Chapter four
Kate’s POV
It’s been two weeks…two whole weeks and Kate was going insane. Yelena hasn’t said anything to her since her message the day after she left. She messaged her a few more times but she didn’t get an answer anymore.
From Yelena: Arrived safe and sound. Do not miss me too much.
She was in her office and looking at Yelena’s picture when Clint entered. “Hey kid”
“Hey…I thought you were staying at home with Lucky” Kate said and Clint chuckled.
“You know me…I needed some action” He shrugged. “Have you heard anything?” Kate shook her head no. “I’m sure she is fine”
“I hope so…” Kate said. She was worried…she didn’t want anything bad happening to Yelena or her family because of her.
“You know…you two have grown quite close to each other right?” Clint said and looked at the picture of Yelena on Kate’s desk.
“Yeah..we are friends” Kate shrugged.
“Friends..” Clint cleared her throat. “I don’t have pictures of friends in my office kid”
“You know the drill, she is my wife…it’s the least I could do” Kate defended herself.
“Yeah and I understand that…” Clint nodded. “And those pictures over there?” He pointed to the other pictures where you could see both of them. “Those I understand…but this one here” He took it and looked at it. “Come on kid…I’m old and deaf but not blind”
“Clint…there’s nothing going on…I promise..” Clint raised an eyebrow at her. “Ok, maybe…just maybe…I have a tiny little crush on her…but that’s it” Clint rolled his eyes. “I swear…she doesn’t see me that way”
“And how do you know that? Have you asked her?” Kate got up and walked around the office.
“Of course not…I just know ok?” That was complete bullshit and Kate knew it. She knew there was something on both parts, but she didn’t want to think about it…not now when Yelena could be…nevermind. She almost told her the day she left.
Clint raised both of his hands and walked to the door. “Just remember what I told you about my first shot” Kate raised her eyebrows then…she remembered…and how then she didn’t shoot the arrow at Yelena.
Kate looked down and then everything happened in a blink of an eye. Jane entered the office and knocked out Clint with a rapid move and went straight to her.
“Fuck, Yelena was right” Jane didn’t smile this time. She attacked her and Kate couldn’t be happier about her training sessions with Yelena. “Come on Jane…we don’t have to do this” Jane didn’t say a word, she kept launching punches and kicks that Kate could stop or move away before they hit her. “Come on, I thought you liked me”. They kept this up for a long time, Kate even hit her twice which was more than she’s done to Yelena in all her training. “Can you at least tell me, who are you working for?” Jane took out a knife and Kate sighed. “That’s not fun”
She moved and dodged but Jane still cut her arms a few times. She was about to dodge when the office’s door opened and Jane took the chance to grab her from behind.
“Katie..it’s me I just wanted to…” Jack said and stopped talking at the same time Jane stabbed Kate in her stomach.
“Valentina sends her regards” Jane said and jumped from the window. Jack ran to Kate and caught her before she could fall to the ground.
“KATE!” Jack screamed. “You’re going to be fine” He took his phone and called an ambulance.
“Hey…” Kate coughed. “Sorry you had to see that” She flinched at the pain.
“Kate, who was that?” Jack said and put his hands on the wound.
“That was my assistance” Kate tried a smile but she could tell it wasn’t a good one. She could see the panic in Jack’s eyes and then she heard Clint.
“Kid! Oh no” He got closer to her and she saw blood on his head.
“What happened?” Jack asked again.
“She caught me off guard…I thought she was clean..” Clint grunted.
“Ambulance is on the way” Clint moved Jack’s hands away to see the damage and put pressure on it. “She is going to be fine right?” Jack asked Clint and Kate looked between the two. It hurt like hell, this was her first stab wound and she didn’t want to have a second.
“Yeah, I think she missed what she was going for,” Clint said as Kate’s phone rang.
“Yelena…” Kate said, she was starting to feel a bit groggy and could feel her eyes shutting.
Clint gave Jack a look and he took Kate’s phone. “It’s a video call…”
“Answer it” Clint said. Kate wasn’t sure it was a good idea.
