#clint and laure are there too

[gazpachito]

the MMA au no one asked for

(close ups under the cut)

[wandascrush]

Breath of fresh air

Pairings: Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Pregnancy, kissing, small hurt, mention of injuries

It was so nice to finally get outside and have some fresh air. The last few days you were stuck looking out the bay window as it poured and poured. Natasha, your wife and soon to be mother of your child, was extremely overprotective and made sure while she was gone that Laura watched over you from time to time.

The Barton’s only lived less than one acre over, on a small but beautiful farm of their own with their 3 mini Barton’s. They had actually given you and Natasha the idea to live off the grid, and who better to have as neighbors than the people who had become your guys’ family.

Especially Laura, she was one of your closest confidants and you loved causing chaos with her. Being a recent agent-out-of-commission due to your pregnancy was different, especially not training as hard and sleeping in, but as your symptoms really kicked up, you were grateful for the break. Recently entering the second trimester had not been easy. It was nice having someone like Laura to talk to, who really understood.

Natasha was scheduled to come back next Wednesday, and God were you ready for her to be home. It was hard to sleep without her soft touch, the Russian lullabies she sang you and the baby every night, and the way she'd gently rest her hand on your back throughout the day as a reminder she's there for you. Sometimes she'd come home with baby clothes or an extra teddy bear she'd seen for the baby's nursery, and in those moments there was no doubt in your mind that she’d make the most beautiful mother.

As you were drinking your tea and reading your favorite piece of poetry, an extremely loud whirring sound caught your attention. Using your book as a shield from the sun, you looked up to the sky to find the Quinjet making a rocky landing in your field, swaying the grass in waves. Almost immediately, Laura came out of her house with her kids trailing behind, worry and confusion written all over their faces. You went to each others sides, "What's going on Laur? Are they okay?"

"I'm sure their fine, relax, it's gonna be okay," but you heard the breathlessness in her voice as she held you close and away from the unpredictable helicopter in the middle of your flower field.

The door to the jet slid open and revealed a group of ruffed up, exhausted Avengers. The whole pack was there from first glance: Tony, Steve, Clint, Fury, Maria, Thor, Bruce, but no- oh there's Natasha. You and Laura exhaled at the same time, half walking and half skipping to Natasha and Clint. Finally, landing in her arms again. Her hold was tender but tight, tighter than ever as she closed her tired eyes and breathed in your scent and held the back of your head. The team gawked at you and Laura like alien specimens in your lovers arms.

"I'm just gonna say it- who the hell are you two?" Of course, Tony was the one to break the sweet moment.

Natasha let out a mix of a sigh and a chuckle, before sharing a glance with Clint. "This, Tony, is my wife Y/N. Y/N  - the Avengers, Avengers - Y/N. There, the formalities are over."  Clint soon did the same with Laura.

The sound of leather could be heard crunching as Fury walked toward you and Laura, embracing you two too hard, nearly making you cough. You gently reached up to give him a hug, "Nice to see you too Nick." 

"HOW DO THESE TWO KNOW NICK?" Poor Bruce, he looked like he was trying to solve a math problem.

"We're agents with Shield, dipshit. I'm just on leave due to-," you gestured down to your visible pregnant belly, "and the fact that Nick is my boss so technically I have to listen to him. But Laura and I have actually known all of you for years, which is how we met Clint and Natasha...unfortunately."  You chuckled when Nat lightly shoved your arm.

Good ol' Steve Rogers was the first to stick out his arm, "It’s a pleasure, Miss." His grip was firm, but not too hard. You smiled up at him kindly, "Nice to meet you too, Rogers. And call me Y/N, are you boys hungry?"

A few hours later you were in the kitchen, freshly showered and bandaged Avengers sitting at your dining room table, causing a ruckus and playing poker. You loved the sound of a full house and conversations mixing together to make one babble of laughing, foul mouthed heroes. It was music to your ears.

A gentle figure hugged you from behind while you were over the sink, placing their soft hands on your belly, you closed your eyes for a second and sighed happily.

“Missed me much sweetheart?” 

“You know I did,” you craned your neck to give her a gentle kiss on the temple.

That night, as the worlds mightiest slept in your spare bunks and sleeping bags, you fell asleep safe and sound with Natasha’s arm around you and your baby-to-be.

[togrowoldinv]

Time

Natasha Romanoff x Female Reader

When you visit the Bartons with your family, you and Natasha spend some quality time reconnecting

Warnings: Smut! 18+ please! Kissing, cursing, fingering (R receiving), oral (N and R receiving), being needy, some fluff too

Note: Enjoy this hehe

Natasha Masterlist 1, Natasha Masterlist 2, Natasha Masterlist 3, Main Masterlist

“Are we there yet?” Your youngest daughter asks from the backseat of the car.

You’ve been driving for hours to reach the Barton farm. Natasha wants to visit while the kids are on spring break.

“The answer is still no, sweetheart,” Natasha answers patiently.

“We’ll tell you when we get there, Taylor,” Ali, your oldest, jumps in. She’s annoyed by the constant question and her tone doesn’t hide that.

“Be nice,” you remind her.

“Yeah be nice, Al,” your oldest son says. The two oldest kids start arguing, but Nat stops it quickly.

“Hey, none of that,” she says, expertly parenting. “This is a family trip. We will be kind to each other and we will have fun. Understood?”

A few nods follow.

“Understood?” Nat repeats.

That gets her the answers she was waiting for. A chorus of yes ma’am’s resound from the backseat. You turn up the radio and try to make the last hour of the trip enjoyable.

When you pull in the driveway, you look back at Taylor.

“Ask the question again, baby,” you say.

“Are we there yet?”

“We are here,” you reply. “Come on let’s go have some fun.”

You all unload from the car. Nat refused to be a minivan family, so you settled for a three row suv. The Bartons come outside to help.

“Hi Nat,” Laura greets your wife. She hugs her tight. There’s only a handful of people in the world that Natasha trusts as much as she does Laura and Clint.

“And hi y/n,” she greets you as well.

You’re corralling the babies at the moment and can’t hug her, but the warm smile on her face feels like a hug.

“Go see Auntie Laura,” you say to Belle and Taylor, the two littlest girls.

The girls run to her and hug her tight. Ali is catching up with Lila while Ivan, Jack, and Cooper reconnect.

“Well, I guess it’s just us to unload,” Nat comments. She walks around to meet you at the back of the car.

“What’s new?” You joke.

“Hey, while we have a second alone,” Nat begins. She presses you against the back of the car, running her hands over your shoulders and arms down to your hands. “Thank you for coming. And I love you.”

“I love you too, Natasha,” you say, feeling your face flush from how close she is. You can smell her perfume and her fresh hair.

She’s so close to you that it hurts. You want to devour her.

“I’ll show you later just how much I love you, okay?” Her voice is low, sexy as it could be.

Nat leans in and steals a quick but deep kiss, leaving you wanting more.

You pout when she pulls away, but she just laughs. You’re too easy.

Later that day, Clint drives everyone out to the field where he’s got a new pig pin. The kids love chasing the pigs around and playing with them.

Natasha shares a look with you about an hour into the fun that tells you she wants to get back to the house and have her own type of fun with you.

“Clint, we’re going to head back,” she tells him.

“But Mama we’re having fun!” Belle says.

“They can stay out here with us. I know you two are exhausted from the drive in,” Laura says. She winks at you. Maybe you weren’t so slick earlier behind the car.

“Thanks Laur,” Natasha says. “Be good, babies.”

You both kiss each kid before you start walking back to the house with Natasha. You’re hand in hand as you walk through the field. You love seeing Nat like this. So free. So happy.

Your smile must reveal that to her. She stops and turns to you.

“What is it?” Nat asks.

“Hm?”

“You’re looking at me differently,” she replies.

“You’re so beautiful,” you say. “And you’re even more beautiful out here.”

Natasha kisses you softly. She is so in love.

“We better get back to the house before I take you right here in this field,” Nat says.

“What would be so wrong with that?” You say, surprised by your own boldness.

“Oh,” Nat remarks. “Did my wife, my sweet, sweet, innocent wife just say that she wants me to fuck her right here outside where anyone could see us?”

You know she can see the way she’s making you feel. An absolute puddle for her.

“Come on,” Nat says, grabbing your hand again and pulling towards the house again.

By the time you make it to the porch, you’re tripping over each other as you try to make out while walking.

“Upstairs now,” Nat says.

You move as fast you can into your bedroom, shutting the door behind you. Natasha pulls you to her and turns you to back you into the bed. You fall back a little harshly, but Natasha’s lips connecting with yours distracts you from the slight pain.

“Fuck,” you moan into her mouth.

Nat’s strong hands pull your shirt over your head. You barely have time to process it before you’re entirely naked underneath her.

“Are you going to be good for me?” Nat asks.

“Yes,” you say. She takes a nipple in her mouth while her fingers slip between your legs. “Fuck.”

“You’re so fucking hot,” Natasha says.

Her fingers enter you quickly. She swallows your moan with her kiss. You want her to be as undressed as you are. You reach for her shirt hem, but she pushes your hand away.

“Just you right now,” Natasha says. “Okay?”

“Okay,” you say.

Her fingers continue to pump in and out of you at a fast pace. You can feel yourself slipping into a blissful state.

“Natasha,” you mumble. It’s all you can say right now.

“I love you,” Natasha says. “Be a good girl and come for me.”

You let yourself come and come hard for your wife. It’s the best sex you’ve had in months, maybe years.

“That’s right, baby. You’re so good,” Nat says as she works you down. “So good for me.”

Natasha drops a kiss to your forehead and lies beside you. You come back to reality at the feeling of her hand circling yours.

“God, I have missed that,” you say.

Nat chuckles. She has too.

“Shower with me?” She asks.

“Gladly,” you agree.

Nat helps you out of bed and essentially carries you to the bathroom. You start the shower.

“May I?” You ask, gesturing to her clothes. You want to be the one to take them off.

“Please,” Nat says.

You lift her shirt over her head. It never ceases to amaze you how beautiful she is. You unclasp her bra and kiss her shoulder softly.

“Gorgeous,” you whisper, placing your head in the crook of her neck.

You move your hands down her abs and to her waist. Slipping your hands down the jeans she’s wearing, you find her dripping wet for you.

“Getting me off really turns you on, doesn’t it, sweetheart?” You ask her.

“Mhm,” she says. “But I’m in control here.”

Nat takes a step back and pulls her own pants down. She takes your hand and leads you into the shower.

“Why deny yourself, Nat? You know I’d kneel for you right here and now.” You ask her.

Natasha smirks. This was exactly her plan. To have you begging to make her feel good.

“Then kneel,” Natasha says after a long pause. She presses on your shoulders just enough to make you feel the pressure.

Grinning, you drop to your knees. You can’t even remember the last time you were in this position with her. God, you love farm Natasha.

“Right there, detka,” she says. “Yes.”

You hum in pleasure at the taste of her. You’re the luckiest person in the world to be here with her like this.

“Yes! Fuck, y/n, yes!” Natasha groans out. You can’t see her but you know she’s biting her lip. She’s close. It doesn’t take much longer for Natasha to be trembling at the feeling of your mouth all over her.

“I’m coming,” Nat says. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

You help her ride her high and lick her until she’s pushing you away. You stand back up and she kisses you immediately.

Her tongue mingles with yours. The taste of her orgasm on your tongue turns her on even more.

“How long do we have?” She asks you.

“Not long I’d bet,” you say. “It’s almost dinner time.”

“I’ll make it quick,” Nat says.

She pushes you to the edge of the shower and you sit down, spreading your legs for her.

“All for me,” Natasha says. “Look at this.”

“All for you, Nat. Only you,” you reply.

She buries her face between your legs. You can’t help but lift your hips up at the feeling. Natasha holds your hips and helps you move them. Soon enough, you’re riding her face.

“Natasha,” you say over and over like it’s a prayer. “Natasha!”

You hold her head with one hand and keep yourself steady with the other. She eats you out like it’s the only place in the world she wants to be.

You come hard against her tongue. Nat moans successfully and pulls away to let you come down.

She grins at your blissed out face. She loves making you feel so good.

“I love you,” she says softly. It’s a sharp contrast to what you were just doing. “I hope you know how much I love you.”

“I do, baby,” you say, caressing her cheek. “I love you exactly the same.”

You kiss each other gently. Nat helps you stand back up and you actually shower. The water isn’t hot anymore, so you hurry up.

Once you get out, you get dressed and go downstairs. The family is just getting back from being outside. Perfect timing.

“Enjoy your alone time?” Laura asks.

“We sure did,” Natasha replies. She wraps an arm around your waist. You share a soft smile.

For the rest of the trip, you and Natasha soak up every moment with each other and with your family. It’s absolutely an amazing week.

[isaidquirky]

this is our place

mcu • laura barton/natasha romanoff, 6565 words

"What do you think, Laur?" What Laura thought was that the old farmhouse would be perfect for a horror movie, but she wasn't going to say that. Not because she believed Clint Barton of all people couldn't take some harsh words, no, but because she knew that this car crash of a man always kept his promises. He'd bend over backwards with five broken ribs; visit old stomping grounds and owe favors to people he should never, ever, be talking to again, just so he could procure a better place for her. So Laura uncrossed her arms and said, "We should check the wiring, too." -- Laura, her cats, and the house she built.

written for the Rare Femslash Exchange 2024

[romanoffsbish]

… Never Too Late

Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader

Previous Part

Natasha's POV

I don't really remember my movements, or how I ended up on the quinjet with Clint. I just remember Clint and I landing, then finding myself face to face with Fury, and boy was that a fight to remember.

"Agent Romanoff, Agent Barton. Welcome ba"

"How long?!" I angrily question the man, interrupting him.

"Listen.."

"No ! You answer the damn question!" I seethe, knowing he's dancing around it.

"A month."

"Are you kidding me?! Why did you wait so long to contact us?" I shout

"We've been sending agents, none have returned with her. The last set found evidence of Hydra's involvement."

"You should've called me! Us! Barton and I would've had her back within the day! Now you've waited so long, finding her will be so much more difficult."

"Agent Romanoff, this wasn't an Avengers level threat until the potential Hydra involvement." He says with a nonchalant tone as if Y/N's just some rookie agent. As if she's not the most important person here...

I shot daggers into him with how intense my glare is.

"Nick!" I seethe, knowing he hates to be called out of his title.

"If anything happened to her I will not forgive you! I was a SHIELD agent first, so when "Avenging" is not taking place, I'm more than available for lower end missions. If Barton and I don't get her back in one piece, I will not hesitate to kill you."

"Ditto!" Clint agrees, staring daggers of his own into Fury.

Y/N, Clint and I were the inseparable trio, so this clearly upsets him just as much.

~~~

"Hey Y/N/N!" Clint shouts as he approached us from behind. He jumped on her back and gave her a noogie, and in response she flipped him off of her and onto the ground with ease.

"Oomph... My back..." He whines

"Yeah! Well what about my hair?!" She giggles

She extended her hand out to help him up.

He groans and then turns to me.

"Natasha" he says with a nod.

"What's up Birdboy?" Y/N asks

"What do you two say to coming with me to the farm? Laura's been begging for some time with her favorite women! Also, Coop and Lyla miss you guys terribly."

Y/N and I locked eyes, knowing the answer is yes, but also wanting to tease ...

"What did you do?" I asked

"Wh-what do you mean? It's just that Laur and the kids miss you. Why do you assume I've done something ?"

"We can smell your fear Barton!" Y/N says with a straight face

He uncomfortably stares between us, scratching the back of his neck.

"Okay... I might've let our anniversary pass..."

"You forgot your anniversary?! You asshole!" Y/N shouts, while I slap him on his shoulder.

"Of course we have to save the day! You will be taking the next three missions I don't want, no questions asked!" I whine

"You just need to make sure Laura makes me her famous mac and cheese and has my cookies in the pantry." Y/N also states her demands.

"Go get us cleared with Fury for the weekend Barton, leave the fixing to us!" I state, shooing him away.

He scurried off, giving a thankful nod to us as he went.

"He's a hopeless idiot..." Y/N laughs out

"Yeah, but he's our hopeless idiot!" I quip back with a laugh back as we set off to save the day.

~~~

Fury nodded in understanding that Clint and I could take him out with ease.

"This is all the information you have?" Clint questions Fury with disdain in his tone.

"Correct. Keep in touch with Hill and I." He tries to command.

I scoffed

"We'll be focused on our rescue mission, the only updates you'll get will be when we return, and your fates decided." I bite back and make my way to the jet.

Clint and I landed in Russia, and settled into our safe house. We have our agents on standby for when we get her location pinpointed.

I called Stark in the hopes that he could help. He was able to track her comms to its last location. It's been a week since it was last online—we assume before it died, so he was able to pinpoint a general zone for us.

Hydra's not the type to stay in one zone, but they also aren't the type to run far. So after two days Clint and I had found a collection of abandoned warehouses and unclaimed land within fifty miles of the location.

"We set out tomorrow morning!" Clint asserts

"Yep!! The agents are at the ready."

Clint went to his cot, and I found my way to the kitchen. I couldn't sleep, so I sat in the kitchen drinking tea, and eating Y/N's favorite cookies...

~~~

"Where's Barton?!" Y/N shouts as she barges into my room.

Seriously, anyone else and I'd have killed them.

"Not sure, I also do not really care..."

I reply while reading my book.

Initially I didn't even glance up, but then I decided this could be fun. "Why?"

"He's dead is why! ... He ate the last of my cookies." She growls

I rolled my eyes in realization that my stories been ruined over stolen cookies.

"Y/N/N... You can just buy more cookies.." I whine

"Oh, I know! But I just got back from a mission, ready to relax, and now Birdboy must suffer the consequences of his actions." She growls

"Are you in?" She questions with a mischievous spark in her eyes.

I know this is petty, but everything around here has been slow, and the idea of Clint suffering is funny.

"I'm in!" I groan in response.

"So, what's the plan?"

"Oh. I hadn't gotten that far. I expected convincing you to take more time." She giggles

"Ugh... I have to do everything around here. Even plotting your revenge." I sigh

"You're the best Natty!" She grins and kisses my cheek.

"I know.."

So, the plan is Y/N stands by one end of the vents, blocking Clint from escaping. I'm at the other end throwing a nontoxic stink bomb in.

This will be fun...

——

After about two minutes of hearing him flail around and gagging Y/N chooses to abandon her post. She runs directly at me, and jumps into my arms, causing me to let my end go too so I can catch her. I spun her around in a tight hug, I stopped spinning to see Clint drop out, followed by a cloud of smoke.

Y/N dropped out of my arms, we locked eyes, and then we burst into fits of laughter while he lied there groaning.

Y/N and I waited for the smoke to dissipate before we walked over to help him up.

"That will teach you to never mess with my cookies again! Right?" Y/N says while gripping his shoulders intensely.

"Yes.." he whimpers then turns around, shouting back "They were absolutely delicious though!"

I then had to catch Y/N before she could chase him down, I basically saved his life...

I threw her over my shoulder, and carried her to my bike.

"Let's go get your cookies!" I groan out while handing her a helmet.

"You really are the best Natty!" She giggles while wrapping her arms around me, snuggling in close before I drive off.

~~~

I spent the whole night reliving all of our best memories. In doing so I realize how dumb I really was walking away that day. None of this would be happening if I hadn't.

"Ready to go?" Clint asks, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Let me just load my suit with my weapons!"

"Sounds good." .. "We'll get her back Nat! She's too stubborn to die." He sadly chuckles out

"Yeah! She really is." I agree almost finding myself reminiscing on all the old mission memories, but there's no time for that.

