Summary: As the team try to come to terms with Michelle's death, a new terrifying threat is looming over them. Clint and Grace are forced to confront their darkest fears and enemies, as they prepare for their baby's arrival. Co – Written With snowqueen79. Clint/Grace, Bucky/Sophie and other pairings.

The Cradle Will Fall

Chapter 15

Bucky felt his stomach drop at her words, he knew Pepper was still out there and was a threat to all of them, along with Hammer who was on the loose along with Misha, Dmitri and Pietro.

At least they had Yulia, she'd been moved into S.H.I.E.L.D custody this morning. He wouldn't let anyone hurt Sophie, or their unborn children. He held her tightly in the bath, his metal hand running over the soft skin of her tummy. Sophie curled up into him, as they both sat in the warm bath for a while, trying to relax and enjoying each other's soothing company.

The next few weeks passed by without any incidents, Sophie had finished working at the shop with Grace, who had brought Connor along with them. Afterwards, Sophie had told Grace that she was going to the cemetery to do something. Her sister had wanted to come with her, but Sophie had needed to do this alone.

She stood in front of her mother's grave that was next to her father, and beside Zach who was buried next to them. She'd had a rather strained bond with her mother, during her teenage years but after finding out what the Red Room and HYDRA had done to her, and learning the pain her mother had gone through. She understood her mother's reasons, for being overprotective and weary of strangers.

Her mother had been trying to protect them, and for that Sophie felt ashamed of how she had acted when she'd been younger. She had put her mother through absolute hell.

She sighed sadly, placing a bouquet of roses at her mother's grave, doing the same for her father, and Zach. She wondered where her sister, Ilona had been buried and wished she knew.

Smiling sadly, she started heading back to the shop where Bucky was waiting for her and felt a sense of peace wash over her.

The next morning Grace had cooked a large family brunch, as it was Saturday morning and she wanted to cheer everyone up. Sophie had wanted to help and had cooked chicken sausages after the smell of beef made her morning sickness even worse. Adrian strolled into the dining room with Wanda, when Tony and Lilia arrived with Howard who was happily talking. She smiled at all of them, seeing Clint arrive with Connor.

Her two boys.

The table had already been set, as food was dished up and served with maple syrup being poured over the buttermilk pancakes. Clint sat down next to her, as they fed Connor who due to having the super soldier serum, was starting on solids earlier than most babies.

She leaned over to wipe Connor's sticky face, he'd gotten maple syrup all over his mouth and cheeks. He was giggling happily, causing her to smile lovingly at him as Natasha fed Joseph who was playing with the end of her plait.

Everything was fine, her family were fine.

Bucky and Sophie were talking about what colour the nursery should be painted, as they were due to find out this afternoon about the sex of their unborn twins. Bucky thought it was a boy and girl, but Sophie had feeling that they were both boys though. It was strange, but when she had told Grace and Natasha about it, and they had told her that they had felt the same when they'd been pregnant.

Bucky held her hand as they reached the medical bay and were greeted by Helen, Jemma, Addison and Bruce. Shuri was on hand, in case anything went wrong, god forbid it did. Sophie sat down on the bed as Helen started up the ultrasound and Addison put gel on her stomach, which had started to swell into the size of a small watermelon.

"How have you been feeling, Sophie and Bucky?" Addison asked warmly, Sophie smiled at Bucky who smiled back at her.

"Been great aside from heartburn, and the morning sickness. I can't wait to meet our little ones," Sophie said excitedly, she also had to give a urine sample to check on her kidneys.

"Been deciding on what colour the nursery should be, when we learn the sex of the twins." Bucky added softly, happy about having children with Sophie.

Addison smiled at them as she checked the results of her blood pressure, and urine. Her expression turned from happy, to concerned as did Bruce and Helen who were also reading the results.

"What's wrong? Are the babies alright?" Sophie asked quietly, feeling her starting to beat quicker, as Bucky held her hand tightly in his.

"Sophie and Bucky, have you ever heard of Pre - eclampsia?" Addison asked gently, while Helen got them both comfortable.

The blood drained from Sophie's face, her right-hand gripping Bucky's hand tightly. Something was wrong, she could sense it from their concerned expressions.

"What is it?" Bucky wanted to know.

"Try not to worry," Addison told them. "It's a condition exclusive to pregnancy but if we monitor it closely, everyone will be okay. It mostly causes high blood pressure, there's protein in Mom's urine, and a slight risk for complications."