“KATE! WHERE’S KATE, JACK?” Yelena screamed. Jack had the phone pointed to him. He looked at Clint and he nodded, so he turned the camera and there she was. Her beautiful green eyes were looking at Kate after two whole weeks. She had some bruises on her face and her lip was busted. “Oh my god…detka (babe)..”
“Yelena…it was the assistant…” Clint said and Jack moved the phone to Clint.
“I thought you were going to protect her Clint!” Kate could hear the rage in Yelena’s voice. “YA ne teryayu yeye, kak poteryal Natasha, ya ne mogu (I’m not losing her like I lost Natasha, I can’t)” Kate saw the hurt in Clint’s eyes. She wasn’t sure what Yelena had said but she heard Natasha’s name…
“Yelena..” Kate said and Jack moved the phone. “It’s not his fault…” Kate could hear her own voice. She tried to sound strong but it wasn’t coming that way.
“detka, pozhaluysta, ne govori (babe please don’t talk)” Kate looked at Yelena and smiled. She could see Yelena’s worried expression.
“I didn’t get to that lesson in Duolingo yet so… English?” Kate joked and saw a small smile on Yelena’s face.
“You’re going to be fine, I will be home soon ok?” Home…with her. That was everything Kate needed to know and just like that her world went blank.
Yelena’s POV
Yelena wasn’t sure how she felt about leaving Kate behind. She didn’t want to go…but her family needed her and she knew Clint would take care of Kate, so she texted him on her way to the airport.
To Old Hawk: I have to go to Russia, please go to NY and take care of Kate Bishop for me.
She got an answer before getting into the plane.
From Old Hawk: I’ll be there tomorrow morning. Take care of yourself.
It didn’t help…she thought it would but it didn’t…she wanted to be the one to take care of Kate. She promised she would protect her. Yelena sighed and got into the plane her friend Mason kindly found for her in a really short amount of time.
“You know…I would have expected this from Nat…but you? You always give me some time to get something better” Mason said and Yelena rolled her eyes. “Impromptu mission?”
“Something like that,” Yelena said.
“How’s the wife?” Mason grinned and Yelena sent daggers with her eyes. She didn’t want to think about Kate…she couldn’t or she'd turn around. “Ok…but can you at least tell me if it’s something real?” Yelena started the plane as a signal for Mason to get down. “If it’s not serious…can I have her number? I have a friend that’s interested in her” This time Yelena did throw a knife to Mason, right next to his head. “Are you insane?!” He shouted.
“Get down before I get another chance” Yelena said, almost growling.
“You could’ve just said that it was serious, damn” He shook his head. “I don’t even know why do I keep doing business with you”
“Because I am the only one who pays up front, now leave” Yelena said one last time and Mason chuckled.
“See you Yelena, be nice” Mason left and Yelena took off as soon as he was out of sight.
Yelena arrived in about 9 hours and went straight to her parents house. “Yelena!” Sonya screamed and ran to her. “It’s so good to see you,” Sonya hugged her. Yelena had missed her. She was her best friend.
“You too Sonya, now…where’s my papa?” They walked together inside the house and Yelena nodded in approval at what she saw. She knew Sonya had everything to do with this. There were computers with cameras pointing to where Yelena believed her mother was imprisoned, some more widows helping out and there he was.
“Moy rebenok (My baby)” He got up and crushed her in a hug.
“Alexei…otpustit' (let go)” He did and he gave her a sad smile. “It is not your fault papa”
“Yes it was…I thought you were still working for her and I did not check what she gave me” Yelena nodded.
“Sorry, I should have called you…” Yelena added. “Now…let’s see what you have here”
“They have her inside a building near the airport,” Sonya said. “I guess her plan is to have an easy escape if we try to get in” Yelena nodded, everything was very Val style. “We have 5 widows surrounding the building, and we found a way in”
“How?” Yelena asked. She was looking at the building floor plans and there was nothing.
“Here” Sonya pointed to the left end of the building. “There’s an old sewer system and it’s an easy way in,” She pointed to a higher floor. “It would lead straight to here” Yelena nodded.
“And where’s Melina?” Sonya looked down then.
“That’s the only thing we haven’t found out yet…we know she is in there…but so far nothing” Sonya put her hand on top of Yelena’s shoulder.
