A/N: I finally got Fanfiction to work with me and actually get this chapter up...so the fun continues! I'm working on the next chapter when I'm on break at work so its coming along :)
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After changing into a pair of jeans and t-shirt, Lucy found herself being dragged down some New York street sandwiched between Lida and Anya.
"Are we freaking you out?" Lida asked.
"I've just been going with the flow," Lucy replied.
"That's pretty much all you can do," Anya said stopping at a hot dog vendor.
The three girls ordered then took their food over into the shade of one of the large trees in the park.
"Where are we?" Lucy asked sitting down cross legged.
"This is Central Park. One of my favorite places to go in New York,
Lida replied sitting down next to Lucy.
"Why's that?" Lucy asked then took a bite of her hotdog.
"I like to paint the landscapes," Lida said with a smile.
"Cool," Lucy said.
The three ate their food in silence, just listening to the birds and people around them. Once they finished, Lida gathered the trash slipped away then plopped back down.
"So I bet you're wondering why we stole you away from your parents for the day?" Lida asked.
"Sort of?" Lucy chuckled
"Your mother is very special to both of us," Anya started.
"You two came from the Red Room too, she told me that," Lucy said.
"Yes, we did. She was a light of hope in a dark tunnel," Anya continued. "We got to watch you grow from the very beginning. If I'd say so myself, we were a little fond of you."
"A little? Ha I came up with your nickname. I used to sneak out of my room and go to Natalia's cell and snuggle with her. I loved watching and feeling you move. IO know it sounds creepy," Lida said.
"Actually its not. So you two were like my sisters," Lucy said.
Lida lit up, "Yes, it killed us when you disappeared." She frowned slightly at the end.
"What happened to my mom when she was captured? I know she's never going to tell me, but I want to know. I want to understand," Lucy said softly looking down at her hands.
Lida looked to Anya nervously.
"Loki was not the first one to want to take you away from her," Anya began. "I'm going to tell you everything if that is okay? Perhaps this will help you understand why your parents have acted the way they have."
Lucy nodded and leaned back on her hands.
"When your mother was captured, she did not know she was pregnant. The leader of the program, Ivan Petrovitch, discovered that she was. Keep in mind, Natalia was only about 17 weeks along so she wasn't showing much."
"Why do you call her Natalia?" Lucy interrupted.
"It's the Russian version of Natasha," Lida answered.
Lucy nodded, "Oh okay."
"After she learned she was pregnant, Natalia panicked. Petrovitch enjoyed watching her squirm. His plan was to break her, take you, and lure in Clint to kill him as well. Clint had taken Natalia away from Petrovitch and he didn't like that very much. She was his prize possession. He made her train us. I fought her and managed to land one blow. Unfortunately it was to her stomach. Petrovitch was furious. He lunged at me and Natalia protected me. After that Lida and I frequently visited her. She would walk us through defense moves and tell us stories about her time at SHIELD."
"You kept her spirits up I'm sure," Lucy commented.
Anya smiled, "Not just her spirits, but ours too. She became the mother we desperately craved. Neither of us remembered our parents. Eventually the time came when my first mission came up."
Lucy watched Anya tense slightly as she readjusted her legs.
"I went to Natalia terrified. I was only 12 years old and was being sent to kill a man. She told me that I was strong and not to be afraid. I completed the mission and went back to her. I still can't get the image of that man's bloody body out of my mind. I stayed with Natalia that night terrified because I knew I had messed up. I hadn't completed the mission in the allowed amount of time. I knew I was going to be punished for that. The next morning Petrovitch found me and took both myself and Natalia to be whipped."
Anya paused and looked down, "She took the punishment for me. I only got one lash, she got four. When Lida and I went to check on her afterwards, we found her on the ground bleeding. I thought she had lost you," Anya said softly. "But she didn't, you were okay. Lida and I made our visits a little less often. One day we managed to sneak Natalia out to call Clint. Everything was looking better until Petrovitch got drunk. It wasn't some rare event, but this time he was pretty fair gone," Anya took a deep breath. "He raped me; told me I would never be as good as Natalia. Never be as beautiful."
