Chapter two
Chapter two
Yelena was straddling Kate and her arm was holding Kate by her neck. Kate was struggling to breath but she didn’t want to surrender. They’ve been fighting every single day for eight days and each time Yelena has won. It was starting to hurt Kate’s ego.
“Come on, мой маленький ястреб (my little hawk), you know you are not winning” Yelena said, smirking down at her. It was infuriating, she hadn’t even broken a sweat while Kate was a mess. Somewhere in the house Lucky barked and Yelena looked, so Kate used this little window and flipped them over so she was the one on top of Yelena and holding her to the floor.
“Yes, I did it” Kate’s grin didn’t last long as Yelena threw her back with full force and Kate’s back hit the floor.
“That was good but don’t celebrate before your opponent is dead” Yelena offered her hand to Kate and she took it to stand up. “You’re improving, it is actually impressing how fast you learn”
“You’re just saying that. I haven’t been able to do anything to you” At those words Kate was thankful for her already flushed cheeks because of the exercise.
“I told you this…we are not a real couple” Yelena smirked. “You are not doing anything to me” Kate rolled her eyes. “But, yes Kate Bishop…you’re able to read when you can attack and your defense movements are better too” Kate looked to the floor. “I’m being honest, first fight we did here I punched you several times”
“I wouldn’t say several…” Kate tried to defend herself.
“Several…you were a punching bag” Yelena laughed. “But here you are now, you can advance my movements” Kate thought about it for a moment. It was true, now she knew how to move and dodge against a widow.
“I guess I just need a few more weeks and I’ll beat you” At that Yelena cackled. “Ok..rude”
“Come on, little hawk…it’s time for a shower and some food” Kate rolled her eyes at Yelena and then her phone buzzed.
“Hello?”
“ Miss Bishop?”
“Yes, this is she, I’m guessing the files are ready?” She knew it was Henry.
“ Yes, can you come to Bishop’s Security?” Kate looked at Yelena and she knew the blonde was listening.
“Yes, I can be there in an hour” She saw Yelena nodding.
“ Great, I’ll see you then” She hung up and looked at Yelena.
“What are you looking at me for? Go shower. We have to go” Yelena said.
“Are you coming with me?” Kate frowned.
“Of course, I’m not letting you go by yourself. Last time I had to save you, remember?” Kate nodded.
“Ok yes, let’s shower and we can go” Yelena arched her eyebrow. “You in your bathroom and me in mine…jezz”
“Your loss” Yelena winked and turned around leaving a flustered Kate behind.
Yelena drove them with one of Kate’s mom’s cars to Bishop’s Security. She went straight to the parking lot inside the building.
“Ok…I need you to wait here and I’ll be back as soon as I can” Kate said to Yelena before getting out of the car.
“What am I? a dog?” Yelena rolled her eyes. “I can go up with you”
“No no, it’s better like this. Trust me” Yelena looked at Kate who was biting her lip and after a few seconds she nodded and without much thought Yelena hugged her. “Oh…” Kate wasn’t expecting that at all. It was true that they’ve kind of gotten closer to each other but it was the first time that Yelena has done something like this.
“Good luck мой маленький ястреб” She said this and moved away from her. “Go, they’re waiting for you” Kate nodded a bit dumbfounded and left.
Kate arrived at her mom’s office and Henry was waiting by the door. “Miss Bishop, thank you for coming”
“Didn’t have much of a choice,” She smiled. “Come on, let’s get this over with”
They went inside and Kate looked at her mom’s computer. The file was ready as Henry has said. She took a deep breath and opened it. “Ok…let’s see” Every document of the company was there but Kate couldn’t open them. “What? I thought…” And then another document came through. It was a letter to Henry.
“Can I see?” Kate nodded and looked at the page. This was nuts. Her mom was insane for this. “So…your mother asked for you to be over 20”
“I am” Henry nodded.
“That you finished your degree” Kate winced a bit.
“I’m almost done with that. I just need two more credits and it will be done” She might need to visit her professor and get him to repeat her exam.
“That’s ok by me and last one and I think more important…you need to be married” Kate’s whole world stopped moving. Married? Was her mom really that ridiculous? “I am sure, that one will be a problem…”
“You are telling me…that my mom…a woman who had to get this company afloat on her own…is asking me to get married to be able to handle it myself?” Henry sighed.
“Your mom…if you let me…she was a complicated woman…and she cared for you in her own way” Henry said, looking at Kate.
“Really? You think this is taking care of me?”
“I’m sorry Miss Bishop…I think we should…” Before he could finish her sentence someone knocked on the door.
