Chapter 8
February had come too fast and time was adjusting everything in those women's lives. Kate and Yelena still hadn't made it clear what they were, but they had definitely put all the confusion behind them. Together they had been helping some Black Widows, though Kate had to come back earlier to take over responsibilities left by her mother at Bishop Security. Finally, they had managed to clear the company of Eleanor Bishop's crimes, but the sentence on her mother had been quite harsh.
Four days had passed since Yelena had returned to Ohio to visit her parents, visit Natasha together and try to fix the lives of the new black widows who requested support, or some new ones who were arriving and needed to understand what the heck was happening while Kate had the company of two women who always came to visit her. Wanda used to come some afternoons so she wouldn't feel so lonely (even Wanda didn't want to feel alone) and Aidan used to cook dinner so that neither of them would end up burn down the apartment again.
The happiest of all was Lucky, who seemed to receive love from all the women.
“Do you have it?” Kate asked as she searched something in the kitchen, specifically two huge mugs. Her bestfriend entered the apartment with muffins in one hand, on her right hand, Aidan held up an envelope.
“At this magnificent moment, I announce my wonderful presence in this establishment and deliver to you, Kate Bishop, what you’ve asked.” Aidan exclaimed in already excessive formality, just to annoy Kate.
The archer simply snorted and took that envelope from her, opening it to see what was inside. She was quiet for a moment, knowing that what was in that paper could change a woman's life forever.
“Are you sure this is real?” Kate asked her, she couldn't be wrong on this.
“Kate, I practically sold my soul to get this. It was and is completely impossible to know that kind of data, especially when the Red Room erased all data about Black Widows and the people close to them. Remember that Natasha gave a lot of details when she was at the senate hearing. I didn't get this thanks to S.H.I.E.L.D... I did it for a darker side.” Aidan pointed to one of the papers, old pictures but then she put it back. It was none of her business, none of their business to find that out before Yelena did. It was purely and exclusively her decision.
“Thanks.” She said a bit excitedly, knowing how important that could be for Yelena. She brought that envelope to her chest, hugging it. “It means a lot. She needs some closure and I think this might help, I just hope she doesn't get mad at me.”
“I don't know about this… digging through the past, Kate. Sometimes it's better to leave it behind.” Aidan winced.
“Yes, but… maybe there’s a birthday date?” The blue eyed girl was moved just thinking about it. “She said she's never had one of hers, maybe we can throw her a birthday party! With cake and balloons.”
“Oh, shut up. You just want to know her natal chart and find out if you two are compatible. I think she’s an aries. You’re definitely a pisces.” Aidan teased as she took one of the mugs, but instead of the mug she just got a paper ball right in front of her forehead. “Ouch, you and your stupid aim.”
“Some people have actually called me the world's greatest archer.” Kate boasted with a smile.
“You are…” Aidan thought.
“So, world’s greatest archer… How are things with Yelena? Besides all this searching you've made me do, how are you both doing?” Aidan asked as she sat on Kate's couch, settling next to Lucky who had snuggled against her taking advantage of her human warmth. It was one of the coldest days of the year.
“Oh great. Cool, we're great. It has been amazing, really really good.” She nodded quickly, before taking a big sip of chocolate. She was wearing a huge gray hoodie with the purple logo of her university, the university she was supposed to attend after winter break, but she didn't know what decision to make. “It is just that…”
Kate muttered something, not knowing how to express it. Aidan raised an eyebrow, giving her time to express herself.
“I'd like to do something special for her, you know?” Kate winced before taking a sip of her hot cocoa. “I mean, we were living together for a few weeks while her ribs healed. Now that she’s looking for some info about the next widow to wake up, she’s taking care of Fanny and visiting her parents. I want to…”
“Do you want to ask her to live with you?” The agent said quickly, narrowing her eyes at her. “Don't you think it's soon? Even for us, she also stays here. She doesn't even need an invitation. What am I talking about? You both already live together!”
“Shut up. I meant… I would like to do something nice for her. Valentine's is tonight and although I don't think she celebrates Valentine's Day… I don’t think even if I do, well… I don't know. Do you think if … we do it, she'll be mad? Or if I don't, will she get mad? What if she gets mad?!”
Kate stammered, looking like she was going to be in a crisis soon so Aidan stopped her.
“Easy... Let's see... How about a date?”
“Dinner together and that stuff? Isn't that what we already have?”
“Kate, dating is so much more than just sitting at a table and hanging out.” The brunette drank some of her cocoa and started stroking Lucky behind its ears. “Okay, it's… quite similar but you can make it special. Have you ever been on a date before?”
“Um, no. Just… some random flirting, and that's it...”
Aidan narrowed her eyes. “Have you never been in a serious relationship?” She asked, curious to know more about the archer, happy to have the opportunity to meet her. All those years away from her, so far and so close at the same time.
“No.” Kate pouted. “It's not that I didn't want to, but... no one has wanted to. Me neither.”
