OK, I have to say it felt weird not to have a new episode this week, so I binge-watched all the episodes, crying at the same scenes I did the first time I watched them. Thanks for being patient with me! I hope this story does the series justice.


Clint decided he'd had enough Christmas cheer after making it through every version of A Christmas Carol possible, Jingle All the Way, and various Grinch movies. "I'm all cheered out. 'Night, Katie-Kate." When he stood up, Lucky immediately jumped off the couch, ready to follow Clint.

"Aww, no, Lucky," Clint said, ruffling the fur on top of the dog's head. "Stay with Kate." Lucky sat, looking up at Clint, putting his paw on Clint's foot. The archer sighed, then gave in and motioned for the dog to follow him to the bedroom.

Kate watched the two until the door closed behind them, then settled back into the chair, curling her legs under her. "I can't believe this last twenty-four hours." She laid her head on the back of the chair and looked up at the ceiling. "What do I do now? It feels like I've always had a clear goal, but my mother had another one. Do I care who's going to be the head of my dad's company now? I know it won't be me." As Kate talked to herself, she tossed popcorn into the air, catching each of them in her mouth. "Guess she can call Kingpin. I don't think he's dead, just in hiding." Kate sighed. "At this point, I don't give a rat's ass what happens to the company. I'm just glad Dad's not here to see it." Kate changed positions, sitting up, bringing her knees to her chin, and wrapping her arms around her legs. "Dad, I'm glad you're not here to see what a mess she made of your company. I hope I didn't let you down. Clint said he was proud of me, though. You'd like him. He's quiet but gets things done. I know he said he wasn't a hero, but after you, he was mine. It still is, I guess. I don't worship him like a hero, I just admire him for what he's gone through, and he's still going out there, trying to right wrongs. If that's not a hero, I don't know what is." Kate spent a while staring off into space before dragging herself to bed.

After going to the bedroom, Clint shut the door behind him and took out his hearing aid, digging out his charging case and placing it on the nightstand. He peeled his new outfit off, changing into a t-shirt and pajama bottoms. Without his hearing aid in, he was able to focus. Clint wasn't shocked about being served, knowing it would happen sooner or later. If he were honest with himself, Clint felt it coming ever since Loki. That battle had changed him. Having your mind controlled by a megalomaniac will do things to a person, no matter how stable the person was before the takeover. Clint had been set up with a series of SHIELD therapists, who helped the best they could. It's not like you could find people with experience in helping brainwashed agents. Then, of course, the debacle in DC, finding out the organization he'd pledged his loyalty to had pledged their loyalty to a truly evil organization. Following that was Sokovia and the team finding out about the farm and the family he'd tried so hard to hide away, then losing Pietro. About the time he'd made his peace with his teammates knowing about his wife and kids, Cap summoned him.

Come to think of it, that's probably when it all fell apart. He'd promised he would retire but soon realized he was not the retiring type. There were only so many repairs that could be made to the farm and surrounding buildings. When you're used to constantly being on the go, it's way too hard to put the brakes on that lifestyle. Clint refused to dwell on the time in the hellhole known as The Raft. He'd never been so glad to see someone in his life the day Cap showed up to break the group out. After negotiations following his escape, he'd agreed to be put on house arrest…and then came Thanos. 'Next topic, please,' he thought. After Natasha sacrificed herself and Tony died during the battle, Clint had never felt more alone. Even when he went back home, he was lost. He shut himself off from everyone having anything to do with the Avengers and SHIELD part of his life and did his freaking best to be a husband and father. He still had no idea how she remained so calm when he finally confessed about being Ronin. She just told him they'd make sure to make Natasha's sacrifice worth it. Now, here he was, trying to do that by himself and hopefully not failing. "Shit," he mumbled, "this isn't doing me any good except dredging up things that can't be changed." Clint turned onto his side and punched the pillow, then finally closed his eyes and drifted off, knowing he'd need a clear head to deal with events the next day.

Clint woke up to what sounded like an animal being tortured. He felt Lucky still stretched out across his legs, so he knew it wasn't the dog. Against his better judgment, he reached over and grabbed his hearing aid. Shoving Lucky off the bed, Clint rolled to his feet and shuffled out to the living room. Running his fingers through his hair, Clint squinted and saw Kate dancing around the kitchen. "What the hell is that?"

