unexpected events
The Barton house in Iowa was filled with warmth and joy as snow gently fell outside. The family gathered in the cozy living room, surrounded by the glow of festive lights and the crackling warmth of a fireplace.
Clint, Laura, and Natasha sat together, sipping on hot cocoa, their eyes filled with contentment as they watched the children eagerly tear open their presents. Laughter echoed through the room, blending with the cheerful holiday tunes playing softly in the background.
Laura turned to Natasha with a curious expression. "Nat, where's Yelena again?"
Natasha took a sip of her hot cocoa, "She mentioned having some business to take care of."
Clint couldn't help but interject with a scoff. "Business, huh?"
Laura shot him a puzzled look. Natasha, however, added a subtle smirk to her response. "Yelena and Kate are friends," she stated with a knowing look.
Laura caught Natasha's subtle implication and let out a light laugh. "Oh, I see. Friends, huh?" she said with a knowing grin. "So, Yelena's spending Christmas with Kate?'
Natasha nodded, confirming Laura's suspicion. "Seems like it."
Laura, looking over at Clint, asked, "Why didn't you invite Kate? You two always spend the holidays together."
Clint sighed, "I did, but she's making an effort with her mom and sister this year. Family stuff."
Laura nodded understandingly, recognizing the importance of family, especially after the challenging times they faced during the blip.
Suddenly both Natasha and Clint received alerts on their phones simultaneously. Clint glanced at Natasha, who rolled her eyes before checking her own device. Natasha's expression shifted to mild annoyance as she observed that two individuals were currently at the Avengers Compound. As Natasha continued to examine the security feed, she identified the unexpected visitors at the Avengers Compound as Peter and America.
Clint noticed Natasha's concern, "What's wrong Nat?"
Natasha paused, realizing that Peter and America might be spending Christmas alone, lacking close family to celebrate with. Just as she was about to share her observation with Clint, another person appeared on the screen, May Parker. And the woman was holding groceries, getting everything situated in the kitchen.
Natasha turned to Clint and said, "It's America, Peter, and Peter's aunt May. They're in the compound."
Clint raised an eyebrow, "What are they doing here?"
Natasha sighed, "I forgot, America doesn't really have a family to celebrate with, and I guess Peter and May don't either."
Clint nodded, understanding the situation. "Well, then we should invite them over. No one should be alone on Christmas."
Laura responded, "But how are they going to get here? Didn't you and Nat use the quinjet?"
Clint thinks for a moment. "Kids, how do you feel about going to New York?" He asks.
"Right now?" Lila asks. Clint nods. The boys nod in agreement, Nate was jumping up and down, making everyone chuckle.
Clint smiled, reaching for his phone. "Alright let me call Kate and tell her we're heading over there."
Laura nodded, understanding the plan. "Sounds good."
Kate slept soundly in her room, sharing the warmth of the sheets with Yelena. The gentle hum of the city outside served as comfort for Kate, making it easier for her to sleep.
However her slumber was erupted by the intrusive ring of a phone, jolting Kate from her slumber. She groaned in annoyance, her hand fumbling to find her phone. Finally, locating the phone on the bedside table, she answered it with a grumpy, half asleep voice.
"Hello?"
On the other end, Clint's voice came through, slightly muffled and apologetic. "Hey, Kate. Sorry to wake you up. We need you to come to the compound. We've got company for Christmas."
Kate blinked her eyes open. "Company?"
"Yeah, long story. We'll explain when you get here."
With a reluctant sigh, Kate glanced at the clock. "Okay yea I'll be there."
"Oh and Nat says to tell Yelena."
Kate almost forgot the blonde was sleeping right next to her. She looked over and saw the small assassin curled up under the sheets.
"Yea I'll try to get a hold of her." Kate lies, lowering her voice, remembering the blonde is sleeping.
Then she can hear a snicker on the other line. It was Nat. Of course Clint had the phone on speaker.
"Okay see you in a little bit, kid."
Kate rolled her eyes at Nat's snicker, realizing that Clint indeed had the phone on speaker. "Well, that's just great," she muttered under her breath.
Yelena, now fully awake, raised an eyebrow. "You really thought I could sleep through that? Did you forget I'm an assassin?"
Kate chuckled, "Well, I was hoping for a Christmas miracle or something. But it seems our peaceful night is over. Clint says we've got company waiting at the compound."