Sophie took a deep breath, trying not to fall apart. Bucky moved to wrap an arm around her.

"It's common in first-time mothers and multiple births," Addison went on to explain. "It's going to be okay. We're going to take good care of the three of you."

"Will it cause… symptoms?" Sophie had to ask.

Addison nodded. "You might experience blurry vision, headaches, pretty strong nausea. I know it's already stronger because of the twins but… If you are ever short of breath or have any pain, come find me right away. Okay?"

Sophie nodded easily. She could do that.

"It probably goes without saying that you are out of commission on the Avengers," Bruce added gently. "You may just end up on bed rest before the delivery. Just to be safe."

Bucky took every word to heart, looking ready to put her on bed rest right now.

Bruce had the ultrasound equipment set up. They had Sophie recline on the table, Addison revealing her stomach and applying a good amount of gel to prepare.

"Who's ready to see what the babies?" Helen asked with a bright smile.

That thought did lift Sophie's spirits and she again reached for Bucky's hand when Bruce began to use the wand and they got a look at their children. Both of them were focused on the two small beings. Sophie didn't think she'd even breathed. Bruce managed to pin one of them down long enough to get a view of its tiny genital area.

"Baby number one is clearly a boy," Bruce told them smiling. "Now let's get the other one."

Sophie tried to keep still, trying to help Bruce catch up with the other one who was trying to hide behind its sibling. With a little patience, Bruce managed to get a clear view.

"Two boys," Bucky muttered, grinning proudly.

"That's right," Bruce told him. "Congratulations."

Sophie felt tears stinging her eyes as she turned her head to kiss Bucky. Twin boys. And she hoped they were both just like their father. Even with the news about the pre-eclampsia, learning that they were going to have sons? What was better than that?

"Well, I guess that helps us narrow down the nursery colour," Bucky told her with a smirk. Turning back to the medical team, he asked, "Is there anything else we need to be doing?"

Helen shook her head. "Just keep an eye on her. And you," she said to Sophie, "eat well and get plenty of rest because you're going to need it when these two tiny Avengers get here."

Sophie knew that was right.

They wrapped up the rest of the appointment, not really surprised to find Steve, Natasha, Clint, and Grace waiting outside of the exam room.

Nat cocked an elegant brow at Sophie. "Well?"

Sophie looked to Bucky.

Bucky's head would have split open if his smile were any wider.

"Two boys," he announced.

Steve pulled his best friend into a tight hug and Nat and Grace ganged up Sophie.

"Geez, Buck," Nat pulled back to look at the expectant father. "I thought one of them would be a girl."

He nodded, leaning forward to hug Clint too. "You know I did too."

Clint shrugged. "Hey, we're not limited guys. Maybe next round."

"I hope I get another round," Nat said looking hopefully at Steve.

He pressed a kiss into her hair. "Whatever you want, Sweetheart."

Clint wrapped his arms around Grace meaningfully. "I wouldn't mind having a girl next."

Grace's face warmed under the comment causing him to chuckle behind her.

Sophie was just trying to take everything in. She had pre-eclampsia. A pregnancy with twins would already be difficult but to spend any part of it stuck in bed? She didn't know how she could do it.

And to top it all off, all of their children including Howard, were boys. She didn't have a girl. Bucky thought they'd have one of each and she couldn't get that right.

Sophie burst randomly into tears.

Bucky panicked and he, Grace and Natasha flocked around her as if they were soothing a frightened child. Steve and Clint exchanged a look of confusion and just decided to step back.

"Hey guys," Tony strutted up the hall and taking in the scene. After a moment, he rolled his eyes, nudged Grace and Natasha aside to wrap an arm around Sophie's shoulders while Bucky pinned him with a what-the-fuck-are-you-doing look.

"Hey, who'd like some ice cream?" Tony whispered low in Sophie's ear. "We got caramel sauce, whipped cream, some maraschino cherries. What do you say?"

Sophie's gaze met Tony's and she nodded.

Tony smirked at Bucky first before sweeping his gaze around to the rest of them.

"You're all so adorably clueless," Tony said before taking his charge in the direction of the kitchen.

Lilia was just outside the kitchen with Howard, Connor, and Joseph on a blanket and surrounded by fuzzy and plastic baby toys. She giggled as she watched Tony walk Sophie into the kitchen, having an idea of what he was up to.

