Chapter Text
“Almost done in there, Katie-Kate?”
“Just give me a minute!”
Kate groaned into her hands. Standing in front of the mirror in Melina and Alexei's master bedroom, Kate was too scared to turn around to see her reflection. The clock on the nightstand was ticking dangerously close to when the dance would start and the sky was getting darker. Kate sighed.
Instead of turning to face the mirror, she quickly swung the bedroom door open and faced Laura and Melina. Rapidly, her cheeks flushed and her lips pulled into a wobbly grimace. “How do I…look?”
Laura gasped and Melina covered her mouth. Kate, absolutely humiliated, looked down at the floor. Her hand soothingly rubbed her arm. “Silly, huh?” There was a huff of air and soon Kate was being shuffled back into the bedroom. Her body was spun around and Kate stumbled, staring at her feet in the mirror. Laura tutted and tapped Kate's chin.
“Just take a look.”
Bracing herself, Kate let her eyes meet her reflection. And…
The mystic, dark purple of her dress flowed down her long legs. The side slit revealed her tan skin and her heels. Further up, past the tasteful frills, was a bust that pushed up her breasts perfectly. The few moles she had there showed and the black tendrils of her hair accompanied them. Even with her hair down, the red bite mark on her throat stood out proudly. Earlier, Melina had held a bottle of glitter gel while Kate carefully applied it around the mark. Not too much to be distracting, but enough to highlight it.
“...I'm beautiful.”
Melina and Laura shared a smile before pulling Kate into their arms. Laura kissed her head, probably inhaling all the hairspray she had just applied. “You're finally caught up, sweetheart.”
***
“Tasha! My hair is fine, I do not need you fiddling with it!”
Yelena groaned as she batted away her older sister's grubby hands. She huffed while Nat snickered with their papa. Yelena frowned and ruffled her own hair, looking back at her reflection in the hallway mirror. She focused, her tongue poking out as she made sure her hair was perfect. She needed it to look messy in an effortlessly sexy kind of way. Just how she knew Kate liked it. At least, that was when Yelena caught her staring the most, biting her lip so sexily while her eyes darkened.
Her hair was pretty long now, no longer the short style she had at the beginning of the year. The last time she had cut it, well the last time Kate had cut it, was when they had their first time together. Yelena wasn't sure why, but she didn't want to cut it again after that. Even though it felt nice to have it short. Especially during soccer season. But it was also nice having it a bit longer, it gave Kate something to grab at while Yelena worked her into the mattress.
Speaking of, Yelena still hadn't taken apart the nest Kate had created them. She liked curling up into it. She didn't think their combined scents would leave the pile of fabrics anytime soon, but she had a feeling that if any of her family members saw the nest, they would force her to clean it up. Melina sometimes came into Yelena and Natasha's bedrooms to grab clothes off their floors (they both could be a bit messy, whoops) and load them in the washer. But since the mating, no one besides Yelena had been in her bedroom. She plans to keep it until it causes a shouting match between her and whoever finds it.
Anyway, Yelena did love it when Kate cut her hair. The feeling of her long fingers threading through her blonde strands, massaging her scalp…Yelena swallowed her drool. Maybe she could ask Kate to braid her hair, now that it was long. That would be nice, before bed every night, kissing her scalp as she parted her hair just like Yelena did for her much too often.
“Come on,” Natasha mockingly whined. “Stop acting like you're so cool.”
Yelena tsked, smirking at her sister in the mirror. “Oh, but Tasha, I am so cool. That is how I'm taking the prettiest, most amazing girl to the Winter Formal after all.” Natasha gauffed and shoved her little sister’s shoulder. “Hey!” Yelena rubbed at her shoulder, brushing off the fabric like Natasha had soiled it. “I need this to…look perfect.” Yelena had paused for a moment, her eyes going elsewhere in thought. She wanted this to be perfect. For Kate, for herself. It was so exciting, going to a dance together as lovers. But the more excited she felt, the more her nerves rose. She wanted this to be perfect.
Natasha's expression softened. She reached out again, though this time it was to move blonde strands out of Yelena's face. A smile curled her lips. “You look beautiful, сестра. This night is going to be perfect, you and Katie-Kat will have a lot of fun.” Yelena relaxed slightly, reaching out and holding her sister's hand.
“Lots of fun!” Alexei cheered, before his smile lowered into a small one. “But maybe not too much fun. Right, Elena?” Yelena stared back at her father in the mirror. She had always assumed Alexei would be the type of sire to be brutish and amused by his pup's love life, making dirty jokes and egging her on. She and Natasha had always been private about their going-ons, so Yelena had never actually seen this. She should have known better, known that Alexei would never be vulgar when it came to Kate. To the old man, she was as much of a daughter as Yelena and Natasha were. And now, Kate really was his daughter.
