A/N- This chapter's a little domestic so not much happens (sorry for the lack of excitement). I probably won't update beforehand so have a very merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all.

Something wet dripped onto Pietro's cheek, causing his eyelids to twitch a little.

A damp, smooth surface swiped up the side of his jaw, feeling slightly rough against the stubble on his face. His jaw was assaulted again and again until his eyes finally fluttered open. Black, beady eyes stared down at him from behind a sandy muzzle.

The dog blinked down at him and, taking Pietro by surprise, licked his face, tongue swiping over his open mouth. Spluttering, Pietro put a hand in front of his face, pushing the dog's muzzle away but it just licked his hand vigorously. A familiar voice sounded from somewhere down by Pietro's feet.

"Lucky, quit it. How'd you get in here?"

Pietro felt the dog leap away and he was free to look around. He was in a small, square room with cream coloured walls. A small, wooden wardrobe stood in the far left corner, a desk in the other. Beside his bed, on the right, was a bedside table, on which sat a lamp and a glass of water. A grey duvet covered him to halfway up his chest.

Clint stood at the end of his bed, ushering a long haired, golden-furred dog from the room. After the dog's tail had disappeared out the door, Clint shut it firmly, turning back to Pietro.

"I'm sorry he woke you." He murmured, walking over to sit on the edge of the bed, beside Pietro. His face was a mask of worry, a hard set upon his jaw. "How do you feel?"

"I don't understand.." Pietro mumbled in confusion, pushing himself up. "What happened?"

Clint frowned at him. "You don't remember?"

Pietro shook his head, rubbing at his temple. "I-I can't think… I don't.." He shut his eyes, groaning softly as his hand moved to the back of his head. "Oww…" He moaned.

"Steady.." Clint soothed, setting his hands to Pietro's shoulders in order to steady him. "Steady, Pietro. Take it easy, okay..? You've had a rough couple days, you need rest." He gently threaded his fingers through Pietro's hair. "Does your head hurt a lot? I can get you some aspirin."

Pietro shook his head. "No.. it's not so bad now." He eyes clouded a little, distanced. "She won't try to reach me again… What if… What if Ultron does something to her..? She could die and I won't even know.."

Clint stroked his head, tracing his fingers down to the young man's jaw. "She's an asset at the moment. Ultron needs her alive; that thing will do everything he can to keep her safe…" His knuckles brushed against the side of Pietro's face. "Try not to think too much… You should sleep a little longer; I'll bring you some food later.. unless you're well enough to come downstairs for dinner."

Pietro nodded sleepily. "Yeah.. I-" He broke off with a yawn, then blinked his tired eyes up at Clint. "I should sleep."

Ruffling his hair fondly, Clint stood, glancing back to Pietro halfway to the door. "Try not to worry… We'll find her."

Pietro nodded, sinking back against the pillows and closing his eyes. "I know."

He heard the door close quietly, smiling softly to himself as he drifted back to the dark haze of sleep.

Gathering the avengers for dinner was not something Clint imagined doing on a Saturday night.

They had a completely expected visit from Fury, which made it even stranger. Lila sat between Thor and Natasha, seeming to be attempting to make herself seem taller to get a better look at the demi-god. Clint's place was empty for now, as was Laura's, Steve's, Pietro's and, oddly, Cooper's.

"Coop?" Clint called for his son, glancing up the stairs and finally, out onto the porch. "Hey, come on." He half-jogged down the steps to meet his son in the yard. "Dinner's out."

"Dad." His son seemed a little distressed as he ran to Clint. "Dad, I can't find Lucky. He's not in the house and he won't come when I call him."

Clint frowned. It wasn't like the retriever to run off. "Okay… Okay, don't worry. You go have dinner before your mum wonders where you are.. I'll check the house again and if I can't find him, we'll have a search after we've eaten, alright?"

Cooper nodded, relaxing a little. He gave his father a quick hug and ran off into the house.

Clint followed more slowly, scanning the yard not just for Lucky, but for anything that might endanger his family. Having all the avengers in one place might attract some unwanted attention- Clint had known this from the start. But he'd had to protect his friends, protect Pietro.

Once back in the house, Clint started the search upstairs, peering into every room before moving on. He frowned.

Pietro's door was ajar.

He felt himself smile because, god, if that dog had learnt to open doors he was in for a whole heap of trouble. Gently and quietly, he pushed the door open, his smile growing at the sight he was greeted with.

Pietro lay on his back, asleep, one arm hanging limply off the edge of the bed. His head was turned slightly to the side, eyes closed, his chest moving evenly. Clint could only tell his chest was moving because Lucky, who was stretched across Pietro's chest, was rising and falling a little as the young man breathed.

The dog lay in an almost protective stature, muzzle resting over Pietro's heart, paws crossed under his chin. Pietro shifted in his sleep, the hand that lay on the bed coming up to rest between Lucky's shoulder blades.

Smiling, Clint walked to the bed, gently placing his hand on Pietro forehead, stroking his head to rouse him. "Pietro.." He coaxed softly. "Pietro, come on…"

Pietro stirred with a sleepy mumble, his eyes fluttering drowsily. "Mmnh… wha?"

"Food." Clint explained briefly, patting Lucky's side. "Come on, Luck, off you get." Pietro grunted as the dog stood on his stomach, chuckling breathlessly. Clint smiled. "Looks like he's taken a shine to you."

"A what?" Pietro murmured as he sat himself up.

Clint had almost forgotten the kid was Sokovian. "Just means he likes you."

Pietro hummed, swinging his legs over the side of the bed and pushing himself up. "He is not so bad." He said, smiling fondly at Lucky as the dog weaved around his legs. He leaned down to pat the retriever's head. "You did not say you had a dog."

"Didn't come up in conversation I guess." Clint replied, then rested a hand to Pietro's shoulder. "Come on, Laura and Steve made dinner.. You need to eat something, you'll get sick if you don't."

Pietro nodded faintly, his eyes still heavy with sleep and Clint subconsciously brought his hand down to rest on Pietro's back, curling around to hold his waist in fear that the kid might fall over in his exhaustion. The young man glanced to him briefly, but didn't complain or object as Clint led him from the room.

"You know.." Pietro began quietly as they were making their way down the stairs. "You did not mention any of this… The other's did not know.. Why do you keep secrets from them?"

Clint sighed, glancing to him briefly. "Life can be difficult, kid.. and people can be asses… This kind of life, it's dangerous. Not just for me, but for people involved with my life. If any of our enemies were to find out, then my family would be at risk."

Pietro looked at him searchingly, then nodded a little. "I understand… You have to protect your family over everything."

"Are you thinking about your sister?"

But they were downstairs now, and once in ear-shot of the others, Pietro simply gave a polite smile and remained in silence. Clint blinked his sympathy, ensuring Pietro knew he understood, before leading him to the table.