Archive of Our Own

‘Oh my God, she’s so hot. I want her for Christmas.’ - K

Kate was sitting on the Preacher Curl, praying to any liberal or conservative God to protect her from the sinful thoughts she was having. Clearly the woman had a boyfriend, they were laughing about something and the man quickly helped the very, very hot woman to continue the bench press sequence. But she was so hot and this was making her work out super hard to be done.

‘Are you staring at the hot woman with the hot boyfriend at the gym again?’ -LX23

Kate growled at the message she received and grumbled to herself, restarting the exercise sequence. She saw Jennifer walking around the gym and the much taller and very well-trained woman approached Kate with a smile.

“Hey, cutie, I see you’re burning off some steam today.” The lawyer said amusedly and Kate took off one of her headphones and looked at her.

“It’s Wednesday, a horrible day at the theater.” She complained and Jen laughed and nodded. “How’s Matt?” the question was gentle and Jen gave a sweet smile.

“He’s working on a case, you know how a defense attorney’s life is, we never stop. He came in early today, it was the time his personal trainer could.” Kate nodded.

“Well, please give him a hug, I miss training with you two.” She spoke sincerely and Jen touched Kate’s head like a kind mother.

“We’ll train together again soon, I’m going to run a little, are you doing an upper body routine from what I saw?” She asked slightly rhetorically.

“I trained my legs on Monday.” Kate informed and shrugged. “Cardio is Friday, we hate cardio, we love Friday, it’s a good balance.” This made Jen laugh and nod.

“It seems like a perfect balance.” She said and walked away. “We talked, kitten.” She winked playfully at Kate and the brunette decided to answer Laura. 

‘She’s so hot, I can’t concentrate with her just being a living goddess in front of me AND I KNOW she has a boyfriend, god I’m going to hell’ -K

Kate grumbled again to herself and looked at the woman again and then at the man, but didn’t let her eyes fixate for too long, she didn’t want to be even weirder than she was being.

He was a tall guy, at least 4 inches taller than Kate, athletic body, defined muscles and he was regularly there, his hair was short and black, probably curly if it was long, his beard was well-groomed and in a goatee, brown eyes, handsome face. And he always wore a tank top and shorts. Always smiling, always confident and always friendly. He himself had said a few hellos to Kate when they crossed paths. He was clearly a very nice guy.

And then there was her…

She was an inch shorter than Kate, maybe a little bit shorter, the two of them never got too close for Kate to know. She did strength training in moderation and was flexible from what Kate had inadvertently noticed. Her hair was short and blond and messy. She wore 70s rock band t-shirts to work out, the one of the day was Van Halen, and leggings. The woman wasn't really very friendly with other people or much of a conversationalist. She and Kate seemed to have similar schedules but very different workouts. Kate trained with the intensity of a professional athlete and the woman seemed to just be maintaining her physical condition, and she had great legs if you asked Kate.

But Kate, despite the absurd physical attraction she felt for the woman, could see that the two of them worked well. The man never seemed to pressure the blonde, they encouraged each other, laughed lightly and smiled at each other. There was constant teasing back and forth that sometimes, when the gym was empty and Kate didn't have her headphones on, she could hear they talking. And God, that woman had the best accent ever.

The man laughed out loud, throwing his head back and holding the woman's shoulder with intimacy and affection. The woman just laughed and pushed him aside, returning to the exercise sequence and Kate, much more frustrated than when she had arrived, moved on to the next exercise. She moved on to a Triceps Pushdown, which would be the last exercise of the day and began actively doing the exercise, ignoring everything and everyone around her. 

Kate wanted to leave. God, she urgently needed to get laid. That was the thought that crossed her mind and she grunted to herself on the last repetition of the series. It was when she stopped to drink some water that she saw next to her, the very hot woman and the only thing she could think was that that woman was even hotter up close than from afar.

But Kate was a person who understood personal space, she was an especially introverted person, she could talk and develop topics, but she wasn't the type to start interactions. Jen and Matt practically pushed themselves towards her like gym buddies, almost all - if not all - of Kate's friendships were given to her by a greater force and a very strong insistence from the people around her, so she just kept to herself.

That's when she saw the footrest the woman was using being pushed forward and almost in slow motion, she saw the bench press bar swing and hang towards the woman’s head. Kate stretched, reaching her hand forward and holding the bar from hitting the blonde's face - very pretty face by the way. The two looked at each other and Kate smiled awkwardly, shy and slightly unsure of what to say.

"Did you get hurt?" She asked softly.

"No, no, thank you for that." The woman said and Kate smiled slightly and picked up the bench press bar, taking it to one of the benches with supports that were without a bar. She didn't look back, deciding that finishing the exercises one set early would be okay. Especially since she and the woman had exchanged words. Very real and very true words.

When Kate walked into the house she found herself greeted by Lucky, she lived in a very old house that she had bought at an auction - on a pure irresponsible impulse - and that she had spent the last 5 years paying off. But it was a nice house in a more suburban area of ​​Brooklyn. She lived alone and had a dog, it was all she needed. Especially working as a stage manager on Broadway.

Kate never had much natural talent for acting, or singing - even though she knew the techniques and was decent at it after a good effort - but she was trained in martial arts, she had taken some stunt courses that she took just for fun during college and she was good at what she did, with good certificates and everything. So she quickly got a job on Broadway and had been there since graduation. Of course it helped that Franny was a renowned actress who had performed in some good musicals and who had dragged her along to form the technical team. Love to Franny as a thank you.

But that was it, Kate's life was her dog, her little house, her demanding job and even more demanding friends and she didn't have much desire to do anything beyond that. But it was her phone ringing that took her out of her reverie.

"Hey Carol, how are you?" She asked her former fighting instructor and personal friend affectionately.

"Hey, Hawk, I'm okay and you?" She asked softly, Carol was intense but she was also a very faithful and loyal friend. Kate's best friend.

"I'm fine, I got back from the gym, took a shower and walked with Lucky, a standard Wednesday night." Kate said calmly, sitting down on the couch and throwing her legs on the coffee table.

"I have something to ask you but you can't get mad." Carol said and Kate frowned at that. It was rare however for Kate to get angry.

"I can't make promises." She said thoughtfully.

"We want to set you up on a date. With a friend of Wanda's." Kate arched her eyebrows at that.

“I don’t want a blind date, Carol, I already told you I don’t like meeting people like that.” She spoke in an almost tearful tone and Carol sighed.

“I know, honey, but Wanda assured me that this woman is totally your type… And I know you miss being with someone and getting dates has always been hard because you’re an introvert… But we just want to see you happy, and I promise that if it’s bad I’ll come get you myself.” She spoke softly and Kate felt like she was kicking a dog by denying Carol.

“Oh, that’s why you’re calling me and not Wanda.” Kate spoke in a grumbling tone. “Text me when and where, but if it’s bad I’ll make you come get me.” She grumbled completely and even so, she could see Carol smiling widely.

“Perfect, I’ll send you. And of course, Kate, I’ll come get you if I have to. But I hope not, Yelena is nice.” Carol spoke in a cheerful tone. “Maybe that way you’ll forget about the hottie from the gym.” She spoke teasingly and Kate moaned.

“I doubt it, the hot, straight Goddess at the gym is so out of my league.” She complained.

“No one is out of your league, Hawk.” Carol snapped and Kate wanted to smile at that, Carol was a great friend.

*******

“Come on guys, rhythm, choreography steps, get the markers right. This is choreography like any other.. This is just fight choreography.” She spoke and her voice echoed across the stage, there were some apologies and Kate sighed. “Let’s go again, and 5, 6, 7, 8.” She continued to spin the prompt she had in her hands. “Hands high, attacks coming from above and below. Use your shield better, Jeremy.” She walked between the fighting pairs and continued to observe.

She did the fight sequence 4 more times and when she saw that everyone was definitely sweaty and finally doing the sequence without mistakes, she smiled in satisfaction.

“Good job guys, rest up. At 6 you have a musical review with the other coordinators. Our next rehearsals will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and then Fridays. The premiere is 20 days away, we need to have everything in order.” She spoke and there was some chatter and then she found herself going to where the prompts were.

‘Your date with Yelena will be tomorrow, *Saturday* at 7pm at La Bombonera, the table is in Wanda’s name.’ - C

The message made Kate huff and just reply with a simple agreement that she would be there. Blind dates weren’t her thing and not something she totally wanted, but every now and then her friends decided to try something for her. Especially after Wanda started dating Natasha, someone Kate had briefly met and thought was cool.

Kate had some other work stuff to do and then she had a cardio workout. She hated running with all her might, but it was something she got used to over time.

She arrived at the gym earlier than usual and was displeased. Eli Bradley was there and she hated the man with all her might. Especially because he used to annoy her. Not even the sight of the hottie wearing a Metallica tank top with tight leggings could completely alleviate Kate’s bad mood.

But she waved for a few people and went to the treadmill. She started walking without blinking, the sooner she started, the sooner she would finish and Kate hated cardio above all.

The music started playing more lively and Kate picked up the pace on the treadmill. She felt the sweat start to accumulate on her back and that was when she saw Eli approaching her. Every time, he religiously tried to hit on her.

“Hey, you.” He said with a smile that would be considered sweet and even sexy by those who preferred men like that, but that wasn’t the case for her.

“Sup, Eli.” She said without really slowing down and he started talking and she wanted to die.

Always, every time, religiously she found herself being bothered by him. After almost 20 minutes of him talking in her ear about everything and anything and receiving monosyllabic answers from Kate, the woman slowed down the treadmill and started moving to the stairmaster and Eli leaned on the machine again. Kate felt like she was dying inside.

“And what do you say if we go out to do something together tomorrow?” He said hopefully.

“Uh, nice of you to ask, but I have a date tomorrow.” Kate said and she could have sworn that the very hot woman dropped one of the dumbbells when she heard that but it seemed like just a weird coincidence.

“With me?” He said and Kate wanted to groan.

“No, Eli, not with you. I’ve told you, a few times. I’m not into you, I don’t want to go on a date with you… You’re not in the very exclusive type of people I rarely date.” She said and he made a face.

“I’m everyone’s type.” He said confidently and Kate snorted.

“Nope, sorry bro. I prefer my feminine type, cute, delicate features and a fun personality.” She said and finished the exercise sequence. “But hey, better luck next time.” Kate gave Eli two firm slaps on the arm and quickly left to leave. She hated it when he decided to try to convince her of anything.

“Oh, come on, give me a chance.” He grabbed Kate’s arm and that made her see red. She and he were the same height, even though he was more robust, and she turned around, practically growing on top of him.

“Tip number one, never, under any circumstances, grab a woman like that.” Kate, in a well-practiced martial arts move, took her wrist out of his hand. “Tip number two, understand what no means. Tip number 3 and the first and last warning, if you touch me like this again I will break your arm.” Kate spoke and pushed Eli back to gain space, there was a deafening silence in the gym. Kate then looked at Eli with angry eyes and turned on her heel again, moving out of the gym. “Fuck, I hate stupid men.” She grumbled to herself and went to the locker to get her things to go home.

*******

La Bombonera was a Latin American restaurant, Kate was happy with her choice, she didn't want to fall into the traditional Italian or French, it would be boring and predictable. So being in that place was cool, cozy and yet sophisticated enough to actually rank high on the internet. It was modern and still had some rustic and elemental Latin American things. It was intimate and had colorful painted walls with Latin pop art, colorful paintings and cultural icons. The floor was dark wood, the tables were wooden and the chairs had colorful and vibrant cushions. The warm lights along with the smell of spices cutting through the air made Kate feel practically embraced by the place, cilantro, garlic, the smell of peppers and tropical fruits made her just smile. In the background, a reggaeton was playing softly.

"Welcome to La Bombonera, how many seats for the table?" The waitress asked with an easy smile.

"Hi, good evening, I have a reservation under the name Wanda Maximoff." Kate spoke slightly awkwardly and the waitress smiled and nodded. She followed him to a table where there was still no one. Kate decided that if Yelena didn't show up, she would eat there anyway and would order Carol to keep her company.

‘If she doesn’t show up, you’ll come to dinner with me and pay the bill.’ -K

She sent it to Carol and there was a moment of silence on her phone, where she saw the three response dots appear.

‘She’ll show up, she confirmed with Wanda today. And yes, if she doesn’t show up I’ll have dinner with you and I’ll even pay for it, Kate.’ -C

She could see Carol rolling her eyes at her and snorted slightly in amusement. Carol was a great friend, perfect for Kate's weird social life. She and Laura were probably the people Kate was closest to and the ones who tried to keep Kate off the social rock. Carol and Kate worked great as friends, but they would never work as girlfriends or anything like that, they both had very different tastes in women. Carol liked her girls fierce and powerful and Kate liked hers cute and funny. Kate then put her phone in her jacket pocket and began to look at the menu curiously. She didn’t want to be the one checking her phone while waiting for the date. 

“Kate?” A gentle voice sounded and the brunette looked up, barely able to contain her surprise at seeing the very hot woman from the gym there. The two looked at each other for a moment and Kate frowned.

“Uh… Yelena?” She asked and the woman nodded. “Oh, such a tiny world.” She spoke softly and stood up, smiling very awkwardly at Yelena, especially knowing that the woman had watched the entire scene with Eli the day before. “I guess I owe you an introduction that was never given at the academy, huh?” She offered her hand. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you, I’m Kate, Kate Bishop.” She spoke, trying to find some normalcy for the situation. Yelena accepted the offered hand and gave a smile as shy as Kate’s.

“Hello, Kate Bishop, I’m Yelena Belova.” Kate gave the best smile she could and indicated the chair, moving to pull it out for Yelena, a very firm mental condition given by the family and Yelena smiled awkwardly.

“Very curious that we are each other’s blind dates.” She said, sitting down. “I just… Uh… I just need to let Carol know that you did in fact come and that she doesn’t need to come keep me company?” Kate offered and Yelena gave a shy smile.

“I’ll do the same for Natasha.” She said and Kate raised her eyebrows, finally understanding where the call came from.

‘Holy shit, Yelena is the hottie at the gym!!!’ -K

She sent it to Carol and put her phone back in her pocket. She waited for Yelena to do the same and then they looked at each other slightly, it was a bit awkward.

“I’ve always wanted to ask, do you train in that overly dramatic way because you like it or are you preparing for something I don’t know about?” The one who broke the silence was Yelena and that made Kate laugh.

“I train hard out of habit I guess…” She pondered. “I grew up training different martial arts, I guess I got used to the effort, my first sensei loved making us carry heavy things while we trained, I guess it’s something that stuck with me. But it also helps at work, sometimes I spend hours coordinating rehearsals.” She said contemplatively.

“Rehearsals?” Yelena asked, still a little shy.

“I’m a fight coordinator on Broadway, we’re rehearsing for the premiere of Oh My Mermaid, so pirate fight scenes, swords and some improvised shields.” She said with a wide smile and Yelena looked at her with a puzzled expression.

“I’m in line to get tickets for the premiere of this show!” She said in surprise. “I’m really hoping someone backs out.” She whimpered and Kate was surprised by her interest.

“Well… If everything goes well today… You can go as my plus 1?” Kate said without thinking and blushed at the sudden mental breakthrough her own brain made.

“So confident, Kate Bishop?” Yelena said with a teasing smile. “You know, I think if everything goes well today, I might accept.” She said with a slight flirtatious tone.

“Let’s see how this goes. What do you say we order something and then you tell me a little about yourself… And can I be really honest?” She asked and Yelena looked from the menu to her.

“Of course, I expect nothing less.” She spoke softly, the accent doing things to Kate.

“Uh…” She stuttered and Yelena looked amused. “The guy you work out with, I could have sworn you guys were dating.” She spoke sincerely. “And I uh, if that’s the case I should say up front that I’m not very poly.” She spoke quickly, but Yelena’s laughter caught her off guard and she felt herself blush.

“God, if I had a dollar for everyone who thinks Sam and his very friendly and tactile self were my boyfriend I’d be rich. But no, Sam and Bucky have been married for years, I drag the gay friend who likes to work out at the gym with me.” Kate’s mouth opened and closed and Yelena added. “I saw you put Eli in his place yesterday, he was mumbling about how difficult women are and then he tried to hit on me.” Yelena said and Kate snorted and covered her eyes.

“Dude! I hate that guy.” Kate let out a grunt and Yelena looked amused. “But hey, let’s order.” She said with an awkward smile and Yelena nodded. “I love Latin-america food.” Kate grumbled and Yelena nodded.

“Can we share plantain tostones with guacamole?” She asked shyly.

“Oh, yeah, I’m really curious about that!” Kate said happily. “What do you say we share the Chicken with Chimichurri and a Sea Bass with Coconut Rice?” She offered, really wanting to eat both but not being able to eat alone.

“Only if we can have a Dulce de Leche Churros for dessert.” Yelena negotiated and Kate nodded quickly.

“Oh, totally, yeah, we have a deal. What do you want to drink?” She asked curiously.

“I really want to try the non-alcoholic coconut raspberry drink.” Yelena said shyly and Kate quickly changed what she was going to drink to something non-alcoholic.

“Ooh sounds good, I’ll try the Citrus Punch, themed I think.” She said amusedly. “And I love citrus.” Kate spoke in a much more relaxed tone.

As dinner progressed, Kate noticed that Yelena wasn’t unfriendly, she was perhaps even shyer and more introverted than Kate herself, but the two were getting along well, there was a lot of chatter going on and Kate was happy they had chosen to share dishes.

“So… Do you teach dance?” Kate asked curiously.

“Yes, for a few years now, I like teaching kids.” She said, almost embarrassed.

“Oh, that’s so cool!” Kate said sincerely, she liked teaching kids when she taught as an assistant teacher at the martial arts academy. “Kids are so honest and so direct, I love kids.” She said and that made Yelena smile widely.

“They are the best, but there are some who remember how competitive I was when I was a kid.” Yelena said thoughtfully. “When I was a child, I was a classical ballerina and I was accepted into the Vaganova Academy and I really loved ballet, but as the years went by, I think everything was so demanding, so complex and I just decided I wanted something lighter. So I continued ballet but learned tap, and before I knew it, I came to NY, The School of Steps, and that's where I am to this day. I never wanted to compete in or teach tap dancing, but one day one of my teachers saw me teaching one of the kids something super basic and said ‘it seems like you have a knack for teaching, what do you think about doing a trial class with a group of kids?’ and I accepted, and here I am a few years later teaching the base of the pyramid, but I ended up teaching other classes too. Today I am focusing on tap and ballet.” She commented and took some food.

“So classical ballet and tap, but what else do you teach or dance?” She asked curiously.

“I’ve done both other styles of ballet, both neoclassical and romantic in this case, but it’s not really my style… I learned Flamenco even though it’s not something I’ve had much practice in. I think I remember the basics, Russian folk dances, but my classical ballet is based on Russian techniques. Ballroom dancing is something every dancer eventually learns as well.” She contemplated.

“Now, I need to ask you the difference between Russian ballet and classical ballet. I've always been focused on directing and theater. I had little contact with classical dance in college, even though I acted, danced and sang.” Kate said with an easy smile and genuine interest.

“Oh, this is the first time I’ve been asked something like this…” The blonde spoke softly and thought for a moment, Kate gave the woman the space she needed to ponder an answer while eating another taco. “Well… They both share the same technical basis, with standardized movements and positions, such as pliés, arabesques and jumps. Because they both derive from the same European dance traditions from the…” She pondered. “17th century.” She added and Kate smiled and nodded. “Russian ballet had a specific evolution within Russia, in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially due to the imperial school of Saint Petersburg.” Kate nodded and rested her elbow on the table and her face in her hand, paying exclusive attention, and she saw Yelena’s cheeks heat up from the attention she received. “They both follow classical techniques, but Russian is much more technically demanding, especially when it comes to pirouettes, jumps and the use of pointe. Besides the drama, as we can always see in Swan Lake, a classic but still dark, and even the ballet version of Sleeping Beauty. When we put it next to French ballet, for example, this is a much lighter, more fluid ballet.” She pondered and Kate made a small thoughtful sound.

“I think classical is a very generic term when it comes to talking about what is technically required at the base, but I think everyone who thinks of ballet thinks of a Russian ballet, especially since it is so renowned and influential. In college I did a study of the coordination and direction of The Nutcracker.” She contemplated.

“Oh, can you tell me a little bit if you remember?” The request was gentle and Kate nodded.

“We have the scene work that in ballet involves much more than the dance, it is the story being told through the interaction of the dancers and sets, how the movements are emotionally expressive and how the stage elements like the lights and props communicate different worlds of the plot. My favorite part, I think, is how the direction of the dramatic scenes is a strong part of the production, even though it is a piece focused on dance, there is an entire emotional construction.” She said and Yelena smiled broadly. “I love how Clara’s humanization builds from her being a dreamy child to a process of maturation.” Kate smiled shyly. “I think the emphatic moments of intimacy, especially in the dance of the snow kingdom, are something very emotional… The Nutcracker was one of the first ballets I watched when I was a child with my mother. And as an adult I saw how the scene work and choreography complement each other with both the dancers and the stage and lights, transforming everything into a spectacle.” Kate said and Yelena nodded quickly.