——

Three sets of agents have come up empty handed after making their ways through potential locations. Clint and I have as well. We're meeting in the middle, where there's two abandoned warehouses surrounding a lot of unclaimed land. This seemed most promising, which is why we decided to save it for when we were all together at once.

Agent Torres & Morris went into one abandoned warehouse, Clint and I went into the other—empty. Then as the eight of us advanced further towards the unclaimed land we stumbled upon a massive building. Nothing about this building screams abandoned, this is like the holy grail.

"You two take post outside. You two come with me, while you two follow Clint. Call out if you see anything suspicious. Let's get Agent Y/L/N back home."

Two minutes in and it's a shit show. Shots fired is all you hear. I left my more than capable agents to handle this warzone and I set off to find Y/N before they had a chance to take off with her.

I kicked in door after door, and as I began to lose patience and faith I heard a loud gasp. I skipped two doors down to where I heard the noise and I decided to slowly open this one instead of kicking it. I saw two Hydra goons, completely oblivious to what's taking place upstairs, towering over a figure tied to a chair.

Then I heard her voice.

"Look, Johnny, can I call you that? I don't have a single clue what the Avengers are up to!"

"Liar! You're one of them!"

"Ronny! You can't be this dense. I helped them once! I've told you this a thousand times. You guys suck at your jobs."

I couldn't help the laugh erupting from my throat. The goons turned to me, 'ready' to fight, idiots.

"Natty!" Y/N shouted

"Long time no see, kotenok" I laugh out

The goons went to charge me, but I used my widow bites rendering them both useless within five seconds.

"Pathetic."

I stepped over them and made my way to Y/N. I immediately looked her over, inspecting her for wounds.

"Natty, save this inspection for later. As much as I love to watch you fight, I'd like to keep the fighting to a minimum."

I nod, realizing we needed to get out.

"Clint, lower level! You and Torres come to help. The rest of you keep a clear path."

"You got her?" Clint questions, his voice raising up an octave or two, and I can envision the happy tears threatening to spill.

——

We got back to SHIELD's HQ.

Fury, Hill, and Cho were there to greet us.

"Agent Y/L/N! Welcome ba.." Fury tried to greet

"Get back! Cho, she's got obvious broken ribs, potential internal bleeding, and a slurry of cuts and bruises." I bark out

Y/N looked at me and sent me her best smile trying to reassure me. Cho took her off to work on her after I kissed her forehead.

"Agent Romanoff, your behaviors been abhorrent!"

"Yeah, yeah... If you ever think you can hide something like this from me again I'll end you. You're lucky, fate has granted you another day." I reply as I walk off towards the medical wing with Clint in tow.

"I'd cut your losses sir! You messed up, just accept it." Hill tells Fury

He should listen to her!

Cho informed us that Y/N would be okay, she'd just need to rest awhile. She stitched up a massive cut on her abdomen. Then she said she has three broken ribs that require bedrest. She placed a cast on her right hand for broken fingers. Clint called Laura and she immediately agreed that Y/N's coming back to the farm. Clint left to go get us all dinner from y/f/r. We're sure she'll be hungry, and also disappointed to be benched for who knows how long.

I felt a squeeze to my hand and I shot up with a glass of water in my hand.

"Drink!" I say as I shove the glass in her face.

"Thanks!" She giggles in response

Then it's silent, so much between us is left unsaid. We just had an intense staring contest.

"I missed you"-N ... "We should talk"-Y

We both blurt out at the same time.

"Yeah..." I say while looking down, losing all my confidence and preparing for the worst.

"Natty, look at me. I missed you too, terribly."

She paused briefly, then started talking.

"So, it's been awhile, let me give you an update. I came back after the battle confused, but within five minutes of being with Agent Lynn I knew it wasn't going to work. I told her what happened and she was sad, then angry, then she quit so I have no clue what next stage she went through. Oops. I realized I had buried my grief in losing you in her. Anyways, I wanted to call you, but I realized I needed to focus on me. You made me wait five years, I thought you could survive four months, well six but that wasn't my fault. I started to train more and accept more missions. I thought about you, and all we could be all the time. It was never a question of if there'd be an us, it was just a question of when. After four months I was ready, but then Fury sent me on a mission. Then I got found by Hydra, they weren't even on my radar, but because of NY I was on theirs. So, if the offer still stands, I'm all in Natty. I'll work at the NY SHIELD Base. I'll obviously have to talk to Fury. We can live in some off road house. It'll be 4bd, 2bth. One room for us, a room for your office, one for my collectibles, and a room for Clint to crash in during Avenging periods. Anything beyond that is a later conversation, no need to rush. Actually... I want two cats, non negotiable!" She rambles on, ending with her perfect smile, and a kiss to my knuckles.

"The offer was never going to expire Y/N/N. That's what forever meant! I understand you taking time for you, I just wish you like read a book or went to the beach. I know you love missions, but still... I'm sorry for confusing you, but I'm not sorry for fighting for us."

"I'll be the one to talk to Fury!" I growl out

She stares back at me amused, then she scoots over, tapping the spot beside her. I immediately climb in, adjusting myself carefully so that my arms behind her head, and I'm laying on my side facing her.

"Now, the living arrangement sounds perfect! For your recovery time we'll be staying at the farm. We can spend that time online, searching for our dream home. Also, I think that Avengers wouldn't be complete without you, so you might not even be with SHIELD much longer. That'll be perfect because we'd be on the same schedule, and I'd always be able to protect you..." I finish making sure I shift us closer, to get my point across.

"I'm getting ahead of myself, but I can't help it. I'm just so excited! I just love you so much and I can't wait to show you how true that is. " I squeal into her ear.

"I love you too! Now, please kiss me!"

"I" I whisper as I kiss her forehead

"Love" I continue to whisper as I kiss her nose

"You" I finish whispering as I land my lips onto hers in a sweet kiss.

"Ew! Get a room!" Clint whines in faux disgust, interrupting us before I could deepen the kiss.

"You're dead Barton!" I chuckle darkly as I get to my feet

"Run birdboy!" Y/N shouts

"Bu-but, I brought y/f/f!" Clint pleads, preparing to run for his life

"Baby... I say we let it slide just this once." Y/N pleadingly whispers

"Fine! Looks like fates on your side today as well Barton..." I concede, then snatch the bags of food out of his hand.

"Thank you guys for saving me." Y/N all but whispers as she shovels food into her mouth.

"Don't mention it, how many times has it been reversed?" Clint jokes, but is also telling the truth, that man can get himself cornered easily

"Always!" I coo, placing a kiss to her forehead

"Softie..." Clint whispers, and with that, Y/N could no longer save his life.

I chased him around the medical wing, while she continued eating, and laughing.

Sure, I wish I had loved her sooner, but I'm glad it wasn't too late...

—————————————————

2,796 words

[xmaddestofhatters]

Febuwhump 2022

Day 6: Hypothermia

Note: I’m a bit behind, but we’ll catch up

Or read on AO3

Laura glances at the stairs again. At the top of which a certain redhead is asleep.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” She turns to Clint who’s busy trying to shove a whole donut into his mouth. He nods, chewing loudly.

“Of course, everything’ll be fine.” He says around the donut. At Laura’s stern look he smiles sheepishly at her and swallows before opening his mouth again. “Fury wouldn’t have agreed to this if it wasn’t safe.”

Laura wants to believe him. She really does. But she can’t help having her doubts. Clint had brought the Russian assassin to SHIELD a few months ago, but her defection wasn’t going very smoothly. From what she heard, the girl’s conditioning ran very deep and she kept relapsing. So Clint, soft-hearted fool that he was sometimes, proposed bringing her to the farm. With lack of other options Director Fury had actually agreed and now the girl was sleeping in the upstairs guestroom, next to the soon-to-be nursery. Laura’s not thrilled about this.

Clint senses her unease and puts an arm around her, pulling her in close. “Laur, trust me, this is gonna work. She’s worth it, okay? I promise.”

Laura leans into him. Placing her head on his shoulder. “I trust you.” She says slowly. The but not her is unspoken.

Clint kisses the top of her head. “That’s all I’m asking.”

 ***

 Something wakes her. She glances next to her, but Clint is snoring peacefully, face pressed into the pillow. She places a hand over her belly, but the baby didn’t wake her either. She’s not sure why she does it, but she stands up and slips out of their bedroom, towards Natasha’s room. The door’s slightly ajar. She approaches, pushing the door open further.

“Natasha?” There’s no answer. “I’m coming in.” It takes her eyes a few seconds to adjust to the darkness. She scans the room. Something feels off. She’s not sure what, but it’s the same feeling that woke her. “Natasha?” She calls out softly again. Still no answer.

She feels along the wall for the light switch and slams her eyes shut when the bright light hits her. She peers though her eyelids at the bed. It’s empty.

Her heart skips a beat. This can’t be happening.

She searches the room for a trace of the girl, but she’s nowhere to be found. She tells herself to calm down. Maybe Natasha went downstairs for a snack. That’s possible. Should she check? Probably not alone. She stands there in the middle of the guestroom, debating what to do. Eventually she settles on waking up Clint.

He grumbles when she shakes his shoulder. “Clint.” She hisses. He presses his face further into the pillow in response. Laura shakes him harder. “Clint, wake up.”  

“What.”

“Natasha’s gone.” Clint sits up in one motion. All traces of sleep gone.

“What? What do you mean?” Laura feels a little guilty. Clint’s tense, in mission mode. And Laura only woke him because she’s too scared to check downstairs herself. She knows, logically, Clint wouldn’t have brought her here if she was really dangerous, but still.

“I meant she’s not in her room.” She says sheepishly. “She’s probably downstairs though.” She rushes to add when Clint’s brows draw together. He relaxes slightly, but not completely.

“Okay, let’s check.” He grabs her hand and they walk down the stairs. There’s no light on in the kitchen, but Natasha probably wouldn’t need one. Laura keeps telling herself everything’s fine, that Natasha’s just in the kitchen, getting something to eat. But she can’t shake the gnawing feeling of worry.

Her suspicions get confirmed when they round the corner and see the front door standing wide open. Clint lets go of her and is outside immediately. Laura follows a little slower. The downside of living in the middle of nowhere is that it’s pitch black outside. Especially in the winter. She has a fleeting thought hoping Natasha wore something warm when going outside. The thought is so out of left field that she misses Clint curse and rush into the yard.

“Shit. Fuck. Laura!”

She snaps out of her reverie and follows him. Snow crunching under her feet. He’s kneeled on the ground. Next to Natasha. Laura stops dead in her tracks at the sight of her. The girl’s still dressed in her nightgown. Soaked from the snow and shivering violently. She’s hugging her knees to her chest. Laura can see she’s still conscious, but barely. Clint looks from her to Natasha, desperation in his eyes. Some sort of survival instinct takes over.

“We need to get her inside. Now. Can you carry her?”

Clint nods and scoops her into his arms. They hurry back to the house and carry her upstairs. Getting her out of her soaked clothes is more of a struggle than they had anticipated. Natasha is still conscious enough to fight them every step of the way. Her slurred words are a mix of English and Russian. Laura understands enough to know she’s not all there with them.

Clint’s trying to pry her soaked nightgown off of her. “Come on, Nat. Work with me here.”

Natasha keeps swatting at his hands, turning away. With most of her clothes gone Laura can clearly count her ribs. She makes a mental note of keeping an eye on her food intake. Clint finally manages to get rid of the offending piece of cloth and puts her in one of his shirts. Then picks her up again, carrying her over to the bed. Natasha immediately curls into a ball, knees drawn tightly to her chest. The shivering hasn’t lessened one bit.

“She needs skin on skin contact.”

Clint nods slowly before getting rid of his own clothes and sliding into bed with her. Natasha curls into him instantly. Still mumbling incomprehensibly. The sight tugs at Laura’s heart strings. Natasha looks so young. She makes a split-second decision and sheds her own clothes as well. Climbing onto the bed at Natasha’s other sight, sandwiching her between them.

Laura has to supress a shiver when she comes into contact with Natasha’s skin. It’s ice cold. How long was she outside for? She shares her concerns with Clint who just shakes his head miserably. Natasha suddenly stirs again. Trashing against the covers. Laura nearly gets a bony elbow rammed in her face. Clint hisses when her foot connects with his groin.

“Natasha, shh, it’s okay. It’s me, Laura. And Clint. You’re okay.” She strokes her hair. Whispering soothing words. It has a calming effect, Natasha settles down again, curling back into Clint’s shoulder. The shivering has lessened a little at least. Laura’s mind is racing with ideas to make the girl more comfortable. Clint sees it on her face and smiles softly at her.

“You might want to leave the bed before she fully wakes up. Nat’s not great with touch, I don’t want her to hurt you.” The words she won’t are on the tip of her tongue, but Laura knows that’s a lie. The shivering redhead in front of her could probably come up with about a thousand different ways to take her out. So instead she nods. Placing a featherlight kiss on the mess of red hair, she slips out.

Before she goes down to make tea, she turns to the sight of the tiny assassin curled around her husband. It’s cute and tragic at the same time. Why would she go outside in the middle of winter? She voices this to Clint. He looks at her with sad eyes.

“I don’t know what happened. If I’d known she’d struggle this much… Maybe I should’ve just taken the shot.” Clint’s voice is filled with pain.

“No, you shouldn’t have.”

He’s silent for a while. “No, I shouldn’t have.” He confirms eventually.

Laura may not yet know Natasha, but she’s sure Clint made the right decision. Natasha belongs with them.  

[popsbridgerton]

You will always be worth my love | C.B./L.B.

So, i watched Hawkeye and I became a huge sucker for Laura and her relationship with Clint. I can’t wait to see more of her. In my head I already made up 1.000 storys about her. This is one I wanted to share.

Summary: After everyones back, Clint tells Laure about the Ronin. Words: 1000+ Note: Not proof read - like always.

The kids were tugged into bed after a usual day at the farmhouse. Well, usual as things were usual these days. Laura and the kids get used to the new circumstances quite quickly. Sure, they have lost five years. And a lot of things had changed in those five years. But it was easier to adopt things when you hadn’t had a chance. Instead, Clint …

He and Laura were sitting in the living room. The dim light from the floor lamp made it cozy and warm while she sat on the couch and read a book just like she used to all these years ago while he was sitting on the floor next to the table, tinkering on some arrows. No, he wasn’t really working on the arrows. His thoughts were somewhere else. Somewhere where he thought a day like today would never happen again. He hadn’t told Laura about the Ronin. Not yet. It has been only a few days they have come back from the blib. They were too busy to arrange their lives. Too busy to process what happened, to Tony, to Natasha. He knew that she knew that he had gone through something worse. And he loved her even more for giving him the time to come up with the topic himself.

And now the time was up, wasn’t it? He was ready to tell her about his worst actions. About his life as Ronin. Was he? It didn’t feel like he was. But he couldn’t hide this part from her any longer. He couldn’t bear it any longer. It was time. “Laura?” He asked without looking up from the arrow twisting in his hands. “Hmm?” She returned still reading her book. He took a deep breath and opened his mouth. But his lips closed the small gap almost immediately. He didn’t know how to say it. If she could read his mind, if he hadn’t had to say it out loud – it would be so much easier.

Laura didn’t seem to notice that her husband was struggling to tell her something. At least she didn’t show if she did. But that was how she was, right? Giving him all the time, all the understanding and all the love he needed. “I… I need to tell you something.” He started. His gaze still fixed on the arrow in his hands, now resting there without any movement. “About the time when…” He swallowed. “When you were gone.” He paused. “Something bad.” He looked up from the arrow to watch her. Her gaze was still resting on the page she read but he couldn’t tell if she was reading or not. Her lips were curled into a smile, it made him feel home. “Something worse than this hair cut?” She joked and finally looked up, still smiling even though she noticed the worry in his face. He sighed and for a short moment the corner of his lips twitched. “I’m gonna get my hair cut. Tomorrow morning.” “Thank heavens.” She murmured and chuckled, shutting the book and placing it next to her on the couch. “What could be worse than it?” She asked being more serious now because she knew this was serious and he needed her.

He sighed looking back at the arrow in his hand and twisting it. “I killed people.” He said no more even though she waited. Because he waited for her to say something, she finally realized. “I know.” She answered. “You did that before as well.” He shook his head. “Not like this. I… I killed them brutally. Just… just for the sake of killing.” He swallowed and looked up at her, placing the arrow on the small table. “I killed people because I couldn’t bear that they are alive and you’re not.” His features tensed in pain while he looked at her trying to find something he didn’t even know he was looking for. She smiled a sad smile and moved her legs down from the couch to bent forward and place on hand on his cheek. “I’m sure these people were bad and somehow deserved it.” Her voice was soft. Too soft. He shook his head. “Honey, you don’t understand. I – the Ronin – I killed without any justice.” Her lips smiled at him; her eyes fixed on his. “I do understand, Clint. But it’s alright. You stopped, right? You stopped the moment –“ “Nat told me there is a way to bring you back.” He finished because she couldn’t know. His gaze dropping from hers, his head shaking. It wasn’t an excuse for anything he had done.

She had to admit that her heart broke at his words. The fact that hadn’t found another way to handle his grief broke her heart. It fitted him but still. She wished he had found another way that wouldn’t be such a burden. She lifted his face, so he had to look at her. “The fact you feel bad about it shows you’re a good man, Clint. It’s been rough five years. You did what you had to do.” She paused and looked him into the eyes. “There’s nothing in this world what could me make love you less. Whatever you did – you will always be worth my love. And not only mine, your kids’ as well. Because there is more to you. You are an Avenger, a marksman, a spy, an assassin, a farmer, a father, a husband, a friend.” She caressed his cheek with her thumb. “You are worth your love, Honey. You are worth your forgiveness.” She looked at him with the most honest look he had ever seen on her face, and he knew she meant it. He would have loved to belief her. He would loved to nod and mean it. He would have loved to let it be just like she did. But he couldn’t, not yet. And she knew that. “It’s okay.” She mumbled and reached her hand for his hair when he laid his head on her lap. “I wish I could.” He mumbled. “I wish I could belief you.” “I know.” She said softly and stroke his hair. “I know, Honey.” She sighed. “You will one day. All you need is time.” She bent down and placed a kiss on his head.

Thanks for reading. If you like to leave feedback, feel free, i would appreciate it a lot. (:

[georgiapeach305132]

Man Out of Time: Chap. 1, The Barton Farm

The sun and cool spring breeze caused me to stir out of my dreams.  I always dream, always feel, but can never fully remember my dreams.  I have gotten used to the simplicity of living at the Barton farm.  My family.  The only family that I have left.  I enjoy the time helping Aunt Laura around the farm, helping her with the kids.  Having three kids and basically a single mother isn't easy.  I know that Uncle Clint would prefer to be here.  I look forward to the days when he is here.  It means I get to have more time training with someone watching to critique what I may be doing wrong.  I don't know what Clint's plans are for training me.  Is it to help keep Laura, the kids, and myself safe while he isn't here? Or does he have actual plans of me helping him and The Avengers out? One could only wish.

"Charlie!" I doubt Laura heard me wake, but my routine is pretty predictable.  Nat would be ashamed of me.  I put on some jeans and shirt, brush my teeth and head downstairs to help set the table and ready it for our breakfast.

