#cooper barton

That’s how you ended up in the Avengers Initiative, not that you felt you didn’t deserve it since you know how hard you worked and everything you gave up to work towards this achievement. 

The team themselves were initially skeptical since you were barely 18 during the battle of New York, but they were quickly proven wrong when they saw how well you handled yourself against the Chitauri. 

You were devastated when SHIELD fell, but carried on as an Avenger, battling Ultron and then moving to the Compound with the team.

You met the actual Bucky for the first time when you were 22, during the whole Civil War thing with Baron Zemo. Like Natasha, you were on Tony’s team, fighting mostly Pietro, but the conflict eventually ended. 

It took Tony some time to get over the whole “Bucky killing his parents while brainwashed” thing, but, as he likes to say, he can’t call himself a genius without admitting that Bucky didn’t have much of a choice. 

Thanks to Tony’s help Shuri was able to find a solution to Bucky’s brainwashing faster than she would’ve alone, meaning Bucky didn’t have to go back into cryo and was pretty quickly cleared to join the team, about a year after the airport battle in Leipzig.

You were warmly accepted by everybody and, the more the team grew the more you felt at home with these people.

And now you wish you could burn down the whole compound because, somehow, Tony convinced you to have a birthday party for the first time in 13 years because, in his words, 'you only turn 25 once'.

Good news is you managed to make him limit the guest list to the team and other people close to you like Maria Hill and Fury. Bad news is you’re still gonna be the center of attention, which you hate.

You couldn’t stop Tony from making everyone dress up for the party, and you couldn’t stop the team from getting you gifts even though you insisted all you wanted was everyone together and to have fun with them since for the longest time nobody ever even knew when your birthday was. 

What you didn’t realize was that the only person more worried than you about your gifts was Bucky.

Since he joined the team the two of you have gotten close, starting with his first training with the team where he very loudly told Steve about his disbelief that someone as young and small as you could actually be an asset to the team.

You quickly put him in his place by taking him down after less than two minutes of sparring, taking full advantage of his underestimating you because he “didn’t want to hurt a pretty little thing like you.”

Admittedly he was impressed and wasn’t shy about letting you know that, while the rest of the team snickered at his initial shock when you pinned him down.

You became friends after that, not as close as you’d like but friends nonetheless.

If you were honest with yourself you’ve been harboring a little crush on the supersoldier, but he’s never shown any interest so you resigned yourself to just being his friend.

Something that you did come to treasure, though, is your and Bucky’s late night talks.

It started with you walking in on him in the kitchen on a late night where you couldn’t sleep, nothing new to you, but the two of you barely talked other than acknowledging each other.

You took a bottle of water and left.

A couple of days later you ran into him again and you stood there in silence while you made yourself a cup of tea and then left for your room.

A few days later again he was just sitting there and said nothing as you made your tea, except this time you put a cup in front of him and silently took a seat next to him at the counter.

Two nights later when you arrived at the kitchen he was already there with a cup of tea in front of him and one in front of the seat next to him.

You didn’t want to assume it was for you, but you took a chance when you noticed it was the cup you always used, a blue mug with Stitch on it that says “Let’s get weird”. Your favorite in fact.

You hesitantly sat down next to him and, without you having to ask or without even looking at you, he told you that the nights you stay up late because you can’t sleep you tend to be more quiet during the team dinners and while you hang out afterwards.

You didn’t say anything in return and just sat there, trying not to overthink how much he seemed to watch you.

But the more nights you spent like that, the more you two talked and you gathered quickly that Bucky is a very observant person, nothing more.

You loved the time you spent together after dark where you’d talk about everything and anything, but come morning it was almost as if it never happened, which you came to accept.

It weirdly made the nights you spent talking even more special, which was almost every night.

But back to the present, you’re currently getting ready with Natasha and Wanda, who know much more than you about hair and makeup and are always happy to help you out with getting ready for Stark parties. 

You put on the black cocktail dress with rhinestones all over the corset and a slit down the left side, then the three of you make your way to the party room and you take a deep breath before entering.

Everyone is already there, all dressed up in fancy clothes as they all shout “Happy Birthday”.

You laugh and say hi to everybody while they all take turns hugging you, there’s not too many people but everyone important to you is there.

Even Laura and Clint’s kids are there, which you consider a second family at this point, since Laura always did treat you like a daughter.

You hate to admit that it's a nice party.

Knowing you, everyone makes an effort to not put you too much at the center of attention and you just go around talking to your friends like every other party.

Eventually time comes for the cake and, the moment you kind of dreaded, opening the gifts.

Since it's the first birthday you allowed the team to celebrate everyone decided to go all in for your gifts, which you picked up on from the very first gift you open.

Pietro got you a first edition of “The Picture Of Dorian Gray” which is your all time favorite book, Wanda and Maria got you a leather jacket and an amazing pair of boots that you knew were expensive because you were all out shopping together when you came across them.

Steve got you a gold heart-shaped locker with a picture of the team inside it, Natasha got you a charm bracelet with a little charm to represent everyone on the team, and Sam got you a cute necklace with your birth stone on it.

When you open Fury’s gift you start laughing since it's a gun, a SIG SAUER P226 to be precise, which is very Fury.

“It was my first gun when I joined SHIELD.” He says with a smile and you smile back, knowing how much thought he put into this gift.

You open Clint’s gift next, a bow and arrow that he already taught you how to use, and Laura got you a pair of diamond earrings.

Your heart melts when you open Lila, Cooper and Nathaniel’s gifts, respectively a friendship bracelet, an Avengers action figure of yourself and a Stitch plushie.

The three of them hug you tightly as you say thank you and now you only have two gifts left, Tony’s and Bucky’s, and they’re both little boxes. 

You open Tony’s next, thinking it’s some fancy necklace or earring but you frown when you see a car key.

“Is this the key to your car?” you ask Tony, knowing full well you’re holding the key to an Audi R8 Spyder, the car Tony’s let you borrow so many times you’re now wondering if he’s gifting you his spare set of keys.

“No.” He says casually “It’s the key to your car.”

You’re even more confused and simply stare at him with your mouth gaped, not really processing the information.

“Y-you… You got me a car?!” You almost yell out of shock and everyone else starts laughing at your antics when you start basically jumping up and down and hugging Tony, squealing like a little girl.

“Well, come on, let’s go see it!” Tony says enthusiastically after you’ve calmed down, and you get up, just as enthusiastic, but are stopped by Steve’s voice.

“Wait, wait. You have one gift left.” He says, picking up the small box and giving it to you. “It’s from Bucky.”

You were so pumped up by the car, you almost forgot about it and completely miss the mischievous look Steve gives Bucky and the murderous glare Bucky gives back.

You also miss Bucky starting to protest before you open his gift, but he instantly shuts up when he sees your face falling the second you open it.

It’s a small necklace with a blue rose in it, it really looks like something you’d give a little girl more than a 25 year old woman.

You look at it for a minute, running your finger on it before you raise your head and look at Bucky.

The whole room goes silent as they all watch you worriedly, everyone noticing immediately that tears are streaming down your face.

Nobody understands what’s happening and nobody knows how to react or what to do, it’s like they’re all frozen by the sight of you being vulnerable for the first time ever. 

Meanwhile Bucky’s heart is beating so loud he’s sure everyone around him can hear it, and he feels himself starting to panic at the thought of having ruined your birthday with that stupid gift.

Everybody else got you expensive gifts and all he did was get you a small, cheap necklace that reminded him of a story you briefly talked about once on one of your late night talks about a necklace you had as a kid.

He saw it at the mall while looking for a gift for you, remembering the sweet smile you had on your face when you mentioned it and the fleeting sad look he thought he saw when you told him you lost it when you were 12.

He was really proud of himself for that gift, but the more he saw the other gifts you got the more he regretted his choice, especially after Tony gave you a fucking car.

And now you were crying, not saying anything while just looking at him.

He doesn’t know what to expect from you at the moment, nobody does, he thinks you might yell, throw his gift back at him, tell him how much you hate it and him.

But you surprise everyone by throwing your arms around Bucky’s neck, hugging him tightly while crying into his shoulder.

You honestly forgot telling Bucky about that story and certainly didn’t expect him to remember it, especially since you always got the feeling that he didn’t care about your talks as much as you.

You just assumed that come morning he deleted everything you told him to make room for more important things, and you didn’t blame him.

But he didn’t.

What you didn’t tell him about the necklace is that your mom gave it to you because blue roses were her favorite, you had that necklace since you were born but you somehow lost it the day of her funeral.

That day you lost the two most important things in your life and cried yourself to sleep, and that was the last time you allowed yourself to be weak and cry.

Until today.

Bucky hesitantly wraps his arms around you, rubbing your back hoping to get you to calm down. He looks around at the rest of the team, panicking a little and not knowing what to do.

Everyone else is as clueless as he is, never having seen you in such a state before.

Bucky starts apologizing, his heart breaking at the sight of you crying, and he feels horrible that it’s because of him.

You shake your head quickly and pull away a little to look at him, wanting to reassure him you’re not sad or angry but incredibly happy, but words refuse to come. You take a deep breath to calm yourself and finally manage to speak.

“Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me.” It’s quiet, but it’s something, and it’s enough to make Bucky let out a breath of relief at knowing you don’t hate him or his gift.

He brings you back in for another tight hug, almost forgetting about everyone else in the room as you hug him back without hesitation.

You’re honestly not even embarrassed at crying, all you care about at the moment is Bucky, his arms around you while he lets you bury your face in his neck, like you’ve been wanting to do for years now.

“Don’t get up, Y/N. I got it!” Nat said as she jumped up to grab the paper cup of purple egg dye behind you.

"Thanks, sweetheart," you said as Nat placed the cup on the table.

"How are you feeling?" Natasha asked as she gently caressed your cheek. "Maybe you should take a break?”

“Nat, I promise I’m okay. Come sit back down and color some Easter eggs with us,” you replied, trying to put your wife at ease. 

Natasha was looking forward to Easter, too, but she was more focused on you and the final weeks of your pregnancy. Dr. Cho had given you the green light to go, with the condition that you'd have daily check-ins by phone and go on bed rest as soon as you returned home.

"Auntie Nat, look at this!" Nate proudly showed off an egg with The Black Widow symbol on it.

"Look, Auntie Nat," you echoed with a smile.

"This is amazing! Maybe I should have you design my next suit instead of Stark," she said.

"Shall we start the judging?" Clint asked as he entered the room with Laura.

"Yep, all set," Cooper confirmed.

"Just a sec," Lila said, focused on decorating her egg. "There, done."

"Where are Yelena and Kate?" Laura asked.

"We're coming!" came a shout from the living room.

"It's not a Fabergé egg, you two, come on!" Nat yelled.

"Tada!" Kate exclaimed, revealing a beautiful purple egg with green and orange stripes.

You whispered to your wife, "So that's where all the purple dye went.”

You placed your egg on the table with all the others. Pink and blue with red polka dots. Symbolic of your current anticipation over the impending arrival of your bundle of joy. You and Nat both agreed you wanted to be surprised.

“Hmmm, this is going to be a tough decision,” Clint said, stroking his chin. “As you all know, you will be judged on creativity, technique, and presentation.”

Walking back and forth in front of the kitchen table, you couldn’t help but giggle at his mock seriousness. 

“Allow me to confer with my fellow judge,” he said. After a few moments of hushed whispers with Laura, Clint returned to the group. “We thank you all for your participation. You all decorated beautiful Easter eggs. The competition was tough this year, but one egg stands head and shoulders above the rest,” pausing for dramatic effect. “The 2024 Barton Easter Egg Decorating Champion is Nathaniel Barton!” 

You shouldn't have spent so much time on the sketches!” Yelena said, slapping Kate on the arm. 

“Yes!!” Nathaniel cheered. 

“You are hereby awarded this Lindt Milk Chocolate Gold Bunny,” his father said, handing him the gold-wrapped chocolate as big as his head.

“That you will share with the rest of the family and not eat in one sitting,” Laura added.

“Aww!” Nathaniel whined. 

*^~^*

You spent the evening on the porch, surrounded by the laughter of the kids playing on the lush green lawn as the sun set over the farm. Laura served her delicious homemade Lemonade as you shared stories and reminisced about old times. The air was filled with nostalgia so vivid that you could almost reach out and touch it. Natasha sat next to you, holding your hand gently, her calloused touch a reminder of the strength and resilience she had acquired through years of training.

You were taken by surprise as you felt the baby begin to kick.

"Wow!" You exclaimed as you gently placed your hand on your belly.

All eyes turned to you. Though unspoken, everyone shared the same nervous anticipation as your wife for the approaching due date.

"Are you alright, malyshka?" Nat asked, her eyes filled with concern as she squeezed your hand.

"I'm okay. The baby is kicking. Here, feel." You said as you took her hand and gently guided it to your stomach, trying to find the right spot. 

“Oh,” Nat squeaked. “I’ll never get used to that feeling.”

“Move aside, sestra; I want to feel my little plemyannitsa or plemyannik.” (Niece or nephew).

Yelena playfully bumped her sister out of the way with her hip and eagerly reached to touch your stomach.

"Wow, that's amazing!" she cried out. "Hey there, little one. I'm Aunt Yelena, and I will spoil you rotten!"

"Have you two settled on a name yet?" Kate inquired.

"No," you sighed. "We just can't seem to agree. Since we both want to be surprised, it's been twice as hard to come up with two names."

"Don't worry, you'll know when you see the little bundle of joy," Laura reassured.

"This wouldn't be an issue if either of you were open to any of the names I've suggested," Yelena added with a grin.

“Yelena is not an option,” Natasha frustratedly replied.

“What about—“ 

“Neither is Alaska! That isn’t even a name!” Your wife is exasperated.

“It could be!” Yelena said. “What about—“

“Or Wolfgang!” Nat interrupted.

“You lack all originality, sestra,” Yelena berated.

^*~*^

The soft glow of the table lamp reflected off your glasses as you delved into the pages of your latest beloved read. You placed your bookmark between the pages at the sound of your wife closing the bathroom door and crawling into bed beside you.

"Did you get a chance to talk to Helen today?" Nat asked as she helped me fluff up my pregnancy pillow.

"Yeah, I did. She was glad to hear that the swelling in my ankles went down and suggested taking a warm bath to help with the discomfort," you replied, shifting to get comfortable against the pillow.

"Mmm, a warm bath does sound amazing," Natasha hummed as she settled down on her side, facing me.

“Oh, I didn’t realize you’d be joining me?” You said softly, with a sly grin and a raised eyebrow.

“Of course I would, detka,” leaning over and kissing your baby bump. 

You gently squeezed Nat's hand, feeling a wave of anticipation as your due date drew near. Thoughts of what your baby would look like and who they would become filled your mind. Would they inherit Nat's fiery red hair, or perhaps have your Y/E/C eyes? The anticipation was almost overwhelming, but knowing that Natasha was by your side made it all feel possible.

"Are you looking forward to the Easter egg hunt tomorrow?" You asked, pulling yourself out of your daydream.

Nat giggled, "You make it sound like I'm the one participating."

"Well, you might as well be. I can never tell who's more excited, you or the kids," you replied.

Natasha glanced down at our intertwined hands and then back up at you. Her green eyes sparkled like emeralds.

"I think it's because holidays in my childhood weren’t real. We filled the photo album with fake pictures and empty boxes. But this," looking around at the small details of Clint and Laura’s farmhouse, "Is real, and I’ve always done my best to help ensure that Cooper, Lila, and Nate have everything I didn’t. A carefree childhood filled with love," Natasha explained.

"You’ve done a wonderful job with Clint’s kids, Nat. They love you so much, and I know you’ll be just as amazing with our little one," you said, doing your best to reassure her. “Goodnight, Natasha,” kissing her lips. 

“I hope you're right, detka,” Nat said, kissing your lips in return and laying a hand on your stomach. “Goodnight, malen'kiy (little one).

*^~^*

The following day, you awoke to the sun shining through the window and a soft breeze that caused the curtains to dance gently on the wind. Your back was aching, and you were tired, but you were determined to make it through today. You slipped into the most comfortable maternity outfit you had. Natasha helped you with your shoes, and you both went downstairs to the kitchen. 

“Happy Easter, you two!” Clint said upon seeing you two enter the kitchen. 

You sat down at the kitchen table as Laura placed a plate of eggs and toast in front of you and Nat, along with two glasses of orange juice. The kids were already eating and arguing over who would find the most Easter eggs this afternoon. 

Yelena and Kate walked in a few moments later, clad in bathrobes and their hair disheveled. 

“Against the idea of showering and dressing before breakfast, were you?” Natasha asked.

“Kate Bishop kept me up all night with her snoring, and Lucky and Fanny woke me up by sitting on my face,” Yelena mumbled as she flopped beside you. 

“Hey, that’s how dogs shows affection,” Kate interjected.

“So, I should consider your snoring a Valentine?” Yelena deadpanned. 

After breakfast, the kids ran upstairs to prepare for the Easter egg hunt while Clint got a head start on hiding the eggs. Nathaniel insisted Nat accompany him to help find his Easter basket, but she hesitated to leave you.

“Go ahead, babe. I’m fine.” Motioning for her to follow her namesake. 

“So, how are you really feeling?” Laura asked, now that Nat was no longer in the room. 

You let out a deep sigh, “Tired and sore,” resting your head in your hands. “But this quality time with you all means so much to both of us. I can make it one more day before going on bed rest.”

Laura rubbed her hand softly on your back, “Why don’t you sit in the family room with Kate and Yelena until the fun starts.” 

“Okay, that’s a good idea. Make sure Yelena and Kate haven’t snuck into the Easter candy,” you laughed. 

Laura helped you to your feet and then began to clear the table. As you started to walk, you felt a minor twinging pain in your stomach. You winced but thought nothing of it. With the amount of shifting the baby was doing these days, you had every spasm and cramp in the book. Unfortunately for you, you were in a house full of spies, and Laura picked up your discomfort. She made a mental note to watch you as the day progressed.

*^~^*

"Look, there's one!" Cooper exclaimed, pointing at the leather seat of the tractor in the front yard. He dashed towards it, but Lila beat him by a step. "Ha! Slowpoke," she teased.

From your spot on the porch, you glanced over and saw my wife hoisting Nathaniel onto her shoulders to carefully grab an Easter egg from the crook of an old sycamore tree. 

After about 15 minutes, everyone's baskets were full of eggs. Now came the fun of opening them all. You watched as all three kids dug into their baskets, opening the eggs to find mini Hershey bars, M&M's, jelly beans, or starbursts.

Nathaniel walked over to you and placed an Orange Starburst in your hand. "Here, Aunt Y/N. I know the Orange ones are your favorite."

"Aww, thank you, Nate," you said, kissing his forehead.

As you were about to open the soft toffy candy, a sharp contraction cut through my stomach. “Aaah!” you reached for your stomach as you bent over at the knees. Much stronger than anything you had felt before.

Natasha rushed to your side. “Y/N?! Are you okay? What’s wrong?” Reaching for your hand.

"I don’t know," you grunted.

Natasha's voice quivered with anxiety as she tried to rationalize the situation. "This—this can’t be it. We’re still three weeks out," she said, her mind racing with worry. "Maybe it’s just false labor."

That was the moment when your water broke. "Oh God—" you took a sharp breath as another contraction hit.

"Okay, not false labor," Nat conceded.

"It’s okay, Y/N," Laura reassured you calmly, gently taking your hand. "Most first births are a long labor. But we’re going to get you inside, okay?"

You felt a surge of panic. "What? No, no. I can't have the baby here. I'm not ready. We had a birth plan; I don't have my overnight bag!" you started to ramble, the anxiety rising in your voice.

"You're not boarding a Quinjet now. “I'm going to call Helen,” Clint said as he started to run inside.

"What's wrong with Aunt Y/N?” Nathaniel asked.

"Nothing, sweetheart, but the baby is coming a little bit earlier than we thought," Laura said calmly as she and your wife Nat gently guided you up the steps and into the warm and welcoming embrace of the house.

"Cooper and Lila, please grab a soft, warm blanket and clean towels from the linen closet?" Laura called out to the older children, her voice steady and reassuring.

I'l boil some water and tear up some sheets!" Kate announced frantically.

"This isn't Little House on the Prairie," Yelena quipped. She looked at you and Natasha with a warm yet nervous smile. "I’ll call Mom and Dad.”

"I thought you said this was a long process?" you managed to say between deep breaths, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Yes, but there's nothing wrong with being prepared, honey," Laura replied with a comforting smile, her hands steady as she and Nat helped you onto the bed.

Natasha gently grasped your hand and locked eyes with you. "Y/N, look at me," she said reassuringly. “You’re okay, and I'm right here with you. Let's take a deep breath together.”

You took a deep breath, trying to follow Natahsa's lead. The air came out shakily as it moved around the sharp pain of the contraction.

"Do you remember your Lamaze breathing?" Nat asked, her voice calm and reassuring.

"I think so," you replied, trying to focus on the breathing technique you had practiced during the prenatal classes.

*^~^*

Contractions came and went over the next few hours. You were thankful that childbirth was part of the first aid classes all SHIELD recruits were required to take. Otherwise, the prospect of giving birth in a farmhouse in the middle of Iowa would have been more terrifying than it already was. 

You heard the front door open and the screen shut behind it as footsteps hurriedly approached the bedroom. When you saw Dr. Cho, you just about burst into tears. 

Helen! Oh, thank goodness," you exclaimed just as another contraction began, your face twisted in agony.

"Y/N," Helen responded, rushing to your side and gently pushing the sweaty strands of hair away from your eyes. "Clint and Laura briefed me. They said that you're handling this wonderfully. Let me take a moment to set up, and then we'll check your dilation progress.”

Okay," you managed to say, catching your breath. "Where's Bruce?"

