Yelena was exhausted by the end of the 8 days working at the hospital. The three on call days were challenging but she would never complain. Growing up the way she had, she learned to never whine about her situation in life because it could always be worse. The motto stuck with her through her military career even when she was faced with the hardest decision she had ever had to make. Besides getting to run her own surgeries while Maria was off, the highlight of her week was the late night texts shared with her favorite patient. There would be daily updates about her cast as well as many pictures of her new furry friend, Lucky. Yelena wasn't exactly an optimistic person which made things interesting in surgery. She was confident in her abilities but she was a realist. She was trying not to get too friendly with Kate so quickly but she was the one who called it a date and game day had arrived or whatever it was the Americans said to pump themselves up. They were meeting at the Empire State Building at noon so that meant she had to get her ass moving.

"Wanda?" She called out from her bedroom. "Did you leave yet?"

She heard her call back, "not yet. What do you need?"

Yelena was thankful her sister was already at work. The amount of teasing from Natasha would've been enough for her to call Kate and cancel. She decided not to mention anything at home until after seeing how it went. "I need your help," she finally swallowed her pride and heard her roommate walking towards her bedroom door.

Wanda came in and saw the blonde looking distressed, "what's wrong?"

"I feel like an idiot," Yelena sat down on the edge of her bed.

"I'm going to need a little context but I'm safe to bet that you are not an idiot," Wanda gave her a smile that seemed to have an immediate calming effect.

Yelena hated that about her. It was as if Wanda could see through all her walls straight into her emotions. "Stop doing that thing."

"What are you talking about, dear?" She tried to contain her smile.

"That thing you do. You know exactly what I'm talking about. It's like you have this superpower and you can understand exactly what I'm thinking and feeling. I hate it," Yelena pouted.

"No you don't," Wanda walked over and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "now what do you need help with and what does this have to do with Kate Bishop?"

Yelena's jaw dropped, "definitely superhero bullshit. I sort of asked Kate out today."

"On a date?"

"I said it's a date but I don't know if I meant it as a date date. I have no expectations of what will happen today." She waited for Wanda to say something but she knew the older woman was waiting on her, "she said she was going to take me to some tourist places then we could get pizza and watch some tv at her apartment. Is that a date?"

"That definitely sounds like date criteria," Wanda chuckled. "Is this what you are wearing?"

Yelena looked down at her workout clothes, "no? I have to hop in the shower real quick. I wasn't sure what to wear."

"Go get in the shower, dear. I'll look through your clothes and pick something out."

Yelena looked unsure but ultimately time won, "fine."

Wanda watched her leave, pulling out her cell phone to text her girlfriend.

Wanda (10:48am): your sister is the cutest.

Natasha (10:54am): Listen I know she's my sister and yes she is very cute but if that girl is moving in on my woman I will come home and mark my territory. Don't think I won't pee on you.

Wanda (10:56am): Natalia…

Natasha (10:58am): okay I'm over it. What did adorable little Yelena do now?

Wanda (11:05am): she has a date with Kate Bishop and I'm picking out her clothes while she showers.

Natasha (11:08am): easy, tight black jeans with the rips, a white tank top and her black leather jacket. Hair braided and sunglasses. Have her take her bike, dark makeup. Kate won't stand a chance.

Wanda (11:10am): perfect, thank you Natalia.

Natasha (11:11am): anytime babe.

Wanda took the time to pick out the outfit Natasha had suggested for her sister's maybe date. There was no way Kate wouldn't be excited to see her in this, Wanda thought as she laid it out on the bed. When the shower turned off, Yelena reentered the room with her hair towel dried and a red bath towel around her waist. "This is it?" She scrutinized the choice, "not bad. Looks like something I would wear."

"Well I hope so," she smiled an evil little smile, "your sister suggested it."

"You told her?" Yelena couldn't be mad at her roommate. It was her girlfriend after all. Plus, Natasha always had a way of finding out things. It must have been her superpower. She knew everything about everyone in the city. It made no sense to Yelena. "Did she suggest anything besides this?"

"A braid, dark makeup, sunglasses and your motorcycle."

