I've mentioned in the story/in our conversations quite a few times that Derek basically spit out clones of himself when it came to Kate and her siblings and thanks to AI...I could just...do it??? It's a whole thing that they all look alike. Now you can see what I see in my head :)
The three kids are AI combinations of Kate & Yelena. Well, except for Maks. Maks kept the Bishop Gene Juice™️ cloning power alive and well.
Will I do this for all eleven (so far 😮💨) of the AUs we've got going on right now? I can't promise that I will. But I at least started a tag for visuals so it's not out of the realm of possibility that it could happen at some point. We'll see.
[NOTE: Click on the images to see the full res versions. Tumblr makes them look shitty and small if you don't.]
Just found your writing and I just want to say I am in, all in! While I see both Yelena's and Kate's sides I feel so bad for Yelena for about Kate saying RI wasn't her daughter. How is Erika gonna respond when she hears them yelling? Love your work and can't wait to read more!
Hello hello :) Welcome! A lot of people asked for a continuation of this bit of angst so...here's 3.4k of more.
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Kate and Yelena find themselves sitting on opposite ends of their therapist's couch, faces displaying undeniable frustration and tension. The room feels heavy with unspoken words suffocating them both.
"I'm not doing it." Yelena asserts, tone laced with defiance.
"Can you please tell her she crossed every single boundary by talking to Tom without my permission yesterday?" Kate clenches her fists, a desperate plea evident in her voice.
Dr. Landers leans forward, her gaze shifting between the two women, searching for a bridge to connect their conflicting perspectives.
"Have you tried telling her directly?" Dr. Landers asks Kate, her tone gentle yet probing.
"Yes, multiple times. She refuses to listen to me." Kate retorts, frustrated.
Dr. Landers turns her attention to Yelena, her demeanor encouraging.
"Yelena, could you help Kate understand your perspective? Why do you support Ereka's decision to cut off overnight visits with Tom?"
Yelena's eyes lock with Kate's, her voice filled with unwavering conviction.
"Because he's an alcoholic. He's unreliable, and it's not safe for Ereka to be around him. She doesn’t want to be around him anymore. She’s evidently scared of him.”
"Scared of him?!" Kate scoffs, her disbelief palpable. "Tom's not a monster. He's just…struggling."
“You've been saying that for eight goddamn years. He can struggle away from us. He has a family to help him. That’s not our responsibility.” Yelena insists, her frustration seeping into her words.
Dr. Landers intervenes, attempting to mediate the escalating tension.
“Remember, this is not about Tom. It’s about the two of you working together as a unit."
“I’m tired of ‘working’ with her. She never listens to me because she’s so sure she's the only one who knows how to deal with him.” Yelena snaps.
“Because I do!” Kate retorts, her voice rising.
Undeterred by the interruption, Yelena continues.
“This guy will show up at our door at 1 AM, blackout drunk, and she'll listen to him go on some endless diatribe about how she abandoned him and destroyed their family, but the moment I say 'enough,' then I'm being unreasonable. I'm done. No more. He's not coming near my family again."
"That's not your decision to make! We don't make unilateral decisions here."
"You've been making them for years, Katherine. Every time you let him get away with shit, you've decided for me. It's only fair I get a shot at being in the driver's seat for a change." Yelena exclaims, exasperation and anger consuming her words.
“He’s her father. Why wouldn’t she have a relationship with him?” Kate insists.
“Because he’s a danger to himself and others.” Yelena barks at her wife, filled with protective ferocity.
Dr. Landers interjects, her tone soothing as she attempts to calm the mounting agitation.
"Both of you have valid concerns, but we need to find a way to ensure Ereka's safety while also respecting her desire to have some sort of relationship with her father, if possible."
"We can't just cut him out of her life completely. He's still her dad.”
"He's a toxic presence.” Yelena argues, holding firm. “I’m protecting her. I won't let her be exposed to his insane self-destructive bullshit or be hurt anymore."
"Do you see what I'm dealing with?" Kate turns to Dr. Landers, horrified.
Dr. Landers pauses for a moment, assessing the situation.
"Would you say Yelena has a fair point?"
"No, she doesn't. She..."
Yelena's frustration reaches its breaking point. She abruptly stands up, her eyes burning with anger.
"I'm not listening to this. If you can't even give me the bare minimum amount of respect to not lie about basic facts, then I have no reason to be here.” Yelena declares, her voice tinged with irritation and dismay.
"Yel...Yel...Yelena!" Kate calls after her, growing more severe with each repetition of her name. But her wife puts on her coat and heads to the door with no reticence. Yelena exits without uttering another word, leaving Kate behind, her heart sinking.
"She's speedrunning us to divorce." Kate mutters, her defeated gaze fixed on the closed door. She leans back on the couch, crossing her arms over her chest, feeling the weight of the situation.
Dr. Landers sighs, recognizing the immense challenge that lies ahead.