He's in Kamar-Taj with Wong. Something about ten rings? I'm not entirely sure, but don't worry, both of you," she reassured, meeting your and Natasha’s fatigued and apprehensive gazes. "I have a backup.”

Thor strode into the room, effortlessly carrying a collection of Helen's equipment that seemed as light as a feather in his hands.

"Thor? What are you doing here?" Natasha asked, clearly puzzled.

Thor glanced at your wife, then at you, then at Laura, and then at Helen.

"Hello, everyone," he said shyly. "I was, uh, Helen and I—Dr. Cho. She invited me for Easter, and we were enjoying a nice glass of Asgardian Mead when—"

"When Clint called," Helen finished. "Anyway, he's here to help, right?"

"Of course," Thor replied. "I've never witnessed a human birth before, but I've been present for the births of many Gods and am well-versed in many newborn blessings."

You and Natasha locked eyes, your nervousness quickly replaced with gratitude as you realized the significance of having another close friend by your side during this pivotal moment in your lives.

Natasha expressed her gratitude to Thor, finally breaking the silence. "We're both thankful that you're here," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. 

You nodded in agreement, silently acknowledging the sentiment.

"It's my pleasure, ladies," Thor replied warmly.

“Thor, can you bring the rest of my equipment in from the Quinjet while I check to see how far Y/N is dilated?” Helen asked.

“Sure, and do either of you need anything? He asked.

Some ice chips would be great, you said in a tired voice. “Thank you.”

“Water,” Natasha said.

Shortly after Thor departed, Yelena entered, engaging in small talk as they crossed paths in the hallway. "What's the God of muscles doing here?" she inquired.

"It's a long story," Helen responded.

"I spoke with Melina. She and Alexi are en route and should arrive by morning. At least, I think that's what she said. It was hard to hear her over Alexi's ecstatic screams in the background."

"Okay, Y/N, you've done most of the hard work in my absence. You're just about at 10 centimeters. It’s time to start pushing. You two are going to parents soon," Helen announced with a smile.

“Oh my God,” you said, looking over at Natasha. 

“Hey,” your wife said, running her hand through your hair, “I love you.” 

“I love you too,” you said.

*^~^*

“Push. Push, just a little more! Come on, push for five seconds. 5…4…” Helen counted down.

Gasping for air, you exclaimed, '3-2-1 oh!!' as you fought to catch your breath.

Thor gently wiped away the sweat from your forehead with a cloth.

“You're doing great, Y/N. The next contraction should be coming in about twenty seconds," Helen encouraged, glancing at the monitor. 

“I can’t,” you cried. “I can’t push anymore, I can’t.”

Natasha reassured you, "Yes, you can, Y/N. You're so close," she reached out and firmly took hold of your hand.

“Oh God, twenty seconds, my ass!” You shouted.

Natasha screamed in pain and fell to her knees beside you as you squeezed her hand. “Fuck, detka!”

"Here, Lady Y/N," Thor said, taking her hand in his, "Give my hand a good squeeze; you won't hurt me. And when you reminisce on this moment, you will remember that a God has faith in you. You can do this!" Thor's voice was solid and reassuring, his eyes filled with genuine belief in your strength.

Your eyes shone with tears as you held Thor's hand tightly, feeling the strength in his grip while Natasha enveloped you, her arm supporting your back.

I can see the baby's head. Are you ready to push one more time, honey?” Helen asked, “Here we go, on three: 1... 2... 3!”

You let out a final scream and then collapsed back onto the pillows, trying to catch your breath. As the room fell silent, the innocent cries of your and Natasha’s baby filled the air.

"It's a boy!" Helen exclaimed with joy.

Tears welled up in your eyes as you looked at Natasha, who was also crying. It was more emotion than you had ever seen Natasha show before.

Helen held up your son for both of you to admire. His little head was adorned with the beginnings of red hair. 

"He's absolutely perfect," Nat exclaimed with a radiant smile as she affectionately kissed your temple.

Thor carefully cut the umbilical cord, and then Helen gently passed the newborn over to Laura, who began to clean him up. 

Overwhelmed with emotion, you exclaimed, "He's so tiny! Where'd he go?"

Natasha reassured you, "It's okay. They're just wrapping him up," as she wiped away her tears. Concerned for the baby's well-being, you cautioned, "Okay, well, be careful with him. He's really tiny!”

Moments later, Laura tenderly announced, "Here he is," and placed your precious son on your bare chest, swathed in a soft blanket.

"Hi, baby boy," you whispered, tears streaming down your cheeks. "I know you."

As your voice reached his ears, his little Y/E/C irises opened, revealing a world of innocence and wonder.

At that moment, gazing at your son, you experienced a love so profound it felt as though your heart had been laid bare.

Natasha tenderly kissed his head and softly murmured, “Dobro pozhalovat' v mir, moy malen'kiy mal'chik.” (Welcome to the world, my little boy).

We’ll give you a few minutes," Helen said with a reassuring smile as she closed the door behind her. In the serene stillness that followed, the only sound was the gentle cooing of your precious newborn son.

“I can't believe he's finally here,” you said.

"I know. He’s so beautiful," Natasha said, her gaze fixed on the newborn.

"It looks like he’s going to take after his Mama," you chuckled, running your hand over the delicate red hairs sprouting from his scalp.

"Yes, but look at his eyes—sparkling Y/E/C like yours. Wow," Nat said.

You remarked, "I guess this narrows the names down, then."

Nat sighed in relief, "Thank goodness I don't have to explain to my sister why we didn't choose Yelena."

Looking into your wife's eyes, you asked, "So what do you think?"

*^~^*

A short while later, a gentle knock on the door signaled Helen's arrival as she peeked inside. "Hey, you three. I need to conduct a few routine tests, and there are some eager people outside who can't wait to meet your son."

"Please, come on in, everyone," you welcomed them.

You couldn't hold back the tears as you witnessed the heartfelt expressions on their faces as they laid eyes on your baby boy. It was as if he instantly captivated them, just as you were when you first saw him.

"Oh, my goodness," Laura exclaimed as Clint enveloped Natasha tightly. Tears glistened in his eyes as he held his best friend close.

"He's beautiful, Natasha," Yelena said, her eyes brimming with tears. "Privet, malen'kiy plemyannik," she whispered (hello, my little nephew).

"He's so cute, Y/N! Oh my gosh," Kate exclaimed as your son wrapped his tiny hand around your finger.

"He is lovely," Thor added, his voice filled with warmth. "Strong and brave, like his mothers."

Cooper, Lila, and Nathaniel gathered around you, admiring the newborn in your arms.

"Everyone," Natasha began, her hand resting lovingly on your back. "We have someone special we'd like you to meet.”

“This is Nikolai Odison Romanoff," you announced with a proud smile.

"Nikolai! What a beautiful first name," Clint exclaimed, wiping his eyes. "It suits him perfectly."

"Oh, my, Odison," Thor said wide-eyed. "Ladies, this is an honor fit for someone else. I wasn't even supposed to be here, I—" 

"But you were, Thor. You were here when I needed someone the most," you said, looking at him with gratitude. "We'll never forget what you did for us."

The God of Thunder exhaled, visibly touched by your kind words. "I'm truly honored, Y/N. Thank you," he said, kissing your cheek.

Excuse me, ladies," Helen said, "May I borrow him for a moment? We'll be right back.”

Nikolai began to cry at the loss of contact with you, and the sound tugged at both your and Natasha's heartstrings. "It's okay, little one. It's okay," Helen soothed him. 

Then, looking up at your wife, you added, "There is something else we wanted to ask. 

“Clint and Laura, we would be honored if you would be Nikolai’s godparents,” Natasha said.

“Of course!” Clint declared.

“Nothing would make us happier,” Laura added.”

The couple hugged you both in appreciation as Helen returned with Nikolai. 

“You have a healthy little boy on your hands! Born March 31st, 2024 at 7:23pm. He weighs five pounds and eight ounces and measures 16.5 inches long," she said as she gently placed your son in Natasha’s arms. "He's a bit small, but that is because he was impatient and arrived a bit early," Helen explained with a warm smile. "Nothing to worry about.”

Natasha cradled the baby in her arms, swaying gently back and forth as a soft yawn slipped from his tiny lips.

“We’ll spend the night here, but I want to bring Mom and Nikolai back to the compound tomorrow. I want to perform a thorough examination in my lab before sending you all home.” Helen explained.

"Of course, whatever you think is best," you agreed.

Natasha nodded in approval before a sudden realization struck her. "Oh, Mom and Dad! They're on their way here."

"They can join us if you'd like," Helen suggested.

"That would be great," you said. "Right, Nat?"

"Yeah, great," Natasha said, her mind racing as she tried to imagine the chaos of the Quinjet flight home with Alexi and Melina.

Yelena couldn't help but burst into laughter, fully aware of what her sister was thinking, until Kate elbowed her in the ribs.

"We'll leave you all to get some rest," Helen said. "I'll be outside if you need anything, and I'll be back in a little while to help you with breastfeeding him.”

"Thank you, Helen, and all of you, for everything," you said, feeling the exhaustion and emotions of the day overwhelming you as tears began to fall.

After exchanging warm embraces, everyone exited the room, leaving you and Natasha in peaceful solitude with your precious newborn son, savoring the tender moment.

Natasha gently settled Nikolai in Nathaniel's bassinet, a family heirloom lovingly retrieved from storage by Clint and Laura. As your little one drifted into a peaceful slumber, you both couldn't help but marvel at the miracle of life, watching his tiny chest rise and fall with each breath. It was a moment you never wanted to forget.

“Rest, detka. I'll take care of Nikolai," Nat offered, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance.

"I can stay up; it's fine. You should rest," you insisted, determined to take responsibility.

"Y/N, you've just brought new life into the world. You deserve to rest for the rest of your life," Nat chuckled, her eyes filled with affection and concern.

She settled beside you on the bed and enveloped you in a comforting embrace.

"Look at your face," Nat suddenly remarked, her expression softening with genuine admiration.

"I must look a mess," you replied, a tired smile tugging at your lips.

"No, Y/N, you look absolutely beautiful," Nat insisted, her words filled with sincerity. "I've never seen your face more radiant than it is right now.

Natasha's soft lips met yours in a tender kiss, and in that moment, you felt the truth of her words resonate deep within you.

*^~^*

The following day, Laura prepared a delicious breakfast and brought it to you and Natasha in bed. Both of you had barely gotten any sleep with Nikolai waking up every couple of hours. Despite feeling utterly exhausted, you didn't mind one bit. This weariness stemmed from the joy of caring for your precious newborn son on his very first night.

Twenty minutes later, the tranquil moment was interrupted by familiar voices outside. Natasha gently pulled the curtain back to glimpse her parents making their way up the front porch steps.

Yelena strode into the room with her arms folded and a mischievous smile on her lips. "Brace yourselves," she teased, "The grandparents have arrived.”

"Where's my little guy?" Alexi eagerly shouted as he entered the room.

"Shh!" Natasha hushed him with a grin, motioning to Nikolai nestled in her arms. "Oh, look at him!" Alexi whispered in awe. 

"Mom, Dad, this is Nikolai,” Nat said, wiping a tear from her eye.

"He's beautiful, Natalia," Melina murmured.

"May I hold him? I washed my hands," Alexi asked eagerly.

"Of course," you replied, carefully passing the baby to Alexi. The sight of the mighty Red Guardian tenderly cradling your newborn son made you smile.

"Hello, Nikolai. I'm your dedushka," Alexi said affectionately. "You're so adorable; yes, you are."

As he spoke, Nikolai slowly opened his eyes, and you could have sworn you saw your father-in-law's heart swell with love. 

Alexi gently placed the baby in Melina’s arms. Your mother-in-law had always been a complex and enigmatic figure. She was one of the longest-tenured widows, and her resilience made her one of the strongest women in your eyes. As she cradled your newborn son in her arms, a single tear traced its way down her cheek, revealing a depth of emotion and vulnerability that you had never seen before.

Yelena inched toward you and whispered, “He won them over faster than you did.” 

*^~^*

The next morning, Thor joined in to assist with packing while Clint hurried to the store to purchase an infant car seat for Nikolai. You were a family of two when you arrived, and you were leaving a family of three.

After a swift diaper change, Natasha placed your precious bundle of joy in his carrier. "Time to head home, Nik," you said, taking his tiny hand in yours. 

You bid farewell to everyone and securely placed Nikolai's carrier beside you on the Quinjet.

Nat smiled as she prepared the Quinjet for takeoff. Your first Quinjet ride," she said. "You're already an overachiever, moy sladkiy mal'chik" (my sweet little boy).

Your phone suddenly vibrates with a flurry of notifications.

"The team group chat is blowing up, sweetheart," showing Natasha your phone.

Nick Fury: Congratulations on the arrival of your precious son, Nikolai! It's heartwarming to see the Avengers family welcoming the newest member. Everyone at SHIELD looks forward to meeting him and supporting you and Natasha.

Steve Rogers: Hey, Y/N and Nat, huge congratulations! I'm so excited to meet Nikolai, the newest addition to our Avenger family. 🎖️

Wanda Maximoff: Congratulations to you both! All those cliches, those things you hear about having a baby and motherhood—all of them are true. Motherhood is the most beautiful things you will ever experience. I’ll drop off some food for you both in the morning. 🥰

Clint Barton: Hey, Y/N! Make sure Nikolai is securely fastened in his infant carrier. I hope he sleeps the whole way back. If he gets fussy, ask FRIDAY to turn on the cabin pressure stabilization. It's a feature I insisted Stark add to the Quinjet after SHIELD found out I had kids. You're welcome. 😏

Laura Barton: I know things didn't go as planned, but I'm grateful we could share in your special day, Y/N. Nikolai is absolutely beautiful! Please let Nat know that I'll give her a call tomorrow. 😊

Tony Stark: Rushman! Y/L/N! Congratulations on the arrival of your precious son. Nikolai will bring you endless joy and fulfillment and become your favorite reason to lose sleep for the rest of your lives. 😉

Pepper Stark: Congratulations, you two! I'm so happy for you and Nat. I can only imagine how incredible it must feel to look into Nikolai's eyes and feel like everything is right in the world. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything I can do to help. Sending lots of love! ❤️

Bruce Banner: I'm truly sorry I couldn't be there; I’m thrilled for you and Natasha. I can't wait to meet Nikolai! 💚

Maria Hill: Congratulations, Y/N and Nat, on the arrival of baby Nikolai Odison! I can't wait to meet the little bundle of joy and see those tiny fingers and toes. The name Nikolai Odison Romanoff is absolutely beautiful. I spoke with Thor this morning, and the honor deeply moved him. 🥹

Thor Odinson: I am incredibly grateful to have been present for the birth of your son, Nikolai Odison Romanoff. Your decision to include me in this momentous occasion is a great honor, and I want to assure you that I will always be there to support and care for all of you. The arrival of Nikolai is a joyous event, and I am committed to being a steadfast presence in his life. ⚡

Peter Parker: Y/N! Congratulations on the arrival of Nikolai! I'm so thrilled for you and Nat. What does he look like? Does he have your hair or Natasha’s? What color are his eyes? I'm already thinking about all the adventures we'll have with him. I'm going to text Nat right now. I can't wait to meet him! 💙

Yelena Belova: Give my little nephew a kiss and hug from me. Also, heads up - Mom and Dad are considering staying with you for eight weeks to help care for Nikolai. Happy Parenting! 😂

Kate Bishop: Yelena is sitting next to me, and she can't stop laughing, so I'm going to assume that everything is going well. Please give Nikolai a kiss and hug from me! 🩵

*^~^*

You and Natasha stood together at the front of the Quinjet, the hum of the engines surrounding you as the aircraft soared safely through the sky. 

“Nikolai is sound asleep. I don't think your parents have taken their eyes off our son since they got here,” turning around to see Melina and Alexi lovingly admiring their grandson. 

Nat lovingly reached for your hand. “Our son,” she repeated with a big smile.

Nat took her place in the pilot's seat and turned off the autopilot as you settled in beside her.

“You can look at me when I’m awake, too, you know,” Yelena smirked.

“Yeah, I know.” Kate kissed her again, lingering longer this time. Yelena wrapped her arm around her waist and pulled her close, slipping her hand under her sleep shirt. Kate’s calluses scratched softly against her skin as her hand drifted to the nape of her neck.

“How long do we have before Nate barges in here?”

“Not long,” Kate smiled. “You wanna wait for him, or should we beat him to the punch and join the festivities?”

“Well, I agree that lying here and looking at you is very nice. But I think having a seven-year-old boy jump on me would hurt, and I want presents. So we should probably get up.”

“Okay, baby,” Kate chuckled, giving Yelena one last kiss before climbing out of bed. She pulled her hair up into a messy ponytail and reached for her sweater from the night before, and Yelena put on a pair of pajama pants she didn’t sleep in and her favorite hoodie- one of Kate’s. They got ready quickly, but Yelena stopped Kate before she could open the door.

“Wait! I almost forgot!” She hurried over to the bag of Fork’s things and pulled out a treat. “Merry Christmas, Fork,” she cooed as she slid it into his little stocking. He scurried over to it and stuck his head inside, squeaking happily. “Okay, now we can go.”

Kate grinned at her as they left the room. And sure enough, when they opened the door, Nathaniel was spying on them from around the corner.

“Auntie Kate! Auntie Lena! You’re awake!”

“I know, finally, right?” Kate grinned, picking him up. “Merry Christmas, buddy!”

“Merry Christmas! Now come open presents!” He wriggled out of her arms and began dragging them into the living room. Kate stumbled when he yanked her hand, and Yelena laughed.

“Nathaniel, did you wake them up?” Clint said sternly when he saw them.

“No, no, we were already up,” Yelena defended him. Nathaniel didn’t even seem to realize his dad was talking to him; he was already back to showing the dogs his new toys.

“Oh, okay, good. Well, merry Christmas,” he smiled. “There’s coffee in the kitchen, and you can help yourself to any cereal you can find in the pantry. John and I are going to make a big Christmas brunch after we finish opening presents.”

“Okay, thanks. Merry Christmas,” Kate said, and Yelena echoed her. They walked into the kitchen, where Cooper, Lila, and Ava were huddled around the island, eating bowls of Cap’n Crunch, and Laura was pouring a mug of coffee.

“Oh, good morning! Merry Christmas!” Laura said cheerily when she spotted them. It became a call-and-response after that, with each of them taking a turn saying it. Yelena gave Ava a side hug while Kate went to get coffee.

“How long have you been awake?”

“Well, Nate’s room is right next to where he and Cooper were sleeping, so the same amount of time as them,” Ava answered with a shrug. “I probably would’ve woken up around that time anyway, though, so it’s fine.”

“Ah. And the boys aren’t up yet?”

“Nope. Neither are your parents. They'd better hurry up, though. Nate’s itching for a second round of presents already.”

“Yeah, his presents from Santa and the four of us weren’t nearly enough,” Cooper said sarcastically.

“Oh, I know. That’s why he was spying outside our room,” Yelena chuckled as Kate handed her a mug of coffee.

“So that’s what he was doing.” Laura shook her head. “Well, at least he didn’t wake you up like he did to Kate last year.”

“No, that was two years ago. Last year, he started talking to Lucky through the door, and Lucky woke me up.”

“Smart kid,” Ava smirked.

“Yeah, that’s why the dogs slept in the living room this year,” Yelena said. “Fanny would’ve hated being shut in our room and knowing you guys were out here opening presents. She always has to be part of the action.”

“Yeah, she was very interested in the wrapping paper,” Lila smiled.

“Oh, I know! Wrapping presents was a nightmare.”

“I’m sure Nate can entertain the dogs while the adults open presents. That’ll make everything easier,” Laura said.

“Sounds like a plan. Should we let him open his gift from me and Yelena now, or do you want us to wait?” Kate asked before taking a sip of her coffee. But Yelena wasn’t following the conversation anymore.

“Shit,” she muttered. “Sorry, I just realized. I didn’t know Melina was going to be here, so I don’t have a gift for her. I feel kinda bad.”

“Mmm! I’m so glad you reminded me,” Kate chimed in, starting back toward their room. Her hand brushed gently against Yelena’s lower back as she passed. “Just give us a few minutes, we’ll be right back.”

“Wait, what are we doing?” Yelena asked as she followed her.

“I knew you’d want to give your mom something, but I didn’t want to ruin the surprise, so I brought you a few options.”

“What?” Yelena stared at her incredulously. “You’re not serious.”

“I am,” Kate grinned, pulling things out of her suitcase. “I figured we can just return whatever you don’t want to give her. Unless you don’t want to give her this.” She held up a large bottle of very nice vodka and winked. “This we can keep.”

“I can’t believe this,” Yelena grinned. “You really did think of everything. How are you so amazing?”

“I don’t know, I guess I was just born this way,” she joked. “Now, there’s the vodka option, or there’s this…” She pulled a teal sweater out of her bag. “Since you told me her favorite color is teal. Or there’s this.” She pulled out a book by an Irish scientist about his studies on the minds of sheep.

“This is the book we saw in the store like a month ago!” Yelena exclaimed, taking it from her. “I-I told you it seemed similar to her research with her pigs. You remembered that?”

“Course I did.”

“You’re incredible,” she said, and Kate beamed. “I think she’d like this. If she doesn’t have it already. She has so many books.”

“Is that the one you want to give her, then?”

“Yes,” Yelena grinned. “Thank you for getting these, Kate. I still can’t believe you did all of this for me. This is… it’s too kind. It’s too much.”

“Not possible. You deserve the world.”

Yelena blushed. Kate was gazing at her with such deep affection. It was as if she believed Yelena had hung the stars or invented the bow and arrow. It should’ve been the other way around. “Stop looking at me like that,” she whispered shyly.

