Chapter Text
Chapter one
“Kate, Kate…wake up…come on…” Kate opened one eye and saw little Nate with a huge grin on his face. “It’s Christmas! You need to wake up” She smiled up at him.
“What time is it little man?” She took her phone from her bedside table. “Nate…it’s too early…go to bed for a few more hours, come on” She really needed the sleep. After everything that happened over the last few days she needed to sleep for 24 hours straight. At least that’s what she wanted, her mind didn’t let her do much about it. She couldn’t help but replay the images of her mom being arrested by the police in a loop.
“Katie Kate…please…” He whined and she rolled her eyes. Since she arrived yesterday at Barton’s house, little Nate has been her shadow. She didn’t mind, he was the sweetest kid.
“Fine…but you need to promise me to be quiet” He nodded. “They are still sleeping” She got up from her bed and walked downstairs with Nate whose eyes almost left his face as he saw all the presents under the tree.
“Wow” Kate chuckled.
“Remember, we promised your mom that we’ll wait to open them with everyone” He looked up at her and gave her a little pout. “No pouting, those are the rules”
“Fine…can we play Mario Kart?” She chuckled but nodded.
“How about we play one race and the winner can choose a movie?” She proposed and he thought about it.
“Ok, but you’re gonna lose” Kate didn’t care. The whole point was to get him to watch a movie and hopefully he’d fall back asleep.
“Show me the way, little man” She smiled and sat down with him on the couch. While he got everything ready for the game, Kate’s mind wandered back to how everything had changed in just a few hours. Her mom…arrested. Her house…burned to the ground. Her life…threatened by a very dangerous man. Good part…she was with her mentor and his family.
“Here you have, now you have to try and beat me” He grinned at her and she shuffled his hair.
“Ok, I’ll try my best and I already know which movie I want to watch” She looked at him smiling. “Finding Dory”
“Why?” He frowned. It was the cutest thing. He looked like a mini version of Clint.
“I’ve never seen it” Lies all lies, she thought it would be a good movie to get him to relax. He nodded and pressed play on the game.
“I won’t let you win so come on” They played and Kate tried her best but didn’t win. Nate wasn’t kidding when he said he was the best at this game. He knew all the shortcuts.
“Alright, you won fair and square, what movie would you like to watch?” He took the remote and snuggled close to her.
“Finding Dory, it’s not fair that you haven’t seen it” Kate melted. This kid was too sweet for his own good. She took him closer to her and hugged him.
“Thank you Nate, that’s really thoughtful of you” She kissed his head and he chose the movie.
It wasn’t long before they were both asleep and cuddling on the couch. Nate was like a little Koala holding her in place. She woke up to some whispers and something that looked like a flash. “What?” She opened her eyes and saw Laura smiling down at her and Lila with her phone in her hands.
“He seems to have a little crush on you,” Lila said, snickering. Kate looked at the little boy still sleeping on top of her and she couldn’t help the smile on her own face.
“I think it’s mutual,” Kate said. “What time is it?”
“Still early…around 7:30 AM” Laura smiled. “Clint and Cooper are still sleeping” She sat down in one of the chairs next to the couch. “I’ll start with breakfast in a bit, would you like a coffee?”
“A coffee sounds great, thank you” Kate smiled and moved slowly out of Nate’s arms. “Let me help you with breakfast” She took the blanket and put it on top of a still sleeping Nate.
“Only if you want…you must be exhausted and even more so if Nate woke you up” Laura said while giving Kate a cup of coffee.
“That’s ok, actually I slept better the last two hours with him than before” Laura nodded and they both moved to the kitchen, leaving Lila and Nate in the living room.
“Are you having nightmares?” Laura asked and Kate shook her head no. “Can’t fall asleep then?”
“Yeah…when I close my eyes I cannot stop my mind…” Laura put her arm around Kate’s shoulder. “I guess Clint told you everything?” Laura nodded.
“Yeah, and Kate…let me tell you that you’re very brave for what you did” Kate could feel the sting in her eyes. She didn’t want to cry. “And just so you know from me and not from Clint, you’re always welcome here” Laura smiled at her. “We would love for you to be a part of our little family” And that was it, she couldn’t fight the tears any longer and Laura hugged her tight. She let the tears fall and Laura didn’t let go of her.