Yelena tried to maintain her cool demeanor at the mention of Clint. She had mixed emotions about being around Clint Barton. Despite her reservations, she couldn't say no to her sister. Yelena sighed inwardly, preparing herself for whatever awaited them at the compound
___
The Avengers compound loomed ahead as Kate stepped out of her sleek black car. The air was crisp, and a light dusting of snow covered the surroundings. She couldn't help but glance around, taking in the familiar sight of the compound that held countless memories, both good and bad.
As Kate waited, she caught sight of Yelena approaching on her motorcycle, the engine humming in the quiet winter air. She couldn't help herself but watch the blonde drive the vehicle, making it look effortless.
They had gone their separate ways after waking up, each needing time to prepare for the day. Well actually, Yelena just left without even telling Kate she was leaving. Kate knew something was wrong but she couldn't quite pinpoint it. Perhaps the blonde was just gloomy around the holidays.
As Yelena parked the motorcycle and swung a leg over, she removed her helmet, revealing her blank expression. The two women exchanged a knowing look, an unspoken understanding passing between them. The crunch of snow under their boots echoed as they made their way toward the entrance, the Avengers symbol looming overhead. The heavy metal door opened with a familiar creak, welcoming them into the bustling life within the compound.
As they strolled through the compound, Yelena couldn't help but cast a sideways glance at Kate's attire – a black and red flannel, snug blue jeans, and a pair of classic Doc Martens. She raised an eyebrow, "Kate Bishop, you look like a lumberjack."
Kate flashed a playful smirk, "Hey, I think I pull off the rugged look."
Yelena rolled her eyes at the archer.
As Kate and Yelena entered the living space, the warmth of family gatherings surrounded them. The Barton kids, Cooper, Lila, and Nate, were engrossed in conversation with Peter and America. Their laughter blended with the movie they played in the background, which seemed to be "Elf." Then in the kitchen, Clint and Nat chatted while sitting near the counter while Peter's Aunt May and Laura seemed to be cooking.
Nate, the youngest Barton, was the first to spot Kate. Excitement lit up his face as he dashed over, wrapping his small arms around her in a tight hug. Kate returned the embrace, ruffling his hair and exchanging a light smile. Clint, noticing the commotion, strolled over with a fatherly grin.
With a smile, he looked over at Kate, taking whatever she had in her hands.
"Hey, Kate. Merry Christmas," Clint greeted her, a warmth in his eyes.
Kate chuckled, "Hey, Clint. I didn't know what to bring, so I got pizza and some gifts. Hope that's okay."
Clint grinned, "Perfect, kid. You know us, we're not too fancy around here." He motioned toward the kitchen. "Aunt May and Laura are cooking up a storm."
Before Clint could properly introduce Yelena, she had already headed over to Natasha. As he went to put everything away, Kate approached the Barton kids, Peter, and America with a casual grin. "Merry Christmas, everyone!" she greeted.
America responded with a cheerful smile, "Hey, Kate! Merry Christmas to you too." The others chimed in with their greetings.
Kate handed each of them a gift, downplaying the moment with her usual nonchalant demeanor. "Here, got you a little something." Inside each wrapped box were $200 gift cards to various places.
As they unwrapped the gifts, expressions of surprise and gratitude played on their faces. Kate couldn't help but smirk, pleased with their reactions. "Thought you might want some flexibility in choosing your own presents this year. Enjoy."
Kate strolled away from the younger crew, a smirk still playing on her lips. She made her way to the kitchen where Laura, May, Nat, and Yelena were bustling around.
"Hey, ladies," she called out with a grin, causing Laura to look up from her cooking.
"Kate! Merry Christmas!" Laura exclaimed, abandoning her task to envelop Kate in a warm hug.
Kate, not one for open displays of affection, returned the hug half-heartedly. "Well, you know, surviving the holidays as usual," she quipped.
May approached next, giving Kate a friendly smile. "Good to see you, Kate. How's everything going?"
Kate, always ready with a flirty remark, replied, "Oh, you know, just the usual chaos. But I heard you're the queen of handling chaos, May."
May chuckled, appreciating Kate's charm. Nat and Yelena, observing from their seats, exchanged eye rolls at Kate's antics.
As the banter continued, Kate kept her attention on May, trying to win her over with charm. "So, May, any secret tips on how to survive family gatherings?" she asked, a playful glint in her eyes.
May chuckled, "Oh, you know, a combination of patience and a good sense of humor."
