Chapter 6
They drove most the day only stopping to switch drivers and eat. Late that evening they pulled down a long driveway to a house in seemingly the middle of nowhere. “Nearest towns about 30 minutes out nearest Walmart is 20 min out.” Steve smiled at the sight of the house. “Never been to one of those.” Clint laughed “Well I’ll be sure to educate you on Walmart before we leave. I wish I could have recorded Nats first time in one.” When they got closer to the house two little kids came bolting out of the house. Both were wearing pajamas. “DADDY! We told mom you would be home in time to read a story.” He scooped both kids up. “Of course. Guys this is Mr. Steve. He’s going to be staying with us for a little while.”
He smiled at the two kids. “They can call me Steve. It's ok.” The little boy scrunched his face “He’s not uncle Steve? Most people you bring home are Aunt or Uncle like Uncle Nick.” Steve smirked. “I hadn’t asked Steve if he was comfortable with that. Who knows it could change.” He winked at Steve as he walked toward the house. Steve grabbed his bags and followed.
They stepped inside where a brunette woman was waiting for them. She wrapped Clint in a hug and gave him a kiss. "You go ahead and read to them I'll get Steve settled." Clint moved upstairs and Laura turned her attention to Steve. "Hi, I'm Laura. Clint's told me so much about you. Nice to finally meet you face to face." Steve held out his hand. "Nice to meet you as well ma'am. I wish I could say the same but thank you all the same for having me. I hope I'm not imposing."
"Not at all and please call me Laura. Clint tries to keep his home life private. His line of work can make things a bit sticky if everyone knows and I'm sure you know how much people at S.H.I.E.L.D. like to talk." He couldn't help but think of Rumlow as she made her quip. "Oh I know all too well. For a government agency they sure like to gossip and have no problem making their own conversation." She looked at him and frowned.
"Clint told me something went down before you guys left. If you need someone to talk to we are here but no pressure. You are here to relax. Here's your room. We're both normally up around five but you feel free to get up any time you like breakfast isn't normally ready until seven." He nodded. "Thank you. Please let me know if you need me to do anything." She smiled "I need you to relax. Clint and I can take care of everything. We have plenty planned to keep you busy. Now you get settled. Let us know if you need anything. Good night Steve."
"Good night ma- Laura."
When she left the guest room Clint slipped behind her and pulled her into a hug. "I'm so glad i'm home." She leaned into him and tilted her head back. "Is he ok? He seems kind of nervous. Especially when work comes up." Clint frowned as he pulled her towards the couch. "Lot of things. The therapist S.H.I.E.L.D. hooked him up with told him he was childish for having flashbacks. Told him to get over them. Some things went down with Strike that frankly in any other job would have gotten people fired, hell Steve could sue but he's not that kinda guy. I just hope we can help him."
They laid on the couch for a while talking about the plans for the next few weeks and the birthday party. "I have the stuff to make a chocolate cake. I also got some ice cream. Christy said if we wanted we could come to her place and take everyone out on the horse trails. You know she needs the company since Duke passed. Who knows maybe she and Steve might hit it off. Before you start that was Natasha's suggestion not mine but it might be nice for both of them." Clint hugged her close. "Don't go expecting some hallmark movie moment. Steve doesn't warm up to people that easily. Although I would like to see the city boy on a horse. Nat would pay to see that."
"He wants to help out while he's here." Clint grinned "I'll have him get the eggs." She rolled her eyes. "Are you thinking he can handle Jack?"
"Come on Lar, don't you wanna see who will win? A super soldier or a grouchy old rooster?" She smiled a little "Even Tasha is scared of Jack. He is a terror to everyone but you."
"Well tomorrow I bet Steve will show Jack a thing or two."
"I hope you are right about that."
"When have I ever been wrong?" Laura grinned wide "that depends on your definition of wrong."
"Heeeeey, mean."
"You know you love me."
"Yes I do. Forever and always."