Chapter Text
December 27th, 2024
Kate Bishop hadn’t realized she slept the whole ride from Clint’s family home to New York, until the driver gently woke the girl, a soft smile on his face. It was the evening of December 27th, and Kate would be coming home to an empty apartment from one of the happiest Christmases she’s ever had. Clint’s family was wonderful; Laura welcomed her with open arms. Her loveliness was so overwhelming that the young woman fought the tears that welled in her eyes, since the very action caused her to miss her mother.
“Oh - I’m sorry Kate, I should have asked if you were comfortable with hugging.” Laura Barton said, and Kate vehemently shook her head as she tried to push away the memory of her sending her own mother to jail.
You need to take responsibility for your actions, she had said.
Responsibility. Kate scoffed. Her mother wasn’t a very good role model, in that regard.
Was this what Clint had meant? When becoming a superhero wasn’t all crime fighting and fun, but making tough decisions as well?
The Bishop family name felt like a hot iron on Kate’s shoulders, and she yearned to strive away from it.
For just two days, she did that. She made cookies with Laura, watched movies with Clint, and played with the kids - Nathaniel, Cooper, Lila - putting aside her worries and enjoying the holiday spirit that came with the Barton’s.
“We’re here, miss.” The driver announced - smiling at Lucky as the dog whined and became impatient to go outside.
“Thanks,” Kate replied, yawning as she fumbled to get her bag, Lucky’s leash, and tipped the driver. “Merry Christmas.”
“To you, as well. Have a good one.”
Nodding, Kate watched as the driver pulled away, tires screeching on a quiet street in Manhattan. People were still away for the holidays until the new year, as the streets that were once filled with life not three days ago, left behind a cold eeriness.
Kate shivered from the cold, and made her way into the apartment building with Lucky “Pizza Dog” Bishop at her side. The golden retriever barked and happily bounded up the stairs.
Kate Bishop. Archer. Top of her class. Former vigilante now-Avenger-in-training, dog owner. That was the most surprising event to occur out of the last two weeks.
She supposed Lucky came to her at a good time. It was nice having someone four legged and furry to come home to.
Now, if only this were a cartoon and he could talk. That’d be neat as hell.
The brunette fumbled for her keys in a sleepy daze, Lucky whining beside her.
She put her keys in the lock, and pushed the door open - expecting her empty apartment.
She didn’t want to touch her former bedroom in her mother’s penthouse with a six-foot-pole, so she and the LARPers moved everything in, Grills and his team were such a great help at that. The penthouse was locked up, a chapter of her life closed.
She really needed to treat them all for drinks.
But then, a figure startled Kate out of her thoughts. It was a familiar blonde; happily munching on a pot of mac n’ cheese, sitting at her small dining room table.
She wasn’t in her usual white jump suit, instead a comfortable fleece sweater, jeans, multiple rings on her fingers, and boots that went up to her knees.
What the hell -
“Hi!” The ex assassin chirped, finally looking at Kate. “Welcome home, Kate Bishop!”
“I - you - !”
“I make food. I also bought some more cutlery. Come, sit. You look tired.” Yelena said, nonplussed.
“I am tired,” Kate breathed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she put her bags on the counter, “I just returned from a lovely Christmas holiday with the Barton’s. I had thought that I would return to my apartment,” She said pointedly, now noticing that the blonde had crashed on her couch the last couple of nights, “Empty.”
“Right. Well, you’re here now.” For a moment, sitting beside Yelena and putting her feet up sounded incredibly inviting.
“You’re inviting me to sit in my own place?” This girl was unbelievable.
Yelena shrugs.
“Why are you here?”
“To have your mac n cheese.” Yelena replies.
“I mean, really .”
Kate kept her gaze firm, not willing herself to be distracted by the blonde’s natural beauty. It was totally unfair.
Then, Yelena’s face softened, and she turned away. “I have nowhere to go,” She closed her eyes. “I want nothing to do with Barton. Or the so-called Avengers. I have no contacts here. No more missions. My family is… gone,” She turned away, “I did not mean to intrude. I will find a place to stay.”
Kate wasn’t expecting Yelena to open up in that sense, as it was here that she realized she might have more in common with the ex-assassin then she originally thought.
“I don’t have any family left either.” Kate whispered, taking a step forward. Yelena raised an eyebrow, but made no move. “All right. I guess, I can afford to pick up one more stray.” She teased. Lucky barked happily at the prospect of a new roommate.
“Thank you, Kate Bishop.” God that accent is so hot.