“Well…if you have not seen her…she must be here” She pointed to the basement. “Or here” And to the room that looks straight to the airport. She knew Valentina would try to flee once she knew Yelena was in Russia. “We need to make a plan…the less involve the better”
“What do you mean the less the better?” Alexei said. “We are talking about your mom”
“And do you think I do not know that?” Yelena raised her voice. “These people here” She pointed to the widows there. “They are here because they want to be and I am not going to put anyone in danger if there is no need” She pointed a finger to Alexei. “Are we clear?”
“But…” Yelena sent a look to her father and he shut up.
“Yelena…we are here because we want to be, and we will help with everything” Sonya said, smiling.
“I know…but as I said…the less the better” She pointed to her dad then. “And he can fight too, or are you too old now Red Guardian?” He scoffed.
“Of course not” She nodded.
“Then, let’s study this and we can go inside in a few days” Yelena said and everyone nodded. “Now if you excuse me, I need to rest my eyes for a bit”
“Are you calling your wife?” Sonya teased and Alexei chuckled, she looked at everyone and they were all smiling at her.
“You know..your mom is very angry you didn’t invite us to the wedding” Alexei said and Yelena wanted to die right there. She rolled her eyes at everyone and went to her room. She took her phone out and saw Kate’s message. She replied and went into her phone’s gallery, there were many pictures of Lucky and quite a few of Kate.
“How on earth did you get under my skin Bishop?” She said and sighed. Someone knocked on her door. “Come in” Sonya opened the door and Yelena was greeted by Fanny. “My girl!” Fanny ran to her and Yelena hugged her.
“I thought you’d like to see her,” Sonya said, smiling. “She is the one taking care of the pigs,” Yelena chuckled. “I’m sure as hell not getting near them”
“You’ve become such a lady” Yelena said, laughing.
“Can’t help it” Sonya shrugged. “I’ve got used to the good life” They grinned at each other. “How are you really doing?”
“I’m ok…I’m just worried about Kate” Sonya sat down next to Yelena on her bed.
“You’re not worried about Melina?” Yelena shook her head no.
“My mom is tough…she can take care of herself” Yelena nodded.
“And I’m sure you’re little hawk can take care of herself as well” Sonya said.
“I know she can…I just…I just prefer if I were there too” Yelena looked down. “She is very strong, and smart and she does not stop talking” Yelena chuckled and Sonya looked at her. “Not even when we are training…she is…”
“Something else?” Sonya added and Yelena nodded.
“Yeah…she is,” Yelena smiled. “She reminds me a lot of Natasha…the same stupid ideas and the same superhero complex” They both laughed at that.
“Have you told her?” Sonya asked.
“That she reminds me of her?” Sonya shook her head no. “Then, what?”
“Have you told her that you…have feelings for her?” Sonya said slowly as if not to scare her.
“I…she…no…I have not and I won’t” Yelena said.
“What? Why?” Sonya asked.
“Look, we are friends ok? and I can do friends…but something else…” Yelena shook her head. “She deserves so much more than a former assassin” Yelena sighed. “I have too much blood on my hands…”
“Yelena, forgive me but…you’re so fucking stupid it hurts” Sonya said and Yelena looked shocked at her. “You’ve had a crush on the girl since that first time you saw her. You told me yourself” Yelena was about to speak but Sonya stopped her. “Nuh uh, let me finish” Yelena nodded. “After everything we’ve been through…we need people who love us for who we are…even knowing what we did before” Sonya took Yelena’s hands in hers. “We deserve to love and to be loved Lena” Yelena felt like crying. “And I’m sure Kate loves you as much as you love her”
“Even if she did…which I’m not sure she does…I have nothing to offer” Yelena said.
“You have a few days here without her…maybe you can use the time to think about your time with her…what your feelings are and how she is around you” Sonya shrugged. “But hey, by the photos I’ve seen…I don’t have doubts about it”
“Attraction is one thing…love is another,” Yelena added. “I can’t even say that what I feel is love”
“Fool yourself” Sonya said, getting up and going to the door. “Now sleep…we have some work to do tomorrow”
Yelena was tired, very tired…she hadn’t been able to sleep at all the last few days. They were on their way to enter the sewers but her mind was in New York. She couldn’t help it…after all these months with Kate, she’s got used to seeing her all the time and now…no talking to her felt wrong…Kate kept on texting her but she couldn’t reply…not yet. She needed to focus on rescuing Melina.
