Disclaimer: All characters of 'The Avengers' belongs to Marvel comics and what not. However, KATHERINE is MINE. ^_^ Here goes…

Setting: Aftermath of the Loki incident, the Avengers now reside in the newly assembled Avenger's building in the heart of Manhattan.

"Avengers," Fury's deep voice echoed across the room "As of recent events, I'm introducing a new team member for training." His head turned to look at each of the men sat before him. "For next time there's a 'fun event'."

"Just when I thought it would finally get interesting..." Stark rolled his eyes.

"Well, the more the merrier, right?" the Captain folded his arms, disregarding the comment.

Fury sighed. "Regardless, I'd appreciate you all to play nice."

In perfect timing, the door slid open and all spun their chairs around to see a petite, dark-haired woman leaning on the frames with a smile on her face. Her long hair was tied into a messy bun and her uniform fitted her as though she was modelling for the Milan Fashion Show. To Natasha, Clint and Tony, it was a rather delightful surprise to see this familiar face and be enchanted by those brightly lit hazel eyes.

"Kat?" Tony grinned, shoving the chair away on the path to hugging her. "Hey, Kitty Kat!"

"And hello to you to, Metal Head," Kat flopped in his arms helplessly. "You had me genuinely worried with that missile stunt, old man."

"That's what you get for leaving us so soon."

Thor and the Captain stood up to greet the newbie. "Steve Rogers, ma'am, nice to meet you."

"Hello~! I'm Katherine," she smiled. "You can just call me Kat, uh, sir."

The Star-Spangled-Banner laughed. "It's just Steve, ma'am. Welcome on board."

She moved along to Thor, who knelt and kissed her hand. Kat laughed away her blush and did her infamous 'fanged smile' in embarrassment. She moved along to Natasha and Banner, who were happily smiling – to her surprise – and was told the big news of their near union.

"Aw, Nat, congratulations!" Kat hugged the girl tightly. "I'm so happy for you."

Clint was next in line, standing stiff as a board. "Hi."

"Small world," Kat smiled, curious of what he was thinking. "I could use some practice with the bow. I'm kinda rusty."

"Sure," the corner of his mouth lifted. "And my kicks are getting worse, so it's a fair trade."

Steve leaned in close to Natasha and whispered, "They're cosy."

"We go way back," Tony commented lightly, watching the two interact. He turned to Natasha. "Twenty bucks says they like each other."

Natasha shook his hand. "You're on."

After the meet and greet with everyone, Kat got settled into her room, which was coincidentally on the top floor, allowing her to see the brilliant New York skyline at night. It was magical; the twinkling of lights reminded her of the finest diamonds and the rich velvet sky just created an atmosphere like no other. This was home.
After a quiet dinner in her studio room, she made her way to see Pepper, who was pregnant with the couple's first child. She couldn't imagine Tony as a dad but nonetheless she was happy for them.

"Hello..?" Kat peaked inside after knocking.

"Oh, Kat! Hey, just on time," Pepper's voice came from inside. "Come on in."

The youngest team member entered the master suite slowly, taking in the modern detailing of the newly constructed nest of the love birds. Tony was sitting beside his wife on the bed, his head resting on her belly. They looked so happy.

"You gotta feel this little fella, he's a kicker." Tony smiled.

Kat joined them and put a hand on the belly. There was a small kick and she felt the miracle of life underneath her fingers. "That's pretty amazing…congratulations."

"Why so sad, little one?" Pepper asked.

Kat shrugged. "Everyone is doing so well – I mean, Nat's getting married and you guys are building a family…what the hell am I doing with my life?"

"You're joining the rank of the Earth's greatest superheroes and living within a few blocks of the best Shwarma joint in America," Tony pointed out. "Oh, and you're gonna be an aunty to the cutest little kicker in the universe~!"

"Alright, I should leave before you turn all gooey," the guest got up and headed towards the door, waving casually as she went. "Bye guys."

It was only 9:30PM and Kat had no idea what to do. She did wanted to go out to explore the New York attractions, but going solo didn't really appeal to her. What good was the greatest city in the world without someone to share it with? Kat shrugged and headed to the kitchen, hoping to steal some desserts.
On the way there, Kat literally bumped into an old friend.

"Oh, sorry! I'm so clumsy," Kat apologised, feeling a bruise coming on her arm. "Are you alright?"

Clint chuckled. "Yeah, I'll live. Trouble sleeping?"

"Just bored, I guess," Kat smiled. "Hey, are you feeling okay? No offence, but you look like hell."

Clint coughed, feeling dizzy all of the sudden.

"I'll take that as a yes, then," she helped him up and guided him to his room. "Let's get you on your way back to health…if you need anything, I'm just down the hall."

"Is that an excuse to give me your number?" Clint smirked weakly.

"Totes, tutts," Kat pulled the blanket over his chest. "I'll get you some water."

As she was getting the water from the kitchen area of Clint's apartment, she couldn't figure out what the hell she was feeling happy about. Maybe it was the fact that she finally found something to do, or because she knew that she was helping Clint…
Kat shrugged it off and continued getting her patient a glass of water.

"Here's your water, Mr Birdy…" Kat was stunned to see Clint asleep with his guard down. "Aw…this is what America's deadliest assassin looks like when he's sleeping."

She laughed to herself and placed the glass of water onto the bedside table when Clint woke up and grabbed her wrist. Kat jumped slightly. "Holy Hulk, Clinton, you scared me!"

"Kat…stay here." Clint whispered. "Please?"

Kat nodded. "Cause you said please. I'll stay until you fall asleep."

As Clint drifted off to sleep, Kat pulled up a chair and sat beside him, wiping off sweat from his forehead with a wet towel. She remembered the last time they met in Morocco and how he saved her ass with his good aim and quick thinking. After that incident, she knew she owed him her life, no matter how many times he said to forget about it.

Just after Clint fell asleep, Kat also drifted off in the chair, her hand lingering on his arm.