body and turns on her side. Yelena notices an unopened bottle of water on the coffee table next to her. In the back of her mind, Yelena is wondering how she didn’t notice Kate bringing that with them. She picks it up, chugs some down and lies back on her pillow.

Chapter Text

Surprisingly, Yelena didn’t have any trouble falling asleep. In fact, she sleeps better than she had ever slept. Kate had successfully fucked the Red Room and its nightmares out of her head and for that she was grateful. Yelena woke up at dawn, and the penthouse was quiet, which meant that Kate is still asleep, which is..great. As Yelena laid there in her bed, staring at the white ceiling, she knew she could go about things one of two ways:

She could think about what Kate had done, every detail. Every touch. Every kiss. Every look. Every deceitful pleasurable moment that she could bring to light and really contemplate her actions. Their actions.
Or she could just be.. numb. Pretend like nothing happened.

Yelena chose the former. She’d never done anything remotely close to this and it all felt too important to ignore. Not that she had to think about anything like this before. Sure, flirting and playing games with Kate Bishop was fun, but she didn’t think that Kate would suddenly drag them from a flirty place to a fucky (?) place. The last time the Russian checked, Kate was still so torn up about fucking Natasha’s sister, to hell with what Yelena had thought about any of it.

Yelena had been relentless in her flirting and sexual innuendos and sure, Kate did flirt back but that's all they ever did. Flirt and share stolen glances. The Avenger had never laid a single finger on her or let her gaze linger longer than what would be deemed appropriate. And she had to admit, part of why she liked playing games with Kate was because Yelena enjoyed making her flustered and distracted, she enjoyed wielding that power over the Avenger knowing that Kate would always behave. Well, that's what she had thought anyway.

Yelena had calculated that the chances of Kate not acting on their flirting was about 99%.. She clearly had underestimated that 1% within Kate Bishop that was a wildcard. Meeting this version of her was thrilling though, especially knowing that behind that bumbling goody two shoes persona, Kate was dangerous. And now that things have escalated, Yelena wasn’t sure how she should react.. Should she cry? Should she be physically sick? Should she run up to brunette’s room and break all of her fingers or should she instead get on her knees and say ‘thank you’? The Widow was afraid that she had enjoyed herself more than she should have, but in the light of day, her guilt wouldn’t win out over the want of another orgasm courtesy of her partner. Yelena reached for her phone; her real phone, not the burner one and texted Sonya.

Yelena Belova: Something happened last night.
Sonya: ??
Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop.
Sonya: Congrats!!
Yelena Belova: Not sure how to feel..
Sonya: Was it that bad?
Yelena Belova: No. Just unexpected..?
Sonya: Unexpected? Did she force you??
Yelena Belova: No one can do that. Not anymore.
Sonya: What then?
Yelena Belova: What happens next?
Sonya: Whatever you want to happen.
Yelena Belova: Hmm.
Sonya: So…??
Yelena Belova: What?
Sonya: Dishhhh
Yelena Belova: mind.blown.
Sonya: Yayy!!
Yelena Belova: I’m surrounded by idiots.

The Russian grabbed a quick shower and made her escape before she could bump into Kate and whatever awkwardness that would ensue after a night like that. She doesn’t think she is ready for that yet. The blonde heads straight to her apartment across town and falls into bed, her head obviously not done dissecting this thing to pieces. Yelena’s body feels all relaxed and floaty. Is this all because of Kate Bishop? Ultimately she knew her body had no qualms with what Kate had done. Even though Yelena forced herself not to think of anything specifically, whenever flashes of Kate’s head between her thighs surfaced, butterflies would assault her stomach. What is this stupid queasy feeling she wondered.

Stupid Kate Bishop. Why does Yelena feel mad at her? She did like it.. but.. but.. Kate should have asked her on a date first. YES! That's how Yelena had seen it in her head. That they would go on dates and then they’d try being intimate slowly. But Kate in her inherent Kate Bishopness, and true to her bull in a China shop style, just stormed in and saw the most vulnerable parts of Yelena’s soul. How fucking dare she?

In all her life as a Black Widow, Yelena was used to give pleasure to many, used as a weapon to seduce both men and women. Extracting information or obtaining intel for blackmailing purposes while these people were in the throes of passion. None of those nights had ever been about her pleasure obviously, not that she was in the head space to enjoy any of those interactions anyway. It took everything in her to scrub them off her skin afterwards. Why shouldn't these nights be about Yelena’s pleasure? Why shouldn't she have someone worship her body the way she knows Kate Bishop so clearly could?

This was good though. Feelings aside, why shouldn’t Yelena explore sex with Kate Bishop? Because she’s an idiot. Yes.. A sexy fucking idiot.. But she is safe and Yelena saw that as much as the Avenger had tried to keep those parts hidden. The tenderness emerged in the end, when Kate carried her to bed and kissed her palm. Kate is safe. Kate won’t judge and won’t hurt Yelena. And as it turns out, Kate can give her mind blowing orgasms while Yelena discovers this unchartered world of desire and lust. It also probably helps that the brunette is stunning and Yelena has a school girl crush on her but this isn’t something she’d ever tell Kate..

Noon was rolling in and Yelena reached for her phone and found a missed call from the billionaire. There was a text from her too. ‘Im sorry’ was all it said. So Kate’s feeling guilty, that’s surprising.. and new. They don’t ever feel guilt or regret usually. This is good. Thousand brownie points for Kate Bishop. In Yelena’s mind’s eye, she can see Kate frowning and moping her day away - Kate was probably surprised by her behaviour too and how she had skirted very closely to non consent with a Black Widow no less. But if Yelena really thought about it, she knows that Kate sees her as Natasha’s sister first and foremost, rather than an assassin. I mean who shacks up with a Black Widow you barely know?

Yelena ignores the text and spends the rest of the day going through every miniscule detail of last night, replaying the scenes over and over. It occured to the blonde that with just this one night, she learned so much about herself. Yelena always thought that if she did have sex, she would need to be on top, to be dominant, but Kate so easily made her submit without it feeling degrading or worse..scary. This was probably because of the connection that they share.. their chemistry is off the charts - it truly would be a waste not to explore sex with Kate Bishop.

xxxxx

The Russian had disappeared for the best part of the day and Kate wasn’t sure if she was even going to show up for their scheduled spar session. If she didn’t, Kate wouldn’t even fault her because if Yelena needed space, then that’s what she’d give her. She hoped that Yelena would turn up though, so she could apologise.. for being a creep. Yes, Kate could argue that Yelena was totally into it.. but her words didn’t echo what her body was saying exactly. Kate reasoned that since what Yelena’s body and words said were kinda contradictory, that it was best to ere on the safer side and to just assume that Kate had indeed crossed a line and fucked things up. She needed to talk to Yelena, apologise to Yelena, and do whatever Yelena needed to feel better.

Kate figured that pacing any more in the living room was just going to wear down her carpet and so she headed into the training room to work off some of this negative energy. She walked to the furthest wall where she had spent the day prepping some exercises for herself, more as a distraction than anything. The Avenger had created a makeshift dagger throwing range in her training room. Once she was satisfied with her target board, she walked away from the wall and in her hands were 3 daggers that she had picked out.

When she had reached a respectable distance, she held one blade in her hand and tossed it up in the air a couple of times to register its weight in her mind but before she could fling it, the door was pushed open and Yelena walked in. She looked annoyed.. well more annoyed than usual actually, and marched straight towards the table with weapons, seemingly looking for something.

Kate Bishop: You okay there?
Yelena Belova: Yes. Peachy, as you Americans say it.

Yelena approached Kate and flung a few blades in quick succession, each blade burying itself into the target board. She had a little smug smile on her face.

Kate Bishop: As cool as that was, I was going to try it blind folded actually…

To prove a point, the brunette pulled up the blindfold she had around her neck and took a step back before flinging her dagger with so much dexterity and accuracy that it embedded itself at the heart of the bullseye. Kate should have probably just shut up instead of correcting Yelena, because now the Widow seemed like she was fuming again and Kate didn’t see any other way to keep Yelena there except to launch into a word vomit.

Kate Bishop: I’m so sorry Yelena.
Yelena Belova: Nothing to be sorry about.
Kate Bishop: Well I am sorry. For everything. It was wrong of me to put you in this situation. I know I have made it quantifiable more difficult to be around me. I guess part of me was hoping you’d punch me or something so I’d give up and deal with my shit like an adult. But being with you.. it made me feel like I could finally control something around me. Not that I want to control you. God. This is coming out wrong. Anyway, I know you’re mad and honestly, you have every right to b-
Yelena Belova: I am not mad at you.
Kate Bishop: You’re not? About last night?
Yelena Belova: No. I am not mad at you.
Kate Bishop: Oookkaayy.. well you don't actually look ‘not mad’ right now.
Yelena Belova: As a matter of fact, I am mad at myself.
Kate Bishop: What? Why? It was all me. I fucked up.
Yelena Belova: I am mad Kate Bishop.. because I want to do it again.

Yelena was looking directly at Kate, who herself looked incredulous. By the time the blonde had finished talking, Kate Bishop had somehow closed the space between them and was pressed up against her, their lips crashing into each other as if on autopilot. This time Yelena didn’t want to miss a thing, she wasn’t going to get into her own head. Nope. This time Yelena was all in and Kate Bishop was the only damn thing that mattered and so Yelena kissed her back urgently, desperately. Sucking and nipping at her lip, eliciting a small growl from Kate. Kate had to force herself to grip the blonde's waist and pull them apart for a moment. She planted hot little kisses along the blonde’s neck, humming in approval as the blonde arched her neck to provide more skin for Kate’s lips to drop kisses on.

Kate Bishop: Yelena. I know what you’re thinking, okay? I’ve been thinking the same damn thing. I know what we did.. what I did was wrong. But after what happened last night, after seeing you like that.. I need more. I need to see the look on your face when I fuck you.

Listening to Kate breathe those words against her skin made Yelena’s body almost feel like it was on fire and she’s now aching for Kate to touch her again.

Kate Bishop: Tell me you don’t want me and I’ll leave you alone.

With their hands still roaming and feeling each other up, Kate covers the shell of Yelena’s ear with soft kisses when she feels Yelena’s fingers tug at her hair.

Kate Bishop: Tell me you don’t want this and I’ll fuck right off.

Kate repeats with more authority, waiting for an answer. Deep down she already knows that Yelena wants more, but she needs to hear it again. The longer Yelena stands there without speaking, the more she’s begging Kate to fuck her brains out but Kate really, really needs to hear it. Seconds tick by and Yelena finally opens her eyes to look at Kate.

Yelena Belova: I want this.
Kate Bishop: What do you want, Yelena?
Yelena Belova: This. Your hands on me. Your lips. All of it.

With that, Kate was kissing her again, deep desperate kisses and Yelena was frantically kissing back, taking in Kate’s scent that was driving her wild. The scent of perfume mixed with sweat, just like that first time Kate pulled her into a hug. Kate hums and kisses harder, Yelena’s ass in her hands, and shoulder blades against the wall.

Kate Bishop: Your ass is fucking amazing.

Yelena smiles and licks her bottom lip. Her mind is still reeling from the pleasure overload, she hasn’t felt anything even remotely close to this. She reaches for the hem of Kate’s shirt and pulls it over her head, then pulling Kate’s body flush against hers. Kate’s mouth is on Yelena’s again without missing a beat.

Kate Bishop: What else do you want?
Yelena Belova: You’re such an asshole.
Kate Bishop: Come on now, be a good girl.

Hearing Kate call her a good girl makes Yelena’s knees grow weak. So, she has a praise kink now?? Cool, and of course Kate Bishop was going to be the person to discover this.

Yelena Belova: Your head between my thighs.
Kate Bishop: You liked that huh? Tell me more.

Kate demands while looking at her, her strong hands still squeezing Yelena’s ass.

Yelena Belova: I long for your mouth on me.

Yelena whispers those words and notices a visible change in Kate, her eyes actually lit up. Fuck backing out and going to the couch. Fuck going to the floor. Fuck moving from anywhere but here because Kate immediately drops to her knees in front of the blonde. She unbuckles her jeans and yanks them off, and Yelena instinctively lifts her thigh over Kate’s shoulder to provide more access.

Kate Bishop: Mmm such a good girl. You remember how I like you.

The words make Yelena flush and her head is positively spinning now and she almost loses all bearing when Kate pushes her face right between her legs. Yelena has never had anyone handle her this way. Kate just goes for it and its fucking perfect. Kate immediately gets to work, lapping her tongue along the length of Yelena’s slit, swiping her tongue over and over. It feels like it's been too long, like last night was actually weeks ago. The tip of Kate’s tongue teases her opening before she’s pushing it inside, as far as possible, fucking Yelena with her tongue and then alternating that with slow, intimate licks on her clit. Yelena keeps moaning and can't tear her eyes away from Kate, she feels herself climbing again.. the familiar feeling from last night back so soon. Just then Kate pulls away and Yelena frowns at her, breathless.

Yelena Belova: Damn it Kate.

Kate doesn’t resume pleasuring her still and Yelena groans knowing what Kate wants.

Yelena Belova: Please.

She begs, and twitches her hips further. Kate lightly licks her folds again, still smirking before feeling Yelena grab her hair and force her head deeper between her legs. Finally, Kate responds and starts again, flicking at her swollen clit so deliciously that she has Yelena shaking and twitching involuntarily.

Yelena Belova: Fuck. I’m close.

Yelena’s hips are now squirming against Kate’s face and she can feel Kate humming her approval, sucking harder still. All the sucking, licking, and swiping was bringing Yelena closer to the edge. Kate’s fingernails then dig into her inner thighs and the pain mixed with pleasure was exactly what Yelena needed to tip over, cumming harder than she did the night before. Kate stayed put, sliding her tongue into Yelena’s cunt to taste her wet contractions. Gently licking and kissing as Yelena tugs at her hair, riding out her orgasm on Kate’s mouth.

When Kate finally does pull away, Yelena realises a little too late that she has zero strength but before she can hit the floor, Kate catches her and lifts her up. Yelena’s arms wrap around Kate’s neck while her legs wrap around Kate’s waist. Yelena has her face nuzzled against Kate’s neck and she feels so floaty as Kate carries her to bed.

When Yelena woke up the next morning, tangled up in Kate’s sheets - she noticed that she was alone in bed and Kate was nowhere to be found. Her heart dropped a little and she shifted in bed, rolling over to gaze out the window before actually getting up. That’s when Yelena spotted it. A little ‘post it’ note attached to the side table and her heart soared before she had even picked it up. She reached out for it and read it:

I think we need to talk. Can we talk? Meet me at our sports bar at 6 p.m?
-KB-

Yelena smiled internally at the contents of the note. If anyone could ramble on a ‘post it’, it was probably Kate Bishop. The blonde also noted the use of the term ‘our sports bar’ and how that made her feel. She liked having something that was both hers and Kate’s. After a few minutes of giddiness, Yelena frowned when she finally realised that she had been focusing on the wrong details of the note. Kate Bishop had wanted to talk about last night no doubt. The note now sounded ominous because even Yelena knew that it's never a good thing whenever someone said that they needed to talk.

When 6 p.m finally rolled around, Yelena and Kate were seated across from each other at the booth of the sports bar that they frequented. Kate looked visibly anxious and seeing her that way made the knots in Yelena’s stomach worse. Where is the cool, confident and dangerous Kate Bishop? Yelene wished that she was seated before ‘that’ Kate Bishop instead.

Kate Bishop: So.. I think we need to talk.
Yelena Belova: Did you just repeat what the note said?
Kate Bishop: Urm.. Yea, I guess. I’m sorry. I haven’t had many talks like this.
Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop. And here I thought you were the resident heartbreaker.
Kate Bishop: What? No, I’m not. Anyway, listen. I know what we did was wrong..
Yelena Belova: Why do you think that? That it was wrong?
Kate Bishop: I don't know.. I don’t think that friends should.. fuck..
Yelena Belova: Friends with benefits do.
Kate Bishop: Wait. What. You want to be friends with benefits?
Yelena Belova: Sure. Why not? I like what we did last night. Didn’t you?
Kate Bishop: I mean sure. I just didn’t think that we were friends I guess?

A flash of hurt crossed Yelena’s face but Kate was too busy peeling the label off her beer to notice it.

Yelena Belova: I thought we were friends…

Kate catches the pout that is now fashioned on the blonde’s face and immediately back tracks.

Kate Bishop: I mean yes, YES. Of course we are friends. I just didn’t think that you were going to stick around after Kingpin.
Yelena Belova: I haven’t thought about that. But definitely at least until I see all the sights.
Kate Bishop: Yea?
Yelena Belova: Yes, Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: So we are really doing this?
Yelena Belova: Only if you want to.
Kate Bishop: Wow. I mean if you trust me.. if part of you still wants me, then YES! I’m dying to give it to you. I love fucking you.

And there it was, something only cool, confident and dangerous Kate Bishop would dare say and it all but made Yelena’s insides start twisting and pulling with that familiar need. The mogul peeks up from her beer bottle and notices that Yelena’s cheeks are pink and she can’t help the smile that tugs at her lips.

Kate Bishop: So yes?
Yelena Belova: Definitely yes.
Kate Bishop: We should probably talk about some ground rules though.
Yelena Belova: Like not telling anyone?
Kate Bishop: I guess that makes sense. I don’t think Director Fury or Clint would be too happy about this. How about this one? We have to stick to our sparring and our recon missions? Kingpin is still a priority and I don’t want you distracted just because I give you mind blowing orgasms.

Yelena ponders for a brief moment what it would feel like to be a priority to Kate Bishop before flashing her a cheeky grin and retorting.

Yelena Belova: Oh Kate Bishop. If anything, we are probably going to go harder. I’m not going to let you get soft under my watch.
Kate Bishop: Fantastic! Any other rules?

Yelena shakes her head no and both fall back on their easy banter.

Chapter Text

Sometimes Kate felt pretty confidently that the universe was conspiring against her. Not in Paulo Coelho romantic way, but more in a ‘fuck you’ kinda way. She and Yelena had reached a rather kickass arrangement about their sexual predicament and of course the next few days had been an absolute shit show at Bishop Securities. Kate barely had time to train with Yelena when she wasn’t busy fighting fires at work. All that work and training didn’t leave much time for them to explore their new dynamics and the whole thing was absolutely killing Kate. She was positive that she would be the first death brought on by female blue balls.

But the week is slowly creeping to an end and Kate can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel, positive that tonight she would be able to explore the landscape that was Yelena’s stunning body. It was close to midnight on Wednesday, and Kate was now standing outside Yelena’s apartment. She knocked and waited as patiently as she could and when Yelena finally opened the door, she was a sight for sore eyes.

Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop!
Kate Bishop: Yelena Belova. Hi.
Yelena Belova: How did you find me?
Kate Bishop: Is that really the question that's on your mind?

This was a game that Kate enjoyed playing. She relished in the fact that the Russian desired her in an almost criminal way. Craved her even. She rejoiced in teasing Yelena, riling her up when the Avenger’s own desires were comparable to the Widow’s. A flash of annoyance flits across Yelena’s face before she goes to move, unceremoniously inviting the Avenger in.

Kate waltzes right in and Yelena absolutely loves that, how Kate walks in like she owns the damn place. Sure, in Yelena’s defence, Kate did own a lot of real estate but Yelena was certain that this wasn’t one of them. Well, fairly certain. Now standing in the middle of the room, and inspecting her perfectly manicured nails, the blonde tried to ooze nonchalance but failed almost immediately with the words that came out.

Yelena Belova: Feels like an eternity ago that certain promises were made.. but alas.. not delivered.
Kate Bishop: Yea. Sorry about that. Work has been shit. Also, who actually says alas??
Yelena Belova: People who have been conned out of a good time probably.
Kate Bishop: Ha. I’m sorry, okay? There was a crisis at work.

The young CEO was leaning against the back of the sofa, nursing a glass of whisky that she had helped herself to when she entered the apartment.

Yelena Belova: And it’s over now?
Kate Bishop: And it’s over now, yes.
Yelena Belova: Then why are you standing so far away, Kate Bishop?

Hearing Yelena’s words ring with authority, Kate muttered a low ‘fuck’ before finishing up her drink. She returns the glass to the table before sauntering over to Yelena, kissing her hard. One hand on the back of her head, the other on her ass, pulling Yelena as close to her as possible. Yelena was on her tiptoes to reach Kate’s face, kissing the brunette just as urgently.

Without reservations of any kind, Kate pushes Yelena against the wall and kisses her hungrily. Her hands are at the blonde’s waist, while Yelena reaches up to wrap her arms around her shoulders. Yelena is almost shocked at her audacity, and how quickly she shifts between goody two shoes Kate to sexy Kate but she doesn’t complain when the Avenger takes her bottom lip and sucks on it needily. When Yelena opens her mouth, Kate easily slips her tongue inside and massages it against Yelena’s tongue.

They kiss each other frantically now, walking backwards towards the bed. Kate sucks bruises onto Yelena’s neck while simultaneously undoing her jeans. In a heartbeat, she tugs them lower and the blonde wiggles it the rest of the way down before kicking them off and reaching for the top of Kate’s pants. They are gracefully chaotic, pressed against each other, grabbing at articles of clothing.

Kate Bishop: I like it when you’re impatient.
Yelena Belova: You didn’t give me much of an option Kate Bishop.

Yelena reaches over and hits the light switch and immediately the room is shrouded in darkness. Their silhouettes pressed against each other, kissing, moving, sighing together.

Kate Bishop: Hold on. Why’d you hit the lights? I want to see you.

Yelena froze for a millisecond. She hadn’t really thought this far ahead. In hind sight, it was stupid because of course sex was going to involve nudity. Yelena was wrestling with her thoughts when she felt Kate cupping her chin and lifting her face to meet hers in the darkness.

Kate Bishop: What’s wrong?
Yelena Belova: I.. have scars.
Kate Bishop: Okay and?
Yelena Belova: And I'm not sure if I'm ready to show them to you..

Yelena couldn’t recognize the person that she becomes whenever she was around Kate Bishop. This Yelena was always braver, forthcoming and open to new possibilities. She wished she could be like this all the time, instead of a shell of a person who was emotionally stunted. Kate was now kneeling before her, her palms on Yelena’s naked knees; the energy between them was different. It wasn’t urgent and hungry, this felt.. different. Safe.

Kate Bishop: Will you give me a chance? I’m not a complete asshole you know.

The comment made Yelena smile and so she nodded. Unsure if Kate had seen her nodding, Yelena reached over again and turned the lights back on. Instantly the light poured into the room and Yelena felt herself trapped in lover’s blue eyes. Kate lowered herself and cupped Yelena’s face, leaning in for a kiss. The kiss was so soft and gentle that the Widow felt herself melting into it. The kiss slowly became needy and urgent again as they scrambled to move up the bed and get comfortable without parting their lips.

Kate took off her bra before discarding it to the side of the room. She then takes Yelena’s hands and places them on her breasts, which elicits a moan from the blonde before they kiss more feverishly. Yelena kisses and nips at Kate’s pale flawless skin, paying extra attention to her rosy pink nipples and the valley between her breasts.

Kate Bishop: Can we take this off?

Kate’s hands were on the hem of Yelena’s crop top and Yelena breathed her yes against Kate’s lips. They pause the kissing for a moment to take off Yelena’s shirt and bra. Kate let her eyes trail the length of her lover’s body and sighed. Yelena’s body was perfection itself - her skin was gold like honey, and she had curves for days. Actual curves which made Kate’s breath hitch. Yelena was so soft, supple and warm but somehow underneath all this was so much strength. Kate knows because she still remembers when Yelena kicked her in the ribs and it hurt like a bitch.

Kate Bishop: You’re insane you know that?
Yelena Belova: What do you mean Kate Bishop?
Kate Bishop: Because you have no fucking clue how beautiful you are and how badly I want you.
Yelena Belova: You’re an idiot.
Kate Bishop: Mmhmm. An idiot who has somehow landed you in bed.

Yelena’s heart was expanding with this nonsensical banter and she couldn't help but grab Kate to shut her up with more lip locking. Kate’s fingers meanwhile trailed the scars that littered the assassin's body. She placed kisses on the ones that she could reach before finally latching her lips onto Yelena’s nipples. Fuck. And that felt beyond amazing. Over the past few weeks, the Avenger had tried valiantly to not stare at Yelena’s pebbled nipples whenever they would make an appearance. And now here Kate was, with Yelena’s nipple between her teeth, giving it a gentle bite and tug. Punishing them almost for driving her insane all this time.

She kissed and sucked on the other nipple, noting how much all this was turning Yelena on. Kate rolled on top of Yelena, their bodies now writhing together, discovering each other's pleasure spots. They both slotted their thighs against their centres and started grinding against each other. Soon their thighs were sticky and wet and there was just enough friction to rub their clits on. Yelena has her forehead pressed to Kate’s and her hands wrapped around her neck. She tries to take in the moment and can’t help but be amazed by how fucking hot it all is.

They move and moan together, eyebrows pinched. Kate looks into Yelena’s eyes and she stares back. The feeling of skin against skin is incredible, and everytime they adjust their tempo, Yelena’s eyes flutter shut. Kate tries to muster as much self control as she is capable of though, trying to hold on for just a little longer. It can’t be over yet, this feeling of teetering on the edge. Kate tightens her body, the growing tingling nearly uncontrollable as they slide and thrust their hips against each other. Kate moans loudly and leans her head back, her fingers clawing into Yelena’s supple skin.

Kate Bishop: I’m close.

Yelena moans her response and her whole body shudders as Kate presses her thigh forward and grinds hard against her swollen clit. They start moving faster now, moaning on every hip thrust and grind.

Kate Bishop: Cum for me.

On command, Yelena lets go and is saying every swear word that she can muster in Russian as she bucks her hips against Kate’s. They both cum hard, the anticipation having built up between them for way too long. They gradually slow they pace, panting against each other’s neck before their bodies go limp.

Yelena Belova: That was..
Kate Bishop: I know..
Yelena Belova: I can’t believe..
Kate Bishop: Me either..

The archer’s out of breath comments draw out a laugh from Yelena. Kate rolls over and covers her eyes with her forearm, shielding her eyes from the overhead light. Protected against Kate’s icy blues, Yelena’s eyes roam shyly over Kate’s panting form - Kate’s chest still flushed and heaving somewhat. Yelena’s heart was palpitating, knowing that she made the infamous Kate Bishop speechless.

¬¬¬

Kate wakes up a little disoriented. She blinked in the subtle light streaming through a window and only then noticed Yelena’s sleeping form, blonde hair spilling everywhere. It takes her a moment to remember where they are exactly and what took place last night on this very bed. Using her lithe body and long limbs to her advantage, Kate reaches for her trousers on the floor and fishes out her phone. She frowns when she sees the time but has a little smile splayed on her face when she sees that her first meeting for the day isn’t for another 3 hours. Ish.

She discards the phone on the side table and stretches, her eyes scanning Yelena’s back that is exposed to her, barely regarding the countless scars on otherwise perfect, supple skin. Scratch that. Scars or no scars, Yelena’s body is the personification of perfection and Kate is humbled that out of the 8 billion people on this flaming garbage can of a planet, Yelena is in bed with her - Kate Bishop. The idiot who was ‘yesterday’ years old when she discovered that what she thought was the praying emoji was in fact two people high-fiving. Definitely not a suitable emoji for the head of marketing who had to take a day off because his grandma died.

Yelena stirs a little and Kate is forced to focus on Yelena again. Drama queen..Kate thinks. It's like she knew I wasn’t obsessed with her for just one second. Kate smiles a little devilish smile before wrapping an arm around Yelena’s waist to pull her closer. Yelena scoots closer and instinctively wiggles her butt against Kate, eliciting a groan from the Avenger. Kate pulls the sheets down further to expose more of Yelena’s glorious body, dropping soft, open mouth kisses on her shoulder, her arm, then finally to her waist. Yelena hums a sleepy approval, moving back further to get impossibly closer to Kate.

Kate Bishop: Let me fuck you before I leave.

Kate’s mouth is now at Yelena’s ear. They fucked for the first time last night and its apparent that Kate hasn’t had enough. To be honest, Yelena hasn’t either.

Yelena Belova: You are insatiable Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: You’re probably not going to buy this, but it’s all your fault.
Yelena Belova: Mmm. You’re going to make me want you again and I’m still tired from last night.

There was some truth to what Yelena had said because she hardly slept the night before. Her sleep which was once plagued by the events of the Red Room were now filled with vivid pictures of the two of them, so when she feels Kate’s breath against her skin, her cheeks get hot and she nods her head. Kate wastes no time in finding her mouth. They open their mouths at the same time and their tongues meet, swirling around each other. Kate pulls away after a few minutes and plants wet kisses on Yelena’s neck, sucking and nipping at the skin, her hand slowly trailing lower and cupping Yelena’s cunt.

Yelena Belova: Eager are we?
Kate Bishop: Mmhmm. Let me fuck you.

Kate repeats the request, as she starts to rub Yelena’s clit in slow circles. Yelena hums a small moan and nods her head again. Kate kisses her deeply, before trailing her lips lower.. down to her breasts.. her stomach.. and finally shifting to place a kiss on Yelena’s hip. Her eyes finally meet Yelena’s soft hazel ones.

Kate Bishop: Let me see your ass.

Yelena smirks lightly, amused by this version of Kate Bishop, much like a horny teenager this early in the morning. Kate doesn’t move, barely giving Yelena space to turn around, relishing in the brief contact when pale skin meets tan skin. Yelena is now on all fours - she combs her wild mane over her right shoulder, stealing a look of Kate as she lowers her shoulders to the pillow before slowly shimmying her ass, knowing full well that Kate is transfixed on her. Yelena doubts that she has even felt remotely close to how vulnerable she feels right now, on all fours, splayed out for the one person she wants to show all of herself to. Hoping, wanting to be all that person could ever want in that moment.

Kate Bishop: Jesus. Yelena.
Yelena Belova: You like it?
Kate Bishop: Do you know how fucking amazing your ass is?
Yelena Belova: I’m starting to.

Kate leans over Yelena’s body, sucking on her earlobe and kissing her neck. Trailing hot kissing down her spine, her strong hands firm on the blonde’s hips. Yelena feels Kate shift on the bed, and suddenly Kate’s mouth is on her, her lips pressing onto her cunt from behind. Yelena gasps and lifts her head, but doesn’t move her body. She wonders if there is anything that Kate can do that won’t make her immediately want to combust.

This one move, one kiss has made Yelena wet and ready but Kate keeps kissing and licking, using the tip of her tongue carefully, expertly around Yelena’s sensitive folds. And then suddenly, her whole mouth is on Yelena’s cunt, wide, wet and hot, causing the blonde to shudder and moan into her pillow. Kate was eating her out like Yelena’s cunt was the ripest peach she could get her hands on.

Yelena Belova: Oh fuck..

Tingling heat pools in Yelena’s stomach, flaming her desires even more. She’s now moaning and her muscles are twitching under Kate’s persistent assault. Yelena calls out to Kate between deep breaths, and Kate stops, knowing full well what the tone means. Kate gives one last kiss to Yelena’s heated flesh before pulling away. She crawls to the top of the bed, beside Yelena and leans against the headboard.

Kate Bishop: Come here.

Yelena hadn’t even realised that Kate was now beside her. Or that it was raining when she looked out the balcony for a brief moment. The whole world could be crumbling and she wouldn’t realise it if Kate was there. Kate holds out her hand and Yelena understands what her lover wants so she crawls onto Kate’s lap, straddling her strong legs before cupping her face and kissing her passionately. The kiss makes Yelena’s insides do somersaults as she tastes herself on Kate’s lips. Kate’s hands are back on Yelena’s ass, kneading the flesh as Yelena arches her neck to offer more of herself for Kate to kiss.

The patter of rain was getting louder outside and Kate reached between them to trace her fingers around Yelena’s clit.

Kate Bishop: Fuck. You’re so wet.
Yelena Belova: And who’s fault is that hmm?
Kate Bishop: Mine hopefully.

Before Yelena could respond in the affirmative, Kate had pushed a finger into Yelena’s cunt. The slick wetness made her long digit slide right in. They both pause and groan into each other’s necks.

Yelena Belova: Blayt. (Fuck).

Everything felt so good that Yelena could probably cum from this sensation alone.. that was until Kate started pumping her finger in and out of her sopping wet cunt.. and then slowly introducing another finger to the mix. Yelena arched her back as she rode Kate’s fingers, now offering her breasts up to the brunette for her to devour, and devour them she did. Kate hungrily kissed, and sucked at her nipples. Tugging them gently with her teeth and sending shock waves down Yelena’s spine.

There was nothing else in the world that could have prepared Kate for the pleasure of being inside of Yelena. How warm, soft, wet and fucking perfect she was. The Avenger’s pupils were blown and she was breathing in sync with the Widow, groaning at every squeeze and twist she felt when Yelena jerked her hips.

Kate Bishop: God. How do you feel so fucking good?
Yelena Belova: You really love fucking me?
Kate Bishop: So fucking much.

Kate groans in response at Yelena’s neck without reservation, thinking about the conversation at the sports bar earlier this week. Yelena is now sliding up and down her fingers, hips meeting Kate’s.

Yelena Belova: Say my name again.

Yelena asks as she inches exponentially closer to her climax, arms desperately wrapped around Kate’s broad shoulders.

Kate Bishop: Yelena..

Kate whispers her name against her ear and that has Yelena clawing at her back and moving her hips more, grinding it down to take more of Kate’s fingers. Kate is now watching Yelena intently, mesmerised by her pleasure. Her laboured breath matches Yelena’s as she doubles her effort in thrusting her fingers up and grazing them against Yelena’s sweet spot. The move makes Yelena shudder, and her walls flutter around Kate’s fingers.

Yelena Belova: Oh fuckk..

Kate refocuses on Yelena’s breasts, kissing and sucking at her nipples again. She places her free hand on Yelena’s hip and grips hard, helping the blonde to move up and down and making sure to stroke the front wall just right to make Yelena shudder again.

Yelena Belova: You’re going to make me cum.
Kate Bishop: Do it baby.

The term of endearment isn’t lost on Yelena and she loses it. Crying out and whimpering as her cunt desperately squeezes around Kate’s fingers. Kate pulls Yelena close against her body and uses her thumb to press against her clit. With her neck pulsing so near to her mouth, Kate couldn't help but suck a hickey onto Yelena’s throat, bruising the skin there as Yelena was slowly riding out her high.

When the last waves of orgasm had shuddered their way out of Yelena, the blonde was still resting against Kate as she held her, her fingers still lodged deep within. Kate slowly pulled out, before cupping Yelena’s chin and kissing her deeply.

Yelena Belova: That was amazing.
Kate Bishop: You are amazing.

She slowly turned them both to her side so that they were now laying down facing each other. Kate gathered the sheets and pulled it up and over them and wrapped Yelena up in her arms. It didn't take long for them to fall asleep again.

¬¬¬

The second time Kate wakes up for the day, she is less disoriented as she definitely remembers where she is and who she was with. She peered down slowly to look at Yelena’s smooth face, gorgeous as ever as she slept. Not trusting her trecherous body to ‘not’ start another round of fucking, Kate pushes the thoughts of Yelena aside and climbs out of bed. The blonde doesn’t even stir. Kate walks to the little kitchenette and grabs a bottle of water.

Picking up her clothes that were strewn across the little studio, Kate gets dressed and is about to leave when she realises that her phone is by the bed. She approaches the bed quietly and picks it up, popping it into her pocket before striding back over to the front door. Yelena is still fast asleep and this is a fact that amuses Kate greatly. She opens the door and gently closes it behind her, needing to head over to her penthouse for a shower, a fresh set of clothes before heading into work for that meeting.

Chapter Text

Yelena was just about to head up the carpeted stairs to help Kate when the Avenger, and Kingpin burst through the closed office door. Spectre and Kingpin are still tangled together when Kingpin trips and falls down the stairs with Kate in tow. The mob boss crashes against the bannister while Kate is flung further and slams against a coin slot machine. The machine starts flashing and dinging and coins start falling around Kate.

Spectre: Whoa.. I'm either heavily concussed, or I just hit the jackpot.

xxxxx

Earlier that night, Yelena and Kate had met up when the sun went down. The culmination of their collective effort over the past month had brought them here, to the location of Kingpin’s current hideout. They had staked out the facility for two days now and the comings and goings of the people within it. They ran recon from a nearby rooftop and largely were silent except to solidify their plans of operation and the pair had agreed that they would strike tonight before the mob boss moved to a different hideout. Kate and Yelena had found that there wasn’t a single track suit moron in sight, which made sense because after weeks of consistent attacks, the duo had all of them in various stages of recovery at the hospital downtown. That didn’t stop Kingpin from being surrounded by hired guns though, a militia in its own right had set up base at the building.

Kate was well aware that Steve and Peter, well most of the Avengers for that matter don't believe in killing the quite cliched villains that run amok in the world, not if they can help it anyway. But Kate was different, Kate always went after the worst of the worst and Kate really really wanted to kill Kingpin. He had a reign of terror over New York for long enough and it was time to put a stop to it.

With not a tiny amount of guilt, Kate wishes, she really does that it wasn't Yelena who was with her tonight. As much as she was excited to see this thing through, she wish Yelena was far away from her, somewhere far, somewhere safe. It was the same reason why she hadn’t even thought about asking Clint to be here tonight. As much as Clint hated Kate’s extra curricular activities, Kate knows that he would show up for her if she needed him to and he does help her out in other ways that Kate allows him to.

Kate shudders at the thought of Director Fury or Maria Hill finding out about what she’s been up to and quickly decides to shove them out of her mind. She really can’t be worrying about that now, she needs to focus on Kingpin and on keeping Yelena safe. Just being on this rooftop with the young assassin was getting to be a bit much. Their endless flirting was becoming a rather big distraction for the Avenger and she begs her mind to stop thinking about Yelena for just one second. To stop thinking about how they’ve practically fucked all over the penthouse by now.

It's crazy, this connection that they shared. Kate must be crazy. She knows the Widow intimately now, more than she ever meant to in the first place - knows about her horrible eating habits, her obsession with fashion, and her low opinion on the ‘hero types’. But despite this, the Avenger’s eyes lingers on Yelena a little longer than intended and Yelena catches her looking, and gives her a soft shy smile. It’s something that Kate admires honestly, Yelena has her emotions quite plainly displayed if you knew where to look. If you took the time to learn her tells.

For instance, Yelena’s increased silence as she crouches low and keeps watch - hunched over and tiredly peeking over towards their target, is her anxiety manifesting itself. The brunette can tell from the clench of her fists, from the way she bites her lip, and that she was trying to use her brute strength to force her way through whatever emotions being close to the Avenger was provoking. Kate was always aware that this was a temporary thing, that they were always counting down to this moment right here. But once Kingpin was done with, where would it leave them both? Yelena barely said anything about her plans after all of this and Kate can feel the tension radiating off of her.

To be honest, Kate was terrified of whatever inner war the Russian was battling with herself lately whenever they were together, but she feels the tiniest bit relieved everytime a chance for them to actually talk gets stolen. Stolen by Yelena’s secret missions, by S.H.I.E.L.D, by Bishop Securities, by their combined cowardice. Kate’s not that fractured though, it's not like she hadn’t wished that they hadn’t had such a jagged start to whatever this was between them. They just met a month ago, and just started fooling around a week ago and already Kate feels like their chances of ever being ‘something’ was drawing to an end.

It was growing darker now and Kate was feeling tired of the silence aside from the dutiful hum of distant traffic. She exhales through her nose and side eyes Yelena, who was checking her gear again and fastening on silencers to her guns. Kate so desperately wanted to lighten the mood and tease Yelena, so she tried.

Kate Bishop: Nervous?
Yelena Belova: Well we have been sitting here awhile Kate Bishop.

Kate could chastise the blonde’s restlessness, not even caring about the anxiety from mere seconds ago but she doesnt. She doesn’t because Yelena sure as hell already knows how important timing is. Finally the timing was right and it was time to make a move. Yelena leans almost exageratedly over the ledge of the building, before abruptly jumping down on her own. Kate barely avoids squawking.

Kate Bishop: What are you doing?

Yelena glances around herself then looks up expectantly at Spectre, bringing up her hand, the young Widow beckons Spectre closer with one finger in a clear ‘come here’ gesture. Kate just groans internally and leaps down, landing in a crouched hero pose. She can feel Yelena’s gaze studying her in the almost searing way it drags across her body. Despite a ‘like what you see?’ fighting to claw itself out, Kate clamps down and complains instead.

Kate Bishop: I said to wait for my signal.

Ducking behind a garbage bin and dragging Yelena with her, Kate spits out.

Kate Bishop: Three guards. 10 o’clock. You distract. I’ll incapacitate.
Yelena Belova: Distract? How?
Kate Bishop: I don't know. Be you. Just louder.

The Russian raises an eyebrow at her partner’s sarcasm, opening her mouth to say something when she gives up and simply nods.

Yelena Belova: I’ll have them lining themselves up for you.

In a blink of an eye, Spectre is slinking away into the shadows and Yelena is thoroughly impressed. Not many vigilantes are capable of doing what Kate does on a daily basis, and yet here she is, vanishing while Yelena was just looking at her. Shaking the well-earned thoughts of admiration that only slightly deepened her infatuation with Kate, Yelena pulls out a taser disk from her wrist attachment and throws it at a conveniently placed streetlamp, grinning cheekily to herself about the property damage as she watches the lamp shatter.

The sudden darkness had the men on high alert as they struggled to see. The Widow then casually walks out of the alley, revealing herself to the guards. She has her arms up in a surrender position and one soldier immediately starts approaching her.

Guard 1: Hey, you shouldn't be here.
Yelena Belova: Would you believe me if I said I was lost?
Guard 2: On your knees, now.

Yelena has stopped walking now, she was just a few metres from the front door that the men were guarding. She slowly gets onto her knees and the first guy gets behind her, pulling her wrists together to secure them with a zip tie.

Yelena Belova: Alright, alright. Don’t get testy.

With sharp eyes, the Widow focuses on the two men before her, they had their shoulders pressed together. She decides to call them Thing One and Thing Two in her head. They are slightly obscured in the darkness but she can make out exactly where they are. She could also see Spectre sneaking up on them from around the corner and her heart drops just a tad in fear for Kate. Of course, the fear is unfounded, as Spectre was practically bullet proof and not even a moment passed before Spectre had absolutely cut down the men.

Like a wraith, Spectre leaps out at the two men and there’s no trace of fear or doubt in her body language. Yelena sees complete resoluteness as she jumps on Thing One who is the closest, using his hip as a stepping stool for herself to do a spinning kick on Thing Two, who’s out cold now. Realising belatedly that they are under attack, Thing Three makes his move, but before the nozzle of his gun can touch Yelena’s temple, a throwing knife from Spectre’s boot had lodged itself in his chest. Not wanting to miss out, Thing One gets up just in time to be slashed to ribbons with Spectre’s retractable sword.

Kate holds out her hand and pulls Yelena up.

Spectre: There are three main entrances. The main one in the front, a loading dock in the back, and a small entrance on the side of the building. I’ll take the back, you take the side?
Yelena Belova: Works for me.
Spectre: Stay low. Stay silent.

Yelena gives a curt nod and they make their move. Creeping towards the right side of the building where sure enough, they find a locked door. Kate runs ahead as Yelena pulls out her lock picking set. Just as she was about to pick the lock, the door suddenly swings open and a guard comes out with a pack of cigarettes. Coming out from behind the door, Yelena covers his mouth as she fires two shots into his gut. The soldier slumps to the ground, motionless and the Widow tries the door handle. It clicks open and Yelena smirks as she moves in stealthily.

By this time, Kate had run along the shadows of the building and reached the back. She spots two heavily armed soldiers and makes quick work of them with her sword. Silently she slipped through the loading bay. The side hallway she had entered was dark, though she could see lights and people passing through the main hallways. There were doors lining the walls, though she had no idea which ones lead to what. Making her way through each room systematically, she took note of what she found.

The first few doors she tried, there wasn’t much there, but the later ones had her stumbling on stacks upon stacks of crates and the last room had a few men in them that she took care of quickly. She still hadn’t heard any commotion, so she was fairly certain that Yelena was fine. As she crept through the hallways, she took out whoever crossed her path except that one time where she had actually bumped into Yelena.

Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop, fancy meeting you here.
Spectre: You doing okay?

Yelena cracked her neck and reloaded both her guns, before wiping her temple against the material of her suit.

Yelena Belova: Staying low and staying quiet.
Spectre: Okay, you clear this floor, I’m heading up.

Before Yelena could respond, Kate is already breezing past her into the dark corridor that opened up for them. The blonde was barely turning the corner when she saw the Avengers stepping up some stairs leading into even more darkness. Holstering her guns the Widow pulls out her baton and makes her way to the front of the building. The hallway opens up to a large space that was filled with things from a casino. There were rows and rows of slot machines, roulette and baccarat tables. In the middle of the room, she sees a few militia men crowded around a table playing cards. Yelena smirks before making herself known.

xxxxx

As quiet as a phantom, the Avenger bounds up the stairs, and finds herself in what looked to be a receiving back room when the storage facility had still been functional. It was furnished with a desk made of warping grey wood and a wall of pegs that had once held the punch cards of the employees. Now, the room was scattered with half filled boxes of ammunition and partly assembled rifles. No sooner had she looked around, when three of the militia guards came sprinting into the room like a pack of overzealous dogs. And they all had their weapons drawn.

The first of the three didn’t even clear the doorway before he was met with a throwing knife to the throat. He immediately collapsed into a heap of twisted limbs flailing uselessly in a growing pool of blood. His partners fumbled to make it over him without falling, buying Spectre enough time to vault herself at them, kicking their guns free and sinking her push daggers into the heart of the second guy and the ear of the third guy.

She barely breaks her stride as she steps over their twitching and bleeding forms, wiping her daggers against her suit before sheating them. The Avenger enters a long, metal walled room full of old computers. She didn’t have long to contemplate as the commotion at the entryway had drawn the attention of Kingpin himself as he appeared before the Avenger. He easily stood almost seven feet tall and his head was shaved to an almost varnished sheen. He was dressed in his trademark white suit, with every inch of his unnaturally bulging arms rippling under the material. There was a cigar that was hanging off of his lips, and the sweet smoky aroma of tobacco and spices permeated the room they were in.

Kate narrowed her eyes and sized her opponent up as he did the same, though obviously with far less care. He was so used to crushing his opponents. He made a show of flexing his thick fingers around a pair of brass knuckles as he scoffed at her.

Kingpin: Back for round two already?
Spectre: What? You didn’t miss me?

It wasn’t a question. Kate felt her own rage returning unbidden to slither through her words like a venomous snake. They were about five feet apart now and began circling, Kate was now brandishing her sword.

Kingpin: I’m going to pound that pretty face of yours into mulch, and leave you to the coyotes.

He lunged at her and just like Kate remembered it, he was surprisingly quick for his hulking size. But not quick enough for an Avenger. Kate nimbly dodged his charge before swiftly twisting out of the way. Kingpin however pivoted in time to connect the fist with the brass knuckle to her side and Kate registered a dull pain to her rib. The force of the punch had her suit glowing at her torso momentarily before the suit rigidified and protected its wearer from further assault.

She leapt back and slashed at the attacking arm, but succeeded in only slicing air and allowing herself to be reeled in by his other hand. He grabs her wrist and twists it until she drops her sword. Kingpin thinks that he would have a repeat of what happened the weeks prior, where he could fling Spectre around like a ragdoll. That would have been the case if not for the fact that there was no official directive to hold back Spectre this time. With both of his meaty arms now wrapped around her torso, he lifts her off the ground and squeezes. In retaliation, Kate has her hands on his face now, clawing her fingers into his eyeballs and that has him thrashing all over the room. Using all her might, she coils her long legs around his torso and hangs on as he squeezes her body tight. If it wasn’t for her suit, her body would be crushed by Kingpin’s brute power.

In an effort to stop her, Kingpin slams Spectre against the wall but she’s still digging into his eyes. The pain, now unbearable, has him walking blindly while trying to pry her off and that's when he trips and goes crashing through the door and rolling down the stairs to the front of the building with Kate in tow. The mob boss crashes against the bannister while Kate is flung further and slams against a coin slot machine. The machine starts flashing and dinging and coins start falling around Kate.

Spectre: Whoa.. I'm either heavily concussed, or I just hit the jackpot.

Before she can stand, he is on her again. Yelena is frozen for a moment and just watches as Kingpin lifts Kate up by the hood of her suit. Gaining purchase on the Avenger, he tries choking her this time, wrapping his strong hands around her windpipe. Seeing Kate dangling in the air causes Yelena to snap out of it. The Widow adjusts her grip on her baton and runs towards him, attacking him with it but it was useless. She tries zapping him with her Widow bites and that too barely made him flinch. The blonde was just about to unholster both her glocks when Spectre’s face mask opens up and both her and Kingpin are surprised for a second. Kate lets him see the fear on her face as the fear slowly morphed into anger. The Avenger was so close to his face that she could smell the whisky and cigar on his breath as well as his cologne.

Kate struggles for a while, letting him think he’d felt the full force of her strength before suddenly taking her hands off his grip. Stretching her arms, she reaches for her push daggers before bringing them forward and sticking them deep into either side of his neck. She pushes the blades in and pulls the lever so the daggers would cut away at his flesh. The crafty move is rewarded with a shocked gurgle and a shower of warm, thick blood onto his suit and her face. Kate withdraws the daggers out slowly, slicing any remaining arteries or tendons in the way.

He doesn’t collapse all at once like his guards, and he still has Kate lifted up for a few more seconds before falling to the ground. He was on his knees now, but still towering before her as his hands slowly released their grip around her throat. She is covered with more spurts of brilliant red blood but she doesn't flinch. She doesn’t move, save to lick the blood from her lips and spit on the ground next to his giant, crumpled body.

Yelena and Kate stand still for a moment. Breathless. It was done. It was finally over. The Widow pulls out her phone to make a call. Kate takes a moment to look at the almost severed head of Kingpin. This was for her father.

They had about 20 minutes to kill and so got to cleaning up the building. Pulling out any throwing knives or daggers that were dropped or lost during the fight. They were almost done when there was a knock on the door and Kate’s helmet automatically flits shut around her head. Yelena goes to open it and lets Sonya in. Walking into the foyer, the second Widow nods her head, as if to admire the absolute state of ruin the storage facility was in thanks to Yelena and Kate. Kate was wiping her daggers clean when Sonya finally siddles up next to her, sticking out her hand.

Sonya: Kate Bishop, Widow clean up crew at your service.

Kate throws a glance at Yelena, slightly admonishing her for sharing her identity with Sonya before returning her attention to the chirpy widow in front of her. Her helmet flits open, revealing herself to the petite Widow.

Kate Bishop: You must be Sonya.

Kate takes her hand and squeezes it gently. Offering the friendly Widow an amiable smile.

Sonya: You guys really went to town on him huh?

Sonya mentions as she places both her hands on her hips. It was then that Kate noticed that Sonya was aptly dressed in overalls, truly prepared to clean up the mess before her.

Kate Bishop: You sure you’re up to this?
Sonya: Yes. Yelena told me. Squeaky clean. Without a trace. No one will know what happened to Kingpin.
Kate Bishop: Good. Thank you. I owe you one.
Sonya: Actually. On the contrary Kate Bishop, it is I who owe you one.

The Widow replies vaguely before turning her attention to Yelena. Wanting to give them some privacy, Kate heads outside the facility. Across the street she spots a van, with a couple of women lingering nearby in similar overalls to that Sonya was wearing. Kate throws them a casual nod before walking back to her jeep which was parked a stone’s throw away.

Yelena Belova: Thank you Sestra.
Sonya: She is cuter than I thought. You have been holding out Lena.
Yelena Belova: Shut up.
Sonya: Are you sure you don’t want to tell her? She could be a powerful ally.

The blonde immediately tenses up. She pulls off her gloves and stuffs them into her pocket and zips them up.

Yelena Belova: That is not her burden to carry.

Sonya frowns but nods in agreement anyway. Of course Yelena was not going to involve Kate Bishop in their Widow project. She had only had this same argument with Yelena a hundred times. How Kate Bishop could be of great help in releasing the subjugated Widows and how together, they might even be able to bring the Red Room down. But Yelena can never be persuaded as much and to an extent, Sonya supposes that if she had someone who made her happy, she wouldn’t want to risk bringing them into Dreykov’s crosshairs either.

Chapter Text

Before they parted ways that night, Yelena, Sonya and Kate had agreed to meet the following night if the coast was clear. So when Kate woke up that morning, she was more than pleased to hear that there was not a single peep about the storage facility. No chatter, no buzz. This was more than fine with Kate because she didn't think that Fisk needed more airtime than what he already got. The Widows had delivered on their promise, the cleanup had been thorough. Sonya had picked a club for the meet up, which was apt since it was New Years eve. It would be crowded enough and open late enough for the three to catch up. Although not exactly up Kate Bishop, C.E.O’s alley, there was a lightness in Kate’s heart today that she entertained.

When Yelena and Sonya had showed up at the club, they spotted Kate already in the midst of the throngs of party goers. Kate was sidled up against the bar, talking to some random girl who was clearly hitting on her. Yelena observed that Kate was wearing black skinny jeans with a matching leather jacket and a Yankees baseball cap. She also had on her white converse for a pop of colour. The assassin was mildly amused as she wasn’t aware that the young heiress even owned a single pair of ripped jeans given how put together Kate Bishop was every time she had met her.

Much to their amusement, Kate hadn’t even noticed Yelena and Sonya sauntering up to the bar or that they had been avidly looking at her. In Kate’s defence, the club was having a throwback night to songs from the early 2000s, an era in time that had its fair share of bomb beats that Kate loved grooving to. When Yelena and Sonya had finally made their way to the bar and got Kate’s attention, she flashed them a thousand megawatt smile before leaning close to Yelena to get her drink order.

After ordering all of them a round of beers, the three slipped into easy conversation. Sonya had mercifully decided to play nice and not tease Yelena about her clear infatuation with the Avenger. That however didn’t mean that she wasn’t needling at Kate Bishop, cajoling little pieces of personal information that one would out of a friend’s crush. Much to the blonde's amusement, Kate Bishop too was on her best behaviour and obliged the petite Widow, answering every question, laughing at every joke that Sonya made and overall being the charming devil that Yelena knew she was capable of being. Sonya was now prodding the Avenger about her dating history.

Sonya: What about Daisy Edgar-Jones?
Kate Bishop: Nope.
Sonya: What?? There was that entire article in People about the two of you canoodling!

The Russian’s accent wrapped around her words and made Kate smile. She was more than aware of how the accents of Widows would harden when either drunk or passionate.

Kate Bishop: On the contrary. Never met her actually.
Sonya: Alright, what about Chloe Grace Moretz?

Kate just flashed a smile and pretended to lock her lips together before proceeding to throw away the key while Sonya widened her eyes at the bashful admittance. The pair continued amicably while Yelena was more than content just watching their interaction. She had a hunch that Sonya would get along with the Avenger, but seeing them riffing off each other still made her heart sing. In the midst of more questions from the petite Widow, a song that Kate recognized plays through the speakers and she actually points at the speakers in recognition while bobbing her head. She looks directly at the blonde for the first time that night.

Kate Bishop: Let’s dance.
Yelena Belova: I’m not really the dancing kind.

Kate rolled her eyes and turned to Sonya who surprisingly accepted. The song started pulsing through the speakers and Kate could barely contain her excitement. She takes hold of Sonya’s hand and pulls her into the dance floor and soon the two were dancing really close. Out of curiosity, the blonde pulls out her phone to Soundhound the song and learns that it was called The Way I Are (by Timbaland, Keri Hilson, D.O.E). Shifting her eyes back at her friends in the middle of the dance floor, she catches Sonya’s hand seductively trailing down Kate’s throat.

The Widow was fairly certain that Sonya was purposely trying to rile her up by placing her hands around Kate’s neck. Nonetheless, the action was more than enough to bring out Yelena’s jealousy and she found herself gripping the beer bottle a lot tighter every time Sonya threw her proximity to the Avenger in the blonde's face. The song was playing dully in the back of her mind as the blonde's annoyance grew when Kate placed her hands on Sonya’s hips, keeping her close as they swayed and bobbed to the music together.

Yelena hazel eyes were growing more green with envy seeing her Kate Bishop dancing with Sonya - a famed Black Widow. She huffed thinking about how Kate hadn’t even paused to think that maybe the Black Widow would take her hand off for touching her. No. Damn Kate Bishop and her stupidly sexy self confidence. Yelena nursed her beer while she watched the Avenger, clearly in her element. She was bobbing her head to the left and to the right, her beautiful brown locks swaying with her. Occasionally she would smile cheekily while singing out certain parts of the lyrics, and move in a way that mimed the words of the song.

The beat of the song was rhythmic and thumping, the rich bass hammering against the walls and creating a lively atmosphere at the club as all the other patrons were also lost in the song. Focusing on the faces of her two friends, Yelena saw their cheerful disposition as their bodies continued jiving to the music. At one part, Sonya had her back leaning into Kate’s front and Yelena wondered if that was absolutely necessary.

Kate Bishop: You think we’ve caught her eye yet?

Sonya merely giggles, making sure to do so in an exaggerated way as she leaned into the crook of the Avenger's neck, her long eyelashes leaving butterfly kisses on Kate’s throat. When the song finally ends to Yelena’s relief, the couple returns to the bar, with Sonya now swaying and slowly leading them back as another song starts playing over the speakers. Kate immediately reaches for her beer while winking at Yelena.

Yelena Belova: Song got you thirsty huh?
Kate Bishop: Oh you have no idea..
Sonya: Kate! Yelena never told me what a great dancer you are!
Kate Bishop: Ha ha thanks, I guess I have layers..

Both Kate and Sonya break out into laughter much to Yelena’s chagrin. They continue their conversation again, sometimes having to yell over the music to hear what was being said. Yelena tried not to let her mind wander everytime Kate leaned in closer to hear what she was saying, finding the mix of her sweat and her perfume to be absolutely intoxicating. Sometime later, another song comes on that absolutely hypes Kate up, it starts with some guitar strumming and as usual, Yelena has no idea what song it was. Kate offers her hand to Yelena, but again she declines to dance. Kate rolls her eyes at Sonya as she proceeds to grab Yelena by her wrist and drag her to the dance floor anyway.

Kate stays close to Yelena and dances, again mouthing the wording of the song and miming some of the words in her dance. She was being really cute and charming and Yelena was finding her resolve melting slowly watching Kate’s antics.

The middle of the night (oh)
Is he gonna be by your side? (no no)
Or will he run and hide?
You don't know 'cause things ain't clear
And baby when you cry (oh no)
Is he gonna stand by your side? (no no)
Does the man even know you're alive?

The brunette comes close and puts her baseball cap on Yelena’s head as she looks her dead in the eyes and sings a part of the song out:

I got an idea
Why don't you be my girlfriend? (oh, yeah yeah)
I'll treat you good (I'll treat you good girl)
I know you hear your friends when they say you should
Baby, 'cause if you were my girlfriend
I'd be your shining star
The one to show you where you are
Girl you should be my girlfriend

Yelena finally relents and lets loose, placing Kate’s hands on her hips as they dipped and swayed together. The smooth song really gets the blonde in the mood as she presses her body against Kate’s body. They were stepping together now, twirling like electricity was coursing through their veins. There was a hypnotic rhythm to the way the pair swayed, their movement a physical poem almost.

xxxxx

It was way past 4 a.m and the club was closing soon. Between the three of them, Kate had lost count of the amount of drinks that they have had. Kate was amused with two very adamant Black Widows before her who insisted that they should continue drinking at the penthouse and that it very much ‘wasn’t’ a party. Kate called her town car and soon enough they were cruising past the streets of New York which were very much alive with the on-going new year celebrations. On and off, fireworks could still be heard in the distance.