“Their loss, look at you. You’re a wonderful, beautiful and an elite assassin is crazy for you. The best archer in the world, and one of the best friends ever.” Aidan smiled at Kate so tenderly, making the blu eyed girl smile. That had been all worth it. “Okay, let's think… what does she like?”
“It's Yelena. Hitting bad guys? Macaroni and cheese?”
“Good point.” The 'agent' narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. “Do you want some advice? Be spontaneous. She likes that about you, right? Then do it. Be yourself.”
“It's been a bit cold, maybe... we can go ice skating!” Kate said excitedly, her eyes widening at the happiness of the idea that had lit up her mind like an epiphany. “We could go for a walk, go out to dinner, take her skating.”
“That sounds great! You see? You have initiative!” Aidan smiled at her proudly, noticing how Kate seemed more and more excited as she babble about everything she was going to do, plus how thanks to her mom's connections she might be able to get some nice place to take her out to dinner that night.
Aidan looked down for a moment, wishing she could have done more for Kate in her life. She could have met her before, seen her get excited about her first date, heard all her stories, got her tickets to the week's baseball game. Kate would support the Yankees and Aidan would support the Red Sox.“You know what?”
“What?”
“Tonight there will be a meteor shower… Alpha Centaurids.” Aidan gave her an idea, noticing how Kate smiled, surprised at that. Sounded like a really good idea. “It's kind of cute, kind of intimate. Seeing a meteor shower. It will be very cold, but it may be worth it. If I had someone in my life, I would do that.”
“Wow, I like that.” Kate took her phone to look for some info about it on some page or even the National Observatory, but she didn't find anything about it. “There's nothing about that here. Are you sure? It says that the next meteor showers will be lyrids on April.”
“One hundred percent sure, really. You won't find it there.” Aidan nodded a little nervously.
“How do you know that?”
“Maybe I have Friends at NASA? Who cares?! I just know that. Just take her somewhere nice, without so much light pollution, okay?”
"Who would say that you’re so romantic?" Kate scoffed at her as she sat next to her on the couch, taking a bite of one of her chocolate muffins. Aidan groaned, throwing a napkin ball at her.
Kate began to laugh until the door opened, a beautiful light brown haired woman walking through the door of the apartment.
“I heard laughter and decided to came.” Wanda Maximoff said with her thick sokovian accent. Kate as well as Aidan looked surprised, she had left the redhead, now it looked light brown again.
“Wanda! Your hair! I love it! You look great!” Kate exclaimed as friendly and cheerful as always. “I've always wanted to do a makeover like this, you know? maybe... bangs? I don't know.” Kate wrinkled her nose.
“You've changed your hair.” Aidan stammered, almost as if Wanda had taken her soul from her and was giving it back in a matter of seconds. The sokovian looked so beautiful that Aidan could hardly say a word.
“Yes, I'm supposed to go unnoticed in this city… why do you look at me like that? it looks bad?” The Sokovian asked, somewhat shy but also confused by the agent's penetrating gaze. Kate just pressed her lips together, trying to cover it up. She elbowed Aidan, making her react.
“N-No. You look great, beautiful, great. Super cool." Aidan started to stutter and stutter again, but she stopped when Kate elbowed again without Wanda noticing. The agent cleared her throat. “Looking amazing.”
“Okay…” Wanda looked at her with some confusion and then turned to see Kate, she handed her a bag with some stuff. “I was just coming to tell you that Clint sent you this. He says that you do-”
“Don't get into trouble.” Kate finished filling in her sentence, rolling her eyes before pulling out a box with a small letter on it. “This is great, cookies made by Laura.”
“Well, I must return to the apartment, the trip has been exhausting and someone has left a mess in the house and I must clean it. You know why? Some agent I know likes to let pigeons live in the window. What the heck do you have that animals stick to you like a sticker?!” Wanda said as she looked at Aidan, who just narrowed her reyes. The witch walked over to her and snatched a chocolate muffin out of her hand, biting it and carrying it away with a victorious smile.
“Don't look at me like that, Maximoff! THEY ARE MY FRIENDS. The family of those pigeons has lived here since the building was built, in the 60’s! The sixties! We owe them that and more… Be careful with Philly!” Aidan replied, who watched her until that brown hair was lost behind the door again. “And don't you dare kick the bats off the terrace! Ozzy lives there since I arrived and eats the mosquitoes! They eliminate pests!”
Kate just watched this situation with a mischievous smile, completely amazed at what had just happened.
“Shut your mouth or you'll get something in there.” Kate teased, smiling before drinking some more hot chocolate.
“What? I just…” Aidan looked at her so surprised, trying to hide it.
“Since when has this been happening?”
“What are you talking about?” Aidan tried to play but Kate was too perceptive for such things. “Animals? Since I was born. I don't care if a human being dies, but if an animal dies? I would destroy the entire planet.”
“THIS.” The archer pointed to the door where Wanda had come out seconds before and to Aidan at the same time. “You, swooning. Making the same stupid face I made when I see my Lena. You see her as if every time she passes near you, she will enchant you like a siren's song. Since when?”