“I couldn’t stop if I wanted to.”

Yelena smiled in spite of herself. Then she did the only thing that could ever stop Kate Bishop from doing something she was dead set on doing- she kissed her.

“I love you,” Yelena sighed, stroking Kate’s cheek.

“I love you more.”

“Not possible.”

Kate chuckled and rested her forehead against Yelena’s. They stayed like that for a moment, lost in each other’s eyes. But then they heard Fanny bark and Nathaniel giggle, and they knew they had to return to the rest of the world. There would be plenty of time for just the two of them after Christmas, though. Yelena would make sure of it. They put the book in a gift sack and headed back out into the living room just as Bucky, John, and Bob emerged from Laura’s office.

“Morning, sleepyheads,” Ava smirked. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas,” they said in near-perfect unison.

“I just put another pot of coffee on, and there should be some cereal left and maybe some bread for toast if you don’t want to wait for brunch,” Laura smiled at them as they shuffled into the kitchen. “Did you guys sleep okay?”

“Yeah, we slept fine,” Bucky answered with a polite smile. “Thanks for the coffee.”

“I think we’ve all slept on worse things than air mattresses,” John scoffed.

“And they were pretty comfortable for air mattresses,” Bob added. John and Bucky nodded in agreement.

“Well, that’s good,” Laura said. “We’re just waiting on Melina and Alexei now, and then once they’re up, we can start opening presents!”

“Can I wake them up?” Nathaniel asked hopefully.

Laura shook her head. “No.”

“Yeah, you really shouldn’t,” Yelena grimaced.

“But it’s so late! How much longer do I hafta wait?”

“I think he can open his presents from us now,” Kate whispered to Laura. “Your parents won’t mind, right, Lena?”

“No, of course not. You could probably exchange gifts with the Bartons, and they wouldn’t mind. It’s me and the team that they care about.”

“Alrighty then. Looks like your Auntie Kate is coming to save the day, Nathaniel! She’s gonna let you open your last present!”

“Yay!” Nathaniel cheered, running for the tree. Kate and Yelena followed him, matching smiles on their faces. Yelena hadn’t really picked anything out, but she’d been at the store with Kate, and she was grateful that she’d put both their names on the tag.

“You should open this one first,” Kate said, handing him the smaller present. “You won’t like it if you open it second.”

He nodded and tore the wrapping paper off as quickly as he could. “Ooh, thank you!” he exclaimed genuinely, holding up the box set of four Magic Tree House books. “I don’t have these ones!”

“They’re the newest ones,” Kate said proudly. “Those books were my favorite when I was your age.”

“They’re so good! My favorite one’s the one with the pirates. Can I open the big one now?”

“Go for it, little man.”

He tore the wrapping paper off this present even faster than the first. “Whoa, no way! A remote control dinosaur!”

“You got him something that roars?” Clint muttered under his breath.

“Yeah, why not? You won’t be able to hear it anyway,” Kate replied with a shit-eating grin. He rolled his eyes and shook his head fondly.

“This is awesome! Thank you, Auntie Kate! Thank you, Auntie Lena!” He tackled the two of them to the ground with the force of his hug, and they let him. Thankfully, they’d set their coffee mugs on the table beforehand.

“You’re welcome, buddy,” Kate laughed, kissing his cheek. She held onto Yelena as they sat back up. “I’m glad you like it.”

“I love it! Dad, can I try it now?”

“I think we should probably wait, buddy. I don’t think the dogs would like it. We don’t want them ruining your new toy.”

“Yeah, Fanny hates dinosaurs,” Yelena chimed in. “It’s not a good idea, sorry, buddy.”

“Okay. I’m gonna go show Mommy!” he cried, not letting the disappointment get him down.

“Yeah, go show Mommy,” Clint chuckled. Then he leaned toward Kate and whispered in her ear. “She can hear just fine.”

Kate opened her mouth to respond, but she was interrupted by a booming voice sounding from the top of the stairs.

“HO HO HO! MERRY CHRISTMAS!”

Yelena looked up to see Alexei dressed in a full Santa suit and a manic grin on his face. Melina followed him with an embarrassed smile. Yelena couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen her with her hair down.

“Where did you get that?” Yelena asked, raising an eyebrow. She didn’t even have to see them; she knew that Bucky was facepalming, Bob and John were sharing a look, and Ava was trying not to laugh.

“From the magic Christmas elves!” he declared with an exaggerated wink. She rolled her eyes. “And they tell me it is time for PRESENTS!”

“Everyone’s awake, so I guess it is,” Laura said, giving Alexei a polite smile. The others all followed her into the living room. “Nate, do you want to take the dogs and play outside, sweetheart?”

“Yes!”

“Just make sure you keep your coat and hat on, okay? I don’t want you catching a cold!”

“Okay, Mommy!”

The backdoor slammed, and Fanny’s and Lucky’s excited barks faded out as they all huddled together around the tree. “Do we want to all get into a circle, and then Lila and Cooper can pass the gifts out?” Laura asked. Everyone agreed, and soon they were all sitting in a circle with small piles of gifts in front of them. “Who wants to go first?”

“I do!” Alexei announced. Then Melina nudged him and nodded toward Yelena. “I mean, my Lena should go first. She is the one who brought us all together, after all.”

Yelana glanced around the group as they all turned to stare at her. “Wait, really?”

“Sure, makes sense to me,” Clint said. “We’ll each open one gift and just go around the circle until everyone’s done.”

“Okay, I guess I’ll start with this one, then.” She grabbed the present from John, and he watched her eagerly as she opened it. “Holy shit, is this what I think it is?”

“Yep.”

“I didn’t know they made this!” She held up a party pack of hot sauces from Hot Ones. “I’ve been wanting to try these for so long! I had no idea you could just buy them!”

“Yeah, I know! I’ve been trying so hard to keep it a secret so I could surprise you with them,” John said proudly.

“Is that why you always click out of the video before it ends when we watch it?”

“Yeah!”

“Oh my god! I can eat these the next time we watch it!”

“You can even try them along with the guest if you want.”

“I mean, I have to! Thank you, John, I love it,” Yelena grinned, and John beamed at her.

“You’re welcome.”

“Okay, who’s next? Which way are we going?” She glanced at Kate and Bucky on either side of her.

“Bucky can go,” Kate said.

“Okay, I’ll start with this one. From you, Yelena.” He tore the wrapping paper away slowly, revealing a framed poster with art of Shelbyville, Indiana. “It’s… a poster of my hometown.”

“I thought it would look nice in your room, and maybe it could help you feel less homesick.”

“I love it. Thank you,” he smiled. Yelena smiled back.

“Oh, my turn. Okay,” Bob said, looking through his pile. “I’ll open… this one. Also from Yelena.” He opened it carefully, only tearing the paper slightly where it had been taped. “Ooh, a box set of the manga I said I wanted to read! I mentioned that like a month ago!”

“I listen,” she shrugged.

“This is awesome! Thanks, Lena.”

“You’re welcome, Bob.”

“Alright, my turn! And I’m gonna go for this one,” John grinned. “Oh, it’s from Kate. You got me a present?”

“Yeah, I wasn’t gonna invite you guys to Christmas and not get you presents.”

“Oh, well, thank you.” He felt around the package for the edge of the paper, then tore it open dramatically. “Ooh, a nice copy of The Things They Carried.”

“Yelena told me you like war books, and I know my dad loved that one.”

“Ah, okay. You see, I typically read nonfiction books, and this isn’t actually nonfiction. I mean, he did fight in the Vietnam War, and these stories are inspired by what really happened to him, but they didn’t actually happen. But I have been wanting to read this book; I’ve heard great things about it. Thank you.”

“He loves it, trust me,” Yelena whispered in Kate’s ear when she saw her smile falter. She nodded to the way John ran his hand over the cover as Ava picked up a present from her pile.

“I think I know what this one is,” she said, pulling the tissue paper out of the tall and skinny gift sack and flinging it behind her. “And I was right! A very nice bottle of whiskey! Thanks, Kate!”

Kate winked and snapped her fingers, pointing a finger gun at her.

“And I guess I’m next,” Melina said, picking up the only gift in front of her. If she was at all surprised to see it, it didn’t show on her face. “It’s from Yelena. It’s… oh, I’ve heard of this book! I’ve read a couple of his earlier articles; his work is fascinating. Thank you!”

“You’re welcome, Mama,” Yelena beamed.

“Finally, my turn!” Alexei exclaimed. “I will also open my present from Yelena! Surely my daughter got me the best one!”

“That’s a lot of pressure,” Yelena mumbled.

Alexei tore the wrapping paper from the box in little pieces, making it look like a rat had gotten to it. And when he opened the small box, his face lit up like a little kid on, well, Christmas morning.

“A MULTITOOL! Amazing! And it has fifteen different tools! Fifteen! In this little thing! How do they get them all in there?”

“I don’t know,” Melina chuckled. He was waving it around wildly, making sure everybody saw it.

“And it’s in my color, too! I was right, this is the best gift ever! I can do so many things! Thank you, Lena!”

“You’re welcome, Daddy. I’m glad you like it,” she smiled. For once, she was glad to have underestimated how excited he could get about something.

“Okay, the only thing I have left is from Kate,” Cooper said, opening the gift bag slowly and pulling the books out one by one. “Cookbooks. From Bob’s Burgers, Rick and Morty, Stardew Valley, and Scooby-Doo! That’s awesome, thank you.”

“Hopefully those recipes are good. Some of the Rick and Morty ones have questionable names.”

“Yeah, they’re supposed to,” he chuckled. “I’ll let you know.”

“Alright, and my last one is also from Kate,” Laura said. She unwrapped it slowly, tearing the paper as little as possible. She tried peeling the tape off the box, but it was sealed tight. “Stupid question with this group, but does anyone have a knife?”

“I will open it with my new multitool!” Alexei said loudly before anyone else could answer. He crossed the room in a single stride and snatched the box out of her hands.

“Be careful with it!” Kate said as he sliced open the box. “The thing that’s in there is fragile.”

“Of course, I am very careful!”

“You are not careful,” Bob, Melina, and the New Avengers all said. Alexei stared around at them with a deeply offended look on his face.

“This is how you treat me. Really? My own team, my own family? On Christmas?” he huffed. Yelena and Ava laughed at him.

“Well, you’re being very careful right now, Alexei, thank you,” Laura said as she took the now-opened box back from him, using the voice she sometimes used when talking to Nathaniel. Alexei jutted his chin out smugly and returned to his seat as she lifted the decorative vase from the cradle of bubble wrap. “Oh, Kate, this is gorgeous! Where did you get this?”

“A museum gift shop, maybe? I honestly don’t remember,” she smiled. “But I thought of you as soon as I saw it.”

“Awwww, thank you, sweetheart! It’s lovely.” She gazed at it for a few moments before flashing Kate a wide grin. “I’m going to put this on the shelf while Clint opens your gag gift.”

“Okay, which one’s the gag?” Clint grinned, scooting the two presents in front of him closer.

“The top one,” Kate smiled.

He tore it open excitedly, pulling the tape off his box with ease. “Oh my god, is this what I think it is?”

“Yep! It’s a mug that looks like a coffee pot. So you can have the sensation of drinking it straight out of the pot without ruining it for everyone else.”

“Okay, I did that one time,” he scoffed.

“Yeah, I know. And I’m never gonna let you live it down.”

“Well played, Katie.”

She stuck her tongue out at him, and he grinned.

“Okay, my last one is also from Kate,” Lila said, grabbing the envelope excitedly. Her eyes lit up when she opened it.

“No way! Oh my god, thank you!”

“I know just enough about make-up to know that you’d be better off buying it for yourself,” Kate smirked.

Clint leaned toward her and tried to read it over her shoulder. “What is it?”

“A Sephora gift card,” she answered, holding it close to her chest.

“For how much?”

“A hundred dollars.”

“Seriously? Kate, that’s too much!”

“What is the point of being a rich auntie if I can’t buy you guys nice Christmas gifts?” she asked. “Besides, do you know how much make-up costs, Clint? That’s perfectly reasonable.”

“You’re closer to being her sister than her aunt, but okay,” he mumbled exasperatedly. Lila ignored him, instead turning to give Kate a big hug.

“Thank you, Kate!”

“I’m glad you like it. And we’re at the end of the first round! I’m going to start with… this one. From my Lena,” she smiled, nudging her playfully. She picked up the smallest gift from her pile, and Yelena’s stomach flipped nervously. “A gold necklace shaped like a heart! Ooh, and something’s engraved on it… So American.” She stared at her in awe, and Yelena blushed. “But I thought you said Birds of a Feather was our song?”

Yelena smiled. This was one of their favorite playful arguments to have. It came up every time they heard either song, which happened often. But she was happy to finally lay the argument to rest. For now, at least. “No, you’re right, Birds of a Feather is too depressing. Plus, it’s longer, so the engraving would’ve cost more.”

Kate laughed. “Thank you, baby, I love it. Will you help me put it on?”

“Of course.” Yelena took the chain and clasped it around Kate’s neck as she held her hair up, and she had to resist the urge to press a kiss to her exposed skin. “I’m glad you like it.”

“Okay, now it’s your turn again!” Kate said excitedly. Yelena turned back to her pile and picked the thinnest present.

“This one’s from Dad,” she said, nodding to Alexei as she tore it open. “Oh, a vinyl of American Pie! Nice,” she chuckled. “I don’t have a record player, though.”

“That’s because you opened them in wrong order! Open that one now.” Alexei pointed to the big present wrapped in matching wrapping paper. She tore it open quickly. “A record player!” she exclaimed with mock surprise. “Thanks, Dad. That’s awesome.”

“I knew you would like it,” he boasted.

They picked up the pace a bit after that. Bucky and Bob liked their gifts from Kate, a box of fancy chocolates and a scarf, respectively, and John loved the smashburger press that Yelena had gotten him. She assured him that it wasn’t just a ploy to get him to make more burgers for her, and it was mostly true. Then Ava and Alexei both opened custom vibranium daggers from Bucky, and he revealed that he’d gotten one for each of them, straight from Wakanda. Then it was Clint’s turn again, and he opened his real gift from Kate.

“They’re board games,” she explained as he opened them. “But the boxes look like books, so that you can display them on a bookshelf. I thought they were cool.”

“They’re very cool,” he smiled, turning them over in his hands. “Trivial Pursuit and Battleship, two of my favorite games! Thank you, Kate, I love them.”

Kate beamed at him proudly; the excitement of impressing her idol never truly went away. And it was made clear that he knew it when she opened her gag gift from him.

“Oh my god, are you serious?” she laughed. “A signed headshot? Really, Clint?”

“For my biggest fan,” he said with a shit-eating grin.

“When did you even take this?”

“JCPenney, a few months ago. Laura was on a business trip.”

“Of course she was,” Kate smirked. “I’m going to hang this above my bed.”

Yelena raised an eyebrow at her.

“Your real gift is in the bag, too. Go ahead and open it, it’s small.”

She gave him a quizzical look as she pulled a glasses case out of the gift bag. But the confused expression quickly turned to one of joy when she opened it to reveal a pair of purple-tinted aviator sunglasses. “Holy shit, these are awesome!”

“I thought you’d like them,” he smiled.

“How do they look?” she asked, putting them on and gazing around at the group.

“Hot,” Yelena blurted. Kate’s eyes widened as a grin spread across her face, and Yelena shrank into herself. She could feel everyone’s eyes on her, and she knew her teammates weren’t going to let her forget that.

“Well, I was going to say cool, but I guess that works too,” Clint joked.

“These are so cool! Thanks, Clint!”

“Merry Christmas, kiddo.”

Yelena picked the gift from Ava next. She could tell by the way Ava was looking at her that she was proud of it, and it made her even more excited to open it. “Ooh, a green jacket! This is beautiful!” she exclaimed as she held it up. “Wait a minute, is this the same as that red one you have that I like?”

“Yeah, it is! I figured this one was more your color, though,” Ava smiled. “Now we can match!”

“I love it,” Yelena grinned. “That makes it even better.”

“Should Yelena open one more?” John asked. “She’s got more gifts than any of us, the last like three rounds will be just her if she doesn’t.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” she smirked after everyone else agreed. This time, she picked the gift from Melina. As she tore the wrapping paper away, she revealed the cover of a vaguely familiar book. But it wasn’t just any book; it was a photo album.

“Oh my god,” she gasped, tears welling up in her eyes as her four-year-old self stared up at her from the ancient pages. There were dozens of photographs of her and Natasha, on their old swingset, at their old kitchen table, in their old station wagon. She didn’t know these photos had ever been taken, much less that they still existed. “H…how?”

“I held onto it all these years,” Melina said softly, her voice thick with emotion. “I kept it hidden; my one act of rebellion. But I want you to have it now. You deserve these memories more than me.”

“I can’t believe this.” She wiped a tear from her cheek. “Thank you, Mama.”

“Look in the back. Laura helped me add to it before you got here, to make it extra special.”

She flipped to the last few pages, which were filled with pictures of Natasha in her late twenties. She was often surrounded by the Bartons, and she always had a smile on her face. Yelena’s breath caught in her throat.

“If I dug around for a while, I know we have more,” Laura said. “But those are some of the best ones of her.”

“Thank you so much,” Yelena sniffed. “These are so beautiful.”

She clutched the photo album to her chest and closed her eyes, barely registering that Kate had put her arm around her. She didn’t pay attention as the others opened their gifts, her mind on autopilot as she responded to Ava’s thanks for the matching silver necklace and bracelet she gave her, and chuckled along with everyone else at Alexei’s over-the-top excitement about his chillable beer glasses from Kate.

“I’m going to open another one from you, baby,” Kate whispered in her ear. She nodded and wiped her eyes, shaking her head as if that could shake away the sadness.

“Ooh, it’s the Buffalo Bills hoodie I wanted!”

“Wait, you’re a Bills fan?” John asked.

“Yeah, it’s where my mom grew up.”

“Oh, I didn’t know you liked football. Cool.”

“I can’t wait to wear it, baby,” Kate grinned, and Yelena grinned back at her.

“You’re welcome, I’m glad you like it.”

“I love it. And it’s gonna look great on you, too,” she winked, leaning in and giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. Yelena felt her face flushing again.

“Back to you, Yelena,” Ava said teasingly, and she pulled her eyes away from Kate to glare at her.

“Yeah, yeah, okay. I’m opening this one now,” she said, tearing open her gift from Bob. It was two of the little crochet critter kits that she loved; she knew it as soon as the first bit of wrapping paper was gone. “Oh my god, they look like Fanny and Fork! Thank you, Bob!”

“You’re welcome,” he smiled. “I was thinking we could do them together if you want. But we don’t have to.”

“I would love to,” she grinned. And as it turned out, she picked the perfect pair of gifts, because her dagger from Bucky had tiny etchings of Fanny and Fork on the blade. Even without that, it was the most beautiful combat knife she’d ever seen. It was weighted perfectly, and the hilt felt like it was made specifically for her hand. “Remind me to thank the queen of Wakanda for this whenever you finally let us meet her.”

“She’s not the one who made that, and I’ve told you before, that’s not up to me,” Bucky said. “If you guys ever do something impressive, then maybe she’ll want to meet you.”

“Damn, Buck, tell me how you really feel,” she joked.

“I’ll have Ayo tell the Doras that you liked it.”

“Aha, yes! So you have told them about us!”

Bucky rolled his eyes at her fondly.

By that point, Cooper had gone outside to join Nathaniel and the dogs, and Clint and Laura had started getting ready to make brunch, making Kate and Yelena promise to call them back over before they opened their gifts from them. Kate loved the sweat set and flannel shirt that Lila and Laura (and Cooper, according to the tag) got for her, and everyone got a laugh out of the purple squirrel-shaped lamp that Nathaniel had picked out. She was down to her last present, the one Yelena was most excited to give her, but she still had to wait one more round before she could watch her open it.

“Okay, I’m going to open these ones now! They’re both from Kate,” Yelena said, giving her a warm glance. “Is there any particular order?”

“Well, that one is more of a dumb, funny gift, and you’ll definitely like that one more, but it’s up to you.”

“Alright, dumb funny one first it is, then,” she said, her voice laced with affection. She tore the wrapping paper away eagerly, revealing a set of novelty rocks glasses shaped like butts. Yelena tossed her head back as she laughed. “You were right, Kate Bishop, these are very dumb and very funny!”

“Is it bad to say I thought of you as soon as I saw them?”

Yelena laughed again. “Thank you, baby, they’re great. I’ll have to make us some cocktails when we get home to break them in.”

“Ooh, I can’t wait.”

“Okay, now the one I’m actually going to like!” This one was in a gift sack, and she tossed the tissue paper all around her before lifting it out. “A vest! Oh, I don’t have one in this color!” It was a muted sky blue, a color she didn’t wear very often but that Kate said she looked great in. “And it has lots of pockets!”

“Would I ever get you anything that didn’t?”

“Thank you, Kate! I love it,” Yelena smiled. “I’m going to wear it tomorrow.”

“With your new t-shirt?”

“Don’t push it.”

Everyone was hungry by that point, so the final round of gifts went by the quickest. Yelena felt like the whole team got an extra present when John opened his Mission: Impossible DVD box set from Bob; they all knew what they were watching on movie nights for at least the next month. And before she knew it, it was finally time for Kate to open her final gift. She watched her tear the paper off and used her new knife to open the box for her, careful to keep the flaps closed so she couldn’t catch a glimpse of what was inside. She wanted Kate to be completely surprised when she opened it.

“Ooh, new arrows! Thanks, babe!” She lifted the quiver out of the box gently and admired the purple fletchings.

“They’re not just regular arrows,” she said, grinning when Kate’s head snapped up, and her eyes went wide with excitement.

