And Now!

The long awaited (mostly by me,) sequel to Shift!

And because it's been such a LONG wait..I give you the entire story...in ONE GO!

**Yaay*

Disclaimer: I do not nor will I ever own any of characters depicted below that you may recognize...they belong to forces higher then me, and I respect them and applaud them for their beautiful creations.


"Honey! Have you seen my supersuit?"

A long pause. A giggle. "Why do you need to know?"

Clint Barton's eyes narrowed. He slowly turned from his duffle bag to glare suspiciously at his open bedroom door. "I need it." He said after a long moment.

The giggles started up again. "I put it away." Was the response he got, which only elicited more giggles. Clint crossed his arms and moved to the stair landing of his house, which gave him a good view into the living room, where his children sat on either side of a dark-haired menace, his wife seated in a chair next to the couch and folding laundry, face innocent and eyes focused on the task at hand.

"Woman." He said after a long moment. "Where. Is. My. Supersuit?"

The kids covered their mouths, and Laura shot him a wide-eyed look. "I put it away."

"Where?" Clint bit out through clenched teeth.

Laura blinked. "Why?"

Clint rolled his eyes.

"The public is in danger." He tried.

For the kids, his words had them bursting into loud laughter. The dark-haired menace jumped so that she was standing on the couch, face falling into fake anger and hands falling to her hips. "My evening is in danger!" She said in a fake, high pitched voice. The kids laughter, which had been receding, built up again. Laura, the traitor, smiled as well, enjoying the show.

"Madison Sinclair," Clint tried to order, but Maddie was far from finished. She hopped to the coffee table and puffed up her chest.

"We are talking about the greater good!" She said, her voice deepening, and then ratcheting up to the high pitched tone once more. Clint sighed and leaned against the railing, waiting for her to finish.

The children joined in, his beautiful young children, corrupted by the young woman slash menace he'd willingly taken into his home for the last two weeks. "I AM YOUR WIFE!" They screeched, clapping and jumping up and down. "I AM THE GREATEST GOOD YOU ARE EVER GOING TO GET!"

To which Maddie responded, surprisingly enough with Laura's voice joining her in deep and frantic tones, both women smiling. "YOU TELL ME WHERE MY SUIT IS WOMAN!"

The children laughed and clapped, and Maddie smiled, stepping off the coffee table and sending Clint a sheepish expression.

Laura just laughed at him.

"The Incredibles?" Clint shook his head. "Really?"

"You kinda brought that one on yourself," Laura admitted. Clint sighed and shook his head. Laura patted a pile of folded clothes to her right. "Your stuff is here." She moved to stand, but Maddie was picking up the pile and hurrying up the stairs before Laura could move very far. Laura just rolled her eyes and rubbed her large belly, and Clint sent Maddie, menace though she was, a thankful smile.

"That woman is ready to pop." She chastised Clint severely. "You shouldn't be chaperoning me to New York with a wife ready to drop any moment now."

Clint rolled his eyes. "It won't take that long. As soon as your packed, we'll head out, I'll drop you off, pop in and say hi to everyone, and be back. Two days, tops."

But Maddie was shaking her head. "The Center's not even fully ready yet. We still have another week, they just want me there now because they have to assess my skills before allowing me to join the normal population."

Clint rolled his eyes. "It's not that we don't trust you," He tried,

"It's just that you shouldn't trust me." Maddie checked the man, rolling her eyes. Maddie wasn't stupid. She knew what was what.

Clint opened his mouth, but shrugged. The other Avengers had no idea where she'd come from. Steve was being cautious, and that wasn't a bad thing.

"I get it." Maddie shrugged. "And it's all fine. I just don't think I need a chaperone. I'm 22. Put me on a commercial flight and have Spangles meet me at the airport. I'll be fine."

"Not happening." Maddie rolled her eyes, and turned to Laura, who stood at the foot of the stairs.

"Laura," Maddie tried, but Laura shook her head. "Clint is escorting you. Baby will wait till he gets back."

Maddie turned to Clint. "At least wait till tomorrow." She reasoned. "It's already almost dinnertime. We can leave bright and early in the morning, and maybe you'll only be gone one day."

Clint pursed his lips and looked to his wife. She shrugged.

What would another night hurt?


Maddie's insistence at waiting another night ended up being a good thing. At 1:37 in the morning, Laura went into labor.

