A/N: First Day of classes in college! wooooooo! so i am back to updating my readers! Dont forget to review!
Chapter 10
He had grown tired of waiting. He had been watching the Avengers from a far for months; quietly plotting his next move.
He knew what he wanted to do; he wanted to make Barton pay.
His feud was no longer with Thor, but with the archer. He had been the one flaw in his plan to end the Avengers.
The archer had heart, which was the problem.
He had not known how to fully control a person with such a heart, nor had he planned for Romanoff's involvement.
But now the two assassins were not his direct targets; no, he had found a common weakness between the two.
Their daughter…
The problem was getting to the child. Stark had tightened security on the Tower so just waltzing in like before was not an option. Secondly, at any given moment there were at least two Avengers in the Tower. Taking them on by himself was definitely not an option.
He had to draw them away from the Tower…but how?
Then it dawned on him.
He was the only thing that would get them all to leave. Now all he had to do was get captured by S.H.I.E.L.D. and then the game would begin.
Natasha had come to love these group breakfasts on Fridays. It felt like they were one big family. Clint also seemed to enjoy making breakfast for them. He had perfected making large quantities of pancakes in a short amount of time. Phil even showed up from time to time. It was just one moment in the entire week where everyone was relaxed and happy and happy at the same time.
However, this morning seemed to be off.
The table that was usually filled with chatter was silent. The outside reflected the dreary mood with overcast skies threatening rain. Phil had also not shown up. His chair sat awkwardly empty at the table.
Steve had already taken Anya and Lida to school because they had some early event happening.
So the only kid present was Lucy, who was also quieter than usual.
Once the breakfast was finished, Bruce silently collected the plates and began to clean up. Natasha looked at Pepper who off the red head a comforting smile.
"It was good, Clint," Pepper spoke up.
"Thanks, I was beginning to wonder because everyone was so quiet," Clint said.
"It's just one of those days, I guess," Tony mumbled stretching in his seat.
The elevator opened up and revealed a distressed looking Phil.
"I need you guys to come in…all of you," he said.
"For what? What's wrong?" Steve asked.
"It's Loki," Phil sighed.
"I can't leave Lucy," Natasha said quickly.
"I'll watch her Nat. We'll sit in her room where she's safe," Pepper said.
Natasha looked at Clint, worry etched all over her face.
"She'll be safer here than on the Helicarrier," Clint said softly.
"When do we leave?" Tony asked.
"In 10 minutes," Phil replied.
Pepper stood up and held her arms out to take Lucy.
"Go get ready, I've got her," she assured Natasha.
Natasha held Lucy close to her chest in haling her scent.
She gave her a kiss on the top of her head and held her back slightly to meet her gaze.
"Okay, you be good for Auntie Pepper. Mommy loves you very much," Natasha said to the little girl.
Clint now stood at her side and took Lucy into his own arms. He squeezed her tight and peppered kisses on the top of her head.
"Be good, Lu. Daddy loves you too," he mumbled before handing Lucy over reluctantly to Pepper.
He turned to Natasha, who looked like she was about to burst into tears. This would be the first time both of them went back into the field and left Lucy.
He took her hand and quickly led her to the elevator and up to their floor. He took her to the armory and began to strip out of his normal clothing. He reached for his uniform and watched Natasha do the same out of the corner of his eye.
Natasha paused, her hands shaking over the zipper of her suit. She felt two hands cover her own and finish pulling the zipper up. She looked up at Clint, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Clint…" she whispered.
"I know, Tasha. It hurts, but they need us too," Clint replied.
"She needs us more," Natasha mumbled.
"I know…but Loki is the threat. Going after Loki is protecting Lucy. Let's get this over with so we can come back home and cuddle with the beautiful little girl," Clint murmured kissing Natasha's forehead.
The two pulled apart and pulled on their tactical gear and weapons.
They found Shadow sitting outside the door to the armory looking alert.
Clint gently scratched the top of the dog's head, "Keep an eye on Lucy for us, girl."
Shadow gave a low whine and followed them to the elevator. Natasha sighed and turned away from the dog. She was just another thing that she had to leave.
The Helicarrier was much colder than what Natasha was used to. The Tower had become home. As Phil led them through the maze of halls to the assembly room, Natasha felt as if the metal walls were closing in around her. Everything was so foreign, so cold, and so hard.
Director Fury was waiting at the head of the table, his hands folded neatly in front of him.
The Avengers took their seats and waited for the Director to begin.
"I am sorry to call you all in, but I'm afraid the matter is serious," Fury said.
