**Midnight Solace**

The city was quiet, the only sound being the distant hum of the night watch drones patrolling the streets. Yelena Belova crept through the shadows, her eyes fixed on the window of Ava Starr's quarters. The mission had gone sideways, and Yelena was still reeling from the aftermath. She had lost her focus, and for the first time in her career, she felt vulnerable. The need for comfort and reassurance drove her to seek out Ava, her teammate and... something more. Yelena carefully pushed open the window and hoisted herself up, her agile body folding into the room with ease. She moved stealthily, her footsteps silent on the plush carpet. Ava lay motionless on the bed, her chest rising and falling with a peaceful rhythm. Yelena's eyes lingered on her, a pang of longing in her chest. Ava's eyes were closed, her breathing slow and deliberate, as she pretended to be asleep. She was aware of Yelena's presence, but she hoped that if she stayed still, Yelena would leave her alone. However, she knew it was unlikely that Yelena would be deterred when she had her mind set on something. But Yelena had other plans. She slipped off her shoes and padded softly to the bed, her eyes never leaving Ava's face. For a moment, she simply stood there, her gaze drinking in the sight of Ava's serene features. Then, without warning, Yelena climbed up onto the bed, her movements economical and fluid. Ava felt Yelena's weight settle behind her, and her heart skipped a beat. She remained still, hoping that Yelena would take the hint and leave her be. But Yelena curled up into a ball, her body trembling with silent sobs. Ava's surprise turned to confusion as Yelena's quiet cries filled the air. Yelena hesitated for a moment before tentatively reaching out to grab the edge of the blanket. She pulled it over her body, then pressed herself close to Ava's back, seeking comfort in the warmth of her teammate's presence. Ava felt Yelena's body heat seep into her own, and a shiver ran down her spine. As the minutes ticked by, Yelena's sobs gradually subsided, her breathing slowing as she drifted off to sleep. Ava lay still, unsure of what to do. A part of her was wary of Yelena's sudden invasion of her personal space, but another part was... concerned. She had never seen Yelena so vulnerable before. When Yelena's breathing became steady and deep, Ava slowly turned onto her side, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. She gazed at Yelena's peaceful face, her features soft and childlike in sleep. Without thinking, Ava wrapped her arms around Yelena, cradling her head against her shoulder. This time, Yelena pretended to be asleep, her body relaxing into Ava's hold. She didn't want Ava to stop comforting her, not yet. As Ava's warmth and gentle heartbeat enveloped her, Yelena felt a deep sense of peace wash over her. The two women slept, entwined in a pose that was both innocent and intimate. The city outside continued to hum, but in this quiet sanctuary, they found solace in each other's presence, their dreams intertwined like their bodies.