Clint, though he'd gone through this twice before, couldn't for the life of him fathom how he would've survived without Maddie, as Laura's grunt in the middle of the night had Clint jumping out of bed and going into a panic. It was Maddie, who'd for some reason been unable to sleep and been walking past the room at just that moment, who'd rushed in, helped Laura sit up, and helped her through her first contraction. It was Maddie who'd ordered Clint into motion, grabbing Laura's hospital bag and anything else that was going to be needed, and rushing to the truck. It was Maddie who'd helped the couple into the truck and waved them off. It was Maddie who'd called their closest neighbor and organized a ride for her and the other two kids, bringing them to the hospital early the next morning, where their baby brother had just been born. Maddie had met the baby, pronounced him the cutest baby in existence, and then ushered in two excited big siblings, pulling Clint aside and waving a piece of paper at him that made it so he wouldn't have to leave his families side.

At 9:37, 8 hours after Laura's water had broken, Maddie was saying her goodbyes and promising Clint's kids that she would certainly come visit, giving Clint a firm handshake, Laura a hug and the baby a kiss, and then Maddie was off, her commercial flight ticket clasped firmly in hand.

"So," Laura smiled wearily at her husband. "What about that girl?"

Clint smiled. Inviting the young woman who'd saved the lives of two avengers and a civilian child was an easy decision: she'd hardly wanted to be stuck in Avengers Tower while waiting for the training center for the building, and Clint could tell the fresh air might do her some good. So he'd warned her of his brats and offered his farm. She'd accepted, and less than four hours after arriving, had befriended his children and endeared herself to his wife.

She'd been extremely helpful the last few weeks in helping with the older kids and in keeping an eye on his very pregnant wife, and Clint appreciated the help and found that Maddie was smart, fluent in sarcasm, and overflowing with an incredible amount of sass.

"She's a handful." Clint grinned. "I'm glad I invited her to stay."

"I agree." Laura nodded her head and rubbed her new sons back. "I wish she didn't have to go, though." Laura pouted for a moment.

"Now who's the one adopting strays?" Clint teased, and Laura rolled her eyes.

"I'm adopting a young woman who has no one. You tend to adopt dangerous criminals. There's a difference."

"Hmph." Clint joined his wife and son on the bed, wrapping an arm around Laura's shoulders and dropped a kiss on her forehead. "If you say so."

The two parents went silent at that, enjoying the moment of peace, and then Laura chuckled.

"What?" Clint asked.

"Maddie is a great person…but I don't think Steve is going to have any idea what to do with her."

Clint shot his wife a look. Then he laughed. "You're right. Maddie's gonna turn that poor team upside down."

He sighed. "I just wish I could be there to see it."

"Tell Nat to take pictures." Laura advised, and Clint brightened.

"That…is a great idea."


"I hate it."

"Shut it you, we just got here."

"But I hate it."

"Madison." Wanda turned to face her…friend.

For Maddie WAS her friend. She'd talked sense into her and then helped her and Pietro escape Ultron, had assisted in the final battle and saved Pietro's life. Maddie was an odd one, but she was Wanda's friend, and Wanda would do anything for her. "You haven't even gone inside yet. Give it a chance."

"Fine." Maddie crossed her arms and leaned against the seat. "I'll withhold judgement."

"Thank you." Pietro, driving the small black sedan that was now owned by the Avengers Training Center, rolled his eyes. Maddie leaned forward.

"You know," She said conversationally, "I don't like you." Pietro snorted, but said nothing else. Maddie turned to smile at Wanda.

Green eyes met brown and Wanda shook her head, smiling reluctantly. "I like what you did with your hair."

Maddie shook her head, allowing the dark wavy brown, cut to just above her shoulders hair flutter around her face. Her sideswept bangs mussed, but it just made Maddie look more youthful.

"Thanks. Laura cut it for me."

"Barton's wife?" Pietro clarified, pulling the sedan into a parking spot in the underground garage. Maddie nodded. "I've heard she's way out of Barton's league."

"Oh she is." Maddie agreed with a grin, unbuckling herself and reaching for the door handle. Pietro got there first and opened her door for her, and Maddie hopped out. Wanda shot her brother a look, and he shrugged.

"So!" Maddie grinned at Wanda, unaware of the twins silent conversation. "Who's giving me this grand tour?"

"That would be me."

Maddie turned, saluting sharply when she caught sight of the man in front of her. "Captain Spangles." She greeted solemnly. Steve shook his head.

"Madison." He responded just as solemnly. "Come on, let me show you around."

