Realization and Resolve
They were just sitting on the couch, perhaps a little too close to Kate's mind not to have several instances of almost combusting, but she learned early on that Yelena doesn't mind her being physically affectionate and no longer shies away from her hugs or Kate's fingers brushing against hers when they have their girls night.
Girls night was happening more and more often, Kate noticed, with Yelena dropping by with take out and treats for Lucky, sometimes even bringing Fanny along. Kate also noticed that Yelena seemed... more distracted than usual. She's usually focused on whatever movie or show they're watching, always with something clever, funny or snarky to comment.
"Yelena, you've been looking at me more than you've been looking at the movie." Not that Kate minded, actually she quite enjoyed Yelena looking at her. Not that she would tell her that, she was sure Yelena would laugh it off as a joke. "Is something bothering you?"
"Not bothering exactly. Just... trying to figure something out."
Kate tilted her head at at Yelena, the blonde squinted at her, as if looking at the worlds most impossible puzzle. Kate was most certainly not that, she was very easy to figure out actually, at least she liked to think so. Sure some might say that her personality was a bit much, Clint certainly thought so in the beginning. But look at them now! They are the best of friends!
With a click Kate paused the movie and turned her whole body to better face Yelena. Yelena still made no move, her legs crossed her arms firmly grasping the bowl of popcorn that they shared. With a heavy sigh Yelena put the bowl on the nearby table. She clenched and unclenched her hands, then with a new found determination she turned to Kate.
"May I try something with you Kate Bishop? It's very important."
Kate could tell it was important by the tone of Yelena's voice and the look on her face. "Of course. What ever you need, I'm your girl."
The archer's eyes widened when she realized what she said. Yelena didn't seem to mind though, judging by the way she smiled at her, all warm and bright like sunshine. At least she relaxed a little, despite Kate's embarrassment it was so worth it.
"Thank you Kate Bishop. Could you close your eyes for me?" Yelena asked while scooting a bit closer, their knees touching. Kate took a deep breath, her senses invaded by whatever shampoo Yelena used to make her smell like citrus and honey.
"Y-Yeah. Sure."
She had no idea what Yelena wanted, but Kate had one too many dreams that started off just like this. They happened when ever she met a cute guy or girl at collage but lately they've all been about Yelena. Not that Kate would tell her that, it was beyond embarrassing.
She tried her best not to flinch when she felt Yelena's hands cup her cheeks. She gulped as Yelena's thumbs caressing her cheeks, basking in the warmth of the gentle touch. A moment later she felt lips pressing against hers. As much as she wanted to lean in she let Yelena set the pace. The kiss was brief, just a press of lips against hers and a sigh from Yelena as they parted.
"Hmm..." Yelena hummed, "Interesting."
"Not the reaction I expected but ok." Kate was a little out of breath from the kiss, even as brief as it was. Her face was heating up, still held in Yelena's hands. When she opened her eyes to look at the assassin she was biting her lip, eye brows frowned, "Uh... was it bad?"
"No." Yelena moved her hands away, Kate already missing the touch. Yelena seemed to be having some kind of inner conflict going on, "Have you ever liked someone Kate Bishop? Romantically."
Kate blinked, was Yelena serious? "Well yeah. Lots of people. Well maybe not a lot, a lot, but enough."
"And you had sex with them?"
"W-Well... not all of them. Some were just crushes you know. And then there were just random hook-ups which were fun for a little while or just a date or two and some make out sessions. But sure, some of them were serious, its nice." Kate got a flustered look on her face as she remembered some of those encounters.
"Nice." Yelena repeated. "I... do not think I experienced that before."
"Experienced what?" Kate tilted her head, and it made Yelena smile as Kate was almost in image of a curious puppy.
"I do not... hook up. I have tried but I'm not able to enjoy myself with a stranger. Or find them attractive at all. There are no butterflies as they say." Kate nodded slowly, taking in the infortamtion.