Kate wasn’t sure if it was the adrenaline from before, all the alcohol, or the presence of Sonya but Yelena was being handsy in the car ride back, almost making her way up the Avenger’s lap demanding attention. Kate was having a good time with Sonya but she almost wished that it was just her and Yelena so she could go home and rail the blonde. Her brain kept telling her that it would be the perfect way to end such an amazing night.

Soon enough they were in the penthouse and the ‘not party’ was bumping. Kate had put on some nice club mix to keep the clubbing vibes going while the Widows made themselves comfortable by shucking off their jackets and shoes. She had also brought out some good whisky that made both Yelena and Sonya cheer after apparently having to endure a night of crap American beer. Sonya goes to grab the bottle but Kate pulls away and the petite Widow frowns.

Kate Bishop: Ah ah ah. You heathens need to at least know what this is so you can appreciate it.
Yelena Belova: A history lesson? Now Kate Bishop?
Kate Bishop: Yes. This. This bottle right here is going to make this night memorable.

Kate brings the bottle that she had been holding out of Sonya reach lower now, presenting the bottle to the cheeky Widows.

Sonya: Dammit. Sorry Lena. I’m kinda curious now.
Kate Bishop: That's more like it.
Yelena Belova: Okay okay. All ears. Tell us why it’s special.

The trio were now gathered in the living room where Kate places the bottle and three NEAT whisky glasses on the coffee table. Her eyes glowed with mischief of her own as she presented the bottle more dramatically like a magician would, with the right amount of flourish and prestige. Yelena tried not to focus on how she found the Avenger carrying three glasses in one hand sexy and valiantly tried focusing on the Avenger’s words and not her long, slender fingers.

Kate Bishop: This is a Macallan Peter Blake, it's from a cask seasoned with sherry. It was bottled in 1926 and aged for exactly 60 years in the Speyside distillery. Out of the total 40 bottles produced, there were only two that were auctioned off in blank bottles. And this right here.. is one of those. Acquired by one Derek Bishop when it was bottled in 1986.

Yelena lets out a low whistle in appreciation of the year while also thinking that it’s appropriate that they drink this today. In honour of Derek Bishop.

Sonya: Holy shit Kate. How much did this set you guys back for?
Kate Bishop: Well I’m not exactly sure how much it was purchased for, but today? It could probably fetch about a million dollars.

Sonya almost falls off the couch hearing the price while Yelena’s eyes almost pop out in disbelief as she carefully takes the bottle from Kate to study it - the bottle itself looked magical and there was more to appreciate than just its rarity.

Yelena Belova; This is so cool!!
Sonya: I don’t want to be the wet blanket or anything, but are you sure?
Kate Bishop: Of course. What’s the point of fancy liquor if I can’t share it?

Kate moves to action, opening the bottle up and pouring out 2 fingers per person. Being a purist, she keeps the whisky neat, just how she drinks any liquor. Once they each had their glass, both the Widows looked at Kate, as if expecting a toast and so Kate obliges them. After thinking for a few seconds, she adds:

Kate Bishop: May we never go to hell.. but always be on our way. Vashe zdorov’ye! (Cheers!)
Yelena Belova / Sonya: Vashe zdorov’ye!!

Taking a whiff of the whisky, Kate notes the aroma that is rich in dried fruits and spices. She also picks up hints of orange and clove. After the trio took their respective first sips, they were all blown away by the long, rich oak finish that had traces of cinnamon. Yelena felt the mood was very relaxed and it felt really easy to just let loose in the comfort of home, being safe and surrounded with people that she trusted her life with. It was an addictive feeling, liberating. Not having to care for once. Not having to look over her shoulders. Not having to wonder if the Red Room was closing in. No, none of that was in Yelena’s head right now - all that space was currently occupied by Kate Bishop and Sonya.

They had moved the heavy coffee table out of the way and were all on the floor now, comfortably sprawled out on the lush carpeting and propped up against throw pillows of various shapes and sizes. The trio were playing some kind of drinking game or another and Yelena refills the billionaire's glass again.

Kate Bishop: Are you trying to get me drunk Belova?

Kate asks, looking up with a grin and Yelena is staring at her, mouth opened wide to express her shock. Her eyes roamed over Kate Bishop, her easy position on the floor next to her in just her plain white tee and ripped jeans, long legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles. The blonde shakes her head at how fucking sexy Kate looked, she was effortlessly sexy. She shakes her head again and laughs.

Yelena Belova: I'd do no such thing!
Kate Bishop: No need for all that anyway. I've already got the hots for you.

Kate retorts and Yelena knows exactly what she is talking about. Sonya pipes up, scooting closer to the other two.

Sonya: Gah. I’m literally obsessed with you. Where the fuck do you meet all these good looking people?

Sonya asks, gesturing at Kate while looking at Yelena. Kate quirks an eyebrow at her frankness but knows that she isn’t all peaches herself. Yelena can tell that Kate was a little fucked up too. They weren’t drunk yet, but were cross faded for sure and they liked it, being in this sweet spot where it felt like anything was possible and there could be no wrong decisions.

Yelena Belova: Kate has gotten cuter since Christmas.
Kate Bishop: Oh really?
Sonya: And way, way hotter than on TV. It’s a wonder you two took so long to fuck. Just hearing the stories.. Wooh..

The assassin was pretending to fan herself while shamelessly flirting with Kate, who wasn’t bothered by it at all. She knows the effect that she has on people and to be honest, Sonya was pretty attractive herself. Kate did find it amusing though that Yelena had dissected every one of their encounter with Sonya. She wondered how much Sonya knew.

Kate Bishop: I didn't know that you guys talked about me.
Yelena Belova: Don't worry. Only the interesting bits.
Sonya: Yea, like all the stories that end with toe curling orgasms!
Kate Bishop: Jesus..

Kate almost chokes on her drink, this is only her second time meeting Sonya but she was slowly learning of the younger girl's playful character and her sharp wit. The way Yelena was behaving tonight though? That's a whole other thing. Kate hasn't known her to be this open and brash and it made the Avenger wonder how many other facets to Yelena that she wasn’t aware of. The billionaire runs her hand through her hair and looks away smiling. Her cheeks were a bit flushed as she took another sip of her whisky, something dangerous dancing behind her icy blue eyes. Yelena who was watching her this entire time sighs dramatically.

Yelena Belova: See. She looks so effortless good!
Sonya: We have already established that Kate is hot as hell. Question is.. what do we do about it?

At this juncture, the blonde leaned conspiratorially towards her best friend, and whispered not so discreetly.

Yelena Belova: I think.. we should kiss for Kate Bishop. Something tells me that she’d like it a lot.

At this point, both of the Avenger's eyebrows shoot up and she watches the Black Widow’s antics with a curious expression, neither confirming nor denying her allegation. Sonya didnt need to be asked twice as she crawls over closer to where Yelena was sitting, leaning into her body, and once Yelena gives her a little nod - she’s kissing her. Yelena’s body is immediately responding, inflaming her insides. The kiss goes on for a while and Kate can't look away.. and for a moment, both Widows forget where they are. Yelena opens her eyes and meets Kate’s gaze, who was watching without reservations and biting her lip with a light blush across her cheeks.

Yelena doesn’t take her eyes off of Kate, still deeply kissing Sonya as their hands begin to roam. When they break apart, both their eyes are coated in lust, the alcohol clearly causing trouble. And honestly, Yelena doesn’t give a shit. She doesn’t think that any one of them does. They are consenting adults who are having fun, no shame in that. Both the Widows look at Kate and Sonya decides for the whole fucking group, grabbing the Avenger’s arm and tugging her closer. She pulls Kate towards them and Yelena is gone. The blonde kisses Kate with an earnestness that she didn’t know herself capable of and Kate returns the kiss with the same amount of enthusiasm.

Sonya quickly joins in, biting Yelena’s bottom lip before kissing Kate. Yelena watches them kiss and her hand fists Kate’s shirt at her lower back, a switch flipping inside of her. She was so ready to explore this new dynamics between them. Kate’s eyebrows are knit so gently that the blonde almost doesn’t notice, but when she does, she knows what Kate is thinking. ‘Do I let this happen?’. Right when the thought crosses her mind, Kate’s eyes flicker to Yelena. She doesn’t say anything, not a ‘yes’, not a ‘no’ and not a ‘holy fucking shit’ but her expression says it all. Her eyes are burning, and Yelena can tell that Kate wants this. Soon they were a tangled set of limbs, chaotically stripping and throwing their clothes all about the living room.

Sonya: Oh wow..

Sonya had broken the kiss, licking her lips while running her fingers delicately over Kate’s toned stomach and Yelena is glad that she can share this moment with her best friend because how else was anyone going to know how fucking hot Kate Bishop truly is? Sonya’s petite body was pressed flush against Kate’s while Yelena was behind her, planting hot kisses to the Widow’s neck and drawing little gasps and moans out of her.

A few moments later, Kate’s on her back, and both Yelena and Sonya were kissing their way up her body after peeling off her jeans. Yelena was kissing Kate’s inner thighs and looking at her from under her eyelashes and when their eyes met, Kate bites her bottom lip again. While Yelena was teasing Kate with her lips, Sonya was still not done worshipping the Avenger’s abs - sucking bruises onto her warm skin. Nipping and sucking on her pale skin and sometimes grazing her teeth across a hard muscle or line.

Kate felt like she had died and gone to heaven, groaning with one hand on each Widow’s head, pushing and pulling as needed. She was loving every minute of the lavish attention that was being bestowed upon her body. Her breathing gets shakier as the Widows take turns on her, the Avenger’s hold getting a little more harsh as they hungrily suck, lick and tease every inch of her. With two drop dead beauties worshipping her, it doesn’t take long before Kate is pulling Sonya up her body, kissing her deeply. Pulling away and kissing the shell of her ear now, Kate whispers:

Kate Bishop: I want to see you eat Yelena out.

Sonya’s eyes open and she smiles wickedly, leaving Kate’s embrace to move towards her friend. Yelena gives Kate a devilish grin and positions herself, spreading her legs lightly as Sonya crawls between her legs. Yelena’s eyes flicker to the Avenger and she catches the small smile on the billionaire’s face. Sonya reaches down and slides Yelena’s panties down her thighs and calves, tossing them aside.

The blonde leans up on her elbows just in time to see Sonya’s tongue lick up her flesh. Yelena gasps and curls her body tightly, already wanting more as Sonya teases her with the tip of her tongue. When Yelena cries out some more and thrashes around, Sonya finally puts her entire mouth on her cunt and the blonde’s hand frantically reaches around to grab something. Her eyes search for Kate’s and find it, Kate sitting on her knees, looking hot as ever, eyes on fire as she watches HER fuck toy being satisfied by someone else.

Sonya’s mouth is every where, licking the blonde up and down, in and out - fucking her with her hot tongue. She is very skilled with her tongue and isn’t afraid to show it and it's all driving Yelena crazy. Her high from the whisky was still going strong, the alcohol not letting her hold anything back. Yelena’s eyes find Kate’s again, watching as the Avenger trails her icy blue eyes up her body and then meets her gaze. Yelena can feel her eyebrows arch and slight pinch together at the wonderful job that Sonya was doing to her pussy.

The blonde finds that she can’t concentrate on both pleasures, the one thing that keeps grabbing her attention being the little smirk on Kate’s face and not Sonya’s hot tongue. A small smile tugs at the corner of Kate’s mouth and her head shakes a few degrees, not in disapproval, but in awe. Yelena watches as Kate moves behind Sonya, grabbing her hips and picking her up quite easily. Sonya unattached her mouth from Yelena’s cunt but Kate’s hand goes to the Widow’s head.

Kate Bishop: Keep going gorgeous.

Sonya grins her trademark smile and goes back to bending over Yelena, her legs straight but parted on either side of Kate’s head. She’s fucking flexible and its sexy as fuck. Kate kneels down and starts eating her from behind. It's all happening in direct view of Yelena’s vision and within seconds the blonde is forced to listen to Sonya’s cries of pleasure. She distractedly licks Yelena again, with more pressure than before and the blonde moans and revels in the feeling. After a minute, Sonya gasps before burying her entire face in Yelena’s cunt again and Yelena idly wonders what move did Kate just do. Honestly, it could be just about anything because that’s how amazing Kate’s mouth is.

The mixture of sounds and pleasure was pushing Yelena closer to her climax and she’s whimpering now. Of course Kate catches this and pulls away from Sonya, turning the Widow around and kissing her deeply, groaning as she undoubtedly tastes Yelena on her lips. This leaves Yelena wanting and she’s panting just watching her two friends kiss. Her hands still cupping Sonya’s face, Kate pulls back and talks to her softly.

Kate Bishop: Go lay down between Yelena’s legs. Face me.

Her tone was quiet but it was not one to be argued with and this was evident because even bratty Sonya was buckling at her knees as she positioned herself against between Yelena’s legs. Leaning up so her back was pressed onto Yelena’s front. Picking up on Kate’s cue, Yelena sits up a little, her hands snaking all over Sonya’s body, playing with her nipples and giving them light tugs. Kate crawls up Sonya’s body, hovering over her to get closer to Yelena. As her lips attach themselves onto Yelena’s neck, she whispers quietly between kisses.

Kate Bishop: Can I fuck her?

Kate kisses Yelena’s throat now and pulls back to look at her and the blonde’s heart picks up in overtime. Yelena searches Kate’s face, noticing that Kate really wants her permission, for some unknown reason that they definitely won’t be discussing any time soon. Kate’s question makes Yelena trust her more, more than she has trusted anyone else and Yelena admits to herself that she wants this, badly. She gives Kate a subtle nod before kissing her deeply with tongue. As soon as they end the kiss, Kate returns her attention to Sonya, who was getting impatient by now, thrashing and trying to rub her pussy against Kate’s thigh.

The Avenger rubs her fingers against Sonya’s folds, getting them lubricated before pushing her digits deep into the petite Widow. Sonya’s panting hard now and her eyes roll back into her head. Kate leans forward some more, bringing her face closer to Yelena’s again and like magnets, their lips collide. They kiss deeply, tongues clashing and colliding all the while feeling Sonya’s body pistoning below them. It was the hottest thing ever.

Yelena breaks the kiss momentarily to glance down Sonya’s body, this isn’t the first time she’s seeing her tits but they are still amazing. Perky, small and firm, her dark coloured nipples bouncing as Kate pounds into her with two fingers. Sonya was gorgeous. Yelena leans forward and presses her lips to the other Widow’s collarbone, inhaling her scent. She smelled of menthol cigarettes, whisky, and cherries in the best possible way. They were all still fucked up which made every bit of pleasure more pronounced and enhanced.

Kate and Yelena go back to kissing as the blonde leans forward more, her hand reaching for Sonya’s clit, rubbing her swollen flesh while Kate fucks her nice and deep. With the blonde and brunette working together to bring her pleasure, there was nothing that Sonya could do but claw at Kate’s sides while moaning. After some time of this, her back is arching and she’s stringing together every curse she can think of in Russian. Then her body stills and both Kate and Yelena watch as Sonya comes undone, her mouth opening wide, her chest pressing up against Kate while she cums, her hands reaching on top and wrapping themselves around Yelena’s arms.

Kate gives Sonya a few soft kisses on her forehead and Yelena follows suit, peppering soft kisses on her friend’s sweaty skin as she and Kate work together to bring her down from her high. Once she calms down a little, the Widow finally opens her eyes, her pupils now more focused.

Sonya: Damn.

The trio laugh as Sonya slowly sits up, grabbing the whisky to do a shot as she works on calming herself down. They all do shots to keep the buzz going, not showing any signs of slowing down for the night. Hands keep touching, and lips keep kissing and sucking as the trio continued playing, without reservations. They knew that this would be a one time deal and they were going to make the most of this night.

Sonya: I want to sit on your face.
Kate Bishop: Fuck. Anything you want.

Kate greedily pulls Sonya up, making her move up her length faster, positioning her hips and cunt in place for Kate’s mouth. Sonya was running her fingers through her short hair, tugging at it as Kate sucked on her clit hard, swirling her tongue around the sensitive nub while her long arms snaked up Sonya’s body, caressing and squeezing Sonya’s small breasts.

Not wanting to be left out, Yelena lays close to Kate’s head so Sonya could continue eating her pussy out, arching her flexible body over Kate’s head. She runs her hands up Yelena’s thighs, pulling her closer before burying her face in the blonde’s pussy again. Giving her slick pussy long lazy licks, working her up all over again.

The penthouse is filled with a thumping club beat while the symphony of moans floated through the air. Kate was for once very grateful that she didn’t have any neighbours because Sonya was making her voice hoarse with all her moans and cursing. It wasn’t a secret that Kate was being an asshole again, everytime Sonya comes close to making Yelena cum, Kate would distract Sonya by shoving her tongue up her cunt or with a particularly rough suckling of her clit. This in turn would make Sonya lose all focus, and just mindlessly gyrate her hips and grind it against Kate’s face. Every time this happened, Yelena would groan in frustration, almost yanking Sonya roughly by the hair to keep her close to her pussy and focused.

Before long, Sonya’s second orgasm comes barreling through and she desperately fucks herself on Kate’s mouth, trying to prolong the sensation. Once Kate had cleaned up all her cum with slow licks, she gently rolled Sonya off, who was feeling absolutely blissed out and trying to catch her breath. Kate gets up and moves to sit with her back leaning against the couch, throwing down another shot of whisky. Seeing that Sonya was going to be of no help right then, Yelena crawls over to Kate. She is so fucking keyed up and she needs to fucking cum right now.

Yelena Belova: Pozhaluysta, Kate (Please, Kate)
Kate Bishop: Please what?

Yelena was so fucking horny that she was practically on Kate’s lap, humping her. Hearing Kate tease her, Yelena whines.

Yelena Belova: I want you inside me, please.

Kate balances Yelena and moves to her knees, laying Yelena down and laying on top of her and their eyes meet. They both share an intense look about them and then wordlessly crashed against each other. Kate immediately lowered herself onto Yelena while the blonde wrapped one leg around the Avenger. And just like that, Kate slips inside Yelena and they are both moving together, in sync and chasing their own highs. Sonya was sipping her whisky and thoroughly enjoying the show, the way Kate’s muscles rippled as she exhibited so much control over her body and limbs. The way Yelena was losing her shit with Kate inside of her.

With Yelena whimpering against her as she pounded into the tightest pussy she’d ever known, Kate whispered soft words of encouragement. She twists and curls her fingers inside Yelena, making sure to rub up against her G-spot as the blonde rubbed at Kate’s clit in slow circles the way she liked it. With so much excitement throughout the night, it doesn’t take long for the pair to be tethering along the edges.

Sonya: Fuck, you guys are hot.

Sonya was drinking straight out of the bottle now, in awe at the way Kate and Yelena’s body were twisting and turning together at every junction, like they were made to fuck each other. And she gets it now, gets why Yelena is so enthralled by Kate Bishop. She can see how if one is not careful, it is very easy to fall head over heels for the young heiress. Kate had her face at Yelena’s chest, sucking and tugging at her nipples, working the blonde up more.

Kate Bishop: Are you going to cum for me?
Yelena Belova: Mmhmm
Kate Bishop: Who’s good girl are you?
Yelena Belova: Fuck.. Yours.
Kate Bishop: Who’s pussy is this?
Yelena Belova: Yours.

Yelena whimpers and mewls, answering Kate’s questions and when Kate whispers back ‘Mine’, it sends the blonde tumbling into an orgasm so strong that her whole body starts shaking. Seeing her cum makes Kate lose her shit and soon enough, she’s tumbling right after Yelena. Kate’s deep grunting draws out Yelena’s orgasm, turning her moans into whimpers as she rides out her orgasm on her lover’s fingers. They stayed together trying to catch their breath, for a second almost forgetting that Sonya was still there with them. When Yelena shivers a little in her arms, it brings Kate back to the moment.

Kate Bishop: Cold?
Yelena Belova: A little.

Kate reluctantly leaves Yelena's embrace and fumbles around looking for her underwear before putting it on. She goes upstairs and grabs a couple of blankets from the linen closet and a bottle of water from the kitchen before turning off the lights in the penthouse. They take turns gulping down the cold water before settling in for the night, too tired to move upstairs to any one of the available rooms. Looking at Sonya, Kate just shakes her head and smiles at her, amused that she chooses this moment to be shy. She pulls the petite Widow closer to her and Yelena for cuddles as the three trade lazy kisses and caresses and speak in hushed whispers.

They were huddled together for warmth, between the TV and the couch with Sonya in the middle, Yelena to the left and Kate to the right. Knowing how much Yelena moves in her sleep, Kate covers her up in one blanket, tucking her in while she and Sonya share one blanket.

Yelena was not at all jealous at the special attention that Kate was giving Sonya at this point and it surprised her a little. She wasn’t ticked off by the gentle caresses to Sonya’s stomach, or how Kate made sure she was comfortable and tucked in, or how Kate had made sure that Sonya had orgasmed more than them - Kate’s logic made sense to her. In this arrangement, Sonya was the guest. So it made sense that they took care of her together. To give her one of the best nights of her life. After this night, it will go back to just Yelena and Kate again and she knew that they were more than fine with that. Nothing else needs to be said.

For a short moment before dozing off, the memories of the night play through Yelena’s head again. How gorgeous Sonya was, how incredibly sexy Kate was and both their expressions when they came. As Yelena laid with her eyes closed, nuzzled against Sonya, Kate’s words came back to her and her heart fluttered again. Kate had asked for her permission to fuck Sonya. It hadn’t also gone unnoticed by Yelena that she and Kate together had made Sonya cum, but it was Kate who made Yelena cum. Because as Kate had so eloquently put it - ‘Mine’. It made a warmth spread from her gut to her limbs.

Yelena’s first instinct was to run through every emotion that she was feeling and analyse why exactly Kate had asked her for permission. But then she remembers Sonya’s words about just enjoying Kate Bishop and suddenly Yelena doesn’t give a shit why the Avenger had asked her that. She knew that it had made her happy and that's all she needed to know. The assassin goes to sleep with a smile on her face, musing how the million dollar whisky did not end up being the only memorable thing for the night.

Chapter Text

It was late afternoon and Kate was in the S.H.I.E.L.D changing room. She placed her watch and wallet into her locker and was about to suit up when her phone rings. The Avenger contemplates ignoring it since her team was about to roll out but she sees Yelena’s name flashing on the caller ID and her finger automatically hits the ‘ACCEPT’ button. The whole Kingpin affair had been behind them for a couple of months now and much to Kate’s delight, the Widow did not show signs of leaving New York. This worked great for them because it meant that the pair didn't have to put a stop to their fuck fest.

Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop!
Kate Bishop: Yelena, hi.
Yelena Belova: I was calling to confirm our plans to meet tonight.

A small blush crept up Kate’s neck. She and the blonde were supposed to hang out tonight and they both knew what that was code for, honestly. It was code for fucking. Sure, they do other things too, like spar, or watching television, or even a few touristy things but it usually isn’t long before their intense chemistry has them stumbling into Kate’s bedroom.

Kate Bishop: Urm, yes. Yes. I’m a little tied up right now but later tonight works for me.
Yelena Belova: Good. I got a little present for you.
Kate Bishop: Oh, we’re doing presents? What’s the occasion?
Yelena Belova: I don’t think you need reasons for giving gifts, Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: Fair enough.
Yelena Belova: I’m leaving it at the penthouse for you, make sure you wear it when you get home.
Kate Bishop: You got me clothes?

Kate was a little puzzled as to why Yelena would want to get her clothes but the brunette surmised that perhaps they were going to do some role playing and she was more than onboard with that.

Yelena Belova: It will be fun, you’ll see.
Kate Bishop: It’s always fun with you.

It was Yelena’s turn to blush now as she carefully placed the package on the brunette’s bed. Her heart palpitated a little thinking about what the night would bring. The Avenger always has this effect on her, making her heart beat faster, making her head cloudy with fog, and making her body yearn with desire.

Yelena Belova: See you tonight Kate Bishop.

With that the call ended and Kate suited up before walking over to Hangar 3 where a convoy of trucks were being boarded by S.H.I.E.L.D agents in their tactical gear. There were reports incoming about a bank heist in progress. The perps were using alien tech and so that made it fall under S.H.I.E.L.D’s purview. When they got to the scene of the crime, S.H.I.E.L.D agents surrounded the bank while Spectre was on the rooftop, making an entry from the top since the perps were distracted with the agents surrounding them.

When Kate had made it into the bank, she crouched behind a pillar on the second floor, peering down into the lobby to see a group of people huddled together, hostages no doubt. They looked terrified which made Kate surmise that at least one gunman was guarding them while the rest looted the bank vault. Thing is, Kate didn't have the line of sight that she needed. Moving a few more paces in front for a better vantage point, she slowly peeks out from behind a column. Readying herself, she murmurs.

Kate Bishop: Come out, come out, wherever you are.

She waits a few more seconds and then spots two men guarding the hostages. Springing to action Spectre leapt below, landing in the middle atrium between the two men. The Avenger knocks the first guy out fast with a well calculated uppercut directed at his chin. The force of the punch snaps his head straight up and he is out cold.

The second guy was on her now. He placed his arm on her shoulder and has his gun aimed at Spectre’s heart but he’s too slow. She pins his wrist in place and pushes his elbow upwards, hard and fast. They both hear the snap of his elbow from it being bent the wrong way. She’s looking at his face now and there was that unmistakable look of momentary betrayal, that someone would hurt him in such a fundamental way. Spectre sees his face contorting in pain but before he can scream, she releases his arm and knocks him out with a heel kick to the temple.

She moves her finger to her lips to get the hostages to remain quiet and gives her team a status update before quietly ushering the hostages out. That was when the remaining robbers came out of the vault and all hell broke loose.

Scanning the threat, she spots the guy wielding the alien bio weapon. Not wanting to find out what the weapon did, Kate pulled out her kusarigama from her back. Expertly manoeuvring the chain above her head, she whips the weight forward and it entangles with the weapon. Yanking hard, the weapon then clatters onto the shiny polished floor. The men rush towards her and it doesn’t take her long to use the sickle end of her weapon to subdue them.

Barely breaking a sweat, Spectre sneaks closer to the vault, expecting to find more men but what greeted her was just the bank manager tied to a chair. Her job would have been done if that was all she found, but there was also the little matter of the bomb that was strapped to his chest. Right. No big deal.

She approached him and worked on untying him, her eyes assessing the make of the bomb as her nimble fingers worked the knots. The timer showed only 3 minutes left which means that S.H.I.E.L.D had interrupted the perps right as they were about to leave, making their escape in the wake of a huge explosion no doubt. The manager's eyes were petrified as he kept begging for his life.

Bank Manager; Please.. You have to help me!

Spectre ignored the man who was a blubbering mess but she couldn't figure out the explosive device, it was some alien tech that was foreign to her and would take more than 2.5 minutes to decipher. Time clearly wasn't a luxury that she had.

Spectre: I don’t think I can disarm it. We need to remove the vest.

The man nodded over eagerly. It wasn’t a cloth vest though, it was made of some bio-organic substance that was sort of glowing and sticking to his body. She touched the bright gooey substance and noted that it felt alive, the way it moved and wrapped around her finger. Thinking fast, she pulled out her curved blade and started cutting through the substance, slowly releasing the guy. The substance that encased the bomb slithered away from her blade, carrying the explosive with it. The goo then moved to climb up her arm, slowly attaching itself to her chest like some kind of parasite.

Spectre: You need to leave now.
Bank Manager: But.. What about you?
Spectre: Shut the vault door behind you.

The man just stood there frozen, contemplating if he should leave the person who saved him.

Spectre: Leave. Now.

She pushed him towards the vault entrance and the man was jolted to reality. They both looked at the timer and he nodded, apologetically almost before running towards the exit, shutting its heavy doors.

Spectre: Hill do you copy?
Maria Hill: Come in Spectre. What’s the hold up?
Spectre: There’s a bomb, there’s a minute before this thing blows to kingdom come. Stay back.

There was a short pause before her comms crackled.

Maria Hill: Roger that.

Now alone with barely 1.5 minutes left, Spectre makes sure that the vault door was indeed shut. Once that was done, she hurries to the furthest corner of the vault, and lays down. She curls herself around the explosive to make sure that her body and suit would absorb most of the blast.

20 seconds left - Alone with her thoughts, Kate’s mind raced to her mother and Uncle Jack. She wasn’t afraid to die, no, this was familiar territory with the job. But her mind raced nonetheless, at the things that were left unsaid, would her family know that she loved them? Would her mom know that she did everything she could to uphold the Bishop legacy?

10 seconds left - Kate’s mind suddenly switches over to Yelena. Yelena who would be waiting for her tonight. The Russian probably wouldn’t know what happened until much later. Kate didn’t think that Yelena would be too distraught though, because as a Black Widow, Yelena would know that only death is permanent. The Avenger felt a twinge of guilt though - had she done enough to care for Yelena? Would Natasha be proud? She guessed that she would know soon when she was blown to bits.

5 seconds..
4 seconds..
3 seconds..

This is it. There wasn’t much more time to spiral. Brace. Kate curled herself inwards more, covering the explosive as much as she could.

2 seconds..
1 second..

A moment of silence that was deafening enveloped Kate. She waited some more. Perhaps there was a delay. But.. there was nothing. She peered down her chest, and the device was flashing 00.00. What the heck.. Just then the vault door bursts open and a tactical team pours in with Maria in the lead.

Maria Hill: Spectre. Hey, can you hear me?
Spectre: No Maria, stay back! It could be a delayed detonation.

Kate hunches over the bomb while holding out her arm to keep the team away.

Maria Hill: It’s over kid. You’re alright.
Spectre: It didn’t go off. Why didn’t it go off?
Maria Hill: Only the lab can tell us that, come on now. Time to leave.

Maria pulls Spectre onto shaky legs and the team rallies around her, their blast shields creating a cocoon almost as they guide the Avenger out of the bank and into one of the waiting trucks. Manoeuvring past curious citizens and the media, the armoured truck sped to the Avenger’s compound. At one of the labs, the team of scientists had extracted the organism off of Spectre’s chest and placed it in a containment unit. Once the extraction was complete, Kate tried to pull a fast one and leave the lab but she was soon crowded by doctors who corralled the Avenger back to the ward.

Kate Bishop: I'm completely fine, guys. I’m telling ya.
Maria Hill: You mean minus the part where we could have lost you?
Kate Bishop: Am I shaken up? Yes.. but honestly, I’m fine. Just really, really glad that thing didn’t blow up for whatever reason.
Maria Hill: Well, as fine as you feel, I’m still ordering you to a psych eval first thing tomorrow.

S.H.I.E.L.D medical personnel then spent almost two hours hovering over Kate, getting her vitals, and performing a multitude of tests by poking and prodding at her. Once her observation hours were completed and Maria was satisfied that the Avenger was truly unharmed, she finally let Kate out of her sight. The brunette grumbled as she headed out of the lab, making her way back to the locker room. Once she was in the quiet of the room, she took a moment to really breathe and take stock of how she was feeling. Yes. Yes she definitely was happy not to have been blown to smiths and smithereens.

Honestly, all in a day's work right? She’d do it again if she had to. There was no reason to tell Jack or Clint about this, although she was sure that Clint would find out anyway. She opens her locker and her eye catches a photo of Natasha that she had pinned there. Leaning against the cool metal, she lets out a shaky breath.

Kate Bishop: Guess you have to wait a little longer to see me again.

Giving out a little chuckle to herself, Kate straightened up and pressed her signet ring - her suit dissipating into nothingness in a matter of seconds. She pulled on her civilian clothes and gathered her other belongings, eager to make her way home. When she got to the penthouse, Kate figured that she had a couple of hours to get ready before Yelena showed up. She was already looking forward to a soak in the tub, the soak doing its job and making the stresses of the day melt away as the billionaire relaxed and sipped some gin. After the bath, Kate dries herself off and stands inside her walk in wardrobe, pondering for a moment what to wear.

She catches herself and makes note how this was a new development of sorts. Sure, she’s always excited to see Yelena because their hang out sessions always ended with the best, toe curling orgasms, but this time felt different. She found herself taking her time and wanting to impress the blonde. Kate chalks it up to almost dying and pulls out a few articles of clothing from the cupboard. She turns to get dressed when she spots the little gift bag on the bed. Of course! She had totally forgotten all about it.

The paper bag looked a little too small to contain clothes for her so she eagerly peeked inside, eyebrows arching up high when she spotted the content of the bag. It was a strap on. A little smirk is painted across Kate’s face as she realised that Yelena was ready to throw toys into the mix of things they played with.

Kate fastens the harness and pulls on her Dior boxer briefs over it to hold the strap in place. Pulling her jeans up, she admired herself in the mirror. Yelena chose well, it wasn’t apparent that Kate was packing. After pulling on her top, Kate applies some Moroccanoil curling cream onto her palm, massaging it into her hair and styling it with her fingers.

Lastly, she spritzes some perfume on her pulse point, knowing that Yelena was especially fond of this particular scent. Once she is done getting dressed, she brings out an expensive bottle of wine and pours it into a decanter to aerate it. Realising that she still had some time before the blonde showed up, Kate crashes onto the couch with her laptop - deciding to take a stab at the Bishop Securities quarterly financial report again.

xxxxx

The mission was a fairly simple one, she was required to execute her target who was home alone that night. A simple in, and out. The man was sleeping peacefully when Yelena stood over him, her gun trained between his eyes. She exhales softly and pulls the trigger and two silent shots were delivered in quick succession. The assassin then takes a picture of the kill on her phone and heads back to the lavish library she had passed earlier. In the library was the window that would provide her with a safe exit strategy.

As Yelena made her way quietly through the darkness back to the library, her phone pings a few times. She usually has her phone on silent during assignments but had created an exception for any notifications that were pertaining to her favourite Avenger. Sitting on the wing tipped chair by the bookcase, the blonde pulls out her phone to study the notifications on her phone.

Hazel eyes scan over the notifications as she mutters a quiet ‘what the hell’ as more alerts start popping up and populating the phone screen. There were multiple hits from news websites with dozens of reports about Spectre twarthing a bank heist. The Widow mused lightheartedly to herself, ‘What did you get yourself into this time, Kate Bishop?’. She selected one article and opened it to read it. A bank robbery was normal, but what made Yelena’s blood run cold was when she glanced over the word ‘BOMB’. No! No! NO! This can’t be.

The first panic attack snuck up on Yelena out of the blue, her phone now tucked away - the heart palpitation had startled her enough to get her fight or flight response firing on all cylinders. Kate was in a bomb blast?? Yelena’s heart and mind were racing beyond any semblance of control and her breathing soon followed. Before she knew what was happening to her, she was down on the floor, like a fish out of water, desperately gasping for oxygen that somehow wasn’t enough in the room. After some time and when the worst of the panic attack had subsided, Yelena was shaky, confused and fatigued.

She slowly stands up and begins pacing in the library, muttering to herself that Kate Bishop was fine. Wrapped up in her head, the Widow loses track of time and does not hear the front door opening and closing down stairs. Suddenly there was a shrill scream coming from the bedroom and Yelena snaps out of it, realising finally that she wasn’t alone anymore. The lights were being turned on all over and she could hear footsteps approaching the right wing of the home, closing in on her.

The assassin’s survival instinct kicks in and she crashes out of the window just before somebody comes through the door. She grunts as she falls two floors down, landing roughly in some shrubs before climbing over the hedge and making her way to the alley. She can hear police sirens now as she leaps onto her bike, speeding towards the Bishop penthouse. When she arrives, she doesn’t even park her bike and just lets it fall onto the street, choosing instead to shoot her grapple hook and start her ascend up the red brick building. She reaches the top and pushes the unlocked window open before crawling through. Finally at her destination, she picks herself up and spots Kate Bishop on the couch, still intact, still very much alive and in one piece.

xxxxx

Kate was chuckling to herself when she saw that the R&D department was trying to sneak in some super expensive equipment in the budget. When she heard the window creak slightly, the CEO automatically shut her laptop and stood to greet who she undoubtedly knew was Yelena. But the person in front of her was different. Sure, she had the signature white tactical suit on, and she had the same windswept hair as before but the Widow was bleeding. Fresh blood oozing from her face and neck. Kate feels an unfamiliar fear grip her heart, a fear that she hadn’t even felt when she was clutching an explosive with seconds to live. She moves closer to the Widow, concern etched all over her face.

Kate Bishop: Yelena. Are you okay?
Yelena Belova: Me? What the hell did you do?
Kate Bishop: Excuse me?
Yelena Belova: You had a bomb on you!
Kate Bishop: Oh, that thing. Usual hazard that comes with the territory.
Yelena Belova: You could have died!

Yelena knew that she was angry. Her face felt hot and she could feel tears stinging her eyes again. Not only did Kate Bishop almost die - but she was being so blase about it. She can feel her anger causing the blood to flow to her hands, making them hotter, ready for anything. Her heart rate speeds up and a rush of hormones, including adrenaline creates a surge of energy strong enough to stop Kate in her tracks.

Kate stands absolutely still, she hadn’t seen Yelena this angry before. Not even with the whole Clint fiasco. The Avenger is caught off guard with the blonde’s hostility but she knows well enough that when someone is angry, there can be other emotions hidden beneath the surface. She’s also lived through enough trauma to know that it's easy to see a person’s anger, but it can be terribly difficult to see the underlying feelings that one's anger might be protecting. So she switches gears and attempts to placate the Russian instead.

Kate Bishop: Yea.. you’re right. I could have gotten hurt..but I didn’t. I’m okay really.
Yelena Belova: Do you ever think before you do anything or do you just jump head first into danger?
Kate Bishop: I wasn’t being reckless. There just wasn’t enough time and it was the best option so no one would get hurt.

There it was again. The reoccuring themes in the life of a superhero that was the bane of Yelena’s existence. She really doesn’t understand this appetite that Kate had to throw herself in harm’s way to protect strangers. Yelena hates that Kate is so similar to Natasha, and that similar to Natasha - Kate didn’t see the value of her own life.

Yelena Belova: No one would get hurt? Except you, you mean?
Kate Bishop: And what about you? You’re literally bleeding onto my carpet!

The moment the words burst out, Kate bit her tongue and they didn't move for what feels like forever. Yelena’s mind is going back through all that’s happened since Christmas. This is insane, did she really just crawl through Kate Bishop’s window, dripping blood all over her expensive carpet? When her adrenaline subsides, the Widow remembers her injury and touches her face finding more blood. Now she feels it.

Kate is still unsure what set Yelena off but it was getting harder for her to reign in her emotions against Yelena’s accusations as the moments ticked away. She wasn’t an amature for fucks sake, she was a god damn Avenger. It was her job to hurt so that others didn’t have to! Kate finally exhales and looks at the blonde again. Her expression was hard, but she takes Yelena’s hand and pulls her into the kitchen anyway.

Kate Bishop: Come here.

Yelena is too stunned to stop Kate, so she just follows. Kate swiftly picks her up, and gently sets her on the island. Without looking at Yelena, the brunette grabs the first aid kit from below the sink, placing it next to them and pulling out a few packets of sterile gauze. While Kate busied herself with the gauze, Yelena looks down on her tactical suit and finds it untouched, as she wipes more of the warm liquid from her neck. She got really lucky back there. Panic grips her heart when she thinks about how such a lapse in judgement - however momentary it may have been - would probably have cost her life in the Red Room.

After wetting the gauze with some saline, Kate removes Yelena’s hand from her neck and starts wiping the deep red away from her fingers. Pulled back to the moment, the Widow watches her face while she works, still angry it seems, but her touch is affectionate. Yelena’s eyes trail across Kate’s body - she was wearing a beige sweater with dark blue jeans and looked absolutely dashing. Completely vexed with herself, the blonde shuts her eyes; now is not the fucking time to admire Kate Bishop. She hears Kate move back to the sink, messing around with cupboards and cups.

Kate Bishop: Here.

Yelena opens her eyes at the sound of the brunette’s voice. Taking the ibuprofen and the glass of water from her hands, the blonde swallows it down without question. When she sets the glass down, Kate begins to gently wipe the smattering off blood from Yelena’s face and neck. The number of bloody gauze starts building in the sink, where Kate had been discarding them.

Yelena Belova: Why are you doing this?

The Widow asks bitterly, the question coming out with more bite than she intended. Kate stops cleaning the cuts and looks at her.

Kate Bishop: Are you kidding?

Yelena just shrugs petulantly.

Kate Bishop: Yelena, don’t fucking ask me shit like that. You know I care about you.

They stare at each other for a moment.

Yelena Belova: More than you would a random stranger?

The blonde asks cautiously with a grave expression. She knew she wasn’t hallucinating when she read that Kate had covered a bomb with her body, to absorb the blast, to minimize collateral damage. Kate takes a deep breath and looks away from Yelena, rummaging through the first aid box for some steri strips.

Kate Bishop: Yes. This is where I want to be right now.

When she steps back between Yelena’s legs, she picks up on the scent of her favourite perfume and her heart skips a beat. Though Kate is cleaning her wounded face, and with everything that’s happened, there’s still room in Yelena to want Kate apparently. The Widow puffs out her breath in annoyance, feeling her anger rise again even as she forces herself to stare at the ceiling instead of the person in front of her.

Yelena Belova: Is it?

Against her better judgement, Yelena queries again, unable to hold the words back. Sighing, Kate had stopped her ministrations again, as if in quiet contemplation before answering. As Yelena glared at the cupboards past the Avenger’s head, Kate gently takes her chin between her fingers and forces Yelena to give her her attention.

Kate Bishop: Yes, it is.
Yelena Belova: Liar.
Kate Bishop: There’s no place else I’d rather be. As it’s been made pretty fucking clear now.

The blonde bites her lip, watching the Avenger’s intensity. Kate was staring at the Widow now, searching her hazel eyes for something. Probably pondering her expression as well. After a minute, her face softens slightly and she picks up the gauze that was abandoned and proceeds to wipe Yelena’s neck. They don't speak again as she works. Kate meets a particularly stubborn spot of dried blood and scrubs slightly harder, leaning in closer. Her wavy head of hair is in Yelena’s face, and she picks up on all of the billionaire’s luxury perfume and creams.

The Russian starts battling the rising emotions inside of her again. Yelena feels almost nauseous now and she feels enraged with herself. For what? That she doesn’t know. She knows that she is angry with Kate too, but for different reasons. Whose fault was this mess really? Kate Bishop surely. She had somehow weaselled her way into Yelena’s heart and was oblivious to how much she cared for the Avenger. And so Yelena is all alone, alone in picking up the pieces, alone in pining, alone in this fury.

The solidity of her conclusion is weak and she realises that she is more confused now, in this moment, than she has ever been through this entire friends with benefits arrangement. Above all, she feels a longing that she has grown familiar with the brunette, as Kate stands so close to her, and that makes Yelena angrier than anything.

Without thinking and without much warning, Yelena reaches out and shoves Kate on the chest with both hands, like she did months before. The heiress jerks back slightly, but holds her ground. Kate stares down at her indignantly, and Yelena almost cowers but continues glaring back at her. She is upset with Kate, she can’t sort out all of the reasons why, but it’s there, so it MUST be legitimate and absolutely necessary.

Kate slowly tilts her head and leans in, her face half an inch from Yelena’s, and stares down her nose at the assasin. She doesn’t speak but her presence is screaming exasperation by the way her hands are planted firmly on the counter, on either side of Yelena. Yelena knows that she has made Kate mad now, but she doesn’t care, she wants it. She wants Kate to do something, say something, anything, but conflicted blues just stare into pleading hazel ones, and Yelena guesses that Kate is trying to reign in her emotions.

She is so gorgeous and composed in her fucking knitted sweater that Yelena doesn’t know what comes over her. The young Widow is filled to the brim with rage, an incessant need, and confusion. Her eyes flash to Kate’s strong arms boxing her in and then back to her icy blue eyes. Then out of nowhere, Yelena slaps Kate, hard, right across her beautiful pale face. For added effect, the Widow glares at the Avenger as her head slowly turns back to her. Kate is shocked, her lip is split and glorious blue eyes find hazel fiery ones - a moment of silence passes.

Suddenly, Kate is kissing her furiously. Her large hands are holding Yelena’s face so tightly that her cheeks throb in protest. The blonde inhales deeply through her nose and grabs the biceps that have her trapped on the island. After winning an internal battle, Yelena’s mouth opens to take Kate in without her express, conscious command. Her tongue greedily comes out and slips into Yelena’s mouth to massage against her own.

Yelena Belova: Stop.

Yelena say softly against Kate’s lips, but she doesn’t stop kissing her back and so Kate doesn’t stop either.

Yelena Belova: Kate.

Yelena tries again between desperate kisses.

Kate Bishop: I can’t.

Kate speaks against her lips irately, and kisses the blonde harder, still holding her face steady. Yelena’s eyebrows pull together and she whimpers. Kate’s hot skin beneath her fingers, her grip, her words, it was all pulling Yelena in. It was reminiscent of their first night together, which had also incidentally started at this same damn kitchen island.

Yelena Belova: God damn it.

Yelena groans, and wraps her arms around Kate, pulling her closer. Their intensity increases and Yelena’s face hurts but she couldn’t give a shit right now. She removes Kate’s sweater hastily and uses her nails to scratch down her back needily as Kate’s hands find the zip to her tactical suit and suddenly, it was decided that they were really doing this, right now. They were both obviously still pissed off, the way they were clawing at each other.

Kate’s hands have completely rid Yelena of her suit and she sits the blonde’s naked ass on the edge of the counter as Yelena starts undoing the buttons on Kate’s jeans. And only then the Widow remembers it. The strap on that had long been forgotten by both of them. Noting Yelena’s distracted kisses, Kate huffs and pulls away, lowering her gaze and she too notices the strap.

Kate Bishop: I-I could tak-
Yelena Belova: Leave it on.

Kate gazes into Yelena’s eyes as she utters those three little words and it spurs Kate on to place the head of the toy at Yelena’s entrance. With a single thrust she’s inside, stretching Yelena out. The blonde gasps in a mixture of pain and pleasure, hands flying to the counter to hold herself up at the impossible angle that Kate has her tilted. Kate’s hard as a rock and mean as hell as she thrusts again, shoving herself in all the way.

The Widow glares at Kate from under her lashes, breathing through her open mouth. Already panting heavily, Kate’s eyes are merciless as they stare at Yelena, her body quickly adjusting around the strap. Yelena hates the expression on Kate’s face and reaches out to strike her again but the Avenger is quicker this time and catches her wrist before her palm makes contact again.

Kate Bishop: No.

Kate mutters as she shakes her head, then she grips Yelena’s hips and slams into her. Yelena cries out at the pressure, and leans back, begging for more. Trying to focus on one desire at a time. Her back is now lying flat on the counter, and Kate obliges - giving Yelena all of her. Kate fucks her relentlessly, slipping in and out of her wet cunt easily. She kept her thrust deep and long, the type of pounding that makes you sore the next day but the assassin still wants more.

Yelena Belova: Is that all you’ve got?

Kate lets out something that sounds like a growl and it makes Yelena’s stomach do summersaults. Kate’s left hand reaches out and wraps loosely around Yelena’s neck from the front. It’s a warning. She’s not actually choking her but Yelena is too fucked in the head to care. In fact, she likes it. Her hands find Kate’s forearm, and she holds it tightly. Kate’s right arm is under Yelena’s thigh, holding her hip in place while her left hand holds the base of her neck. Yelena pants, and so does Kate. Her back now arching high off the marble before coming back down to brace for each brutal thrust.

The Russian is gasping and moaning and she can’t get enough. She still feels angry, but Kate’s fucking is sating her in a way she didnt think possible. Part of her feels like this is all Kate’s fault, even though deep down she knows that her irrational side was flaring out. Yelena digs her nails into Kate’s back, causing her fingers to tighten her grip around Yelena’s neck and hip. The Widow loves it, the pain mixing with the pleasure further intoxicating her.

Yelena Belova: Oh blyat (fuck).

Yelena pushes off the counter with her elbows as Kate continues her pace, torturing and pleasing Yelena simultaneously. Yelena is almost sitting up now, she reaches out and grabs a fist full of brunette hair and tugs. Kate groans and pulls the blonde onto her strap, her arms now fully wrapping around Yelena.

Suddenly Yelena feels herself being lifted off the counter, instinctively she wraps her legs around her lover’s waist. She is now in the Avenger’s arms and is being held up purely by her strength alone and the thought makes Yelena’s head spin as Kate fucks her while they stand. Yelena’s limbs are wrapped around Kate and she carries her completely. The blonde is bouncing up and down against Kate, the strap filling her over and over. The visual of it all is too much, Kate is too fucking hot and Yelena yells out, tugging Kate’s hair harder.

Yelena Belova: Ne ostanavlivaysya (Dont stop).

Then she feels Kate’s teeth on her shoulder and she gasps out in pain. Kate bites her, her perfect white teeth digging into Yelena’s skin and she responds by clawing Kate’s back ruthlessly. Yelena grinds every part of herself against the Avenger, her need now almost animalistic.

Yelena Belova: Boleye, pozhaluysta Kate (More, please Kate).

She urges the Avenger on and with lithe quickness Kate drops to her knees and slides Yelena off of her. She roughly turns the blonde around and faces her towards the cabinets of the island. With both of them now on their knees, Kate is quickly inside Yelena again, taking her from behind. Kate grabs a fistful of Yelena’s hair and wraps it around her wrist as she grips tightly. She pulls back on Yelena’s scalp and the blonde is moaning wildly. This angle is even better and they both almost explode from how good it feels.

Yelena’s hands are on the cool hardwood floor as Kate repeatedly pounds into her, Yelena not one to be bested - pushes back into Kate, challenging her, taking more of her cock in. Kate responds by forcing Yelena’s body harder against the cabinets and slamming into her.

Kate Bishop: Fuck.. Yelena.
Yelena Belova: Say my name again.
Kate Bishop: Yelena.
Yelena Belova: Again-
Kate Bishop: Yelena.

Kate moans loudly, forcing herself deeper inside Yelena. Yelena manages to reach up, and around with her right hand - finding Kate’s hair again. She grabs a handful tight but doesn’t pull, just holding Kate close against her now heaving body. Kate kisses the shell of her ear, nibbling at the soft skin.

Kate Bishop: Who’s fuck toy are you hmm?
Yelena Belova: Your fuck toy.

The conservative side of the Widow is gone now and all that’s left is her singing body needing to hear these words. Kate doesn’t stop, doesn’t change pace, just puts her lips to Yelena’s ear and tugs at her hair harder. Kate growls through her teeth and Yelena’s stomach flips, hearing it from Kate’s mouth is that much crazier, and Yelena can feel herself getting close.

Kate Bishop: You’re mine.
Yelena Belova: God, you’re an asshole!

Yelena moans against the cabinets. Kate immediately stops, pulling her away from the island and turns her - pushing her head down toward the floor so Yelena’s now on her elbows and knees. The strap is still inside of Yelena when Kate delivers a stinging slap to her ass.

Kate Bishop: Say that again.
Yelena Belova: You’re a fucking asshole!

Yelena snaps back. This must be like a game for them. This isn’t the first time Yelena had called Kate this when they were fucking, and this isn’t the first time that Kate has spanked her for it. Kate spanks, pulls out, and then slams into Yelena. Repeating this over and over until Yelena becomes a quivering mess beneath her. Her mind screaming how much she wants this and how fucking hot Kate is. Kate holds Yelena’s ass like she owns it, fucking the Widow at her will and Yelena wants nothing more in this moment. Kate’s body was overtaking her, the hilt of the strap pressing against her clit. Yelena was getting closer now.

Yelena Belova: I’m gonna cum
Kate Bishop: Such a good girl. Cum for me.

Kate growls and on command, Yelena cums. She’s screaming obsceneties incoherently as Kate fucks her some more. Her entire body is on fire as she pushes back to meet Kate’s thrusts. Then she feels it, the grip on her ass gets that much harder, nails digging in as Kate starts grunting and moaning, cumming furiously, intimately, and completely. Yelena feels Kate’s muscles tense and release as her whole body quakes above her, and Yelena’s second orgasm strings along. In this fucked up moment, Yelena gains a moment of clarity - that whether she likes it or not, she belongs to Kate Bishop.

They stay connected for a few minutes, panting heavily and trying to come down from their orgasms. After regulating their breathing somewhat, they slowly move to untangle their limbs from each other. Yelena crawls away from Kate and sits on the hardwood floor, leaning back against the cabinets. She closes her eyes, still breathing hard. When she finally catches her breath, she opens her eyes and looks to her right, seeing Kate in a similar position across from her. The strap has been put away but her jeans are still undone. Kate runs her fingers through her hair and as she finally looks her way, their gaze meets.

Yelena thinks that Kate is heartbreakingly stunning. Her skin was flushed and shiny from the sheen of sweat but her eyes were pained, and she sighs heavily. She shuts her eyes again and shakes her head. Now that Yelena’s rage is dissipated, she really does feel nauseous. What just happened? Yelena had never been so angry with Kate before, and neither has Kate been this furious with Yelena.

And though in the moment Yelena had wanted Kate badly, she was feeling guilty and uneasy now. Her palm was still stinging from where she slapped Kate. She needed to leave. Without another word, the Widow stands up, her legs the consistency of jelly. Their eyes lock as Yelena pulls on her underwear and tactical suit. Kate looks like she wants to say something, but says nothing. The blonde watches Kate as she walks out of the kitchen, and she notices red welts on her back. Many deep, dark, parallel lines littered her pale, flawless skin and Yelena snapped her face forward, biting her lip hard. She scratched Kate to shit.

Kate Bishop: You’re leaving?
Yelena Belova: Yes.

Yelena glances over, almost shamefully.

Kate Bishop: Why do you feel like you need to run away?

Kate asks bluntly but looks almost anxious as she waits for a reply. Yelena fishes out her grapple from one of her many pockets and considers Kate’s question. Truth be told, she was scared of what they just did to each other. She doesn’t know what to say. She needs to process the many decisions that she’s made this entire year and it was definitely a mistake to fuck Kate like that.

Yelena Belova: I need to go.

The Widow answers plainly, taking a last glance at Kate before diving out of the penthouse, leaving Kate to wonder where they stood now.

Chapter Text

It was the weekend but Kate had found herself at the Avengers compound bright and early. The falling out with Yelena had her strung out and she spent the first couple of days collapsing face-first into the neatly made bed at the end of every day. But it's been a week now without hearing from Yelena and Kate needed to hit something. She contemplated contacting the Widow first instead but decided against it since Yelena was choosing to purposefully avoid any contact with Kate and that stung more than she cared to admit.

Sensing his partner being wound up tighter than the girdle of a Baptist minister’s wife at an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, Clint had suggested meeting Kate to train. It wasn’t even 9 a.m and they had already hit the gym and now the partners stood in one of the newer training rooms. The room was vast and had high ceilings. The duo were making idle chat when the speaker at the corner started counting down from 10. The pair knew that once the count hit 1, the simulation that Maria Hill had selected for them would begin.

Kate Bishop: I hope she picks the Legion of the Unliving one. Would be cool to kick some zombie ass.
Clint Barton: Nah. Too easy. She’ll pick something harder.
Kate Bishop: What, why? I haven’t been slacking. Have you?
Clint Barton: I might owe her an incident report or two..
Kate Bishop: God dammit Clint!

The speaker boomed at the last count and the simulation started unfolding in front of them and Kate cursed under her breath. The plan was for her to hit something, not for her to get hit! The obstacle challenge that Maria had selected for them was the Ultron one - which incidentally was also one of the harder simulations because it focused a lot on agility and speed under the constant threat of fire. This particular virtual environment was created by S.H.I.E.L.D’s tech team post the battle with Ultron and so it was programmed with falling buildings and debris, on top of the Ultron Sentinels that were coming at them from every angle.

The Sentinels in the simulation were inspired by the actual Sentinels who were mass-created by Ultron who had used the robots to create an armada to fight against the Avengers. The moment the exercise begins, Kate and Clint run in the opposite direction; causing the collection of Sentinels to split in two and chase both of them. After almost 20 minutes of stabbing and slicing at robots that were whizzing past her while also avoiding falling buildings, the deft Avenger finds herself close to the sector that Clint was in. Raising her voice so her partner can hear her over the commotion, Kate gets Clint’s attention.

Kate Bishop: If I asked you a question, can you promise to only answer the question and shut up about everything else?
Clint Barton: I feel like if I did that, I'd be denying myself a huge opportunity to mock you.
Kate Bishop: You’re such a dick sometimes.

The younger Avenger scoffs, before running and leaping onto the back of one of the Sentinels. Sticking her fingers into its neck joints, she rips out its cables before jumping off and ducking. The sabotaged robot loses control and smashes into another before both explodes loudly.

Clint Barton: Fine. Since you are asking so nicely.

Hearing the explosion and Clint, Kate emerges from hiding, still brandishing her push daggers.

Kate Bishop: Oh. Okay.. Well how do you know if you..like someone?
Clint Barton: Like, ‘like’ someone, like someone?
Kate Bishop: Uh huh. The worst kind.
Clint Barton: Well, let's see.

Clint ignores the newly converged band of flying Sentinels that were making their way to the pair as well as well as the explosions around him and pulls out his fucking phone. While Kate was busy staring at Clint being a moron, she is surrounded by the band of Sentinels.

Clint Barton: Well there’s a quiz we can take.
Kate Bishop: Really? Right now?

Clint ignores her retort, and the fact that she is literally running for her life as the robots open rapid fire on her.

Kate Bishop: Shoot HIM. He’s like right THERE.

Kate yells to no one in particular as she runs and slides under a partially collapsed billboard, providing temporary protection. Much to her annoyance, the drones had followed her instead of attacking Clint who was standing out in the open looking at his phone.

Clint Barton: Question 1 - What do you feel when you watch a romantic movie with them?
A - You want the same thing in your life.
B - Jealous.
C - Butterflies in my stomach.
Kate Bishop: Butterflies. The butterflies one!

Kate yells out after making a run from under the billboard and leaping off a ledge. Putting away her daggers and pulling out her retractable sword mid jump, she slashes a Sentinel in half before landing in a hero pose. Making her way back towards her partner while also fighting off two particularly stubborn Sentinels, Kate strains her ears to hear the next question.

Clint Barton: Question 2 - When you think of their name, what happens?
A - I think about their cuteness.
B - I smile.
C - I blush.
Kate Bishop: What the fuck.. How do I even answer that? Is there an ‘all of the above’ option?
Clint Barton: No.
Kate Bishop: Fine. I smile.
Clint Barton: Smiles like a moron. Got it. Question 3 - What happens when you have a conversation with this person?
A - Butterflies in the stomach
B - I don’t know
C - I feel happy

Kate’s eyebrows scrunch up in confusion as she ponders why the questions seem to be getting dumber and that little moment of distraction earns her a shot in the shoulder with a laser. She curses before bull rushing the robot and stabbing her sword into its chest, and pulling the sword in a downward motion to completely disembowel it. She swiftly turns around and slashes at the Sentinel behind her that was trying to ambush her.

Kate Bishop: Err.. Happy?
Clint Barton: Question 4 - If your special someone is buying chocolates for someone else, what do you feel?
A - Nervous and jealous
B - Wish it was for me
C - Aww, chocolates!
Kate Bishop: Kill me now.. Wait. Not literally.

Kate retracts her sword and starts running from a new batch of drones that were gunning for her.

Kate Bishop: I guess I’d be curious to see who it was for and if she maybe liked someone else.
Clint Barton: Haha loser. Question 5 - How long do your conversations usually last?
A - For hours
B - It depends
C - Long enough
Kate Bishop: Hmm.. it depends? She’s always kinda around..

Sick of being hunted down by the Sentinels and working the simulation alone, Kate pulls out her collapsible bow and starts shooting trick arrows. The rapid fire of arrows quickly takes out the Sentinels and right when she is down to the last one, Clint jumps out from nowhere and strikes it across the head with the neck of his bow. The drone makes a weird robotic sound and crashes. Kate just pants and looks at Clint.

Kate Bishop: Hey, no fair!
Clint Barton: How long have ya been a baby?