“I think it’s incredible how the world transitions are made, between the real world and the magical world. I participated in The Nutcracker when I was younger and seeing the scene direction make this fluid transition was incredible.” Yelena said with a beautiful smile.

“The change in physical scenery is incredible, in any kind of theater or performance, how everything involves the lighting, music and sets. I had the pleasure of interning at Hamilton, in my last year of college and my god, it was incredible. And I think that was what really pushed me into musical theater.” Kate contemplated.

“And you went into fight coordination? How did that happen?” Kate wanted to stutter when she felt Yelena’s fingertips brush her hand but she just smiled slightly shyly.

“It was something natural I guess… I started fighting when I was 5 years old, training in karate. I was always an active child and my parents thought what if she learned to fight? In the end I really liked it, I was always a child who had the privilege of having many teachers. I learned to fight, to shoot both with a bow and with guns, I learned to fight with different weapons.” Kate pondered and Yelena’s eyebrows rose in slight appreciative surprise.

“What martial arts are you formally trained in?” She asked, impressed.

“Uh… Let me think…” Kate pondered for a moment. “Boxing, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, Wushu, Kali, Aikido, Ninjutsu, I know very little about Savate and I focused a lot on Krav Maga. I did a little bit of Wrestling, but I was never very good at it.” She said and smiled awkwardly.

“And what is your main or favorite?” Yelena asked curiously.

“I really like Kali and Krav Maga, they are the two that I still practice most actively to this day. But I end up training them all during a month of training. Every now and then I go to the dojo to train karate. I try to practice shooting with Carol at least once every two months so I don’t lose my usage permits and I try to practice archery every week. And sometimes I manage to fit in a boxing training session or another.” She said, blushing.

“That explains the training for an apocalypse, I think if the world had a zombie attack I would want to be on your team.” Yelena said and Kate laughed amusedly.

“I would protect you, if we were talking about classic zombies a la Romero Style. I give you zero guarantees, if it was a zombie like Resident Evil and The Last of Us, we would die like Joel.” She said and that made Yelena laugh.

“God, I wish I die in the first round of smart and fast zombies, there is no glamorizing a post-apocalyptic moment.” She said amusedly and Kate nodded.

“I always say, I want to die in the first wave of misfortunes if the world is going to become a crazy post-apocalyptic place. Glory through sacrifice is not that interesting.” She grumbled and Yelena laughed at the sentence nodding.

“Yeah, it would be horrible to be a professional dancer and have to survive zombies trying to kill me, I’ll pass.” She spoke and the two looked at each other for a moment, there was that recognition of how much fun they were having on that date.

“I confess I didn’t think it would be such a good date…” Kate spoke softly and shyly played with the napkin. “I’m glad Carol insisted.” She spoke softly and turned her hand to Yelena, the hand was readily accepted and the two looked at each other.

“I didn’t give much credibility when Natasha said Wanda knew someone I could get along with. I’ve always been considered overly focused on my work and unfriendly, never two things that helped much in building a relationship… Sam was teasing me that I should have gone to talk to you when I first saw you…” She spoke and looked away, still shy. “But you were always so focused or with other people at the gym and I was always with Sam.”

“In my defense I didn’t go talk to you because I swore you were straight.” Kate spoke trying to break Yelena’s insecurity a little and the green eyes focused on hers. “I spent the last three months complaining about how beautiful you are to a friend of mine and she told me sternly to stop sinning by lusting after someone else’s woman.” She said and laughed softly. “Laura is the least Catholic person in the world, but she knows how to use Catholic guilt like it was an old friend.” The laugh that came from Yelena was soft.

“So you’re a sinner Kate?” The question was playful.

“I’m on a date with you, hell may take me.” Kate spoke in a semi-serious, semi-joking tone and it made Yelena’s cheeks heat up.

“Slide to hell I guess.” She said and Kate laughed and nodded. The movement of the restaurant made them both realize it was late.

“Oh, it is late already…” Kate mumbled and looked at Yelena shyly. “Can I walk you home?” She asked gently.

“Oh, yeah… Sure…” Yelena spoke quickly and the two went to pay the bill, and Kate was pleased that there was no argument about who would pay, the two just came to a quick consensus to share it.

They then began to walk calmly to Yelena’s house, neither of them really lived very far from the restaurant, just on opposite sides, but Kate didn’t mind going back and forth.

“Oh, I didn’t ask…” Yelena paused and looked at Kate. “Do you like dogs?” The question was soft.

“Very much, I have an adopted golden retriever, the little guy is like a ball of energy.” Kate said, amused. “He’s currently with my neighbor, Peter.” Kate pulled out her phone and showed the picture of Peter with Lucky on top of her. “His name is Lucky, the Pizza Dog.” Lucky’s iconic canine smile made Yelena smile widely.

“Oh, he’s so cute, he only has one eye and look at that smile!” She was clearly happy to see the dog and then pulled out her own phone. “This is Fanny Longbottom.” She showed an Akita with very light caramel fur, dark ears and a small dark coat.

“Oh, so cute, look at those sweet brown eyes.” Kate spoke in a soft tone. “She looks like the best.” The photo Yelena showed was of Fanny with her head tilted to the side, looking intently. “I’ve never been able to take a picture of Lucky like that, he seems like the least photogenic animal in the universe when still. Peter is the only one who has managed to take a decent picture of Lucky so far and I tried.” Kate grumbled and that made Yelena laugh lightly.

“Fanny is a diva, she will always stop and pose if someone points a cell phone at her.” Yelena said amusedly. “But being a diva has its price, she likes everything done the way she wants and she is not very friendly at first, I think her spending some time at the animal shelter made her a little suspicious.” Yelena said and sighed. “So if she is not very friendly, please don’t be sad.”

“I won’t be hurt, I will just try to respect her space… I know how difficult it can be for dogs to adapt to new people.” She said this and it made Yelena smile slightly. They stopped at a house with low outside walls and that was when the two saw Fanny approaching.

“Hi Fanny, I’m back.” She said and there was a happy wagging of her tail and then she stopped and looked at Kate, with her ears raised in attention.

“She won’t bite me, will she?” Kate asked calmly.

“No, she just won’t get any closer.” Yelena opened the gate and motioned for Kate to walk with her to the front door. It was a house with a short front yard, a small house just like Kate's, but a little newer, it seemed to have been built recently because the paint and details were still beautiful and not worn down by the acid rain of New York. Kate just stopped and looked at Fanny who was looking at her.

"Hey girl." She said and extended her hand in a friendly offer. She saw Fanny's nose working slightly in curiosity and the Akita took two steps forward, sniffing Kate's hand. The brunette tried to remain non-threatening and waited patiently for the Akita to smell her, she smelled Kate's shoes and pants, and the brunette knew that she probably smelled like Lucky and then there was a pause.

Fanny looked at Kate and Kate looked at Fanny and the two humans saw that Fanny's furry tail wagged a few times. Kate saw Yelena's mouth drop open as Fanny approached Kate's hand and stuck her nose between the brunette's fingers, asking for affection.

"Oh, you're so sweet..." Kate spoke softly and scratched Fanny's ears, who seemed just happy to have the brunette's contact against her fur. Kate then brushed the fingers of both hands across Fanny's cheeks and when she removed her hands, the dog sat in front of her, with a happy expression. "She's very pretty, Yelena." That's when Kate's eyes went up to the blonde.

"I want to kiss you now, if that's okay." Yelena said and Kate looked at her in surprise, not expecting a kiss on their first date. "Fanny has never liked anyone I've dated and I'm going to take that as a completely positive nod for me to kiss you." She said again and Kate gave a small surprised sigh.

“Oh, yes please, I didn’t think something like this would happen on our first date…” She spoke in a low tone and approached, closing the distance between the two and Yelena just laughed when Fanny took two steps together with Kate and sat down next to her.

“I think you’re going to steal my dog.” Yelena said amusedly.

“I think you two can share me.” Yelena laughed at that and then Kate closed the distance, standing on the bottom step of the small two-step staircase that led to the front door of the house, which made the distance between the two disappear. Yelena gently brought her hands to Kate’s face and pulled her forward, which made their mouths meet in a chaste, soft and gentle kiss. Neither of them really deepened the kiss and when Kate pulled away she just smiled shyly.

“Can I give you my phone number?” The blonde asked suddenly.

“God, yes, I was thinking how to ask that.” The brunette said and promptly pulled out her cell phone, writing down the number Yelena dictated and saving it. She then said a small hello and the two smiled at each other again. “Good evening, Yelena, I had a great first date and I hope there will be more in the future.” She spoke in a soft, gentle tone and Yelena’s cheeks warmed slightly and she nodded.

“Definitely another date.” Yelena spoke softly and kissed Kate lightly. “Have a safe journey home.” And with that Kate just smiled and nodded, walking away and Fanny looked displeased that Kate left.

********

“Holy potato.” Kate muffled her mouthguard, the helmet doing little to protect her from the massive attack Jessica made against her. Kate rarely trained in the gym where she did strength training, especially since the ring was in the middle of everything and there was Yelena, standing with Sam next to the ring watching the two women fight.

“Come on, Kat, you’re better than this.” Jessica teased muffledly and Kate felt the focus of years of fighting training return to her, letting go of Yelena’s curious eyes and focusing entirely on Jessica.

Jessica Jones was a tormenting, strong, fast and an extremely good fighter, she was Kate’s frequent boxing partner and the two always fought very similarly in terms of technical level, but Jessica usually won in physical strength.

Kate advanced again, being slightly more agile and a highly trained fighter. She approached Jessica with quick steps, throwing a quick jab that hit Jessica square in the face, which made the woman retreat backwards.

But Jessica was never intimidated by just anyone. A firm punch to Kate's ribs made the younger brunette groan, but defended herself with everything she could, trying not to stay on the ropes and dodging. She slid away from one of the blows and the left hook grazed Jessica's chin.

"Phew, that was close." Jessica muffled and took two steps back. And then the two, like monumental forces, collided. Every time Kate tried an evasive move, Jessica blocked or delivered a painful blow. Kate could already feel the tank top sticking to her body and still accelerated her pace and the rhythm of her blows, which ended up cornering Jessica in the corner of the ring.

That was when, in a very quick move, Jessica grabbed Kate in a strong clinch. Kate tried to get away. That's when the other many fighting techniques screamed in a defensive way. Kate didn't even know exactly how she managed to spin and throw Jessica over her shoulder, but the crash of the woman falling to the ground echoed through the gym and everyone looked at the two.

"Oh, fuck, sorry Jess." She said quickly, kneeling next to Jessica who just laughed.

"I flew like a rag doll." The woman said, sitting up with Kate's help and running her hand over her lower back. Jessica laughed calmly. "Shall we do one more? This time without throwing me?" She said amusedly and accepted the helping hand.

"Yes, yes, sorry." She spoke again and received a small and very elven punch on the chin, playfully.

"I forget that you are very well trained in other things." She said calmly and stretched. "One more round and that's it." Kate nodded.

Kate took a deep breath, adjusting her gloves and preparing for the next round. Jessica, with a sarcastic smile, lifted her chin, ready to continue.

At the end of the training, Kate was sitting leaning against the ring's rope post and Jessica was leaning on the ropes, both practically dripping with sweat and Jessica gave an amused smile.

"Damn, that was cool." Jessica said and stretched. "Now I can go another week at the police station without wanting to kill my detectives." She said and Kate laughed.

"I'm glad I'm a good punching bag." She said rolling up the bandages.

"Honey, you threw me like I weighed nothing, if anyone was a punching bag it was me being a flour sack." She said and Kate laughed.

"You weigh what, a little more than me? I'm carrying your weight on my legs and back." Kate said, shrugging and accepting the hand to stand up. "Bleh that's going to leave a bruise." Kate said lifting her tank top and seeing the purple just below the top line and she looked at Jessica who seemed amused.

“Sorry, but not sorry.” She said and Kate scoffed slightly, but they both smiled.

“Kate Bishop.” Yelena’s voice caught Kate’s attention and she looked at Yelena with a wide smile.

“The prima!” Kate said jokingly and Yelena blushed slightly but the brunette promptly got off the ring and looked at Yelena with a wide smile.

“That was a beautiful show of brutality.” She indicated the ring, but despite her choice of words, Yelena seemed to have enjoyed it, especially when the tank top was stuck to Kate’s body.

“Hey, I’m here to please.” Kate said with a wide smile. “But Hey, Jess, this is Yelena. Yelena, this is Jessica. Yelena is a dance teacher and a ballerina, isn’t that cool?” She said sincerely and Jessica got off the ring and approached.

“That’s very impressive, I always found ballet shows very confusing and very beautiful, the NYPD tries to do some charity shows here and there.” She said and extended her hand. “Jessica Jones, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Jassica said calmly.

“Yelena Belova, are you a police officer?” Yelena asked curiously.

“I’m currently a battalion commander, captain of precinct 77.” She spoke amiably.

“Oh, Crown Heights, huh.” Yelena said and Jessica smiled, clearly understanding the reference. The two chatted for a moment and Kate found herself being pulled into a hug by Jessica.

“Oh, Jess, you’re all sweaty.” Kate complained and Jessica laughed.

“Deal with it little hawk, I’ll come see you as soon as I have a break. Don’t be a stranger.” She said and walked away. “It was nice meeting you Yelena.” She offered and Kate just waved at Jessica.

“Bye Jess!” The two watched the older brunette leave and Kate smiled at Yelena. “How are you? Was your day good?” Kate asked softly and Yelena gave an awkward smile.

“It was really good, I’m fine. It was a little intense watching you exchange blows with Jessica.” She said and Kate pondered if that was a good or bad thing. “But is it weird that it made me really curious and everything? I've never fought before, I don't even know what to do with my own hands.” She said and Kate smiled broadly and looked around for Sam briefly.

“Where's Sam?” She asked and indicated the ring. “Come on, I'll teach you a little.” Kate loved teaching and Yelena seemed excited about it.

“He left, Bucky is feeling a little sick and he went to buy some medicine.” Yelena offered and the two climbed into the ring and Kate pulled off the bandages and took Yelena's hand carefully.

“I need to protect your wrists…” She said wrapping the bandages carefully and made a small thoughtful sound. “I'm sorry Bucky isn't feeling well, send him my best wishes.” She then took the other wrist and did the same with the bandages. “Sorry if everything is a little sweaty.” She grumbled and Yelena didn't seem to mind that, so Kate's gloves were placed on Yelena's hands and the blonde looked amused.

“They're heavy.” Yelena said surprised.

“These gloves are heavier than your weight class, I think you should use 10 to 12 oz, mine are 16.” Kate said with a gentle smile. “But if you like we can get you proper gloves, this one is just for playing around with some basic concepts.” Kate moved and picked up a pad that had been placed outside the ring. “Now give me your best punch here.” She said and Yelena looked at her in disbelief. “Come on, your best punch.” She teased and Yelena did a whole motor exercise to be able to throw a punch, not very impressive on the pad. “Come on, I'll teach you how to throw a good jab.” Kate said calmly.

They spent almost twenty minutes playing around with the practical theories of how to throw a decent punch and Yelena seemed to be having fun with it. And in the end the blonde wasn't as bad as she thought she could be.

“You had fun.” Kate said pointing out the obvious and Yelena blushed slightly. 

“I could never face another person in the ring, but I enjoyed this sparring session with the pads.” She said and Kate nodded.

“We can spar once in a while whenever you want, I think I still have my 10oz gloves somewhere in my closet from when I competed.” She contemplated.

“That would be nice.” Yelena said with a slight smile.

“Looks like we have a gym date, Miss Belova.” Kate teased and Yelena smiled.

“Maybe we can watch a movie before that… Maybe… Friday after training?” Yelena asked softly and Kate nodded quickly.

“Yes, please, I really want to spend time with you.” She said sincerely and Yelena lightly played with the string of Kate’s shorts.

“I really enjoyed our text conversations…” The tone was low, teasing and Kate felt her body shiver at the clear sexual intent behind that conversation. Incredibly quickly, the two of them evolved into sexting after Sunday.

“God, Friday is so far away… Can we see each other before?” Kate said and she didn’t regret how needy she sounded at all.

“Tomorrow I’m going out to dinner with Wanda and Nat, but what do you think about you going to the dance school the day after tomorrow? I have one last class until 7 with the afternoon class. We're reviewing some things for the audition for The Fairy Garden.” She said and Kate nodded quickly.

“Can I watch the class for a bit?” She asked curiously and Yelena nodded. “I leave the theater at 6, more or less.”

“Yeah, sure.” That made Kate smile and kiss Yelena’s cheek.

“It’s a date.” She said happily and the two parted ways. “Do you want help with some exercise?” She offered and Yelena smiled sweetly at her.

“I just need to do 10 minutes on the treadmill, do you want to keep me company in the meantime?” She offered and Kate readily accepted. Kate then leaned against the treadmill and the two began to chat while Yelena did just a light exercise.

“Would you rather do the treadmill at the end?” She asked curiously.

“I did leg workouts today, horrible but necessary to protect my joints and ligaments, so the treadmill afterwards is to relax a bit, so ten minutes at a light walking pace.” Kate nodded quickly.

“I hate cardio with all my might.” She grumbled and Yelena chuckled.

“But there you were training boxing which is an excellent cardio exercise.” She teased.

“Yeah, but boxing means I can beat up Jessica.” She said and that made Yelena laugh and smile widely.

“You’re fun, Kate Bishop.” She said amusedly and Kate just smiled at that.

*******

“Oh fuck…” Kate whimpered as she was pushed against the front door of Yelena’s house, the blonde’s hands were firmly on Kate’s shoulders and the two looked at each other briefly, a heated look and then their mouths met in a frenzied kiss, full of tongues and teeth.

“Kiss me more…” Yelena whimpered and stood on her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around Kate’s shoulders. The brunette readily complied, kissing Yelena deeply and pulling her against her in a very intimate embrace against the dark green door of Yelena’s house. “Touch me, Kate…” Yelena’s voice was husky and her Russian accent thick as Kate’s hands went from Yelena’s hips to her back.

And Kate didn’t hesitate, readily obeying the blonde’s demand, her hands moving up her back as their mouths met again and then down to the ass that Kate had been craving for weeks. She palmed both cheeks firmly and Yelena parted their mouths moaning.

“Oh, fuck, Kate…” She grabbed the brunette again, this time her hands running through her brown hair and pulling Kate towards her tightly, their mouths practically crashing against each other and the brunette could only continue kneading Yelena’s ass cheeks and leaning even more against the door, feeling the blonde’s entire body against her. Yelena’s hands went down from her shoulders, passing through her chest and sticking against her ribs and then brushing against Kate’s belly, and the moan that sounded was obscene.

Kate felt one of Yelena’s legs slip between hers and the other leg rise slightly, brushing against the outer part of the brunette’s thigh, making the blonde practically lean against the taller one, the center covered by the sinful leggings brushing against Kate’s thigh in a clear, screaming sexual desire. Maybe that was how it would be, a sexual attraction so exuberant that Kate barely knew what to do with all the stimulation. But she instinctively pulled Yelena towards her, making the woman rub against her and the moan she received was as if sin had received a sound of its own.

“Oh, God, you are so hot.” ​​Kate finally, finally could voice something she had wanted to say to Yelena for weeks, the blonde just gasped against the brunette and pulled away, her cheeks red.

“I literally attacked you, Kate Bishop.” Yelena lowered her leg from Kate’s thigh and blushed even more and cleared her throat.

“It’s not an attack, I mean it’s a very well accepted dance by both sides. You are so hot.” ​​Kate whimpered the last part and then squeezed Yelena’s ass cheeks again, which made the blonde gasp. “Do you have any idea what it was like to see you working out next to me and I just thought about sinful things? Your ass has been tormenting me for weeks.” Kate spoke sincerely and blushed at her own honesty.

“So we’ve both been looking at each other for weeks and thinking inappropriate things for a gym and we’ve wasted all those days?” Yelena spoke and pulled away completely, looking at Kate with an arched eyebrow.

“In our defense, we’re both horrible at starting conversations.” She said and Yelena grunted in agreement. “I’ll let you go get some rest, honey, I know you have classes early tomorrow.” Kate spoke softly trying to break how sexually charged the situation was and kissed Yelena’s mouth, then kissed her cheeks and jaw. “I loved our impromptu make-out session.” She said and Kate saw Yelena smile slightly awkwardly and then felt Yelena’s hands brush against her hips and ribs.

“Maybe we’ll get more than just a few kisses on Wednesday…” Yelena said teasingly and Kate gasped.

“I can’t wait.” They kissed again and then broke apart. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Kate Bishop.” Kate then said a quick goodbye to Fanny and left Yelena’s yard, a goofy smile on her face.