"Morning Laura. Did you sleep well?" She sighs at me.  I know she doesn't get the best sleep when Clint isn't here.  She loves the man so much and only wants him near her.  I get it.  Her brother, my father, was the same with my mom.  I would love to find a love like that.  Knowing what I know about this world I doubt I ever would. Nor do I think I want to bring children into this mess. I see Nathaniel already sitting in his high chair as Lila and Cooper sleepily come into the dining area taking their seats.  I plant a quick kiss on Nathaniel's head and help Laura serve up the children before we too take our seats.

"I spoke with your father today," she addresses the kids, but I know she's also speaking to me.  In all matter of speaking Clint and Laura have become my parents. "Him and Nat are coming to stay for a few days." She turns to me, "Apparently Nat has something she wants to discuss with you, with us." Her eyes grow distant.  I'm usually pretty good at reading people's emotions, but I can't figure out Laura.

"Is everything ok?" Lila asks her mom as she takes a bite of her bacon.  

"Yes, and let's enjoy the few days that we have with them."

We eat mostly in silent, making very small talk before cleaning up. "Charlie you mind taking the kids to school?" She asks me this every school day.  And everyday it's the same answer. "Of course I will.  You two go get ready, meet you at the door in ten."

__________________________________________________________________

Once I return back to the homestead Laura meets me at the door. "So you should know Nat and Clint will be arriving shortly.  They didn't want to talk with you while Lila and Cooper were here."

"Laur, is everything ok? Why all this secrecy?"

"You do know we're talking about a former spy? And current Avengers? Everything is a secret." She turns to look back in the house.

"But do you know what this conversation is about?" I look over her face trying to gather anything form it.

"Yes." She looks out into the field before heading inside.  I turn to see where she was looking before seeing a Quinjet land.  Overcome with excitement of seeing two of my favorite people for the first time in two months I run over towards the Quinjet.

"How's my favorite marksman?" Nat asks while flicking a smile towards Clint. He just smiles and shakes his head.

"Ahh could be better.  It can be quite draining shooting at a target that isn't moving."

"I believe I would prefer that." Clint walks off the Quinjet wrapping me in a hug, picking my feet off the ground for the embrace, before placing me down. "She inside?"

"Yes, and acting very secretive. Want to tell me what that's all about?"

"Not my gig, that's all Nat." He waves back at us before running to the house.  Neither of us dispute his quick departure.  Of course he wants to have some alone time with Laura.

I turn and look at Nat and she's smiling at me. "So you going to tell me about this secret that I now have had both Barton's refuse to answer me?"

"In time, first let's spar a bit?" Nat cocks her head with a sly grin.

"Nat, you know what I'm capable of."

"And you know you haven't had a partner in a couple of months.  You might have got rusty."

I let out a groan before attempting to kick her legs out from under her. Nat is not easily taken by surprise, so she just jumps over my leg before jumping over my crouched body making me have to spin around to face her.  We both spend time throwing punches at one another, and blocking every one. Because Nat has trained me I know her tricks and she knows mine.  Five minutes later and neither one of us getting the upper hand she laughs and throws out her hand for a truce.  I grab it, and just stare at her still waiting on this secret conversation.

"Were you being serious about becoming bored here?" She asks me.

"That's harsh isn't it?  I love it here, Laura is amazing, the kids are great, but I would be lying if I didn't say that this life is monotonous.  But if I'm being honest I doubt you and Clint spent so much time training me for this to be my only life, did you?"

"I doubt Clint had what I'm going to ask you in mind.  I think it was more to keep you safe, and hopefully the rest of the Barton's."

"You're still not getting to the point." I narrow my eyes at her, urging Nat to get to the point.

"Well Tony has been wanting to bring in some new blood into the team.  I might have shown him a video of you training.  He approves, so does Steve.  They both want to meet you.  You could be an asset to us."

"Tony Stark AND Steve Rogers want to meet me? Wait, what does Clint think?"

"He isn't thrilled, but thinks you're ready for this life.  Laura if you can imagine is heartbroken.  She doesn't want to lose you too."

"And what do you think?"

"Without a doubt you're already in.  I wouldn't have put myself on the line by showing them if I thought you weren't.  They're excited that you don't have too much of a dark past.  You grew up normal.  Until..."

"Yes, both my parents died.  In a normal car crash.  You and Clint made sure everything was normal.  Right?"

"Right.  Neither of us have a reason to lie to you.  But still you lost your parents."

"Six years ago.  I miss them.  But with everything going on, I think they got the better end of the deal.  This world has got weird."

"You have no idea." She smirks.  "So that's it then? You're onboard?"

"Most definitely.  You guys trained me to be a help.  Now I repay you by actually helping."

The next few days go by too fast.  I didn't realize how it would effect me to leave my family.  The past six years while yes monotonous was safe.  How does Clint do this every time.  Look at his wife and kids and say goodbye.  It's because he knows there isn't another him.  He has to, to keep them safe.  Now it's my turn.  I don't know what I'm getting into.  But I know it is what I have to do.

Next

[annamaximoff24]

Double-Up

Nat x Reader: angst, mild smut, fluff

WC: 1.5k

Description: Set during Age of Ultron, the team goes to Clint’s house to lay low. There aren’t enough rooms for everyone so you and Natasha have to share. 

“We’re still a few hours away,” you heard Clint say as he piloted the Quinjet through the night.

You and the rest of the team had just faced Ultron and the two enhanced, who seemed to be working with him now. The boy, Pietro, was fast. The girl, Wanda, could manipulate minds. He was an inconvenience, but she was considered a serious threat to the Avengers. Working her magic, she was able to hypnotize the whole team, leaving you all a little shaken. 

You didn’t know what the others were forced to see, but you would never forget the visions she put in your head. With a wave of her hand she had thrown you back into your childhood. You were twelve, huddled in your room. Your younger sister was curled up next to you. She had been crying and you were trying to comfort her. Beyond your closed bedroom door you could hear your parents screaming at each other. This happened often but it was worse this time. They sounded like they were at the top of the stairs but suddenly your mom’s screaming stopped and you heard a gunshot, followed by the sound of her body falling down the stairs. 

You screamed, trying to cover your sister’s ears. The police showed up later that night after a concerned neighbor called. Your dad was arrested and sent to jail for the murder, and your sister was never the same after that. You always blamed yourself for that night. You felt like there was more you could have done to protect her and maybe even save your mom. 

“A few hours away from where?” Tony’s question snapped you back to the jet. You looked around. Bruce was rocking back and forth, a blanket wrapped around him. Natasha was sitting quietly, staring blankly ahead. 

“We’re going to a safe house,” Clint responded. Safe. That sounds good, you thought to yourself. With that slight comfort, you felt the weight of the fight fall on you and you slept for the rest of the ride. 

*****

The next morning you were woken up by Steve. The Quinjet had landed in a field, you didn’t know where, but there was a large house on the lot. You and the rest of the team brushed yourselves off and walked inside. 

You all met Clint’s very pregnant wife and two kids. He had never mentioned them to you before but the kids knew Nat, and they were ecstatic to see her standing in the doorway. 

“So we’re staying here for a few days?” Steve asked. 

Clint and his wife, Laura, nodded. “Unfortunately,” Laura said, “There aren’t enough bedrooms for everyone. Some of you will have to share.” Tony rolled his eyes at this before claiming the living room couch as his own. 

Thor couldn’t stay past nightfall, so Steve and Bruce decided to room together. That left you and Nat. 

“What do you say, Y/N?” Nat crossed her arms over her chest and smiled. “Why don’t you and I have a little slumber party?” 

You and Nat had become good friends after working together for a year. Being the only two girls in the tower pushed you closer, but there was still a lot you didn’t know about each other. There was something intimidating about sharing a room with her, even just for a night or two. 

“Sounds fun,” was all you said, smiling back at her. 

You, along with the rest of the team, spent the day helping out around the house and keeping the kids entertained. Shortly after dinner, Natasha disappeared, going up to your shared room. 

Once you finished dessert the conversation had started to slow. Tony had made one too many comments about Cap’s “Language” incident, and everyone was getting tired. 

“I would see myself out, but it appears you’re all sitting in my bedroom.” Tony said. Steve got up and went to sit on the porch. Bruce decided he should go to sleep, and Clint and Laura went to tuck the kids in. 

“Goodnight guys,” you called out before making your way up the stairs. 

“Goodnight Y/N,” they all responded. 

You walked up to the bedroom, the second door on the right, Laura had said. You opened the door, surprised to see the room was empty, the beds still made. Where’s Nat? You thought. As if on cue, another door across the room clicked open. Nat walked out, a cloud of steam escaping with her. Her hair was wet and she was in nothing but a towel. 

“Oh, sorry.” You blushed at her before quickly turning to face the wall. 

“Don’t worry about it,” she laughed. “We’re both girls here.” 

You let out a quiet laugh to couple hers, still focusing on a painting that hung in front of you. 

“You can turn around now,” Natasha called. You turned slowly to find her in a pair of shorts, slipping a tank top over her head. 

“I should change too. Do you know where I could find some clothes?” You asked. “Ones that would fit me, at least,” you added, knowing you were substantially smaller than both Nat and Laura. 

“I have something.” Nat walked to the dresser by the door and pulled something out of the top drawer. “What do you think?” She held up a lacy black and red nightgown. “I left it here the last time I visited.” 

“Yeah, I’m definitely not wearing that.” 

“Why not?” Nat pouted. “It would look so good on you.” She gave you a playful smirk. Was she…flirting with you? 

“Because,” you started, swallowing nervously, “I’m sure it looks amazing on your curves, but I have the body of a twelve-year-old boy. I would drown in that thing.”

“I wouldn’t say that.” Nat started to close the space between you, driving you up against the wall. 

“Natasha,” her face was inches from your own, “what are you doing?” 

“Are we not allowed to have a little fun? You’ve been so tense lately.” Her gaze traveled down your body and you felt shivers run down your spine. “I think you need to loosen up a bit.” Natasha ran her hands up your arms, stopping to rub your shoulders. You let them fall, relaxing your muscles for the first time in days. 

She smiled at you as you let out a relieved sigh. What the hell, she’s right. One night of fun couldn’t hurt. “Just so we’re on the same page…” you looked up at her and, with a sudden burst of courage, cupped the side of her face with your palm and kissed her lightly. “You mean this, right?” You said, pulling away. 

“That was bold,” she noted, a smile working its way across her face. 

“I hope that’s not a problem, Agent Romanoff.” Deciding to roll with it fully, you threw extra sweetness in the last few words. 

“Not at all.” She reconnected her lips to yours. They were soft and warm, and her hands traveled down your back, pulling you closer to her. You yelped as she picked you up, not breaking the kiss. She walked back towards the bed, and you wrapped your legs around her waist to stabilize yourself. 

Nat placed you on the bed gently, trailing kisses down your jaw. She pulled the collar of your shirt down and worked her way lower. Your head was thrown back into the pillows, and your eyes were closed. You just wanted to enjoy this for a while. 

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Nat stopped, rolling next to you as you sat up on the bed. “Who is it?” She called. 

“Laura,” the voice on the other side rang out. 

“Come in.” You said, running a hand through your hair to erase any evidence of Nat’s hands in it. 

Laura appeared in the doorway, an extra set of clothes in her arms. “Hi, I just wanted to bring Y/N something to sleep in.” She offered them to you. 

“Oh,” Natasha flashed you a teasing look, you glared at her, trying not to blush. “Thanks.” You took them from Laura and placed them on the bed next to you. 

“Let me know if you need anything else.” You and Nat both nodded. “Until then, I’ll leave you two alone.” She walked back, you and Nat giggling quietly to yourselves. “And girls,” Laura paused at the door, “Don’t make too much noise. The walls are thin, and Lila likes to wander around late at night.” 

“We won’t, Laur.” Nat rolled her eyes. “Goodnight.”

Once Laura closed the door behind her, Nat turned back to you. “So?” She raised an eyebrow. You hit her arm gently. “Ow, what was that for?”

“You are a tease, Natasha Romanoff.” She feigned offense at this, knowing you were right. “Now, I’m going to change and go to sleep. 

“But-” Nat protested as you got up. 

“Thin walls!” You called back as you walked to the bathroom to get ready for bed. It felt good to have a little control over her.  

[jeanbarton]

Love ain't no casino

Summary:

Can you love two people at the same time?

Clint gets married and Laura and Natasha have to talk.

(aka my thoughts of making the farm family work)

Sorry I suck at summarys!

Notes:

I already posted this to ao3

This is what I think could really have happend at Clint and Lauras Wedding. I was never happy with what they did with them but please stop the hate. It can function.

I dedicate this to my own personal "Natasha" which is in wedding fever right now because she is marrying her "Clint" next year. Look what you have done to me! ^^

The titel is a part of the lyrics of "Would I lie to you" by Nico Santos (not Eurythmics). Go check it out, because it is a perfect Clintasha-Song.

‐--------

Love ain't no casino

 

„Oh… this is so good!” A relieved sigh escaped her when she started to rub her foot she brought up to her thigh. Laura closed her eyes for a moment and enjoyed the feeling of the pain slowly leaving her pad and heel. It really had been a long and stressful day. But she had to admit it also had been the maybe best day in her life. She opened her eyes again and watched her husband sway on the dancefloor. Where does he take all this energy from? The day had been as long for him as for her, but he still was dancing with anybody who couldn’t escape fast enough. There were only few guests left anyway, it was way past midnight, and it had been a small wedding. Mostly her family and friends, he had only invited a very small group of people he trusted. At the family table was only one chair reserved for his family. The name tag read “Barney”. The chair remained empty. He had looked at it a couple of times this slightly sad and painful look in his eyes he always try to hide, but when she had asked him, he said he hadn’t anticipate him coming anyway.

Director Fury had left together with Maria Hill about half an hour ago, saying they have a briefing at 0800 and now Melinda and Phil wanted to follow them. Laura could see how they went to Clint and gave their goodbyes, receiving a hug from him and surely kind words of thanks for coming. They turned to Laura and she waved her goodbye from the table sending an air kiss along their way and popping up her now bare feet on another chair. Now only one of Clint's guests was left.

Laura took her drink and sipped on it while Clint walked Coulson and May out and he returned to grip Natasha’s wrist and taking her for another sloppy Quickstep over the dancefloor. His wife smiled. She really loved that moron. And she liked Natasha too. She just wondered sometimes…

It didn’t took long and Nat freed herself of Clint’s grip and left the dancefloor, leaving the archer to search for a new victim. The redhead came over and flopped into the chair next to Laura, a little out of breath. “His stamina is really outrageous today, right?” the spy mocked and griped a glass from the table careless to whom it belonged. Laura smiled. “Yes. I bet normally that is one of the reasons you like to work with him, don’t you?” “Touché!” the other woman laughed and drained the glass of… apparently champaign. “And I bet he had minimum a whole pot of coffee at the reception.” Now it was on Laura to laugh. “You know him just too well.”

Laura looked at the beautiful partner of her husband and the way the Russian looked at him. Should she mention it? Or should she just leave it be? But… she was his wife now. And Natasha would be part of both their lives now. She doesn’t want to start this with a lie.

“Why did you drop him?” she asked suddenly and first Nat looked confused, as if she didn’t understand the question. “I know you two were an item before… before we met. It’s great you could stay friends but… I wonder why it didn’t worked out with you.” Laura’s gaze at Natasha was calm, not aggressive or intimidating at all. She seemed only curious. But Nat wasn’t sure SHE wanted to talk about that. But on the other hand… Laura was Clint’s wife now. She deserved answers, right?

“But that was not what you just asked. You asked why I dropped HIM. What makes you think it was me?”

“Because I know, he would never drop you.”

Present. Not past. Nat registered that. “He wouldn’t?” Her eyebrow raised a little.

“No… he loves you too much.” Natasha’s face goes blank. Laura just stated that her husband loves her, and her face is nearly… amused?

Laura grinned even brighter as it takes the great Natasha Romanoff several minutes to react.

“Oh com on! You both are spies. You haven’t thought I would be so blind, did you? The looks you two share, this little conversations only the two of you really understand, the way he twitch, when you touch him inadvertently… He loves you. And I think, you love him too. So I wonder… why this is my wedding and not yours?” Natasha was really stunned. It was really rare that she was left speechless but right now she was. So since she was still searching for words, Laura added:

“Don’t get me wrong. I know he loves me too and I love him… more then I ever thought I would. And I definitely don’t want to turn this into a competition or something. I was just… wondering.”

Nat got up and went away and Laura was thinking, she went too far with her honesty. But only two minutes later the spy returned with a bottle of vodka and two glasses. She filled both and drained one immediately. Then she looked at Laura, shock her head and drained the other one too.

“The short version… I am not good enough for him.” Laura rolled her eyes at the other woman. “Ok, you know this is bullshit, right? So what is the long version?”

Natasha sighed. “How much has he told you about… our history?” Laura shrugged.

“Some. I don’t think everything… and I don’t need to know everything. Just tell me yourself.”

“Ok… I think you maybe know that he recruited me for SHIELD…” Laura nodded. “He litteratly saved my life that day… in more than one way. He was send to kill me… but he made a different call and brought me in… and so also saved me from my former employers which were… let’s say not so nice.” Nat’s face went dark a moment and she took another sip of the vodka. She didn’t mentioned that she and Clint later had hunted down a lot of these guys.

“I was… pretty complicated the first time. I wasn’t making it easy for anyone but Clint was always by my side. He had so much patience. And so we became friends… and partners. And later… more than that.” Laura knew that already but somehow Natasha felt bad to say that to his wife. “We… were happy for a long time but… I saw that I couldn’t give him, what he wanted… what he needed.” She looked over to him and – as if he wanted to confirm her words - saw him dancing with one of Laura’s little nieces. The girl was standing on his shoes and he carefully swayed her around. A look that made Natasha’s heart ache. “I don’t know if he told you so much about me, but… I can’t have children.” Laura looked at her with a surprised but sad gaze. No, she didn’t knew that. “He always said, if he couldn’t have kids with me, it would be alright, but I knew him better. I mean… look at him. He really wants to be a dad and he will be a great one.” She had a sentimental smile on her lips, something she normally nobody let see. But right now she was somehow bonding with Laura. Bonding with the wife of her love.

Both women where silent for a while and watched the man they loved dance with the little girl, picking her up and pressing a short kiss on the girl’s cheek, who squeaked in joy. Nat wiped over her face quick to mop a tear which escaped.

“I need you to make him happy, ok? Give him… what I never could.”

Laura touched her already slightly swollen belly and nodded, whipping away her own tears with her other hand. “If you promise me, to keep him save out there.” She knew how dangerous his job was. After all she had met him at the hospital she worked as nurse when he was in a pretty bad shape after a mission gone sideways. But somehow he made impact on her and she was positively surprised when he asked her out later. She didn’t knew that Nat had pulled a few strings to get him there. She wanted to have at least a little saying in with whom he would end up when it couldn’t be her. And who would be better than a nurse given the fact that he was prone to accidents.

“I promise! I will always look out for him and do everything what is in my power to keep him save.” Laura smiled at her. “Thank you, Natasha! And you will be always welcome at our house.” Laura sipped again on her Ginger Ale. “Do you know, he sometimes calls you his work-wife?” Nat chuckled. “Yes. But I thought he would do this only ON work and to tease me.” Maybe this was a good way to look at it. Natasha had him at work and Laura at home. Perhaps they could make this work for all of them somehow.

Eventually Clint had given the girl back to their parents and came over to them, a bright grin upon his face. “What are you chatting about?”

The women shared a look. “Work-life-balance.” Laura said with a wink. Clint frowned. What was that supposed to mean.