“Yes?” Kate said, shrugging and the door opened revealing Yelena. “What are you…”
“Babe, oh sorry…I thought you were finished” Babe?! “You were taking too long and I wanted to check if everything was ok”
Henry looked at Kate and then back to Yelena. “Hello Miss, if you don’t mind we are in a private meeting at the moment” Henry said, nicely.
“Oh, I’m deeply sorry sir” Yelena was about to turn around and stopped. “And it’s Mrs…Mrs Bishop to be exact” What the actual fuck? Kate couldn’t believe her eyes. How did Yelena know…and then she put her hands on her jacket’s pockets and she felt it…a mic. I’m gonna kill her, or try at least or nevermind.
“What?” Henry asked and looked at Kate.
“Sorry Henry” Kate cleared her throat. “This is my wife Yelena” She looked at Yelena and saw her smirking.
“Oh…you didn’t say…and you were complaining about…” Henry said, clearly confused.
“You see, I like to keep my personal life just like that…personal…” Kate looked at Henry. “And I still think that what my mom is asking here is a bit…old?” He nodded. “I’m my own person, doesn’t matter if I’m married or not”
“I understand Miss…Mrs Bishop” Henry said. “But I will need to see your marriage license?”
“Of course, I’ll bring it in next time” He nodded and looked at Yelena again.
“I’ll wait outside” She smiled at Kate and Kate nodded.
They went over the next few steps and everything was in order. The only thing left was to bring their marriage certificate that doesn’t exist and Kate would have full control on Bishop’s Security. She left the office and Yelena was there waiting for her and talking on the phone.
“I’ll call you back” She said. “Hey babe” She got closer to her and interlocked their fingers. Kate stiffened a bit but relaxed in a second.
“Hey, sorry it took so long” She got closer and kissed her on her head.
“So…when did you get married?” Henry asked, smiling at them.
“Oh, you didn’t tell him?” Yelena asked and Kate shook her head no. “We are newly weds,” Yelena grinned. “We got married on the 26th with some friends” Kate nodded, whatever Yelena had planned she better go alone with it.
“Oh, congratulations then” He smiled. “We’ve known Kate since she was a little girl so, the company is going to be thrilled to know the news” Kate smiled then. It was true, she knew Henry and his wife since she was a little kid. He was a good man.
“Thanks, it was fate really” Kate added and looked at Yelena with what she hoped was love in her eyes. Yelena looked up at her and for a second she felt herself getting lost in Yelena’s eyes.
“You make a really cute couple” He smiled again. “I’ll see you in a few days” Kate forced herself to look at Henry and nodded smiling.
Once they were back in the car and not a second earlier did Kate look back at Yelena. “What?” The blonde said.
“What? Really? Do you really trust me that little?” Yelena arched her eyebrow at her.
“I do trust you Kate Bishop, but I needed to know that everything went as planned” Yelena shrugged.
“You…you planted a mic on me Yelena” Kate sighed frustrated. “You hugged me for the only purpose of doing just that and here I thought we were…”
“We were what Kate?” Yelena asked.
“We were getting closer to each other” Kate said in a whisper and Yelena turned herself to look at Kate.
“Kate, this is work. You might want to get that into your head” Kate frowned at Yelena’s words.
“I thought we could be friends, Yelena, that was all I asked…” Kate crossed her arms and Yelena sighed.
“We are friends, but right now this is work” Kate nodded. She understood. Even if her relationship with Yelena had improved, Yelena was still here for a mission and she knew this from the beginning.
“Ok” Kate didn’t have the strength to say anything else.
“Let’s go hom…to your house” Yelena said and Kate nodded.
Kate locked herself in her room after their visit to Bishop’s Security. She was a bit upset about the whole thing with Yelena. Was she really that dumb to think that they were…well….something more than acquaintance? She sighed and put her pillow over her head.
“Kate?” Yelena’s voice came from outside the door. “Are you awake?”
Kate got up and opened the door. “What?” She looked at Yelena and saw that she hadn’t changed and had a backpack over her shoulder. So that was it? One little argument and she was fleeing?
“Hey, first I just wanted to apologize…I should have told you to wear the mic and not hide it” Yelena looked at her eyes. “I’m new at this working with someone…so…I am sorry” Kate could see that it was hard for the blonde to say those words. “And second…we need to do a little trip,” Kate sighed again.