“Just the right amount,” Yelena said, turning to face her sire with a surprisingly kind smile. The older alpha huffed a laugh and adjusted Yelena's black vest. Natasha joined in, messing with Yelena's already perfectly straight tie. It was a dark purple, the same color Kate's dress would be. Melina had spent an excessive amount of time making sure her daughter matched her girlfriend for the dance. So many hours at damn clothing stores. Yelena rolled her eyes, but joined in and fixed the cuffs of her white dress shirt.
This kind of reminded Yelena of when her parents had gotten married. Before Yelena and Natasha were born, Alexei and Melina had only been legally spouses in Russia. With Melina's work, there wasn't enough time for a wedding. Yelena was surprised she had managed to go through two different pregnancies, but Natasha was actually born in their mama's laboratory, right in the middle of an experiment. Yes, Melina was definitely where Yelena got her stubbornness from.
Once they had migrated from Russia, settling into a calmer life in Little-Iowa, Alexei made sure that the first thing they did was have a big wedding on their new farm. Well, since they hadn't become tightly knitted into their community right away, it actually was pretty small. It was just them in America, after all.
One of Yelena's favorite parts of the event was getting ready with her сестра and papa. She and Natasha had worn little suits that matched their sire's. Her mama had also loved that. There were about a million photos in their album of Natasha helping Yelena get ready, braiding her hair. Alexei had to help both of the girls with their ties though. Melina's smile had been the brightest it had ever been when she saw the three of them as she walked down the aisle.
Yelena hoped to recreate that experience again soon.
Alexei nodded once Yelena's attire was up to his suddenly high standards before turning around to grab Yelena black suit jacket off the back of the sofa. Clint, who was sitting on the cushion, didn't spare him a glance as he stared at the weather channel. Alexei carefully set the corsage down before swinging the jacket over his daughter's shoulders. He smiled, the pull at his lips soft and genuine. “Гордость моя…I do not say it often, not as much as I should, but I am proud of you.” He looked from Yelena to Natasha. “The both of you. Everyday I am glad you both take after your mama. My daughters have grown into respectable alphas.” He grinned. “But I am also glad that you are still trouble makers, like your papa.”
“I am not too sure if I am glad about that.” Melina jibbed as she and Laura descended down the Belovas’ stairs.
Laura breezed past Yelena, not sparing her a glance as she sat next to her mate on the sofa. She nudged Clint, making the gruff omega look towards the staircase.
Yelena rolled her eyes. The Bartons had been ignoring her since the incident. Well, just Clint and Laura were ignoring her. The pups had been even more attached to her than usual, wanting to get closer to their new family member. Which was funny since Yelena had known them since they were born and had babysat them with Kate on many occasions. Being a little overwhelmed by their attention was better than being ignored. Though that was probably for the best, Yelena had a feeling that if they weren't ignoring her, Clint and Laura would be doing something much worse to her. Yelena just knew it would involve that damn chicken coop….
“What?” Yelena taunted, stupidly. “No hug? No, ‘Yelena, you look very nice in your suit?’ Mm?” A smirk pulled at Yelena's lips despite the heated glares that were thrown her way. “I am technically your daughter now too, да?”
She heard Natasha sighed behind her but her smirk didn't waver, even as Clint stood from the sofa.
“If you don't–!” Clint halted, his eyes widening as they looked to something behind Yelena. She tilted her head, confused as she heard her sister lightly gasp. She felt Alexei nudge her arm. Yelena turned and stopped in her tracks.
At the top of the staircase stood her Kate. Yelena felt her eyes water and her mouth run dry. Kate was stunning. She was beautiful, she was…
Yelena shook out of her gaze and quickly snatched the corsage she had purchased her girlfriend off of the sofa. Her heart was racing and she had to be careful not to trip over her own feet. She almost got down on one knee at the bottom of the stairs before she reminded herself that she would be a couple years too early. Which was fine, she would wait until Kate was ready. Instead, Yelena held out her free hand.
Kate smiled, her cheeks flushing happily as she descended the staircase. Yelena watched her, her eyes soft and her smile even softer. When their hands touched, she felt a lovely jolt of electricity shoot from their hands to her fastly beating heart. She pulled Kate's hand close and kissed it, her lips brushing the warm skin. Yelena charmed Kate with a smile. “You look gorgeous, душа моя.”
Kate's whole face glowed in the soft living room light. “You're beautiful, Lena.” Yelena kissed her hand once more before carefully tying the corsage around her wrist. The ivory roses looked like they belonged there, matching the boutonniere on Yelena's suit lapel.
“Perfect,” Yelena whispered to herself. She heard a small giggle from Kate and she beamed up at her. She felt a hand on her shoulder and Yelena managed to tear her eyes away from Kate to see her mother looking at the pair with a tender expression.
“Ready for pictures?”
***
“Mama, this is making my back hurt.”
“Well, maybe that will teach you to not slouch so much, huh Elena”?
Yelena rolled her eyes but cutely leaned her chin on Kate's shoulder for what was probably the eight hundredth picture. Kate chuckled and leaned back against Yelena. She liked this pose, Yelena holding her from behind, her arms wrapped around Kate's waist and Kate's hands holding hers, showing off the corsage she loved so much.