After a while and a trip to the bathroom to wash her face, she came back to the kitchen to help Laura with breakfast. She knew she wasn’t the best at cooking but she could at least cut the fruit and get the table ready. Nate woke up a little later and Laura asked him to get his brother and father.
“Kate! you got a message” Lila called from her place in the living room. She took her phone and saw it was an unknown number.
From unknown; Merry Christmas Kate Bishop. You owe me a drink. YB.
“What the…” Lila put her hand on top of Kate’s mouth.
“If you finish that sentence and Nate hears you…he is going to repeat it and dad won’t be happy” Kate nodded. She didn’t know what else to say…Yelena was writing to her… “Who’s YB?”
“She emmm…she…” Kate didn’t know what to say.
“Uhhh…so she’s someone important” Lila wiggled her eyebrows and Kate shook her head no.
“I don’t…she’s not” Lila snickered.
“Don’t need to tell me…you can keep your secrets hawkeye” At the name Kate smiled. She was scared that Lila would be upset at her for taking the name of his father. She was into archery as well but it seems that she didn’t want to follow her father’s steps. Or at least not yet.
“Morning everyone” Clint said, descending the stairs. “Sorry I overslept” He got closer to his wife and kissed her. “Everyone ready for breakfast?”
“YES!!” Nate screamed and everyone laughed. Kate took this chance to reply to Yelena.
To Unknown number: Merry Christmas to you too. I’ll get you that drink when I’m back in NY. KB.
They sat down and Kate found herself between Nate and Clint. “Did you get any sleep, kid?” Kate looked at him and gave him a small smile.
“A bit” He nodded. “It’s hard…but I took a nap with Nate” Clint chuckled at that.
“Have you thought about my offer to stay here until New Year’s?” Kate nodded. She had indeed thought about it but she had to come back. She knew that now that her mother was in prison she’d be the one to take care of Bishop’s Security.
“I’d love to stay but…I really have to see the damage my mom made and try to keep the company afloat” Clint nodded.
“Well, you know you’re welcome here whenever you want” Kate looked at him and then at Laura and smiled.
“I will come back” She nodded to herself. “You need to teach me some more stuff” He chuckled.
“Of course, it would be my pleasure”
After a few wonderful days with the Barton’s, Kate came back to New York with Lucky. Her first stop was her mom’s penthouse where she dropped Lucky off and took a look around. Everything looked the same, except now there was no music playing from her mom’s living room where she’d find her dancing with Jack. There was only silence and Kate couldn’t help but cry. She hugged Lucky and the dog licked her face.
“Thank you buddy, I know I have you” Lucky barked and Kate chuckled, cleaning her tears. “You have to stay here ok? I’m going to our house and see if I can get someone to fix it up for us and then I’m going to Bishop’s Security and meet with some lawyers” Lucky whined. “I know, I know…but how about I bring pizza with me tonight huh? Sounds good?” He barked again happily and Kate laughed. “You do understand me”
Kate changed into one of her suits. If she was going to do this, she’d do it right. She couldn’t help but hear her mom’s voice. “ Darling, why don’t you wear a dress?” She rolled her eyes at herself.
“Do I look good, bud?” Lucky barked and Kate kissed his head. “I’ll be back as soon as I can with our pizza”
Kate left and moved to her burned down house. It was exactly as she left it and she sighed. She called some people and took pictures of the house to send to the contractors. After some debating with them she got a fair price and time. It was the best she could get so she moved to her second trip of the day…Bishop’s Security. She arrived and the guard at the door let her in with a nod. They knew who she was and that was a bit scary. Once she got to the floor where her mother’s office was, she was greeted by her lawyers.
“Miss Bishop, it’s really good to see you” Kate nodded. “We’ve been trying our best to control everything around here but your mom left some…rules…if something happened to her…”
“My mom is not dead, Henry” He nodded.
“No yeah, we know…but she also left things if something like this happened…” Kate rolled her eyes, of course her mom would have everything covered.
“And what are those rules?” They walked inside Eleanor’s office and Kate sat down in one of the chairs. Not her mom 's.
“That’s the thing…now that you’re here we can get access to those files, but it will take a little more than a week to get everything” Kate thought about it…her mom was a very controlling woman and she knew they’ll have to do things as she wanted them to do so.