"I know this is incredibly difficult, Kate. But it's crucial you both find a way to communicate and compromise. It's not just about what you want or what Yelena wants. It's about what's truly best for Ereka.” Dr. Landers says, her voice filled with empathy. "You also have two other children whose well-being is at stake."
Kate nods, her eyes filled with uncertainty.
"I know. I'm just not sure we can ever agree on this."
Dr. Landers reaches out, her tone compassionate.
"As long as you both continue to show up and put in the effort, we can work on it together. But it will take time and commitment from both of you.”
The weight of the situation settles heavily on Kate, but she clings to a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. She knows the future of their relationship hangs in the balance, fraught with challenges. The path ahead won't be easy, but she's determined to fight for her family, even if it means confronting difficult decisions and engaging in uncomfortable conversations. Anything to find a way to bridge the divide.
---
An hour or so later, Kate walks into the apartment, her mind still reeling from the intense conversation with Yelena and the subsequent argument. She carries the weight of their disagreement, feeling a mixture of frustration, sadness, and uncertainty.
"Mommy!" Russell's shriek pierces through the heaviness, and he darts from the couch where Lila has been cuddling him while reading a story. His vivacious energy momentarily lifts Kate's spirits.
"Hi, my love. What book were you reading?"
"Perpillar."
"The Hungry Caterpillar. You really love that one, I know." Kate utters with warmth and genuine affection before kissing the crown of his blonde head. "Is Yelena home?"
Kate approaches Lila, the nanny with the thick Russian accent, and speaks in a hushed tone. ‘Lila’, short for ‘Ludmila’ due to Russell's pronunciation, was deliberately chosen by Kate and Yelena to expose their children to the Russian language and culture. Yelena had emphasized the importance of preserving her heritage, and Kate fully supported the decision. Lila's role was to exclusively communicate with the little ones in Russian while Ereka was at school or in other activities, aiming to make them as fluent as possible.
"Yes. She was here little while ago. But I do not think she feels too good. I think she is sick again. Ereka also home too. Hour ago she called. Said she is sick and want to come home. I go and get her. She does not look sick, but I bring her home anyway."
Kate hands off the squirming toddler back to the older woman. The added worry of both her wife and daughter’s physical health only compounds the strain she's already experiencing.
"Thank you."
"Mommy, come!" Russell demands, reaching out his tiny hands toward Kate.
"I'll be back, baby. I need to check in on momma and Ri.”
"No! Up Wuss! Up!" Russell insists, his little hands reaching for his mother.
"I'll be back to hold you. I promise. Lila will read to you some more, okay?"
Kate tries to reassure Russell while hurriedly retreating toward the hallway. She knows he’ll calm down and be distracted by Lila's soothing voice once she's out of sight.
---
Kate makes a pit stop in Ereka's room and pokes her head in.
"Hi."
"Hi." Ereka responds coldly, her demeanor distant.
"Lila said you called her to get picked up early?"
"Yup."
“Why didn’t you call me or momma? What's wrong?"
"Sick."
"Sick with..."
"I'm just sick, mom. Jesus." Ereka isn't the type of child to fake out of school or who makes a habit of asking to be picked up early, so for the sake of not kicking up more drama than she needs to in one day, Kate chooses to let it be for now.
"Okay, well, you're in a mood."
"Seems to be going around this house." Ereka mutters under her breath, her words barely audible.
"Have you seen momma? Is she okay?"
"She's YOUR wife. How would I know?"
"You not feeling well is one thing. You being rude and nasty is another and I'm not putting up with the latter."
"Whatever."
"Ereka...don't push my buttons today, please. Of all days, not today."
Ereka makes a whole spectacle out of taking her AirPods out of their case and putting them in her ear halfway through Kate's sentence. She cranks up the volume loud enough that Kate can hear the sound all the way at the door, confirming Ereka effectively silenced the last part of what she said. Vexed, Kate marches over, rips the earbuds out of the tween’s ears, and yanks the case from the bed.
"Lost these for a week. Next is your phone. Don't try me."
Ereka starts playing the music at maximum volume through her phone’s speakers, challenging Kate with a defiant stare. Without hesitation, Kate snatches the phone out of Ereka's hand.
"Ten days. Gone."
"This is a violation of my..."
"I'm SO not in the mood for this. You're just like your dad. Never know when to stop."
"At least one of us doesn't have to put up with you. He's lucky."
"Two weeks. No phone for two weeks." Kate calmly declares as she storms out of the room. Ereka is about to retort, but Kate swiftly adds without looking back. "One more word and it's three."
"KEEP IT FOR ALL I CARE!" Ereka's voice echoes down the hallway after her mother.
"A month it is." Kate tells her coolly, firm in her decision, from further down the hallway.