“Oh, who am I kidding? Yeah, I'm crazy about her.” Aidan looked down, she couldn't tell her the truth. She wouldn't understand, Kate wouldn't be able to fully comprehend the truth. “Long time ago... Sokovia.”
“What?! Have you been in love with her for her years ago?”
“Shut up!”
“You have to tell me this. You know all my drama now is your turn!”
Aidan sighed. She couldn't give her real details of how she met Wanda, could she? What if she found out the whole truth? The taller brunnete tried to answer as truthfully as she could.
“I heard her sorrow… in umh… Sokovia.” She murmured, a bit thoughtful, maybe that shouldn't sound like she said it but she was grateful that Kate didn't dig into those words. “I tried to get closer to talk to Wanda, but I didn't dare. Then I saw her several times in the Avengers Compound, she seemed a bit lonely but I never dared to talk to her.”
“And now she’s living in your house." Kate nodded, completely hooked on this gossip.
“Until she gets an apartment nearby…” Aidan corrected, but Kate just rolled her eyes at her and snorted dismissively. “what do you want me to do?”
“Are you going to stay without doing anything? Look at me. I'm with a beautiful blonde who drives me crazy, I love her, she loves me… she's a spy, ex assasin, I think not everything is positive about this… but we make it work!” She smiled victoriously.
“Yeah, kiddo. First: A, she rejected you and you cried for two weeks.” Aidan arched an eyebrow. “B, I had to feed you and listen to you to make you feel better, because you were always drinking. C, now you're asking me how to go on a date.”
“Remember me... Why are you my friend?” Kate just threw a cushion right at her face, ready to cover herself if Aidan returned it.
The brunette was about to throw it when the front door opened again, this time letting in a familiar petit blonde.
“Kate Bishop, I'm back.” She greeted by walking over to her archer and placing a soft kiss on Kate's lips, who seemed swooning by it. The Russian Widow looked up from her, watching as Aidan arranges the cushion again at her side. “Is the agent bothering you?”
“Hello, Yelena. So lovely and kind as always.” Aidan smirked, clearly being quite playfully sarcastic. “How are you?”
“Cold.” The russian blonde answered somewhat bluntly, although after noticing that Kate opened her eyes wide, begging her to try to be nicer to her, Yelena continued: “And you, Aidan?”
“Hungry. Okay, that's my cue.” The older brunette got up and took her leather jacket, ready to go back to her home. She knew that those two had spent days apart and were dying to be near each other alone. “See you both later, okay?”
Once Aidan was gone, Kate just opened her arms for the blonde to cuddle up to her.
“Why do you hate her?” Kate sighed as she felt Yelena's arms surround her and they settled together on that sofa.
“I do not hate her!” Yelena frowned at her, a little jealous, closed her eyes and hugged her girl closer as if was afraid they would take Kate away from her. “I just think she wants to jump on you and I do not like it.”
“Aidan? Oh my.” Kate let out a laugh, throwing her head back against the couch. That was so hilarious. “Are you really that blind?”
Yelena was clearly offended, exaggerating as usual. Her lips parted like a little 'o'. “What?!”
“Have you really not noticed?” the smile on Kate's lips widened, realizing that Yelena was serious and she wasn't kidding at all. The laughter and fun turned into tenderness; Kate bit her bottom lip. “Oh, babe… Aidan has been in love with Wanda for years, she just told me. And then you say you're the best spy in the world.”
Yelena was quiet for a few seconds, still frowning at her.
“HA! Of course I knew! How do you think I didn't know?” She tried to fake it but just ended up laughing, Kate had started tickling her until she finally stopped. She definitely hadn't imagined or read the room well, now, Yelena understood A LOT of things. “She is really in love with the witch? I think I like Aidan better now, she's cool and she cooks so well. I've always liked her.”
“You’re a bad liar.” Kate said softly before cupping her face and finally kissing her lips. How much she had missed them, how much she had longed for those lips all those days. Kate never thought she could be so needy. “I missed you...”
“I missed you too, моя любовь.” They both shared loving smiles, noticing how Lucky snuggled to the side of the sofa to be next to them.
“How was Ohio?” The brunette asked her as she caressed her lover's face, arranging some blonde strands on the sides of her face, behind her ear. She could feel a small cut behind her cheek and she knew, things had been a bit tense.
“It was good, I think. My family is okay, just a little busy with all the black widows that we are waking up. Some are forming new teams to wake up others.” That thick accent, her hoarse voice and somewhat low, the one that made Kate melt completely. “We visited Natasha's grave, we brought her flowers..."
“That's beautiful, babe.” Kate smiled at her so tenderly, between soft caresses. “She would be so proud of everything you're doing, you know? Not just for you, for all of them.”
Yelena looked up so she could see her lover's eyes, just look at them and feel like she was home. That Kate kept her feet on the ground, that everything would be fine.
Soft music played, one of those Taylor Swift songs that Kate used to listen to. Yelena had discovered the entire ‘Folklore’ album thanks to her and her huge fandom.
The archer sighed deeply, the silence between them sometimes too cozy.
