A/N: This took ages because I have been distracted with a lot of other things. And this is also shorter than normal which kinds suck, but I didn't want to force it, plus I didn't want you guys to wait any longer.

I am so sad knowing this will probably be the second to last chapter. Like I don't want to. But at the same time, it's time. I love this fanfic, but I am ready to let it go soon. Also, I have an idea for another one with Agents of shield, so black pepper might have to wait. God, I am a mess. But I guess until next time, make it a great week and I will definitely write to you soon.

S-B

At first, she wasn't sure if she saw correctly. Was that Natasha? Clint was walking into the living room with his hand on his partner's shoulder. Laura's eyes immediately softened as she felt herself getting pulled towards her husband.

"Hi. Company. Sorry I didn't call ahead." Laura didn't bother giving him a real answer only letting out a "hi" kissing him softly before he wrapped his arms around her. While it was nice feeling him hugging her again, she couldn't help but hook her chin on his shoulder and look the team behind him. There they were, all five of them. Thor in his full-on god clothes, and Captain America in his uniform. He even had his shield on his back.

"This is an agent of some kind," Tony said with a low voice, both he and Bruce turned to Thor, while Natasha and Steve looked at Laura as she pulled away from Clint.

"Gentleman, this is Laura." Clint turned to his team and Laura let her eyes wander over the men in front of her.

"I know all your names," Laura said with a small laugh trying to lighten the very awkward mood. All of them looked at her. Bruce was for sure the most uncomfortable of the bunch. Laura wasn't surprised. Natasha had mentioned he could get quiet and awkward in front of new people. Tony and Thor looked more confused than anything as Tony waved at her with a twisted smile. Steve was on the more comfortable side smiling at her with a very charming smile. It surprised her that he seemed so calm, but she was happy not everything had to be awkward and weird all the time.

Even with all of them looking at her with all sorts of emotions it was Natasha who made her smile fade and brought her back to the harsh reality. The woman had a stressed an uncomfortable look in her eyes. And instead of her normal, proud, straight posture, her back was lowered, and it almost looked like she was in pain. It was nothing that was even remotely resembling her normal self.

Laura looked at a small, scared and vulnerable woman, and Laura could tell it was more than what met the eye. She didn't have the time to walk up to her before they heard footsteps running down the stairs and Clint pulled away from her. In some way, maybe it was a good thing, even if having the kids around the avengers would be a challenge.

"Ooh, incoming."

"Dad" Clint scoped Lila up in his arms before dragging Cooper into his arms.

"Hi, sweetheart. Hey, buddy! How you guys doing?" Laura smiled at Steve's confused look he looked like he wanted to comment on them, but not finding the right words. Tony watched them with a twisted look before finishing Steve's thought prosses and saying.

"These are...smaller agents." Clint ignored the comment instead of keeping on kissing the two kids, which just made Laura's heart so warm. It was something about watching them immediately go to their father and not gush over the avengers that really made her heart expand. Sure, it was very short lasted before the two of them actually noticed the rest of the team, but it was nice either way.

"Look at your face! Oh, my goodness!" Laura watched Clint carefully put Lila down, who immediately asked.

"Did you bring Auntie Nat?" Surprised she asked for her aunt and not her ciliary crush Laura turned to the redhead and watched Natasha lift her head up with a half-smile.

"Why don't you hug her and find out?" It was extremely forced, Laura could tell, still, Natasha picked the girl up. Even it only was an act for Lila, it worked. Even Steve bought it, and Laura watched him smile at the cute interaction before he turned to her.

"Sorry for barging in on you." Laura could only smile at him and his cute little worried face before she walked over to Clint who wrapped an arm around her.

"Yeah, we would have called ahead, but we were busy having no idea that you existed." Laura smiled at Tony's sarcastic comment them turning to Clint.

"Yeah, well, Fury helped me set this up when I joined. He kept it off SHIELD's files, I'd like to keep it that way. I figure it's a good place to lay low." He explained. Laura's eyes met Natasha's for a second before the redhead threw Bruce a very guilty look. Interesting. It really wasn't something she should feel guilty of hiding right. Unless it was something between them?

Deciding she needed to talk to the other woman, Laura let go of Clint and let him move away before Natasha walked over to her.