"Loki," Steve answered nodding at the Director.
"Yes, Captain Rodgers, Loki. I am extremely concerned about the manner in which he decided to reveal himself. He walked right into our arms," Fury explained.
"He just gave up? That is not like Loki," Thor said.
"Which is why I am concerned. Last time he had Barton waiting to take us down so we must proceed with caution," Fury continued.
"Let me talk to him," Clint spoke up.
"You are not talking to him alone," Natasha hissed glaring at her husband.
"Fine, let us talk to him. He attacked my family so I must be one of his targets now, for whatever reason," Clint said.
Fury sighed and looked at Phil, "Fine, but Agent Coulson will keep an eye on you two from a far."
Phil nodded and motioned for Natasha and Clint to follow him.
The Handler and two assassins walked towards the detention area together.
"Just like old times," Clint mumbled.
"It better not be. I can't pull one of you away any more if you decide to rip this guy's head off," Phil chuckled.
"Would you really want to pull us away?" Natasha asked.
Phil was quiet for a moment, "No."
They reached the detention level and stopped. "He's right in there. Be good," Phil said opening the door.
Clint and Natasha stepped in trying not to flinch when the door closed behind them.
"Well if it isn't the Bartons," Loki breathed looking up at the two.
Natasha shifted her shoulders as a chill ran down her spine. The last time she spoke to Loki still rang through her mind.
"Loki," Clint growled stiffening his own posture.
"No need for aggression, Agent Barton. You came to me, not the other way around," Loki said smoothly.
"What do you want?" Natasha hissed her voice faltering ever so slightly.
The corner of Loki's mouth turned up in a smile.
"I just wish to talk, that is all. How was the wedding for you two?" Loki continued.
The two stayed quiet. Natasha watched Clint tighten his jaw.
"I'm sure it was just wonderful. It's great you got to make up with your brother, Agent Barton. All those stories you told me about how he hurt you so. I am surprised you took him back at all." Loki said standing up.
Natasha and Clint stood firm in their spot a good five feet away from the glass.
"The things you do for family I guess," Clint replied gruffly.
Loki chuckled, "Family…"
"I highly doubt Thor would do the same for you now," Natasha mocked.
Loki's eyes flashed for a moment before he regained his calm demeanor.
"Thor is the least of my concerns. I find your little family far more intriguing," Loki replied with a smirk.
Natasha stiffened.
"How is it that two assassins, who live in the world of liars and killers and lie and kill when ordered to, have managed to form a perfect little world? How is it that two ledgers that are gushing red are able to be wiped clean with one act? How is it that those two murderous beings are able to create such a precious little child amongst all the pain and blood?" Loki mocked.
Natasha saw red. She was up against the glass in a matter of seconds, slamming her fist into it. She felt her knuckles crack and the skin break as the glass splintered.
"If you lay a hand on her, I will rip your throat out with my bare hands," Natasha growled.
Loki chuckled, "Such the protective one. Tell me Natasha, do you think your child is safe now?"
Natasha's eyes went wide in horror as Loki's words sunk in. She wheeled around to Clint whose expression mirrored her own.
"She'll make a great trophy," Loki breathed before his image shimmered away leaving the two agents in silence.
Pepper set Lucy down into her crib with a few of her toys. She took refuge in the rocking chair while Shadow laid down at her feet. Lucy looked at Pepper through the bars of her crib, confused on what was going.
"Pep?" Lucy called out reached her hand through the bars opening and closing her fist.
"It's okay, baby, you just need to stay in there for a while. I know it's not bed time." Pepper replied sweetly.
Lucy sighed and turned her attention to her stuffed animals. Pepper relaxed back into the chair rubbing her growing stomach softly.
The twins were not sitting still at all. It was as if all the children knew something was wrong.
Pepper looked down at Shadow who had her eyes fixed on the little girl in the crib. The dog was extremely protective of Lucy. She wouldn't leave the red head's side for more than a few moments.
Pepper closed her eyes for a moment. She hadn't gotten a full night of sleep for a while and the rocking chair was too tempting. As hard as she fought it, sleep eventually won.
Lucy glanced up from her toys to look at Pepper. She saw that her eyes were closed which concerned her.
"Pep?" she called out softly.
Pepper didn't reply.
Lucy let out a low frustrated sigh and looked down at Shadow. She stretched her hand out to the dog who immediately got up and walked over to her. Shadow nudged Lucy's hand with her muzzle showing her affection. She sat down next to the crib, letting Lucy lace her fingers through her thick fur.
