A/N: This is a three-sentence story that filled a prompt as part of the be_compromised Three Sentence Ficathon (Holiday Edition). Prompt: One of them fulfilling the other's secretly compiled wish list. This is short but sweet...
Secret Santa
Every year since the age of six, Natalia Alianovna Romanova has secretly written the same letter to Santa (she started with St. Nicholas and got nowhere so she doubled down on Santa): Dear Santa, it's been 24 years and I know I've been naughty but I really tried to be nice so you would bring me the only thing I really want – a family.
By a very odd, nearly impossible, twist of fate, Clint Barton saw the letter and became determined to show her that, not only did she always have him, but she had an extended – albeit exceptionally dysfunctional – loving family.
He had to all but knock her out to get her to the Tower on Christmas Eve, but she finally walked into the room and was greeted by a perfectly decorated tree with mountains of presents underneath, a feast fit for a queen, the friendly smiles of her extended team, his strong arm around her shoulder, and his loving voice whispering in her ear, "Santa says welcome to the family."