Yelena nodded, "okay." She watched Wanda exit so she could finish getting ready. There was enough time to dry her hair and put her hair in a low fishtail braid. She would've worn it with a more intricate design but the helmet limited her creativity. She took the opportunity to let her makeup shine. This was a luxury she didn't partake in during her time in the military. She scrutinized her dark eyes and plum lips before adding a little purple to the outside corners of her already dark eyes. "Da," she nodded to herself knowing she looked good. "Hmm she didn't pick out any underwear," Yelena thought as she grabbed a pair of Calvin Klein boxer briefs deciding to forgot the bra for the day. It was cooler as September was in full swing but the jacket would keep her warm enough. She gave herself another once over before deciding she was ready to go. "Well? How do I look?" She twirled around in front of Wanda who had been sitting at the island waiting for her to come out.

"Your sister has good taste."

Yelena rolled her eyes, "it's not too much?"

"Very date worthy but also casual enough for not really a date. Have you been out on a date recently?"

She shook her head, "not since Emily."

Wanda nodded but didn't press the subject, "well I think the two of you will have a fantastic time. Remember how amazing you are and you will charm the hell out of that girl."

That earned a laugh from the blonde, "sure. I'm a charming asshole. She'll love me."

"I don't think Kate falling for you will be a problem. Honestly sweetheart, I think you could have your pick of any woman. You are a catch and don't tell your sister this or she will threaten to urinate on me again."

"So you really think this is a good idea? Her reputation as a patient at the hospital precedes her."

"I don't know the ins and outs of her history at the hospital or with Dr. Hill but if you like spending time with Kate I wouldn't let that be a hang up. And we've all fallen for patients at one time or another. We are only human."

"You always seem to say exactly why I want to hear," Yelena walked over to grab her keys. "I'll text you later."

"Just let me know if you are coming home tonight. I'll make sure Natasha doesn't bother you too much."

"Ha! Like anyone can control her."

Kate was pacing the sidewalk in front of the Empire State Building for the past ten minutes. She wasn't entirely convinced Yelena would actually show up. It's not often beautiful, capable women would show interest in her. Hookups aside, she wasn't really one to settle down with anyone and she never dreamed an older woman would show any interest in her. There was something about the doctor that Kate couldn't get over. She was smart, gorgeous, effortlessly funny, shy, and her accent was sure to kill her. She didn't think the blonde could get anymore attractive until a motorcycle pulled up in front of her. The blonde took the helmet off and a simple, "hello, Kate Bishop," was almost enough to send her into an early grave. Of course this bombshell of a woman would also look ridiculously hot in leather and drive a bike. "You made it!" She knew her voice was higher than expected when the blonde chuckled.

"I wouldn't miss a girls' day with you," she turned off her bike, locking her helmet under the seat. "I hope you weren't waiting long. Traffic is shit this time of day." She saw that the brunette was still checking her out so with a smirk she let her own eyes wander. Kate had on a pair of dark washed jeans, an athletic fit purple v-neck and a gray blazer. "You look nice. I appreciate a good blazer. Lots of pockets," she snapped Kate out of her trance.

"You look sinful," she saw that damn smirk again. "Should we go up?" She pointed behind her towards the building in question.

"So what's so great about this really really tall building?" She whispered to the brunette after their tickets were paid for.

"What's so great?!" Kate went into a long rant covering all of the highlights of the building including all of the times it's been mentioned in movies. There were historical displays all over the second floor leading to the elevators and she insisted on stopping at everyone so Yelena could read them. She found it endearing how closely the doctor was paying attention to what she was saying and all of the displays. "Ready to head up?" She only asked this after she was sure Yelena had enough time to read everything.

The blonde nodded, "how high are we going?"

"We could go to 86th and 102nd. I personally think the higher the better."

Yelena's smile was contagious, "a woman after my own heart."

Kate couldn't help but smile back and feel a sense of warmth filling her heart, "come on. I got quarters so you can look through the little viewfinders."