---
Kate saunters into the room, scanning the space but doesn't see Yelena. Just as she's about to head for the office, she catches a faint sound of grumbling coming from the bathroom. Kate doubles back, gently pushing the bathroom door open. There, she finds Yelena sitting on the edge of the tub, her head buried in her hands, the toilet seat open, while leaning forward enough to hover over it, indicating her ongoing battle with relentless nausea. Whoever said morning sickness 1) ended in the first trimester and 2) only happened in the morning was a cruel liar.
"Can we talk?" Kate tentatively asks.
Yelena lifts her head barely enough to glare at Kate, her eyes burning with newfound rage.
"What about this situation gave you the impression that I feel like talking?" Yelena grits through clenched teeth.
"I think we should. It's important."
"Kate, leave me alone." Yelena pleads.
"You said some things in therapy that..."
"I swear to God...not now."
"If not now, when?"
"WHENEVER I DON'T FEEL LIKE MY INSIDES ARE GOING TO SPILL OUT OF ME. That would be a great fucking time."
"You're always sick."
"Maybe that's not so bad after all. Perfect excuse not to hear whatever stupid, recycled conversation you plan to throw at me."
"You're a fucking asshole, you know that, right?"
"You knew that before you married me, so that's your fault."
Yelena’s response cuts deep, but Kate chooses to push past them.
"If what I have to say is going to annoy you anyway, then I might as well say it now."
"You don't ever listen, do you? The words that I say simply don't stick in your brain."
Though Yelena's point lingers in the air, Kate barrels forward regardless.
"Of course, it's annoying when he shows up drunk. Obviously, it is. But he's her dad, and he's going through a tough time. Least I could do is give him some respect."
Yelena shoots to her feet, pushing past Kate and into the bedroom. Her voice quivers with anger and she can’t help but raise her volume.
"Where's MY respect?! When do *I* get some of that?! When do OUR relationship and OUR family take precedence over his goddamn stupid fucking needs and feelings? Eight years, Katherine. Eight years we've been together and not fucking once have you ever put me above him."
"Please, that's absurd. If that were true, I'd be with him and not with you."
"Do you have any real concept of what these years have been like?! ANY AT ALL? Because..."
Ereka barges into the room, cutting Yelena’s words short.
"If you're gonna scream at each other all night again, then at least give me my stuff back so I can drown you out."
Ereka stomps to Kate's vanity, where her phone and headphones lie, and snatches them aggressively. Kate's voice rises.
"Put those back right now."
"Fuck that."
"Ereka!" Yelena and Kate shout in unison.
"Yeah, I'd rather you scream at me than get divorced over something so stupid."
"No one's getting divorced." Kate interjects, attempting to reassure her daughter, but Ereka ignores her and continues talking as if nothing was said.
"I'll go to dad's house. It was never that big of a deal."
Ereka keeps walking. Kate and Yelena chase her into the hallway. Ereka turns to face them, her anger softening but still present.
"I don't remember my parents being happy and together. I was too little. She doesn't deserve that. I'll just go to dad's house whenever I'm supposed to. Forget I said anything. It's not worth...this. Forget it."
"Ri..." Kate tries to call after her, but Ereka cuts her off.
"Pretend it never happened and go back to being normal."
Ereka storms into her room, shuts the door, and locks it behind her. Kate and Yelena stand in the hallway, stunned into silence. After a beat, Yelena rushes off. Seconds later, the sound of the blonde getting sick in the bathroom reaches Kate's ears. She runs her hands through her hair, a mix of emotions flooding her thoughts, and lets out a heavy sigh.
---
Kate sits next to Yelena on the edge of the tub. The blonde initially recoils, but Kate persists. With one hand, Kate uses her fingers to hold back the loose bits of braid that now fall on Yelena's face, ensuring her comfort. With the other hand, Kate rubs soothing circles over her wife’s back.
After Yelena finishes retching, she groans miserably. Kate softly rests her chin on Yelena's shoulder.
"Water?" Kate whispers in the gentlest tone possible.
Yelena nods, and Kate stands to fill one of the cups by the sink. She returns to the tub, extending the cup to Yelena. Yelena takes it and swirls the water around her mouth several times, rinsing away the lingering taste of bile. She then spits the water into the toilet and flushes, sighing before burying her face into her shoulder.
"Tom..." Kate begins to say, but Yelena interrupts her, pleading softly.
"Katherine, for fuck's sake. That is the last word I want to hear right now."
"Can you please listen to me? For five minutes?" Kate implores earnestly.
"All you do is talk, Kate. All the time. I need quiet right now."
"Five minutes. Less than that. It's all I'll take."
"Do what you want. It's not like you're not going to anyway."
Kate sits next to Yelena again, this time wrapping her arms around her wife's pregnant midriff before resting her cheek on Yelena's shoulder. Kate pauses, trying to find the right words.