*******

“So…” Carol sounded sitting in front of Kate and the brunette rolled her eyes at the blonde.

“What?” She asked, pretending not to understand. It had been two days since Carol asked about Yelena and Kate had quickly dropped the subject. But this time it wasn’t by text message, but rather a very comfortable Carol at Kate’s kitchen table, with a beer in her hand and a cheese board between them.

“How are things with Yelena? You found out she was the hottie from the gym and never told me anything else.” Carol said and then the bathroom in the living room opened quickly, with enough force for the door to hit the wall and Lucky to jump, startled by the sudden noise.

“CAROL DENVERS!” The long-haired brunette with a slender body and sharp brown eyes said, pointing at the blonde. “Don’t you dare gossip with Kate about the hottie from the gym without me being there!” Kate looked between Carol and Laura and laughed.

“I was just bringing up the subject X23.” Carol grumbled and Laura punched Carol firmly in the shoulder.

“Don’t you dare.” Kate saw the Green Beret speak with a displeased expression and Carol sighed and the two began to argue.

“I always love seeing the air force and special forces killing each other in my kitchen.” Kate said amusedly and the two grunted.

“No dodging! Tell me about the hottie.” Laura, always intense, said pointing her finger at Kate and then smacked the table, a dramatic act that made Kate, a theater child, just laugh.

“She’s hot.” ​​Kate said and there was a dead look from both women at her and she laughed. “Our first date was really good, much better than I thought it would be.” She spoke and paused. “We kissed.” She offered and heard an ‘oooh’ coming from both women. “Yesterday she saw me train with Jessica and I taught her some boxing basics, took her home and we arranged to go out on Wednesday for a shorter date and a movie on Friday.” She spoke and this time there was Laura throwing her arms up in an excessive celebration.

“FUCKING FINALLY!” The woman spoke and Kate groaned. “Kate is going to fuck the hottie!” This made the brunette laugh out loud.

“Yelena is nice, I like her.” Carol spoke softly. “She seems a little closed off to me, but in my case it’s the pot calling the kettle, I’m a real pain in the ass.” She grumbled and Laura rolled her eyes.

“Of course not, you’re sweet, I’m the jerk.” Laura spoke and no one really argued with that, Laura was known for being abrasive as hell and not very kind. “And you’re dating Brunhilde, The Valkyrie King.” She spoke mockingly of Brunnhilde’s fictional title, which made Carol roll her eyes.

“She’s a CEO, that’s all.” Kate scoffed at Carol’s defense and threw a piece of cheese in her mouth.

“She’s the CEO, Asgard Company is as millionaire as Stark Industries.” She grumbled. “You have a fucking sugar daddy. Because we all agree that there’s no way Valkyrie could be a sugar mommy, all that daddy energy running wild.” Kate said and Laura nodded quickly, which made Carol blush scarlet.

“She’s not my sugar-” Carol tried and Laura cut her off.

“She gave you a car.” Carol’s mouth closed at the statement and Carol mumbled something that no one understood.

“Repeat that, honey, I’m deaf, I present too many explosions.” Laura said clearly mockingly and Carol rolled her eyes.

“I only accepted because she insisted.” Carol said and tampered with the beer cap.

“Honey, she’s going to take you to the Met Gala in an exclusive dress, it’s okay for her to be your sugar daddy, we all wanted one.” Laura said and Kate shrugged.

“Being spoiled is good, Carol, and Brun clearly likes you and is pretty.” Kate said softly.

“And hot.” ​​Laura added.

“Is it all about the person being hot?” Carol said jokingly.

“Yes, be physically hot and especially mentally hot. Kate, is Yelena mentally hot?” Laura asked and Kate laughed and nodded.

“Completely, her mind is completely hot.” ​​She said and Laura pointed at Kate.

“See, it’s not about money or anything like that, but how you click and you click with Brunnhilde, right?” X23 asked firmly and Carol nodded.

“Very much, we understand each other, she has patience, she doesn’t get scared by night terrors and the sex is very good.” She spoke sincerely and there was a collective agreement between Kate and Laura.

“Perfect then. Is Laura still having sex with that guy, Raphael?” Kate asked curiously.

“Quick Ralphy, yes. I’ve never seen how that man can go from 0 to 100.” Laura said and Kate grunted. “And he lasts for miles.” Laura spoke again in a very direct tone.

“I really don’t need to know how fast the erection happens or how long it lasts.” Kate grunted and Laura shrugged.

“And he’s…” She made a gesture of opening her palms, finding both Carol and Kate groaning in displeasure.

“And I really don’t need to know how big a guy is.” Carol said and Laura shrugged.

“I like it. It’s always the skinny ones.” She said and Kate gave a sort of disbelieving laugh and brought her hands to her face.

“And you guys are still casual?” She asked curiously.

“Eh, I don’t know if I want anything more than that. But he met Logan last week, it was a little weird. The old man is still weirder than me.” She talked about the biological father that Laura currently lived with.

“But Logan liked him?” Carol asked, impressed if Logan had liked the boy.

“He didn’t hate him, which for me is a great achievement.” She shrugged off Carol’s question. Logan wasn't known for liking many people, even though he grumbled less than usual to Kate, Laura said that Kate reminded her of Kitty and Anna Marie, Logan's two adopted daughters, which helped to ease the angriness a little.

Logan and Laura met again when the youngest was eight years old and living in New Mexico. It was an odd closeness, but the death of Laura's mother made Logan take over raising the girl, and although Laura never called Logan her father, there was a good relationship there.

"Logan not automatically hating someone is great." Kate said and Laura nodded. Kate was going to say something else, but then her cell phone rang.

"Hey Darcy!" She said happily to her friend from college.

"Oh, thank God you answered." Darcy's voice was a little worried and Kate tilted her head to the side.

"What happened?" Kate asked calmly.

"I need you to come help me with some stunt scenes." The proposal was so random that Kate swallowed a sip of her beer hard and made a confused expression.

“What?” She asked completely uncertain about what she heard.

“Stunt scenes, I need you to be my stunt double for a few scenes, something like a week or so.” Darcy spoke nonchalantly.

“Darcy, I’m not going to LA to shoot a week of stunt scenes for you.” Kate’s tone made Carol and Laura look at her. “It’s a six-hour plane ride, I’m two weeks away from the premiere of the play.” She spoke in a firm tone.

“But Kate…” Darcy whined.

“There’s no way I’m going to LA to shoot scenes, Darcy.” Kate spoke pointedly and Darcy was silent for a moment, and Kate knew she was in gear.

“What if the shoot is in NY?” She asked and Kate’s eyebrows arched.

“And how much would you pay me per scene and how many scenes are we talking about and the complexity?” She asked, inclined to like the idea.

“Uh… There are 6 scenes, all hand-to-hand fighting, two with falls. Janice would receive 1500 for each scene, with the trip to NY I can maybe close it at 1200?” She offered and Kate seemed impressed with the value.

“If you can bring the recordings to NY and I have a good freelance contract with insurance, yes, Darcy I can record the scenes for you.” She said and Darcy gave a happy shout.

“I will make it happen! You are the best! Kisses kisses Kate!” And with that Darcy hung up and Kate looked at the phone and shook her head.

“Darcy?” Carol asked calmly.

“She wants to pay me 7k to do action scenes for her new movie.” She informed and Laura coughed the sip of beer she was taking.

“And what are we waiting for to accept?” She said and Kate rolled her eyes at the brunette.

“If she brings the recordings to NY, yes sure. I will, but I'm not going to spend a week in LA with the premiere knocking on my door.” Kate spoke firmly, whether she liked it or not the Broadway contract could last for years and from the projections of the research, there was a long waiting list for Franny's new play.

“Well, I guess that's fair. But hey, let me give you a heads up. We're having a barbecue this weekend, right?” Kate nodded. “This time it's at my house. So expect a full house and I was wondering if I should invite Yelena or not.” Kate looked at Carol in surprise.

“Of course you should.” She said with furrowed eyebrows. “Yelena is great.” Kate spoke sincerely and shrugged.

“Great, great, the kids want to see Aunt Kate.” Carol spoke sincerely and Kate smiled broadly at that.

“It'll be great.”

********

Kate arrived at the dance school and approached with a calm tone, her hands were in her jacket pockets and her black backpack was hanging over her shoulder. Upon entering the school, the receptionist gave Kate a judgmental look and the brunette tried not to care about it.

“Hey, good afternoon.” She said smiling and the woman seemed suspicious.

“Good afternoon, how can I help you?” The tone was not very friendly.

“Yelena said she told the reception that I would be arriving, my name is Kate?” She asked still calmly.

“I don’t know anything.” The woman spoke clearly without really looking for information.

“Uh, look, she even sent me a message…” Kate pulled out her cell phone and the woman didn’t seem very interested in seeing it. That’s when the brunette saw a new receptionist approach and looked between the two of them with confusion.

“Is everything okay here?” She asked calmly.

“Yes, Jessie.” The woman who was helping Kate spoke dryly.

“I-” Kate said and looked at the new woman. “Yelena asked me to just let you know when I got to the front desk that someone would guide me to the class she’s teaching today.” Kate spoke again to the woman.

“Oh, yes Kate Bishop, right?” Jessie said with an easy smile.

“That’s it!” Kate said relieved to finally be recognized as a person.

“Come on, come on, she must have already started.” Kate was guided to the hallway and received a dirty look from the attendant. “Don’t mind Camile, she’s mad that Yelena invited you even though she’s been hitting on Yelena forever.” Jessie said, and the woman was older and much calmer. “A little dramatic I guess.” She said in a mumble and Kate gave a small laugh.

“I understand drama, that’s too much even for me. And I’m a theater kid.” Kate said and Jessie laughed and pointed to a room, they then walked and Yelena was visible through the glass door, helping some kids with their pliés. Jessie knocked on the door twice and gently opened it. “Yelena, Kate Bishop is here.”

“Great, come in Kate.” She said with an easy smile. “Guys, this is my friend from Broadway, Kate. Kate, this is the group that’s getting ready for auditions for our next recital.” She said and Kate looked at the kids who seemed impressed with her. She then dropped her backpack at the back of the room and walked over.

“Hey guys! I’m not as good a dancer as you guys, do you mind showing me what you’re practicing for the audition?” She asked and Kate was bombarded with questions, which she answered as many as she could with an easy smile on her face.

She spent some time watching Yelena teach, sitting on the floor in the back and with a few kids coming and going to talk to her. It was funny because the kids seemed fascinated especially when Kate said that she taught the actors how to do fight scenes. Someone asked if it was real weapons and Kate said no, but that she could fight with real weapons. And that led to a new series of questions.

“Bye Kate!” One of the children hugged Kate by the legs and Kate just touched the child's head.

"Until next time, little ones. Good luck in the audition." She said and there was a series of thanks and she looked at Yelena who was leaning against the wall support, with a smile on her face. "Cute kids." She said and looked at Yelena with an easy smile.

"Come here Kate Bishop." The tone was low, bossy and Kate felt goosebumps at the look she received. She approached and stopped half a step away from Yelena, not sure how to act in the woman's work. But Yelena made the choice for Kate.

She grabbed the brunette by the belt loops of her jeans and pulled her forward, making them both meet against the wall support, Yelena stood on her tiptoes and kissed Kate slowly. It was an emotionally charged kiss, and Kate could only gasp when her tongue ran over her lower lip.

The kiss deepened and Kate moved her hands, one to Yelena's face and the other to the support next to the woman, pressing herself against the woman and feeling the gasp that Yelena released against her mouth. Kate's mouth slid to Yelena's neck and the blonde clung to her firmly and moaned breathlessly against Kate.

The sexual energy between the two never ceased to amaze her. The hand that was against Yelena moved down provocatively, brushing the blonde's breasts superficially and clinging to her hip.

"Oh, fuck, Kate..." Yelena gasped and moaned and the brunette felt her teeth closing tighter so Kate pulled away, seeing that she left a small mark on the woman's neck when she moaned lightly and Kate blushed and smiled awkwardly.

"Sorry, I think I bite a little hard." She said and took her hand off the support, lightly brushing the small purple mark that was there.

“Nothing that makeup can’t fix.” Yelena said, still breathing deeply. “Thank you for coming, they were happy.” Her tone was sincere.

“I was happy to come, they were happy and I can see you, I think it’s a win-win situation.” She spoke sincerely and pulled Yelena towards her in a tight hug. “The girl at the front desk wanted to bite my head off.” This made Yelena pull away and look at her curiously.

“Jessie?” She asked with furrowed eyebrows.

“Camile… Who did Jessie gossip about that has a crush on you.” She said amusedly and Yelena rolled her eyes. “Should I be worried?” Her tone was very light and it made the blonde just snort.

“I don’t mix business with pleasure, Kate Bishop.” She grumbled.

“And me coming here to help with the kids, was it just pleasure, Yelena?” Her tone was provocative this time and the blonde gasped and grabbed the collar of Kate’s shirt.

“It would be business if we were working together, but we aren’t. You came to give moral support to children and show them that there is a world beyond the ballet stage. And I was very happy to see you here.” She was pulled forward forcefully and their mouths met again.

Kate ran her hands over Yelena’s legs when she felt the blonde’s palms against her breasts and it was much more automatic than she thought. Yelena was promptly lifted and placed on the stretching bar and the blonde moaned and didn’t break the kiss that became frantic.

“I don’t think we should have sex here.” Kate mumbled against Yelena’s mouth when she felt the blonde rub herself against her.

“Definitely not, but that was very sexy.” Yelena said and leaned on Kate’s shoulders. It wasn’t like there was much distance between the wall and the bar, so she was a little precarious there. “And if I had to choose a place in this studio to have sex, it would be on top of the piano.” Yelena said and Kate looked at the piano in the back of the room.

“Duly noted.” Kate promptly brought her hands to Yelena’s thighs and placed her on the floor and the blonde made a thoughtful expression. “What?”

“How much can you lift in the clean and jerk and the military press?” Yelena asked out of nowhere and Kate blinked twice in thought.

“Uh… 110 lbs and 155 lbs, respectively.” She said and Yelena looked at her and took two steps back.

“Can you lift me above your head?” She asked and Kate frowned.

“Probably yes, I don’t know how long I can hold it.” She said sincerely and Yelena nodded, taking two steps back.

“Ready?” She asked, amused.

“Now? Holy shit.” Kate said and widened her eyes in preparation. “Okay.” Yelena advanced towards her and Kate saw her jump high, Kate would say something around 1.5 feet and Yelena wasn’t warmed up, so she assumed the height increased exponentially if she was in a less playful and more professional mood. And Kate just grabbed Yelena's hips and lifted her above her head and the support lasted for two painful seconds until she lowered the blonde to the floor delicately. Which was much worse, since she had to lower Yelena slowly so as not to hurt the blonde.

"That was fun." Yelena said laughing and leaned on Kate's shoulders, lifting herself up by pure physical strength and Kate just supported Yelena so she could put her arms around the blonde's thighs, just below her butt.

"Are we in a playful mood?" She asked and supporting Yelena like that was much easier.

"I was a soloist for a long time, but I got used to dancing with a partner, it's been years since I've danced with someone, after I became a teacher and everything." She said and stuck Kate's face between her breasts. “Yes, playful could be called that.”

"I'm not complaining about the position I'm in." She answered playfully and let Yelena touch the floor with her feet.

"Thank you for that." She said sincerely and Kate smiled.

"It was fun." She said sincerely. “What do you think of Banh Mi? There’s a food truck nearby and we can eat and I’ll walk you home. I know today’s date is shorter.” She spoke sincerely and Yelena appreciated it with a smile.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had Banh Mi, yes, do you have chicken?” She grumbled clearly hungry and Kate grabbed her backpack from the back of the room.

“Probably yes, I hope so, it’s my favorite.” She spoke sincerely and Yelena just walked up to her and held out her hand, asking the two of them to hold hands. Kate readily accepted and the two left the dance room, there was still some class going on from what Kate could hear.

“The adult night class.” Yelena expressed when Kate looked in the direction of the sound.

“That’s cool.” She spoke and Yelena smiled, they then went to the reception, where there was a very calm Jessie reading the news and a very unfriendly Camile, and the antipathy increased when she saw Yelena and Kate’s hands together.

“See you tomorrow girls.” Yelena said with a slight wave.

“Have a great night.” Kate said and felt Yelena lean more against her, which made her hands let go and she put her arm around the blonde’s shoulders, a snort from Camile was heard and Kate didn’t care. “Oh, you like to push other people’s buttons.” Kate said amusedly and Yelena laughed softly.

“She needs to learn what no is. I haven’t even kissed you in front of Eli yet.” She said and Kate laughed, throwing her head back in amusement.

“So controlled possessiveness is okay?” She asked amusedly and guided Yelena to the food truck on the way to their house.

“Acceptable if it’s actually controlled, I’m possessive, I hope that’s not really a problem.” She grumbled as the two entered the subway.

“I hope you don’t attack people out there.” Kate said, looking at Yelena as the two entered the subway.

“I’m not an animal, Kate Bishop. I am…” She said and moved closer to lean on Kate. “I am a very monogamous person and I like to know that I am in a monogamous relationship, even though it is still very early.” Kate clearly understood that it was Yelena asking if Kate was seeing other people besides her.

“Well, thank goodness I am also a very monogamous person and I am only seeing you, Yelena.” She said and wrapped one of her arms around the blonde’s waist. “I think this makes us at a very early stage of me being yours and you being mine? This kind of possessiveness we are talking about?” She spoke softly and teasingly and Yelena swallowed a small moan and nodded, biting her lower lip.

“Yes, Kate, I think we can call like this a lot.” She spoke softly and hugged Kate. That was when they both heard the brunette’s stomach grumble and Yelena looked at her with amusement.

“I have a fast metabolism.” The brunette grumbled and Yelena just laughed softly.

“I guess we have to feed you then.” She said with a wide smile.

********

Yelena and Kate were watching closely how Lucky and Fanny were behaving, each had their own dog's leash and there was a lot of sniffing from one side to the other. Until Lucky lowered the front part of his body, wagging his tail and barking. The two saw Fanny jumping on her front paws and looked at each other giving a small gesture of acceptance and letting go of the leashes.

Lucky promptly ran off with Fanny in a reasonably rough game, noisy but clearly without biting or anything like that. Lucky fell to the ground and Fanny came on top of him, in a fun game and then they paused and continued.

“I think it was good.” Kate said as she saw the two get up and run off again.

“I think so.” Yelena said and approached Kate, the brunette quickly kissed the blonde's mouth and that made her laugh. “So… Netflix and Chill?” Yelena asked, running her hand over Kate's belly and the brunette felt herself blush.

“Can we have pizza first?” She asked softly and Yelena bit her lower lip and looked at Kate with heated eyes.

“I think we can give you some carbs for what I’m thinking…” She spoke and moved into the house, the green door left ajar. “Come on, Kate Bishop.” She called loudly from the house and Kate swallowed hard.

“Lucky, Fanny, come on!” She spoke quickly and it took two more prompts for the dogs to follow inside the house. “Oh boy.” Kate said to herself and squared her shoulders.

Anyone knew what Netflix and Chill meant when someone you clearly had a sexual desire for invited you over.

The pizza was eaten while the two tried to keep a light conversation between themselves, but then Yelena moved effusively to push Kate down on the couch and lay on top of her.

“Yes?” She asked dirty and low and Kate nodded quickly, propping herself up on her elbow and pulling Yelena down into a deep kiss. Their mouths opened without hesitation, their tongues met and Yelena moaned against Kate's mouth. Kate's hands ran down Yelena's jean-clad legs and the blonde gasped lightly, the two of them adjusting themselves on the couch, Kate's head just below the back of the couch and Yelena practically lying on top of the brunette.

There was a lustful sound coming from Yelena and Kate just whimpered as the blonde's hands came up to support the woman in taking herself a little further. Kate's hands pulled Yelena by the waist and the blonde looked at her with a look covered in lust.

"Take it off me." It was a clear order and Kate didn't mind being ordered around at all. Especially with Yelena so willing to get half-naked for her.

Kate grabbed Yelena's shirt without much hesitation and pulled the item up, Yelena promptly helped to take off the shirt and the material was released without much fear on the coffee table that was in front of the sofa. And Kate whimpered when she saw Yelena's breasts held by a dark blue bra.

"Oh, God, I'm going to die." She said and Yelena laughed and stood up suddenly. Which made Kate look at her with wide eyes and uncertain of what was happening.

"We haven't even gotten to the good stuff yet, Kate Bishop." Yelena spoke in a low tone and opened the button of her pants and the sound of the zipper being opened cut the moment like a sharp knife. Kate supported herself on her hands and sat up semi-sitting. Then Yelena, with a very provocative look, pushed her pants down. Leaving her panties of the same color as her bra exposed. She took off her pants and started walking away.

"You're a little dressed Kate Bishop, I hope you're less so when you come." She spoke in a completely filthy tone and Kate stood up as if she had been shocked. In a practically uncoordinated and still double movement, the pants were pushed down and the shirt ripped from the brunette's body. And Kate followed hotly behind Yelena.

