web of lies

The brisk cool air nipped at Kate Bishop as she strolled through the busy streets of New York. Her white button-up shirt was crisply tucked into sleek black dress pants. She was not used to wearing such formal wear, well at least during the blip. But she didn't mind because she knew she was making people turn their heads.

As her phone buzzed in her pocket, she pulled it out, noticing the caller ID read "Clint Barton." She answered with a playful smirk playing on her lips, "Hey, Hawkeye. You really think I'm going to voluntarily spend my evening babysitting a bunch of kids?"

Clint's gravelly voice crackled through the phone, "Come on, Kate. They're not kids, they're the next generation of heroes. And they need someone like you to guide them."

Kate rolled her eyes, her sarcasm cutting through the line, "Oh, great. I can't wait to lead a team of angsty teens with saving the world aspirations. It's not like I have better things to do."

Clint's voice came in steady, "I get it, Kate. You've been through a lot. We both have. But trust me, leading these young heroes, it's not just about guiding them. It's about finding something for yourself in the process."

Kate scoffed lightly, "And what's that supposed to be, Clint? Therapy for former assassins?"

He chuckled, "Maybe. But seriously, it's about redemption, after the darkest times, there's always a chance for something better. I know you've got a darker edge now, and you've seen things most people can't even imagine. But that's what makes you the perfect person to lead them."

Kate sighed, her steps slowing as she took in Clint's words. There was a pause before she responded, "Fine, Clint. I'll be there. But if this turns into some therapy session, I'm out."

Clint's laughter echoed through the phone, "Deal. Just remember, sometimes helping others is the best way to help yourself."

With a long sigh, Kate put her phone back in her pocket and continued her journey through the concrete jungle. Now the weight of responsibility is settling on her shoulders.

Kate maneuvered through the streets in her sleek black car, heading towards the partially rebuilt Avengers compound. The car's tires crunched on the gravel road leading up to it. Lost in thought, Kate couldn't help but think about what happened with the Avengers. The time traveling and fighting aliens on Vormir, the clash with Thanos in a battlefield. It all felt like a dream.

Kate parked her car and headed towards the building. Her boots clicked against the overgrown path as she approached the entrance of the Avengers compound. As she entered the compound, she noticed some of it was already rebuilt. But most of it was still torn apart from Thanos' army.

As Kate rounded the corner, she found Clint Barton standing there, leaning against the wall near the living room. He still looked the same, only now his features were softened. Clint turned to face her, a small smile on his face.

Clint's arms opened, it was a rare gesture but without a word, Kate stepped into the embrace. The room seemed to hold its breath as mentor and protege clung to each other, a silent exchange of understanding and unspoken support.

"How are you holding up, Katie?" Clint's voice was low, filled with genuine concern. The question hung in the air, acknowledging the personal burdens they both carried.

"I'm alright. How's the family?" She asked.

Clint softly smiled, "They're all good. How's everything with you?"

Kate sighed and turned bitter, "I hate working at Bishop Security, but it's probably the best paying job I'll ever be able to get. Oh, and to add to the fun, my mother is trying to steal Susan's spot as CEO."

During the blip, when half the world disappeared, Kate's half-sister, Susan, stepped into the leadership role at Bishop Security. However, when Eleanor Bishop returned after the blip, she's been trying to reclaim her role as CEO.

Clint's grip on the hug tightened slightly, "That Bishop family drama doesn't seem to know when to take a break, huh?"

Kate breaks away from the hug and lets out a wryly chuckle, "Breaks? That's actually one luxury we can't afford, surprisingly. Meanwhile, my mother still thinks Susan took me in custody during the blip, and Susan is demanding I tell her where I was actually at."

During the blip, Susan was left in the dark about Kate's whereabouts. Kingpin had Kate running errands in the shadows. It was a secret life that Susan, consumed by the responsibilities of Bishop Security, had no knowledge of. When Clint Barton took the young archer under his wing, their partnership became another hidden thing. Now Susan is seeking answers, and Kate found herself caught in a web of lies.

"Kate," he began, "Susan's just trying to piece together what happened during the blip. She's worried about you. Maybe it's time to let her in, share the truth. Keeping secrets, especially now, might not be the best move."

Kate's eyes met Clint's, and for a moment. He could see the girl's internal struggles. "Alright, we'll talk about this later, Natasha and the others are waiting for us."

As Kate and Clint entered, their arrival went unnoticed by most. The room was in discussions about potential missions and training exercises. The new team were unaware of the archers' presence.

Natasha Romanoff was the first to notice Kate and Clint's entrance. She approached them, her gaze piercing through Kate. "Kate," Natasha started, "I've noticed the way you've been talking to Clint about this new team. You might have a sharp tongue, but you're also their leader now. Your words carry weight."