“O…kay? But now you have to dance. Otherwise, the DJ is going home. Soooo?” Laura raised up her hands and waved him off. “No no no no no! I’m done for tonight! My feet are killing me. You’ll have to carry me home later.”

Clint smirked clearly a bit drunk. “No problem, Mrs. Barton! I’m sure there is a reason it’s called bridal style.” His words were slurry a bit. He turned to Nat now. “What about you, Red? You can’t let me down on my wedding day!” Natasha sighed but the corner of her mouth was twitching up. “Technically, Barton… it’s past midnight so it isn’t your wedding day anymore. And I think it maybe is time for all of us to call it a night.” He pouted.

“I hate when you conspire against me! You two are a team up from hell!” This earned him well played outrage from both of them. They knew he didn’t mean it.

But it worked. He fell clumsy to his knees and took in both hands one of theirs. “Oh sorry, so sorry. I didn’t mean to… you know how stupid I am!” They had to fight to keep from laughing. Nat looked at his hand which was holding hers. It was the first time, she had a good look on his wedding ring. It was made of tantalum, a dark metal. And in between the dark surface there was an arrow made of platinum. Laura’s ring had 5 little diamonds instead but he had the arrow. Unintentionally she reached to the tiny necklace made of platinum too and brushed softly over it. The arrow matched hers. She didn’t belief that this was an accident. Given the fact that he gave the necklace to her.

He set kisses upon the back of both their hands and looked at them with a gaze one could only describe by in awe. Truly loving and caring. Natasha felt her heart falter. “I’m so lucky to have the two of you in my life.”

“We are the lucky ones.” Was her answer…

Endnote:

I hope you enjoyed it and I would love to hear, what you think. :-)

Thank you so much for reading.

[1heartfanfics]

Hi there, just walking in here with a prompt: Would you like to write about Clint being sick and Laura taking care of him? Feel free to add in anyone else who might be helping to take care of him or something. That would be awesome!

“Babe get out of bed, the bus will be here in 15 minutes and none of the kids are ready!” Laura yelled down the hallway. She was really starting to get annoyed. 

Clint had been out on a mission last night, even though she’d told him not to go, and he’d gotten home late. So in her eyes, it was 100% his fault that he was so tired today, and that was not an excuse not to help her with the kids. 

A few minutes passed without any response, so she was about to go into their bedroom and really lay it on him, when he finally stepped into the kitchen. 

“Morning sleepyhead,” she said sarcastically, holding out two plates of eggs and bacon for him to take to the table. 

He took them silently, carrying the plates to the table and setting them down in front of his two boys. Laura frowned as she picked up the other two plates and walked to the table. It wasn’t like him to not have a comeback, even if he was tired. 

“I didn’t get you a plate since I wasn’t sure what you’d want but there’s more bacon and eggs on the stove,” she told him as she sat down at the table next to their daughter, handing her a plate as well. 

“Thanks mom,” the kids all echoed, digging in to their breakfast.

“That’s alright, m’not really that hungry,” Clint drawled, his words slurring together. Laura gave him a look, something was going on with him besides a late night. 

“Okay,” she said, not wanting to start this conversation in front of the kids, but making a mental note to talk to him once they left.

“You got ten minutes kiddos, better hurry. Everyone dressed?” Clint asked, making a show of inspecting them all, walking around the table and poking at them. 

“Yes, dad,” Lila rolled her eyes, laughing. 

“Does it look like I’m wearing pajamas?” their youngest cried, practically falling out of his chair with laughter. 

Laura smiled, he was always so good with them, making them laugh like this. Even if he wasn’t so good at the discipline and the timeliness, he always made them happy. 

“Well, I suppose this will do,” Clint said dramatically, “Now run and go get your backpacks once your done. And shoes on. Go, go, go!” he yelled.

In a matter of moments all the kids were up and running upstairs to their rooms, rustling around to get their bags ready for school and their shoes put on. Laura chuckled, gathering the dishes from the table and taking them to the sink. In a matter of minutes all the kids were rushing back downstairs in a whirlwind, all ready to go, just as the bus pulled up.

“Look at that, time to spare!” Clint said, standing up from the table and following them to the door.

“Bye dad,” Nate said as he headed outside and down the walk, the other two kids behind him.

“Bye kiddos, have a good day! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” he called after them. Laura watched from the doorway of the living room as he waved crazily at them while the bus drove away. 

But as soon as the front door was shut his whole demeanor changed. His posture slumped, and suddenly he looked exhausted again. Now that she was really looking at him, he looked pretty pale too.

“Are you okay honey?” Laura asked, walking over and placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Sorry I came in so late last night doll, I know you didn’t want me to go,” he said, turning to press a kiss to her hand.

“It’s okay, I know you can’t help it when they ask,” she sighed, “Seriously though, are you feeling alright?” she asked again.

Clint shrugged, “Might be feeling a little rough,”

Laura placed the back of her hand on his forehead, feeling for fever. He was a bit warm, but he tended to run that way most of the time, so she couldn’t be sure, but he looked ill. 

“Come here,” she said, pressing him forward gently with a hand on his back, down the hall to the bathroom. 

“I’m okay Laur,” Clint argued, although he did nothing to stop her.

“Sit,” she said, pressing down on his shoulder so he sat on top of the toilet lid while she dug around in the medicine cabinet. After a moment she handed him the thermometer, which he begrudgingly uncapped and stuck under his tongue. She also pulled out a bottle of ibuprofen, knowing that she was right. 

“101.7,” Clint said after the device beeped. He scrubbed a hand down his face, then leaned forwards, dropping his head into his hands. Somehow he looked even worse now, the facade he’d put on for the kids fading. 

“You know you could’ve just told me you weren’t well,” Laura said, filling a paper cup with water from the sink. 

“S’not really my style,” he shrugged. 

Laura handed him the bottle of pills and set the cup of water on the counter next to him. “I know,” she sighed. “Here, let me,” she said after watching him struggle to open the medicine with shaky hands for a moment. He reluctantly handed it over to her, holding out a hand for her to pour two pills out into. 

Clint swallowed them back in one go, then slumped forwards again. Laura moved closer, rubbing a hand up and down his back. He leaned his head against her side, letting himself accept the comfort for once. She carded her fingers through his slightly sweaty hair, feeling the warmth radiating off of him for sure now.

“Thanks darling,” he mumbled, pressing his face against her side.

“None of that,” she clicked her tongue, “How about we go lay down and watch a movie or something huh?” she asked.

“Mmm, that sounds nice,” he groaned softly. 

Laura gently pushed him away from her, moving to grab his hands and pull him to his feet. This time as they walked down the hallway he draped his arm around her shoulders, leaning heavily against her as she led them towards the couch. 

“This certainly came on quick,” she said as she helped him get settled on the couch, draping a blanket over him before sitting down herself.

“Not really, felt like shit last night,” he admitted, leaning his head down on her shoulder.

“Oh babe,” she sighed, “you really shouldn’t have gone.”

“Felt okay when I left, just a headache, but it kept getting worse,” he shrugged.

“You are so stubborn,” she shook her head, rolling her eyes as he nuzzled against her.

“Yeah, I know,” he mumbled, already falling into a fevered sleep. 

[togrowoldinv]

Part of the Family

Natasha Romanoff x Female Reader

Natasha takes you home to Clint’s farm for the first time.

Note: I can’t stop writing soft Nat, so that’s what we have here again. Happy reading!

Masterlist

It’s late in the afternoon when you and Natasha pull into the farmhouse driveway. You both get out of car and you follow behind her towards the front steps. She notices you seem a bit nervous, so she slows her pace and intertwines her hand with yours.

“Don’t worry, detka. They’re going to love you,” Natasha reassures you as you step onto the front porch. You give her a nod. Truthfully, she’s a nervous too. You’ve been together for some time now, and she cares for you so much, so meeting the people she considers family is a huge step in the relationship.

Before she can even knock on the door, it flies open and barreling out comes the three Barton children. They crash into Nat’s middle and she has to let go of your hand at the impact.

“Hey guys,” Nat greets them happily and they keep clinging to her.

“Alright, alright release Auntie Nat, kiddos,” a brunette woman who from pictures you know is Laura says from the threshold.

“It’s okay. I know they just missed me,” Natasha gives them all one last squeeze before standing up.

“Come on, Auntie Nat! Let me show you my new wall color!” Lila says, excitedly pulling Nat’s hand as you all walk into the house.

“Hold on, baby. There’s someone I’d like for you all to meet first,” Natasha says. “This is my girlfriend, y/n.” She holds your hand again and introduces you to the kids and Laura.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Laura says. “You’re kind of famous around here already since Nat talks about you so much.”

You look at Natasha and see a faint blush on her cheeks. “Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Barton,” you reply. And Nat let’s out a soft laughing scoff.

“Please call me Laura,” Laura responds with a smile.

“Of course, and you all are famous to me too. I’ve heard about the Candy Land games that get extremely intense,” you say and the youngest, Nate, beams up at you.

“Can we play later?” He asks you hopefully. You look to Nat and she shrugs nonchalantly.

Laura steps into answer, knowing you and Nat would like an early night to settle in. “Definitely before they leave we can play, okay Nate?”

“Yay!” He runs off play with his siblings, leaving you and Nat with Laura.

“We’ll just go put our bags up and be back,” Natasha says and Laura nods.

“I’m cooking your favorite for dinner, Nat,” she says and Nat hugs her.

“You’re the best, Laur.”

You two head up the stairs and into the back bedroom that Nat has deemed as her own.

“Here we are,” Natasha says as she plops your bags down on the bed.

You look around and see that the room is not very decorated, but it is very comfortable and homey. There’s a few quilts on a stand and the dresser has a few frames photos of Nat and the Bartons on it.

“You okay?” Nat breaks your thoughts with a soft hand on your arm.

“I’m good. Happy to be here with you,” you say sweetly and she kisses your cheek.

“I’m glad you’re here. I’ve always wanted to be able to bring someone I love here to spend time with my family. Next we have to go see my sister and parents,” Natasha suggests.

“Absolutely, baby. I just hope the kids and Laura like me as much as I already like them,” you admit nervously.

“They do, dorogoy. Let’s go downstairs and see if we can help Laura cook. She always says no, but if you stand there long enough she’ll hand you something to do,” Natasha says with a laugh and you follow her back downstairs.

As Nat predicted, you and her help Laura work on dinner after much assuring that’s it’s no problem to help. Clint gets back from tending to the animals and he hugs you in greeting. You are an intelligence gatherer for the team, so you know the members quite well. You actually knew Clint before you met Nat and he wasn’t surprised to see how the two of you fit together so well.

After dinner, you two can’t resist when Nate brings out the game board and asks you to play with him. It’s adorable how he trudged over to Nat and begged her with puppy dog eyes to play. You know she’s as exhausted from traveling in as you are, but she could never really say no to the kids.

The game is full of laughter and it lasts way past the kid’s bedtime. You follow her to tuck the kids into bed, lingering by the doorway of Lila’s room as Nat sits on her bed and talks to her.

“I’m really glad you’re here,” Lila says sweetly and Nat cups her cheek.

“Me too, malshyka. I’ll be here for a few days. Goodnight,” Natasha says and kisses her forehead lightly.

She stands up and joins you back in the hallway. Cooper passes by the two of you and even though he’s getting older you can tell he still loves a good visit from Nat.

“Night Aunt Nat, night Aunt y/n,” Cooper says and Nat pulls him into a huge hug.

“Look at you, Aunt y/n,” Nat teases when you get back to her room. “I told you they’d love you.”

“I can’t lie, hearing that felt really cool,” you reply.

“It is cool, detka,” Nat hugs you and kisses your head as you bury your nose in her neck.

You get ready for bed and crawl under the covers together. Nat wraps an arm around your waist and you snuggle close to her.

“I love you, Natasha,” you say with a kiss to her lips.

“I love you too, y/n,” she replies.

The next morning the two of you are woken up with the kids jumping on the bed excitedly. Not being a morning person, you lazily come to and try to bury yourself further into Nat.

“Wake up, detka. You’ve officially been welcomed into the family,” Natasha whispers into your ear and you can’t help but smile.

[em2mb]

Post-Endgame, Clint/Laura.

.

He holds onto Laura for a long time – tears sliding down both their cheeks, her loose hair ruffling in the breeze, their kids shifting restlessly, not sure if they should make this a many-armed hug or give their parents a moment. Clint wants to confess all of his sins, everything he’s been holding in since Natasha threw herself off the cliff in Vormir, but now isn’t the time, not if they’re going to sleep tonight in the dusty, decaying farmhouse that used to be their home.

Laura sniffles against his chest and tilts her face up. “Divide and conquer,” she tells him, and he wonders if the brave face she’s putting on is for him or the kids. “I’ll check the well. You get the generator going.”

“Deal,” Clint says. “Cooper, go see if the toolkit’s still under the sink, will you?”

It takes the better part of two hours to get the lights back on in the house, and when Clint comes back in, Laura is in the living room, shaking out their seldom-used sleeping bags and explaining to the kids that it’s just for tonight, tomorrow she’ll help them strip their beds and remake them with clean sheets. Cooper grumbles about the arrangement – “I don’t care if there’s five years of dust on my bed,” he insists – but all it takes is one warning look from his mother and he’s psyching his little brother up for indoor camping.

“I’d forgotten what monsters 13-year-old boys are,” Laura says, though not without affection, as Cooper and Nate roughhouse, and it’s the first time but not the last time Clint’s left to wonder if his wife was telling the truth when she said five years felt like a very long nap.

“Easy,” Clint calls because it looks like Cooper’s going to put Nate in a headlock. He crosses his arms and casts a sidelong glance at Laura. “So you told them. That it’s been five years.”

“Mmm,” Laura murmurs, her watchful eyes trained on Cooper and Nate. “I figured they’d learn the truth sooner or later, so there wasn’t much point keeping it from them. Well, from Cooper and Lila. I have no idea how to explain any of this in an age-appropriate way to Nate. I’m not even sure if I fully understand – ”

But she’s interrupted by Lila screaming her head off. Fortunately for Clint, the snake is the toilet is mostly harmless.

“He isn’t interested in hurting you,” he assures Lila, rolling up his sleeves as the rest of the family peers warily into the bathroom. He realizes about a second too late that they haven’t seen his tattoos yet.

“Wow, Dad,” Cooper breathes, “is that a dragon?” before Laura can shuffle them off. She pulls the door shut firmly behind her, and he can hear her in the hallway telling the kids to shoo, scram, give their dad some space.

Clint closes his eyes and takes a deep, shuddering breath. He wonders if coming back so soon had been a bad idea. He’s not entirely sure he remembers how to be a husband, how to be a father.

The bathroom door opens. “You want me to take care of the creepy-crawly?” Laura asks, wrapping her arms around Clint’s waist.

“Someone really should,” Clint quips, dropping a kiss on the top of her head and breathing in the scent of her shampoo. “How many kids are eavesdropping on the other side of that door?”

They both listen as the creaky old house comes back to life – the scuff of shoes in the hallway, kids’ voices in the kitchen, the opening and closing of cabinets, another piercing shriek from Lila – before Laura declares, quite confidently, “Zero, though once you’ve released that guy into the wild, I’m going to need you to kill a mouse.”

Clint chuckles softly into her hair. “I can do that,” he tells her, then he apologizes because it’s his fault their house is falling apart. “Laur, I’m sorry. I really let this place go to shit, didn’t I?”

“Hey,” she says, cupping his face in her hands, “that’s the last time I want to hear you apologize for something that wasn’t your fault.” She kisses his mouth. “And the last time I want to hear you swear in this house, Clint Barton.” She arches an eyebrow, like she’s daring him to challenge her.

He would never. “Yes, dear,” Clint mumbles against her mouth as she kisses him again.

“I’m glad that’s settled,” Laura says brightly, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Now, was there something you needed to say away from little ears?”

Clint closes his eyes, exhaling slowly, unsure where even to begin. There’s red in his ledger now, and he’ll have to tell her about Ronin eventually, but his more pressing concern is how to break it to the kids that Auntie Nat won’t be coming around anymore. “It’s about Natasha,” he says, lump rising in his throat.

This time, it’s Laura who takes the deep, shuddering breath, and tears leak from her beautiful brown eyes. “It’s OK, Clint,” she tells him, “it’s OK, I forgive you. Five years is a long time, especially if you thought we were gone forever. It’s in the past, it’s – I forgive you, OK? I forgive you. Both of you. Tell Nat – tell Nat – ” Laura chokes back a sob “ – she should be here. I want her here. Tell her that, OK?”

“What?” Clint says, frowning down at her because there’s no way for her to know what happened on Vormir, a soul for a soul, the sacrifice Natasha had made then so he could hold Laura now, no reason for forgiveness to enter the equation, unless –

Unless she thinks you’re admitting an affair.

The force of the realization makes Clint let go of his wife. “Jesus, Laura,” he snaps. “That’s immediately where you went? I didn’t cheat on you. Not with Nat, not with anyone. And there’s no message to pass along because Nat’s dead. She’s dead. She died.” I killed her.

Laura blinks. “No,” she whispers, taking a step back, away from him. “No, no. No. You’re always supposed to come back. Both of you. That’s what you promised. You and Nat, you’d always – ”

“Yeah, well, I should never’ve made that promise,” Clint says as hot tears of pain and frustration well in his eyes, and he swipes them away with the heel of his palm, “because eventually one of us wasn’t going to come back.”

Laura’s still shaking her head. “No,” she says again, even more vehemently. “No, you said – you said Dr. Banner snapped his fingers and brought us all back.”

“Not Nat,” Clint says, raking a hand through his hair. “Bruce says he tried, Laur, and I believe him. But he couldn’t bring her back. She’s really gone.”

He isn’t prepared for Laura’s wail of anguish, her guttural howl. She grasps blindly behind her for the sink, but her hands miss by a long shot, and she collapses in a heap on the floor before Clint can catch her, sobbing so hard she’s hyperventilating. He needs to get her calmed down – the kids are already crashing through the house, hollering, “Mom! Mom! Are you all right?” – but when he tries to wrap his arms around her, she begins pounding on his chest.

He lets her. “I know,” Clint says, catching one of her clenched fists before she can sock him in the jaw. “I know, baby, I know.”

Cooper pounds on the door. “Dad? Dad? What happened? Is something – ”

“Coop, I need you to take your sister and brother outside,” Clint interrupts. “I’ll come get you guys in a little bit, OK?” No answer. “OK, bud?”

“OK,” Cooper says reluctantly, and Clint can hear him shepherding Lila and Nate out of the hallway.

The exchange through the door seems to subdue Laura, though her face is still scrunched up, tears leaking from her closed eyes.

“Laura,” Clint says, cupping her cheek in his hand. She rolls her face toward his touch. “Open your eyes for me, babe.”

She shakes her head. “I don’t want to,” she insists. “No. This is a really horrible nightmare, and if I just keep my eyes closed, I can still wake up.”

“Laura.”

“Did she suffer?” Laura whispers.

“No, babe. She didn’t.”

“Who killed her?”

Clint closes his eyes, too. The truth is, Natasha had taken that running leap herself. “No one,” he says heavily. “She sacrificed herself so we could bring everyone else back. She saved the world, Laur.”

“No,” Laura sniffles. “No, she didn’t.” Her voice cracks. “She saved us.”

[builder051]

Author Questions

Author name: I go by Laur. Also by Builder.