Kate’s face scrunches up in annoyance and instead of retorting, she hunches over and pants instead. Catching her breath from the intense workout that she just had.

Kate Bishop: So urmm..what's the score on that..on that quiz hmm ?

Much to her chagrin, Clint laughs at her before placing both hands on her shoulders.

Clint Barton: Just tell Yelena that you like her.
Kate Bishop: What.. err.. What now?
Clint Barton: Just tell her you like her.
Kate Bishop: How did you..

Clint stares at her with a blank expression before dead-panning.

Clint Bishop: There isn't anyone new in your life, idiot. It's not that hard to guess.
Kate Bishop: You’re not mad?
Clint Barton: Well, the only time I ever met her was when she was trying to put a bullet through my head. And I mean. She’s an adult and you..you’re somewhat of an adult.

Kate groans and covers her face as Clint just laughs at her. The augmented reality around them was starting to vanish and before long, they were back in an empty warehouse. Through the glass window high up, Kate swears she can see Maria’s disapproving look. She tears her eyes away and looks at Clint instead, who for some reason was still sporting a smug smile. In a moment of vulnerability, the billionaire clears her throat and faces her partner.

Kate Bishop: We havent even started and I feel like I’ve fucked up man.
Clint Barton: Tell me what you feel. Like when you think of her, what do you feel?
Kate Bishop: Like for real?
Clint Barton: Yes. Really. What do you feel? Use your words Ivy League.

Clint jabs her right in her sternum and Kate frowns because even that stupid little thing reminded her of a certain blonde who had a penchant for jabbing her there when making a point in the heat of the moment.

Kate Bishop: I.. It's a lot. I adore her. She is everything. I feel like she’s my only virtue. You know, everytime that she’s angry, I’m completely at her mercy? And I don't even care! It's like a goddamn addiction. I just want to make everything right and make her fucking smile again.
Clint Barton: I don't know Yelena well, but one thing I learned from Natasha is that she always appreciated people who went the extra mile. It was what she needed from me. And I think it's what Yelena needs from you too.

They were now seated on the bench at the locker room. Even Kate was surprised that the conversation had been going on for this long. Kate had tried to explain to Clint how she felt about the Russian, and it was admittedly hard because Kate didn’t think that adequate words even existed. They were currently talking about Kate’s hesitance, her reluctance to even consider a romantic relationship with Yelena.

Kate Bishop: I’m so scared that I’ll fuck up.

Clint sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. They remain seated for a beat, while he contemplates his response.

Clint Barton: You know, if I had a time machine, I’d go find out how this will end for you. But since I don’t have one, you just have to do what the rest of us do.
Kate Bishop: And what would that be?
Clint Barton: Take a leap of faith. Tell her how you feel and ask her what she wants.
Kate Bishop: Me? What if I’m not enough? I’m so..
Clint Barton: Just you. My gut says she wouldn’t even be here unless she really liked you. So be you. And if you think that you don't deserve her, then BE a version of yourself who does deserve her.

Kate clenches her jaw and reflects over what Clint just told her and as much as she hated to admit it; what Clint said seemed to make sense. What is the point of feeling so much anyway if you can’t say it to the person who needs to hear it? Time to go big or go home.

xxxxx

That same day, the billionaire had cancelled all her meetings for the day and had shown up at Yelena’s apartment downtown. She rings the doorbell but there isn’t an answer so she decides to wait for Yelena. Kate knew that logically she could always call, or text Yelena or even maybe show up the next day but something told her to wait right there. To stay rooted no matter how long it took for the blonde to show up.

It was well into the night when Kate spots Yelena crossing the street and making her way to her apartment. She hadn’t noticed the Avenger sitting at the front steps yet and Kate uses these precious moments to admire everything she could about her. When Yelena is close enough to her home, she fishes around for her keys in the pocket of the green coat that she donned, before finally bringing her eyes up and noticing Kate Bishop, who was standing in front of her building. Before her brain could fully catch up with what was happening, Kate Bishop was speaking.

Kate Bishop: Yelena. I’m sorr-
Yelena Belova: Please. Don’t apologise.
Kate Bishop: I didn’t mean to hurt you, I’m-
Yelena Belova: Don’t apologise Kate. You and I aren’t together.

As soon as the words came tumbling out, Yelena’s insides twisted with guilt. Yeah they weren’t together but they were definitely something. The brunette’s face was marred with hurt and Yelena’s guilt doubled. She looks away and trains her eyes on the passing traffic.

Kate Bishop: Did what we have mean so little to you?
Yelena Belova: Of course not, but why weren’t you honest with me about what you wanted?

The Widow turns around to look at Kate again, asking her the most pressing question. Yelena wasn’t dense, it was plain to see. They had both overstepped, and were both so far gone from being just friends with benefits.

Kate Bishop: Because.. I’m a fucking idiot and only just realized how much I like you.

The confession catches Yelena off guard and she feels like she just got the wind knocked out of her. Not unlike the first time they had sparred together. She wasn’t expecting this, for the words to fall out of the Avenger’s mouth so plainly and so easily. Yelena wills herself to not fall into the blinding light that is Kate Bishop.

Yelena Belova: Listen.. Kate Bishop. Neither of us are perfect.. and I can forgive you. But I think that we both need some time to ourselves.

The Russian barely finishes the sentence and Kate is already shaking her head.

Kate Bishop: I know what I want now.

Kate says with conviction, her piercing blue eyes conveying that Yelena was her object of interest. Now. But what if she wants someone else later?

Yelena Belova: What exactly do you want from me?

Yelena asks, looking up at the billionaire in the dim light from the surrounding street lamps.

Kate Bishop: Whatever you’ll give me.

Kate answers without having to even think about it. What does that mean? Yelena finds it all frustrating. Kate has clearly had more time to think about this, to process her feelings while Yelena had only just been made aware and was still processing things.

Yelena Belova: I think I need some time alone.

Yelena replies, twisting her words from earlier, knowing that it needs to be the next step. Yelena needs a different perspective before they talk about this anymore. Kate stares at her sadly and nods, accepting it.

Yelena Belova: Promise me you’ll go home and think about what you really want.
Kate Bishop: I want you.

She answers softly and Yelena swallows hard, finding Kate’s words bittersweet. Still, she repeats.

Yelena Belova: Promise me.
Kate Bishop: Okay. Whatever you want.

Kate replies genuinely and it makes Yelena want to scream.

Yelena Belova: Goodbye Kate.

Yelena says as she moves to take a step past the brunette before Kate turns and grabs her arm, keeping them close.

Kate Bishop: When will I see you again?
Yelena Belova: I’ll call you.

Feeling Kate’s body so close when she was angry was driving Yelena insane - there was nothing more that she wanted in that moment than a crushing hug but she gathered herself, looking at Kate’s sad face. Before she gives in to the urge to touch her, Yelena pulls away, leaving Kate behind.

The second she steps inside her apartment and shuts the door behind her, Yelena slides to the floor feeling her face contort and tears streaming. Hurting Kate had been hard but Yelena really needed her to be sure. Knowing that she has never felt this way before, she knows that Kate Bishop was special to her in a way that no one else could compare. But she needed Kate to be sure before she dropped her defences and let Kate completely in.

xxxxx

Two arduous days later, Kate finds herself unable to sleep. Grabbing her bottle of Nolet that she’d been draining and a glass, she makes her way up to the rooftop. It was a chilly night, but the gin coursing through her veins warmed her up enough to stand there in just sweats and her M.I.T pull-over. She was two drinks in while observing the faithful New York night lights. After a painfully yet thorough internal debate, Kate finds some courage (Dutch courage) and presses ‘Send’ to deliver her text.

Kate Bishop: Can I see you tomorrow?

Almost ten minutes later, her phone beeps.

Yelena Belova: It’s only been 48 hours..

Looking at Yelena’s reply stings, knowing that she wasn’t eager to see her. She’s right though. It's barely been two days and Yelena probably thinks they need more time apart but Kate disagrees.

Kate Bishop: I know, but it can’t wait.

Kate responds and is surprised when Yelena replies immediately.

Yelena Belova: Okay. Come by after work.

xxxxx

Yelena sighed heavily and finished taping up the last box. She didn’t think that she had that much shit, but the six large, full boxes suggested otherwise. It had been more than a week since Yelena’s huge blow out with Kate at the penthouse. As much as she didn’t want to admit it, Yelena had somewhat gotten attached to this apartment that she had leased when she first came to New York almost six months ago.

Yelena flopped onto her bare mattress and stared at the ceiling. She felt a slight pang of despair thinking about leaving this place. All the times she had enjoyed having a space of her own, all the times she had walked in through the door, mind reeling with everything Kate Bishop.

Kate Bishop..

The Russian covers her eyes with her forearm, thinking about her.. friend? Partner? They had gotten close in more ways that Yelena ever thought they could, and now, she had never felt so distant from Kate than she did in this moment. The guilt that she thought she had lost in the Red Room courses through her nerves at the unmistakable feeling that this was all actually her fault. Sonya had said as much.

Yelena may have had cynical thoughts in general these last ten days, but she’d be lying to herself if she said that she hadn’t thought about Kate 99% of the time. She knew that what they had wasn’t exclusive. She knew it wasn’t permanent to any degree and she knew that they weren’t together. So what right did she actually have for being mad at Kate for doing her job (as dangerous as that job was..)?

Yet, Yelena was also painfully aware of the unspoken nature of their ‘agreement’. Part of her had felt like anything was possible between them. Afterall, they were genuinely enjoying each other’s company and Yelena felt that much with unwavering confidence.

All the times that they laid together, the way Kate’s arm would hold her in an iron grasp like she never wanted to ever let Yelena go. Her penetrating blue eyes never escaped Yelena’s notice, the way Kate would stare into her damn soul, always searching for something but never articulating it. She had not been overly thoughtful in these moments, but looking back, her heart keeps whispering that something was there between them. Something undeniable.

Even now, Yelena knows deep down that she still genuinely likes Kate Bishop. That was never lost. Hidden perhaps, by her careless need to control Kate. Yelena couldn’t deny the pronounced connection that she shared with Kate, and what did she do when Kate finally showed up like Yelena dreamed she would? She lashed out and pushed her away. And now she feels the anguish seeping in, from having rejected Kate. For pretending to not understand the gravity of the words that came from Kate’s mouth when she had said that she really liked Yelena.

And now she was packing up to leave New York like a coward. Yelena was positively sure that Natasha would call her a coward too. An odd pitch of loneliness strikes inside her body, turning her stomach into mush. She shuts her eyes and lays in bed longer, willing herself to have the guts to make things right. To let Kate know that she cared too, a lot in fact and see where that would leave them. As if on cue, the doorbell rings and immediately her heart forgets its tempo.

She walks slowly to the front door and looks through the peephole even though she already knew who was on the other side. However, when she sees someone's dark head of hair as they look at the ground a few feet back, her eyebrows knit together in confusion. Yelena opens the door and Kate’s head snaps up.

Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop.

Kate gives a small smile hearing Yelena utter her full name, and seeing that smile already has the blonde’s pounding heart starting a new hammering rhythm. Kate looked gloriously beautiful in a maroon velvet blazer that she wore with light beige pants. Yelena was dressed in blue jeans and one of the Avenger’s Slipknot t-shirts that she had swiped. Kate tears her eyes away from the t-shirt and finds her voice.

Kate Bishop: Yelena..

In the short second that it takes Kate to greet her, her face is torn into a mask of frustration, and guilt..and reluctance?

Kate Bishop: I’m sorry for bothering you so late. I couldn’t leave work sooner.

Kate has both hands shoved deep into her pockets, a childish gesture that always warmed Yelena’s heart.

Yelena Belova: It’s fine. Is everything okay?
Kate Bishop: Not exactly. I know you said we needed time but I had to apologise to you.. for the other night. I don’t know how things got so out of hand.

She stops again as Yelena watches her curiously. Kate takes her right hand out of her pocket and scratches her forehead in what appeared to be a nervous gesture. She seemed..embarrassed, almost. In a sudden moment of boldness, Yelena decided that she was going to blurt out her apology too before she lost her nerve and so she interjects.

Yelena Belova: Stop. It wasn’t your fault, I was the one who struck you. I find myself doing a lot of things I’m not proud of lately when it comes to you. Forgive me, Kate Bishop.

The words burn coming out of Yelena’s throat but they need to be said before Kate does a word vomit and makes Yelena feel worse. Yelena eyes Kate who is.. frozen as she stares back at the Widow for a moment, clearly having been caught off guard this time. Yelena doesn’t blame her though, she mostly tried to live unapologetically while the remaining of the time, she got away with the natural charm that she exuded. Kate clears her throat and shakes her head, almost as if physically expelling her reverie and collects herself.

Kate Bishop: It’s okay. I get it. You make my mind go haywire too.

Kate blurts out, dropping her hand and Yelena notices a faint blush on her cheeks. Yelena smiles and moves to let Kate in.

Yelena Belova: Come in. Would you like something to drink?
Kate Bishop: No thanks.

Kate was standing awkwardly by the living room when she finally noticed it. The boxes that Yelena had packed up. Immediately panic overtakes her and Yelena notices that Kate has spotted the boxes.

Kate Bishop: You’re leaving?
Yelena Belova: I thought I’d head back to Russia for a little while.
Kate Bishop: Stay.
Yelena Belova: What?
Kate Bishop: Be with me.

Kate insists, and she doesn’t even blink, her face frozen for a solid moment. Her eyelashes flicker. Yelena looks at her as if she has gone mad.

Yelena Belova: What?
Kate Bishop: Be with me.
Yelena Belova: What do you mean?
Kate Bishop: Be with me, be mine, my girl, in a relationship.

The Avenger elaborates, hoping that she’s not unknowingly speaking a language that Yelena doesn’t seem to understand. She cursed inwardly because she hadn’t planned on doing it this way, no, she had a whole speech that she had practised to woo Yelena but the mere thought of the blonde going off the radar changed everything.

Yelena Belova: Are you serious?
Kate Bishop: Look, I really like you. You mean so much more to me than the way I have treated you. Maybe it was the stress of everything.. the pressure of not wanting to let Natasha down.. the pressure of wanting to be right for you. I don't know. What I’m getting at though is that, I can’t stop thinking about you, Yelena.
Yelena Belova: Kate.. I don't think that this is a good idea.

The blonde answers and she feels her heart sink. She could only imagine how badly Kate’s heart hurt hearing the same words.

Kate Bishop: Do you not feel the same?
Yelena Belova: ..I do.. But after last week, after seeing how much I hurt you, it’s like I woke up. Seeing how much you care about what we had brought something to life inside me, a feeling I’ve never felt before.. and it scares me so much.
Kate Bishop: I-
Yelena Belova: I am not like normal people Kate. I’m too fucked up. If we start something and it doesn’t work out - I think it could very well kill me.

Kate’s heart squeezes painfully hearing the dilemma that Yelena was in. She decided to try again, to fight for her. To show Yelena that she wasn’t going anywhere.

Kate Bishop: Yelena. When you left that night..after we.. I felt my life falling apart. And the other day? I went home and thought about what I wanted - just like you asked and I swear, all I could think about was you. I never want to hurt you, I want to be the one to make you happy, only me. And I came by today because I didn’t want one more day to go by without you knowing how much I want you.

Kate was standing close enough to touch Yelena now but she was trying her best to hold back. To convince Yelena with her words alone. Kate wasn’t planning on leaving without Yelena saying ‘yes’.

Yelena Belova: Do you really mean that?

Yelena asks quietly, and the brunette reaches for her. The Widow lets Kate take her hand and press a small kiss onto her palm.

Kate Bishop: Every word.
Yelena Belova: This is a big step.
Kate Bishop: And I want to take it with you.
Yelena Belova: I don’t..want to make the wrong decision.

Yelena replies, looking at her hand that was still being held by Kate.

Kate Bishop: What do you want, Yelena?
Yelena Belova: You.

She answers after debating for a moment. Her answer comes out almost angrily, like she hates that she wants Kate and a wave of electricity floods Kate’s insides.

Kate Bishop: Then you can have me.

Kate promises her, moving her face down to her level. Yelena shakes her head, her expression pained.

Yelena Belova: Kate-
Kate Bishop: What’s holding you back? Let me fix it, baby.
Yelena Belova: I’m scared. Of you. Of how much you make me feel.

Yelena replies sadly. Kate holds her hand and pulls the blonde flush against her chest, closing any distance between them.

Kate Bishop: Honestly, you scare the crap out of me too. Sometimes I feel like you’ll make my heart explode.
Yelena Belova: You really want this?
Kate Bishop: I want you.

The brunette assures her again, stroking the smooth skin on her cheek. Her face, beautiful like a porcelain doll.

Yelena Belova: Just me?
Kate Bishop: Only you.
Yelena Belova: And you’ve thought about this?
Kate Bishop: Mmhmm. I have. If I’m sure of anything, it’s us.

Kate’s words were so sincere and her confidence was growing as she stared at Yelena. Kate would forever remember the look on her face, right here in this moment when she utters the words that make Kate feel like she was the luckiest person on the face of the Earth.

Yelena Belova: Then I’m yours.

Yelena whispers thoughtfully and Kate feels like she’s a million miles from Earth, lighter than air. She smiles and doesn’t waste one more second to kiss this amazing woman in front of her who now belonged to her, and her alone. Kate holds Yelena tightly as their tongues play. The blonde tasted sweeter than she’s ever felt. They live in the moment for an eternity in and on itself, and it still ends too soon.

Yelena Belova: Can I ask you something?
Kate Bishop: Anything.
Yelena Belova: Can we..take our time with the physical parts of the relationship?

Kate pulls back, immediately feeling like a dick.

Kate Bishop: Of course! I’m not going anywhere.

It was the easiest promise to make because Kate gets it now, how there's more to them than just that and she is more than happy to give Yelena as long as she needs. Heck, if Yelena was looking for forever, Kate will remove the batteries from her clock.

Chapter Text

Kate thought that being patient was easy but being close to Yelena and not being able to touch her like she really wanted to was insurmountably difficult. They had been together for four days now and have done nothing but kiss and it’s slowly but surely killing the Avenger. She may be paranoid but sometimes she feels like Yelena is intentionally testing her by driving her crazy with her leading kisses.

The Widow had been dressing ever so slightly more revealing; wearing shirts that displayed her cleavage and pants that hugged her ass like a second skin and Kate is trying very, very hard to ignore it. But holy moly that booty is multidimensional. Seldom has Kate ever seen a bounce that transcended the laws of time dilation, but there it was, right in front of her. She was doing everything she could to gain Yelena’s trust.

Their routine for the past four days has been pretty much the same, either meeting in Yelena’s place or Kate’s penthouse. They were trying to be discreet, to contain their new relationship from the eyes of the world. There was a lot of fun in this new level of intimacy though. There was a certain pleasure with taking things slow, with taking the time to talk about difficult things, and from just kissing a whole lot more.

Today in particular had been a shit day for Kate, so when she finally lays eyes on Yelena, she audibly sighs. There was something inexplicable about how shy the Russian gets around Kate, it just tightens something in Kate’s gut.

Kate Bishop: Hi..
Yelena Belova: Hello Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: I..err got you something.

Kate hands her a little box and she swears Yelena lights up like a Christmas tree.

Yelena Belova: What is it?
Kate Bishop: Open it, baby.

Yelena’s fingers tentatively reached for the box, this was her first present ever and so it was only fitting that it came from her Kate Bishop. Opening the box, her eyes fell on a beautiful necklace with a round golden pendant. The pendant had an ornate engraving of a phoenix on it.

Yelena Belova: It..it’s beautiful dorogoya (darling).. Put it on me?

Her hazel eyes were immediately welling with tears and she swirls around, pushing her hair over her shoulders. Breath hitching when she feels Kate’s fingers ghosting over her skin, carefully placing the necklace on her neck and locking it. She finishes by placing the softest kiss to Yelena’s pulse point.

Kate Bishop: There’s a little more to it.

She gently takes Yelena’s hand and brings her fingers to the pendant, lightly placing it between her thumb and forefinger, then gently applying a little pressure. Kate takes a step back and the blonde gasps suddenly when a nanosuit starts forming over her body, covering her torso and limbs, much like Kate’s one does. When the light buzzing and whirring stopped, Yelena’s mouth was still hanging open. After a few moments, she finally turned to face Kate in what was apparently a new White Widow suit. Registering Yelena’s look of shock, Kate offers some helpful explanation.

Kate Bishop: I was thinking about our talk from before.. And I know that you have the really cool suit from the Red Room but that doesn’t really protect you, does it?
Yelena Belova: No.. Keeping us safe wasn’t really a priority.
Kate Bishop: Well it is to me. This will keep you safe when you go on your.. assignments. Do you like it? I mean I..I’m not completely done tinkering with it yet, I wanted it to be perfect.. Didn’t know how you felt about masks and such..

She sighs after her jumbled, mini rant was over and Yelena was frozen. She can still feel the surprise on her face and she suddenly realises that Kate was waiting for her to say something but the thing was, Yelena was not prepared for Kate to show up like this, let alone utter the words that she was speaking. That she, Yelena Belova, was important to her, Kate Bishop. The assassin thought about all the possible things she could say but they didn’t feel enough and so she just threw herself at Kate, grabbing her face and kissing her deeply.

The pair kissed over and over until they were both out of breath. They had somehow ended up on Yelena’s couch and had spent the better part of an hour soothing each other with soft, gentle kisses. With Kate’s warm skin beneath her fingers, Yelena traced feather light patterns on the arm that was wrapped around her waist, relaxed and comforting and somehow protective. Always protective and Yelena swears she doesn’t want to be anywhere else.

Kate Bishop: I’m sorry that things were so complicated before. You didn’t deserve that.
Yelena Belova: It’s okay, we are still learning, no?
Kate Bishop: Yes. Absolutely. So let’s maybe keep this uncomplicated then, shall we?
Yelena Belova: What do you mean?
Kate Bishop: This.

Kate’s eyes flash down as if motioning to them in general. Yelena smiles and tilts her head.

Yelena Belova: I couldn’t agree more. Just..be honest with each other?

She suggests tentatively, still painfully aware of how unprepared and inexperienced she was in all things romantic.

Kate Bishop: I like that. I’ll start.

She caresses Yelena’s cheek that was almost healed. Nuzzling and placing soft kisses to the blonde’s temple. Yelena responds with kisses of her own, capturing Kate’s lips in hers. They both grin widely as they pull their faces apart.

Kate Bishop: For starters, Yelena. I never want you to run away from me again.
Yelena Belova: I didn’t want to run away from you. I never did. I guess..I just..didn’t know how to handle what was happening. You were overtaking every conscious thought that I had. It was terrifying.
Kate Bishop: I don’t blame you, I’m devastatingly attractive.

Yelena throws her head back and laughs before smiling and planting a soft kiss on Kate’s cheek as she gives her a little chuckle.

Kate Bishop: But seriously though.. I understand. I just hope I don't give you any more reason to. Since we’re being honest, I guess you could say I finally figured out how important you are to me.

The lightest blush crosses her cheeks, and Yelena can tell that much like her, Kate was nervous to share her feelings too and it's honestly so fucking cute. The Widow smiles and brings their lips together with Kate grabbing her and deepening the kiss.

xxxxx

Kate Bishop: Yelena?
Yelena Belova: Mmm
Kate Bishop: Yelena, I have to go.

Kate whispers, nuzzling her nose against the sleeping woman’s neck. Yelena opens her eyes and groans when she finds that the room is still dark. It’s still nearly completely dark but Kate’s perfect face was just an inch from hers.

Yelena Belova: Hey..

Yelena couldn’t help smiling shyly with Kate being so close to her like this. Her Kate Bishop. It was all so intoxicating and made her giddy. She was almost embarrassed for behaving like children do.

Kate Bishop: Hey beautiful. I’m sorry to wake you. I have to go to work but I wanted to say goodbye.

Yelena frowns now when she notices that Kate is all dressed while she is still in her pyjamas. In the spirit of taking things slow, they had just slept together, sans sex and it was still one of the best nights of Yelena’s life. So now seeing Kate dressed in her suit again and ready to leave, made Yelena frown like the world had run out of hot sauce.

Yelena Belova: You can’t leave.

Yelena claims and wraps her arms around Kate’s neck, pulling her back into bed. To her absolute delight, Kate obliges her.

Kate Bishop: 5 more minutes of cuddles, and then I really have to go okay?
Yelena Belova: Mmm.

Truth be told, Kate’s heart was cracking too everytime she had to part from Yelena. She chided herself - ‘Get a grip Bishop, you are going to work, not to war’. When Kate does finally get to work, Yelena and her text each other non stop. The only pauses in communication were obligations at work that required Kate’s absolute, undivided attention and Yelena waited impatiently to hear from Kate between messages.

The blonde didn’t have much to do that day since technically she was supposed to be moving out, so she was treating herself to a nice lunch outside at her favourite cafe. She was thankful that Kate had not brought up the boxes because she wasn’t sure what she was going to do now. Moving meant being far away from Kate and that was definitely not what Yelena wanted, especially not now when they were still trying to figure things out between them.

Kate had stopped replying for a couple of hours and so Yelena had gone shopping. The voice at the back of her mind nags how this was why she has six boxes of clothes at home but she couldn’t help it. Yelena loved everything fashion related, and shopping was one of her favourite things to do when she had the time. The Russian got home a little while ago and made herself some tea. It was 9.30 p.m when her phone finally pings again, and she’s smiling before she even unlocks the screen. They were supposed to meet already but some responsibilities at work kept arising.

Kate Bishop: Guess what?
Yelena Belova: You’re going to die of old age before they let you leave?
Kate Bishop: Haha. Technically I can leave whenever I want. Perks of being the boss :)
Yelena Belova: Yes but you’re too boring to leave early.
Kate Bishop: Pfft! Anyway, you’re supposed to be guessing, remember?
Yelena Belova: ….Did you finally invest in a gun to just shoot everyone there instead?
Kate Bishop: You are getting colder!
Yelena Belova: Hmm.. You’re at my front door right now to seduce me?

Yelena returns the tea mug to the sink and thinks that she heard something outside her door. All it takes is a rap on the door from her hand and Yelena’s insides respond excitedly. The moment she opens her front door, the sight soothes her erratic pulse and she smiles. Her girlfriend is like five inches taller than her, her fit, sinewy body and dark curls contributes to an overall brooding look that only Kate Bishop could pull off. Upon seeing Yelena, blue eyes immediately light up and a cocky smile splays on her face.

Yelena Belova: I guessed right?!

Yelena asks, tickled by the thought of how well that turned out. How Kate always shows up when Yelena needed her to. The Avenger steps forward and wraps her arms around the blonde’s waist, burying her face at her neck. Kate whispers in her ear and Yelena can hear her smiling. She had forgotten that little detail in her message.

Kate Bishop: So you want to be seduced huh?
Yelena Belova: Only if you’re the one doing the seducing.

The Widow replies happily, her words true enough. From the moment they had decided to keep things honest and relaxed between them, things couldn’t be going better. Kate doesn’t hesitate to lift Yelena off the ground and steps into the apartment. The blonde wraps her legs around her waist and shuts the door behind them. Neither of them waste any more time.

Yelena’s lips find Kate’s like a magnet and she eagerly returns the pressure. Her warm hands are holding onto Yelena fiercely, one between her shoulder blades and the other on her lower back, pulling her body closer against hers. Yelena tangles her fingers in Kate’s locks and they land on the couch again, kissing over and over. Things were heating up fast and so the pair pulled apart, opting to cuddle to cool off.

Kate Bishop: There are some things that I need to talk to you about.
Yelena Belova: What is it?

Yelena turns and looks at the brunette quizzically. For a brief moment, her heart panicked, worried at the thought that maybe this wasn’t real to Kate or that maybe she had changed her mind because Yelena was making her wait. She relaxes a bit when Kate reaches out for her hand, bringing it to her lips to place a soft kiss to her palm.

Kate Bishop: As much as I like being holed up with you..I think it’s time to talk about making things public?

They had been hidden in this little cocoon of theirs. Kate could almost feel Yelena retreating back into her shell. In all honesty, Kate was a bit worried too, that going public would add pressure to their relationship that was still in its infancy but she put a brave face on and chose to have faith in this thing that she was building with Yelena. It was still early, yes, but this attraction.. it was so strong and Kate really did believe in them.

Yelena Belova: Like officially?
Kate Bishop: Mmhmm. To be honest, once we get through the annoying parts, it might be fun? Being able to go on actual dates and stuff.
Yelena Belova: I guess you are right. I’ll miss this but I also want to go out with you and do normal stuff.
Kate Bishop: Okay, cool cool cool. So the first thing is the paparazzi. They will be relentless when they first catch wind of us, so I apologise in advance for that.

Kate pulls the blonde closer against her body, slipping her hand under her top to draw little soothing patterns on her skin. The little act causes Yelena to flush but she tries to hide it.

Yelena Belova: Hmm.. You’re like a real celebrity huh. Sometimes I forget that you are rich Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: I try not to think about it too much, but you see why I have to behave in public?
Yelena Belova: I understand dorogoya (darling). We won't do anything to get you into trouble, promise.
Kate Bishop: Well.. maybe a little trouble could be permissible?

Yelena throws her head back and laughs heartily at Kate’s words. Seeing her gorgeous neck exposed, Kate can’t help but lean down and plant soft kisses there.

Yelena Belova: Okay. A fair amount of trouble. Agreed.
Kate Bishop: So the second thing is that since you literally don’t have an online presence, we are going to have to create something for you.
Yelena Belova: Like a background?
Kate Bishop: Exactly. Where you went to school, work, your interests.. that sort of thing. If we give the paparazzi these things, then they won’t go digging on their own.
Yelena Belova: That's actually..really smart Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: Well, I want this to be as painless as possible for you.
Yelena Belova: Mm, and I appreciate that.

The blonde had pulled herself away from the Avenger to turn herself and basically just lay on top of Kate as if she was the most comfiest pillow. The brunette lets go a little ‘oof’ before wrapping her arms around Yelena and dropping a kiss on her forehead.

Kate Bishop: The third thing is that S.H.I.E.L.D will be involved in this process. They’d easily be able to create your new identity for you. And I thought that while we were at the Compound, you might want to meet the others.. I know we talked about it a long time ago..
Yelena Belova: To talk about Natasha..
Kate Bishop: Yes. I’m sorry it took so long. It just took a while to wrangle everyone and make sure they are in the same room at the same time.

Her girlfriend doesn’t say anything and so Kate just tightens her embrace and drops more soft kisses to her forehead.

Kate Bishop: Its okay if you’ve changed your mi-
Yelena Belova: I’ll do it.
Kate Bishop: Yea? You’re so amazing and strong, do you know that?

Kate cups Yelena’s face and gives her more soft, reassuring kisses. Her warm hands rubbing up and down the blonde’s back soothingly.

Yelena Belova: I want to be so good for you.
Kate Bishop: Fuck. You already are. But this, this is entirely about you.
Yelena Belova: I know. I do want to get to know what she was like.
Kate Bishop: Okay, I’ll let Maria know. Then the fourth thing, which I think is the last thing.
Yelena Belova: This must be the biggest thing!

Kate tries to ignore Yelena’s cheeky grin and comment.

Kate Bishop: I was wondering if one day, maybe you’d be open to meeting Jack and my mom.
Yelena Belova: Oh.
Kate Bishop: I swear, it's not something I want to ask this early on. I know it’s barely been a week. But once our pictures hit the papers, my mom is going to find out and well, she’s going to summon us for dinner.
Yelena Belova: You’ve done this before then?
Kate Bishop: No actually. I..haven’t been this way before with anyone and that's probably what will pique their interest..
Yelena Belova: Hmm.

Kate pulls away to look at her girlfriend, her heart was pounding waiting for a reply. It wasn’t her intention to put this all on Yelena at once but she needed Yelena to understand that dating her was not at all like dating a ‘regular’ person. There was a lot of expectation and pressure to navigate around and she wanted her girlfriend to know about these things from her, rather than be thrown into the deep end, unprepared.

Kate Bishop: What..?
Yelena Belova: You’re asking for a lot Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: Yea..
Yelena Belova: And we’ve been together for like four days!
Kate Bishop: Oh you’re counting huh?
Yelena Belova: Mmhmm. So before I say yes, I have some requirements.
Kate Bishop: Yea? Like what?
Yelena Belova: Firstly, you must take me on very cool dates, I won't settle for less. Only the best food, best experiences. Secondly, you’ll need to keep giving me kisses throughout the day. You know, to keep me motivated enough to jump through all these hoops.
Kate Bishop: Done and done! By the way, should I be offended that food was first on the list before kisses?
Yelena Belova: Food is love, food is life Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: Remind me why I like you again?
Yelena Belova: Because you find me irresistable?
Kate Bishop: Touche’.

Kate cups her face and brings their lips together, kissing Yelena deeply and with purpose. And just like that, all anxieties were forgotten as they went back to making out.

Chapter Text

When they finally parked at the Avenger’s Compound a few days later, Yelena could swear that her heart was almost in her throat. Before this, the only thing that ever made her feel so much was Kate Bishop, but now that she was standing face to face with the former life of Natasha Romanoff, the blonde could feel her palms grow clammy and sweaty.

When the pair reached the lounge, the environment turned sombre quickly and the jovial chatter that carried through the hallways previously - quietened noticeably. Everyone was there; everyone that Yelena had watched on TV or heard about over the years and so many others that she had no clue about. There was Steve Rogers, Hulk, Thor, Captain Marvel, and what Yelena could swear was a raccoon looking at her rather melancholically.

Even dressed in civilian clothes, the Widow felt that each of them was larger than life in their own right. In the corner of the room and somewhat isolated from the rest, stood Clint Barton - the only other Avenger that Yelena was vaguely familiar with. After a brief introduction and polite hellos, the person that Yelena gathered was Maria Hill ushered the group to a briefing room that was down the hall.

As Yelena makes her move to the briefing room, her face scrunches up in confusion when she sees Kate Bishop staying rooted in the lounge. There was a certain look that the brunette gave her girlfriend that told her that this was something that she was going to have to do without her. As much as the Russian would have preferred her girlfriend being with her, she understood that perhaps this was asking too much of the billionaire.

When Yelena threw one last glance at Kate before walking out the room, the brunette had been handed Nathaniel Barton to babysit. Together with the loud, happy toddler was a little girl with dark hair, who’s blonde mom was crouched before her and no doubt asking her to behave. The Widow would later learn that this was Pepper Pots, CEO of Stark Industries.

When the group finally came out of the briefing room a couple of hours later, they were greeted by the sight of Morgan Stark and Nathaniel Barton climbing Kate Bishop like a tree and giggling at their own made up game that Kate was humouring them with. The Avenger stilled when she caught Yelena’s gaze, her red rimmed eyes not going unnoticed. The couple left soon after and the drive back to the penthouse was relatively quiet with Yelena clutching a box of Natasha’s belongings like her life depended on it. Kate was very familiar with the box, she had been avoiding it like the plague for almost a couple of years now. Once home, the couple spent the rest of the day with cuddles and soft whispers of calming words.

Much later that night while in search of some water, Kate chanced upon the box again. Forgetting the water that only moments before she was parched for, she proceeded to have a staring contest with the box for a few long minutes. Sighing shakily Kate relents and approaches the box, this time gravitating towards it with the help of some unknown force.

Her fingers tentatively flip the lid open and her eyes slowly glaze over the random items inside that carried so many profound memories - there was the set of throwing knives that Natasha had always favoured, a collection of Funko Pops that depicted each Avenger, and a collection of unique matchboxes from around the world. Kate gently pushed the items around looking for something specific and when her fingers found them - she fished the stack of photographs from underneath the box.

Sifting through the polaroids, the Avenger stares at pictures of Natasha on Steve’s bike, a picture of the gang eating shawarma, and all the pictures of Kate that Natasha had taken without her knowledge. There were pictures of the younger girl sparring or training, manning the command post in the HQ, Kate’s first time in space, all of it. The sudden and unplanned trip down memory lane brings about a surge of sadness and Kate feels sick to her stomach.

She rushes to the sink and doubles over throwing up, before sliding down against the cool tiles. In the darkness of the night, Kate hid her face in her palms and cried her eyes out for Natasha for the first time, trying to keep her grief as quiet as possible so as not to wake Yelena up.

Kate had wished that someone had told her that grief might not come all at once or that it also might not come as sadness necessarily. She had cried more in her teens, years after her father’s passing. Kate had hoped that it would get easier, that over time the grief will become lighter and easier to carry. She wished that someone had told her that it never really goes away completely and that is okay.

It took a long time for her to accept that neither Derek nor Natasha would ever meet her future wife or kids. That harsh truth was hitting her harder than before now. The billionaire isn't sure how long she was on the bathroom floor hyperventilating and breaking down, but when she came to her senses, she recognized the unmistakable firmness that came from her girlfriend’s embrace.

xxxxx

The couple had planned to go out on a date the following Saturday but Kate had not been forthcoming at all about details and Yelena still had no idea about where they were going or what they were doing. Either way, she figured that she should have a couple of nice dresses picked out for whatever swanky place Kate would take her to.

A couple of hours later, Kate had texted Yelena, asking her to dress comfortably which only fueled Yelena’s curiosity even more. When the town car pulled up at her apartment, Kate got out to let Yelena in and the blonde noted how they were both in jeans and sensible shoes.

Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop. Are you really not going to tell me where we are going?
Kate Bishop: You’ll find out soon enough.
Yelena Belova: Hmm. Definitely not what I pictured for our first date.
Kate Bishop: Well.. consider this a pre-date.
Yelena Belova: What’s a pre-date?
Kate Bishop: Well I thought we could sort of do something fun to take the edge off you know. Before we did more..romantic things..
Yelena Belova: Ah. I see.

Kate hoped that Yelena would appreciate her thoughts about keeping things still relaxed and fun. She definitely didn’t want to splurge that Bishop ka-ching and spook Yelena out, well not at least until she was certain that Yelena was ready for all of that. Before long, the town car had stopped moving and the couple got out, and once she realised where she was, Yelena’s mouth fell open.

Three hours later, Kate, her friends Greer, Kit, Shane, and Yelena all left the paintball field. Yelena still couldn’t believe that Kate had planned to shoot and get shot by balls of paint with CO2 powered guns for their pre-date. It was the most fun that Yelena had in a long time and she loved how thoughtful Kate had been in planning their activity.

Yelena slides off her borrowed face mask and unzips her protective jacket, laughing as they walk to the main building. Her hair was in a long braid, hanging over her shoulder, unfortunately tainted with blue paint. Her jacket and skin tight jeans were splattered with a mixture of green, blue, yellow and orange. Everyone else had Yelena’s signature pink in a few spots on them.

Kit claimed she did the best, though she was obviously the second person to be hit the most. Yelena snickers and wipes off some pink paint from Kate’s neck, and she wraps her arm around the blonde’s waist as they walk, flashing her a neat smile.

Greer: So, In n Out?

Greer asked, confirming their next adventure - eating! The group mumbled their answers simultaneously, all famished from running around the park and shooting at each other. The rest of the group breaks off to the lockers to get their belongings while Kate and Yelena wait for them.

Kate Bishop: So.. how ya feeling so far?
Yelena Belova: Meeting your college friends and shooting people? You know me so well Kate Bishop.

Pleased with her answer, Kate pulls her in for a sweet kiss. Dropping soft little pecks on Yelena’s cheek and neck and Yelena tries her best not to let her legs buckle.

Kate Bishop: I probably shouldn’t have invited you.
Yelena Belova: Why?
Kate Bishop: Because I think my friends like you now.

Kate grins and pulls Yelena closer, wrapping her arms around her waist.

Yelena Belova: Well between you and me, you’re the one I want.
Kate Bishop: I want you too.

Something shifts between them again, something sincere but also absolutely terrifying. Luckily, the pair are used to being petrified with each other and lean into the feeling that surrounds them. They trade lazy kisses and soft smiles as Kate’s friends show up and they all pile into the town car.

On the way to get food, they argued about whose aim was better. At the fast food joint, they get in line to order, each stained with neon colour and getting a handful of looks from the other patrons. Yelena noticed a woman who pulled out her phone to take a picture of Kate, Kate ignored her and so Yelena ignored her too. Having been used to being in the shadows, she contemplated how different Kate’s life was. Yelena stands next to Kate, not bothering to even look at the menu. She already knew what she wanted because In N Out was her favourite cheat food. Shane comes to her other side and bumps his arm into her shoulder.

Shane: I still can’t believe you shot me in the ass.

Shane teases and Yelena laughs recalling his answering squeal.

Yelena Belova: You almost got me in the face! That hay bale by my head was covered in green.

Yelena scolds him playfully. However, that is not saying that she was lucky by any means. Kate had pulled her aside before the game started to ask her to go easy on her friends. Not completely easy, just not Black Widow stuff. Yelena grumbled her okays because she had to admit that if Kate and her played to their full potential, the game would probably be over in just a few minutes, taking the fun from everyone. There was also the fact that Kate’s college friends had no idea that she was an Avenger who was technically dating a former Black Widow assassin.

Shane: Hey, it's not my fault your face is magnet.

Shane winks at Yelena and suddenly Kate’s arm is around her waist and she’s pulling her away.

Kate Bishop: Stop flirting with her.

Kate berates Shane and plants Yelena in front of her, with her back against Kate’s chest. Yelena only laughs harder and shakes her head while they facetiously argue, but doesn’t make an attempt to move from her designated spot. She places her hands on Kate’s forearms and leans back, she didn’t mind being so close to Kate in public. Yelena secretly wonders if Kate was protecting her from her friends or if she wanted to give the paparazzi something worth taking pictures of. Either way, Yelena’s heart was soaring at how being this way with her seemed so effortless for Kate.

The blonde finds a table for them and they start munching their burgers and fries. It didn’t take long for embarrassing stories of Kate’s college days to start popping up. Kate tried to shut it down but her friends were hell bent on telling Yelena the story of how Kate collapsed a clock tower with her bow and arrow or that time that she had accidentally set the lab on fire. Greer was quick to follow up with a story of how they all went skiing once, and the girl that Kate had a crush on was there too. She had said that

Kit: OMG. Omg, guys. Remember that time we went skiing?
Kate Bishop: Boo..

The three started hollering and laughing while Kate just pulled up her hoodie and hid her face, which made Yelena even more interested in what happened.

Greer: So we were going to go ski at Jiminy Peak and this girl that Kate was into was there as well. She told Kate that she was really impressed by her ability to swerve around trees really fast.

Kit was trying to hold her laugh in, trying not to spoil the joke but ended up spitting out her soda instead.

Shane: So what do you think this jackass tried doing?
Yelena: She wanted to show?
Kit: Exactly! She was pushing the limits to impress this girl and it was going well until Kate slipped on some ice and..you guessed it - crashed head first into a giant tree!!
Greer: Safe to say that wasn’t the attention you were going for huh, champ?

The group laughed while Kate just groaned in embarrassment.

Kate Bishop: In my defence.. I was young and dumb.
Greer: Yea and now you’re just dumb.

The group laughs again and Kate responds by throwing her crumpled up napkin at her head.

Kate Bishop: Don't make me tell Yelena about that time you guys threw up in class!
Greer: Na uh! You have to save that story for when we bring our dates to hangout.
Kate Bishop: Fair point.

The jokes and banter went on, and Yelena was eating the stories up. It made her happy to hear about a different side of Kate Bishop. A younger one that was more carefree and wild and was not plagued by the problems of the criminal and corporate world. Kate had wrapped her arm around Yelena’s shoulder at some point and it all just felt so normal and easy, like this was how it has always been.

Eventually Yelena and Kate had said goodbye to her friends and hopped into the town car to take them home. When Yelena glances at Kate, she gives her a small smile then looks out the windshield. From her peripherals, Kate could tell that Yelena was grinning and knowing that she was the reason behind Yelena’s happiness made her heart swell.

xxxxx

Everything about the night was normal, at least on the surface. The crickets were announcing the temperature, if one was willing to count the chirps and there was a gentle breeze that ruffled the leaves of the old maple trees along the street. The humidity levels had not risen yet, allowing those who were out and about to relish the night. If one concentrates hard enough, you would even be able to pick out the smell of honey roasted nuts lingering from one of New York’s iconic Nuts 4 Nuts cart.

Tonight wasn’t a normal night though. No. It was the perfect night to go on a date and Kate was parked outside of Yelena’s building. She was leaning against the car, patiently waiting for her girlfriend. This time around Kate had relented and said that they were going out somewhere fancy for dinner. The young heiress was wearing a lacy bralette with a black suit, she felt pretty confident that she looked good until Yelena appeared in front of her.

The blonde was in a striped dress that had sequence, with a thigh high split up her leg that made the brunette’s mouth run dry. The dress looked gorgeous on Yelena, the colour somehow making the hazel in her eyes pop some more. Kate was so caught up staring that she didn’t realise that Yelena was now standing right in front of her.

Yelena Belova: Hi! Anyone home, Kate Bishop?
Kate Bishop: You.. Just wow. You’re like.. so. Wow.

Yelena just smiles shyly knowing that Kate approves of what she chose for their date. She loved making her girlfriend’s brain short circuit every now and then.

Yelena Belova: You’re pretty wow yourself.

Cashing in on Kate’s distracted state, the blonde grabs her by the lapels of her jacket and pulls her in for a kiss. Finally remembering that she had hands, Kate wraps her arms around Yelena’s small waist, pulling her into an embrace as they kiss.

Kate Bishop: I missed you so much.
Yelena Belova: I missed you so much.

The fact that Yelena hadn’t just said ‘I miss you too’ made her beam. Don’t ask her why. It just did. They kept caressing each other gently and kissing before the billionaire reluctantly pulled away so they’d meet their reservation time. Kate was taking Yelena to a restaurant called Masa, a pretty posh place at Columbus Circle.

It is usually impossible to get a reservation but Kate had given her assistant, Dawn the green light to use whatever means necessary to get them a spot. So with a mixture of name dropping and throwing around an ungodly amount of money, Dawn had gotten them a reservation for 8 p.m. Upon reaching, they remove their coats and the maitre’d guides them to the bar while their table is prepared.

While Kate ordered cocktails, Yelena took in the restaurant, studying her surroundings carefully although this was done purely in awe and not in anticipation of danger. The opulent restaurant had very limited seating and was elegantly designed. The Russian noted how everything at Masa carried a certain weight, from the heavy wooden doors they were ushered through and the bill too, surely.

Over cocktails, they make small talk and steal glances from each other. Their table is ready just as they finish their cocktails, and Kate offers her arm for Yelena to balance on as she steps off the bar stool elegantly. She does this despite the stilettos that almost brings her eye to eye with the Avenger. Yelena settles herself into the chair and properly looks at Kate again. She was as gorgeous as ever.

Her wavy brown hair drooped slightly below her brow bone and her thick set of lashes framed her stunning blue eyes. The blonde mused how she could spend literal hours just looking at Kate’s angelic face as she slept and wonder how on earth this beautiful woman decided to get into a relationship with her.

Yelena Belova: Where’s the menu Kate Bishop?
Kate Bishop: Err yea, they don't have one here. It’s an omakase experience, you just get the chef’s special for the day.
Yelena Belova: Pulling all the stops, I see.

They were trading shy smiles with each other and before any awkwardness could settle in, the Avenger spoke again.

Kate Bishop: Do you want to know a secret?

The Widow flashes a mischievous smile and replies to the affirmative.

Kate Bishop: I wasn’t sure if you’d like Japanese cuisine, so I made reservations in four other places tonight.

Her girlfriend’s little confession makes Yelena shake her head in amusement and she peered at the woman seated before her who was practically bouncing in her seat. She truly was nervous and the blonde found it completely endearing.

Yelena Belova: You don’t have to try so hard dorogaya (darling). I’m just happy to be with you.
Kate Bishop: Yea. Yes, I mean I know. I guess I just wanted everything to be perfect you know?

The Russian reaches over the table and holds Kate’s hand. She gently caresses her skin with her thumb in a bid to reassure her girlfriend. It must have worked, because moments later Kate was completely relaxed and fell back on her usual charming self and the conversation flowed naturally.

Soon food was served and the couple tucked into their dinner, asking small, tentative questions to get to know each other while also consciously trying to keep the conversation light. From watching the swift movements of the chef’s knives to tasting a combination of freshly cut fish, perfectly warm rice, and premium chilled sake - Yelena knew that Sonya would be eating up every single detail from tonight. Thus far, the night had been perfect, with the restaurant’s attention to detail unsurpassed and the almost reverential spirit in which Kate carried herself.

Before long Kate moves the conversation onto travel and shares some of the exciting places she had visited when she was younger and there was love pouring out of her. Yelena noted how much Kate loved travelling and learning new things,and her mood soured a little when she thought about how Bishop Securities and S.H.I.E.L.D probably got in the way of all that now. Trying to tease her girlfriend, Yelena poses a question curiously.

Yelena Belova: Any holiday romances?

Kate holds her gaze for a moment and then shakes her head.

Kate Bishop: Not really. Nothing was more beautiful than the surroundings that I was seeing. I think I’d much rather be up at 5 a.m for a hike than wake up with some random girl late in the morning.
Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop. That is definitely a lie! You seem to forget that your girlfriend is an international spy.

Kate ponders for a moment and goes to say something but stops herself. She asks Yelena about the places she’d like to visit instead. Between talking about holidays, dessert arrived and Yelena could barely contain her excitement. The blonde was served truffle ice cream which she readily fed a spoonful to her girlfriend. Kate sucks the spoon and locks eyes with Yelena, complimenting the dessert and licking the spoon until every morsel has disappeared. It was slightly erotic, and Yelena was almost surprised at Kate exhibiting such sensuality in public. Needless to say, it didn't take long for Yelena’s mind to shamelessly think about how good Kate’s tongue was at other things.

Once dessert was done and they had finished their sake, Kate caught the waiter's eye and got the bill. They then head to the cloakroom to collect their coats and once they exited the restaurant, a cold breeze greeted them and rudely reminded Yelena that her date was over. The Widow moves to head towards the valet when Kate grabs her wrist to stop her from walking ahead.

They were now inches apart and even though it felt like they were alone, Yelena was certain that they were not. Without hesitation, the billionaire leans in towards her and meets her lips with a gentle kiss. Softly her lips caress and kiss Yelena as the blonde’s hand weaves its way to the nape of Kate’s neck, pulling her closer.

This was everything. This was everything that Yelena didn’t know she needed and like the calm after the storm, she felt her heart being soothed from years of turbulence and turmoil. The cracks were joining and her heart was alive, beating faster than ever before.

Kate Bishop: I’m not letting you go.

Yelena sinks into the crook of the heiress’s arm and smiles. She didn’t want to be let go either.

Chapter Text

Ever since that night that the Avenger had shown up and asked Yelena to be hers, the assassin sometimes shudders thinking how she had almost said ‘No’. The blonde had mused over the fact that she is no longer a single woman, and every time she thinks about who she belonged to, her stomach floods with not just butterflies, but the whole damn zoo. You’d think that as a former Black Widow, Yelena would have aversions belonging to someone, but this wasn’t the case. This was different. She was entirely and irrevocably the Avenger’s and that truth soothed her soul.

The moment Kate Bishop had looked her in the eyes and asked if she could be hers, really, truly hers - something shifted within Yelena. Something clicked and everything fell into place for the young assassin. Being a property of the Red Room had been stifling, but being Kate Bishop’s girlfriend has been liberating if anything. For the first time she felt like she belonged in this world, like she had a purpose in it, a role to play.

These past few weeks had been the easiest in her life, but also the hardest. Spending almost every night in close proximity, kissing, touching but never crossing that line that she had drawn for them - it took so much will power. Kate Bishop was trying and it hasn't gone unnoticed. Yelena was happier than she ever thought possible. They were still the same friends with their ongoing banter and jokes, but now they were finally addressing the elephant in the room that has been lingering since they first locked eyes on that rooftop; what would it be like if they were more?

To answer that question, it feels..right. Even though they were working through a number of trying issues, the way they are when they are together is all Yelena has ever wanted. They are more candid than they’ve ever been, no false pretences, nothing stopping them from actually being together. Most of the people around Yelena and Kate were aware of them, and honestly, it can’t be mistaken with the way Kate holds onto Yelena in everyone else’s presence. Her embrace is reassuring to the blonde; that Kate truly wants her.

Sonya had also pointed out helpfully that it's a good sign that Kate used the word 'want' instead of 'need'. A need is something that cannot be helped, but a want? That's an actual choice, a desire. Kate is actively choosing Yelena and Sonya was more than excited at that prospect for her friends. Through this entire time, Sonya had been a staunch supporter and hype man. Although in all fairness, Sonya had been shipping them from the get-go. A point which had endeared Sonya even more to Kate.

To top off all this giddiness - Yelena has noticed how lately, Kate’s good mood has been unrelenting and infectious, even with the new elephant that has taken its predecessor’s spot; besides their new found fondness for each other, they still havent had sex. Four weeks. It has been twenty eight days since Kate and Yelena have fucked. The number echoes in Widow’s head as she remembers the heady scent of the Avenger’s perfume and sweat.

Twenty eight days since she had felt Kate’s lips on her skin where she needed it the most, and twenty eight days since she’d had Kate inside of her while she whispered the naughtiest things by her ears. Four weeks may not seem long, but for them, it’s the longest that they have been apart since all this began.

The Russian can't really complain though because this was her own doing, her wanting to test Kate Bishop’s mettle. So now Yelena is just going to have to wear her big girl pants and not think about Kate on top of her, Kate under her, Kate behind her.. You get the gist. Everytime Yelena is on Kate’s lap and they are making out, it's a rude reminder of how Yelena has barely any self control with her girlfriend. They had to stop themselves on more than a few occasions when things had gotten too hot and heavy.

And that feeling of having next to no control over her urges and desires scares the Russian because it is a constant reminder of how much Kate Bishop means to her and it was a hard pill to swallow. Kate has power over her. If they have sex and Kate changes her mind about being together, it would tear Yelena apart. This was why she so badly needs Kate to be sure of what she wants.

They had been cuddling up on a particularly lazy Saturday afternoon when Kate’s phone started ringing. She groans dramatically before tearing herself away from her girlfriend, trying to fish her phone out of her sweats.

Kate Bishop: Hey Tory.. Oh yeah?.. Okay.. How long have we been on downtime?.. Mmhmm.. Yeah I’ll head over.

As soon as she hangs up the phone, Kate announces that she is needed at work and Yelena’s heart drops a little. The billionaire notices this and offers to let the blonde join her, an offer which was readily accepted. Kate had traded her sweatpants and muscle tee with a navy open front blazer, white top and a pair of nice blue jeans looking absolutely divine.

Kate Bishop: You know.. I wish I shared your enthusiasm about having to go into work on a weekend.
Yelena Belova: Very funny Kate Bishop, but my enthusiasm is about being with you, not about going to work.

Okay that might have been a little white lie. Yelena had been to Bishop Securities once before, but this time it was different and she was intrigued by the idea of watching her girlfriend work. They get into the billionaire’s Purosangue and Yelena keeps her hand at Kate’s nape as she drives, playing with her hair.

The Avenger had resorted to driving around more when Yelena was with her so they’d have more privacy. She still did have her chauffeur drive her whenever the blonde wasn’t in town though. While cruising to the heart of the city, Kate comes up with a cute game where they have to kiss everytime they get stuck at a red light and Yelena can’t help but feel her heart swell with fondness. Part of her was still in disbelief that this was her life now - a life where Kate Bishop was a staple and shined her brightness on everything that was previously shrouded in darkness.

Kate Bishop: There’s only a skeleton crew working on support today so I’m going to go help out. We shouldn’t be here long though, then after we can go do whatever you want, okay?

Kate’s voice drags Yelena out of her reverie when they pull into the CEO parking space at Bishop Tower. Yelena goes to open her door when Kate cuts the engine and stops her. She turns the assassin’s head and kisses deeply, taking her by surprise. When she pulls back, she gives the blonde a dazzling smile and exits the car while Yelena is still flustered from the sudden kiss. The brunette then opens the main door for her girlfriend as she greets the security team that was working. Yelena thought that Kate would be heading to her office but instead, Kate uses her credentials and gets the lift to stop on the 25th floor instead.

They exit and go through another door that's heavily secured which Kate holds open for Yelena before they walk through an entryway together. Finally reaching her destination, Kate stops in front of another secure door that was labelled as ‘Server Room 4’. Using her credentials again, she gets through them and Yelena is greeted by cold air and high ceilings. In the room are rows upon rows of servers and Yelena gathers that the issue was more of a hardware nature than a software one.

The brunette leads the way along a wall, saying ‘Hi’ to several tech guys who were troubleshooting the problem. They were not at all taken back by their CEO being there, which made Yelena surmise that this wasn’t the first time that Kate had rolled up her proverbial sleeves to fix something and the blonde found that quality rather attractive. Her employees however were staring at the Russian as the blonde awkwardly waved at them.

After finding a particular engineer that she had been looking for, Tory; Kate introduces them before deep diving into the issue at hand, talking about parts of something or another. Yelena noted how young Tory looked, he seemed fresh faced enough to have just been out of college but to be employed by Kate Bishop meant that he surely was of some calibre. Yelena follows Tory and Kate as they start walking again, passing more people and it’s a little hard not to acknowledge their gaze.

Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop. What’s with everyone?

Yelena whispers when Tory leaves them to fetch some tools. Kate glances around for a moment, then smiles at her.

Kate Bishop: Well.. You are the CEO’s very new, and very hot girlfriend.

She says and winks at Yelena. Her compliment combined with the brash look on her face makes Yelena bite her lip. This was something that had not occurred to her. She always sort of forgot that Kate was in charge where she works, and now that she is dating Kate, a superior to the entire damn company.. she realises that it's all kind of hot. Soon after Tory is back with a pair of gloves, some tools and a laptop.

The blonde gets a bit more flustered when Kate hands her blazer for her to hold as she slips on a pair of gloves and climbs up a ladder to physically look at the server in question. She uses the tools to gently open up the server cover to tinker around inside. Yelena tries to clamp down on her arousal, wondering why the fuck she was so turned on right that moment. She kept her eyes on her Kate Bishop, fantasizing her rolling up her sleeves, picking her up and fucking her against one of the cool walls.

Kate’s eyes momentarily meets the blonde’s and they stare at each other before the side of her mouth pulls into a smile. Yelena knows this smile. Through that unexplainable connection that they shared, she knows that Kate knows exactly what was running through her mind. Busted! After a few more minutes of tinkering, the tech whiz is finished with her investigation.

Kate Bishop: Well I’m inclined to agree with ya. It doesn’t look like a mechanical or electronic failure. So no need to take the whole damn thing apart.
Tory: Logical failure then?
Kate Bishop: Hmm. Could be data corruption. Let's check it out.

Tory hands her a laptop and Kate plugs it into the server that was malfunctioning and sits down cross legged on the cold tiles, clearly in her element and probably forgetting that her girlfriend was even there. Tory had also made himself comfortable next to Kate as he worked on his tablet while also watching what his boss was doing. The Widow thought that it was kind of cute, like Kate was his mentor or something.

Kate starts typing furiously, using command-line tools to check for and repair any logical errors that she finds. While the young billionaire worked, Yelena leaned against the wall in the corner, pulling out her phone to text Sonya. She even attached the latest picture of Kate and herself from the date night they had at the Met Museum a couple of nights ago. After almost ten minutes of being hunched over the laptop, Kate suddenly speaks up.

Kate Bishop: There. It should work now but you should run the diagnostic tool just to be sure.
Tory: Already? Cool, copy that boss.

Yelena was back staring at Kate Bishop. Seeing that Kate didn’t correct Tory when he had called her ‘boss’, the blonde surmised that this must be some type of inside joke between the CEO and her employees. It wasn’t uttered out of fear or reverence, but instead designed to be more friendly or jesting in nature.