“Yelena? I would like to talk to you about something.” Kate licked her lips, nervous to know her answer.
“About what?” Yelena frowned, perhaps with a hint of concern. When was the moment when those words ended well? She had never been in a relationship, or whatever they had, but she had seen movies and that was NOT GOOD AT ALL.
Kate took a few moments, taking her hand to intertwine fingers with hers. “Would you like to go to a date with me?”
“Dating? We're are doing that, Kate.” Yelena rolled her eyes at her, much calmer now knowing that it was just that. “A week ago we went to…”
“I know, I know.” She stammered quickly, but then took a deep breath and courage before speaking. “I mean having a date. You and me. Go out on a date. Would you like to go out with me… on a date?”
That caught the Russian by surprise, in a good way. No one had ever dared to ask such a thing to her, no one would be allowed to get so close. The times that someone had dared to cross her path and go too far, had ended up with a broken wirst or a visit to the hospital.
But now her heart was beating wildly, her palpitations had accelerated so much that she felt that her heart would jump out of her chest. Kate was asking her out on a date, her. Yelena Belova. Assassin. Something so simple, but at the same time so… beautiful.
And in the reflection of her greenish eyes, Kate could see the emotion in them. “I want, Kate Bishop.”
It was a yes.
Kate's heart was now the one that overturned with joy, a smile was drawn on her lips.
“Tonight... we have a date then!” The archer jumped to her feet on the couch, startling Pizza Dog who just lay back down. Yelena giggled with amusement as Kate jumped out of it and up the stairs. “We're going on a date… oh wait! Let's do it the old fashioned way, I'll meet you at the location… I'll text you where it is. And bring a bag with comfortable clothes, okay? It sounds weird, I know, but do it!”
Completely in love with that girl, Yelena shook her head and smiled as she watched the archer go up. “You're crazy, Kate Bishop.”
And definitely, she was crazy about Kate.
After googling for about fifteen minutes and calling Jack for his advice, Kate came to the conclusion that one of the best restaurants in New York for that night was 'Dolores', a beautiful restaurant, if a bit pricey but with an amazing view to the wonderful river. At night? It was beautiful and romantic. But how could she get such urgent reservations on Valentine's Day? And above all, a quiet and separate space for just the two of them to share.
At first, it was completely impossible, but once Kate said her last name, the manager of the place was delighted to find them a special place in her agenda. Apparently money moved the world, but above all, it was moved by influences on New York.
Although Kate felt somewhat guilty about doing it, she told herself that it was only the first time she had done it and that it was totally worth it.
The Bishop's only daughter looked at herself in the mirror one more time to make sure she looked good, nervousness wouldn't allow her to sit still in her seat.
She wore her hair down and to the side, an elegant black suit which contrasted perfectly against her skin. Probably one of the few times she chose to wear such a formal suit, totally loved wearing t-shirts and jeans. Didn't know exactly when she started to like them so much, or maybe she did, when she started working at her mother's company. Wearing something more 'elegant' was the deal.
“What if Yelena stands me up? What if she doesn't come? It would be so embarrassing, maybe I should think of escape routes. This stupid suit will make it a bit hard… ” Thought the brunette as she looked towards the window, but the reflection on it make her turn quickly.
She was there.
Yelena was at the entrance of that restaurant, looking as beautiful and elegant as ever. Wearing her hair in a ponytail and a beautiful black dress that made her look like a goddess. A connection between the two, a smile from a distance.
The blonde one approached the table, quite exclusive and separated from the others, Kate got up from her seat until she was facing her. The silence, the seconds and two women who couldn't stop staring at each other.
“You look so beautiful.” Kate said with a goofy smile, unable to break the connection. Swooning all over her. She was surprised to see a slight blush on the widow, possibly Kate was one of the only people who had seen her so vulnerable besides Natasha.
“You look very beautiful too, Kate Bishop.” Yelena whispered, her heart pounding so hard she feared it would burst out of her chest.
“We should…” Kate pointed to the table.
“Yes, we should.”
A small i’m-so-in-love giggle escaped both women and they sat down, the lights had dimmed quite a bit leaving a romantic atmosphere, lit by candles.
“I must say, you are very romantic, Kate Bishop.” The black widow looked around her. The river, the candles, the soft music. Possibly one of those scenes from TV shows that she had been recommended to see, one of those that she would possibly see with Natasha. She remembered those two Widows who joked about Sex & the City but to be honest, Yelena preferred Gilmore Girls or Buffy the Vampire Slayer. From whom could she copy the style but the great Buffy Summers?
“This is new for me…” Kate admitted somewhat excitedly, playing with one of the napkins in her hands. “Well not so much. My mom loved going out to eat at places like this, she loved showing off, you know.” She shrugged with a cute smile. “But it's my first date... like this.”
“It is also my first date, Kate.” Yelena looking down at her own fingers, a bit shy. At that moment, one of the waitresses approached with the menu. They both decided to order lasagna, which made them smile when Kate asked please for a large amount of cheese for both of them, and some good wine.