“Ok, what do I have to do?” The lawyer showed Kate an encrypted file from her mom’s computer.
“She said that when the time came you’d know how to get into it” Kate looked at the computer and then to Henry.
“Did she now?” Kate wanted to slap some sense into her mother. How on earth was she going to find out the code to get into the file? “She didn’t leave any clue?” The lawyer nodded.
“Yes Miss Bishop, she said and I quote, remember you father” At that Kate closed her fits and tried to stay calm. This wasn’t Henry’s fault.
“Ok…let’s try this…” She wrote her father’s name…her father’s birthday…she tried everything and nothing. “Ugh…this woman…” and then something clicked in her brain. “Maybe…” She wrote down the words her father used to call her and boom. The file started opening and just like Henry had said, it looked like it was going to take a week or a little more…”So now what?”
“Now we wait…meanwhile you can rest. I’ll call you when it’s done” Kate nodded. “You have to be the one opening it, we are not allowed”
“Sounds fair” Kate looked around. “So everything is going well around here?” Henry nodded.
“Yeah, Jack’s been around helping out” Kate nodded. She needed to get in contact with Jack. She owed him a lot.
“Alright then, I’ll see you next week then” Henry smiled. “Let me know if you need anything” She walked to the door.
“We will…and Miss Bishop…” She stopped and looked at him. “We are glad, you’re ok” She smiled at him and left.
Before she could leave the building, the guard from the door stopped her. “What’s going on?”
“Paps…you might need to wait a little” Kate rolled her eyes…Of course they figured out she was back. She could see the flashes and then her phone went off with a new message.
From Unknown; Need a hand getting out of there?
How on earth? She looked around her but couldn’t see the blonde girl anywhere. Another beep.
From unknown: I’m downstairs in the employees parking. I’ll wait 10 min for you. If you’re not here then I’m out.
Kate couldn’t believe this woman…who did she think she was? She looked back outside and saw that the number of people waiting for her was growing. “Fuck it” She rolled her eyes. “I have someone who can take me out downstairs, I’ll be ok. Thank you and see you next week”
“But Miss Bishop…” She smiled at him.
“I’ll be fine” At least she hoped she'd be…you could never know with Yelena. She took the lift once more and when she arrived she took a deep breath and went to the parking lot. She looked around but couldn’t see any cars with their engines on. “Hello?”
“Kate Biiishooop” Kate felt a shiver run from her head to her toes at that voice. “Long time no see” She turned around and there she was, dressed in her tactical suit and a small smile on her face. “Hi”
“Hi” Kate returned the smile. “Thank you for saving me” Yelena chuckled and Kate gulped. She couldn’t understand why this woman could get under her skin with a simple laugh.
“So funny, I am not saving you” Kate frowned and Yelena’s smile disappeared. “You are paying your debt to me”
“My what?” Kate gulped and Yelena got closer to her.
“You, Kate Bishop” She was getting closer and closer, Kate could smell her perfume. “You owe me a drink” And just like that Yelena chuckled, scrunching her nose. “Come on, we can go to that penthouse of yours”
“How do you…what?” Yelena laughed and arched her eyebrow at Kate.
“Remember Kate Bishop, I know everything about you” She turned around and walked past Kate. “Everything” She said, right next to Kate’s ear. “Now…shall we go?” Kate saw Yelena hopping onto a bike and offering her a helmet. What was the worst that could happen? Yelena killing her? Well…there were worse ways to die. She took the helmet and hopped into the bike behind Yelena. “Hold on tight little hawk, I do not want you getting hurt so soon” Kate rolled her eyes and held onto Yelena. If being so close to her and feeling the woman’s abs under her shirt was doing something to Kate…she didn’t want to think about it.
They got out and as expected there were some paps waiting for her there too but Yelena drove as fast as she could and got them out of there. It was possible that they took a picture of them but at least they didn’t stop her and ask her questions. Yelena drove them to Kate’s penthouse and Kate told her to go to the parking lot inside. She parked her bike next to Kate’s old beetle.
Kate took off her helmet and cleared her throat. “Thank you for that, truly”
“No problem” Yelena took off hers and smiled. “Now we go upstairs right?” Kate couldn’t help it and chuckled.
“Sure, come on” They got into the lift and Kate started laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Kate looked at Yelena and pointed to both of them.