Melina had tried to take a photo of them showing off their matching bites, but she changed her mind when she saw the expression on Laura's face.
“She's right, you know,” Kate teased, her lips brushing Yelena's hair. “Standing up straight won't kill you.” She giggled when she felt a huff on her shoulder.
“Okay!” Melina clapped her hands together, letting her camera rest against her chest, the strap around her neck keeping it there. Laura nodded, putting away her phone. Kate had been a bit surprised she had wanted to take pictures, but maybe she shouldn't have been. No matter how she felt about Yelena at the moment, Laura loved Kate to pieces and this was a big moment. And Kate was sure that deep, deep down Laura still loved Yelena. She had watched her grow and had been a part of her life just as long as she had been a part of Kate's. They all just needed time, which sucked because Kate was an impatient girl.
“Now, when you get to the dance, do not walk past the man who will be taking the pictures. Make sure that is the first thing you do.” Melina gave her youngest daughter a stern look and Yelena sighed but accepted her mama's ‘request’. She glared at her elder sister when she heard snickering from the redhead. Her mom snapped her fingers to get her attention. If it was literally anyone else, Yelena would have bit their fingers off. “Understand?”
“Yes, mama. We'll take the pictures.” Yelena barely managed to not roll her eyes. Kate laughed and hugged Melina. The beta relaxed into her arms.
“I'll make sure Yelena smiles,” Kate cheekily whispered. Melina huffed a laugh and kissed her forehead.
“My girl, it would be a much harder task to get her to not smile around you.” Kate's cheeks flushed happily and Melina kissed those too.
“Are you girls ready for your chariot?” Alexei came barreling down the stairs, having run up to grab a weird blazer and hat. He looked like a hotel doorman Kate used to see every morning when she lived in New York.
Yelena groaned, tossing her head back in despair. “Papa, why are you wearing your old таксист uniform?” Kate ohh-ed in realization. Alexei had been a taxi driver before they had left Russia. It didn't pay well, but it was enough for them to get by on the much smaller farm they had there. It helped that Melina had been a notable scientist, doing shady work for the government that paid well.
“You're so embarrassing,” Natasha muttered and sank into her recliner. Her annoyed expression melted into a silly one as her phone lit up with a text message. Kate snickered behind her hand.
Alexei clutched his chest dramatically in offense. “But you girls used to love when I wore this! Little Elena used to beg to wear my hat.” Alexei wiped away an emotional tear. “It was too big for her little head.”
Yelena wrapped herself around Kate, huffing into her neck. “Exatly, papa. I was three, of course I thought it was cool.”
Kate smiled in surprise when she heard Laura quietly laughing at the Belovas’ banter. She still wasn't looking at Yelena, and Clint had a big frown on his face, but Kate would take this as a small victory.
“Can I get a picture with everyone before we go?” Kate beamed when her pack agreed. Even if there was some tension between the families, they all huddled close and smiled for the timed camera. Kate beamed brightly. Yelena and Natasha leaned into her sides and Kate had never felt more content.
“You look happy, Katie-Kate,” Natasha had murmured, her cheek pressed against Kate's. Her familiar nutty maple scent helped calm Kate’s racing heart. Kate just smiled harder.
“I am.” In a way she couldn't even put into words.
Regardless of what had happened, they were all glued together. She and Yelena had connected their households. Kate's family had never been bigger.
***
“Are you sure that is safe to drive in?” Yelena raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, the snow has gone soft and the roads are not icy!”
Kate looked at the limo with a small frown, uncertain. Alexei's expression softened when he noticed. He placed his large hand on Kate's shoulder and met her eyes. “I promise.” Alexei held Kate's gaze. “It will be safe.” Kate nodded. She trusted him. Alexei smiled. “It does take a little while to warm up…” The big alpha ran over to the car, getting in to blast the heaters.
Kate laughed and Yelena sighed fondly before kissing her shoulder. She admired Kate's outfit. “You really are beautiful in this dress, Katya.” Kate leaned in and surprised her alpha with a kiss. She pulled back just as Yelena melted.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her eyes holding a warm glint. She pecked Yelena's lips again, grinning when Yelena tried following her mouth as she pulled back. Yelena huffed but grinned too before she took Kate's hand and led her out into the soft snow.
She looked beautiful, Kate thought, as snowflakes fell into her blonde hair. Based on the love darkening Yelena's eyes, she was having similar thoughts. She kissed the back of Kate's hand. “May I have this dance?”
Kate giggled sillily and let Yelena pull her against her front. “You always jump the gun, don't you?”
Yelena didn't laugh, too busy smiling at Kate like she was her whole world. “I can't help it.”
“That's just one of the many, many things I love about you.”
Kate barked a laugh when Yelena twirled her around in the snow. There was a faint click of a camera going off but neither girl paid it any mind. Yelena dipped her low, her hand coming down to warm her cheek, fighting away the snowflakes.