“So… How do you feel about this?” The archer asked as she watched the waitress leave. She took the bottle and began to pour the wine into two glasses. Yelena frowned at her not understanding what she meant by that question. “Your first date.”
“Weird... in a good way.” Yelena cleared up before drinking some of her red wine, no doubt something old and exquisite. All this time she had traveled so much that ended up liking to drink wine, beer as well as vodka. “Without a doubt, this place is wonderful…”
“I want you to feel comfortable and also entertain yourself a little.” Kate said a little nervously while looking around. “I don't know how to do this, possibly my idea of a date would be to eat delicious chicken subways sitting in some skyscraper. Or Mac and Cheese.”
Yelena raised an eyebrow, interested about it. She picked up the glass of wine and drank some of it before saying: “That would be a beautiful second date that we should go together.”
The brunette nodded and took the glass, but before drinking she just had to repeat: “You look so beautiful tonight.”
The tension between the two lessened as the date progressed. They managed to enjoy an exquisite lasagna and an interesting talk about 'how macaroni and cheese was the best food in the world, but lasagna could be a good second place or maybe the third one'. The soft music, Yelena's giggles at the crazy things Kate was saying, and the archer's heart beating harder and harder.
The chemistry between the two could be seen and felt, even the waitress who approached every moment had been encouraged to compliment them on how beautiful they looked together. About two hours passed until they decided to leave that restaurant, accompanying each other walking under the starry night in New York.
The door of her apartment closed and that brunette stood against it, somewhat pensive. What should she do?
Looking up she could just see that witch looking out the huge window, something she loved to do them both. The best thing about that location was that they could enjoy an incredible view.
“Lost in the view?” Aidan asked, coming into the kitchen, pulling some ingredients out of the fridge to make something 'special'. Wanda turned to see her and just nodded, she seemed completely lost in the melancholy and the memories of her.
“Wanda…” Aidan spoke her name again so softly that she was surprised Wanda heard her.
“Yes?”
“Your hair really looks beautiful.” She said the brunette somewhat shy, her ears blushing, couldn't believe that she had lived so many years, defeating agents and villains, overcoming all kinds of dangerous missions to end up babbling like a fool in front of Wanda Maximoff. “I just… I wanted to ask if… you…”
“What?” Fear grew in Wanda, hoping Aidan wouldn't say what she expected her to say. Because she knew perfectly well, the sokovian would have to break her heart and she wasn't ready to lose a new friend.
“I just... I am…” Aidan tried to say something more than silly babble until she sighed deeply. “Can you go up to the terrace for a moment?"
Wanda glanced toward the terrace door, not understanding the madness Aidan was asking. “It’s freezing out there. Is this about your pigeons?”
The brunette sighed, rolling her eyes and insisted again: “Just go, okay? … Please? ‘Por favor?’…”
Once Wanda walked up the steps to continue down the hall to the terrace, Aidan finished pouring two mugs of hot chocolate and grabbed two oversized blankets from the closet. Took less than two minutes, but when she went out to the terrace she could see how Wanda was looking at her somewhat annoyed, hugging herself to keep the heat in her body.
“It's so cold, Aidan!” She exclaimed so annoyed.
“Take this.” Aidan gave her one of the blankets, pointing to two huge, comfortable seats. After seeing how the witch accommodated her and ended up covering herself from that cold between the blankets, Aidan handed her hot chocolate mug.
Wanda frowned, surprised. “Is this…?”
“Hot cocoa and marshmallows, I thought you'd like it as pay for making you freeze tonight.” Aidan smiled and then settled in next to her, pulling several blankets around them and leaning against the back of her seat. “Happy Valentines Day.”
Those words had sounded quite sincere, maybe a little dreamy. The Scarlet Witch shook her head, a bit gloomy.
“I had forgotten Valentine's Day with so many hearts and stupid romantic decorations all over this city.” Wanda said wryly, looking at her mug.
Aidan cocked her head to look at her, didn't say anything. Just watched the face of that woman, so in love. Those huge gloomy and melancholic jade eyes, the birthmarks on her cheeks. Oh goddess, she is so beautiful.
Both shared the tranquility of the night, although from time to time some sirens could be heard. It was the charm of New York.
“Sometimes I miss the sound of crickets at night.” Aidan whispered, breaking the silence. “Oh, look...” She pointed to the sky, specifically to a well-known constellation. “That's Ursa Major, and the other one is Ursa Minor.”
“I know. Do you think I don't know about stars?” Wanda arched an eyebrow, perhaps it had sounded harsher than she expected, but she didn't know how to socialize with people anymore. Even with her new friends. How could she know if someone wanted to be with her or was it just her manipulating them?
Aidan's face paled for a moment, slightly uncomfortable.
“No, it's just…” She stammered and then sighed deeply, turning her gaze skyward. “They’re important for me. The bears in the sky, it was just stupid thing... Forget about it.”
“Sorry.” Wanda said after a few moments, noticing how harsh she really sounded. She sometimes tried too hard to get away from people, sometimes it was easy. “Would you... tell me more about them?”