“Yelena, here” One of the widows called her right next to the entrance. She cleared her mind of Kate and walked next to her. They were all wearing their black tactical suits as they were trying to get in at night.
“How long to get into the building?” Yelena asked.
“Not much, about a 15 minutes walk but, we haven’t tried the door yet…” Yelena nodded, she knew this information. She also knew if they tried to open the door and someone was around their whole plan would go to shit.
“Ok, wait for me here and I’ll try my best to be back with Melina asap” Yelena said and jumped inside it.
“Hold up, I’m going with you” Sonya said and Yelena sighed. “Don’t try to stop me” Yelena nodded and smiled at her friend.
They walked together in silence as they’ve done so many times before. When they reached the door Sonya pointed at it with her gun so Yelena could open it. She tried and tried but nothing…it didn’t move at all. “Fuck” Yelena said.
“We need to find another way in” Sonya sighed. “Sorry Lena”
“Let’s go back to the house…I think I have an idea” Yelena said and frowned.
“Why do I have a feeling this is one of your bad ideas?” Sonya said, chuckling.
“Excuse me, all my ideas are good” Yelena chuckled too.
Once they were all back inside the house, Yelena got them all together and explained her plan. The other widow’s weren’t so sure about Yelena’s idea, and Alexei even less.
“Yelena, this is not good” He said. “I do not like it” He crossed his arms. “I’ll do it”
“No papa, it won’t work with you. It has to be me” Yelena said, sighing. “I know it’s dangerous…I’m aware of that but I trust you’ll get inside in time”
“You know that’s exactly what she wants right?” Sonya said. “She wants you there with her so she can…” Sonya stopped talking.
“You are not wrong, but if she’s here with me, she cannot harm her” Yelena said. “Clint is taking care of her”
“You know her…she won’t stop for anything” Another widow said. “She is going to kill you”
“She is going to try, yes, but that’s where you guys come in handy” Yelena smiled. “If I surrender all on my own…she doesn’t need to know you’re here, and then you go in and save the day”
“I still don’t like it…but you can count on us” Sonya said and all the widows nodded.
“Thank you guys, papa?” He nodded too and Yelena smiled. “Get some rest…I’ll get in tomorrow” Everyone left except Sonya.
“You are so stubborn…” Sonya complained and Yelena shrugged.
“Nothing you didn’t know already” They both chuckled and Yelena’s phone went off. She looked at it…it was another message from Kate and she sighed.
“You haven’t talked to her yet?” Yelena shook her head no. “You should…even more now that you’re doing this idiotic idea”
“And what do I tell her?” Yelena looked at Sonya. “Hey Kate…we might not see each other again but it was great to have the chance to spend time with you” Yelena said in a mock voice.
“Sometimes I really want to slap you” Sonya said, leaving and Yelena rolled her eyes.
“If something happens to me…” Yelena started and Sonya stopped walking. “Could you be the one to tell her?”
“I will” Sonya nodded and Yelena thanked her.
“Hey guys” Yelena appeared next to two of the guards watching out the door. They looked and pointed their guns at her. She used her widow bites and electrocuted them before they could shoot. They both fell to the ground and Yelena rolled her eyes. “Seriously? These guys Valentina?” She entered the building and found every guard there pointing at her. “That is more likely, yes”
“Well well well, what am I seeing here?” Valentina said and Yelena looked up. “Mitch, could you scort our guest to my office please?”
The man called Mitch got close to Yelena and attempted to grab her but Yelena moved before he could. “You lead and I will follow, no need to touch me” He grunted. “I promise I’ll behave”
They walked and Yelena looked everywhere, she counted the guards and looked out for easy exits. Mitch opened a door for her and Valentina was already there sitting behind a desk. “Look at you, back to your roots” Valentina said once Mitch closed the door. “Mitch you can leave us, Yelena won’t be a problem” He looked at Yelena and then nodded.