“On one condition,” Kate added, finally meeting Yelena halfway, reaching out her hand in comfort. “You earn your keep. If you want to turn over a new leaf, you need to find honest work. Whether it’s retail or with Grills (I’m sure he’s quite busy in the New Year) or whatever, you can stay until you get yourself back on your feet. Then you can go off and... do whatever it is an assassin does when they retire.”
“I can do that.” Yelena nodded, eagerly, like an excitable puppy. “I also have a condition.”
Kate raised an eyebrow, smirking as the blonde pointed to Lucky. “I am not picking up any dog poop.”
“Fair.” Kate agreed, laughing heartily. Yelena chuckled along with her, and they stood in comfortable silence until a yawn escaped Kate’s lips.
“Go rest,” Yelena urged, nodding toward the door. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure no one else even thinks about breaking in.”
“Right. Because they’d be dead before they even turned the knob.” Kate replied.
“You’re getting it.” Yelena winked, causing a blush to form on Kate’s cheeks.
Perhaps being friendly with an ex-assassin had its perks.
After chatting quietly about their day, and Lucky - the ever-loyal dog, bounding up the stairs to her loft bedroom, Yelena finally relaxed on the couch.
“Sleep tight, Kate Bishop.” Yelena calls up to her.
“It’s just Kate! Seriously. We’re roommates, you can skip the formalities.”
“Good night, Just Kate !”
“Ugh! You’re insufferable!”
This time, Yelena let a full-belly laugh escape her, amused by the brunette’s repulsion. She listened carefully as her new roommate tossed once in her bed, and the dog turned on its side in complete bliss, until soft snores could be heard from the floor above. Then, Yelena rose from the couch as she went to the window, staring at the sky above.
Nat, I really wish you were here. I… have no idea what I’m doing. Yellena admitted to herself. I have the world in my palms, and yet I can’t bring myself to stay away from her. Is this the right thing to do?
Yelena watched as a young couple walked in the streets below, merry and drunk, the male tripping over himself but the other cheerily keeping him upright. Do I stay? Would YOU have stayed?
When she received no answer, whether it was cosmic or from Natasha herself, Yelena sighed - and - leaned her head against the cool tinted windows.
Tomorrow’s another day. She thought to herself. For now, all she could do was lay her head to rest.
0o0o0o0o
December 28th, 2024
10:15 am
Manhattan’s morning rush was a stark difference compared to the quietness of the night before, and Yelena woke to loud alarms from the streets below. The sun glared through the long windows; did Kate really not own a single pair of curtains? She then saw her roommate in her kitchen, Lucky begging for scraps.
“Hey, good morning.” Kate greeted warmly.
“Hello, Bishop.” Yelena’s deep voice caused her roommate to blush, and she smirked. She then craned her neck to view what Kate was cooking, too lazy to leave the couch. “Are you… eating eggs in a mug?”
“Yes, and.” Kate said expectantly. She gave a scrap to the dog, who happily munched on it.
“Carry on,” Yelena relented, clasping her hands together. “So. Miss Bishop, I was wondering what are our plans today?”
“I’ve been away for a few days, I was thinking of doing some grocery shopping at Whole Foods. Then we can head over to the market on 14th street,” Kate rattled off, suddenly becoming shy, “Later - I - I was thinking to keep my promise and take you out for drinks, tonight?”
“Sounds like a fun day ahead.” Yelena said, lips pursed. She then made her way toward the window, “Unfortunately, I’ve got a full schedule. Can’t be late for a mission. I must… how do the American’s say? Skedaddle ?” She added in a faux accent, causing the archer to scrunch up her nose in frustration. “I’m kidding .”
“ Yelena ,” she whined, a hurt expression on her face. “Please.”
“You… genuinely want me to come with?” She asked - in both awe and surprise.
“Well I -,” Kate stuttered, and Yelena enjoyed seeing the younger woman’s face turn different colors when they’re together. “We’re friends, right?”
Friends. The word fell like an anchor in Yelena’s throat, as she struggled to understand it. In her line of work, Yelena never made connections. She couldn’t allow herself to. If anything Natasha taught her that.
“Okay, maybe not that close yet,” Kate immediately backpedaled, “We did have that fight as I tried to stop you from killing my partner.”
“ Da ,” Yelena spoke, frowning at the mention of Barton. “But,” She leaned close to Kate, grinning all the while, “You did ask me if I wanted to have drinks. I’d be a fool to deny such a request from a beautiful girl.”