“Yelena…if we are going to work together…I need you to trust me” Yelena nodded. “Really trust me”
“It is not an easy thing to ask me Kate” Yelena clenched her jaw. “I am trying my best, but I’ve always worked for myself…this is new territory” Kate understood. Yelena’s past wasn’t easy…she knew she came from the same place as Natasha, and Clint had told her a few things about it. Really bad things.
“Ok, how about we start again?” Yelena moved her head to the side and it reminded Kate of Lucky. “From now on, we are a team, we trust each other and we speak about everything” Yelena nodded.
“Deal” Kate gave her a smile and Yelena returned it. “Now, where are we going?”
“To Clint’s farm” Kate looked shocked at her. “What? Haven’t you spoken to him?”
“Actually…he called a few times but I didn’t pick up the phone” Yelena rolled her eyes. “It’s just…how do I tell him that I’m working with the one who tried to kill him?”
“He is fine” Yelena shrugged. “And at least he’ll be in on our little secret” Kate frowned. “You know…you and me? Imagine telling him, hey Barton, remember Yelena? The one who spared your life? well..she is my wife” Kate actually shivered then.
“Yeah ok…give me a minute” Yelena nodded.
One hour later.
“I am serious Kate, you cannot take this long to make a bag with clothes.” Yelena was driving one of Eleanor’s cars. “If we are a team, you need to hurry up” Kate nodded. “And where is your bow?” Kate looked at her then.
“Oh, it’s in here” Kate grinned. “Clint let me borrow one of his retractable ones,” Yelena nodded.
“Point for Barton”
“I mean, I could have brought the other one..so it was my decision to bring this one…so it should be point for Kate” Kate added.
“No points for you Kate Bishop, you took too long” Kate crossed her arms. “And I think you should call him and tell him we are on our way”
“Yeah…ok” Kate took her phone and called him. This is going to be great…
“Hello? Kate?”
“Clint! My favorite superhero” Kate saw Yelena rolling her eyes.
“Oh my god…what did you do? Are you ok? Why haven’t you picked up the phone?”
“Easy easy, I’m ok…and I couldn’t pick up the phone because I was busy” Kate knew he was going to kill her.
“Busy with Yelena Belova?” Kate heard him sigh.
“How do you…nevermind…yeah I’m with her and we are actually on our way to your house…”
“What? Kate that’s not…ugh” Kate waited. “Ok, how long till you’re here?”
“I don’t know…maybe a couple of hours?” Yelena nodded.
“Ok, I’ll tell Laura and the kids” Kate smiled.
“I promise I’ll explain everything when we are there”
“Ok kid, see you in a bit” Kate smiled and hung up the phone.
Kate looked at Yelena and thought about her in Clint’s house. A house full of Natasha’s memories. Pictures, gifts, even her own room where Kate stayed last time. Maybe this would be difficult for her.
“Yelena…” Kate started.
“Don’t.” Yelena looked at her. “I know what I’m doing, I’m ok” Kate nodded. She wouldn’t pry.
Clint was sitting outside the house and once he saw the car he got up. Kate was happy to be back. Even if it were just a few days, it felt like home. She got out of the car and hugged him.
“Hey kid” He grinned at her and Yelena got out of the car. “Yelena”
“Barton” She nodded. “I’m not here to do any harm…I’m just helping Kate” He smiled then.
“Shall we go inside? There’s some food from dinner if you’re hungry” Kate nodded.
They went inside the house and Laura rushed to hug Kate. “Sweetie, you should’ve told us you were coming”
“It was a last minute decision…” Kate said and looked at Yelena who was coming inside the house. “Laura…this is Yelena…Yelena…this is Laura”
“Nice to meet you Yelena, I’ve heard so much about you” Laura smiled sincerely and Yelena looked surprised by that.
“Oh…it’s nice to meet you too…and sorry for almost killing your husband” Kate wanted to slap her forehead but she kept her cool.
“It’s funny you think you could’ve killed me” Clint said, coming behind Yelena who scoffed.
“Come on Barton, we both know you had to use Natasha’s card to stop me” Kate looked at both of them. Were they getting along or fighting? She looked at Laura and saw her smiling ... .so playing it is.
“That’s not true” Clint said and then chuckled. “Maybe just a little” And then Yelena smirked.
“As good as it is to have you girls here…I’m guessing there’s a reason?” Laura asked.
“Yeah…well…you see…” Kate started. “Where are the kids?”
“They’re in the barn watching a movie,” Clint said and Kate nodded. “Don’t change the subject, spill it out”
“We are married” Yelena said like it was the most normal thing in the world. Kate looked at Clint and couldn’t see any emotion there. Laura moved next to him and put her hand on top of his shoulder.
