web of lies

Natasha stood beside Clint near the quinjet, the hum of engines preparing for departure in the background. Yelena was there to say goodbye to her sister on New Year's Eve morning. The air was crisp, after a fresh batch of snow had just fallen.

Natasha turned to Yelena with a questioning look. "You sure you don't want to join us for Christmas at Clint's? It'll be fun."

Yelena shook her head, "No, I have something to take care of. But you enjoy your time. Tell the old man I said hi."

Clint, who was adjusting some gear on the quinjet, chimed in, "I can hear you, you know."

"Shut up Francis!" Natasha hollered back at the man.

Yelena, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow. "Francis? Since when do you call him that?"

Natasha smirked, a playful glint in her eyes. "It's his middle name. Clint Francis Barton. I use it when I want to annoy him."

Yelena nodded, the information lingering in her mind. The pieces started to come together. "Francis Barton... FB." No, he couldn't be the Ronin, Yelena thought.

Natasha turned to Yelena, concern in her eyes. "You okay?"

Yelena, with a thoughtful expression, replied, "Yeah. You two go enjoy your Christmas. I'll see you later."

As Clint and Natasha prepared to depart, Clint turned to Yelena, a serious expression on his face. "Take care of Kate while we're gone, okay? Make sure she doesn't get into too much trouble."

Yelena's annoyance was evident as she rolled her eyes. "I'm not her babysitter, Clint."

He chuckled, "Just looking out for her. You two behave."

Natasha chuckled, giving Yelena a side hug. "Take care of yourself. And if you change your mind, you know where to find us."

Yelena managed a small smile. "I will. Have a good Christmas, Nat."

She didn't bother to look at Barton. As the quinjet took off, Yelena's mind raced with thoughts. Could the Ronin have been under her nose the entire time?

Meanwhile, Kate stood outside her mother's penthouse, her hand hesitating over the doorbell. The weight of missed calls and unanswered messages hung in the air, fueling her nerves. She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly to compose herself before finally pressing the button.

As the door opened, Kate's anxiety heightened. Eleanor, her mother, stormed into the foyer with a mix of concern and frustration on her face.

"Where have you been, Kate?" Eleanor's voice cut through the tension. "I've been trying to reach you for days. Do you have any idea how worried I've been?"

Kate winced, feeling the weight of her mother's worry. Before she could respond, Eleanor's concern turned into anger.

"And what's this I hear about you joining the Avengers?" Eleanor's tone grew sharp. "You're being reckless, Katherine. You can't just throw yourself into these dangerous situations."

As Eleanor continued her scolding, Kate's eyes darted around the room, only to spot her sister, Susan, sitting quietly in the living room. Susan's gaze met Kate's, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

As Eleanor's rant continued, she noticed Kate's distant expression. "Are you even listening, Kate?"

Kate tried to interject, to explain her side of the story, but Eleanor's frustration seemed unrelenting. The words formed in Kate's mind, waiting for the right moment to break free. Finally, as Eleanor took a breath, Kate took the opportunity.

"Mom, you need to understand. I didn't join the Avengers because I wanted to be reckless. It's because I had to. It started with Wilson Fisk."

Eleanor's eyes widened, "Wilson Fisk? What does he have to do with all this?"

Kate took another deep breath, the weight of her confession heavy on her shoulders. "He had me working for him, Mom. I had to do it to pay off our family's debts. I didn't want to burden you with it." The girl hesitated for a moment. "And Mom, I've... I've killed people. I've done horrible things, all in the name of survival. I can't carry that burden alone anymore. I need your understanding, your support."

Eleanor's face paled, her eyes widening with a mix of shock and concern. The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of Kate's words hanging in the air.

Eleanor's initial shock morphed into a complex mixture of emotion, worry, disbelief, anger. She turned to Susan, seeking confirmation or perhaps an explanation.

Susan, who had been listening quietly, shifted uncomfortably under her step mother's gaze. "I just found out, Eleanor. Kate didn't stay with me. She's been dealing with all this on her own."

Eleanor's eyes narrowed as she turned back to Kate, a mix of disappointment and concern etched on her face. "Why didn't you come to me sooner? We could have faced this together."

