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Today’s gonna be great, Fanny! Lucky shouted to the Akita, who walked closely beside him, trying not to get her fur dirty.
Of course it is…now…don’t walk in the mud! Fanny huffed as Lucky’s tongue rolled out of his mouth.
I’m trying! I’m trying! Lucky huffed back as he daintily (as one large golden retriever could!) walked around Central Park's multiple puddles of muddy water.
Mama will be very mad if we get dirty Fanny said.
“Come on, little ones. All of our friends are waiting for us.” Yelena said as warmly as she could without displaying her unusual nervousness.
Can’t you smell her nerves? Lucky said as he nudged Fanny.
Of course! She is nervous! What she is going to do is a huge deal for humans. It is in all those shows they watch. Fanny whined.
This is so weird and so….human, Lucky said.
It really is. What is wrong with a good smell and a good time to make pups? Fanny said.
Well…I guess nothing…but they took my balls. Lucky huffed as he gave Yelena a pathetic look.
I don’t have a uterus, Fanny quipped
You don’t? Lucky asked as he cocked his head toward his sister.
They kind of just…went in, and they ripped out all my reproductive organs. They just got right in there, and they chopped them all away. Everything out, so you can’t have puppies, Fanny said seriously.
Lucky halted to a stop and gagged.
“Lucky?” Yelena asked as she assessed the one-eyed puppy.
You didn’t need to get so clinical, Fanny!!! Ew!!! Lucky yelped
Oh, well…I was going to talk about fallopian tubes…but okay…if you are so sensitive to that stuff , Fanny said with a happy woof.
You make me watch Snapped and all those crime shows… Lucky whined
And I let you watch the cartoons… Fanny said.
That you do…well…maybe we can talk about it later…today’s an important day, Lucky conceded as he walked into the dog run.
Hey guys!! Lucky sprinted over to his friends.
Lucky!! You look AH-MAAAAA-ZING!!! Lenny squeaked as he ran in circles.
Lucky looked down at his outfit. His Mama dressed him in a tuxedo shirt and dressed Fanny in a similar vest to the one their Mama wears.
So do you, Fanny Butch said
It holds so many things…treats…poop bags…knives…antidote, Fanny listed.
Let’s ixnay on the nitdate-tay, Lucky whispered.
As if they do not know who our mothers are, Fanny said as she rolled her eyes and head-bumped Devin.
Lucky, we all know your moms are the Hawkeye and White Widow, Devin said in his deep voice.
She hates that name, Fanny whined as she sat down
I tell it like it is Devin said with a yawn
You guys all look fantastic, Lucky said as he sat next to Fanny.
And they all did. Lenny was wearing his actual tuxedo from his dads' wedding. Butch had gotten groomed like she was about to compete in Best in Show. Devin was in his old K9 uniform. And there was also the new dog of the group – Willow. She was a Corgi straight from the UK. Her human was a quirky middle-aged woman. A classic English Rose with wild brown hair that always had a funny hat on top of it. Bright red lipstick, funky dresses, combat boots, and sunglasses…no matter if there was sun in the sky.
Oh, how exciting this is!! The last time we dressed up was for the Coronation of the King. Willow woofed quietly.
Do you even like him? Butch asked sarcastically as Willow glared at her.
Ha. Ha. Willow deadpanned.
Your human looks wonderful Devin said to Lucky and Fanny to cut the tension.
And he wasn’t wrong. Yelena had gone all out. She wore a slimming black suit and a white shirt. She wore a loosely tied green tie, and her hair was in an intricate braid. Her hand constantly itched to go into her suit jacket pocket where the ring box hid.
“Yelena!! Looking good!” Grills yelled from the gates of the dog run.
Yelena turned her body quickly and grinned wildly when she saw the entire LARPing group in their battle best. Missy held a sigil of a hawk flying in the night sky while Wendy wrestled with her equipment as she checked the battery on her camera.
“Hello, Grills. Missy. Wendy – you all look fantastic. Thank you once again for assisting me with this.” Yelena said shyly, a rare trait she had ever shown to anyone but Kate.
“How can we miss this epic event? Who hasn’t shipped the Black Widow with Hawkeye?” Missy said before her eyes widened.