“That is a risky move on your part” Yelena said. “You know I do not need much time to end you” Valentina laughed then.
“Oh I know…but if you were here to kill me I’m sure you’d have already” Valentina said and Yelena nodded. “Now…I guess you’re here because of someone I have around”
“Yes, let Melina go and you can have me” Valentina arched an eyebrow.
“Is that so?” Yelena nodded. “So…I let your mommy go and you come back to work for me?” Yelena sighed but nodded.
“Yes, that is what I’m saying” Yelena knew this won’t be easy to sell, but she needed to look truthful.
“And what if I order you to kill your beautiful wife?” Yelena knew Valentina was trying to get a reaction out of her but still hearing her talk about killing Kate made her blood boil.
“I think you are smarter than that,” Yelena shrugged. “But then again…you kidnapped my mother,” Valentina laughed again.
“You always make me laugh, Yelena,” Valentina said. “I think we can agree to disagree,” Yelena shrugged. “The thing is…I don’t really trust you right now…so I guess we need something…” Valentina got up and walked closer to Yelena. “How about a little punishment?” Yelena knew this would happen…she knew Valentina would kick her ass before she agreed to let Melina go.
“Sounds fair, but I have one condition” Yelena said and Valentina crossed her arms. “I want to see her first,” Valentina smiled and nodded.
“Deal” Valentina offered her hand to Yelena who took it. “And Yelena…” She whispered close to her. “Don’t even think of betraying me or your little hawk’s life would end earlier than expected” Yelena gritted her teeth. “Now, come on…I’ll show you to your new room” They walked until they arrived to an elevator. They both got in and Yelena saw the code Valentina pressed. She felt the elevator going down. How is this possible? Is there something underneath the building?
“Where are we going?” Yelena asked once the elevator’s door opened.
“I told you…to see your new room” Yelena looked around and saw some people locked inside cells and at the far end she could see her mom. “Here you have her, and because I’m a nice boss, you get to share a room” Valentina opened the door and Melina looked at Yelena.
“What have you done?” Melina said: “Do not dare to touch her” She threatened and Valentina pushed Yelena inside.
“Enjoy your little reunion, I’ll have someone come for you in an hour Yelena” Valentina said and left them there. Yelena waited for the sound of the elevator’s door closing before launching herself into her mother’s arms.
“Are you alright? Did she hurt you?” Yelena asked, looking at her mom closely. She had some bruises on her arms and her face.
“I’m ok…they did beat me a bit at the beginning…but as they couldn’t get anything out of me…they stopped” Melina said and touched Yelena’s face. “My girl, how on earth did she get to you?”
“I couldn’t let her have you…” Yelena said. She knew that even if her relationship with her parents was complicated, she couldn’t help but love them. Melina put her forehead on Yelena’s like Natasha used to do with her and she sighed.
“So you’re the reason why I haven’t heard anything from your dad then?” Melina chuckled. “I was expecting him to make some noise around here”
“You know me, I can deal with him” Yelena grinned. “Now I’m getting you out of here”
“How?” Melina asked. Yelena knew Valentina had probably mics and cameras around the cell.
“I offered to work for her again so you can be free” Melina shook her head no. “It’s done mama, I need you safe”
“Yelena, this is a mistake and you know it” Yelena smiled.
“Mama, you need to go home,” Melina sighed. “I can take care of myself” Melina hugged her and they stood like that for a while.
“I missed you,” Melina said. “And I’m sure you know that I’m angry at you” Yelena rolled her eyes.
“Please don't,” Yelena said.
“You didn’t invite us to your wedding, how is that possible?” Melina said. “I knew this Kate Bishop was important since you talked to us about her…but…we would’ve loved to be there with you”
“How about we do it again?” Yelena offered. She needed to keep pretending. “Kate would love to meet you and we could have the wedding at home?”
“Oh my darling, we would love that” Melina smiled and Yelena could see her tearing up a bit.