Yelena's eyes light up, "it's such a clear day too." She was trying to hold her excitement in as they stepped into the elevator with the other visitors. They stood so close due to the others with them and she couldn't help but tingle when she felt the back of her hand brush up against Kate's. If the brunette noticed she didn't say anything or attempt to hold her hand which Yelena was grateful for. She felt her head might explode as she watched the floors tick upwards with her increasingly alarming gay panic. When the elevator made its final stop on the 102nd floor, Yelena let out a sigh of relief as the patrons filed out onto the observation deck. "I bet it would be pretty with snow," she told her companion and they walked around the top of the building.

"It's amazing anytime of year," when they got to the first viewfinder Yelena stopped as she handed her a quarter. "Do you like snow?"

Yelena hummed as she looked out at the sights, "I'm from Russia. Snow is like our summer. You can see so far," she moved over so Kate could have a look. "Have you been here many times?"

"My dad used to bring me here every year on my birthday." The doctor didn't missed the use of the past tense and didn't know if she should say anything, deciding just to reach out and squeeze her forearm. Kate took this as a sign to continue, "he died when I was a kid. I still come here on my birthday, usually. It's hard sometimes. We would come here and I would make wishes and set goals for my next year of life."

"And when do you celebrate your next year of life?"

Kate turned from the view finder, "July 14. And you?"

Yelena smirked, "something for something always with you, Kate Bishop. January 3rd."

"No wonder you love the winter. Winter babies are built differently," Kate nudged her shoulder before heading around the observation deck. "There's the hospital," she pointed. "Bet you miss it all already."

"I definitely earned my days off," she laughed. "It was the longest 8 days I've had in a while. I don't remember being that sleep deprived and I've had to sleep next to exploding landmines. Look, our apartment."

"I'll need the official tour on a day when you aren't trying to plaster cast me," she held up her air cast. "I must admit… my hand does feel better but I'm being a perfect patient and keeping this on until my doctor advises me to take it off."

"Good girl," she saw the blush sneaking up Kate's cheeks. "So are you ever going to tell me what you do in your spare time?"

"Eventually," Kate wasn't quite sure Yelena was ready for all of the details. "I am a student. That much was true. Dual major. I switched to online studies after this incident with an old bell and the clock tower. Honestly how was I supposed to know one tiny little arrow would bring down the whole thing?"

"Now this is a story I want to hear."

Yelena and Kate walked around the observation deck a few times looking through viewfinders as Kate told her stories from her college dorm living days. The doctor felt very comfortable in the girl's presence and it scared her how much she was enjoying her time. Yes, she could see herself spending a lot of time with Kate and that scared her. She didn't think she was ready for this again so friendship would have to do for now. "You are quite the enigma, Kate Bishop."

"So tell me something about you."

Yelena thought for a moment, "I love hot sauce."

Kate stared at the doctor unamused, "you like hot sauce? That's all I get?"

"Not like. Love. Hot sauce on everything. All types of hot sauce, the hotter the better. Have you ever had it on Mac and cheese? From the box? So good. You must try it," she went on about her favorite condiment as they boarded the elevator to begin the descent back to the ground, "have you ever ridden on a bike before?" The look on Kate's face alluded to the fact that she had not but the excitement in her eyes was enough to tell Yelena that she was ready to experience it. She walked to her bike and pulled out her helmet and a second one that somehow fit in the seat, "safety first, Kate Bishop. Where are we going next?"

"I was going to suggest the Museum of Natural History but now I kind of just want to for a ride," a mischievous raise of her eyebrows was a challenge to the blonde.

"Where to?" She asked as she swung her leg, straddling her bike.

Kate was going to explode from the visual, "you are the driver," she climbed on behind Yelena feeling the older woman's breath hitch when her arms wrapped around her middle. "Don't worry, I'll hold on real tight."

Yelena suppressed a shiver that was threatening to rip through her body, "how far is this college of yours? I want to see the bell tower you single handedly destroyed."

"10-20 minutes drive depending on traffic."

"Perfect," Yelena turned to look at her companion, "just tap whichever way we have to turn when we get going." She pushed the visor down on her helmet and started the bike.

Kate was thankful when the bike stopped at a parking lot in the middle of campus. It was only a few miles down the road but the rumble of the engine and being pressed so close up against the doctor really didn't do anything for her raging labido. When the engine cut she could finally breathe a sigh of relief, "that was an experience."