Kate took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "Mom, you were gone with half the world. You were dealing with the aftermath of the Blip, and I didn't want to burden you. I thought I could handle it on my own, but it's been tough. I was struggling."

Finally, Eleanor spoke with a mix of regret and understanding, "I'm sorry, Kate. I should have been there for you. Let's face this together now. We can find a way to deal with Fisk and whatever else you've been through. You're not alone in this."

Kate's eyes hardened as she heard her mother's words. "No, Mom. I don't want you getting involved with Fisk. I've worked hard to keep this away from you and to clear our name. I can't risk him hurting you or dragging you into this mess."

Eleanor, with a determined look, responded, "Kate, I can't just stand by knowing you're in danger. I want to make things right."

A surge of anger and frustration washed over Kate. "No, Mom! I've handled it so far, and I have Susan helping me. I don't need you jeopardizing everything I've worked for. I need you to trust me to handle this."

Eleanor's gaze softened as she heard her daughter's words. She couldn't believe her daughter went through all of this. "Okay Kate. I trust you. But are you sure our name is cleared?"

Kate took a moment to compose herself before responding, "Mostly. Susan and I have been working on it, erasing any ties to Fisk's operations. We're making progress, but it's a tough process. I need time to ensure we're completely in the clear."

Eleanor nodded, her concern deepening. "Do you need any help? I can hire the best legal team to assist you."

Kate appreciated her mother's offer but shook her head. "No, Mom. I've got it covered. Bringing in lawyers could attract unwanted attention. I need to handle this discreetly, and Susan's been a tremendous help."

Eleanor sighed, looking over at her step daughter. "Thank you for helping her."

Susan nodded at her step mother.

"Just promise me you won't shoulder all of this on your own. We're a family, and we support each other." Eleanor pleaded.

Kate managed a small, grateful smile. "I promise, Mom. I'll keep you in the loop, but for now, I need to focus on getting things sorted out."

Eleanor, attempting to shift the conversation, decided to bring up the Avengers. "Well, I suppose we have to discuss the elephant in the room. The Avengers, How did you get involved with them?"

Kate hesitated, considering her words carefully. "I met Clint during the Blip. He helped me out a lot, especially with Fisk. He's a good person, Mom. The Avengers are doing important work."

Eleanor nodded, acknowledging her daughter's perspective. "Well, as long as you're working with good people. But please be careful Kate, I can't lose you."

"I promise." Kate replied.

"Now, are you both attending the annual Bishop Christmas Eve party tonight?" Eleanor said, trying to change the subject.

Susan, who had been quietly observing the conversation, chimed in, "I'll be there."

Kate hesitated for a moment before responding, "I've got some plans, but I might stop by later."

Eleanor raised an eyebrow, trying to recall the name of Kate's blonde friend. "And what about that young lady you brought to that charity gala? What was her name again? Stacey?"

"Sasha," Susan supplied, trying to be helpful. Kate looked over at her sister, raising her eyebrow.

"What?" Susan asks, "I met her at the bar. She's cute by the way." Susan winked at Kate. The archer rolled her eyes.

Eleanor's curiosity got the better of her, and she inquired, "How did you two meet? Tell me more about this girl."

Kate shifted uncomfortably, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "Okay, Mom, enough about me. Let's just stop talking about this."

Eleanor smiled knowingly, remembering how her daughter often got embarrassed discussing personal matters. Deciding to lighten the mood, she suggested, "Well, if you're stopping by later, why not bring her along? I'd like to talk with her. Is she older than you?"

Kate sighed, realizing her mother wasn't going to drop it. "Fine, I'll see if she's up for it. Now, can we change the topic?"

Eleanor turned her attention to Susan, "So, Susan, how's your fiancé? What was his name again?"

Susan chuckled, "It's David. David Reynolds."

Eleanor nodded, feigning innocence, "Ah, yes, David. How could I forget?" She then decided to ask her step daughter more questions, "how did you meet David? He seems like a good match for you Susan."

As Susan and Eleanor chatted about David and the wedding, Kate observed the interaction. She was glad to see her mother making an effort with Susan, and everything seemed to be falling into place. However, as the conversation continued, Kate's mind drifted to Yelena.