“Wait, you got me trick arrows?!?”

“I did.”

She pulled an arrow out of the quiver and inspected the small metal casing at the base of the point. “I’ve never seen an arrow like this before! What does it do? Did Clint help you get them? He said he’s already shown me all of his trick arrows!”

“He had nothing to do with it. I made them.”

“You made them?!?”

“You don’t have to sound so surprised,” Yelena smirked. “They’re Widow Bite arrows. They shoot out the same electrical probes as my Widow Bites do upon impact.”

“This is the coolest thing I’ve ever gotten,” she breathed, staring at the arrow in awe. “It seriously does that? Like you’ve tested it? It works?”

“Is that really what you think of my engineering skills?” she teased. “Of course, it works! I wouldn’t have given them to you if they weren’t ready yet.”

“I’m sorry, I just can’t believe it! I mean, you made trick arrows for me! A brand new kind of trick arrow, based on your signature weapon!”

“Yeah, I know it, I’m amazing.”

“You really are.” Kate squeezed her hand, caressing her knuckles with her thumb. “This is seriously the sweetest, most awesome gift anyone’s ever given me!”

Kate was practically vibrating with excitement, and Yelena could see in her eyes that she was struggling to decide what she wanted to do more, kiss Yelena stupid or take her bow and her new arrows out to the target Clint kept in his barn. It was the exact reaction she was hoping to evoke, and her chest swelled with pride. “You’re welcome, детка.”

“Can Yelena open her last gifts now, please? I’m starving,” John griped.

“Shut up, they’re being cute,” Ava said. “If we interrupt them, it’ll take even longer.”

“You’re just jealous because you’re both lonely,” Yelena shot back. Ava laughed, and John flipped her off. “Fine, I’ll open my last two gifts.”

“Wait, no! Open the one from me first,” Kate said when she reached for the small box from Clint. “His is more… sentimental.”

“Seems like something I should expect from my girlfriend more, but okay.” Yelena lifted the largest gift from Kate onto her lap. It was heavy; heavier even than the record player from Alexei had been. Kate had a little self-satisfied smirk on her face, the one she always made when she’d done something that she knew would make Yelena happy. It had to be one of the cutest things Yelena had ever seen. She tore the paper off quickly and used her new vibranium dagger to slice open the box. “No… Kate Bishop, you didn’t.”

“I did.”

“But this was so expensive,” Yelena hissed. “When we saw this in the store, I told you not to buy it!”

“Yeah, I know. That’s why I went back and bought it the next day,” Kate beamed. “Do you like it?”

“Of course, I love it.” Yelena carefully lifted the extravagant emerald-green sewing machine out of the box. “But this is too much, it’s-”

“I can’t think of a better way to spend my money than making you happy,” Kate said softly. “Besides, there’s no better time to splurge than on Christmas!”

Yelena sighed. “Thank you, моя любовь. You’re too good to me.”

“Not possible.”

“I’m going to open Barton’s gift now,” she whispered. She knew she couldn’t stare into Kate’s eyes for much longer without kissing her, and she didn’t want to do that in front of everybody.

“Wait for him to get over here, he’s gonna want to see you open it. Clint!” Kate called, turning to look into the kitchen.

“What?”

“I’m opening your gift!” Yelena said. He hurried in and leaned over the couch to watch as she tore the wrapping paper off the small box. She narrowed her eyes. It was clearly a necklace box, but the tag had said it was from Clint, not Laura or Lila. Why would Clint be giving her a necklace? Especially one that was a small, silver arrow on a silver chain; she definitely expected something like this from Kate instead. “Wait, why does this look familiar?”

“Because it was Natasha’s,” Clint answered. “I gave it to her… more than fifteen years ago now. She wore it all the time. I think she’d want you to have it.”

Yelena’s eyes filled with tears once again as she held the necklace up to the light. A wave of memories came flooding back to her. Their fight the day they’d reunited, the beer they’d shared that night, and the few days they’d been able to spend together in the midst of her freeing the other Widows and Natasha being on the run. She’d been wearing it in all of them. “Thank you,” she gasped out, looking Clint in the eye. He nodded.

“Of course. I’m glad I finally got to give it to you.”

“Look, this is all very touching, but can we eat now?” John said, already on his feet. “You’ve got three super soldiers and a living god over here who haven’t eaten a thing.”

“You’re such an arsehole, John,” Ava said, slapping him in the arm.

“What? Look, I’m glad she got her sister’s necklace, but can’t we have these emotional conversations over brunch?”

“Ooh, Johnny’s hangry,” Bob mumbled in a singsong voice.

“Okay, yes, you’re right. Sorry for holding everyone up,” Yelena sniffed. “You’re right, we should eat now.”

“Great! We’ve already gotten the food started, but if anyone would like to help out, that would be appreciated,” Clint said, gesturing for John to join him. “Lila, will you go get your brothers, please?”

“I can help,” Ava said, following John into the kitchen. “Like I said yesterday, I don’t know how to cook, but I can follow instructions as long as John isn’t the one giving them to me.”

“Wait, Clint! You have to see what Yelena got me! She made me new trick arrows!”

“She made these? Wow, that’s impressive.” He took the arrow from Kate’s hand and inspected it, abandoning his plan to help make brunch.

Yelena gave him a curt smile as she put the necklace on. Then she went to stand by the tree, away from where everyone else was gathering in the kitchen. She took deep breaths as she stared at it, running her thumb over the necklace. The repetitive motion was soothing.

“Hey, are you okay?”

She looked up to see Cooper standing next to her, his coat in hand and his face flushed from the cold. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I think so. I just feel… I-I don’t know. It’s just a lot, all of this. It’s…”

“Overwhelming?”

“Yeah, that’s the word. Overwhelming.”

“Yeah, I get that.”

“You have a beautiful tree,” Yelena said after a few moments of silence.

“Thanks. We’ve got some fun ornaments.” He pointed to the one that looked like a strip of bacon, and Yelena smiled. “The ones we made as kids are my favorites, though.”

“I can see why. I like this one.” She pointed to what looked like an asterisk made out of yellow construction paper. “I haven’t seen that take on a star before.”

“Yeah, Lila made that one when she was six,” he chuckled. Then he pointed to a triangle formed by three painted popsicle sticks. “I made that one in preschool.”

“Nice. And what is this one supposed to be?” She gestured to one of the ones at the bottom of the tree, a strange, spiky shape cut out of pink construction paper. It appeared to have a smiley face with one eye drawn on it in crayon. “Is it another star?”

“Nope, it’s supposed to be a Christmas tree,” Cooper said, laughing when she raised an eyebrow at him. “Nate made that when he was… gosh, it was before the Blip, so he must’ve been two or three. He still insists that that’s what it is, but I don’t know why it’s pink, and I don’t know why it has a cyclops face on it.”

“It’s cute,” Yelena smiled. “And which one of you made this one?” She pointed to a scribbled drawing of a fish wearing a Santa hat on a small circle of green construction paper. Cooper inhaled deeply.

“Auntie Nat made that one.”

“Seriously?” Yelena glanced at the crude drawing, then back at Cooper. “Well, I guess she never got to color much as a kid, so she never developed any art skills.”

“Yeah, that must be why,” Cooper chuckled. “I remember she was making ornaments with us that year, and Dad could not tell the difference between hers and ours. She got so pissed at him. Lila and I thought it was the funniest thing ever.”

“That sounds fun.”

“Yeah, it was.”

“Thank you, Cooper,” Yelena said softly. He smiled at her.

“No problem. I’m glad you’re here, Auntie Lena.”

“Me too. Now let’s go eat!”

Brunch came out in waves; first the pancakes, then the eggs, then the bacon. She and Cooper got in the back of the line and got their food, trying to outdo each other with how many pancakes they got. Then Yelena went to stand where Kate and Lila were huddled with John by the stove and talking about football, but Laura intercepted her before she could get there.

“I wanted to give you one last thing,” she smiled. “It’s not quite a Christmas present, but I thought you’d like it.”

“Is this your macaroni recipe?”

“It sure is. You’ll have to let me know how it tastes the first time you make it.”

“I will! Thank you, Laura. And thank you for the photos of Natasha. I wish I could’ve known her then.”

“She did too, sweetheart,” Laura said gently, putting a comforting hand on her arm. Yelena leaned into her touch this time. “She would’ve loved having all of us together like this.”

“I know she would’ve.”

Laura pulled her into a hug, and Yelena closed her eyes, sinking into the warmth of her sweater. She had never fully understood why Laura always welcomed her with open arms after what she’d done, but she was beyond grateful for it. The Bartons were slowly becoming her family, and with every step she took to get closer to them, she could almost see Natasha smiling at her in her mind.

Yelena joined Kate, Lila, John, and now Bob once Laura released her. But she quickly wished that she hadn’t; it seemed she’d walked into a spirited argument between Kate and Bob about which team was better. John was adding fuel to the fire by making jabs at both teams, and Lila was watching the whole thing unfold with an amused grin on her face.

“-We play both of your stupid teams in 2029, and I guarantee the Falcons are gonna beat both of them!”

“Oh-ho, you wanna bet on that?”

“We are not doing sports betting! That is a terrible idea for so many reasons,” Yelena interjected, stepping between the three of them. “I can’t leave you alone for even five minutes, can I?”

“Yeah, control your woman, Yelena,” John joked. Kate scoffed.

“Shut up, John. Or I’m going to put hot sauce in your pancakes.”

“Next season’s going to be fun,” Bob grinned, and he and Kate shared a competitive look. Yelena rolled her eyes.

“You see what I have to deal with?” she whispered to Lila.

“Oh, come on, it’s just a little friendly trash talk!” Kate said. “You should be glad I have things in common with your teammates.”

“Yeah, yeah. Just let me know when the games are so Ava and I can get out of the tower.”

“You don’t like football, Auntie Lena?”

“Nope. The only team sport I would ever watch is women’s basketball. And I don’t care about basketball.”

Kate nudged her with her elbow, and they smirked at each other. Then Lila asked the others what they thought of some new quarterback (or cornerback? She truly didn’t know), so Yelena decided to move over to the table with Alexei, Melina, Ava, Nate, and Bucky.

“That did not happen!”

“Yes, it did! I remember it clear as the day, I fought the Winter Soldier in 1986- Melina, Золотце, tell him!”

“How can I? I didn’t know you then.”

“Yes, but I’ve told you stories of my escapades before, don’t you remember this one?”

“No.”

“That’s because it didn’t happen.”

“What are we arguing about over here?” Yelena asked as she approached them.

“Little Nathaniel here wanted to hear stories about my adventures as the Red Guardian, but Bucky is calling me a liar.”

“Because you are!”

“How would you know, you wouldn’t remember!” Alexei waved his hand dismissively. Thankfully, Bucky only rolled his eyes. “The Winter Soldier attacked me while I was on a mission, and I had to rip his arm off to save my own life! Then we realized we were both fighting for Mother Russia, and then we fought together! You believe me, right, Lena?”

“No,” she scoffed. Ava and Nathaniel giggled.

“If that had happened, they would’ve killed me.”

“Bucky,” Ava hissed, nodding to Nathaniel.

“It’s okay, Daddy already told me that you were an assassin. Just like Auntie Nat and Auntie Lena!”

“Oh… and do you know what an assassin is?” Bucky asked him nervously.

“Yeah, it means you used to kill bad people. But now you stop bad people without killing them, because you’re superheroes, just like Daddy!”

“Yeah, that’s right, buddy,” Clint said, coming up behind him and ruffling his hair. He smiled at Yelena, Ava, and Bucky. “They’re superheroes just like me.”

They steered the conversation away from their pasts after that, with the groups shifting around as the topics changed. But the room was filled with laughter, no matter who was talking to whom; everyone was having a great time. And it wasn’t until nearly two hours had passed that Yelena realized that she hadn’t seen Kate in a while.

“Barton, have you seen Kate?”

“Yeah, she’s in your room,” Clint answered. “But you might not want to go in there right now.”

“Why not?”

“‘Cause she just got a call from her mom.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah. You might want to give her some space.”

Yelena went and stood outside their bedroom door to listen. She wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but she needed to know if she was still on the phone or not. And after a few minutes of silence, she decided that the call must’ve ended.

“Kate?” Yelena called softly as she knocked on the door. “It’s me. Can I come in?”

“Yeah.”

Yelena opened the door slowly to find Kate curled up on the edge of the bed and petting Fork through the bars of his cage with her pinkie. Tears glistened on her cheeks. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just… I got a call from my mom.”

“How did it go?” Yelena asked, sitting next to her.

“Pretty well,” Kate said, sitting up and leaning toward Yelena. “She got the books I sent her. She liked them. And I’m gonna go visit her next week and tell her all about our Christmas, so that’ll be fun. It’s just… I wish she was here.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry, детка,” Yelena breathed, wrapping her arms around her comfortingly. Kate buried her head in Yelena’s shoulder as she started to cry. “I know how hard it must be to be away from her, especially on Christmas. I wish I could’ve gotten her out for you. You did all of this for me, and I hate that I can’t do the same for you.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to her being in prison. I mean, it took years for it to feel normal without my dad around, and sometimes it still feels weird. And now my mom’s gone too. And I know it’s different, but still, it just… it sucks!” Kate sobbed.

“I know, baby. I know.” Yelena kissed her forehead gently and rubbed her back, slowly rocking them back and forth.

“I’m sorry,” Kate sniffled, pulling away a few minutes later. “I didn’t mean to ruin the mood. It’s Christmas, I shouldn’t be crying.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” Yelena said quickly. Her tone left no room for argument. “How many times have you told me not to apologize for my emotions, huh? It goes for you, too. You can cry whenever you need to.”

“Thanks.”

“Do you… do you want me to stay? Or I can give you some time alone, or I can go get Barton-”

“No, I want you.” Kate grabbed her hand, her voice sounding small and desperate. “Just give me… just give me five minutes. Then I’ll be good.”

“Of course, my love. Take your time.”

Yelena continued to rub her back as Kate fell back into her. Yelena let her trace nonsense patterns on her palm as the breath from her nose tickled her neck. She lost count of how many kisses she pressed into her hairline.

“I told her about the trick arrows you made for me,” Kate said after a while. Her voice was hoarse from crying.

“Oh yeah? What did she say?”

“Well, first she said they sound dangerous. I told her they’re only dangerous for the other guy.” Yelena could hear the small smile in her voice. “Then she said that it sounds like you really get me. And that you must really care about me a lot to go to the trouble of making them for me.”

“She’s right, I do.”

“She wants you to come with me when I visit her next week. If you want to, of course. But she wants to get to know you better. I think she’s finally realizing that you’re here to stay.”

“I’d like that.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, of course. It’ll be fun.”

Kate smiled up at her before leaning in and kissing her lips. “Thank you, Lena.”

“You don’t have to thank me. I would do anything for you, Kate Bishop.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Kate kissed her again, soft and languid, her fingers trailing gently across Yelena’s thigh and under her hoodie. Then she pulled away and wiped her eyes again, shaking her head. “Okay, I’m ready to go back out there. How do I look?”

“Beautiful. Just like you always do.”

“Yeah, but what are they going to think?”

“How could anyone think any differently?”

“I meant, can you tell I’ve been crying?” Kate said exasperatedly, grinning at her.

“Oh, I know. I’m just messing with you.” Kate turned to grab one of the pillows off the bed and slammed it into her chest. Yelena laughed. “Okay, okay, I surrender! You look fine, baby. No one will know.”

“Okay, good.”

“You know what you haven’t done yet?”

“What?”

“You haven’t heard an embarrassing story about me.”

Yelena smiled to herself as Kate’s eyes lit up. “Oh yeah, that’s right! We’re doing that now.”

“We?”

“Well, yeah, it’s no fun hearing the story if you’re not there to be embarrassed by it.” She grabbed Yelena’s hand and pulled her to her feet. “Come on, let’s go!”

“Who are you going to ask?”

“Hmmmm. Well, my first thought would be to ask Ava, Bob, or John, since you spend the most time with them and would be more comfortable doing “embarrassing” things around them. But they already tell me all the good stuff anyway, so whatever they haven’t told me yet isn’t going to be very good.”

“Wait, what all have they told you?”

“And Alexei would be my next thought, since he’s your dad, but he’s not going to have the same idea of what’s embarrassing that you do. And he tells me all the cute things you do already, so he probably won’t have anything good either.”

“How often do you talk to my dad about me behind my back?”

“Not often, really. He just sends me the pictures he takes whenever you fall asleep next to him on the couch or when you wear anything with the New Avengers logo on it.”

Yelena raised an eyebrow at her. “You need to tell him to stop.”

“I have! Trust me, I never respond to them. But it’s harmless; most of them are just blurry selfies anyway. He just loves you and thinks you’re adorable, and I happen to agree.”

Yelena crossed her arms and glared at her for a few moments. Then she sighed. “Fine, whatever. So who are you going to ask, then? Bucky?”

“Yes! Exactly, Bucky. You spend a lot of time with him, too, but he doesn’t talk to me unless you’re here, so I’ve never heard any stories from him. He seems like the kind of guy who doesn’t like to gossip, so he probably has a lot of stories that he’s never told anyone. And if anything ever happened while the two of you were working on mission plans late into the night like you two like to do, then he’ll be the only one who knows about it.”

“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that you’ve thought about this so much,” Yelena sighed. She tried to look annoyed, she really did, but she loved that about Kate far too much to keep it from her eyes. “Go on, then. Ask him.”

“Ask me what?” Bucky looked up from his spot on the couch, where he’d already started reading the book Ava got for him.

“Yelena and I had a bet on the way over here, and she lost. So now I get to ask one of her teammates to tell me an embarrassing story about her.” Kate vaulted over the back of the couch to sit next to him, a shit-eating grin on her face. “So, do you have any good stories?”

“An embarrassing story about Yelena? Hmmm… ooh, I’ve got one,” Bucky smiled. “So this happened a couple months ago. We’d just gotten back from some mission, and we decided to have a team movie night. But Yelena was exhausted, so she fell asleep almost immediately.”

“Oh, no, I know what this is,” Yelena groaned.

“And in her sleep, she latched onto my arm and would not let go. But it was my vibranium arm, so I just took it off and let her cuddle with it because I didn’t want to wake her or get covered in drool.”

Kate snorted, and Bucky smirked. Yelena glared at her.

“So the movie ends, and we’re all just hanging out, finishing our snacks, and waiting to see if she’s ever going to wake up. But at this point, she is out. Must’ve overworked herself that week or something. She was even mumbling in her sleep, I wish I remembered what she was saying. But somehow, over the course of the movie, she’d managed to turn my arm around so that my fingers are up by her face. And then she rolls over, and my finger, like, pokes her, and it wakes her up. And she screams so loud! I mean, it was impressive. I’ve never heard anyone scream like that! I don’t think she could make a sound that high-pitched again if she tried.”

“Oh my god, that story is amazing!” Kate laughed. “Baby, that’s so cute!”

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.” Yelena rolled her eyes.

“What were you dreaming about that made you scream like that? I’ve seen you get woken up by a cold dog nose to the face, and you barely react!”

“I don’t know. I don’t remember.”

“Thank you, Bucky, that was absolutely worth it!” Kate wiped a tear from her eye, and Yelena wasn’t sure if she was exaggerating or not. Bucky winked at her; they both knew he could’ve told a worse story. But then he smirked again, and the feeling of dread returned.

“So, what was this bet?” he asked.

“Oh, no, we don’t need to..”

“I think we do, babe,” Kate grinned. “I mean, quid pro quo and all that. Besides, it’s not that bad.”

“Yeah, but I don’t trust you right now.” Yelena narrowed her eyes, but her tone was playful.

“You tell it, then.”

“Alright, I will. On the way here, we stopped at a place in Pennsylvania to do a hamburger-eating challenge. Kate ate the whole thing, and I couldn’t, so I lost.”

“See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” Kate teased. Yelena stuck her tongue out at her.

“A hamburger eating contest? Really?”

“Yeah, it was fun! And the best part is, Yelena got a free t-shirt!”

“Wait, shouldn’t you have gotten a free t-shirt? You’re the one who completed the challenge.”

“Yeah, I did, but Yelena’s was better.”

“This is why I don’t trust you,” Yelena muttered.

“Well, now I have to see the t-shirt,” Bucky grinned.

“No, you really don’t.”

“I really think I do.”

“Yeah, show us the shirt, Lena!” Ava said, walking in from the kitchen.

“You don’t even know what we’re talking about!”

“Yeah, but you look uncomfortable, so that means it’s gonna be embarrassing for you and funny for us.”

“What’s gonna be embarrassing for her and funny for us?” John asked as he and Bob walked over. Alexei wasn’t far behind.

“You’re drawing a crowd, babe. I think you know what you’ve gotta do.”

“I don’t have to do shit.”

“Yelena, language! There’s a child here,” Kate said, scooping Nate up as he ran by. “Do you want to see Auntie Lena’s new shirt, buddy?”

“Yeah!”

“Come on, you have to show us now! You can’t say no to this face!” she cooed, swinging Nate back and forth in her arms as he giggled. Yelena gaped at her.

“Oh, that is dirty, Kate Bishop! How dare you weaponize his sweet little face?”

But Kate just shrugged her shoulders and grinned at her.

“What shirt is this? I want to see it!” Alexei bellowed.

“Come on, Yelena, show us the shirt!” Ava chanted. John, Bob, Kate, and Nathaniel quickly joined in. “Show us the shirt! Show us the shirt!”

“Fine,” she sighed, trying to hide her smile as they all cheered. “You’re making way too big a deal out of this.”

“We’ll be the judge of that,” Bucky said.

So Yelena went to put on the stupid t-shirt. They cheered again when she walked back out into the living room, and everyone had a good laugh at the stupid saying on the t-shirt. Yelena didn’t want to, but she couldn’t help it; she had to laugh, too. It was funny, and everything was funnier with her family around.