They shared one last chaste kiss before Alexei beckoned them to the limo. He rambled about how it was warm, for Russian standards, and how he put bottles of cider in the back as Yelena helped Kate into the limo. Kate rolled down the back window and waved to her family as they drove off. The Batons, Melina, and Natasha, who all had come to wave goodbye from the porch. Kate sighed happily and sat back in the plush leather of the limo. She loved her pack.
Yelena scooted closer and cuddled away the cold as their tacky driver took them to the dance.
***
“Bye, girls!” Alexei waved excitedly from the limo, his big arm stuck out the window. “Call me when you are ready to come home!”
The girls waved back, giggling as they climbed up the stairs to their school's gym. Yelena made sure Kate was careful on the snowy steps, not wanting her heels to make her slip.
When the large double doors pushed open, Kate and Yelena gasped. The entire gym had been transformed. Fake snow tastefully decoded the walls and tables while a disco ball reflected yellows, blues, and purples onto the dance floor. There was also a fake snowman standing by the door and Kate laughingly shook his hand as she and Yelena entered. It looked like a winter wonderland. Well, technically the theme was Whimsical Mystic Snowland, but Kate still wasn't sure what that meant.
“Kate! Yelena!” The two turned to see Kamala eagerly waving to them. Kate gasped and ran over to the other omega.
“Kamala! You look gorgeous!" Kate twirled her friend around and Kamala laughed, her red dress swaying.
“So do you!” They hugged and when Kate pulled back, her eyes widened at the sight of a corsage.
“Did–!” Kate gestured to the pink flowers on Kamala's wrist. The shorter girl's cheeks flushed and Kate squealed. “When did this happen!” Kate was practically jumping in place. Yelena came closer and raised her eyebrow.
“When did what happen?”
“No–” Kamala frantically shook her head, the glitter on her cheeks reflecting the colorful disco lights. “Nothing! It–we're here just as friends…” She faced the floor, though that still didn't hide her blush.
“Who?” Yelena tilted her head and looked between Kate and Kamala.
“Friends? Like, friends-friends or friends?” Kate wiggled her eyebrows and Kamala squealed.
“Kate! Just as friends for now.”
Kate smirked. “For now?” Kamala groaned and shoved her face into her hands, making the taller omega laugh.
Yelena huffed. “Who–”
“Hey, guys!” America waved to the small group as she sauntered over with two plastic solo cups. Liquid sloshed inside and Kate had no doubts that it was red Kool-Aid. “Here.” America blushed a little as she handed a cup to Kamala who blushed right back as she took it. Kate had to bite her lip to conceal a squeal. They were so freaking cute!
“You look so pretty, Stars!” Kate snatched America up into a tight hug, almost making the alpha spill her drink. America yelped but managed to save the Kool-Aid and hug Kate back.
“Thanks, Kate. My moms helped me pick it out.” Kate pulled back to let America do a little spin in her dark blue dress. Kate tried, and failed, not to grin at the way it matched perfectly with Kamala's dress. Not to mention the little pink boutonniere she had sitting on the bra of her dress.
Kate heard a small chuff beside her and raised an eyebrow at her pouting alpha. Yelena saw this and quickly composed herself. Kate’s eyebrows raised when she saw Yelena plaster on a smile and hug the much taller alpha. America seemed to be even more shocked than Kate, yelping once again. She stayed stiff for the entire two seconds Yelena hugged her, only relaxing when the tiny blonde returned to Kate's side. Yelena cleared her throat. “Well, we will see you two on the dance floor.” Was the hug some kind of power move? Like how cats licked each other to show dominace…?
Kate's brow furrowed in thought, only snapping out of it when her mate dragged her to the dance floor. She waved to her friends and America and Kamala waved back, looks of sympathy and humor lighting their faces. Kate stuck her tongue out at them before she was settled in the center of the dance floor.
Yelena hummed softly, one hand taking Kate's while the other rested on the ravenette's hip. Kate easily followed her lead, her arms coming up to wrap around Yelena's strong shoulders. “This is nice,” she whispered, like they haven't done this a million times before. But every time felt like the first time with Yelena. Each experience was just as novel and exciting as the last. Each filling Kate's heart up with glee and of course, love.
“It always is,” Yelena whispered back, always on beat with Kate. She gazed at her for a moment, her lips just barely parted. She seemed to remember something, blinking before leaning in and kissing Kate, like she remembered she was allowed to just do that now. Kate melted into her, savoring the warmth of her lips, the softness of her touch. She tasted like mint. She must have slipped in a piece of gum on the ride over. Kate grinned, accidentally ruining the kiss. She pulled back to see Yelena dopily smiling right back at her, not looking at all displeased.
They swayed together for a while, their hearts pressed against one another as Yelena hummed a tune only Kate could hear. Yelena sounded much more beautiful than any song the DJ was playing. Kate's eyes suddenly widened and she pulled back.
“I totally forgot! We have to take pictures!" Yelena, who had actually looked worried for a second, almost collapsed as she groaned. Kate giggled. “Come on! It'll be quick!”
Okay, maybe not so quick.