"First time on a motorcycle? Do not worry Kate Bishop, you were in excellent hands," she took her helmet off and rolled her shoulders. "Very impressive campus. Much nicer than OSU," she chuckled, "but then again there was no competition." She held her hand out waiting for Kate's helmet as they both stepped over the seat. She secured them in the small storage space, "so take me on the grand tour. Please tell me there is a history lesson included in this stop, too."

"Anyone else I would think they were being a smartass but the way you enjoyed the Empire State Building history I feel like you really want to know."

Yelena raised an eyebrow, "if I was not curious I wouldn't have asked."

Kate smiled at her companion. It was nice to be in the company of someone who genuinely seemed interested in her and her life, "the best part of campus is definitely the food."

The tour took Yelena through all the various highlights of the campus including the different colleges, the libraries and a few dining selections. They went to the campus store and Kate tried to buy her a Columbia sweatshirt but the doctor refused to let her spend any of her money on her. Kate eventually conceded knowing she had a few sweatshirts at home she would hope the blonde would want to wear one day. Last stop on the tour was the clock tower. "At least they used my mother's money to rebuild it," the words sounded more harsh than she intended them.

Yelena picked up on the subtle change, "do you and your mother not get along?"

"My mother is in federal lock up," she didn't elaborate and the blonde didn't push. "The old clock tower was way cooler," she pulled out her phone to show Yelena some pictures including a selfie of her with her bow the night in question. The picture must have been taken shortly after she let the arrow fly because she had a huge smile on her face.

When Kate swiped to the next picture, you could see the building behind her crumbling, "you are very adorable, Kate Bishop."

"Well if you think destruction of century old public property is adorable, I have even more stories for you," she laughed.

"Where did you practice shooting?"

Kate looked around as if checking for something, "I'm technically banned from the archery team so I'm not allowed in the practice arena anymore but I know a side entrance. If anyone says anything, run like hell."

Yelena chuckled, "never failing to surprise me, Kate Bishop."

Kate grabbed hold of Yelena's hand and pulled her through the campus trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible, "right through here," she let the other woman's hand go and the blond immediately felt disappointed. Kate held open the door and she snuck through. "This is where I spent most of my time when I lived her."

"So you resided on campus?"

"Yes but my loft isn't too far away from here so I never truly lived here long enough to make an impression until the accident." She walked over to where the quivers were stashed. "Want to try?"

Yelena looked around for anyone who might care and shrugged, "what the hell. I've never done this before."

"You'd think all that time in the military they would teach use basics like a bow and arrow," she laughed, handing Yelena a practice bow.

"Funny," Yelena tested the string and walked over to the lane where a target stood fifty feet away. "Bows and arrows weren't our go to weapons of choice. Have you ever shot a gun?"

"Martial arts, fencing, archery… There were a few seasons when I thought I might be one of those well established lesbian soccer players and that didn't last but no… no guns."

"I could teach you…" her words caught in her throat when Kate moved beside her with the arrow, sliding her arms around the shorter woman to show her how to hold the bow.

"I would like that," she positioned Yelena's hips the right way, "something for something." Yelena took the arrow and brought it up to her face after making sure it was in the bow correctly, "left hand on your cheek, close your left eye and aim. Pull the string back and fire when you are ready." She let the arrow fly, sailing through the air and landing pretty close to the bullseye. "Well fuck. Maybe you should be teaching me."

Yelena turned to ask for a demonstration when they heard someone enter from the front, "hey you two aren't supposed to be in here right now. Drop the arrows and put your hands where I can see them."

Yelena's smile broke wide, "this is where we run?" She asked before Kate nodded enthusiastically, dropping the bow to the ground on their way out. When they reached the door it must have started raining because they found themselves running hand and hand through a downpour. The security guard was following them but Yelena was faster, pulling Kate through the clearing crowd in the direction of her bike. They were soaked by the time their helmets were on. The guard made it to the bike but Yelena was already pulling away making sure to drench the man as she sped off. She turned back slightly, "this was fun!"

Kate thought she heard Yelena yelling and when they were stopped at a red light she asked, "what?"