"Sir yes sir!" Maddie saluted again, smiled at Wanda, grimaced at Pietro, and followed the already-exasparated blonde man out of the room.

"Poor Steve." Pietro sympathized. Wanda chuckled.

"Poor Steve." She agreed.

"This, as you're already aware, is the New Avengers Facility. It used to be a Stark Enterprises Warehouse, but Stark donated it for us to use to train." Steve began his explanation the second his feet hit the stairs that would lead to the first floor.

"Isn't Stark retired?" Maddie asked, keeping close to Steve's side. Steve nodded.

"So he's just the Avengers Sugar Daddy now?" Steve coughed, shaking his head quickly.

"Well," Maddie considered reasonably, "He pays for everything, doesn't he?"

"Yes." Steve said shortly. "But he was also until recently a very valued member of this team, and I'd appreciate it if you'd never call him that again." Steve reached the top of the stairs and shot Maddie a serious look. She returned the look just as seriously.

"You'll never hear me call him that again." She promised. Not as reassured as he'd like to be, Steve just turned and began the tour. "This facility has different sections that include Science Research, Military Training, Weapons development, and of course, the New Avengers Program."

Maddie furrowed her eyebrows, eyeing the building and the people that rushed around, in various blue uniforms and lab coats. "Is this a branch of the army?" She asked.

"No." Steve said shortly.

"So what's with the military training? Are they future Avengers?"

"No." Steve repeated. "The New Avengers Program is for future and current Avengers."

"So are you creating a private army?" Maddie pressed.

"No!" Steve made a face. "Why would we do that?"

"Why is there military training?" Maddie retorted, and Steve shot the woman a look.

"Because The Avengers main focus is taking care of major threats. A support team that focus' on the welfare of the citizens will help the Avengers be able to focus on their main task." Maddies eyes narrowed, but she nodded nonetheless, as Steve was finally making sense.

"So…. I get the Weapons development. Do the Blue shirts work in that area?" Steve nodded his head. Maddie took in the room, zipping up her canvas jacket and folding her arms over the stomach. "The military training is support staff; called on to help with major missions and to support the Avengers when necessary."

"Correct." Steve nodded.

"Science," Maddie shuddered. "I dislike it, but I understand it. Who's in charge of that area?"

"That would be," Steve turned his head and raised a hand. "Erik Selvig," An older man reached the duo with a small smile.

"Erik, this is Maddie." Steve introduced.

"Ah yes! The hero of the Avengers." The man, in plaid and khakis, smiled widely and shook Maddie's hand tightly.

"That," Maddie shook her head, "Is a gross exaggeration." Erik shot steve a look.

"Ignore her. She's fabulous." Maddie smiled at the new voice, turning to Helen Cho, who'd approached the small group.

"No, you're fabulous." Maddie corrected.

"No, I'M fabulous." The dry voice had Steve's stiff shoulders relaxing. "Stark." He greeted. "Are you heading out then?"

Stark nodded, then grinned, catching sight of Maddie. "Hey. The punk."

Steve opened his mouth to correct Tony, but Maddie grinned and nodded. "Exactly. That's me; the punk! You're Stark then?"

Tony nodded. "I hear you're taking my place on the Avengers team," He leaned back on his heels, and Maddie laughed.

"That's funny." She said dryly. Stark furrowed his eyebrows, shot Steve a look, and then grinned.

"Well. I think that's my cue to get outta here. Rogers? Walk me out?"

Steve turned to Maddie.

"What he said." Maddie continued. "It was funny…right, Spangles? It was a joke?"

Steve turned quickly to Tony. "Yeah, let me walk you out."

Maddie's smile turned quickly into a frown. "Wait."

Steve pushed Tony towards the doors, the two of them walking quickly. Helen and Erik murmured quickly to Maddie while Steve and Stark made their escape.

Maddies loud screech, the angry "WHAT?!" had the duo speeding up, intent on getting away from the newest addition to the new avengers and from her sudden realization that that's why she was there in the first place.

"You're gonna have fun with that one," Stark muttered as they reached the freedom of the outdoors.

"Fun." Steve snorted. "That's what they're calling it now?"

Stark just grinned.


Steve Rogers smiled as Natasha fell into step with him, the two of them going to see their new team all together for the first time.

"Nathaniel, huh?" Steve smiled, referring to the picture of Clint and Laura's new son that everyone had been sent that day.

"Nathaniel Maddox." Tasha corrected, snorting.

"Named after someone we know?" Steve joked, and Tasha shook her head.