"But you kissed me. Just now." Yelena pressed her lips together, "And did you... was that... nice for you?" Kate was sweating, her heart beating so fast she thought she's faint. Gods she hoped she wouldn't fain before Yelena gave her an answer.
Slowly, the assassin nodded. "It was nice. Warm. You have very soft lips. Also taste like cherry a little." Yelena licked her lips, "Yes, cherry. It felt good. Thank you for letting me do that, I think it cleared up some things for me. Or at least I'm starting to."
Kate blinked.
"Okay."
She blinked again and her fists clenched and unclenched. She looked down at her hands, unable to stop a smile from forming on her lips. Bashfully she looked back up at Yelena and then back at her hands. She did this a few times.
"Are... are you ok Kate Bishop? Do I need to do first aid?"
"No! I mean yes, I'm fine. Just um... wasn't expecting that, you know. I always imagined it a little different."
"You... imagined kissing me?" A familiar smirk formed on Yelena's face, "Now that is new information to me. How long has this been happening Kate Bishop?"
"Oh! Uhm a while." Kate's ran her hand through her hair, she couldn't believe she was doing this. But Yelena opened up to her about her feelings, the least Kate could do was do the same. "I think I've liked you for some time now. Is that ok?"
Yelena was quiet for a moment, "Yes."
Kate gulped, "And..." She leaned in, "Is it ok if I kiss you?"
"Yes."
Kate's eyes closed upon contact, Yelena pressing further against her this time. An involuntary moan escaped Kate's lips as Yelena's hands slid around her hips. The kiss was quickly over.
Yelena could barely hold in her laughter, "Do you always moan upon kissing someone Kate Bishop?"
Kate groaned, scurried away to the far end of the couch and buried her face in a pillow. "Kill me." Came a muffled, and embarrassed plea from the archer.
"Unfortunately for you, there is no amount of money you, or anyone else, can pay me to do that. It just so happens that I like you a little too much. Which is not an easy feat. Lucky you."
Kate peaked up from the edge of the pillow, her face burning hot.
Yelena reached over and lowered it all the way into Kate's lap.
"I don't you know. Do that." Kate explained a little too quickly, voice just a little too high pitched for her liking, "Moan like that I mean. Actually sometimes I do, but, but only if the person is a really, really good kisser." Why couldn't she just stop talking? Her friends were right, her tendency to just talk and talk really will be the end of her. She only wants the end to be quick so she doesn't have to suffer through this anymore.
"Thank you, Kate Bishop. You are a good kisser also. Which is a very big compliment mind you as I have not had many kisses I enjoyed." Kate seemed to perk up a little. Ok, maybe the end could come a little slower. "I do not yet know what this means for me or for the two of us, however I would very much like to figure it out."
"Yeah." Kate breathed out, letting out a breath she wasn't aware she was holding. "What would you like to do to figure it out?" Kate licked her lips in anticipation.
"Down girl, easy." Yelena raised her hands playfully, "I was thinking a date? Somewhere good? You can pick since you know more places. Just make sure they have good hot sauce."
Kate smiled, she relaxed her shoulders, leaned her elbow on the top of the couch and her cheek in her palm, "Is hot sauce your only requirement for a good date?" It was incredible how easily Yelena could make Kate's nerves go away, how easily the sound of Yelena's voice, the sight of her smile, could put Kate at ease.
"That is a big part of it I will admit. But also good company. And you, Kate Bishop, happen to be among my favorite company. Which is also not easy."
If Kate was alone she would shout and jump and squeal from happiness at Yelena's confession. As it is she will do all of that internally, and then for real once Yelena leaves. "You're among my favorites too."
This wasn't anywhere near how Kate imagined she would reveal her feelings for Yelena, or how she imagined Yelena revealing her feelings to her, but she couldn't imagine for anything more perfect. Except maybe how her and Yelena's first date would go. But knowing Yelena she will find a new way to surprise her and blow her expectations out of the water. And Kate could hardly wait.
