I'm soooo sorry I didn't update last night, between getting home late and a major migraine, I just climbed into bed :( but I'm here now with the last update *sighs* I really hope you have all enjoyed this, I loved writing it. The next one shot is already over half way finished, then I will send to my totally awesome beta DevinBourdain, who totally rocks by the way! I'm hopeful it will be posted by January, fingers crossed :)

A huge thanks to all who reviewed this story! Cookies to you all lol - VioletBrock, Guest, Lollypops101, DBhawkguy30, Qweb, Makurayami Ookami, kimbee, sammygirl1963, Manicpanicgirl, Hope06, Anise Nadiah.

Enjoy!


"You were born and with you endless possibilities, very few ever to be realized. It's okay. Life was never about what you could do, but what you would do. "
Richelle E. Goodrich


Clint blinked awake slowly, stretching his back and almost groaning in relief as it cracked. Turning over he noticed he was in his bed. He peeked over the edge of the bed and smiled at the sight of Phil laying on top of his sleeping bag with a thin sheet covering him from the waist down. Barton always thought the agent seemed so relaxed in his sleep, so peaceful amidst all the chaos in their lives. He didn't have the heart to wake him up right now. A quick glance at the clock told him it was still early, too early for him to be up. But the teen could smell food, bacon, if he wasn't mistaken, which he rarely ever was. He was pretty sure he could live on the delicious food for the rest of his life.

Swinging his legs out of the bed, he slipped silently to the floor, tip toeing past the sleeping agent. He stopped to pull the blanket up further, then headed down stairs.

It didn't surprise him that it was Phillip who was awake. He wasn't entirely sure the man actually went to bed.

"Morning Phillip," Clint greeted quietly, not wanting to wake anyone else.

The older man visibly jumped, spinning round to face the teen with surprise etched on his face.

Barton chuckled, giving the older man a sheepish smile. "Sorry, Phil keeps telling me I'm like a creeping Jesus."

Phillip waited until his heart wasn't thundering in his chest, he usually wasn't this jumpy. He'd blame Phil for teaching the kid to be as silent as a ghost. Watching as Clint flopped down on to the nearest chair, the older man slid a plate over. Barton eyed the roll and bacon before arching an eyebrow in question. "You can have that one, I'll make myself another." He held his hand up before Clint could argue. "I was more interested in my cup of coffee, I'm not that hungry anyway."

The teen stared at him for a long moment, his eyes questioning the sincerity in the man's voice. Seemingly satisfied, Clint nodded and took a bite out of the roll.

"I can't believe you're all leaving today." Barton was shocked that it was that time already, the last two days had flown by.

"Yeah, but we can come visit another time. Or you and Phil could come to us, it's entirely up to you." Phillip didn't want to push too much, still the grin he received in answer to his suggestion made him smile.

"That would be cool," Clint replied, wondering again how he felt so at ease with the older man. He was sure it was something to do with the older man's eyes. They were just like Phil's. "Maybe we could come over at Christmas, or something."

Phillip tried to hide the surprise from his face but failed miserably. This trip had definitely gone better than expected. "We would love that." He watched the boy nod in agreement, then take another bite out of his bacon roll.

They sat in comfortable silence for a little while until Clint decided to break it, there was something he had to say. "Thanks for my present, Phillip. It really meant a lot." He ducked his head, looking at the dog tags hidden beneath his shirt. "I'm sorry I didn't say it earlier."

"Don't worry about it kid. I'm just glad you like it." Phillip froze when Clint was suddenly in front of him, hesitantly wrapping his arms around the older man.

"Thanks," he whispered again. Pulling back he made sure he kept his face hidden, not wanting the older man to think any less of him if he cried. Phillip tilted the teens chin up so he could see his face. Silently wiping away the tears that had fallen.

"You're welcome, son."