Yelena laughed amusedly when she heard the sound of Kate's footsteps right behind her in the hallway. But the laughter was cut short when Kate grabbed the blonde's hand and pulled her hard, making her turn suddenly and their semi-naked bodies met in a collision, any sound Yelena could make of surprise was cut off by Kate kissing her with colossal hunger. The ballerina took half a step back, her back meeting the hallway wall and Yelena moaned when Kate's mouth went down to her neck.

"I'm not such a passive participant, Yelena." She said the blonde's name separately, in a teasing tone.

"Thank God." Yelena responded and moaned when Kate grabbed her thighs again and pulled her up, with a rough treatment. “Oh, I love it when you’re so determined and harsh…” Yelena whimpered and Kate groaned at her, pulling her closer and feeling her wet panties against her belly.

“Where’s the bedroom?” Kate growled and bit Yelena’s shoulder lightly.

“Last door in the hallway.” Yelena moaned and Kate just held her steady, moving to get off the wall. The blonde’s hands went to Kate’s shoulders and her legs wrapped around the woman’s back, and Kate just walked easily to the bedroom. The door was happily ajar.

The brunette placed the blonde on the mattress and stepped back to look at Yelena in full. Her golden hair thrown across the bed, her eyes filled with the darkness of dilated pupils. Kate could even see her hard nipples through her bra and how wet the blonde was. Yelena bit her lower lip and the two looked at each other for a moment.

“You’re so hot.” ​​Kate said and Yelena blushed slightly. “I’ve been wanting to touch you for so long…” She spoke softly.

“And what’s stopping you now, Kate Bishop?” Yelena’s feet were propped up on the bed and she spread her legs provocatively, Kate watched closely as Yelena’s hands went down her body and went to her panties. “Can you see that I’m wet and very willing, you want to touch me so desperately… Take all of me for yourself?” The teasing came and Kate looked between the hand that was teasing the edge of her panties and then up to her eyes. “You know… I’ve touched myself a few times since our first meeting…” She said and pushed her fingertips inside her panties and Kate swallowed hard.

“Show me how.” She demanded and there was this exchange of looks. It was a bold request, but Yelena herself was being very bold. But there was this suspension for a moment and then Yelena gave a dirty smile.

“Do you want to see how I did it with my fingers or with the toy?” She said and Kate gasped and moaned, closing her eyes.

“Oh God, I have options. And which toy are we talking about?” Kate started whining and ended up asking very curiously.

“I have a few… I’ve always liked penetration, Kate Bishop. I might even let you fuck me with a strap-on if you behave.” She said. “But you can choose one from the drawer… I’ve used almost all of them while thinking about you during these long weeks…” As much as Kate could choose and even be the person Yelena wanted thrusting inside her with a strap-on, there was no doubt for Kate that the one who was running the show was Yelena and Kate was a very willing and very motivated participant.

Then the brunette moved to the indicated bedside table, pulling it open and swallowing hard when she saw that there was a small, well-organized bag with some sex toys. She saw the strap-on first, always enjoying using one, then she saw the simple, dark blue rabbit vibrator, and Kate swallowed with a whimper. There was a bullet there too, and an anal toy. She pondered and ran the tip of her finger over the soft vibrator and then pulled it out.

“Is that the one you used?” She asked calmly and turned to look at Yelena, feeling her mouth open wide and dry. The bra and panties had been gone at some point that Kate didn’t notice and there was Yelena Belova, with her legs spread, one hand slowly rubbing her clitoris and the other playing with her breasts, she was clearly biting her lower lip trying to hold back the sounds. “Oh my god, Yelena.” She said and the blonde moaned audibly this time, arching up on the bed and Kate gasped when she saw Yelena’s fingertips sink inside herself.

“I used it after Wednesday…” She moaned and arched up. “I imagined you fucking me hard against the mirror in my classroom, from behind.” She said and closed her eyes.

“Look at me.” Kate ordered and adjusted herself in front of Yelena. Her eyes opened and the two looked at each other. Kate held the toy out to Yelena and smiled dirtyly. “Show me.” She instructed without much hesitation and Yelena moaned and nodded, taking the toy with the hand that was playing with her breasts and then obscenely pulling her fingers inside herself.

Kate then moved her hands to push up the boyshorts she was wearing and take off her bra, which made Yelena moan and clearly get wetter. The two looked at each other provocatively and Yelena smiled dirtyly, pulling the toy closer to her and licking it from the base to the tip like it was ice cream. She then sucked the tip obscenely and began to slide the toy down between her breasts, rubbing her belly and then the tip found her clitoris.

“Oh, fuck, Kate…” Yelena whimpered and Kate swallowed hard, watching Yelena’s legs close against the toy. Suddenly the brunette grabbed the blonde’s knees and pushed them open, which made a small breathless moan mixed with a laugh come out of Yelena. “Do you want to watch me fuck myself, Kate?” The blonde purred.

“Yes.” The answer was direct and Yelena moaned at that, the tip brushed her clitoris again and Kate watched in amazement as the toy was easily swallowed by Yelena’s walls, in two thrusts, the vibrator that was at the height of her clitoris found the bundle of nerves and Yelena moaned again. “Tell me what else you imagined.” She spoke in a bossy tone and Yelena moaned.

“I like rough sex, Kate… I imagined you bending me over, fucking me hard, putting me on all fours, face down, riding you hard… I imagined you grabbing my hair and taking my head wherever you want… I want you so bad…” The blonde spoke between moans with each thrust of the toy and Kate watched with pleasure as the blonde, even in a position that could be considered submissive, as the receiver of penetration and the one who was on her back on a bed, was commanding everything with astonishing ease and Kate definitely didn’t mind submitting to any and all of Yelena’s desires.

Kate herself considered herself a switch when it came to sexual positions, but she didn’t mind at all being a top service sub or dom if that was what Yelena wanted, and at the moment she was more than satisfied with watching how Yelena fucked herself and learning what worked best for the blonde.

Sexual dynamics were fluid and Kate was completely willing to go with whatever Yelena needed from her at that moment, whether it was to fuck or be fucked. And with pleasure she watched as the toy was pulled out almost completely and then pushed into the blonde hard. Yelena brought the hand that wasn't holding the toy up to expose her clit and then she moved to turn on the vibration.

“Kate, I'm going to cum!” It was sudden but not unexpected, and Kate was startled into a stupor watching Yelena arch up, the toy being pressed inside her and her orgasm hard. Yelena fell limp on the bed, still holding the toy against her that vibrated on the lowest setting.

“Take it out.” Kate growled and Yelena looked up at her and pulled the wet toy out of her. Then the blonde just moaned as Kate pushed the toy and Yelena's hand away and leaned in, licking the blonde's freshly orgasmed pussy without blinking.

“Shit, fuck, Jesus!” Yelena spoke in a high-pitched and fast tone, sticking her hands inside Kate’s hair, guiding her through the wet folds and her tongue finding her clitoris, which made the blonde moan louder. “I won’t last long…” Yelena spoke and felt one of Kate’s hands go up her thigh and belly. Yelena’s other hand, which wasn’t in Kate’s hair, threw the toy aside and grabbed the brunette’s wrist. Yelena made Kate play with the nipple of one of her breasts while her mouth continued to devour her hungrily. Then, provocatively, Yelena lifted her legs to put one of her legs over Kate’s shoulder and opened the other as wide as her many years as a dancer allowed and Kate moaned against her. “Choke me, Kate.” Yelena spoke in a dirty tone and brought the brunette’s hand to her neck and Kate considered that they needed to have a very frank conversation about BDSM after everything calmed down there. Kate pulled back slightly and looked at Yelena sternly.

“Give me two taps on the forearm if you need me to stop, and we’ll talk about boundaries later.” She said firmly.

“Sounds great.” Yelena quickly accepted and demonstrated the two taps on Kate’s forearm and moaned when the hand went to her neck. “Don’t cut off all my breathing, just give me pressure.” This made Kate nod and the hand tightened around Yelena’s neck who moaned obscenely. Kate then adjusted herself, to continue sucking on Yelena’s clit and then pushed two fingers inside the blonde hard, which made Yelena arch and moan in a muffled small orgasm.

Kate continued fucking and sucking for a while, feeling the sweat on Yelena’s body and letting the hand on her neck tighten and relax. When she felt two taps on her forearm she removed her hand and then there was a thunderous moan from Yelena, high pitched and powerful and the blonde arched.

“Oh, fuck, fuck!” Kate heard the husky tone and pulled away, licking her lips and slowly pulling her fingers out of the blonde as her pussy and walls relaxed for her to move. “God… How do you want me? How do you want me to pleasure you?” The bossy and demanding posture melted away and Kate smiled at the blonde with pleasure.

“Do you want to be used, Yelena?” She asked clearly provocatively and Yelena readily nodded.

“Yes, how do you want me? I’ll be a good girl.” She spoke and Kate smiled dirtyly. Kate pondered how she wanted to be pleasured and grabbed Yelena’s legs pulling her further down the bed.

“Be a good throne, will you?” She spoke and Yelena moaned and nodded quickly.

“I’ll make a great chair.” The blonde replied and Kate laughed.

“Fix your hair, Yelena, I’ll give you something to eat.” She spoke and Yelena gasped and nodded, quickly adjusting her hair high up and laying down, opening her mouth and giving an innocent look.

“Feed me, baby.” The tone was completely dirty and yet provocative and Kate adjusted herself on top of Yelena, one leg on each side of her head and she lowered herself.

“No teeth.” Kate ordered quickly and Yelena nodded against her and the first touch of her mouth made the brunette moan and throw her head back, gripping the headboard of the bed. A hand went to Yelena's hair and she began to actively use the blonde's mouth for her own pleasure.

Kate felt the lips around her clit and the tongue playing with her pussy and she whimpered lightly, pulling Yelena's head so that the woman focused her tongue on her clit. Yelena quickly obeyed and Kate then began to rub herself against her.

Yelena held Kate's hips firmly as Kate shuddered and moaned loudly, cumming against Yelena's mouth. And the two continued that seductive attack for two more of Kate's orgasms, which was when the brunette got off Yelena and lay down next to her.

"Best Netflix and chill, ever." She grunted and that made Yelena laugh.

"Definitely yes, Kate Bishop." The blonde nodded in agreement and lay down on Kate. "Shall we continue?" She asked.

"Yes, as soon as we both talked about soft and hard limits and how we want to conduct our sex life, all that, safe sex." She said and Yelena nodded enthusiastically.

"God, that's sexy." She grunted and Kate laughed softly.

********

The meeting of the group of friends was something routine but it had not yet brought Yelena into the group, if it had perhaps the two women would have found each other much earlier for a relationship.

But when Kate entered Carol's house with Lucky in tow, she heard the laughter of the children and the adults talking in the backyard and she just wanted to smile as wide as possible. The condominium was a high-end one, walled and gated and Kate only had to give her name so that the doorman could find her on a list and as usual, Lucky was in the list as Lucky, the Pizza Dog, which made Kate laugh internally.

Kate opened the gate that led to the pool and Lucky promptly ran out, as always he was the one who knew that Kate was there. She barely managed to make the turn of the side hallway that led to the backyard when she felt a small body hit her and then two smaller ones.

"Auntie Kate!" There was a small chorus of children and Kate as always just laughed and lifted Nate who was the youngest among them easily to sit the child on her shoulders. Nicholas was the second to be carried, as if he were an animal carried by the waist. The twins were talking to the point that Kate couldn't understand, Cooper was in the background near the pool with a Nintendo Switch and Lila was standing near the rest of the adults looking at Kate with amusement.

“Okay little monsters. Can I get hugs and kisses now?” She asked, setting Nicky down safely on his own two feet and with practiced ease she grabbed Nate's hands and the boy somersaulted to be placed on the ground. Kate then bent down and opened the arms, ready for hugs. Which were promptly filled by the four younger boys.

“Auntie Kate! Auntie Kate! Let's play!” Nicky said excitedly with a wide smile.

“Can I just say hi to the rest of the guys first?” Kate asked softly and Nicky, who was pulling Kate by the hand stopped and looked at her with thoughtful brown eyes.

“Okay.” He said with a pout, which Kate promptly poked and he grimaced and then laughed.

“Go play and I'll be right there.” She said amusedly and Billy pulled Tommy who promptly pulled Nicky. They were similar in age. She then looked at Lila. “Hey Lil.” Her tone was affectionate and Lila came over and hugged Kate around the waist. “God, you’re growing like a damn weed.” The 14-year-old just giggled against her, already bumping Kate’s chin.

“I had to get closer to Coop at some point.” She said and smiled widely. Clint’s middle daughter was always so sweet and easygoing. Kate just threw an arm around Lila’s shoulders and pulled her towards the rest of the adults.

Kate saw Carol and Brunhilde in the back near the barbecue with Clint, next to them was Laura talking to Agatha and Rio. Wanda was sitting next to X23 and the two seemed to be talking animatedly. And then Kate saw Jessica talking to Yelena and Natasha. Kate’s eyes danced slightly over Yelena’s body exposed by the bikini and then she gave a brief smile.

“Katherine! Come here.” X23 said and Kate looked at her with a frown.

“Don’t call me that, it feels like I’m going to get scolded for something I don’t even know if I did. And if I did, I’ll plead the fifth.” This made X23 roll her eyes and Kate decided she would do the opposite of what she wanted, saying hi to Wanda and Laura first. She let Lila go and moved towards the two women. Wanda stood up with a wide smile and pulled Kate into a tight hug, and Kate just returned the affectionate act.

“How are you? We were gossiping that the blind date finally worked.” Wanda said to Kate who rolled her eyes in amusement.

“Even miracles happen if you insist enough I guess.” This made Wanda laugh and push Kate lightly. X23, never a fan of hugs, gave Kate a firm slap on the back. “Woman, are you trying to make me lose a lung?” She grumbled and X23 laughed, openly and amused. She chatted a few more minutes with Wanda and Laura and then moved on to say hello to the other mothers in the room. Rio, always effusive and cheerful, hugged Kate tightly and Agatha just smiled sweetly. Laura Barton, as always, hugged her and kissed each of Kate's cheeks in a loving maternal gesture.

“Nicky's grown up.” She commented amiably.

“He's finally better from his lung problems.” Rio said, sighing in relief as she saw Nicholas playing on the floor with Lucky and Fanny. “God, the bronchitis and asthma attacks were scary.” She grumbled and Agatha nodded.

“But we dealt with it, my love, now we have a healthy and happy little boy.” She spoke gently and Rio seemed to relax.

“I’m glad, my asthma was always bad when I was little, but it went away when I got older.” Kate spoke gently and there were some long questions from Laura about how she was doing and Kate moved on to give a little fistbump to Cooper who was in an awkward teenage phase but who smiled at her and said hi.

She then moved on to Carol, Brunhilde and Clint, and again there was a long conversation between them, Kate felt herself struggling to reach Yelena across the pool.

“You look constipated.” Clint teased.

“I’m trying to get to Yelena.” Kate grumbled and there was a laugh from Brunhilde, who just pushed her to go.

“Come on, let’s stop holding you back, shoo.” She said and Kate rolled her eyes but quickly stole a piece of bread from a tray next to the grill, which made Kate speed up when Carol made an undignified sound. Kate threw a piece of bread up in the air and skillfully caught it in her mouth, and that was when the little slow-motion moment happened. She saw the ball out of the corner of her eye, a rubber ball that the children were playing with and that was flying towards her. Kate promptly reached out and grabbed the ball that must have been the size of a handball. She looked at the children with arched eyebrows.

“Sorry, Aunt Kate.” Billy said and Kate sighed and nodded with an easy smile.

“Be careful, okay? Don’t play too close to the windows or the pool.” The tone was firm and Billy promptly nodded. Kate then continued on her way to get to the other three women. The last piece of bread was eaten and that was when she heard.

“Think fast.” Kate didn’t have time to really react to this, but she felt Jess grab her by the waist trying to migrate to her thighs, knowing that the woman wanted to throw her into the pool, an act performed very often. And Kate simply gave in without much fear, she practically let herself fall backwards and in a movement that Jessica didn't exactly understand, she pushed the woman up and back with her legs, throwing her into the water and falling near the edge of the pool. Kate rolled to the side watching Jessica very not proudly get out of the water and run her hand through her face and hair.

"I'll get you, Katherine!" The words made Kate just laugh on the floor, which made everyone around laugh. And with monstrous ease, Kate fought when Jessica tried to pull her into the water. "My god, I feel like I'm fighting a damn octopus." Jessica said and let go of Kate who seemed to be clinging to the edge of the pool with the strength of a sun. The two stopped and looked at each other and then laughed.

"5 to 2." X23 said loudly and Jessica snorted in discontent.

"Better luck next time." Kate said amusedly and stood up.

"I'll get you!" The threat was empty and Kate finally managed to get closer to Yelena and Natasha. “God, it’s a battle to come say hi to you guys.” She grumbled and Natasha laughed softly and approached first to hug Kate.

“As usual, Jessica lost the fight in the pool competition.” She said amusedly.

“Eh, she tries, she’s already caught me by surprise twice.” Kate said, moving away from the redhead. “How are you?” She asked softly.

“I’m fine, Kate. I was going to introduce my sister, but I know you two know each other very well.” The speech made Kate blush slightly and Yelena roll her eyes and snort.

“Don’t be a pain in the ass.” Yelena said gruntingly and Kate simply wrapped her arms around the blonde’s waist, pulling her against her.

“How was yesterday’s rehearsal?” She asked softly.

“Eh, it was good, same as always, I hate adult rehearsals.” The blonde said and Kate laughed softly and nodded.

“I preferred the kids too when I was teaching.” She said softly. “I’ll be called in a few seconds.” She spoke and pulled away from the hug, which made her see Yelena's confused expression, but the moment already revealed what Kate meant.

"Auntie Kate! Come play!" Nicky said and Kate just laughed softly.

"I said." She said amusedly and kissed Yelena's cheek. "I'll be used as a coat hanger, punching bag, trampoline and other things for the next two hours." She grumbled and that only made Yelena look amused.

"Auntie Kate!" There was a scuffle of four children and Kate grunted.

"The monster is coming!" Kate made a "threatening" sound and then ran towards the children who just laughed, Nicky ran with Nate, and Billy and Tommy started to 'hero fight' against Kate.

"Auntie Kate! Do you know how to do a backflip?" Nate asked with his blue eyes wide in curiosity and there was a collective oooh from the other children.

“Oh, do I know?” Kate said and took a few steps back, checking to make sure everything was safe and she braced herself, it wasn’t a skill she used as often as before, but she pushed herself forward, spinning into a backflip and landing on her own feet. “Tada!” She said and there were cheers.

“Teach me!” Tommy said demandingly and Kate looked at him and he blushed. “Please.” He added in a shy tone and Kate scratched her head.

“This isn’t really the best place in the world to learn that skill, what do you say we start with something more basic? A handstand first?” She offered and Tommy, always the most sarcastic of the four youngest, grunted and grumbled.

“I don’t know if it’s any good for a backflip, it seems useless.” He said, crossing his arms unimpressed.

“Well… let’s see if it’s any good…” Kate said and again with practicality she stood on her hands and the other three made a small impressed sound. Kate then lowered herself into an elbow bend and exploded upwards, doing a forward somersault this time. She then looked at Tommy who looked open-mouthed.

“Not so useless now, are you?” She said jokingly and Nicky jumped amusedly.

“Teach me! Please?” He asked and Kate laughed and glanced slightly at Agatha and Rio, it was then that she saw that there was an audience watching her, but Agatha nodded slightly.

“Okay, little guy, first things first, you need to be able to throw your feet up, so we put our hands on the ground and do a kind of kick up.” She demonstrated and then there she was watching the 4 youngest children actively try to stop in a handstand.

Tommy was the first to more or less succeed, but Kate saw that he was leaning forward and grabbed his feet to stabilize him. When the four were almost able to stop balanced there was Carol’s voice.

“Kids, food!” She spoke firmly and there was a stampede from the four children and Kate looked at her small empty classroom and put her hands on her hips.

“Hard to keep an audience captive in this place.” She spoke falsely dramatically and then heard a laugh near her, which made her turn and see Yelena there. “Hey you.” Kate said with an easy smile.

“Hey you. See you started teaching again.” She joked.

“Yeah I always end up teaching something, last year Nate learned how to throw a punch and it got him in trouble.” Kate said with a slight blush on her cheeks.

“So criminal of you, Kate Bishop.” She said teasingly. “But still… A little… Sexy all those physical skills.” Yelena teased and Kate blushed and fidgeted slightly awkwardly.

“Not in front of the kids, Yel.” She replied blushing and Yelena smiled broadly.

“Come on, let’s eat.” Yelena indicated the other adults who were helping the kids first. But Kate obediently followed Yelena. Soon everyone had food on their plates and were grateful that the person taking care of the meat was Carol. Despite it being a very American event, Carol often liked to have a Latin barbecue, so there were some good pieces of meat that smelled and looked good.