"Honey." She whispered as she hugged her. She could tell Natasha was holding back, but not pulling away right away. Maybe it was because the team was around?"

"Ah, I missed you." She pulled back Laura looked at Natasha with a soft smile. She looked extremely tired, but she still gave Laura a smile before she reached over to the very much bigger baby bump. It had been weeks since the last time she saw her. Around 23 to be exact. So, the bump had definitely increased in size.

"How's little Natasha, huh?" She gently held around her stomach and looked down at her soon to be nephew. Laura was slightly surprised she was so hands-on since she hadn't been a fan before. That was also why she felt even more guilty now having to tell her about the gender.

"She's…Nathaniel." Laura gave her a small grimace. This was not the way she wanted to tell Natasha at all. She knew she had to tell at her at one point, but she didn't imagen doing so in front of the avengers where Natasha was forced to keep quiet and not able to respond. Instead of answering her Natasha leaned down to the bump before saying.

"Traitor"

Laura didn't really know what she expected from the team, though this wasn't it. The team seemed tense and none of the nice family-like vibe she had imagined. Whatever had happened was not good that was for sure.

Natasha had kept close to her side most of the day. Thor disappeared early on, and after Laura and Clint had shown them where they could drop off their things the guys spread out to clean up.

Laura followed Clint to do the same, as they walked into their bedroom Laura noticed Natasha slip into her room with her head down. The woman had helped her clean up in the kitchen before, but she had been distant and watching her every move. Clint was the only one of the team that didn't seem to have lost their head completely. He actually seemed to be fine. The rest of the team, not quite.

"See, you worried for nothing. Can't even feel the difference, can you?" Laura inspected Clint's side carefully letting her hand drag over his skin. While it didn't seem too bad it did seem slightly off. Still, she didn't want to have this conversation right now, so she ignored it only saying.

"If they're sleeping here, some of them are gonna have to double up," Laura says straitening his shirt.

"Yeah, that's not gonna sell." Clint laugh. Why he did so she didn't know, they only have two other guestrooms and the second living room which had the big couch. They didn't have on room for each of them, that was a fact.

"What about Nat and Dr. Banner? That seems, odd?" Laura walked after Clint as he entered their wardrobe.

"Wait what? What seems odd" Laura could only roll her eyes and laugh.

"You are so oblivious."

"Nat and...and Banner? What are you talking about?" Laura let out a small sigh the same time he let out a huff.

"I'll explain when you're older, Hawkeye." If Clint didn't know she didn't want to bring it up. Natasha had looked guilty, and she had seen Bruce look at her. But why she didn't know. She refused to believe it was something between them, she refused to believe Natasha would ever cheat. But it was something. And whatever it was, it made Natasha stressed and maybe more unreasonable than what she would have been. Even if something had happened to the team.

"Oh. Okay." Clint said, letting it go of the subject.

"It's bad, right? Nat seems really shaken." Laura looked at him with a serious look. He let out a sigh before answering.

"Ultron has these allies, these uh, kids, they're punks really. They carry a big damn stick and Nat took a serious hit. Someone's gonna have to teach 'em some manners." Laura looked at him as he talked. He seemed very upset, but she didn't quite understand what these "kids" did. She didn't know what these "kids" were either. He was obviously talking in metaphors, but that was impossible to understand from her perspective. She followed him to the window as she slowly responded to him.

"And that someone being you. You know I totally support your avenging; I couldn't be prouder. But I see those guys, those Gods"

"You don't think they need me." He cuts her off. She looked at Steve and Tony who were outside, chopping would as if the tree had tried to kill them. Driven by anger and frustration, she could tell. She paused for a second before slowly saying.

"I think they do. Which is a lot scarier. They're a mess." He let out a light breath before saying.

"Yeah. I guess they're my mess." He doesn't look at her, but out the window instead. She slowly lets her hand glide through his hair as she follows his gaze.

"You need to be sure that this team is really a team and that they have your back. Things are changing for us. In a few month's time, you and I are gonna be outnumbered. I need...just be sure." She almost whispers the last part.