"My dad died when I was thirteen. I was only a few months older than Ri is now. Except for you and the kids, I would give anything to get another second with him. Anything......Tom...He's killing himself. He might not be putting a gun to his head and pulling a trigger, but we both know that's what he's doing. In a very slow and miserable way, yet the result will be the same. I don't want Ri to suddenly be my age and have the same regrets I do. At some point, I also thought I was too cool to hang out with my dad and if I could go back, I would kick myself. She can still spend time with him now. She should because once he's gone, then that's it...she doesn't get do-overs. If we take her away from him, he'll get worse and she'll lose him sooner. I know how much that hurts, baby. I know how it changes you and your world. I want to save her from that for as long as I can. That's all I've ever wanted."
Yelena's anger begins to ebb, but it’s still underlying. She searches Kate's eyes. The deep connection between them is still present, despite their current turmoil.
"She clearly doesn't enjoy being around him."
"What kid likes being around their parents?" Kate counters softly before pressing her lips to Yelena’s shoulder.
"She doesn't mind us. She wants to spend more time with us, which is why she doesn't want to be with him."
"He gets her nine days a month."
"Kate, you're going to send her back to him regardless of what either of us says, so fine. Whatever. Give Tom everything he wants in spite of everyone else, simply because his weird fucking obsession never let him get over you and now he has a death wish. Let's reward bad behavior."
"It's not about him. Never has been."
"I don't care anymore. Do what you want. She's YOUR daughter, isn’t she? You make any and all decisions involving her from now on. No need to consult me. Not like it mattered anyway."
Kate feels a lump form in her throat as Yelena's words sink in.
"Yel..."
Yelena shakes her head, cutting off any further protest.
"No. No. You do whatever you want with Tom from now on. I'm removing myself completely. She knows I'll still be there for her whenever she needs me. Nothing will change between me and her, but over the past few days, you've made it increasingly clear that my input as a parent doesn't matter when it comes to her. It never has. You have full control of YOUR daughter now. I'm done. I'll end the protective order. If you want to give him full custody tomorrow, that's up to you. I can't fight a brick wall anymore. I'm tired."
Kate's heart shatters with each word and tears well up in her eyes as her voice gets choked up with emotion.
"I tried explaining..."
"Kate, I'm going to bed. You can sleep here or in the guest room. Doesn't matter to me."
Yelena stands and walks from the ensuite to their king bed with a weariness that goes beyond physical exhaustion.
"This isn't what I want. Of course I want you involved. You're her mom."
Yelena scoffs bitterly.
"I'm not. It's okay, Katherine. She's your kid. I know my place now."
"Babe..."
Yelena tucks herself in, her back to Kate, shutting her out emotionally. Her voice softens, her tone weary but resolute.
"I don't want to keep talking about this. Ereka's right. This baby deserves better than to be born into fucking chaos. You drew a line in the sand and I'll respect it. Move past it."
"How do I move past you not wanting to be in her life anymore?" Kate speaks low, tears streaming down her face.
"Don't put words in my mouth because I never said that. Never implied it, either. I said Ereka is exclusively yours and Tom's responsibility from now on. Russ and baby are yours and mine. You two make decisions for her. We make decisions for the little ones. Simple. Clean. Uncomplicated."
"Yel, how..."
Kate attempts to continue, but her voice catches in her throat, rendering her silent.
"I'm going to sleep now. I'm done talking for today."
Kate bites the inside of her lip to stop herself from loudly sobbing. Unable to bear the ache in her chest, Kate turns and storms out of the bedroom. She turns the light off on her way out, leaving Yelena alone in the darkness.
What are y'all going to do when you run out of weddings to ask for? lol. Here's 2.6k of the fluffiest of fluff.
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Yelena paces restlessly in the elegant room reserved by the upscale venue for bridal parties to primp and prepare. Yelena studies the room, taking in the luxurious surroundings, but her thoughts remain focused on the significance of the day. The air is charged with a medley of excitement, anticipation, nerves, and a hint of trepidation. It's not fear of rejection that causes her unease; she's certain Kate's response will be a resounding "yes". Rather, it's the weight of the upcoming spectacle. In a few minutes, they will be thrust into the spotlight before 225 guests because Kate and her family apparently know everyone in New York, possess no self-control, and have zero regard for her sanity.
Only moments ago, Yelena tactfully cleared the room and sent a message to Kate's suite, requesting a private moment with Ereka. She’s been debating when to have this conversation with the girl for weeks but figured the best way to also keep it a surprise from Kate was to do it immediately before the wedding. Furthermore, Yelena figured it would be more special if this happened on the actual Big Day.
In a swift motion, the door swings open, revealing a high-strung Ereka dressed in her ivory white flower girl attire adorned with a delicate crown.
"Woooooow! You look very pretty, momma!" Yelena chuckles warmly as the almost seven-year-old exclaims, rushing towards her and wrapping her tiny arms around her legs.
"You look incredible yourself, love.”
"Mommy's definitely going to cry when she sees you. She's already been crying all day." Ereka reveals matter-of-factly as Yelena tilts her head back and laughs, the tension easing from her shoulders.
"Has she?"
Ereka nods emphatically.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaall. Day. Long."
"I don't think we should worry about that. I think they're happy tears."