Clint's intense gaze locked on to the older man. Phillip tried to make his expression as open as he could, willing the boy to see whatever it was he needed before asking the question he obviously had on his mind. It didn't take long. "You and Phil are both really alike. I know that's a stupid thing to say, he's your son after all, though not everyone turns out like their dad." The teen sat down on the recently vacated chair, leaning his elbows on the table with a faraway look on his young face. "I wasn't sure how it seemed so easy for me to relax around you, around everyone actually. It took me a long time to realise that Phil was just a really nice guy, who wanted to help me and didn't want anything in return. I'm still trying to get used to the fact that other people feel the same way."

Phillip squeezed Barton's hand in a comforting gesture. "It's still going to take time Clint. Don't rush anything and don't push yourself. Phil will always want what is best for you, as we all do. You are after all, my grandson."

Clint smirked at the title. Maybe he could do the same for Phillip, he had for Marie. "Grandpa," he said, testing the name with a grin. It felt good to say, and even better to see the beaming smile on the older man's face.

"I think it's time to wake the others." Phillip started heading upstairs, pausing when he saw Phil standing at the top, hidden in the shadows. His son nodded to him, pride and relief that the teen was alright, shining in his brown eyes. The older man returned the gesture, heading into the room he and his wife had been sleeping in over the last two nights.

Coulson walked into the kitchen, a genuine smile on his face when Clint turned and poured him a coffee. "You sleep okay?" Phil asked. He wasn't sure if the teen had a nightmare, there didn't seem to be any of the usual signs visible on the boy's face. Phil moved to stand next to Barton, shoulders touching in their usual show of comfort. The agent was pleased when Clint leaned into him, a bright grin spreading across his features.

"Yeah. Didn't wake up once." Clint frowned at the older man. "Did you sleep okay?"

"Yeah, I was just worried you'd had a nightmare and didn't wake me," Phil replied honestly.

Barton chuckled. "You worry too much, Phil."

The agent huffed. "No I don't. You just bring out that side in me. I found a grey hair today and I'm choosing to blame you for it."

Clint laughed, giving the older man a half shrug. "Are you sure it's not just because you're getting really old?" The teenager ducked under the hand that swiped towards his head with a grin. "Did we not have this conversation a couple of days ago? You need to move quicker than that…old man."

"You're a funny guy," the agent quipped.

"I know, it's a gift."

Phil laughed. "Smart ass." Throwing his arm around the teen, he pulled him close. "I love you son."

"Love you too, dad."


Eventually the rest of the family managed to get themselves out of bed, trudging downstairs like zombies. The smell of fresh coffee being brewed and their breakfast sizzling in the pan, made them look a little livelier. Phil and Clint decided they would serve the breakfast this morning as it was the last day of the family's visit. A plate filled with bacon, eggs, sausage, beans and hash browns was placed in front of each person. Toast was piled high on a plate in the centre of the table, along with the fresh juice.

Clint kept shooting young Tommy side glances. The little blonde boy was unusually quiet this morning and Barton was worried. He nudged Tommy with his elbow, waiting until he had his attention before leaning closer to whisper something in the kid's ear. The younger boy couldn't stop a grin from escaping and nodded at his big cousin.

Trisha and Phil shared a quizzical look, turning to Clint for an explanation. The teen simply shrugged and smiled. This was between him and Tommy.

After they'd finished the dishes were cleaned and put away. Phil's sisters headed up to the rooms to pack their bags and make sure they hadn't left anything. When Coulson shot a questioning look at his mom, she told him she was already organised. Phil chuckled, somehow that didn't surprise him at all.

"Let's not leave it three years this time Phil. Okay?" Marie watched her son's cheeks flush in embarrassment. "I know we can be annoying Phil and its okay to tell us to back off. I always knew you'd be a great dad, that's all I ever wanted for you."

"I know mom." Phil felt like a little kid again. "He's the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Marie nodded. "I can see that. He's a good influence on you, as you are to him."

"Thanks mom."

Their attentions were drawn to a sound Phil was very familiar with. Both walked to the sliding door which would take them into the back garden and stopped as they stepped outside. Clint was on his knees behind Tommy, helping the younger boy grip the bow correctly, while talking him through the motions of firing the weapon. The archer placed his hand over Tommy's right, pulling the arrow back as far as he could. Whispering something into the youngster's ear, Phil and Marie watched in shock as the arrow flew towards the target and made a resounding thwack as it hit. Tommy jumped up and down, raising his hand to his big cousin, high fiving each other in celebration.

