Yelena pressed her forehead against the cool window next to the passenger seat of Nat's car. The excitement from her completed task had worn off, and she was left with a headache and a strong urge to take a nap. Natasha was driving silently beside her. Occasionally, Yelena could hear the blinker or the engine softly revving, but mostly it was just the sound of the road and Natasha breathing. The world kept moving forward as she lay in the dark.

Yelena squeezed her eyes shut, her breath fogging up the glass. It was raining. It beat gently on the window she was leaning. A song from the sky. What else?

The Russian didn't know how long it'll be until she could see again. Or if she ever will. Until there was a definite answer, she would sharpen her other senses. What else?

"Rooskaya?"

Yanked from her thoughts, Yelena nearly jumped out of her skin and covered the back of her neck, instinctually protecting herself from the intruder.

"Hey, it's okay. It's okay. I was just trying to tell you that we're home now."

Her slowly arms lowered back to her lap. "Nat?"

"It's me. I'm here. Sorry for startling you; you seemed a little spaced out."

A sharp exhale. "No, it..." Yelena slumped back in her seat, her head tilted up towards the roof of the car. "I was just thinking..."

Natasha chuckled and unbuckled her seat belt. "Or something. Hold on; I'm coming to help you."

Yelena swallowed and closed her eyes again, trying to calm her pounding heart. Her senses were all out of whack. She needed more time to tune them properly. The door beside her opened, and naturally, she turned towards it and smiled toward the ground. "I'm sorry if I scared you."

"Scared me?" Natasha repeated back slowly in question, crouching beside the car.

"Yeah." Yelena fiddled with her fingers as she continued to look down at the floor. "When I disconnected E.D.I.T.H."

"Oh..." Natasha let out a deep sigh and began inspecting the same place Yelena was looking. "Yes, you did scare me." She smiled slightly and looked back up at her little sister, love radiating off of her so profoundly that Yelena swore she could feel it like sun rays on her skin. "But I trusted you knew what you were doing. So did Tony."

"I know, but-"

"Yelena, it's okay." Natasha placed a calm hand over Yelena's fidgeting ones, stilling them with one touch. "So come on, let's go home."

Her sister clenched her jaw for a moment before she flipped one of her hands over and interlaced her fingers with the Avenger's.

Natasha offered her a quick squeeze.

"Do you think it'll work?"

An uncertain breath.

"I'm not as smart as Tony. He can figure things out that I can't even comprehend."

"But will it work?"

"... I don't know, detka."

Yelena gripped her sister's hand harder and shook her head, small noises of distress escaping her throat as tears ran from the corners of her eyes. "I wish... I wish I could remember..."

"Hey, hey, you need to calm down." Natasha carefully leaned over the assassin's body and unbuckled her seatbelt. "It's raining, Yelena. Let's go inside. You can tell me how you feel there where it's warm."

Yelena, battling her constricting throat, nodded curtly.

"Alright." Natasha stood with a small grunt and grasped Yelena's shoulder. "Come on. I've got you." With mild effort, she pulled her exhausted sister from the car and shut the door behind them.

"Natasha..." A thumb trailed across her cheek to wipe away some of her tears.

"Yeah?"

Yelena lifted her head slightly, her lip quivering as her avid need for protection took over, and she leaned heavily into her sister's hand. "I wish I could remember what you look like..."

Natasha swore she could feel her heart breaking in two. It was as if someone reached their hand into her chest and squeezed the organ most vital to life, the organ that beats every day for her sister. Tears instantly welled in her eyes, and she hoped Yelena couldn't tell this time.

"I'm so sorry, Yelena... I'm so sorry..."

xxx

Yelena managed to hold out until they reached their apartment. But as soon as the door was shut and locked behind them, she pounced.

Luckily, the older woman had been facing the correct way and managed to catch her sister and wrap her up in a meaningful hug.

Nearly allowing herself to let out a pitiful whimper, Yelena adjusted so she could press her ear over Natasha's heart. Her fingers gripped the back of her sister's damp t-shirt with certain desperation she couldn't put into words. "Sorry, I just... I'm tired of pretending that everything is okay..."

Natasha just silently cupped Yelena's other ear and brought her closer, dulling all other noise so her baby sister only had to focus on one thing. Her heartbeat.