Fandoms I write for: MCU, particularly Captain America (particularly particularly a series of AUs I have created within the fandom), Spider-Man & Iron Man, Black Widow, Hawkeye & family, Black Panther, etc.; Criminal Minds (currently on hiatus), Titan A.E.; and (very occasionally) Harry Potter

Where I post: Tumblr and AO3

Most popular One-Shot: Free falling, a retake on the aftermath of Peter Parker’s role in Civil War

Most popular multi-chapter fic: Beautiful oblivion, an intense fic about Peter Parker battling OCD and an eating disorder, experiencing a budding relationship with Harry Osborn, as well as keeping up with his “Stark internship” and feeling the crushing reality of his first accidental civilian kill.

Favorite story you wrote: I’ll break that into two categories: the story I feel is my best work, which is The chill, and the story I had the most fun with, which is this one.

Story you were the most nervous to post: Are you with me after all, which is a sort of personal resolution of Tony Stark’s behavior against the background of the Me Too movement, feat. vague descriptions of potential sexual abuse of Peter Parker.

How you choose your titles: 99% are song lyrics (not titles, I hate using song titles). 1% is shit I pull out of my head.

How many of your stories are complete: all of them. I write mostly one-shots, and the multi chapter fics are not released until they are finished. The fics that look incomplete on AO3 are repositories, not individual multi-chapter fics. Each chapter stands alone and is unrelated to each other chapter.

In progress: A new Nat on Fire. Also a Clint-centric fic set between Infinity War and Endgame.

Coming soon: A Whoa Bessie Steve-whump fic.

Upcoming story you’re most excited to write: I actually have to go with my novel. It’s going slowly since I’ve been so sick this year, but I’m really in love with my characters and my storyline. It’s a steampunk theme, too, so that’s super fun.

Do you accept prompts: Yes, I do! Feel free to drop a prompt anytime, though there is never a guarantee that I will get to it. Starbucks Sunday hours (4 to 6:30pm US Eastern Time every Sunday afternoon) is a great time to drop a drabble prompt.

Tagging: @xxx-cat-xxx and anyone else who wants to do this!

[georgiapeach305132]

Man Out of Time: Chap. 41, Truth

Charlie's POV:

I sip my coffee as Clint, Laura, and myself watch the kids play outside. I forgot just how peaceful and calming being out here at the farm actually is. Deeply breathing in the bitter brew, I see my young daughter run around chasing the older kids, laughing at how normal this is. Normal hasn't happened to me in quite some time.

"So, you know we're not finished right?" I glance over to Clint who snorts out a laugh.

"Yeah. You're never finished. That's the job. There will always be something. How often was I at home?" He answers, Laura's hand comfortingly rubs on his arm.

"I know that. We just haven't caught Karli. We're no closer to finding out exactly who the Power Broker is. And we've kinda been benched." "You can't use your leverage at Stark Industries to go around that?" Laura glances up at me through her lashes.

"I try not to use that influence too much. Eventually they'll tire of me. And I didn't build that company. Tony did." "Oh, Tony would for sure use his resources." Clint chuckles. "You just use it to get Bucky out of jail."

"First off, I didn't use my Stark Industries influence for that. I used my sparkling eyes and the fact that John Walker wanted me to be his partner. I might have vaguely answered that I might owe him a favor for that. But then I reminded him that he outed my nonexistent marriage to Steve and my daughter on national television." I cut my eyes over to Clint and take another sip from my mug. Why is coffee the drink of the gods?

Clint just nods. "Maggie, you going to practice your archery?"

Laura smacks at the man's arm, "She's three. Can she not be a kid?" "She might be three, but her dad is a super solider, and her mom...well she's something." My eyes narrow at Clint's. I know he's talked to Laura, but I just want to enjoy my time with my family.

"And we're not talking about this. The reason why I brought up the fact that we're not finished. Pepper has always said she doesn't care to keep Maggie and I don't want to ever feel like she's a burden to anyone. If it's a last-minute thing, Pepper is closer. But you have her number in case of an emergency." I begin rambling.

"Charlie, you and Maggie are never a burden. I missed almost three years of her life. Five years of yours. This guy did, too." She elbows Clint. "I know that whatever happened before when you were with my brother, things obviously weren't the best for you. I'm almost glad you don't remember. I want to have all the memories with you guys, I also don't want to take any from Pepper. You guys were there for each other during that time. I'll forever be grateful to her and Tony. But if it is a last-minute thing and she can get to her, I think that's a great plan. And if she ever feels overwhelmed, we're only a call away." I missed this woman. I love Pepper, almost like I do Laura. They're vastly different, but I've needed them both. They're the closest thing I've ever had to a mom, Nat was more of a sister.

"Thanks, Laur. I'm glad you're back. Seeing these camps have given me a bit of guilt for my part in bringing everyone back." Clint looks at me, almost worried. "I mean, I wouldn't change it. I don't want to think about where Steve and I would be if we didn't change it. But there's a lot of displaced people out there now. It isn't right either." "How's Bucky? You two seemed to reconnect quickly." Laura asks, watching my facial expressions out of the corner of her eyes.

"He's good. He's got to finish up a few things. I'm taking Maggie down to visit Sam and Sarah. He's going to bring something for Sam." "Okay...and what about you two?" She digs around for answers. Clint sips his coffee smiling.

"He wants to take me out on a date." I smile.

"Steve never did that." Clint states. I shake my head no. "He's okay with yours and Steve's past?" "If he wasn't would I be talking to him? I have a child with Steve. That will never change, she's a part of him just like she is of me. And he can't deny her. Look at her, she looks just like the man." I smile at my young child and she smiles back before running around again.

"True. Was Steve ever okay with yours and Bucky's relationship?" Clint asks and I look at him with a furrowed brow. "Come on, Charlie, don't deny it. Remember you let me read you at the airport. I got a vision...of you and Bucky. Even then you chose to fight with him over Steve. You lied to Steve to visit Bucky. Now I'm blind to a lot of things, but something tells me you weren't just feeding goats in Wakanda." "I wouldn't say Steve was okay with it at first. And then he accepted it, because I wasn't Peggy." Clint nods his head, understanding exactly what I'm meaning.

"He did love you though. After the first meeting he talked about you a lot. I think it was more a crush or an obsession than anything." Clint tells me, trying to make sure that all this doesn't hurt me. A few years ago, it might. I came to the conclusion years ago Steve was never really in love with me. He was in love with the idea of me.

"I know he loved me. We should have just remained friends though, but then I wouldn't have the most precious thing in my life if we didn't." "What's the deal with Steve being on the moon?" Laura asks with a laugh. I join in and hear my phone ping, alerting me of a text from Sam.

"You know...I'm not really sure. But it started after Bucky read Maggie her favorite bedtime story, I Love You to the Moon and Back. It's her way of keeping him with her."

"And the fact he has scheduled days to come to present time to read to her." I choke on my coffee and look at him. "Yeah, your mission might have taken to long and the man showed up. Not going to lie, kind of scared the shit out me. I heard voices in your room where Maggie was staying and then I find him. Could have mentioned that to us. I tried to kill him." I let out a laugh.

"He didn't want too many people to know he was doing that. I thought it was a joke, too. The first night I woke up and saw him watching me and Bucky sleep. The second time I saw him in Maggie's room. And one of the last time's Bucky was the one that heard him. Causing him to think I had cheated on him and he left for five months." "You don't think it's a bit weird?" Laura asks.

"Well yeah...but that is her father. When we're at home we have scheduled times during the day. He wants us to meet Peggy. And while I'm over that. I also don't want to meet her, not now. I just feel like he chose Peggy over Maggie, you know?" "He didn't want to see you happy with Bucky." Laura blankly tells me. "Makes sense. If he stayed, he would get to see you and Bucky have a good relationship, not pretending. Bucky would be the one who played a more permanent role in Maggie's life. He would be the one to see her almost daily." "I would never keep Maggie from Steve. Obviously. Look at this situation." I put my hands up. It truly is confusing.

"Well, no, but you can't deny the fact that he would hold resentment towards you two. He could have stayed, and chose not to be with Peggy, and here you had something good with Bucky." She's right.

I finally look at my phone. When ya leaving Harry Potter? Harry Potter? We're leaving tomorrow.

Yeah, lightning. Wait, he just has a lightning bolt. So lightning rod! I guess we'll see you soon. Sarah is looking forward to it.

Please don't call me lightning rod

Pikachu then

I just made this worse.

__________________________________________________________________

Charlie's POV: The humidity and salty air melt into my skin as soon as Maggie and I get off the plane. It's a welcome feeling, a homey feeling. Maggie was so excited to fly, and now her excitement seems to be buzzing off her skin. "Calm down, little one, we're almost there." I tell her, hoping that she can just breathe for a bit.

The drive to Sam and Sarah's family home is just breathtakingly beautiful. I watch the town as we drive by. It has an almost old history air about it. Traditions, smells, food, sounds, everything just seems to be deep. Proud. I'm going to love it here. We arrive at the house, positioned close to the bayou. "Is this where we're staying?" Maggie asks with bright eyes.

"Yep, this is the Wilson's place." The driver informs us. I get out, paying the man and he grabs out our luggage. "They know you're coming?" He asks I nod with a smile. "You one of Sam's special friends?"

Not understanding what he's meaning, "Oh no, we're just friends he's like a brother to me." "I meant, his special Avengers friends." He lets out a deep belly laugh. "You're too pretty for him." I laugh along with the man and I hear the door open.

"Manny, quit hitting on the woman and let her go." Maggie hears his deep voice and runs straight to him. He picks her up throwing her in the air. I grab our luggage and tug it up the stairs. "Sarah got the guest room all settled for you two. I should warn you, there's no room in that bed for Bucky though. Is he coming?" "Eventually. But he's got a hotel room." "No. We'll find him a place. How did things go with Zemo?" He asks. Clearly, he hasn't talked much with Bucky.

"The Dora Milaje arrested him. He's at the Raft." I follow Sam up the stairs, guiding us to our room. I watch a shudder run through his spine.

"Terrible place. But I'm proud of him. I thought for sure he would...well ya know?" He opens the door and the room is homey. It reminds me of my room at the farm.

"Me, too." I smile. I really am proud of him.

"You never doubted him though, did you?" I shake my head no. "But you two are still talking?" I nod my head yes and he gives me an honest smile. "Good, because I won't be too kind next time." "Uncle Sam, where are the boys?" Maggie asks while she pulls Sam's face to look at hers.

"They're at school." She pouts at him. "They'll be back soon Magpie. And one day you get to go to school." "Nope." She shakes her head. I stifle a giggle.

"Oh yes, Uncle Sam will make sure you're smart like him." He bites at her cheek and sets her on the ground. "Come on, Sarah wants to see you two. All this time and you've never met." __________________________________________________________________

Bucky's POV:

I can't wait to get to Charlie. I know that I'm not fully finished with my personal mission, but I need some time with her. I hope that Sam likes the gift I got for him, he needs new wings anyways. Walker thought he had destroyed Sam from flying again, little does he know. Charlie tells me that they're at the boat dock today, so I know not to even go to Sam's house. She informed me that Sam has been teaching Maggie how to do small things around the boat.

I walk out along the boat dock, my eyes shift around, mostly looking for her, but still looking for Sam as well. And then I spot him, they're unloading a truck, and I overhear him mention they don't know how they're going to get it out. My turn. I effortlessly pick up the motor and place it on the boat, "You're welcome."

My hand connects with the case, containing Sam's surprise. "Just dropping this off." I place it on the back of the boat where the motor once was. "You can sign for it and I'll go." Not really. I still have to find her. Sam's hand traces along the trunk. He knows what it is, but isn't ready to look at it. Not here. "I called in a favor from the Wakandans." Behind me a hose begins hissing and sputtering out steam. "Sam!" I hear her scream. Sam's attention is brought over to hose, and he runs over to it. Mine is only at hers. I don't see Maggie trailing along behind her. She gives me one of her sweet smiles and her eyes actually light up, "Hey." She tells me.

"Hi." I quickly peck her cheek and go to help Sam. He's spent too much time flying and not enough time on the boat. I tap on his arm, "Hold on, hold on. You gotta go up." I hold the wrench in my arm and twist up, slowly the steam subsides.

"Why didn't you use the metal arm?" He asks.

"Well..." I look down at my metal arm. "I don't always think of it immediately. I'm right-handed." He lets out a bit of a chuckle, "So, this is the boat, huh?" I look up at it, and glance back at Charlie, she's still watching me with a smile and admiration. God, she's immaculate.

"This is it."

"It's nice." I shake my head at him. Again, my eyes catch her, and when I face back to Sam he just smiles. "You want any help?" Of course, he does, she already told me does. That's why she's here.

Sam nods his head, standing back up from his leaning position, "Yeah. Come on." Charlie's small frame walks closer to me. "Hold on." Sam stops, looking at what's happening before rolling his eyes and continue walking. "Hey, doll." I quietly say with a smile, helping her onto the boat with my hand.

"Hello, handsome. I missed you." Her fingers entangle in my hair as she brings herself closer to me. Her lips meet mine and I pull her up to me. Knowing we're out in public she chooses not to actually wrap her legs around me, but I don't care. She's here, in my arms. And I can taste the sweet vanilla lip gloss that she always seems to have on.

"Bucky! Charlie!" Charlie laughs in our kiss, but doesn't pull back at Sam's I'm-being-serious tone.

"Mommy! Bucky!" And that pulls her away. I release her from my arms and she turns to see a smiling Maggie, "Bucky! Where have you been?" "Saving the world, Maggie James." Charlie shuffles over to help her on the boat.

"Uncle Sam lets me help sometimes. I was with Aunt Sarah." She points back to Sarah, Sam's sister.

"If you're going to help, you need to help." Sam huffs back at me.

"Yeah, I'm going to go back and help Sarah make some food. See you in a bit." She smiles picking Maggie up in her arms. I place a peck on her lips and help the two girls out of the boat. Following Sam to see what all needs to be done.

Immediately he puts me to work, sanding. Working on the boat is familiar. It brings back the time, in another lifetime, where I worked at the docks myself. Helping provide for a frail, and orphaned Steve. I find comfort in the constant and monotonous movements of cleaning and repairing the boat. It feels freeing to use my strength for something good.

I even get to help Sam out, using my brute strength. I chuckle at the fact that he may just be slightly annoyed, "Think Karli's gonna throw in the towel?" I ask him.

"I think she's gonna double down." He answers. We continue collecting water in our buckets and dumping them.

"And idea how to stop her?"

"I got Joaquin working on something." Sam answers. He's a smart kid.

"Well, Zemo says there's only one way." That's one of Sam's fear. He hopes that we don't have to kill her. None of us do.

After a long day on the boat Sam walks over to a cooler and hands me a beer and grabs one for himself. We sit quietly thinking about the impending battle with the Flag Smashers and our day, "Well..." I hit my bottle with his as I stand up. It's getting late. "Gotta catch my flight tomorrow." I take a drink of the beer, wondering where in the world is my girl. "Get a hotel room for the night. Crash, you know?" Sam chuckles to himself.

"So, you're just gonna set me up like that, huh?" He's figured out what I'm trying to do.

"Well, I don't wanna make it weird for your family."

"You're telling me you would sleep in a hotel when Charlie and Maggie are here?" I take another drink smiling. "Just stay here. The people in this town are the most welcoming people in the world. They don't care if you wear small T-shirts, or if you have six toes, or if your mom's your aunt." I laugh. I don't care where I'm at as long as I'm with her. With them.

"Okay, I get it. I mean, you know, people are nice." I laugh at him.

"You're just worried about the one, aren't you?" He laughs smiling at me. I take another drink of the beer. "That obvious?" "I've never seen her smile like she does around you, or even just talking about you. Listen, she's special to me, like my little sister. When you...well, your ass disappeared, she didn't break down, but she wasn't good. Maggie has been through a lot; she needs you too. Don't run off and leave again." "I'm not. I love her, both of them. I want to stick around. She's...she's it." "Good. They're in the guest room so I guess you're on the couch. So, don't have any funny business going on, on my couch." He shudders.

"No." I shake my head.

"Cause if you do, I'll have Carlos cut you up, and feed you to the fish." Sam's voice is serious and it's annoying.

"Okay." I huff out not looking at him, but then I feel I need to thank him for letting me stay. I nod my head before I make my way off the boat. I need a shower, and to see her. I don't even want to think about sex with Charlie, because I do want her so bad. But I've decided we're not having sex again until after the first date, when she's ready.

When I make it to the house, I see the boys and Maggie playing on the porch, "Mommy's inside."

I sit down beside her. "What makes you think I just want to see your mom." "Because you love her. She loves you. I told you that." She smiles and places a small hand on my metal arm.

"You did. The first time we met. How do you remember that, Maggie James?" It might have been a few months ago, but she's too smart for a three-year-old, but then again, if he's her grandfather...makes sense.

"I'm smart like Tito." She smiles up at me. "Are you coming back to the cottage?" "Maybe not this time." "You still have things to finish up without mommy?" Her bright Steve Rogers eyes bore into me.

"Yep. Hey, Maggie James, normally I would ask the father this, but I think you're the most important person in your mom's life."

"And you." She interrupts.

"I can't ask myself this." I laugh. "I was wanting to know if I can get your permission to take your mom out on a date?" The boys look over at me confused.

"Like a real date?" I nod my head. "You're not taking her to the movies, are you?" "You think that's a bad idea?" It's a terrible idea. I can't look at her, or talk to her.

"Yeah. You're not supposed to talk at the movies. So, dinner?" I smile and nod. "Okay. I give you, my permission." Even though she's three she speaks very well, although there is a cute speech impediment of her R's turning into W's, and a very slight lisp. She taps my arm where her hand had been resting. "Now go on. You haven't seen her all day." Her finger points into the house and I happily obey her orders.

I hear a faint sound of music the deeper I walk into the house I hear it coming from upstairs, "She's upstairs." Sarah calls from the kitchen. "Follow the music." I heed her orders and slowly walk upstairs. I open the door quietly where the sound is coming from. I'm met with Charlie packing up hers and Maggie's clothes, softly singing along to some Doris Day, I lean against the door, watching her delicate movements as she sings, I'm in the Mood for Love. I just want to touch her, quietly I walk behind her, wrapping my arms around her. She spins and looks up at me surprised, "Dance with me, doll." Her little body smiles up at me and we dance around the small room. Completely soaking each other in. I watch as her head gently rests on my chest and I pull her in even closer. I love our perfectly innocent moments together.

"I need to shower." I kiss the top of her head as the song ends and another 40s song comes on. "You listening to that just for me?" I ask.

She laughs shaking her head no, "Lyrics were different then. More sincere. And the songs aren't overproduced. Just raw talent, raw emotions." She gently kisses my lips. "Can I join you?" Yes. No. You can do this Bucky.

"Yes, but I've been warned, no funny business."

She rolls her eyes, "Sam... he's a drama queen. But he means well. So, no funny business. We can do that, right, James?" "Bucky." I can't have her murmur my real name. As if knowing why I said that, she nods with a smile. I grab out some clean clothes from my bag, Charlie turns the music up a bit louder, grabbing herself some clothes and I follow her into the bathroom.

She leans over, feeling the water with her hand, getting it just right, and pulls up the stop to turn on the shower. My eyes just rake over her movements, I'm mesmerized by her. She walks closer to me, placing her hands on the hemline of my shirt, "Do you mind if I help?"

I smile down at her, "Of course not, if that means I get to help you." She pulls up the shirt, exposing my stomach, her gentle fingers trace along my skin, and my breathing speeds up. I grab at her hands, "Charlie..." her name barely makes it out of me as a whisper.

"I know." Charlie pulls me down to give me a kiss. "I just feel, like we've waited so long." "We can wait longer, but not if you keep rubbing on my skin."