"I know. I wasn't worried." Ereka responds with a confident smile.
Taking Ereka's tiny hand into her own, Yelena leads her to the couch situated in the corner of the room. They both settle down and Yelena positions the girl between her legs so that they are face to face. Their eyes lock in earnest.
"It's a big day today. Are you nervous about walking in front of everyone?" Yelena inquires, her voice filled with genuine concern.
"Nope! I've been practicing." Ereka eagerly demonstrates her imaginary act of tossing flower petals from an invisible basket. "I'm pretty good at it."
Yelena's eyes sparkle with pride.
"I can see that. You're going to be the best flower girl in all of history."
"Mommy does say I'm a precocious overachiever." Ereka retorts proudly.
"And she's not wrong." Yelena confirms with an affectionate smile. "There's something really important I want to talk to you about."
"It wasn't me who broke the remote. Lucky did it. I promise."
Yelena raises her eyebrow at Ereka’s unexpected confession.
"I have no idea what you're talking about, but you're going to get a pass for today."
"Oh...nevermind then."
Ereka smirks, playing up her innocence. Yelena reaches out, holding both of the girl's hands in hers. She takes a deep breath before she speaks, her voice filled with warmth and affection.
"Your mommy and I are going to make some big promises to each other soon, but I also thought..." Yelena reaches into her suit jacket and retrieves a small ring box. "I thought I needed to make you some promises and ask some questions."
Yelena opens the box, revealing a smaller version of Kate’s engagement ring, perfectly sized for Ereka's delicate hand. Ereka's eyes widen with excitement as she gazes at the tiny bit of jewelry.
“Today, I’ll give your mommy a ring that means a lot. So I wanted to give you a ring too, because you mean just as much to me. And I want you to know that every promise and every word I say to your mom up there includes you too. I also wanted to ask you if you would give me permission to marry your mom and become a part of your family."
Ereka jumps with a beaming smile. Her enthusiasm bursts forth, unable to contain her words.
"YES! YES! Of course I want you to marry my mommy and be my momma for real!"
Yelena's heart swells with joy at Ereka's response.
"Good. Because I really want that too."
With great tenderness, Yelena takes the ring from the velvet box and reaches for Ereka's hand. Yelena looks into Ereka’s eyes and speaks, her voice brimming with love and sincerity.
"This ring is a symbol. It's a promise I'm making to you that I will always, always be there when you need me. I will be there for all the sad days and the good days, and the days when you're not feeling well. It's me promising that I will take care of you unconditionally. It's a promise that you can always come to me, no matter what's on your mind, and we can talk about it. I can't promise you'll always like what I have to say, but I can promise that I'll listen intently and openly. It's a promise that even if your mommy and I ever give you that little sister you want so badly, I won't love her any more than I love you. It's a promise that I will never ever see or treat you any differently because, as far as I'm concerned, you're my daughter. That doesn't come with any qualifiers. Not ‘step-daughter’. Daughter. Full stop.”
Ereka's eyes light up with happiness, and she nods energetically, understanding the depth of Yelena's devotion and commitment. Yelena's voice softens, carrying the weight of her emotions.
“This is also a promise that even though I'm sure I might mess it up with you or your mom sometimes, I always only have the best intentions because I love you both with my whole heart. Every bit of it. It's a promise that no matter what happens in the future between your mommy and me, you can and will always count on me. This is a promise that I will never take that for granted. This is a promise that you are now a part of me until I'm all old and wrinkly. I'm on your team forever, Miss Ereka Shepherd and one of the greatest honors of my life is that you, on your own, chose to call me 'mom’.”
Yelena's bottom lip quivers, but she manages to compose herself, determined not to let her tears flow. She smiles warmly at Ereka, her heart brimming.
"This ring is a promise of all those things and more, but I won't go over all of them because we would be here forever. I love you, kid, and every day I feel so very lucky that you let me into your and your mom's life."
Ereka stands silently, beaming at Yelena, her little brain obviously spinning a million miles per hour. After a long beat...
"See? I told Mommy you're not THAT grumpy."
Yelena cackles.
"I think you ladies just softened me up a bit."
Ereka giggles, her innocence lighting up the room.
"That’s good, because you were kind of mean at first sometimes."
"I'm glad you put up with that mean lady and kept knocking on my door."
"I always knew you were cool." Ereka tells her with confidence and Yelena playfully raises an eyebrow.
"Thank you for having faith in my non-existent cool factor...What do you say? Can I put this on you?"
"Duh!" Ereka nods eagerly.
Yelena gently slides the ring onto Ereka's little finger, their eyes locked in an instant of profound connection. Ereka gazes at the ring, its significance not lost on her, before lunging into Yelena's arms, wrapping them tightly around her neck.
"Thank you for being my momma." Ereka whispers into Yelena's ear, her voice filled with adoration. Yelena holds her tightly in return.