“I love Latin food.” Kate whispered to herself, helping herself to a juicy piece of meat and the Brazilian-style salad that Carol loved to eat. She did a little happy dance and this made Yelena, who was nearby, laugh softly.

“Kate, did Darcy give you any position?” X23 asked as she ate and there was a curious moment where everyone stopped to pay attention to her.

“No, I’m waiting, Darcy is too unpredictable for her own good. She could call me out of the blue and say hi, I’m here with the team in NY. How can she never give me a position again.” Kate said with a shrug.

“What are we talking about again?” Wanda asked curiously.

“Darcy wants to pay Kate a few thousand dollars to get blown up.” X23 spoke and there was a strange sequence of events. Clint coughed, choking, Natasha looked unimpressed at Kate and Yelena let out a loud 'what'. And suddenly Nate started crying because Tommy said Kate was going to die.

"For Jesus' sake, Laura." Carol said, putting her hand to her face.

"I'm not going to die!" Kate spoke loudly to try to help calm Nate who was against Clint, crying profusely.

"No?" Nate stuttered.

"No, buddy, I'm not. X23 just said it all wrong." She glared at Laura who blushed slightly. "You remember Aunt Darcy, right? Come here." Kate offered kindly and there was a movement of Nicky and Nate who sat down practically fighting for Kate's lap and then Tommy and Billy approached worriedly.

"Aunt Darcy is the actress, right?" Billy said uncertainly.

“Yeah, that’s right, Darcy makes some really cool movies in Hollywood, you know the ones we see sometimes?” She offered gently and there was a collective nod from the four of them. “You know how I do some cool fighting tricks and how to fall without getting hurt and stuff like that?” She offered again and there was a nod from everyone. “What X23 meant was that Aunt Darcy offered me a short-term job doing some stuff like that for a movie of hers. I’m not going to blow up, I’m not going to die, I’m going to do some fight scenes for her if she really wants to and that’s it.” Kate offered and Nicky hugged her tightly around the neck.

“Please don’t die, Aunt Kate.” He whimpered and Kate ran a hand up and down Nicky’s back.

“I don’t plan on it anytime soon, honey.” She spoke softly and there were a few more minutes of calming the kids down and Kate sighed. “What do you say we keep eating? I don’t know about you but the monster in my tummy is grumbling.” She tried to lighten the mood and the children seemed happier and moved to their seats. “For God’s sake Laura, they’re children, they don’t understand this kind of joke.” She grumbled.

“Sorry, I didn’t think.” Laura said and Kate turned to the adults, especially Yelena.

“I worked as a stuntwoman right after I graduated from college, it was good money and that’s how I met Darcy, I did some action scenes for her when I lived temporarily in L.A. I didn’t like the industry very much and I went back to NY, I got into theater and I’m still there, but Darcy, I think she’s nostalgic or she trusts my work too much, whenever she and I can, she asks me to do some scenes. She’s in a movie with some action scenes, six from what she told me. She wanted me in L.A. for a week, but God knows with the musical opening I don’t have time and there are other things I want to focus on.” She glanced briefly at Yelena and the blonde’s cheeks warmed slightly. “So she asked if I would do it if the recording was here, to which I said yes. My rehearsals are shorter and I can record in between, the passage of the songs is more important at the moment than the fight scenes of the three acts.” Kate shrugged and there was a small assertive silence.

“You really need to improve your delivery, Laura.” Laura Barton said to X23 who blushed scarlet.

“Sorry! It wasn’t intentional, I’m used to saying what I think without thinking.” She grumbled.

“Foot in mouth, that’s what we call it.” Carol said and this started a common argument between Laura and Carol.

“Kate…” Brunhilde spoke softly to the brunette and this made Kate look at the brunette. “I wanted to be the one to tell you, but well… Asgard is going to partner with Bishop Security, I don’t believe your mother has told you about it yet because it’s still in progress.” Kate, who was watching the discussion between her friends, focused on Brunhilde with furrowed eyebrows. “The idea is to open a new, highly technological surgery wing at Presbyterian Hospital.” Kate tilted her head slightly to the side and Brunhilde cleared her throat. “She asked to name the wing after her father. Derek Bishop, Oncology Surgery Center.” She spoke and that made the table go completely silent.

“Oh…” Kate sighed and looked at the table and her hands and then cleared her throat, but her voice still came out choked. “That’s nice of you.” She spoke softly and cleared her throat again. “Thanks for giving me a heads up, Brun… I’m going to… Uh… Use the bathroom.” She spoke quickly, getting up and heading towards the house, even though there was a perfectly good bathroom to use near the pool, but no one commented.

“Did you have to break the news like that?” Carol asked Brunhilde.

“I think that was the most delicate way anyone could have had.” Wanda sighed and Kate swallowed hard. And everyone knew Carol was very protective of Kate.

Kate didn't stop very far inside the house, but she still felt her ears ringing slightly with anxiety. It was always like this when they talked about her father, difficult, dark and a little kind, at least Brunhilde didn't walk on eggshells as much as anyone usually did. But it was a touch on the brunette's shoulder that made her open her eyes and look at Yelena, there was no judgment there, not even questioning, there was only Yelena, sweet, kind and attentive who hugged Kate with affection and care and still without saying a word meant a lot.

"I know it seems silly... It was so many years ago..." Kate spoke tremulously and Yelena still didn't say anything, just guided the brunette to a couch. "He died when I was 16." Kate spoke softly.

"What was he like?" The question was unexpectedly relieving, it wasn't how he died, or what happened. It was how Derek Bishop was like, how the person was like and not the death. And that warmed Kate's heart with the sweetness of a hot chocolate.

“He was good.” Kate said and looked away and then hesitated for just a moment, taking out her phone and opening a folder in the gallery and opening a photo of Derek in his best moments. The same hair color as Kate, wavy, brown and shiny. Blue eyes like her daughter’s, same nose, same chin, if someone put a picture side by side and squinted a little you would practically see the same person, especially the smile. “He was such a good father, I started fighting because of him, he was a great kung fu fighter for many years, very proficient, very friendly. My father was sweet, he was the kind of person who would always have a good word, a kind deed, something good. He was the love of my mother’s life.” Kate said softly.

“You two are very similar I see…” Yelena said softly.

“I think that was the hardest part for my mother to deal with grief, and God, grief was the worst. Everything we looked at reminded us of him, and I think her looking at me was like seeing my father or fragments of my father, something she missed. Grief was so hard on her…” Kate spoke even more quietly.

“Was she… Bad?” The question came hesitantly and Kate shook her head quickly.

“God, no, she was… She is… The best mother I could ever ask for. I think my father’s diagnosis was cruel to her, and she saw in me a chance to do good, to support everything I wanted. She was always the best mother anyone could ask for, she was present, she was active. She went to some gay pride parades with me after I came out, she’s good. But she also needed distance from New York, it was too painful for her to be here and I understand. Seattle is good for her. Here, the city is where she met my father, where she fell in love with him, where they got married, where they set up home, had a daughter, where the disease started and where he’s buried. And all of this hurts, these memories hurt.” She breathed for a moment and Yelena waited patiently. “My mother calls once a week on a video call, we talk and she tells me things, she listens to everything attentively. She is always so interested in everything that concerns me and I feel supported by her in every way.” She spoke and showed a photo of her and Eleanor, the two did not look that much alike. Eleanor was a lighter brown, her eyes were green and she was a very beautiful woman in her early sixties, she was smiling with a wide smile in the photo and looking at Kate with a lot of love, a love that overflowed. “The cancer diagnosis came very suddenly. He became ill at work, at Bishop Security and was taken to the hospital and suddenly he had cancer in a complicated state. I think the worst thing was that despite everything he did, the cancer did not respond to any treatment, it did not respond to any chemotherapy, it was not possible to have surgery and everything kept piling up… My father suffered for a long 10 years in treatment. I was 5 or 6 years old when the diagnosis came, and I confess I don't remember much, and I try not to think too much about what it was like, some memories my brain has blocked, I think from the worst days. But I remember him making a great effort to go to my fights, to go to every school event, to be with me every moment, I remember his smile and I remember his voice vaguely.” Kate spoke softly. “When he died…” She stopped.

“We don't need to talk about it, Kate.” Yelena offered softly.

“It's okay, I want to share it with you…” She spoke sincerely and Yelena nodded. “The day he died, he called me to the hospital room. And I cried, I told him I wanted to make him proud and he held my hand with all the strength he had and told me he was already proud of me, that I was a good person, a kind person, someone he could always be proud of. He told me he loved me, he talked to my mother, my grandmother and two hours later, he had passed away. My mother says he left in peace because she knew he did everything he could for us.” She spoke softly and browsed through her phone’s folder and pulled up a video. She handed the phone to Yelena and nodded at the blonde as she looked at Kate for confirmation. Yelena simply pressed play and there was the deep yet gentle male voice ringing out.

“Hi my sweet Kate, my darling girl.” Kate looked away for a minute and swallowed the tears that wanted to come out. “ I know, I know today is being a hard day, but let me tell you. I am so proud of you, my little girl, for so many things you have achieved and done, a father could not have asked for a better daughter, with the best smile in the world, with a heart so big, so brave and so stubborn in the best way possible. There has never been anything you cannot achieve my dear Kate. And I know, sometimes it hurts, sometimes it hurts and sometimes we are so tired, but if there is anyone who can fight it is you, my little warrior. Remember, your father loves you very much and you make me proud, no matter where you are. I love you, Kate.” It was a Derek who was already sick but apparently it was just the beginning, it was easy to assume that he already knew how deadly and possibly how bad the prognosis was, Kate dried her tears and there was silence from Yelena for a moment.

“He seemed like a very good man, Kate…” Yelena spoke softly. “How do you feel about the new wing of the hospital?” She asked gently.

“I don’t think it’s bad…” Kate spoke softly and accepted the offered cell phone and put it away. “He did everything he could there, his doctor was a woman who medical series could be inspired by, you know, she moved the world for him, helped create experimental drugs, helped him in every step she could. She was the only oncologist who agreed to treat such a complicated case because she said that my father had the fire of life in him, the desire to live and she would fight with him every moment. She did so much for him and I know I had ten years with him because of her. My mother donates to them every year… I wish I could do more… But just going in there makes me anxious, I remember how much pain my mother felt when he died, grief was a horrible friend for her for a few years, even though she put on a strong face, a happy face, acting with all her love and affection, in the moments of silence I could see her pain.” Kate said and leaned against the back of the sofa. “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” Kate quoted the book Wuthering Heights softly.

“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” Yelena spoke the little theatrical quote of Blanche DuBois softly and Kate looked at her. “I’m adopted, I don’t think I’ve ever told you that…” She pondered and leaned against Kate’s side. “Even though I treat Natasha like my sister and love her as such, my parents like my biological parents... I’m actually Natasha’s cousin.” Kate fell silent and listened intently. “My parents died in a car accident when I was 2, I don’t remember them, I have flashes of them sometimes but not much…” She pondered softly. “Melina, my mother, lost her sister and brother-in-law and won a child, a strange lottery I guess.” She spoke softly. “But despite everything, I could never wish for other parents, in their flaws and mistakes, they are great, I have the best sister I could ask for. But I know… I know how hard grief can be, I saw it in them even though I didn’t feel the grief they felt. They’ve always allowed me to call them Mom and Dad, they’ve never stopped me from doing so, and for all intents and purposes they are my parents, but they’ve always reminded me of Dimitri and Anna.” She sounded low. “I may not understand your grief like it was something I had, Kate, I may not understand the pain you’re feeling right now, but I want you to know that your feelings are valid, your pain is valid, and everything you’re feeling is real, tangible, and it’s okay.” She spoke and Kate leaned into Yelena, gently kissing the blonde’s temple with affection.

“Thank you for listening to me and letting me vent, these are rarer moments, but they’re still hard when they come.” She replied and Yelena held Kate’s hand gently.

“Grief always exists, because grief is longing and your father was a great father and it’s okay to miss him.” She spoke and Kate snuggled against Yelena, taking a moment to just exist there.

“Come on, honey, let’s get back to the lunatic pack.” Kate spoke softly and Yelena accepted the offered hand and Kate felt when Yelena hesitated to keep her hands, they hadn't really shown that much affection yet, but still, Kate proudly walked out of Carol's house with her hand in Yelena's.

"Aunt Kate and Yelena are holding hands!" Tommy, the brat, spoke in a loud tone that made everyone look at them. The children with wide eyes and many of the adults with a worried look at Kate's visibly freshly cried face.

"She has a warm hand." Yelena said with a shrug as if it was a completely acceptable excuse. Tommy looked at her and tilted his head to the side.

“I like to hold hands!” Nicky said loudly. “Mommy and Mamy hold hands and make me jump super high.” He said and Kate smiled and nodded.

“Great reason to hold hands.” She said and he nodded and then he ran to Kate and held out his arms.

“Hugs?” He asked and Nicky was a special one, sweet and so gentle. Kate took him with her free arm and adjusted him on her.

“Sleepy, buddy?” The brunette asked softly.

“A little.” He said softly and Kate pulled Yelena and took Nicky to Agatha and Rio.

“Sleepy I see…” Agatha said and Kate nodded, Rio got up and picked Nicky up affectionately.

“Come my prince, let’s get some sleep, do you want to stay here or go to one of the rooms?” She asked softly.

“With you mami.” He said sweetly and the two younger girls saw Rio adjust herself on a lounge chair with Nicky lying against her. Kate then gave a gentle smile and pulled Yelena to sit with Carol who was at a table in the shade.

“Hey, sorry about that.” Brun spoke softly.

“It’s okay, I believe you’re right and my mother is waiting for something real to bring this up, if it’s hard for me… For her it’s a little worse, she lost the love of her life.” She spoke with a slightly sad smile. “And you was very gentle in the delivery, Brun.”

“I know it’s a difficult position, Kate.” Jessica spoke softly and Kate gave her a gentle smile. X23 was rolling around on the floor with the children so Kate was off her babysitting duties.

“Eleanor never got married after him, right?” Carol asked gently.

“No, she said she would never love anyone like she loved my father and she hasn’t been dating since. But she became even more present for me, and I would like to see her in a good romantic relationship. She even tried, but uh, men.” Kate spoke and Clint, who was next to her, raised the beer he was drinking.

“Yes, 90% of us are horrible, 5% are acceptable and the rest are big kids learning to be men.” He spoke clearly in a slightly playful tone and it made the women laugh.

“The acceptable ones are good, but they are disputed.” Laura Barton spoke and took Clint’s hand carefully.

“Has Yelena taken you dancing yet, Kate?” Natasha’s question changed the subject, the redhead had sat with them there and there was a general look in Kate’s direction.

“I went to school the other day to give moral support to the kids.” Kate spoke softly. “We haven’t been dancing yet and I haven’t even seen her dance, too bad.” Kate teased and Yelena rolled her eyes.

“Natasha says that because she has this whole theory about how couples who have fun dancing together and have chemistry dancing together work in the long run.” Yelena spoke giving very little credibility to Natasha’s theory.

“It’s worked with all the couples here so far. Me included.” Natasha nudged Wanda who just laughed lightly and pushed the redhead aside. “Think of it as an audition, Kate.” She said amusedly and Kate snorted.

“I’ve always been the villain’s henchman, the tree, the background role with no lines. Woman, don’t say that or I’ll get nervous.” Kate said clearly jokingly and Natasha laughed lightly and shook her head. “I’m part of the coordination, if anyone is going to have an audition it's Prima and not me.” She joked to Yelena and the blonde made a dramatic sound.

“Years of being Vaganova’s Prima, but is it to date Kate that I need to do gymnastics to get an audition?” She snorted and Kate laughed.

“Eh, I think we can already consider the audition done on the first date and the role acquired.” The brunette replied and Yelena nodded.

“I like the way you think, Kate Bishop.” Yelena’s answer made Kate smile and lean in, lightly kissing Yelena’s cheek.

*********

That Sunday there wasn't much swimming in the pool, it was usually late fall and with the snow season and Christmas holidays approaching it was normal for the children not to go into the water as much, even heated ones like the one Carol had available.

But two weeks passed and New York was starting to enter winter, the stores started to change so that there would be Christmas decorations and Kate, always reasonably organized, with so many children around, bought gifts for everyone.

But then there was Yelena, and what to buy for Yelena, was what Kate pondered. She was walking through some antique stores, looking for something for her own mother and that's when she saw it.

The music box was delicate, like a small work of art. It was made of polished wood with a soft, warm tone, a glossy oak. It had intricate details of flowers and arabesques around it, and the lid had some small gold details. When she opened the box, the classic theme from Swan Lake began to play, and it was all a very fine mechanism. And in the center was a ballerina, in a graceful pose, wearing a white and pink tutu, made of porcelain with many meticulous details. Her blond hair was carefully sculpted and delicately painted. Her arms were raised and as the music played, the ballerina spun on a small platform, in time with the music. It was beautiful, fluid and like a little dream. Inside the box there was a small padded bottom and velvet the same color as the ballerina's tutu. And when Kate carefully picked up the box and turned it over, she saw underneath. It was something from Russia and it seemed like the perfect gift for the blonde who had inadvertently taken Kate's heart.

"A Russian gift, da?" The man standing there spoke in an accent very similar to Yelena's.

"My girlfriend was a ballerina in Russia, born and raised there, I think this is perfect for her." Kate said with a cheerful smile and the man looked at her and then nodded.

"A good gift for a Russian woman." He said and then guided Kate to the cashier, the brunette already had a jewelry box for her mother that was made of wood and was antique, so she had finally finished all the gifts she needed.

"I hope she likes it." Kate said and the man gave her a gentle smile and she moved out of the store.

She was going to have a date with Yelena and the two of them would not actually see each other for Christmas. Kate and Lucky were going to Seattle for Christmas but it was still early December, so there would be a little more time for the two of them to enjoy New York in preparation for Christmas. And there was the premiere of the musical. That was when Kate’s phone rang and she smiled when she saw Yelena’s name there.

“Hello, my Prima.” The call was gentle and Kate heard the small shudder of breath.

“God, I love it when you call me that. Hello, Kate Bishop.” The tone was warm and gentle and Yelena laughed lightly.

“What do I owe you the pleasure of a call a few hours before we see each other?” She asked, trying to keep in check her anxiety that Yelena would cancel.

“Nothing bad, I promise… But I want to know if you’re home.” Yelena asked in a slightly dirty tone and Kate froze at the entrance to the subway.

“I should be there in 20 minutes, I came to run some errands and find a Christmas present for my mother.” And for you. She thought but didn’t speak.

“Great, when you get home I need you to help me choose between the two photos I sent you. Wait until you get home, please.” The request was nothing new, Yelena would often ask for help choosing things and Yelena also preferred that the photos she sent, regardless of whether they were inappropriate content or not, were something the blonde always requested privacy for.

“Sure, honey, I promise.” She said with a simple smile. “The theater car will pick me up first and then we’ll pick you up so we can go to the premiere, sound good?” Kate asked gently.

“You’re too good for me, Kate Bishop. It’s perfect.” Yelena said in a calm tone.

“Then I’ll see you in a few hours.” Kate said with a smile.

“I can’t wait, I’m excited for the play.” Yelena said the first part in a sensual way and the second part just sounded excited, the blonde was excited about the story especially when Kate gave small (and irrelevant) spoilers about the production. Kate then said goodbye to Yelena and moved into the subway. The trip itself was short and she had a short five-minute walk to get home. Lucky was in the backyard, as he usually was when he was alone, the dog door that gave access to the outside area shook with the golden's excitement at welcoming his favorite human. But Kate calmed him down and stroked his furry head and then put the presents away in the guest room before sitting on the bed, taking off her shoes and looking at the photos Yelena had sent.

And look, Kate was not unaccustomed to sexy photos of the blonde, the woman was very hot and Yelena had very little modesty and Kate was just grateful for sitting down.

The set of red underwear were different in color and model but both made the blonde's body, already very beautiful and very attractive, become a beacon. Kate's mouth opened and closed a few times and she shifted uncomfortably excitedly on the edge of the mattress.

The set of red underwear were different in color and model but both made the blonde's body, already very beautiful and very attractive, become a beacon. Kate's mouth opened and closed a few times and she shifted uncomfortably excitedly on the edge of the mattress.

‘Shall I assume they will be mine to unwrap this gift?’ -K

‘Did you like any of them more, Kate Bishop?’ -Y

‘The first one, definitely the first one. By God.’ -K

‘The first one it will be, Kate. See you in a bit.’ -Y

Kate took a deep breath and swallowed hard. God, she seriously considered that she had won the lottery and didn’t know it, Yelena was amazing. She mumbled a few compliments to herself for Yelena and went to take a shower and get dressed, she had little time until the premiere and she wanted to eat something before that (as Yelena had kindly instructed).