The small blonde boy grinned at his uncle and gran. "Did you see that? I did that." His blue eyes were filled with wonder and excitement. He knew it wasn't just anyone that got to hold Clint's bow. His cousin had just informed him as such.

"That was amazing, Tommy." Marie smiled widely, giving her grandson a quick hug before watching him run back inside to tell the others, no doubt. She turned back to the newest member of their family. "That was very nice what you did for him. He's really going to miss you."

Barton folded his bow back into its compact shape. "I think I'm going to miss him too." Looking over at Phil, he wasn't surprised to see the love and pride shining in those brown eyes. "I guess I look at Tommy and think that's what I would have been like if things had been different. If I had a family who loved me every day and who'd never let anyone hurt me."

Phil stepped closer, wrapping his arms around the teen, showing him without words that he was loved, that he wasn't alone anymore. "You have that now kid. We won't let anyone hurt you anymore. I can pretty much guarantee that." He knew he didn't have to specifically say the director's name, Clint would know who he was referring to. The director of SHIELD had a major soft spot for the boy, he was his godson after all. Phil had asked Fury six months ago if he was willing. Nick had stared at his agent with an unreadable expression, then smiled and said, "I thought you'd never ask."

Marie was suddenly behind Clint, her hand resting on the back of his neck. She squeezed gently then pulled him into a hug, surprised that he didn't resist at being pulled away from Phil. She embraced him tightly, smiling when he squeezed back. They separated and headed back inside. It was time to get their bags into the cars.


The older woman watched as Clint leaned casually into Phil's side as they stepped into the living room. Seeing the relaxed posture made her very happy. She'd always said Phil would make a great dad, but right now she would admit she hadn't realised how truly amazing he'd be. To see the trust and unwavering loyalty the teen showed her son, made her the happiest mom in the world. Phil had never been one to show his emotions, but when he did find a reason to, he gave everything he had: his love, trust, patience, loyalty and happiness. Clint had managed to get the agent to give everything away the first time they'd met. Coulson just hadn't realised it then.

Sandra, Trisha and the girls joined them in the living room. "Everything packed?" Trisha's question was directed towards her mom.

The older woman nodded. "Yes, we had everything packed this morning." Marie smiled at her granddaughters. "Are you going to say thank you to your Uncle Phil for letting us stay?"

Fiona and Rachel nodded. "Thank you Uncle Phil," they said in unison. Both of them ran over to Coulson and gave him a hug. "We're going to miss you." Then they glanced at their big cousin who was standing watching the exchange with a grin. The teenager had no time to prepare himself, the twins rushed over to him and embraced him too. Tugging on his hand, they pulled him down to their level, planting a kiss on each cheek. "We'll miss you too, Clint."

Barton's face flushed crimson. "Uh yeah, you too…."

Phil chuckled. He loved seeing Clint embarrassed, the kid's face lit up like a beacon. Turning to his mom, the agent leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek. "Bye mom. I promise I won't leave it so long next time." Turning to his dad he stuck his hand out.

Phillip scoffed, shoving the hand away and pulled his son into a warm embrace. "Bye son. Take care of yourself, and your boy."

"I will dad," promised Phil.

Everyone made their way outside, the trunks were filled once again with suitcases. The agent turned to Clint and saw him crouched down in front of Tommy. The younger boy had tears welling up in his eyes. It surprised Phil when Clint wiped the tears away and pulled the youngster into a hug. Whispering something to the little blonde boy, Phil saw the kid's face light up and accept whatever it was Barton passed on to him. Not sure what it was, Coulson stepped closer. When he saw what it was the younger boy had gripped tightly in his hand, he couldn't help but shoot Clint an approving smile. Trust his boy to give away something that meant a lot to him. It was an arrowhead, the tip was blunt now so Tommy wouldn't hurt himself with it. Barton had been talking about making it into a necklace. It didn't look like that was going to happen now. The beaming smile coming from Tommy was enough to make Clint aware he'd made the right decision.