Yelena lifted the visor of her helmet, "this was fun," she repeated, the rain never slowing. "Where do you live?" Kate gave her quick directions before the light turned. Quickly zipping through the city streets, they made it back to Kate's place in record time, pulling up to a spot just a few steps away from the front doors even though it was parking designated for the pizza shop. The owner saw Kate and waved so Yelena knew her bike was safe there for now plus it was under an awning so it wouldn't get wet. "That security guard was delusional if he thought he would catch up to us," she chuckled following Kate up the stairs to her apartment. She could already hear the happy paw taps from her furry friend waiting just inside. "My friend knows I'm here?"

Kate shrugged a soggy shoulder as she unlocked the door, "I may or may not have told him you might be over later and might have mentioned pizza."

"I see," she waited to be invited inside. When Kate motioned for her to come in, the blonde was immediately tackled to the ground by the excited golden retriever. "I think it's me and not the pizza though equally exciting I bet." She let the dog love all over her until he finally settled down. "Such a good boy Mr. Lucky."

Yelena stood, taking her leather jacket off and Kate's eyes almost fell out of her sockets. The white tank top had been soaked through, "umm," her fucking brain wouldn't let her mouth speak. "Do you want to get out of those wet clothes?" Fuck her life. She couldn't help her blush as she tried to avert her gaze from anywhere other than the nipples that were on full display in front of her.

The blonde's chuckle only seemed to get deeper and she looked down and pulled the sodden cloth away from the front of her body. Kate caught a glimpse of the band of her boxers sticking to her hips from just above the hem of her jeans. Yes, this is how Kate Bishop was going to die. "That might be a good idea unless you want me to soak your furniture."

Kate's blush was raging now. This woman knew exactly what she was doing and the brunette wasn't one to back down from a challenge. She removed her blazer, the v neck clinging to her own muscles. She heard Yelena clear her throat. "I can throw these in the dryer for us after we get changed." She started walking up the stairs leaving Yelena no choice but to follow her up. Kate quickly made way to her closet, coming out with pants and sweatshirts. "Here this should warm you up," she turned to hand Yelena an outfit when she found herself face to face with the blonde.

Yelena was shorter than her but it made her no less intimidating, "thank you," she reached out grabbing the clothes. There seemed to be this inevitable invisible string surrounding the ladies and when Yelena looked back up, Kate was mere inches away from her own face. The sea of blue could drown Yelena and she would go happily. When she finally managed to break their gaze, her own eyes wandered to Kate's lips and back again.

Kate was pretty sure she stopped breathing and waited with bated breath for her companion to make whatever move she was planning. They could've been standing there for hours as time seemed to stop until Yelena seemed to make up her mind slowly moving closer, tilting her head, ready to capture Kate's lips in what she assumed would be the greatest kiss she had ever experienced when Yelena's phone went off in her pocket. She was sure she saw a slightly deflated look of disappointment on Kate's face. Yelena cleared her throat, "I should check this."

"Here I'll go change downstairs. Take your time," she handed Yelena the clothes she had designated for her and quickly left the room.

"Fuck," she let out a groan when the door closed behind the girl. Damn she really wanted to kiss her but fear and doubt was circling through her brain. The well timed text from Natasha just checking in on her was a saving grace for Yelena. She changed into the clothes Kate had given her. Surprisingly, her boxers weren't wet so she kept them on. She looked in the mirror using the towel Kate left her to dry her hair after taking it out of her braid, "you can do this, Yelena. Don't be a pussy." She read Natasha's message and decided a little sisterly advice wouldn't be the worst thing.

Yelena (6:21pm): I think Kate wants to have sex with me.

"Well that was a stupid fucking message," she sighed.

Natasha (6:23pm): and that's a problem?

Yelena called her sister instead of messaging since she was on limited time. Natasha picked up after three rings, "yes and no."

"Hello to you too, sis."

"I have limited time to talk. I'm in Kate's bedroom. She went downstairs to change. We got caught in the rain."

She could hear Natasha laughing, "you have slept with women before right?" She heard Yelena sigh and mumble something about calling Wanda. "Oh stop. I get it. Sleeping with someone for the first time is a lot of pressure. And I know you haven't told me everything that happened with Emily but I can see why it's a big deal now."