They heard the doors opening and Yelena sighed. Melina held her close to her and Yelena smiled reassuringly. “I’ll be fine…nothing I haven’t done before”
“So you’re telling me…you really want to come back to work for me” Melina said while one of her guys punched Yelena square in the face. She was handcuffed to a wall while two guys took turns on her. She could feel one of her ribs broken, her right eye completely swollen and could taste the blood from her lip.
“I want you…to let Melina go” Yelena said and received another punch, this time on her stomach.
“Hmm.. and how will I ever trust you again?” And a kick to her legs. She heard a crack. They were not holding back.
“You…” She spitted blood. “can”
“That’s not enough..but I have an idea” Valentina gave her a wicked smile. “Stop hitting her” She said and got closer to her. Yelena felt like shit but she wouldn’t let her see it. “You know…I got my hands into something very useful” Valentina held her face so she was looking straight at her, or at least as best as she could. “There’s this…biological agent…” Yelena froze. It was not possible…Melina told her she destroyed all of them. “I think you were under it for a while, weren’t you?” Valentina smirked. “You see, I found one of your friends and with the help of some scientist we got it”
“What do you mean?” Yelena growled.
“We made a better version of it and I think that’s what I need to trust you again” Valentina nodded. “Sadly I don’t have it here with me…but I already ordered someone to bring it to me”
“You don’t need that…I told you” Yelena tried again.
“Yeah I know, and that’s why you will be the one to take it willingly” Yelena couldn’t believe this. Not only they’ve managed to create a new subjugation agent but it was Valentina the one giving it. She needed to end her.
They took her back to her cell and Melina rushed to grab her before she collided with the floor. “Enjoy your night together as it will be the last” Valentina said. “A deal is a deal, your mom can go home tomorrow” And with that she left them.
“Yelena, hey look at me” Melina said and took her to the bed. “I’m gonna take a look at those ok?” Yelena nodded. She felt her mom looking at her body and trying to clean her wounds with what she had around. Yelena couldn’t help but let the tears fall. “Shush moya devochka (my girl). I got you”
“It’s not that…” Yelena said between sobs. Should she tell her? If she did, Yelena was sure Melina wouldn’t leave. “I just…” Kate's face came to her mind and she cried harder. “I miss Kate” It wasn’t a lie but it wasn’t the total truth either…She wasn’t sure what she was going to do. Her mind kept making up scenarios, what if Valentina forced her to kill Kate? How many people had Valentina already given the agent to?
“That girl is very important to you, da?” Yelena nodded. She was…she would even dare to say that she was the most important thing in her life at the moment. “Then, you better get out of here so I can meet her properly ok?” Yelena nodded.
Just as promised, Valentina let Melina go the morning after. Yelena was still too sore to even get up. She heard Melina complaining but Valentina told her she wouldn’t break a deal. Yelena just hoped it was the truth and that she really let her go.
Days passed and she stood there, in the same cell and trying her best to attend to her bruises. Each day her fear would grow. She knew once Valentina got her hands in the agent she would come looking for her. They brought her food enough not to starve but wouldn’t let her use any cutlery, it was a wise thing to do really. She wasn’t sure how many days had passed…you couldn’t see anything from outside and the meals always came at different times.
“Yelena” Someone whispered and she looked up to find Sonya there hiding from the cameras. The brunette smiled widely at her. “Oh my god…you’re alive”
“Sonya, how did you get in here?” Yelena got closer to the cell door. “Is my mom ok?” Sonya nodded.
“Yeah, she told us a way to get inside to this place” She looked at Yelena. “You look like you could use some ibuprofen or vodka”
“Maybe both,” Yelena chuckled. She was so happy to see Sonya.
“Ok, hear me out…I just came to find you…the other ones are trying to find the right spot to get us out of here” Yelena nodded. “But, I heard some guys saying they need to come and get you” Yelena nodded.
“Sonya…there’s something you need to know” Sonya looked around and nodded. “She found a new subjugation agent” Sonya’s face paled. “I know…she is going to use it on me”
“I won’t let her,” Sonya growled.
“Listen to me, if they’re coming for me…it means it’s here” Yelena knew this was another of her idiotics ideas. “You need to let them take me to her”
“What the fuck Yelena? We can leave right now” Sonya said.