Yelena released a shaky sigh against her chest as she tried to best to eliminate any space left between them as impossible of a task it was. She meant what she said. Natasha wasn't entitled to protect her. But dang it, if it wasn't all that she wanted right now.

Natasha gently kissed the top of her head before she rested her chin there, her jaw set hard as she tried her best to be the person Yelena needed her to be. The hands she once used to assassinate everyone who got in her way were now existing to hold the thing she treasured most. It was sick, wasn't it?

Shivers running down her spine, Natasha adjusted to hide her face in the blonde's hair. She had to try. She had to make this worth it. Yelena was back in her life, and she wouldn't have it any other way. She had to trust herself. "I know. It all just sucks." Natasha brushed her fingernails along the back of Yelena's ear before she slowly lowered that arm to her back. "But you've got me. When you need something, I'll be there. That's just how it works." A smile she wasn't expecting formed on her face as she leaned heavier against Yelena's head. "You're stuck with me. Deal with it."

A soft laugh filled what little empty air was between the siblings.

"Hey, that sounds like something I would say..."

Natasha returned the laugh and kissed her head again, happy to hear some positivity coming from the Russian. "What can I say? You inspire me."

Yelena affectionately nudged her nose against Natasha's neck before she pulled away with noticeable hesitance. She did, however, leave a hand on the Avenger's shoulder so she didn't lose her position. "Um..." Her thumb stroked the top of Natasha's t-shirt in mindless repetition as she considered the question she wanted to ask. She really wanted a dog she could pet instead of pestering her big sister. "Can you help me with something?"

Natasha nodded in encouragement. "Sure, anything."

"I wanna take a shower."

"Okay, never mind, not anything," Natasha immediately teased, earning a well-deserved push to her face. She nipped at Yelena's hand with a grin before she eased away from her hand.

Yelena huffed and shook her head vigorously, not appreciating the implication that she wouldn't be able to perform a simple task like that while blind. "Not like that! Geez, Nat. I just wanted- Can you grab some clothes I could change into afterward? I feel kinda... gross."

"I get it. And I'm sorry." Natasha ruffled the peeved girl's hair just to irritate her further. She would rather have an annoyed little sister on her hands than a sad one. "Do you need me to lead you to the bathroom first?"

"I can find it myself, thank you very much," Yelena informed as she avoided Natasha's hand like the plague. "I just want you to grab me some clothes. Please. Can we go back to when you said you were proud of me and I did something super cool? I felt good then. Like someone fully capable of doing something as simple as finding the bathroom door."

Natasha chuckled before she had started backing away to do what Yelena wanted her to do. "Don't worry. You're still super cool."

"Natashaaa!" Yelena drew out, her voice growing high-pitched and whiny. "It's not cool when you tell me I'm cool; that totally ruins it!"

xxx

The sisters met a short while later by the bathroom door, Natasha leaning against the wall holding a pair of sweatpants and a clean t-shirt.

Yelena sauntered up to the older woman when Natasha tapped lightly on the wall with her fist. "Told you I could get here myself," she bragged with a tilted-up chin as she took the clothes from Natasha.

Natasha had to hold her tongue to not tell her she had heard the Russian stub her toe earlier. And the string of curse words that followed. And also the fact that she had been standing there waiting for a few minutes already.

"You sure showed me, sestra," she eventually settled on after she had swallowed down her laughter. She knew it wasn't her fault. But Yelena going from being one of the most coordinated people she knew to someone who ran into walls was a funny image she struggled to get out of her head.

Yelena softened and gave Natasha an appreciative nod. Natasha had heard her but wasn't calling her out on it, allowing her to keep her dignity. Not everyone was willing to do that.

"Anyway." Natasha pushed off the wall and squeezed Yelena's shoulder. "I'll just be in the living room. Call me if you need anything."

"I'll be fine, mom. But-" The assassin leaned down and gently kissed Natasha's wrist, the redhead practically melting into a puddle on the floor right then. "Thank you. For everything."

"You don't have to..." Natasha breathed out slowly before she squeezed her hand into a fist and dropped it to her side. "You're welcome. Now hurry up. When you are finished, we can watch a movie or something... Wait, I'm-"

"Yeah." Yelena flashed a smile that told Natasha it was okay before she turned the handle to the bathroom. "I'd like that."

Natasha hummed, and the door closed behind her sister. Dang it. Yelena couldn't even do one of her favorite things because of a weapon they were unprepared for. It wasn't fair.