The line for the camera dude hadn't been long, but their classmates took forever to pick out what props they wanted, how they would pose, blah, blah, blah.
Kate actually did a double take when she saw that it was Ava and Antonia taking pictures together. It's not something she would think either would be into, not to mention it didn't look like they had come together. Ava was in a silky black dress while Toni had on an oversized grey suit that made her look adorable, something Kate was smart enough not to mention in front of Yelena.
They both looked buzzed. Not in a Just Trying to Get Through a Boring-Ass Event by Using Alcohol way, but more like they were just having fun. Kate smiled. She was happy they were having a good time. Sometimes it felt like neither of them wanted to be where they were, whether it be a party, class, or even a game. Ava always seemed like she was over everything and Toni…Well Toni was in her head a lot. It's one of the things Kate loved about her. Sometimes though, it felt like she was so far away. It felt really good to see them both just be in the moment, even if it was weird to see them smiling for once.
When it was finally Kate and Yelena's turn, Kate made sure they got two pictures. One where Yelena was holding her from behind, both smiling prettily at the camera, and one where they had on weird scarfs and fake mustaches.
“I am feeling pretty parched,” Kate said with a weird Russian accent. Yelena laughed at her girlfriend's odd humor and kissed her nose.
“How ‘bout I grab ya’ sum drink?” Kate burst out laughing, barely able to understand what Yelena had said in the most ridiculous American country accent.
“S'il te plaît.” Was that the right word for please? Kate should know, she had taken a whole year's worth of crappy French lessons in sophomore year. Yelena, who had only done marginally better in that class than Kate, nodded and kissed each of Kate's cheeks.
“да, ma chérie.” Kate giggled, stupidly charmed by the mix of Russian and French. The heavy and bold accent clashed hard with the airy one, yet it all sounded so good coming from Yelena's lips. Kate watched her go with a lovestruck smile. She had it bad for her girlfriend.
Kate took a moment to look around the room. She saw Kamala and America dancing together, both awkward and clumsy. So cute. Kate looked around more but she couldn't see her other friends. “Weird,” she mumbled to herself. Cassie and Riri had said they were going to come to the dance. Kate checked her phone, confirming that they had sent a text earlier saying that they had arrived. They had even sent a photo, Cassie smiling at the camera while Riri playfully pretended to growl at it.
It looked like they were both wearing classic black and white suits. It was a kind of tradition that they matched at each dance. Sometimes it was silly, sometimes not. The year before, they had challenged each other to wear vibrant yellow Easter dresses, something that had irked Cassie's then-girlfriend who had wanted to wear something more serious. What had she expected, dating Cassie of all people? She was fifty percent humor and fifty percent sass.
Kate stood with a stretch. She had enough time to find them and squeal over their outfits before Yelena got back, if the long ass line to the punch bowl was anything to go by. Kate hoped it wasn't spiked with anything too bad.
Well, since her friends clearly weren't in the gym, Kate snuck out into the hallway. The heavy door closed behind her and Kate heaved a sigh of relief. It was nice to be away from all the lights and noise. She should bring Yelena out here, she's sure the alpha feels the same way.
Kate's heels clanked against the shiny school floors as she walked down the dimly lit hallway.
There were a few balloons that had slipped through from the gym floating around and instead of making the hallways feel creepy as Kate would have thought, they made it feel calm. Kate smiled as she passed a green and purple balloon, humming the soft song Yelena had whispered to her earlier.
She opened random doors as she walked, some to classrooms and some to dusty closets. She reached the end of the hallway, already thinking of where to look next when she opened the door to the last closet. Instead of seeing a cluster of dusty cleaning supplies or maybe extra papers, Kate froze when she saw her two friends.
Riri Williams withered on the floor, her brows furrowed as Cassie Lang shoved her tongue into her mouth before biting her lip. Her hands came up and tangled in Cassie's long blonde hair and pulled it out of its ponytail. Cassie didn't seem to mind her hair cascading down her shoulders as she swallowed the other alpha's high pitched moans. Lower down, Riri and Cassie were grinding into each other, their stiff lengths rubbing together. Cassie looked so excited, her breathing rapid as she ground down in a circular motion. Riri, so beautiful in her black suit and newly done braids, looked ethereal as she whined in pleasure.
Oh. Kate did not…know that this was happening. Her face heated and she quickly bolted down the hallway, the door silently closing behind her. Her mind downed in questions as she passed by floating party balloons.
We're they…like, drunk? They must have been, though Kate had no way of knowing. They weren't together, Kate knew that for sure. The alphas were best friends, Kate's best friends. She would have known if they were bumping uglies. Well…No one had exactly known she and Yelena were bumping uglies. And Kate had to admit, she had been really distracted for the past few months.
But Riri and her were probably the closest out of their entire group, sans Yelena of course. A small part of Kate couldn't help but whimper out of not spending enough time with the alpha, she had been so wrapped up in her own business that she hadn't spent as much time with Riri this year.
