Chapter 1: Cuddles and Confrontations

The sun had just set over the bustling streets of New York City, casting a warm orange glow over the high-tech headquarters of the espionage organization, S.H.I.E.L.D. Yelena Belova, codename: Widow, sat on the couch in the common room, her arms crossed and a scowl etched on her face. Ava Starr, her teammate and pseudo older sister, walked into the room, a knowing glint in her eye. "Hey, Yelena, what's wrong? You've been grumpy all day." Yelena shrugged, not looking up. "I'm fine." Ava chuckled and plopped down beside Yelena on the couch. "You're not fine. You're grumpy because you didn't get your morning cuddles." Yelena's scowl deepened. "I don't need cuddles." Ava raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because I could swear you were rubbing up against me like a cat in heat this morning." Yelena's face turned bright red. "That was just...just a reflex. I was trying to get comfortable." Ava laughed. "Comfortable? You were practically purring." Yelena's eyes narrowed. "I was not purring." Ava leaned in, her voice taking on a teasing tone. "Oh, come on, Yelena. I know you love being cuddled. You can't hide it from me." Yelena's expression turned stubborn. "I do not love being cuddled. I tolerate it because it's...strategically advantageous." Ava snorted. "Strategically advantageous? You mean because it helps you relax and focus?" Yelena's jaw clenched. "I don't need to relax and focus. I'm a highly trained spy. I can handle myself." Ava smiled sweetly. "I'm sure you can, dear. But that doesn't change the fact that you love being cuddled. And I'm going to keep doing it until you admit it." Yelena's eyes flashed with annoyance, but Ava could see the hint of a smile playing on her lips. "You're not going to win, Ava. I'm not going to admit it." Ava grinned. "Oh, I'm not trying to win. I'm just going to keep cuddling you until you crack." Yelena rolled her eyes, but Ava could see the tension in her body begin to ease. She knew that Yelena was secretly happy to be cuddled, and she was determined to use that to her advantage. As they sat there in comfortable silence, Ava reached out and wrapped her arms around Yelena, pulling her close. Yelena stiffened for a moment, but then her body relaxed into Ava's touch. "I'm not enjoying this," Yelena muttered, her voice barely audible. Ava chuckled and kissed the top of Yelena's head. "I'm sure you're not, dear."