“You’re so full of it, Belova.” Kate groused. Her cheeks flushed as Yelena poked her forehead. “So. Roommates, then? You’re my new bar hopping roommate.”
“I suppose I can live with that.”
Americans. So fussy with labels, Yelena mused. Or maybe that was just how Kate was.
Either way, seeing the archer happy but Yelena at ease as they grabbed their coats, purses, and headed out the door for a fun day ahead.
“So, Yelena,” Kate said loudly over a cop car speeding past them, “What do you think of New York?”
“Smelly,” She scrunched up her nose, making Kate laugh. “But, I like it.”
“Good.” Kate breathed a reply. “I - I can’t exactly compare it to anything else.”
“Russia is beautiful in the winter. I should take you.”
“Right, and have my nose hairs freeze off.” Yelena chuckled softly, and they entered the large doors of the supermarket. “Tell me a bit about yourself. I feel like you know lots about me, given your… previous research.”
“It was apart of the job, don’t let your ego become bigger than it needs to be.” Yelena smirked. She handed the girl a cart without even looking, focused on their conversation.
“Ha, ha,” Kate said dryly. “Well. Go on.” She said, as she went over to the fruit isle and got a handful of lemons.
“It’s not a happy story,” Yelena admitted, carefully debating her words. She supposed she could tell Kate a few things. She seemed trustworthy enough. “I was taken from my birth family when I was very little. I don’t know them. They - The Red Room - trained to be a child assassin,” She said in a low tone, “For three years I was put with two operatives. Alexei and Melina, took me in. That’s where I met Natasha.”
“Oh. So she isn’t your biological sister?” Kate asked.
Yelena scoffed. “The best years of my life was with a fake family. I didn’t even… see Natasha as a sister until we were much older. Twenty one years of absence. Then we reunite because we had to get Alexei out of jail, and track down Dreykov. He was creating and brainwashing an army of Widows.”
“Talk about a family reunion.” Kate smiles, placing a comforting hand on Yelena’s shoulder.
Yelena nodded, “I haven’t seen Alexei or Melina since the Blip. I hope… they’re doing all right. I’ll look for them someday.”
Nodding, and not sure what else to respond, Kate just continued shopping. She noticed that Yelena was constantly looking behind her, or huddling close to Kate to protect her. If the girl struggled to reach for something, Yelena was right there - grabbing a carton of eggs before they fell or already set with a bottle of milk.
“Hey.” Kate spoke, after a bit. “Are you okay?”
“How do you mean,” Yelena replied. “I’m fine.”
“I’m asking if… you’re feeling okay. You know, like, mentally.” Kate explained, and Yelena just raised an eyebrow.
“I’m tough as nails, Bishop. Don’t worry about me.” Yelena deflected, playfully pushing her aside.
“No, I know that. You’re one of the strongest and bravest women I know,” Kate praised, taking Yelena aback. She quickly sobered, intrigued to hear what her traveling companion had to say. “It’s just. You’ve been through a lot. Too much, one would argue. On top of that you’re grieving over the passing of your sister. No, don’t try to deny it. I’m good at reading people. You’re struggling.” Kate pursed her lips, and suddenly Yelena was pushed into a row of green beans. “When you’ve had your fill of being the tough guy, you can use my shoulder. You know that don’t you?”
“At this point I’d be pleased just filling the role of a housewife.” Yelena joked, but there was an evident tiredness in her voice, a truth that was just begging to be heard.
Kate raised an eyebrow. She’s relentless, I’ll give her that.
“Thank you. I’ll… maybe consider taking you up on that offer.”
“Good,” Kate said, now pleased with herself. “All right, honey . I’m low on carrots. Do you think you can pass me a few cans?”
Composing herself, Yelena grinned as she eagerly tossed three into the cart. Quickly, she was then by Kate’s side, lips to her ear. “Say the word, and I’ll give you the world.”
“I just need vegetables for Lucky.” Kate laughed, her voice warm. “But I’ll take you up on that offer someday.” Boldly, Kate pressed her hand to Yelena’s chest and kissed her cheek, before slipping out of the blonde’s grasp.
Taking a few deep breaths, Yelena tried desperately to calm her beating heart. When was the last time someone has been kind to her, in the special way that Kate Bishop was? This girl was going to be the death of her.
What a cool way to die, she thinks, before following suit.
0o0o0o0o
12:30 pm
“I’m starving ,” Kate grumbled, after quickly dropping off the groceries and picking up Lucky.