The witch had built a small bridge between the two, not wanting to hurt Aidan's feelings. It wasn't her intention, and it wasn't Aidan's fault that Wanda suffered so much from her painful loss. Despite the fact that her heart had been hurt, as well as her pride, the brunette decided to continue.
“According to this legend, Ursa Major was once the beautiful maiden Callisto, whom the god Zeus had an affair with. In order to protect her and their son, Arcas, from his jealous wife Hera, Zeus turned Callisto and Arcas into bears. He then picked up the bears by their short, stubby tails and threw them into the sky. While doing this the tails of the bears stretched out… Other stories say they are the Roman gods, Jupiter and Juno.” Aidan said fixing her gaze on those huge and bright stars, with a certain melancholy. But then she turned to see Wanda, feeling her heart skip a beat at the sight of her. Those beautiful, brooding green eyes again. “But… do you want to know the truth?”
The witch was curious, for the first time in so long, she really felt that warmth inside her. That little flame of curiosity. “What kind of truth?"
“They're just shiny stars…” Aidan smirked, noticing how Wanda shook her head, but at least she was smiling at her mischief. “Okay, I'll tell you the version I know. They are companions of a goddess named Artio. She was a very fierce but kind woman, she was also known as Artemis or Diana… each religion had a different name for her. Long ago, Artio was the bear goddess of nature, a bear yeah, and also the protector of women. What I do know is that they say… that if you are a strong woman and have a kind heart, she will always be by your side wherever you go… guiding you with the stars.”
“That was so cheesy.” Wanda took a few seconds before answering that and letting out a giggle.
“Yeah, it is.” Aidan laughed too. But its true…
The brunette just kept looking into her eyes for a moment, they were both sharing a moment so beautiful and calm that she didn't want to break. Aidan sighed deeply, trying to gather courage.
“Wanda, I have to tell you something…” The tallest woman began, swallowing hard and setting her mug down next to the seat. Before she could continue, Wanda was quick to interrupt her.
Oh no, that moment that she feared so much had arrived.
“I know what you will say." The scarlet witch looked down, rather embarrassed. She knew that she must end up breaking her heart, because it was the only way she would understand.
“No, you don't.” Aidan grimaced, moving somewhat uncomfortably in her seat. But Wanda was much smarter than she thought, and much more insightful.
“Your heart beats faster when you talk to me, Aidan.”
“I have arrhythmias. I inherited tachycardia when I was…” The brunette evaded the situation again, but she was already doing something useless. Aidan sighed deeply again, sensing Wanda's regret and sorrow at her failed confession.
“Sorry.” The Sokovian finally got up the courage to face the situation, to reject a woman who had been nothing but wonderful and good to her. But it was something she couldn't give Aidan. Her sad green eyes met the hazel ones, a connection between them that was undeniable but sadly wrong. “I wish I could reciprocate the same way, but I can't.”
She couldn't afford any more loss and pain in her life, had lost her parents in an awful way. Her childhood, her parents, her life. Her twin brother whom she felt die, saving the world with a group of superheroes.
Her first love, Vision, led her into the very chaos pain, discovering that she was not just a woman with powers. She was a mystical being that shouldn't even exist.
Her children, who never existed but for her they were real; pain still haunted Wanda like a phantom limb pain.
Wanda waited some insult or some angry or hurt attitude on the part of Aidan, she considered was her right. She couldn't give Aidan something that she just couldn't.
But kicking away every expectation of what would happen, Wanda only felt her other hand gently caress hers. A little squeeze, as if she wanted to show her support… in everything. A sensation that made Wanda's belly feel warm, something new that she chose to ignore.
“Hey, it's okay.” Aidan said calmly, trying to support her now. “Wanda... Don't worry okay? I know, I know.”
“I wish it was … I were different.” Wanda tried to speak through her anguish, but Aidan stopped her.
“I know, really. You don't have to apologize, Wanda. It's not a bad thing…really. I just wanted you to know... that I will always be there for you, always, in everything. You can always count on me. I don't want you to feel bad for me, nor do you think that I want more… Yes, I am in love with you but I… I just want your happiness, and I know perfectly well that it is not and neverwill be with me.” That caused her pain in her own heart, but it was the truth. “But I had to be honest with you, cause you’re my friend.” Aidan assured her with one last squeeze, before leaning back in her seat, watching the sky. “Now, look at this beautiful sky... Let's take advantage of it before the world goes to hell once again.”
And while Aidan looked at that starry sky, she didn't realize that now Wanda was looking at her to discover something completely different. She hadn't told Wanda all those feelings to seek something more from her, to get something from her. Aidan had only confessed her feelings to her so she would know, that she would never be alone.
And a small part inside of her knew that it was worth too much, even if Wanda couldn't reciprocate.
The sky was crossed by a beautiful star, starting that meteor shower and Wanda smiled, pointing to the sky. “Look, there goes one!”