“That’s not it…I mean it is…but it’s not true…we are just kind of pretending?” Kate rushed out.
“I got us a certificate that says we are so…” Yelena shrugged. “What we need now are some fake pictures here…with you and if you don’t mind maybe the kids”
“What for?” Clint said.
“Our fake wedding…we said it was here, kind of,” Kate added and Clint put his hand in his face.
“How about you explain everything from the beginning?” Laura said and both girls nodded. “I’ll make us some coffee”
They all sat down and Kate started explaining everything with some comments from Yelena here and there. Laura and Clint listened in silence until she was finished.
“So now we need a license that it seems we already have,” Kate said and Yelena nodded. “And some pictures would be nice in case we need proof.”
“Ok…I understand mostly everything…but Yelena…what’s in it for you really?” Yelena frowned.
“She told you, I need some info from her company” Clint kept looking at her.
“What for? I thought everything was very quiet now that Kingpin is not around anymore” Yelena looked at Clint for a few seconds and then sighed.
“I’m not 100% sure he is gone…” Kate looked shocked at her.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Kate asked.
“Because I’m taking care of it…that’s none of your business Kate” Yelena said in a firm voice as Kate closed her mouth. She couldn’t understand her. Not many hours ago they agreed to talk about everything, weren’t they a team?
“Kate…why don’t you go find the kids…” Clint said, not looking at her.
“I’m not a kid Clint, if she has something to say then she can say it” Yelena scoffed.
“Kate Bishop, this is not about you so go get the kids” Kate looked at Yelena and growled. She left to get the kids but not because Yelena told her to. She just couldn’t see her face anymore or she’ll punch her. She opened the barn door and found them there watching some cartoons.
“Hey kiddos, miss me?” They all turned to look at her and grinned.
“Kate!” Nate ran to her and she caught him. “What are you doing here?”
“Oh, just wanted to see you guys. Cooper and Lila looked at each other and arched their eyebrows. “What?”
“Nothing…can we meet her?” Of course Clint told them. “Is she like our aunt Nat?” Cooper said.
“I don’t really know guys…I didn’t get to meet her…but Yelena is…well, she is great but she has a difficult personality”
“Can we go to the house now?” Nate asked.
“I think we’ll have to wait a little bit more,” Kate said. “They wanted to talk in private”
“So..only adults then?” Lila said, snickering and Kate rolled her eyes. She didn’t want to think that…she didn’t want to think what they were talking about.
“Are you mad at me?” Yelena said. They were in their room after having dinner and Yelena meeting the kids. Kate hadn’t spoken a word to her. Not even looked at her. So here they were, Kate sitting on the bed and Yelena trying to get her to talk. “Come on Kate…you need to understand…”
“Understand what?” She raised her voice. “That you said we were a team and then decided to not include me?” She got up and stood in front of her. “That you treat me like a freaking child?” She pushed her by her shoulders but Yelena didn’t move. “What do you want me to understand?”
“Kate, I told you we’re a team yes.” Yelena nodded. “But we are a team to get that info out, after that, nothing”
“Oh yeah, because that’s so smart…” Kate mocked. “After faking we are married, MARRIED Yelena…you just disappeared.” Yelena sighed.
“You can say I cheated on you and we broke it off…what’s the big deal?” Yelena’s voice raised a bit.
“The big deal is that…is that…ugh…whatever” Kate wasn’t even sure what to say. She wanted to keep Yelena around. She wasn’t sure if it was because she’s gotten used to her or because every time Yelena smiled there was something inside her chest that wanted to come out. But right now she was making her furious and she was sure she was not going to sleep in the same room as her, so she took her bag and walked to the door. “Goodnight Yelena”
“Where are you going?” Yelena stopped her. “We have to get some rest, come to bed”
“No, I’m not sleeping here” Kate shrugged Yelena’s hand off of her.
“Come on Kate…it would be like a girls night” Yelena smiled and Kate frowned. She was giving her whiplash.
“I said no, this” she pointed to both of them. “Only work, no friends, not anything” Kate could swear she saw hurt reflected in Yelena’s eyes but she didn’t want to take it back. She needed to protect herself. Yelena moved out of the way.
“Goodnight Kate Bishop”
Kate woke up with Nate poking her cheek. She opened one eye and saw him there, grinning at her. “Hey bud, what time is it?”
“Why are you sleeping on the couch?” Nate frowned. After her fight with Yelena she decided the couch was the best option but now she was starting to think that maybe she should’ve gone to the barn instead.