“Not what…I meant… obviously…you’re…sister…yeah…gonna shut up now.” Missy rambled at Yelena’s horrified look.
“We will never mention that again,” Yelena whispered discreetly to a pale-looking Missy as the blonde shook her head clear of the thoughts of Clint and Natasha…kissing.
But Yelena smiled when she saw Grills barely keeping a lid on his laughter when someone bumped into her. She spun around and saw no one.
“Hah! See, I told you I could do it.” Greer’s voice rang out from behind Yelena.
The blonde spun around and saw Franny and Greer dressed well enough to pass undetected but fancy enough for the event. The only thing that made them look out of place was the large Bluetooth speaker Franny was holding.
“She was waiting to try her…and I quote…new and sneaky talents. Thanks, Yelena…you have saddled me with this toddler.” Franny teased as Greer let out an offended noise.
Yelena chuckled as she bumped Franny's fist. She knew they would hug later, and they accepted her physical boundaries. They never teased the former Black Widow of her habit of cuddling into Kate.
“Anything for the best friends of my Kate Bishop,” Yelena said sincerely.
Greer let out an adorable “aww” and made heart hands while Franny smiled brightly.
“You seriously have been a lifesaver, Yelena. Kate can keep it together…but you are a light in her life.” Franny said sincerely.
Yelena felt a lump in her throat (the first of many she suspected from the day) and nodded while trying to hide the wetness in her eyes.
“Thank you. She is just as much a light in my life as well. You should probably talk with Grills about the best spot for the speaker. You both know the plan?” Yelena asked.
Greer nodded seriously.
“Yes. In approximately twenty minutes, Kate will arrive here with Clint Barton… fucking Hawkeye himself …and his wife Laura. Who may or may not be a former SHIELD Agent,” Greer said.
Yelena rolled her eyes at the fangirling over Clint.
I can see why they are all friends , Yelena thought to herself. She nodded for Greer to finish.
“Kate will see the LARPers and the puppies and their owners. The cue will be two whistles for Lucky and Fanny to approach Kate. They have notes attached to their collars. Once we see Kate’s confused face, Franny will play Kiss the Girl …which is ADORABLE!!” Greer squealed.
Yelena chuckled, knowing that Kate regaled her friends with the tale of their first kiss while watching The Little Mermaid on Natasha’s birthday.
“Are you ready? You good?” Franny asked, knowing Greer had a habit of being easily excitable.
Yelena took a deep breath and nodded firmly.
“How can I throw this chance away?” Yelena asked as Franny smiled.
“You really can’t. Kate deserves happiness…and so do you .” Franny stressed.
Yelena smiled at the comment.
“Thank you, Franny. That means a lot, especially from Kate’s most trusted friends.” Yelena said seriously.
“We should go sneak around some more,” Greer said as she dropped to the ground and tried to pull one of the fancy Black Widow backflip moves. But all she managed to do was get stuck in an awkward position, causing Franny to shake her head and help her.
“Such a poser…” Yelena chuckled before another wave of nerves wracked her body.
Mama is really nervous , Fanny said to Lucky.
The golden retriever stopped playing with Lenny when Fanny spoke up. He looked at his Mama and noticed all the smells coming from her.
Does she think Mommy would ever say no to her? Has she not seen how our puppy eyes work on Mommy? We got this, Fanny Lucky said.
When you put it that way, yes, you are correct. Mommy has no chance of the three of us working together. Fanny said with a grin.
And! We get to Uncle Grill’s tonight. Lucky said
Yes, because of the amount of celebration mating that will occur, Fanny began to say when Lucky whined loudly.
FANNY! I’m still not over the last time. Why did the panties taste like food? Why!? Lucky cried
I tried to warn you, but you and that stomach of yours, Fanny huffed before licking his head.
It was an experience both dogs were eager to forget. A pair of edible panties were left out, and Lucky’s stomach got the better of him.
Lucky pouted before huffing.
Well, I hope we get to go to the firehouse again. They like us, and there is always a ton of food, Lucky said as Fanny let out a rumble that sounded like a chuckle.
The firehouse is fun. You are not wrong there, Fanny said
Wanna play? Lenny yelled, his tiny tail wagging rapidly.
Can’t you see they are in nice clothes! Butch yelled back
Butch, come on, Devin sighed.