“There goes another one!” Said the excited brunette, both simply wrapped in huge blankets enjoying a cold but also warm night thanks to chocolate and two sad hearts that kept each other company. “The universe is amazing, don't you think? After so long, it always surprises you in some way…”
Wanda tilted her head to see this woman who looked like an excited child seeing stars for the first time. “It is.”
“Did you know that Kate and Yelena are on a date right now?”
“Really?”
“Oh, yeah. In some really fancy place, I'd pay lot of money to see Kate panicking.”
“Are you sure about this?” Kate giggled. Both remained seated on a huge bench, tying the laces of their skates. They left their fancy clothes to change into much more comfortable ones.
They were in one of the most important rinks in New York, Ice skate on the 23rd-floor rooftop of The Vale seemed like a good idea until they realized that it was too high. The good part? Kate using her influence and her money again, had managed to rent that place for the night, after the Ice Rink closed to the public.
“What could happen? If we fall, we will die.” Yelena seemed excited. She didn't remember when was the last time she was in a ice rink, possibly when she was a child, but… Which memories were true and which were not? The widow could hardly make them out anymore.
When Yelena entered that ice rink, not even her spy reflexes could save her from slipping. Kate began to laugh out loud, slipping in and skating so smoothly and magnificently that she made Yelena snort in annoyance, holding on to one of the side boards.
“That's not funny, Kate Bishop! I could have died!” She tried to look upset, but she started laughing along with her beloved. Kate skated over to her, settling next to her blonde and grabbing her arm so she could walk with her.
“Oh, come on. Can you imagine? The great Yelena Belova has died from falling on an ice rink.” She joked as she told Yelena how to move, little by little, they both began to move down the track.
“That’s not a cool way to die.”
Despite some tense moments and laughter due to tripping, Yelena began to take more confidence in her every move. Together they enjoyed the slow music and the view, because above them the night seemed like a wonderful spectacle.
The stars were shining, taking care of two girls who laughed and played completely in love with each other.
Kate moved along the floor next to her until she noticed a sudden movement of her partner, Yelena began to stumble again about to fall but Kate managed to catch her, hugging her against her body.
“Wow, you are such a romantic. Do you think you're my knight in shining armor, Kate Bishop?” Yelena smirked, playing with her but at the same time completely losing herself in those blue eyes.
Far from wanting to separate from her, Kate began to move slowly still hugging her around her waist, a slow and romantic dance had begun between them.
“I love you, Yelena Belova.” Kate finally said, knowing that the weight of those words could cost everything or mean everything. Her current happiness and her future. The tension between the two, seconds of silence after that confession.
Still hugging the archer, Yelena leaned down to kiss her beloved's lips once more. Her heart was pounding so hard she thought it was going to get out of her chest.
“I love you, Kate Bishop." She finally answered, and the beast in Kate's chest roared loudly. Her soul had returned to her body and her heart was beating stronger than ever. Yelena stole a short kiss from her again before separating from her and beginning to skate around with a skill Kate hadn't seen before.
Of course Yelena Belova, a trained russian spy and ex-assassin knew how to ice skate.
“No fucking way... YOU KNOW HOW TO…!” The brunette one claimed, opening her lips in a playful way, before walking over to skate next to her.
“You look pretty when you want to help me, Kate Bishop. I didn't want to break your illusions.” The blonde shrugged and she skated doing some poses and jumps, ones that Kate could never do in her life.
“You're lucky I’m crazy about you.” Kate pointed at her amused but at that very moment her phone started to ring. One of the alarms and a message. “Oh, wait.”
‘Kate, almost midnight. The meteor shower is almost beginning. Alpha Centaurids.
Ps. If you’re having sex, don’t tell me. See ya.’ - Aidan, two minutes ago.
“Oh, yes. You gotta see this.” Kate put away her phone, took Yelena's hand to approach one of the boards and point to that night sky.
With her phone, she managed to turn off the light on that terrace, ending the light pollution in the building. Only one song was heard, ‘Fade into you’ by Mazzy Star.
“What's going on?” Yelena asked confused, looking up to see the same point as Kate but she only saw a dark night full of stars. She stayed like that for a minute or two, beginning to lose her temper until she saw one of the meteors drop and fade away.
“Wow, is that…? A star? Meteor shower?!” The widow opened her lips, surprised to see how two others fell again. “It's so beautiful, Kate Bishop. Look at that!”
Kate smiled seeing her excited and she wasn't going to deny that it was what she wanted the most, besides, she had never seen a meteor shower before. Possibly one of the most romantic moments of her life. “Can you imagine one of those falling on someone's head?”
Yelena pursed her lips thoughtfully. “It would be impossible, they disintegrate as soon as they reach our atmosphere... but definitely a good way to die.”
“Oh, I read once that he killed someone...somewhere. Can’t remember where…”
That had been one of the most wonderful nights in both of their lives, especially for Yelena who slowly discovered the meaning of her happiness, with that archer who had spared her life when she could have simply taken that shot. And end her miserable and vindictive life.
That shot that allowed them to meet her favorite person in the world, and possibly her soulmate in the entire universe.