"I went and got Natalia. Being the badass she is, she took out the guards nearly 7 months pregnant and took Anya back to her cell," Lida said.
Lucy smiled slightly picturing her mother pregnant and snapping some man's neck.
"A couple of days later, the Avengers came." Lida said smiling brightly.
"That's when we met Clint. He gave me the GPS to lead us girls out to the Quinjet and him and Anya went after Petrovitch."
"fighting with your father was quiet the experience. He took Petrovitch out and ran to be with you," Anya said smiling. "You were very small when you were born. Tony tried to hold you but that didn't work out so well. Steve took you while Natalia dressed and you almost immediately stopped crying. You liked everyone, especially Phil. After we got to the Helicarrier, my father Bruce, adopted me and Steve adopted Lida," Anya finished.
"I can't believe my mother went through all that just to have me taken away a year later," Lucy mumbled.
"That's why they are somewhat clingy and over the top," Lida explained.
"What happened to them after I was taken?" Lucy asked not really knowing whether she wanted to know or not.
"It wasn't pretty. They both were extremely depressed. We all were. It wasn't until the twins were born did things start to look up. About two months before they were born it got to the lowest point," Lida said glancing to Anya.
"Natalia tried to kill herself," Anya said softly.
Lucy felt her heart drop. Her mother had tried to commit suicide all because she thought her daughter was dead.
"I stopped her. I begged her to not give up on the hope you were still alive," Lida said.
"I'm glad you did," Lucy said meeting Lida's gaze.
"We better head back," Anya said with a sigh.
The other two girls nodded in agreement and stood up, dusting off their pants.
As they walked back to the Tower, Lida pulled Lucy back a couple of paces behind Anya.
"I know that is a lot to think about," she said softly.
"It's a lot but I wanted to know," Lucy replied.
"Your parents are amazing and have never ever stopped loving you. Indulge them," Lida chuckled.
"I have been," Lucy said with a smile.
"One more thing. What's up with you and my brother?" Lida asked with a sly grin.
Lucy felt her face flush slightly. "He just offered to hang out."
Lida laughed, "He's a good boy, very talented. You'd have fun hanging out with him."
"Glad I have your approval," Lucy joked as they boarded the elevator.
Lida pulled Lucy into a hug once they reached the Barton's floor.
"I'm glad you're back," she whispered before pulling away.
Lucy looked to Anya to say goodbye, not expecting a hug from her. But she was proved wrong, when Anya wrapped her arms around her closer.
"I'm glad you are alive. You don't know it but you are so loved by everyone here," Anya whispered before giving Lucy a peck on the cheek and backing away.
Lucy stepped out of the elevator and smiled at the two, "I'll see you guys later."
Once the doors closed, Lucy sighed and went to find Shadow.
She found the dog curled up in her room on her bed. Lucy smiled and lay down next to her and started stroking her fur. Shadow opened her eyes to see who was touching her then sighed and closed them again. After a few minutes, she heard the jingle of keys and footsteps down the hall.
She got up and raced to her doorway peering out. She found her mother walking towards her with a look of annoyance on her face. Once she spotted her daughter the expression changed to relief and joy.
"Hey you're back," Natasha said pausing at the doorway.
Lucy looked at her mother, a flood of emotion washing over her. All at once she felt sad for her, thankful for her, and love for her. She lunged forward and wrapped her arms around Natasha's neck, burying her face into her shoulder.
"I love you," Lucy mumbled as her eyes teared up. Natasha held her daughter close resting her cheek on her head, her own eyes beginning to blur with tears.
"I love you too, always have always will," She replied kissing the top of her head.
Clint came down the hall and stopped at the two hugging. Lucy looked up and held her arm out to him; gesturing for him to join in. Clint smiled and walked forward wrapping his arms around bother of them. The three stood like this for a bit, just enjoying each other's company. Suddenly there was a loud grumble causing them to break apart. Clint looked down and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "Yeah I guess we should eat."
"Obviously," Natasha chuckled rolling her eyes.
"What are we having?" Lucy asked leaning against the door frame.
"Let's just order a pizza. I don't feel like cooking." Clint said pulling out his cell phone.