Kate Bishop: Also Tory, please schedule a meeting with me, Joseph, and Ling for next week. We should really look into building redundancies and maybe even opt for solid state drives.
Tory: Sure thing Kate. Ling would be pleased, she’s a huge SDD advocate.
Kate Bishop: Yea and for good reason too.

Kate smiles and gets up. She spends a few moments dusting off her jeans and handing over the laptop back to Tory. Finally she returns her gaze to Yelena and finds the blonde now wearing her blazer while looking at something on her phone. It makes her smirk a little, so much for the whole hardcore Russian stereotype about being able to handle cold weather.

Kate Bishop: Do you want to see my office?
Yelena Belova: Yes!

Kate raises an eyebrow, smirking at her girlfriend’s excitement. The assassin had been inside Kate's office before but it's different now. She's visiting as Kate's girlfriend now. Reaching the executive floor, they walk into her office and Kate shuts the door behind them. It was a huge sprawling space, with a large desk that had three monitors attached to it. Her office was cluttered, but in a tidy way. It definitely seemed functional, like Kate did more than just sign paperwork all day. Behind the desk was a large bookshelf.

There was a nice couch and a coffee table with lots of potted paddle leaf figs arranged around to give. Lastly there was a small bar in the corner that housed some of Kate’s prized liquor. As Kate turns around to face Yelena again, she is immediately grabbed and pulled closer. Their mouths find each other like magnets.

Kate Bishop: What brought that on?
Yelena Belova: Watching you work turned me on.
Kate Bishop: You are a very bad influence.

The CEO says as she pecks the blonde’s lips again, walking to her desk and dragging her girlfriend with her.

Yelena Belova: Have you fooled around in here before?

Yelena asks, though she’s not entirely sure why. She supposes that she just didn’t want to know if Kate had bent someone over the desk or something. Kate immediately shakes her head though and Yelena’s insides loosen.

Kate Bishop: Just with you, hopefully.

She replies grinning cheekily, finally sitting down and pulling her girlfriend onto her lap. The Avenger turns on her laptop and pulls up her email for a quick glance while Yelena’s jaw drops a little. She hadn’t noticed this before, a picture next to one of the monitors, a little 5x7 of them hugging each other during New Years. They were both smiling widely at the camera because Sonya had been making funny faces, and in the background was the club they had just come out from. Yelena had no idea that Kate had printed this picture out, or any picture of them for that matter.

Kate Bishop: Is that weird?

Kate asks, seeing her reaction. Yelena looks at Kate and her expression is almost worried.

Yelena Belova: Of course not.

Looking back at the picture, Yelena smiles. That day was a good day. Kingpin was done and dusted, and she, the Avenger and Sonya had gone out dancing. Warmth fills her insides seeing the small gesture of Kate’s affection for her. The blonde looks back at her girlfriend again, and she’s still watching her. She brings up a hand to Kate’s face, stroking her cheek.

Yelena Belova: I love it.

Kate smiles back happily and crushes Yelena to her and kisses with more passion than she has all week, which is seriously saying something.

xxxxx

When they meet, they kiss deeply and after not having her for so long, Kate is eager as fuck, which is why she is completely confused when Yelena pulls away and places both her hands on her chest - forcing Kate to sit on the couch. Kate tries to pull the blonde onto her lap but she resists and offers a mischievous smile before lowering herself. ‘Oh shit’ thinks the Avenger when the blonde’s knees find the floor and she uses her hands to push Kate’s legs apart and rub her thighs suggestively.

If you asked Kate how they had ended up like this - she would not be able to tell you. She was so far gone that Yelena’s phone call earlier about being ready for more was all but a distant memory. The brunette is dressed in a shirt that's half untucked and half unbuttoned. Yelena smirks a little because she doesn’t even remember unbuttoning the shirt when they were making-out. Kate Bishop had that effect on her. Yelena unfastens the rest of the buttons but leaves the shirt on, liking the look of it hanging off her girlfriend’s broad shoulders.

Resting on her knees, Yelena takes a moment to devour the Avenger with her eyes. Hazel eyes travel across Kate’s chest that is slightly flushed and lands on her tight abs, then her eyes travel lower to her navel and that smattering of fine dark hair that trails lower and disappears into her jeans. Yelena loves that, it’s like a roadmap to more delicious and dangerous things and she thanks god daily that Kate hasn’t waxed it off.

The aesthetics of Kate like this was already doing things to Yelena, she loved how different their bodies were - where she was tan, curvy, soft and scarred, Kate was all pale, sculptured, toned, and flawless. Kate is staring at her with her gorgeous blue eyes, biting her lower lip and waiting patiently for the Widow’s next move. Yelena moves to unzip Kate’s jeans and slowly pulls out the toy, admiring it for a moment in her hands. It was flesh coloured and was made to look as realistic as possible, with ridges and veins.

The moment Yelena covers the bulbous head with her hot mouth, she swears that Kate was gone. The Avenger leans her entire body into the couch and sighs as Yelena starts sucking on her cock. The tugging and swiping motion causes a ripple effect as the toy presses into Kate’s inner walls and rubs against her clit. Kate, unable to be quiet anymore, groans lightly and grips the couch on either side.

The blonde removes Kate’s left hand that was gripping the couch and places it at the back of her own head, wanting Kate to pull her closer. However, the simple act makes Kate stutter and flush some more. Yelena was totally enjoying this, having the infamous Kate Bishop on the edge of her seat and so she decided to tease her more, pulling out something very specific from her arsenal.

Yelena Belova: Did you like that..Daddy?
Kate Bishop: Oh fuck..
Yelena Belova: I’ve been waiting to suck you off for so long now Daddy. Do you like it?

Yelena knew that she was playing dirty, repeating the word and making Kate’s eyes roll to the back of her head. Kate bites her lip harder, trying her gosh darndest to focus. The Avenger swore that this shit, this shit right here was what made Yelena a god damn Black Widow. No, not the amazing head - the knowing of her target’s psyche and absolutely destroying them with just information that she had picked up on. That shit.

Kate Bishop: Ye-yes.. I do. Feels so fucking..oof..good.

Yelena moans her approval and rubs her hands along Kate’s thighs before going back to work. Now with Kate’s fingers through her hair, getting any stray locks out of the way and gently holding her head - Yelena doubles her efforts. Rolling her tongue over the engorged tip, before sucking and licking on Kate’s cock like her life depended on it.

Kate was losing control so fast that she was almost embarrassed but hand to god, the way Yelena sucked and buried her cock in her mouth while nuzzling her head into Kate’s lap was really pushing things into overdrive. If she didn’t know any better, she’d think that the Russian was really starving. She’s greedy, using both hands, not giving herself a chance to stop or recoup or pull away. Kate was panting heavily, watching Yelena make her hard cock disappear into her beautiful mouth over and over. Her eyes would flicker up to Kate’s icy blues every now and then and Kate would immediately give her more words of encouragement.

The Avenger was losing all sense of time, she’s not sure how long she’s been sitting on this couch, gripping Yelena’s hair harder every time she would swallow so that the tip of her cock would hit the back of her throat. Her head keeps bobbing up and down Kate’s now slick cock, and she’s just praying it doesn’t end any time soon. She almost feels smug watching this flawless woman ravish her, wanting to please her.

To be honest, part of her wanted to pull away and slip inside Yelena’s insanely tight cunt but the way she’s sucking on Kate simply cannot be interrupted. To take her meat out of her girlfriend’s mouth right now would be the worst kind of punishment. For both of them. They were having too much fun where they were. Too damn much. At this point, Kate’s groin is practically on fire and she shuts her eyes, imagining a release where she could coat Yelena’s tongue with ropes of thick cum. She briefly wondered if Yelena would spit or swallow? Her brain admonished her - of course Yelena would swallow. If it was Kate, Yelena would swallow and ask for seconds.

Kate Bishop: Fuck, baby. I’m almost there.

Kate pants, feeling herself inch toward the edge of this unimaginable high peak that Yelena has pushed her to. The Widow hums around Kate’s smarting cock, hazel eyes flash to her face once again and then it hits Kate, a realisation that was trying to push to the forefront of her mind and compete with the image of Yelena shoving her cock so deep into her mouth.

This was a do-over. This was a do-over and the last thing Kate should do is lose control like she did a few weeks ago. Yes, she gets that Yelena wants to push them both over the edge, and it's working but this is not what they should be doing right now. No. They should be.. reconnecting. Her hands are almost shaking now, the urge to lose herself so strong but she reigns it in. Compelling herself to calm down.

Kate Bishop: Yelena, baby. Come here.

Sensing the change in her lover’s demeanour and tone, Yelena stops and pulls the cock out of her mouth. Kate tries not to get distracted by the strings of spit that connect her cock and Yelena’s gorgeous lips.

Yelena Belova: What’s wrong?
Kate Bishop: Not like this. Together, okay?

Yelena is confused but allows herself to be pulled up onto Kate’s lap. Once she is secured, Kate stands up, lifting them both and making her way upstairs to the bed. She didn’t want to fuck in the living room, or the kitchen. No. It has to be different this time. Special almost. They kiss unhurriedly as they make their way upstairs. Kate carefully lays Yelena in bed, striping her slowly and planting soft kisses on every inch of newly exposed skin.

They kiss sensually, their hands curiously exploring and caressing. With Yelena gasping everytime Kate's wet cock dragged across her skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake, sometimes her cock would nudge at Yelena’s cunt and it made her shudder with excitement. Kate then rests her head on the pillow as Yelena climbs over her body, positioning herself on Kate’s hip and aligning her cock to her needy cunt. Yelena is still greedy and completely consumed by desire and almost slams herself down but Kate doesn’t allow her. She grips the blonde’s waist tight and urges her to look into her eyes.

Kate Bishop: Slow. Let’s go slow.

Yelena licks her lips and slowly lowers herself onto Kate’s cock and her girlfriend was right, it felt so much better like this. Intimate. The blonde subconsciously nods and smiles and it makes Kate grin back.

Kate Bishop: Yeah?

Yelena nods again, smiling and biting her lower lip. Kate thought that she looked like a goddess in that moment. The blonde felt so full and Kate’s cock was pressing her in all the right places. They were both gasping and moaning softly, as Yelena placed her hands on either side of Kate's head on the pillow, bracing herself up and riding her lover as slow as possible. It was fucking perfect and Yelena caught on real quick on what Kate wanted for them, what Kate needed. She wanted to go slow because this was an apology from Kate’s body to hers.

The last time, the Avenger had slammed right in and fucked her rough and angry, while Yelena had split Kate’s lip and scratched her back to shit. It was insanely hot but it had also felt wrong after the moment ended and they definitely didn’t need a moment like that again right now. No. They could fuck hard and fast some other time, but tonight, they needed to reconnect.

The reconnecting would be a reflection of their newfound feelings and marked the beginning of their new relationship. The lovers had their foreheads pressed together, placing tender kisses as they moved together. The brunette placed kisses up Yelena’s arms and planted a soft kiss on her sternum. It was achingly beautiful and Yelena had to look away at times to reel herself in, to focus on dragging this out and not giving in to her base instincts.

After a while, Kate grabs a fistful of sheets to pull herself up to a sitting position. Yelena brings her hands around Kate's neck, locking them together and massaging her nape. Kate kisses and sucks on Yelena’s nipples and it feels so good that she presses Kate's head further into her chest, cradling it there as her hips rock back and forth with the aid of Kate's hands.

Kate Bishop: You’re doing so well baby.
Yelena Belova: Yea? Promise?
Kate Bishop: I promise. So fucking good.

After a while, they were getting dangerously close to losing control so Kate lifted Yelena off of her. They go back to soft caresses and tender kisses. Kissing and sucking on each other's nipples for a few minutes and after their racing hearts steadied, Yelena aligned Kate’s cock to her entrance and sank on it again, slower this time. Just as she had impaled herself on her lover's cock, Kate folds her legs underneath her and brings herself to her knees, with Yelena still safely planted on her.

This position was different and Yelena could feel Kate deeper and it was delicious. The blonde leaned back a little, placing one hand behind her, on Kate’s right thigh while the other held onto Kate’s left shoulder. This position was a bit athletic but nothing they couldn’t handle. Kate was strong enough to carry Yelena's weight while still guiding her up and down her shaft.

Her abs were burning in the best way and she wasn't going to give up so soon because in this position she could see Yelena taking her cock and it was making Kate's head spin. Before long, the blonde’s hypnotizing, rhytimic movement was making Kate pant in the way she only does when she's fucking Yelena. They keep moving together again, setting a nice slow rhythm and soon after, Yelena turns into a whimpering mess.

Yelena Belova: Blyat..it feels too good Kate.
Kate Bishop: I know, but try to hold it okay? For me?

Yelena bites her lip and nods furiously, always eager to be a good girl for Kate. Focusing on dropping soft kisses to Kate’s eyelids and forehead but soon after Kate was starting to reel too. Yelena could tell based on how the grip on her waist had grown a tad tighter. With a small groan, Kate lays Yelena down and pulls out again, needing a respite from the heaven on earth that was her girlfriend.

The brunette pulls Yelena to the edge of the bed and drops to her knees. She starts by gently caressing Yelena’s thighs, drawing swirly patterns while dropping random tender kisses to cool them both down. Yelena was on her elbows, wanting to look at Kate. She always had to have a line of sight on her lover. Kate gently parts her girlfriend’s lips, and gives her pussy a few board licks, very carefully avoiding her sensitive clit. Her warm palms tenderly run up and down the blonde’s thighs.

The Widow responds by running her hand through Kate’s hair, she felt frazzled and so fucking keyed up, it was insane. She didn't know that one could feel this way. Kate had fucking ruined her in the best way possible. With Kate she was never cool or calculated. No, she was Kate's good girl, a sopping, whimpering mess that craved Kate's praise.

After a few minutes of caresses, Kate kisses her way up Yelena’s body again. Yelena instinctively wraps her legs around Kate and they both groan when Kate’s cock just slips right in with how wet Yelena was. Kate’s arms were by Yelena’s head now, and they stared into each other's eyes. And everytime the eye contact got too intense - they would break contact to groan against each other’s skin instead. There was a light sheen of sweat on Kate’s chest now as she maintained her agonisingly slow pace, giving long and deep strokes that were alternated with more soft kisses and soft words of encouragement.

Kate Bishop: You're so fucking perfect. So amazing. You're everything Yelena.
Yelena Belova: All yours.
Kate Bishop: You're so good to me. So good for me.

By Kate’s estimation, they had been fucking for more than an hour now. Which also meant that they had been edging each other for more than an hour. No, wait. Four weeks and an hour! She felt like her body was going to combust and it almost felt like it was hurting now. Her skin was on fire and she felt like she was going to absolutely lose her damn mind. She had to cum, they had to cum. It was going to happen anyway whether they wanted it or not at this point.

Kate Bishop: You’re so beautiful. You’re everything I want.

Yelena tightens her arms that were around Kate’s neck, pulling her impossibly closer. Her voice now extra raspy from all the moaning and groaning.

Yelena Belova: Tell me.. more dorogaya (darling). Talk to me.

The Russian arches her neck, squeezing her eyes shut and trying really hard not to concentrate on the way Kate would rub up against her g-spot, dragging her ribbed cock against her front wall in a way that made Yelena’s toes curl.

Kate Bishop: This is real. I’m real. What I feel for you? Fuck. No one else compares.

Kate leans her head and nips at Yelena’s throat. They were both so close, bodies on edge and based on the way Yelena was whimpering again and cursing in Russian, she was close to exploding too.

Yelena Belova: Kate.. I can’t anymore.
Kate Bishop: Me too baby. Me too. Together, okay?

They look at each other, Kate nods her head encouragingly, hazel eyes gaze into dark blue ones as Kate speeds up her thrusting by just a fraction, panting against the shell of her girlfriend’s ear when she feels Yelena squeezing her cock and pulling her in closer. Kate tumbles over the edge first, slamming her hip flush against Yelena and groaning out, her fingers tangled in blonde hair, tugging desperately. Yelena follows right along, whining and whimpering, squeezing her thighs together and keeping Kate close. Kate’s whole body is shaking, her arms barely able to hold her own weight anymore before she gives up and falls onto Yelena’s heaving body.

Chapter Text

Kate Bishop: So what do you want to do today?
Yelena Belova: Oh dorogaya (darling). You know what I want to do every day.
Kate Bishop: Nah-uh. I don’t think you’re ready for that.
Yelena Belova: But you always say no!

The blonde was now sporting her infamous pout and Kate could feel her resolve melting. Kate was starting to think that maybe Yelena is not completely unaware of the effects that her pout has on the Avenger. That pout was a weapon of mass destruction and Yelena was ever ready to pull out the big guns whenever she wanted something from her girlfriend.

Kate Bishop: We really shouldn’t.. I mean it’s barely 10 a.m !
Yelena Belova: Pretty please??
Kate Bishop: Jesus. Fuck. Alright, come on.

A moment later they were standing in front of the shelf that was previously banned to Yelena. Needless to say, the blonde was exuding excitement and couldn’t keep still, Kate found her to be endearing but decided to keep that piece of information to herself, lest it too was used against her.

Yelena Belova: Which one do we choose? They all look.. intimidating..
Kate Bishop: They aren’t though. I mean, if you know what you’re doing, it can be pretty fun actually.

Yelena reaches out her hand tentatively and touches the items that are on display.

Yelena Belova: Ar-are they always this hard Kate Bishop?
Kate Bishop: Well.. yes. That’s kinda the point isn’t it?
Yelena Belova: Hmm. True. Are they always this long too?
Kate Bishop: You think these are long? These are standard sizes. Although in all fairness, everything seems big in your tiny hands.

Yelena rolls her eyes as Kate chuckles at her. Kate returns her attention to the objects before them before picking out the fiberglass option.

Kate Bishop: It is recommended for beginners to start with foam nunchucks, but for obvious reasons, I don’t have any of those. So we are going to start with these fiberglass ones okay?
Yelena Belova: Okay.
Kate Bishop: So did you have any questions, or do you want me to get right into it?
Yelena Belova: I like when you give me the history behind things.
Kate Bishop: You do? I always thought you found those to be boring but you were indulging my nerdiness.
Yelena Belova: No no. It really is so cool. You know a lot and I want to learn.
Kate Bishop: Aww yea? Thanks baby.

Yelena’s cheeks turn a slight pink at the nickname; the simple word still had a way of catching her off guard and making her insides flip. They had been together almost three months now but Yelena still didn’t know if she could ever get used to this. This feeling of being wanted and adored, which had been completely alien to Yelena before.

Yet every moment spent with Kate Bishop felt like a treasure. The Widow could swear that every second spent with Kate Bishop undid one horrifying day that was spent in the Red Room. Being with the billionaire was akin to being wrapped up in the warmest and safest hugs and Yelena was honestly thriving.

Kate Bishop: Okay let's do this! So the nunchaku is mostly used in karate and it's mostly a training weapon.
Yelena Belova: Wait. So you can’t actually beat up someone with this?
Kate Bishop: Well I’m sure you could, but it’s not its intended purpose. It's mostly for developing quick hand movements and.. it's great for your posture too.

Kate steps back from Yelena and when she felt that they had a safe distance between them, she did a little demonstration for the blonde. The weapons expert decided to do some flashy moves with the nunchucks, passing them from one hand to the other, her wrist quickly twirling and spinning the weapon with speed and focus. At this point, Yelena was just staring at her girlfriend with her mouth agape, truly impressed with the speed Kate was moving in. It looked so dangerous and yet, so very impressive and elegant.

The brunette then decides to up the ante and pick up a second pair of nunchucks, doing figure eights with both of them before twirling them over and across her shoulders and after that, repeating the technique by reversing the direction of the eight. The transition of Kate’s passes were perfect and the way she made extra spins and twirls to keep the nunchaku from wobbling at that speed was commendable. Once Kate was done, both the nunchucks were safely tucked under her arm and she bowed at Yelena. The blonde squealed and started clapping her hands in excitement.

Yelena Belova: Teach me how to do THAT!
Kate Bishop: Haha nope, maybe later when you’ve had some practice.

Yelena was going to pout again but Kate gave her a stern look and the blonde immediately behaved. The Avenger then hands her the first pair of nunchucks while retaining the second one.

Kate Bishop: Ready?
Yelena Belova: As I’ll ever be.
Kate Bishop: So the first part is the grip, the grip is very important.
Yelena Belova: Uh huh.
Kate Bishop: So you’re going to want to hold the handle about one thumb length from the top. You should always hold the chucks here, for maximum control.

Kate waits while the Russian mimics her and perfects her grip.

Kate Bishop: Okay now hold it in position while swinging it in a sideways figure 8 shape.

Kate watches Yelena, keeping a close eye on the blonde and the weapon. It was rather cute, the blonde had one eye closed and was fully focused on making the weapon make figure 8s.

Yelena Belova: How fast should I go?
Kate Bishop: Not too fast, just keep it at a comfortable pace.

The blonde kept at it for a few more minutes and when Kate felt that she had gotten that down to a pat, she decided to show the blonde a simple trick.

Kate Bishop: Here, let's try this. It's called ‘Over the Shoulder and Around’. Place your weaker hand across your body, like this, and then swing the nunchucks over your shoulder. Then catch the handle being swung with your weaker hand. Then pull the rest through and swing it over your other shoulder now, and catch with your stronger hand.

Kate demonstrated the move slowly so the blonde could keep up, moving the nunchucks across her body and over her shoulders a few times so Yelena could memorise the movement she was making.

Kate Bishop: Now you try. Nice and easy.

Yelena follows Kate’s instructions perfectly and completes a successful circuit. Her movements are slow and deliberate but that’s how Kate would have preferred it anyway.

Kate Bishop: That's good, you’ve got it. Now pull through and start again.

She watches intently as Yelena gingerly performs the move slowly, over and over. A slight sweat develops across her forehead. The Avenger was slowly getting lost in the repetitive movement that her girlfriend was making when her phone rings, bringing her out of her reverie. The blonde remained focused while Kate looked at the display to see who’s calling.

Kate Bishop: Hey I gotta take this. Don't clonk yourself on the head alright?

Yelena just nods, not wanting to take her eyes off of the weapon in her hand. Replaying Kate’s instructions in her mind about the proper technique and manoeuvre even as the brunette walks away to answer the phone.

Kate Bishop: Heyya Clint.
Clint Barton: Hey there kid. Busy?
Kate Bishop: Ehh, I can talk. Just working out a little. What's up?
Clint Barton: I was just wondering if dinner was still on, you never replied.
Kate Bishop: Oh shit, that's right. Yea yea, it's on.
Clint Barton: Is Yelena coming?
Kate Bishop: I think so yea. She’s warmed up to the idea.
Clint Barton: Okay that's great, because Laura’s been asking and you know how she gets.

Kate chuckled at the mention of Laura. Laura was close to Natasha too, it only made sense that she was anticipating meeting the redhead’s little sister. Clint had mentioned how Laura felt that the meeting at the Avengers HQ a few weeks ago had been too brief and they had discussed having dinner together. Kate was about to reply when she heard a loud ‘thwack’ and the sound of the nunchucks clattering on the ground, and just as she turned, she saw Yelena with both her hands on her head, groaning.

Kate Bishop: Uhh Clint, I’m going to have to call you back.
Clint Barton: Everything alright?
Kate Bishop: Err yes, yes I think.
Clint Barton: Text me later alright? Laura is this close to storming your penthouse.
Kate Bishop: Mmhmm.

Kate quickly hangs up, pocketing her phone and walking towards the blonde who still had her hands on her head. The blonde was grimacing when Kate approached.

Kate Bishop: What happened?

Yelena moved her hands away so Kate could inspect her forehead. Kate was glad to find that nothing was bleeding and that Yelena’s skin hadn’t been broken, but most of the blonde’s forehead was an angry red now and it looked like it hurt. A lot.

Yelena Belova: I hate nunchucks.

Kate places her hands on the blonde’s shoulders and looks at her.

Kate Bishop: Tell me what happened. Did the chucks get you on their own or were you maybe doing something you weren't supposed to be doing?
Yelena Belova: I might have tried to do that cool thing you did earlier..

Kate’s initial instinct was to laugh at the blonde, because getting whacked in the head was a rite of passage when you’re learning the nunchucks. She however decides to suppress her laugh and deal with the potential concussion at hand. Although she didn’t approve, she found it endearing that Yelena wanted to be ‘cool’ like her.

Whenever things like this happened, it always made Kate think about Natasha. What would it have been like if she was around? What would they have been like if they weren’t robbed of their childhood? Would Yelena be an annoying younger sibling who was always trying to follow her older sister and her friends around?

Kate Bishop: Yea no shit. Come on Michelangelo. Let's get this looked at.
Yelena Belova: Who’s Michelangelo?

Kate stops dead in her tracks before resuming to guide her girlfriend to the living room. In her head she thinks about what the best way would be to summarise the tv show.

Kate Bishop: He’s one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It’s uhmm.. from this old cartoon and his signature weapon was a dual nunchaku.

An hour later, Yelena was seated comfortably with an ice pack on her head and leaning back against Kate’s front. The Avenger had made sure to run a couple of tests to be certain that the blonde wasn’t concussed before cuddling her on the couch. They were now seated in silence and binge watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles because Yelena had insisted on it.

Yelena Belova: This is so annoying. Even the stupid turtle can spin nunchucks.
Kate Bishop: It's fine.. You’re fine. I don’t think there’s anyone who’s touched nunchakus without hitting themselves in the face.

Yelena ignores the cartoon and considers this for a moment. She then turns to face her girlfriend, adjusting herself to partially lay on top of her. She nuzzles into Kate’s neck before speaking again.

Yelena Belova: Did you get hurt too?

The brunette takes over from Yelena and holds the ice pack to her head, giving Yelena the opportunity to get more comfortable, even ignoring the Russian’s elbow that momentarily digs into her side as her girlfriend fully lays on top of her.

Kate Bishop: Oh yea! Constantly. Like there was this one time when I first started, I lost focus for just one second and I took a mean hit to the chin.
Yelena Belova: Really?
Kate Bishop: I swear it hurt so bad I almost threw up. So in comparison, you’re doing really well.

At this point, Yelena was both frowning AND pouting and honestly, Kate would do anything to make her feel better. She always felt that she was responsible over Yelena and now that the blonde was hurt, the Avenger was feeling pretty guilty. This was literally the reason why Yelena had been banned from the nunchakus and why Kate had repeatedly denied her access to it. It was an injury that was waiting to happen - inevitable really when you combine Yelena’s limited understanding of the physics behind a nunchaku strike and, well, her mischief.

While they cuddled in silence again, the billionaire pondered about how they had ended up exactly where they were. If Kate was being honest with herself, since she and Yelena had started dating proper - the Widow had started showing her a new side of herself. One that was youthful, silly, and rather mischievous. It was as if her true personality was finally emerging and taking shape.

Whenever Yelena behaved this way, she seemed so far removed from the snarky, brooding assassin that Kate had first met. Kate was fairly certain that no one else was privy to this new part of Yelena, a part that had been locked away since Ohio probably and was only now seeing the light of day in the safety of their relationship.

Kate thought that it could be possible for Yelena to be regressing in certain aspects and while the billionaire knew next to nothing about age regression, she made a mental note to read up on early childhood trauma and age regression as a response to that. In the meantime, she vowed to do whatever she could to make Yelena feel loved, cared and secure. As if sensing that her girlfriend was lost in thought, Yelena whined some more and Kate cuddled her that much closer, stroking her cheek.

Yelena Belova: I know that pain only makes us stronger, but it hurts so bad though.
Kate Bishop: Well there is something we could try..
Yelena Belova: What is it?
Kate Bishop: Ehh.. you know what.. I think you might be too cool for it.

Kate pretends to get off the couch but Yelena grabs her by the collar and brings their faces so close together that their noses are smushed up against each other. The Widow then proceeds to shake her.

Yelena Belova: Tell.. me.. everything..
Kate Bishop: Okay okay! It's called Kissing the Owie.
Yelena Belova: This doesn’t sound very scientific Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: Err.. sometimes they are called Magic Kisses?

The brunette tries again. She knows that Yelena is interested, Yelena is always interested when kisses are involved.

Yelena Belova: How does it work?
Kate Bishop: Well..according to science, our saliva actually has certain healing properties that helps cuts and scrapes heal faster.

Ignoring the suspicious glare that was aimed at her, the Avenger continues.

Kate Bishop: On top of that, it can feel pretty comforting and soothing. And that’s basically it, magic kisses because it's science.
Yelena Belova: I don’t know. Sounds like humbug.
Kate Bishop: See, I told you that you’d be too cool to try it.
Yelena Belova: I didn't say I wouldn't try it!
Kate Bishop: Yea? Alright, let's see what we’re working with then.

Abandoning the ice pack, Kate makes a show of getting off the couch and kneeling in front of the blonde. Her serious face makes Yelena more intrigued in whatever that was about to happen.

Kate Bishop: Ready?
Yelena Belova: Mmhmm.
Kate Bishop: You got an owie?

Yelena’s eyebrow shoots up quizzically, but after a moment she simply nods, her pout coming on with full effect now, out of nowhere.

Kate Bishop: Show me the owie?

Yelena cautiously points at her forehead, afraid to touch the spot that was buzzing with pain. Kate leans forward and gently cups her face before planting the softest kiss upon the sore spot. Yelena’s skin was still cold from the ice pack and so Kate made it a point to let the kiss linger. The owie was right where her hairline started, and Kate noted how Yelena smelled heavenly, like how she always did. Kate then hugs the blonde tightly and rubs her back in soothing circles.

Kate Bishop: I’m sorry that you have an owie baby. But it’s going to be okay now, alright?

Yelena hugs Kate back tightly and leans into the Avenger more. Almost launching herself off the couch and putting all her weight into it.

Kate Bishop: There. Does it feel better?
Yelena Belova: It.. it actually does. Yes.
Kate Bishop: Yea? I’m so glad.

Yelena looks up at her, teary eyes but face beaming with a smile. Although it had only been an hour since Yelena last smiled, Kate decided that it had been way too long. The Avenger spends the rest of the day cuddling the blonde, making sure that she got all the love and assurance that she needed. Sure, the blonde had probably killed hundreds of people, but to Kate, she’s still her baby.

Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop?
Kate Bishop: Yes?
Yelena Belova: I don’t think it's magic because it's science. It's magic because it’s love.
Kate Bishop: You’re probably right.

When the next day rolled over, there was only a faint bump on Yelena’s forehead and she had seemingly gotten over the ‘harrowing’ ordeal. Soon routine took over with Kate’s work, her S.H.I.E.L.D missions, and Yelena’s secret assignments until one day, Kate is barely through the door with groceries when Yelena stands in front of her and adamantly requests Kate to kiss her owie.

She had apparently gotten a paper cut. Kate examined the site of the alleged wound and found no such injury, but kissed the owie away, anyway. And that became a routine of sorts, where Yelena would show up with a scrape or cut and ask Kate to kiss it. Kate for her part would always oblige and offer the most tender kisses, and whenever the ailment was seemingly non-existent, Kate made it a point to give it extra kisses and attention.

Chapter Text

It has been a week since they had their fight, a week since Yelena left, a week since Kate felt like she was absolutely losing her mind. She swears that this is a pattern that they will ultimately break but Yelena is gone right now and Kate's heart is haemorrhaging anyway. And what is the reason behind the fight you ask? The Widow had accidentally come across an incident report that Kate had fallen asleep writing and learned that Kate had been tossed onto the railway tracks, mid mission with a train fast approaching. Of course Kate had tried her best to explain what happened, that she was unharmed but what does it matter if Yelena wasn’t there to listen to any of it?

–

2000 miles away, somewhere near Salt Lake City, Yelena was laying low in her truck and watching the last of Sorkin Ltd employees trickle out of the building. The building wasn’t a big one, the company being a new start up and all. By Yelena’s estimation, this should be the easiest 125,000 grand that she has ever made and all she had to do was steal a laptop from a bunch of nerds. Well, one particular laptop, belonging to one particular nerd but that's just semantics. Sorkin Ltd had been developing a microchip that, once embedded in the skin, would be able to detect if someone was a mutant or not. Yelena had been hired to steal the tech by someone who didn’t want the tech to ever see the light of day.

Initially Yelena was adverse to taking on these sorta jobs, she prefered sticking to what she knew. At this stage of her life, killing people seemed like second nature to her, but Sonya had been right. Corporate espionage paid really well for minimal effort and with almost none of the usual risk. That doesn’t mean that the assassin had stopped contract killing altogether, no, she hasn’t. She can’t because whatever money she makes, she channels back to their Widow saving missions. So while Yelena was still a killer for hire, she has somewhat of a moral code now, only killing people that she thought was a menace and deserved to be killed. She didn’t want to just be a tool for rich people, no, she enjoyed her agency far too much.

The assassin waited another couple of hours to make sure that all the employees had left before getting out of the truck and making her way over to the lobby. She pulls out the employee ID that she had swiped earlier that day, confidently strolling through the lobby. She was expecting to come across some security guards that were supposed to be doing rounds, but for some reason, she doesn’t encounter any of them. She reaches the elevator and uses the ID again to access the fourth floor, where the R&D department was located. She counted out the offices, identifying the one she was supposed to access from the blueprints she had memorised the night before. She reaches the door, pulling out the lock picking kit before realising that the door was actually unlocked.

She sat at the desk at the table and noticed that the laptop in question was already turned on, without even a password prompt. Yelena was about to swipe the laptop and leave when she noticed the USB stick which had a red bow wrapped around it. On it was a post-it that said ‘Use me :) ‘. Okay, that’s definitely weird but curiosity got the best of her and she stuck the drive in.

The home screen flashed for a while before an animation of a cute worm wearing glasses showed up and pretended to take bites out of the home screen and the files that were scattered on the desktop. She reached out and hit the Esc key, but the worm then started multiplying quickly and kept taking chunks of the files that were in the laptop and within a few minutes, the entire desktop was just blank.

Yelena didn’t know what exactly had happened but the eerie silence was getting to her so she swipes the laptop and leaves. She stops at the security outpost to clear the CCTV recordings but finds the room to be empty and that the CCTV had already been disabled. Freaking out a little, she hightails out of Sorkin Ltd and then chucks the laptop at the drop off zone but keeps the USB stick. There was something weird about the mission today, it was as if someone knew she was going to be there. Someone was tracking her! She texts her employer to let her know that the job was done, deciding not to say anything about the USB stick. She figured that if she had somehow fucked up the job, she would hear about it from her employer tomorrow.

When the next day rolled around, the Widow got a call from her employer to let her know that the client had transferred 250 grand to her account; 125 grand for taking the job, and an additional 125 grand for using an advanced malware with a dangerous payload to search and destroy every bit of information about the mutant searching program from that laptop as well as all the servers that were connected to it. If Sorkin Ltd wanted the program, they would have to design it from scratch all over again. Needless to say, her employer was extremely pleased and Yelena quietly accepted the additional cash.

The assassin laid low for the next couple of days, and chalked out the incident to be a false alarm of some sort. No one was tracking her and no one was looking for her. Surmising that it’s safe to take on another contract, Yelena contacts her employer. This next contract was a little bit more complicated, and the pay reflected it too. This client required something that was locked up in the safe deposit box of a well secured bank in Washington state.

The Widow planned her entry and exit meticulously and was now perched at the rooftop, opening up the cover of the vent that she was supposed to crawl through. The vent system to the building was like a maze and required Yelena to rappel down at some points while crawling horizontally at other times to make sure that she exited exactly where she was supposed to - right outside the vault. She peeked through the vents and leaped down to the floor gracefully.

She decided to do a sweep of the floor because the lack of security guards was making her nervous. It made the hair on the back of her neck stand. A quick perimeter sweep later and she found out why all the security guards were missing - they were all unconscious and neatly arranged side by side in the currency exchange office. She tentatively approached them and checked for life signs. They were all still alive, just heavily sedated and zip tied at their hands and feet. Yelena’s heart starts racing, there was another crew that was hitting the bank tonight, and judging by how many guards had been taken out - it must be a big crew.

After quietly contemplating what to do, the Widow decides to check the vault out because it was way too quiet in the bank. There wasn’t even a whisper that could be heard, much less looting or shouting. She pulls out her glock anyway and slowly approaches the vault.. which happens to be wide open. She throws a smoke bomb but couldn’t see any signs of lasers or security systems being active. Still, she carefully makes her way through, walking past the cash room, and the jewellery boxes, noticing that nothing had actually been disturbed. There were still stacks of cash and bags of jewellery laying about. Going deeper, she finds the room with the safe deposit boxes. There were hundreds of tiny boxes that looked like mail boxes, and they were all closed except one.

Taking a wild guess, Yelena wasn’t surprised to find out that the box desired by her client, box 611 was wide open, with its content just waiting there, sitting pretty. She grabs the box and chucks it into her vest. Somebody was definitely following her. Again she goes to the security room and finds that the CCTV had already been disabled. She makes her way to the vent, ready for her exhausting climb when she realises the pin drop silence in the bank and from the street. It occurs to her that she could literally waltz out the front door at this point, and that's exactly what she does.

Yelena casually strolls to her bike like she didn’t just rob a bank and rides off into the night. She drops off the box at the designated trash can for it to be picked up by her employer. Yelena heads home after making sure that she wasn’t being followed or tracked. Once again, there is no evidence of this and it almost makes her more paranoid. Somebody wants her attention, and they’ve definitely got it now. The very next day, her employer calls her to let her know that her payment has been released and that the box contained exactly what the client needed.

The client and her employer were both really pleased with how clean and professionally the job was done. Yelena contemplated telling her handler what she suspected - that someone was following her. But she decides against it because there just wasn’t any proof except that this person was just trying to scare the crap out of Yelena. She does ask her employer if there were other crews that were eyeing the same bank or if there were other items of interest stored there, to which her handler had replied in the negative. The content of box 611 was nothing of value except to that specific client, it was some family heirloom that was currently being contested amongst family members.

Just to be safe, for the next few days Yelena doesn’t accept any contracts that seem similar in nature. And so her employer threw a hit her way - a Yakuza boss, Sumiyoshi, who was on a vacation in Mexico City. This was time sensitive and so it paid really well, since the window to perform the hit was very narrow. With the information packet from her employer, Yelena flies to Mexico City. She rents a truck and makes the six hour drive to Oaxaca. She could have flown to the local airport but that would prove far too dangerous for these sorts of jobs.

She had learned early on from the Red Room that it was always better to move slowly and in a nonlinear way to avoid detection. The Russian reaches the safe house in the evening and is tired to the bone. Early the next morning, Yelena begins her stake out at the beach mansion that the Yakuza had rented for the vacation. She noted the cars that were going in and out, and the dozens of suited men who were there to provide security for their boss. Yelena concluded the best way to go forward would be discreetly, and as quietly as possible, otherwise she would easily be outnumbered.

When night came, with lithe agility the assassin leaped over the wall, sprinting towards the mansion and grappling up the walls before the guards made their rounds again. She reaches a balcony and slowly climbs over, sliding the doors open and slipping in. The whole house was quiet except for the sound of the radio that was playing some old Japanese song and the music was coming through what appeared to be the master bedroom. It was pitch dark and Yelena used it to her advantage, slipping on her night vision goggles as she made through the corridor.

It was there that she almost tripped over something, only to realise that it was a pair of feet, which once inspected, belonged to a very dead henchman. Fuck. Not again! Ignoring the master bedroom for now, Yelena swept the entire mansion and found that every single heavily tattooed henchmen was dead! And there had to be at least 50 of them and each of them had at least two lethal gunshot wounds to their heads and torso.

Crouching down, she touched one guy that was slumped against a wall, he still felt warm to the touch. Whoever did this could very well still be here or probably had already killed Sumiyoshi. This meant that not only did Yelena lose out on the kill, but she was sure that this wasn’t a coincidence anymore. Someone knows exactly who she is and the type of work that she does.

After a few minutes, she made her way upstairs again, back to the master bedroom, guided in the darkness now with the help of the music that was still blaring. She reached the room and figured what the hell and flicked on the light switch. The sight that greeted her was not at all one she expected, she slowly slips off her goggles to see better, mouth unconsciously agape. In front of her was Sumiyoshi in just his trousers, hogtied and suspended from the ceiling fan hook.

Someone had set the stage for her and it..was.. beautiful.. Yelena was entranced by this in a way that she couldn’t even begin to understand. It was then that she noticed him swaying a little, he was still alive! Very much alive and kicking, wrapped and tied up just for Yelena. Like a thoughtful gift. He had something stuffed into his mouth, so his pleads just came out as muffled sobs. Yelena trains her glock to his head, appreciating the beauty of it all for a few more short moments before she pulls the trigger, shooting him right between the eyes. She takes a picture with her burner and sends it to her employer.

An hour later, Yelena found herself at the beach. It was a particularly windy night but it was still serene and the sounds of the waves crashing had a calming effect to it. Hand wrapped around a bottle of vodka and feet dug deep into the sand, Yelena contemplates the past two weeks. Every job that she had taken, was already completed before she had even gotten there. Initially Yelena suspected a potential competition, but then it didn’t make sense why Yelena herself was unharmed if this person had wanted to upstage her. More confusingly, the prize money was never claimed - Yelena kept getting paid for the jobs that she didn’t do. It wasn’t a recruitment either, if she was being recruited by someone, she would actually have to DO the work to show what she was capable of.

So what then? A guardian angel? A favour from the universe? A hidden ally? The thought made Yelena snort, she didn’t need protecting - everyone who knows her knows this. Could it be a secret admirer? And then it hits her. It was staring at her this entire time. Yelena turned around the one fact that she knew in her head over and over - there was only one person who could execute these assignments so perfectly, there was only one person who would. Only one person knew exactly how to grab Yelena’s attention and keep it. Yelena had never been more mistaken. Oh, how could she be so blind?

These weren’t threats, these were love letters. All carefully and especially curated just for her. Each one saying:

Come back to me
Come back to me, Yelena
Come back to me, I love you.

Kate Bishop loves her and Yelena tries not to swoon.

xxxxx

Kate finds herself facing another sleepless night. Surrendering to her routine for the past two weeks, she dutifully grabs her bottle of Nolet and makes her way up to the rooftop, foregoing a glass this time. Dressed in only sleep shorts and her pull-over, she was vastly underdressed but doesn’t find herself caring much as she watches the flicker of traffic far away. She was a few swigs in with the gin and observing the faithful New York night lights when she heard light footsteps behind her. Yelena. The Avenger doesn’t even bother turning, knowing that Yelena still hadn’t let go of her habit of watching Kate from a few rooftops away.

Kate Bishop: You’re here.
Yelena Belova: Where’s the asshole version of you?
Kate Bishop: Don’t worry, I knocked her out and handcuffed her to the radiator.

Seeing the tiny smile splayed on her girlfriend’s face, the brunette sighs of relief.

Kate Bishop: So.. we can talk?
Yelena Belova: I’m sorry dorogaya (darling). I can be slow sometimes.

Yelena finally closes the gap between them and hugs her girlfriend, wrapping her arms around her waist and resting her face in the crook of Kate’s neck, she smelled faintly of perfume and gin - an intoxicating mix. Still in the blonde’s arms, the Avenger pulls away and looks at her, finally facing the blonde.

Kate Bishop: I’m just glad you’re home.

In the nanosecond that it took Kate to speak, Yelena took in the sight before her. The Avenger looked so harmless that the only evidence that she could possibly have done everything that Yelena thought she did was the small bruise on her chin. Upon hearing Kate, Yelena responds by crashing their lips together just as the billionaire pulls her in. Their lips melding into rough, hungry kisses. Yelena had been trying to understand why Kate’s actions were such a turn on but she gave up in that moment to focus on other more pressing things.

Yelena Belova: You want to continue this downstairs?

The brunette just nods, grabbing her bottle. They make their way to the penthouse but it takes longer because they keep stopping to make out against every wall. When they finally get home, Kate presses hot kisses against Yelena’s skin as she spins them around and pushes her against the door, pinning her in place. Her mouth crashes down on the Widow’s as they kiss deeply. Sucking on each other's lips hungrily as the passion heightens. Kate breaks the kiss, taking Yelena’s hands and placing them above her head.

Kate Bishop: Dont fucking move.

Her command had the young assassin whimpering as the billionaire kneels and unties her boots, removing them quickly. She then pushes the leather jacket off before grabbing the hem of Yelena’s tank top, pulling it over her head. Kate groans when she sees the lacy red bra that Yelena has on, grabbing both breasts roughly and tugging at her nipples through the material.

They continued kissing hungrily and Kate’s hand made its way down the blonde’s supple body, while Yelena struggled not to have her fingers tangled in the brunette’s hair. She moans when Kate’s fingers reach her jeans and panties to find her pussy, wet and waiting. She utters an explicit as her girlfriend parts her folds and touches her clit, rubbing it in circles.

The Avenger drops to her knees again and grabs the top of the Widow’s jeans and panties, pulling them down and swiftly removing them. She parts her legs before placing her whole mouth over her mound. Yelena grinds her hips instinctively, breath quickening. Kate flicks her tongue over her clit again, making the blonde gasp before taking the clit between her lips and sucking gently.

Yelena’s hands that stayed above her head were now pushing against the door with the flats of her palms. Her hips are still grinding into Kate’s mouth. Her breathing became heavy pants, fingers yearning to be tangled in Kate’s thick locks, pulling her closer to her pussy that’s sopping wet by now.

Yelena Belova: Blyat (fuck).. You’re going to make me cum..

Yelena utters out, and that has Kate grabbing her ass so she can’t pull away, her licking and sucking getting faster. The blonde’s orgasm hits hard as she writhes and moans and Kate doesn’t relent, sucking harder and sending shockwaves rippling through her body. She stands up and looks at Yelena, breathing still jagged as she kisses her swollen lips, whispering her name and how much she missed her in between kisses. Kate snakes her hands up Yelena’s body, finally pulling her arms down by her elbows, wordlessly saying that she was free to move as she pleased now.

Kate Bishop: Ready?

Yelena could only nod in response as she feels Kate palming her cunt, covering herself in her wetness. Yelena had barely tugged on Kate’s brown locks before her girlfriend was sinking her long digits deep inside her. They both gasp as Kate reaches the deepest parts of her, groaning as she backs up and then thrusts up all over again. The blonde wraps one leg around Kate’s waist, for better leverage and this gives Kate a better angle to fuck harder.

They both grunt everytime Kate hits that sweet spot, feeling Yelena’s cunt squeezing back her replies. They keep rocking and thrusting against each other, not giving a damn about the front door that they keep slamming against, a rhythmic thumping that was a definite tell-tale sign of what was happening behind the door. Yelena’s moans are more frantic now, her words coming out in a mix of Russian and English, both barely intelligible.

Yelena: Detka (baby) fu..

And that’s all that Kate needs to understand as she kisses and sucks on Yelena’s neck while she moves her fingers more urgently. Yelena’s climax hits hard, she jerks almost violently and screams out loud, tugging sharply on Kate’s hair. They keep moving until Yelena’s leg grows weak and her breathing evens out a little. The Russian doesn’t think that she has ever cum this hard or this fast before. Kate stays close through it all, holding Yelena’s quivering body against hers, planting soft, desperate kisses to her ear and neck.

Kate Bishop: Yelena.. I..

Unable to continue, Kate presses more tender kisses on her girlfriend’s warm skin, and nuzzles Yelena’s sweaty neck some more. Gathering some courage, she decides to try again.

Kate Bishop: I..

At this point, Yelena lets go of the grip that she has in Kate’s hair, releasing her locks only to cup her face and forcing Kate to look at her. Desperate blue eyes stared into hazel ones, imploring.

Yelena Belova: I know.
Kate Bishop: Yea?

It was Yelena’s turn to simply nod now, earning a shy smile from Kate. Kate lifts Yelena up and carries her to bed, the blonde being too exhausted to walk. After laying her carefully in bed, Kate strips off her clothes and climbs into bed, cradling Yelena like she was born to do. The moment was perfect, with both their breathing evening out and steady. Kate was moments away from slowly drifting off when Yelena breaks the silence.

Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: Hmm?

Kate stirs and her voice is laced with sleep but the blonde is adamant. Sleep can come later, but right now she wanted to know more about Kate’s unabashed assertion of total devotion to her.

Yelena Belova: I want to hear everything you did for me.

The brunette opens her eyes and blinks a couple of times before what Yelena was asking registered in her mind. Kate recognized that imploring look that Yelena gave her now. She wanted details. She wanted to know the lengths that Kate would go for her and who was Kate to deny her that?

Kate Bishop: For the first assignment, I designed a worm with a payload that would destroy everything about the program that you were supposed to search for. I knew the task was just to retrieve the laptop, but when I saw what he was designing.. I decided to go above and beyond.
Yelena Belova: You designed a worm for me.
Kate Bishop: A malware, yes. and the animation too, I thought you might find it cute.
Yelena Belova: I did. And then what did you do?

Yelena scooted closer and planted a soft kiss to Kate’s throat before resting her head on her chest. For that she was rewarded with a gentle kiss to the top of her head.

Kate Bishop: For the second assignment, I didn’t want anyone to get hurt. So I dropped sleeping gas through the air conditioning vents and made sure all the security guards were asleep. Then I picked the lock for the vault and the lock for the safe deposit box.
Yelena Belova: Just like that huh?

A chuckle reverberates in the Avenger’s chest, hearing the teasing lilt in the Widow’s tone.

Kate Bishop: Haha..Sure. If you say so. You try doing all of that without triggering the police.
Yelena Belova: And Sumiyoshi?

As if lost in thought, Kate rubs soothing circles on Yelena’s back. Even in the darkness, Yelena was able to picture Kate’s face as she contemplated her words.

Kate Bishop: That was the hardest.
Yelena Belova: Hmm?
Kate Bishop: Yeah, because first of all I had to get Clint and S.H.I.E.L.D off of my back without them suspecting anything

That remark made Yelena giggle in amusement. Kate truly had to jump through many hoops to execute everything perfectly.

Kate Bishop: It was also hard because you got there almost the same time as me. But thankfully you decided to stay-in the first night and I went to scope out the mansion. Then the next night, I had to make sure I was earlier than you, but also not too early that Sumiyoshi was dangling up there forever for someone else to find.
Yelena Belove: Mmm..
Kate Bishop: And I had my daggers but that's pretty much equivalent to leaving my calling card so I used a firearm with a suppressor instead. I think that was definitely the hardest part because guns. Ugh.

Kate pretends to shudder in disgust and Yelena swats at her shoulder. As much as she is in love, she will not take any shit about the efficiency of guns. The Avenger laughs and squeezes the petite assassin with a hug.

Kate Bishop: And well, you know the rest. He did have two girls with him though, but I let them go. I contemplated how to present him to you, I knew you would want to make the kill yourself. So I hog tied him. Just for you.
Yelena Belova: It was beautiful. No one has done that for me before.
Kate Bishop; Yea. I wanted you to know the extent I’d go for you baby.

There were no more follow up questions. Yelena went to sleep with a content sigh while Kate laid awake. Kate Bishop knew that she had broken a hundred different laws to do what she did for Yelena, but honestly - she didn’t give a rat’s ass about it. She always did try to tow the line but sometimes it was fun to colour outside the lines. Her gut told her that this would be something that Yelena would understand and her gut had never betrayed her before.

Could she have just gotten a card and some flowers instead to proclaim her love? Sure, but how else would Yelena know that there is something dark inside of her? Kate hides it. She certainly doesn’t want to talk about it. But it’s there. Always. This dark passenger. And when he is driving, She feels.. alive.. Half sick with the thrill of complete wrongness. She doesn't fight him. She never wanted to.

All she wanted right now was Yelena to understand that they are similar in more ways than words could ever explain. She desperately wanted Yelena to know that despite everything, inspite everything - they belonged together. That the moment Yelena walked into the room, all of Kate’s plans were doomed. That Yelena was her alpha and her omega, her beginning and her ending. And the way Kate saw it, if she wanted the rewards of being loved, then she had to submit to the mortyifing ordeal of it being known. With that concluding thought, she nuzzles her nose against Yelena’s hair and sighed at the familiarity of it all and her world slowly tilted back into balance.

Chapter Text

If you asked Kate Bishop whether she was a morning person, she would answer rather quickly that she was not. However, her daily routine would beg to differ as the Avenger has probably not slept in since she graduated college almost a decade ago. In Kate’s defence, she did try sleeping in a couple of times in the beginning, but soon found out the hard way that there just wasn’t enough time in the day for both Avenging and Bishoping.

And so the brunette set her alarm a little earlier the next time, and the next time, and the next time until finally, waking up at 5 a.m proved to be adequately early for her to get all her matters squared away in a day. After going through some adjustments and fine tuning, this is what a general Kate Bishop morning looked like:

5.00 a.m - Wake up
5.01 a.m - Contemplate life choices
5.02 a.m - Wash up and hit the gym
6.30 a.m - Make herself breakfast while watching Bloomberg
7.00 a.m - Shower and get dressed
7.30 a.m - Go to work
7.50 a.m - Start work before the rest of the building

When Yelena waltzed into Kate’s life and refused to leave, it didn't really interrupt her morning routine at all. Yelena sleeps when Kate’s alarm rings in the morning, Yelena sleeps through Kate cooking, and Yelena sure as shit sleeps through Kate showering and getting dressed. This was probably because no one slept harder than Yelena Belova in a safe environment, and much to Kate’s amusement, Yelena could sleep all day if she so chooses.

Yelena didn’t have any of that morning perkiness or ‘Lets go seize the day’ attitude that Natasha sometimes had. This made Kate smile because then, this proves that this trait, this was all Yelena, and it was something that the Red Room couldn't beat out of her even through years of indoctrination and there was nothing more that Kate loved besides unearthing tiny glimpses of the real Yelena Belova.

Having considered all the above, one can now understand why Yelena wanting to wake up with Kate at the ass crack of dawn was highly unusual, if not slightly alarming even. The morning began like any other, with the alarm going off at 5 a.m, and Kate rousing immediately to shut it off. She felt the blonde stir and so she decided to give Yelena some cuddles before getting up to work out. Kate runs her fingers through Yelena soft curls before planting soft kisses on her forehead and cheek, her warm hands running up and down the assassin’s back. Then, ever so gently, she rolls Yelena off her body and onto the bed but instead of falling asleep though, Yelena squints and opens her eyes.

Yelena Belova: I’m waking up with you.
Kate Bishop: What? Why?

The brunette plants more kisses onto the Russian’s neck and shoulders.

Yelena Belova: I’ve got an early day.
Kate Bishop: You do? Fancy a work out before you leave?
Yelena Belova: Yes but you get dressed first.

Kate laughs and presses one final kiss to Yelena’s sternum, before swinging her legs over the bed. She stands and does a full body stretch. Then she heads to the bathroom to splash some water on her face before pulling on a pair of gym shorts and a tank top. She gives Yelena an amused smile as she pulls her long hair into a high ponytail.

Yelena Belova: Why do you find this so hard to believe Kate Bishop?
Kate Bishop: Because my darling, you’re still in bed, while I’m ready to head downstairs.

Yelena responds by covering her entire face with the comforter before groaning loudly. Then she promptly gets up and lumbers to the bathroom to wash up, each foot step heavier than the last. When Yelena finally emerged in the kitchen, she knew she had caught Kate’s eye as she sauntered over towards the counter in the tightest yoga pants in the world and a matching sports bra. Her green leggings hugged all her curves and accentuated her ass perfectly.

Kate had been making her pregame protein shake and had made Yelena one too. They wordlessly drank up before making their way to the gym. Yelena knows that Kate doesn’t talk much sometimes, but she sure as hell knows that Kate was watching and appreciating her in her workout clothes. The blonde started up the treadmill while Kate headed to the rowing machine. 20 minutes in and Yelena can see that Kate had worked up quite a sweat and she briefly pondered what music her girlfriend was listening to.

She watches intently as Kate makes her way closer to the end wall, to use the pull up bar that was installed there. Leaping and catching the bar gracefully, the Avenger starts working on her prized abs. She started by doing hanging knee raises, hanging knee raise twists, and then ending it with leg raises. Kate made sure to do 15 reps for each exercise and then repeat it for 3 sets. Through it all, the Russian noticed how she maintained an impressive wide grip on the pull up bar.

They were now closing in on 6 a.m, and Kate was alternating between pull ups and chin ups at the bar. Even though Yelena didn’t have a direct view, she could imagine Kate’s back muscles rippling and flexing with each rep that the brunette made. Yelena was now panting and she wasn’t sure if it was because she’d been running on elevation for almost an hour or if it was because of one Kate Bishop.

Not wanting to be caught staring and accidentally inflating Kate’s already huge ego, Yelena eases off the treadmill and puts on a pair of boxing gloves to work the punching bag. She uses her mouth to tighten the velcro of the gloves and proceeds with a warm up. The assassin then starts with jabs and crosses before moving to cross punches for both her dominant side and non-dominant side with short intervals in between. The gym was filled with the sounds of her rhythmic punches as the gloves met the punching bag. When she was done with the workout, Yelena opted to sit on the floor and do some stretches and cool down as she waited for Kate.

At this point, Kate was working on her strength training. She had a set of barbells and was doing goblet squats, followed by split squats. She did 10 reps of each set, again making sure to keep track of the time in case she got carried away while working out - it happened sometimes when she hit a sweet spot on her workout playlist, and that’s why she had another alarm for 6.30 a.m. When the alarm rang, Kate completed the last set and returned the barbells back to their shelves. Yelena gulped when she looked at Kate in all her sweaty glory, each muscle and hard line defined and worship worthy.

Kate Bishop: Hungry?
Yelena Belova: Yes!

Kate’s face lights up in amusement at her girlfriend’s enthusiasm. The pair was back in the kitchen and Kate had turned on Bloomberg before lightly throwing away the remote onto the couch. She was rummaging through the fridge as she spoke to her girlfriend.

Kate Bishop: Hmm.. I could whip us up an omelette if you want? We have enough vegetables for a decent one.
Yelena Belova: OR, muyo lyubov (my love).. We forget the veggies and eat eggs like normal people!
Kate Bishop: You gotta have veggies babe.

The Avenger had been force feeding Yelena vegetables since they met and it’s something that Yelena has not fully come to terms with. After gaining her freedom from the Red Room, she had promised herself that she would only eat the most amazing foods every day - unfortunately this mostly meant eating like a teenage boy. By Kate Bishop’s standards, this was completely unacceptable as she was all about eating healthy and taking care of her body.

Yelena couldn’t find fault in that logic, of course Kate would want to be at her peak health, being an Avenger and all - she only wished that healthy food didn’t taste as bad as they usually did. Thankfully, Kate, having spent some time in Europe, had been trained by her summer fling to become a pretty decent cook. She could whip up something fast and easy and Yelena mostly gobbled it up without complaining.

Kate’s tank was drenched, so she took it off to toss it aside before grabbing a glass of water for Yelena. She then returns to the counter and has her knife poised, but before she could get to chopping, she gets momentarily caught up staring at the TV. There was a segment about the market news when Yelena barrells into her, cupping her face and kissing her deeply. The billionaire pulls back breathlessly and smiles at her girlfriend.

Kate Bishop: What.. Really?
Yelena Belova: Yes really.
Kate Bishop: But I’m all sweaty..
Yelena Belova: And so fucking sexy..

Kate looks at the vegetables, and then at the clock before looking at Yelena again, who licks her lips. The blonde lowers Kate’s hands onto her amazing ass and she was a goner.

Kate Bishop: Fuck it.

Yelena was smiling against her lips when Kate lifted her effortlessly and brought them to the couch. Seeing Kate’s sweaty body always does something to Yelena, there was something primal about it, she felt. Like she was addicted to Kate’s musk and pheromones. Normally Yelena would have tried to keep her cool, but seeing Kate so nonchalantly remove her shirt and exposing all those delicious muscles to the blonde had been her undoing. They were now stripping each other hastily, both in a rush to taste salty skin.

xxx

They fell asleep. They must have because when Kate opened her eyes, they were snuggled on the couch, sweaty and glued together. She craned her neck to look at the time, it was late. So very late.

Kate Bishop: Yelena. Wake up. We slept off!
Yelena Belova: Mmm..