“It’s comfier than the bed” She lied, her back hurt pretty badly. Seriously, Clint should buy a new one.
“It’s not, but ok” He smiled then. “Mom said we are taking some pictures with you and aunt Yelena today” She sighed. “Are you my aunt now too?”
How could she explain this to a kid? She sat up and while doing so she heard steps coming down the stairs.
“She is” Kate looked at Yelena and her brain stopped functioning. Yelena was wearing a white dress, not wedding like but she looked stunning. Kate tried to remember she was furious with the woman standing there.
“Yay!” Nate said and ran upstairs to tell his siblings.
Kate cleared her throat and looked anywhere but at Yelena. “You shouldn’t lie to him”
“I just followed Clint’s request” Yelena said and came closer to Kate. “He and Laura decided that it should be real for the kids” Yelena shrugged. “Less questions”
Kate looked at Yelena then. “So we have to pretend we are…”
“Together, yes” Kate could see that Yelena hadn’t slept a blink. “I’m sorry about it, but as you say it’s just work” Ouch.
“Yelena…” Kate touched her own forehead. She could feel a headache coming. “Let 's not ok?”
“Let 's not what?” Yelena crossed her arms. “You made yourself pretty clear to me so…we should just start this so we can be on our own ways sooner rather than later” Kate sighed.
“Ok” Kate’s chest was telling her that this wasn’t ok. Hurting Yelena wasn’t ok…but she couldn’t let her hurt her either.
“Morning lovebirds” Clint said coming down with Nate in his arms. Kate forced a smile and looked at Yelena who smiled like nothing had happened at Nate.
“Morning, shall I start with breakfast?” Kate frowned at Yelena. What the hell is that sweet voice?
“No need, but thank you for offering Yelena” Clint looked at Kate then.
“What? Last time I helped Laura with breakfast” Kate defended herself.
“Did you really?” Clint teased and Yelena chuckled.
“Nate tell your dad not to mess with Kate in the mornings” Kate looked at Yelena. “She is a bit grumpy when she wakes up” Yelena smiled sweetly at Kate then.
Kate wasn’t fooled by Yelena’s acting. She could see the truth behind her eyes.
“She’s not grumpy with me” Nate said and Kate smiled for real this time.
“That’s because you’re the sweetest thing” Kate said and Clint chuckled.
“Shouldn’t your wife be the sweetest thing?” Clint teased again and Kate rolled her eyes.
“Sorry but no one compares to Nate” Kate shrugged and Nate grinned.
“Sorry aunt Yelena but trust me, she loves you too” At that Kate froze and she could swear she saw Yelena stiffened too.
“I know little man, I know…” They looked at each other and for the briefest of time, they smiled.
“Ok well, let’s get this thing started” Clint said. “Yelena, you look beautiful, doesn’t she Kate?” She looked at Yelena and nodded, smiling.
“She does” Yelena kept her eyes locked with hers. Clint looked at Kate then. “Kate..you…you go get ready please” She rolled her eyes but smiled.
Kate went upstairs and entered the room where she was supposed to sleep with Yelena. The bed looked the same as last night, confirming Kate’s suspicion that Yelena hadn’t slept. She changed into one of her suits and looked at herself in the mirror. “This will do” She went to open the door when her phone rang. She picked it up and before she could say anything…
“ This call is from a person currently in a prison in Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women . All calls are logged and recorded and may be listened to by a member of Prison staff. If you do not wish to accept this call, please hang up now” Kate froze.
“ Kate? Is it you?” Kate heard her mom’s voice.
“Mom…” Her eyes filled with tears and her legs gave up and ended up sitting on the floor.
“ Oh Kate…”
“Mom…I’m..I’m sorry…” Kate choked up.
“ Kate…I understand…” Kate cried. “ You did what you had to do…I can see that now but listen honey…” Kate couldn’t believe this…
“You’re not mad?”
“I was…but listen...this is important…” Kate nodded to herself. “He is still out there…and from what I’ve heard here…he is trying to get to you…so please Kate…go away” So it was true…
“I’m not going anywhere mom…if he wants me, he’ll get me” Kate’s voice was furious. “Are you safe there?”
“Kate please, don’t. He is too dangerous.”
“Are you safe there?”
“Yes honey, I am safe. I have some…friends here” Kate nodded. “ Promise me you won’t go after him”
“Mom…”
“ Please Kate…” She sighed, she could still feel her tears running down her cheeks.
“I promise I won’t go looking for him…but I won’t go anywhere mom”
“ Kate…I don’t want anything happening to you…” Kate could hear the desperation from her mother’s voice.