Bucky wrapped his arms around Sophie as Tony and Nat began to pull out anything that could be used to make sundaes. Once he realized what they were up to, Clint was all about it too. Steve and Grace joined Lilia with the children while three of the Avengers set about making the most outrageous sundaes Sophie had ever seen while Bucky held onto her, lending her his strength.

By the end of it, they had Sophie on a stool at the counter, enjoying a sundae that was just about as big as one of the children. But she was happy. The ice cream made her feel cooler, alleviated her worries about the blood pressure. The sundae was good.

Sophie didn't see the happy, indulgent way Bucky watched her as she worked on that sundae, chatting happily with Nat about putting nurseries together and what was handy to have. Clint's sundae was just about as big Sophie's so he was quiet and content.

Grace, Lilia, and Steve exchanged knowing looks.

Tony nudged Bucky with his elbow. "Taking notes, Tin Man?"

Bucky met Tony's gaze, not willing to tell the egotist genius that, yeah, he had learned something here.

"He's got a point," Steve joined them in the corner. "For Nat, it was fried pickles and yogurt with fresh fruit."

Bucky didn't understand. "How did you just know sundae off the bat?"

Tony shrugged. "If I told you, well, you know the rest."

Tony went over to Lilia and plopped down to play with his son.

Steve and Bucky exchanged a look.

But at the end of the day, they were having twin boys and Sophie was happy right now.

Bucky intended to make sure she stayed that way.

He wouldn't let anyone hurt her, or their baby boys. HYDRA, the Red Room, Hammer and Victoria Hand would have to get through him if they wanted to hurt his family.

God help the bastard, who had the misfortune of hurting his family.

Justin knew that he didn't have much time, before Pepper realised that he was planning on killing her and allying with Yulia in exchange for experimenting on her twin sister. The opportunity was too good to dismiss, Pepper was a fucking liability as she was practically hellbent on ruining her ex - husband's life.

So, he silently entered the office where Pepper was working and pulled out the silencer, before shooting her in the back of the head of the head.

Blood sprayed all over the screen of the laptop, and he left her lying in the chair lifelessly as he left the base. He walked down to the garage where two of the mercenaries that he had paid for, were waiting patiently.

"Let's get the hell out of here, before the Avengers arrive." He said coldly, and they got into the black jeep, before driving way from the base. At least he'd gotten rid of Pepper, that was something he was proud of doing by himself. He didn't need a stuck-up bitch, like Pepper Potts causing issues.

Clint was taking Grace out on a date, to a new restaurant and knew that before they'd had Connor, they'd gone on plenty of dates and had enjoyed them. He could hear Grace talking to Natasha, Lilia and Sophie, as he showered quickly, and got changed into a pair of smart black jeans, and a grey shirt as he looked at Connor who was fast asleep in his crib with his teddy bears.

He smiled at his sleeping son, pressing a kiss to his soft forehead as he saw Grace stepping into the bedroom to say goodbye to their son before they left.

He couldn't help but stare at her, she looked gorgeous in a teal, embellished, beaded and embroidered blue, dress. She had put on light makeup, but had put on dark red lipstick and black eyeliner, she was wearing a pair of blue stud earrings that Natasha and Steve had gotten her for last Christmas.

She looked beautiful, and he couldn't believe that she had fallen in love with a man like him. His past was riddled with regrets, but ever since meeting Grace, he felt like she understood him and loved him.

"What do you think, Clint?" She asked shyly, Clint smiled and pulled her into his arms, before giving her a passionate kiss that left her breathless.

"I think you look beautiful, Grace. Like one of those old Hollywood actresses, all gorgeous," he said honestly, he loved Grace no matter what she dressed in, but seeing her in that blue dress was making him want to rip it off her and devour her.

Grace blushes at his words, but smiled though and linked her hand with his as they said goodbye to Connor again. Sophie and Bucky were babysitting him along with the others, including Peter and Ned.

They said goodbye to everyone and got into his car, before driving to the restaurant with thanks to Jarvis. They arrived dead on time and were shown to their table by a kind waitress.

Soft music played on the speakers, as Clint and Grace chose what they were having for dinner. Clint was just taking a sip of his beer, when Grace looked at him seriously.

"If our next baby is a girl, what name should we give her?" She asked softly, Clint smiled as he tried to think of a name for their future grandfather future baby, if it was a girl.

"Edith or Gabrielle, because it starts with G or we can name her after your mom, sweetheart," Clint offered softly, Grace smiled at him as their meal was served up and they began to eat.