It’s okay, Devin. Butch is right. We should ease up on the play until after Mama asks Mommy to be hers furever, Lucky said.
This is so romantic! Willow gushed
I think it’s just rational. If it weren’t for Lucky and Fanny here, those two would never have gotten together, Butch said.
Everyone stopped and looked at Butch.
What? I love a good love story. Butch said with a huff
I guess Butch is right, huh, Fanny? Lucky asked.
Fanny nudged Lucky.
That she is, my brother. If you did not follow me to Mama, Mommy would never have run over here. Fanny said seriously
And we would never have been a family, Lucky said as the brevity of their collective journey struck him in his chest.
“Okay, my little darlings.” Yelena’s voice broke the two puppies out of their deep thoughts.
“Mommy will be here shortly. You both be you, and we will seal the deal.” Yelena said as she scratched their heads and walked to the other owners.
Fanny sniffed the air.
She is so nervous , Fanny whined.
She is about to ask Mommy to be hers furever. You and I both have heard how Mama had a hard life. She is afraid of losing us , Lucky said quietly.
Fanny huffed in agreement.
Can she not see how much Mommy loves her? Fanny asked as she watched her human interact with the others. She could see the bounce in her Mama's leg. The supporting hand on Mama's shoulder from Devin’s moms.
Of course, she does. But she probably feels like what I felt like when I ate that black strappy thing. I thought they would hate me forever. They loved that thing , Lucky said with a whiney huff as he remembered the bad thing he did.
Fanny rolled her eyes. She knew what exactly Lucky ate and was kind enough not to tell him. A loud whistle tore through the air.
“Guys! The Hawks are three minutes out! Let’s get this show on the road!” Grills yelled as his LARPing troop fell into position.
They had brought their musical branch of the LARPing group, and suddenly, typical Renaissance Faire music began playing.
As everyone got into their positions, Yelena disappeared into the crowd. She saw her girlfriend flanked by Clint and Laura, the latter with her arm wrapped around Kate’s. The trio could be seen smiling and joking. Kate turned her face slightly, and the sun hit it.
“She’s going to be my wife,” Yelena said breathily.
She had nearly stumbled into the nearest tree at the realization.
She had let herself get preoccupied with planning the proposal, asking her parents and Clint for help. She had focused on the event, never allowing herself a moment to realize the importance of the act she was about to do.
And she knew why.
She knew the insecurities would arise.
How did Kate Bishop ever learn to love a monster like her?
How could Kate Bishop not flinch at her hands covered in the blood of hundreds?
How could Kate Bishop love a broken woman not once, not twice, but three times broken over?
How —
Buzz buzz
Yelena snapped out of her thoughts as she refocused on the trio inching closer to the dog run. She glanced down and saw Alexei’s name show up.
Frowning, Yelena picked up. She had told Melina and Alexei what she was doing, so something must have been wrong –
“You’re overthinking, Yelena.” Alexei’s voice said in greeting.
“What’s wrong?” Yelena hissed into the phone.
“Nothing is. I am calling you because I know the thoughts you are having.” Alexei said.
Yelena rolled her eyes.
“Kate Bishop is literally one minute away from the dog run, and all her friends are here, Clint Barton is here…and…I’m scared .” Yelena’s voice broke.
“I know, Yelena. And I get it. You have these thoughts. Your mother has these thoughts.” Alexei said.
Yelena sighed and closed her eyes.
“And Natasha had these thoughts,” Yelena whispered.
“Exactly. And do you think any of us deserved not to be loved?” Alexei asked.
Yelena sighed in defeat, knowing her Papa was right.
“How do you stop feeling like this?” Yelena asked instead of answering.
“You do not, Yelena. These feelings will always be there. Why? We were programmed that way. But…tell me…what is the first thing you see in the morning?” Alexei asked.
Yelena closed her eyes briefly.
“Kate’s face. Sleeping soundly next to me. Holding me. Holding her.” Yelena answered.
“Anytime you have those thoughts, bring that image to your mind. That is your why. Kate Bishop is your why.” Alexei said.
“She is, isn’t she?” Yelena asked with a smirk.
“She is. Now, I know your mother and I are unconventional, but anytime I feel unworthy of myself, I just remember how she looks after we make long and passionate love like two wild beasts wrestling in a bath of fragrant oil.” Alexei said.