“This…you and me…an elevator…” Yelena opened her eyes in shock and then chuckled.
“You mean that time when you slapped me?” Kate stopped laughing and Yelena crossed her arms.
“Yeah..about that…” Yelena chuckled then.
“It is ok Kate Bishop, it was a good slap. I’ll give you that” Kate chuckled.
“Thank you, your kick on the ribs wasn’t so bad either” Yelena laughed then. It was different than the last time she saw her…she seemed more…free. The door of the penthouse opened and Lucky came running. “Hey buddy, sorry I didn’t bring our pizza. I’ll order it now” She kneeled down to greet her dog but he ran past her and to Yelena who started talking in Russian. “What the actual fuck?”
“He loves me!” Yelena said, grinning.
“I can see that…traitor” Kate moved inside and went into her mom’s liquor cabinet. “What would you like to drink?”
“Whatever you have is fine” Yelena said and sat down with a happy Lucky sitting next to her. “You’re such a good boy”
Kate poured both some vodka and gave a glass to Yelena. “So…what’s this?”
Yelena took a sip and looked at Kate. “What?” Kate wasn’t sure if she was playing dumb or if she didn’t get it.
“I mean…this…you and me…” Before Kate could keep talking, Yelena lifted both of her arms.
“Woah woah, stop your horses” Kate arched an eyebrow. “There’s not a you and me Kate Bishop” Kate was about to talk but Yelena continued. “You are a very attractive woman but I do not want or need a relationship right now” Kate felt the heat of her cheeks. What was happening? She thinks I’m attractive? And then Yelena bursted into a fit of laughter. “Oh Kate Bishop…you’re so easy”
“Emm…what I…” She cleared her throat. “What I meant…it’s that after what happened, your message surprised me…and now this…?”
“Let’s just say I had some things to do here in New York and I thought maybe you could help me” Yelena shrugged.
“Help you with what exactly?” Kate sat down in front of Yelena.
“You see…I need to get into someone’s house. And it seems that house it’s protected with your security” Kate nodded.
“So you were sugarcoating me?” Yelena frowned.
“I do not know what that means…but anyway…after our little game at your mom’s party I thought I needed to offer you something so you could trust me” Yelena shrugged.
“Game? You were trying to kill my mentor” Yelena rolled her eyes.
“Well, did I?” Kate opened her mouth to protest. “I did not so now you owe me a favor for that too” She grinned.
“Yelena…I can’t trust you” Kate sighed. “At least not yet”
“Well..I’m in your house, drinking with you and offering you a job” Kate looked at her.
“You’re not offering me a job…you just need the access to someone so you can kill them” Yelena sat straighter and closer to Kate.
“Trust me, I’m not killing anyone…not from there at least” Kate nodded. “I’m just checking everything is…as it should be around here”
“Ok…well, let’s do something” Yelena nodded to Kate to continue. “I won’t have access to my Bishop’s Security for a week so…train me during this week…you can even stay here with me and I’ll get you the info you need” If she was going to do this…the least she could do was get something out of it and get a widow to train you is a good deal.
“Kate Bishop you’re so funny…you wouldn’t handle my training” Kate crossed her arms.
“That’s the deal, oh and you have to stop calling me by my full name” Yelena nodded.
“Ok, Kate ” Maybe that was worse…Kate shuddered. “We have a deal” Yelena offered her hand to Kate who took it and they looked at each other's eyes. “Now, I heard something about pizza?” Kate laughed and ordered a pizza for the three of them. This was meant to be interesting.
“I’m so happy you’re here Kate. It’s so good to see you” Jack said. After her visit to Bishop’s Security yesterday, Jack didn’t waste any time in paying Kate a visit. “I have to say, I thought you’d call me once you were back”
“Yeah, sorry about that Jack, I swear I was going to…but I got here yesterday and I wanted to rip off the bandaid as soon as possible” Jack nodded. “And to be fair I was going to call you today but you didn’t give me a chance to do so” He laughed and then got up faster than Kate thought it was possible.
“Someone’s here” He said and took one of his swords. Kate panicked and tried to hold him but before he could Yelena made her appearance and took Jack’s sword with a simple movement.
“You should know not to play with things that can hurt you” Yelena said with a stoic face.