Those two girls arrived at Kate's apartment laughing, trying to hug their coats tightly to keep what little warmth there was because although stargazing at night was very romantic, it was also very cold. One of the coldest nights of the year!
Everything was fine in the apartment, Pizza Dog seemed to sleep as if nothing else in the world mattered to him. They both ran up the stairs to 'keep warm', until they reached the upper room. The brunette flopped down on the bed exclaiming that her feet hurt too much due to her shoes and roller skates, Yelena just settled down by sitting next to her, while she took off her shoes.
“You are a weak baby.” Teased the blonde, leaving her shoes on the side of the bed.
“Take back what you just said!” Said Kate before grabbing by her waist and pulling her onto the bed, quickly kissing her lips over and over again as if it was punishment.
Cute and adorable kisses that began to be more passionate; Kate’s hands stopped tickling to caress the other's body with a certain desire.
She took the lead and settled on Yelena’s body, her lips couldn’t be separated from hers. Yelena was an addiction, one of the best and most exquisite that would drive her insane, and that was what made her stop and separate from her for a moment.
They both seemed a little agitated, slightly flushed and needy. But Kate knew perfectly well that it wasn’t her who would decide what would happen tonight.
“I’m sorry, babe. I just…” Kate whispered.
“Do not worry, Моя любовь.” Yelena's rough, agitated voice showed the desire she felt. Her pupils dilated, her cheeks flushed. She was deciding on her body for the first time in her life. “I want to.”
“You… Are you sure…?”
“I am sure.” Yelena nodded again, bringing her hands up to Kate's face to caress it gently. A sincere look, a heart that beat strongly. There was nothing more sincere and real in those moments. “Are you going to take this off me or do I have to do it myself, Kate Bishop?”
Her first time, together with Kate.
Her first time because she didn't remember any that wasn't with the person she loved, because it was the first time she could decide, the first time she could desire something, that she could love.
A few seconds was all Kate took to realize, finally ending the distance between their mouths and melting again in a kiss.
Taking courage and taking the lead, the archer slowly undressed the blonde as if it were her most precious treasure.
And it was, that woman had managed to snatch her heart completely that night on the terrace, where she decided not to take the shot and find the love of her life. Because even if she didn't say it, she believed it.
One by one she was removing the clothes she was wearing, before the expectant look of the Russian who felt her body tremble because of her need and her nerves.
Kate's fingertips traced and undressed her so gently that she felt vulnerable, naked before those blue eyes that did nothing but love her. As did her lips, which now kissing down her jaw to reach her exposed neck.
The brunette kissed and bit her neck so gently, not as a possessive statement, but as a demonstration of her need for her girlfriend. Getting rid of her bra was the funniest and possibly the most adorable part of all, especially when Yelena had to do it herself because Kate couldn't because of her position.
Giggles that were muffled with needy kisses, sighs that turned into soft moans as Kate’s lips where kissing slowly her breasts. They were perfect, the ones that fit perfectly in her hand, the ones that she kissed and covered with her lips to give her a pleasure that the widow never felt, but also an understanding love, going through her scars and birthmarks as if it were her greatest treasure.
The green gaze of the Russian lost in that ceiling of the room, gasps escaping from her lips while her beloved discovered her with a patience and love that made her feel finally loved, vulnerable, curious and happy.
She closed her eyes as Kate finally kissed and bite her belly, played for a long time between her hips, naming that land as hers. More hers than ever.
“Are you sure you want?” Kate asked again, resting her chin on Yelena’s hips with a look that could have completely melted the Russian. How could she be so hot and adorable at the same time? Kate wanted her to be safe because she knew that she would never, ever do anything that Yelena didn't want to. And Yelena knew it, it was the moment she knew that sheloved her more than anything. Kate Bishop.
The blonde carefully approached to take the brunette's face and draw her into a passionate kiss, melting her naked bodies into one. The warm skin that rubbed against hers with each movement, the archer's fingers that gently moved down the Russian's body until they reached that intimate and passionate area.
The warmth of her sex between her fingertips, the smooth movements of hers causing her skin to crawl, the passionate kisses.
Kate allowed two of her fingers to focus on Yelena's sex, causing a gasp to escape her rosy lips, snatching moans from her as the movements quickened as time passed.
That moment so intimate between the two was nothing compared to what both had lived. This was the first time that Yelena could share some intimacy with someone she truly loved, it was the first time that she could decide on her body and it felt so good. She felt free and loved by that woman who went through her with love, patience and need.
And Kate, it was the first time that she gave herself completely for love. She allowed herself to love, she allowed herself to surrender.
It was a dance between the two of them, between their tongues that met and their lips that fit perfectly. Messy at times, but full of love and need. Ingredients of a cocktail that would lead to an exquisite orgasm, one that would end up making Yelena's thighs tremble and her muscles tighten. That she moaned against the lips of her beloved, who silenced her between wet kisses.
Between happy smiles after the mindblowing orgasm, knowing that they had each other, that their bodies were wrapped and promised never to let go again. Sealing a perfect and unique night, and a love that although it would go through calamities, it would always be strong and beating in their hearts.