Not having a moment to spare, Kate rolls them over and climbs off the couch, skipping breakfast and running straight to the shower. When she gets out of the shower, she gets dressed wordlessly, paying no mind to the blonde who was now seated on their bed, guilt clearly painted on her face.

Yelena Belova: I didn't mean to distract you
Kate Bishop: Is this what you woke up for?

The blonde walks up to her, helping her button her shirt up while Kate hastily tucked it into her pants.

Yelena Belova: I just missed you. You’ve been so busy Kate Bishop.

Kate ignores her and walks out the house still buttoning her shirt. She had a meeting with Eleanor first thing this morning and now being late for that set the tone for the entire day and it pissed her off to no end. Kate Bishop was many things, but she was never late. She had spent years cultivating this persona, this presence, exercising so much control and care to make sure everything was planned and executed perfectly and Yelena just ruined everything in a single moment.

Like she predicted, the day was epicly shit and Elenor had laid it on Kate the moment she walked into her mother’s office. The rest of the day was spent just going through the motions trying to play catch up. At 7 p.m Kate was sitting at her office chair, leaning back all the way and staring at the ceiling.

The billionaire could finally contemplate her day now that most people had left and she had a moment to finally catch her breath. She thought about what Yelena had said, that she had missed her. It was true, she had been working exorbitantly more these past few weeks and they hadn’t been spending as much time as they normally would.

Guilt slowly started seeping in through her pores. How was this fair to Yelena? Sweet Yelena who had actually woken up so early to spend time with her. And what did she do? Be a jerk. A jerk so wrapped up with work that she hadn’t even had time to reply to any of Yelena’s texts. She was becoming her mother and that revelation made Kate cover her face with her hands and let out a loud groan.

Kate Bishop: Arrrrghhhhhhhhhhhh… I’m such a dick!!!!
Dawn Start: You okay boss?

Kate’s eyes flit to her doorway, at her assistant who was looking at her concernedly.

Kate Bishop: I’m.. err fine. What are you still doing here?
Dawn Start: I was sorting out all your travel expenses from the past month.

Travel expenses. Something clicks in Kate’s brain and she stands up, walking out to Dawn’s desk.

Kate Bishop: I need you to do something for me. It’s late, I know. But it would mean a lot.
Dawn Start: Well we have already established that you are a dick so…

Kate rolls her eyes and pulls out her assistant’s chair for her. Dawn folds her skirt neatly as she sits at her desk, pulling open a new browser window with her boss hovering over her shoulder.

xxx

Yelena wakes up in the dim light of their bedroom. Kate’s arm is draped around her body as she spoons the shorter woman from behind. Yelena smiles and snuggles her way deeper into Kate’s hold, her ass pressing into Kate’s crotch but before sleep could find her again, she realises that they’re forgetting something. She looks at the alarm clock and curses under her breath. Kate had forgotten to set her alarm after the long night that they had shared.

Yelena Belova: Dermo (Shit)

She somehow manages to turn under Kate’s arm to where she is facing the Avenger now. The Avenger that looks so peaceful and then images of last night flicker into her vision. The Kate before her right now seems like someone way more innocent than the woman who teased Yelena all night. And yet, so much the same. The Widow smiles again at the prospect of such a thing - a walking contradiction. That this gorgeous, smart, happy woman can also be so nervous and goofy while still somehow also being sexy, domineering and protective all in the same. Her Kate Bishop.

She lightly kisses her girlfriend’s lips causing her to breathe in deeply, and when her eyes flutter open, Yelena offers her a perfect smile.

Yelena Belova: Good morning.
Kate Bishop: Mmm morning.

Kate replies her greeting, her voice still low and rough with sleep. It makes Yelena’s heart swell a little, seeing Kate all vulnerable and cute in the morning.

Yelena Belova: Don’t you need to be at work?

The blonde nuzzles her cheek and gently asks. Definitely not wanting a repeat of their tiff from the day before. No sir. She’d much rather stay in this beautiful little bubble with her still sleepy and adorable girlfriend.

Kate Bishop: I don’t work today.

She grins cheekily and pulls Yelena closer, brushing their lips together. Yelena moves her left leg up and over Kate’s hip, both of them still completely naked under the covers, her bare cunt touching Kate’s stomach.

Yelena Belova: Is that the surprise?

The Widow queries, remembering the conversation from the night before. Her girlfriend had shown up at their door with flowers and spent the night making up to Yelena for being a dick. She had also vaguely mentioned a surprise but Yelena was too sleepy and sated at that point to be more inquisitive. Kate flashes her neat white teeth and shakes her head no.

Kate Bishop: Hardly.

Yelena pouts now because she’s so curious but Kate makes it a point to purposely ignore the little pout.

Kate Bishop: What time is it?
Yelena Belova: Just before seven.

The blonde replies and starts kissing her jaw. Kate hums and suddenly rolls over on top of her. Yelena wraps her legs around Kate’s waist and she presses her stomach into the blonde’s cunt. Their mouths move against each other as Yelena scratches her nails along Kate’s scalp, gently pulling her thick hair as she goes.

Kate Bishop: Mmmm.. we need to get going.

Kate says into her mouth, nibbling at her bottom lip. Yelena ignores her girlfriend and chooses instead to thrust her hips against Kate’s centre and she groans. The Widow smirks knowingly as she feels Kate tighten her hold on her body, gripping and squeezing her soft supple skin and they spent some precious moments grinding against each other.

Yelena Belova: You don’t want to fuck me first?

Yelena asks innocently and hears Kate’s breath catching at her words.

Kate Bishop: You’re such a menace Belova. That's playing dirty.
Yelena Belova: The question is, is it working?

Kate buries her face deeper into the crook of her girlfriend’s neck while moving to slot her thigh to rub deliciously against Yelena’s core.

Kate Bishop: Mmm.. NOPE!

The brunette chuckles against the blonde’s neck as she is quickly shoved off. Yelena crosses her arms and pouts again, making her displeasure known. Kate sits up on the balls of her feet, sheets pooling around her.

Kate Bishop: You’ll know soon enough. Real soon.

The Avenger says assuredly, rubbing Yelena’s knee. The assassin eyes her suspiciously, as Kate does her world famous puppy dog eyes. Yelena doesn’t know how the hell she does it, but Kate makes herself look so incredibly sad that she almost immediately rolls over.

Yelena Belova: Fine. I’ll play along. But this better be worth it.
Kate Bishop: It will be so worth it. Well, I mean.. I hope you’ll like it.

Yelena covers her face with the comforter and groans. She has never liked surprises as they often cause some anxiety in her but she also recognizes that this was probably part of Kate’s way of making them reconnect again after yesterday’s fight. Don’t get her wrong, they did a whole lot of reconnecting between the sheets last night but there were probably still remnants of guilt in Kate’s heart and if she wanted to pamper Yelena, who was she to deny her that?

Yelena could only guess because that’s how she feels about the whole thing. It may not be like a big deal to everyone else, but letting Kate Bishop down was the worst feeling that she had ever experienced. So yes, she was totally on board with whatever her girlfriend had planned for them today. The blonde notes that it must be something pretty cool since she gets to spend the whole day with Kate. To be honest though, they could watch paint dry the whole day and Yelena would still not complain if it meant being beside her Kate Bishop.

Yelena Belova: You don’t sound very confident Kate Bishop.

Kate just rolls her eyes and laughs.

Kate Bishop: Come on, we need to shower.

Kate was already off the bed and held out her hand to pull Yelena up but the blonde had decided that she didn’t want to walk yet, so of course Kate carried her into the bathroom. They somehow make it through the shower without accidentally turning each other on again and when they are out, the billionaire tells Yelena to dress in something comfortable.

Yelena Belova: Comfortable can mean a lot of things. I don’t know where you are taking me, how am I supposed to know how to dress?

Yelena complains and throws her hands up dramatically, waving at her ever expanding wardrobe. Kate pulls her into a hug and places a soft kiss on her neck.

Kate Bishop: Well put something on and I’ll tell you if you need to change.

Yelena rolls her eyes but obliges. She pulls on tight fitting jeans and a pale off the shoulder top and Kate says that she looks beautiful.

Yelena Belova: This is good then?
Kate Bishop: Better than good. There is a stipulation for my surprise though.
Yelena Belova: Stipulation?

Kate spins her around so she’s facing her now and the Avenger has a serious look on her face. She hesitates and Yelena tries to counter it with a small, encouraging smile and Kate must have seen something there because she starts talking again.

Kate Bishop: Do you trust me?

She asks with blazing blue eyes. Yelena thinks through this for a second, not wanting to appear like she wasn’t taking the question seriously. Does she trust Kate? Looking into her patient, beautiful face, her mind wanders through these past few months. Things were honestly a lot better than she thought they could be. This was Yelena’s first ever relationship and thus far, it’s been everything that she could hope for.

She gets to spend so much time with Kate and they connect in a way that Yelena had never felt before. They share almost everything together, and the things that they do consciously leave out - the grey areas of their lives, these were things that could potentially taint their still new relationship. They seemed to have an unspoken agreement about this, a common understanding to not harbour any resentment and to put all their energy into the here and the now. This was exactly what they both wanted, and needed. Just enjoying each other’s company and letting things evolve as organically as it could.

Yelena Belova: I do.

The Russian smiles and replies with conviction and Kate’s answering smile is dazzling.

Kate Bishop: Then pack a suitcase.

Kate drops the bomb and waits for Yelena’s reaction. It was a little delayed.

Yelena Belova: .. I’m sorry, a suitcase? Where are we going, moya lyubov (my love)?
Kate Bishop: It’s a good surprise, I promise.

She smirks and Yelena sighs with a chuckle because she knows that Kate was still not going to tell her everything yet.

Yelena Belova: Alright, I can roll with it. So I am packing for the...weekend?
Kate Bishop: Err.. till Tuesday actually. I took five days off of work.
Yelena Belova: You did?
Kate Bishop: Uh huh.
Yelena Belova: We are going to spend five whole days together?
Kate Bishop: Yes, sweetheart.

Yelena immediately drops the hanger that she was holding and gives her girlfriend a tight hug. She doesn’t say anything, just embracing the taller woman and keeping her close.

Kate Bishop: I meant what I said yesterday, I miss you too and I thought that.. maybe we could go away for a while?
Yelena Belova: Yes, yes muyo lyubov (my love). I want that so much.
Kate Bishop: Mmhmm. I hear you baby. Just you and me, okay?

Kate cups her girlfriend’s face and they kiss slowly. Soft languid kisses that were hiding what the pair was feeling underneath it all. A beautiful solitude that they shared where only they can quell the storms inside each other. They pull apart and Kate drops small kisses all over Yelena’s face, making her smile widely. They break apart to go back to packing.

Yelena Belova: So packing till Tuesday.
Kate Bishop: Yeah. Warm weather.

Kate says, answering another question that Yelena hadn’t gotten to. And so the blonde filled her suitcase with enough clothes and shoes until Tuesday, and then piled her hygiene products and her favourite curling iron on top. Once they were both done packing, they headed to the lobby instead of the garage. Yelena gives Kate a confused look, she had thought that they were going on a roadtrip and would want to take a car by themselves. Yelena was over asking questions at that point as Kate’s town car sat waiting at the curb. The driver grabs their bags while Kate opens the passenger door for Yelena to enter.

As they were on their way, Kate could tell that Yelena was terribly curious about where the hell she was being taken to. To be honest, Kate was actually impressed by how chill her girlfriend was being. I mean it's not everyday that you just get to just bundle up an international assassin without them knowing head or tail. They both were looking out the window, hands clasped together with Kate drawing small comforting circles in Yelena’s palm.

Yelena ponders the possibilities. Obviously it's somewhere out of town.. well maybe. Who knows. Excitement bubbles in her stomach at the idea of finally finding out the surprise, especially because it keeps turning into something much larger than she had originally anticipated. First she thought she only got Kate for one whole day, then it turned out to be five whole days. So she really didn’t know what to expect at this point.

The pair chatted about mindless shit with the windows down now, as the weather seemed perfect. The driver takes the freeway and before long, Yelena notices that he was taking all the routes towards the airport. Having run out of her patience quota for this ride, Yelena tries her luck again.

Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop. Where are we going?
Kate Bishop: Not yet little spider.
Yelena Belova: We are flying somewhere?

Yelena asks in nervous excitement but all Kate does is offer her a cheeky smile. This nearly makes Yelena whine out loud as her intrigue piques impossibly higher. When they finally get to the airport, Kate offers to carry both their suitcases and they walk straight to a boarding gate. Kate produces boarding passes and Yelena finally gets the pleasure of knowing their destination and her eyes nearly bulge out of their sockets.

Yelena Belova: You’re taking me to Puerto Rico?

She asks, stopping dead in her tracks. She wasn’t sure what she had expected but it certainly wasn’t this. Her heart begins palpitating and the tell tale signs of a small panic attack sets in and she looks over Kate with wide eyes.

Yelena Belova: You can’t take me to Puerto Rico.

She says it as a statement of fact. Seeing the worried look etched on her girlfriend’s face, Kate steps away from the line and leads Yelena a few feet away for some privacy from the other passengers. She sets their bags down and wraps her arms around Yelena’s body securely.

Kate Bishop: What’s wrong baby?
Yelena Belova: We can’t just go to Puerto Rico on a whim.
Kate Bishop: Why not?
Yelena Belova: My passport. I don’t have it.

Truth be told, spending five days on a sandy beach vacation with Kate sounded like heaven but this part - this part was making her anxieties ramp up. Yelena hated airports, it was the one place that made her really really aware of her chosen profession. It was the security, the sniffer dogs, the scans, the customs and immigration folks, everything. It's why every time before she travels, she makes sure that all her personal identification documents were on point and would give her the path of least resistance with the authorities. But she wasn’t involved with the planning of this trip and it made her nervous.

Kate Bishop: You don’t need one. Puerto Rico is part of America.

Yelena couldn’t believe this. Of course Kate Bishop had already thought about all of this. Kate lowers her voice a little and discreetly asks:

Kate Bishop: You do have your American credentials right?
Yelena Belova: Yeah.
Kate Bishop: Good, that's all you’ll need. Promise.
Yelena Belova: You really want to take me to Puerto Rico?

Calming down a little, Yelena just realises that she has never actually been on a holiday. Like a real holiday. She has been on many fake ones for various reasons but she has definitely not been on a romantic getaway with the love of her life before. The gravity of the trip finally sinks in and now it makes sense why Kate had asked her if she trusted her. It was a pretty big step for their relationship and Yelena wanted nothing but to dive in head first.

Kate Bishop: You know..its been a long time since I went on a vacation.. and honestly, I want nothing more than to spend the rest of this week on a beach with you.

Yelena stares up at Kate, battling with herself. If she were to tell Kate to take her home now, she knows that Kate would do so in a heartbeat. As hazel eyes gaze into icy blue ones, Yelena can see that her girlfriend really wants this, really wants to spend time with her, alone. She must have been nervous all night, wondering if Yelena would even want to do something like this with her. It was a very intimate gesture and suddenly Yelena was overwhelmed with flattery. There was a voice inside of her that whispered to let go of her anxieties and to just focus on the stupidly gorgeous Kate Bishop.

Yelena Belova: Okay.

Yelena says, taking a deep, shaky breath, smiling shyly at Kate as the Avenger tries to contain her excitement.

Kate Bishop: Really?
Yelena Belova: Mmhmm. How can I say no to that face?

Kate leans down and kisses the blonde deeply and she could feel her partner smiling into the kiss, which made Kate’s heart only thrumm a little harder.

Kate Bishop: I love you so much.
Yelena Belova: I love you too dorogoy (darling).

They go through all the wonderful obstacles of security and eventually get on the plane. First class because of course Kate Bishop was going to fly them in style. She of course could have taken her private jet but was well aware that it would inadvertently gather too much attention compared to just blending in with civilians. They take their seats in the front row, settling into their comfortable plushy seats.

Yelena Belova: How did you get off work?
Kate Bishop: Why do I have to keep reminding you that I own the company?

Yelena’s lips twitch and Kate relents.

Kate Bishop: I had a bunch of vacation days saved up.
Yelena Belova: Oh. When was your last vacation?
Kate Bishop: Err.. interesting question because I’ve never..uhm actually taken a day off since I took over as CEO.

Kate answers sheepishly and Yelena turns to her girlfriend sharply, eyes widening.

Yelena Belova: You haven't had a break in more than five years?! That’s insane Kate.

Kate notices her surname missing and groans lightly but proceeds to explain anyway.

Kate Bishop: In close to a decade actually.. Well not officially at least. Everytime I go missing for Avengers stuff - Jack puts out this spiel about me being on vacation somewhere or another. And he'd have some doctored photos that gets ‘leaked’ to the press and all that.. but I’m not actually there you know. In fact, there was this one time that I was supposedly in Greece, but I was actually in the thick of the Amazon shutting down a cartel. There was even this huge ass snake that almost kille-

Kate’s animated eyes meet with Yelena’s unamused ones and it immediately shuts the billionaire up. Realising that this bit of information was not helpful in any way, Kate clams up and sinks into her seat.

Yelena Belova: You work too much Kate Bishop.

The Avenger takes her girlfriend's hand and places it on her chest, hoping that her sincerity will not be lost on the Russian.

Kate Bishop: I am trying to change though..Before this, my life consisted of just those two things but now I have you. You are such a big part of my life now baby and I truly do want us to get away more and do things together.
Yelena Belova: That’s honestly what I want too. Just to be together with you. I don't care what we do.

Hearing those words was all Kate needed and so she leans over, cupping her girlfriend’s face and giving her a few tender kisses. Sucking and nipping on her lower lip. When she finally releases Yelena’s face, the Russian's head is already spinning. The blonde nestles into her seat and they can’t stop grinning at each other. However, Yelena’s smile fades when she tears her gaze away from Kate and intercepts a frosty glare from a stewardess. It’s blatantly clear that she’s attracted to Kate, the way she was not so subtly ogling her. It’s also clear that she was jealous of Yelena, for obvious reasons and that makes Yelena smirk a little. On the last flicker of her intruding glare, the Widow reaches over and grabs Kate’s face, planting a kiss on her lips.

Kate Bishop: What was that for?
Yelena Belova: Just marking my territory.

The blonde replies in good humour and Kate’s expression is slightly stunned and almost..delighted? Much to the billionaire's amusement, Yelena spends most of the flight duration screwing with the stewardess. She even leans over the armrest to rubs Kate’s thigh or kiss her neck. When they finally land at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, they are both so excited that they barely feel tired from the trip and lack of sleep. Kate queries if she was hungry and Yelena answers that all her teasing had ended up stirring a different type of hunger within her.

Yelena Belova: Hungry for you, yes.

Kate simply smirks and immediately starts looking around. After something catches her eyes, she tugs the blonde, quickly changing directions. They head to the washrooms and Yelena’s heart starts pounding. Near the men’s and women’s entrances, a changing room is vacant and inviting. Making sure no one is looking, or heading towards the room, Kate pulls her inside before locking the doors behind them. The blonde is smiling wildly as she wraps her arms around her girlfriend’s neck, and Kate envelopes her in a tight embrace, kissing her fiercely.

Kate Bishop: You’re insatiable, you know that?

She asks against her lips as her hands find the buttons on her jeans. A flush creeps up Yelena’s neck at Kate’s use of the perfect word.

Yelena Belova: Just for you. It’s all your fault.
Kate Bishop: I wasn’t the one teasing you the entire flight!
Yelena Belova: I can’t help it dorogoya (darling). I love being with you.

Kate turns her around and makes her face the wall. Her hands reach down between Yelena’s thighs from behind as her front is pressed against the wall. She gasps as Kate wastes no time in moving her panties out of the way to rub at her wetness. The billionaire lowers herself, pulling the blonde’s hips just a little to arch her back before immediately putting her whole mouth on Yelena’s cunt. Yelena exhales sharply to avoid moaning, her mouth hanging open in an ‘O’.

Kate’s mouth is kissing her hard, her tongue licking in time with her pressure. Yelena reaches behind and grabs hold of her thick hair. Her cunt had been aching for her girlfriend’s wet friction for the last four hours and her movements are perfect. Her tongue massages her clit, licks her folds and penetrates her tight pussy. It’s clear that the brunette was trying to get her off quickly, as who knows how much time they actually had. Yelena welcomes the urgency, pushing her ass further into her girlfriend’s face as her hips are gripped tightly.

Kate latches on her clit and sucks and a moan vibrates in the Widow’s throat. She loves it when Kate does that. She yanks her hair, pulling her closer.

Yelena Belova: Oh my god..

The blonde whispers harshly, feeling butterflies crashing into her stomach. The sudden pressure drives her wild, making her feel so wanton. What they are doing is so naughty and different from what she’s used to and it makes her want to come so bad in the newness of it all. As if on command, Yelena’s orgasm begins bubbling inside her, threatening to make an appearance.

Yelena Belova: Don’t stop detka (babe)..

She begs, tugging on her hair thats tangled in her grip. Kate’s fingertips are pressing into her hips as she now drives her tongue into her waiting entrance, essentially fucking Yelena with her hot tongue. The blonde welcomes the probing tongue inside of her and cums furiously.

Yelena Belova: Ahh..I’m cumminggg..

She breathes heavily, her pussy clenching and contracting as she combusts on Kate’s tongue. Kate increases the pressure everywhere for just a moment as Yelena comes down from her high. Kate quickly stands and pulls up Yelena’s jeans with her. The Russian has no time to compose herself as they hear people moving about outside the door. Her heart is still pounding from the aftermath and the sudden thrill of being caught. Nonetheless, they still can’t help smiling at each other as they hurry and straighten up.

Kate Bishop: I’ll wait for you outside.

Kate whispers before pressing a final kiss to her temple and Yelena simply nods. Kate doesn’t need to fix her hair or straighten her shirt. She still looked flawless as though this little encounter didn’t jostle her one bit and she wasn’t just moments ago buried in her girlfriend’s cunt. She’s that good looking and put together that it makes Yelena’s heart beat wildly. The Avenger slips out through the door while Yelena quickly fixes herself in the mirror, wanting to make sure she didn’t look like she just had an incredible orgasm mere moments ago. When she exits the room, Kate is waiting for her - they grin cheekily at each other as they hold hands again. Turning around the corner, the pair nearly runs into an official looking man in a vest with a badge.

Kate Bishop: Sorry!

Kate apologises for the both of them and guides Yelena to step out of the way. The guy was looking at them suspiciously and their laughter was as dead as the Titanic. When they finally get far enough without being stopped by the man, they start laughing again. ‘Damn’ Yelena thinks, the shit Kate makes her do always makes her terrified but elated. She notes how she feels the most alive when she is with her Kate Bishop. They havent even left the airport and she was already having so much fun with her girlfriend, leaving everything behind and focusing on just the two of them. As they make their way to the baggage, they notice their two suitcases going around the conveyor belt. It was then that something occurred to Yelena belatedly and it made her frown.

Yelena Belova: I didn't pack a bathing suit!
Kate Bishop: I know. I was hoping to have the chance of buying you one.. I was hoping you’d model some for me.

Yelena’s angry surprise doesn’t last long and she freezes as Kate chuckles when the shorter woman’s cheeks turn pink. She’s honestly never blushed as hard as when she’s with Kate. Reaching the departure gates, a black BMW sedan takes them from the airport to the hotel. Yelena opens her door and steps onto the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and her first thoughts are how beautiful it was. The buildings were in varying shades of pastel colours, all closely nestled together on this busy little street.

The people and the smells of the ocean and the beautiful architecture. It was all so mesmerising, like something out of a painting. Kate grins at her girlfriend as they head towards a pale yellow building with large white pillars. Above the huge brown double doors is gold lettering indicating that they would be staying at the Hotel El Convento. Kate explained that it used to be a 16th century convent and had a lot of character. She had hoped that Yelena would prefer this historic treasure rather than the almost sterile features of newer hotels.

The inside had marble chequered floors and soft white walls. Every piece of decoration chosen to sit in a room or hang on a wall was full of culture and urbanity. It was charming but also delicately festive. Yelena loved it, she loved their hotel and loved their room even more. They had a king sized bed on an intricate, wrought iron frame, doors with shutters that open to a balcony with a view of the ocean and mismatched pieces of furniture tying it all together. Kate chats with the bellhop while the blonde wanders around the huge suite, sitting on every surface and opening all the drawers.

Kate Bishop: Are you tired baby?
Yelena Belova: Why?

Yelena queries back cheekily as Kate shuts the door, leaving them alone, finally. Her answering smile was amused.

Kate Bishop: Well.. We can walk around if you want, get a drink somewhere. The hotel employee said that there are bars close by. We can do whatever you want while we are here.

Kate was leaning against the heavy wooden door with her hands in her pockets, in her trademark nonchalant pose, looking rather delicious. Yelena’s eyes flicker to the bed for half a second, feeling her bones soften at the idea of them in it. Shaking more devious thoughts out of her head for the moment, she replies.

Yelena Belova: Yeah, let’s do it Kate Bishop.

She did honestly want to explore a little and so they head back out to the street to get some premium, native liquor, one of Puerto Rico’s main exports. They eat and drink and wander around Old San Juan, staying with the crowds and blending in. Thankful since it had been a rather spontaneous trip, the paparazzi hadn’t caught on to their mini vacation and Kate was grateful for that.

Yelena Belova: So what are we doing tomorrow?

Yelena asks, hands playing with her blonde hair over her naked shoulder as they walk next to each other, lightly bumping into each other. Her blouse draped low around her arms giving a perfect view of her smooth collar bones around her bare shoulder blades.

Kate Bishop: Well, we need to buy you a bathing suit. We can see a little more of the town and go to the beach if you want.
Yelena Belova: What kind of suit were you hoping to see me in?

Kate explodes into a shy smile, her features arranged in an adorable mask. Yelena casually bumps into her girlfriend's side playfully, nudging her a little.

Kate Bishop: Well.. you certainly have the body to wear whatever you want.
Yelena Belova: Thank you Kate Bishop. But I am curious, what did you have in mind?

Yelena twists her mouth into a smile, not relenting and trying to lure the answer from Kate with her eyes. Kate glances at her and purses her lips, thinking.

Kate Bishop: A very..very small bikini?

Kate tries teasingly, practically whispering into Yelena’s ear and she could feel her neck heating up a little. Yelena realises that she likes when her girlfriend is honest, it's mostly endearing but this time, this time it's kinda hot.

Kate Bishop: But obviously, I’d prefer you didn’t wear something like that in public.
Yelena Belova: Just for you?

Yelena teases her and Kate grins and bites her lower lip, looking at the ground as they stop at a corner waiting to cross the street. Yelena would never tire from this protective and possessive side of Kate. She always thought that belonging to someone would be stiffling but everytime they make love and Kate shudders a pained ‘Mine’ against her ear are the times that Yelena cums the hardest, seeing stars behind her eyes.

Kate Bishop: Maybe..

They are both silent as they start walking again. Even though they had already fooled around today, and have been intimate for more than half a year now, everything between them still felt new as they kept their flirting light. But.. they hadn’t really been all over each other all day. Besides the oral sex in the airport bathroom and pissing off a stewardess, they had only briefly touched. They were both still enjoying the pace that they’ve set though, it's like the chase at the beginning of a relationship; the excitement of watching the other person’s actions and reactions, knowing you like each other and still trying to play it cool. Yeap, they were both milking the chase.

As they both ponder the thoughts running through their heads, both alone on the island together for the first time - Kate quietly wraps her arm around Yelena’s waist as they walk and she could immediately feel the warmth radiating through the blonde’s top. Yelena responds by smiling and curling her arm around her girlfriend’s lower back. They stay intertwined until they reach the hotel again.

Kate opens the door to their room and as soon as Yelena sits, she’s ready to fall asleep. The liquor warmed her body, travelling all morning and then walking around all evening, it was all catching up to her. She slips off her shoes and dims the lighting as Kate walk into the bathroom to freshen up. She leaves the door open and runs the sink as Yelena lays her head on the pillow. She struggles to stay awake because the bed is so fucking soft and smells of fresh linen, and the room was dim with just enough light spilling in from the bathroom.. everything was so comfortable.

Too comfortable apparently as she turns and feels soft sheets against her skin. When she opens her eyes, the room is darker and everything is quiet. Yelena props herself up on her elbows and realises that she’s under the covers now.. without her jeans on. She looks to her right and Kate is sleeping next to her, laying on her back, head turned into a pillow.

Fuck. She fell asleep on Kate. She feels a twinge of guilt and disappointment. Kate was still wearing her blue linen shirt and boxer briefs, her left hand resting on her stomach as she breathed slowly. Yelena leans a little closer and examines her unworried face as her girlfriend sleeps peacefully. Kate’s perfectly arched eyebrows in an innocent expression, her thick lashes resting against her cheeks. Yelena’s heart swells with love as she crawls on top of Kate, waking her up briefly to wrap her arms around her waist protectively.

Yelena Belova: Sorry I fell asleep on you.
Kate Bishop: Mmm don’t be.

Kate’s voice is laced with sleep as she mumbles and plants a kiss on top of her head. Yelena lays her head back on Kate’s chest and soon the sound of waves in the distance and her girlfriend's even breathing lulls her back to sleep.

-

Chapter Text

The Avenger wakes up in the morning by herself. The doors that lead to the balcony was wide open and warm Puerto Rican sun seeps in, to her left the shower is running in the bathroom. She rolls onto her back again and rubs the sleep from her face, it was a little jarring to wake up naturally without the sound of an alarm blaring, almost as if this was a parallel universe and she wasn't Kate Bishop. Steam billows from the shower and she can see Yelena’s form through the distorted glass, distracting Kate momentarily. With much reluctance she rolls out of bed, grabbing her toothbrush and then greeting her girlfriend.

Kate Bishop: Morning beautiful.

Yelena turns off the shower and replies to the greeting with her gravelly sexy voice. Kate puts some toothpaste on the brush, trying to turn her thoughts away from how naked the blonde is right now.

Yelena Belova: How’d you sleep muyo lyubov (my love)?
Kate Bishop: So good, thank you for letting me sleep in.

The taller woman mumbles her reply while brushing her teeth and it causes the blonde to smile. Kate's eyes shamelessly roams all over her girlfriend - her stunning hazel eyes, her light hair wet and dripping over her naked shoulders, her perfect body wrapped in a fluffy white towel. Yelena notices her staring and smiles sheepishly.

Yelena Belova: I’ll give you some privacy.

Overcome by a sudden bout of shyness, she replies and turns for the door, shutting it upon her exit. Kate sighs and shoves her toothbrush back into her mouth. Although others might not share her sentiment, Yelena is hands down one of the easiest people Kate has ever had the pleasure of being around. She’s so honest and raw, and apparently up for whatever outrageous suggestions that Kate might make - like a super spontaneous trip even. Soon after she starts the shower for herself, trying to think about anything but her favourite assassin in that fucking towel. Failing almost immediately, Kate thinks about how Yelena’s looks are perfection manifested while she soaps herself with a generous amount of the rose scented body wash that the hotel had supplied them.

Her silhouette alone was enough to bring Kate to her knees. Her small perky breasts and tiny waist fit perfectly in Kate’s hands. And her ass? It must have been sculpted by God himself. From the first moment Kate saw every inch of her skin, she couldn’t help but compare every woman that she’s ever been with to Yelena. And honestly, no one could even compare, no one could even hold a candle to her. From her adorable feet up to her beautifully sculpted face, her arched eyebrows above those deep hazel eyes, soft pouty lips that reveal the neatest of white teeth. Kate shakes her head and reaches to turn the shower knob towards blue, letting the cold water have its way.

Eventually they make it out of the room and Kate feels like the luckiest motherfucker on the island. Yelena’s smooth, naked back is visible in her little white backless dress that was held up by thin straps. Her tan, shapely legs were on display from the thigh down as her dainty feet were balanced on wedge sandals. She appeared so happy and carefree and Kate loved it, how her gorgeous blonde hair swirled around her face in the wind - a sharp contrast to when the Widow has it braided or put up in a bun during missions.

They get breakfast and start wandering through the best part of the island to shop for clothes. Yelena finds and models - much to the billionaire's amusement - two new bikinis. Kate makes her try on a white, long sleeved rash guard as well. It’s skin tight, and with Yelena's long wavy hair, the Avenger predicted that she'd be every surfer’s dream. Kate grabs some items for herself too; two new bikini bottoms and a black rash guard for herself before making the purchase. The Russian was bubbling with excitement by the time they got back to the hotel because she had never actually spent a day in a beach before. Part of Kate’s heart ached with how Yelena was deprived of some very rudimentary experiences in life, and she was glad they could at least now start crossing off things that Yelena hadn’t done before.

They get back to the hotel and pack everything they might need for the beach. They take turns massaging sunscreen onto each other’s back before changing into their beachwear. The beach was only a couple of blocks away and while they walked, they prattled on about the sights that they’ve seen of San Juan, about what they liked and how different it all was from New York. Somewhere along the walk, the conversation had turned to what animal they would be if they could choose, and Yelena's answer was definitely something Kate hadn't expected. They find a semi crowded beach and lay out a towel, then start stripping to their bikinis. Kate gulped seeing Yelena in her bikini, swearing that her girlfriend belonged on a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover. Being around Yelena like this made Kate feel very uncool. Like she was 14 again and had just developed her first ever crush on this girl from the fencing team.

Yelena gets in the water before Kate, walking through the waves lapping at the shore. Kate pulls out her phone and takes a few pictures of the blonde and when Yelena looks up, she doesn’t hesitate to grin at the camera. The brunette soon ditches her phone and joins Yelena for a dip. They swim and have fun in the water, trying to splash each other or try to topple the other into the gorgeous blue water. After a while of fooling around, they are suddenly approached by a guy in green boardshorts.

Ryan: Hi, I’m Ryan. My friends and I are over there.
Kate Bishop: Hello.

Yelena pointedly ignores Ryan and Kate is fairly positive it's because he was intruding on their precious alone time.

Ryan: Do you guys wanna skimboard?

Kate looks at Yelena for approval and the blonde just shrugs her okay. By then a few more people from his group of friends were riding their boards towards them. Kate and Yelena were introduced to a few more people and since they were all within the same age bracket, there was never a shortage of conversation and soon enough the blonde's waspish attitude faded. They were asking the duo where the pair was from, if they wanted a beer, and if they have tried this bar or that. Kate wasnt sure if it was the lack of a power suit or the Bishop bling, but the group had not placed who Yelena nor she were and it prompted the pair to stay with them for a while more. The friendly bunch was then exchanging vacation stories when one of the girls, Megan asks Yelena if she and Kate were together. Yelena’s eyes flash towards Kate, and smiles spread across both their faces before the blonde answers in the affirmative. Eventually someone hands Kate a small board, asking if she wanted to give it a go.

Kate Bishop: I haven’t done this in years, but sure.

Yelena shields the sun with her hand while smiling at her girlfriend. She was always impressed at how brave Kate was with new experiences and how effortlessly she got along with people, people they hadn’t even met before. Every moment spent with Kate just confirmed what Yelena felt when she first saw Kate on the television all those months ago. She truly was down to earth and personable. The Widow wondered for a moment if this was a byproduct of growing up with people who loved you.

They all cheer Kate on, with the owner of the board, Tommy telling her the best way to get a good stance on it. Kate tosses the board so it floats along the shallow water and runs to jump on the hydroplaning wood. She gracefully glides along the beach, one foot in front of the other as the sun beats down on her shoulders. The billionaire gets a good distance too before jumping off the front to avoid eating sand. She picks the board up and tosses the board again to ride it back. When she gets back to the rest of the group, they were whooping and cheering loudly while Yelena was watching her with a smirk, her hazel eyes captivated.

Tommy: Do you want to give it a go?
Yelena Belova: I’d love to. Watch and learn kids.

She teases the group before walking away, drawing their collective attention to her ass. The Russian had not skimboarded before but had picked up the essentials watching her girlfriend earlier. The blonde tosses the thin wood and runs after it, landing lightly on her feet and gliding away. That’s how they spend most of the day, back and forth surfing the inch of water lapping at the sand and hanging out with their new friends as the sun climbed higher. Kate couldn't help but admire how graceful Yelena was with everyone’s compliments and how witty she was when the occasional opening for a joke unintentionally presented itself.

Kate carried on sitting on the beach, sipping her Medalla and chatting with Megan and Ryan while also watching Yelena. This was why she immediately notices a guy covered in tattoos walk up to the Widow when she snatched her borrowed board out of the water. They talk and the Russian radiates charm, the wind occassionally carrying bits of their conversation. Yelena’s eyes flicker to Kate and that's when the Avenger realises that she was just blatantly staring at her girlfriend. The brunette grinned before returning her attention to Megan who was telling her about this cool hiking trail they had found. Megan had been lingering close to Kate all morning and while she definitely was a babe, she was no match for Yelena.

Kate’s eyes returned to her girlfriend and notices the tattooed guy and the blonde walking beside each other as they talk. As much as Kate always tries to shut off what Yelena fondly referred to as her 'superhero brain' in social situations, the gears were almost always spinning in the background. Kate could tell by the subtle way Yelena’s cheeks were heated that this wasn’t an ordinary conversation. ‘Tattoos’ glanced at Kate and back to Yelena before he touches the blonde’s shoulder, saying something before walking away. The Widow hands the skimboard to someone and makes her way towards the Avenger.

Kate Bishop: One second.

Kate holds up a finger to Megan - who she hopes wasn’t in the middle of speaking and focused on Yelena. Now kneeling down next to her on the sand, Yelena looks up at Kate hesitantly, thinking that Kate was probably curious about her exchange with Tattoos. However, Kate is not a child, she knew what it was about but she also knew that Yelena was more than capable of handling unwanted attention.

Yelena Belova: Muyo lyubov. (My love). Remember you said that we could do anything I wanted?
Kate Bishop: Mmhmm.
Yelena Belova: I want you to kiss me. Right now.

Yelena’s request was made with a low, sultry voice and her gaze flickered to Kate’s lips and back to her eyes.

Kate Bishop: Yeah?

She nodded and Kate’s hands were already wrapping themselves around her waist, pulling her flush against her hard body, making sure the blonde felt as much skin against hers. Yelena caressed Kate’s jaw with her perfectly manicured nails, humming softly before locking lips with her girlfriend. The kiss was languid, slow and perfect. Kate picks her up without breaking their kiss and Yelena hums again, trapping Kate’s torso between her legs as the ocean water gently licks at their ankles. They ignored the buzzing of conversation around them as Kate’s dominant hand was now on Yelena’s ass, while the other was on her lower back.

They were usually not so big on PDA in New York, not wanting to give paparazzi too much fodder for the tabloids, but in these rare moments when they do decide to let the world in and give it a taste of what exactly goes on between them - it makes Kate feel like her chest is on fire. The blood circulating through her heart got warmer the longer Yelena’s lips were on hers. Yelena smiles against her lips and they finally pull away. Kate looks up and out of every person there, finds Tattoos watching them. She smirked lightly before squeezing Yelena’s ass some more, giving him a good view.

Yelena Belova: I’m getting pretty tired.

The Widow says, looking at her girlfriend through her lashes, pulling Kate out of her reverie. It’s probably way past noon now and they had been out all morning.

Kate Bishop: You wanna get out of here?

Kate offers and wraps her arms loosely around the smaller woman. She shakes her head ‘yes’ slowly, keeping her eyes trained on Kate, the corner of her mouth threatening to spill into a smile. Oohh.. The billionaire takes a moment but soon realises what she was hinting at and hastily gets up, pulling Yelena up with her to make their walk back to the hotel. Yelena giggles as Kate practically drags her down the hall to their room. Being frustrated since waking up and basically seeing Yelena naked all morning and having Tattoos perv on Yelena has Kate eager as fuck. She wants to touch her girlfriend, she wants to mark her territory as fast as possible.

They barely get through the door and Yelena has a death grip on Kate’s hair. They hug and kiss deeply, reacquainting themselves with each other’s bodies. Kate pulls up the hem of Yelena’s little white dress, her eyes impatient to find Kate again. Kate’s shirt, both their bikinis, and shoes are gone next and they are kissing again.

Yelena Belova: You’re cute when you’re jealous.

Fuck. Kate’s instinct was to deny it but they both knew that she was right. The older woman responds by grabbing Yelena's ass, lifting and pinning her against the wall, her legs wide against her torso.

Kate Bishop: I’m sorry.

Kate mumbles against Yelena’s skin as the blonde runs her fingers through Kate’s brunette locks.

Yelena Belova: Don’t be. I like it.

Yelena responds, pulling the Avenger closer with the heels of her feet. Kate pulls her off the wall and walks them to the bed.

Kate Bishop: I just don’t want to share you.

Kate replies ernestly, while lowering her gently onto her back. She buries her face in Yelena’s neck, her hand running up the blonde’s thigh as the Widow tried not to squirm too much.

Kate Bishop: I don’t want anyone to make you feel.. Like how I make you feel.

Kate whispers and rubs her hand against Yelena’s cunt, making her gasp and moan. They twist and turn like that all afternoon. Touching, tasting and pressing themselves against each other. Lips chanting delicate praises until they come for each other, over and over. After a couple of hours, they were just a pile of worn out limbs on the bed, tangled up in a tight embrace.

It was past two in the afternoon when the pair finally made their way out of the hotel again. They ate, wandered around San Juan Cathedral, and then walked to the Museo de Arte. Yelena loved that part and after that they swung by the chocolate factory of Casa Cortes before finally finding themselves at Fortaleza Street.

Yelena Belova: So what’s on the agenda for tomorrow?
Kate Bishop: Where’s the fun if I tell you everything right now?

Yelena rolls her eyes dramatically and that makes Kate chuckle.

Yelena Belova: Mm. Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: Yeah?

Kate queries, giving Yelena her full attention. Yelena stares at her for a good moment, her gorgeous face studying Kate’s.

Yelena Belova: I’m having a lot of fun with you.

Kate smiles from ear to ear, it was such a simple statement, but it held such a big impact to her because this whole thing would really suck if Yelena wasn’t enjoying herself. It was then that Kate realized that making Yelena happy was fast becoming a priority to her.

Chapter Text

They both wake up rather early the next day, feeling surprisingly good. After spending another long night in each other’s arms, Yelena had thought that they’d both be out of commission for just about anything. After a quick shower and getting dressed, they strolled out for a nice breakfast, feeling absolutely famished from the rigorous day before.

After packing their day bag, Kate had a car waiting to take them to the Fajardo ferry dock where they boarded the ferry to Isabel Segunda port of Vieques island, a nearby island. There they rent a jeep and the billionaire drives them like she's been here a thousand times before. The entire ferry ride, the Widow had been asking what they were going to do on their last day in Puerto Rico. After a short drive, Kate stops at a water sports shop and relents.

Kate Bishop: We need to rent boards.

The Avenger said with a wink and then it hit Yelena that they were going surfing! Immediately Yelena could barely contain her excitement. She had never gone surfing before and was beyond thrilled to try yet another new activity with Kate Bishop. They pick their boards and strap them to the Jeep and then continue on a leisurely cruise until they find the perfect spot - Navio beach. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the temperature was a perfect 72, with the water lapping at the powder white sand. The wind was hitting the coves just right and the waves were picture perfect - ready to be ridden as Kate had quipped.

Thankfully there were not too many people there, and those that were at the beach were mostly there to surf as well. They picked a spot near the lush vegetation and set down their belongings. The brunette taught Yelena how to wax her board while they briefly spoke about the places that Kate had gone surfing before. Once that was done, the pair stripped to their bikinis and put on their new rashguards. Yelena felt like it was Christmas, barely containing her excitement and happiness with a perpetual smile on her face.

Kate Bishop: I like that on you.

Kate says as they are getting ready, eyeing the pure white rashguard that was clinging onto Yelena’s torso and arms like a second skin. The one that Kate had bought for her just for this trip. The Russian grabs her long hair and start pulling it up into a messy bun while she eyes her girlfriend.

Yelena Belova: Thank you. I like yours too.

Yelena replies as Kate slips on her own long, black sleeved rashguard which complimented her strong shoulders and arms. Kate looked good in almost all colour, but the Widow noted how she especially liked darker colours on her girlfriend. There was something about the contrast on her pale skin that made Kate Bishop look ethereal. She gives Yelena a little smile that the blonde had dubbed as Kate’s ‘I know I’m cute’ smile before bending down and kissing her. Yelena's fingers finish up her messy bun and then quickly grabs Kate’s face to kiss her back. She lightly licks Kate’s top lip on the last pull before flashing her a bright smile.

Kate Bishop: Come on. Let's see how hardcore Black Widows really are.
Yelena Belova: More hardcore than Avengers, for sure. Especially Clint. He sucks muyo lyubov (my love).
Kate Bishop: I guess we're gonna find out huh? And you know, he really isn't THAT bad.

They quip back and forth, carrying their boards to the edge of the water and Kate gives the assassin a crash course on surfing. When they finally start paddling the outskirts of the waves, it really hits Yelena that they are really here, in Puerto Rico for a vacation. Then she looks at Kate next to her and smiles, because none of this would have been possible without her. She knew that Yelena would enjoy this holiday and she had been absolutely right. Yelena momentarily thought about Natasha, wishing that she was here to see how happy her little sister was. How despite everything Yelena had prevailed and was living her life, instead of just going through the motions.

A few minutes later, they sit upright on their boards and wait for a wave, and when one starts to break close to them, Kate catches it first. ‘Damn she’s graceful’ thought Yelena and frowned when she realized that she was not going to look anywhere near that cool on her own board. Yelena does wipeout a couple of time but everytime she's thrown off her board, her girlfriend is always nearby to encourage her to try again. When the Widow finally does catch a wave, oh it was on! Like Kate had taught her, Yelena had her toes an inch from the back, and paddled into the potential wave. Looking over her shoulder, she sees it climbing higher, so she pushes faster.

When she feels it snag her board, pushing her, she grips the rails and summons every ounce of her agility to pop herself up. Keeping her knees bent like Kate had showed her, she maintains her balance and soon she felt like she was flying. There was no other feeling in the world like riding a wave. The wind in her face, a wall of water at her left, curving around, trying to consume her. She bent her knees a little further, trying to steer the board, then dip her fingers into the curling wall, the cool water rushing past her. Yelena sees the wave about to connect at the end, and poised herself for maximum speed. She makes it out right before it can swallow her, then glides along the flattening water.

Yelena Belova: Wooooo!!

Yelena screams and she can see Kate in the distance, whooping and cheering for her before she leans and drops into the water, her legrope still attached to the board. As she swims up to climb back onto the board, she feels alive, free, and invincible. Sure, she has felt invincible before, but not in this way. She wants to go again, and so she does. The hours burn with the daylight, and they surf their fucking faces off.

The Avenger was really good and Yelena was truly impressed, and also kinda turned on. Eventually they ditch their boards and shirts, setting out to walk the beach. The couple round a cove, finding a private little beach, and the moment they are out of view, Kate reaches for her girlfriend.

Kate Bishop: Come here. You are..

Kate wraps her arms around Yelena while she grabs her biceps, looking up at the brunette. Kate starts shaking her head, almost as if in disbelief. The blonde chuckles lightly.

Yelena Belova: I’m what?
Kate Bishop: Crazy!
Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop! And what compels you to call me crazy?
Kate Bishop: The fact that you are.. crazy.
Yelena Belova: Well you.. like it.
Kate Bishop: I might..

Kate says and picks her up like nothing. She starts walking, putting her mouth to her girlfriend's ear while they walk into the water.

Kate Bishop: What are you doing to me?
Yelena Belova: What do you mean?

Yelena asks puzzled, when they are waist deep, her legs firmly wrapped around Kate’s hips.

Kate Bishop: I think you’re making me crazy right along with you.

Kate answers and spins her around before leaning down and kissing her girlfriend. What this few months of dating had shown Yelena was that Kate sure had a cute way of trying to articulate her feelings for the blonde and everytime that little bit of honesty came bubbling up, Yelena devoured it like it was precious oxygen. Sometimes Yelena feels crazy when she starts thinking about how much she adores Kate. Like she shouldn’t love anyone this much. She might as well be doodling hearts around her last name or something but she loves how Kate makes her feel and she doesn’t want to change that. Yelena just wants to keep doing what they are doing.

The Widow kisses her back deeply, gently thrusting her core against Kate’s stomach, the ocean water licking at their skin. Kate’s arms get tighter around her, their chest pressing up against each other as the water comes up to Yelena’s shoulders. She opens her mouth to deepen the kiss, using the heels of her feet to pull the Avenger in closer. The ocean, the clean air and the buttery sunshine are intoxicating. Watching Kate surf, capable and competent and now being intimate with her was more than enough to flip the smaller woman’s switch. Kate grabs her butt and squeezes, still kissing the assassin passionately.

Lowering the blonde into to water, the Avenger turns her away so she can kiss her exposed neck and shoulders. Not long later, Yelena feels Kate’s forearm come around her lower back, and she instinctiveley opens her thighs farther, and Kate’s free hand comes to her front. Hidden in the water, Kate’s palm presses against Yelena’s pussy and the blonde swallows hard. With one arm wrapped tightly around Kate’s neck, Yelena closes her eyes, and lets go; falling into the sensation off Kate’s hand on her cunt quickly.

Yelena Belova: Mmmm..

She almost coos when Kate starts a rhythm against her clit. They know they are outside, in public, but all they can concentrate on is their hands on each other. Yelena’s hips start moving and Kate welcomes it.

Kate Bishop: Fuck..

They press their cheeks against each other. The Widow’s laboured breathing driving Kate further. Now this is crazy but Yelena surmises that they are good at being crazy together. Kate’s thumb hooks around the fabric and pushes up, underneath Yelena’s clit and she gasps. Kate rubs her carefully with skill that Yelena only knows her to be capable of. The tightening feeling was spreading through their bodies as they stay pressed against each other. The moment it starts feeling really good, they hear voices of other people getting into the warm water and the couple freeze a little, losing momentum. They both pull back, and Yelena groans dramatically, making Kate chuckle at her.

Driving back to the ferry, the billionaire mused how watching Yelena surf was one of the hottest things that she had ever seen her do. One of the many, but definitely up there on the list. They finally make it back to the main island just after the sun goes down, with the happy couple heading back to the hotel to shower off the surf. When she’s ready for dinner, she comes out more stunning than Kate could have imagined. Yelena had worn a flowy Bohemian skirt that she had paired with white crop top, and the outfit was so effortlessly elegant, just like Yelena was. Her gorgeous blonde hair swirled loose down her shoulders, just the way Kate loved it.

The Avenger was dressed in a designer romper and had completed the look with a straw hat that Yelena had picked up the day before. Deciding on a fancy place for dinner to celebrate their first surfing experience together, the couple decide on an upscale restaurant called Marmalade. Kate only needed to glance around for half a moment to know that one out of every five people in this place were watching her girlfriend. Yelena Belova was like a magnet, the way she carried herself and her exquisite beauty. She wasn't your typical hot bitch, and neither was she uninspiring. Knowing how funny and amazing her personality is, and having her on her arm made Kate feel.. powerful.. even more than being the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Even more than being an Avenger.

Sitting across the table from each other, they eat, drink and talk until just after nine. As the billionaire takes care of the check, the restaurant manager offers her a complimentary, handrolled artisanal cigar. Throwing caution to the wind, the billionaire lights the cigar. They stand in front of the restaurant, staring at the stars that littered the night sky and chat amiably. Kate inhales a long puff before offering the cigar to Yelena but the blonde just scrunches up her face.

Yelena Belova: That stuff is bad for you.
Kate Bishop: So is being an Avenger, but I keep doing it.

Kate smirks at her girlfriend as she playfully takes a step back, skillfully missing the swat that was aimed at her.

Older Woman: Excuse me? Miss?

The couple swiftly turn around and guided by impulse, Kate hides the still smoking cigar behind her back. Yelena catches this and wonders for a moment if Eleanor had ever had to deal with a rebelious teenage Kate Bishop. Filing that thought away for later, she sees an older, refined looking blonde woman walking after them from inside the restaurant.

Older Woman: Hello. I’m so sorry to bother you. My name is Camille Fortier, I’m a partner of a European based modelling agency.

The woman introduces herself with the slightest of French accents, and they both shake her hand, though they have no idea what she wants. Just like in the beach the day before, the Avenger was ever ready with pleasantries while the Widow was more cautious.

Yelena Belova: Hello.
Camille Fortier: I hate to be a bother but I saw you inside and I could not help but notice what exquisite bone structure you have.
Yelena Belova: I’m sorry?

Yelena's eyebrows furrow up and she glances at the billionaire, hoping that maybe she might have an inkling as to what this encounter was about but all Kate did was shrug back at her. The lady's accented voice grabs their attention again and Yelena is forced to focus on her.

Camille Fortier: Have you modelled before?

Camille asks the blonde, her neat white teeth in a smile behind her lipstick and Kate was thoroughly enjoying where this conversation was going. The brunette just nodded her head a couple of times as if in understanding, before taking a step back from Yelena and Camille to return her attention to the cigar.

Yelena Belova: Um.. actually no.
Camille Fortier: You must consider it, you’re absolutely beautiful. Isn’t she beautiful?

Camille turns and asks Kate for confirmation, which Kate readily agrees to. Camille was definitely not wrong.

Yelena Belova: Well, thank you Camille.
Camille Fortier: I’m sorry for being intrusive but I just had to introduce myself.

She reaches into her clutch and fishes out a business card.

Camille Fortier: Here’s my card if you’re ever interested in cultivating your talents. There is no shortage of artists looking for exactly what you have.

Yelena looks at Kate, before examining the card, thanking Camille again.

Camille Fortier: Of course, I hope you have a good night.

The couple smile and wave her off, continuing their night stroll under the stars. The billionaire takes another puff, and Yelena scoffs, shaking her head at the sight of Kate smoking. The cigar reminds Yelena of Kingpin so she casually reaches for it and throws it to the ground, putting it out. She adored Kate a little bit more for not making a fuss about it and they continued their stroll.

Kate Bishop: So.. I think it’s safe to say that you are attractive. Vous êtes épatante, au fait.. (You are stunning, by the way).

Kate teases Yelena as they walk, her arm now wrapped around her girlfriend’s waist and her perfect French pronunciation made the blonde melt a little.

Yelena Belova: What is with these people?
Kate Bishop: Tu es une personne difficile à ne pas aimer.. (You’re a hard person not to like..)
Yelena Belova: None of these people know me. They just like the way I look.

Yelena has stopped walking, her face now in a frown, huffing her disapproval in the cutest possible way that tugs at Kate’s heart strings. The Avenger is completely aware of the frustration that sometimes eats at Yelena. She was fairly certain that it was because Yelena’s beauty was prized for all the wrong reasons before and it made her heart ache how Yelena was struggling to accept her own beauty. In that moment, Kate pledges to help Yelena take one step every day towards self-love and acceptance, hoping that one day the blonde would truly see how amazing she is instead of the Red Room pawn that she undeniably still feels like. But now wasn't the time for that and so Kate places both her hands on the blonde’s hips, forcing them to face each other.

Kate Bishop: Well.. I know you pretty well, and I still think you’re beautiful.

The brunette says, looking down at her girlfriend, holding her lithe body against hers. Yelena’s warm hazel eyes blink up at her, a smile beginning to form on her perfect, full lips.

Yelena Belova: You’re very sweet Kate Bishop.
Kate Bishop: Just being honest.
Yelena Belova: I like when you are honest.

Yelena says with sincerity, flawless face now beaming at Kate. The older woman isn’t sure if it's her words or the way she’s looking at her, or just the overall topic of conversation, but she is suddenly compelled to tell her girlfriend everything her stupid heart was screaming out. She cups the Russian's face and strokes her cheeks with her thumbs, tenderly.

Kate Bishop: I am so in love with you.
Yelena Belova: Really?
Kate Bishop: Mmhmm. Madly. Irrevocably. Endlessly.

Yelena’s eyes get teary and Kate feels her heart squeeze painfully. The Widow cups her girlfriend’s face too and gives her the softest, most tender kiss that she could muster. Yelena wasn’t sure what to say to Kate’s proclamation. She didn’t know of words that existed to describe what just happened. How can you share a moment like this with someone and not feel so...strongly? How will Yelena ever find the words to tell Kate Bishop that she doesn't know it, but every time that they are together - Kate heals things within her that she did not break. Yelena leans into the kiss and lifts her head to look at Kate as she stares back. The young heiress looks like she’s thinking a million things, her blue eyes, endless. Yelena thinks that Kate has no idea what she does to her. She’s so beautiful, and all Yelena can do is tear up and smile. Smile because of who Kate is and what she does, what just happened, and how her heart is hammering in her chest. They continue kissing, basking in that unknown emotion that swirls dangerously between them.

xxxxx

For their last day in Puerto Rico, the couple spend another glorious day alone. They explore the National Historic Site and take a shit ton of photos. Some goofy, and some just so sappy that were taken specifically to be shared with Sonia and Clint. They never leave each other’s sides, not even for a second. After a rough couple of weeks, their usual safe distance appears to have dissipated during this holiday..and they like it. Kate wouldn’t even let Yelena go while they slept, and as they walked all over town. Her hands are always at her waist or lower back, truly enjoying their closeness. Kate even took Yelena’s hand and held it at one point as they were debating the most inane thing while wolfing down quesitos from a street vendor.

Yelena Belova: I'm just saying, that the population of Scotland is around 5.45 million right now and there are about 600 million cats in the world.
Kate Bishop: And you dont think the Scots could take em' ?
Yelena Belova: Nah-uh Kate Bishop. Each Scot would probably have to fight off around 110 cats. 110 !!
Kate Bishop: Yeah but what if they throw catnip at them or something. Distract em'.
Yelena Belova: So all the cats will lose to the Scots?

Noticing the pout already starting to form, Kate wipes off the pastry crumbs from Yelena's cheeks and conceeds.

Kate Bishop: Uh.. well maybe they COULD win if you throw in a couple of Flerkens in the mix.
Yelena Belova: Flerkens? I am not familiar with this word.
Kate Bishop: Oh, that's because its this.. alien thing that looks.. like a cat.
Yelena Belova: A WHAT?!

That was a long conversation as Kate tried to explain Flerkens and how one of it was actually the reason behind Nick Fury sporting an eye patch. That particular conversation tappered off as they moved to other topics, both taking their time to uncover each other's interests and pastimes. Throughout the day, they find themselves enjoying learning new things about each other that they didn’t already know. They discovered that they liked a lot of the same things, and their opinions on current events or relevant topics were also fairly within the same page.

Today's pace felt much slower than yesterday’s and Yelena wouldn't have it any other way. She wanted to soak in the rest of the island, and Kate before having to return to normal life, something that she was outwardly dreading. Dreading having to share her Kate Bishop with thousands of employees, and especially dreading the stupid Avengers who were always wanting Kate to do something dangerous. After a week like this, who would want to go back to the daily grind? They get back to their hotel, order room service and premium cable and hang out until they both fall asleep.

Yelena wakes up by herself in bed, smiling when she finds that she is still in Puerto Rico for the moment. She sits up and looks around in the dark, the little light streaming through from the outside catching her eyes. Leaning forward in bed and through the open French doors, she could see Kate’s long legs resting on the coffee table outside while the rest of her was obscured by the curve of the balcony. Dressed in just a tank and shorts, the Russian wraps the sheets around herself and walks out into the moonlight. Just as she pictured it in her mind's eye, Kate was sitting there in her own sleep shorts and t-shirt, and looks up to smile at the blonde.

Kate Bishop: You okay sleepy head?

She beckons at her, hand extended. Yelena walks up to her girlfriend and is guided to her favourite seat in the world - Kate’s lap and is enveloped in a warm embrace.

Yelena Belova: Better now. How long have you been up?
Kate Bishop: Not long.

Kate replies and Yelena looks out to the light between them and the ocean. It’s past midnight but they can still hear people out on the streets. Sitting there with her girlfriend, Yelena’s thoughts start to twist together, pondering today and the entire week. How she’s had the most fun in the last four days than her entire life combined. Being here with Kate turned out to be more magical than she had initially expected. She absolutely loved having Kate Bishop all to herself.