Still, Kate doubted that it would have mattered either way, the two alphas were obviously just drunk. Matter of fact, they probably just–
“Ah!” Kate fell hard onto her ass after slamming nose first into a hard body. She clutched her nose and whined.
“Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry, Kate!”
Kate stilled before she slowly looked up to see Jessica Bitchy-Beta Fair smiling apologetically down at her. Her white hand was reached out, like she was trying to help the omega to her feet. Kate blinked.
“Um.” Hesitating for a second, Kate took the offered hand and stood. She dusted off her dress, noting that Jessica was wearing a white one that complemented her strawberry blonde hair, before she looked around the empty hallway. Well, at least no one else had seen her fall. “Thanks?”
“You're welcome!” Jessica smiled and Kate felt confused. Was this really Jessica Fair? Jessica Bitchy-Beta Fair? The girl Kate had been avoiding for the past however many years since the beta had been beaten up by a prepubescent Yelena defending her honor. Kate kind of smiled back.
“Well, uh Yelena's probably looking for me so–”
“Oh, that reminds me!” Jessica slapped her head, as if to say silly me. “I've been wanting to talk to you about all the gossip I've been hearing! But it looks like it's all true, huh?” Her blue eyes, much brighter than Kate's, landed on Kate's neck. The raven-haired girl felt her mating bite burn. Still, she didn't cover it.
“I guess.” So maybe bitchy-beta was still inside Jessica.
“Hey, I actually think it's cute! Childhood best friends turned lovers, it's hard not to love.” Kate hated how she did love that exact thing. Which is maybe a little obvious.
Jessica's bubbly attitude changed slightly. “Though I have to say, I think it's gross the way everyone has been so mean to you, I heard about what happened in the cafeteria. The one day I eat in the library, ugh.”
“You do?”
“Of course!” Jessica shook her head. “These girls act like you're a hippopotamus or something. You're pretty hot.”
Kate giggled, surprised. “You think?”
Jessica nodded, twirling a strand of her hair. “Yeah, if anything, it's weird how Yelena pulled you.”
What.
“I mean, she's kind of…you know. Special.” She said the word like it tasted sour in her mouth. “I know she doesn't have them anymore, at least that I've heard of, but it was so embarrassing when she would have those meltdowns in class.” Jessica shuddered and Kate felt all the warmth leave her body. “I don't know why everyone thinks she's so cool now. She's just ‘stoic’ because she doesn't always know how to talk. And–” Jessica threw her hands up, clearly not done with her rant. “She's short! The tiniest alpha in our entire grade, the whole school, actually! And she's kind of chubby. Like, come on.” The beta looked relieved, like she finally had a safe place to yap about her frustrations. Surely Yelena's mate felt the same.
“Tsk, remember that time you got assigned to be Jordan's buddy on a field trip and Yelena wouldn't stop crying and biting the teacher? That's so fucking weird. It was like she turned into a baby. At least it was funny when Ms. Blueberry had to explain to the class what a meltdown is and how everyone is ‘different’.” Jessica scoffed to herself. “I wonder what everyone would think of her if I reminded them.”
She finally looked up, meeting the eyes of Kate, who was much, much closer than she remembered her being. The hallway suddenly felt really hot, like there was a fire underneath her. She saw the invisible flames reflected in Kate's eyes, the girl staring unblinking at Jessica. The beta didn't really think too deeply about it, a smirk pulling its way onto her face. “Oh my gods, you have to tell me. Has she ever had one of those ‘meltdowns’,” Jessica used finger quotes, like she didn't really believe in the word, “when you two are doing it?”
***
Yelena hummed to herself as she finally poured her and Kate cups of the Kool-Aid. The line had been unbearably long but Yelena wasn't a quitter. As long as it didn't involve running, though she guessed that was an exception when it came to Kate.
She walked through clusters of faces she should know, but didn't really care to, as she looked for Kate. Her omega wasn't where she had left her, which most likely meant she had gone off to talk to her friends. Yelena could see Kamala and America on the dance floor, so it wasn't them, which left Cassandra and Riri.
All of their friends had taken it pretty well when they had found out that she and Kate were now mated. Well, they did after the initial fight that had broken out during lunch. They had time to process it between then and when Kate had forced everyone into having a ‘meeting’ at the park. It had been hilarious, seeing Kate hold a serious expression as she told her friends about how she and Yelena had been dating, all while sitting on a children's slide.
Yelena had held her hand, making sure to add comments when she felt it would help Kate. She wasn't always very good at talking, especially about serious topics, but she really tried for Kate.
Kamala had immediately requested to see the mark once Kate had finished her little speech, not seeming to think Kate needed to apologize. That managed to brighten the mood, everyone shuffling close to Kate so they could see the mark. Yelena's chest had puffed up in pride as her work was admired.
Yelena snapped out of her thoughts when a girl in a white dress ran past her. She had to do a double take when she noticed the dress was torn up, red oozing into the fabric as the girl clutched at the side of her head. It looked like her ear had a whole bite taken out of it. Weird.