“You are inside and they don’t know yet,” Yelena said. “I just need you guys to cover me”
“Yelena…have you seen yourself?” Yelena shrugged.
“I’ve been worse…but I can’t let her get away…” Sonya nodded.
“Ok, I’ll let the others know” Yelena nodded and heard the elevator coming down. “We have your back” And with that she left. Maybe, just maybe they had a chance to get out of here and finish Valentina off.
As predicted, they came for her and dragged her upstairs. This time they weren’t in Valentina’s office but in a wider space. It looked like a theater and most of her guards were there. They kicked behind her knees and she fell down. “How are you feeling, Yelena?” Valentina said.
“Peachy” Yelena said, smiling. Her hands were tightened with rope.
“That’s good to hear…look what I have here” Yelena felt a shiver when she looked at Valentina’s hand. She had a syringe with a green liquid. “Like I told you…you’ll be the one to use it willingly”
“And like I’ve told you before, you do not need that to trust me” Yelena said. “Have I tried anything since I've been here?”
“I know, I know, but I still prefer this…don’t worry it’s different from last time” Valentina said and Yelena narrowed her eyes. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but last time your mind felt foggy…like you weren’t in control” Yelena nodded. “This time, everything you do you’ll do it awake”
“What do you mean?” Yelena tried to look around for her team. She needed to keep Valentina talking as much as she could.
“We found a way to link our commands with your wishes,” Valentina shrugged. “So…If I tell you to kill him” Valentina pointed to one of her guards. “You’ll do it because you think you want to do it and not because I’m ordering you”
“That is fucked up, even for you” Yelena said. “And what? am I your guinea pig?”
“Oh no, you’ll be the second one to try it” Valentina smirked. “The first one is on a mission already”
Yelena saw a flash of red next to the door and she sighed. Of course her dad would come in as the Red Guardian. This is going to be so embarrassing. “And where did you send her?”
“Oh..you are saying that you don’t know?” Valentina smirked and Yelena’s mind stopped working. “She is doing a great job if she fooled you” It couldn’t be…Yelena was sure, completely sure that Jane was clean. She was sure that everything was because of her jealousy.
“Do not dare to touch her Valentina” Yelena threatened.
“And what would you do huh?” Valentina laughed. “You are under no position to do anything…and even if you do…you wouldn’t reach me before one of my guards here put a bullet somewhere inside you”
“Even if it means I’d die…I won’t let you touch her” Yelena was furious, not only at Valentina but at herself. Kate was in danger because she wasn’t focused enough. She promised she’d protected her no matter what.
“Don’t worry, I’m not planning on letting her do anything…I prefer to ask you to do it” Valentina smirked.
“chertova suka (fucking bitch)” Yelena attempted to get up but Valentina tutted.
“One move and, you see this?” Valentina took out a phone from her pocket. “Just a touch and Jane will finish that annoying bird of yours”
“I swear Valentina, if you dare to touch one hair of Kate’s head, only one hair” Yelena growled. “You’ll know what I can do at my best…so much that you’d be the one asking me to kill you” Yelena threatened.
“And here you were telling me to trust you.” Valentina laughed. “I guess there’s only one way to change this nonsense of yours” She took the syringe and got closer to Yelena. The guards grabbed her and moved her head to the side so Valentina could insert it on her neck. “Just a little pinch” Yelena tried to fight it…tried to undo the hold the two guards had on her but it was impossible, but just as she felt the needle touching her skin, Valentina screamed. The guards let her go and Yelena saw a knife she knew too well stabbed into Valentina’s hand, the syringe broken on the floor. “Who did this?”
Yelena smirked as many of the guards collapsed on the floor. Her girls were here. “Now you’ve done it” Yelena said. Melina appeared next to her daughter and cut the cord. “Thanks, mama” Yelena got up and walked to Valentina but instead of fear she saw her smirking.