Yelena looked at her phone in horror.
“Why would you tell me that now!? I’m going to be sick. How…that is just….I don’t need that image in my head!!!!” Yelena yelped.
“It is a glorious image! We are passionate in our lovemaking.” Alexei said proudly.
“I'm hanging up now because Kate is here,” Yelena said.
“Go win your why, Yelena,” Alexei said as he hung up.
Yelena saw Kate’s confused face, taking in everything. And she smiled.
“She’s my why,” Yelena said softly before whistling.
➸ ➸ ➸
“That was absolutely delicious. The only thing that would have made this brunch better is if Yelena were here.” Kate sighed as she wrapped an arm around Laura’s.
Clint and Laura were able to keep their smirks to themselves. It was their SHIELD training and a trait that they both loved and hated. How do you read the person you love the most when they also were trained not to show emotions?
“You know the Widow mission is still alive,” Clint said as he held the door for his wife and Kate.
“Oh, totally. I’m not saying I think it’s bad…just…I’m looking forward to days like this once the list has dwindled enough for Yelena to feel comfortable with others going on the missions.” Kate explained.
“I think it’s getting there. I’ve seen the list.” Clint said as he steered the ladies towards Central Park.
“You have?” Kate asked with interest.
“So have I.” Laura teased.
“I bet if you ask, she’ll show it to you,” Clint said as he scratched his neck, wondering if the line of discussion would ruin the surprise.
“I can always ask. It’s okay if she doesn’t want to show it to me. I get it. I bet the moment I see it, I’ll want to figure out how to get it down quicker.” Kate said bashfully.
Laura chuckled and kissed her temple.
“You’ve grown up so much in the past two years. We are very proud of you.” Laura said warmly.
Kate smiled until it hurt her cheeks.
“It has been a crazy two years,” Kate said.
“Who knew that damn suit would change so many lives,” Clint said.
The year after that fated Christmas, where Eleanor set a Black Widow assassin on Clint Barton, proved to Kate be the most eye-opening year.
She and Yelena found friendship in weekly dog run dates. Then, a companionship with taking down bad guys as the new Hawkeye and White Widow. And then? Romance after their first kiss on Natasha’s birthday. And since that day, Kate and Yelena were thrown on a crazy journey of balancing their love life and work and fighting crime. They had taken day trips, moved in together, and did all the major couple things.
And now they were just shy of their second anniversary, and Kate was happy with where she was in her relationship.
“Not gonna lie, I thank that suit almost daily since Yelena and I started hanging out,” Kate said with a smile.
“Let’s just say that suit was created in dark times but proved to be a beacon of light in the end,” Clint said with an air of finality, ending the discussion of the suit.
The older Hawkeye still felt the guilt of his actions after the Blip. Laura sensed it and squeezed his hand as they navigated the path Yelena had outlined. It was a scenic route, one that Yelena and Kate took often.
“Grills has Lucky and Fanny?” Laura asked as Kate nodded.
“Yelena dropped them off right before you picked me up,” Kate said as she remembered the searing make-out session before the blonde left the apartment with Lucky and Fanny and her mission duffle.
Laura chuckled at the glazed look on Kate’s face and darted her eyes to Clint’s troubled face.
“Baby, she’s a grown woman,” Laura whispered to Clint, who rubbed his eyes.
“She’s like our kid!” Clint whined softly.
“What are you two going on about?” Kate asked with a smirk, knowing full well what was happening. She loved that Clint acted like a dad around her. It was both warming and sad. It was warming that she had found another father figure, but it was painful when she remembered that her father was no longer around.
“Nothing important,” Clint said quickly.
Kate chuckled.
“I know we still act like a bunch of teens, but I really love her. I was trying to think of things to do for our anniversary. Maybe I can bounce off a few ideas with you both…” Kate said as she began to get distracted.
Clint looked ahead, caught sight of the dog run, and looked at his watch.
Right on time, Clint thought to himself. He discreetly sent a text to Grills’ phone before he wrapped an arm around Laura’s shoulders. He squeezed her softly, grounding himself ahead of the proposal.
“Are you nervous?” Laura whispered in German as she made sure Kate was distracted.
“ German?” Clint asked with a smile.