She thought about the idea of inviting Yelena to the gala. Were they more than acquaintances? Maybe even friends? Kate discreetly pulled out her phone, typing a quick message to Yelena,

Hey, change of plans. Want to go to a party? My mom's gala. Let me know.

As she pressed send, she suddenly regretted it. Why the hell would Yelena want to go to some fancy party full of rich people? Kate second guessed herself, unsure if her invitation was appropriate. She glanced at Susan, who was still engrossed in a conversation with Eleanor about her fiancé, and her mind shifted to Yelena.

After a moment, her phone buzzed with a response from Yelena.

Party? You sure I'm the right plus one for that crowd?

Kate smirked at Yelena's response.

Trust me, you'll fit right in. And besides, I could use the company.

Yelena's reply came quickly,

Alright, I'm in. Send me the details.

Relief washed over Kate as she shared the gala details with Yelena. She didn't why she felt a twinge of nervousness at the thought of bringing Yelena to the gala. She looked up at her sister and mother who were now talking at Eleanor's bar. She listened to mother's questions about Susan's fiancé, her mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming gala and the unexpected plus one she had just secured.

___

Yelena gracefully entered the Bishop Christmas Eve party, her emerald green eyes taking in the opulent surroundings. The grand ballroom was adorned with festive decorations, shimmering lights, and a towering Christmas tree that reached towards the ceiling. Laughter and soft music filled the air, creating an atmosphere of holiday cheer.

Dressed in a chic black dress that highlighted her slender silhouette, was complimented with a bold maroon lip. She moved through the crowd with grace as she searched for a certain archer. Amid the crowded atmosphere, she observed the guests, the gentle clink of glasses, and the hushed conversations that filled the expansive venue.

Yelena couldn't shake off the text from Kate. It was the perfect chance and subtle opportunity to gather information. Yelena's mind, always calculating and sharp, began to think of strategies to ensure Clint's true identity as Ronin.

Yelena's sharp eyes scanned the room until they locked onto Kate. The archer stood out in a stylish dark maroon suit, replacing the traditional button up with a sleek black turtleneck. As Yelena approached, Kate caught sight of her and responded with a flirty smirk. When Yelena reached her, Kate couldn't resist looking her up and down.

"Nice dress," Kate commented, a playful glint in her eye. "Looks like we're matching tonight."

Yelena replied with a sarcastic grin, "Oh, what a coincidence. I definitely planned this."

Kate raised an eyebrow at Yelena's American accent. "Playing the part, huh?" she mused.

Yelena noticed the shift in the woman's demeanor, "What's wrong?"

Kate shook her head, a wry smile forming on her lips. "Nothing, your American accent is not bad. But you know, I always found your Russian one hotter." She added a playful wink.

Yelena arched an eyebrow at Kate's response. "Well, maybe I'll stick to Russian for you." She teased, a playful smirk playing on her lips.

Kate observed her sister, Susan, stuck in a conversation with a group of older businessmen. With a smirk, Kate decided to intervene. She waved Susan over, who gratefully excused herself from the tedious discussion.

Susan sighed in relief, "Thank you, Kate. They were talking about cryptocurrency. It's not my favorite subject."

Kate chuckled, "No problem."

As Susan joined them, she noticed Yelena and greeted her, "Hello, Sasha. Nice to see you again. How are you finding the annual Bishop Christmas Eve party?" Susan added a playful tease to her tone, well aware of the extravagance of the event.

Yelena, maintaining her American accent as Sasha, responded with a polite smile, "Oh, it's quite the experience. Your sister here has been keeping me entertained."

Susan raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "Entertaining? Kate? Well, that's a first."

Kate rolled her eyes, "Alright, Susan, go back to your crypto conversations."

Susan chuckled, "Alright, alright. Have fun, you two."

Kate sighs, "Alright, Sasha, let's get some drinks. It's going to be a long night."

As the night unfolded, Kate and Yelena found themselves engaged in lively conversation, immersed in the glittering atmosphere of the party. They shared laughs and playful banter, observing the passing guests and making guesses about their lives and professions. The night was surprisingly enjoyable, except for the occasional encounter with people claiming to have known Kate since she was a baby and how they changed her diapers.

Despite those moments, the duo found amusement in the absurdity of the party. Yelena seemed like she was genuinely enjoying the night, her guard gradually lowering in the company of Kate.