“Who are you and what are you doing here?” Kate wanted to punch herself. Yelena wasn’t supposed to arrive yet. She went out this morning for a run and told Kate she’d be back for lunch way later than it was.
“Jack, relax…this is…” Kate started and looked at Yelena who smirked at her.
“I’m Yelena, sorry I scared you” She gave him his sword back and he took it looking at both women. “I’m Kate’s… friend”
“Oh…OH!” Kate looked between both of them. She was going to kill her…or at least try. “I’m sorry Kate…I didn’t know you had company” He snickered and Kate swore she wanted to die right there.
“Don’t mind her, she is just too busy with everything and she forgot I was here” Yelena gave him a smile that could charm anyone.
“That 's true. It’s really nice to meet you Yelena” He smiled. “And that was a really good move you showed”
“That was nothing”
“Well…sorry about that Jack and…we can meet up soon again?” He looked back at Kate and nodded.
“Of course, I’m planning to see you tomorrow at my New Year’s Eve party right?” Kate had forgotten completely about it. “And Yelena…” He looked at her. “You’re more than welcome to come as Kate’s plus one”
“I don’t think she’ll…” Kate started but Yelena interrupted her.
“I’d love to Jack” Kate looked at Yelena in shock and she just shrugged.
“Lovely, see you both tomorrow girls” He hugged Kate. “Before I go…have you…” He didn’t finish the sentence but Kate knew he was talking about visiting her mother. She shook her head no and he nodded and left giving her a small smile.
“What on earth, Yelena?” Yelena smiled and shrugged.
“What? I did nothing” Kate gave her a look. “Look…there’s going to be important people there…I might want to check out who exactly will attend”
“And what about the other thing?” Kate asked and Yelena frowned. “You know…you make him believe we are…something”
“I told him we are friends” Kate rolled her eyes.
“It was the way you said it and I don’t think we can say we are friends” Yelena gaped at Kate.
“You wound me Bishop” She put her hand on her chest. “I thought we were the best of friends”
“Whatever”
“And…you should take a look at what people are talking about you” Yelena shrugged.
“What do you mean?” Kate took out her phone and as she predicted yesterday, there were pictures of her with Yelena leaving Bishop’s Security. Some people thought Yelena was her body guard…others the same as Jack was thinking right now. “Well…that’s great”
“Not important, now…lunch?” Yelena smiled and Kate sighed. “You could take me to one of those places you love so much”
“I thought we were eating in and then you’ll train me?” Yelena nodded.
“Before I start with the fighting I want to check how well you understand your surroundings” Kate looked at Yelena as she was nuts. “What? Last time we fought you weren’t focus”
“Fine, but I’m not paying for your food” Yelena rolled her eyes.
“So annoying”
Kate looked at herself in the mirror and nodded to herself. “I don’t know if it’s the right thing to say Lucky but I look good, don’t you think?” He barked looking at her with his tongue out. “Yeah, thanks bud!” She was wearing one of her favorite black suits with a purple tie. She was sore in places she didn’t know was possible. Yelena trained her twice already and both times were proof that last time they fought, Yelena was merely having fun.
“Kate, are you ready?” Yelena screamed from downstairs.
“Yes, I’ll be down in a minute” Kate kissed her dog’s head and checked herself once more in the mirror. Clothes were good and hair down as she usually did to these places. She walked down and when she saw Yelena she tried her best to cover her feelings. Yelena looked stunning and she wasn’t even looking at her face. She was sure, once Yelena turned she was gonna fail at hiding her emotions. She was wearing a purple dress that opened mid thigh and her hair was down.
“I was about to go get…” Yelena turned and looked at Kate. Which was everything Kate needed to miss a step of the stairs and almost fell. She heard Yelena clearing her throat and getting closer to her. “You alright?”
“All good. You good?” Kate chastised herself at her rambling but saw the way Yelena’s mouth curved upwards into a small smile.
“I’m good. You look very handsome Kate Bishop”
“Thank you, so do you and pleaseeee, stop with the Bishop '' Kate sighed and Yelena chuckled.
“Sorry, can’t help it” At the familiar words Kate chuckled too.
“Come on, we are going to be late”
They arrived half an hour late to Jack’s party. Kate was nervous. It would be the first time seeing all those assholes after her mom was arrested at her own party by her own daughter. She knew they would have much to say about it and she wasn’t thrilled to hear it.