“She’s learning Russian, so German,” Laura said teasingly.
Clint chuckled and shook his head before giving her a tiny nod. Laura leaned into her husband's body.
“ I just want them to be happy ,” Clint said as he slowed their pace. He saw the LARPers setting themselves up.
“ Oh, I wouldn’t worry about that ,” Laura said as the sounds of Renaissance Fair music began.
“What?” Kate exclaimed as she stopped and looked at the dog run.
“When did we — what?” Kate asked as she saw the LARPers in their fine costumes.
She quickly dropped Laura’s arm and sprinted forward, her face full of confused wonder.
Clint looked up and caught the sight of Yelena’s blonde hair. He nodded in her direction to let her know it was time.
“Grills!? I thought you were at the firehouse today?” Kate asked as she met the troop of LARPers.
“Good day, Lady Hawkeye. And what a fine day it is. The sun is shining, and the wind is down low, not picking up the horse smell. And the puppies are having a grand old time.” Grills said in his deep voice and smooth smile.
Kate turned her head towards the dog run and saw all the dressed up puppies sitting with their owners.
“What the –”
Suddenly, a high-pitched whistle cut through the noise. Kate recognized the familiar whistle.
“Yelena?” Kate whispered when she saw Lucky and Fanny approaching.
➸ ➸ ➸
It’s time, Fanny!!!! Lucky said excitedly as he shook his fur and trotted to his Mommy.
Nice and slow, Lucky. Just like Mama taught us. We have the most important job. Fanny said in a determined growl.
“Lucky? Fanny? Where’s your Mama?” Kate gushed as she saw Lucky and Fanny’s outfits.
Another whistle sounded, and Lucky bumped his head into Kate. The brunette looked at his collar and saw a note.
Mama has a question
Kate played with the note with a confused frown.
Another whistle rang out, and Fanny nudged her head into Kate's leg.
“You too?” Kate asked as she took the other note
Turn around, Mommy
Kate stared at her notes with a befuddled look until she heard a familiar song begin to play.
“Is…” Kate stood still as Kiss the Girl began to play from who knows where.
She looked at her puppies.
Oh, for the love of Hawkeye! Turn. Around! Lucky whined as his tail hit the ground repeatedly.
Let's nudge her. Fanny suggested.
Lucky huffed and began to push at Kate’s legs. Fanny followed Lucky’s example.
“Guys!?” Kate asked as she finally spun around and was met with Yelena in a black suit.
“Hello, moya lyubov,' ” Yelena said quietly.
“Yelena?” Kate gasped out.
“Yes, it’s me.” Yelena teased as she reached out for Kate’s hand.
“What’s going on?” Kate asked as she finally took in the entire situation.
All the dogs were standing by their finely dressed owners. The LARPers were standing at attention with Wendy holding a camera, and she finally saw Greer and Franny by a giant speaker. She connected eyes with Clint and Laura, who wore smiles before she looked at Yelena.
“Kate Bishop. Over two years ago, I was depressed and scared of this world. I had just returned from the dead, and the world I knew had changed. The biggest change was the fact that my sestra was gone.” Yelena said, her voice thick with emotion. She didn’t dare look at Clint. She knew he tried, and she knew how stubborn her sister was. But she knew looking at him would make her break. She cleared her voice.
“I was so angry. And I was given a reprehensible task with the promise of relief in this world—a way to avenge my sister. What I did not anticipate was finding how wrong I was. And you, Kate Bishop, made me see that.” Yelena said as she held Kate’s hands.
Kate felt a lump of emotions in her throat.
“What started as weekly dog run meet ups turned into a partnership that only rivals Natasha’s and Clint’s,” Yelena said as she finally locked eyes with the older Hawkeye. He gave her a comforting nod and a sad smile.
“And then…that turned into love. You showed me it was okay to be sad, angry, and everything in between. You showed me how to live my life. On Natasha’s birthday, we sat there, eating cake and watching this movie. And as this creepy looking crab sang, I heard the words and knew what I wanted.” Yelena said.
“I wanted you. I wanted a life with you. And our Lucky and Fanny. And our friends. Our family. All the crazy people we know and love. Our family.” Yelena stressed as she nodded to the group that surrounded them.