Kate flashed a teasing smile, "Well, I've got the humor part down. Patience, on the other hand, not so much."
Natasha, who had been silently observing, couldn't resist replying, "Maybe that's why you're still single, Kate."
Kate shot a mock offended look at Natasha, "Hey, being single is a lifestyle choice, Nat. I'm just preserving the good stuff for the right person."
Yelena, sitting nearby, rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smirk. As Kate bantered with Natasha and May, Yelena's attention was momentarily diverted by Clint's entrance in the kitchen. Her expression shifted subtly, a mixture of unease and resentment settling on her features. The air around her seemed to thicken as the memories of her fallen friends and the knowledge of Clint's involvement in their deaths resurfaced.
Yelena struggled to conceal the anger and sickness that churned within her. Every instinct urged her to confront Clint, to unleash the fury that had been simmering beneath the surface since she heard the news. Yet, she knew that now was not the time, not with the holiday cheer and his family.
He had a family. He always had his wife and kids waiting for him at home. And Natasha is close to him, to complicate things even more. Yelena questioned whether or not her sis would ever forgive her for what she was about to do.
Suppressing her emotions, Yelena redirected her focus, pretending indifference as she picked at her food. But deep down, the presence of Clint Barton remained a bitter reminder of a past that refused to fade.
The Avengers Compound was filled with warmth and laughter. The family had gathered and enjoyed the delicious meal May and Laura had made. They all sat at the table and shared stories.
After the meal, the children decided to play some games. America and Peter were convinced to join them. The lively games filled the compound with laughter and joy. The adults watched as the younger ones immersed themselves in games and laughter.
As the day continued, the group transitioned from the dining table to a more relaxed setting. Glasses clinked as the adults gathered in the living room, and told stories from their past. The glow of the Christmas lights adored the living space, casting a warm light onto the gathering.
In the midst of the celebration, Yelena excused herself to make a new drink. She headed toward the kitchen. However, as she reached for a bottle, an impulse striked her. She decided to explore more of the compound.
Stepping away from the festivities, Yelena lingered in the hallways. The compound, a place that held countless stories of heroes, felt strangely quiet.
Eventually, the blonde's wandering led her to a closed door. Something drew Yelena to this particular room. With a subtle hesitation, she turned the doorknob, revealing a space that was taken by the man she despised.
Yelena's eyes scanned the room, absorbing the details. She identified the signs that this was Clint Barton's room. The bags strewn across the room were details of frequent travelers–Clint and Laura Barton.
Yelena's fingers brushed against the contents of Clint's bag, expecting nothing, but she was met with an unexpected shape. As she pulled it out, her eyes widened in recognition. There, nestled in the bottom of his bag, was a sword.
It was the very same sword that had been used to cause death. Causing countless lives. Her grip tightened, her mind replaying the thought of her best friend's lives being taken. In that moment, standing in Clint Barton's room, she realized she finally knew what she had to do. The desire of vengeance raised within her.
Yelena couldn't hold the sword for long. It slipped through her fingers and hit the ground. The sound echoed through the room. She could not be here any more, she had to leave.
She realized she could no longer bear to be in the same space as the man who had chosen a path stained with the blood of others. The pain of loss had overwhelmed her. In the end, she came up with an excuse to leave the gathering early. Natasha had understood, and Yelena told her that she had been expecting a call from Melina and Alexei, who she hadn't seen in a while.
Later that day, Clint called Kate over. "Hey, Kid, got something for you. Follow me," he said, leading her to his room in the Avengers compound.
Intrigued, Kate followed, wondering what surprise awaited.
In his room, Clint rummaged through his bag. He pulled out the item carefully and handed it over to Kate. "Merry Christmas. I didn't have time to wrap it."
As Kate saw the item, her eyes widened in surprise. In Clint's hands laid a sword. The same sword that belonged to her.
"Where did you find this?" She asks.
Clint took a deep breath before responding, "I've had a lot of time to track it down." He paused, with a somber expression on his face, "You should take better care of your stuff, kid."
Kate nodded with gratitude. "Thank you, Clint. I didn't think I'd see this again." She carefully cradled the sword that once belonged to him, and then was given to her.
"No problem, Katie." He replied with a slight smile. "But maybe we should find a good, secure place for it. We don't want it to cause any more trouble." He said.
"Yeah, you're right," Kate agreed, looking at the sword. "That would be bad."