“Hey…” Yelena grabbed her hand and Kate looked down at their joined hands. “I guess this must be difficult for you…” Kate nodded. “But hey, this time I’m here”
“Last time you were there too” Kate smirked.
“Yeah, but not the same. This time I’m actually invited and I can try that famous bruschetta you told me about” Yelena smiled and Kate couldn’t help but return it. It was so good to be able to have Yelena this free with her…Clint didn’t talk much about their fight but she was sure he must have said something for Yelena to be like this now. That and that Clint would probably be dead otherwise.
“Katie! Over here” Kate looked up and saw Jack waving at them and getting closer. “Oh wow look at you” He hugged Kate and kissed Yelena’s other hand. The one that wasn’t holding Kate still because yeah, Kate was trying to keep her cool about it. “You look dashing”
“Thank you Jack” Yelena said. “You look very good too”
“Nonsense, come on…let me get you some drinks” On their way to the bar Kate could feel people staring and whispering. “ She has some nerve coming here” “I heard she was the one who put her mother in jail” With every sentence Yelena’s hand will hold her tighter and Kate was grateful for it.
“I brought some knives with me if you let me…I can…” Yelena whispered and Kate looked at her startled, but the other woman smiled and shrugged. “I mean…you should know you have the option” Kate chuckled and stopped her mind of wondering where Yelena’s knives were.
Jack gave them two glasses of champagne. “I’m going to mingle for a bit…but feel free to dance and enjoy the party” They both nodded smiling. “And Kate…if someone gives you trouble please let me know and I can show them to the door”
“Don’t worry Jack…I won’t let anyone mistreat her” Jack grinned and nodded at Yelena.
“I knew my Katie had good taste” He winked and Kate choked on her drink. Jack left and Yelena and Kate stood there. Kate could tell Yelena was taking everything into account. Checking faces and exits.
“Mmm…wanna dance?” Kate asked a bit shyly and Yelena arched an eyebrow. “I mean, it’d be easier to you know…check everything out?” Yelena kept looking at Kate for a moment and then nodded.
“Sure, that is a good idea little hawk” They left the empty glasses on the bar and moved together with the rest of the people who were dancing. Kate felt a bit standoffish and didn’t know where to put her hands so Yelena guided them to her back and put her own arms around Kate’s neck. “You can breath, Kate”
“Yeah, yeah I know” Kate wanted to slap some sense into her. This meant nothing. It was like a mission and they were playing a part. She guided them around and suddenly felt how Yelena’s back and posture tensed.
“Have I told you how pretty you look today Kate?” Yelena said and Kate looked at Yelena’s eyes. She was smiling at her but in her eyes Kate could tell the signs of Yelena asking to follow her lead. She saw the way Yelena’s eyebrow arched slightly and Kate fake chuckled and kissed Yelena’s forehead.
“Always the sweetest” Yelena smiled for real this time. She was happy she read between the lines. “But you cannot say things like that when you’re the most stunning woman I’ve ever laid eyes on” Kate found herself saying things she actually thought but could always deny, but after a look at the shock in Yelena’s eyes and the slightest of red coloring her cheeks she knew she wouldn’t be able to.
Someone cleared their throat and Kate looked up and found a very well dressed woman looking at Yelena. “I thought that was you. I didn’t know you were still in town”
“Hello Val…I’d say it’s a pleasure but you’re actually ruining my date” Yelena said looking at the woman the same way she used to look at Clint. They stopped dancing but Kate kept her hold onto Yelena’s waist pulling her close to her.
“Your date?” The woman’s laugh was dangerous. “This is not other than Kate Bishop herself”
“That’s me yeah” Kate spoke and Yelena looked at her. “I don’t think it’s very polite to say my name when I don’t know yours?” Val looked at Kate then and she kept her face still. She could feel Yelena’s grip tightening on her back.
“My apologies, I’m Valentina Allegra de Fontaine” She smiled. “Your date’s former boss”
“Nice to meet you Valentina, now if you don’t mind we were in the middle of something here” Kate pointed to herself and Yelena.
“Of course, Miss Bishop” She looked back at Yelena then. “Just remember where your loyalties lie Yelena”
“I know exactly where they have to be, Valentina, I should warn you to be careful” If looks could kill, Kate was sure Yelena’s would for sure. “You know what I can do if someone comes near as those I care about” Valentina’s smile dropped and nodded.