“I think it’s a bit too late for that mom…” She knew it was a low blow, but it was the truth. She heard her mom sighed.
“ I love you Kate…and I swear I never wanted anything bad happening to you…I was trying to protect you” Kate cried harder.
“Mom…I don’t need you to protect me” Kate felt too many things at once. She missed her mom but she was angry at her. “What you did was wrong…he is…” She sighed. “You should’ve talk to me before you accepted anything from him”
“Kate…you’re a kid”
“I’m not a kid!” She raised her voice. “Stop looking at me like one. I’m a grown up woman and I dealt with him once, I’ll do it again”
“ I’m sorry honey…I don’t have much time left…I’ll call you again…I lo..” And the call got disconnected.
“Fuck” She cried harder. She covered her face with her hands and heard the door opening.
“Kate Bishop, why are you taking so…” Yelena stopped talking and ran to Kate’s side. She hugged her and Kate hugged her back stronger. She let her head fall into Yelena’s neck and let herself cry. “Shh dorogaya (darling), let it out”
After a few minutes of Yelena caressing her back Kate stopped crying. “My…my mom called”
“Oh…is she ok?” Kate moved away from Yelena’s neck but Yelena didn’t let go of her.
“Yes…she called me to warn me about Fisk…” Yelena nodded. “She asked me to go away and…”
“Kate…I won’t let anything bad happen to you” Yelena interrupted her.
“I’m not going anywhere Yelena” Kate could see worry in Yelena’s eyes. “And you don’t have to worry…I can take care of myself”
“I know you can, but you don’t have to do it alone,” Yelena added and gave her a small smile. “Look…as a kind of peace offering… I have a confession to make” Kate frowned at Yelena but let her speak. “I asked some of my widow friends to look after your mother”
“What?” And then Kate remembered what her mom had said, I have some…friends here. “Why?” Yelena shrugged.
“I knew Fisk wasn’t going to die that easily…and I didn’t want anything to happen to your mom” Yelena said and whipped the tears away from Kate’s face with her hand.
“But why Yelena? why are you doing all of this?” Yelena sighed.
“I worry about you Kate Bishop, that’s all” They looked at each other and Kate could swear they were getting closer.
“Stop being gay and come downstairs for the pictures” Lila said from the door and they both chuckled.
“I guess we should…”
“Yeah..” They both smiled and got up. “hey…what was that that you said earlier?” Kate asked Yelena who smiled again.
“Don’t know what you’re talking about” They walked down the stairs.
“Yes, you talked in Russian and it wasn’t the same as always, it was different” Yelena shrugged and Kate rolled her eyes.
“Finally, we were waiting for you,” Clint said.
“Kate sweetie are you ok?” Kate nodded and smiled. She knew Laura would notice.
“Yeah…I’ll talk to you later…now…how do we do this”
“You do the same thing you were doing before I found you” Lila said, smirking and Clint and Laura looked at them shocked.
“Relax, we were just talking” Yelena said and grabbed Kate’s hand in hers. “Right babe?” Kate’s brain took a bit too long to process what was happening. They had to pretend in front of the kids . Right.
“Right” She smiled at Yelena who rolled her eyes at her.
They took some pictures pretending Clint was the one who married them. Some more with the kids and with all of them, and even some the two of them together playing their part.
“Now kiss” Kate and Yelena looked at Nate who was grinning at them.
“I think we have all the pictures we need bud, no need for a kissing picture” Kate said, feeling the blush making an appearance.
“What do you mean? You have to, my parents have tons of pictures like that” Nate crossed his arms.
“Tons?” Yelena teased Clint.
“Whatever, Nate, they don’t need to have a picture like that,” Clint said. Kate was sure he was more uncomfortable with the idea than anyone there.
“I don’t know what’s the matter with it…they were doing it before coming down the stairs” Lila shrugged and Clint sent daggers with his eyes to Yelena.
“We weren't,” Kate rushed to say.
“We can have a picture like that…it is ok Kate Bishop” Yelena said and Kate looked at her. Is she blushing?
“Are you sure? We don’t ha..” But she didn’t finish the sentence because Yelena was grabbing her neck and pulling her towards her until their lips met.
Yelena’s POV
The night before.
“Kate Bishop, this is not about you so go get the kids” Yelena knew she wasn’t playing fair, but she couldn’t let Kate know the truth…the one she wasn’t sure herself. She saw rage in Kate’s eyes before leaving them alone.