Kate met Natasha's gaze, a flicker of defiance in her eyes. "I'm not here to sugarcoat things, Natasha. They need to know what they're getting into."

Natasha's expression remained unfazed. "I get it. You've been through a lot, and you've got your own way of dealing with things." The redhead paused, "You're not just Clint's partner anymore. You're their leader. How you handle them reflects on all of us."

Kate's eyes narrowed slightly, "I don't need a lecture, especially not from you."

Natasha stepped forward, her response still calm, "Maybe you do. Clint brought you into this world during a tough time, but now you're the one responsible for shaping the future. Don't let your past overshadow your ability to lead."

Clint stepped in between them, gently pushing Kate back. "Okay, that's enough," he interjected, "Let's get the meeting started."

The rest of the room finally noticed them, and the unease between their mentors. With the room settling into an uneasy quiet, Natasha took charge, stepping into the center of the living room. Her gaze moved across the new team.

"Alright, listen up," She started, "We've been working on forming a new team. A team that can handle threats that are a bit different than what the Avengers usually deal with."

The youngsters turned their attention toward Natasha, paying attention to her talk. Kate wanted to scoff, but she still managed to listen to what the ex-assassin had to say.

Natasha continued, "We need a new generation of heroes. The world is changing, and we need to change with it. Each one of you brings something unique to the table, and together, we'll forge a team that can face anything that comes our way."

"Now, let's get to know each other better," Natasha continued, her tone shifting to a more inclusive one. "I want each of you to introduce yourselves. Tell us who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you're here."

A girl with a bright smile, stepped forward first. "Hey, I'm Kamala Khan, also known as Ms. Marvel. I can stretch and reshape my body, and I'm here because, well, the world needs more heroes, right?"

Next up was a blonde girl standing with a determined posture. "I'm Cassie Lang, Stature. I can grow and shrink in size. I've got a legacy to live up to, and I'm ready to make my mark."

Now a young guy, with a quiet confidence, followed suit. "Eli Bradley, Patriot. I've got enhanced strength and speed. I'm here because there's a fight that needs fighting, and I want to be part of it."

And another young girl, with a pride pin, which Kate noticed instantly. "I'm America Chavez and well...still working on the hero name, but I can open portals to other dimensions. I travel the multiverse, no big deal, and I'm here because I believe in making a difference."

And lastly another young man, who Kate already knew. He hesitated for a moment. "Uh, I'm Peter Parker, you know, Spider-Man. I swing around, stick to walls, the whole deal. Why am I here? Well, Mr. Stark would have wanted me to be here."

The room fell into a stunned silence. Kate, Clint, and Natasha exchanged knowing glances, the surprise of Peter Parker's presence not affecting them as much as it did the young group.

Kamala was the first to break the silence. "Low-key never would have guessed Spider-Man is a kid."

Peter was quick to respond, "I'm not a kid, I'm nineteen."

Natasha cleared her throat and nodded her head towards Kate, "Want to introduce yourself?"

Kate stood with her hands in her pockets. She clicked her tongue and stepped forward in front of the group. "Hey, my name is Kate Bishop, and I guess I'm the new and improved Hawkeye," she teased, a smirk playing on her lips.

Clint shook his head at the girl's antics, a fond smile playing on his lips. "Always full of surprises," he muttered to himself.

"Now, Kate," Natasha's voice was stern, "introduce yourself properly. This isn't the time for your usual antics."

Kate, unfazed by Natasha's sternness, flashed a cheeky grin. "Sure thing, Natasha. I'm Kate Bishop, AKA Hawkeye. I specialize in sharpshooting, sarcasm, and making sure no one takes life too seriously."

A quick burst of laughter echoed in the room, drawing the attention of everyone. All eyes turned towards America Chavez, who couldn't help but find Kate's irreverent introduction amusing.

"Oops, my bad. Sorry," America apologized.

"Alright, enough introductions for now. I need a word with Hawkeye Senior." She gestured towards Clint, and herself, signaling for them to step aside.

As Natasha led Clint and herself away for a private conversation, Kate lingered with the young teammates, her eyes briefly meeting Clint's with a subtle nod. The group resumed their discussion, sharing stories and getting to know one another better.

Peter awkwardly grinned at Kate. "Hey, Kate. Long time no see."

Kate chuckled. "Yeah, been working, you know, the usual. How's the whole friendly neighborhood Spider-Man thing going?"

Peter shrugged, "Oh, you know, swinging around, stopping bad guys. The usual spider stuff. But seriously, what brings you back into the hero game?"

Kate wanted to laugh at the term "hero," she doesn't consider herself one. Yea she helped stop Thanos, but that doesn't make up for what she did in the past as The Ronin.