Showered and dressed in loose, comfortable clothes, she went to the kitchen and a serving of macaroni and cheese, she finally got ready. Kate, despite knowing how to wear dresses, had never really been her thing. One of the few points of trouble she had with her mother was that Kate had always been an unfeminine woman, often preferring to shop from the men’s section rather than the women’s section. And Kate really hoped that Yelena's very feminine energy would ease this little tension between mother and daughter, so that Eleanor would have someone to talk to about dresses and pretty clothes, and Kate tried hard, but honestly she cared very little if a dress was a Dior or a Gucci or anything like that.

But Kate accepted the gifts her mother gave her over the years that came and went. She liked the fine suits her mother gave her, even if she didn't wear them as much as she would have liked. Kate didn't go to the fancy parties that the Bishop name gave her access to as much, she never needed that networking being part of the coordination team. If she were an actress or a director she would need it more, but she was from a more niche group, which made it easier.

So with the black shirt and the black suit, the well-polished shoes and the dark red tie, she adjusted herself and her hair was tied in a high ponytail, she preferred her hair more or less out of her face when it came to photos and glamorous entrances like the one that a Broadway musical premiere brought. 

She finished adjusting the pocket watch on the vest she had decided to wear at the last minute and adjusted her tie again in a slightly more complex knot that her father had taught her when she was young. Her makeup was light and still present, highlighting her blue eyes a little.

When the car provided by the production arrived, it was preferable for everyone to be driven to the premiere and the red carpet, so Kate always requested one. She got in the car without much preamble and smiled at the driver, but there was not much conversation. She just remained silent as she waited the not-so-long distance between her house and Yelena's. They parked at the door of the house and Kate got out to meet Yelena at the door.

Fanny just threw a little welcome party for Kate who had entered through the little front gate without any real problems. She stroked Fanny's head with her fingertips and then knocked on the front door. Kate barely counted to ten when the door opened and she and Yelena saw each other for the first time in their chosen outfits. Yelena's dress was very beautiful.

The dress was black and red and it was stunning, a deep red bodice with a V-neckline that made Yelena's already beautiful neck stand out. The silhouette was structured and there were some black sequins throughout the material. There was black lace on the bodice of the dress that gave it a very sensual touch, giving it a slight transparency in the bust and waist area. The skirt was a-line that created an almost dramatic effect, the front was red fabric and the back was black velvet. The red side was adorned with black tulle bands that intertwined asymmetrically. There were some black fabric details at the waist that made a belt with a matte black buckle. The base of the skirt had some crystals that gave a little shine to the material. Yelena was wearing dark makeup with some red details in the eyeshadow, her lips were a dark red, she had long silver earrings and the pair of black shoes made her the same height as Kate.

"Oh my god, you look magnificent." Kate stammered and then saw that Yelena had cut her hair. Yelena's hair had always had a slightly messy touch to it from the short, almost pixie-like strands she wore, they were more styled and that was when Kate noticed the new type of cut there. "Oh, you got a sidecut." She said and Yelena looked amused but at the same time slightly uncertain about it.

"Does it look good?" She asked with an awkward smile.

“I didn’t think you could get any hotter. I was so wrong… You are hotter and my Jesus…” Kate whimpered. “Oh my god, come on, let’s go somewhere with more people and far away from surfaces where I can have my way with you.” She spoke quickly and Yelena laughed out loud, with a small command Fanny was ushered into the house and then she accepted Kate’s offered arm.

“You look very handsome in that suit and vest.” Yelena spoke softly and got into the car that had the door opened by Kate.

“I’m glad, I figured a dark red tie would be appropriate. Isn’t it too… I don’t know, blasé?” She asked sincerely.

“I think we make a very pretty and elegant couple, Kate.” Yelena leaned closer and her breath brushed Kate’s ear. “And how wet I am looking at you in that outfit certainly doesn’t make you blasé, Kate…” The purr came in a whisper and Kate closed her eyes and shivered.

“I’ll have to check that out in the not too distant future, my Prima.” Yelena’s eyes darkened and there was this shiver in Yelena’s body that made Kate smile with satisfaction. “On a lighter note… How was the audition?” She asked and it made the growing tension subside.

*********

The event itself was a red carpet, not as glamorous as a big event like the Tonys Kate attended two years ago, but still big. Oh My Mermaid, had some big names in production and acting.

So when Kate got out of the car and held out her hand to Yelena, there were pictures of the two of them and Kate gave the blonde a gentle smile, guiding her down the red carpet with ease. They stopped at the designated spot for photos and Kate had to keep a polite smile on her face, especially when Yelena made sure to have her arm wrapped around Kate’s and the two of them holding hands in the photos.

“Are you okay?” Kate asked softly and Yelena gave the brunette a smile.

“Yes, I’ve been to premieres before as a Prima, less glamorous but still intense like this.” Yelena spoke softly and Kate nodded, guiding her to some interviewers.

“We’re going to go with a technical interviewer, luckily I’m less targeted than anyone else, but still… Eh.” Kate spoke and Yelena giggled and nodded.

“Kate Bishop!” The man was very tall, wearing a tailored suit and smiled at Kate happily. “My favorite fight coordinator!” He spoke and Kate laughed.

“Hello, Marshan, how are you?” Kate asked kindly.

“I’m great, excited for the premiere.” He spoke sincerely. “Nice to meet you, miss, I’m Marshan Hanh.” The man extended his hand to Yelena who accepted it kindly.

“Yelena Belova.” She introduced herself and Kate smiled at the man.

“Questions?” She instructed and they began a quick conversation about technical aspects, Kate talked a little about organizing a sword fight and how excited she was to see it all come together in the ship scene, which made Marshan even more curious.

“Does it look like we’ll have a Tony winner for practical effects this year?” He asked and Kate laughed awkwardly.

“I hope so, Oh My Mermaid is probably as technically challenging as some really big productions, but we’ll see, there’s a lot of cool and impressive stuff on stage.” She said and they said goodbye.

“A Tony, are you guys maybe going to be nominated for a Tony?” Yelena asked in a harsh whisper.

“The last two productions I’ve been to have been, but this will be the second one for the technical part, if everything goes well maybe you’ll go on another red carpet with me next year.” Kate said amusedly and Yelena stopped briefly and continued walking beside the brunette. Kate didn’t hear any response from Yelena, but she saw her cheeks heat up.

*********

“Oh my god, the ship scene was amazing, Kate!” Yelena said as soon as they left the theater and Kate smiled shyly, she knew the ship fight was impressive and took a long time to organize as it was.

“The songs were amazing too…” She said awkwardly, having already spoken to the team and had a good deal of conversation, neither of the two women really wanted to stay for long at the after-event that was organized in the hall next to the theater.

“It was really, really cool, thank you so much for bringing me.” Yelena said in an almost enthusiastic tone. And the two stopped to wait for the Uber that would take them to the blonde’s house, since Lucky had access to the backyard and Fanny didn’t, so they chose to go there.

“I’m so excited, it was so good. Having you here with me just made it even more amazing.” Kate said sincerely and then the car stopped in front of them. They got in and the brunette just listened attentively as the blonde talked at length about how good it had been and how she really wanted to see it again. “We can come again next week, Wednesday is a day off so we can come one of the other nights, the staff can always come if they request tickets, there’s I think a VIP row for us.” She said and that was when Yelena grabbed Kate’s face and kissed her hard on the lips.

“God, yes, I love musicals.” Yelena’s excitement made Kate let out a small, amused sound and smile.

“I’m happy to oblige.” Kate said and there was a very dirty look from Yelena, which made her swallow hard.

The two entered the house and Kate barely had time to even open a button on her vest to take off her top clothes, she was pushed against the wall and their mouths met in a frantic kiss.

“Come on Kate Bishop.” Yelena pulled her by the hands, pulling her away abruptly and Kate just let out a small gasp of surprise at the rush that suddenly took over Yelena.

“We’re rushing… Why?” The brunette asked amusedly.

“Because I want to grind on your lap while you fuck me.” Yelena said and Kate, trained in martial arts and a professional stuntwoman, tripped over her own feet.

“Oh my god…” Kate said in a small surprised tone and Yelena just looked over her shoulder with a dirty smile. “Anything specific you want?” She asked as she was pushed onto the bed and Yelena stood in front of Kate with such a naughty expression that Kate felt herself blush.

“I’m going to take off my clothes and mount you while still wearing the outfit you chose and you’re going to fuck me with your fingers, I want you to feel how wet I am and I really want to show my gratitude for perhaps one of the best dates, if not the best, I’ve ever had.” Yelena spoke and reached for the zipper that held the dress together, the sound of the material being opened sounded almost absurdly in the silent room and Kate watched with praise as the material fell to the floor and Yelena stepped out of it. The dress was picked up and placed carelessly on top of the dresser in the back of the room and then Kate swallowed hard and reached for the tie. “No.” She spoke firmly and the two looked at each other.

“Do you want me fully dressed?” Kate asked softly.

“Ideally you would have a strap-on between your legs while I fulfill this fantasy, but right now I want your fingers and we can think of a playful future where I am your obedient little girl and you fuck me like a good stallion.” She spoke and Kate just opened and closed her mouth, always taken aback by Yelena’s blatant intensity when it came to sex.

“How am I so lucky that my girlfriend is such an incredible woman?” Kate spoke slightly breathlessly and Yelena rested her hands on her shoulders and then climbed onto Kate’s lap.

“Ah, your girlfriend, hm? We are so official…” The blonde spoke in a playful tone and Kate laughed lightly, but leaned forward, Yelena thought she would receive a kiss but Kate’s mouth went to her neck.

“Take off your earrings, my dear.” She instructed and Yelena adjusted herself and took off the earrings that were placed on top of the bedside table. “Much safer.” She spoke and brought her mouth to the blonde’s earlobe, sucking lightly. “I don’t think I could have asked for a more impressive girlfriend than you, my Prima.” She spoke in a whisper and Yelena moaned.

“Please make me yours again.” She whimpered and Kate didn’t argue, her mouth went down to the top of her breasts and even though Yelena didn’t have a very large bust, she loved her small breasts and hardened nipples. 

The bra made everything an even more exquisite work of art. Yelena pulled Kate's hair out of its ponytail and slipped her hands into the brown locks as the brunette kissed her breasts and played with her nipple through her bra. One of Kate's hands went to Yelena's ass and squeezed firmly, knowing the blonde liked it a little rougher, the other hand slipped inside the blonde's panties and brushed against her hardened clit.

"Fuck me, baby." Yelena begged and arched as two fingers pushed inside her and she moaned loudly, throwing her head back. The blonde grabbed the lapels of her suit and rocked herself against Kate's fingers.

"Like this? Is this how you want to be taken?" Kate whispered harshly as she nibbled on Yelena's breasts and collarbones, leaving small marks there.

“Like that, just like that, baby…” Yelena scraped her nails against the back of Kate’s neck and it was intense.

Sex with Yelena was always intense, the woman was the epitome of someone with a well-resolved sexuality, she knew exactly what she wanted and Kate was more than willing to always comply with whatever the woman wanted. Yelena began to grind against Kate’s fingers, both fingers were going deep and the heel of her hand was hitting her clit and Yelena was beautifully vocal, swearing, begging and continuing to shake against Kate’s hand.

“I’m going to cum.” She said and Kate nodded, curling her fingers inside Yelena.

“Cum for me.” The brunette felt the need to speak and Yelena arched, moaning loudly and cumming against the brunette’s hand. And there wasn’t much time to think, Yelena found herself being placed on the bed by a very hurried Kate kneeling between the blonde’s legs. The fingers were delicately removed from inside Yelena, being brushed against the inside of her thigh and leaving a wet trail there and Kate began a frantic struggle against her own clothes. The suit was thrown away with force, practically hitting the bedroom bathroom door, the vest was released more delicately because of the clock and Yelena sat up to help Kate undo the buttons on her shirt while the brunette pulled the tie and undo the most stubborn buttons on top.

“Are you in a hurry, dorogaya?” She asked amusedly seeing the shirt being practically ripped from Kate’s wrists and the look she received made the blonde freeze and look with a mixture of amusement and fear due to the intensity.

“Choose which one I’m going to fuck you with.” She indicated the bedside table, which since the two started going out had definitely grown in its toy collection.

“Oh…” Yelena said with her eyes still wide open seeing Kate get up and her shoes being kicked off, her socks torn off and her pants open. The black boxer briefs made their appearance and Yelena fixed her eyes on the band of the briefs and bit her lip.

“Yelena.” The firm tone made the blonde’s eyes rise to Kate’s. “Now.” They looked at each other and Yelena gave a small breathless laugh and rolled over so she could reach the drawer with ease. And they both knew exactly what the mood called for, Yelena had already made it clear that she wanted it and Kate was standing next to her with the underwear that made Yelena’s mouth water.

“Are you going to keep those pretty boxer, dear?” She asked softly and Kate nodded.

“You seem to like them.” She spoke and Yelena pulled the strap-on out of the drawer with the handle hanging from her fingertip and shook it at Kate lightly. “Ah, we’re both in the same mood, I see.” Kate spoke softly and Yelena watched her put the toy on and then the two looked at each other for a moment. Both anticipating what the other would do.

And Kate stopped in front of Yelena, with the black boxer and the dark blue strap-on between her legs. Yelena looked her up and down and bit her lower lip provocatively, then the blonde lay down and spread her legs, still covered by her panties, and rubbed the wet spot there.

“Come here….” She urged in a hoarse voice and Kate knelt between her legs again. The lacy bra was removed with Yelena arching on the bed and she then played with the elastic of the panties. “Do you want to do the honors, my dear?”

Kate didn't hesitate, she grabbed both sides of the panties and pulled them off Yelena's legs and there was a moment of suspense where Kate watched Yelena spread her legs and practically offer herself to be taken. The brunette quickly made a new decision and grabbed Yelena's legs, pulling her towards her and making the blonde, who laughed amusedly, fall from the support of her elbows to her back completely on the bed, being forced to be arched so that her wet center was closer to Kate's face. 

“We’re naughty, I see-” Yelena’s playful speech was cut off by an intense moan as Kate’s tongue explored the blonde’s folds from bottom to top. “Oh, fuck, baby!” The blonde moaned and Kate pulled away and gave Yelena a dirty smile, the woman only managed to prop herself up on her elbows so she could look at Kate.

“How can you be so delicious…” She grunted and making eye contact, she then brushed her tongue around her clit and sucked on the bundle of nerves, feeling more and more ready to fuck Yelena. But the image of the blonde arching up on the bed and throwing her legs up so she could put one leg on each of Kate’s shoulders was enough for the younger woman to stop herself and focus on what she could do with her mouth.

She brushed Yelena's pussy lips, rubbed the tip of her tongue against Kate's throbbing entrance, and then sucked on each of her lips. Yelena tried her best not to close her eyes, maintaining intense eye contact.

Having sex with Yelena was intense, it was intimate, it was powerful. Having sex with Yelena while maintaining intense eye contact like that was almost dizzying, an uncontrollable forest fire. The blonde threw her head back and moaned and then returned eye contact, the moans that came out of her were loud and Kate felt herself sinking into everything that Yelena was.

She lost herself in the sight of the woman surrendering to pleasure, her abdomen and legs flexing, watching as Yelena tried to hold the sheet and grab Kate's forearms that were holding her legs, she reveled in the whimpering and needy sounds Yelena made with each brush of her tongue against her clitoris and with each penetration of her tongue, the sensation of her warm and slightly sweaty skin was intoxicating against Kate's skin, her scent was so uniquely hers that nothing could bring Kate more to the moment other than the woman's scent and finally the taste, the taste of pleasure, the taste of Yelena coming undone for her.

And when Yelena came, it was all Kate needed, to have the woman coming undone against her in a broken moan of the brunette's name and her back defying the laws of nature as she arched as much as possible. Kate felt her whole body heat up and she gently took Yelena's legs off her shoulders and supported her on the bed, leaning over the blonde who was breathing erratically and still had her eyes closed reacting to small aftershocks.

When the skin of their breasts met, Yelena moaned loudly and stretched so that their mouths met in a kiss that was still intense, still fervently hot, but a little slower, as if it were a kiss to regain energy.

"Oh God, Kate..." She whimpered and Kate pulled away, adjusting herself between the blonde's legs and she brought her hand to the toy, lining it up against Yelena's pussy, Kate slowly moved her hips forward, rubbing the toy completely against her sensitive clitoris. "Dorogaya, do you want to kill me?" She asked laughing lightly.

Kate wrapped her arms around Yelena's knees, grabbing the blonde's hips and rocking her hips again, pressing the toy against the blonde who let out a broken moan and arched her back, her hands going to Kate's wrists and leaving small half-moon marks there.

"Oh yes, please, yes, this is going to feel so good." Yelena whimpered and looked at Kate who had a small satisfied smile.

"Be a good girl and lend me your hand." Kate indicated the toy with her head and Yelena nodded.

"Oh yes, yes, my god." Kate smiled at how excited Yelena was and the blonde promptly guided the toy to her entrance. "I'm ready-" She barely finished the sentence and Kate pushed inside, making Yelena moan loudly and writhe on the bed, nodding quickly. "Give me a moment." She asked breathlessly and Kate froze in place. Yelena took a few deep breaths. "This position makes... Makes you hit my G-spot." Yelena spoke stammeringly and Kate nodded.

“How do you need me to be?” She asked and saw Yelena adjust herself a little, which practically made the blonde’s ass rest on Kate’s thighs.

“I don’t know, try not to be too hard, I guess.” She spoke between gasps with each small movement of the toy. “I don’t think I’ll last long.” She spoke softly and Kate nodded. “Okay, slow, please.”

The first movement of her hips was gentle, Kate took almost half of the toy out of Yelena and slowly pushed it in. Yelena’s eyes closed and her hands steadied themselves against Kate’s wrists.

And what could have been an intense take, became a slow fuck, with Kate slowly pulling the toy out and pushing it in and giving Yelena a moment to enjoy the pulses of pleasure that each stimulation of her G-spot gave her. It was intense in a different way than a fast and aggressive fuck, having sex slowly and steadily gave Kate time to focus completely on Yelena's pleasure and it was an intense aphrodisiac for Kate.

"I'm gonna cum, I'm gonna cum, oh my god..." Kate heard Yelena whimper and thrust her hips harder to give one last push. "Out, out, out." Yelena practically pushed Kate out of her and the sight of Yelena Belova squirting from the g-spot stimulation was something Kate didn't have on her bucket list but one she would never forget.

Yelena brought her hand to her clitoris and rubbed it a few times, cumming again in another intense round and Kate's mouth dropped open. She took the toy out and threw it aside, then moved to lie down next to the blonde who was practically overstimulated. She pulled the blonde towards her and Yelena made a small sound that sounded almost like a meow.

"Oh god, you broke me..." She said, writhing slightly when Kate touched her back and it seemed to trigger a new orgasm somehow. "No no, ju-just hold me" She stammered and Kate didn't caress. "Hold me tight" She demanded and Kate didn't argue, she brought her open hands to the small of Yelena's back and her other arm went under the blonde's neck, pulling her by the shoulder. "Oh, God, Kate... I... I only squirt once and that was all by myself." Yelena spoke with her eyes closed, her skin red from so much stimulation and her breathing panting.

“Well, I can say it was a priceless sight, I will never forget that I managed to bring you to such an intense orgasm.” She spoke softly and Yelena chuckled softly and snuggled against Kate. “Now, rest, my dear.”

“There is only one of you, Kate Bishop.” Yelena spoke and accepted mentally reluctantly but physically gratefully that Kate left her to reciprocate in the not too distant future. “I really need a nap and we need to change the bed.” Yelena whimpered.

“Rest first.” She spoke, pulling Yelena further to the side to get off the wet side of the double bed. “Then I will leave you in the bathtub and change the sheets.” She spoke softly.

“God, I am so lucky.” Yelena said and Kate chuckled softly.

“I have the best girlfriend in the world.” Kate spoke softly and there was a long moment of silence, which was when Kate noticed that Yelena had completely passed out on her shoulder. Kate just kissed the blonde's sweat-damp hair and let her sleep for half an hour so that her energy levels would return to a minimum so the blonde could function a little. Kate swallowed her own lust, her priority would always be Yelena.

*********

Kate slipped lightly on an ice slab on the sidewalk and stabilized herself with pure abdominal strength, preventing her from falling ridiculously. She looked at Lucky who had an expression as displeased as Kate's, the Golden was wearing a cute winter outfit and they were both unhappy about having to walk in the snow and the cold, but luckily it wasn't snowing anymore, there was only a white layer on the ground.

But she entered Yelena's yard with ease, feeling her cheeks red and practically freezing. Lucky didn't really seem very enthusiastic about playing on the frozen grass, Kate reached out to knock on the door but the green door was suddenly opened and the brunette who was waiting for the blonde was surprised to see Natasha there.