Lucy hummed softly as she stroked the dog's fur.
There was a small thump outside the door that caused Shadow's ears to perk up. Lucy pulled her hand back into the crib, training her eyes on the door.
The door slowly opened to reveal a shadowy figure. Shadow growled, taking a defensive stance in front of Lucy. The figure produced a long staff and touched Shadow's head with the tip.
The dog immediately sunk to the floor, unmoving.
Lucy whimpered, fear flooding her senses.
"Do not worry, little one. Your pet is still alive," the figure said.
He peered into the crib, his figure looming over Lucy ominously.
Lucy whined a little, her eyes darting to Pepper who was a still sleep.
"She will be fine too," the figured said following the girl's gaze.
He reached down into the crib and hoisted Lucy out into his arms. He held her out away from his body observing her like she was some new creature.
He glanced down at the crib and smiled when he noticed the security system that had been installed. It had obviously been turned off.
He brought Lucy closer and balanced her on his hip as he looked around.
Lucy stared up at him with wide eyes, not understanding who this new person was.
He looked back down at the little girl in his arms and smiled, "Let's have a bit of fun now, shall we?"
Natasha's body felt numb. Her limbs were moving on their own accord as her legs took her back out to the assembly room. She shoved whoever got in her way into the walls, not caring.
Lucy was in trouble. Lucy was in trouble. That was all her mind was screaming.
She knew Clint was right own her heels the entire time.
She practically collapsed on top of the table from the momentum from her run.
"It was a decoy! Loki! He's not here!" She exclaimed trying to catch her breath.
"What do you mean a decoy?" Fury hissed getting to his feet.
"It is one of his tricks," Thor explained.
"He knows about Lucy! He…He's….He's going after her!" Natasha sobbed. She hadn't realized that she had started crying. She furiously wiped away the tears that streamed down her cheeks.
Clint came to her side, placing his hand on her shoulder.
"We need to move now!" Clint said forcefully.
"Agent Hill! Move our location to Stark Tower immediately! Full Speed!" Fury barked into his comm link.
They followed Fury to the bridge preparing to confront Loki.
"Sir, we have a bird taking off from the roof of Stark Tower," Hill called out from her station.
"Well take it down!" Fury growled.
"NO!" Clint bellowed.
"Excuse me?" Fury hissed turning on Clint.
"MY DAUGHTER COULD BE IN THERE! I WILL NOT LET YOU SHOOT IT OUT OF THE SKY!" Clint yelled.
Fury was in front of the archer in a moment, drawn up to his full height, towering over him.
"Do you want Loki dead?" Fury asked in a low threatening voice.
"Sir, we're going to lose the target," Hill warned as she watched the Quinjet begin to stabilize in the air.
"Answer me, Barton!" Fury hissed.
"Yes, I want Loki dead, but not at the cost of my daughter," Clint replied firmly.
"Sir I started a scan, only one aboard so far," Hill called out.
"Take it down," Fury ordered.
"NO! The scan's not done!" Natasha protested trying to get down to the gun control area.
Natasha was held back by a few agents, one who got an elbow to the eye in protest. Steve looked at Tony, Thor, and Bruce for help. They couldn't just stand there.
"Fury, Natasha's right the scan's not done," Tony called out taking a few steps closer. An agent grabbed him by the arm and he quickly swatted it away.
"Give it time, please, Director," Bruce pleaded.
"I've got the shot. I'm taking it! Take that bird down now!" Fury ordered.
All hell broke loose.
The Avengers watched in horror as the Quinjet was hit and burst into flames. Natasha felt all the air escape her lungs. She could faintly hear Clint yell in anger. He lashed out on the nearest agent that tried to restrain him, sending him flying over the railing and onto the hard floor.
Tony and Steve took on Fury, fighting the Director verbally on his decision. Thor and Bruce stood back in shock.
Natasha felt herself slip down to her knees as she watched the jet burn and fall to roof, smoke spiraling up into the sky.
She numbly searched for her phone on her belt, shaking as she dialed Pepper's number.
"Mmmm, Hello?" Pepper answered.
"Pepper, do you have Lucy?" Natasha breathed.
She could hear Pepper's breathing speed up. "She's right…no, no, no, no, no! She was right here! Oh my God! Natasha she's gone! The dog is down too! Oh my God! What have I done?" Pepper sobbed.
Natasha dropped the phone and fell back onto her feet. She grabbed handfuls of her hair and dragged her head down to knees sobbing.
"No…No…No…No…" she whispered as her heart shattered.