“Where is this restaurant?” Alexei asked. “I want to go, I will defeat this challenge in record time!”

“I think you’d be disqualified; they had rules about superpowered individuals in the fine print,” Yelena said.

“Well, I still want to try it!”

“Of course, you do.”

Then, suddenly, the sound of laughter was punctuated by loud barking. Fanny began jumping up on them, trying to lick as many faces as she could, her tail wagging furiously.

“Okay, okay, let's go outside!” Yelena cried once she finally grabbed her collar. “She needs to go run around some more.”

“We should run with her!” Nathaniel cheered. “Come on, let’s go play!”

“Oh, honey, I don’t know if-”

But Laura was cut off by a chorus of agreement from the New Avengers. Kate had been right; none of them could say no to Nate’s cute little face. They all put their coats on and ran outside, chasing each other around. Snowballs were thrown, a snowman was attempted and destroyed, and they made a game out of trying to tackle Ava before she could phase out of the way. They were playing and laughing like children, the New Avengers almost having more fun than Nate. Soon, the other Bartons joined them, and the house was left empty as they all enjoyed the freshly fallen snow. Yelena had never had so much fun.

But it had to come to an end eventually, of course, and soon the others had to leave. They said their goodbyes and climbed into Valentina’s private jet, which they’d somehow managed to hide behind the barn, leaving just Kate, Yelena, and the Bartons. Nate got everyone to color with him for a bit, and it turned out to be the perfect relaxing activity for her. Nothing she drew looked quite the way she wanted it to, but Cooper assured her that all her drawings were better than the fish. And when they decided to put the crayons away, Nate gave her a picture he drew of her and Natasha… and a lion in the background. Then, they ended the day by drinking hot cocoa, eating leftovers, and watching more Christmas movies. Die Hard became yet another favorite of Yelena’s. And before she knew it, Christmas day was over, and she and Kate were climbing into bed.

“Oh, I almost forgot! I have one more present to give you,” she said just before she pulled back the covers. Yelena’s heart began to pound.

“No, Kate Bishop, you didn’t! You’ve given me too much already.”

“Not possible,” Kate smiled.

“Yes, it is! You’re doing too much, I can’t take it. I appreciate it, I really do, but it’s… it’s overwhelming.” 

Kate froze. “Wait, really?”

“Yes,” Yelena sighed. She tried to blink away the tears in her eyes. “I have loved every minute of this trip, truly. But I’m not used to all of this. It’s so much. I mean, I’ve never had more than one gift to open at a time before, and I can probably count the number of gifts I have had on one hand. And it’s not that I don’t want this, but I just… I… the emotions are too much.”

“I’m sorry,” Kate said softly. “I didn’t think about it like that. I never meant to overwhelm you.”

“I know, it’s okay. I’m sorry, I feel like I’m being ungrateful-”

“You’re not. I know you’re not,” Kate reassured her. She held Yelena’s hand tightly, her touch grounding her.

“I guess… I just don’t know how to handle this much love.”

“That’s okay, baby. We have the rest of our lives for you to learn how.” Kate kissed her hand lovingly. Yelena gazed at her, mouth agape, getting lost in her deep blue eyes.

“Thank you,” she breathed.

“Of course. And this is the last surprise, I promise. You don’t have to open it now if you don’t want to, we can save it-”

“When did I say I don’t want my present?”

“That’s what I figured,” Kate smirked, handing her the gift bag. Yelena gave her a shy smile as she wiped her eyes.

“Why didn’t you give this to me this morning?”

“I didn’t want Nate to get jealous.”

Yelena raised an eyebrow at her. “What could you have gotten me that a little boy would be jealous of?”

“Open it, and you’ll see.”

So Yelena did just that. And Kate was right, Nathaniel probably would’ve been jealous. Who wouldn’t want a hammerhead shark stuffed animal?

“Oh my god, it’s so cute!” Yelena gushed, holding it to her chest. “I love it!”

“I knew you would, baby,” Kate grinned.

“It’s so soft!”

“I know, right?”

“I think this little guy might be better to cuddle with than you.”

Now it was Kate’s turn to raise an eyebrow at her. “What, you’re going to turn me into that meme?”

“I might,” Yelena teased.

“Yeah, okay, sure.” Kate rolled her eyes and lay back against her pillow.

“I’m just kidding, детка.” Yelena lay down next to her and wrapped her arm around her middle, squashing the stuffed shark between them. She kissed Kate’s shoulder with a smile. “I think today was the best day of my life.”

“Oh yeah? Really?”

“Yeah. And you know, every time I’ve thought that, I’ve been with you.” Kate shifted around so she could press a kiss to Yelena’s forehead. “And I keep thinking, there’s no way she can top this. It can’t get any better. But it still does.” Yelena grinned up at Kate reverently. “You’re amazing, Kate Bishop. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Yelena.” Kate kissed her deeply, her snaking her arm around her waist to pull her impossibly closer. Yelena had no idea how long they stayed like that. But they did eventually turn off the light, and she fell asleep with her nose buried in the crook of Kate’s neck.

They arose early the next morning and packed as quickly as they could, eager to get on the road and start their long journey home. They weren’t eager to leave, of course, but the Bartons assured them that they’d get together again soon. Clint even threatened to bring the whole family to stay in Kate’s apartment. And then they were off, with two days of driving through the snow and their own warm beds ahead of them. There would be no eating contests or giant cows on the return trip. But they had decided to make one stop in Ohio on the second day.

“Here we are,” Yelena sighed as she parked outside the cemetery. Kate squeezed her hand.

“You can do this.”

“I know.” Yelena gave her a sad smile. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me too.”

Then Fanny barked and shoved her nose into Yelena’s side.

“Okay, okay, we’re going,” she chuckled. She scratched Fanny’s ears as Kate hooked the leashes onto her and Lucky, and they got out and started walking toward Natasha’s grave. The cemetery looked different now that it was covered in snow, but Yelena knew exactly where she was going. She didn’t even need to think about it, almost as if some otherworldly force was guiding her feet. Then they reached the little bridge, and Yelena’s breath caught in her throat. “We’re here.”

Kate took Fanny’s leash from her silently, and she drifted to the headstone as if in a trance. She brushed the snow off of it and ran her fingers across the letters of her name, ingraining the feeling of every divot in the cold stone into her mind. Then she let out a long, low whistle.

“Привет, старшая сестра. It’s been a while. I still miss you every day. But I’m doing really good now. You would be proud. Alexei and Melina are in my life again, and they want to really be my parents now. Alexei does the most. He’s… well, he’s Alexei. But he’s actually a really good dad. He and Melina aren’t really together, but they’re still gross. But it’s also kind of nice that they like each other. Makes us feel like a normal family. And we still talk about you all the time. I just spent my first Christmas with them, actually. At Barton’s farm. He’s so lame, I don’t know why you liked him so much. But spending time with him makes me feel closer to you. And I think I do the same for him. He gave me your necklace, and it looks way better on me. I’m never going to take it off. And his kids are wonderful. Nate drew me a picture of you and me. He says he doesn’t remember you, but his daddy tells him stories all the time. Cooper and Lila remember you, though. They were telling me stories. And they all call me Auntie Lena now. It was almost the whole family. And my other family was there too, the New Avengers. That’s right, I’m an avenger, just like you! And I’m the leader of the team. We’re way better than you guys ever were. They really are my family, though. I would be lost without them. Alexei is on the team, too, which is definitely weird. But I like getting to be so close to him. And your old friend Bucky is on the team. He’s like everyone’s grumpy uncle. He says I remind him of you. Says he likes me better, though. Then there’s Bob, he’s like my little brother. He’s sweet, you would like him. I feel the need to protect him all the time, even when he doesn’t need it. Just like you always protected me. He and I are similar. We have similar pain. But he makes it better. Then there’s John, my stupid, annoying older brother. But I love him too. You would’ve enjoyed messing with him, it’s very easy. Then there’s Ava, she’s my best friend. She’s, uh… she’s like a second sister to me. Her past was both the same and very different from ours, and we’re learning how to be normal people together. It’s so fun. You would love her. I love them all so much. They all take care of me, and I take care of them. We are a real family, and I hope that’s what the Avengers were to you. And getting to have them all together… a real big family Christmas, it was a dream come true. I never thought I could have that. It feels so cruel to say when you’re gone, but my life is the best it’s ever been. Better than I ever hoped for. I’m so thankful.” She looked up and saw Kate still standing awkwardly by the bridge with the dogs, and she stood and wiped her eyes before waving her over. “And this is the person I’m most thankful for. She’s the one who brought us all together for Christmas. I wish you could meet her most of all.” Kate approached her slowly, looking afraid to speak. Yelena took her hand and pulled her close with a warm smile. “This is Kate Bishop. She is the love of my life. And now that you’re gone, she’s my favorite person in the world. She is the best person- and perhaps the only truly good person that I’ve ever met.”

“Hi, Natasha,” Kate said softly, giving the gravestone a small wave. “It’s so nice to finally meet you.”

Yelena beamed up at Kate and hugged her close. “It’s okay, you can talk to her. Or not, that’s okay too.”

“Yelena’s told me so much about you. And so have Clint and Laura. I… I really wish I could’ve met you while you were still here. But I hope you know I’m taking care of them.”

“Better than anybody,” Yelena whispered. “She would’ve loved you.”

“I’m sure I would’ve loved her, too.”

“I told her about you the last time I was here. About when we met. I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve been here.”

“Yeah, it can be hard to visit as often as you want. I haven’t seen my dad in a long time, either.”

“Maybe we can visit him when we get back home.”

She felt Kate’s breath shudder in her chest, and she held her tighter. “I’d like that,” she smiled, resting her head on Yelena’s shoulder. “It’s about time he met you.”

They stayed for a little over an hour, until Kate was shivering, and Yelena could no longer ignore her insistence that she was fine. They talked about everything from their first date to Christmas, telling every story they could think of. Sometimes they talked to Natasha, and sometimes they talked to each other, but Yelena could feel her the whole time. It was the happiest she’d ever been visiting Natasha, the experience marked by love and hope instead of grief. The grief wasn’t gone; it would never be truly gone. But it wasn’t weighing her down any longer. Her heart was full of so much more now. And as she and Kate said their goodbyes and finally began to walk away, their perfect American Christmas finally at an end, Yelena heard the wind whistle through the trees.

Since the rather awkward but well-meaning ‘shovel talk’ with the Bartons, Yelena and Kate had ended up staying at the Barton family farm for an entire week longer than originally planned. What had been intended as a few days of refuge had quietly extended itself into something far gentler, far warmer, than either of them had expected. There was something disarmingly soothing about the rhythm of life on the farm, the quiet hum of daily chores, the wide-open skies, and the simple, grounding presence of people who truly cared. It gave them both a rare chance to breathe, to just exist for a while without the weight of New York pressing down on their shoulders.

But while it had seemed, from the outside, like they were merely resting, Yelena had been anything but idle. Beneath her calm exterior, she had been working tirelessly, almost obsessively, with Sonya and their trusted legal contact to untangle the complicated mess that Kate’s life had become in the wake of her mother’s downfall. Eleanor Bishop’s surrender of her assets had been swifter and more complete than anyone could have anticipated. Every account, every share, every property, Eleanor had signed them all over, as though ridding herself of a burden too heavy to carry. It felt almost too easy, and Kate, naturally, had been suspicious.

More than once, she had shot Yelena a wary glance over her laptop screen, voicing her concern in cautious, half-whispered words. "Lena, are we... sure this is legal?" she had asked, worry creasing her brow. But Yelena, who had seen far murkier corners of the world, had only given her that quietly assured look and a faint smile, saying softly, “Trust me, detka (babe).” And Kate had, because Yelena had become the one person in the world Kate trusted without hesitation, even when it made her stomach twist with nerves.

So now, officially, Kate had it all. More money than she would ever need, full ownership of Bishop Securities, and the penthouse. But while the money and the company had been practical victories, the penthouse remained a heavy weight chained to her chest. Yelena could see it in her eyes every time the topic came up, that tightness in her expression, the way her lips would press together just a little too firmly, like she was swallowing back the memories it dredged up. Memories of her mother, of loneliness, of a life that no longer felt like her own.

What Kate didn’t know, however, was that Yelena had been working quietly, almost obsessively, behind the scenes to fix that as well. She had spent stolen moments on hushed phone calls, slipping away under the guise of errands or casual strolls, laying the groundwork for a surprise that she hoped would soften Kate’s return to the city. She had no intention of letting Kate step back into a place that made her heart ache. 

As for the two of them, well, their fledgling relationship had blossomed into something far sweeter, far steadier, than either had dared hope. They were almost inseparable now, moving through the days with a natural, easy closeness that felt like breathing. When Yelena wasn’t off plotting her secret surprise, she and Kate spent nearly every moment together, as if making up for all the time they had lost to danger and uncertainty.

Every night, without fail, they curled up together in bed, their bodies instinctively gravitating toward one another. Yelena, despite her usual bravado, had slipped quite happily into the role of little spoon, tucking herself securely against Kate’s chest, as if Kate alone could keep the world at bay. Kate never once complained. She held Yelena close like she was something fragile and precious, pressing absent-minded kisses to her hair as they drifted off to sleep.

On the two nights that Kate’s nightmares resurfaced, Yelena didn't let her face them alone. She would sit up, bleary-eyed but determined, and throw on a movie until the shadows retreated from Kate’s mind. They’d stay awake together, wrapped in each other’s arms beneath the dim glow of the laptop screen, until exhaustion finally pulled them under.

But it wasn’t just the quiet, intimate moments that wove them closer. Their days had become something out of a dream. They tried everything the countryside could offer, throwing themselves into each moment with reckless abandon. When they weren’t in school, Clint’s kids had roped them into backyard games that became rambunctious affairs since Yelena, competitive to the bone, was determined not to let anyone, not even a child, beat her at capture the flag. 

Kate, of course, took this as a challenge, and the two of them ended up diving across the grass, tangled together in breathless laughter as Lucky barked encouragement from the sidelines.

They spent sunny afternoons sprawled out on blankets beneath the wide, open sky, making daisy chains and pretending not to care who could make the longest one, though both of them absolutely did. 

There were early mornings too, when Kate would let herself be coaxed out of bed just to watch the sun rise over the fields. She’d grumble the whole way, burying her face in Yelena’s shoulder, but the moment the sky blushed pink and gold, she’d quietly admit it was worth it. Yelena would kiss her temple in reply, smiling into her hair, and Kate’s complaints would fade into contented silence.

Their walks turned into playful races, always ending with them breathless and triumphant, collapsing into the long grass and staring up at the sky as if they had all the time in the world. Clint and Laura watched them from a distance with soft smiles, seeing not just two young women who had survived too much, but two people who, finally, were learning how to live.

It wasn’t perfect. There were still shadows that lingered at the edges, ghosts of fear and memory they hadn’t yet outrun. But, for the first time in what felt like forever, they’d found something that resembled home, a fragile, precious thing that made them believe, even if only quietly, that they could build something lasting. And that was exactly why, eventually, it had to end. 

They couldn’t stay with the Bartons forever. They had lives waiting for them, roads that needed to be walked. Kate had a business to mend, a city to reclaim, and Yelena had sisters to free, a mission that still burned bright beneath her ribs. As comforting as it was to stay wrapped in the warmth of family, borrowed as it was, they knew deep down it couldn’t last.

So, over breakfast on a sleepy Sunday morning, Kate finally broke the news. She set down her coffee cup and, with a quiet kind of resolve, told the Bartons they’d be leaving that evening. It felt heavy and right all at once.

Later, as they were packing, Clint appeared in the doorway of what had become Kate’s room, and now, unmistakably, Yelena’s too. He lingered for a second, awkward, almost like he didn’t know where to place himself. His fingers tapped against the doorframe before he spoke, a nervous edge to his voice.

“Kate,” he began, clearing his throat, eyes flicking between her and Yelena. “Could we, uh… could we talk? You know… privately? Before you go?”

Kate blinked, caught off guard. A flicker of worry pinched at her brow. Why couldn’t Yelena hear this too? What did he need to say that wasn’t for both of us? But still, she nodded, a tight little motion, and set down the jumper she’d been folding. With a glance at Yelena, she followed Clint out of the room, her heart thudding a little faster than before.

They had made their way to the dining table, and Clint had wordlessly set a cup of coffee in front of Kate. They sat across from one another, the space between them somehow vast and suffocating all at once. The silence felt brittle, stretched too thin, and Clint’s discomfort was obvious in the way his gaze darted to the window, to the table, to anything but her. He seemed to struggle with where to begin, the words knotting in his throat.

“Clint… what is it?” Kate’s voice cracked as she tried to make it sound lighter, a nervous little chuckle slipping through her lips, though it did nothing to ease the tightness in her chest. “You’re scaring me.”

He closed his eyes for a moment, his brows pulling together as he exhaled a long, shaky breath. When he looked back at her, there was something fragile in his expression, something that made her stomach twist.

“I know you’re probably not going to want to hear this,” he began, his voice rough and uneven, tripping over the weight of his own words. “But I need you to understand… I wouldn’t bring it up if I weren’t worried. I am worried. I just…I need to be sure you’re going to be okay.”

The moment the words left him, her heart lurched to her throat. Her breath caught, brittle and sharp, and her hands instinctively curled around the warm mug in front of her, as if it could somehow ground her.

“Laura told you,” she whispered, her voice barely there, a hollow breath against the growing storm inside her chest. It wasn’t a question, it didn’t need to be. She felt her pulse thunder in her ears, anxiety clawing its way up like a rising tide.

Clint gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. His eyes were glassy, rimmed red as he swallowed against the swell of emotion. “She did,” he admitted, his voice tight. “She was worried, Kate. You’re going back there, and last time, you just…” He faltered, his breath catching as he tried to gather the words that had been gnawing at him. “You cut us off. Completely. And I thought—” his voice broke, and he pressed his lips together for a beat, forcing the lump in his throat down. “I thought we made it clear you mattered to us. I thought you knew how much you mattered. I’m so sorry, Kate. We should’ve made it clear.”

Kate’s eyes stung with unshed tears as she shook her head, her chest aching. She could see him fighting against the tears clouding his vision, see the cracks in his usually steady composure.

“Clint,” she breathed, her voice trembling, “stop. Please. Don’t apologise. You didn’t do anything wrong.” She swallowed hard, her throat raw. “I knew you cared. I always did. It’s just… God, Clint, it wasn’t about that. No matter what you or Laura said, or did, or tried… it felt like time. I didn’t see any other way. I didn’t plan to stay, no matter what.”

Her confession hung heavy in the air between them, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, a single tear slipped free down Clint’s cheek, his breath shuddering as he blinked hard, like he could will the rest away.

“We could’ve lost you, Kate,” he rasped, his voice thick with grief and fear that hadn’t eased with time. His fingers curled into fists on the table. “We could’ve lost you and I—” He stopped himself, shook his head as if the thought alone was too much to bear. “I don’t want you to go back to New York,” he said hoarsely. “We don’t want you to go. You’re safe here. You’re safe with us.”

His voice cracked on the last word, and Kate’s lips parted, but the words tangled in her throat, caught between the crushing guilt and the fragile tenderness of what Clint was saying. 

Her eyes burned, and she blinked fast, but it did nothing to stop the tears that blurred her vision. She hated this feeling, this raw exposure, this vulnerability that made her feel like her chest had been split wide open, but more than that, she hated how right he was. How much it hurt to hear the truth spoken out loud.

“I know,” she rasped, her voice unsteady as she pushed the words free. “I know you don’t want me to go. And maybe part of me doesn’t want to either.” Her hands tightened around the mug, knuckles pale. “But I can’t hide here forever, Clint. I can’t stay safe in this house and pretend like the rest of the world doesn’t exist.”

Her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard, forcing back the sob that clawed at her chest. “I have to face it. I have to try, even if it’s terrifying. Even if I don’t know if I’m strong enough.”

Clint’s eyes searched hers, as if he could somehow shoulder the weight of her fears if he just looked hard enough. “You are strong enough,” he said, his voice rough but certain. “But you don’t have to do it alone, Katie. You never have to do it alone again.”

Her heart clenched painfully at the nickname, at the way he said it like she was still that same stubborn, reckless girl who followed him into danger without thinking. She let out a shaky breath, and a tear slipped free, trailing down her cheek. “I’m not alone,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Not anymore.”

As if summoned by her words, there was a soft sound behind them, a light, almost hesitant knock against the doorframe. Kate turned her head, blinking through her tears to see Yelena standing there. She looked out of place in the doorway, her usual sharp confidence softened by something gentler, more uncertain. Her gaze flicked between them, lingering on Kate’s tear-streaked face, her brows knitting with quiet concern.

“Am I interrupting?” Yelena asked, though her voice was quiet, and it was obvious she already knew the answer. “I just…I had a feeling and wanted to check...”

Kate’s chest tightened at the sight of her, at the warmth and the worry in her eyes. She shook her head, her breath catching in her throat. “No,” she managed, her voice breaking. “No, you’re not.”

Clint followed her gaze, and something in his expression shifted, a realisation, a kind of fragile relief. He cleared his throat and wiped at his cheek with the back of his hand, trying to pull himself together. “Never,” he said hoarsely. “Because I think you’re part of this too.”

Yelena stepped further into the room, her eyes never leaving Kate. Without needing to be asked, she came to her side, her presence grounding and steady. She didn’t say anything right away, just placed a gentle hand on Kate’s shoulder, her thumb brushing in quiet circles against her skin. It was such a small gesture, but it sent a wave of warmth through Kate’s chest, steadying the storm just a little.