"Hey Nat!" She spoke and then the redhead grabbed her by the lapel of her blouse, pulling her inside. Lucky was pulled along with Kate and the brunette stopped in front of the redhead who closed the door with force. The house was warm and Kate took off her backpack and heavy jacket, looking at Natasha with amusement.

“Did you buy her a Christmas present?” Her tone was grumpy and Kate’s eyebrows arched.

“Of course I did, she’s my girlfriend.” The answer was almost disbelieving and she saw Natasha’s defenses lower and Kate arched her eyebrows.

“She deserves the best.” Natasha spoke and Kate tilted her head to the side.

“Natasha, you’ve known me since you started dating Wanda, I hope all the Sunday barbecues we had before Yelena and I met will be enough for you to see that I’m not a player.” She spoke and that broke Natasha’s facade who took a deep breath and put her hand on her forehead.

“Sorry, her last girlfriend broke up with her at Christmas, she’s anxious about this fear.” Kate's eyebrows rose again and she groaned.

"I assure you I don't plan on breaking up with Yelena any time soon." She said looking at the redhead. "And what horrible person breaks up with someone else on Christmas?" Kate grumbled and then hung her jacket on the hanger.

"Kate?" Yelena sounded from the kitchen.

"I'm getting grilled by your sister at the front door." Kate spoke loudly and Natasha blushed, the sentence made the blonde move to the hallway and look at the two, especially at her sister with the arched eyebrows. "The infamous father talk." Kate said and let go of Lucky's leash, who promptly walked up to Yelena in a happy hello and then he saw Fanny and practically ran to the Akita. Yelena looked between the two women and Kate grabbed her backpack, moving closer to the blonde. "Hey, sweetie." She spoke gently to the ballerina and leaned in giving her a small kiss on the lips.

“Hey, how are you? Your flight to Seattle is late afternoon, right?” She asked softly.

“I’m fine, and yes, I’ll be there on Christmas Eve to stay with my mom and I’ll be back on the 26th.” She commented calmly.

“Are you going to stay with your mom for a while?” Natasha asked, trying to make her tone lighter.

“On ​​the 27th, Yelena’s school has a performance. I want to watch it.” Kate spoke in a light tone and put her backpack on the table. “I was going to ask Yelena to give you this, but well…” She reached inside her backpack and pulled out Natasha’s Christmas present. “You can open it if you want.” She shrugged and Natasha, still embarrassed by the way she received it, accepted the package. “Merry Christmas, Natasha.”

“Thanks Kate.” Natasha grumbled and played with the bow on the present and then opened it. It was a square box and when the redhead saw it, she smiled beautifully. “A vinyl. Oh, Yelena is our song, Miss America Pie.” Natasha smiled widely. “Thank you so much Kate.” She said and Kate just nodded.

“Now, for my Prima.” Kate’s eyes focused on Yelena. “I think it would be themed.” She then pulled out the largest gift box and Yelena looked at it curiously.

“Yours is in the room.” She said sincerely and Kate gave a small smile.

“Open your present, Yel.” She instructed and leaned her hip against the edge of the table. Watching Yelena unwrap the music box was almost invigorating, the woman’s eyes widened and he swallowed hard when he finally saw what it was.

“Oh, Kate, it’s so beautiful…” She said softly and took the music box out of the package and then lifted the lid, and the music began to play.

“I bought it in a little shop in Odessa, a little Russian gentleman sold it to me, from what he told me it was made during Galina Ulanova’s time as Odette in one of the 60’s productions, but he wasn’t sure of the date. He was only sure that it involved Galina Ulanova and the Mariinsky Ballet.” Kate spoke and the little box was placed delicately on the kitchen table and Kate fell silent.

“Natasha, go take a walk.” Yelena spoke and Kate looked at the blonde with raised eyebrows.

“What?” Natasha looked as confused as Kate.

“Go take a walk sestra, because right now I’m thinking about very dirty things that you don’t want to watch.” She spoke and Natasha and Kate’s eyes widened.

“Oh my fucking god.” Natasha spoke and moved quickly out of the kitchen. Kate just watched the scene unfold in front of her, and she was pulled towards Yelena again when the blonde’s hands touched her face, pulling her into a deep, almost obscenely deep kiss.

As always, when the two were kissing like that, everything got out of hand quickly. Yelena practically pushed Kate away from the table, and pulled her against her.

“Put me here.” She ordered and Kate didn't blink, grabbing Yelena's thighs and placing her on the table with ease, the blonde's legs went around Kate's hips and the blonde grabbed the base of Kate's hair, pulling the brunette's head back and starting to kiss Kate's neck in a very provocative way. "Such a perfect gift, Kate Bishop. I want an orgasm." She ordered and Kate who had no self-control around Yelena, just gasped.

"Natasha?" She asked and let out a moan when Yelena's teeth closed on her neck.

"If she understood what I said, she went for a walk." Yelena moaned and pushed Kate's hands inside her shirt. "Less contemplation and more touching, we have 15 minutes until the cupcakes are ready." Yelena growled and Kate laughed lightly.

"So bossy." She spoke without hesitation touching the skin of Yelena's ribs and moving to her back. "I'm not against always celebrating with sex." She said playfully and Yelena groaned and rested her hands behind her on the table, showing off for Kate.

Her brown eyes moved up and down Yelena's body and she simply pushed her hands through the elastic of Yelena's yoga pants and the blonde arched her ass up to make room, using Kate's thighs for support.

Kate let her hand brush over the soft panties Yelena was wearing, clearly neither of them were planning on having sex on the day Kate had to catch a flight, but neither of them minded a quickie in the kitchen.

Yelena's mouth found Kate's intensely, full of tongues and teeth and the brunette's fingers brushed her clit over her panties, which made the blonde moan loudly.

"Fuck Kate!" Yelena sounded through the house obscenely.

"Oh my god!" Natasha's voice sounded from the living room and then half a moment later the front door slammed shut.

"I told her to take a walk." Yelena then lay down on the kitchen table and spread her legs for Kate. “Fuck me.”

“Yes ma’am.” Kate said promptly and pulled Yelena’s panties to the side, enough for her to rub two fingers through the folds and after her fingers were wet, she pushed inside Yelena.

It was a quickie, and Kate didn’t hesitate to speed up her fingers as their mouths met at a frantic pace. She felt her wet walls squeeze her fingers and Yelena gasped against her mouth. It took a few minutes of intense fucking for Yelena to moan and arch up on the table. The blonde seemed just satisfied that she had been able to fuck without much fear.

“Oh my God, you’re so good to me. Thank you for the gift, dorogaya.” Yelena spoke softly and opened her eyes when she felt her fingers being pulled out of her gently and saw Kate licking her fingers.

“I’m happy to please you.” She spoke sincerely and that made Yelena laugh out loud. The sound of the oven timer went off and she just stood up, stretching and kissing Kate briefly.

“I loved the gift. Now, go wash your hands and see if Natasha is alive in the front yard.” Yelena ordered and Kate chuckled softly, doing exactly as the blonde told her. She walked to the front door and saw that Natasha was smoking in front of the house, dressed in a large coat and a red cap. She opened the door and that was enough to make the redhead look inside the house and consequently at Kate. The cigarette was thrown away and she walked to the brunette.

“Really?” The redhead asked and Kate shrugged when the redhead stopped in front of the door.

“Stop bothering my girlfriend and come help me with the frosting.” Yelena shouted from inside the house and Kate just closed the door behind Natasha. 

“You’re no fun, sis.” Natasha complained and Yelena just laughed.

“Deal with it.” Kate just shook her head amusedly at the blonde’s response to the redhead and moved inside the house.

Yes, an early Merry Christmas to her.

*********

“Merry Christmas Eve, my Kate!” Eleanor sounded loving as always, her mother's lighter hair was covered with a pretty woolen bonnet and Kate was hugged tightly by her mother.

"Merry Christmas Eve, Mom." Kate spoke softly and Eleanor looked as if searching for Lucky.

"Where's my favorite one-eyed man?" She asked and Kate wanted to laugh lightly, Eleanor the woman who never liked animals around the house was completely in love with Lucky.

"He stayed with Yelena and Fanny." Kate spoke calmly and saw that Eleanor pouted a little.

"The girlfriend I don't know, yes." She spoke and there was no judgment. "Well, you'll have to give him the outfit I picked out for him for me and I want pictures." She demanded and Kate laughed and nodded.

"As you wish, Mom. And you and Yelena will meet in the new year. It's not like I'm hiding the woman under a rock." Kate said pulling out her cell phone and showing a picture that Yelena and Kate had recently taken when they went to Central Park to see the Christmas decorations. “She’s very pretty, Kate, and you seem very happy.” Eleanor spoke lovingly. “It makes me so happy to see you so happy.” Her tone was so motherly and it just warmed Kate’s heart.

“What about you, Mom, any romance in the works?” She fished as she always did and again as always Eleanor snorted and rolled her eyes.

“No man could compare to your father, Kate.” And Kate understood but she also wanted her mother to be romantically happy.

“And women? There’s always time to be bisexual.” She nudged gently and Eleanor laughed.

“Maybe a woman would be the only thing that would pull me off my rock of loneliness.” She joked back as the two walked to the car. “But let’s face it, I made turkey.” She said and Kate laughed.

“I’m going to bring home a week’s worth of leftovers with me, aren’t I?” She asked playfully.

“Definitely.” Eleanor said and the two started walking to the house – mansion – that the eldest Bishop owned. “Brunhilde told me about the Presbyterian wing.” Kate thought it best to get that out of the way before that ghost of information haunted them both. She saw Eleanor’s hands tighten on the steering wheel and the woman swallow hard. “I’m not upset because you didn’t tell me before. I know it’s still early in the negotiations and it would be hasty. I think she tried to give me a head-up.” Kate added.

“The suggestion came from me… I think everything your father fought for would be a beautiful tribute, that a place that will give more chances to people with cancer is something that comes from his memory.” And Kate understood and agreed, even though her father’s memory was painful for both of them.

“I know he’s very proud of you, Mom.” Kate said, and she saw Eleanor’s deep breath. “I am.” She continued, and the woman looked at her slightly and smiled.

“Thank you my love, I’m also very proud of you. I want to watch your musical as soon as you return from the holiday break, you, me and Yelena can go.” She invited and Kate omitted that they had already seen the musical twice.

“I’m sure she’ll love it.” And knowing that Yelena really loved the musical, it wouldn’t be a problem to watch it a third time with her mother. She received a bright smile.

“I love you so much, Kate.” Eleanor spoke with the same loving tone she always treated Kate and the brunette smiled broadly.

“I love you too, mom.” She said feeling warmed by the good moment in their relationship that they had reached as adults. It was a good relationship.

“Now, tell me more about Yelena, I seem like a hermit but I want to meet my future daughter-in-law, do I need to set aside the engagement ring?” She asked and Kate gave a nervous laugh.

“Not yet, maybe in the future.” She said and this time Eleanor looked fully at her. “The street.” Kate scolded and Eleanor blushed and looked ahead.

“Sorry, but maybe in the future? I was joking but it seems a lot more serious than I thought it was.” She spoke sincerely and Kate understood, she was keeping a lot of how perfect it was to be with Yelena to herself.

“I think she might be my one and only.” Kate spoke sincerely and felt Eleanor’s hand go to hers.

“Oh, what a happy day, I’m so excited to meet this amazing woman, Kate.” Eleanor spoke gently and Kate smiled.

“Soon, Mom, soon.” She spoke feeling happy. She had an amazing girlfriend waiting for her back in NY and she was with the best mom in the world.

It would be a great Christmas.

*********

“So you have food for two weeks?” Yelena asked amusedly and Kate rolled her eyes and laughed shrugging her shoulders.

“She made a whole turkey for two people.” She grumbled and Yelena laughed and nodded.

“Yeah, that happens when we go to Russia to visit our parents, Alexei has some very little common sense.” She grumbled and Kate laughed and the two entered the gym. "What's your workout day today?" She asked and saw that Sam was already there, the two approached the man who smiled broadly at them.

"Hey, what happened?" Yelena asked, seeing that Sam had an immobilizer on his wrist.

"Uh, bad day at work, one of the kids fell, I went to catch him and well, I hurt my thumb tendon." He said and gave a slight smile. "I think you two are going to have to help each other today. Hey Kate." He said friendly.

"Hey Sam, I hope this heals soon, I know how much it hurts." Kate said friendly and let an arm go around Yelena's waist. "I'm going to train my arm today and you, babe?" She asked and Yelena thought.

"I can switch today and Wednesday, it won't make much of a difference." Yelena thought and Kate smiled and nodded. They spent another minute talking to Sam who seemed relieved not to have to train.

"Rest up man, it's important to heal that properly." Kate spoke and Sam just nodded.

“I’m going to walk on the treadmill, I’ll do my cardio today, since strength training is kind of out of the question.” She grumbled and Kate nodded, the three of them then went to warm up on the treadmill and continued a light conversation.

“Hey Kate.” The brunette who was talking to Sam just closed her eyes and looked ahead, where Eli was there again.

“Sup, Eli.” She spoke without really paying much attention and then turned to Sam. “How’s Bucky?” She asked, clearly ignoring the man in front of her. And Sam, seeing the act, made sure to calmly answer the question.

“Oh, Kate, why the cold shoulder?” Eli said and Kate took a deep breath and looked at him.

“Because I’m not interested, for the hundredth time, Eli, I don’t want anything to do with you.” She said and saw Yelena coming back from the bathroom. “And I have a girlfriend. Feminine, a very beautiful woman.” She grumbled and Eli rolled his eyes, and Kate got off the treadmill waiting for Yelena to finish crossing the gym.

“Look Kate, you don’t have to lie.” He said, rolling his eyes. ‘’A woman?’’ He said almost mockingly.

“You think too highly of yourself and I don’t  stand your homophobia.” She said and saw Yelena focused on her like a laser, she nodded to the blonde in a small plea for intervention.

“Just agree to go out with me, Kate.” He insisted again and Kate snorted.

“Hey, dorogaya, what do you say we start our routine? I owe you dinner.” Yelena said, clearly jealous and Kate looked relieved.

“Yes, please, I want to finish soon so we can go home.” She said and approached Yelena, but the blonde, usually not so fond of PDA, stood on her tiptoes and kissed Kate softly.

“Come on, you’re going to help me with the bench press.” She said pulling Kate by the hand and the brunette still waved at Eli. “Have you lost anything else here besides your dignity?” She asked the man.

“See you next time, Eli.” She made sure to intertwine her fingers with Yelena’s and the two went to the bench press.

“Seriously?” Eli grumbled and Sam just laughed.

“Take no for an answer, man, it’s easier.” He told Eli and continued walking on the treadmill.

“Quiet Wilson.” And that made Eli walk away stomping.

“At least you didn’t have to stick your tongue down my throat.” Kate teased Yelena who blushed slightly.

“He’s an idiot who was hitting on my girlfriend.” Yelena said and Kate just laughed.

“I didn’t say it wasn’t done well. The dignity shot was really good, I held back a laugh.” Kate helped Yelena put the weight on the bar and the blonde grumbled.

“I’ll die to help you.” She said and Kate laughed lightly.

“Eh, I don’t train looking for failure, so it’s okay.” The brunette said calmly. “And I plan on rewarding you for your possessiveness, so I don’t want to be too tired.” She spoke and saw Yelena's arms falter slightly and she smiled awkwardly at the dirty look she received. "Oops." She grabbed the bar firmly. "You okay there, babe?" The tone was playful and provocative.

"Idiot." Yelena grumbled and Kate just laughed, holding the bar and helping Yelena.

"But you still like me." The brunette said with a wide smile.

"Yes, I do."

********

"She's going to hate me." Kate stopped tying her tie and looked at Yelena who was in the room, in front of the mirror smoothing for the hundredth time the dress she had chosen. Kate even had a pink tie to match the pattern.

But Yelena was beautifully dressed in a sophisticated design that Kate couldn't tell which designer it was. Apparently it was a gift from Wanda, which could mean a completely new designer or a classic. But it was a shiny fabric, with a satin texture. With a fitted cut that highlighted the silhouette, long sleeves and a round neckline that fell just between the collarbones. It was a very balanced dress if anyone asked her.

With drapes at the waist, a skirt that opened slightly at the knees in a shape very similar to what Kate vaguely remembered as an A-line and of medium length close to the ankles. In a floral print in shades of fuchsia, orange, lilac and touches of black. It was modern, it was energetic and yet classic and sophisticated. Eleanor would love that dress.

It was a New Year's Eve dinner, in a reasonably fancy place and Yelena was up to the task of how sophisticated it would be, especially with the black heels and the discreet makeup that brought out all the woman's beauty.

"Where did you jump to conclusions like that, dear? She's dying to meet you." Kate said, leaving her tie untied and approaching Yelena, hugging her from behind and placing her chin next to the woman's head.

"What if-" Yelena began and Kate stopped her.

“You are an incredible woman, Yelena, a stunning person who makes me very happy and complements me in unique ways that I have never had. I spent Christmas talking about you to her, she already likes you. She invited us both to a very exclusive event at the Rainbow Room because she wants to celebrate New Year's Eve in style with us. She already likes you.” She reaffirmed.

“It's a very fancy event, Kate…” Yelena spoke softly.

“Yes, but she likes it and I thought it would be nice to have a privileged view of New Year's Eve from the top of the skyscraper, watching the city and the fireworks. I rarely go to these events, but I thought it would be nice, I can tell her that we want something more intimate and go to my house. She will accept it anyway.” Kate said, already pulling out her cell phone.

“No, no.” Yelena grabbed her wrist. “I haven't been to parties like this since I left Vaganova, I will need some social help but I will be fine with your mother.” She spoke sincerely and Kate looked at her for a moment and then put her cell phone in the inside pocket of her suit.

“Okay, it’s going to be a nice event. They’re friends of my parents, they’re generally easygoing and you’re going to meet Ramonda, I love that woman.” She spoke calmly and Yelena turned to look at Kate and began to tie her tie with ease.

“You look really nice, I like the color of the tie.” She spoke softly.

“A goddess complimenting me, I feel spoiled.” Kate spoke softly and kissed Yelena’s cheek. “It’s going to be okay, we’re in this together. And I have a gift for you.” Kate said and pulled out the ring box. “It’s not a marriage proposal.” She spoke quickly and Yelena laughed.

“We talked about how we’d like to date for a year or two before we consider marriage Kate, I’m not going to freak out because you pulled out a ring.” Yelena said grumbling. “Only if you get down on one knee, then I’d get anxious.” Kate threatened to kneel and Yelena groaned and that made Kate laugh.

“I’m kidding, but hey… This is my dad’s ring.” She said and opened the little box where the ring was kept. “I saw it and said you might like it and my mom said and I quote: I already have a Christmas present for her, but this could be your dad’s for Yelena, take it to her.” Kate said and Yelena was silent. “So, a belated Merry Christmas from my dad?” She offered and Kate pulled out the ring. “He wore it on his pinky finger, my dad was never a very robust guy in general, so it should fit easily on your ring finger or something.” She contemplated and offered the black titanium ring that had some runes drawn on it. “He was into Viking culture and got this ring and that’s it. Protection runes he called them.” Kate kept talking until Yelena’s fingertips touched her mouth.

“Your foot-in-mouth syndrome when you get anxious is cute, but unnecessary.” She said and took a deep breath and gave a slight smile and if someone asked Kate she would say in love. “Kate.” She called out and the brunette tilted her head to the side slightly. “I love you.” Kate’s eyes widened slightly, not expecting that, and she grabbed Yelena’s hands and lowered the woman’s hands from her face.

“I love you too, Yelena.” She spoke softly and saw the blonde’s body relax.

“God, well, I was afraid to say that and end it with a thank you.” Yelena mumbled and Kate pulled her into a hug.

“Impossible. But still, thank you.” This made Yelena push Kate away and then laugh, pulling her into a kiss. “Your makeup-”

“I’ll touch up your lipstick.” She then kissed Kate and they both pulled away and smiled. Derek’s ring slid onto Yelena’s ring finger as if it was made for that finger and the two looked at each other.

“Come on, you finish tying your hair and I’ll touch up my lipstick.” She ordered and Kate laughed.

“Yes, ma’am, ma’am.” Kate said and Yelena just laughed.

*********

“Why did someone put a rocket in the elevator’s ass?” Yelena asked and Kate looked at her girlfriend who seemed uncomfortable with the short 45 second trip it took to go from the ground floor of Rockefeller Plaza to the 65th Floor.

“Because it’s a very modern building?” Kate offered, still laughing slightly at Yelena’s indignation.

“I don’t like the feeling of my stomach wanting to come out of my ears.” This made Kate laugh and lightly poke Yelena’s cheek.

“We can take the stairs next time.” She teased and this made the blonde grunt and push Kate lightly.

“Because all we want to do is climb 65 flights of stairs, I thought you hated cardio.” She teased clearly playfully.

“You increased my stamina, I guess.” This made Yelena’s cheeks redden and Kate laugh at the slight embarrassment, embarrassing Yelena even slightly was always a feat.

