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Yes, once I was cured. That this type of work would no longer be necessary.

[another long sip, an uncomfortable shift of her position, an echo of Yelena's own sigh.]

I do. I just... I don't want it to go wrong.

I am sorry that was not the case.

[Okay. This was not helping, so far. Ava had brought this up independently, so it did seem strange if she did not actually want it, but it had certainly sounded like she was at least ashamed of how she knew Yelena. It was a little difficult to set that aside and think of anything helpful.

But perhaps a different tack would help.] What would it going right look like, to you?

It not being the case is nothing to do with you. But it is how I met you...

[she absolutely wants this, she wouldn't be stressing out about it so much otherwise, would never have brought it up at all.]

I... want you two to like each other.

It is. Do you want to pretend otherwise?

[Okay, so that is the actual problem.]

So you are worried that we won't. For specific reasons or just generally?

No. I don't lie to Bill.

Because. We didn't get along when we first met. [there's no real specific clashing point that she can come up with, other than the whole work thing.]

Okay.

We did not, but - we are both difficult people. Is he a difficult person?
And we changed that, which has to count for something.

It does count for something.

No, he's... Well, not to me? Strict, but fair. But I'm used to the type of man that he is. The scientifically-minded. [and Yelena seems to have her guard up far more around men, which makes it a bit more difficult for Ava to predict how interactions might go.]

Does he try to be strict with other people? My mother is also scientifically-minded. I can get along with people like that, as long as they are not trying to lobotomize me.

He's a university professor. So he does hold standards. Particularly toward things being done correctly, or the accuracy of statements. He clashes more toward those who... well, like with Dr. Pym. Over theories.

And. The morality of my work. Kept me in line, when I lost sight of... what I was willing to justify.

But he wouldn't lobotomize you. He was the only one in the SHIELD labs with any ethics at all.

Alright. I will keep my statements accurate. That... Well. Hopefully he will not ask much about my work, I guess.

A very rare find in a scientist at all.

I don't want him assuming you're some sort of bad influence on me. Somebody that he needs to steer me away from.

And I don't want to have to pick sides. I don't... you're both very important to me, Yelena. That's why I'm so nervous.

Okay. How do I impress him?

...

[a pause.]

You're intelligent, and thoughtful, and. Care for me. I believe he would appreciate those qualities.

That is a good start, but if that were sufficient, you would not be worried, I think.

I... [stares down into her cup, reassessing.] Am worried because of the overall significance of what it means to me, and my inexperience with having two people I value this highly meeting.

Not for any actual likelihoods. I can't imagine any real reasons that you would not get along. Just how much it would upset me if you don't.

[Yelena listens to that, carefully, and mulls it over for a minute before she nods, half to herself.]

Okay. Bear in mind that it will certainly go better then when you met my father, and that has not turned out to be any sort of dealbreaker, even though it would have been quite fair. Additionally, that neither he or I want to upset you, and will both be doing what we can to make sure we do not.

[Lastly, the gamble:] Thirdly, set your mug down for a moment?

Those were extenuating circumstances... [she can't argue with any of those points though... and the point is, she doesn't want to. she wants this reassurance that it'll be fine. that Yelena of course understands the importance of this to her.

she nods, and carefully sets down the mug, though she's not quite certain for what. she resists the urge to twist into each other, keeping them accessible to Yelena instead.]

It still counts.

[She shifts so she's seated more directly angled towards Ava, She could just take Ava's hands, and that would probably be of some comfort, but she follows through on the gamble and holds her arms out, gestures:] Come here.

[it's still difficult to recognize when something is... it's an invitation of a hug? and not immediately shy away from it. but she doesn't hesitate though, to go right to Yelena.]

[Ah, good. Yelena wraps her arms around Ava snugly and closes her eyes, gives it a beat before she speaks again, in a quieter voice.]

It is all going to be absolutely okay. It is just as important to me as it is to you, I promise, and you know how I am. Nothing but success will do.

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