"I just don't want to rush anything. Kate she's…" her voice trailed off thinking about the brunette.

"She's special hmm?"

"She's so special. I just don't want to rush anything. I do not know if I'm ready for that yet but then if I don't sleep with her will she get bored and move on?"

"Woah…" Natasha cut off her rambling. "You are worth the wait. Don't put words into Kate's mouth without talking to her about it. If she cares about you, she'll understand. Plus what… this is like your first official date? There should be no expectations."

"It's 2023. There are always expectations. I almost kissed her when your text came through."

"Blocking clits since 1984," she laughed. That earned a chuckle from her sister, "there's nothing saying a kiss isn't appropriate. Make out… maybe a little boob squeeze or ass grab. Don't put stipulations on it and do what feels right."

"No," Yelena agreed, "you are right. I am overthinking."

"Though you should probably go before she thinks you left out of the window"

"I haven't used my window exits since Ohio. Plus, she lives on the third floor and I do not have my repelling gear."

"Have fun and don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Yelena laughed, "that leaves a wide berth."

She hung up the phone and gave herself another look in the mirror smiling at the Columbia sweatshirt that looked a few sizes too big for her and the sweatpants pooling around her feet. Yelena gathered her wet clothes and headed back downstairs. Kate was already on her phone looking something up. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

"No," she waved her off. "It's fine. I was just ordering us some pizza. I did promise you New York's best pizza and Lucky asked when it was coming. Let me take those," she walked over grabbing the wet items from Yelena. She threw them in the dryer and started it up, "I knew you'd look cute in my clothes."

"About upstairs…" Yelena was scratching behind her ear a habit she's had since childhood.

Kate could feel that she was uncomfortable bringing it up, "hey I'm here for whatever this turns into. There's no pressure. We can just have some pizza and watch more Stranger Things. We could kiss a little. We can do whatever you are comfortable with. I have no expectations other than getting to know a really cool woman."

Yelena closed the distance between them, leaning up on her tip toes so she could gently press their lips together. Kate's breath caught in her throat at the softness of the kiss. It only last a second or two before Yelena pulled away but Kate was already itching to do it again, "thank you, Kate."

It took a minute for Kate's brain to start working again while her lips still tingled from the softest kiss she's ever felt, "umm yeah anytime. So pizza?" As of on cue the door buzzer sounded, "that was convenient." Lucky already started to get excited. He was wagging his butt and barking at the door. "Yes my guy, you get some pizza too. Go sit down and I'll bring yours over." She turned towards Yelena, "he has a special pizza plate in the cupboard."

So took the hint and got out a few paper plates for them and found Lucky's special pizza plate which turned out to be a plate in the shape of a slice of pizza with his name painted on it, "please tell me you feed this pup some dog food every once in a while. I know I'm not a vet but as a concerned citizen I had to ask."

"Of course," she closed the door behind her, depositing the pizzas onto the table. "Doesn't mean he doesn't deserves treats for being the goodest good boy."

"Did you make this?" She put his plate on the table.

"Will you make fun of me if I said I did?"

Yelena shrugged her shoulders, "I think it's cute."

The smile on Kate's face grew, "then I absolutely made his plate." She got a couple of sodas out of the fridge and walked the first box of pizza over to the couch. "I didn't ask what you wanted but I assumed you had taste and like meat. We don't eat vegetables in this house."

Yelena laughed because she assumed she was joking until she saw Kate's serious face, "meat is fine. I'm not picky. I'll eat anything. Have you ever had reindeer?"

"I can't say I have had the pleasure."

Yelena laughed while passing Kate her own paper plate, "trust me. It is not a pleasure. This smells delicious."

Kate turned on the tv, "more Stranger Things?"

"Oh," Yelena's eyes lit up, "yes please. I've been dying to find out if they will rescue Will. Natasha had been trying to give me spoilers all week and I had to threaten her life a few times." She took a bite of her pizza and couldn't help the indecent moan that escaped, "okay comfy clothes, delicious pizza, Netflix, happy dog… you may never get rid of me."

Kate just smiled, taking her own slice of pizza, "don't threaten me with a good time."