She thought the names over for a while, feeling tears prick her eyes as she wished in that moment that Cooper, Lila and Zach had gotten the chance to their baby brother, to meet Connor. But that had been stolen from them, along with their lives.

She reached over the table to take Clint's right hand, and he held it tightly, knowing that she was thinking about they'd children. He squeezed it gently, and she wiped her eyes carefully.

"I think Gabrielle, Edith, Natasha or... maybe Gracie?" She suggested thoughtfully, Clint smiled as he liked the names, Gracie, Edith and Natasha.

"I think they're beautiful, babe." He said emotionally, he was wondering how in the hell, Grace had fallen in love with him. The fact that a beautiful, kind and compassionate young woman loved him, made him grateful that he had met her in that dream.

Grace smiled at him as they finished their meal, and moved onto dessert which was tiramisu. She had never enjoyed a night like this before, meeting Clint.

After paying the bill and leaving a large tip, Clint and Grace were driving back to the compound, and parked in the car park as they got out and went inside.

And the scene melted their hearts, Bucky and Sophie were fast asleep with Connor cooing softly as he slept in his Moses basket, while Steve and Natasha had Joseph on them, his little snores were adorable. After waking them up, the team bid each other goodnight, as Clint guided Grace and Connor to their room. It was 12:01 PM, they'd been out for three hours.

Connor blinked sleepily at them as they changed his diaper and got him settled into his cot. Clint thought there wasn't a more beautiful sight, than seeing his woman and son.

"He's definitely got your hyper awareness, he's gonna be a handsome boy like his dad." She said softly, Clint smiled and pulled her into his arms as they watched Connor fall asleep.

"He's got your smile," Clint pointed out, pulling Grace against him and holding her close. "I feel like he's going to get into a lot of mischief… Also like you."

Grace pulled back to smile up at him on that note. "What?"

"You know," Clint pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "That penchant you have for getting into trouble?"

Grace didn't keep the innocent act up long, smiling. "Guilty as charged."

It felt so good to laugh and smile. It felt wonderful to have a moment to enjoy.

When he claimed her mouth in a tender kiss, Clint was reminded of all the reasons he loved the woman in his arms. Yes, his Grace was beautiful inside and out – the personification of her name. She accepted him as he was, put his needs above her own.

After the loss of his children, Clint realized now, he wouldn't have made it without her.

Grace deepened this kiss and he simply loved the way her hands slid up his neck, her fingers sinking into his hair. The press of her body against his was the sweetest heat, softness but power and it made him light-headed, had him navigating them a few steps to the edge of the bed.

He loved the startled look in her eyes when he took them down, but she laughed when they landed on the bed. Grace trusted him, believed in him. It was in everything from her beautiful eyes to the way she was always aware of where he was in a room.

Well, she was certainly aware of him now. The skirt of that gorgeous dress had ridden up her thighs and she wrapped herself around him in a way that had even harder – if that were possible. Clint was as careful with the back zipper of that dress, he really was, but he wanted it on the floor along with anything else that kept her being naked and ready for him.

Grace's chuckle was a low, seductive sound. "Someone's eager tonight."

He'd just got the zipper all the way down without hitch and he was proud of that. "Damn right."

It was a frenzy of movement, Clint peeling the dress down and plucking off her bra, her panties. Her beautiful skin was all flushed and pink beneath him and his gaze roamed the flat slope of her stomach, he thought about that conversation in the restaurant earlier.

He'd like to see Grace pregnant again.

Leaning down, he surprised her with a soft kiss to her tummy. Originally, it was all he intended to do before kissing her some more, getting her ready for him.

But she was ready and the smell of her was intoxicating. Clint wrapped his arms around her thighs, positioning himself between them. He started with a simple lick from her opening to her clit. It was all he could do to hang onto her, and Clint grinned. Tonight, was going to be good.

He dove in, devastating her with everything he knew she loved, that he knew would take her apart. His Grace didn't disappoint him. Her hands clutched in his hair as he teased her with his mouth, enjoying the chorus of her sighs, moans, and breathy little cries until he knew he had her right on the edge. Where he wanted her.

He sucked and moved his tongue like a pro, like it was an instinct, some animalistic thing he had deep inside of him. She was trying to contain the moans, sighs and breathy little cries she had but eventually, they all came out when he rolled his tongue over her clit.