She slowly made her way over to the couch to flip on some mindless television as background noise to her conflicted thoughts.

Tony was one of the most intelligent people Natasha knew, and she wanted to believe that with the help Yelena provided him, he could find a way to fix this mess. But the other half of her was ready to pull out a laptop and feverishly prepare for what life would be like if this were permanent. She wanted to help. Badly. She just wished there was more she could do.

Natasha tilted her head against the back of the couch and stared up at the ceiling. She had been an Avenger for years, and yet this was the task she found the most daunting. Her role as the big sister was being tested. Fears of not being good enough have been swimming in her head all day, and it was driving her insane. Yelena could do anything she set her mind to, and Natasha knew that. But could she keep up and do the same? Could she keep her promise and always be there?

Things don't last forever. Just look at Yelena's perfect eyesight.

BANG

Natasha was startled from her darkening thoughts by a crash from across the house. Her hand darted for the gun that usually rested on her hip but grabbed only air. She stared down for a moment as she tried to comprehend what was happening. How long had it been since- Yelena!

Her feet began moving on their own as she dashed for the bathroom door and knocked loudly. "Rooskaya! Are you okay? Do you need me to come in?"

"Don't come in! Just- Just give me a second..."

Natasha breathed a sigh of relief and rested her forehead against the wooden frame. Through the door, she heard the water turn off and some Russian mumbling followed up with shuffling feet and another, smaller, bang against the bathtub. After a few more moments of listening to Yelena struggle, she called her in, and Natasha did not hesitate.

There, sitting up against the tub, was Yelena, panting as drops of water rolled down her mostly bare back. It seemed like she only took the time to slip on the pair of sweatpants Natasha had brought and her favorite sports bra. Her head was bowed, but Natasha could tell her ears were pink with embarrassment.

"Are you hurt?" Natasha pried, kneeling to feel Yelena's torso for any bruising.

Yelena flinched at first but soon relaxed as Natasha's warm fingers began gently stroking her sides. "I'm fine; it's just..." The blush from her ears traveled to her cheeks as she let out a breathless laugh. "I slipped. And I, uh..."

Natasha steadied her hands so she could give her sister her complete, undivided attention.

Yelena could feel her eyes on her and blushed even harder. "I attempted to catch myself... by trying to grab the water..."

The silence that followed was agonizing. Yelena began awkwardly twiddling her thumbs with her head down as she wondered what Natasha could possibly think of her doing something so stupid.

Then, the softest giggling the Russian had ever heard.

Her head tilted towards the most melodic and beautiful sound she had ever heard. Yelena quickly found herself laughing along, loving, for once, that her sight was taken away. With her fifth sense virtually deleted, her ears were more tuned in to noticing just how amazing her sister's laugh really was.

"You're a mess, sestra."

An arm wrapped around Yelena's waist and a nose nuzzled against her bare shoulder. Yelena breathed out as she hugged the Avenger back despite being soaking wet.

"But you're my mess."

"... I'm your mess?" Her voice was soft and unsure of herself. She wondered how those four words could mean so much when others might take it as an insult.

"Yeah." Natasha leaned back and took Yelena's face in her hands, and brushed some of the excess water from her cheeks. At least, she assumed it was water. "And you're a mess that is going to be okay."

Yelena wished she could see the smile that no doubt graced her sister's lips. "You think so?"

Natasha hummed before she gently cupped the back of Yelena's neck. "I know so."

Yelena nodded and shifted in her seated position. You don't tend to realize how uncomfortable a bathroom floor is until you've been sitting on it for too long.

"Come on." Natasha let go of Yelena's neck and switched to her hand, giving it a small tug to indicate she wanted her to stand. "You've still got shampoo in your hair. I can help you finish in the sink."

"You really don't need to-"

"You're still hurt."

Yelena raised an eyebrow in confusion. "I know I'm blind, but my legs still work."

"No, Yelena. Think about it."

The Russian gulped, suddenly nervous from Natasha's tone. Was she missing something?

"You have been so worried about your eyesight, you've forgotten about the rest of the mission."

"Natasha, I don't-"

"Let me see. There were more injuries than I thought. You didn't show me before."

"But I'm fine!" Yelena argued, letting go of Natasha's hand and pushing her away in defiance. "I don't feel anything else; I didn't lie to you!"