"Take care of him Clint." Phillip gripped Barton's shoulder lightly, smiling brightly. "Someone has to keep him in line."

The teen chuckled. "I'll do my best, grandpa." Surprised how easily it rolled off his tongue.

Phillip grinned happily. "I know you will, son." Embracing the boy tightly, he was pleased when Clint squeezed back.

"It was great finally meeting you Clint," Sandra told him as they headed towards the cars on the driveway.

"You too."

"Stay safe, okay. And keep in touch," Trisha added, nodded her head towards Tommy who was still staring at the gift in his hands.

Clint smiled, nodding. "I will."

Phil slung his arm around the teens' shoulder, watching as his family got in their cars, made sure everyone was belted up before pulling away. They beeped their horns as they drove out of the street, signalling their departure. Clint leaned into Phil's side, his head resting on the older man's shoulder. They shot each other a grin, then headed back inside.

Once the door shut behind them, Barton headed into the kitchen. Opening the fridge his eyes searched for whatever it was he was after, then brightened when he spotted the single can of Pepsi.

Phil arched an eyebrow at the teen. It wasn't often the kid drank fizzy juice. "You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah. Just needed a sugar rush." Leaning against the counter, Clint smiled at his guardian. "So is it going to be like that every time?" The blonde boy's expression was one of genuine curiosity.

Phil laughed lightly, sitting down on the nearest stool. "Probably. Next time you'll get to meet Jess and her twin boys, Brian and Lewis."

Clint nodded absently, his gaze focused on the bag still sitting next to the sofa. The bag of presents he still hadn't opened. "I guess I still need to open them?" he gestured toward the bag.

Coulson smiled sadly, he knew the boy still didn't think he deserved anything. It was obvious that he still needed to work on that with the teen. Phil knew that because of the kid's time spent on the streets, Clint was just happy to have a roof over his head and clothes on his back. He didn't need anything other than that. "Only when you're ready Clint. I promise for your birthday next year, it will be relatively normal."

"And what is a normal birthday?" asked the teenager, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Phil stared at his boy for a few seconds then burst out laughing. "You know, I have no idea. But we'll find out together."

"Sounds good to me, Phil."

The agent slid off the stool, making his way over to the couch and flopped down on to the comfortable cushions. Clint followed, dropping down next to him and resting his feet on the table.

Silence settled over them and for a moment Phil thought Barton had fallen asleep. He realised they were both just enjoying the quiet, the comfortable silence was familiar to them. Clint leaned his head on Phil's shoulder, showing once again the trust he had for the man with the simple gesture.

"What did Nick say to you Clint?" Coulson had been wondering over the past day what the Director had said to help the boy visibly relax, to make him more comfortable with Phil's family.

Clint smirked but didn't bother moving his head from the older man's shoulder. "He said I'd get to turn the tables when it came to their birthdays, show them how much I care about them. Plus it's nearly Christmas, so there's that too." He finally lifted his head and smiled warmly at Phil. "They're my family now, right?"

Phil nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat, the love and sincerity he saw clearly in those expressive blue eyes was almost overwhelming. "Yeah."

"Phil?"

"Yeah Clint?"

"When's Nick's birthday?"

Coulson chuckled in amusement. "March twenty-first."

The teen nodded, biting his lip in thought. "When's Molly's?"

This time the agent turned to him with a raised eyebrow. "What makes you think I know all their birthdays?"

Clint just stared.

Phil sighed. "June thirtieth."

Barton suddenly jumped up, raced up the stairs two at a time then came back down a minute later holding his note-book in his hand. He flopped back down on the sofa. "So that's Nick and Molly. What about Sam?"

Coulson smiled and told him their friend and doctor's birthday. The agent gave Clint everyone else's birth date as he asked for them. The list got quite big and Phil had a feeling that everyone would be getting many gifts from the teen to show them just how much he cared for them. His experienced eyes noticed someone missing from the list.

"What about me? You don't have mine written down."

Clint stared at the older man with his most innocent expression. "You have me. What else could you possibly need?"