“Idiot.” She said and Kate laughed.

“And yet you love me.” She spoke and the news that Yelena loved her hadn't worn off yet.

"I'll tolerate you at most." Yelena spoke and Kate made a small o with her mouth in mock shock.

"What a fallacy." She countered and Yelena gave an easy smile.

"Lucky for you I love you." She grumbled and linked an arm through Kate's as they walked out into the small entrance hall.

"I love you too." Kate spoke softly and then they approached a group of security guards who were guarding a door.

"Good evening, could you please tell me your names?" The man asked politely.

"Katherine Bishop and Yelena Belova." Kate spoke and the man looked at a tablet and nodded.

"Have a great party, ladies, and happy new year." He spoke and Kate led Yelena through the door.

"How fancy is a party that you have to use Katherine to get in?" Yelena asked in a mix of amusement and disbelief.

“Bishop is organizing this party with Asgard, so they are two of the most competent CEOs of the current generation with billion-dollar companies, I think we lost to Stark in the matter of solitary money, but when you put the two together we come very close.” Kate spoke calmly.

“Wait, I’m dating a nepobaby, right?” Yelena said and that made Kate actually laugh loud enough for some people to look at her.

“Yes, and here comes the Queen.” Kate said to Yelena who frowned and then she saw a woman probably about Yelena’s height, dark skin and wearing a long hat and a very beautiful dress in yellow and blue tones, the woman was the epitome of beauty and she had two bodyguards walking on each side of her.

“My sweet Kate!” The woman spoke and the African accent weighed slightly on her English and she pulled Kate into a hug.

“Your Majesty.” Kate spoke in a much lighter tone.

“Ramonda, my dear, I told you to call me by my first name.” She said and stepped away, holding Kate’s face affectionately. “As beautiful as your parents, a little gem.” She said affectionately and Kate gave an awkward smile and then Ramonda’s eyes focused on Yelena. Her hands moved away from Kate’s face and she turned fully to Yelena. “I know you…” She pondered thoughtfully.

“Your majesty-” Kate stopped when she received a firm look. “Uh, Ramonda, this is my girlfriend Yelena Belova. You may know her from when she was a soloist at the Vaganova school.” Kate offered thinking that it was more likely that the queen of an African country would know Yelena from.

“Oh, yes, I saw you dance Cappelia. Yes, yes I remember now. Such an impressive dancer. A pleasure to meet you, Miss Belova, I am Ramonda N’Jadaka.” She said with a wide smile.

“The queen of Wakanda.” Yelena spoke lightly without reaction. “A pleasure to meet you, your majesty.” She wanted to give a small bow but Ramonda’s hand on Yelena’s chin stopped her.

“Kate’s girlfriend, like her, will never bow to me, because they are my friends.” She spoke softly and in a motherly tone. “It is a great pleasure to meet someone who deserves our Kate’s heart.” She spoke gently and touched Kate’s face again. “Have you seen your mother?” She offered.

“No, we just arrived and you saw us first.” Kate spoke and held Yelena’s hand, giving some stability to the woman who seemed a little shaken by the encounter with royalty.

“Oh, did I beat Ellie to meeting Yelena? I’ll brag about that for years.” She said and Kate laughed and shook her head slightly.

“How does she do it because of Riri?” Kate joked and Ramonda rolled her eyes and laughed lightly.

“Yeah, I think we’re on the same page, she met my daughter’s girlfriend before me and I met her daughter’s girlfriend before her.” Ramonda spoke with a wide smile. “Now, Kate and Yelena go your separate ways, I’m going to do some politics.” She gave Kate two small pats on the cheek in a loving gesture and just as glamorously as she approached, Ramonda stepped back.

“Do you know the Queen of Wakanda?” Yelena grumbled.

“She’s a very close friend of my mother’s.” Kate commented matter-of-factly. “I thought if I said we were going to see the Queen it would make you more nervous.” She pondered.

“You did well, but a little heads-up a few minutes beforehand would be appreciated.” She spoke and Kate nodded. “Did you know that it was Wakanda that gave Bucky his robotic prosthetic?” She offered and Kate finally located her mother and then nodded at Yelena.

“Really? I know it’s a super modern prosthetic from what Sam said but I never knew that detail.” She contemplated and pointed at her mother. “Are we going to slay a dragon?” She said jokingly.

“You say it like your mother is horrible.” Yelena grumbled. “He was part of an action between Stanford and Wakanda, he was a test subject for the artificial intelligence prosthesis and after the study one was donated to him for long-term testing.” She commented and held Kate’s hand. “I hope she likes me.” The blonde spoke in a new rare moment of insecurity.

“She will.” Then Kate pulled Yelena towards the older Bishop and smiled at a few people around politely. “Mom.” Eleanor’s eyes focused on Kate and she smiled broadly.

“Happy New Year’s Eve, my girl.” Eleanor hugged Kate tightly over her shoulders, which made the taller woman bow slightly and then Eleanor’s eyes focused on Yelena.

“Happy New Year’s Eve, Mom. Come, let’s meet Yelena, shall we?” Kate offered with an easy smile.

“Oh, you look so pretty in that Di Lorenzo Serafini.” Eleanor spoke in a very gentle tone to Yelena.

“Mom, this is Yelena, Yel, this is my mother Eleanor.” Kate offered as a break in the moment for the two to greet each other and Yelena even moved to offer her hand, but was promptly hugged by Eleanor.

“It’s a great pleasure to meet you, Yelena. I feel like I already know you from how much our Kate has talked about you. I’m sorry it took so long to meet you in person… The City is a challenge.” She spoke sincerely.

“I believe so, from what Kate told me about everything that happened here in the past I can imagine how difficult it is. I’m so happy to meet you, Mrs. Bishop.” Kate smiled at Yelena, giving her a bit of moral strength.

“Did you tell her, Kate dear?” Eleanor asked and Kate snorted with laughter.

“And rain on your parade? No, I left it to you.” Kate said with a shrug.

“Oh, great, great. I’m so happy, Yelena. Kate told me you have a performance with your ballet class and well the school is owned by an old friend, and although I won't be able to attend. Which is a shame. I made sure to help with the costumes and new slippers and shoes for the children.” She said with an easy smile.

“And not only that, Bishop Security will take care of the tuition fees for 5 scholarships.” Kate said and Yelena opened and closed her mouth slightly shocked.

“I-Oh-Wow that’s very Mrs. Bishop.” Yelena stammered slightly at a loss.

“The news will still reach you, I believe after the new year, but that’s the least. Kate taught me that art can save, now, come, tell me about yourself.” Eleanor took Yelena’s hand and pulled her to one of the tables in the place, where the three women sat.

And despite it being a very fancy event, there they were, sitting at one of the dining tables talking as if they were having tea. Kate remained quieter, speaking when they spoke to her and just happy to see two people she loved very much simply clicking and getting along.

The two talked about ballet, the musical part and how to dance, mixing Eleanor’s knowledge of the piano and Yelena’s knowledge of dance. They talked about Kate and martial arts and how cool the job as a coordinator was, and Yelena said she was really excited to go see the musical with Eleanor in the very near future. Dinner was served and Kate found herself sitting at the table with Ramonda and both the Queen of Wakanda and Eleanor were still chatting animatedly with Yelena and Kate. The blonde still got more attention, especially from the older Bishop, but that only made Kate smile at the complicity. “She’s perfect.” Eleanor spoke softly to Kate when Ramonda started talking about something Kate totally missed, what was it, with Yelena. “She is.” Kate said with a slight smile. “Please let me have a beautiful wedding.” Eleanor asked and Kate felt herself blush and coughed lightly on the sip of champagne she was taking, which made Yelena look at her promptly. “Wrong hole.” She spoke and coughed twice more and saw that Yelena focused again on the Queen when she assured her that Kate was fine. “Yes, Mom, I’ll let you throw a nice party.” She said and Eleanor smiled broadly.

“Yay. That will make me so happy.” Her tone was light.

When the New Year’s countdown came, Kate kissed Yelena gently, with the gentleness she wanted the next year to be for both of them, to be good, to be light and especially to be a new phase in their relationship.

********

“God, what a long day.” Kate fell onto the bed grumbling and Yelena laughed lightly, climbing onto the bed and sitting on Kate’s ass with amusement. She ran her hands over the brunette’s back and felt the muscles.

“You’re completely tense, Dorogaya.” She stated without really caring about Kate’s grumbles with each point of tension that was pressed.

“I had to learn Sombra’s new choreography, by God it’s tiring.” She whined and Yelena laughed.

“Poor fight coordinator, she had to learn the fight that untrained martial artists need to learn.” She teased and leaned in.

“I miss Oh My Mermaid, it was so much easier, fewer scenes and they were simpler. More than half of Shadows is about how this ninja is an incredible warrior and there’s the whole problem of oh poor wounded honor.” Kate grumbled.

“It was obvious they were going to hire you after you guys won the technical part of combat coordination at the Tony, honey. It’s the same production.” Yelena’s kisses went down Kate’s neck, tossing her shoulder-length bob to the side.

“Hey, don’t get me wrong… I like that statuette.” Kate gestured in a general way to where the Tony was kept and Yelena laughed softly.

“Two years, Kate Bishop, Oh My Mermaid ran for two years with sold-out sessions and you won the first Tony and were nominated for a second…” She said and Kate sighed and twisted slightly to look at Yelena. The two looked at each other and Yelena laughed softly. “What now, tiger?” She asked amusedly and then laughed when with sheer force, Kate spun them both around and stood between Yelena's legs in amusement.

"Now let's go have dinner with Wanda and Natasha, the twins are with Vision, aren't they?" She asked with a pout.

"Yes, the two monsters are with their father." She said and Kate got up to change. "Ask Nat how her last interaction with Vision was." Yelena suggested and Kate looked intrigued but didn't question, she changed her clothes quickly, seeing that Yelena was casually ready.

The sound of Lucky gnawing on a bone in the living room and Fanny's small snores took the two women's exit. The house was closed and they went to the subway.

Deciding to sell the houses they had before was an easy choice when the two decided to live together, Kate and Yelena used the money from the sale to actually share the house they had today, a house close to the ones they had previously, but with a larger yard and a wall. It was a nice house and it was close to Natasha and Wanda's new house.

They walked there after a short subway ride and the absence of the children always left Kate, so used to being Aunt Kate, a little out of place. Sometimes Yelena would joke that Kate didn't know how to be an adult around other adults without the children to cushion her. Kate didn't deny it, but it made Yelena smile. Kate's light and easy spirit was one of the things Yelena loved most about the woman.

"You're finally here." The front door opened before Kate or Yelena could ring the bell and the brunette looked at Natasha and then at the watch on her wrist.

"We're five minutes early." Kate said confused.

"One thing doesn't interfere with the other. Come on, I want to have a well-deserved glass of wine that Wanda left breathing." The redhead said and went inside the house, which forced Yelena and Kate to close the front door. The two looked at each other confusedly and at the same time shrugged, not knowing what to do.

"I'm not going to ask them to do that, Vision." Wanda's voice sounded from the kitchen and again the two girlfriends looked at each other slightly and approached Natasha.

"So... What's going on?" Kate asked and Yelena poured a glass of wine for each of them, something told the brunette that the blonde knew what the problem was.

"Tommy started calling me mom." Natasha spoke and paused. "Which made Billy start calling me mama, because according to him it's more Russian." Natasha rolled her eyes but there was a cheerful tone to it.

"But I imagine Vision hated the idea." Kate pondered.

"He came to my work to yell at me." This made Kate arch her eyebrows at Natasha in surprise.

"Did he forget that you literally work for the prosecutor's office?" The brunette asked the redhead in a disbelieving tone. And Natasha grumbled something. "Speak up, honey, I'm deaf." She teased and the redhead rolled her eyes.

"He wants the kids to stop calling me mom, according to him it diminishes his participation in the children's lives." Natasha spoke this time, working on her sentences.

“Vision sees the kids one weekend every two weeks, his participation is practically non-existent.” Yelena said and Kate nodded.

“Yes, the ones who deal with the day-to-day situation are you and Wanda, if he wants to have more participation he should participate more and not want to reduce the others in the twins’ lives.” Kate spoke softly and Natasha sighed and nodded.

“Look, I agree, but he decided to threaten Wanda into taking custody of the twins in a very laborious and legal action, in the end we agreed that Tommy and Billy could spend half of the vacation with Vision, but still…” She pointed to the kitchen where Wanda was currently talking very loudly. “He wants to get back with her, he always wants to get back with her and he doesn’t accept that she’s now in a lesbian relationship.” This made the three women in the living room roll their eyes.

“Why are men so difficult sometimes? They were together for fifteen years, had children, a huge marriage, Wanda stopped her career when she got pregnant and then he filed for divorce because she wasn't paying attention to the marriage like before. But he works long hours at Stark Labs as Tony's assistant and Wanda was home all the time with the twins.” Yelena grumbled.

“And there are two of them, god, two children are a lot to take care of.” Kate said and there was a collective nod from both women. “I say it's envy.” She grumbled and no one could say anything else, since Wanda entered the room with an exhausted expression.

“I hate my ex-husband.” She said and took Natasha's glass, taking a long sip of wine. “Hello you two.” The taller redhead spoke softly.

“Hey, Wands.” Kate said and opened her arms, offering a hug that was readily accepted by Wanda, the brunette held the redhead close to her, the two were the same height and Kate always offered that kind of comfort to Wanda. “I’m sorry Vision is being such a pain in your ass…” She grumbled.

“He accused me of exposing our children, mine and his, in socially inappropriate situations.” She said, walking away. “Apparently me having a girlfriend and my girlfriend’s sister having a girlfriend is a problem.” She said, rolling her eyes. “Fucking Homophobic asshole.” The redhead who rarely cursed sounded low and Kate sighed.

“I’m sorry about that, I think it comes from him trying to control things. Since the divorce, from what Riri briefly mentioned to me, Vision has been declining at work and Riri has been taking on more responsibilities. So I assume he’s after something he’s always been able to control.” She offered. And Wanda looked at Kate.

“And that would be me and the kids. Hm… makes sense.” She thought and turned to Natasha, pulling herself out of Kate’s arms. “Legally, what are the chances of him getting custody?” She asked the lawyer. “Imagine it being your case.” Wanda added and Kate moved to sit on the living room couch with Yelena, knowing that this conversation wasn’t something the two women could really help with beyond providing support.

“Legally?” Natasha thought for a minute. “New York family law courts are governed by the best interests of the child. In this case, the family code requires the court to consider the child’s mental and emotional health, how well the parents or caregivers are able to provide for their needs, and the overall family environment…” Natasha quickly went into lawyer mode. “The emotional and environmental stability is verified by the court, and considering that you are a present mother with me, that we have our own house, each of them has their own room and their own hobbies and extracurricular activities and are in a good school and that our relationship is stable and the financial situation is good… The court would consider the impact that a change would have on them, and the fact that they start calling me mom weighs positively for us.” Natasha spoke softly.

“And being together?” Wanda asked with furrowed eyebrows.

“Sexual orientation is not considered a relevant factor in custody of minors, unless there are other aspects involving the emotional health of the children due to this relationship. The New York court does not allow sexual orientation to be used as a basis for changing custody. So Vision’s position as father comes in, he needs to demonstrate that the conditions offered by us are negative for the twins and that he can provide something better for them. The family court works with concrete evidence. They were going to appeal to the children's opinion, what they want and Tommy has said several times that he wouldn't like to live with Vision, he himself was upset when we talked about shared ferals.” The two partners looked at each other for a moment.

“What are the most possible scenarios?” Yelena asked and took another sip of her wine.

“If Vision can't present convincing evidence that the current environment is affecting the children, Wanda's custody will be maintained. However, they can decide on shared custody, allowing the children to have a healthy relationship with both parents, but this would develop with adjustments in visitation time. But the chances of him having full custody of the children, completely changing the current scenario, are very low.” She finished and Wanda took a deep breath and focused.

“So if he wants to fight with us for our children, he's more than welcome.” Wanda said and Kate put her hand in Yelena's and smiled softly at the blonde, hoping that the two redheads would calm down and focus on them.

“And how are you guys?” Natasha asked after a moment, looking at Wanda and nodding at the redhead’s decision. Kate smiled at Natasha and nudged Yelena lightly with her elbow, which made the blonde roll her eyes and laugh softly.

“Really?” She said, looking at the brunette, and Kate shrugged.

“Your call, babe.” Kate said playfully to the ballerina.

“So… we have news.” The blonde looked at her sister and Natasha’s green eyes focused like a laser on her sister’s. “We’re engaged.” There was this moment of extended silence between the four women and then Wanda let out a very feminine, very high-pitched squeal and she jumped a few times in front of the two women.

“Oh my god! Yes! Finally yes!” Wanda said and pulled Kate and Yelena to their feet and hugged the two women each with one arm. “Congratulations on your engagement!” She said so happily that Kate just smiled and touched Yelena’s lower back affectionately. “Where’s the ring?” Wanda asked, stepping away, and Yelena pulled the ring from the necklace she was wearing and showed it to Wanda. The ring was taken off the necklace and placed on the blonde's finger. Wanda hugged Yelena tightly, and that gave Natasha time to approach Kate and hug her gently.

“Take care of her for me, she's a precious jewel.” Natasha spoke softly.

“Forever and ever, Nat. I love her so much.” She spoke softly.

“I know, I'm so happy for you.” Natasha pulled away and touched Kate's face gently, then pulled Yelena into a hug.

“I'm going to marry the woman I love.” Kate said to Wanda, who hugged her tightly around the waist.

“God, I'm so happy about this! The best news ever. Does your mother know yet?” She asked excitedly.

“She gave me the ring.” Kate said with an easy smile. “She's going to need help organizing the wedding, and I... Yelena and I hope you two agree to stand at the altar with Sam and Bucky, Carol and Brun.”

“As our bridesmaids.” Yelena said and Wanda screamed again and Natasha just laughed amusedly at her girlfriend and the two quickly said a double acceptance to be bridesmaids for both of them.

“God, this is going to be amazing.” Natasha said amusedly.

“Now it looks like I’ll actually be Aunt Kate.” The brunette joked and Wanda hugged her again.

“We’ll be even more of a family, Kate.” She said softly. “I want to spend Christmas with all of us, your mother and the children, all of us. Like a family.” She said and Kate smiled at Wanda.

“I would be so happy to have a big family.” She said and Yelena hugged her by the arm and kissed her cheek.

“I love you.” The blonde said softly.

“I love you too, my Prima.”

All Kate wanted was a life with Yelena and being the blonde’s wife would make her the happiest woman in the world. Who would have thought that a little crush at the gym and a blind date would give Kate a wife… Life was good.

********

They got married close to Christmas, with the city covered in snow and in a beautiful place that Eleanor had reserved, there were many flowers around, and Yelena looked wonderfully beautiful in her light pink dress while Kate was wearing a suit in the same shade. The two exchanged vows in front of the most important people in their lives. In a small and intimate wedding, with a cheerful party and many children running around, celebrating that Aunt Kate and Aunt Yelena were now married.

Carol and Brunhilde were there at the end of the aisle when Kate walked in with Eleanor, practically drying her tears next to Bucky and Sam. Yelena's mother was holding Eleanor's hands tightly when Alexei walked in with Yelena and the mere sight of the woman in a wedding dress made Kate's heart sing, happy and joyful, beating only for that woman. Kate stammered as she read the vows, nervous and anxious, and only Yelena's emotional smile made her stand firm and tell everyone there how that woman completed her in special and unique ways, how even without knowing it she was so deeply attracted to Yelena that just having that woman in her life made sense. She called Yelena her polaris, her north star, as she slid the wedding ring on her now-wife's finger.

Yelena a little more firm in her reading of the vows, exposed to everyone how Kate made her feel seen, heard, valued and loved. How Kate supported her in every little moment even in the silliest things like choosing a vase of orchids at a flower event, how Kate helped her every step especially when Fanny got sick and needed surgery, how the brunette was a solid point and how Yelena saw her as a beacon on a dark day. They both knew that marriage was about choosing that person every day, choosing to do the best they could to share the burdens and how each one would be the other's fixed point. And that was how they felt, always supported, always together and never alone in a relationship. The complicity of their relationship was something that made everything easier, simpler and the eternal joke that Carol and Wanda had actually managed to be cupids and fairy godmothers in a relationship for two socially awkward women was something that always came up at friends' gatherings.

Two years after the wedding, when Yelena and Kate decided to adopt, the addition of a child, already a little older in the group of friends and family, was only celebrated. Vincent, a 7-year-old boy, took little time to call Kate and Yelena his mother, and even less time to help himself have a loving family. Eleanor was exuberant about having a grandson like Alexei and Melina, but no one was happier to have a cousin than Tommy and Billy.

Yes, the Bishop-Belova family had grown. A son, a cat and two dogs. A nice little house, jobs they both loved, and yes, life was easier now that they were together.

Happiness served them both well.