"Rooskaya. Your back."

Yelena froze.

"Can I touch you?" There was no answer, but calculations were happening behind Yelena's eyes. She really hadn't realized what had happened. "I'm going to move you away from the tub. Don't fight me, or it will only hurt more." After a few more moments of silence, Natasha placed both hands just above Yelena's hips and pulled her forward and away from the short wall supporting her.

Yelena groaned in pain before she registered what was going on. "What's going on? Why- Why didn't I notice before?"

"I don't know." Natasha scooted behind her on the floor to inspect her lower back. There, she found multiple bruises and bloodless scratches. The bruises were almost black, but the scratches were almost all surface level.

"Is it bad?"

"You'll live," Natasha teased under her breath, brushing her fingers down Yelena's spine to feel for any abnormalities.

Yelena chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "I knew I had a high pain tolerance, but this is just ridiculous..."

"Well, since you aren't screaming in agony, everything should be okay." Natasha trailed up to her shoulder and gave her a careful squeeze. "But when we're done here, you're going to rest. That's an order."

Yelena offered her sister a playful salute when she felt Natasha move out from behind her. "Yes, ma'am."

Natasha smiled and reclaimed Yelena's hand. "Let's get this over with."

The blonde tightened her grip and allowed her big sister to pull her to her feet. Natasha's fingers slipped away from her own, and within seconds, she heard the sink running. Her heart skipped a beat with a memory she couldn't recall. It was only Natasha. Nothing bad was going to happen. But the water was running. And she couldn't see it.

"Yelena?"

A small towel wrapped around Yelena's shoulders, and her attention skewed back to reality.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just..." Yelena swallowed anxiously and nodded once. "Can we make this quick?"

Natasha immediately knew what was happening, and she didn't dare question it. "Of course." She turned slightly to feel if the water was warm enough, then brushed her thumb across Yelena's cheek. "I'm going to have to hold you by the neck to do this. I promise to be as gentle as possible. Can you handle that?"

Yelena swayed toward her touch and nodded again, this time a little less stiff. "I trust you."

Natasha let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding in. No matter how many times she'd heard it, she tended to expect a different answer. "Okay. Good. C'mere." She reached out, took Yelena by the shoulder, and guided her closer to the porcelain basin. "I gotcha. Just relax."

Easing forward, Yelena met Natasha in the middle and bent toward the water, feeling Natasha find the nape of her neck a few seconds later. As soon as the warm water rushed over her head, knuckles dug into her neck, kneading her skin just enough to create tender and caring pressure.

"I got you."

The voice was just loud enough to hear over the crest of the waterfall, and it soothed the assassin as nothing else could. Then Nat's fingers began making their way through wet strands of her hair, scratching at her scalp to work in the remained of the shampoo. Yelena, who had expected this to be a torturous experience that would only bring forth horrible reminders, found her heartbeat slowing down and her breath evening out. The care and attention Natasha was providing her were almost heavenly, and she didn't even have to ask for it. In fact, she had tried to reject it.

But now, she didn't want it to stop. It was nice to be somewhere besides a battlefield.

Natasha found herself smiling when she felt the tension in Yelena's neck dissipate, practically turning into putty in her hand. She was almost done but decided to draw out the last few moments to allow Yelena the comfort she so desperately needed. Nat would do anything for this woman. She had decided, now: she would do anything for this girl. Nothing was going to stop her.

"Alright, kid." Natasha flicked the sink off, expecting Yelena to stand up with it. But she didn't. Chuckling to herself, Natasha eased her sister up and turned her around.

Yelena's eyes remained closed and her neck, slackened. A water bead rolled from her forehead and down the bridge of her nose.

Natasha took the towel from around Yelena's shoulders and playfully tossed it over her head. That got her attention.

"Hey!" Yelena huffed but still began drying her hair, her eyes fixated on the woman in front of her. She didn't have to see to know the stupid grin the Avenger had on her face.

Natasha leaned in to kiss her nose while the towel covered her eyes, noting the way Yelena froze to savor the sweet moment. "See? That wasn't so bad."

The Russian only tugged the towel off her head and gave a nonchalant shrug.

"Finish getting changed." Natasha began taking her leave, her eyes never leaving the blonde. "I'm just going to grab something. Then we can do whatever."