Kate exhaled shakily, leaning into the touch. “I’m scared,” she admitted, her voice breaking. “I’m so scared.”

Yelena’s brows softened, and she crouched slightly so she could meet Kate’s eyes, her hand never leaving her shoulder. “I know,” she said simply. “But you do not have to be scared alone.”

There was no hesitation in her words, no uncertainty. Just quiet, unwavering resolve. And somehow, it was exactly what Kate needed to hear.

Clint watched them for a moment longer, his own heart aching, but there was a glimmer of comfort in his gaze now. He could see it,  the way Kate’s breathing had steadied, the way her shoulders had relaxed beneath Yelena’s touch. She wasn’t alone. Not anymore.

“You’ve got people in your corner, Katie,” Clint said softly, his voice thick with emotion. “You always will.”

Kate breathed out slowly, she felt herself slowly, gently, start to unravel, not in the way she used to, not like she was falling apart, but like she was letting the walls down at last, brick by careful brick. Her eyes, still glassy with tears, drifted from Yelena’s steady, grounding presence back to Clint, whose expression had softened into something achingly familiar. Protective. Warm. Family.

Without thinking, she reached across the table and took his hand. Clint’s eyes flickered in surprise, but his fingers curled around hers almost immediately, rough and calloused but comforting all the same. 

For a moment, they just sat there like that. No one spoke. No one needed to. The sunlight filtered in weakly through the window, catching on the glisten of Kate’s tears, on the rough edges of Clint’s worry, and the silent protectiveness in Yelena’s gaze. 

Clint was the first to break the quiet, “You promise you’ll call?” he asked, and despite himself, his voice cracked at the end of the sentence.

Kate gave a soft, trembling laugh through her own tears. “I promise,” she said. Then she tilted her head towards Yelena with a teasing edge that didn’t quite hide the affection beneath it. “Actually, you’ll probably be begging me to stop calling. We’re gonna annoy you so much.”

Yelena, catching on immediately, flashed the smallest, mischievous smile. “I will make sure she calls every day,” she said, deadpan. “Maybe two times. Possibly three. Don’t worry, Barton, I will make sure you are stuck with her. ”

Kate let out a wet laugh, her chest tightening with something warm and golden, and Clint chuckled low in his throat, shaking his head like he already knew they weren’t joking. “I’ll take it,” he said, voice thick with emotion, a tearful smile breaking through. “As long as it means she doesn’t disappear on me again.”

“I won’t let her,” Yelena said quickly, her tone still light but threaded with quiet certainty. “I mean, I know where she lives. She has no chance of disappearing, not on my watch. I’ll keep an eye on her, like a… hawk.” Her smirk lingered, the joke deliberate with two Hawkeyes right there, but beneath the mischief was something steadier, an unspoken promise, offered straight to Clint. She would be there. Kate wouldn’t be alone again. Not if Yelena had anything to say about it.

Kate rolled her eyes at the truly terrible joke, but Clint didn’t flinch. He saw it for what it was and nodded, a soft smile tugging at his lips. He trusted Yelena, trusted her word, regardless of her past or the fact that she was a Widow trained to deceive. None of that mattered. What mattered was the way she looked at Kate, the way she spoke with quiet conviction. Clint knew, deep down, that Yelena cared. Really cared. And she wouldn’t let Kate slip away without a fight.

They stayed like that for a little while longer, but eventually, Laura drifted into the room too, sensing the quiet aftermath of emotion, and she said nothing at first. She simply crossed to Clint’s side, wrapping an arm around his shoulders, her gaze soft and full of understanding as she took in the scene.

Yelena was the one who broke the moment, lifting her hand to gently nudge Kate’s cheek with her knuckles, wiping away the last of her tears. “Come,” she said softly. “We still have packing to do.”

Kate swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded. She rose from her chair, giving Clint’s hand one final squeeze before letting go, and Clint caught her in a rough, protective hug that she gladly melted into. He held her tightly for a moment, and when they pulled apart, he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

“You’ll always have a place here,” he said, his voice thick. “Always.”

Kate didn’t trust her voice to work, so she just nodded, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. Yelena, standing close at her side, brushed her fingers along Kate’s arm before lacing their hands together as they stepped away from the table. 

-----

As they moved to finish packing, there was a softness in the air between them, a quiet understanding that no matter how heavy this moment felt, they were not carrying it alone. Yelena kept close to Kate’s side as they gathered her things, not in the way of someone hovering, but as though she were quietly anchoring Kate, offering her steadiness without words, her presence a silent promise: You’re not alone in this.

Downstairs, the Barton kids were waiting, lingering in the living room like they didn’t quite know what to do with themselves. Lila was twisting a hair tie around her fingers, her eyes red-rimmed though she tried to mask it with a brave, lopsided smile. Cooper stood awkwardly near the doorway, his hands shoved into his pockets, while Nathaniel clung to his mother’s hand, his gaze solemn.

Kate’s chest ached at the sight of them. She swallowed hard against the lump rising in her throat and managed a small smile as she stepped forward, her bag slung over her shoulder. “Hey, guys,” she said softly, her voice catching just a little.

“You sure you have to go?” Lila asked, her voice wobbly but determined. She tried to play it off with a lightness that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I mean, we were finally getting you trained for family game night.”

Kate let out a breathy laugh, even as her vision blurred with tears. She set her bag down for a moment and crossed to Lila, pulling her into a tight hug. “I’m going to miss you so much,” she whispered, her voice raw with honesty.

Lila clung back fiercely, like she never wanted to let go. “I already miss you,” she whispered back.

When they parted, Cooper was already stepping forward, his usual cool composure cracked at the edges. He didn’t say anything at first, just pulled Kate into a quick, awkward hug that lingered longer than expected. “Don’t be a stranger, okay?” he said, pulling back just enough to look at her, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

“I won’t,” Kate promised, her throat tight.

Nathaniel, still holding Laura’s hand, looked up at her with wide, earnest eyes. “Will you come back for Christmas?” he asked, his voice so small, so hopeful, it nearly broke her heart.

Kate crouched down to his level, brushing a hand through his hair gently. “Of course,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Then, to her surprise, Nathaniel turned shyly toward Yelena, his gaze flicking between her and his mother as though unsure if it was okay. Laura gave him a gentle nudge, and he stepped forward. Without a word, he wrapped his little arms around Yelena in a spontaneous, childlike hug.

Yelena froze, blinking down at him as though she couldn’t quite believe what was happening. Her arms hovered in the air, stiff and unsure, before she awkwardly lowered them and rested her hands on his back, her touch gentle but uncertain. She glanced at Kate, a flicker of bewilderment in her eyes, but Kate just offered her a small, encouraging smile.

When Nathaniel let go, Lila stepped up next. “You’re family now, too, you know,” she said, her voice wobbling with emotion. Without waiting for a response, she threw her arms around Yelena’s waist, squeezing tightly.

This time, Yelena’s arms came up a little more naturally, hesitantly at first, then with growing warmth as she let herself return the hug properly. Something unfamiliar bloomed in her chest, sharp, aching, but not unpleasant. She didn’t know what to say, but Lila didn’t seem to need words.

Even Cooper, awkward and a bit shy, gave her a quick, one-armed hug before stepping back, clearing his throat like he wasn’t entirely sure how to handle his own emotions.

Yelena, blinking in astonishment, could only nod, her throat tight with things she didn’t know how to express.

Laura stepped forward then, her gaze soft but steady, and for a moment, Yelena thought she might simply offer a nod of farewell. But instead, Laura’s arms wrapped around her in a warm, full embrace, with no hesitation at all.

And Yelena… melted. Her breath caught in her chest as she felt something inside her crack wide open, something old and defensive and brittle. She sank into the hug without thinking, her hands clutching the back of Laura’s sweater, her eyes fluttering shut as she allowed herself, just for a heartbeat, to be held, to feel it. No tactics, no calculation. Just warmth.

Laura’s voice was quiet in her ear. “You take care of her,” she murmured, full of quiet strength. “And yourself, okay?”

Yelena’s reply was immediate, fierce and true. “I will,” she said, her voice rough.

Laura stepped towards Kate next, her gaze soft but steady as she pulled Kate into a firm hug. She didn’t say anything at first, just held her tight, as though that could say everything she needed. When she finally spoke, her voice was warm and low in Kate’s ear. “You’re always welcome here. Any time, for any reason.”

“I know,” Kate whispered, blinking back fresh tears. “Thank you… for everything.”

With the goodbyes nearly said, Kate and Yelena turned to Clint one last time. He stood by the door, arms crossed over his chest like he was trying to hold himself together. His eyes were red but proud, a complicated mix of emotions etched across his face.

Kate crossed to him, and without a word, they wrapped each other in a tight embrace. It wasn’t a quick hug, or one of obligation,  it was long, full of everything they couldn’t quite say aloud. Gratitude. Fear. Love. Hope. 

When they finally drew apart, Clint’s hands stayed steady on her shoulders, grounding her. His eyes were misted but unwavering, the kind of look that made promises without needing to be loud about it.

“Remember what I said,” he murmured, voice thick with emotion. “There’s nowhere too far, no hour too late. You need us, Kate, you call. You will call. Don’t shut us out again.”

Her throat tightened, but she nodded, voice barely above a whisper. “I will,” she said, and she meant it with every bruised, mending piece of her.

Then, to everyone's surprise, Clint turned toward Yelena, his expression softening. For a beat, she thought he might offer only a nod or a handshake, something safe, something she expected.

But instead, Clint stepped forward and pulled her into a firm, rough-edged hug. Yelena’s eyes widened in surprise, her body stiffening instinctively, not knowing how to respond. But as Clint held her, solid and sure, something within her eased, and she found herself returning the embrace, albeit a little awkwardly.

“You’re stuck with us now,” he said gruffly, his voice thick with feeling. “Whether you like it or not.”

Yelena huffed a quiet, unsteady breath that might have been a laugh, blinking fast against a sudden sting behind her eyes. “I like it,” she admitted, so quietly she wasn’t even sure she’d said it out loud.

Finally, with her bag slung back over her shoulder and Yelena and Lucky at her side, Kate made her way to the door. She paused on the threshold, her eyes sweeping over the familiar walls, the family that had become her own, the place that had caught her when she was at her lowest. She felt Yelena’s hand slip into hers, grounding her, and she tightened her grip like it was a lifeline.

With one last lingering look, Kate stepped outside. The air was cool and fresh, carrying with it the promise of something new. Yelena followed close beside her, their hands still entwined, with Lucky trotting beside them as they walked toward the car waiting at the edge of the drive.

-----

The car ride was quiet at first. Not tense, just still, like the whole world had exhaled and now sat in that long, lingering breath before anything else could be said. The hum of the engine was the only sound for a while, and even that felt hushed beneath the weight of everything they’d just left behind.

Kate sat slouched in the passenger seat, her forehead resting near the window. She wasn’t watching the scenery so much as letting it blur past, grey trees and fading light bleeding together as if the world outside were holding its breath too. Her fingers worked absently at the zipper of her coat, tugging it up and down in small, repetitive motions. Her eyes were distant, not quite teary, but heavy with the kind of sadness that sat deep in the chest, the kind that didn’t need an excuse anymore.

Yelena didn’t speak. She kept her eyes on the road, both hands on the wheel, but her attention was split, always aware of the woman beside her. She didn’t know what Kate needed yet: space, comfort, or distraction? Yelena had never been good at guessing with emotions, so instead she just tried to be steady, solid. Present.

But her mind wasn’t quiet. The warmth of the Barton household still clung to her like something she didn’t know how to wear, too soft, too kind, like slipping into borrowed clothes. It had all left a strange, aching feeling in her chest. Not bad. Just unfamiliar.

Every so often, Yelena flicked her gaze sideways, sneaking glances at Kate when she thought she wouldn’t notice. She watched the way Kate’s shoulders curled in on themselves, how her forehead leaned just a little toward the glass, like she needed the coolness against her skin to keep from fraying at the edges.

“You okay?” Yelena asked at last, her voice low and softer than usual, careful not to disturb the fragile peace between them.

Kate didn’t look at her. She blinked slowly, lashes thick and heavy. Her voice came a moment later, quiet and thin around the edges. “I think so. Just…” Her shoulders lifted in a half-hearted shrug. “It hurts. Saying goodbye to something that felt like home.”

Yelena nodded slowly, her jaw tightening. “It is home,” she said, simply. 

Kate exhaled a soft chuckle, the kind that wasn’t really a laugh, just the sound of something caught in her throat. “Not anymore,” she murmured, her voice fragile, barely audible. “I guess, I knew it couldn’t last, but I let myself pretend it could.”

Yelena’s throat tightened at the words, the weight of them settling over her like a familiar ache. She understood how it was easier to hold on to something, even if you knew it was slipping through your fingers. The pretending was comforting. The hope, however fragile, was easier than facing the emptiness. She wanted to say it out loud, but the words felt foreign, trapped somewhere between Russian and English, like they couldn’t fully exist in either language.

Instead, Yelena reached across the centre console, her movements slow, deliberate. Her fingers brushed against Kate’s lightly, just a touch, an unspoken question, a quiet offer. When Kate didn’t pull away, Yelena’s fingers curled into hers, tentative but warm, like the simple act of holding on to something could bridge the space between them.

Their fingers fit together as if they had done it a thousand times, a natural closeness that spoke louder than words ever could. Kate turned toward her then, just a little, her eyes searching Yelena’s face, as if bracing herself for a truth she wasn’t sure she was ready to hear.

Yelena kept her gaze ahead, focusing on the road, but her voice, when it came, was calm, like she was setting something delicate and important between them, something fragile, but real. “For so long, home to me was just… a place,” she said, her voice quiet, the words wrapped in layers of thought. “Walls, furniture, somewhere to sleep. You know? But... that’s not home. Home is the people. It’s the feeling. The safety. The knowing you’re protected, you’re not alone.”

Kate didn’t say anything, but her posture shifted slightly, her shoulders relaxing a fraction, as if the words were reaching her slowly, like the warmth of sunlight breaking through clouds. Yelena’s words, though soft, held weight; they were not just comforting, but profound, the kind of wisdom earned from loss and quiet reflection.

Yelena breathed in again, her gaze still fixed ahead. “And trust me, Kate… I was young, but I remember how it felt to lose everything. To lose Ohio, to lose home. It’s not something you forget. So I know how you’re feeling. I know how your mind is loud with the dark thoughts, that they’re telling you that you have nothing left again.”

Kate blinked hard, her lips pressing together, the rawness of the words hitting deeper than she expected. She wanted to respond, to say something, but the knot in her throat tightened.

Yelena’s grip on her hand tightened slightly, not in a hurry, just a steady, grounding presence. “But that’s not true,” she said, her tone firming, but still gentle, as if she was holding Kate’s heart in her hands and didn’t want to break it. “You still have a home, Kate. You still have Clint. And the Bartons. They are your home. Even if they’re not with you right now. They’re still there. They’re a part of you, and that doesn’t change because you’re not in the same place.”

Kate’s gaze flicked to Yelena, and for the first time since they’d left, she found herself meeting her eyes, searching, trying to find the truth there. Her breath caught in her chest, a slight tremor in her fingers as she held Yelena’s hand.

“You just have to let them stay,” Yelena said gently, her voice laced with something ancient and quiet and steady, not just comfort, but the kind of truth you only speak after surviving its opposite. “Don’t shut them out, Kate. Don’t let the physical location convince you that you’ve lost your home. You still have a home. That part of your life is still yours. They are still yours.”

Kate didn’t respond right away. Her gaze dropped to their hands, still lightly joined, resting between them, their fingers twined so naturally it felt like they’d never learned how to be apart. There was something sacred in the simplicity of it. The warmth of Yelena’s skin, the stillness between them, the way their hands just… fit. And yet, her voice, when it came, was small and hesitant, barely above a breath. “You… you’re saying them,” she said softly. “You’re still mine, right?”

Yelena let out a quiet laugh, more of a gentle exhale through her nose, not mocking, more like she was amused by how unnecessary the question felt to her. “I think I’ve made that very clear, no?” she said, giving Kate’s hand a tender squeeze. “I’m yours. Even in New York. I will be there. Maybe not in the same way… maybe in a slightly different capacity, but still there.”

That last part made Kate’s stomach turn, something unpleasant curling in her chest. She shifted to face her more fully, brows drawing together. “Different capacity?” she repeated, her voice laced with a sudden unease. A thread of panic began to wind its way through her ribs. “But… you said you didn’t have to take contracts. You said you could stay. We worked it all out! You said you’d stay, Yelena. You promised.” Her voice cracked as it rose, urgency bleeding through. “You said you wouldn’t leave.”

Yelena glanced at her quickly, guilt flickering across her face before she looked back at the road. “Hey, hey, malyshka (baby)…shhh. I’m not leaving, okay?” she said carefully, her voice calm but firm. “I’ll be in New York. I just meant things will be different now. We won’t be living together anymore, not like at the Bartons.”

Kate froze, breath catching. “Wait… what?” she said, blinking hard. “Why wouldn’t we live together?”

Yelena looked at her, startled by the question, genuinely confused. “Because…” she said slowly, choosing her words with care, “that’s not the custom, is it? People don’t usually live together unless they are family, or married, or something more formal. I just assumed you would want to wait.” She gave a small, helpless shrug. “I was trying to respect that.”

And it hit Kate then, sharp and sudden, a wave of aching clarity crashing over her. Yelena wasn’t pulling away because she wanted distance. She wasn’t looking for an exit. She just didn’t understand that she already belonged there, that Kate didn’t need her to wait, didn’t want her to step back out of politeness or cultural confusion. Yelena was just trying to honour boundaries she didn’t realise didn’t exist.

Kate let out a breath, half sob, half laugh, thick with feeling. “Yelena,” she said, her voice trembling under the weight of something she couldn’t hold back anymore, “it’s not customary to fall in love with the person who tried to kill your mentor either… but I did.”

She hadn’t planned to say it, hadn’t even known it was coming. But the moment it left her mouth, something irreversible shifted in the air around them.

Yelena went still. Every muscle in her body locked up, her spine snapping straight like a string had been yanked. Her hand, still resting loosely in Kate’s, twitched violently then recoiled. Not with force. Not with intent. Just instinct. Sharp, sudden, automatic. Her body reacting before her mind could catch up.

And Kate felt it. The loss of that touch, that small, steady tether, was like ice water rushing over her skin.

Yelena didn’t speak. Didn’t look at her. Her eyes were fixed straight ahead, wide and unfocused, her breath starting to come faster in shallow little pulls. Her shoulders curved inwards slightly, her posture folding in on itself like she was trying to become smaller or bracing for something invisible, something inevitable.

Because in her head, something had already struck. The Red Room wasn’t just a memory, it was a sensation. It was present. It was there in the cold that settled along her spine, in the tightening of her jaw, in the way her heart screamed danger at the idea of being loved. Love had never been something she was allowed to keep. From the moment they’d taken her, she’d been taught that love was weakness. That it would cost her everything.

She remembered the beatings, girls forced to kneel while their bodies were broken for even looking too long at someone with softness in their eyes. She remembered the punishments for loyalty, for comfort, for friendship. And worst of all, she remembered Natasha. The one person she had ever let herself love, and the way it had ended. In death. In unbearable, unfixable loss.

The problem was, Yelena knew she was in love, not in theory, not as some distant concept, but in the quiet, intimate moments that made up life with Kate. She felt it every time Kate touched her without hesitation, every time she laughed mid-argument or dozed off with her head on Yelena’s shoulder like she trusted her with everything. She knew. But she refused to name it. She’d dressed it up as care, loyalty, fondness, softer words, safer ones. Even when Laura had called it what it was, gently and without judgment, Yelena had sidestepped it. Because naming it made it real. Naming it made it dangerous.

Yelena had promised herself she wouldn’t make the same mistake as Natasha. That was why she’d allowed this, allowed herself to have Kate, allowed herself to have them. She’d chosen not to run. She understood now that survival didn’t mean cutting herself off from feeling.

But understanding wasn’t the same as saying it. Actually putting a name to the feeling, and acknowledging it out loud was something else entirely. That word still lit up all the old wires in her brain, still made her skin feel too tight, her chest pound and her body ache. 

But now Kate had said it, and that meant she was loved. It meant it was real. It meant she had something to lose. And no matter how much she wanted it, how much she already had it, the moment the word was spoken, something in her buckled. Because once it was named, it couldn’t be stuffed back into a box.

She didn’t even notice her hand rising to her neck, didn’t register her fingers digging into the pressure points, not hard enough to bruise, but tight. Pressing. Containing. Controlling. Squeezing like she could choke the emotion down, shove it back into the depths where it couldn’t hurt her. 

Until she felt Kate’s hand. 

Kate had reached out, her fingers curling lightly over Yelena’s, gently pulling her hand away from her neck. No pressure. No force. Just touch. Just presence.

“I’m not asking you to say it,” Kate whispered. “I never even meant to… but I’m not going to take it back, Yelena.  And I get it, this is new. Just… take your time.”

Yelena’s eyes flicked to her, and for a moment, she looked lost, undone in a way she rarely allowed herself to be. Her breathing was uneven, eyes glassy and wide, lips parted but unable to form words.

When she finally spoke, her voice was low and hoarse and broken at the edges. “I feel it too,” she whispered, avoiding the words she was still too afraid to say.

Kate smiled, a smile so full of quiet understanding. “I know,” she said simply, like that was enough. “It’s okay.”

And somehow, that warmth in Kate’s gaze anchored Yelena, not like a rescue, not like a cure, but like a rope tied around her waist in the middle of a raging storm. Just enough to keep her tethered. Just enough to remind her she wasn’t lost.

The silence stretched between them, not uncomfortable, but delicate. Yelena had turned the music on low, some indie playlist Kate had made, and was humming faintly along now, her body just a touch looser, her jaw no longer clenched. It looked almost like peace.

