"Midnight Solace"

The darkness of the night seemed to press in around Yelena Belova as she crept through the silent corridors of the Avengers' compound. Her heart still racing from the vivid nightmare that had jolted her awake, she sought solace in the one place she hoped would bring her some peace. The door to Ava Starr's room was slightly ajar, and Yelena pushed it open with a gentle touch. She slipped inside, her eyes adjusting to the dim light that filtered through the window. Ava lay motionless in her bed, her chest rising and falling with each steady breath. Yelena's eyes lingered on her for a moment, then she moved with a quiet purpose towards the bed. Ava's eyes fluttered open, but she quickly forced them shut, feigning sleep. She had hoped that Yelena would leave her be, but it seemed that wasn't to be. As Yelena began to climb into bed behind her, Ava held her breath, hoping that she wouldn't be noticed. But Yelena didn't seem to notice Ava's ruse. She curled up into a ball, her body shaking with quiet sobs. Ava's confusion gave way to concern as she listened to Yelena's muffled cries. She had never seen Yelena so vulnerable before, and something in her chest stirred. Yelena hesitated for a moment, then slowly inched closer to Ava's back. Her arms wrapped around her own body, holding herself tight as she cried. Ava's eyes opened again, and she watched Yelena's profile, her features illuminated by the moonlight. As the minutes ticked by, Yelena's sobs subsided, and her breathing slowed. Ava could feel her body relax, her warmth seeping into her own. When Yelena's eyelids drooped, and her body went limp, Ava slowly rolled over, her eyes locked on Yelena's peaceful face. Without thinking, Ava wrapped her arms around Yelena, pulling her close. She reached for a nearby blanket and covered them both, a sense of protectiveness washing over her. Yelena's eyes remained shut, and she pretended to be asleep, not wanting Ava to stop holding her. As Ava's arms enveloped her, Yelena felt a pang of nostalgia wash over her. It reminded her of the way her older sister, Natasha, used to hold her before she died. The feeling was bittersweet, but also oddly comforting. Yelena snuggled closer to Ava, her body fitting into the curves of Ava's. They both fell fast asleep, wrapped in each other's arms, the night's darkness receding as they found solace in each other's presence. The night had brought them together in a way that neither of them could have anticipated, and as they slept, the future seemed uncertain, but for now, they had found a sense of peace in each other's arms.