"What are you looking at?" Yelena asked seemingly out of nowhere, following Natasha's moments with her body and a quirked eyebrow.

Natasha let out a short laugh. Never doubt the young assassin's instincts. "Nothing, just- You should wear your hair down more often."

xxx

The Avenger waited for her sister just outside the door, loosely holding a fabric of particular fondness in her fingers. She had made sure to knock on the wall first so she wouldn't scare Yelena as she walked out. When her sibling exited, she turned towards where the knock had come from and wordlessly asked for assistance. Smiling, Natasha tucked a strand of hair behind Yelena's ear. She had left her hair down. "I have something for you. Hold your hand out."

Yelena did as she was told and instantly came to recognize the soft object placed in her grasp. "Your vest?"

"Our vest," Natasha gently corrected. "I figured you might need it."

"... Thank you." Yelena slipped the garment on and immediately stuck her nose into the collar of it, breathing in deeply. Sometimes Natasha would wear it on missions. Even though she had the real thing right in front of her, she enjoyed having a piece of Natasha on her person. It made her feel more at home.

Natasha pressed her lips into a thin line before she nudged up against her, their hands finding each other in the process. "So, what movie do you want to... listen to?"

"You pick." Yelena nudged her back as they carefully began making their way down the hallway. "You can even watch one of your dumb, inaccurate James Bond movies as long as it's quiet."

"Ha ha." Natasha squeezed Yelena's hand hard enough to make her squirm slightly. "You're hilarious. And they're not dumb."

"You just keep telling yourself that, sestra."

The redhead turned to see the adoration behind her sister's eyes that glanced over to her in trust. Her body warmed with affection, and she gave her a much softer squeeze. "But I bet your plan isn't to just listen to James Bond, though, is it?"

"Oh no, definitely not."

xxx

Yelena was true to her word. As soon as Natasha had put the DVD in and sat down, Yelena had scooted over to rest her head in Natasha's lap and refused to move. She knew Natasha was a pushover and was determined to use that to her advantage.

Now that they were most of the way through the movie, Natasha could honestly say she was way more interested in the young assassin in her lap than the plot.

Yelena had her head pressed against Natasha's stomach, hiding her face from the rest of the world as her big sister ran her fingers through her loose hair. She was perfectly happy staying here for as long as she possibly could.

Here, Yelena was safe. Her eyes were closed, and she could pretend it was after any other mission. Just for a moment, just for one fleeting moment, she wanted everything to feel normal.

Natasha breathed out through her nose and brushed her thumb along Yelena's eyebrow, her features softening when Yelena burrowed closer. "I love you. So much. I promise I'll never leave your side again."

Yelena nuzzled her nose through the fabric of her sister's shirt along a scar she had memorized. "Can I tell you something?"

"Anything."

With a small grunt, Yelena rolled onto her back and looked up at her big sister.

Natasha looked down at her with piqued interest. If she had just forfeited cuddling to say something, it must be important.

"I couldn't have asked for a better big sister than you."

That unabashed confession moved Natasha so much tears instantly sprung to her eyes, and she made no effort to stop them from falling. "And I couldn't have asked for a better little sister and partner in crime than you, rooskaya..."

Yelena laughed, but Natasha could tell she had started crying as well. The blonde wrapped her arms around her middle and pressed into her stomach again with a grip so strong Natasha wondered how that never came out when they were training. "I love you, Nat..."

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Yelena shot up on the couch, nearly toppling over if it weren't for the quick reflexes of the Avenger next to her. What time was it? Had they fallen asleep? Was it still light outside? "Did you hear that?"

"Yeah." Natasha instinctively looked to the gun she had lying out nearby. She was glad to have forgotten about it earlier. "Someone is at the door."

"Who? Has anyone from the team texted you?"

Natasha leaned forward to grab her phone off the coffee table, Yelena shifting to sit against the cushions. "Nope. Stay here. I'll go check it out."

Yelena nodded, but her heart continued to race. This was not the wake-up call she wanted.

Walking past her gun to reach the door, Natasha grabbed it and tucked it into her waistband. You could never be too safe. She closed one eye and looked through the peephole and sighed so heavily Yelena could hear her from the other room. Natasha yanked the door open and leaned against the frame.

"Candygram," Tony announced with a grin that conveyed the hope Natasha had been looking for.