As she began to put the pieces together., Kate felt tears threatening to fall
“And today, I wanted to ask you a very important question, Kate Bishop. Someone very close to me today asked me what my why is. And I know that answer. My why is you . The reason I live is you . You are my reason for waking up and surviving every day, even though some days are so crippling. You are my guiding light. So, as you saw…Lucky and Fanny had some notes.” Yelena said with a smirk.
“They-They said you had a question…which…I’m pretty sure I know what it is…” Kate gasped out.
Yelena smiled slyly.
“Oh, I bet you do. You are, after all, the smartest Hawkeye I know.” Yelena teased as she heard Clint’s softly uttered ‘Hey’.
Kate chuckled breathlessly as her hands began to shake, but she wasn’t sure if they were her hands, Yelena’s, or both sets.
Yelena pulled her (shaking) hand away, reached into her suit jacket, and began to fall to one knee.
“Kate Bishop will —” Yelena began to say.
“YES!” Kate blurted out as Yelena stilled before laughing.
“Oh, Kate Bishop. My reason for living…do not ever change.” Yelena whispered as she kissed Kate’s hand.
“Will you marry me?” Yelena asked as she pulled out the small diamond ring.
Kate let her tears fall as she nodded. Yelena slid the ring on her finger with a giant smile and a deep breath.
“You are so beautiful, moya lyubov’ .” Yelena whispered as she admired the glittering stones on Kate’s finger.
“Yes! I will marry you! Come here, you sap.” Kate whispered as she pulled her new fianceé up and kissed her fiercely.
The dog run erupted into cheers and whistles. All the dogs barked. The commotion had random onlookers nudging each other. Soon, all of Central Park had heard the news that the White Widow just proposed to the new Hawkeye.
When Kate pulled away from the searing kiss, she leaned her head against Yelena’s.
“I’m so ready for our next adventure, my love. I love you so much,” Kate whispered.
“i love you too, detka. So many adventures lie ahead of us, moya lyubov’ ,” Yelena whispered as she pulled Kate into another kiss.
Well, that was exciting! Lucky barked happily. His tail wagged so hard that it hit everything in its way. Fanny’s chest rumbled in amusement as she realized her tail matched the ferocity of Lucky’s tail.
Yes, it was everything like in the movies. Mama did well, Fanny concurred.
OH MY GOD!! THAT WAS AMAZING!!!! Lenny yelped as his little legs carried him over to Fanny and Lucky.
Good job, guys! We are all thrilled to be part of this. Devin said as he nudged Lucky and Fanny in congratulations.
Your Mama knows how to do it. That was amazing Butch said in an impressed voice.
It was so delightful! And the song! What a pretty song! Willow gushed as she waddled over the group.
Guys, your place is going to smell so weird, Lenny said excitedly.
Fanny and Lucky blanched at the thought.
You just had to take it there, pipsqueak Butch sighed as Devin and Willow nodded in agreement.
I’m stating the hard facts. My dads have a profile for me on the TV, so I have something to do while they mate, Lenny said.
Can we stop saying mate?! Lucky whined.
It is okay, Lucky. We are with Grills tonight. I will work on learning how to use the remote. Fanny promised.
You’re the best sister ever, Lucky said quietly.
A feeling of warmth and pride exploded in Fanny’s body. She tilted her head.
Yeah? Fanny asked.
Lucky’s tongue fell out in his signature Lucky grin.
The best. I wouldn’t want another Mama or sister, Lucky said.
Fanny’s chest rumbled with a proud growl.
Well, you are the best brother ever. And soon, we will have married moms! Fanny said as she looked at Kate and Yelena kissing and talking with their friends.
Hey Fanny!? You think…you think this is our family? Lucky asked as he took a solid moment to look around him.
I think so. Fanny said as she took in all the happy sights and sounds.
Clint and Laura were taking turns in hugging the crying couple. Greer somersaulted into Kate’s legs, toppling the taller girl. Yelena laughed as Franny shook her head and attempted to get Greer and Kate up but fell on top.
Fanny looked around and took in the sights.
Do you think we’ll live happily ever after? Lucky asked.
I don’t think it, Lucky. I know we will, Fanny said.
Puppy Ever After Lucky amended.
Fanny let out an amused woof.
Yes. Puppy Ever After, my brother.