Perplexed, Yelena hurried away, looking for Kate. She hoped there wasn't a zombie outbreak she had to worry about…
Just as Yelena was becoming concerned, she saw the door to the hallway open up and her beautiful mate poke her head out. Yelena beamed and skipped over. Before she could pull Kate in, the girl pulled her out into the hallway. The door closed and Yelena felt her shoulders relax for the first time all night as the noise became muffled. Kate smiled goofily at her.
“Knew you would like it out here.”
Yelena nodded, her eyes looking around the dimly lit hallway. “It is much more peaceful–” Yelena choked when she noticed the blood on Kate's lips. Her heart leapt up into her throat. “Katya–! What happ–?”
“I bit my tongue.”
“Oh.” Yelena paused. She looked at Kate for a moment before shaking her head and thumbing away the redness. She licked it off her thumb and grinned when she saw Kate blush. Her omega cleared her throat.
“We could walk for a bit? It's kind of loud in there.” Yelena smiled and threaded her arm with Kate's.
“I would like that.”
They walked around for a while, distantly hearing the music from the gym as they wandered the dim hallway. Kate made sure to lead Yelena away from the end and instead they climbed the large staircase. They became so lost in conversation, just playfully arguing about how many dogs was too many, Yelena said there was no such thing while Kate said at least fifteen, that they didn't realize they had walked up four flights of stairs. They were met by the heavy door to the rooftop.
“I didn't even know we had a roof,” Kate said, making Yelena laugh. Kate smiled and nudged her. “Should we check it out?”
Yelena smirked. “Who would stop us?”
***
“The stars are so pretty up here,” Kate murmured.
They were laying down on the rooftop, facing the sky. Yelena had wiped away the snow so they had a little spot to lay in, using her suit jacket for them to rest on. She made sure to move her boutonniere to her vest so it wouldn't get crushed.
The sky was a stunning, dark purple. So dark that it would look black, if it weren't for the stars brightening the sky. Just south of Orion, Yelena had outlined Canis Major for Kate. The big star dog was one of Kate's favorite constellations.
“It is.” Kate turned to see Yelena looking at her, her smile dopey on her face.
“Why do you always do that?”
“Do what?”
“You never look at the stars when you say that.”
“What am I looking at instead?”
Kate's cheeks heated and she fiddled with her dress. “Me.”
“Yes.” Yelena's grin showed off her teeth. “And what better view is there than that?”
“Yelena,” Kate whined, pressing her face into her girlfriend's shoulder. “You love the stars. You can see me whenever, they're only out sometimes.”
“Mm, I do love the stars. I love pointing them out to you, I love watching your face as you connect them together. I love seeing their light in your eyes.”
“You're making it sound like I'm what you love about stars," Kate murmured into Yelena's dress shirt.
“Then for once, my words are showing my true meaning.”
“Yelena…”
“You know you're my favorite thing about anything, Счастье мое.”
Unable to hold herself back, Kate climbed on top of Yelena, straddling her lap. Her purple dress touched Yelena's matching tie. Kate caressed her lover's face, thumbing over her bottom lip. “You're my favorite too.”
Yelena grinned. “I am glad that is just another thing we have in common.” Despite how different they were, they were alike in so many beautiful ways. Their differences only reflected one another, two sides of the same coin.
“Yelena, I think I may love you,” Kate joked, her eyes tearing up with how much warmth was filling her heart.
Yelena took the hand Kate had pressed to her cheek and kissed it. “I know you do. We are the same, after all.”
Jealous of her hand, Kate threaded it through Yelena's soft hair and kissed her. Yelena hummed into her mouth, her hands coming up to slide from Kate's broad shoulders, over her hunched over back, and settled on her hips. Her hands were strong and it felt so good when she rubbed Kate's hip bone.
Kate pulled back slightly, her tongue lagging behind as Yelena sucked on it. Once it was in her own mouth again, Kate used it to lick her lips. Yelena's mint and her smoky coffee scent tasted really good together. “Can we…?” Yelena chuckled at Kate's sheepishly question.
“You could have asked me to take you right there on the dance floor and I would have.”
Kate groaned and pressed her face into Yelena's chest, taking sanctuary in her boobs. “Yelena.”
“Of course we can, my love.”
Kate moved to lift the frilly skirt of her dress up, but Yelena just snaked her hands through the frills. Kate gulped as she felt Yelena unbutton her pants, pushing them down. She fumbled in her pocket for a moment before she shoved her boxers down. Kate whimpered when she felt Yelena dick spring up against her panties. Yelena chuckled. “Someone is excited to see you.”
“Shut up,” Kate whispered, shifting on her knees as she waited for Yelena to roll the condom down herself. “Were you expecting something to happen?”
Yelena chuckled again. “I'm always ready for you.”
“Glad that means bringing protection this time,” Kate teased and Yelena huffed, still down about the situation. Kate kissed her until she was smiling again. “Thank you.” Kate leaned further down and kissed the bite mark she had left on Yelena's neck.