“To the market we go.” Her friend agreed. The brunette cheerily took Yelena’s hand and they traversed through the subway system of New York City.
Yelena stood while Kate sat, Lucky taking the empty two seater beside her.
In her mind, Yelena quietly debated Kate’s words at the grocery store. Would it be worth trusting the girl with her thoughts? She softly admitted to herself she wasn’t very good at sharing. Or opening up. Kate seemed to be a master at communication; everywhere the pair went, Kate made a friend in someone passing by. Whether it was the vendor, or someone holding a door for them, or a couple and their dog, everyone smiled at Kate. But they were wary of Yelena.
The train jerked forward as an older gentleman nearly bumped into Yelena, who then fell on top of Kate. The girl yelped as Yelena grasped her shoulders, and then they chuckled at each other.
“Lena, sit down.” Kate breathed, cheeks flushing.
“There’s nowhere to sit,” she shook her head, “it’s fine. We have two more stops, da?”
Nodding, Kate noticed her companion was still holding on despite positioning herself upright. “Um, you can let go of me now.”
“Oh.” Yelena said, reaching for the pole in the center of the train. “Prostit.” She mumbled in her native tongue.
There was an awkward pause between them. It wasn’t tension - Yelena felt comfortable around Kate. Which was odd; considering they’ve only known each other for two weeks. Even when she was assigned to kill Clint Barton and the younger archer got in the way, she hoped it was clear that she never had the intention of harming Kate.
You were an obstacle in the way, and I moved you. Yelena recalled saying, pragmatic as always.
Yet here they were. Kate being less of a thorn at her side and more of a potential lifelong companion.
Yelena didn’t settle.
She never stayed.
Now there was someone who gave her a choice, an opportunity, and she was faced to make a decision.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Kate asked the blonde, who was staring blankly at an ad on the train.
“Do men truly suffer from hair loss this much? These ads are making it sound like an epidemic.” Yelena spoke, and Kate burst out laughing.
“Too soon? I shouldn’t speak of the e-word. All right.”
“No, no. It’s just. You have no filter. Do you know how hilarious you are?”
“I just speak my mind.” Yelena said earnestly, but she smiled.
“That’s a good trait to have.” Kate praised. They lapsed into a comfortable silence until they arrived at their stop, and left the train.
0o0o0o0o
The 14th Street Market was bustling with all kinds of people. A musician was busking at the entrance, and Kate gave a couple of dollars to the young woman for her talent.
“How do you do that,” Yelena asked her companion, who gazed up at her.
“Do what?”
“You’re… unapologetically yourself. People love you for it.” she stuffed her hands in her pockets, “I’m quite envious.”
“Of me? You’re kidding.” Kate chortled.
Yelena raised an eyebrow, and turned to admire the various smells and lights from the stalls.
“I just… we don’t know what kind of day someone might be having prior to meeting us. So, it’s easier to just be kind.”
“I would argue it’s harder to show decency. If you want to get what you want, brute force is the way through. Who cares about the thoughts or feelings of others?”
“I guess we can agree to disagree.”
“What’s that mean?” Yelena wondered.
“It means that when two people have an argument they can’t come to a conclusion on, they let bygones be bygones.”
The blonde paused, suddenly worrying that she said something to hurt her companion. There was an edge to her tone, which was unusual for Kate. “Are we arguing? I’m sorry. I did not mean to offend. I’m trying to figure you out, Kate Bishop.”
“There you go again. Saying my name just because you know it.” Kate scoffed, facing her now. Her gaze then softened when she saw Yelena’s worried expression. “Hey. I’m only kidding.”
There was a pause.
“I’m at a disadvantage, here,” Yelena carefully admitted, “I’m new to camaraderie. Kate, trust me when I say I want to stay with you. I want to have things work between. This chemistry that we have, I hope I’m not the only one that feels this… pull,” This time it was Yelena who was shy, and Kate sucked in a breath.
“If you wanted to hold my hand, you didn’t have to ask. Go for it.” Kate sobered, reaching out to Yelena.
“ Cyka ,” The blonde muttered under her breath.
Kate looked prideful as Yelena’s tough hand folded into her own, and they explored the market together.
Was this a date?
Yelena caught herself wondering. Did she want it to be? All she knew was that she didn’t want this day to end, as it was the most fun she’s had in a long time. A day where she wasn’t running from something or hacking into a government system, or searching for her next assignment.
It was just a day with Kate Bishop.
No, just Kate. She reminded, my new friend Kate.