"Yes, ma'am" Clint leaned into her and kissed her deeply, and Laura felt him relax around her kissing her softly on her forehead. Laura looked at him with a small smile before she slipped a hand under his shirt and let her hand glide over his wounded side.

"I can feel the difference." Clint laughed at her. It was so nice to have him home, even if it wasn't the best situation.

"I am going to check up on Nat, okay? You go to your kids; I am sure they would love some attention from you." Laura said with a smile. Clint only nodded before he disappeared out of the room. Laura followed him soon out of the room to see if Natasha was in her own room.

She wanted to excuse herself for throwing literally all the toys into her room while she was gone. She knew Natasha didn't really mind, but it was her safe space in the house, and she could at least give her the offer to move them if she wanted to.

"You're not a threat to me." Laura stopped just outside the door when she heard Natasha's broken voice. It cracked as if she was crying, and she could tell she wasn't very far from doing so.

"You sure? Even if I didn't just...there's no future with me. I can't ever...I can't have this, kids, do the math, I physically can't." It was Bruce, but what were they talking about. Kids? Why? Was there actually something between the two of them? Laura slowly moved towards the door while still making sure they couldn't see her. She knew it was wrong to eardrop, but this, this she wouldn't let pass if it was the case. She loved Natasha, and she never would think the woman would ever betray Pepper, but god it really sounded like it right now.

"Neither can I." Natasha's voice was filled with pain and emotion.

"In the Red Room, where I was trained, where I was raised, um, they have a graduation ceremony. They sterilize you. It's efficient. One less thing to worry about. The one thing that might matter more than a mission. It makes everything easier. Even killing. You still think you're the only monster on the team?" Laura almost let out as sound before slapping her hand over her mouth. Natasha was sterilized?!

"Natasha…" Laura's head was spinning as he heard Bruce's voice for the second time. Her head was struggling to focus on the voice, still trying to prosses what the redhead just said. It was Natasha's voice again that made her head finally land back down.

"Bruce. What happens, happens, but this shouldn't stop you… I am going to take a shower." Natasha's voice turned from sad to harsh and Bruce struggled to find his words.

"The water… the water is cold."

"No shit"

Laura was speechless as she slowly made her way downstairs, hoping to dear god she wouldn't run into anyone. Natasha was sterilized. Not sterile but she was sterilized. Forced on her without her consent. And Laura had literally pushed her pregnancy in her face. God this was horrible. No wonder why she was so new to all off this, her only experience she had had in the field was Laura. Because clearly, she had not had any sex ed in the red room.

She felt awful. She really did. She had asked if she wanted kids for crying out loud. But she would never have that choice. She couldn't physically get any biological children even if she wanted to. Of course, she could adopt, but she couldn't ever get pregnant if she wanted. The red room was evil. They took away something that NOBODY should ever decide for you. Of course, you are allowed not wanting children. Pregnancy is a choice. But it is you who decides, not a fucking mad person.

Did Clint know? Surely, he did? They had known each other for forever, and he knew a lot more about the red room than Laura did. She had to talk to Natasha about it. But what if she got mad? She hates when the kid's eardrop, but still. Fuck.

Laura almost jumped into the table when she saw Nick Fury leaning on her fireplace looking at her like her kids looked at the dinner when Laura had made something they didn't want.

"Holy shit," Laura mumbled. She had been so lost in her own head she hadn't taken any notes of her surroundings. And how does one miss a Nick Fury? How was that even possible?

"I thought the best friend of the world's former best spy and assassin was less jumpy." Nick moved over to her and Laura couldn't help her small smile as the taller man made his way over the floor.

"Well, I was kinda in my own world. I didn't expect some of the world's most powerful humans in my house today. It is nice seeing you again." Laura said looking at the man. He had on a small hat and blazer, but a lot less "SHIELD powerhouse" look. It made sense considering SHIELD doesn't exist and such. Still, she expected somewhat more of a "powerful man" vibe, and not the "I try to be a cool dad" vibe. It was really… odd.

"I need to check up on the kindergarten once and a while. Do you have a place I can talk to Stark alone?" Carefully making his way towards her kitchen careful not to step on any toys. Laura nodded slowly. Of course, he came because of the team. What else.