"Just want a better job I guess." She replied. As she spoke, she found her fingers unconsciously tracing the edges of the tattoos on her arms, a habit that betrayed the underlying tension she felt.

Peter noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor. "Everything okay, Kate?"

Kate hesitated for a moment, then lifted her sleeves, revealing the intricate tattoos that covered her arms. On her right arm, a sleeve of symbols similar to Clint's which marked her history as a fighter. On her left arm, vines and leaves formed an intricate pattern, very different from her other sleeve.

"Yea, it just suddenly got hot in here." She replied with forced nonchalance, trying to act casual.

In a corner of the room, away from the team, Natasha approached Clint, her expression carrying a mix of concern and skepticism.

"Clint, I don't think this is going to work with Kate," Natasha said bluntly, her eyes searching for any sign of disagreement from her partner.

Clint sighed, his gaze briefly meeting Natasha's. "Give her a chance, Nat. She's been through a lot, and she's trying to find her way back."

"People change, Nat. I've seen it in you, in me, and now in Kate. She's got potential, and she needs this more than she knows." He adds.

Natasha's gaze softened slightly, a silent understanding passing between them. "I know, for some reason I just can't seem to forgive her for what she did."

Clint placed a hand on Natasha's shoulder, a gesture of comfort. "It's not about forgiveness, Nat. It's about giving her a chance to make amends. We all have our demons, and she's trying to face hers."

As Natasha and Clint continue their conversation, they can hear a door open in the distance.

Natasha's eyes narrowed slightly. "That must be Yelena," she said.

Clint raised an eyebrow. "Yelena? I didn't know you invited her."

Natasha sighed. "She has a knack for showing up uninvited. Besides, we're going to need all the help we can get with training these kids."

A few moments later, the door swung open, and Yelena Belova, Natasha's sister, entered the room.

"Hello, sestra. Still babysitting, I see?" Yelena remarked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Natasha rolled her eyes. "Yelena, we're trying to train the next generation. Play nice. You remember Barton." She says, nodding her head towards her best friend.

The Blonde nodded, acknowledging Clint, "Yes, hello Clint Barton."

"Yelena, good to see you again." He replies.

As Yelena surveyed the room and the assembling team of new Avengers, her gaze suddenly froze when it landed on a pair of unmistakable arms. The tattoos, the way they moved—those arms were etched into her memory, a vivid recollection of shared moments just a few nights ago.

"Yelena, are you alright?" Natasha asked, noting a change in her demeanor

Yelena snapped out of her gaze, "Yes, an interesting group you have," she said, playing it off.

As Natasha, Clint, and Yelena approached the group of kids, they seemed to have gathered the other's attention.

Kate caught sight of Yelena, her eyes narrowing slightly. The recognition was mutual, and a silent exchange passed between the two women. Yelena's gaze remained cool and collected, while Kate's expression was calm, almost like she knew the blonde would be there.

Natasha, perceptive as ever, intervened with a casual introduction. "Alright, everyone, this is Yelena Belova. She's going to assist us with training. Yelena, meet the new recruits."

Yelena acknowledged the group with a nod, her eyes lingering on Kate just long enough to convey a silent message. But Kate kept her composure.

When the meeting concluded, Kate felt the need to step out for some air. The weight of responsibility left her with a desire for a moment of solitude. As she exited the room, the cool air outside made her feel somewhat better. She leaned against the railing, gazing out at the surroundings, lost in her thoughts. The soft sound of footsteps behind her made her senses prick up. Kate didn't need to turn around to know who it was—Yelena. The distinct presence and energy of the other woman were unmistakable.

"Are you going to say hi, Sasha." Kate says teasingly, referring to the fake name the blonde gave her a few nights previously.

Kate then turns around and faces the blonde. She takes in her appearance, looking down at her outfit. She was wearing ripped blue jeans, black combat boots, and the same yellow checkered coat she wore the night they met each other.

"I could say the same to you, Elizabeth," Yelena replied, her tone carrying a hint of amusement. "So, you must be Clint's protege. Why did you lie about your name?" she asked.

Kate sighed, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Well, when you come from a rich family, you have to worry about who you sleep with," she said. Which wasn't a lie, but she wasn't telling the full truth either.

Yelena hummed in response, "Well, Kate Bishop, I have to talk to my sister, but I'm free later tonight."

Kate laughed in response, a playful glint in her eyes. "Didn't I tell you you'd be back for more?" she asked teasingly.

Yelena shot her a wry smile over her shoulder as she headed back inside. "We'll see about that," she quipped, leaving the rooftop leaving Kate alone.

Kate remained on the rooftop, a grin lingering on her face. Only if the blonde knew what the archer had done in the past...