The ride back to the compound was mostly quiet. It made sense with everything that happened and yet it was still unnatural. Nat had known Clint for so long and they had grown so close and yet she had never seen him so quiet before. Even when things were bad he would usually get angry and yell or if he was sad he would mumble but here he was just silent, and it worried her out of her mind. Having had enough of her friend's silence, Nat turned the jet on auto-pilot and walked over to where he was sat with his head in his hands.

"Hey, you doing ok?" she questioned carefully.

All she got in reply was a few mumbles and the sound of Clint failing to hold back a sob. Instinctively, Nat pulled him into a hug and began reassuring him.

"It's ok. Well get them back I promise. It'll get better. "she repeated over and over again while he cried into her shoulder.

Eventually Clint ran out of tears and lifted his head up to look at Nat" sorry." He mumbled quietly.

"don't apologies idiot, your allowed to cry." Nat said in a joking tone she only used around the man.

"not just that…sorry for not helping or checking in…" he hung his head low while he spoke, and Nat almost missed his words.

"its fine, just don't do it again you worried me."

"ok…thanks"

They sat for a few hours in a more relaxed silence and eventually Clint fell asleep. When they reached New York, Nat slide out from her seat careful not to disturb Clint and took back control of the jet leading it down to the compounds landing bay.

Once it was parked Nat stood considering what to do. She could tell Clint needed sleep but also wanted to get him into the compound. It was decided what to do when she could see Steve walking towards the jet. She snuck off and intercepted him before he reached the jet.

"NAT" Steve yelled jumping in surprise. Nat promptly put her hand over his mouth looking back at the jet. Worry seeping into her usual calm face.

"quiet. I need your help." Those words along with the look on her face had Steve worried.

"Nat what wrong? What's happened? Do I need to get Bruce? Or tony? Or both? How about I- "Steve began to ramble as he nervously moved from foot to foot.

"no everyone's fine Steve. Relax. I just need you to carry Clint to his room for me. He needs the sleep, but I can't leave him there."

Upon hearing this Steve relaxed but when it sunk in he became worried again. why did he need the sleep? Why was he here? What was going on?

He decided it was best for him to keep his questions to himself and just motioned for Nat to lead the way.

When Steve saw Clint he understood why Nat didn't want to wake him. Even while asleep he looked exhausted. Like he hadn't slept in days. Steve couldn't help but stare at how different and weak the man looked now until Nat bumped his arm and he moved forwards and picked up Clint with ease.

Carrying Clint to his room was an easy task for Steve. Clint didn't weigh much anyway but with the way he's been after the snap he's lighter than ever, so Steve could get him to his room quickly. Not before coming across a few avenger who gave them odd looks but kept their mouths shut due to Nat's glare. Ones lint was placed in his bed, they both left the room and Steve opened his mouth to ask Nat what was going on only for her to speak first.

"ill explain it to everyone at once. Just give me a minuet. "she said and swiftly headed off to her own room leaving Steve confused in the hallway.

Once she was in her room nat fell to the floor and cried. Cried over the loss of her close friend and the children. Over the pain her best friend has and is in. And cried over the daunting task she had just committed to. Si she sat and cried and cried for what felt like hours until she gained control of herself again. still feeling sad, she got up and changed into more comfortable, relaxed clothes, washed her face to hide her previous tears and left her room to gather the others and explain what had happened while she was away.

Thank you for the reviews they are really motivating.I have decided to carry on this story but please bear with me this Is my first time writing for this fandom and I'm not very good at multi chapter fics.

Any ideas are welcome and if you see any mistakes please let me know since this hasn't been beta read.

Thank you for reading and hope you enjoyed.