She did everything in her power to stay calm. It was already difficult coming to this house. The house where her sister was most of the time instead of with her. The house where she could see pictures of Natasha with Clint’s kids.
“What is it Yelena?” Clint asked and Yelena sighed.
“Look…after our fight I went looking for Kate…I don’t know why…” Yelena looked down. “There’s something about her that…she reminds me…”
“She reminds you of Natasha…” Laura finished Yelena’s sentence for her and she nodded. “I could see why, they’re both very stubborn and would do anything to save the people they love” Yelena nodded and tried her best to control her emotions.
“Anyway…I saw her fighting with Fisk and I saw the damage she did to him…” She was very proud then, she wasn’t sure Kate would be able to have a place in the world she wanted the most but after seeing her fighting Kingpin, she was better than Yelena gave her credit for. “I followed him once he ran and I saw the woman from the roof shooting him right in his head”
“How is he alive then?” Clint asked.
“That’s the thing…someone took him and I don’t know for sure but…I got some people protecting Kate’s mom and some other widows checking his surroundings in case they see him”
“But you’re not 100% sure” Laura said and Yelena nodded.
“I know that the bastard is alive…but I haven’t been able to prove it,” Yelena said grumply.
“That’s why you need Bishop’s security?” Clint asked. “I’m sure you’d be able to hack it or know someone who could”
“I thought so too…but Kate’s mom did everything right in that department…it’s impossible to get into it…” Yelena sighed and looked at the door where Kate was not long ago. “I have my suspicions that the woman who gave me the assignment to kill you it’s covering something…and I think is related to him”
“You mean Val?” Clint said and Yelena looked surprised at him. “Laura got me the info” He shrugged. “That woman is dangerous, Yelena…”
“I know she is…but so am I” Yelena said confidently. “We saw her at New Year’s Eve party…and I kind of threatened her not to get near Kate,” Clint sighed.
“This is getting worse by the second…and what’s the information you’re trying to get?” Laura said.
“I know there’s a house in New York where Fisk’s wife used to stay…” Clint nodded. “I think he is hiding there…getting his strength back…and surprise surprise…the security of the house belongs to Bishop’s security”
“So your plan is to get into that house security and find out if he is alive…then what?” Clint asked.
“Oh, then I kill him” Yelena shrugged and Clint and Laura looked at each other. “I know that’s against your hero bullshit…but I won’t risk Kate’s safety”
“Yelena…I don’t give a flying fuck if that monster dies…but he is strong…stronger than you think” Clint said. “And of course, I won’t let anything happen to Kate either…she is…”
“She is one of us now,” Laura said. “Her surname might be Bishop, but she is also a Barton now”
“Which means…you are too,” Clint added and smirked and Yelena chuckled.
“For what is worth…I’m sorry about New York…and I can’t thank you enough for what you told me…” Yelena’s eyes shined with tears and Clint smiled.
“She’d be proud of you, you know?” Yelena nodded. “She always said that from the both of you, you had the biggest heart…” A tear rolled down Yelena’s face. “If you let us…we can be your family too” Laura said.
“That’s…yeah…” Yelena nodded. “It might take some time for me to…you know…” They both nodded.
“We understand…but now you’re kind of our daughter in law so…” Clint teased and Yelena chuckled. “But for real Yelena…I cannot thank you enough for what you’re doing for Kate” Yelena nodded.
“Like I said…I worry so…no thanks needed” They gave each other a small smile.
“Ok…so I guess this next question is fair…” Clint continued. “Are you guys…”
Yelena frowned. “Are we what?” Laura chuckled and Clint sighed.
“What my husband is trying to ask you in his 16 year old way…is that if there’s something more going on between you and Kate…something romantic” At that Yelena froze and felt the heat rising on her cheeks. A part of her knew that there were things she couldn’t deny. Like how incredibly stunning Kate is, or how every time she laughs because of her, Yelena can’t help the feeling inside of her chest. She is sure there’s something there, but she is also sure that she won’t do anything about it. Kate doesn’t deserve someone like her. She deserves someone better that can give her the life she wants. And isn’t that the whole superhero shit? Save them even if it costs you your life?
“So..?” Clint pressured and Laura hit his arm.
“We are friends,” Yelena said and sighed. “That’s it”
“Good” Clint said and Laura hit him again. “Stop that. What I mean is…they cannot share a room if they…you know…”
“Barton, the word you’re looking for is sex and you can say it. It’s ok” Yelena snickered and Laura laughed.
“Ugh, I think you’re worse than Natasha” Clint said but laughed. “One thing tho…I think we should keep the lie between us? Can you do that? Can you pretend in front of the kids?”