As he ordered, Natasha turned to Lucy.
"So did you have a good time with the girls?" she asked.
"Yeah, we talked about you two," Lucy replied.
Natasha frowned slightly, her heart jumping up into her throat. "What'd you guys talk about?" she asked keeping calm.
"They told me about you being captured and Dad coming to rescue us," Lucy replied trying to read her mother's reaction.
Natasha sighed, "What do you think about all of that?"
"Honestly, I think it's amazing what you did. You kept us both alive and saved all those girls," Lucy replied.
"In that way, I guess it was amazing. I wouldn't call myself amazing," Natasha said softly.
Lucy gave her a questioning look.
"One day, I'll explain, but not today," Natasha said with a hint of sadness in her tone.
"Alright pizza will be here in 20," Clint said.
"I'm gonna shower real quick, okay?" Lucy said.
"Okay, we'll call you when it gets here," Clint replied with a smile.
Lucy smiled back and crossed to the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Clint watched Natasha's posture visibly slumped as she continued to their room. He followed and watched her collapse on her back on the bed. He sat down next to her reaching out and touching her hand. They heard the shower start up, breaking the silence.
"Tasha," Clint whispered rubbing his thumb over the top of her hand.
Natasha took a deep breath, "They told her about when I was pregnant."
Clint could see the tears gather in the corners of her eyes. He frowned and squeezed her hand.
"I'm not mad at them, its just…" Natasha sighed struggling to find her words.
"You weren't ready to go down that road," Clint said softly.
Natasha drew in a shaky breath, "Nope," she squeaked.
Clint watched a single tear slid down her cheek. He sighed and lay down next to her pulling her into his arms, against his chest.
"Oh Nat, its okay," he murmured into her hair.
"She thinks we're these awesome people, but God, she doesn't even know about how many people we've murdered," Natasha breathed.
"I have a feeling that she's not going to really care, Nat," Clint replied.
"Oh?" she asked sniffling slightly.
"She just loves us. If you just love someone enough, you look past all of that," Clint explained.
Natasha caught on to his double meaning. Both of them had looked past each other's dripping ledgers and loved each other for who they are.
They laid there in silence till they heard the water shut off.
As if on cue, Clint's phone rang announcing the arrival of dinner. Clint kissed Natasha softly before heading to go retrieve the food. Natasha shuffled out to the kitchen and pulled out paper plates for each of them. Lucy came in with Shadow on her heels and took a seat at the counter. She already wore her pajamas and her hair braided down her back.
Clint came in and set the pizza down before slipping into the chair next to Lucy. The three dug in, devouring almost the entire pizza. Clint tossed the crust to Shadow who happily munched away.
"Why'd you guys get a dog?" Lucy asked suddenly.
"I had a dog when I was a kid. Your mother actually suggested it. Every kid needs a dog," Clint replied.
"I really like her," Lucy giggled offering her crust to Shadow.
"Well, she's your dog," Natasha said with a smile.
Lucy smiled and tried to stifle a yawn.
"I think I'm gonna turn in," she said.
"Okay, sleep good," Clint said smiling softly at her.
"See you in the morning," Lucy added getting up and motioning for Shadow to follow.
Once in her room, Lucy closed the door softly and crawled into bed. Shadow hopped up and snuggled in next to her. Lucy smiled and scratched the dog's head.
"I appreciate the company Shadow," Lucy said softly. She shuffled down lower into her pillows and closed her eyes. To her surprise sleep came quickly, leaving her only a moment to pray that this night would be calm.
She was walking down a golden hall that she recognized as part of the palace in Asgard. She could hear her dress rustle as she walked, her footsteps echoing off the stone floors.
Finally she made it to the throne room spotting Loki standing in the shadows of the pillars. She ran to him leaping into his open arms giggling as he spun her around.
"My goodness, you have gotten taller," he exclaimed balancing her on his hip.
"I missed you, Loki," she said wrapping her arms around his neck.
"I missed you as well," Loki replied smiling at her.
"Will you stay?" she asked.
"Not for long, child. I have business to attend to, but before I got I have a task for you," Loki said.