"Thank you for letting me be your momma." They part, and Yelena looks into Ereka's bright green eyes, her love shining through. She gives Ereka a gentle nudge, urging her to return to Kate. "You should go back to Mommy's room. We're probably starting soon."
Ereka nods, her excitement palpable.
"Okay! Can I show her and Suzu and grandma my ring?"
Yelena nods, her smile widening.
"Of course you can. And tell your mommy I'm excited to see her and make her my wife."
Ereka places a hasty kiss on Yelena's cheek before turning and dashing away.
"I will!" She screams as she races to the door. Ereka opens the door, but before she exits, she turns. "Hey, momma..."
"Yeah?"
"I'm excited for little sister to meet you. I think she's going to like you too."
Yelena beams with joy at Ereka's words.
"We just gotta get your mom on board the baby plan."
"We will! Okay...bye!"
And with that, Ereka closes the door behind her, the sound of her little feet running full speed down the hallway filling Yelena's room. Yelena smiles, her heart overflowing with happiness. She shakes her head in disbelief, never imagining that she could experience such profound elation.
---
Ten minutes later, Yelena is still alone in the room, pacing jitterily as she rehearses the vows she has memorized, hoping they sound as eloquent out loud as they do in her head. Suddenly, the door flies open, and Yelena turns to find Kate standing there, already in her wedding dress and with a tear-streaked face. It's unmistakable that Ereka has shared the details of their earlier conversation. A sobbing Kate rushes towards Yelena, unable to contain her emotions.
"You are so not supposed to be here."
Yelena says through a chuckle, not being able to help but be amused at the sight of her teary-eyed fiancée.
"I don't care." Kate wraps her arms around Yelena's neck and leans in to kiss her. "I'm so stupidly in love with you. It's actually a little crazy and a lot scary how in love with you I am."
"Good. I was terrified you'd leave me standing down there." Yelena tells her in jest.
"Never. I wouldn't pass on the opportunity to lock you down for the rest of ever."
"I'm willing to get locked down."
"You better be." Kate starts sobbing again and rests her forehead on Yelena's. "That was so sweet."
"Felt like the right thing to do."
"Although she did say you promised her a little sister this year. Why would you tell her that?!"
"I absolutely and categorically did not say that." Yelena insists, laughter lacing her words. "She's in trouble for that one."
"She was very convincing. Said you told her we'd have a baby sister on the way by Christmas."
"Christmas did not come up in our conversation ONCE." Yelena laughs.
"That better be the truth."
"It is the truth!"
Kate squints, not thoroughly convinced.
"You two are trouble."
"Clearly SHE is trouble. I am entirely innocent in this scenario."
"I don't think you two have ever been in a room alone and had anything 'entirely innocent' happen. You're always up to something."
"WE MADE NO CHILDBEARING PLANS!" Yelena insists, unable to contain her laughter.
Kate eyes her skeptically, but her expression softens.
"I'm going to choose to believe that..."
"It's the truth!"
"Okay."
Yelena takes a moment to survey the streaks of tears that have smudged Kate's makeup, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Only you could look this beautiful while crying." Yelena remarks with genuine admiration.
"Shut up. You're just trying to make me forget you promised our kid she'd get a whole new human for Christmas."
"I DID NO SUCH THING!" Yelena insists, a mock-offended expression crossing her features.
"Sure." Kate replies with a teasing grin. Yelena laughs while shaking her head in disbelief.
"This is bad luck, Kate Bishop. You're not supposed to see the bride before the wedding."
"I'm pretty sure you're also not supposed to have sex with the bride before the wedding or live with the bride before the wedding. We already broke those rules. But I think God will forgive us. She's cool now."
"Good to know." Yelena responds, glancing upwards at the ceiling. "Thank you, super progressive God, for looking past me defiling this woman and not dooming our marriage before it starts. Big up."
Kate bursts into laughter and leans in to press her lips against Yelena’s. The kiss starts innocently but quickly becomes more passionate and intimate. Sensing the growing heat between them, Yelena leans back, a rascally smile etched on her lips.
"If you don't leave now, I'm going to end up taking that dress off and I think there's only so many rules ‘Cool God’ will let us break in one day. We should save the sex for after the wedding." Yelena whispers against Kate's lips, their breath mingling. Kate chuckles.
"I should go fix my face anyway."
"Okay."
"Okay."
But neither of them moves. They stay there, foreheads pressed together, their eyes locked, dumb smiles on their faces, and sharing a silent moment. Their hearts are entirely entwined in the electric air between them.
"You should go, Kate." Yelena whispers.
"Uhum." Kate responds, but they still don't move. Their smiles grow, and the anticipation in the room becomes palpable.
"You're going to be my wife." Yelena murmurs again, her voice filled with awe and love.
"I am." They stay there for a while longer, reveling in the weight of their commitment and the love that surrounds them.
"But for that to happen, you need to finish getting ready." Yelena adds, breaking the spell.
"I do." Kate agrees, reluctantly untangling herself from Yelena's embrace.