Kate spun around, pancake batter flying off a whisk. "Oh, hey, Clint. Good morning!"

Clint grumbled as he made his way to the coffee maker. Thankfully, Kate had already poured him a cup. After guzzling it, he poured himself another one and quickly downed it. Now he could face the day. "There's a plate of bacon on the table, and pancakes should be ready in a bit." Clint nodded, then went to the table, pulled out a chair, and collapsed into it. A few minutes later, Kate bounced across the room and slid a plate of pancakes in front of him. Clint picked up a fork and began eating, joined shortly by Kate. "So, what's the plan for today, CB-1?"

He finished chewing, then answered her. "Other than making a few calls, I didn't have any. You?"

"Thought I'd go apologize to Jack. You know, for thinking he was the head of an evil empire."

"Probably a good idea." The pair continued eating their breakfast in silence. When Clint finished, he took his dishes to the kitchen and rinsed them off before putting them in the dishwasher. "Now's a good a time as any," he mumbled. After unplugging his phone from the charger, he sat in a chair in the living room, propping his feet on the coffee table. Staring at his phone, he found a number and dialed it. "Hey. Yeah, it's been a while. Oh, you saw that. No, I'm fine. Yeah, she would. How are you and everyone? Good. Uh, yeah, that's what I'm calling about." Clint sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Do you happen to know any good divorce lawyers? Yeah, Merry Christmas to me, I know. I'll be okay. I want to keep it as civil as possible, make it easier on the kids. No, I haven't talked to them yet. Thanks. Yeah, I'd love to see you. I'll be up later today. Thanks. I'll talk to you then." Clint tossed the phone onto the table and sighed again.

"Sounds like you found someone to help."

"Yeah, an old friend. I'm driving up this afternoon. I'll go while you make things right with Jack. Be sure to keep an eye out for any repercussions from yesterday. I don't think anyone will bother you, but pay attention to your surroundings, Katie-Kate."

"You know," Katie pointed her fork at him, "I'm going to let that slide, for now, CB-1." Clint chuckled, returning to the bedroom to get ready for the trip.

When he exited the bedroom with his ever-present backpack over his shoulder, Clint found the apartment vacant, and not even Lucky was around. He found a note scribbled on the whiteboard on the refrigerator door. 'Lucky and I went to find Jack, starting with the LARPers.' "Good place to start," Clint said to the air.

The drive went by quickly. Before he knew it, Clint found himself driving up the secluded road to the house. As soon as the car door shut, a dark-haired girl came running from the porch. "Uncle Clint!"

He smiled and knelt. "Hey, Morgan. How's my mess of a niece?" Clint held out his arms, and Tony's daughter jumped into them, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Oooh, it's good to see you."

"You, too, Uncle Clint. Your kids didn't come with you?" Since the funeral, Pepper helped Clint stay out of a funk by inviting him and his family to the house on many occasions, and Lila and Morgan had grown close. He knew they were constantly texting each other. Clint even though Morgan had a growing crush on Cooper, whereas Nate had a bit of hero-worshipping going on with Morgan.

"Nope, she's at home with her mom and brothers."

"Clint, it's so good to see you." He stood up and looked toward the porch. Clint swore she looked the same as she did when they'd first met after the New York battle, and he'd begun staying at the tower when he wasn't on missions or at home with the family. How was it he seemed to be the only one who'd aged in the past few years?

"Hey, Pepper." Morgan had dragged him to the porch, not letting go of his hand. The two friends hugged. "I wish this visit was under better circumstances."

"Morgan, honey?" "I know, but I'm still happy to see you." Pepper linked her elbow with Clint's, then led him into the welcoming and open living room.

Morgan sighed. "I know, Mom. I'll be up in my room. Are you staying for lunch, Uncle Clint?"

"If I'm invited, I will."

Pepper laid a hand on his arm. "Consider yourself invited." The two adults watched Morgan go upstairs. As soon as she was out of sight, Pepper turned her attention to Clint. "Now, tell me what's been going on, Clint? Why now?"

Clint leaned forward, propping his arms on his legs. "I thought I'd bring the kids to New York City, go see the show, let them experience Christmas here, then we'd go back home for a family Christmas."

"How was the show?"