Kate swiftly stole a bottle of vodka from the bar, and the two found themselves on a balcony, overlooking the sprawling scene below. The city's dazzling lights shimmered, and the large Christmas tree in the distance added to the festive atmosphere. The crisp winter air nipped at their faces as they shared sips of the stolen vodka, the occasional burst of laughter escaping into the night.

As Kate took another sip from the bottle, Yelena's demeanor shifted, becoming more serious. She dropped the American accent, and leaned against the balcony railing. "How was life during the Blip? What was it like for you?"

As Kate's gaze drifted off, avoiding Yelena's eyes, she began, "It was a difficult time. I lost my mom. Susan took me in, but she was barely an adult herself, and I didn't want to burden her with my struggles."

There was a weight to her words, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges she faced during those years. Pausing for a moment, Kate took another sip from the bottle before continuing, "That's when I started working for Wilson Fisk."

Kate took a deep breath before revealing, "I went to Wilson Fisk for work, but later on, I lied and told everyone he made me, which wasn't true. I guess I wanted to create a narrative that justified what I was doing, even to myself. It's easier to blame someone else than to admit I made those choices willingly."

Yelena seemed surprised, "Natasha told me how you were forced to work for him. I felt bad for you." She then inquired, "Does Clint Barton know about this?"

Kate shook her head, "No, he doesn't know. I haven't told him everything. It's complicated, and I'm not sure how he would react."

Yelena leaned back, taking another sip of the stolen vodka. The city lights twinkled below as they continued their conversation on the balcony.

"I get it, Kate Bishop. Sometimes, certain parts of our past are hard to share, even with those closest to us," Yelena replied, her gaze fixed on the city skyline.

Kate nodded, appreciating the understanding in Yelena's words. "Yeah, and I've been working hard to leave that part of my life behind. The Young Avengers, this new path, it's my way of making things right."

Yelena's eyes locked with Kate's, "Well, you seem to be doing a pretty good job of it. I didn't expect to enjoy myself at this fancy party, but here we are, sharing stolen vodka on a balcony."

Kate's smile widened as she gazed at Yelena, the city lights reflecting in her eyes. Yelena, noticing the change in Kate's expression, couldn't help but ask, "What is it?"

Kate, still holding Yelena's gaze, simply nodded and said, "You. You're beautiful." The sincerity in her words hung in the air.

Yelena found herself swept away by the genuine connection she was building with Kate. The archer's company made her temporarily forget the mission that brought her here. But the realization lingered in the back of her mind – the mission. She couldn't just abandon it.

Kate noticed the long pause in Yelena's response. The atmosphere shifted, and Yelena seemed to be lost in thought for a moment. Sensing the change, Kate suddenly snapped out of the light-hearted mood.

"Hey, sorry if I said something wrong. I didn't mean to force anything on you." She told the blonde.

Now Yelena felt guilty. She had come for a mission, expecting Kate to inadvertently spill some crucial information. But instead, she found herself in the company of someone genuine, she just has a rough past. Kate's sincere apology made Yelena realize that she had misjudged the situation.

Yelena responded with a hint of regret in her voice, "I'm sorry, Kate. I shouldn't be here." Without waiting for a response, Yelena began to walk away.

It's almost as if Kate knew something was wrong because Yelena didn't say her last name.

Kate quickly placed the bottle on the balcony and tried to catch up with Yelena. "Hey, wait up," she called out.

Yelena turned around, and Kate, looking more self-assured than sorry, said, "Sorry if I messed things up. I thought we were having a good time."

Yelena glanced back at the archer. Kate continued, her tone now a mix of confidence and genuine concern, "Look, I didn't mean to pry or make you uncomfortable. If you need to go, that's cool. But, hey, we can still enjoy the night, right?" Kate's smirk returned, trying to bring back the tone they had before.

Yelena couldn't shake the realization that she had failed in her mission. Despite her initial objective, she found herself caught up in the unexpected enjoyment of the party with Kate.

With a subtle acknowledgment of her failure, Yelena turned to Kate, "Let's get out of here. Your place?"

Kate grinned mischievously, "Yes, ma'am," she replied. Then they navigated through the crowd, ready to continue their night elsewhere.