"No. That line is supposed to come later, Kate. You're getting ahead of yourself." Yelena teases with a roguish smile.
"You're not as funny as you think you are." Kate retorts, rolling her eyes as she takes a step back.
"Ri says I'm funny."
"I thought we just established she's also a bit of a fibber?"
"People are multifaceted, babe."
Kate bursts into laughter, unable to resist Yelena's effortless charm.
"You two are going to be the death of me." Kate shakes her head.
"Imagine when there's another little person running around, annoying you."
A glimmer of anticipation becomes evident in Yelena’s eyes. Kate squints, pointing a finger sternly at Yelena.
"You DID tell her we’re giving her a baby for Christmas!"
"I didn't! But I'm hoping that there will be a baby at some point, and if they're anything like us, they'll be really good at driving you a bit insane. It seems like a sound, reasonable assumption." Yelena explains with a smirk.
"I'm leaving before you talk yourself out of a wedding." Kate declares, heading for the door.
"Would never want to do such a thing."
"By the way..." Kate turns and speaks while walking backward. "...those were very nice vows."
"You heard them?!" Kate shrugs, dialing up the coyness. "Eavesdropping is bad, Katherine!"
"I was going to hear them eventually. It was just a nice little preview."
Kate ripostes with a smile as she heads out.
"See you downstairs, Mrs. Bishop." Kate utters with a bright smile as she closes the door.
"You're missing half the name there! It's Bishop-Belova!"
Yelena can hear Kate's chuckle as she walks away, and she takes a moment to soak this all in. If this is how their life together starts, then Yelena has no complaints. She's found her home in Kate's arms, and their journey as wives and partners is only just beginning.
So with your obvious love of barbie einstein level hair - it's got me wondering how vain FB!Yelena is about picture day with the kiddos and family photos. Is she the terror that has them dressed to the nines by 7am and ensures they stay clean and proper for the 3 hours until their shoot?
Does Kate help? Is she a hindrance? Does she break out Katherine for family photos?
---
There’s been so much angst lately and I miss our FBAU! Is Yelena particularly cuddly with her kids or is that more of a Kate thing
///
Okay, this isn't EXACTLY an answer to these two, but it was inspired by them.
---
Yelena buzzes around the kitchen, clad in one of Kate's old Columbia Archery t-shirts and a pair of satin short shorts. Her long blonde hair is fashioned into a messy, slept-on braid. Kate is a natural late riser, and the kids inherited this trait from her; therefore, Yelena looks forward to having weekend mornings to herself. This time is precious to her, as it's when she can enjoy the peace and quiet before the rest of the house wakes up. These little moments help keep her sane amidst the chaos of life.
Yelena takes her first satisfying sip of coffee and revels in the simple pleasure. However, her tranquil moment is interrupted by the sound of shuffling behind her. She glances at the clock. 7:15 AM. It's much too early for anyone else to be up, especially the grown adult mumbling and dragging their feet.
Kate flops her entire weight against Yelena's back, her head finding a resting place on Yelena's shoulder. After emitting a pathetic moan, Kate's sickly state becomes evident. Yelena is all too familiar with this behavior, as Kate becomes worse than their children when she's under the weather.
Slipping out from under her wife's weight, Yelena turns to get a good look at Kate, confirming her suspicions. Kate looks absolutely dreadful; she's sick.
"No. No. NO. Kate, no. I ask for very little. Just one thing. Family pictures are today. You can't be sick." Yelena exclaims, a gasp escaping her lips as a thought strikes her. "Katherine... you better not have gotten them sick..."
"Why me?! What if they got ME sick?! They're the walking germ bombs!"
"This was the first week all year that one or both of them didn't have some nasty thing going on. They were FINE."
“Nu-uh. Not my fault."
Kate whines, attempting to lean on Yelena once more, but Yelena retreats.
"Contagious! You're contagious." Yelena insists as Kate whimpers pitifully again. "You're not giving me whatever you have."
"Baby..."
"I should've known. I knew you were warmer than usual last night."
"I feel yucky. I don't like it."
"Go back to bed, please. I need you to sleep this off in..." Yelena turns to the microwave clock. "...the next six hours. We're not canceling the photographer."
"Babyyyyyy..."
"No 'baby.' Don't 'baby' me. Just do what I tell you. Go. Go, go. I'll check on them, then bring you something warm to drink."
Kate grumbles once more, hanging her head back while grimacing. Yelena rolls her eyes and pushes her wife to the bedroom as she heads in that direction too.
"Can I get kisses?" Kate dramatically pouts her lips.
"Absolutely not. What part of 'I don't want to get sick' is not clear enough?"
Reaching the hallway's turning point, where their paths diverge, Yelena urges Kate toward their bedroom.
"To bed, please. I need you up and ready to leave by 2 PM. We need these photos done today if we want to have them in time for Christmas Cards. It's their last available slot this month, so I don't want to hear any excuses later." Yelena nudges Kate in the direction of their bedroom. "Bed. Now, please."