Clint shook his head. "The most ridiculous thing I've ever seen. I'm still trying to figure out where they got the story from. First off, who knew we went to eat shawarma after the battle? Secondly, who decided Ant-Man was in the battle?"

Pepper chuckled. "I think that part was a little self-promotion from Scott. As for the play, Tony got bored one night, and you know what happened when Tony got bored."

"Yeah, but it usually ended with explosions."

"True, this was just a different explosion." Pepper hesitated, trying to find the right words to say. "Tony didn't trust therapists. The last time he talked to someone was years ago. He talked to Bruce. I knew I couldn't convince him to see anyone, and everything he'd experienced was tearing him apart inside, so I suggested writing things down. Without me knowing it, he gave his journals to a friend, and the next I know, I see advertisements for the musical all over the city."

Clint smiled. "I knew it had to be him or Cap, though I could see Cap designing the costumes and doing a better job."

"Was it really that bad?"

"Well, to be honest, I turned off my hearing aid and ended up walking out. The kids weren't even that impressed."

Pepper laughed, putting her head in her hands. "Oh, my." She stood. "Did you want something to drink?"

"Coffee would be fine, thanks." Pepper went to the kitchen, returning shortly with two mugs filled with coffee. She handed one to Clint, then sat back down at the opposite end of the couch from Clint. "Talk to me, Clint. Why now?"

Clint ran a hand through his hair. "You know I have a habit of adopting strays, right?" Pepper nodded. "It appears I've adopted another one." Clint filled her in on the last week since meeting Kate Bishop and telling her about Yelena. "I had no choice but to stay and help." Clint looked over at her, his eyes wet. "I know I can't save everyone, but I still have to try to save who I can."

Pepper listened to Clint, then thought about what he said and how best to respond. It was one of the things he'd always appreciated about her. Pepper reminded him of Coulson in that way. "You were always the heart of the team, Clint. It's how you're wired, always willing to help the less fortunate, not wanting anyone to go through what you did. Unfortunately, it's cost you your marriage, but I have a feeling you always knew that." Pepper looked over, and Clint nodded. "I took a glance at the paperwork and, you're right, she is being very civil. I've contacted a lawyer, and he's agreed to work with you. I have a feeling the only issue is what will happen when you're away working, but I have a solution for that. I'll be more than happy to have the kids stay with me if you get called away. Also, in case it does get dirty, you can count on me for a character reference."

"Pepper, you don't have to do that."

"Clint, listen to me, please. You've helped me through difficult times since Tony's been gone. Even though you were grieving Nat, you were still there for me. I'd be honored to help you any way I can." Pepper leaned over and handed him a business card. "Here's the attorney's number. He's got an office in the city, used to work for Stark Industries, then decided to change fields."

Clint took the card, stared at it, then put it in his billfold. "Thanks, Pepper."

"As I said, Clint, always glad to help a friend. Now, let's have some lunch." Pepper stood and walked over to the stairs. "Morgan! Lunchtime!" Morgan could be heard shutting the door and running down the hall.

"Yay, Uncle Clint's still here!" Clint chuckled as Morgan grabbed his hand, dragging him to the kitchen table. "Mama fixed her yummy vegetable lasagna."

"Your mom's been a great cook as long as I've known her," Clint said, then leaned over and conspiratorially whispered, "except for those green smoothies."

Morgan giggled. "Yeah, I don't like those, either." The two looked over at Pepper, who was grinning and shaking her head.

"I know, I know. It's an acquired taste." Pepper laughed as she brought the lasagna pan over to the table. She set it down and doled out a piece to each of them, along with a salad and breadsticks. The three began eating, with Morgan commenting throughout the meal with stories of her various animals and school friends.

Clint leaned back in his chair when he finished, placing his used napkin on the table. "Delicious as always, Pepper."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. You're welcome here anytime, you know."

Clint nodded, then stood, taking his plate and utensils to the kitchen sink, and rinsed them off. "I know, Pepper." He returned to the table, leaned over, and kissed Pepper on the cheek, then ruffling Morgan's hair. "Thanks for everything, Pepper. Tell Happy I said hi." As Pepper went to stand to see him off, Clint waved her off. "I'll see myself out." Clint kissed the top of Morgan's head, then went out to his car and headed back to the city.