She smiles. "There's other ways to get off..." I almost glare down at her, "No, doll. Maybe I should shower alone." My eyebrows cock at her.

She pouts up at me, "Fine." She rolls her eyes but continues undoing my pants. This time her hands move more swiftly. I had to open my mouth. When I'm fully naked it's my turn to undress her, I pull up her shirt, desperately trying not to take my eyes off her face, I feel the heat rise up me as I unbutton her pants.

And I reach my point of not stopping. I come closer to her, kissing on her neck when I undo her bra, letting it fall to the floor, she chokes out a breath and removes her panties and quickly jumps in the shower. I chuckle. "It's not funny Bucky. You have no idea how crazy you're making me feel right now." "Oh, I have an idea." I almost whisper, jumping in myself. "Can I wash your hair?" I take one step closer and she puts her hand on my chest shaking her head no. "Seriously? Why'd you ask to join me then, doll?" Deviously she smiles at me, I realize my slip up. "I don't know, James." Utters out of her soft pink lips. She leans her head back in the water, when she leans back up to look at me, a smile crosses her lips, and she grabs the shampoo before lathering it in her hair. How am I going to do this?

I step closer to her, and put my hands through her soapy hair. I hear her breathe deeply but watch as her body relaxes to my touch. My hand lifts her chin up and back into the water as the flow rinses out all the suds. I grab the conditioner and work it gently through her ends, repeating the process of rinsing and I hear a soft moan escape her lips. Dammit. My body reacts before my brain does and I place my flesh hand on her mound. Charlie sucks in a breath before looking at me. "Is...is...fuck...is this, okay?" I ask.

"Yes." She whines, already whimpering at my touch. I watch as her body almost goes limp, leaning into my chest. I will allow myself to pleasure her, but I don't deserve to be taken care of. I left her.

Her folds are warm and wet. Fucking hell. She places her head on my shoulder, and I feel every breath she takes on my skin as my fingers circle along her clit. She instinctively lifts her leg up to my hip, and I hold on with my metal arm. I look down at her, unadulterated ecstasy is painted on her features. She's waited on me to touch her, claim her for so long. My lips place a kiss on her nose, "Whose girl, are you?" I smile down at her, placing a finger in her tight cunt. Son of a bitch, she feels amazing.

"Your...yours, James. On-only...fuck...yours." She gasps and pants out. I feel her pussy clenching me, bringing me in deeper, I place another finger in her, watching her face and how with just my hand I have her body writhing and melting on me.

Her small hand moves to the base of my hard cock, "Fuck...Charlie...don't..." "James, I just want to feel you." She whimpers and her hand slides up my shaft, using her thumb to move around the pre cum over the tip.

"I'm not putting it in you, doll." "What if you just put it in a little bit?" Her voice comes out as a whisper, I shake my head no. "It won't even count." I smile but still shake my head no. "What about like that much." She uses her hands to show me the amount. "That's nothing, I won't even feel it." I stop my movements and begin to pull my fingers out of her. "I understand, it's fine." She lets out a growl of frustration.

We stand in silence, minus our shallow breathing and I begin circling her clit. I can't leave my girl hanging. I won't give her what she is really wanting, but I can still make her feel good. I feel her breathe in deeply before she herself starts pumping my dick in her hand.

I feel her walls start to flutter around my fingers and her breathing on me comes out in deep pants, she's close. She still makes the same face, her eyebrows still come together and slightly raise. She cums heavily on my fingers and she bites me where my neck and shoulder meet, quieting her own sounds. "Doll, stop." I go to pull her hand off me. Not today. I just want her to be taken care of.

"But you haven't..." "I know. I want this to be about you." I kiss on her forehead and drop her leg.

"James..." I raise my eyebrows at her. "I just..." "I know, honey. Soon. How about you give me a minute and get dressed?" "You can't hold out on me forever." She gives me a serious face.

"I'm not. Now get out." Her naked, wet, and pleasured body gets out of the shower. But she doesn't leave once she's dressed. She sits and listens to my movements. Listening to me, pleasuring myself, the same thing that I've done countless times, dreaming of her legs wrapped around me. Every pump of my dick in my fist was always thoughts of Charlie racing in my mind. And now she's here, willing to spread herself open for me, letting me fill her up with my cock and cum, and I'm too fucking stubborn to do it. But I want to take care of her. I never want her to feel that what I feel for her is just lust, I truly love her. Every part of her, even the part that was engaged to Steve fucking Rogers.

I cum with a heavy breath, feeling sweaty and defeated. I hear Charlie's labored breaths listening to me. She knows how crazy she makes me, but in this moment, I know exactly how much she wants me. And we've both continued to tease the other these past few weeks. Fucking hell. I won't be able to do this much longer. "You okay out there, doll?" I ask while I quickly wash off my body.

"Shut up." She playfully calls to me.

"You didn't have to stay." "I know."

__________________________________________________________________

Bucky's POV:

I lay on the couch; the house is too quiet. Charlie is asleep upstairs with Maggie in the guest room, and I'm miserable without her, slow close, and still so far away from her. I think about where I would like to take her for our first date. What restaurant would be the most perfect place, and what she deserves?

"You awake?" Her sweet voice whispers? I was so wrapped up in my own thoughts I didn't hear her tiptoe downstairs.

"Yeah." I reach my hand up to her and she lays down on my chest, her small fingers trace shapes onto my metal arm. "Couldn't sleep?" "Didn't want to be away from you." She yawns and I know she's in fact sleepy. Maggie is used to sleeping alone and in her own room, so I don't feel too guilty for Charlie being down here.

"Go to sleep." I tell her. It isn't long until her sweet and soft humming snores start and I myself am falling asleep to her own form of a lullaby.

The next morning, I stir to tiny human sounds. I jolt awake and find a sleeping Charlie on top of me. I look to see all the kids playing with the shield. All three are fascinated with the piece of metal. Maggie, mostly stares at it, sadness when she thinks of it being her dad's and how she will never have a normal relationship with him. And the boys because they're happy their uncle is the new Cap.

The kids continue to play fight. Maggie even pretends to shoot a bow. All of them make quiet swooshing and hitting sounds. One day this will be our life. Mine and Charlie's. I smile as I watch them. "Hey!" I call out to them. Charlie stirs a bit on top of me.

"Put it back!" AJ tells Cas.

"Hurry, hurry!" Maggie squeals before they all run out. Maggie turns back around and waves, I throw my hand up waving back and then my arm drops on Charlie's back.

"Good morning, handsome." She smiles up at me.

"Morning, doll." We give each other a quick peck and she goes to pull herself off of me, I pull her back, and prolong another peck, before allowing her to actually sit up this time.

My eyes fall to the exposed piece of the shield. Overwhelming thoughts race through my brain. It does belong to Sam, but a part of it will always belong to Steve. Steve of the past. My best friend. The scrawny kid that I had to protect, and constantly get him out of trouble, to the large man that saved my life. More than once. The man I fought for, to the man I fought with, to the man I fought beside. Any angry words and bitterness I had towards Steve make me feel guilty. He always fought to find me and protect me. I'm grateful to him for many things. But mostly how he was one of the few who never doubted me. He always believed in me.

I feel Charlie's eyes on me as I roll my eyes away from the shield and up towards the ceiling, "You, okay?" She asks.

"Yeah." "You can tell me. He doesn't affect me like he used to." "I know." I give her a weak smile. "I just miss him." "He misses you, too." Knowing that I need to feel her on me, she lays back down on me chest, rubbing on my arm and then playing with my dog tags.

"We flying back together?" I ask.

"For a bit. We're going in a different location. You're going to the city. You...are you...?" "When I'm finished yes." I know she's asking if I'm going to come back to her home. She smiles on my chest. And I tightly squeeze my arms around her. "I'm not going anywhere this time, Charlie. You're stuck with me." "You say that like it’s a bad thing, Bucky."

"Come on, let's walk out to the docks." I still have normal clothes on, but she's not too inappropriately dressed, leggings and a shirt of mine. Glad to know she didn't clean out the closet this time. I pull her along with me as we watch the sun fully coming up over the water. It's gorgeous. "I'm going to help Sam a bit. You, okay?" She nods and turns to walk back to the house.

I find Sam working below deck. "Push the stopper." He tells me. I do as he wants. "Oh, in there...thanks." He responds back to me when he accomplishes what he was working on.

"Yep." I turn to walk away.

"Hey. Start loosening those bolts." We fall in a comforting mostly silent routine.

"Got it." I grab the tool he hands me. I feel his eyes on me and I return the gaze. "What?" "She slept on the couch with you." He smiles. Not sure why he's bringing it up. It's not that big of deal. I shrug, and continue working on the boat.

"You want to say something else." I glance up at him.

"You showered together." I look up at him. Squinting my eyes. "What are your intentions with my little sister from another mister?" I roll my eyes and continue working on loosening the bolts. "I'm being serious. The boys said you asked Maggie for permission to take her on a date. That's big. I don't think he ever...well you know." "What are you getting at, Sam?" "I didn't like you for her when we met. I mean how could I? You stole her from us in Bucharest, even tried to kidnap her in a helicopter. And then...well Vienna...but you two, you're good." "Ohhhh." I draw out the oh. "You're giving me your seal of approval. Is that what this is?"

He nods his head, "You're welcome." "I love her." I tell him.

"I know." "She's it. Pretty sure she always has been." "I know that, too. You're different than him." I look up at Sam and then back to the bolt. "So does that mean?" "It means I'm taking her out on a date." I huff.

"How was the shower? You guys held out for a long time." Really?

"It was hard." "Spare the details."

"It was hard, because we're still holding out. It's like starting over again. I want to take her out first. It's hard, because I just want her." He nods understanding.

"Well, I'm glad. Because I did say no funny business." I roll my eyes.... I know. "So, you just want to date her?" He smiles. I shake my head no. He gives me a big toothy grin. "I approve." He tells me. Good to know I have his approval, I guess.

__________________________________________________________________

"Okay, so..." Sam starts trying to explain what to do with the motor.

"Excuse me. No..." I hear Sarah coming up behind us. We've been caught.

"There should be a three-sixteenths bolt that goes in the big gear." He continues.

"Nope." I answer flipping through the manual.

"No. Uh-huh. No. No." "What do you mean no, you didn't even look." He tells me. We're going to ignore Sarah, I guess.

"I didn't have to." I respond.

She stands over us and I watch out in the distance as Charlie and Maggie come around with a basket of food. "Hi, Sarah." I tell her.

"I told you specifically that the water pump was not the problem, and yet, here you are." She scolds us.

"Yep, Samuel."

"Look, in our defense, we were supposed to be done long before you woke up." Sam is turning on his charm and he grabs a wrapped breakfast burrito from Maggie, pulling her into his lap.

"I don't come up to the sky to tell you how to barrel roll, or whatever, so don't come down here and start messin' around with things you clearly don't understand." I watch Charlie bite her lip, holding in a laugh and Sam glares at her.

"Wow. Wow." He answers to both women.

"Bye. Off. Thank you, gentlemen. Appreciate you. I love you, bro." Charlie hands her the basket and more people begin to take the food out, she hands me several, I take them and wrap an arm around her.

"She's a very mean person." I tell Sam.

"It's tough love. No. If you did what I told you to do, we would have been done before any of this took place. And I bet if Charlie wasn't making breakfast, she wouldn't have woken up." "There is no such thing." I take a bite of the burrito and hand one to Sam.

"There's a prowess that goes into my madness." He lifts the small girl's legs high in the air and she squeals before he holds on tightly and safely to her again.

___________________________________________________________________

Bucky's POV:

Charlie, Sam, and I set up a practice course of sorts for Sam to throw the shield. It's an odd feeling watching Charlie with the shield. She mostly glances over at Sam. She wants this so bad for him, and loves watching him grow into Captain America. Once everything is set up, she stays behind, watching Sam and myself throw and catch the shield, even she catches it at times. "You gonna wrap the shield with lightning again, Pikachu."

Her hazel eyes glare at Sam, "Don't call me that." "Why? You're small, adorable, and can manipulate lightning." She hits me in the stomach, and Sam chuckles. "I can't win with you, two. I'm going to start making dinner. Sarah's busy at the docks, she'll like coming home with a clean house and food. Bye boys." She starts to leave and I pull her back into a kiss. We pepper kisses against each other's lips before I hear Sam clear his throat and I smack at her jeaned ass as she walks away giggling.

Sam throws the shield at one of the wrapped trees and catches it, "It feels weird...picking it up again." He looks over at me before he launches it again and it bounces off a few more trees before I catch it. "The legacy of that shield is complicated, to say the least." God, I hate that word.

"When Steve told me what he was planning, I don't think either of us understood what it felt like for a black man to be handed the shield." Steve just saw the good in people. I was vastly too naïve to understand and worried about my own insecurities. "How could we? I owe you an apology." I step forward, handing the shield to him. "I'm sorry." He grabs the shield from my arm, "Thank you." And he really means it. We're at a comfortable place, Sam and myself. In the beginning he was far from my favorite person, but still he was one of Steve's and Charlie's best friends.

"Whatever happened with Walker, it wasn't your fault...I get it." I tell him. "It's just, that shield's the closest thing I had left to a family. So, when you retired it, it made me feel like I had nothing left. Made me question everything. You, Steve, me, Charlie." "You have Charlie and Maggie." He calmly tells me.

"I didn't then. I owe you a thanks, too. Without this mess...I don't know if I ever would have gotten the courage to see her again. I was ashamed of what I did." My eyes stay on the shield. I can't meet his.

"What did you do?" "Lie to her. I didn't tell her I remembered her in Hydra. And..." "And?" I meet his eyes and sigh. "It's complicated?" He laughs.

I scratch the back of my neck, "You have no idea. So, I just left her. Because I couldn't deal with it. I left her crying on the floor. Confused that I remembered her and..." He slaps my shoulder, "We don't have to talk about this now. There's obviously something you don't want to admit, or you can't, but you're here now. That's what matters. But I will kill you if you hurt her again."

"You know, I've got his, uh..." I pull out the little notebook of Steve's out of my back pocket. "I've got his book. And, uh...I just figured if it worked for him, then it'd work for me." My fingers ruffle through the pages. Seeing handwriting from both me and Steve. I look over to the house and I see her figure through the window, she's sweeping, making their family home cleaner than what we found it.

"I understand, man. But Steve is gone." Not quite. I sigh, not wanting to add more, "And this might be a surprise, but it doesn't matter what Steve thought.  About anyone, including her.  He made a choice." He meets my eyes. He wants me to think about his words. What Steve thought about everything. It doesn't matter. He chose to go back, and I stayed. I can't continue living my life according to what Steve thought. He throws the shield, and I just absorb his words.

"You gotta stop looking to other people to tell you who you are." He throws the shield again, bouncing it between trees before I catch it, "Let me ask you. You still having those nightmares?"

"All the time." Images of everyone I harmed or killed while I was the Winter Soldier. "It means I remember. It means a part of me is still there. Which means a part of the Winter Soldier's still in me." Angrily I toss the shield and watch it bounce until Sam catches it.

"You up for a little tough love?" He turns his body to face me and I look at him and he continues, "You want to climb out of that hell you're in, do the work. Do it." My body turns away from him, "I've been making amends."

"Nah. You weren't amending you were avenging. You were stopping all the wrongdoers you enabled as the Winter Soldier, because you thought it would bring you closure." He pauses, allowing more of his words to sink into me, into my conscience. "You go to these people and say 'sorry,' because you think it'll make you feel better, right? But you gotta make them feel better. You gotta go to them and be of service. I'm sure there's at least one person in that book who needs closure about something, and you're the only one who can give it to 'em." "Probably a dozen."

"That's cool. Start with one." I look at Sam, Steve made the best decision, "Good talk."

He chuckles at me. "C. Allen...?" He begins. He's thought about that since we were on the plane. "She's on the list isn't she." I nod my head. "Well, I think she's more than forgiven you." He looks over to the house and I see her bring out hers and Maggie's luggage, I smile at her and she returns the gesture, walking back in the house to get something else.

Sam wraps his hand around mine, shaking it, "You know Karli won't quit." "Ah, you call us when you have a lead, and we'll be there." I smile looking back at Charlie and Maggie as they come out to meet me. I bend over picking up my own stuff. "Not necessarily as a team."

"Nope." He answers.

"We're not that good." Maggie runs over to me and I put on my back pack as I lift the blonde girl up.

"Definitely not." Sam agrees.

"We're professionals." Charlie meets us and I lean to kiss her soft lips. Her stride fits perfectly in between mine and Sam's.

"Definitely."

"And, uh, we're partners." I add.

"Co-workers." She says, knowing exactly what we're talking about.

"But we're also a couple of guys that have a couple of mutual friends." I speak. Charlie's arm snakes around my waist, bringing herself closer to me and Maggie.

"One friend's now gone." Sam answers. "So, we're a couple of guys." I say.

"With me." Charlie laughs.

"And me!" Maggie giggles.

"I can live with that." Sam responds, he reaches over to get Maggie and gives her a hug before we load into the car.

"Perfect." I smile down at Charlie. The situation is perfect, and she's perfect.

"Thanks for the help, guys. Meant a lot." We stop and turn towards him. He looks down at Maggie, seeing our best friend's eyes mirrored in his daughters, constant reminder of how Steve will always be with us.

"Of course." I slap at his arm.

"Anytime, pigeon." Charlie laughs. Sam drops Maggie on the ground and she walks beside us as we go to meet the car.

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[crashdevlin]

Holidays, not Holy-Days

Red Queen Chronicles Masterlist

Author’s Note: Originally posted to ao3 (This is an edited and improved version) Part Two of the Red Queen Chronicles!

Summary: Cassie Campbell brings her teammates and friends together for her first ever Christmas dinner. 2 aliens, an atheist, her boyfriend's ex-wife, her ex-boyfriend and an all-American lab rat worried about her mental health. What could go wrong?

Word Count: 8148

Pairing(s): Phil Coulson x OFC (Past), Clint Barton x OFC, 

Story Warnings: 18+, HERE BE SEX!!! DON’T READ IF YOU’RE A YOUNG’UN!!!, kitchen sex, protected vaginal sex, oral sex (fem rec), identity issues, panic attack,

"Because, Clint, I know that at least two of us, probably three, have never had a Christmas dinner and Wanda hasn't had one since she was orphaned. You guys are my family and I really want everyone here. I've got this big old house to myself and I don't want that on Christmas. I know Nat's not busy. You're retired. You can't say 'no'."

"What about Laur-"

"I asked Laura. She wanted nothing to do with it. Apparently, she and the kids don't leave the house much around Christmas just in case Barney comes home. I think that's probably a real depressing place to be if he doesn't show, so come to Washington. Spend Christmas with your girlfriend and your friends."

Static came through the phone as Clint sighed. "Who is gonna be there?"

"Well, Pepper confirmed for her and Tony, but I'm gonna double check with him. I think I've caught Thor's attention, or at least Heimdall's, so I'll hear from him soon. I sent Steve a paper invite via snail mail a week ago, so I'm gonna call to see if he got it. Wanda and Vision both confirmed and Sam said he has to see what's going on with his family, but he would probably stop by. I'm gonna call Phil after I get off with you, invite him and his people."

"You gonna have enough food for all those people?"

"I'm making a goose, a turkey, and a ham, three kinds of potatoes, four casseroles, homemade rolls, store-bought rolls, cranberry sauce from scratch and 6 different kinds of pie. I have a chart to make sure everything is ready at the same time. I got this. Now, I just need you."