Phil frowned. "Well it would be nice to be given a choice." Smiling at the fake hurt look Barton shot him, his hand held over his heart. "I'm kidding. Although I think it's unfair that I'm not on the list."

The teen flipped back to the first page, holding it up slightly so the older man couldn't see. He was hesitant and it put Phil on edge, he'd never seen the kid this nervous with him in a while. The note book was suddenly thrust towards Phil; he frowned at his boy before reading what was on the page. It was Clint's scribbled hand writing, and it had Phil's name at the top with 'world's best dad', Phil's birthday, Clint's birthday, their home address. There were other things written all over the page but the one that stood out was at the bottom. Phil had to blink back tears that threatened to fall.

Clint Barton. Clint Barton Coulson. Clint Coulson Barton.

It was written many times, in different orders. Some with his middle name added to it.

Phil's brown eyes locked on to Clint's. "You want to change your name?" the words came out in more of a whisper than he would have liked, but Barton smiled sadly at him, seeing how much this was affecting the man.

"I was thinking about it. You are my dad now. I also thought it might make things weird in SHIELD, especially if I was to become an agent. That's why I was thinking more of changing it to Clint Coulson Barton." He blinked shyly. "Is that okay?"

Phil beamed, pulling the boy into his arms. "Of course it is son. I'd be honoured if you took my name."

Barton nodded, his own beaming smile brightening up the room. "Can I open the other presents?" he asked, his eyes locked on to the bag next to Phil.

"Yeah, they are yours son. You sure you're okay?" The agent hated seeing the kid when he had an episode. It didn't happen too often now though, which was a very good thing. Watching as your son struggles to breathe is something Phil will never get used to seeing.

"Yeah, I'm good."

Pulling the bag over, Clint proceeded to open his presents from his Aunt Jessica. There was a variety of clothes, games and a Nerf gun which made Clint's eyes light up in excitement. Phil was just happy that this weapon was for kids and not an actual weapon. He knew he only had himself to blame, but the look of pure joy that crossed the kid's face when he fired his bow made up for the fact his boy was deadly with a weapon at the age of fourteen.

Both of them rested back against the soft cushions, sighing in contentment at the peace and quiet which has settled through the house. Barton couldn't wait until Christmas, his mind already conjuring up idea's for what to get everyone. He'd make sure it was their best present ever, making it a challenge for himself and if there was something that the young archer was well known for it was never backing down from a challenge.

Phil nudged him slightly, his brown eyes watching him carefully. "Happy birthday Clint."

"Thanks Phil."

Clint and the older man made themselves comfortable, turning on the television Phil passed the remote to the teen to pick whatever he wanted to watch. He flicked through the channels before stopping at something called, My Super Sweet Sixteen. They watched all of five minutes before the fourteen year old promptly switched the TV off with a huff.

"Jeez, we thought the kids in Super Nanny were bad. Joe really has to have words with those kid parents. Spoilt brats. Who gets a car for their sixteenth birthday? Can they even drive at that age?" Clint was on a roll now, spending the next fifteen minutes bitching about how easy the kids on the show got things, and how they still managed to moan about every little thing.

Phil chuckled quietly to himself. He loved his kid so damn much. Throwing his arm around the teen and planting a kiss on his head. Barton glared at the older man, smoothing down his short hair theatrically, like it had just been messed up. Coulson was pretty sure the teen would be a good actor, his playful side coming out in force when he wanted it to. The agent couldn't wait to find out more about the kid, and he was certain that over the next few years he was going to see a different side of Clint entirely. The teen had been hiding behind the wall he'd erected to protect himself for a long time, and while bits of the wall had started to crumble with Phil showing the boy how to trust, to love and be happy. The agent was positive that the barrier Clint had built was almost gone now and the teen would finally be able to trust, love and be happy without Phil's constant prodding.

He was sure that when the time came, everyone would know who Clint Coulson Barton was.

Phil was just happy to have front row seats to the best show in town.

It was going to be one hell of a ride.

The End.


The next one shot is about Clint staying with Nick Fury as Phil is on assignment longer than expected. What will the director do to keep the teen entertained?