"Yeah. The old farm is pretty secluded. I'll send him there." Laura knew better than to stutter over her words. Instead, she tried to keep her voice as calm and normal as possible as Natasha had taught her. Nick only nodded at her before he disappeared out the back door. Laura let out a small sigh. Guess she was doing this now. Yay spies and all that right?

The guys were outside. Clint was working with the kids, while Steve and Tony who desperately needed to get off some steam were currently chopping some of the extreme amounts they had left. Steve had changed out of his uniform and into some more training like clothes and Tony had cleaned the cut on his face. But even after this small make up both were wearing the same mask of pain and distress. It was no hiding the fact that whatever had happened had still a powerful effect.

Laura walked slowly over to them trying not to be rude but also not seem to be listening to their conversation. She needed to break into the conversation, she just didn't know how. She could hear Steve say something with an annoyed voice.

"… someone tries to win a war before it starts, innocent people die. Every time." Tony only looked at Steve and deciding the mood couldn't possibly get much worse now Laura slipped into the conversation.

"I'm sorry. Mr. Stark, uh, Clint said you wouldn't mind, but, our tractor, it doesn't seem to want to start at all. I thought maybe you might..." She looked at Tony with a small helpless look. It felt like a really good performance, and maybe she shouldn't be proud of that, but at least she had learned something from the master liar herself, Natasha.

Tony cut her off before she finished her sentence.

"I'll give her a kick." He looked between the two before he let out a sigh and turns around. "Don't take from my pile."

She had no idea what had happened in the farm, and she honestly didn't care that much. Nick and Tony had walked out of it about 20 minutes later, but by then Laura was already in the making of dinner.

She thought dinner with the Avengers and the kids would be awful, but it turned out to be really nice. All of them laid off talking about work, and they were so nice to the kids. Of course, Lila had the biggest crush on Captain America and asked at least 200 questions, but could she blame her? Cooper was very fascinated by Iron man, but Laura had a small suspicion he thought Tony's dry and sarcastic humor was a small turn off, so he spent much of his time talking with Bruce. Bruce was a smart man, but also seemed like somebody who didn't get to bothered with kids, and really took his time to answer all of Cooper's questions. It was really nice actually.

Natasha was surprisingly the bigger outsider of the bunch. She seemed to be lost in her head most of the time. The woman was distant and hard to talk to, not even keeping a real conversation with Laura even if Laura really tried to involve her. Her voice was a bit raspy and sick sounding. She even paired her dinner with tea. Which earned a very confused look from all of them. From Laura because Natasha always just stuck with water, and the team because they probably didn't think of her as a tea person in general.

Laura didn't know what to do or think. Natasha didn't wasn't to talk to her, but Laura knew they had to. She knew it would drive her crazy if she at least didn't tell her she knew. They didn't have to talk about everything, but she wanted to be honest with the agent. But Natasha never let her, and the dinner kept going without even coming close to talking to the woman.

The guys were real troopers though. She really didn't expect them all to be so nice and welcoming with the kids. Even after dinner the adults still played with the kids, and Laura ended up talking to Steve while Tony and Bruce were on the floor with a Lego set with Cooper, both adults very fascinated by all the pieces.

"So, you've known her for a while?" Steve nodded at Natasha who had Lila on her lap and was helping her paint a picture.

"Ten years. When Clint decided to spare her life." Laura said with a small smile. Steve nodded at her, and to her surprise, his eyes too softened while he watched Natasha. Laura knew Steve and Natasha had had quite a few missions together, and they were probably pretty close. He had been the only one who knew her birthday after all.

What the two of them had was something real. Laura knew Natasha trusted the whole team, but she could tell the two of them, Steve and Natasha, was way past trust at this point. Steve looked at her with a serious look.

"I did have a hard time trusting her at the start. But nothing, and I mean nothing, will ever make me turn around on her now. Doesn't matter if we have different opinions on anything, she will always do what is right at the moment. You are very lucky to have such a great role model for your kids." Laura looked at the man and he smiled softly. She could only nod under his eyes. He was right, she was very lucky. And she was happy Natasha finally had another family, who also saw how amazing she really was.

"I am, but I also want to say, you guys are lucky she knows me because I am the one who taught her to cook," Laura said with a joking voice.