“Of course, Katya. I would become celibate if you asked.” Yelena smiled softly up at her and Kate knew she was being serious.
“Well, let's not go that far…” After all, Kate loved this just as much as Yelena did. Yelena laughed up at the stars before kissing Kate.
“Do not worry, I will not deprive you,” Yelena teased. Kate grumbled to herself before biting Yelena's cheek, making the alpha giggle.
They were still grinning as Kate hiked her dress up, pushing her underwear aside and sinking down onto Yelena.
Yelena's thick cock parted her lips and stretched her, working Kate as her slick helped make the movement smoother. Kate let out a deep moan as she became flushed with Yelena's lap. Yelena wasn't in a better state, the alpha gripping Kate's hips like her life depended on it. “That always feels so good.” If Kate wasn't fluent in Yelena Gibberish, she might not have been able to understand her words around her thick, husky accent.
“Yeah,” Kate breathed.
Dark silhouettes, only illuminated by the moon and stars, moved together in a dance only they knew. Muffled laughter and breathless gasps could be heard from the pair, the smacking of their lips colliding loud and constant because they just couldn't get enough of each other.
It could have been hours until they finished, Yelena howling out her pleasure as Kate cried into her.
Yelena was gentle, rocking Kate through her climax, her hands guiding Kate's trembling hips in place. Yelena kissed away her tears, earning a giggle from her favorite girl.
The entire rooftop smelled of sweet vanilla and smoky coffee.
They were sweaty and panting, but their clothes remained intact. At first glance, an intruder wouldn't even be able to tell Yelena was inside of Kate, the purple dress completely covering where they were connected.
They whispered I Love You's to one another as they laid, spent and so, so happy. Yelena licked at Kate's bite mark while Kate was limp atop her, a goofy smile plastered over her face.
Little did they know they would be there a while longer, the heavy rooftop door having locked behind them.
Luckily, there was no one else in the world Kate would rather be trapped with.
***
Waves crashed against the sand, the sound loud but soothing. The calls of seagulls accompanied it as well as the sparking flames of the small campfire Yelena had made for them. The sun had just begun to set, oranges and pinks covering the entire sky.
A small dark haired girl ran around on the sand, laughing as she was chased by two dogs. Her green eyes sparkled in the setting sun.
“Are you feeling okay, Katya?”
Kate blinked, looking away from the small girl running in the sand to the one laying next to her. Yelena's expression was soft as she gazed into her eyes. Kate moved onto her side and rested her head on her mate's shoulder with a small sigh. “Yeah,” Kate said through a yawn. Yelena chuckled.
“Sleepy?” Kate smiled.
“You know I am.” Now it was Yelena's turn to smile. She scooted closer and rested her hand on Kate's belly, pushing up her shirt to come into contact with her warm skin. She adoringly caressed it.
“I know.” Yelena almost sounded giggy. Kate playfully rolled her eyes and kissed Yelena's nose. Touching Kate's belly for a moment, Yelena's hand slowed and she looked back up at Kate. “But there's something else?” Yelena knew her so well.
“I don't know,” Kate murmured. “Sometimes I just…Sometimes I still worry.”
Managing to leave Kate's stomach, Yelena massaged her hands, tenderly kissing each palm. “And what has always helped when you feel this way?”
Kate smiled. “You.” Yelena gave her a teasing grin.
“How do I help you?”
“You know how, silly.” Yelena grinned, loving the new nickname Kate had given her. Saying it reminded her of Melina, who had often called them her silly girls.
“I'm not sure I do.” Yelena tapped her chin, pretending to be in thought. “Maybe you could remind me?”
“Well,” Kate heaved a sigh, playfully acting like this wasn't something she loved to gush about. “Besides the things I can't talk about with you know who nearby…” Yelena giggled and rubbed their noses together.
“She won't hear…” The little girl running in the sand squealed as the dogs started licking her face. Yelena cheekily scratched her cheek at Kate's raised eyebrow.
“Lena, remember what happened the last time you said that?”
“Fine,” Yelena whined, her hand dropping back to rubbing Kate's belly. “But when we get home…”
“Maybe if you behave yourself.” Kate tapped Yelena's nose, gasping when the Russian licked her finger. “Okay, so besides those things, I would say that you just being here helps.”
“Just being here?”
Unable to put too much pressure on her front, Kate did her best to snuggle into Yelena's neck. Yelena, like always, met her halfway, making it less straining for Kate. “You're always here for me, even when you shouldn't be.”
“There is nowhere else I should be, Kate.”
“But sometimes there is,” she continued before Yelena could interject again. “You're my rock and I…” Kate suddenly felt so emotional. A lot had happened in the past few years and Kate didn't think she had gotten any better controlling her feelings. Embarrassed, she wiped at her eyes. Yelena took her hands and instead kissed away the liquid gathering on her cheeks. Stupid hormones. “You'll always catch me.”
Yelena kissed her, chaste and sweet. Kate melted into it, the noises of the beach and the laughter of a small girl sounding like a serenade just for their love. “I always will.”