This is a shorter chapter than usual, but I feel as though I owed y'all something after being so patient!
Clint ran a hand through his hair. "Well, it looks like I'm an apartment owner now."
"Congratulations, I guess?"
Clint took in a 360-degree view of his new place. "Thanks. Yeah, I guess it is congratulations. I figure I'll ask the kids what they want in their rooms when we're out there." His phone rang. "Barton. Yes, Katie-Kate, I looked at the apartment. It's mine now. Yep, that's what I said." He gave her a brief description of the apartment. "I'll work on furnishing it when I get back. I already have a list of places to check out. No, Kate, I'm not decorating it in all purple."
Clint looked at Bucky and rolled his eyes. Bucky chuckled. "How are you? Hey, why don't you come home with me for Christmas? I'm going to guess your mom will still be in jail, and even if she isn't, I don't think you'll want to spend time with her. Did you want to spend it with Jack? I didn't think so. I'll get another plane ticket. It's no problem, Kate. The farm has stretchy walls. The family's used to me bringing home strays." He briefly thinks back to the first stray he brought home. God, he still misses her. "Not taking no for an answer. I'll call you with the details." He ends the call then immediately calls the airline. After a brief conversation, he hangs up. "Damn it." Clint turns to Bucky. "Airline's sold out."
"We could drive. Don't mind helping with that."
Clint went over logistics in his head. "Sounds like a plan. Can you be ready first thing in the morning? And you sure you don't mind?"
"If I minded, I wouldn't have offered, Barton. Yeah, it won't take long to pack."
Clint nodded. "Thanks again, man. You ready for something to eat?"
"Sounds good."
"I'll stop by Grills' place. Let him know what's going on." After checking in with Grills, Clint and Bucky went to an Indian restaurant in the neighborhood, then Clint dropped Bucky off at his place in Brooklyn, agreeing to pick him up the following day. "OK, I need to check out of the hotel. I can't believe I didn't do that already. Truthfully, I've had a lot of other stuff going on, so I won't beat myself up too bad for that. I'll reach out to Kate to let her know we're driving instead of flying."
"What now, CB1?"
Clint shook his head. "Change in plans. We're driving. The plane's sold out. People fly during the holidays. Who knew?"
"Get with the times, old man. How'd you get home for the holidays? Conestoga wagon?" Clint couldn't remember the last time, other than the five years since everything had changed, that he'd been home for a holiday. SHIELD didn't care about holidays. To be fair, neither did evil people. He was usually busy tracking his target, then waiting for the right moment to strike; he wasn't given much time to celebrate. That's why he wanted his kids to enjoy this Christmas. He wanted to provide them with a Christmas they wouldn't forget. Unfortunately, it would not be a Christmas they would want to remember. "Clint? Hey? You there?"
"Huh? Yeah, I'm here. Guessing you're staying at the penthouse tonight?"
Kate sighed. "Yeah, kind of wanting something familiar around me."
"Need me to come over?"
Kate bit her lip. "Would you mind?"
"Nope. I'll get Lucky and my gear from Grills' and be right over. Since Moira kicked us out, I'll stop and grab some movies and snacks."
"No need, big guy. Movies are in my bag, and there's plenty of food here, plus I've got streaming services. Twenty-first century, remember?"
"Later, Katie-Kate." Clint disconnected the call and pocketed his phone, then started the SUV and drove back to Grills' to gather his stuff and Lucky. After parking the car, he shuffled to the door and buzzed Grills' apartment.
"Hey, man!" Grills beamed as he opened the door and let Clint inside. "How'd it go?"
Clint smiled. "You're getting a new neighbor."
"That's awesome, Clint! Welcome to the neighborhood. When are you moving in? Did you need some help?"
Clint held up his hand. "Hold your horses, Grills. One at a time." He collapsed onto the couch. "I'll get everything signed once I get back from seeing the kids, then I'm going furniture shopping. I should be okay getting things here, but the offer's appreciated."
"Hopefully, you'll be back in time for the New Year's party."
"New Year's party?"
"Oh, yeah, man. We gather on the roof, grill burgers and hot dogs, celebrate the New Year, watch the fireworks. You'll get a chance to meet the neighbors."
"Yeah, I may stop by for a bit. Not a big fan of fireworks." Clint tapped his hearing aid.
"Damn, sorry about that." Grills put his head in his hand.
Clint clasped his shoulder. "It's okay. I'll still come up and say hi." The smile returned to Grills' face. I appreciate you letting me stay here, also appreciated your help at the party. Sorry you got dragged into that mess."
"I loved it! Plus, it was partially my fault for taking the suit. And I do know a little about trouble, being a firefighter."
"Still, though, thanks for your help."
"It was a dream come true. I'd do it again in a heartbeat." Grills stepped into the kitchen, returning with two mugs filled with hot coffee, then handed one to Clint. "Don't think LARPing's going to be the same anymore."
Clint nodded his thanks, then gulped down the coffee. "Probably not, but it's a good way to keep up your skills. You know in case you're needed again." He smiled. "I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of the tracksuits."
Grills agreed, then looked like a lightbulb went off over his head. "Think you'd be up to showing the tenants some self-defense skills? We've got a lot of single moms living here, and some of them work odd hours and in not-so-nice parts of the city. We've got a community room in the basement we could use. Right now, it's used as a kind of daycare for when parents are running late. That way, the kids aren't left alone. We could clear out some space."
Clint listened and was taking Grills' words to heart. Maybe this would be a way he could bring some good into the world, maybe feel like more than just a weapon. 'Remember all the people you saved, especially me,' he heard Nat's voice in his head. "Yeah, I can probably do something like that after I get moved." Something inside him seemed to settle down. He hadn't given much thought to what he would do with himself, other than maybe neighborhood watch. Clint had been active for so long, inactive usually only when he was sidelined with injuries. It felt good that he would have a purpose that wouldn't involve killing anyone. "Yeah. I'll get something set up when I get back." Clint stood. "Thanks again, Grills. You've helped me more than you'll know. I've got to check out of the hotel, then check on Kate."
Grills helped Clint gather up his stuff, then held the door open for him and Lucky. "Have a safe trip, man."
Clint patted his arm. "Will do. Happy New Year, man. Come on, Lucky." Clint tugged on the least, and Lucky happily bounded along next to him, then jumped in the SUV after Clint opened the door.