“I mean sure…but why?” Yelena didn’t understand.
“Look..they’ve been through a lot and I don’t want to have them involved in something like this…and trust me…if they knew you’re pretending…they would want to help out and that means danger” Yelena nodded. She understood.
“I got it Barton, I’ll speak with Kate about it” They both nodded and heard the door opening.
“Are you Yelena?” They all turned around and saw the kids with Kate coming through the door. Nate was in Kate’s arms and she could tell Kate wasn’t going to let their argument go so easily.
“Yes, I am…you must be Nate” He grinned and nodded. “You are way more handsome than what Kate told me” He gasped at Kate who Yelena could see was trying her best not to smile. Yelena looked at the rest of the siblings and smiled at them. “Hi, you must be Lila and Cooper” They nodded and returned the smile.
“You don’t look like Aunty Nat” Nate said and everyone froze. Yelena could see Kate’s worried look.
“I know, but red is not my color” She winked at him and he chuckled.
“Well, how about some hot chocolate huh?” Laura said and everyone nodded.
“Are you mad at me?” Yelena asked worriedly…She thought by the time they went back to the room Kate would’ve talked to her…but nothing…not even a single look her way.“Come on Kate…you need to understand…”
“Understand what?” Kate’s voice was rough and loud…This was not her usual happy self…and Yelena understood the reasons why but…it still stung. “That you said we were a team and then decided to not include me?” Kate got closer to her and looked down at her. “That you treat me like a freaking child?” Yelena let her push her but she didn’t budge.“What do you want me to understand?”
“Kate, I told you we’re a team, yes.” Yelena needed her to understand that she wanted to protect her at all costs. Even if that meant to push her away afterwards… “But we are a team to get that info out, after that, nothing”
“Oh yeah, because that’s so smart…” Kate mocked her and Yelena looked down. “After faking we are married, MARRIED Yelena…you just disappeared.”
“You can say I cheated on you and we broke it off…what’s the big deal?” Yelena’s voice raised…she was nervous...and she didn’t want to hurt her.
“The big deal is that…is that…ugh…whatever” Yelena saw the way Kate’s eyes narrowed. Kate took her bag and walked to the door. “Goodnight Yelena”
“Where are you going?” Yelena stopped her from leaving by grabbing her arm. “We have to get some rest, come to bed”
“No, I’m not sleeping here” Kate shrugged Yelena’s hand off of her. And Yelena was sure that had hurt more than a bullet.
“Come on Kate…it would be like a girls night” Yelena tried again and Kate frowned.
“I said no, this” Kate pointed to both of them. “Only work, no friends, not anything” Yelena could feel her insides crumbling…Kate was hurt because of her and it was killing her but it was for the best, right? So she moved out of the way.
“Goodnight Kate Bishop”
Present.
She wasn’t sure what moved her to do this but she was grabbing Kate’s neck before she could think much about it and closed the gap between their lips. Yelena was trained for many things…kisses included, but nothing could have prepared her for what kissing Kate made her feel. She felt Kate’s hands moving to her waist and Yelena lost herself in Kate a bit more. She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when she heard someone clearing their throat.
She moved away from Kate a bit dazzled and looked at Kate’s blushed face. It seems she recovered faster than Yelena because she looked away and smiled. “Sorry…” And then she smiled and Yelena felt lost once more. This could not be happening to her…how did she make her feel this way in this short time?
“Yelena..you can let go of Kate now..” Clint said with a weird smile. She looked at her hands that were still in Kate’s neck and moved them away.
“Sorry..” She whispered so only Kate could hear her.
“No…no need” Yelena could tell she was nervous too.
“Gross” Lila said laughing.
“Well…I’ll wait for you to have someone you want to kiss all the time and I’ll be around saying how gross that is” Kate said and Yelena blushed a bit more with her words.
“I won’t tell you” Lila shrugged. Meanwhile Yelena looked at Laura and saw her looking at them with softness in her eyes.
“You’re not allowed to kiss anyone until I say so” Clint said to Lila and everyone laughed.
“What? What about Cooper?” Cooper looked up from his phone and shook her head no.
“Don’t get me involved” He protested and everyone laughed. Yelena looked at Kate then and she saw the easy smile on her face. Her cheeks were still red and there was a brightness in her eyes that she hadn’t seen before.
“Staring is not polite Yelena Belova” Kate looked at Yelena then and smirked.
“I was not staring, Kate Bishop”
“Whatever you say” Yelena chuckled then. This was going to be harder than she thought.