Kate huffs histrionically and shuffles down the hallway, disappearing into the room. Exhaling, Yelena turns on her heels and makes her way to two of the bedrooms located at the opposite end of the hall.
---
Yelena enters the main bedroom, cradling four-and-a-half-year-old Alexia in one arm and one-year-old Maks in the other. The children cling to her, visibly miserable.
"Both of them have a fever. Both." Yelena announces, placing them gently on the bed, where they immediately crawl over to Kate and snuggle up. "You're all quarantined now. We're containing this."
Kate weakly pats the empty space on the bed and mumbles something unintelligible.
"No way. I'm not exposing myself to your mysterious virus breath." Yelena retorts.
"Cuddles." Kate requests with puppy eyes and a pathetic tone.
"You have two perfect cuddle pals right there. I'll make him a bottle and you two some food." Yelena replies, turning to leave the room. As she heads towards the door, Kate leans in and whispers into Alexia's ear.
"Ask mommy for some cuddles."
"Momma, cuddles. Momma." Alexia repeats.
Yelena rolls her eyes, but a smile creeps onto her face as she turns back to face the bed, where three pitiful, snotty faces stare back at her.
"Don't make them do your dirty work." Yelena warns in jest.
"Is giving me love 'dirty work' now?"
"Katherine, you're sick. All of you are."
"EXACTLY why I need my wife to cuddle me. I'm here...languishing."
"Are you?"
Kate leans into Alexia’s ear again and whispers.
"Tell her I'm dying."
"Mommy's dying.”
Yelena's smile widens.
"Stop using them as pawns!"
"You tell her too. Tell her we're dying." Kate whispers into Maks’ ear, eliciting incoherent babbling from the baby. "You heard the man. The situation is DIRE."
"I'm going to make food now." Yelena declares, attempting to walk away.
"Cuddles or death. Are you really willing to risk it?"
"Momma." Maks whimpers.
When Yelena turns, she finds that Kate has recruited the little ones into her shenanigans, and now the trio is reaching out to her with grabby hands, beckoning her to join them in bed. Shaking her head, Yelena groans and steps closer to the bed.
"You're a pain in my butt...and when I'm sick too, there will be no one left to take care of you needy monsters." Yelena grumbles, sliding under the sheets and opening her arms. Kate quickly readjusts the kids, shifting them along with her as she snuggles into Yelena's embrace.
"Hmmmm...cuddles." Kate murmurs, and Yelena can't help but chuckle.
"You're a giant baby, Kate Bishop." Yelena teases, running her hand in soothing circles around Kate's back and tenderly kissing the top of her head.
"Uhum." Kate mumbles against Yelena's chest while their children doze off again, resting atop Kate.
The room falls into peaceful silence for a long moment until...
"ACHOO!"
Yelena sneezes, feeling the congestion suddenly weigh heavy on her chest. Kate smiles faintly against her skin.
"I like it when we do things as a family." Kate whispers.
yelena feigns offense, swats at the archer, “that is very bad manners. you really should buy me dinner first before making these requests.” the mischief glitters, entombed in a dramatic pause, and then she rasps: “kate bishop.”
kate did not wince or feel like hurling when yelena repeated her name. if anything, she sighed relatively into neutrality and plopped into the passenger seat, wrestling the bag into the floor board.
yelena waved her hand, gesturing to the space of the rental car, confused by kate’s insistence of keeping the bag up front, “four doors, four doors. not impressive enough for you?”
“if you’re trying to impress me, maybe you should be the one buying dinner.”
“sneaky sneak,” yelena changes gears, turns the car, and heads back towards the street in an oddly soft way, “who says i’m not? drinks first though.”
they don’t make it to dinner. instead, they take a pit stop in an alley where kate smashes glass until the alcohol and adrenaline melt her brain into a funny soup. and yelena is testing the give on a half-broken bottle with her foot when kate kisses her. except it’s more of a collision. and sorry is about to be a chorus but yelena catches it with her mouth, twists her hands into kate’s belt loops, returns the car crash momentum. and yelena takes her back to her hotel.
in the room, kate hears it again. it’s not a fluke. the sound of her name in yelena’s mouth washes out the connotation of hurt dog. instead, it sounds more like an ‘amen’. a closure, a reverence, a promise, a rung on a ladder.
later in dark, in the blistering quiet, yelena says: “your turn. say my name now.”
her face is pressed in the crook between kate’s neck and shoulder, her breath hot on her collarbone. there are red bruises starring along kate’s flesh, a broken necklace of want. the black widow’s hand is around her throat, the other digging into kate’s hip, she flexes her finger’s on the archer’s neck, “your turn. say it.”
“yelena.” a gasp.
“yelena what?” she’s mocking. kate doesn’t know her last name. there’s another squeeze, kate arches her back when yelena licks into the hollow between her collarbones.
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