“See you around Yelena. Miss Bishop, sent regards to your mother” And with that she left. Kate wasn’t sure what happened but she knew Yelena was upset and that that woman knew her mother.
“Hey…who was that?” Yelena, who was still looking at the place where Valentina was seconds ago, looked back at Kate.
“That’s the woman who ordered me to get rid of Barton” Kate was reminded of their talk in her house eating mac and cheese. The look, the voice and the tension of Yelena…it was too much and she squeezed Yelena’s waist and pulled her back to dancing with her. Yelena seemed to break whatever that was on her mind and gave Kate a small smile. “Sorry…”
“Nothing to be sorry for…but maybe you’d like to talk about it?” Yelena shook her head no. “Ok…” Kate didn’t want to push the other woman but she needed to ask only one thing she was sure she knew the answer to. “Is she the one who my mom contracted?”
“What?” Yelena seemed a bit lost.
“To kill Clint” Kate said in a whisper and looked at the blonde who nodded. “Ok, thanks for telling me”. She wanted to change the subject and let her mouth speak freely. “So…we match”
Yelena looked at Kate and chuckled. “And you noticed this just now?” Kate raised her eyebrow and Yelena wrinkled her nose. “I mean we already started this whatever you want to call it…we might as well keep pretending no?”
“Are you sure? I thought you didn’t want any relationship right now” Kate snickered. She was trying to control everything she was feeling. Could she do this? It was even more difficult when she felt Yelena’s fingers drawing patterns on the back of her neck.
“Let’s say that right now it’s our best game,” Yelena chuckled. “And trust me…I could do so much worse than a hot billionaire” That’s twice that Yelena has called her hot…
“Our?” Kate asked and Yelena nodded.
“Our, now you’re in this with me” Kate nodded.
“Ok…but that means you’ll have to tell me everything” Yelena nodded.
“I will, but for now let’s just enjoy the party and leave early like a couple of teenagers in love, yes?” Kate laughed. “Give those old fucks something to talk about”
“Sounds good”
They ended up leaving the party giggling and holding into each other. It might be because Kate’s tolerance to alcohol was pretty low but Yelena didn’t seem to complain or she was playing her part. They arrived at the penthouse a bit before midnight and Lucky came running to them.
“Hey bud! Did you behave while we were gone?” He barked and Kate chuckled.
“Of course he did, he is the sweetest boy” Yelena said, scratching his ears.
“Would you like to change?” Yelena looked at her phone and shook her head no.
“It is almost midnight and I would like to see the fireworks” Kate grinned then.
“Oh oh, that’s great. Come with me” Kate said excitedly and grabbed Yelena by her hand without thinking about it and took her to the rooftop. “Here” She opened a little cabinet she had there and took out a blanket for them to sit down and one for them to cover in case they got cold.
“Little hawk…you know that we are just pretending right?” Yelena said with an eyebrow raised and Kate rolled her eyes.
“I just want you to experience this the best way possible” Kate smiled and then looked to the sky. “I used to do this with my dad” They both sat down and Yelena covered them with the other blanket.
“Do you miss him?” Kate nodded and felt her eyes filling with tears. “I miss Natasha too” Kate looked at her but Yelena had a small smile on her face. “She talked about me with Barton…” She looked at the floor. “I didn’t know she cared that much for me” Kate wasn’t sure if she should say anything. Yelena was opening up to her. “Growing up all I could think about was how important Natasha was to me” Yelena looked up to the sky. “She was my family and it hurts that I won’t be able to see her again”
“I really am sorry Yelena” Yelena nodded. Kate knew there was much more of the story but maybe the blonde wasn’t ready to share it with her and she wouldn’t push. She heard people screaming the countdown and nudged Yelena’s rib with her elbow. “Look…” And then the fireworks started. It was as beautiful as she remembered. She hadn’t been up here since her father died. It was too painful to do it alone and her mom was always at a party so today with Yelena, Kate’s heart healed a bit more. “Happy New Year Yelena”
“Happy New Year little hawk” Kate looked at Yelena and she could only see a little kid enjoying the views. She was a bit in awe at the woman that was next to her. “Stop staring, it is not polite” Yelena smiled and Kate chuckled.