"Wait, she can cook?" Steve turned and looked at her with almost disbelief. Laura only laughed before saying.

"You have no idea."

Laura still hadn't had time to pull Natasha out to talk to her. She wanted to, but she didn't want to put more pressure on her. The team was here, and she had clearly a lot on her mind. She had one opportunity where Natasha helped Lila in her pajamas. But she seemed so happy at the moment and she didn't want to ruin it, not now.

Natasha adored the kids, and she didn't want to take what she assumed a really short amount of time with the kids from either Clint or Natasha. They would be leaving soon. Tomorrow, or even tonight.

Laura spent the time watching the kids while talking to the other Avengers. Other than being superheroes they were all very nice. Tony had had the dries humor in the world, but he was actually a really nice man. Bruce was very careful on where he stepped. Very polite and down to earth, and Steve was just a real gentleman.

The whole team spent the evening in the living room, talking and entertain the kids. It wasn't before the kid's bedtime they finally started talking about work and the second they did, the whole atmosphere in the house changed.

"Ultron took you folks out of play to buy himself time. My contacts all say he's building something. The amount of Vibranium he made off with, I don't think it's just one thing." Laura watched Lila run over to her aunt to drop off her last painting. The kids were going to bed and the team was having their first meeting. Nick Fury had been good and kept all work-related conversations off the table until now even when one of the Avengers hinted at it. She was very thankful.

"What about Ultron himself?" She heard Steve as she pushed the kids out the door. The mood was cold and serious, and all of them had

"Ah. He's easy to track, he's everywhere." Laura walked the kids slowly upstairs. He is everywhere. It sounded so weird. No wonder why they had struggled so much. This wasn't one enemy, he so many in one. He created bigger robots, but they were all him. Even if they were smaller in size it was still as much of him in every single one. None of them could escape.

Laura walked slowly out of Cooper's room closing the door being her. The boy was allowed to lay in bed and read for a bit, she trusted him more than Lila at that one. Lila had to be read for, and Laura had to ask her to please lay down at least 20 times before she decided to lay still.

A soft knock on the door was heard just as she put down the book on Lila's nightstand. It was Natasha who pushed the door open. She had a soft look in her eyes as she slowly snuck in and smiled at them. Lila immediately tried to get out of bed, but Natasha didn't let her as she stopped her in her tracks.

"Flower, you need to go to bed," Natasha whispered softly into the girl's hair as she pushed her down on the pillow.

"Are you leaving?" Lila whispered back. Asking the one question Laura too wanted to ask. Natasha had been expecting the question clearly. She didn't seem faced or surprised, only nodding slightly before saying.

"Malyshka, I'll be back soon. And you have to take care of you, mommy, okay?" Natasha said with a smile hugging Lila tightly. Lila only nodded but held a tight grip on her jacket not letting the woman go. The redhead only laughed softly letting her hand glide over the child's face.

"Be good and go to bed now, please?" Lila nodded again with teary eyes before she let go and let her head hit the pillow. She didn't protest when Natasha moved from the bed, only turning her head to watch her aunt go. Natasha stood up and waved at Laura to follow. Laura did as she was told and followed the woman out of the room before she closed the door behind them.

"So, you guys are leaving now," Laura said with her head down. Natasha was leaning on Lila's door and nodded.

"We are. And I wanted to say a real goodbye, and not have everyone hanging on my shoulders whiles I did so." Natasha said opening her arms letting Laura walk into them. Laura sank into her arms and she could feel Natasha wrap them around her with a protective grip.

"So, what's the plan then?" Laura said as she pulled back. Natasha looked at her with a sad smile.

"You know the doctor who did that thing on Clint?" Laura nodded slowly.

"We think Ultron is using her. We need to find out if he does. And after that, we aren't sure." Natasha said with a quiet voice. Her head was down, and she was upset.

"Okay. I know it's no point in asking when you will be back, so just promise me you both will come home?" Laura said looking at the other woman with a sad smile. Natasha looked up at her one final time before saying.

"I will do my best to make sure he will," Natasha said with an almost guilty face.

"Nat," Laura warned stepping up to the woman and looked into her eyes.

"That's the best I can do."