"Only your favorite person." She teased.

"I've spent less than fifteen minutes with her…combined." Steve shot out. "I can hardly provide you with an accurate prediction of what our relationship is going to look like."

"I can." Tasha smirked. "That girl is going to drive you nuts."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Steve said dryly, turning to Tasha with a headshake.

"Eh, I'm only being honest." Tasha smiled. "Besides, I think it'll be good for you."

Steve huffed. "If you say so." He swung the door open to enter the training room where his new team waited for him.

Falcon hovered a few feet above the air, wings attached and speaking with War Machine, the two laughing about something as Vision stood nearby, head tilted.

Wanda and Pietro stood next to each other, Wanda in black leather pants, black boots, and a red leather jacket that fell in flattering lines, ending midthigh and cinched in at the waist. Pietro wore dark blue running pants and a matching track jacket, the outfit tight but comfortable and made with fabric that would endure the speeds that Pietro was most comfortable with. His outfit boasted silver pinstripes that matched the silver of his running sneakers. The twins spoke in low tones, both watching with amusement Maddie, who looked out of place amongst the Avengers. She wore a navy canvas jacket and a red plaid shirt, unbuttoned to reveal a simple white tshirt. Her dark jeans were tucked into dark brown boots, and her hair fell freely around her face. Her brown eyes were wide as she stared unblinking in Vision's direction. Steve and Tasha shared a smile, when Vision shifted uncomfortably, obviously aware of the girl gawking at him but unsure of what to do about it. Steve, feeling for Vision, cleared his throat, and the room turned to him.

"Avengers," Steve said solemnly, hands going to his utility belt and expression stern. He opened his mouth to finish the sentence, "A-"

"CHOO!" Steve turned to Maddie, who smiled sheepishly.

"Pollen." She admitted. She smiled brightly at the rest of the group, who smiled at her. "So…Assemble, and all that?"

Steve sighed heavily. "Right….and all that."


Steve made his way down to the kitchens at 2am.

Sometimes the nightmares got real bad.

Expecting to find the kitchen empty, Steve paused at the sight of the Avengers newest recruit, seated on top of the kitchen island and cradling a bottle in her hands.

"Really?" Steve asked dryly. "Is that the smartest thing to do right now?"

"But..." Maddie looked down at the bottle. "I need it."

Steve, despite himself, chuckled. "If you say so." He turned to the fridge, and after a moment, Maddie spoke.

"You're making a mistake."

For being drunk, her voice sounded suprisingly sober.

"Am I?" Steve turned to face her. "About what?"

"Me." Maddie laughed darkly. "I'm no hero."

"From what I've seen." Steve leaned forward and snatched the bottle from her hand. "You seem pretty heroic to me." He took a long drink from the bottle, then handed it back.

"No." Maddie took a drink of her own. "I was just faking it. I hate people. I'm evil."

"Really." Steve raised an eyebrow, and Maddie sighed.

"No." She admitted. "I was lying."

"No!" Steve pretended to be shocked. Maddie nodded miserably. "I'm no hero. I'm a bum."

Steve tilted his head, watching Maddie finish off the bottle. He reached into a nearby cupboard and pulled out another one.

"I don't think you're a bum," He said softly. Maddie lifted her eyes to his, and for a long moment, Steve was lost. Then Maddie snorted.

"Then you're blind." She reached for the bottle, but Steve held it out of her reach.

"Say you're not a bum," He ordered. Maddie rolled her eyes. "Say it," Steve pressed.

"...I'm not a bum." Maddie said reluctantly. Steve grinned and moved the bottle closer to her. "But this one you have to share," He warned.

Maddie chuckled. "I don't think drinking with my boss at 2am is such a good idea." She nodded. "Bad things will definitely come of this."

Steve shrugged and smiled. "You're not on the clock. You don't have to do the right thing right now."

Maddie raised an eyebrow. "Then neither do you." She took a long swallow then handed to bottle to Steve, who grinned.

"You're right." He agreed.


The next morning Maddie woke up with a hangover and regret. Steve had neither, and when Maddie found out that her boss couldn't get drunk but had still bated her into a drinking contest, she vowed to hate him forever.

Which was a GREAT way to start off their working relationship.


There's chapter one! We get Clint's farm, babies, a Stark farewell, a Maddie hello, and a rivalry formed between Maddie and Steve that will wage chaos among the Avengers!

I'm excited...aren't you?!

Reviews and Follows and Favorites are always appreciated!

~CLC~