Revenge

The rooftop

 One of the best things about being free from the red room's control, is the ability to notice and appreciate the little beauties in life. For instance, the clouds, and the way they shift and change in the wind, personifying anything you want them to be. Or the flowers, blooming in the warm spring air, perfectly sculpted petals coloring the world with their various hues.

It may not sound like much, to notice things, but trust me, it is. You never know the blessing of free will until it's gone. Regaining control of my life after so many years of it being someone else's has given me a newfound appreciation for choices. Especially the little things, like the clothes I buy for myself, the time I go to bed, even what size of coffee to buy. Again, it's not much, but I am the one in control. That's the important thing.

Out of all the things I've been able to notice after being set free, I think the stars are my very favorite. It's probably because they are something I've loved even before the red room. I have many fond memories of Natasha and I stargazing back in Ohio. We would take one of mama's thick quilts and spread it out on the grass in the backyard, laying on our backs to observe the night sky.

My sister would point to the bright diamonds scattered across the black backdrop, and name the constellations. "One day, Yelena," she used to say, "we're going to find a way to get to the stars, and it will just be you and me." At the time I was too young to understand why she would want to run, but now I wish we would've. Maybe she'd still be here if we had.

I've told Kate about my love of the stars, and being the amazing girlfriend she is, she often brings me onto the roof of her building to look at them. Unfortunately, the city that never sleeps is too bright to really see much, but I guess in a way the city lights themselves are their own type of stars.

Tonight, we sit on a blanket we've spread out, the sound of Kate softly strumming her guitar drowning out the sound of traffic from down below. I gaze at her, my heart rate speeding up as she looks over and smiles at me.

"What are you playing?" I ask

"Ours, by Taylor Swift"

"I do not think I know that one."

"The song, or Taylor Swift?"

I rack my brain trying to place the name, but I draw a blank "I don't know either"

Kate's eyes widen in disbelief "You don't know Taylor Swift?"

I just shrug, and she presses on "Look Lena, we have two options. Either you learn all her songs asap, or I'll be forced to break up with you."

She pretends to act serious and I slap her knee playfully "You wouldn't dare"

The brunette grins "Nah I wouldn't. I also won't make you listen to her if you don't want to."

"No, I do want to. This is something you like, and I want to like it too."

Her eyes sparkle in the darkness, "This is why I love you!"

I scoot closer and pull her in for a kiss "I love you too!"

"I have an idea" She says, setting her guitar aside.

She stands up, pulling me to my feet as well. The archer pulls something up on her phone, then puts in an airpod, handing me the other one. I position it in my ear, then look at Kate waiting for instruction. A moment later music starts playing, and Kate pulls me close, spinning us in slow circles.

I gaze into my girlfriend's eyes, my heart melting. As we dance, I can't stop smiling, I can't stop my heart from beating Kate's name, and I can't stop all the love I have from swirling through my brain, making it hard to think about anything but her. As we sway, the city noises fade to nothing, and the whole world ceases to exist. It's just us, the rooftop, and my new favorite singer.

"So don't you worry your pretty little mind" Kate's voice cuts through the night air, and I don't think I've ever heard anything more beautiful. "People throw rocks at things that shine and life makes love look hard"

"The stakes are high" She pulls me impossibly closer, till our forms become one "The water's rough" Her voice changes to a whisper "But this love is ours."

We continued to dance late into the night, the two of us twirling, kissing and laughing, until Kate started to let out big yawns. I told her to go get ready for bed, and she did, leaving me alone on the roof. I take a seat on our blanket and let out a content sigh. My phone starts to ring, and I pick it up, seeing the unknown number flash on the screen.

I answer the call "Hello?"

"Hey Yelena, it's Valentina." My breathing falters momentarily, confused as to why she would be calling me.

I scowl "I thought I told you I was done working for you."

"Yes, and that is your right. But I don't like loose ends."

"Loose ends?" I ask confused.

"On your last mission, one you failed to complete I might add, your target had help."

It dawns on me that she's talking about Kate, and a surge of protectiveness washes over me "She's not a threat"

"Kingpin got involved with her, she's involved with you, and you're involved with me. Now that you two are... romantic partners, I can be traced back to everything that happened in New York, and I can't have that."

My blood starts to boil "What exactly are you asking me to do?"

"Nothing too drastic. Just leave her, cut off all contact, and leave no remaining trail linking any of us, and no one has to get hurt"

"Not happening" I spit into the phone, voice full of venom "Don't you ever try contacting me again." I hang up the phone.

I've dug two graves for us my dear

I take a deep breath, and try to cool down my now overheating body. I close my eyes and take another breath. Damn Valentina if she thinks she can take Kate away from me. It's not happening. I compose myself, and block the number she called from. Kate's mine, and as long as she'll have me I'll protect her, whether that be from Valentina, or any other threat.

Speaking of, Kate's probably in bed waiting for me right now, and just the thought of her makes me feel better. I force the conversation from my mind, and head down the stairs to our apartment. I smile at the akita and golden retriever curled up together in the corner, and turn out the lights in the living room.

I finish getting ready for bed, then climb under the covers where my expectant girlfriend waits with open arms. As she pulls me close I smile to myself, because nothing can touch us when we're together. She's my safe space, and I am hers, and nobody can ever take that away from us.