Loki set her down and held out his hand for her to take. Lucy put her small hand in his and allowed herself to be led away to the outskirts. She spotted a figure that had a hood pulled over its head. They stopped a few paces before the figure.
She looked up at Loki questioningly.
Loki smiled and held out a bow and arrow that seemed to come out of nowhere.
"Now child, kill him," Loki said softly.
Terror flooded her eyes as she looked at Loki.
"But Sif said I should never kill unless it's for defense," she whimpered.
"Ignore that lesson," Loki hissed kneeling down next to her.
"Do you want to live?" he whispered in her ear.
"Yes," she breathed.
"Do you believe murders deserve to live?" he continued.
"No," she squeaked her arms beginning to shake.
"This man is a murder. He has killed more than you can count," Loki kissed.
She gripped her bow tightly.
"Kill him, rid the world of his filth," Loki ordered nudging her forward.
She stumbled slightly and shakily raised her bow, aiming for the man's heart.
"Do it now!" Loki spat.
She closed her eyes, letting go of the string. She winced when she heard the sickening thunk of the arrow hitting its target. When she opened her eyes, Loki now stood by the figure with his hand on the hood.
The look in his eye had changed. Now it was cold and frightening.
"Well done, child," he said his voice causing her to shiver.
He then yanked off the hood and she fell to her knees in horror. Before her lay Clint. Out of nowhere a scream bubbled up from her throat and split the deafening silence
Natasha bolted up right in bed as a muffled scream ripped through the apartment. Her body moved on its own accord, practically running to her daughter's room and bursting in the door. She was at the bed in seconds, gathering up Lucy in her arms, cradling her to her chest.
"Shhh, Mommy's here baby. Come one wake up sweetheart," Natasha said stroking Lucy's face.
Lucy's eyes flung open, staring wildly up at Natasha before finally melting into her embrace.
"Tell me what happened," Natasha whispered.
"He…he made me…made me…kill dad…"Lucy sobbed clinging to Natasha tightly.
Natasha looked up to see Clint standing in the doorway looking heartbroken.
"Dad's okay, look baby he's right there," Natasha replied softly stroking Lucy's hair.
Lucy looked at the door way and choked back a sob of relief. Clint frowned and walked forward, taking a seat on the other side of Lucy. He rubbed her back soothingly.
"You don't know what he made me do," Lucy groaned, squeezing her eyes shut tight.
"It was wrong of him. You were just a child," Natasha said trying to shove down the anger towards Loki.
Lucy couldn't help everything that tumbled out of her mouth. She needed to get it off her chest just to breathe again.
"I was like his personal assassin. God he made me kill so many people. I never wanted to do any of it. I see all of their faces when I close my eyes. It never ends," Lucy explained.
Natasha looked at Clint, her eyes shining with tears. Their nightmare had come true. She had had the life they never wanted for her. Her ledger was just as red as their own.
"We know how you feel," Clint murmured leaning over and kissing the top of Lucy's head.
"Before SHIELD, both of us were assassins, hired guns working for blood money to survive. We've killed hundreds of people and haven't forgotten one of them," Clint said.
"How do you live with it?" Lucy moaned burying her head in Natasha's shoulder.
"I wish I could tell you that it easy, but it's not. You do deeds that outweigh your past and slowly you come to forgive yourself." Natasha whispered.
"We'll help each other through this," Clint said meeting Natasha's gaze.
"Do you want us to stay?" Natasha asked softly.
"Naw, I'm okay," Lucy mumbled shifting out of her mother's arms and back into her pillows. Clint pulled the covered back over her.
"We're just down the hall, okay?" he said getting up.
Shadow promptly took his place and snuggled close to Lucy.
Natasha and Clint quietly left the room and went back to their own. Once back in bed, Natasha curled up in Clint's arms burying her face in his chest.
"It's okay Nat, she's gonna be okay," Clint murmured.
"I know, this just makes tomorrow harder," she sighed.
Clint sighed, "Just try to sleep. We'll work this out."
Natasha closed her eyes and nuzzled his chest not really wanting the next day to come.
A/N: sooo what did fury want with Nat and Clint? I want to know what you guys think is gonna happen! REVIEW MY LOVES!