She cried out in pleasure, her hands tugging at his hair, but he didn't let go of her hips. His grip was tight, but not too tight as he pleasured her with his tongue. She moaned as he gathered some of her wetness on his fingers, taking her hand in his right hand before slipping two calloused fingers inside her wet core.

He could feel her, hot around him, her walls clamping down around the roughened digits. He hadn't touched her roughly with his fingers before, too scared to hurt her. But by the way she was squirming and moaning, he knew he'd made a good decision.

Clint continued his ministrations, bringing her to the edge, then backing off, wanting to drag it out as long as possible. He wanted to watch her beautiful face as she came undone, watch her shake as the pleasure rolled through her. And he wasn't disappointed. Her back arched beautifully, lifting off the bed as she spasmed around his fingers. He felt his cock twitch in his jeans at the sight, his name nothing more than a cry from her lips. He smirked, working her through her orgasm before he pulled his fingers from her folds.

The sight of her naked on their bed, her beautiful blonde hair tousled and reaching down to her shoulders. Her face was flushed, her blue eyes sparkling. He'd never wanted or loved someone, like he loved Grace and their baby boy.

He crawled back up her body, her hand taking his right wrist before lifting his fingers into her mouth. He felt the heat of her tongue against them as she licked them clean. He twitched again, rutting his hips against hers. She moaned a little, her hips grinding against his, trying to get some friction. He pulled his fingers from her lips, pressing a kiss to them before he stood, stripping out of his jeans.

He stared down at her as he ran his hand down his hard cock. She was spread out on the mattress, her folds slick again as she stared at him with hooded eyes. He kneeled back on the bed, covering her body with his.

He eased himself into her, taking his time to let her adjust. He kissed her jaw, nipping at the delicate skin of her neck until he was fully seated in her. He paused for a moment, resting his forehead against hers, staring down into her eyes before he started moving. Inch by inch he pulled out of her, before pushing back in. He wanted her to feel him. This was about her. He wanted to show her he loved her. How much she and Connor meant to him, and how lost he would be without her or their son.

He gradually picked up speed, his thrusts deep as he held her, his hips moving against hers. Her nails dug into his shoulder, but he didn't care. He barely felt it as he stared into her eyes. He saw something flash behind them, before she was stopping him.

"Wait." She breathed, her hand on his back stilling him.

He leaned up on his hands and knees, scared he'd hurt her. She sat up slightly, causing him to slip from her as she turned, laying on her stomach under him. He remembered how she had once told him, that Rumlow had really hurt her in this position. In the year they'd been together, she had never turned her back to him. He hadn't suggested it, knowing her memories of that position. He stared down at her back, the curve of her spine. He could see her shoulder blades sticking out as she gripped the sleeping bag under her.

"Are you sure, Grace?" He asked quietly, he didn't want to push her into anything that she wasn't ready for.

Grace nodded firmly, her face calm but her blue eyes were firm and determined as she looked up at the man she loved. She must have sensed his hesitation. She reached back, gripping his length before guiding him back into her. He lowered himself to his elbows over her, her hands coming around to grip his muscled biceps. He started moving again, slowly, hesitantly. He brushed her hair over one shoulder, pressing his lips to exposed skin.

Clint heard her breathless moans as he sped up, hitting that spot deep inside her with every movement. Her hands tightened on his biceps, her head falling back as he sped up even more, his hips hitting her ass with every thrust. His name was like a prayer on her lips, her back arching as her walls squeezed him tightly.

He growled as he hit her g - spot, feeling her nails digging into the skin of his biceps but it didn't hurt. He nuzzled her neck, loving the fact that he was making her feel pleasure in this position that had once caused her so much pain.

He could feel his own release nearing, his breath fanning over her back as he grunted into her shoulder. He lightly bit the skin as she came, her walls fluttering around him. She was still gripping his biceps, her head falling forward as he continued thrusting, not taking long to reach his release as well.

He laid on top of her, as he tried to catch his breath and rolled off her as she curled up into his chest. He held her tightly, and they laid in each other's arms for a few minutes.

"I didn't hurt you, did I?" He asked quietly, worried that he had hurt her by being slightly rough with her.

"No, you didn't hurt me, Clint. You could never hurt me," Grace reassured softly, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat as they listened to the rain and the sound of Connor's light snores.

"I love you; Grace and I love our boy." He said quietly, Grace smiled as she hugged him back tightly and closed her eyes.

"I love you too, Clint." She whispered softly, Clint smiled as he held her tightly and listened to her light breathing.

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