I haven't forgotten about this story! I hope you enjoy it! This will be one of those transition chapters, so there is not a lot of action.

The rest of the day was spent lounging around the house. Clint eventually went upstairs to the master bedroom. He wanted to go through and see if there was anything he needed or wanted to take back to New York. He took a couple of suitcases out of the closet and started packing. Clint filled one suitcase, walked over, and looked out the window, thinking back to a previous time. If Clint stared hard enough, he swore he could see Steve and Tony chopping wood and sniping at each other. God, was he ever going to stop seeing ghosts everywhere? Though he guessed in the line of business, he'd been in and the life he'd led up to this point, there were always going to be people you missed or people you killed and people that crossed your path. The key was learning not to let the memories control you and learning how to live with them. Clint turned around and continued going through the closet and dresser, deciding what to take and leave behind, knowing Laura would determine what she wanted to do with the remaining items.

Along with clothes, he packed little trinkets the kids had made for him over the years, figuring he could use them to decorate the new apartment. "I'd say it's going to be weird, but, honestly, it won't be." Clint turned around to see Laura in the doorway. "You were gone a lot, so it'll be like you're on a long-term op."

"Laura, I hate that it's come to this."

She sighed. "I know, but it was probably inevitable. I knew you were married to your job when I met you. I guess I thought I'd give you an incentive to stay home more." Laura lifted her hand. "Before you say anything, I never doubted we loved each other, but as cliché, as it sounds, we're different people now." She approached him and put her hand on his forearm. "I was angry when you stayed in New York instead of coming home with the kids. It felt like I was being pushed aside for another one of your damn missions, but then I realized that's who you are. You're always putting others first and taking care of others before you pay attention to your own needs. As cheesy as it sounds, that's one of the qualities that drew me to you."

"That, and my biceps, if I remember." Clint's eyes held a twinkle, and a slight smirk appeared on his face.

Laura smiled. "Those, too." She took his hand and led him to the edge of the bed, where they both sat down. "I want to make this process as smooth as possible, especially for the kids. I'll let them come visit anytime you or they want if it doesn't affect their schooling."

"That's fair. We'll work out the monetary situation, too. Anything you or they need, you've got it."

Laura knew SHIELD paid their agents well but knew any money he'd saved wouldn't last forever. "Any thoughts about what you're going to do with yourself in New York?"

Clint sighed and ran his hand across the back of his neck. "Probably teach archery, self-defense, or some combination. I'm sure Nick will find something for me to do. I'll offer to help Sam if he needs it. Guess I could start a podcast like Lang did."

Laura chuckled. "That is so not you, Clint. Don't know if you've noticed, but you're not the talkative type."

"I know, just a thought. Whatever I do, I'll land on my feet. We Bartons always do."

"That we do." Laura stood. "After the kids return to school, I'll do some cleaning and purging. If I find anything I think you might like, I'll be sure to send it to you."

"Thanks." Clint bit his bottom lip. "Laura -"

She shook her head. "Don't, Clint. There are enough apologies to go around." He nodded and stood as well. "I'll let you get back to packing. Any idea how long you all are going to be here?"

"Nah, playing it by ear. Don't think Bucky has any pressing engagements. I'll see if Kate's heard anything about her mom's arraignment. We'll need to be back in time for that."

Laura nodded, then leaned in and kissed Clint on the cheek. "You're a good man, Clint Barton. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, especially if you're the one trying to convince yourself you're not." Laura left the bedroom and went back downstairs with everyone else.

Clint stood in the middle of the room, surveying the home where he'd laid his head for nearly 20 years. So many events happened here, the corner that was turned into a makeshift nursery when Laura had Cooper, the desk he'd built next to the window so Laura could keep an eye on the kids when they were outside playing, the bookshelf he'd installed to keep all the trinkets the kids brought home from school. Those were the moments he'd never forget and would always cherish. Clint knew it was for the best, but, damn it, it still hurt. He sighed and finished packing the second suitcase, mainly filling it with things the kids had made for him, along with some photographs. He packed some clothes but knew he could purchase anything else he needed back in New York or online. When he finished, he carried the suitcases down the stairs and took them to the SUV. Clint closed the hatch and leaned against the back bumper, taking in all the scenery. He knew the next time he came out here; it would be as a divorced father of 3.

"Clint?" Kate called from the porch.

"Over here." When Kate heard Clint, she scurried over to him. "Everything okay?" She had a worried look and was biting her lower lip.

"Jack called. He put up Mom's bail. Keep your enemies close, I guess. And, who knows? Maybe he does love her. I don't know. Part of me wishes he'd let her rot in jail."

"And the other part?"

"Wishes I'd wake up and find out none of this happened." "But I know it did, so I'll deal with whatever happens next." Kate slumped against the SUV.

"That's the best attitude to have, Katie-Kate." Clint slung an arm around her shoulder. "Did he say when the arraignment was?"

Kate nodded. "In a couple of days."

"See if you can get exactly when. That way, we'll know when to head out."

Kate pulled out her phone and sent a text. Her phone vibrated; she read the message and then relayed the information to Clint. "He said in 3 days."

"Okay. We'll head out in the morning, then. I'll call the hotel and get our rooms reserved." Clint pushed himself away from the vehicle. "I'll go let Laura know."

"Clint?" He stopped and looked at Kate. "Thanks. For everything."

He smiled. "No problem. Helping you clean up your mess helped clean up mine, or at least tidy it up. It'll be interesting to see who the tracksuits will follow now." Kate looked questioningly at him. "Maya killed Kazi. Unfortunately, I have a feeling Kingpin survived. No offense, Kate." Kate shrugged her shoulders. "He won't get his hands dirty by associating with them directly. He had Kazi for that dirty work, Ivan's not smart enough, and Maya broke away."

"Whoever it is, we'll be ready."

"Damn right, we will."

The screen door slammed, and Lucky ran toward the duo, with Bucky strolling behind. "Now that you're through plotting to overthrow the world or at least New York City, Laura wants to know if you're ready for dinner."

"Sounds good. Kate, go ahead and go in while I update Bucky." Kate nodded and went into the house.

"Update? Tracksuit guys back?"

"Not yet, thank goodness. Kate's mom is out on bail and scheduled to be arraigned in 3 days. Thought we'd leave in the morning."

"On one condition?"

"Putting conditions on me now, Barnes?" Clint smirked.

"Ha, ha. You gotta let me drive some, make me feel like I'm earning my keep."

Clint nodded. "I can do that."

"Hmm."

"What?"

"I expected you to argue or at least put up a bit of a fight."

Clint started walking toward the house. Upon hearing Bucky, he turned around. "You caught me in a generous mood. Don't expect it all the time."

Bucky shook his head as he followed Clint into the house. "Good, one less argument I have to have." The two men disappeared into the house, where the rest of the evening was spent eating dinner and then watching the kids enjoying their Christmas presents. Clint explained to his family the trio (and Lucky) were leaving the following day, but he'd be able to spend some time with them before the group left the next day.