But Kate couldn't sit still, a question burned a hole behind her teeth. She tried not to speak. Tried to let it pass like she always did. Eventually, she couldn’t hold it back.

“Lena?” she asked softly, cautiously, after a few minutes.

Yelena flicked her gaze over, eyebrow arched in quiet acknowledgement. “Hmm?”

Kate took a steadying breath, her voice careful. “I wanted to ask you something. I’ve seen it a few times now, and I know I probably shouldn’t… I mean, I get that it’s not my place, maybe it’s just a thing you do and I’m overthinking…I just… if it’s important, I don’t want to keep ignoring it. And you don’t always like talking about things, which is okay, but—”

“Kate,” Yelena interrupted, gently but firmly, “you are rambling. What is it, Little Hawk?”

Kate pressed her lips together, cheeks flushed with tension, and then finally just blurted it out. “Why do you do that thing with your neck?”

The words hung there, naked and vulnerable in the quiet cabin of the car. She forced herself to stay silent after that, to not ramble, to give Yelena space to respond without pressure.

Yelena didn’t answer right away. She inhaled sharply, and for a second it looked like she might speak, her lips parted, her brow tight with thought, but then her phone rang through the car as it was connected, the screen lighting up with an unlisted number. No name. No text. But she knew.

Yelena didn’t hesitate. She reached for the screen on the dashboard, pressing the answer button with a swift motion. Kate noticed the subtle shift in Yelena’s posture, the faintest adjustment, like a wall going up.

Yelena greeted the caller in Russian, her voice smooth and composed. “Privet (Hello),” she said, the word feeling like a barrier between them. Kate’s brow furrowed as she listened, already aware that Yelena was using Russian to keep the conversation private. It wasn’t a new tactic; Yelena had done this before, especially when she couldn't leave the room to speak to whoever it was. It wasn’t malicious, just... practical.

From the speaker, a voice crackled, speaking quickly in Russian. “Vse gotovo. YA zapolnil kholodil'nik i shkafy. Vash Malen'kiy Yastreb budet khorosho podgotovlen na nekotoroye vremya (Everything is ready. I’ve stocked the fridge and cupboards. Your Little Hawk will be well prepared for a while).”

Yelena’s posture softened just slightly at the words, and Kate couldn’t help but watch her closely. She didn’t understand the words, but she could see the change in Yelena’s expression, a relaxation of her features, a small smile that crept onto her lips. It was a look Kate wasn’t used to seeing from Yelena towards someone else. It was... warm.

“Spasibo, sestra. YA tvoy dolzhnik (Thank you, sister. I owe you),” Yelena replied, her voice light, tinged with affection. 

Kate knew sestra meant sister. She’d heard it before when Yelena spoke about Natasha or the other widows. There was something deeply human in the way Yelena referred to them as her sisters. It was a bond Kate didn’t fully understand, but she could feel its significance.

The warmth in Yelena’s voice, however, made Kate feel... left out. She hated the feeling, but there was no denying it. She wanted to know what they were talking about, to share in this private moment, but there was no way to break through the language barrier. Not without understanding Russian, which she didn’t.

The voice from the speaker came again, faster this time. “Ty mne nichego ne dolzhen, eto ya tvoy dolzhnik (You do not owe me anything, I am in your debt).”

Yelena rolled her eyes, a playful sigh escaping her as she responded, “Zatknis'. Ty zhe znayesh', chto eto ne tak (Shut up, you know that’s not true).”

Kate smiled at the teasing tone in Yelena’s voice, but it only made her more curious. Who was this person? And why did Yelena sound so relaxed, so at ease with them? Kate could feel a knot twisting in her chest, that familiar pang of being left out, of not knowing. 

It was clear that this person was someone important to Yelena, someone she was close to. Maybe it was Sonya? Yelena had mentioned Sonya in passing before, especially when talking about her business and mother. But Kate had never heard Sonya’s voice. She couldn’t be sure.

“Nu i ladno, kogda ya smogu uvidet' Malen'kogo Yastreba (Whatever, when can I meet the Little Hawk?)”

Kate noticed Yelena stiffen at the question, her posture tightening, becoming just a little more guarded. There was something about the way she reacted that made Kate wonder what had been said. 

Yelena’s fingers tapped on the steering wheel as she responded, sighing lightly. “YA zavtra zayedu v konspirativnuyu kvartiru, mne nuzhny moi veshchi. Mozhet, ya yeye privezu (I’ll stop by the safe house tomorrow, I need my things. Maybe I’ll bring her).”

Kate tilted her head, trying to piece the conversation together. The words felt like an unsolved puzzle. She could sense the tension in Yelena’s voice, the slight tightness in her shoulders as she spoke. Kate’s concern deepened, though she had no idea what was really going on.

“YA znala, chto ty srazu zhe dvinesh'sya! Chto sluchilos' s ozhidaniyem (I knew you’d move in right away! What happened to waiting?)” The voice on the other end laughed, warm and teasing, and Kate could feel the lightheartedness of the moment, even though she didn’t understand the words. It was clear the person knew Yelena well.

Yelena’s voice softened once again, a faint smile tugging at her lips, but there was something deeper behind it. A sense of resignation, like she was admitting to something she hadn’t planned to. “Ona khotela, chtoby ya ostalsya (She wanted me to stay).”

Kate’s heart skipped at the sudden vulnerability in Yelena’s voice, something that felt rare, especially from someone as guarded as her. She wanted to ask, to check in, something…but before she could, the voice from the speaker came back, more genuine now, though still with a teasing edge. “YA rada za tebya, sestra. Ty etogo zasluzhivayesh' (I’m happy for you, sister. You deserve it).

Yelena’s fingers relaxed on the wheel, her whole body seeming to loosen. The conversation had gone on long enough now that it was beginning to blur together in Kate’s mind, a constant stream of words she couldn’t follow. But there was something comforting about it, the rhythm of Yelena’s voice, even if Kate didn’t understand everything. In that moment, Kate didn’t need to understand. She just needed to be here, next to Yelena, in this quiet, private space.

After a while, Kate’s eyelids grew heavy. She couldn’t keep her focus, the soothing sound of Yelena’s voice and the murmur of the conversation becoming a lullaby of sorts. She curled into her seat, closing her eyes for just a moment, her question from earlier momentarily forgotten. The words faded into the background, and before she knew it, Kate had fallen asleep, comforted by Yelena’s presence even if she couldn’t understand a single thing being said.

-----

They drove through the night and the next day, the road stretching on as Yelena stubbornly refused to let Kate take the wheel, again. Instead, she handed her a snack, gave her knee a reassuring pat, and said with a grin, “Relax, Kate Bishop. I’ve got this.” And she did, all the way. Between eating, blasting music, and teasing Yelena just to see her reaction, Kate let herself drift into short naps to make the journey feel faster. The deep conversations were put on hold for the rest of the journey, but Kate had promised herself she’d ask about the woman, about the strange way Yelena had squeezed her neck, but she’d wait until they were settled.

While Kate slept, Yelena remained ever watchful, her eyes scanning the road with focus. Every now and then, her gaze would flicker over to Kate, her sleeping form a serene image, head resting against the window, lips slightly parted, so peaceful it made Yelena’s chest tighten with something soft and unspoken, a moment she wished she could capture and hold onto forever.

As they finally pulled into the familiar car park by Kate’s old building, Yelena reached over and gave Kate’s hand a gentle squeeze, her touch both comforting and intimate.

“Hey, sleepyhead,” Yelena’s voice was low and soothing, the faintest trace of a smile in her tone. “We’re here.”

Kate’s eyelids fluttered open, her groggy mind scrambling to make sense of her surroundings. She looked out the window and blinked, recognising the familiar car park of her old building. The puzzle pieces clicked together, and a rush of confusion followed.

“Wait…” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. “I thought we were going to the penthouse?”

Yelena just looked at her, the faintest glimmer of a proud smirk playing on her lips. She reached across the car, squeezing Kate’s hand with reassuring confidence. “Just trust me.”

Kate frowned, a little disoriented as she followed Yelena out of the car. Lucky happily trotted behind them, his tail wagging as he padded alongside. Kate's body was still fogged with sleep, but a creeping sense of anticipation began to tug at her.

They reached the pizza shop at the bottom of the building, and Kate opened her mouth to say something, but Yelena was already stepping forward, gesturing to a sleek, high-tech panel now seamlessly integrated into the back wall. The old door was now a pantry, and as Yelena placed Kate’s palm against the panel, a faint click sounded, followed by a mechanical hum as the panel scanned her fingerprints, then her retina in one smooth motion (courtesy of the Bishop securities database).

“Wait. Hold on. Yelena, this… this wasn’t here before,” Kate said, her voice cracking with disbelief as she took in the new tech. “You did this…? While we were in Iowa? I mean, who did this? How?”

Yelena’s smirk was almost playful, but there was something deeper in her eyes. “I had some help. I pulled in many favours.” She then smirked. “Plus, I’m just really good,” she added, winking.

“And always so modest,” Kate chuckled, but she couldn’t help but feel her heart constrict at the thought that Yelena had pulled in favours, all for her.

Yelena didn’t answer. She just grinned as she pushed open the secondary door that led to the stairs and the loft. As they walked in, Kate saw that every surface gleamed like new, the walls freshly painted. Kate’s breath hitched as they stepped inside, and her eyes swept over the space in wonder. It wasn’t just restored, it was better. Her favourite purples touched everything, from the throw pillows to the plush area rug beneath the sleek, modern couch.

“It’s… It’s perfect,” Kate breathed, barely able to get the words out.

Yelena’s grin only grew wider as she led her inside fully, Lucky bounding past in excitement. “Check this out,” she said, tapping another discreet panel by the door. A series of sleek monitors lit up, displaying live feeds from cameras placed at every angle outside the building. “Full perimeter surveillance. Motion sensors. Fingerprint and retina locks, only yours work until you give other people access.” She gestured to the windows proudly. “Bulletproof, blast-resistant glass. Top of the line. Thermal and acoustic insulation too. No one listens, no one shoots. And no one’s getting in without you knowing. Not even me.”

Kate’s jaw dropped slightly as she ran her fingers along the panel. “Oh my God…”

“That’s not all,” Yelena continued, excitement bubbling in her voice as she guided Kate toward the kitchen. “Your kitchen, enlarged. You may actually be able to cook now!”

Kate laughed breathlessly, still overwhelmed. She noted the polished countertops, the double oven, the neatly arranged cupboards, and then Yelena threw open a drawer full of neatly stacked, gleaming cutlery.

“A normal amount of forks,” Yelena quipped, looking far too pleased with herself. “You are welcome.”

Kate let out a disbelieving laugh. “I am one person!”

Yelena rolled her eyes, folding her arms. “Maybe so, but it was sad, Kate Bishop. Pathetic, really. Your guests need cutlery!”

Kate couldn’t stop the laugh that bubbled up from her chest, the sound bright and warm in a way that Yelena had sorely missed. They moved on to the living area, where Kate’s eyes grew impossibly wider at the sight of the colossal TV mounted on the wall, flanked by sleek bookcases and shelves filled with games and consoles.

“Okay, now you’re just showing off,” Kate teased, a smile tugging at her lips.

Yelena shrugged, though her grin remained. “Maybe a little.”

Kate turned to her, eyes still bright with wonder, but now tinged with something softer, something deeper. “Why did you do all this?”

Yelena’s smile faltered, softening into something far more serious as she met Kate’s gaze. The playfulness slipped away from her expression, replaced by a quiet intensity. “Because you didn’t need to go back to that penthouse,” she said, her voice low but firm, like a promise. “You needed somewhere that feels like you. Somewhere safe. Somewhere that is yours and not your mother’s.”

Kate’s heart skipped a beat. The words hit harder than she’d expected, a weight in her chest that she hadn’t anticipated. Without even realising it, she was moving toward Yelena. She looked at Yelena, really looked at her, as if trying to see through her, through everything, to understand the woman standing before her.

“Somewhere that is ours, Yelena,” she said softly, the words almost breathless, as if admitting them meant something bigger than she could express.

Yelena’s eyes widened, and she beamed, that signature smile returning for a brief, bright moment. “Then yes, somewhere that is ours, Kate Bishop,” she replied, the lightness in her voice betraying how much this meant to her, too. 

The room around them felt suddenly too small, and Kate found herself staring at Yelena, really staring as if seeing her for the first time. The kindness, the care, the ways she’d pulled Kate from the brink, giving her a home, a life, a future. Yelena had been a force of nature, coming out of nowhere to fix what Kate couldn’t even see. She’d pulled her back from the darkest corners, from her loneliest thoughts.

Kate blinked hard, fighting the surge of emotion that threatened to spill over. She didn’t have the words, but she couldn’t stand the silence any longer. “Seriously, Lena…” Kate’s voice cracked, and she quickly cleared her throat, trying again, her tone quieter but far more earnest. “Thank you for this. You have no idea how much this means to me. Everything you’ve done… I don’t even know how to… I don’t know how to tell you how much it’s all changed things for me.”

Yelena’s eyes softened, the smile she’d been wearing slipping into something more tender, something full of understanding. “Anything for you, my Little Hawk,” she murmured, the affection in her voice sending a flutter through Kate’s chest.

But Kate couldn’t stand it anymore. Yelena had done so much, had been there when Kate felt like she was losing everything, when she was too lost in her own darkness to see what was right in front of her. It wasn’t just about the apartment. It wasn’t just about the things Yelena had fixed or done for her. It was about everything.

She reached for Yelena, her hands finding the soft curve of her face, and without thinking, without hesitation, she pulled her in. Their lips met, hard and urgent, and Kate felt a fire she hadn’t even known was there. A hunger, raw and desperate, as if everything she’d been holding back in her chest was finally spilling over, everything Yelena had been to her, everything she was to her.

Yelena’s breath caught in her throat, her body freezing for a brief moment before she melted into Kate’s touch, her hands threading into Kate’s hair as she kissed her back with an equal, frantic intensity. The kiss was desperate, untamed, as if they both needed it more than air. The world around them seemed to disappear, the hum of the city outside, the quiet of the room, all of it was swallowed up by the storm of passion between them. 

Their kiss deepened, messy and heated, every touch igniting something in both of them, something that they could no longer ignore. Kate’s fingers tightened on Yelena’s face, as if to hold her there, to keep her in this moment. Yelena was precious to her in ways Kate couldn’t quite explain, but she didn’t need to; she felt it in the way their lips met, in the urgency of their movements.

They lost themselves in each other, yet again. This was nothing new, another stolen moment in a week filled with them since they’d started dating, but this time it felt different. More intense. They both knew why. Neither of them had let it go further than this, hadn’t crossed that line yet out of respect for Clint, for the family. But here, with their bodies pressed together, hands roaming with an urgency that spoke volumes, it was as if they couldn’t hold back any longer, and they didn't have to. 

Kate’s heart was pounding in her chest, her senses overwhelmed by the feel of Yelena’s body under her hands, her lips, her breath. And then, before she even realised it, she had Yelena pressed against the wall. The soft thud of her spine hitting the surface barely registered as Kate pinned her there, deepening the kiss, drowning in the connection.

Yelena’s breath came in quick, shallow bursts, her chest rising and falling against Kate’s. They were both gasping for air, the heat between them building to a point where it felt like they might combust.

“Yebat'(Fuck), Kate,” Yelena rasped, her voice rough and full of pure want, her accent thicker than usual, her eyes dark with need.

Kate, of course, knew what that word meant, and she grinned against her lips, teasing and mischievous. She nipped at Yelena’s bottom lip before pulling back just enough to speak, her voice low and deliciously dangerous. “Maybe you should show me our new bedroom,” she murmured, a teasing lilt to her words.

What Kate didn’t expect, what made her stomach flip and heat pool low in her belly was the soft, helpless sound that escaped Yelena’s lips. A whine. A genuine, needy, utterly unguarded whine, thick with frustration and arousal.

Kate’s eyes darkened instantly, her grin sharpening into something positively wicked. “Mmm… that’s a new sound,” she teased, her breath hot against Yelena’s flushed skin. “I want to hear it again.”

Yelena groaned, her cheeks burning crimson as she threw her head back against the wall with a breathless laugh. She’d grown far too fond of this side of Kate, this confident, commanding Kate that only emerged in moments like these, when they were teetering on the edge of losing control.

Kate’s chest swelled with heat and affection, her fingers lacing through Yelena’s as she tugged her away from the wall. “Come with me, baby,” she whispered, her voice dark and sultry but still threaded with something so warm it made Yelena’s heart ache.

As Kate led her towards the stairs, she glanced over her shoulder with a smirk. “I assume it’s in the same place? Or did you make a secret bunker somewhere in the remodel?”

Yelena’s brain had entirely melted by this point, and all she could do was nod again, swallowing thickly. Her mouth felt too dry to form words, her body thrumming with a pulse that only grew louder as they climbed the stairs together.

-----

By the time they stumbled into the bedroom, both of them breathless from their kisses and laughter, everything outside their small bubble felt like it had vanished. Yelena kicked the door shut behind them, ensuring that Lucky would not disturb them, but before she could say a word, Kate was already on top of her, pushing her back onto the bed with a grin.

Yelena’s breath hitched, the sudden shift in energy leaving her momentarily stunned. Kate hovered over her, their eyes locking, as if silently asking permission. And Yelena, her pulse racing, couldn’t look away, she just nodded. Without another thought, Kate leaned down, her lips crashing into Yelena’s with an intensity that left them both breathless, dizzy. 

Their bodies tangled together on the plush bedspread, both of them fumbling with clothes in a rush. Kate’s hands were relentless, slipping beneath Yelena’s shirt, fingers grazing over skin that seemed to spark beneath her touch. Yelena’s own hands were equally desperate, tugging at the hem of Kate’s shirt, her fingers shaking with need as they explored her back, the heat between them thickening with every movement until they were both bare to one another.

Kate’s lips moved down, her kisses now trailing over Yelena’s jaw and neck, slow and deliberate. Yelena arched under her, gasping at the soft press of her mouth against her skin. Every kiss sent a shiver through her, every caress deepening the tension that had been simmering for so long. Kate’s breath was hot against her ear, her voice a low, teasing whisper. “You are always so easy to rile up, Belova.”

Yelena's body reacted without thinking, her hands finding Kate’s shoulders and pulling her closer. “You are so cocky,” Yelena managed to say, though her voice wavered with the heat of the moment. “Just remember, I can turn the tables if I want.” Her tone was confident, but her breathless state betrayed her.

Kate smirked, a low laugh escaping her lips. She trailed a finger down Yelena’s neck, drawing patterns on her skin, before letting her finger slip lower, following the curve of her collarbone. “You probably could, but you won’t…” Kate’s voice was teasing, almost knowing. She paused, her gaze locking with Yelena’s as she let her words hang in the air. “Because you like this, don’t you, baby?”

Yelena swallowed hard, the change in Kate almost intoxicating. She couldn’t understand how Kate switched into such a confident, cocky version of herself when, in any other situation, she was a shy, rambling mess. But this side of Kate always did something to Yelena, igniting a fire she couldn't deny. Her cheeks burned red, her breath hitching, but she tried to force herself to appear unaffected. Rolling her eyes, she huffed, "Shut up, and get on with it."

Kate laughed, the sound deep and satisfying. She didn’t wait for another word before lowering her lips to Yelena’s neck, kissing her with a new intensity that had Yelena shivering. Kate’s lips trailed down, her kisses lingering on the sensitive skin of Yelena’s collarbone, while her hands continued to roam, slow and deliberate, exploring every inch of her.

“You can be patient, right? This is the first time I get to properly explore,” Kate murmured with a crooked grin, mischief curling the corners of her lips as she hovered over Yelena, her breath warm against flushed skin as she pressed a kiss beneath her jaw, then another lower down, tracing the edge of her neck with a kind of affection that felt almost reverent.

Yelena arched into her instinctively, breath hitching, her whole body already strung tight with anticipation. “Don’t want to be patient,” she whispered, voice hoarse with need, dragging Kate back down by her neck into a kiss that was far from gentle. It was messy and clumsy and real, teeth clashing, tongues tangling, fingers fisted in dark hair like she could hold her there forever.

But Kate was determined. She eased back with a smile so soft it nearly undid Yelena completely. Her hands roamed with purpose, trailing slowly over ribs, stomach, sides, like she was mapping her inch by inch. Each scar was kissed like a vow, every freckle noted. Kate treated them like something sacred, something beautiful.

So when her lips brushed lower, when she reached the scar just beneath Yelena’s abdomen, a thin line drawn by hands that had taken without permission, she didn’t even pause. She just kissed it, tender as all the others, because she didn’t know that this one was different.

And Yelena went still.

Her entire body locked, chest rising too fast, fists curling into the sheets. It felt like being split open, raw and exposed and suddenly sixteen again, back in that cold room with the sterile light and voices that told her what would happen to her body.

“No.” The word broke from her like a snap, sharp and cutting and so much heavier than it should have been.

Kate pulled back instantly, her eyes wide, concern flooding her expression like a wave. “Baby?” she said, voice low and careful, no longer playful. “What’s wrong?”

Yelena couldn’t speak for a second. Her jaw clenched. Her gaze was locked on the ceiling, like if she just stared hard enough, she could blink herself into somewhere else. “Not there,” she said finally, the words tight and quiet.

Kate froze. Her hands stilled above Yelena’s skin, her breath catching in her throat as she tried to understand. It was just a scar, like so many others…but something about this one… something clearly hurt.

“Oh.” Kate’s voice dropped instantly, all the mischief draining from her like it had never been there. “Okay. I hear you. I won’t do that again. I’m sorry.”

