Title: Scorned
Author: Cindy Ryan
Pairings: Clint/Natasha, Steve/Maria
timeline: AU continuing the Picket fences universe
Summary: Clint and Natasha call on old friends when their son is kidnapped.

Clint Barton code named Hawkeye, retired, was asleep in spare quarters at the S.H.I.E.L.D. base in Norfolk, Virginia. The ringing of a video phone on his bedside table woke him at two thirty seven on a tuesday in July. Hawkeye blinked at the harsh light from the small screen. He instantly recognized his wife Natasha's number as it flashed across the bottom. Fear inched it's way up Clint's spine as he sat up clicked on the light and activated the phone. Nat knew he had a five am training session with new recruits. Something had to be wrong for her to call so late.

His fear was confirmed when the Black Widow appeared on the screen. Her red hair was disheveled as if she'd just been woken up too. She'd been on a different consulting job in Miami. Their son Phillip was staying with Steve Rogers and his wife Maria Hill-Rogers in Philadelphia. His wife's face was extremely pale and her eyes red rimmed from tears. That scared Clint more than anything. Crying was one thing Nat didn't do often. In fact he'd only seen it on a few occasions. The proud, strong beautiful Russian held her emotions in check.

"Nat, what is it? What's wrong?"Hawkeye asked anxiously.

Natasha swallowed several times as if she couldn't bring herself to say what she had to say.

"Nat, talk to me."Clint pleaded fearfully as he kicked the covers off ready to move.

"It's Phillip."Romanoff whispered. "He's gone, Clint...kidnapped."

Clint felt his face go white. Ever since Phillip had been born four years ago this had been Clint's worst nightmare. Now it was coming true. Clint's hands shook and he felt like he was going to be sick. Some bastard had taken his son from the safest place in the world. It scared Hawkeye to think somebody would have the nerve to go to the home of Captain America and kidnap a child. A horrible thought hit him and Clint looked back at the video phone.

"Steve and Maria?"Barton asked in a voice barely above a whisper.

Natasha had seemed to gather some of her composure. "They weren't hurt. Maria woke up to get something to drink and stopped to check on Phillip. That's when she discovered he was missing and the window wide open."

"Did they leave a ransom or anything?"Clint asked swallowing hard.

He didn't have much money. Nothing compared to Stark. Hawkeye would sell what he had to, call in favors, rob banks whatever it took to get his little boy home.

"Not yet."Romanoff replied anxiously. "Clint, I'm going to kill whoever took him. He's somewhere terrified..."

Clint saw her tears start again and he cursed whoever was putting his family in pain.
For that alone they'd pay with their life.

"Nat, I promise we'll get Phillip home."Hawkeye vowed. "No matter what I'll get our son back to you."

The Black Widow swiped a hand over her eyes and straightened.

"Fury's sending a jet for me. I should be in Philadelphia by dawn."Natasha stated. "I need to get ready."

"I'm on my way."Clint promised. "And I"ll contact Stark he owes us one. I love you."

"I love you too."Natasha replied. "Be careful."

"You too."Hawkeye cautioned as he ended the call.

After placing another quick call to Fury the archer scrambled to get ready. It was a struggle for Clint to focus to come up with a plan. All he kept seeing was a brown haired green eyed little boy laughing and playing in the back yard. Reaching the closet Hawkeye saw his vision blur from unwanted tears. He blinked several times to clear them and grabbed the first matching pair of clothing he came across. He had to hold it together and come up with a plan. Phillip needed him. Calmer Clint repacked the bag he'd brought to Virgina. He raced out the door wondering what he was going to say to Steve when he reached Philadelphia. He'd trusted his friend with his family and that family was now shattered.
Somebody had to answer for that.