"Oh, tug at my heartstrings. Fine. I confirm for me and Nat. See you on the 22nd, babe."

"Love you, Hawkeye." She hung up and wiped her hand down her face. "Visit or call? Visit or call?"

Cassie sighed and hit the buttons on her landline to call Coulson. "Cassie. How's Seattle?"

"Rainy, but beautiful. Exactly what I expected. So... how's the... lack of hand?" She grabbed a mug and filled it with coffee.

"It's... bad. I'm having issues. My robotics guy is behind on making a prosthetic because our biologist disappeared and they were joined at the hip, but... is that why you called, Cass?"

"No, actually. Well, kinda. I know that the last several months have sucked for pretty much everybody and I'm thinking that we all need a bit of happy. I am hosting a Yule feast on the 22nd, and I'd like you and your A-Team to come."

"Yule Feast?"

"Yeah. I'm inviting a Viking God and a couple atheists, so I didn't want to go too religious on it. That's why I'm doing it early and calling it 'Yule'. It's gonna be great and I'd really like you and yours to be there."

"Even Bobbi?"

"Uh, yeah. Actually, I have a gift specially for her."

"Really? Aren't you dating Barton?"

"I am. Since before Sokovia, actually, since I know you wanna know. No, I developed a thing in my Stark Tech lab that I think screams 'Mockingbird'. I got Tony to agree let me give the prototype to her. If she has any complaints, it'll help me tweak it before any sort of production."

"So... you're calling to invite me and mine to Yule dinner?" There was silence for a few seconds, then Coulson asked, "Are you making sweet potatoes?"

"And sweet potato pie. Mac and Cheese casserole, mashed potatoes and those rolls I made on your birthday."

"What can I bring?"

"Just you and some presents."

"We'll be there."

"Great. See you in a few days." She turned off the house phone and took a drink of her coffee. "Call Tony," she demanded of her cell phone.

"You know who you called. Leave a message."

"The Boss is unavailable. Would you like to leave a message?" The Irish accent of FRIDAY came through the speaker.

"Oh, come on! FRIDAY, tell the man to answer his phone. Tell him I burned down StarkTech Olympia and the insurance guys are gonna be calling next."

"That's not funny." Tony's voice came through the speaker next.

"But effective, wasn't it, Boss?" Cassie asked, with a smile.

"What do you need, Campbell?"

"A vacation and a raise, but beyond that... Pepper RSVP'd for the two of you and I just wanted to make sure she even mentioned it to you before she did that."

"RSVP'd... to your little Christmas thing?"

"Right."

"Yeah. I told her to. We're good."

"Awesome. Everyone's gonna be here. Well, not everyone. Still can't seem to get a bead on Banner and he doesn't really seem like the Christmas type, but... Clint, Nat, Vision, Wanda, Sam, Phil and his crew and you and Pepper are definitely coming. I have a raven to Asgard-don't ask- and an invitation traveling USPS to New York for Steve. It's an actual paper Christmas card. Hallmark just says some things better than me."

"No. You just wanted to make Rogers feel at home. All those words you throw around, no one could say it better than you."

Cassie chuckled. "I got a blank snowman card and wrote inside it. You know me so well, Tony."

"Do you need me to bring anything? I mean, do you need me to tell Pepper we need to bring something?"

"If you want liquor, you have to bring it. I've been keeping a dry house. And... I know how you are about the holidays, so... that's what you should bring."

"All right. Next week. And StarkTech Olympia better be standing and ready for a walk-through when I get there."

"You're gonna make me give you a tour of the lab on Christmas?"

"The 22nd isn't Christmas. I don't even think it's Yule this year."

"Actually, it is. I looked it up."

"Uh-oh. You aren't getting into all that occultist weird stuff that Hitler got your daddy into, are you?"

"I'm insulted, Tony. Even as a joke, that's insulting. I was trying to be more accommodating for the aliens and agnostics on our team, all right? I'm still a Christian and I will be celebrating my savior's birth, likely alone, a few days later. This isn't about the Holy-day, this is about family."

"Yule isn't about family. It's about the God of the Sun dying and being reborn. It's kinda like Easter, without the fertility symbols."

"Oi, don't shit on my religion, Stark. Easter is not about the bunny or eggs, it's about Jesus becoming the Walking Dead. Just be here on Yule and bring booze. I have the feeling we're gonna need it." She hung up before he could and stretched her neck to relieve some of the stress.

****************************

Clint showed up the night of the 21st, calling forth a squeal from the superheroine. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek. "House smells like pie," Clint said.

"That's 'cause there's three pies in the oven."

"Three? Thought you were doing six?"

"Apple, pumpkin and sweet potato are in now. I've got a no-bake chocolate and a lemon meringue in the fridge setting and I did a pumpkin cheesecake yesterday. Bonus, I wanted to know if I was any good at pecan, so I made an extra pie."

"Wow. You got really into this, didn't you?" Clint asked, flicking a sprig of mistletoe hanging in the doorjamb between the foyer and the living room.

"I didn't have Christmas for twenty years and then, Phil was usually working on Christmas. This is the first time I've ever had a chance to do Christmas. I bought a whole bunch of ornaments and stuff. I've got a real freakin' pine tree in my living room. Real mistletoe that I had to buy through a florist. The dinner. I'm excited."

"How excited?" Clint asked, wagging his eyebrows at her.

"Are you asking for Christmas sex, because I am severely behind on my mise en place?"

"Your what?"

"Food prep. You know, giant meal tomorrow."

"And if I help you with your preparazione del cibo, you can come take a break and show me what you've done with your bedroom since I helped you move in."

"It's been months, Clint. You think we'll even make it up those stairs?" she asked.

"Love it when you turn the modesty off for me," he said, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her into a deep kiss.

She moaned into his mouth and tried not get pulled into the feeling of having Clint's hands on her hips again. She put her hands on his shoulders and pushed back from him firmly. "No. I... Clint. There's a lot to do still."

"And sixteen hours 'til the other guests come through that door. You said it, babe, it's been months." Clint brought his fingers up and began to unbutton her green cardigan. "This is adorable on you, by the way. Can we take it off for a sex... I mean, sec."

"Clint. What if the pies burn?"

He pulled the sweater down her arms and tossed it toward the counter. It landed perfectly, hanging from the corner of a slightly open drawer. "We don't even have to leave the kitchen."

"That's not very... sanitary," Cassie breathed out as Clint pulled her camisole top over her head and threw it over to hang with her sweater.

"You have seen my apartment in Bed-Stuy, haven't you?" Clint asked, turning her around and pushing her so that she was leaning over the counter. "How much do you think I care about sanitary? Thank you for wearing a skirt." He kissed the back of her neck as his hands glided down her legs to pull her skirt up around her hips and hooked his fingers in the band of her panties.

"There's really only one thing in this kitchen I've been dying to eat, Cass, and it's not in the oven."

"Oh. Don't be vulgar."

He pulled her panties to her feet and kissed his way up the back of her thigh. "You love it when I'm vulgar." He picked her left foot up and pushed it to rest on the counter. His tongue delved quickly into her as his left hand came around to rub her clit. His right hand dug into his back pocket and tossed a condom onto the counter. It landed perfectly on the back of Cassie's hand, as Clint continued his assault.

She ripped the foil open and handed it backward to Clint, who stood, pulling his jeans down and rolling the condom over his mostly-hard length. "Wasting no time, huh?"

"Hey, you're the one that's worried about pies. And I've been thinking about this since before I got on that plane. I'm more than ready enough. You need more foreplay?"

"God, no. Just fuck me, we can do this the right way after the guests leave."

"My thoughts, exactly." He lined himself up with her, putting his left hand on her shoulder and his right on her hip. He pushed the head of him into her, both of them closing their eyes at the sensation. He swiveled his hips forward until he was completely sheathed in her. "Did I mention how much I've missed you?"

"Missed me or missed this?"

"It can't be both?" He asked.

"Such a charmer," she whispered as he pulled back until he was just barely inside her. She bit her lip in anticipation and let her head fall forward as he began a fast-paced piston motion. "Fuck, Clint."

"Gotta visit more." Clint groaned as he attached his mouth to the junction where her shoulder and neck met.

"Oh, yes. Please. I need more of this in my life." She whimpered as Clint brought his left hand around to rub furiously at her clit.

"I'm gonna cum. You gonna cum with me?"

"Harder, Clint."

"Bossy," he breathed in her ear, but his next several pumps were harder and he pressed his fingers into her clit with much more pressure. As the muscles inside of her began to clench, Clint grunted his approval and emptied into the condom.

Cassie reached forward and grabbed several paper towels, as Clint pulled the condom off and tossed it into the trash. She handed the paper towels to him and reached down to pull up her panties. "I love you and that was great, but... I have to wash my hands and check on pies. Why don't you go put your bag in the bedroom?"

"I love you and that was great." He kissed her cheek and walked out of the kitchen, fattening his jeans.

*******************

Thor's arrival brought rain down on the house, harder than the normal Seattle drizzle, and made slush of the December snow. "Thor! A-and Sif!" Cassie said, pulling the door open. "I wasn't expecting you to bring Lady Sif."

Thor gave a huge smile as he passed through the doorway to greet Pepper, Clint and Tony. Lady Sif stopped in front of her and smiled. "I've heard much about you, Lady Cassie. Thor has regaled us of your warrior personality and your great intelligence. You'd do well on Asgard."

"Regaled you? Wha-"

"Yes, the Allfather and I both greatly appreciate the tale where Loki came to you disguised as one of your advisors and you caved in his chest with one great kick."

Cassie blinked at the giant woman. *The Allfather. Thor still doesn't know. Shit.* "The Allfather... that doesn't seem like something he'd care about."

"On the contrary," Thor said, placing a long, poorly-wrapped pole against the wall next to the tree. "Father enjoys hearing about you. He especially loves to hear about Ulysses Klaue's ship."

"Ah, yes! How you were able to redirect the witch's influence and break out of her hold while Thor and his companions were all stuck inside their minds. That you, a small Midgardian woman, had to carry the mighty Odinson to safety never ceases to amuse."

"It doesn't strike any of you as odd that Odin would care, at all, about what some Midgardian woman's doing?"

Thor clapped a hand on her back and smiled. "You are more than just a Midgardian woman. You are my friend and teammate and, though your marriage to my brother was short and involuntary, I consider you my sister."

"I believe it is your connection with Loki, his obsession with you, that spurred Odin's interest. He's ordered Heimdall report your actions weekly."

"And the ravens are watching me. That's how I got the message to you."

"Just Huginn," Thor answered.

"Yeah, I'm just gonna say it: you ever think Odin might be Loki in disguise?"

Sif and Thor looked at each other, seriously, for a moment before filling the foyer with loud laughter. "You did not tell me she was so adept at the art of jest, Thor!"

Cassie smiled, awkwardly, as Thor put his hands on her shoulders and walked her into the living room. "What's funny?" Clint asked.

"The absurdity that my brother might've gone back to Asgard, where he is a wanted man set to be imprisoned for the rest of his existence for crimes against the Nine Realms, and somehow took over Odin's life and position as King."

"That is funny. Even Loki isn't crazy enough to go back to Asgard," Tony said, a glass of suspiciously thin eggnog in his hand.

"What if he did it when you thought he was dead; before he even came back for me?" Cassie whispered.

Everyone in the room looked around as they realized she was serious. "Kid, where's this coming from?" Tony asked.

"Odin has taken an interest in her. My tales of her mightiness have made her an interest for him. She thinks this odd." Thor responded.

"You guys are right. It's absurd. Loki would never have made it to the throne room. Heimdall would've seen. He doesn't ever miss anything, right?"

"Exactly," Thor said, with a smile.

Cassie nodded and walked toward the door as the chime rang through the house. *Planted the seed. Nothing else I can do. Except admit that I've known since I was Joanna and I should've told them when I got back from Austria and Thor needs to go depose Loki from the Allfather's throne. Which will stall their trust in me, and rightfully so. Erg. Just not on Christmas, Cassie.* "Phil!" she said, with a smile as she opened the door. She wrapped her arms around him, then turned to the tall blond. "Bobbi, nice to see you up and about. How's the knee?"

"Better than the lung. Leg only hurts when I move."

"Lung hurts when you breathe. Gotcha. Well, I don't have any medical personnel here, but I've got several scientists and Nat and Clint might have some of those SHIELD un-approved pain killers that Phil's supposed to act like he's never taken because he's Director now."

"Uh-oh, Coulson. You sure you wanna introduce us to your (super young, by the way) ex? Might learn some stuff about you." A woman with wavy brunette hair and a black leather jacket said.

"'Skye', right? Wait, 'Daisy' now. Nice to meet you. Cassie. And yeah, young, but strong and awesome and mature for my age."

"You mean, 'our age', right? I mean, if we aren't the same age, then you can't be much older," Daisy started.

"That's not- our relationsh- She's young, but-"

Bobbi laughed. "Let's get inside before Coulson pulls out the whole 'Age ain't nothin' but a number' spiel."

"Ooh, or the 'she seduced me' argument," Daisy replied, as the women walked past the hostess into the foyer where they took off their jackets.

"More likely, the 'You know how hard it is to find someone who understands the job'," Bobbi said, disappearing into the living room.

"We didn't bring any presents. Except Coulson," a sad Scottish accent said as the skinny man who owned it stepped forward.

"That's okay. Got food for you, anyway, Fitz."

"How do you know us all?" Fitz asked, stopping at the doorway.

"I have cultivated an unusual and unexpected friendship with Nick Fury. He put your team together so he told me about you."

"You're friends with Fury?" Coulson asked, surprised.

"Yeah. I showed a little due respect and he showed it back." She pushed the men toward the living room and shut the door. "You know, Fury doesn't have a problem with me dating Clint."

"Probably because Barton isn't old enough to be your father," Natasha called out as they walked into the living room.

"Nat! When did you get here?"

"She walked down the stairs a few minutes ago," Pepper answered.

"Clint left the window unlocked, didn't he?"

Natasha gave her signature smirk. "You shouldn't keep pizza in your bedroom. You'll get bugs."

Cassie turned her gaze to Clint. "There's pizza in my bedroom?"

"I got hungry after you went to sleep. Amazing Nick's is open until 3 am."

"But why is the pizza in the bedroom?"

"The real question is, how'd you miss that when you woke up?" Daisy asked.

"I fell asleep on the couch 'cause I was still cooking. So, he got a pizza at 2 am and took it up to my room to eat."

"I like to be comfy when I'm overloading on carbohydrates and cheese."

"There better not be grease on my comforter."

"Hey, calm down! It's Christmas!" Clint said, with a smile.

"Oh, you got jokes, Barton, but we all know I can kick your well-toned ass, so go get the pizza out of my damn bedroom."

Clint chuckled. "Yes, ma'am."

Daisy and Bobbi watched as he bounced up the stairs, two at a time. "Wow. It's weird that you're the grown-up in your relationship. Was it like that with Coulson, too?" Daisy asked.

"Um... Phil and I were both, kinda, the grown-up when we were together. I was grown-up about the domestic stuff and he was grown about everything else."

"Which wasn't much. He wasn't around often," Natasha said, casting her eyes on the Director.

"Fury had me running all over the world, chasing dangerous tech, people and aliens. New York for Stark, New Mexico for Thor and Dr. Selvig. Hong Kong. Portland." Cassie gave a tight smile to the room at the mention of Portland, sitting down next to Pepper. Stark patted her hand as Phil continued. "I was busy, and Cassie knew that I was going to be away a lot. She knew what she was getting into."

"At, what, twenty? She knew what she was getting into?" Pepper chided.

"All right, back off of Phil a little. This isn't the season of shaming. It's the season of giving. And I have presents for most of you, food for everyone. Speaking of, I have to go check the turkey," Cassie said, standing up and heading for the kitchen.

"Need any help in there?" Bobbi shouted.

"No, no. I'm good for now. Might need help in a while but... ooh, actually, if you wanted, I have a crudité platter in here. You could come grab it." Cassie pulled the platter from the fridge and handed it to the gigantic blond woman. "Hummus, ranch, veggies. Nothing that should be offensive to anyone... except maybe the carnivore Asgardians. I don't know if they even eat vegetables."

"I'm sure it's fine. Hey, you know we're just taking the piss out of Coulson for the hell of it, right? It's nothing against you or your relationship. I'm sure it wasn't anything sordid."

"It was true love... for a few years. And then it wasn't." Cassie sighed, pulling open the oven.

"But you've got Clint now. He's a good man. And if you can deal with the infantile way he deals with life, you'll be fine."

"I know. And I can." She stood, baster in hand, and shut the oven door. She looked at Bobbi. "You ever get that feeling, where something is great... it's amazing and awesome and you love it, but something isn't quite right? It's just askew."

"Yeah. Sometimes."

"My whole life is like that. Everything is just a little off center. And I don't know why, so I question everything now... even good men."

Bobbi opened her mouth to say something, but the bell rang again, prompting Cassie to nod at her and walk toward the foyer. "Steve! Wanda and Vision! Hey! Welcome, welcome, and happy holidays!" She stepped out of the way to let the Avengers into the house.

"Happy Christmas!" Wanda said, hugging her.

"Fröhliche Weihnachten, meine Freundin." She gave the brunette a squeeze and turned to Vision with a smile. "Great to see you. I was afraid you'd think this Christmas, or Yule, stuff would be silly."

"Wanda explained the importance. I'd never detract from your rituals. I was, admittedly, a bit lost about what to bring."

"We didn't have much money, but we think you'll be happy with zem," Wanda said.

"I'm just happy you're here. Living room is straight through there. Everybody's already here."

"Sam said he'll be here for dessert," Steve said, closing the door. He looked around the hallway, decked out in reds and greens. "The lights out there are nothing compared to this. You went big on the decorations."

Cassie shrugged. "First Christmas."

"Really?"

"Does it surprise you that Hydra didn't feel the need to tell me about Christmas?" she asked as Steve took his blue coat off and hung it neatly by the door. "I learned about it while I was in the Fridge, through books and stuff."

"You've been out for almost five years, now, right?"

"No one to celebrate with. Fury always made sure Phil was out during the holidays... and after I moved to New York... no one to celebrate with," she repeated.

"I'm sure Nick didn't do it on purpose."

Cassie smiled. "Yeah... he did. He wanted Phil out and away from me as much as possible. Nick and I have discussed this. Anyway, Merry Christmas, Steve."

"Merry Christmas, Cassie," Steve responded, eyeing the mistletoe above her head. He leaned down and pressed his lips to her cheek. "Come on."

"All right, that's everybody except Sam, who won't be here before pie." Cassie walked into the living room and stood next to the tree, Steve leaning against the doorjamb. "So, we can do presents before or after the feast. I'd recommend before, though, 'cause who wants to open presents when they're fighting a tryptophan nap?"

"Break out the presents. That big one, there, that's for me, right?" Tony asked, pointing to a large flat present.

"Actually, yes. Were you shaking gifts while I was out of the room?" she asked, handing the gift to him. He ripped the paper off to reveal a mosaic picture of Iron Man made of thousands of pictures of Tony. "I had a little time while waiting for things to finish at work, so I came up with this. Do you like it?"

"This is... amazing. Look, it's me.... made out of me," Tony said, turning the frame so everyone could see it.

"You had to play to his ego, didn't you?" Pepper joked.

"I knew what he'd like. Okay, so.... Pepper, here you go. Clint, babe. Natasha," Cassie said, handing wrapped boxes to everyone as she said their names. "Now, open them one at a time. I wanna see your faces as you open them. Pepper, you first."