Kate Bishop: Whatcha thinking about little spider?

Kate asks, breaking the silence and softly running her fingers up Yelena’s ribs to tickle her lightly.

Yelena Belova: That we should come back here again sometime.
Kate Bishop: I agree. We should go to a lot of other places too.
Yelena Belova: Where would we go?

She asks softly, feeling Kate trail her thumb along the shell of her ear.

Kate Bishop: Tokyo. We’ll race all the little Mazdas and Nissans.

They both laugh at her silly reply but the blonde couldn’t help building on the daydream earnestly.

Yelena Belova: We could snowboard in Russia and smoke weed in Amsterdam!
Kate Bishop: Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and maybe check out the Norwegian Fjords?
Yelena Belova: Ooh, those are both good ones.
Kate Bishop: Let’s do it baby. Let’s do it all.
Yelena Belova: You would really like that? To travel with me?

The blonde queries, bringing her hands up around Kate’s neck to gently scratch at her scalp. Fingers running through thick, dark hair.

Kate Bishop: Why not? We could have a lot of fun.
Yelena Belova: Are you having fun with me?

She asks, her mouth an inch from hers and her thumb tracing down that unmistakable Bishop jawline. Camille Fortier was clearly blind, a tiny voice whispered in the assassin's head. Kate grins cheekily, looking down her nose at the blonde.

Kate Bishop: Yes. Probably more than I should be.
Yelena Belova: Why do you say that?

Yelena pulls back slightly, face full of concern.

Kate Bishop: Well my company is probably on fire after I abandoned it for five days. And I should really be working on our latest merger plans but you are kinda getting in the way of all that.

Kate supplies, chuckling lightly, her lips now on Yelena’s ear. Her chuckle making the blonde shudder and shiver.

Yelena Belova: Do you want me to get out of your way?

She trembles involuntarily, closing her eyes at the feeling of teasing lips ghosting her skin. Kate shakes her head while nipping at her earlobe now, humming her dissent and sending a chill through Yelena’s spine.

Kate Bishop: Nope. I like you right here.
Yelena Belova: Me too.

At that, Kate starts pulling at the bunched up sheet, wrapping her hand around the back of Yelena’s bare knees, her other arm safely wrapped around her waist and pulling her closer. With the blonde’s petite body curled up on her lap, Kate ghosts her lips over hers, nudging her for a kiss. She dips the tip of her tongue into Yelena’s mouth, and she sighs softly before moulding their lips together. Kate’s hand keeps a slow circuit on her leg, starting behind her knee, up her smooth thigh until she’s greeted by the firm flesh of the blonde’s well shaped ass.

Yelena Belova: How do you do it?
Kate Bishop: Hmm?
Yelena Belova: Drive me so completely crazy with just one touch?
Kate Bishop: Do you want me to stop?
Yelena Belova: Nope. I like you right here.

She quips, repeating what Kate husked before, earning a little laugh from the Avenger. Kate bites at her neck because the more she touches her, the more she’s rolling her hips in appreciation. Kate was trying to focus on kissing her but she can’t escape from the feeling of Yelena’s ass grinding into her crotch. Yelena’s legs part a little and Kate goes for it, cupping her covered pussy. She’s so warm around Kate’s fingers.

Yelena Belova: Mmm.. Muyo lyubov (My love).. We can’t do this out here.

The Russian drawls lazily, only serving to spur Kate on more. In one fluid motion, her shorts and her panties are off her ass as Kate’s mind keeps reeling about how hot it would be to have Yelena squirming right there, on the balcony for everyone to hear. Kate reaches for her pussy again as Yelena presses her side into Kate’s chest, thrusting her hips to feel more. Kate plays with her, exploring this delicious terrain that she has come to know so well, knowing exactly where to touch to make the blonde writhe. Yelena takes Kate’s face in her hands, slipping her tongue into her mouth as she softly rocks, humping Kate’s hand. The brunette looks at her perfect braless tits, visible through the flimsy tank top, before pulling a soft nipple into her warm mouth.

Yelena gasps sharply, looking down at her girlfriend licking her sensitive, rosy buds. She uses one hand to move the material out of the way before grabbing a fistful of hair as the Avenger's hot mouth covered her nipple. She was alternately sucking on both nipples, now barely giving Yelena’s pussy any attention just to drive her wild. It works as expected and Kate tries not to smile smugly when Yelena asks, no, begs for more. Kate puts a fingertip against her opening and push, loving the way Yelena holds onto her. She feels around, buried to the knuckle before pushing in deeper and Yelena finally pulls away, gasping for air and moaning into the night wantonly. Kate keeps Yelena close to her chest as her fingers gently thrust in and out, Yelena’s hip rocking rhythmically to pull in her lover's fingers deeper. The Widow grabs tightly to Kate’s hair now, practically humping her girlfriend’s hand.

They are both breathing harder now and Kate curses inwardly, feeling Yelena fit around her fingers like a glove that was one size too small. And it's not like Yelena isn’t wet, she’s plenty wet but god damn it she’s tight. In the most pleasurable way, she feels so fucking good clenching at Kate’s fingers. Kate tries to concentrate on her moans and less on her desire to drive up into Yelena’s pussy, with the blonde now clinging to her strong shoulders - gyrating her hips, moving it up and down on her long digits. Her hips rolling in an agonising rhythm.

They are still hidden under the sheet but the Avenger was pretty sure that their measured movements would definitely give them away if someone were standing in the right spot, looking for them - but no one is and Kate couldn’t really care so long as Yelena was protected and safe in her arms. The Widow is now gripping the chair behind Kate’s head, lifting herself as she rides the Avenger. When she adjusts her legs to straddle her lover and pushes her hips forward, Kate loses it and buries her face in the blonde’s chest. This feels too fucking good. The feel of Yelena’s weight on her lap, hearing her gorgeous moans in her ear. Feeling how her insides grip at her, begging Kate not to leave, the sensation unbearably tight when she’s all the way in.

Kate notes how she gets so absorbed in fucking Yelena. Drawn in by everything about her, which is why she is truly distraught when Yelena pulls away from her.

Kate Bishop: Where are you going?
Yelena Belova: Come here dorogoya (darling).

Yelena answers as she backs up to the railing wearing nothing but the bunched up tank top and the haphazardly wrapped sheets. Her hazel eyes are dark in the dim light, and Kate is immediately on her feet, glancing around and pleased to find no one. Yelena turns her back towards Kate, grabbing the railing and bending over, her beautiful ass on display just for Kate. Kate’s mouth goes dry at the sight, a dishelvved Yelena bending over just for Kate to continue fucking her. She leans over her lover’s body, kissing up her shoulders and neck, before bringing her hand back lower to slip into Yelena’s tightness. She pushes past all her heavenly resistance until Yelena is moaning again, a string of Russian words slipping out.

Kate Bishop: Not too loud baby.

Kate whispers into her ear as she wraps her free arm around Yelena’s chest protectively, as her fingers start thrusting into her girlfriend's waiting cunt. Kate was so glad they changed positions because she really needed to fuck Yelena and that is exactly what she does. A brief reminder of their earlier conversation about Bishop Securities stirs in her mind as she pumps into Yelena harder and all other thoughts are immediately forgotten. Seeing Yelena bent over for her, squeezing at her fingers while she is buried deep, fucking her outside in a balcony in the thick Puerto Rican air was intoxicating.

Yelena begins moaning softly in time with her panting, looking over her shoulder to see Kate’s hand working relently to pump into her. Her face is now twisted with pleasure, her mouth hanging open in an ‘O’ as their eyes meet and her eyes flicker to Kate’s face.

Yelena Belova: Kate..

She breathes her name as Kate licks and nips at her neck, pounding her deeper now that her body is curved above Yelena’s smaller frame. They were completely lost in it, the rocking of their bodies, their matching pants and soft curses, the hypnotising rhythm of Yelena’s cunt trying to milk Kate’s fingers. Yet, they still try to take their time, trying to make the unbridled passion last longer. Losing track of time, Yelena finally moans out needily, reaching for her and grabbing her by the collar of her t-shirt.

Yelena Belova: Kate.. I’m gonna..

Knowing what her lover needs, Kate keeps her face close to her, kissing her sweaty neck and temple while whispering sweet nothings into Yelena’s ear. About how she is right there. About how she’s got Yelena. About how Yelena is so fucking safe and loved. Before long, Yelena’s moans get desperate as she leans down and bites into Kate’s forearm in an attempt to stifle her screams as an explosive orgasm overtakes her. Her teeth sink into Kate’s skin, making her groan out in pain and pleasure while Yelena throbs around her.

Kate Bishop: Oh fuck, baby girl.

Kate is panting still, holding Yelena tightly against her as she humps against Kate until she has nothing to give. The brunette slowly pulls out, scooping an exhausted Yelena in her arms and laying her gently in bed. Kate lays her in the bed and lays on top of her, pinning her down and showering her with feather light kisses while she comes down from her high. Before long, Yelena has her arms tracing down Kate’s body, pulling off her t-shirt and pushing her shorts away, running her fingertips along Kate’s back, scratching lightly with her nails, making Kate’s breath hitch. She reaches between them and rubs at Kate’s pussy, glad to find that she was soaked.

Yelena Belova: All for me?
Kate Bishop: All for you.

Kate sighs, relieved that she doesn’t have to hold back anymore as Yelena takes care of her. They adjust themselves on the bed, Yelena moving up the bed and Kate holding herself up to allow space for Yelena’s explorative hands. The blonde rubs at Kate’s clit and she feels like her whole body is on fire and it doesn’t take long before Kate was chasing her own climax, body shuddering on top of Yelena, face buried in Yelena’s neck as she kisses and sucks on the exposed skin there. Kate’s entire body pulses and twitches every few seconds from her physical gratification and she shivers as Yelena plants soft kisses to her temple and shoulder. They cuddle up again, not bothering to clean up even, with Yelena resting almost her entire weight on Kate. They were almost drifting off to sleep when Yelena mumbles into the dark.

Yelena Belova: Detka (Babe) ?
Kate Bishop: Mm?
Yelena Belova: I don’t think you should worry about work so much.

Yelena mumbles some more, and it takes Kate a second to realise that she was referring to what Kate had said earlier about Bishop Securities.

Kate Bishop: What do you think I should do?
Yelena Belova: Whatever makes you happy.

Yelena slurs sleepily and her words make Kate open her eyes. She listens to Yelena’s even breathing and after a minute, Kate can tell that she had fallen asleep. Instead of passing out, Kate starts thinking about Yelena and about how much fun she had with the blonde over the past few days. She thinks about what it would be like if she was here with literally anyone else instead - they wouldn’t have wanted to surf and she would have probably ended up spending way more money while also somehow seeing less of Puerto Rico. Kate’s mind briefly flits through everything that’s brought them to this exact point and she sighs.

Kate had to endure many terrifying instances before Yelena and her gloriously culminated in this moment right here, and she’s still helping Kate cope. Cope with wanting to be good, with wanting to be enough. When they first started fucking all those months ago, it almost felt like what they were doing was wrong but whenever it did happen, Kate didn’t feel so alone, and she knew that Yelena liked her just as much. Which was why she went back to Yelena and suggesting that they should perhaps date, even after the Widow had said that it was probably a bad idea because of how different they were.

And maybe that was wrong, for Kate to hope that Yelena would settle for her and forget their differences. Was it unfair? Yes, it truly was but Kate couldn't bring herself to regret anything, especially after this week. Getting Yelena to come so hard and fall apart like that because of the way Kate touched her, made Kate feel different. She wouldn't even leave Yelena alone today and it had felt right. She felt like she was..Kate’s. This fucking girl makes Kate happier than she has been in a long time. Kate turns her head and smells Yelena’s hair, loving the feel of her perfect body against hers. Maybe Kate was selfish because look at them now - they were hopelessly in love and it’s only going to hurt that much more when Yelena finally pushes for things that Kate cannot give.

Kate Bishop: I am..

Kate whispers softly and nuzzles Yelena face, feeling her sigh in her sleep and Kate falls asleep soon after, praying over and over that she would somehow be enough for Yelena.

xxx

Yelena had concluded that Puerto Rico with Kate had been surreal. She had such an amazing time that even the flight back was less melancholic than she had anticipated. That was probably because the invisible wall that she had felt the past couple of weeks hadn’t returned. It could have been all that alone time finally bringing them closer again, or something as simple as they just felt like it. For whatever reason, Kate and her couldn’t leave each other alone. Kate had held her hand and kissed her without batting an eyelash in front of everyone nearly the whole way home. She was certain that some people had taken pictures but she didn’t care since Kate hadn’t cared either.

It sounded strange even in her head considering that they had been dating for nearly 4 months now and had been friends/partners for about another 4 months. They were usually not very intimate in public, with Kate mostly being annoyed with the paparazzi following them around. But the trip back had felt intimate and Yelena liked it. They had spent the last day of Kate’s time off from work to just cuddle and catch up on movies.

Chapter Text

The date was 26 January 2026, but if you asked Kate Bishop, she’d tell you that this shit storm had been in the making since 1959. See because it was in 1959 that Somalia had signed a petroleum exploration agreement for seven offshore blocks with the United States.

A key point of interest was an old oil rig in the Gulf of Aden which had been faithfully churning out gallon, after precious gallon of crude oil for the sovereign state of Somalia following a peaceful treaty with Yemen. But it was only recently that hydrocarbon pockets and huge gas finds had been discovered which had inadvertently sparked a geopolitical struggle for control and appropriation of natural resources in the surrounding region.

Due to rising concerns of the resurgence in piracy as well as the failing archaic architecture of the oil rig itself - Somalia had deplored for assistance from the UN Peacekeeping Force. The Wakandans had seen this as an opportunity to open a resource facility in the area, on top of updating the oil rig into a state of the art facility.

Despite the recent death of King T’Challa and the nation being in mourning, Queen Ramonda had honoured her son’s wishes and continued fostering a collaborative relationship between the Wakandans and the rest of the world. During outreach programs such as these, S.H.I.E.L.D’s research wing often acted as the liaison between the Wakandans and the rest of the world and if there was a security threat, Deputy Ross would get Fury to dispatch a team of Avengers to assist.

While Kate hated the politicking that happened, she was not opposed to spending time with the Wakandans. This was especially so after everything that happened with Thanos - where the blip had led to the Avengers building a close rapport with the royal family. Princess Shuri had naturally taken a liking towards Peter and Kate, and Clint had walked in on them in the lab geeking out over something nerdy or another more than once. Kate had also spent a lot of time training with Okoye during the missing 5 years whenever the Wakandan General was stateside.

As luck would have it, the situation in the Gulf of Aden had proven more dire than anticipated when a report came in stating that the oil rig had been hijacked by mercenaries. The mission objective was fairly simple; rescue the crew and re-take the oil rig by detaining the ruthless pirates. It was a delicate mission and Maria had assigned Steve, Wanda, Peter, Clint, and Kate to assist the Wakandans. What should have been a smooth mission got out of hand pretty quickly when the team was surprised by a couple of super soldiers that were hired to work with the mercenaries.

In the ongoing chaos, the super soldiers had planted some explosives on the oil rig to buy some time as they escaped. Taking the mission objective to heart, Captain America, Wanda, and Okoye had given chase in the Quinjet. At this point, due to the firefight and also the explosives, the whole rig was at risk of collapsing and the remaining Avengers were working on assisting and evacuating the rig crew to safety.

The rig itself was an impressive structure, a floating mini-city about 600 feet above sea water. It was a conventional fixed platform built on concrete and steel legs which were anchored directly onto the seabed. These legs were supporting the upper decks which carried the drilling rigs, production facilities, crew quarters, and a helipad. To top it off, the gulf which also opened up to the Red Sea was too rough and cold for them to just swim to safety. With all this in mind and with the insurgents dealt with, Shuri was coming in hot with a Wakandan craft big enough to carry all 119 rig workers.

xxxxx

Spectre was moving fast through the rig, they had done a headcount and were missing two rig workers. After locating them, the trio was making their way up towards the main deck amidst blaze and blasts. Spectre carefully but quickly leads them through the wreckage, and it was when she turns into the company man’s room that she encounters a mercenary that hadn’t been put down from the earlier fight. Shielding the two workers, Spectre launches herself onto the burly man, and with his gun aimed at the Avenger, he opens rapid fire against her chest.

Bullets ricochet off her suit while the shells litter the floor until he runs out of ammo. Once the room is filled with silence, the pirate looks up to see Spectre unharmed.

Spectre: My turn!

He moves to strike her with the gun, but Kate didn’t want to waste more time. She calculates the close quarters and the best confined movements that she can make to end this encounter. The expert martial artist decides on a yama zuki punch (u-punch), and so she forms her fists, with her middle finger knuckles extending like a dagger. She takes a step forward and delivers two lightning fast punches simultaneously.

The lower fist makes contact with his gut while the one above hits his chest and shuts his heart down. He slumps against the wall and while he isn’t bleeding anywhere, Kate knows without a doubt that he is dead. Walking across his body, she continues making her way upwards. After rounding three flights of stairs, they finally reach the landing pad of the rig where the rest of the crew already are. Spotting Clint giving first aid to an injured worker, Kate makes her way to him.

Clint Barton: Where the fuck have you been?
Spectre: Found a couple of stragglers. How far out is Shuri?

Kate asks, peering into the horizon. As if on cue, the huge metal structure whines under pressure and shifts a little.

Clint Barton: Should be two minutes out.

Kate eyes the helipad and the metal that was creaking under it. Just then Peter lands next to her with another straggler.

Spiderman: There. That should make 119.
Spectre: Spidey. The helipad. No way Shuri is going to be able to land on that thing.

Both the Avengers look at the failing structure as Peter shoots his web onto the drilling rig to get a 360 aerial view of the helipad and the damage. He starts swinging around and shooting his web, pulling the metal platforms together, and wrapping it with layers upon layers of web, hoping it will hold for just a few more minutes. It must have been close to two minutes before a fancy Wakandan aircraft was cruising next to the rig.

Shuri sets the futuristic aircraft to hover just above the surface. Working quickly, the team started guiding the workers onto the large aircraft. Once everyone was secured, Shuri and Clint went to the command console and started flying the aircraft back to safety. After a few minutes of dealing with the restless crew, Kate leaves Pete to deal with them as she heads to the cockpit and crashes onto the seat behind Clint’s. They were 40 minutes out when Griot’s voice was heard.

Griot: Princess. Six hostile jets approaching.

The Avengers let out a collective curse while Shuri and Clint pulled up their screens. Kate leans forward in her seat to see the map.

Spectre: Super soldiers and fighter jets? Who the fuck are these guys?
Clint Barton: Mercenaries with benefactors. We’ll have to dig into this later.

The six cruisers were approaching fast and were firing at them. While the aircraft had shields, repeated shots were weakening the force fields. Clint, who was now working the weapons console, had shot down two of the cruisers but the remaining four were too fast and crafty for the huge aircraft.

Shuri: Griot, take us into stealth mode.

Griot acknowledges the command, leaving the aircraft in darkness with only core functions running to reduce the amount of sound that they were making, yet the remaining cruisers still kept at them. They were still somehow detecting the Wakandan aircraft and giving chase relentlessly.

Spectre: Say Shuri, would this fancy ship of yours by any chance have a fighter jet of its own?
Shuri: We have an interceptor but it’s untested for combat.
Spectre: I guess now’s a good time as any, you know, since we are in combat?

The princess rolls her eyes while Clint just smirks at his partner, barely flinching as the ship receives a barrage of laser blasts.

Shuri: Griot, prepare the interceptor.

Kate moves to the back of the aircraft to update Peter. She makes a point to note that leaving Peter to calm the rig workers had been for the best. The super hero already had them under control, advising everyone to remain calm and to not panic despite the aircraft being under attack. Pete had even resorted to webbing the more rowdy and agitated crew to their seats who would undoubtedly cause chaos if left unchecked.

Spectre makes her way to the fighter jet with help from Griot. The AI had lit up the floors of the aircraft in the directions that she was supposed to go to help her navigate through the giant vessel and get to the overhead hangar.

Once at the overhead hangar, Kate climbs the little ladder that brings her to the sleek jet. Climbing in she quickly dissipates her helmet and puts on the oxygen mask. Working quickly she straps herself in and taps on the console, bringing the communication system live.

Spectre: Shuri, I’m locked and loaded. How do you copy?
Shuri: Loud and clear, standby for instructions.
Clint Barton: There's a bunch of clouds up ahead, we’re gonna go through it. It should provide you with enough cover.
Spectre: Copy that. Griot, handover manual controls.
Griot: Be advised Spectre, the jet is already programmed with evasive manoeuvres.
Spectre: Yea? Well pay attention and you might learn something new.
Griot: Handing over command.

On Shuri’s cue, Spectre peels off from the main aircraft and shoots up vertically. The speed of the interceptor was so incredible that the remaining hostiles didn't see her peeling off and circling back for them. Barely a minute later and the Avenger is on their six, she takes out one cruiser with the element of surprise.

Spectre: Hey Clint - want to feel useful?
Clint Barton: Line em’ up.

She peels off again and like she expected, one hostile follows her. They whizz here and there but before long Spectre flies him right across the path of the huge Wakandan aircraft and Clint expertly shoots him down.

Spectre: Nicely done bud.

xxxxx

Yelena was trying to juggle the groceries in her hands when her phone started ringing. The single, brown paper bag that she had stuffed the entirety of her shopping list in was beginning to forsake her. She ignores her phone and favours dumping the milk carton, eggs, fruits, and all her snacks on the kitchen counter instead, just as the bag begins to give way at the bottom.

The billionaire usually had someone from her team pick up the groceries but since they started dating almost a year ago, it had been a little ritual of theirs to go grocery shopping together late at night. Yelena had tried waiting but Kate was still away on Avengers’ business and running late, so the Russian went ahead to grab some essentials so she could try to cook her girlfriend dinner. ‘Try’ being the operative word here.

When the incessant ringing doesn’t stop, the blonde pulls her phone out irritatedly to hang up on whichever telemarketing company that was cold calling her. However, upon seeing ‘Restricted’ displayed on the screen, she becomes mildly curious as to why this particular caller wanted to talk to her - so she answers, lips curving into a mischievous little smile.

Yelena Belova: Maria Hill. How many times must I tell you that I am not interested in joining your little club?
Maria Hill: Yelena. This.. This is a courtesy call.
Yelena Belova: A courtesy call to check on my interest in joining the Avengers?

The curious lilt in the Russian’s voice carries through as she starts arranging the items in the refrigerator. After a pause, she hears a deep sigh before Maria’s reluctant voice cuts through the static again and even before the Deputy Director of S.H.I.E.L.D says anything, Yelena’s stomach drops into a pit of despair.

Maria Hill: As of 5 p.m today, Kate Bishop, call sign Spectre has been declared M.I.A (Missing in Action).

xxxx

Kate enters into a dog fight with the two remaining enemy jets. She takes the fifth one out but at the cost of taking some damage to her own plane. With one more hostile to go, the game of cat and mouse begins. Kate pursues him relentlessly despite his efforts to shake her off, the only problem was that her weapons system was malfunctioning. She gains altitude, flying above him while she considers her options, knowing full well that she wouldn’t be able to bait the pilot to fly past Clint and Shuri again.

Running out of options, Kate decides to crash into the last hostile. She would have to do this manoeuvre with a lot of tact and precision - she has to clip him enough to cause fatality without suffering too much from the blowback. So she angles the throttle downwards, gaining speed and momentum, turning the interceptor into a glorified, 50 ton missile.

Spectre: Clint, I’m fucking bailing out.

Kate tries the coms but doesn't hear anything back from Clint and Shuri. Punching out wasn’t exactly ideal, she hadn’t done it before but they had definitely trained for it. There was a high risk that the force in which she would be ejected out of the cockpit would be high enough to quite possibly break her collarbones.

Spectre: Bailout! Bailout! Bailout!

The Avenger tries the coms again but still doesn't get a response. Running out of time, she brings her shoulders inwards to make her body small and pulls the eject lever on the side mere moments before impact. The first thing she feels is the charges firing and blowing out the interceptor’s canopy, and then, the rocket boosters below her eject the entire seat out of the Wakandan jet. Everything happens within seconds, one instant she’s witnessing a glorious explosion before her and the next, she is floating over falling debris with the parachute fluttering over her head.

Kate was descending faster than she should, so she peers her head up to check on her parachute and sees that the suspension line is caught up over the top canopy of her parachute. She tries yanking and tugging on the lines but can’t figure out which one is snagged.

Spectre: Man, she was not kidding about the untested part.

Feeling exasperated and cursing outwardly, Kate reaches for the curved knife in her boot to start cutting the lines - and after cutting the fourth one, the parachute finally opens completely. Finally having a moment of respite to breathe, she reaches for her ear and frowns when she doesn’t find what she’s looking for. Her S.H.I.E.L.D issued earpiece was lost in the chaos of her ejection!

Spectre: Welp.. Guess I’m boned.

Peering left and right, she doesn't see anything except the damn offshore platform that's gloriously on fire a few miles away. Below her, the treacherous sea was waiting to engulf her. She starts doing the calculations in her head, the estimated distance to the rig and how long of a swim that would be. Once she hits the water, the Avenger detaches the parachute and dissipates her nano suit before swimming towards the oil rig that was at least five miles out. The sea was rough and the water was cold but she was determined that she would not be having a watery death. In a race against hypothermia, Kate starts swimming.

xxxxx

Yelena Belova: WHERE THE HELL IS MY KATE BISHOP?

The people in the emergency meeting barely had time to react to the doors being thrown open, much less to the screaming Russian. Before the heavy doors slowly swung shut, Maria peeks a trail of unconscious S.H.I.E.L.D agents in the hallway. The words bounced around Clint’s head like an echo in an empty stairwell and he stands up to address the raging Black Widow.

Clint Barton: Yelena..

The assassin grabs a hold of his collar and slams his head onto the unnecessarily large glass table and the entire thing shatters gloriously. Maps and computers and coffee mugs crash onto the floor. A couple of people grab a hold onto the Widow but their grips slip and Yelena reaches Clint again. Clint doesn’t fight back as Yelena pulls him up and throws him against the nearest wall. This time a single hand grips her forearm and the assassin is held back in place.

Maria Hill: Yelena. Yelena. Look at me.

The Widow is breathing harshly and her eyes dart across the room wildly. Besides Clint, her brain registers Maria and Fury in front of her, and Steve holding her back; essentially the holy trinity of people who are technically allowed to boss the Avengers around. A.K.A the few people Kate will actually take orders from, though even Yelena knew that that was pretty hit and miss. The Assistant Director cups the frantic blonde’s face and forces her to look into her dark eyes.

Maria Hill: We are doing everything that we can. I promise you.
Steve Rogers: The entire team is out there looking for her, each and every one of them.
Yelena Belova: Then why is HE here?

Her words come out like venom and Maria flinches like she’d been burnt. Clint gets up slowly and hunches himself over, hands on his knees as he spits out the blood that had pooled in his mouth.

Clint Barton: Because.. Kate would have wanted me to be here for you.

xxxxx

Kate had initially estimated that she would have to swim about five miles but the choppy waters and cold temperature made the task Herculean. She was beyond tired and took multiple breaks where she would just float for a few minutes to rest her arms, before starting to swim again. Almost eight hours later and long after the sun had set, she finally reached the burning rig.

She swims up to one of its legs, but getting onto the ladder wasn’t easy. The waves kept crashing her against the concrete columns as if she was a ragdoll. After struggling for some time, she finally gets a grip on the ladder that ran all the way up. Once both hands are secured on the rings of the ladder, Kate heaves herself up and out of the water and immediately she starts shivering. It's cold. Unbearably cold that it's almost painful. Her arms felt heavy like lead from the swim but she clings onto the cold metal.

She contemplates if she can grapple up but didn’t think that the cable would extend that high. There was also the off chance that the rusty metal might give way and cause her to plummet back into the sea. Not wanting to risk anything, she hangs on as cold wind nips at her, chilling her to the bones. She indulges in thoughts about Yelena and their warm bed while trying to regulate her breathing. Once she had gathered a little strength, she begins her ascent 600 feet up the rusty ladder, in the pitch darkness and guided only by the flames from up above.

There was nothing that was keeping Kate from falling back into the treacherous Red sea except her sheer will to survive. When she finally reaches the main deck, she flings herself overboard, her body rolling a couple of times before she gives in to sheer exhaustion and passes out against her will. Kate wasn’t sure how long she had passed out, but something warm woke her up. When she opens her eyes, she quickly sits up and scoots back. The fire had reached the side of the main deck and far away in the horizon, the sun was about to rise.

Spectre: Fuck.

She gets up and starts limping away from the fire, her entire body was battered and bruised from being smashed against the concrete columns and there were scratches on her arms and face. Once a safe distance away from the fire, Kate starts taking note of what was burning and what wasn’t. She knew that she had to do something because help was not coming. Not to this damn rig anyway.

Oil well fires are more difficult to extinguish than regular fires. Even if there were plans to put the fire out, it would be done from a distance using high explosives to push the burning fuel and local atmospheric oxygen away from the well. Kinda like blowing out a really huge candle and it would probably be a very bad place to be considering the amount of smoke that she’d already inhaled and the unstableness of the entire metal structure as it is. After formulating a plane, she knew what she had to do.

xxxxx

The situation room was now filled with more people as the search reached a fevered pitch. The team was aboard a Wakandan sea vessel now, Shuri had needed to recharge her jet and Fury had wanted the command centre closer to the incident area.

The ship was a remarkable engineering feat and came with a crew of 200 people with varying skills like emergency response units, dive teams, sonar technicians, as well as S.H.I.E.L.D operatives. All 200 of these men and women had a singular directive from the Wakandan royal family and the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D, and that was to find Kate Bishop.

Fury: We’ve got dive teams sweeping this entire quadron. Our experts calculate that with the movement of the waves, and the amount of time that has passed, Spectre should be around here.

He marked a section off on the holographic map and all responding units took note of the coordinates for the search and rescue. Yelena had calmed down somewhat. As calm as she could be with her heart in her throat and the love of her life missing, possibly gone forever. Her eyes water and flits towards Clint, the potato shaped, mistake of a human that she should have killed long ago. As if he had heard her, the Avenger speaks up.

Clint Barton: We’ll find her, it's just a matter of time.
Yelena Belova: How are you certain that you haven’t killed her? Like you did my sister?
Clint Barton: I know Kate, and one thing I wouldn’t do is underestimate her desire to live.

The Widow considers his remark silently and chooses to be hopeful, because the alternative of losing Kate Bishop was not an option.

xxxxx

Kate goes through collapsed beams and raging fires to reach the control room but when she enters the room she realises that the fire had already ravaged the room. All the electronics were melted and the room was still smoking.

Kate Bishop: Okay. Think. Think.

There must be a working radio somewhere, the staff quarters maybe? She hobbles around the room massaging her temples, the blueprint of the offshore platform splayed out in her mind. Her focus shifts to varying floors and spaces, reacquainting herself with the structure. She staggers to the access point that brings her to the quarters and sees a huge flame between her and the hallway that runs towards the crew cabins.

Kate Bishop: Fuck. Okay. It’s cool. Guess I’ll have to McGuyver my way out of this huh.

Kate wasn’t talking to anyone in particular but she always felt that talking out loud helped her process her thoughts quicker. Her tired eyes scan her surroundings and she decides on her next course of action.

It's into the late hours of the evening when Kate finally finishes scavenging. Her mind mused how all of these items could have easily been gotten from Radio Shack for under 10 bucks but she had to risk her life more than once in an actively burning rig to get the parts that she needed.

She had already lost a lot of daylight and finding the items that she needed from the wreckage proved trickier than she initially expected. She had brought out the items to the other side of the main deck and laid them all out. Before her were;

Magnet wire that she got from pulling apart a fan
A single diode, repurposed from a computer
A glue stick so she can easily wind up the wires
Some tape because she couldn’t find electrical tape
Telephone handset with cord to be used as the receiver
A paper clip board to be used as a mount

Guided by the burning flames and the moonlight, Kate Bishop gets to work by stripping the wires with her teeth.

xxxxx

Shuri and Okoye were scrounging the sea beds with Peter in a sleek seaplane. But besides them, the search had wound to a stop due to bad weather, lack of visibility and choppy waters. The command centre was quieter now, the search had been going on for almost 48 hours and people were getting tired with the lack of progress.

Yelena was hunched over some images that Shuri had taken of the seabed, of what they thought could be wreckage from the inceptor. Clint was working with technicians to decipher the last received communications from the interceptor and the location the messages had pinged from. That's when the radio in the room started crackling. With the ongoing clicking on computer keyboards and hushed whispers, the crackles were easy to ignore. But the radio crackled persistently. The more Yelena zoned out staring at the images, the clearer the crackles became. S.O.S!

Yelena Belova: Everybody shut up.

She rushed forward and kneels next to the radio, gliding her hands across the panel to increase the volume substantially. The room waited with baited breath, and after what felt like a lifetime, there it was again, an unmistakable S.O.S.

Yelena Belova: Can we pinpoint where it's coming from?
Maria Hill: Not precisely but we can narrow the search area.

An agent triangulates the source and gives the coordinates to Maria who pulls up the huge holographic map of the area. There was a whole lot of nothing on the map, just the Red sea sprawling each and every way and there was only one point of interest, a possibility.

Yelena Belova: There. What's that?
Clint Barton: That’s the oil rig.
Yelena Belova: The oil rig from yesterday?
Clint Barton: Yes! The crazy son of a bitch swam back to the fucking oil rig!

The news was quickly relayed to the team in the seaplane and the Wakandan ship can be seen beginning a quick ascent above water levels before zooming off towards the oil rig. As it cruises away to the source of the S.O.S, Yelena’s heart starts beating again.

The structure was definitely too compromised to land anything on it so Peter repels below with his web. The fire was close to consuming all the surfaces and there was thick smoke everywhere. He wanders around calling out Kate’s name before he spots a figure seated with her head between her knees. Kate had put on her suit and pulled up the hood to shield herself from the growing heat.

Peter Parker: Kate!! Kate, thank god you’re okay.
Kate Bishop: Pete. Hey buddy. Took you guys long enough.

The wise ass comment barely escapes her lips before she passes out. Peter webs her up and gets onto the ship first before using his Spidey strength to pull her up.

xxxxx

The next time Kate opens her eyes, she’s at the S.H.I.E.L.D medical bay. She knows this because she’s been here a thousand times before. Her eyes scan the room but doesn’t find her girlfriend. What she finds is Clint. Her voice is low and raspy from the smoke inhalation but she succeeds in waking him up anyway.

Kate Bishop: Clint.
Clint Barton: Hey. Hey Katie. Take it easy, you’re okay.
Kate Bishop: Wh-what happened?

Clint looks confused at first and Kate helpfully points at the bruises on his face.

Kate Bishop: Did you and Shuri not mak-
Clint Barton: Oh, no no, everyone’s fine. The crew, Shuri and the rest of them. Everyone’s fine.

The Avenger moves to sit up on the bed, whatever medication they had her own was making her really unsteady. Must be the good stuff. Clint helps to prop her pillow up and hands her a glass of water. He clears his throat and Kate looks up at him.

Clint Barton: This was Yelena.

Hearing that Yelena kicked the shit out of Clint again makes Kate laugh but her laughter was short-lived as she grabs her head in pain.

Kate Bishop: Oww.. My head fucking hurts.
Clint Barton: You and me both.
Kate Bishop: When is Yelena coming back?

Kate innocently asks, she knew her girlfriend had been there before. Even unconscious and while being poked and prodded, she had vague memories of Yelena’s voice talking to the doctors, of Yelena’s palms caressing her face. Kate also had distant memories of a Russian prayer and soft lips pressing tender kisses against her temple.

Clint Barton: She’s not. She went home and told me to get you back.
Kate Bishop: What? Why?

Clint opts to shrug and Kate starts panicking, because this was not normal for the assassin. Hovering and pampering her? Yea that was more Yelena’s style. Kate starts panicking and begins pulling out the tubes and stuff from her body. She was aching everywhere but not seeing Yelena hurt much more. Clint doesn’t even bother talking sense into her so when she almost trips trying to pull some pants on, he just reaches out his arm for her to grab onto for stability.

xxxxx

When Kate walks through the door,she doesn’t find Yelena in the living room. Guided by the sounds of movement coming from upstairs, she makes her way into their bedroom. The heiress leans against the door frame and watches her girlfriend pace the room, she had her headphones on and Kate wondered briefly what she was listening to.

She still has the headphone on when she tosses more things into the open suitcase that was resting on their bed. Her luscious blonde hair bouncing with the sporadic movements. Yelena often wore her hair down because Kate had told her once how pretty it was, the thought made Kate smile.

Just as fleeting as the memory was, the brunette is snapped back to reality when she realises that Yelena was packing to leave her. Kate’s heart starts hammering in her chest and as if Yelena heard it, the blonde turns. Her hazel eyes lock with icy blues and Kate prepares herself mentally to do whatever it takes to change Yelena’s mind.

Yelena is surprised to see her, her eyes widening as she takes Kate in. The brunette looked well, rested and rosy cheeked even. Sensing Yelena’s confusion, the Avenger wipes her face and the hologram is removed, revealing her tired and bruised face. The assassin just sighs deeply, all these tricks from S.H.I.E.L.D was infuriating her more.

There was always this tech or that tech that Kate was excited about, but all it was to Yelena was more ways to squeeze the life out of anyone who worked for S.H.I.E.L.D. Was S.H.I.E.L.D any different from the Red Room at this point?

Kate didn’t dare move from the door frame because she knew that they were in dangerous waters right now, even more than the one she just traversed. One wrong move and Yelena and her will be catapulted to a place of no return. Their stalemate lasted two whole minutes and Kate relents, opening her mouth to speak.

Yelena Belova: No.

Yelena answers an unasked question and throws in her bag of toiletries. She hurriedly rolled up Kate’s MIT pullover and chucked it into her bag.

Kate Bishop: Baby, please.

The blonde just shakes her head and zips up her suitcase. Kate instinctively blocks the door, thinking her build and height was more than sufficient to get the job done.

Kate Bishop: I’m not letting you leave. Not again.
Yelena Belova: Get out of the way Kate.

The assassin drags the suitcase to the floor and aggressively pulls up its handle. Kate sighs and moves out of the way, following Yelena down the stairs.

Kate Bishop: Can we please talk about this? I’m sorry. I know that the past couple of days have been scary but it's all over now. I’m okay, really. See?
Yelena Belova: Yes but I am not okay Kate. I couldn't bear seeing you laying there like that.
Kate Bishop: I know, I know. I’m so sorry, okay?

They are in the middle of the living room now. Yelena’s arms are locked at her elbows, her body language very clearly showing that she wasn’t interested in what Kate had to say.

Yelena Belova: I don’t want your fucking apology Kate! What I want is to NOT have a panic attack every time you leave.
Kate Bishop: ..I-
Yelena Belova: I have to thank you though, for showing me that sometimes love alone is not enough.

Fuck. They were in it now. Kate tried the slow approach but that went out the window real fast. Things are escalating now and Kate was at her wits end, when she talks, her arms wave around to accentuate her point.

Kate Bishop: So that’s that then? You’re done?
Yelena Belova: I’m so tired of this. I’m tired of always being afraid of losing you.
Kate Bishop: That’s not fair. I worry about you too but you don’t see me asking you to quit your job.
Yelena Belova: You have no idea what you’re talking about. What I do - it's not a choice.
Kate Bishop: But here’s the thing though - it is! Whatever that keeps pulling you back every now and then? That's how I feel too. Can’t you see it? You, me, Natasha; we’re all poison from the same vine.

The Avenger’s brain was hurting, a concussion probably but she forced herself to think about all the possible things she could say to fix this even though her gut told her that Yelena would settle for one thing and one thing only. And that something was the very thing that Kate Bishop was adamant to not relinquish.

Yelena Belova: I don’t want to do this, but you have to choose. Today. Right now.
Kate Bishop: Fuck that. I refuse to choose. I’m not going to choose between what I’m passionate about and the love of my life!
Yelena Belova: I’m the love of your life? No, I’m just someone who sacrifices her sanity so that YOU can be happy. Isn't that the truth?

Something about Yelena questioning her love makes Kate see red. She could accept any shit that Yelena threw at her, but to shit on the one thing that was sacred between them? No sir.

Kate Bishop: Oh you want the truth? Here’s the truth, Yelena. You complain about a life that you chose! You’re not a victim. Not at all. The world needs people like us and yet you choose to sit on the sidelines because you are afraid. The thing is, you KNOW that everytime I put that goddamn suit on - it’s the right thing to do. And you resent me so much for that. So much so that you wake up everyday looking for someone to blame.

Kate was beyond exasperated, Yelena knows this because it only makes Kate even more animated and she talks with her hands more. When she’s done with her rant, her face is flushed and she’s breathing hard. Yelena’s initial reaction was to explode and tear Kate a new one, but she wasn’t lying when she said that she was tired. Tired of this life. Tired of this loop that they can’t seem to break out of.

Yelena Belova: You’re right Kate. I’m scared, I’m scared to live life like you because I haven’t lived much at all! I keep waiting around for you to pick me and it’s clear that you’ll never choose me. So we should just cut our losses and just end whatever this is.
Kate Bishop: Whatever THIS is? You’re my girlfriend Yelena!
Yelena Belova: No, no Kate. I am NOT your girlfriend. I’m just someone you crossed paths with and now it's time to move on.

Kate reaches out to Yelena, to pull her into a hug and to her surprise, Yelena allows it. They stayed in the embrace but this time, their bodies didn’t quite feel like they fit together perfectly. Something felt off kilter, like their worlds were upside down. With a shaky breath, the assassin speaks.

Yelena Belova: You need to let me go Kate. Please. Being here hurts too much.

Kate’s heart cracks and deep down she knows that Yelena doesn’t deserve this. Their morality and choices aside, it was undeniable that she always deserved more than Kate was willing to give her, and how selfish had Kate been - to still insist on wanting to keep Yelena anyway.

Her heart screamed at her to do something, to say anything to make Yelena stay but the thing is, Kate was notorious for being noble for all the wrong reasons. And so she relents, she relents not because she doesn’t love Yelena, she relents because she does.

Kate Bishop: Okay.

Her arms dropped limply to her sides and she felt like throwing up. Unable to look at Yelena; she keeps her eyes downcast. Tears welled and threatened to spill but Kate bites her lip hard, willing it to go away. And just like that Yelena was walking out the door, never to return again.

Xxxxx

In the southwest of Paris, in the picturesque town of Sevres, a petite, dark haired woman was jogging. She’d run her usual 7 miles and had made a new personal best before turning into her street. Still pumped from her jog and the music blaring in her ears, she runs up the stairs of her apartment, and almost trips over the blonde woman sitting at the highest step. The blonde woman lifts her face up and reveals sad tired eyes, with red rings around them.

Sonia: Yelena? Is Kate okay?
Yelena Belova: Fuck Kate Bishop. No more distractions.

xxxxx

Chapter Text

Kate Bishop stood brooding under the moonlight, leaning quite casually against a wall, hands pushed deep into her coat pockets as she closely monitored her surroundings. There wasn't much to see in this part of town except for the occasional car that whizzed by and splashed rain water onto her very expensive, painstakingly handmade, brown leather boots.

Without moving a muscle, she observes that the bar is hidden amidst a row of commercial stores, on one of the quieter streets in New York. It was disguised as a run-down lot with no obvious signages - as it always was the case with speakeasies.

Just a ways down the street, there was an empty parking lot and a food truck was running. It was the only one there and the owner was serving hot bowls of noodles to people who came out of the bar tipsy and with a hankering for some food. The vendor had picked a good spot to be honest, Kate could attest to the wonders of steaming, fragrant broth on a cold night. Long forgotten memories of days spent in Japan come swirling to the forefront of her mind.

The door to the bar swings open suddenly, and a couple of tipsy patrons emerge, reckless and loud. Kate shifts her attention back to the bar - the entrance was entirely nondescript but after watching people grope around for the entryway to stumble in and out of the building, Kate knew exactly how to get in without looking like an idiot.

Once through the door, and past a dark hallway, she comes across heavy red curtains; pushing them aside, the hidden bar finally comes to view. On the wall, the words MANCHU flickered in red neon lights. Inspired by the Manchu of Northeastern China, the bar is decked out in timeless interior decor and touches of oriental architecture reminiscent of Manchurian culture. Immersing herself in the Chinese Old World vibes of red paper lanterns, drawings of dragons, and servers dressed in traditional costume, the heiress finds a stool right at the bar.

As if to add to the dramatics of it all, Chinese opera was wafting through the air as seedy characters drank expensive cocktails directly from little ceramic bowls while making less than legal deals. She remains unbothered for the better part of an hour, quietly staying rooted and sipping the steady supply of gin provided by the barkeeper until two bouncers appeared next to her wordlessly.

Kate Bishop: Ugh. Can’t I just drink in the only place in the world where people dont know that I am Kate fucking Bishop?

She looks up from her glass and turns her attention to the bouncers who have now placed their hands on her shoulders, yanking her off the stool roughly.

Kate Bishop: Alright. Alright. Don’t get pushy.

The heiress has her hands up and she expects to be thrown out but she’s dragged upstairs instead. Her boots rhythmically thumping against each wooden step they hit. The bouncers still have their arms over her shoulders and she’s dangling there, barely on tiptoes. In front of her, a slender Chinese woman with shoulder length hair is leaning against the desk with her arms folded. A goofy grin graces Kate’s lips when they make eye contact.

Xialing: You’re blacklisted here. How do you keep getting in?
Kate Bishop: Pfft. With my charm of course.

The leader of the Ten Rings cocks her head, amusement lacing her delicate features. Banter. She was always fond of Americans for this particular reason. They never get to the point without being flirtatious.

Xialing: Well, just because you are friends with my brother, doesn’t mean you get to hang out here.
Kate Bishop: Why not? Pretty neat set up you’ve got here. I mean, not exactly Macau but still top notch.
Xialing: Can’t exactly have Avengers hanging out here. If you take a look around, it might actually be bad for business.

The Chinese woman nods at her guards and they release Kate from their grip. It catches the brunette off guard and she sways a bit before attempting to stand up straight. She runs her hand through her freshly cut hair and sighs dramatically, gesturing with her arms as she speaks and takes up virtual space. A sign of confidence. Some might say it was impertinence, since she was speaking with the newest leader of the Ten Rings but Kate knows she has some leeway thanks to her relationship with Shang-chi.

Kate Bishop: First off, Avenger - I’m in my lonesome.. And secondly, I’m here for that amazing bartender you have.
Xialing: Prove it.
Kate Bishop: Uhh.. that your bartender is amazing? Well I’m sloshed aren’t I?

Xialing eyes the heiress, and while she was still impeccably dressed in a wool navy overcoat, grey sweater and dark jeans, her demeanour was definitely not as put together. The American moves to pull something out of her coat, and immediately two gun nozzles are pressed into her body, one at her temple and the other at her back. Xu Xialing tenses up in response.

Kate Bishop: WHOA.. whoa guys.. whoa..

Kate hiccups and pulls out the bottle of gin that she had swiped while she was being dragged out. She takes an unnecessarily long gulp from the bottle and Xialing sighs, gesturing to the two men to leave them alone.

Xialing: No.. Prove that you’re not here on some official S.H.I.E.L.D business.
Kate Bishop: I swear Xialing. In fact we are on the same team right now because this might be the only place that my friends can't find me.
Xialing: MANCHU isn’t Avenger proof.

While the perfect pronunciation of her name lifts the corners of her lip into a tiny smile, the woman stares Kate down until the Avenger looks away guiltily, scratching the back of her neck. They were both thinking about that time Cap and War Machine had pretty much turned this place inside out following a HYDRA lead. And that too happened right after Xialing’s previous place, The Golden Daggers club got fucked up by the Ten Rings in Macau.

Kate Bishop: Yeah.. yea you’re right.. Uhh it’s more like my partner doesn't think that I'd stoop to this level offfffff.. what’s the right word here.. hmmmm.. DEPRAVITY. Yes! Depravity.. BUT.. I.. I keep finding new ways to surprise him.

Xialing: So you need a hideout?

Kate nods her head like an over eager child.

Xialing: Get into the fight ring then.
Kate Bishop: E-excuse me? Did you miss the part where I said I was sloshed?
Xialing: Not in the mood for your games, Ivy League. You wanna stay? Then make yourself useful.
Kate Bishop: Why can’t you do it? Aren’t you like ‘Macau’s Most Fearsome Killer’?

Kate does air quotes as if to emphasise how stupid all these nicknames were.

Xialing: Even fight clubs have rules, Kate.

The Chinese woman ignores the Avenger and returns to her desk, she’s staring at something on the screen while chewing on her thumb. Seemingly forgetting the very tipsy Avenger in the room. Kate watches her and contemplates her choices, and to be honest, there wasn’t much thinking on her part. In fact, there was one part of her that was jonesing for some trouble. And if it means helping out Shang-Chi’s little sister, that’s a good thing right?

Kate Bishop: So you’re in a spot of trouble then?
Xialing: I’ve been losing a lot in bets, there's an under table deal happening to scam me.

The woman turns the screen towards the Avenger and they both watch clips of a few fights where Xialing’s fighters get absolutely thrashed.

Kate Bishop: So if I win you a fight, and get you paid, I can stay?
Xialing: As long as you want.
Kate Bishop: Okay fuck it. Let’s go.

Kate turns towards the door, but Xialing grabs her hand, their palms slotting themselves against each other accidentally. Kate looks at their hands, and then at Xialing’s porcelain face. The Chinese woman plays off the accidental intimacy.

Xialing: Not that way, this way.

She has a marble in her hand that she throws against the side wall, it blows up and a portal opens up, a tunnel leading to some unknown place.

Kate Bishop: H-hey, I said nothing about leaving New Y-

Kate isn't done whining when Xialing pulls her through the portal and they emerge in some fighting arena. It was loud, chaotic, and filled to the brim with rowdy crowds cheering and rooting for various fights that were happening all around them. There weren’t just humans here, there were plenty of aliens too but Kate knew that there were only two real categories that mattered here - fighters OR bet takers.

Kate Bishop: Ah fuck. Come on man. Not cool! Where are we?
Xialing: Inside the Nemesis. One of the fastest moving asteroids on the Nemesian asteroid belt.

Kate does a double take and sees that Xialing isn't in fact joking. Fuck. The nerd part of Kate’s brain supposed that it is genius in a way - hiding an underground fight tournament on a piece of rock that is ever moving, its location constantly unknown. Xialing was headed to the bar and Kate followed her through the crowd like an excited little puppy, yapping the entire way.

Kate Bishop: Xialing.. this is.. this is fucking impressive. I mean trying to calculate the orbits of more than two bodies is difficult..and this? This is fucking chaos theory.

They reach the bar and Xialing playfully leans across the bar and signals the bartender for her regular drink. The bartender places two colourful drinks and Xialing pushes one towards her but the Avenger ignores it and continues her excited rant. Xialing knocks down her first drink and reaches for Kate’s drink. Taking her time sipping the second beverage as she watched Kate’s animated little speech. There was something stupidly charming about Kate Bishop. Something about that cheeky lopsided grin, that she actually waits for Kate to finish speaking.

Kate Bishop: -nd this is particularly problematic in predicting the movement of relatively small objects like asteroids. I mean, we are talking about rocks that are a few hundred metres across, if not less, flinging about the vastness of the solar system at very high speeds!
Xialing: Are you done? Did you get that out of your system?

Kate’s mouth opens comically, like she just realised that she did an entire TED talk on chaos theory. She leans away from the bar and remembers the bottle in her hand and takes another unnecessarily long swig of gin. The familiar smell of juniper keeps her grounded as she’s literally hurtling through the galaxy on a space rock while Yelena is.. While Yelena is..

Kate Bishop: ..Okay so who’s ass do you want me to kick? Is it THAT scaly looking fuck? Coz he keeps giving me the side eye. You want me to punch him for you?
Xialing: It’s a little more complicated than that..

Xialing explained the club's inner workings, such as the fights being live streamed to the dark web with thousands of bets taking place every other minute. Kate’s gin-addled mind could barely keep up but she did catch one important fact. Apparently, in order to participate in a fight in the central ring, fighters must work their way through the smaller cages first.

Kate Bishop: Wait. Xialing. You said ONE fight.
Xialing: They can’t know that you’re with me. If you win two consecutive fights in a night, you get a shot at the main cage. Which is where the real money is.

They were standing in front of one of the small cages, and just then, one of the fighters slammed against the reinforced glass wall. Blood splatters everywhere and Kate just purses her lips as she looks at her friend’s little sister.

Xialing: Okay, you’re up next. Remember - these are fights to the death.
Kate Bishop: You really did it huh? You fluffed me, and then you fucked me.
Xialing: Don't let me down Ivy League.

Xialing turns to walk away but Kate grabs her.

Kate Bishop: Wait. Wait. Do you have something to sober me up real quick like a hormon-

Kate barely finished her sentence when Xialing bitch slaps her so hard that her head turns in her neck.

Kate Bishop: JESUS FU! Okay. Yea. Okay. I guess that works too.

She’s nodding her head as Xialing pulls off her overcoat and shoves her to the entrance after yanking the gin bottle out of her hands. The door to the cage opens and the victor stays in while the staff clear out the body of the loser. She steps into the cage somewhat unsteady and sizes up her opponent, a human.

—--

The light flickered in the already dimly lit cage, the chants from the crowd only slightly muted behind the glass that separated them and the fighters. Kate learned quickly that because they were of the same species, weapons were not allowed. In essence, it would be a bare knuckle brawl considering how inebriated the brunette was. Her adversary danced around while she stood still, hoping that he’d stop moving before she hurled her dinner at his feet.

Finally Kate lifts her arms up lazily in a defensive pose and the two figures are squared off, their breaths ragged with anticipation. Kate, a seasoned Avenger with barely focused eyes, faced off against Nyx, a younger brawler fueled by raw aggression.

With an ear-splitting roar that catches Kate’s floaty mind, Nyx lunged forward, fists flying like thunderbolts in a tempest. The sound of flesh meeting flesh echoed through the tiny room as the two fighters engaged in a deadly dance of strength and skill. Blood dripped like crimson rain, staining both their clothes as random drops and spackles of blood sprayed onto the glass and floor. An intricate design etched in blood formed beneath their fast moving feet as they traded blow after punishing blow.

After getting her teeth kicked in by her opponent who was fueled by fury that almost bordered on madness, pain causes a switch to flip in the heiress. Pure adrenaline and the reality of her situation kicks in. As she stood there inebriated, with the front of her sweater covered in blood, all those years of controlled violence finally broke like a dam. There was no longer Kate Bishop, the disciplined martial artist. No, there was only survival.

There had been such an artistry to that; a grace and beauty to the brutality the likes of which you’d never see with a weapon. It had all seemed to flow seamlessly together, a natural order as Kate’s body had bent and flexed to wield itself as a weapon. Head bashing like a mace, elbows, fists, knees and feet like fucking clubs to render Nyx senseless.

She seldom bit or tore at flesh as a savage would but she made no moves to avoid the violence of breaking bones. She just beat the fuck out of her opponent like a caveman would have taken a rock to prey back in the beginnings of man. With a final bone-crunching spinning kick to the back of his neck, Kate sends Nyx crashing to the ground - his body limp and broken like a marionette with severed strings. The crowd fell silent, save for the sound of Kate’s own laboured breaths and the distant wail of a bell ringing.

She removes her bloodied and torn sweater, as if subconsciously distancing herself from the moment and stands there awkwardly in an equally bloodied tank. Then the moment passes and the crowd finally erupts in celebration as the referee has her fist raised - the Avenger stands victorious amidst her crumpled opponent. Despite the haziness and her ears ringing, she knew that the night was far from over.

As she was pushed out of the tiny cage and shoved around, she knew that the next fight awaited, lurking just beyond a turn or a corridor, and her new found fans? Hungry for blood and glory. Now to be completely honest, Kate barely remembered the second fight because it was all a blur. The adrenaline from the first fight mixed together with the alcohol coursed through her veins and the lethal combination made her finish the second fighter within a minute, barely receiving a blow herself.

—--

The brunette was now standing in front of the central cage, the cages had gotten progressively larger. A good sign, Kate thought. She jumps on her toes to warm up and suddenly Xialing is next to her. Xialing stares at Kate’s visible muscles through her tank, and the way sweat only served to make the Avenger look more glorious.

Xialing: Got you an espresso.
Kate: Err, nevermind, I think his horn has sobered me up somewhat.

Kate juts her chin out across the ring where her final opponent awaited her. This must be the planted fighter that Xialing was telling her about. A brief look of concern flashes across her face before she urgest Kate into her fighting corner.

Xialing: Good luck!

In the chaos of the cheering crowd, Kate presses her signet ring and her suit morphs around her. Suits, armours and weapons were allowed in this fight because both the contestants were not of the same species. Although in her many years of being an Avenger, Kate had trawled through multiple planets - she had yet to see a creature like this before. Her final adversary was a humanoid rhino that towered over her. Since the origin of this fearsome creature was unknown to her, she was also unsure of his strength and skill - well, besides the obvious anyway.

Jon Jon: LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!! Good evening and welcome to tonight's ultimate cage fight. This match promises to be a classic in every sense of the word. In the right corner, weighing in at 600 pounds and the undisputed, undefeated, MANCHU champion…. HEXUS..!!

The horned monstrosity known as Hexus steps into the cage and bellows out a loud roar. With his razor-sharp claws and formidable strength, Hexus struck fear and awe into the hearts of all those who were witnessing him. Afterall, there was a reason that he was the undefeated champion of the fights, and the reason Xialing was haemorrhaging cash. The crowd goes absolutely ballistic at the announcement of Hexus, like his hulking frame could be missed by anyone watching the spectacle, but amidst the deafening chants, there stood a solitary figure. Spectre shifts her weight from her left foot to the right.

Jon Jon: And in the left corner weighing in at 180 pounds, the Avenger who helped defeat not just Ultron but Thanos as well…. Spectre..!! And tonight's prize? ETERNAL GLORRRYYY!

Upon hearing her name, Spectre steps forward and crosses her arms over her back to unsheath both daggers while the crowd jeers and boos. She figured it was because the crowd was largely criminals who naturally leaned towards the Avenger getting pulverised, and honestly, she couldn’t hold that against them.

Jon Jon: I want a good, crowd rousing fight between you two. No rules. Fight till the death.
Hexus: This fight is mine kid.

Spectre offered up no response, she stood there motionless, gazing up at her opponent and still somewhat cross faded. Up above the cage, Xialing casually rests against the railing to watch the much anticipated match. She spots Spectre easily and notices an intensity in her eyes that wasn’t there before, a simmering rage and an indifference to pain. The bell rings, dark hair and blue eyes disappear as the Avenger’s visor flits close. Despite his size, Hexus was fast. In the blink of an eye, he was diving through the air. The Avenger leapt, kicking off the chain fence of the cage and narrowly escaping. Her daggers swipe at his back as she somersaults and lands behind him.

Spectre: So are you going to fight, or just stand around looking dumb?

Feeling challenged, Hexus takes the bait and lunges again. Spectre lashes out with a kick to the gut that strikes home but it barely slows her opponent down. She throws herself into a roll to dodge a punch, hearing it strike the metal fence that was just behind her head. Hexus comes at Spectre again, this time she stands her ground, more or less, dodging as much as she can and getting in a few more swipes. She was making punching motions with her katara, littering Hexus’s body with puncture wounds.

There’s a punch she can’t dodge in time, so she throws both arms up to block, wincing as the blow sends her flying across the fight cage. Knowing that she's a sitting duck, she’s up on her feet quickly, staggering backwards and trying to maintain enough space between them. She was losing ground and she didn’t like it. Thinking as quick as her muddled brain can, she draws Hexus in, quickly spinning around and striking his spine with her elbow as he passes her. She’s surprised by how fast Hexus recovers from that and comes back for her. Her mind sluggishly admits that Hexus is slowly becoming an inconvenience. The crowd is yelling now, impatient almost.