Yelena gave a small, silent nod, still staring up at the ceiling, her body taut with tension. Her chest rose and fell in shallow, uneven breaths, panic clawing just beneath the surface as her hand lifted to her neck, her pointer finger and thumb squeezing as she forced herself to calm down in the only way she knew how.

Kate didn’t move right away. She stayed still, watching her, eyes soft with worry. Then, slowly, she began to ease back, every motion quiet, deliberate, like she was backing away from a startled animal. “Hey,” she said gently, voice barely above a whisper as she shifted to the side. “Let’s get comfy, yeah? We can put something dumb on and just… curl up for a bit. I’ll make popcorn. Extra butter.”

But before she could fully move away, Yelena’s hand moved from her neck and caught her wrist, quick and firm, not with force, but with something urgent. “Wait,” she said, eyes darting to meet Kate’s. There was confusion there. Guilt. Fear. “I’m sorry, Kate. I didn’t mean to ruin the mood.” Her voice wavered. “You… you don’t want to carry on?”

Kate’s expression crumpled, not with frustration, but with heartbreak. Gentle, unexpected heartbreak. She sank back down, her hand immediately going to Yelena’s face, cupping her cheek. “God, no. Lena, you didn’t ruin anything,” she whispered. “You said no. That’s all I need to hear. I didn’t want to keep going if you weren’t okay. All I care about is your comfort.”

Yelena stared at her, confusion swirling in her eyes. The words were so simple. So ordinary. But they struck something deep inside her. No one had ever asked her what she wanted. But Kate had stopped. Had offered her an out. Had given her something Yelena wasn’t sure she even knew how to accept.

A choice.

And it felt… powerful.

Her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard. Her eyes lifted. They were glassy, but steady now. There was still fear in them, but there was strength too. “I still want to,” she said, quiet but sure. “I just… I needed to say no to that. Not everything.”

Kate blinked, almost startled by the honesty in her voice. Her hand was still on Yelena’s cheek, thumb brushing gently beneath her eye. “You sure?” she asked softly, searching her face for even the slightest doubt. “Promise me you will tell me to stop if you aren't okay?” 

Yelena nodded, eyes steady now, voice low but sure. “I’m sure, and I promise,” she breathed, before tugging Kate back on top of her like she weighed nothing at all, like she belonged there. The kiss that followed was immediate, demanding, and so full of want it almost hurt. Yelena deepened it instantly, hands fisted in Kate’s hair, her trust spilling out through every breathless sound she made, every desperate press of her mouth to Kate’s. The lust was building, yes, but so was something warmer, quieter. Something safe.

They were both panting by the time Kate pulled away, her lips flushed, her pupils so blown the blue of her eyes had almost vanished. She stared down at Yelena like she was trying to commit her to memory, before her smirk slowly returned. “In that case,” Kate murmured, her voice playful and husky all at once, “if you still want to… I think you should say please.”

Yelena scoffed, narrowing her eyes despite how wrecked she already sounded. “I am not going to beg you, Kate. I’m not that desperate.”

It was, quite obviously, a lie. Kate’s grin deepened. “Fine,” she said sweetly, and began to shift down her body, settling between Yelena’s thighs with deliberate slowness. She met Yelena’s gaze, checking, and when Yelena gave the faintest nod, she dipped her head and pressed a kiss to the inside of her thigh.

Then another. And another. She trailed kisses down to Yelena’s knees, then back up, maddeningly slow, never quite where Yelena needed her most. All the while, her eyes stayed locked on Yelena’s face, watching the way her breath hitched, the way her fingers twisted in the sheets, her hips shifting helplessly.

“Just one little word,” Kate whispered between kisses, voice feather-light. “All you gotta do is say please, baby.”

Yelena whined and tried her best not to sound utterly undone. But Kate’s mouth was unrelenting, brushing kisses along the sensitive skin of her thighs until she was squirming, her restraint unravelling thread by thread.

Finally, after what felt like forever, Yelena muttered it, it was so quiet, guttural, almost a growl. “Please.”

Kate’s head snapped up with mock innocence. “Hmm? What was that?”

Yelena glared at her through flushed cheeks and clenched teeth. “I said, please.”

And Kate beamed like she’d just won the lottery. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

“You are insufferable,” Yelena muttered, trying not to smile, failing entirely.

Kate chuckled as she finally leaned in, hands firm at Yelena’s hips to hold her still. “You really shouldn’t say that to the one person who’s about to give you everything you want.”

With that, Kate moved down further as she pushed Yelena’s legs further apart gaining a perfect view of Yelena’s cunt that was glistening for her. “So wet for me, baby girl”, she whispered, almost reverently, as if seeing this was something holy. 

Yelena blushed, her cheeks flushing even more than they had been previously. Between the teasing and the begging, Yelena was already completely flustered, but hearing those words from Kate’s mouth sent her reeling. 

Kate leaned in to place a long teasing lick right down her slit. Kate moaned from the taste while Yelena’s hips jolted up, begging for more friction, more pressure, something.

Kate understood, and her hands came up, around the back of Yelena’s thighs, before roughly pulling Yelena’s centre closer to her face. Yelena didn't even get a chance to react before Kate’s mouth was back on her, her face stuffed into Yelena’s cunt, eating her like a woman starved. 

Yelena’s hips moved instinctively, chasing every flicker of contact, the friction and heat mounting with each pulse of pleasure. Her breath came in ragged gasps, and her fingers curled tightly in Kate’s hair, anchoring herself to something as the pressure inside her climbed higher. But it still wasn’t enough. She needed more. 

“Please, Kate,” she gasped, the words breaking from her lips in a desperate, breathless whimper. “I need more.”

Kate slowed, just slightly, pulling back enough to look up at her, and when she did? That look on Yelena’s face, flushed, open, and trembling on the edge of something vast. It knocked the wind out of her for a second. But then the smirk returned, dark and teasing, because Kate was helpless to resist just how beautiful Yelena was when she was falling apart like this.

“More?” Kate repeated, her voice low, teasing as it vibrated against Yelena’s skin. “So needy, maybe I should stop altogether, hm?”

Yelena let out a frustrated, wrecked little noise, a half-whine, half growl as her hips jerked again, seeking out the contact that had been so cruelly interrupted. Her hands tugged at Kate’s hair in protest, begging her to continue.

Kate’s smirk widened, pleased and playful and just a little bit wicked, as she let her hands glide slowly up Yelena’s trembling thighs, fingertips brushing deliberately light, making her shiver. “Can you tell me exactly what you need?” she asked, voice low and velvet-smooth, laced with challenge. 

Yelena groaned, dragging a hand over her face like she could hide the sheer need pulsing through her body. She wasn’t used to this, to wanting like this, but Kate had made it feel like she could be that. Like she wouldn’t be judged for wanting, for craving, for falling apart beneath someone who looked at her like she was something to be cherished.

Still, the words stuck. They caught in her throat, thick and humiliating, and her pride, sharp and stubborn kicked back even as her hips lifted again, searching. “You know what I need,” she said finally, her voice rough, teeth clenched around the edge of a growl.

Kate only laughed, warm and maddening and far too pleased with herself. “Oh, I do,” she said sweetly, fingers ghosting closer, brushing just shy of where Yelena was aching. “But I want to hear you say it.”

Yelena let out a shaking breath, her eyes fluttering shut as her head tilted back into the pillows. She was blushing furiously now, half from frustration, half from how undone she felt under Kate’s touch, her voice, her goddamn grin. 

“I need your fingers,” she said finally, hoarse and broken, her jaw tight like it cost her something. “I need you to fuck me with your fingers, okay? Is that what you wanted to hear?”

Kate blinked. Then, slowly, she grinned, soft, stunned, and absolutely wrecked by the admission. “Jesus Christ, Yelena,” she breathed, the cocky smirk dissolving into something much, much hungrier. “Yeah, that’ll do it. That is exactly what I wanted.”

And with that, she sank back down, and this time, there was no teasing. No pulling away. Her mouth attached to Yelena’s clit, as her fingers dropped lower to ghost above her entrance. Seeking out consent one final time, Kate looked into Yelena’s eyes, but found nothing but pure, unbridled hunger staring back at her, so Kate made her move. 

Kate pushed two fingers deep inside, filling her completely without another thought. Yelena squeezed her eyes shut, the sensation overwhelming, and a raw, unfiltered moan tore from her lips before she could stop it. 

Kate’s voice came next, it was low, sultry, and coaxing like a velvet drag down her spine. “Open your eyes for me, baby,” she murmured, her breath hot against Yelena’s skin. “I want to see you fall apart. I want to watch it happen.”

The words hit Yelena like a spark to dry kindling, a fresh wave of heat rolling through her as her lashes fluttered open, eyes locking with Kate’s like she couldn’t look anywhere else.

“Good girl,” Kate purred, her voice a rich, honeyed drawl.

Yelena’s body betrayed her instantly, her cunt clenched onto Kate’s fingers, her hips twitching, breath stuttering, her fingers tightening in Kate’s hair.

Kate noticed. Of course she noticed. Her grin turned downright sinful. “Ohhh,” she drawled, her tone dripping with delight. “You like that, huh? You like it when I praise you, pretty girl?”

Yelena huffed, rolling her eyes in a half-hearted attempt to seem unaffected, but it was hopeless. Kates fingers were pumping inside her, curling at just the right spot, and whenever she wasnt speaking, her tongue was attached to her clit. 

Every shift, every movement sent Yelena’s body twisting and arching, betraying her with each desperate motion. Kate’s soft chuckle vibrated against her skin, only making things worse. And what made it even harder for Yelena to deny was the heat, the flush that spread from her chest to her cheeks, a deep, vivid red that smouldered under Kate’s gaze.

Kate raised an eyebrow, a quiet, knowing challenge in her expression. It was all it took. Yelena gave in. She nodded, small and embarrassed, but there was no hiding the way her body still trembled, the way her lips parted in silent surrender.

Kate chuckled darkly, the sound vibrating through the air like a promise of more to come. Her lips brushed the inside of Yelena’s thigh, sending a shiver through her body. “Yeah… that’s what I thought,” Kate purred, her voice low and teasing, before she doubled her efforts.

Yelena’s breath hitched, and her hands clenched the sheets beneath her, her fingers digging into the fabric in an attempt to ground herself. Every inch of her skin burned, every nerve ending alive with sensation. She couldn’t stop the moans and whines pouring out of her mouth, the screams of ecstasy. 

At one point, all that could be heard was a chant of “uh, uh, uh,” Yelena couldn’t seem to catch her breath, couldn’t focus on anything but Kate, the way she moved, the way she made her feel like she was unravelling, thread by thread. 

Kate’s attention was unrelenting, each movement deliberate, bringing Yelena to the edge, and then pulling her back. And Kate loved it. Loved the power she held, loved how Yelena’s body responded like a beautiful, fragile thing, desperate for release.

“Please, Kate,” Yelena breathed, her voice shaky with a mix of need and frustration. The overwhelming sensation inside her made it hard to think clearly, but the ache was undeniable, her body demanding release.

Kate’s eyes softened as she watched Yelena, noticing the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. “Please, what?” she asked, her voice gentle but teasing, coaxing her without pressure.

Yelena shut her eyes briefly, trying to push the overwhelming emotions away, but it was no use. She wasn’t entirely sure what she needed to feel complete, or how to get there, but she knew she was in safe hands with Kate. “I just…I wanna cum, Kate. Please. Please!” she whined.

Kate’s lips curled into a knowing smile as she shifted slightly, but still continuing her assault on Yelena’s cunt with her fingers, her voice was light. “Look at you, so reluctant to beg earlier, and now look. What happened to turning the tables, hmm?” she teased, but her tone was softer now. 

Yelena didn’t have the strength to argue, her body aching with a need she couldn’t express. She felt vulnerable, her breath hitching as she spoke again, quieter this time. “I can’t… I just need… please,” she whispered, the words a quiet plea that broke through the walls she’d built up.

Kate kept up her pace with her fingers, using her thumb to apply the right amount of pressure to Yelena’s clit in place of her mouth as she instead placed kisses all over Yelena’s chest and neck. She knew Yelena was close, she could feel it, and she would make damn sure that Yelena fell over that edge. 

“You’re doing so well for me, Lena. So, so well,” Kate whispered, her voice thick with pride and affection as she leaned up and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. “Just a little more, baby.” 

Yelena nodded, the motion small but desperate, her eyes locked onto Kate’s with a silent plea that said everything her voice couldn’t. There was a raw intensity in her gaze, wide, glassy, full of longing, like she was holding on by a thread and trusting Kate to catch her. 

Instead of pleading, instead of making noise like she had previously, Yelena went quiet. Every breath she took shuddered through her, her body drawn tight like a bowstring, trembling as she edged closer and closer to the precipice.

Kate's expression softened, reverent and awed all at once. She brushed a hand across Yelena’s cheek, her thumb tracing lightly along her jaw. “I’ve got you,” she murmured again, steady and certain. “Just let go. I’m right here.”

Yelena’s fingers clutched at the sheets, at Kate, anything she could find to ground herself in that moment. Her heart was pounding. Her skin felt like it was glowing, every nerve lit up and singing with sensation.

And when Yelena finally tipped over the edge, the silence ended, her cry was loud, it was raw, vibrating through the loft like something that had never been given space before now. Something Kate had pulled from her with nothing but gentleness and fire.

Kate felt a wave of quiet satisfaction wash over her as she watched the serenity settle over Yelena’s face, the tension in her body slowly giving way to something softer, calmer. There was a kind of wonder in the way her features relaxed, eyes half-lidded and lips parted with the ghost of a breathless smile. 

Kate slowed instinctively, giving Yelena time to ride the climax she had just experienced, not wanting to rush a single second of it, just soaking in the sight of someone she adored looking so at peace, so safe.

But then Yelena let out a faint, breathy whine and gave her a gentle push, not forceful, just a nudge, a signal, her body speaking for her when her mouth clearly could not. 

Kate’s smile softened into something tender the moment she felt Yelena’s gentle nudge. There was no hesitation, no teasing left, just quiet understanding. She moved slowly, carefully, as if handling something fragile, pulling out and easing back with deliberate grace to give Yelena space to breathe. Then she leaned in and pressed the lightest kiss to Yelena’s cheek, her lips lingering there just a moment longer than necessary.

She gathered Yelena into her arms like she was something rare, something irreplaceable. Kate’s arms circled her gently but securely, holding her close in that space between passion and peace, where only comfort remained.

Yelena curled in tighter without a word, seeking warmth and safety in Kate’s embrace. One arm snaked tightly around Kate’s waist, the other sliding under her, anchoring them together. Their legs tangled naturally beneath the blankets, like they’d always belonged that way.

Yelena’s breathing was still uneven, her chest rising and falling as her heart gradually settled. Her lashes were damp, her eyes glassy, the storm inside her quieting but not quite gone. And yet, somewhere in the haze, she managed a small, breathless laugh, almost disbelieving. “I hate you a little bit,” she whispered, voice hoarse and teasing, though there was no heat behind it.

Kate grinned against her skin, smug in the gentlest way, her mouth brushing over Yelena’s temple before pressing a kiss just beside her eyebrow. The kiss was full of fondness, warmth, and a quiet pride, like she already knew the truth. “No, you don’t,” she whispered, her breath soft against Yelena’s skin.

Yelena sighed through her smile, her body still tucked close, utterly relaxed in Kate’s arms. “...Yeah. No, I don’t.” The words came easier now, her voice laced with affection, and she no longer felt the need to hide. And then, just like that, her expression shifted, her smirk returning with full force as her eyes darkened with something playful and deliberate.

“Now it’s my turn,” she said, and before Kate could react, Yelena slipped from her hold and rolled on top of her in one smooth motion, straddling her with ease.

Kate let out a surprised laugh, half startled, half delighted. Her hands instinctively found Yelena’s hips, holding her there like she never wanted to let go. “I’m not going to say no,” she breathed, eyes wide and completely captivated. 

-----

They spent the rest of the night in a tangle of sheets, laughter, moans and soft gasps, taking turns exploring and exchanging every bit of pent-up tension that had built between them. There was no rush, no expectations. Just hands and lips and whispered words, shared breath and flushed skin, tangled limbs and slow-burning smiles. 

By the time they collapsed into the pillows, limbs heavy and tangled, Yelena was barely conscious, a soft, sleepy smile tugging at her lips as she blinked up at the ceiling. Her body was boneless, spent, and thoroughly satisfied. She expected to fall asleep right there, curled into the sheets, too exhausted to move.

But Kate wasn’t done. Kate slowly untangled herself, rising onto one elbow. She didn’t say anything at first, just studied Yelena’s face with a softness in her eyes that made Yelena's stomach flip. Then she leaned in, brushed a kiss to her temple, and quietly said, “Need to get cleaned up, beautiful.”

Yelena frowned, too tired to understand. “What?”

Kate didn’t answer with words. Instead, she carefully scooped her up, one arm under her knees, the other behind her shoulders, lifting her from the bed like it was nothing. Yelena made a startled sound, half-protest, half-laugh. “Kate, you don’t have to—”

“I want to,” Kate interrupted gently, adjusting her hold as she carried her across the room. Her voice was calm, sure, as if it wasn’t even a question. “Let me take care of you.”

That silenced Yelena completely. The bathroom light was soft and low, Kate nudged the door open with her foot and carefully lowered Yelena onto the edge of the tub while reaching for the taps. The bath was quick but comforting, warm water, gentle touches, Kate making sure every bit of her was taken care of without a single complaint. There was something quietly intimate about it, the way Kate wrapped her hair up into a messy bun to keep it dry, how she kissed the top of her head when she sank deeper into the water.

Later, wrapped in fresh towels and then swapped for oversized sleep shirts and soft pyjama bottoms, they found their way back to bed. Kate slipped in first and opened her arms without a word. Yelena didn’t hesitate. She crawled in close, curling up against her, head tucked under Kate’s chin. Kate’s arms came around her immediately, holding her close, like something too precious to let go. Yelena felt her body ache with that pleasant kind of exhaustion as she settled down.

Yelena lay in silence, her breathing slow and even but still not quite settled. Her cheek was pressed over Kate’s heart, the steady thrum of it grounding her in a way she didn’t have words for. Her fingers curled into the hem of Kate’s shirt, holding it like an anchor, tight, like she didn’t trust it to stay unless she kept it close. The cotton was warm against her skin, familiar and safe, and Kate’s arms around her didn’t loosen, not even a little. If anything, they tightened. Like a shield. Like a promise.

Kate held her like she was something fragile but not broken, like she wasn’t afraid of the sharp edges. And that was what stunned Yelena more than anything, not the night, not the vulnerability or the touches or the laughter, it was this. The quiet after. The weight of being held and knowing that someone wanted to. That someone chose to.

Her voice came out barely more than a whisper, hesitant and raw. “Kate?”

Kate didn’t open her eyes. She didn’t need to. Her hand moved slowly, brushing over Yelena’s spine, steady and reassuring. “Mm?”

There was a pause. Yelena swallowed hard. “…Why’d you do all that?”

Kate’s brows knit together, just slightly, her gaze drifting over the darkened ceiling as she let the question settle in her chest. It caught her off guard, not because she didn’t know the answer, but because it hadn’t even occurred to her to question it. 

Of course she’d done all that. Of course she’d carried Yelena to the bath, washed her hair, held her close. To her, it was instinct. Care shouldn’t have to be earned. Yelena mattered, was hers and of course she deserved softness after everything.

But the longer Kate sat with the question, the heavier it became. The implication behind it. The quiet disbelief in Yelena’s voice. That no one else had done this for her. That no one else had ever stayed after the storm passed and chosen to make her feel safe after. And that hurt, deep and low in Kate’s chest like something sharp had been pressed against her heart.

She shifted slowly, lowering her head with purpose, with care, and pressed a kiss to the crown of Yelena’s head. Gentle, reverent. Like a promise. When she finally spoke, her voice was soft but steady, full of unshaken certainty. Like she’d been carrying the words with her all night, waiting for the right moment to give them breath.

“Because you matter to me. Because I want you to be comfortable.” She let her fingers curl around Yelena’s side a little tighter, grounding both of them. “And because someone should have done this for you already. But clearly they didn’t. So I will.”

Yelena didn’t move, didn’t say anything at first. But something shifted in her, something deep and unfamiliar that she couldn’t name. She blinked fast, her throat suddenly tight, and then slowly, like her body made the decision before her mind caught up, she burrowed closer, hiding her face in the hollow of Kate’s chest. Her fingers gripped tighter in the fabric, and her other hand slipped around Kate’s waist, pulling her in like she was trying to crawl inside her skin.

“…You’re such a sap,” she mumbled, the words muffled but not unkind.

Kate grinned, her lips brushing her hairline. “Takes one to know one.”

They didn’t speak after that. They didn’t need to. Words would’ve only cluttered the quiet, and what passed between them now didn’t require sound. The silence wrapped around them like something sacred, thick with comfort, with trust, with the unspoken knowledge that for once, they didn’t have to keep their guards up. That they were safe, here, with each other.

Kate’s hand moved in lazy, gentle patterns across Yelena’s back, fingertips tracing soothing lines like she was trying to memorise her. And slowly, with every breath they shared, their bodies grew heavier, hearts syncing in rhythm until even the shadows in the room seemed to exhale. Sleep found them like that, curled into each other, peaceful, held.

-----

A/N: So, they’re back in New York! They’ve had some important conversations, Kate’s said "I love you" (and definitely noticed the significance of the neck thing), and most importantly….drumroll please….they’ve finally done the deed! Whoop whoop. The fire is officially burning. Anyway, in the next chapter, we’ve got a surprise visit from someone who meddles, leading to Kate seeing a side of Yelena that she’s tried to keep buried. It could either bring them closer or tear everything apart…but either way, it will be angsty, so strap in.