Pepper smiled and tore into the box. "Oh, my. Did you make this?" she asked, pulling up a teal knit scarf.

"Yeah. I tried to make as many of the gifts as I could."

"Where did you find time to learn to knit?" Phil asked.

"Um... I learned to knit a few years ago. I was working on socks... and a blanket." She looked down, then back up with a big smile. "I was gonna do a sweater for Vision, but I decided against it. Natasha, yours next."

Natasha looked down at the long box in her lap, then ran her finger along the end of the paper and slid the box out. Inside was a knife, almost a foot long from end to end. The Russian smiled slightly as she pulled it from it's sheath. "Fallkniven A1 survival blade. 6.375 inch blade, 11 inches because it's full tang. Beautiful, perfectly balanced... this is amazing. Thank you."

"You don't already have one, do you?"

Natasha shook her head. "No. I don't. Thank you."

"Clint." Clint's box was long and when he opened it, a shiny, purple leather quiver greeted him. "I mean, it's obviously not for Tactical work, but... I like it."

"She knows your favorite color? We were married for two years before I knew your dirty secret." Bobbi seemed offended.

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with a man liking purple. I just don't tell anyone because some people disagree with me about that."

"That might be my fault. His first suit was all purple and blue, with a big mask. I told him he looked like a big, gay circus freak," Natasha responded.

"Mostly right," Bobbi responded.

"Seriously?!" Clint glared at the gymnast and the ballerina, before leaning forward to kiss Cassie. "I love it. I'm gonna use it at the farm everyday."

Cassie smiled, a blush creeping across her cheeks. She cleared her throat and walked to the tree, grabbing another object that definitely looked like a picture frame, albeit much smaller than Tony's, and handing it to Wanda. Wanda smiled and pulled open the wrapping paper. Her face dropped into a sad look as tears began to form in her eyes. Vision put a hand on her shoulder as she hugged the small canvass to her.

"Okay, knitting, I get, but when did you learn to paint?" Phil asked, deeply impressed by the detail in her painting of Pietro.

"I got the basic lessons from this little old lady in Hohenheims. She was painting a mural of the Nativity on the wall of Father Nathan's office and I just watched and learned for a while. I work on it when I have time."

"How do you have so much time? You work sixty hours a week at the lab and you go to school. When are you painting and knitting and making mosaics of Tony?" Steve asked, crossing the living room and picking up the painting to examine it as Wanda set it on the couch and hugged the artist.

Cassie smiled. "I make time for my family." She grabbed a small box and handed it across to Coulson, who shook it.

Phil pulled the wrapping off, revealing a small plastic box. He flipped the top off and gasped, "Are these-"

"Mint and vintage. The guy tried to sell me reproductions, but I could tell the difference. I've seen the real thing. I heard what Fury did to yours and I knew it must've broken your heart once you got back from TAHITI."

"These must've cost a fortune!" Phil whispered, flipping carefully through the cards.

"Well, after I caught the guy trying to cheat me, I pulled up some footage of Sokovia on my phone and showed him that I, you know, could put the hurting on him, he gave me a good deal." She smirked as she handed a box to Bobbi.

"Are you sure you wanna give me a present?"

"I'm sure. Go on."

Bobbi tore the package open and pulled out two batons and two bracelets. "Do these... go together?"

"Yeah. The, uh, the bracelets snap on and activate and that way, you can throw your batons and the magnetic pull between the bracelets and batons will bring them right back to your hands."

"That's amazing!" Bobbi exclaimed, testing out the balance of the batons. "These... if they can do what you say... when I get back in the field..."

"If," Coulson responded, still looking at his cards, mesmerized.

"It does! And you will get out in the field again. Okay, who's left? Steve! That box," she said pointing to a big box next to the tree.

He leaned down and ripped open the box, pulling out a stack of albums. "'Music Through the Decades'."

"Starts on the ‘50s and goes on through now. I also added a few albums that I really like. Green Day is real good and Nirvana."

"If there's not any Sabbath in there, then what's the point?"

Cassie smirked at Tony. "No 'Iron Man' but I'm pretty sure 'Crazy Train' is on one of those vinyls."

"This is great, Cassie. Thank you. And thank you for... picking vinyls."

"Of course. They're coming back into vogue, so it's easier to find them."

"Everything old is new again," Clint mumbled.

Cassie giggled before turning to Thor. "I'm still working on yours. It was a tall order and I thought I could get it done before now but I... just haven't had time. I'm working on a communication device that will work between Midgard and Asgard, so you can call Jane or we could call you. Not everyone on the team has Heimdall and Huginn watching them."

"A tall order? I assume this means a difficult thing and yes, that would be a 'tall order'. Even Asgard doesn't have such a device."

"If anyone can do it-" Clint started.

"I can. But if I don't care to try, Cassie's got you," Tony said, taking a drink of his nog.

"I'll figure it out. Promise."

"Wow. She's an amazing gift-giver," Daisy mused, taking one of Bobby's batons and tossing it in the air.

"Yeah. Now it's her turn. Grab a gift." Natasha pointed at the tree.

"Allow me." Thor volunteered, grabbing the poorly-wrapped pole as Sif handed her a pair of gloves.

Cassie looked between the Asgardians in confusion. "I need gloves to open my present?" she asked. They just nodded, smiling, as the SHIELD agents looked up, nervously. She pulled the gloves on and looked down.

"That's not..." Phil set down the cards and stood, looking to Thor as he handed the pole to Cassie.

Cassie ripped the paper down and gasped as she was met with a bright silver staff, etched with Asgardian runes. "Oh, my. This is beautiful."

"That's a Berserker Staff. Nobody touch it," Daisy warned.

"Are you sure that's a good gift for-" Phil started, looking worried.

"She is mighty. She can handle the Berserk." Sif answered.

"Okay, somebody explain this one to me. Berserker Staff?"

"Cass, it's, uh, an Asgardian weapon. It gives you a massive dose of adrenaline and then, it pulls on all of your worst memories to give you a rage like you've never felt before. It's supposed to be really good in battle, but you can ask May... it's pretty horrible."

"She is mighty, son of Coul. She pulled herself from the dream this witch created when even Thor could not. If there were ever a mortal strong enough to handle the Berserker staff, it is she," Sif responded.

Cassie looked down at the staff on her lap in wonder. "Horrible but really good in battle. It's the Hulk of alien weaponry. Thank you, Thor, so much. I know this must be a huge deal, to give a Midgardian one of these."

Thor smiled his bright white smile again. "You are not just a Midgardian. You are my sister. It is no huge deal, Lady Cassie."

"I don't know if she can handle-" Bobbi started.

"On the May-to-Ward scale of handling shit, where would you place her, Coulson?" Daisy asked.

"Well, I... think that's a question for Barton. 'Cause she didn't really have any rage when I was with her, so I don't know how she deals with it."

Cassie stood as Clint opened his mouth to answer. "How about that's a question for me. I deal with my considerable rage just fine. I became a superhero with it. I don't dwell on it, but I use it, every time I fight. If that's what this thing does, then good. And don't ask my ex-boyfriend if I can handle something, Daisy." She set the staff against the wall and smiled at Clint. "Your turn, babe."

Clint grabbed a box from under the tree and a Christmas card from the mantel over the fireplace. "Box is from me; card is from Katie."

"Ooh, the other Hawkeye sent me a gift? She's never even met me."

"She insisted."

"When do I get to meet Miss Bishop?" Cassie asked, opening the card.

"Uh... sometime when Bobbi and Nat aren't around. Too many of my important women in one place... three of you makes me nervous, four would kill me."

"'I know how stressful working with Barton can be, I can only imagine how dating him must kill. De-stress on me. Merry Christmas.' Holy shit. This is a wristband for Aphrodite Day Spa. This is the most amazing spa in central Washington. It's several thousand dollars for an all-inclusive wristband. I feel bad, now. I didn't get anything for her."

"Don't worry. I've told you her daddy is rich, right? What do you get the hero who has everything?"

"Wow." She set the card down and opened the box. "Oh, my. Is this a real Henkel?"

"Euroline. That's the one you wanted, right?" Clint asked.

"I... barely mentioned that I liked it. This is... awesome."

"He got you a kitchen knife? Lame," Tony muttered.

"A ZWILLING J.A. Henkel chef knife. This is, like, the filet minon of chef's knives." She defended. "Thank you, Clint. You are amazing."

"I think we should probably go next. 'Worst for last' is not the way, you know?" Wanda said, grabbing Vision's hand and each grabbing their gifts. Cassie smiled and opened the box Wanda handed over. "I know you spent a bit of time in Austria. Thought you might want to have a bit of Europe to eat."

"Hey! Mozartkugel!"

"What the hell is Mozartkugel?" Tony asked.

"It's pistachio marzipan and nougat covered in dark chocolate. It's amazing. Helga got me addicted before I could even pronounce 'Mozartkugel'. Thank you! How'd you know?" Wanda looked down, sheepishly. "You took it from my head. That's okay. Thank you."

Vision handed her a small box, which she quickly opened, pulling out a small ceramic Santa figurine. "Aww. It's cute! Thank you, Vision." He nodded at her.

"In the vein of 'let us not leave worst for last', me next," Pepper said, pushing a card into her hands. "It's just a gift card."

"To... Sephora? High-end make up. You rock, Pepper. I was just telling Clint that I need to learn how to do my makeup."

"And I was telling her she doesn't need it."

"Well, that's a thing Barton does well," Bobbi said to Natasha, who just nodded.

Cassie smiled at Barton and thanked Pepper. Steve looked sheepishly at the group. "I, uh, feel pretty horrible about my gift. All these great gifts and... I went practical with mine."

"An umbrella is very practical," Vision said, causing everyone to cast their eyes down.

"An umbrella. For Seattle. I get it. Cute, practical. Just like you, Steve," Cassie said, with a big smile.

"All right. My turn," Tony said, handing her a large jewelry box. "It was my mother's."

Cassie was breathless as she looked down at an Art Deco necklace with an opal and two large diamonds set into a platinum pendant. "Tony... you can't... I can't."

"Pepper doesn't do opal," Tony said, pulling the necklace from the box and holding it up to her neck. "It's gonna look great on you."

"But this was your mom's."

"My mom would have loved you. She was a strong woman, too, you know. Had to be, to put up with my father's bull. Look, I'm not wearing it and I've got two important women in my life and one of them doesn't do opal."

"He really wants you to have it," Pepper whispered, encouragingly.

"But, this is..."

"You always argue when I try to give you stuff. You should know it's futile, by now," Tony said, clasping the necklace together behind her neck and stepping back to marvel at how it looked on her. "Yup. I was right. Hangs just right."

"Here," Natasha said, pulling a bow out from behind the couch and handing it to Cassie. "It's a compound, not a longbow, but compounds are easier to learn on. Or so the guy at the shop told me."

"Wow, thanks so much." Cassie looked around and smiled. "Well, if that's everything, turkey should be-"

"That's not everything. Coulson brought something," Fitz said, walking out of the room.

Phil nodded and walked away, grabbing Cassie's hand and pulling her out of her house and into her front yard. "So, I remember how much you liked LOLA and how much you enjoyed that motorcycle run we did from Malibu to San Fran, so I had Mack and Fitz put together this..." He opened up the back of the black van they'd arrived in, revealing a Harley Sportster. "It's an '03 XL 1200. Still got the endorsement on your license?"

"You... motorcycle?" She was dumbfounded.

"Not just a motorcycle. You think he'd have us work on a regular motorcycle?" Fitz asked as Coulson rolled the bike out of the van. "Well, Mack, maybe, but not me."

"Fitz is the guy who made our stealth tech work," Coulson said, proudly. "And he made quick work of the science that makes LOLA hover. Meet HARLEE. Hover Aircraft Requiring a Little Extra Effort."

"That's a horrible name," Clint commented.

"It's better than his first idea. Wanted me to figure out a way to make the acronym PHIL," Fitz responded.

"Oh, like LOLA was named after his first love," Daisy said with smile.

"This is amazing, Fitz. Did you do the whole thing?"

"Well, Mack did a lot of the work on the... the normal motorcycle parts, but the... additional bits were all me," Fitz replied, leaning down to examine his work on the HARLEE.

"This is amazing," Cassie repeated, hugging the Scotsman, who stiffened. "Thank you, Fitz."

"Thank him? Where's my thanks?" Coulson asked.

"How much help did you give the poor overworked Leopold Fitz?" Cassie asked, releasing the man and turning to the SHIELD director.

Coulson lifted his prosthetic hand. "I couldn't help much with this."

"Oh, has he been using that as an excuse since Mack cut it off?" Natasha asked.

Bobbi, Daisy and Fitz all nodded. Cassie laughed. "Thank you for thinking of it, Phil. I love it! Now, let's get inside, it's freezing out here. Let's go eat some turkey!"

Steve smirked. "I'm fine in the cold. Mind if I stay back, appreciate your present?"

"All right, but don't go becoming a Cap-cicle again." Cassie smirked as she ushered everyone else into the house.

Steve grabbed Clint's arm and pulled him away from the door, close to the Harley and forced him to bend to look at the bike. "She's not sleeping."

"Yeah? How'd I sneak a large 3-cheese past her at 2 am, then?"

"There's no way she had time to do everything and still get sleep, Clint. She was either exhausted from her insomnia, or she took something to make herself sleep."

"Drugs?"

"Lorazepam. That's what Banner gave her when she came back from Austria."

Clint pulled back, standing. "How do you know that?"

"Because I was worried." Steve stood, too. "When she came back from Austria, she should've been rested. Happy. But she wasn't. She was exhausted, I could see it when you walked in, so I went to Banner after you and Natasha debriefed me and she was passed out in his lab. Bruce told me that he'd given her anxiety meds that let her sleep. He told me that she'd been having nightmares, terrors that persisted until she saw Dr. Garner."

"So, what, you think she's dreaming of Loki again?"

"I don't think she was dreaming of Loki before, Clint. What did she learn from that first session with Doc Garner?"

"That she wasn't evil like she thought."

"And the nightmares stopped. It wasn't Loki that caused her insomnia in Austria. Heck, she dealt with a Loki dream in enough time to pick me up and carry me off that ship in Africa. So, what could possibly be causing her insomnia now?"

Clint looked down, thinking of the plane ride to Sokovia. Wanda had gotten her to admit that she was afraid of whatever pieces of her were leaking. If anything was keeping her awake at night, that would be it. "She's fine, Cap. Don't worry about her," he lied as he turned away.

Steve watched as Clint walked into the house. "Fine. I'll talk to her about it."

As he walked into the dining room, Cassie held up a postcard. "So, I got this a few days ago, wanted to share it with you. Postcard, no return address, it looks like it's just blank, but... run a black light over it... Bam! QR code." She pulled her phone out and scanned the invisible code. "When scanned, it brings us to a far corner of the Dark Web housing just one video."

"Merry Christmas, guys," a familiar voice called out from her cell. "From scenic all-points nowhere. As you can see, but not enough to determine my location, I'm back doing what I should always be doing. I'm helping people, I'm not hurting anyone. I haven't had an incident since Sokovia and I'm gonna keep it that way."

Cassie paused the video as Steve sat down in the empty seat next to Natasha. "Despite the next part... I've analyzed it, of course, but I'm sure some of you will want to try it yourself."

"Please, stop looking for me. I can't be an Avenger, anymore. I can't come back because then I'd have to be Him and... I can't lose control again. Please, let me be. Merry Christmas, Avengers, and have a great New Year."

Natasha reached across Clint and snatched the card away from Cassie. "Did you analyze the paper stock?"

"I wanted to leave something for you to do, Natasha. Merry Christmas," Cassie said, walking away from the table to the kitchen. She returned with the turkey platter on one arm and the ham platter on the other. Steve stood and followed her into the kitchen as she grabbed the dishes carrying the sides. He stacked what was left onto his arms and carried them to the table behind her. "Thank you, Steve. Such a gentleman."

She walked to the head of the table and smiled at everyone. "I really wanna thank you guys for coming. You know, this is first Christmas... for a couple of us, and I..." She cleared her throat as tears started to sting her eyes. "I am so blessed to have you all. I've never had a family. Phil was the closest thing... And now, I have a... feast full of people who wanted to spend the holiday with me. I finally have people to share my life with and I could not be happier."

Clint reached out and took her hand in his, stroking his thumb across the back of it, reassuringly. "Anyway, thanks. Um, let's eat," she said, picking up a carving knife and a fork and leaning forward to cut into the ham.

"What, no Grace?" Tony smirked.

"Religious dinner shall be had at a later date." As she sliced into the meat, a flash of memory hit her. A man tied to a chair as a knife sliced through his thigh. His eyes clenched tightly in pain as he ground out 'Patrick Mackenzie, SHIELD level 5'. Cassie dropped the fork to the platter, her fingers tightening around the knife handle.

"You okay?" several guests chorused.

She blinked and cleared her throat. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. Just emotional. Somebody wanna- Wanda, stay out of my head," she instructed as she set the knife down and slipped away from the table.

Phil took over cutting the ham and Clint pulled the turkey into arm's reach, as Steve excused himself and followed the hostess. He knocked, lightly, at the bathroom door. "Hey. You all right?"

"I'm fine," she croaked.

"You're crying." It was a guess, but not a particularly hard one.

"Well, it's an emotional day."

"Are you sure it's that? Are you sure this isn't more of whatever's keeping you up at night?"

"You know, I told Wanda to stay out of my head, I figured it went without saying for the rest of you."

"Come on, Cassie. Talk to me." The lock clicked and Steve pushed in, locking it back behind him. She was sitting on the sink, eyes already red and puffy. "What's wrong?"

"Me. I'm wrong." Steve stood silently and waited for her confession. "I... I'm remembering."

"And that's not a good thing?"

She shook her head. "I'm remembering Hydra. I'm remembering being Vierhundert Zweiundfünfzig. I'm remembering who I was with them. I think I hurt people, Steve, maybe even killed."

Steve placed his hand firmly on her shoulder. "Cassie, it's-"

"Don't patronize me, Steve. Don't tell me it's okay because it's not okay," she snapped.

"It's not okay. But mostly, it's not okay because of how it's affecting you." Steve reached his free hand into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, sweeping it across her cheeks. "Whatever you did when Hydra had you, that wasn't you."

"You don't understand. If... if I remember that, if I remember who I was... doesn't that make me her?"

Steve sighed, pulling her down from the sink. "I think that's a question for Doctor Garner. Have you talked to him about this?"

She shook her head. "He was on vacation and... he hasn't answered my calls since he got back. He's busy helping Phil with the whole... Inhumans thing."

"And Fury? He must know who you were when he grabbed you from Hydra. Did you try him?"

"He told me not to ask. Said I wouldn't like the answers."

"Nick's never been big on questions. Look." Steve pressed the handkerchief into her palm. "You have people, you know. What you were saying about having family... you should talk to them. If there is a group of people who knows how to deal with... bad pasts and fuzzy memories, it's us. You aren't wrong. You're perfect the way you are."

Cassie nodded and smiled, slightly. "Thanks. Let's go eat."

***********************************

As they watched everyone get into their cars, Cassie leaned her head on Clint's shoulder. She could tell by his protective and comforting stance that he knew something was wrong, but he wouldn't ask. He was great that way. "Merry Christmas, Cassie."

"Merry Christmas, Clint. You gonna stay for a couple days?"

"Of course. Long as you want me here."

"I love you. Wanna go in and call Laura, see if Barney ever showed?"

"Yeah. Come on." Clint turned and pushed her through the door.

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