They trade a few more punches and Spectre gets a good one in, right on the kisser, if you could call it that anyway. But Hexus doesn’t let her pull back, she’s made a rookie mistake and now he is grabbing her shoulders and pulling her closer. Spectre lets out a muted ‘fuck’ before her feet are swept out from under her. She hits the floor hard and barely has the presence of mind to roll out of the way in case Hexus was planning to body slam her.

The Avenger tries to scramble up to her feet but her opponent’s fist slams into the side of her helmet and bits of nanobots chip and fly away like sparkles in the air. She hits the floor a second time. It takes a couple of seconds before she opens her eyes, but her mind screams that it doesn't count if she doesn’t stay out though. Hexus’s foot is on her chest now.

Hexus: Yield.
Spectre: What..a..gentle..man..

She coughs and tastes blood, something is broken somewhere.. The crowd starts chanting. They were not screaming out Hexus’s name, they were not screaming anyone’s name. The dull roar of the crowd becomes a wordless shout. Spectre’s consciousness swims around, flashes of hazel eyes and luscious blond hair. The audience doesn’t care who wins. They’re just calling for blood and Xialing unconsciously leans more over the railing, her fingers gripping tight as she wonders if she will be the one who causes Kate Bishop’s death. Back at the cage, Hexus puts more weight onto Spectre’s ribs, a crack forms in her suit and she feels a pressure building on the spot that he has dug his heel into.

Hexus: Do not take my benevolence for granted. Yield Avenger.

Spectre starts blacking out again, she’s tired, so so tired. She looks up at Hexus, and behind him, up above she sees Xialing’s worried expression silhouetted against the bright light. Her visor opens and she spits foamy blood out and does not yield. Instead, she swings her left leg up, and uses the momentum to twist her body at her waist. Hexus loses balance and Spectre in her twisted form drives a dagger deep into the back of his thigh.

The rhino screams in pain and falls on his knees while the Avenger rolls out from under him. Without strategy or fear of death, Spectre really only has one thing left - and that’s the pit of burning hatred in her gut. There’s a reason she stepped into this cage to begin with and it most definitely wasn’t for eternal glory. She kicks Hexus in the back and he falls over. For a moment, she is on top and punching him in the head as hard as she can but then he rolls her over and it was like being crushed under a building even with her suit holding the brunt of his weight off. But Spectre doesn’t stop striking, a primal growl in her throat as she delivers slash after slash with her daggers even while Hexus continues his barrage of punches. Then finally when his punches slow, she stabs both daggers into his rib, puncturing his lungs. Hexus delivers two more weak punches before slumping on top of her.

A moment of silence and peace, before she’s back to filling the crushing pressure on her entire body. Using her daggers that were still embedded in his chest as anchors, she slowly pushes up, screaming with determination while his lifeless body slowly rises above her. With a bit more concentrated effort, she brings her knees together and kicks him off of her finally and lays sprawled on the floor, breathless.

The crowd roars like the rush of blood in her ears. She can’t hear anything above the din, and she doesn’t hear the bell either. She won but there was a bitter knot in her chest. She is helped up by the referee who announces the win. Her suit automatically dissipates and she looks around wearily. Her knees were shaking and she didn't think that she had another punch left in her. For a moment, for the night, the wound is drained. The hate is bearable. She somehow staggers out of the ring, pushing away her new adoring fans and finds the bar. Xialing finds her through the crowd and pulls her into a tight embrace.

Xiuling: Kate. That was.. Thank you.
Kate Bishop: Toujours le plaisir jamais le travail (Always a pleasure, never a chore).

Xialing raises her eyebrow at the brunette who was back to nursing her gin. She mused how only hours ago Kate looked like a proper heiress, and now she was just a mangled torso, covered in sweat and dried blood.

Kate Bishop: Apparently it is possible to get beat up so badly that your default language gets changed to French.

The leader of the Ten Rings couldn't help but burst out laughing at that. Turns out even getting the shit beaten out of her was not going to stop Kate Bishop from being a comedian.

Chapter Text

As it turns out, the Avenger rather enjoyed her time on Nemesis and returned almost daily for a month. She was starting to build a reputation for herself and this kept Xialing very pleased.

Kate almost stumbles to the food truck, another new routine after stepping out of Manchu every night. The table was almost surgically cold, but every time the old man opened the huge pot, the steam that wafted from the noodles warmed her up. The heiress sits down and orders two bowls of noodles. When the guy places them in front of her, she pushes one bowl to the empty spot next to her and starts slurping away, wielding the wooden chopsticks with way more dexterity than most drunks. Moments later the stool next to her gets occupied.

Clint Barton: I thought you weren’t allowed in there?
Kate Bishop: You’ll notice how I’m not ‘in there’.
Clint Barton: So you’re telling me you haven’t been hanging out with the Ten Rings?

Kate tries to shrug, but winces instead. The pain from tonight’s matches were starting to settle in. She didn't want to stay there and chat, but the old man really did make some amazing dumplings.

Clint Barton: This a new hobby now?
Kate Bishop: I don’t know what to tell ya Clint.

The older Avenger grudgingly pulls the spare bowl towards him and starts slurping at the noodles too. Steam wafts around them both in the cold night. When Kate finally lifts her face out of her bowl, Clint gets his first good look at his best friend in almost a month. She was bruised and bleeding but she definitely wasn’t starving herself and he was thankful for that.

Clint Barton: You look like the ass end of an ass kicking.
Kate Bishop: At least I have an excuse.
Clint Barton: Very funny. Grow up.

Kate was done with her food and she fished her coat for a cigarette. She finally finds one and holds it between her swollen lips and fumbles with the lighter. Her bruised and bloodied fingers don’t do a very good job with it and she can’t flick a flame to life.

Again and again she scratches over the wheel, her timing bad due to the many injuries and probably shots of gin, making only the occasional spark. She glances up at her partner, who watches her tensely as she mishandles the lighter and when their eyes meet, Kate sees more than just the browns of Clint’s eyes.

Clint Barton: You’re going to die in there.
Kate Bishop: How do you know I didn’t kill the other guy?
Clint Barton: And what does that get you? What, you think she’s magically going to come back when you step out of that cage? What are you DOING to yourself?

She ignores his rant and continues to flick the lighter absently. She thinks about throwing a punch at Clint’s loud, stupid mouth. Hmm. Sure. Why the fuck not? But her arms felt like wet noodles and so she doesn't. Something in Clint snaps, and he closes his calloused hands over hers, silencing the impotent little clicks.

Clint Barton: Stop. You’re not the only one who’s hurting. This.. isn't just about you.
Kate Bishop: Is that what you think I’m doing? You think this, and me telling you to fuck off every night, is some kind of cry for attention? Is that what you were doing as Ronin?
Clint Barton: YES!! and it-

Kate swings a punch but Clint’s reflexes are quick and he dodges it easily. It wasn’t that hard to do, there was probably enough force behind the punch to menace a house of cards. And yet, Clint looks at her, astounded.

Clint Barton: Did you just try to hit me?
Kate Bishop: To be honest, I’m not sure what you expected.
Clint Barton: Better than this, that’s for damn sure.

The brunette just groans and lays her forehead on the table. The icy cold steel helps to ground her.

Clint Barton: There’s probably only two people in the world who can understand what you went through. What you are going through. But it's been a month and it's time to come home.

The tide rises in her, welling up until it can’t help but overflow. Kate squeezes her eyes shut and forces herself to take a deep breath before facing her friend again.

Kate Bishop: Yes. It IS a new hobby.. of sorts.
Clint Barton: Fight tournaments?

The older Avenger shakes his head and looks at her, his face filled with enough judgement for Kate to know exactly how he feels about all this. Kate just shakes her head no and chucks a hand into a deep pocket, fishing out a handful of random items and placing them on the table between her and her best friend.

Clint Barton: You’re fighting for trinkets?
Kate Bishop: Trinkets??

Kate is appalled. She picks up a random item and brings it to his face.

Kate Bishop: Do you know what this is?

xxxxxx

Since getting the shit beaten out of her and beating the shit out of people at MANCHU wasn't an option anymore, the billionaire sequestered herself in her office. Bishop Tower was her sanctuary now. Not being at MANCHU did not only mean the cessation of pain, but it was also the beginning of her healing. With every moment that she was still, her body thanked her, but as more time passed, the stillness in her became its own kind of pain. She was desperate for any kind of sensation to fill the void. She’s tried other things before and so far laying in a bath of ice cold water came the closest to taking the edge off. She’s avoided alcohol and cigarettes for weeks now because Clint had been bringing Nathaniel over and over as a thinly veiled ruse to get her to behave.

Her mind replayed everything that happened at the oil rig over and over. The failure of her suit - it was the singular event that led to Yelena leaving and Kate was picking apart the mission. So far her root cause analysis kept bringing her back to the breakdown in communication as a focal point. If she didn’t lose the earbud, if she didn’t lose communication with the Wakandan ship, none of this would have happened.

Kate was in her lab now and in front of her, Tony’s flight simulations from his early Mach trials were playing on all the screens but Kate was lost in thought. The young Avenger had been resistant to an AI all this while but it couldn’t be denied that an AI would have been helpful at the Gulf of Aden mission. That being said, Ultron and that destruction was still fresh in her mind so she figures she has to improve upon the idea of an AI - and that’s how she decided on one of her most groundbreaking scientific endeavours ever.

For the tech expert, building an AI was the easiest part; the hard part was making sure that it wasn’t susceptible to corruption. Driven by a relentless obsession, she embarked on a quest to create the perfect AI. Every spare moment the CEO had, she toiled away, surrounded by several holo screens that were perpetually running its own calculation or program. With each line of code she wrote, she felt herself getting closer to her goal and finally after days of tireless coding and binging pizza, her creation blinked to life on the screen before her. She had named him TRIP - Theorised Robotic Intelligence Protocol and his programming was impeccable.

Kate Bishop: TRIP?
TRIP: At your service, Kate Bishop.

Kate cringes internally. Nope. Nope. Only one person is allowed to call her that.

Kate Bishop: TRIP, alter command from Kate Bishop to Kate.
TRIP: Command acknowledged, Kate.

Kate spends the next few days developing TRIP’s learning functionalities, fine tuning him and adding routine programme protocols. The more TRIP learned, the more Kate had him performing tasks in the background. She had him running research on the background, both Avengers and non Avengers related topics, TRIP was also moving Kate’s money around, making sure all her contacts were being paid regularly, to make sure inventories for safe houses were constantly stacked, and also to make sure that the accounts that Yelena was still dipping into were constantly replenished...

She watched with smug satisfaction as her creation interacted with the digital realm, solving complex problems and offering innovative solutions, his algorithm becoming more complex with every passing second. When Kate felt that TRIP was ready to interact with others, he was eventually allowed on the Bishop Securities network, constantly speaking to Kate through her earpiece, or phone, or laptop, or any device in the vicinity.

The next step was instead of confining TRIP to the vast expanse of cyberspace, Kate made the bold decision to embed the AI into a neural interface chip, allowing it to merge seamlessly with the human mind. Her mind. Although initially cautious that she lacked in depth medical knowledge, having TRIP at her disposal alleviated those concerns. If successful, this groundbreaking bioengineering experiment would change her life forever because the nanoscopic yet complex device had the potential to unlock new realms of human cognition, allowing her to access information with unprecedented speed and clarity.

After meticulous research and countless late night testings, the heiress finally succeeded in creating the neural interface chip. Invisible to the naked eye, it was a miniscule multielectrode array made with nanobots and her own stem cells. Under a microscope, it looked like a mesh with a thousand spikes that were intended to embed into the brain. With a lot of anticipation, Kate transfers a copy of TRIP’s program onto the biochip, which was currently floating in a drop of saline. It was late in the evening and most of the R&D team from the other labs had left. Out of all the holo screens, she pulls two to the front, one displayed a live MRI scan of her brain while the other displayed the venogram output.

With everything set up, TRIP turns on 'Mele Kalikimaka' by The Puppini Sisters as the nervous bioengineer removes her lab coat and rolls up her sleeve. Tying a rubber tube around her left arm, she taps her pale skin and locates a vein. Kate pulls the the solution into the syringe while singing along to the song before carefully injecting it into her bloodstream. When the dye and the biochip enters her bloodstream, it flows rapidly as Kate’s heart pumps faster in trepidation. TRIP reads out her vitals to let Kate know that her blood pressure and heart rate were increasing, but she ignores the readings in favour of watching the nanobots drive the device to its target location.

Kate had engineered the biochip to travel to her frontal lobe, where it should fuse into her brain matter with the help of the thousand electrodes, thus truly becoming a part of her. The device finally reaches its intended location and the bioengineer holds her breath, in an act of solidarity, TRIP pauses the song. As the clock ticks, it suddenly occurs to Kate how very, very experimental all of this is. There was a very real possibility of a thousand things going wrong and one of her employees finding her slumped over her table, dead as a doornail.

Her mind starts racing, will the biochip meld harmoniously with her mind, or would she have pushed the limits of bioengineering and failed thoroughly? Kate doesn’t feel it, but her laptop shows that the biochip has begun fusing onto her frontal lobe. With a shaky voice, she makes a query.

Kate Bishop: TRIP, program update?
TRIP: Biochip program infusion at 14%. Device rejection undetected.

At first, the chip felt like a foreign presence within her mind, sending tingles of discomfort coursing through her thoughts. But as Kate adapted to its presence, she felt her consciousness expanding in ways she had never imagined - there was a synergy before that she couldn’t place, which must be TRIP feeding her data while simultaneously sorting through her memories.

Kate Bishop: Initiate neural link now.

She shuts her eyes and flashes of memories that she couldn't remember cycled through her mind, memories from her birth, her childhood and adulthood. Random images, and data flit through her eyes as the neural link between her and the biochip took place. She even hears Yelena and other familiar voices floating around before the memories finally ended with TRIP’s own memory of seeing Kate for the first time.

TRIP: Neural link established.

A single tear escapes her eye, and she wipes it off aggressively before opening both eyes. Her vision was altered, everywhere she turned she could see data that TRIP was picking up. Data and feedback that she silently commands him to remove from her field of vision. She blinks and reopens her eyes, finding everything clear as day.

Kate Bishop: Perform system analysis.

There was no need to speak out loud anymore but her conversations with TRIP do not always have to be confidential. Once satisfied that it was running perfectly, Kate gets on her laptop and manually searches for every bit of TRIP’s root files and deletes them from the servers and mainframe. Now, the only copy of her creations' source files were literally in her brain.

With a mere thought, Kate could access vast libraries of knowledge, instantly recalling obscure facts and complex theories. She marvelled at the newfound clarity of her thoughts, as if TRIP had unlocked hidden chambers of her mind. There was no limit to the protocols that TRIP could run. One of these protocols included selecting random trending topics from various subject matter and feeding them into Kate’s subconscious while she sleeps. Essentially making her learn continuously.

xxxxx

When Fury wanted to send her on a mission with the team, it was the perfect time to test out TRIP. And if Kate had to say, she had really outdone herself. TRIP anticipated her needs and added useful information that was helpful during decision making. The more she went out on the field, the more intune TRIP got with the suit and her weapons. After one particular mission resulted in a jurisdictional fiasco with Secretary Ross, Clint comes over at night to meet Kate.

Clint Barton: You made an AI? Why?
Kate Bishop: He isn’t an AI. TRIP - Theorized Robotic Intelligence Protocol.
Clint Barton: That’s what I said.
Kate Bishop: He is not JUST an AI. He is essentially the sum of me.
Clint Barton: Did you finally go full mad scientist and ‘upload’ your conscience into a computer?
Kate Bishop: N-, actually yes. Kind of. He was made in my image.
Clint Barton: Can he order us a pizza?
Kate Bishop: Clint. Of course he can order pizza. That’s literally the first thing I made him do. And the best part is, he already knows what I like, and what you like.

Clint hands Nathaniel to his partner and stands in front of the TV in the heiress’s living room with his hands on his hips.

Clint Barton: TRIP. Can you uhh.. order us a couple of pizzas?
TRIP: One regular pizza order to Gianucci’s made.
Kate Bishop: You know he’d accept the command even if you didn’t stand in your stupid power pose right?

Clint stares her down as she laughs and walks away while blowing raspberries on Nathaniel’s rosy cheek. Clint Barton wasn't dense. Yes, there was control. So much control with Kate trying to maintain the perfect life but he also noticed a lot more reckless abandonment. She was doing it all over again, hiding her pain behind a mission, behind a board meeting, behind yet another rabbit hole. It wasn't unlike the whole Fisk thing from last year.

Behind the jokes and the sarcastic one liners, he knew there was rage too. So much of it that sometimes during her darkest moments, Clint swears he can feel it radiating off of her. He theorized that it probably came from his partner's relationship not actualizing like his and Laura's did. As Kate plays with her god son, Clint gives her a once over before sighing softly.

He had tried getting her to put herself out there again, for a distraction at least. A human connection, however temporary. Naturally, she gravitated towards blondes. And oftentimes they would hit it off, but before it could go anywhere, they would say something that Yelena would never say, or do something that Yelena would never do and the bubble would burst, sending Kate spiralling all over again.

Eventually the food arrives and Clint is pulled back to the present. He sets Nate up with his mushed up baby food before grabbing two beers from the fridge. It wasn't long before the two Avengers were discussing the ongoing Sokovian Accords. Something that they were not supposed to do because Fury was ‘handling it’ but desperate times called for desperate actions.

Clint Barton: There must be something that we can do! Ross is practically ready to move into Fury’s office and have us answer to Uncle Sam.
Kate Bishop: My my Clint Barton. Are you asking me to break the chain of command?
Clint Barton: He wants us on a goddamn list Katie. What next, internment camps?

Kate took another slice out of the box but instead of eating it, she briefly considers how bad things could potentially get if the Sokovian Accords did get ratified. Not to mention the completely ridiculous requirement for them to reveal their government identities to Secretary Ross as part of the stipulations. Some of them, like Peter and Kate led double lives that would blow up to kingdom come if people knew who they really were.

Kate Bishop: I know you are seeing red buddy.. but I gotta say.. we don't look good in orange.
Clint Barton: You know, you can just admit that you’re scared..

Eventhough Clint was holding his son’s sippy cup, the challenge was evident in his voice and Kate rolled her eyes before finally taking a bite out of her pizza. Ross truly was becoming a huge problem and Kate didn’t like him either but then Fury and Maria had assured them that it was being handled.

Kate Bishop: Stop trying to goad me. I literally need no encouragement to disobey my superiors.

Clint just shrugs like an asshole. Like he didn’t believe her so of course Kate humours him.

Kate Bishop: What’s the plan here Clint?
Clint Barton: Well, we need to operate below the radar.. so I dont know.. Do some computer thing.

He makes vague typing motions and Kate feels like she should slap him, but baby Nate is here so violence probably wasn’t a good idea lest Laura kills them both. She contemplates his words for a moment. Of course it was doable. So. Very. Doable. The gears in her head were already turning and she was thinking about the malware that she made for Yelena.. it would hardly be any effort to modify and repurpose it. Hell, TRIP could probably do it while they finished their meal. Against her better judgement, she leans over and covers Nate’s ears - the toddler just giggles in response and shows his aunt some mushed up carrot. She smacks a kiss onto his forehead before turning to her partner.

Kate Bishop: Seriously?
Clint Barton: Seriously.
Kate Bishop: We could totally fuck him up.
Clint Barton: Yes !! See. This is why people call me ‘The Brain’.
Kate Bishop: Shut up, literally no one calls you that.

She wipes pizza grease onto her jeans and brings her laptop over to the dining table. She barely started typing and Clint was already hovering over her shoulder.

Clint Barton: What should we do?
Kate Bishop: Well if we could get malware onto their network, that could erase large chunks of his database.
Clint Barton: That would set him back right? Buy us some time?
Kate Bishop: Mmhmm. And the best part of it all.. you can finally use that stupid USB arrow of yours.

xxxxxx

Two days later Kate is summoned to Fury’s office. When she gets there, she sees that Clint was also there, with Cap and Maria. She took her place quietly next to Clint, and they both stood on command - hands behind their backs and faces forward. It was Maria who spoke up first.

Maria Hill: There was a massive digital attack on the Department of Justice yesterda-
Director Fury: And I’ve had to deal with DOJ agents crawling up my ass all day because of you!
Kate Bishop: Me, Sir? You think I’d disobey a direct command?
Maria Hill: Kate. We know it’s you. Has to be.
Clint Barton: And how do we know this isn't a false flag situation?

Fury had walked around his desk and was directly in front of Kate now. He spoke so softly that it felt worse than being yelled at.

Director Fury: Because the only other person who can pull shit like this is long gone.

The reference to Tony made Kate bite her inner cheek, while Clint responds by lowering his head. It wasn’t a big secret that each of them came with their own strengths and weaknesses, and that the only person that rivalled Tony’s genius in computer engineering was his MIT alumna. Fury walked away to the windows that overlooked one of the hangars, trying to think of ways to mitigate the political catastrophe.

Clint Barton: Sir, I take full responsibi-
Kate Bishop: Alright, alright. It was me. But isn't this a good thing? He’s crippled now.

The moment Kate opens her mouth, Maria starts massaging her forehead and Cap down right scowls. They were both praying for Kate to shut up but those prayers had clearly fallen on deaf ears.

Director Fury: Bishop. You had explicit orders. I don’t give a damn how well you think you can handle things on your own - you are part of a team and if you can’t act it, then you’re out.. Lucky for you though, Cap and Maria here talked me out of it.

Hearing Fury go on would have been fine, afterall, getting chewed up is part of life but hearing how close she was to getting kicked out of the team riles Kate up all over again. Her fists were now clenched and her jaw was tense.

Kate Bishop: I'm sorry?? You wanted to kick me out? Sir, you don’t get it. If I didn’t do what I did, he’d have the lot of us on a registry like fucking sex offenders!

That was the final straw for Fury and when he spoke again, the commander of S.H.I.E.L.D’s stern voice filled the room as he turned to face his defiant agent again.

Director Fury: Oh we get it alright. Your girlfriend left you, so now you’re a motherfucking teenager again.

And with that Kate Bishop finally shut up.

xxxxx

Being beyond irate with the heiress, Fury had sent Kate away while he deliberated what to do with her. As if on autopilot, the Avenger’s legs brought her to the gym and when she realised where she was, she found herself in front of a heavy bag. The corner of her lips curl up in an almost sneer as she launches a volley of jabs and crosses at the poor punching bag. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been working out her rage but her face was covered in sweat now. The Avenger doesn’t stop her combinations even when the gym doors swing open.

Kate Bishop: What's the verdict then? Did they revoke my parking benefits?
Steve Rogers: They want you in Norway.

Kate looks at her friend, clearly taken aback with the outcome.

Kate Bishop: They are banishing me? What the fuck am I even supposed to do in Norway?
Steve Rogers: Hey. Language.

Kate ignores Cap and delivers the punching bag a few rapid blows. He moves behind the bag and holds it while Kate unleashes her fury.

Steve Rogers: Anyway. The command still stands - lay low. I know this seems a little much but I'm sure Fury has a plan in here somewhere.
Kate Bishop: Oh yea, and what's that?
Steve Rogers: Like it or not.. we are..indispensable and Ross knows it. It will only be a matter of time before the next threat shows up.

The martial artist finally stops working out, she looks at Cap while contemplating his words before inelegantly wiping the sweat on her face with her t-shirt.

Kate Bishop: What time is the drop off?
Steve Rogers: In exactly.. 17 minutes.

He hands her a communication device which has the GPS coordinates configured and ready to do. Kate stares at Cap aghast.

Kate Bishop: Tonight?? And what about Clint?
Steve Rogers: If you make it onto that chopper, Barton only gets a house arrest.. But if you miss your flight - then he’s gonna be on the next one headed to you.

Kate definitely didn’t want that. Sure, Clint was ‘The Brain’ but she was the one who created the malware and she sure as fuck didn’t want to separate her partner from his family. And so she accepts the punishment, albeit not so gracefully. She throws the heavy bag one last jab and as if she was saving up all her energy for this exact moment, she leaps and with a frustrated scream, does a savage jumping kick. The way she twists her hips and the viciousness of the kick knocks the bag off the hook and sends it flying. Cap looks at the fallen heavy bag and is reminded of a time long ago when he felt as futile as Kate did right in this moment. He gives her a reassuring smile and squeezes her shoulder as she groans into her palms.

Kate Bishop: Does freezing my ass off really have to be part of the punishment?
Steve Rogers: Well Fury really wanted you to cool down so..

Seeing that Cap wasn't going to throw her a bone this time, Kate figured she's wasted enough time. If she left the gym now and sprinted, she might just be able to pack some essentials and still make it to Hangar 6 on time. Watching her leave, Cap calls out to his teammate -

Steve Rogers: I know it doesn't seem like it now, but you've been given a gift Katie. Receiving it is painful, but it's value will be priceless.

Kate starts walking backwards to exit the gym but stops momentarily to bow mockingly at Steve Rogers.

Kate Bishop: Uhuh and may my chores complete me, as I complete them.

xxxxx

Chapter Text

The snow covered forest was equal parts breathtaking and dangerous. The landscape was blanketed in a thick, pristine layer of snow, which softened the rugged contours of the surrounding mountains. Pine and fir trees stood tall and silent, draped in heavy snow and creating a white canopy that contrasted sharply with the dark, gnarled branches beneath. The air was crisp and the moment was filled with a sense of serene isolation, and in the stillness of it all - a traveller, clad in white, blending in perfectly.

Through the falling snow and biting winds, the stranger somehow noticed a narrow, dark line cutting across the white expanse. Cautiously approaching and clearing the snow away, a small creek is revealed, its icy surface glistening in the weak winter light. The traveller knelt beside it, examining the water. The surface was covered with a thin layer of ice, but the water was still flowing and that was all that mattered. This little stream could be a vital resource in the wilderness, where fresh water was scarce. Carefully, the ice was broken and fresh mountain water was collected.

Without warning, a massive shadow loomed before the stranger, stopping them in their tracks. The brunette’s heart started racing as she slowly peered up. Standing less than fifteen feet away was an enormous moose, its antlers spread wide like a natural palmate crown and its dark coat a stark contrast against the white of everything. The moose was covered in a dusting of snow, and its breath formed warm clouds in the frigid air. The creature seemed just as surprised to see Kate as she was to see it.

TRIP: A wild moose. Avoid sudden movements Kate.
Kate Bishop: Mmhmm..

She considered her options - she did not want to startle the beast further, but at the same time, she did not want to be in a position of disadvantage if it chose to charge at her. With her mind made up, she very slowly, and very deliberately started straightening up. The moose with its massive body, shifted slightly, and fixed its eyes on Kate with a mix of curiosity and wariness.

TRIP: In 2025, up to six moose related injuries have been recorded.
Kate Bishop: Not.. helpful..

Suddenly, the beast took a few purposeful steps toward her, the snow around its hooves kicking up in small puffs. The Avenger freezes up immediately.

Kate Bishop: Whoa boy.. Easy.. Eeeeasy.. buddyy..

The moose paused, watching her intently as she spoke to it softly. It bellows loudly, the sound carrying for miles into the forest. Kate’s adrenaline spikes - she calculates how far she’d have to lunge sideways in the thick snow to avoid the initial blow. It was risky, but it should give her enough time to armour up.

Then suddenly, seemingly having made a decision for them both, the moose slowly but gracefully turned around and began walking away, its large frame pushing through the snow covered branches with surprising ease. The moment the animal disappears from sight, Kate relaxes and falls backward onto the snow, laughing out loud in the once again serene forest. The Avenger was more than grateful that she wasn’t trampled by the huge beast. Her demise would definitely be a huge disappointment to the pack of grey wolves that has been stalking her for three days.

It all started a little over a week ago when S.H.I.E.L.D dropped the renegade Avenger off in a small cabin, on a mountain side, somewhere in Svalbard, Norway. Despite the cold, Kate had fully intended to trudge along like a good soldier. She planned to spend her time training and contemplating Steve Roger’s words. Unfortunately for her, Fury’s gift had really been a gift that wouldn’t stop giving because right on the second day, the generator crapped out. Then, the runner who was supposed to deliver supplies on the third day - didn’t show up. Almost a week in, and there still wasn’t any word from S.H.I.E.L.D and the Avenger had pretty much polished the few canned items that the cabin held.

Driven by hunger and desperation, Kate packs a few essentials. Now that the decision had been forced onto her, she knew that making her way to the little town of Longyearbyen was key to her survival. Armed with dried fruit, a wonky GPS device and a sleeping bag - Kate started the hike down the treacherous mountain. With predators waiting to pounce on her, she had spent nights on tree tops with barely enough room to rest her head. The nights were ruthless and whenever TRIP warned her of the dangers of the harsh cold, she would grant herself a little mercy and start a small fire to keep warm.

xxxxx

By the time she got to Longyearbyen, the Avenger was absolutely exhausted and starving. She had started to lose a little muscle mass from being exposed to almost -15 degrees of snow, day and night. The first thing that Kate did was check into a little motel using her fake IDs. The second thing she did was call an old friend. When S.H.I.E.L.D banished her, it was only with one rule - lay low, and that applied to both her personas, so this.. technically wasn't breaking the rules.

Kate Bishop: I need a friend.
Rick Mason: Kate? Flipping hell. Are you okay?
Kate Bishop: That would erm.. be entirely a matter of perspective..

It was 5 minutes to 3 a.m and there was pin drop silence in the little town. Snow covered most of everything as the brunette made her way to an all night convenience store. She picked up some food and water and at the cashiers, her ears pricked when hearing the words ‘borgerkrig mellom Avengers’ She mouths a quiet wtf while eyeing the tv hanging dangerously above the cashier. After watching the news for a few minutes, she grabs her stuff and walks out of the store, where Rick Mason was waiting for her in a jeep. She throws her bag in the trunk and climbs in, too tired to care about why Mason was in the driver’s seat.

Kate Bishop: This is the fastest pick up ever. I’m impressed.
Rick Mason: Well I strive for the best, plus you’re lucky I was just around the corner.
Kate Bishop: Not feeling very lucky now dude.
Rick Mason: Ah, I gather you heard about the unrest at home then?
Kate Bishop: Unrest would be an understatement. They are calling it a civil war on tv and I need to get back to Clint.

Rick Mason: Understood. The airway is a few hours from here. So, what should we listen to?
Kate Bishop: You know, for future reference, when I ask for a jeep, I really do mean only jeep.
Rick Mason: Oh come on, pretend it's a little road trip. You, me and a little Justin Bieber.

Kate groans dramatically.

Kate Bishop: At this point, I'd do anything to shut you up.

Kate pulls her hoodie over her face, her long legs on the dashboard as she crosses her arms to conserve some heat. One second she was asleep, the next she was weightless. The first thing she noticed was her seatbelt biting into her shoulder, and then - the silence. Was she dreaming? She blinked, sluggish, her mind struggling to surface from the depths of sleep.

Before even one cogent thought could form, the world lurched. Metal screamed, and the windscreen shattered in front of her, sending razor-like shrapnel flying all around her. The first roll was fast, brutal almost. The impact sent her body jerking forward, then violently sideways as the jeep’s roof caved inward. She barely had time to register the second roll when her head cracked hard against the window and the world went blank for a second. On the far side of the bridge, a stranger watched as the jeep finally landed upside down, rocking violently before settling into an eerie stillness.

Rick Mason: Kate!! Are yo-

In the deep recesses of her mind, she could hear voices. Familiar voices imploring her to wake up. TRIP. And then Mason. Her eyes flit before she gasps awake. Beside her, Mason was screaming.

Rick Mason: You have to wake up!!

Mason can tell that nothing is registering in the Avenger’s mind. A concussion? Probably. Shock? Most definitely. He stops trying to yell at her to focus and grabs her collar, urging her to look forward. Kate stares out into the night, through the broken windscreen - her vision slowly adjusting until she focuses on a stranger standing at the end of the bridge. On his shoulder was something that looked like an RPG launcher, still smoking. She turns back to look at Mason and then it occurs to her that everything was upside down. The jeep had landed on its roof and they were both dangling in an awkward angle.

Kate Bishop: Can you-
Mason: No, I-I can’t move it.

Panic now slips away and is replaced by clarity as the adrenaline surges through her. The jeep had flipped off the road, Mason was stuck, and they were under attack. Right in front of her, Kate can see that the stranger has begun walking towards them. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she hears TRIP rattling off statistics but a deep ache pulsed in her skull, preventing her from making sense of it. She fumbled with her seatbelt, before trying to pull Mason’s foot out.

Kate Bishop: Friend of yours?
Mason: My friends do not greet me with modern RPGs.
Kate Bishop: Did you try to pull a fast one on someone?
Rick Mason: I take offense to that! I’m a professio-

Mason lets out a pained groan just then as Kate tugs at his foot again. She snickers to conceal her concern. Even in the pitch darkness, her slick palms told her that Mason was bleeding too.

Kate Bishop: You know, you talk a lot for someone who’s going to be thrown off a fucking bridge.
Rick Mason: Well. Last words and what not.

The banter might seem light hearted but even the mercenary knew the gravity of their situation. The sound of heavy boots approaching was unmistakable now, even with the echo of the crash still ringing in their ears and somewhere deep below, the river rushed unseen. Kate ignores everything and tries to dislodge Mason’s foot one more time but it just won’t budge, no doubt trapped beneath twisted metal. The heavy thuds draw closer and Mason reaches for a duffel in the back seat, unzipping it quickly.

Rick Mason: Here.

Kate grabs the glock and crawls out of the wreckage before taking cover and throwing her voice out into the void.

Kate Bishop: I’m pretty sure Ross has no jurisdiction here. And you should know.. I’m a better shot when I’m pissed off.

Kate comes out of hiding and shoots four times, each shot perfectly hitting his chest but the bullets ricochet off the shield that the stranger was wielding. A shield that was similar to Steve’s and when the stranger threw it, it embedded itself into what was left of the jeep with a loud thunk. The wreckage shifts a little with the impact and Mason starts cursing under his breath.

Kate Bishop: Fuck. He’s enhanced. TRIP - damage report.
TRIP: Preliminary analysis indicates a grade 2 concussion, fracture to left ocular bone, multiple bruised ribs, contusion to the right knee, and considerable amounts of superficial lacerations to face and neck. Recommended actions would be to minimize movements and seek medical attention immediately.
Kate Bishop: Uhuh, not exactly an option right now buddy.

Mason watches as the gears in the Avenger’s head spin. He knew that he was a liability to her and that he was practically a sitting duck, a maimed one at that. He wasn’t exactly known to be noble nor generous - it was hard to run a business like that. But calculating risk? That was definitely his forte.

Rick Mason: Kate thi-
Kate Bishop: Not the time for grand speeches Mason.
Rick Mason: What? No.. I-

The Avenger was under strict orders to lay low and not suit up under any circumstances. But the purposeful stride the soldier took towards them was evidence enough that he wasn’t done with them yet. Wordlessly she returns the glock to her friend. Mason knew that even though they were trapped, even though HE was trapped - Kate was giving him a chance to write his own destiny.

The billionaire initiates her suit with the press of her signet ring and comes around the jeep, ready to fight for her and Mason’s lives. Spectre reaches for her retractable sword, the blade felt natural in her grip, an extension of her own body. She gave it a testing twirl while waiting for her opponent, the metal whistling through the air in tight, controlled arcs. Once, twice, each rotation faster than the last as her adrenaline spikes, the motion of her blade now nothing but an effortless blur.

The bridge stretched high above the river, its metal framework bathed in the cold glow of streetlights. Spectre and the unknown adversary faced each other on the concrete surface, their breaths visible in the chilly night air. Spectre locks eyes with the stranger, who stood across from her, his helmet reflecting the distant lights with a steely glare as he pulls out a matching sword.

Going on the offence, the Avenger charges, her attacks a blur of rapid slashes and precise kicks. However, the soldier was highly skilled and did not have any trouble keeping up with her agility. They engage again, the clash of metal ringing in her ears thanks to the concussion, each strike heavy and deliberate, but there was something about his style that unsettled her. His movements were sharp, calculated - too familiar.

The Avenger delivers a quick overhead strike with her sword but he blocks it with his blade, the clash of metal ringing out across the bridge and into the night as they fall backwards. Quick as a flash, they both do kick ups and crouch, faces barely inches away from each other. The hair in the back of her neck stands as Spectre is overcome with an eerie feeling that she couldn't place.

Spectre blocks a swing, her sword meeting his with a harsh metallic hiss, and then it clicked. His footwork, the way he shifted his weight before every strike, the subtle feints before his next move - it was Natasha’s. Yes, she had seen it countless times in training, the exact lunge, the same defensive twist. And then.. there was also the shield from earlier.. Her heart skipped and she staggered, momentarily thrown off balance and that’s when it came - her own signature spinning kick. The force of the kick sends Spectre crashing into the guardrails. Her mind raced, had someone betrayed them? It felt wrong, uncomfortably wrong when she realized that she was no longer fighting a stranger. She was fighting.. her own team.

Spectre: TRIP, replay contact and analyse tactical abilities.

She wheezes out her instruction to TRIP and lays crumpled against the guardrail, feeling the symptoms of the concussion coming on full force. Spectre knew her head was messed up, but she also knew that her gut was on to something. Seeing that the Avenger was not retaliating, the soldier calmly makes his way towards the wreckage where Mason was still stuck. In her field of vision, TRIP shows multiple clips of her teammates from the past and overlaps them with clips of the stranger on the bridge executing the exact moves flawlessly, just moments ago.

TRIP: Hostile displays the ability to mimic fighting techniques. This could lead to a tactical disadvantage for you.

As the soldier closes in on Mason, an arrow snaps forward and pierces the top most beam of the bridge, the reinforced line coiling behind it as it buries itself in the soldier’s armour with a satisfying sound. For a heartbeat, nothing happens. Spectre prepares to reload when suddenly the line starts pulling taut. The force jerks the soldier off balance mid stride, his boots scraping against the concrete as he tries to resist. With a mechanical whir, the arrow’s retraction system kicks in, the pull is sudden, ripping him violently backwards and away from the jeep. He crashes against the metal beam for a moment, dangling there like a marionette.

Spectre: I’ve seen copycats before, but this.. this is different.. It’s like.. fighting myself.
TRIP: Precisely. The hostile appears to have a near perfect replication ability, potentially even adapting to your moves in real time. This makes any direct confrontation exceedingly dangerous.

The victory was short lived as the soldier pulls his sword out and cuts the cable, he uses the momentum to swing across the midspan of the bridge like Peter would. Using the momentum of the swing, he charges at the Avenger with a burst of speed. Spectre no longer winded after being slammed into the guardrail counterattacks fiercely, swinging her sword in a sweeping arc, forcing the soldier to retreat.

Spectre: Well, the key to copycats is to outthink them, not outfight them. That’s where you come in buddy. You’re the brains and I’m the brawn.

She jests as she barely avoids his blade, the tip scraping her suit and causing a loud metallic groan, microscopic nanobots rapidly work to repair the integrity of the suit. It was the soldier’s turn to advance now, his movements an exact mimicry of Spectre’s fighting style. He swung his sword with precision, aiming for her midsection. Spectre twists sideways, narrowly avoiding the blade again by forward rolling onto her feet. Her movements were fluid, every step calculated as she countered with a swift, high kick aimed at his head. However the soldier predicts the move and catches her ankle, before using her own momentum to slam her onto the concrete. Instead of doubling down on the Avenger, the soldier turns around and starts making his way to Mason again.

TRIP: You need to create unpredictable patterns. The hostile’s mimicry can only be effective if they can anticipate your next move.
Spectre: So it’s not about changing the sequence.. It's about breaking the pattern altogether.
TRIP: Affirmative.

Spectre, not one to be easily outmatched, slowly gets back on her feet to lure him away from her friend. She uses the distance to her advantage, grabbing a nearby metal rod that was laying on the ground and swinging it at her aggressor. The rod catches him in the back of the head and he staggers before falling. The Avenger expects him to turn his attention toward her again but is surprised when he ignores her yet again. Instead, he slowly gets up and approaches Mason again, but before he can reach him, a combat dagger comes slicing through the air as a warning.

Finally getting impatient, the soldier dislodges the shield from the jeep and throws it at her, aiming for her torso. Spectre runs before launching herself off the side railing, grabbing hold onto one of the steel cables and using it to do a flyaway and gracefully landing atop a support beam. She perches high above the soldier and contemplates her next move. Just then, it hits her.

Spectre: You aren’t here for him..

From this vantage point, she can see the wreckage from a different angle and she spots the little black box amidst broken glass and scattered belongings. The box was unfamiliar to her but if her nemesis wanted it, then like a jealous sibling - she wanted it too! She didn’t know what type of trouble Mason had gotten himself involved with but this wasn’t trivial for sure. People don’t just send enhanced soldiers to steal from mercenaries.

With a sudden burst of adrenaline, Spectre launches into a somersault and midair a shimmer flickers across her body like heat distortion. She lands loudly behind the soldier and then - nothing. He spins around looking for her, training his ears and anticipating a sudden volley of attacks but the Avenger was nowhere to be found.

See now Kate hadn’t spent the entire three months wallowing after Yelena. Sure a huge part of it was that, and another huge portion was beating up or getting beaten up at MANCHU - but a substantial part of it had also been spent working on her suit with TRIP’s help. It happened one unsuspecting night where Kate had her drink on and there was a spark, and it spurred her on. She went down a rabbit hole and worked all night and come dawn, she had somehow solved the quantum dot conundrum.

She had perfected the intensity and positioning of the quantum dots and she was effectively able to camouflage herself. Kate had shown it to Clint and Peter and they were set to play around with it when the whole Secretary Ross thing blew up. But this was a great experiment if any, Kate muses as she waves her hand right in front of the asshole’s face.

Spectre: Well surprise motherfucker!

The soldier barely had time to turn before the Avenger struck in stealth. First with a jab to his windpipe, causing his arms to raise instinctively to cover his throat, leaving his body open. The expert martial artist then lands several more sharp jabs across his body, all calculated and punishing blows to pressure points and joints. Each rapid hit forced him back, his movements growing more erratic. Despite his obvious discombulation, he remained silent, lashing out blindly, hoping for a lucky strike.

Spectre pressed forward with her advantage, her movements a mix of agility and ferocity. She dodges his attacks with ease, her kicks landing with sharp accuracy. The stranger’s attempts to counter her strikes became increasingly desperate as she continued her relentless assault.

The Avenger wrapped her hands around his neck in a clinch before pulling him down and spearing him with a knee to his chest. In an incredible show of athleticism that unfortunately could not be seen by anyone, she manages to deliver three knee strikes in rapid succession. The force of which causes the chest piece of his armour to crack, and his lungs to inevitably collapse.

At this point, the soldier was battered but still somewhat determined. He was frustrated and lashed out wildly but his blade sliced through empty air. Another hit - sharp, fast, unseen and right on the side of his head. The soldier’s vision swam, he realized that he wasn’t in control anymore. The aggressor, now clearly injured and disoriented, stumbled forward, his footing slipping as he tried to regain his balance.

Seizing her opportunity, she executes a series of rapid, precise kicks, each one driving him closer to the brink. One particular roundhouse kick to the thigh deadens his leg and drops him to his knees. Then just as suddenly as she had vanished, the Avenger reappeared before him, and with a decisive push kick right to his sternum, she watches the soldier fall off the bridge.

Finally victorious over the masked stranger, Spectre heads back towards the jeep. Just when she thought it was all over, she hears the unmistakable sound of a grapple, sinking its teeth into metal. She spins on the ball of her feet and as her adversary comes rappelling up, she throws her curved blade. The blade almost sailed in slow motion as it sliced through the night - ultimately severing the grapple cable.

This time she stayed to watch as her adversary flailed, his arms reaching out in a futile attempt to grab hold of something..anything. The Avenger watched as he plummeted into the dark expanse below, the roar of the wind and the distant splash of his impact the only sounds breaking the silence as the rushing water took him to his final resting place.

Once she was sure that he was gone, she walked intently to the jeep - smoothly picking up the black box with one hand while using the other to effortlessly yank Mason out of the wreckage, ignoring his screams of pain. Still in her suit, her visor flits open as she holds him over the railing, with the rapids rushing below. Mason clung to her arm, fear evident in his eyes.

Rick Mason: What the fuck mate??
Kate Bishop: Who the hell was that and what the hell does he want with this?

She brought the box to Mason’s face and waved it and it was only then that he noticed the box. His panicked expression is now mostly replaced with visible confusion.

Rick Mason: I..I haven’t seen that before. Not the bad guy here Kate!
Kate Bishop: Oh ya, no clue hmm? So all this is just a coincidence then?
Rick Mason: I know..I know.. I’ve made mistakes in the past fuck, but I’m on your side. I SWEAR.

Mason pleads his case and Kate responds by shaking him a little to truly put the fear of god in him. Predictably, Mason’s grip on her wrist gets impossibly tighter as he clung to her arm desperately, feet still flailing and trying to find purchase on something solid.

Rick Mason: Shit. Shit fuck. Mate come on.
Kate Bishop: Answers Mason. And make sure they are useful.

Mason swallows hard, trying to rake his mind for something, anything, and then it hits him.

Rick Mason: The duff-the duffel!
Kate Bishop: What about it?
Rick Mason: It’s from Budapest!

The fixer’s urgent proclamation did mean something to Kate although she couldn’t piece it all together yet. Not with the way her head was killing her right now. The old safe house? It was normal for Mason to pick up after them, clear out safe houses, stock them - it’s among the many things he does for Kate Bishop while being in her employ. That wasn’t what caught Kate’s attention though. What was interesting to the Avenger was that someone knew that Mason would inadvertently bring the duffel back to her. Someone had orchestrated for this little box to reach her, specifically.

Rick Mason: That’s it isn’t it? Someone wanted me to deliver it to you. Now for the love of fuck, put me down please and I’ll get your to Budapest. For free. Yes, FREE OF CHARGE!
TRIP: Kate, Rick Mason is not displaying non-verbal signs of deceit.
Rick Mason: Listen to the damn computer Kate!

Rick Mason had a questionable past, but he wasn’t lying about being on her side. She had trusted him with her life and Mason always came through. She looks at the blood that had stained his jeans and sighs. She pulls him over the ridge, dropping him onto the concrete, ignoring his gratitude as she inspects the box. Inside it were a dozen or so vials, each containing a bright red substance and there were no labels on them either.

As she strained her eyes under the moonlight, she noticed that the tubes were held together by a hair tie with a stray blonde hair.. and stuck beneath the hair tie was a piece of paper. Prying it out gently, she realizes that she was looking at a photo from those old school photo booths and immediately her heart starts pounding. In the photo was a picture of a blue haired kid with a younger blonde one. Yelena’s in trouble.

Chapter Text

It was almost 6 p.m, as the blonde man in the leather jacket weaved casually through the after work foot traffic; his relaxed demeanour punctuated by the bites of pastry he indulged himself with every now and then. Leaving behind the sounds of the city echoing from the main street, he turned into a smaller alley and strolled through the courtyard of an old apartment complex. The building was a blend of faded grandeur and lived-in charm, making him conclude that buildings too age the way people do - graceful in some places and brutally in others. The man takes the stairs and ran his fingers along the chipped stones, musing about other things that were also destined to fade - like seasons and perhaps lovers too. Soon enough he finds himself outside of apartment 4C.

Then, as if he has done this a thousand times, he deftly pulls out a pick set - only pausing briefly to secure his unfinished pastry in his mouth, before making quick work of the lock. His calloused hand briefly hovered over the door knob, before actually twisting it and pushing the heavy door open. Stepping inside unhurriedly, the photostatic veil slips from his face, revealing a bruised and battered Kate Bishop. The billionaire takes a bite of the strudel in her hand, chewing as she scans the safehouse. The apartment felt like a time capsule, the decor untouched since the last time she was there but Kate knows that Yelena is here. She can feel her.

Kate Bishop: I know you’re out there..

The door barely clicks shut before a knife whizzes past Kate’s cheek, stabbing clean through her pastry and pinning it to the doorframe.

Yelena Belova: I know you know I’m out here.

Kate Bishop does not flinch, she sighs instead, tilting her head slightly and muttering her displeasure under her breath.

Kate Bishop: Well that’s just...rude.

With a forlorn look the Avenger bids her delicious poppy seed filled snack farewell and treads forward into the large hallway. Her shoulders tense as she slowly advances, stepping lightly, fingers flexing at her sides.

Kate Bishop: Then why are you skulking about like it’s a minefield?
Yelena Belova: Because.. I don’t know if I can trust you.

The assassin remains hidden in the shadows but the older woman can feel the weight of unseen eyes on her. Kate canvases the safehouse, eyes flicking between doorways, and corners as she covers room after room.

Kate Bishop: So.. we gonna talk like grown ups?

Then she turns, and walks straight into the barrel of a Glock 26. Yelena stands in front of her, holding the gun steady, her expression unreadable.

Yelena Belova: Is that what we are?

While her face gave nothing away, the Russian’s eyes were wild, and burning with something that cannot be named yet. The brunette doesn’t move, she doesn’t even breathe but she briefly wonders if there were always green specks in Yelena’s eyes.

Kate Bishop: Hey..

Her voice comes out low and shaky, as if seeing Yelena knocked the wind right out of her. The Widow’s jaw is tight, as she studies Kate. Like she’s not sure whether to pull the trigger or not. Kate lifts her hands slowly, palms out, a small smile creeping onto her face. It wasn’t easy to hide how happy she was to see Yelena’s stupidly perfect face again. In fact, Kate wasn’t sure if that was something that she wanted to hide anyway.

Kate Bishop: I’m unarmed okay? Can we just talk?

Yelena doesn’t react but her gun doesn’t waver either. Kate swallows, taking a slow step forward.

Kate Bishop: I came here because I was worried.. I don’t know what’s going on but I-.. I just wanted to find you and make sure that you’re okay.

The Avenger’s voice falters just a little, and something flickers in Yelena’s eyes. The assassin still hasn’t discharged her gun yet her grip on it tightens, knuckles turning white. In response, the brunette lets out a low exasperated groan as she rolls her eyes.

Kate Bishop: Put it down before I make you.

She takes a few sudden paces forward which causes Yelena to backpedal into the kitchen, almost tripping as she remains locked in on her target.

Kate Bishop: Watch your step.

The billionaire teases and watches as the blonde’s lips curve upwards slightly; she was enjoying this. Kate proceeds by taking another measured step forward. The assassin doesn’t move this time and the gun stays trained on the brunette’s chest. They were so close now, Yelena was just within reach and Kate moved fast. Her hand snaps up, pushing the gun aside just as she steps in, twisting Yelena’s wrist just enough to disarm her. The gun slips free and clatters loudly onto the floor, awakening something inside the Russian. In a split second, Yelena grabbed her arm and pulled her in.

Kate Bishop: Yele-

While Kate reacts to the swift kick to the rib, Yelena yanks her by her collar and slams her hard into the kitchen door, only to quickly pull back and then slam her yet again. Pain and shock vibrating through her, Yelena definitely has Kate’s attention now. That’s how she noticed that Yelena wasn’t pulling her punches. This was nothing like the tussle they had at the Rockefeller Centre last year, nope, far from it. Yelena was pissed and she was definitely showing it.

Kate Bishop: Ju- just wait a sec-

Even if Kate’s intentions in showing up to Budapest were noble, it didn’t stop Yelena from coming at her like a freight train - spinning, kicking, striking. Every hit is furious, fueled by something deeper. But Kate was already battered, and so, so tired. She knows that she can end this fight easily - but she doesn’t. Hurting Yelena is never an option, so she dodges. Deflects. Takes the hits when she has to. Yelena notices this and it just makes her angrier.

Yelena Belova: Stop toying with me!
Kate Bishop: Stop making me fight you!

Kate huffs out frustrated, trying to catch her breath with her hands on her knees. She was not doing her body any favours even as she deflects and redirects the Widow’s attack.

Yelena Belova: You think this is a joke?
Kate Bishop: No.. I think you’re mad because you left.

Something registers in Yelena’s face and she pauses, something that looks a lot like guilt. Kate knows that she was onto something, so she continues, keeping her voice steady even though the words came out urgently.

Kate Bishop: Us against the world and all that other bullshit but YOU disappeared. Not me. I waited. And waited. And now, we are finally in a room together and instead of talking, you’re trying to kill me?

There was a beat of silence and Kate waited patiently. Letting the moment sink her words deeper into Yelena’s bones. And for just a second, she sees it - the tiniest crack in the Widow's armour. But the moment slips pass them before Kate could reach out and grab it. Another second passes and the assassin growls and lunges at her again.

Yelena Belova: You should not even be here!

Kate ducks just in time, the punch narrowly missing her ear. Before Yelena can correct herself, Kate grips her forearm, redirecting the force away and twisting Yelena’s arm behind her back to bring their bodies flush against each other. They were both panting, trying to catch quick breaths every time there was a pause like this.

Kate Bishop: Okay, seriously, let’s jus-

Yelena slams her heel down on Kate’s foot, and when the Avenger curses and releases her, the Russian head butts her. The Avenger’s entire body ached from the events that occured barely 20 hours ago and now with Yelena using her like a punching bag - her body screams out as fresh pain shoots through. Before the assassin could throw her around some more, some semblance of self preservation kicks in for Kate.

Acting purely on instinct, the Avenger grabbed the shorter woman around the throat, slamming her against the kitchen cabinets. She may have overdid it a little as Yelena’s body completely smashed the shelves to smithereens. Not wanting to lose momentum, Kate slammed her down onto the counter top and gripped her chin, forcing the younger woman to look into her eyes.

Kate Bishop: Stay down. Stay down. STAY. DOWN.

Yelena thrashed about, kicking things off the counter and most definitely refusing to heed Kate’s warning to stay down. She let out a hellish scream before grabbing a plate and promptly smashing it on the billionaire’s face. Kate staggered backwards, her mind reeling, unable to focus. Rivulets of blood immediately drip from the wound that Yelena had gifted her.

Kate Bishop: What the hell was that??

Yelena coolly leaps off the counter, quickly grabbing a kitchen towel and tries slapping Kate in the face with it. Kate grabbed the other end of the towel and pivoted, the towel now circled snuggly around Yelena’s throat. This brought their bodies close again but before Kate could pin her from behind, Yelena kicked off the marble counter – the momentum helping her execute a perfect body throw.

The Avenger slams violently against the kitchen door, this time shattering its glass panels with her torso and then smacking her head hard on the parquet flooring. Kate winces and stands up slowly, feeling a little disoriented after the numerous head injuries within a short span of time. Rubbing the back of her neck to ease the pain, Kate tried again.

Kate Bishop: Look. You can be mad, throw me around all you want but I’m not leaving.

Yelena looks back tentatively for a second and turns to the kitchen. Kate sighs in relief, glad that whatever the hell ‘that’ was, it was finally over. Yelena had finally burnt up all her negative energy and seeing Kate bleed probably made Yelena snap out of it. Kate assumed that Yelena was probably going to get her something to patch her up but does a double take when instead of a peace offering, Yelena’s hand reaches for a large knife. Kate’s eyes widen with disbelief as the assassin starts walking purposefully towards her. Yeah, Yelena was definitely full of surprises.

Kate Bishop: Fuck. Yelena? No - no - no.

Kate staggers out to the living room, frantically searching for something to protect herself with when she sees it. A cordless hair iron. Ugh. The fucking irony wouldn’t be lost on the Russian. She always hated when Yelena straightened out her hair. Of course she still looked stunning, but Kate just preferred her natural blonde waves you know? And now the very same hair iron is probably going to keep Kate from being stabbed by a very angry Yelena.

Kate Bishop: Yelena! I don’t want to fight you!
Yelena Belova: Then stay still!

Kate picked up the iron without a second to spare as Yelena lunged forward, motioning two deep slashes. Kate evaded the knife and held off the powerful stab that came from a downward motion.

Kate Bishop: Hah- Nice try!

Before she could catch her breath, another deep slash came very close to making contact with her abdomen. Deciding that this knife play shouldn’t go on for even a second longer, Kate locks her arm under Yelena’s and holds her there. Realising how dangerously close she is to the blonde, Kate takes a moment to glance at her face. It’s seriously unfair how beautiful Yelena is. Yes, even when she is wielding a knife and trying to kill Kate.

Kate Bishop: Is it weird that I can’t tell if we are fighting, or flirting?
Yelena Belova: God. You are soo annoying.

Yelena flips Kate over again, slamming her to the floor and wiping the smirk right off her face. Beyond tired now, Kate reacts by kicking Yelena hard on the shin, causing her to fall to her knees. Kate barely has time to think as Yelena goes for another stab, which is thwarted by the stupid hair iron again. The Avenger quickly puts Yelena in a headlock, attempting to still her. They are both standing up now, each trying to get the upper hand to choke the other out.

Kate Bishop:..andd..yett..here I am..yourrr.. favourite..!

Yelena quickly realises that she is at a disadvantage in this position since Kate is taller and moves to get the upper hand. She swats the pesky hair iron out of the way and charges at Kate, slamming her into the wall, the force of which has Kate lifted off the ground. Kate snatches the sheer curtain from its railing and tries to create a makeshift noose out of it. Yelena manages to ram Kate violently into the wall again before she succeeds in securing the noose around Yelena’s neck.

The brunette kicks off the wall and uses her momentum to throw Yelena over her, slamming the blonde onto the hardwood floor but not before Yelena traps Kate’s neck. They are both on the floor now, thrashing about and trying to strangle each other. They place their feet on each other’s hip as leverage to further inhibit circulation. This is it. Kate is in the moment and uses what was left of her brute strength to strangle the Widow. Precious seconds tick away. She’s got this in the bag and she knows it. It’s all going to be over in just a few more seconds and then, she can finally rest.

But this is Yelena Belova. The greatest child assassin who ever lived. If there was anything that Kate knows about her, it is that Yelena is too damn proud to ever surrender. She would never tap out even if Kate is choking the living daylights out of her. Even if her face is flushed, and even if she is mere seconds away from passing out. The Avenger mutters a curse and concedes. Letting go of the choke hold and lifting both her hands up to the blonde’s face to signal her surrender.

Kate Bishop: Peremiriye (truce).

Yelena pushes away from Kate and rolls onto her back. Gasping and taking in huge gulps of air. She glares at Kate with the corner of her eye.

Kate Bishop: You owe me a strudel by the way.

Yelena exhales sharply - half an exhausted laugh, half frustration.

Yelena Belova: Da ladno (Oh really?)

Kate just grins at the blonde’s sarcasm and watches her walk away. She doesn’t bother waiting for the Widow to reciprocate her affections because she knows that it's going to take more than a few punches to get Yelena to open up. Especially not after how they left things the last time they were in the same room together. The billionaire dragged herself up and sat at the kitchen chair, helping herself to a bottle of vodka and a shot glass.

The vodka burns her throat and gives momentary relief from the excruciating pain that she feels. The sharp taste of the vodka brings her back to Christmas of 2024 and she briefly pondered if substance abuse was a guaranteed by-product of heroism. Yelena soon returns, strutting along confidently before straddling Kate’s lap, knowing that the sudden intimacy would cause a blush to run up Kate’s chest and neck. Kate responds by placing her hands on Yelena’s hip tentatively, squeezing gently. Reassuringly. Reassuring her of what exactly, Kate wasn't sure at that point.

She stayed perfectly still as Yelena carefully cleaned the gash on her eyebrow, before gently putting a bandaid over it. They both knew that this was as close as Yelena would get to an apology and Kate was completely fine with that. She found that with Yelena, more often than not her actions spoke volumes to make up for what she couldn't articulate. After what seemed like an eternity, Kate finally broke the silence.