“I told you…one thing from you…and your little bird would pay” Yelena’s face paled. She looked at Valentina’s other hand and saw the phone there. “You better go and save her…I don’t think she’ll have much time on her favor”
Yelena knew 2 things for sure, first, Kate was without a doubt the best thing that’s ever happened to her, and second, Valentina was going to suffer. Everything came back to her mind, Dreykov, the red room, her family, Natasha’s death… she let herself feel, she let every emotion cloud her body with rage and grieve and at the end…she saw Kate’s face. The one who saved her, the one who brought back her laughter and then her mind saw her…on the floor..bleeding out…dead. Yelena took her steps one by one without losing focus on Valentina who right now seemed to know this was it, this was the end for her.
“Yelena…” Valentina said, Yelena could tell she was nervous. “Why don’t you go safe her huh?”
“zamolchi (shut up)” Yelena warned her.
“Listen, I ordered to attack her but not to kill her, not yet” Valentina walked backwards. “Fisk is the one who wants to finish the job”
“So this is what you really are” Yelena said, she could hear her friends and family fighting behind her. “A coward, you hide under the big guy now?” Yelena stepped closer and pushed her against the wall.
“Yelena you know me…I just want the greater good” Valentina tried again. Yelena took out her mother’s knife from Valentina’s hand and stabbed her shoulder. Valentina cried out in pain. She took out one of her knives and did the same to Valentina’s other shoulder. She was now stuck to the wall.
“Yelena…moya devochka (my girl)” Yelena heard her mother behind her. “Don’t get more blood in your hands…you don’t need to do this”
“But that’s the thing…I need to…” Yelena’s voice was stoic. “She hurt Kate”
“malyshka (baby), what I’m saying is that I will deal with her” Melina said and Yelena looked at her. Her mother looked furious. “She tried to hurt you too, now I get to have my revenge” Melina stepped closer and twisted the knife. Valentina screamed. “Go call her” Yelena looked at Valentina and then at her mom and nodded.
“Sonya, I need a phone” Yelena rushed to her friend’s side. Sonya gave her her own phone and Yelena videocalled her, she needed to see her. She needed to see she was ok, Clint was meant to be there…
The phone rang and Yelena felt a shiver when Jack picked up the phone “KATE! WHERE’S KATE, JACK?” Yelena screamed at him and saw him looking at someone else, then he moved the phone and Yelena’s heart broke, there she was…on the floor bleeding and Clint trying to stop the blood. “Oh my god…detka (babe)..”
“Yelena…it was the assistant…” Yelena heard Clint’s voice and then saw his face.
“I thought you were going to protect her Clint!”Yelena said, gritting her teeth. It was the same all over again, first with Natasha…now with Kate…he couldn’t protect the ones she cared about. “YA ne teryayu yeye, kak poteryal Natasha, ya ne mogu (I’m not losing her like I lost Natasha, I can’t)” Yelena knew he was suffering too, Kate was like his daughter…
“Yelena..” Yelena heard Kate’s voice and then the phone was pointing at her again. “It’s not his fault…” Kate’s voice was merely a whisper and Yelena wanted to cry. She looked to where her mother and now father were with Valentina and nodded. She deserved it.
“detka, pozhaluysta, ne govori (babe please don’t talk)” Yelena said and looked at Kate’s smile..how could she smile after this?
“I didn’t get to that lesson in Duolingo yet…so English?” And just like that Yelena was smiling too. She needed to get back to her.
“You’re going to be fine, I will be home soon ok?”Yelena saw the easy smile on Kate’s lips and how her whole body went limp after that. “Clint! Clint! wake her up” Yelena hurried to say and Sonya put her hand on her shoulder.
“Kate, come on, wake up…” Clint said. Yelena could hear the desperation in his voice. “Please don’t leave us…not you too” Yelena couldn’t help it anymore and cried…she cried like a little girl who'd lost her family and Sonya held her.
“Please…Kate…I need you” Yelena said and saw Clint looking up. “What is it?”
“The ambulance is here…she is gonna be fine Yelena…” Clint said to her but it sounded more like he was trying to convince himself.
“I’ll be there soon, please do not leave her side” Yelena said before hanging up.
“She is strong, she’ll be fine” Sonya said to her and smiled. Yelena knew Kate was strong but the guilt was too much. She looked again to her mother and saw Valentina’s lifeless body there. They had taken care of her. “Let’s patch you up so you can go to her”