Starlight (Yelena Belova and Kate Bishop one shots)

Make a choice (4)

The last part :-)

You and Natasha went back to the living room and found Yelena still wide awake.

You cursed under your breath but the redhead nudged you gently.

" Don't show her you're panicking . " She whispered.
" The more afraid you are, the more she will be and that the last thing I need right now. Just be strong for her okay ? "

You gulped but nodded anyway.

" Great, let's get to it then. "

Natasha went closer to her sister and brushed a strand of hair from her forehead.

" I gotta get this piece of wood out of your shoulder. " She explained, remaining surprisingly composed. " And I don't have any pain killers so it will probably hurt like a bitch. Okay ? "

" Just get it out. " Yelena answered before groaning in pain. " I can take it. "

" Alright. " the redhead turned to face you. " Can you cut out her shirt while I go grab what I need ? "

You shook your head yes and Natasha left the room.

Grabbing the scissors she had left on the table, you warned Yelena :

" I'm going to remove your shirt so your sister can take the wood out. Tell me if I'm making you uncomfortable okay ? "

After having had the blonde's consent you took her shirt off, leaving her in a sport bra.

To be honest, you had imagined yourself ripping Yelena's clothes off multiples times. But never like this.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

" Okay, I'm pulling it out on the count of three. " Natasha stated and you took her sister's hand in yours. " One, two..."

With one swift move, she removed the shard which caused Yelena's shoulder to start bleeding heavily.

The redhead immediately pressed a rag on the wound, cleaned it and started stitching it up while you held your friend's hand.

It didn't took more than a few minutes as the injury was finally not as bad as you had first dreaded.

As soon as it was over, Yelena passed out from exhaustion, allowing you and Natasha to breath a little.

You felt less nervous, so relieved to know your friend was okay. And that's when you realized something.

Yelena hadn't screamed at all. Had barely winced actually.

You thought hearing her cry out in pain would be unbearable.

Turned out the calm expression on the blonde's face was even worst.

This kind of pain was nothing for her which could only mean one thing : She was used to it because she had had way worst in the past.

You already felt like throwing up but then your eyes rested on Yelena's back.

You hadn't noticed it before, being completely focused on the wood but now, you could see them.

The scars. Running all over your friend's skin, from her lower back to the base of her neck.

Some were old, some were still healing. They formed a sickening patchwork made even worst by multiples cuts and bruises.

" Y/n, you're alright ? " Natasha asked with a concerned voice.
" You look like you're about to throw u..."

Before she could finish her sentence, you indeed had to rush to the toilets to empty your stomach.

Everything was clear now. Why Yelena had always refused to change in front of you. Her nightmares. Why she sometimes winced when someone touched her.

Of course, you had lived some pretty rough things as well but it had never been that bad.

What had the blonde done to deserve this ?

You got out of the toilets and were met with Natasha. She was wearing her concerned big sister face which meant you were not avoiding a discussion.

" You had never seen her scars. " The redhead sat next to you. " Am I right ? "

" No she...she never showed them to me. I didn't even know about them..." You sniffed, fighting back your tears. " How did she get them ? Even you don't have that much ! "

" I'm sure you already know this but in the Red Room, everything comes with a price. " Natasha sighted before glancing at her sister. " And protecting someone...protecting someone can cost you a lot. "

" Someone  ? But who ? "

" Well you, idiot ! Who else could it be ? "

" Yelena made it very clear, she doesn't  have feelings for me ! " You slightly raised your voice.
" This cannot be possible ! "

" Didn't have any feelings for you ? " A very bitter laugh escaped the redhead's lips.
" Y/n, I don't think anyone has ever loved someone as much as my sister loves you. "

You shook your head, not believing her words.

You had come to term with the fact that Yelena didn't like you like that. So what was Natasha saying ?

" She has always done everything in her power to make sure you were okay. " Natasha kept going.  " Everything. Even if it meant putting herself in danger and being tortured and starved and given the most dangerous missions. What you went through is horrible but it only happened once. Because Yelena was always there to protect you. "

You found yourself at a loss of words and tears started rolling down your face.

It seemed like the blonde had sacrificed everything for you. And you had never done anything to pay her back

" My sister will probably wake up soon. " Natasha stated after a few minutes. " You two should have a talk so I'll leave you alone. "

She walked out of the room and you took a sit next to Yelena, holding her hand.

All this time, you had thought she hated you when she only wanted to protect you. But from what exactly ? What made her think she wasn't worthy of your love ?

" I love you. " You whispered. " I love you and I'll never be able to thank you enough for what you did. "

" You don't need to Y/n. " The blonde answered weakly as her eyes fluttered opened. " Your safety is all that matters. As long as you're okay then so am I. "

" Then why...would you break my heart like this ? You just saved my life Lena. There's no one I would be safer with, not even
Peter ! "

" Because I failed you Y/n. " Yelena was struggling to keep her eyes opened but you could still see she was upset.  " That one night, when Dreikov tortured you, I just... I was so sick ! I wanted to get up like I was supposed to but... I coudn't. And he took it out on you. This is all my fault ! "

" No it's not моя любовь. " You squeezed her hand gently.
" None of this was your fault. It was Dreikov's and Dreikov's alone. If you really want me to be happy then please, forgive yourself and let me love you the way you deserved to be loved. "

" I... I don't know if I can do this " The blonde gave you a small smile. " But... if that's really what you want then I'll try. "

" Promise ? "

" Promise. "

She was out before you could say anything else and you bent down to kiss her cheek.

You knew it would take some time but you also knew Yelena was worth the wait. She was your own personal hero after all.