Kate Bishop: You had to come to Budapest, didn’t you?
Yelena Belova: I came here.. because I thought you wouldn’t. But since you’re here, what bullet does that?

Yelena pointed at the wall across the room that was littered with strange holes. Kate replies without even looking because she knew precisely what Yelena was referring to. Plus, she figured that the blonde's cute little button nose was definitely more interesting to look at.

Kate Bishop: Not bullets. Arrows.
Yelena Belova: Ah, right.

Yelena adjusted herself on Kate’s lap, leaning in closer before resting their foreheads together. A deep sigh followed the gesture. Natasha was the only other person who had ever greeted Kate this way, she wasn't sure if it was a sibling thing or a widow thing, either way she had grown accustomed to this expression of affection and relished in the unique closeness that it brought.

Yelena Belova: There wasn’t a moment that I wasn’t thinking about you, moya lyubov.

This was the second time that Yelena had caught her off guard today. After months of being apart and especially after the ‘warm welcome’ that she had just received, Kate had simply assumed that she was persona non grata to the assassin. But instead, here she was, securely seated on her lap and telling Kate how she feels and using Russian terms of endearment. Terms of endearment that Kate didn’t think she’d ever hear again and offering answers to questions that Kate didn’t dare pose - like if Yelena still loved Kate and if it was too late for them to save whatever this was between them. In those precious seconds where her mind was running a mile a minute, it somehow spared some presence for Kate to register the visible sincerity and longing that was written all over her face.

She slowly reached out and stroked Yelena’s cheek with her thumb. When Yelena didn’t protest, Kate shifted closer and kissed her tenderly. Achingly slow, they took their time exploring each other's lips again, like they haven't done this a million times before in New York. The tender kiss went through a metamorphosis, it started out slow and gentle, before evolving into fevered, desperate kisses. Wrapping her arms around Yelena tightly, Kate put everything she could muster into the kiss and was rewarded with a soft whimper from Yelena.

They broke apart to breathe and looked into each other's eyes, grinning widely. Their chemistry, still very much intact even after spending so much time apart. Everything about that moment was perfect.. how warm Yelena felt against her skin.. the weight of Yelena on her lap.. the depth of their connection.. it was all so damn perfect. After a few more kisses, Yelena pulls apart from Kate and speaks, her voice coming out in a breathless shiver.

Yelena Belova: I shouldn’t have left New York.
Kate Bishop: No, don’t do that. I-. I was being a jerk just now.. I’d never really fault you for doing what was best for yourself.
Yelena Belova: Honestly I.. I just didn’t know if I could do it all over again.

Kate knew exactly what Yelena was referring to. The ‘it’ in question refers to the loss of one Natasha Romanoff. Another idiot with a hero complex. She breathes out slowly, her arms still wrapped tightly around Yelena’s waist, afraid that loosening her embrace further would allow for more unpleasant things to creep up between them. The logical part of her brain on the other hand was trying to buy time so she could choose her words carefully, because the truth of it was that Yelena had caught her off guard. Kate wasn't expecting them to pick up the talk right where they left off, not this soon at least.

Kate Bishop: I don't really know what to say here Yelena..
Yelena Belova: Then say what I want to hear.
Kate Bishop: I get it okay? All this Avengers business.. it's dangerous and you’re afraid of something bad happening. I know that, but the world isn't like how it was before, you know? Like the only worry people had a decade ago was global warming and now we.. we have fucking aliens raining down on us and I dont know if I have it in me to just sit and watch.
Yelena Belova: Sit and watch?
Kate Bishop: Yes! I can’t just watch while the world goes to shit. Especially not when I can do something to make a difference.

Kate gestures vaguely with her hand, her Ivy league education often failing when she was in Yelena’s presence. The blonde’s face contorts painfully, her sadness palpable in her frown and trembling lip.

Yelena Belova: I don’t understand.. You say you love me but you keep giving me this pain over and over. If you loved me like I do you, then why do you choose to keep us apart? We could disappear, be happy somewhere. Just you and me.
Kate Bishop: I love you. Of course I do! So damn much and I sure as hell love you more than anything I’ve ever known. I jus- .. I..

Words fail Kate yet again. She knows those magic words that Yelena yearns for but she can’t bring herself to say it, so she cups her cheeks instead. Desperately planting tender kisses on her salted cheeks.

Yelena Belova: Then just do it! Leave all this behind and be with me! You said it yourself, it's okay to be just a little selfish sometimes.. That the life that I was so afraid to dream off, it's just an arms length away. You’re right here, closer than an arms length but I can’t reach you and I'm so alone.
Kate Bishop: You think I don't want that? To live in a bubble somewhere and shut everything out? I dream of that shit every night but I just can't sweetheart. I just can’t because if I did that.. I won't be just letting myself down, I would be letting Natasha down too.

The words flew out before Kate could stop them and she could pinpoint the exact moment when Yelena’s mood shifted from adoration, to lovelorn, to rage again. Yelena’s eyes glowered with anger before she swiftly got off the brunette's lap, her finger pointedly poking into her sternum.

Yelena Belova: You don't have a fucking monopoly on Natasha. She was MY sister and I know how badly she wanted out. This is NOT the life that she would have wanted for me.
Kate Bishop: I’m sorry. I’m sorry, okay? You’re absolutely right. And this is hardly the place for this conversation. So maybe.. maybe.. we put a pin on it.. and go back to kissing?

Kate squints as she talks, almost expecting Yelena to just slap her at this point. But you can't really fault her for trying to diffuse the situation, and to calm Yelena down. To try to get them both to go back to simpler times but it was too late for that. The Russian's piercing glare was evidence enough of that.

Yelena Belova: You think your mouth is some kind of wormhole Kate?
Kate Bishop: Huh-
Yelena Belova: I kiss you and we go back to before you said stupid things?
Kate Bishop: Oh. Wow. Okay, so you’re mad, mad huh?
Yelena Belova: This is a mistake. You shouldn’t have come here.
Kate Bishop: Well if you didn’t want me here, why’d you send me this?

They both stared at the glowing red vials that Kate had placed on the table, momentarily caught up in its shimmering beauty.

Yelena Belova: You brought it back here? Yebat (fuck).
Kate Bishop: Look, I’m not here trying to be your friend okay, but you need to tell me what that is.
Yelena Belova: It’s a synthetic gas. The counteragent to chemical subjugation. The gas immunizes the brain's neuro pathways from external manipulation.
Kate Bishop: Maybe in English next time?
Yelena Belova: Eto protivoyadiye ot kontrolya nad razumom. (It’s an antidote to mind control).
Kate Bishop: Nastoyashchaya zrelaya. (Real mature).

Kate retorts in Russian without missing a beat and grins, making Yelena roll her eyes and storm out of the living room. Throwing down another shot of vodka, Kate is right at her heel. She watches as Yelena moves fast, grabbing a small bag and filling it with essentials. The brunette sees her tossing in wads of cash, fake IDs, and a few magazine clips. She tunes out the blonde for a moment in favour of sprawling on the bed and massaging her temples.

Yelena Belova: Why don’t you take it to one of your super-scientist friends? Shuri, or Banner maybe. They can explain it to you.
Kate Bishop: Umm.. yeah.. We’re not really talking right now, so…
Yelena Belova: Great! Perfect timing. Where’s an Avenger when you need one?
Kate Bishop: Hey. I don’t wanna be here okay? Don't know if you've heard, but I’m on the run and you could’ve gotten me killed.

That makes Yelena stop for a second, she bites her lip, watching the love of her life now ice her bruised face with the cold vodka bottle. The thought of Yelena being the reason behind Kate getting hurt made her heart clench tightly. When her heart released, some of her anger ebbed away and for the first time, she recognized the considerable risk Kate Bishop had taken to meet her. A single photograph - a single message was all it took for her to throw caution to the wind and show up at her front step.

If Yelena hadn’t any notion of what romance was before, she was pretty sure that this was it. Kate Bishop and her heart on her sleeve. Even with her eyes closed, Kate felt the shift in the mood again and she did everything she could not to open her eyes. Because if she saw Yelena right now, she would want to pull her into a hug and this wasn’t something that would survive a bandaid. This wasn't one of their usual ‘push-me / pull-me’ type of deal. This was a very real issue that they had to sort out since the weight of their whole relationship was bearring on it.

Groaning in pain, the Avenger forces herself up and grabs a backpack - throwing in a few things that might come in handy like a small collapsible bow, some steel arrows, trackers and transmitters, and a small drone. She throws in a few additional clips of bullets for their guns as well. This isn't as good as her weapons cache, but it will have to do. Kate exhaled softly, first sliding the leather jacket off and then peeling the black shirt off her back before casting it aside. She quickly skimmed the clothing rack and picked out a few articles of clothing that she deemed would fit her.

Yelena Belova: Well, what was I supposed to do? You’re the only superhero person that I know. That was the whole reason I sent it to you.

The Russian's heart sinks and her voice trails off when she sees the bruises on Kate’s battered body. There were old ones, and fresh ones that were just blooming. Kate wasn’t a superhero. She wasn't enhanced in any way but she still woke up everyday and chose to step up. It infuriated Yelena how Kate was so much like Natasha. Why did they both have this unrelenting need to help and do good? Yelena felt bad that she couldn’t soothe Kate’s aches and bruises but mostly, she felt bad for herself because she knew that she could never measure up to neither Kate nor Natasha’s morality.

Yelena’s voice had come out small, almost vulnerable - making Kate's heart squeeze painfully. Kate quickly throws on a shirt on to cover her body and turns around. She doesn't say anything as she pulls her jacket back on and the former lovers just stand there in the room looking at each wordlessly. Suddenly, a soft alarm starts beeping and breaks the reverie. A string of Russian curse words fill the room as Yelena pulls her phone out, looking at the notifications.

Kate Bishop: What the hell is that?
Yelena Belova: Kavaleriya.
Kate Bishop: The cavalry? What does that mean?
Yelena Belova: It means that we have to go. Right now Kate.

Yelena pulled herself together and zipped up her bag before walking back out to the living room to grab more of her belongings, including the vials and her photograph with Natasha. The brunette was close behind, picking up the Widow’s glock and handing it to her before checking her own holstered gun. Kate was not a fan of guns but she was trying her best not to leave her personalized autograph for Senator Ross to pick up on either. They were about to walk out the door when the Russian abruptly turned, making the taller woman bump into her.

Yelena Belova: Mne nuzhno koye-chto ot teby (I need something from you)
Kate Bishop: What is it?
Yelena Belova: Tvoye terpeniye (Your patience)
Kate Bishop: Konechno (Of course).

It was so easy for Kate to pledge her allegiance to Yelena. She didn’t need to know everything. Heck, she didn’t even need to know anything if Yelena needed her. At this point, the puzzle pieces were not connecting for the Avenger but she knew that more will be revealed as time goes and what matters right now getting the hell out of dodge before this cavalry that the assassin speaks off shows up.

xxx

The Russian had estimated that they had less than ten minutes before they were surrounded. By that time, the duo had made it to the rooftop, blocked the roof access, and got down to street level a few buildings over from the safe house.

Kate Bishop: Which one’s yours?
Yelena Belova: Blue BMW. Ahh. Where are my keys?

Kate pulls out the keys that she swiped from Yelena’s pocket and flashes a grin.

Yelena Belova: …ah cyka (bitch)

Kate revs the BMW and smirks as Yelena hops in with a pout just as a tank comes barreling through the tiny street. They accelerate out of the alley while watching the tank through the rear view mirror, eyes widening a little as it obliterates everything in its path. The BMW hits the main street and starts speeding immediately - Kate does everything she can to put as much space between them and the tank including weaving in and out of traffic, as well as just bypassing the traffic altogether by dirving on the sidewalk when it was wide enough. Precious minutes pass, and both hazel and blue eyes peer into the rear view mirror. They finally relax a little when they were confident that they had shaken the tank off their tail. There was however still the tiny issue of the pesky soldiers for hire on motorbikes, criss-crossing traffic and methodically gaining on the BMW.

Yelena Belova: Okay, you got a plan, or shall I just stay duck-and-cover?
Kate Bishop: Yeah, my plan was to drive us away.
Yelena Belova: That’s a shit plan.

Kate shoots an annoyed look at Yelena and reaches for the bag that they had chucked in the back seat, while still expertly zipping past vehicles with only one hand and half her attention on the task. She muses that these were probably all regular assholes with regular lives and regular jobs, with none of that ‘Avengers nonsense’ to contend with. For a split second, Kate wonders what it would be like if she and Yelena lived different lives. A life where they’d gasp and point out at the speeding BMW being chased by superbike riding mercenaries instead of being the couple inside the speeding BMW being chased by superbike riding mercenaries. Once her hand gains a purchase on the bow, her focus returns and Kate moves to unclasp her seatbelt, before turning over to Yelena.

Kate Bishop: Here, take the wheel.
Yelena Belova: Leaving already? Not very patient of you.

Yelena sniggers at her own joke and Kate just bites the insides of her cheek before offering an explanation. The BMW was still going at breakneck speed during this exchange because slowing down wasn’t really an option.

Kate Bishop: Well you didn't like Plan A, so here is Plan B.
Yelena Belova: Are you trying to impress me Kate Bishop?
Kate Bishop: Uhuh. You know how I aim to please.
Yelena Belova: Da (yes) and I also know how eager you can get but only non lethal shots okay?

The brunette actually turns her entire body to look at Yelena when she hears her. She repeats to make sure that she didn’t mishear the Widow’s ridiculous requirement given the predicament that they were in.

Kate Bishop: Uhh.. I’m sorry? You want me to fire non lethal shots..?
Yelena Belova: Yes.
Kate Bishop: At the people who are actively trying to kill us?
Yelena Belova: Yes. Precisely.

The Avenger sighs dramatically but agrees anyway. She promised the Widow her patience and if that included Yelena taking the lead and making decisions for them - then so be it.

Kate Bishop: You know, you can be really demanding sometimes?

Yelena rolls her eyes at the joke, and shifts to get ready for the switch. Kate promptly sets the auto cruise on the BMW before opening the car roof. Her bow was already retracted as she climbed onto the seat. As soon as Yelena grabs the steering wheel, Kate gingerly climbed onto the divider console and perched haphazardly to make way for Yelena to climb into the driver’s seat. Once the switch was complete and Yelena had taken control of the car, Kate stood up to her full height, her body gently swaying.

She can see the closest hitman reaching for his gun, but before he can shoot, the Avenger notches an arrow and hits the tyre of the bike. The bike swerves dangerously but the mercenary expertly rolls over onto the sidewalk to avoid the crashes. The high speed chase made it hard for Kate to balance herself, so she adjusts her stance just a bit wider, her feet feeling around the console’s limited size. Sensing Kate making adjustments, Yelena instantly wraps an arm around her thigh, acting as an anchor to the archer.

There were two more bikes gaining on them, the closer one fires his gun and the bullet whizzes past Kate as Yelena makes a sharp left turn. He quickly returns his hand to the handle bar, needing to slow down enough to make the same left turn. The bike drifts a bit and Kate seizes the opportunity. She notches two arrows and releases them into the air in quick succession - watching the arrows fly up and gain momentum before they hit the bike’s tank. The steel arrows had punctured holes through and petrol was gushing out fast. As distance builds between them, the bike soon stutters to a stop after running on fumes for a while. Kate crouches into the car, disappearing from view momentarily while she contemplates on how to disarm the last guy.

Kate Bishop: Two down, one more to go. This is going to be tricky, can you provide some cover?

Yelena just grunts at her and pulls the handbrake, making the tires screech loudly as the BMW drifts and swerves. They are now driving in reverse with the last guy coming right at them. Despite the chaos, there were still vehicles that were driving past them, oblivious to the high stakes situation that they were inadvertently in. Yelena calmly rolls down her window, ready to provide cover shots with her glock.

Kate quickly notches another arrow and takes aim at the masked rider, keeping absolutely still while she waits for the perfect moment. She tunes everything out, focused at her task and waiting for the right moment to present itself. It happens when the soldier seeks refuge from Yelena’s barrage of bullets behind a parked van. Kate exhales and releases the arrow. It whistles through the air, shattering through the van windows before exiting and hitting him smack on his upturned jacket collar, effectively nailing him to the parked truck behind the van. Kate smirks as she sees the hitman angrily squirm, trying to get free before lowering herself back into the car as Yelena rights the steering wheel.

Kate Bishop: Anddd... you’re welcome.
Yelena Belova: Eh, I’ve seen better shooting.
Kate Bishop: On TV maybe. One of those unrealistic action movies of yours.
Yelena Belova: Okay.. fine.. That was definitely the most amazing thing I have seen you do.
Kate Bishop: Pfft, this compliment doesn’t mean as much as you think it does. You said the same thing the last time I woke up without drooling.

Yelena doesn't say anything but offers her a cheeky grin instead. Kate was glad for this respite, where they can forget about assassins and danger and just fall back on their effortless banter. Like a normal couple. In fact, if Kate did some mental gymnastics, she could actually land right back at her earlier day dream and imagine them as a regular couple, vacationing in Budapest and stuffing their faces with palacsinta every chance they could.

xxx

With the crisis averted, the brunette had actually reclined her seat to relax a little as they fall back into easy conversation. While the conversion did flow smoothly, there was a conscious effort from both parties to keep things civil and light - so they only spoke about topics that were guaranteed to NOT be inflammatory. Like how Nathaniel and Pizza Dog were doing.. if Yelena had a chance to see the sights in Europe.. They even spoke about how much Kate cursed and if that was a bad thing.

Although keeping things light was definitely less stressful, Yelena could almost hear the gears in Kate’s head work overtime. While the blonde was sure that Kate had at least a hundred questions for her, she appreciated that Kate had enough control to not ask them out loud. Yelena admitted to herself that she probably was not as virtuous as Kate in that regard, feeling pretty confident that she would have attempted to badger the truth out of the Avenger the very first chance she could. Yelena also begrudgingly admitted to herself that Kate would have let her get away with that too. Kate always lets her get away with a lot of things even if it was visible how much Yelena pushed Kate’s button. But the billionaire was always gracious, giving in to Russian's demands while reworking things in her head to accomodate for Yelena’s intrusions. These thoughts made the affection that she had for Kate to grow ten folds and while she stole glances at Kate, she couldn’t help but admit that she missed all the ways Kate used to make her feel.

Yelena Belova: Fine. One question..
Kate Bishop: Yea?

Yelena just smiles and nods. Kate is silent for a few seconds, probably arranging her thoughts in her mind. The Avenger knew that the Widow would not answer obvious questions like what the hell had she gotten herself into or who the fuck was after her. Those were big ticket items that will only be shared when Yelena was well and ready, that much Kate knew. After mulling for a bit, she finally decides on a question that might shed some light on more than one thing.

Kate Bishop: Why didn’t you come to me for help?

Yelena rests her elbow on the car door and leans her cheek into her hand, subconsciously trying to self soothe. Her voice came out raspier than normal.

Yelena Belova: It just felt like something I had to do on my own, you know? I didn’t want you to feel like you had to clean up my mess.

Kate rubs her temples again, feeling a headache coming. She understands perfectly what Yelena was saying, so she hums in agreement. She really did get it, because sometimes you feel responsible for certain things, even if it's not your cross to bear. That was certainly how she felt about the whole Fisk thing not too long ago. What Kate did not appreciate though was Yelena's hypocrisy because she had basically twisted Kate’s arm into letting her help with the Tracksuit Mafia.

Kate Bishop: Mmhmm. Yea. Just that this whole thing would have probably been over by now if you had told me instead of running around behind my back.

Sensing Kate’s irritation, the Russian gets defensive and the grip on the steering wheel gets tighter.

Yelena Belova: Did you come all the way just to berate me?
Kate Bishop: No. No. You’re right. I’m sorry. What matters right now is that you’re safe and we are going to keep it that way.

As if by reflex, the Avenger peers out the window, making sure that they weren’t being followed. Once satisfied, Kate sighs and leans her head back, her mind slowly processing everything while she tries to keep her emotions in check. She chooses to focus on the fact that Yelena had trusted her enough to ask for help now because that in itself was monumental.

Kate Bishop: For what it’s worth, I’m glad to hear from you.

Despite not being the best with feelings and social cues, Yelena recognizes an olive branch when she sees one, so she accepts it gratefully.

Yelena Belova: And I should have said this sooner.. Thank you. For coming all the way.

Kate Bishop: No need to say thanks, you’d do the same for me. So….. who the hell is that guy? I stabbed AND kicked him into a river in Oslo but here he is a day later in a fucking tank.

Yelena doesn’t hold back her laugh because she did appreciate Kate trying to be smooth and sneak more intel out of her.

Yelena Belova: Ah ah Kate Bishop. That would be two questions and you were only permitted one!

She grins cheekily at Kate but the brunette was looking out the window now and doesn’t respond.

Yelena Belova: Oh come on now. The silent treatment? You agreed to the terms Kate Bishop. You are a very good businesswoman, I’m sure you know this, yes?

Kate ignores her and Yelena’s ears grow hot. She tries not to be embarrassed and tries again, pulling out all the cuteness that she could summon to cajole Kate.

Yelena Belova: Kate Bishop? Are you asleep? Wakie wakie Kate Bishop.

She pokes and prods at the brunette but she doesn’t move. Immediately Yelena’s stomach turns. Something didn’t feel right, it wasn’t like Kate to do this, so the Widow reaches out and tries to lace their fingers together. An intimate gesture that Kate would never, ever snub and when Kate doesn’t reciprocate the intimacy - alarm bells goes off for the blonde. Worried, she quickly peels off the highway and pulls into a dirt road.

Yelena Belova: Kate, hey Kate Bishop?

Her voice is more urgent now and she is close to panicking. Yelena shakes Kate with both hands and still nothing. Concerned, Yelena jumps out of the car and hurries to the passenger side. Throwing the door open, she scans the Avenger's body quickly, her frown deepening when she doesn't find any gun shot wounds. Growing desperate, she holds Kate's chin and studies her bruised face intently, fresh tears making it hard to see but she couldn't miss the blood that was now smeared on her palms. Hands shaking and trying to surpress a sob, Yelena gently turns Kate's face to the side and finally sees it. The steady flow of fresh blood coming from Kate Bishop's ears.

Chapter Text

Sonya starts with a brisk walk, but with her patience wanning, she picks up her pace - barely slowing even when she’s made it to the medical wing and the room she was headed to was already in sight. Sonya finally skids to a stop, wide eyed outside the ward, peeking in. The blonde hears her best friend before she even sees her.

Sonya: Tell me it’s true. Tell me you dragged in a half dead Avenger and it is NOT Clint Barton.
Yelena Belova: Sestra.

Yelena who just seconds ago was slumped over the cot, her lips offering a prayer in soft whispers, was up on her feet immediately. She embraced her best friend in a crushing hug. It hadn't even been 48 hours since they last met but a lot has changed since then and her Widow sister was definitely a sight for sore eyes.

Yelena Belova: I’ve been trying to hold it together but..

They press their foreheads together briefly before curiosity gets the best of her and Sonya pulls away. Her brown eyes landed on the patient lying in the cot, she was paler than the assassin remembered, a little thinner too which made her face seem more angular. But her gorgeous features and thick dark hair were unmistakable. A strange feeling of hope and elation fills the shorter woman before she turns her gaze back to Yelena, who seemed frazzled at best.

Sonya: It’s really her isn’t it?

The blonde does not answer her friend, choosing instead to uncharacteristically chew on her nails. Sonya has her arms folded now, face barely containing her amusement even as she examines Kate Bishop with just her eyes. She had been away for a couple of days on a recon mission and was more than pleased when she had heard whispers from the others that Yelena had brought back an Avenger. The fact that the aforementioned Avenger was coincidentally her favourite one was just the cherry on the sundae.

Sonya: What happened to never involving Kate?
Yelena Belova: Well. Things change.

Yelena was back at her post. Dutifully perched next to Kate’s battered body, holding her hand and bringing it to her own cheek. What she would do to have Kate wake up and caress her face again..

Sonya: I mean yes, not everyone kidnap’s their ex.
Yelena: You’re not helping. You are supposed to be helping.
Sonya: What? I’m just saying you’ve got a type. Messy. Brave. Annoyingly charming..
Yelena Belova: Ya tebya nenavizhu (I hate you).
Sonya: No, you love me sestra, not as much as you love this one though, but hey - I’ll take whatever scraps you give me.

Her voice was full of adoration, as she looked at Kate fondly. The blonde just hums noncommittally, eyes now searching Kate’s face for movement. Sonya’s excitement carries through in her voice and it annoys Yelena greatly. She doesn't react to it though because she knows that her possessiveness is unwarranted. She needed her friend now more than ever. As if to prove it to herself and Sonya, Yelena takes a step back, a subconscious gesture that tells Sonya that she was permitted to approach. The Widow responds by affectionately gripping Kate’s toes over the blanket and giving them a little squeeze.

Sonya: Bold choice to bring an Avenger here though..

Yelena frantically runs her hands through her blonde hair before pressing her palm to her forehead. She starts pacing the small room again. Mind already formulating a plan.

Yelena Belova: She’s stable now. We could leave at first light?
Sonya: Look at her. She needs rest.

It was clear to her Widow sister that not much thought had gone into this endeavour at all. Kate was hurt and Yelena had instinctively brought her here to seek help. It's only belatedly occuring to Yelena that she had probably delivered Kate to death’s door.

Yelena Belova: She was going to die Sonya. Right there, in my arms. So i made a choi-
Sonya: Hey, breathe okay? We’ll figure it out.

With that statement, Yelena finally looks at Sonya and gives her a grateful nod. Finally making her way to the head of the cot, Sonya whistles while scanning through Kate’s records. Her eyes widened and her head shakes in disbelief.

Sonya: Did you see this? Your Kate Bishop has been very, very busy. Fractured ribs, broken ocular bone, knee contusion AND all that wrapped in a beautiful grade 3 concussion bow.

The list of injuries makes Yelena’s eyes well up again. She hated seeing Kate like this and she hated the fact that she was the one who did this to Kate. Yelena clenches her jaw as she takes in all the bruises and cuts littered on the brunette’s face again.

Yelena Belova: I should have caught on the signs. She was already breaking and I-
Sonya: Ty sdelal eto? (You did this?)

The blonde squeezes her eyes shut, guilt pulsing in her chest like a heartbeat gone wrong.

Yelena Belova:..Not on purpose.. I didn’t see her pain and I was just so angry about New York..
Sonya: Okay. Enough of that. Kate’s going to wake up soon and you’re going to tell her all of this yourself.
Yelena Belova: But what if-
Sonya: How long have you been sitting here?

Sonya doesn’t dwell and to be honest, that was the type of methodical thinking that Yelena needed right now because whenever it comes to Kate, Yelena is never the cool, efficient killer that she was known to be.

Yelena Belova: About 8 hours.
Sonya: Have you spoken to the council?
Yelena Belova: Not yet, I didn’t want to leave her alone.
Sonya: Well I’m here now and I’ll babysit your dramatic American.
Yelena Belova: I’ll try to be quick. I just need to make sure Indira doesn’t try to throw Kate off the fucking dam.

Yelena sighs and straightens up, pulling her hair into a messy ponytail. She leans down and nuzzles Kate’s neck, taking in her scent before reluctantly leaving the room.

Sonya: Don’t worry Americano. Your chaos tornado is stalking the halls as we speak and threatening people on your behalf. You’re basically Black Widow royalty now.

xxx

The first time Kate Bishop opened her eyes, all she felt was pain. Her first instinct was to sit up but her faithful body does not comply. Dim light pooled from a nearby desk lamp, casting long shadows across the walls. The room smelled faintly of iodine, metal, and something medicinal that stung at the back of her throat. She shifts her gaze, and finds metal shelves. Crates. A rusted filing cabinet. A wall map of Europe peppered with thumbtacks and coded notes.

Everything about this place didn’t make sense. It was half hospital, half bunker and all too quiet. The more her mind raced, the worse her head hurt and that was the worst part - she couldn't stop thinking, and kept spiralling in her own thoughts, unable to move or do much else. She groans as she feels a sharp crack behind her eyes, then vertigo like someone had tilted the whole world sideways. She winces and slumps back onto the cot, its military fabric creaking beneath her as she passes out again.

The second time Kate Bishop opened her eyes, all she felt was pressure. Not pain. Not clarity. Just the strange, floaty kind of pressure you get when your brain is swimming in wrong signals and your body doesn’t trust any of them. Then she felt a stranger’s hand on her. A woman - young, dark hair tied back, nimble fingers working fast to adjust the IV line in her arm. TRIP screamed in her head. Too close. Too unknown.

Pure panic shoots through her and Kate snapped awake, instincts firing on pure adrenaline. Her hand clamped around the woman’s wrist, yanking her forward and rolling off the cot into a crouch, dragging the nurse into a tight arm lock from behind. The IV line ripped free, fluid spraying across the floor, the struggle ensuing in the loud clattering of metal medical equipment.

Kate Bishop: Where am I?
Medic: Wait - stop, you’re safe! You’re with us!
Kate Bishop: Not what I asked.

Her grip tightened and the woman who was fairly calm until then, started clawing at her forearm.

Kate Bishop: Where’s Yelena? Where the hell is she??

Footsteps thundered down the corridor as multiple people rushed in, drawn by the chaos. Some were in tactical gear while others were dressed casually. But they all froze when they came upon the scene. Kate Bishop, shaking, sweat slicked, and wild eyed - was holding one of their own hostage. The tense silence stretched but none of them made a move, until one voice cut through it.

Indira: She said you would wake up fighting. Guess she wasn’t wrong.

Kate turned her entire body to face the voice, arms still locked tight and dragging the medic with her. A few of the women snicker a little, putting away their weapons. Kate is even more confused. All she knows is that she is somewhere unfamiliar, surrounded by potentially dangerous people with Yelena nowhere in sight.

Indira: I’m Indira and I for one.. am glad that you’re awake. Gives us a chance to.. chat..
Kate Bishop: I don’t know who you are, but if you hurt Yelena, I swear to God I’ll-
Indira: You’ll what? Hurt us some more?

The energy in the crowd shifted, it was turning volatile. Kate was backed into a corner and the high stress situation was making her vision blurry. She wasn’t going to hold out much longer.

Indira: You know.. I kept checking the news, expecting to see the Avengers bringing down the Red Room.

Kate stops fidgeting for a second and narrows her glance at Indira.

Kate Bishop: What? What the hell are you talking about? It’s been gone for years. Dreykov’s dead.
Indira: You don’t actually believe that, do you?

The Widow read the expression that was plastered on Kate's face. It was marred with confusion.

Indira: Huh. You really do believe that.
Kate Bishop: Dreykov’s dead. It took almost destroying the entire city just to get to him.
Indira: If you’re so sure, then tell us what happened. Tell us exactly.

Kate winces inwardly. She didn't appreciate being talked to like a child, but Indira’s insistence was starting to make her conviction waiver ever so slightly. The Budapest chapter was the only mission that Kate kept buried deep down in her heart and the only one that she didn’t like to talk about. It wasn’t just her though, neither Clint nor Natasha did either. But that’s the thing about the past isn’t it? It’s persistent.

That being said, not wanting to discuss a mission wasn’t synonymous with fucking up a mission. Kate knows exactly what went down in Budapest simply because she was there. Hell. She was even the one who had to type out the damn report. Kate swallows thickly, eyeing the women gathered in the room, subconsciously she tightens her chokehold on the medic.

Kate Bishop: We rigged bombs.
Indira: Who’s “we”?

Indira asks mockingly. There was something about her, her tone, and the way she carried herself that made Kate feel very..very..unsteady. It didn’t help that the dull ache at the back of her head was coming back stronger now.

Kate Bishop: Natasha, Clint Barton, and me. Killing Dreykov was the final step in Natasha’s defection to S.H.I.E.L.D.
Indira: Simple as that?
Kate Bishop: Yeah, sure, “simple.” That’s what I’d call imploding a five-story building and then shooting it out with the Hungarian Special Forces. Took 8 days in hiding before we could even get out of Budapest.
Indira: And you checked the body? Confirmed the kill?

Indira took a step towards Kate, and Kate dragged the medic back a step along with her. Her steps were uncertain but the words came out of her mouth steadily.

Kate Bishop: There were no bodies left to check.
Indira: You’re forgetting Dreykov’s daughter.

-KATE!

The Avenger whips her head, her vision was barely there but she’d recognize that voice anywhere. The voice was low. Solid. Yelena’s voice. The crowd parted like water and Yelena strode in, jaw clenched, eyes locked on Kate. Her heart twinges painfully. She had never seen Kate look so distraught before.

Yelena Belova: Hey. It’s me. Look at me.

Kate’s eyes were unfocused but they finally found hers. She exhaled and then everything crumbled. Her legs gave out and the woman she’d held hostage stumbled free. The Avenger would have hit the ground if Yelena hadn’t caught her mid-fall, pulling her close with one arm around her back and the other cradling her head.

Sonya: Everyone, leave us.

The Widows hesitated, especially Indira. Sonya didn’t raise her voice. She didn’t have to.

Sonya: Out. Now.

The Widows filtered out, some with sideways glances, some with guilt, some with judgement. The door sealed behind them. Yelena was caressing Kate’s cheek, her eyes never leaving Kate, who was barely conscious now, whispering her name like it was a lifeline.

Kate Bishop: Safe?
Yelena Belova: Yes we’re safe. You don’t have to worry about that okay? You hurt your head really bad but we’re safe now and you can rest.

The heiress blinked slowly, her speech slurring a little, struggling to focus on any one thing. Yelena swallowed and tried to give Kate a reassuring smile. She brought Kate’s palm up and pressed it against her own chest, a small attempt to show Kate that she was very much alive and well and right here.

Kate Bishop: .. Dreykov..
Yelena Belova: I know muyo lyubov (sweetheart). I know. But I promise that we are safe now. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but we are amongst friends. I’ll explain everything. Eventually. Because you probably think I’m a hallucination right now..

The blonde’s words trail off softly as Kate passes out for the umpteenth time. She shares a worried look with Sonya before pressing her forehead to Kate’s and holding her. The dam hummed quietly around them, as if even the walls were holding their breath again.

xxx

The third time Kate Bishop opened her eyes, all she felt was softness. She notices the dim flickering light and the quiet whirr of old machinery. Somewhere distant, water drips rhythmically, echoing off concrete. She was somewhere different now, the room smelled faintly like vanilla and something older - damp stone and steel.

The Avenger blinked slowly, the world swimming in and out of focus and this time - she lets it. She stays calm and goes with the ebb and flow of her thoughts, slowly waiting for them to settle and form into something bigger, something more meaningful. At the back of her mind, TRIP prattles on data that she ignores for now. Her head is heavy but she’s lying on something warm and soft - not a bed. A lap. And it made all the difference in the world.

Kate Bishop: Yelena?

Her voice was hoarse from disuse but she didn’t care about that the moment Yelena’s face appeared above her, upside down in Kate’s field of vision, eyebrows pinched with relief. She gently smooths back the sweaty hair from bruised face.

Yelena Belova: Hey. You’re okay detka (babe). I’ve got you.

The Avenger groaned, attempting to sit up but her body wasn’t ready. Yelena gently holds her down.

Yelena Belova: Don’t. You’ve got a severe concussion Kate. Stay still.
Kate Bishop: Is this a dream?

Yelena just shakes her head no and presses a soft kiss on the brunette’s temple.

Kate Bishop: .. if this isn’t a dream, then.. Dreykov..

Kate struggles to form short cogent sentences. It was frustrating not being able to communicate the thousands of things that she was feeling and thinking. Yelena’s expression shifts, she appears guarded now. Almost as if she understood Kate’s turmoil. Her lips press into a line and she doesn’t lie, but she chooses her words carefully so as not to agitate Kate.

Yelena Belova: He’s alive. We’ll talk about it.. but not now. You’re not ready for that yet.

Kate frowns deeply and then her eyes turn fiery with rage, but the next time she blinks, her beautiful blue eyes are immediately filled with tears.

Kate Bishop: We failed?

The question catches Yelena off guard and her heart squeezes painfully. Guilt pools in her stomach and she shakes her head vehemently, palm rubbing Kate’s chest over and over, sensing her growing agitation.

Yelena Belova: It’s..complicated. I promise you, soon it will all make sense. Will you give me some time please muyo lyubov (sweetheart)?

Kate turns her head away a little and sighs, relenting. There wasn’t much she could do anyway with her body and her mind not cooperating fully. Her body ached and her mind felt like it was broken, fragmenting her memories into a million unrecognizable pieces. TRIP reasoned that with the Civil War and Sokovian Accords - Kate had all the time in the world to heal.

Kate Bishop: Where are we?
Yelena Belova: Inside the bones of something old. The Widows have made it ours.

Kate’s brows furrowed once again. Widows. She fights it but a memory forces its way through. Overhead lights with brightness lancing through her skull like a needle. The blades of a helicopter. Boots dragging against mud and concrete. Her boots. Or maybe Yelena’s? She couldn’t tell. Gravity felt like it was arguing with itself. Her head lolled sideways and the dam’s interior loomed above her like the skeleton of some dead god - curved and endless, marked with old red warning signs in Cyrillic. She saw shadows. A hallway lined with faces. Women. Watching. Whispering. Then her head had snapped back, and the colour bled out of the world like an old film strip burning in reverse.

Kate Bishop: They don’t like me.

The remark surprises Yelena. Of course of all the things Kate remembers, it was Indira’s hostility that made the biggest impression. Yelena exhales slowly, nuzzling the soft skin on Kate’s temple.

Yelena Belova: Some don’t. Not yet. But that's only because they dont know you yet. But I wouldn’t worry about it.

Kate looks at her curiously. A beat of silence. Then Yelena’s voice softens further.

Yelena Belova: Because you are very, very charming Kate Bishop and you’re going to have them all wrapped around your little finger soon enough.

As if to emphasise her point, Yelena holds Kate’s hand and kisses her palm, and then plants a soft kiss on each of her fingertips, leaving an especially big one on her pinky.

Kate Bishop: I’d roll my eyes at you but if I did, my skull would fold inward.

Yelena Belova: I see that your sarcasm is intact, Sonya will be thrilled to hear.

Kate gives her a faint, weak smile before her head lolled to the side again. Kate opens her mouth to speak but finds Yelena’s finger on her lips.

Yelena Belova: You need to rest. No more questions. No hard answers.
Kate Bishop: But there are answers, right? And you’re staying?

The assassin looked at her, there was a glimpse of fear that passed through fast. Like she was worried she’d never see Yelena ever again. The look pained Yelena greatly, Kate was literally refusing to rest until she was certain that Yelena was safe and taken care of. Like Kate couldn't even fathom resting or getting well, if Yelena wasn’t going to be there when she woke up. Stupid endearing Kate Bishop.

Yelena Belova: Yes, just not today. And I promise to stay, muyo lyubov (sweetheart).

The Avenger finally closes her eyes and her thick eye lashes flutter as if in protest. Yelena gently reaches out, brushing a knuckle against Kate’s bruised cheek. The touch was brief but grounding. Her mind latches on to Yelena’s soft breathing and she finally lets go, sinking into real sleep - the kind you only get when someone you trust is watching the door.

xxx

Then soft humming fills the air, not from machines this time but from a voice. She doesn’t recognize it as Yelena’s so it takes Kate a while to stir against the crisp sheets, head still heavy but clearer than before. The throbbing pain has dulled. Her body feels bruised but alive.

A small metal fan turns slowly overhead. Sitting on a stool beside the bed is a woman Kate recognizes immediately - short cropped hair, but dyed green at the tips, eyes bright and thoughtful as she reads her book with her feet up on another stool. Hearing Kate stir, the woman looks up and flashes a bright smile at her.

Sonya: Sleeping Beauty awakes finally. I was beginning to think you were just milking it for Yelena’s attention.

Kate groans and shifts with effort, swinging both her feet so she could finally sit up. Ignoring the petite Widow right in front of her, the brunette slowly stretches her neck to the left, cracking it loudly, then stretches it to the right to crack it even louder. Then she pushes out her shoulders and extends her long arms, stretching her back and shoulder muscles. Sonya watches the show with a little smirk on her face, noting how this new look that Kate was inadvertently sporting made her look runaway ready. Kate Bishop looked more sinewy, and the wolf cut that she must have recently gotten looked perfectly tousled.

Kate Bishop: Your book is upside down, you creeper.

Caught staring, Sonya gets flustered and actually looks down at her book, which was definitely the right way up but it was too late for a retort because Kate was already grinning.

Sonya: Well sorry to break it to you but you look like a broken pinata. Except you didn’t drop any candy.
Kate Bishop: Mm. I feel like my headaches have headaches.
Sonya: You can thank the grade 3 concussion for that. Yelena mentioned that you were always an overachiever.

Kate covers her eyes and groans into her hands. Part of her wanted to sleep forever, but part of her felt like she'd been asleep forever.

Kate Bishop: How long was I out for?

Sonya reaches for the canteen of water on the desk and offers it to Kate, who takes it with shaky hands. Sonya watches to see how her hand eye coordination was and thankfully the Avenger managed to take sips of water without pouring it all over herself.

Sonya: A whopping.. 36 hours almost.
Kate Bishop: That’s got to be a record somewhere.

TRIP unhelpfully quipped that it was not and Kate ignored him yet again.

Sonya: You scared the hell out of us you know? Woke up flinging IVs and arm-locking poor Zoya like we were still in the Red Room.
Kate Bishop:.. Fuckk. I’m sorry. I didn’t know where Yelena was and I-
Sonya: I know. She told us not to hold it against you. Indira’s still grumbling but that’s just her thing.

There was a comfortable pause in the conversation. Kate takes another sip of water, this time steadier. She scans the space - a stack of reports sat next to a laptop, there were medical supplies arranged neatly, someone’s boots abandoned beneath a chair. Despite the roughness, there was also a strange sense of order. Of care. The wall by the desk had a push board with photos of Yelena and Natasha. Photos of Sonya. Kate. Here and there Yelena’s personality stuck out and Kate presumes that’s why she had felt so comfortable here. She was in Yelena’s room.

Sonya: May I?

Kate looks confused for a second before she sees what Sonya was pointing at. She gives her, her hand and the Widow carefully lays it on her lap, placing a little tray next to them as she proceeds to remove Kate’s cannula before cleaning it and putting on a bandaid.

Kate Bishop: So this place.. is it really a dam?
Sonya: Yes, Volgogradskaya Groza.
Kate Bishop: Volgograd Storm?
Sonya: Mmhmm. Used to be hydroelectric. Flooded once, then abandoned. We made it home some time ago.
Kate Bishop: Charming.
Sonya: Right? Mildew, rust, trauma - all the Widow essentials.

Kate lets out a weak laugh, the first one maybe since she woke up. Sonya beams at that.

Sonya: Okay Bishop, you’re cleared to sit up. Not much more. Yelena’s orders. And trust me, no one wants to cross that woman when she’s in her protective mode.
Kate Bishop: Can you take me to her?

Sonya eyes her incredulously before shaking her head no.

Sonya: Is your hearing impaired? Did you hear what I just said?
Kate Bishop: Yes yes. See but I’m fine though. Just a little walk to stretch my legs.. Plus you’re going to be with me, so.. it’ll be super safe.

Kate’s tone is light but there’s meaning beneath it. A silence settles between them and Sonya agrees reluctantly, closing her book and hopping off the stool. The Avenger watches her friend with a mixture of amusement and appreciation, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Sonya: Okay but if you pass out in the shower, I will leave you there in all your naked glory for Yelena to find.

Kate just groans and lets herself be pulled up by the Widow and she helps her hobble to the small shower, turning it on and making sure Kate had everything she needed for a quick rinse. When she came out feeling fresher, clothes were already laid out on the bed, waiting for her.

Sonya: Here, Yelena already had these laid out for you.

Kate gathers the clean clothes in her arm and goes to a corner to get dressed. The smile doesn’t leave her face because this was something that Yelena always did when they lived together. Kate could definitely dress herself but it was one of those little innocuous things that made Yelena inexplicably happy and so the billionaire always played along. The blonde liked putting clothes out for Kate to wear and whatever she picked out would always in one small way or another, compliment whatever Yelena was wearing.

This time however Yelena had clearly opted for comfort over style because Kate had been given some sweat pants and a pullover. She couldn’t complain though, the soft clothes were gentle on her bruises, especially her knee which was doing really well from her not being on it for almost two days now.

Sonya: Alright. Since you’re awake and vertical-ish, I guess a little tour won’t hurt. If you want, we could see the kitchen, the living space, and the secret sad nook that everyone pretends isn’t a sad nook?

Kate Bishop: Only if I get to make jokes about the secret sad nook.
Sonya: Deal. Okay come on, this way.

Kate stands again, steadying herself. Sonya offers an arm and Kate takes it gratefully.

Sonya: Yelena said no serious talk yet. No Dreykov, no war councils, no existential dread. Just a little walking, and lots of naps.
Kate Bishop: Got it. Light trauma only.
Sonya: Exactly. Welcome to Volgogradskaya Groza, Kate. Hope you survive the tour.

They leave Yelena’s quarters and pass through a rusted archway that leads into a corridor lined with stripped down control panels and tangled cables. It was obvious that any working parts of the dam had been repurposed, and given new life. It was all poetic really.

Sonya: This used to be the intake channel. Now we call it ‘Comms Alley’. It’s where the girls’ eavesdrop on half of the world. Most of the time it’s just politicians lying or arms dealers flirting badly.
Kate Bishop: Well, not everyone can be an amazing flirt like you.
Sonya: Oh I know! That’s the problem.

Kate raises an eyebrow and the Widow grins at her. They continue with their tour and Sonya has her hands swing casually at her sides, but she’s constantly watching the Avenger’s steps - making sure that she’s steady.

Kate Bishop: You know, Yelena never told me how you two became friends.
Sonya: We were partnered when we were thirteen. It was an infiltration ops in Brazil. She had no patience and I had no filter. Match made in heaven basically.

Kate stops walking and looks at her with narrowed, suspicious eyes.

Kate Bishop: So you’re her filter now?
Sonya: God no. I’m the second fire she throws onto the explosion.

They both chuckle and Kate laughs a little too hard until a shooting pain goes to her side. She grimaces but rallies quickly as they continue with the tour, rounding a corner. Below them, through a grated window, is the mess hall. It was sparsely populated, but humming with quiet conversation.

Sonya: That’s the mess. Don’t eat the soup unless you like regret.
Kate Bishop: 86 the soup. Got it.

They ascend a narrow metal staircase. Sonya walks backwards half the way, watching Kate more than she did the steps.

Sonya: She really does care about you. You know that, right?

Kate slows, caught off guard by the shift in tone.

Kate Bishop: I know..
Sonya: And she doesn’t let people in. Not really. Not since.. everything. But you? You cracked her like a damn safe. It’s both terrifying and adorable.
Kate Bishop: I uhh.. didn’t plan for any of this. It just-happened..
Sonya: The best disasters do.. but maybe you can turn things around?
Kate Bishop: Well.. I want to. Badly. I just don’t know if she still wants t-
Sonya: Ohhh she does. Trust me. She very much would like to get back on that.. saddle..

Sonya's finger flirtily runs down Kate’s chest and stops right at her abdomen. Then she turns around and starts walking like she didn’t just make Kate all flustered and distracted. Kate tries prying again but of course, Sonya would not divulge anything more about Yelena much to the Avenger’s chagrin. They enter a small hangar style space where a few Widows are sparring in the distance. Bunk beds are stacked along one wall, maps, and weapons laid out on makeshift tables.

Sonya: That’s our barracks. Don’t touch anything unless you want to lose a hand. And-

She pauses and turns to Kate abruptly, looking her up and down with mock seriousness.

Sonya: And if you break Yelena’s heart again, I’ll have to challenge you to a duel. It’ll be awkward. I’ll lose. But I’ll make it look romantic as hell.
Kate Bishop: If I wasn’t terribly concussed, I’d think that you have a crush on me.
Sonya: Mmhmm, but only when you’re not bleeding out of your skull.
Kate Bishop: You’re a little unhinged, you know that? Did Yelena ever tell you that?

The brunette grins but it falters slightly, a wave of dizziness hitting her out of nowhere. She leans against the nearest wall and Sonya’s hand is there instantly - steady and warm.

Sonya: You good Americano?
Kate Bishop: Yeah, just the usual post concussion charm.

Sonya holds her gaze for a beat longer than necessary, then steps back clearing her throat.

Sonya: Alright Bishop - ready to go see the love of your life? Yelena is with the other Widows.
Kate Bishop: Thanks for doing this, I don’t know how I’d manage without you.

Kate straightens up, steadying herself against the wall. The shorter woman offers an arm and she takes it readily. As they walk down the cool concrete corridors, Kate nudges the assassin playfully.

Kate Bishop: So.. Widows huh..
Sonya: Yes, but not the kinds you fight. These are free ones, like Yelena and myself.

Kate turns those words around in her head. Free Widows.. As opposed to.. brainwashed ones? She pondered about what that would entail but she’s pulled out of her thoughts when they take the next left turn in the corridor and can hear voices echoing from one of the meeting rooms there. Sonya immediately stops and tries to turn them around but Kate stands steadfast.

Indira: The Avenger is poison! A walking reminder of everything that Dreykov did to us. She’s the reason half of us are still shackled to that nightmare.
Yelena Belova: Don’t talk like that. She’s not what you think and you don’t know what happened.
Indira: I know exactly what she is. A weapon that was turned against us and yet you intend to let her roam free here.
Yelena Belova: She is not a weapon, she’s my soulmate.

Hearing Indira’s caustic words make Kate sick to her stomach and she feels her nausea building. She has no clue what Indira has against her but even through the pain and confusion of a head injury, she can see how Yelena was going to bat for her.

Indira: You think your love shields her from our pain? From our rage? Every breath she takes is a betrayal!

A loud bang is heard, as if Yelena had slammed her fist onto the table in a fit of rage. Moments pass and tension is heavy in the air. Sonya is chewing on the inside of her cheek, a sure fire sign that tells Kate that there is a lot that she does not know.

Yelena: Enough. I am warning you. If you even think about hurting my Kate Bishop - that will be the last thought you will ever have.
Indira: You are blind Yelena. Blind and soft. And that softness will be the death of us.
Yelena Belova: My loyalty is to all of you sestra.. but cross me on this, and you will regret it.

Kate had heard enough and just as the duo turned to walk back up the corridor, the room doors swung open and Indira stormed out. The moment she sees Kate Bishop, the true target of her fury, she shoves her against the wall.

Sonya: Not now Indira.
Indira: When then if not now? Do you even know what they did to us? What IT did to our minds?
Kate Bishop: I-I read the files. Natasha told me everything.

Indira laughs bitterly, even more so as Sonya shoves herself between them to protect Kate. That didn’t stop Indira from yelling at Kate over Sonya’s shoulders though.

Indira: But you still worked for them. S.H.I.E.L.D. The West. All of you looked the other way while we were made into weapons. You wore a cape and smiled on TV while we were killing children in basements.

Kate Bishop: I swear to you. I didn’t know.
Indira: You didn’t ask.

The Widow brushed past her, shoulder slamming into Kate’s. No apology. Just raw history, still bleeding. Kate’s jaw hurts from being clenched so hard, her head hurts a lot and every word from Indira added to the pain and confusion. She turns into the meeting room where Yelena and the other Widows were still gathered around a rough hewn table. Yelena’s face immediately lights up with relief when she sees the heiress standing there, completely unaware of the altercation that had just happened moments ago.

Seeing Yelena look at Kate like that.. made her knees weak, it was the way Yelena used to look at her before everything went to shit and seeing her beam at Kate like that.. and for what? For just existing? It made everything else that Kate was feeling take a back burner. The headache that was working itself up thanks to Indira being in her face was also easing up.

Yelena Belova: There are you. Come. Sit with me.

The Avenger moves to Yelena’s side. Sonya stays close but lets them share a quiet moment before the meeting resumes.

xxx

The dam is quiet in the late afternoon. Most Widows were either working on an upcoming mission, training, or resting. To Yelena’s delight, Kate has been a stellar patient thus far, she has been very patient about not asking hard questions, and she has definitely gone out of her way to avoid Indira and her little click. In one of the upper walkways, the Avenger leans against a railing, arms crossed, head tilted back in frustration. She’s been cleared to walk around, but not to train, not to spar, and worst of all - no screens.

Kate Bishop: I’ve defeated assassins.. scaled buildings.. survived aliens AND robots.. but no screen? Who’d have thunk that this would be the greatest torture..

Kate was muttering to herself when she heard footsteps echo being her. They were quick, deliberate and familiar so she doesn’t bother turning around. As predicted, her favourite Widow turns the corner with her usual swagger, hiding something behind her back.

Yelena Belova: Comrade Bishop. I heard that you’re dying of restlessness and unbearable boredom.
Kate Bishop: Uhuh. Both terminal unfortunately.
Yelena Belova: Fear not detka (babe), I bring you..intellectual salvation.

She dramatically presents a worn map of the dam - her fingers dancing over the words ‘Biblioteka’ (Library). Kate reads the map and then looks at Yelena, blinking slowly.

Kate Bishop: That’s your idea of entertainment?
Yelena Belova: Better than pacing like a panther in a cage. Come on. Library time.

With their fingers intertwined, they take a slow walk to a part of Volgogradskaya Groza that Kate had not yet explored. The little library was a mix of chaos and comfort - dusty shelves, old wooden desks, paper files in disarray, and a few crates stacked to form makeshift seating. Faint light filters in from high, grimy windows and it smelled like dust and old books.

Immediately Kate decided that this was her favourite place in the dam, yes, even more than the secret sad nook. They take their time exploring the forgotten books and Kate stumbles upon a box of old Red Room notes. Yelena allows her to go through them since they were technically not against the rules.

Kate Bishop: Extraction protocols, Phase 3 conditioning… This is the worst beach read ever.
Yelena Belova: You are supposed to be resting. Not reading state-sponsored nightmares.
Kate Bishop: Technically I’m just skimming. You know, light torture before bed.

Yelena chuckles and tosses her a thin, dog eared book with a cracked spine.

Yelena Belova: Here. Poetry. Found it wedged behind a folder labeled ‘Disposal Methods’, so clearly it’s romantic.

Kate studies the worn paperback book - the cover partially torn, the title in both Cyrillic and English: ‘Tragic Poetry from the Golden Age of Soviet Despair’. Kate reads the title out loud and flips through the book, genuinely curious. They were Russian poems translated into English by someone whose grammar was clearly not their strong suit. Still, the effort felt endearing. The Avenger climbs onto one of the bigger crates and clears her throat before reading out loud.

Kate Bishop: My heart..like a concrete hallway, echoes only your footsteps..

She smiles at Yelena mischievously, before winking at her.

Kate Bishop:.. That’s me. I am the hallway. Echoing.
Yelena: Wow. That was darkly adorable.
Kate Bishop: Yea? Should I read you more?

Yelena shakes her head enthusiastically. She sits in front of the crate, her knees hooked in her arms, listening attentively to Kate Bishop reciting bad Russian poetry to her. The older woman dramatically clear her throat again.

Kate Bishop:.. I wait for silence, broken by gunfire. My dreams are gray. My coffee, cold..
Hmm this is a lot huh?

Kate says as an afterthought, quietly pondering the words of the poem.

Yelena Belova: Exactly. it matches your soul.
Kate Bishop: Well you try not being broody while under house arrest.
Yelena Belova: No, not broody, Kate Bishop. That was very romantic actually. You just don't understand Slavic love language. It's all about.. longing. And cold toes.

Kate jumps off the crate and kneels in front of Yelena, bringing their faces dangerously close.

Kate Bishop: You are a menace.
Yelena Belova: I am your menace.

A moment passes as they stare into each other’s eyes. The book slips from her hand and lands softly on the floor between them.

Kate Bishop: Yeah.. You are aren’t you?

Yelena watches for a second longer, then shifts - her hand brushing against Kate’s knee, then higher, slow and deliberately resting on her strong thighs. Kate doesn’t flinch, just closes the space between them with a calm type of certainty. Their lips meet softly at first, like a secret. Then again, deeper this time, messier, hands pulling closer, knees knocking awkwardly against each other. It’s clumsy and desperate in a way that says ‘We are going to survive this’. Yelena grins into the kiss, speaking between breaths.

Yelena Belova: Careful. I might fall in love with you all over again.
Kate Bishop: I never stopped.

They kiss again, harder now, the sound of old pages rustling around them, dust stirred in beams of light as they approached the golden hour. Somewhere in the shelves, a folder topples with a thud but neither of them stop kissing. The kiss lingers a moment longer than intended, and Yelena is the one to pull back first, breath caught somewhere between relief and tension.

Yelena Belova:.. Okay we should stop.
Kate Bishop: Why?
Yelena Belova: Because we are technically in a library, and I think one of those folders just filed a complaint against us. Also, sex will probably make your brain explode right now.

Kate doesn’t pull back but Yelena can feel the smile that's pressed against her neck.

Kate Bishop: Was it the folder on Covert Seduction tactics? Because I’d say we nailed that one.

Yelena reluctantly stands up and dusts her pants. She was due for a sparring session soon and would rather not be late.

Yelena Belova: Don’t get smug.
Kate Bishop: Oh baby, it's already happening.

Yelena points her finger at her lover, playfully admonishing her. Knowing fully that she was feeding Kate’s mischief as much as she pretended not to.

Yelena Belova: Don’t baby me. You lured me with romantic Slavic poetry recitals and then made out with me on top of top secret files!
Kate Bishop: I regret nothing.

The Widow grabs a little book off the floor and mock throws it at the Avenger, who dodges it easily and catches it midair with a little bow.

Kate Bishop: Maybe you’re right. I’m supposed to be healing. Not giving you material for your next ego trip.
Yelena Belova: Pfft, I was simply aiding the recovery process. Laughter. Light cardio. Sensual distraction.
Kate Bishop: You’re unbelievable.
Yelena Belova: But you like it.
Kate Bishop: Maybe. But if anyone asks why a record of Chemical Warfare has dark lipstick on it, I’m blaming you.

The Widow commander was already halfway to the door but she glances over her shoulder. Face deadpan except for the flicker of mischief in her eyes.

Yelena Belova: I accept full responsibility, my dangerous hallway of echoes.

The blonde calls out as she disappears out the door with a barely contained laugh. Kate stays in the moment, revelling in the closeness that she just shared with Yelena. She leans against the edge of a desk, twirling a pencil she found in her hand. The silence settles in like dust, soft and comfortable. And just when she thinks the Russian is really gone - footsteps return and the she is at the doorway again, eyes flicking down the corridor like she’s checking if anyone saw her come back.

Yelena Belova: I forgot the book.

Kate responds without turning, her voice light as her mood.

Kate Bishop: Liar.

Yelena steps inside anyway, slower this time. Her voice is softer too, stripped of sarcasm.

Yelena Belova: Fine, I didn’t really want to leave.

Kate finally turns around, they both smile as Yelena pulls out the little poetry book from her back pocket. She hands the book out like a peace offering. Kate takes it, but doesn’t move. She just stands there for a second, unsure, flicking the edge of the book with her thumb.

Kate Bishop: You know I.. I don’t really know what I’m doing half of the time. Being here. With you. In a dam full of very.. stabby women.
Yelena Belova: You are doing fine. You haven’t been stabbed even once.

Kate laughs softly. Yelena was technically correct, disregarding the occassional staring, the other Widows have largely left the billionaire alone.

Kate Bishop: And that’s your definition of thriving?
Yelena Belova: Absolutely.

The silence feels different now, more tender than awkward. The brunette sits down on the floor, back leaning against the crate and Yelena follows suit. She rests her head against Kate’s shoulder while she absentmindedly plays with the rings on the Widow's fingers.

Yelena Belova: Do you really like it here?
Kate Bishop: Yeah. It’s quiet. Weirdly peaceful for a place that probably has manuals on assassinations.
Yelena Belova: It’s good that you can find peace here. Even in the wreckage.

The two fall into a warm silence, surrounded by rustling pages, old secrets, and the comfort of each other's presence.