Hey everyone. Like all of you, I'm still reeling and grieving from the loss of Chadwick Boseman. He was our King and he will never be forgotten. This is for the King. Wakanda Forever!


Somehow I went into a bit of a comatose state.

Don't ask me how. I don't know.

One minute I was looking at the TV with Ted's smug face on it, the next thing I knew I was lying on the couch.

Clint got a bit freaked out when I went…away.

He says I sort of passed out and he laid me on the couch.

In the time I was out, which he assured me was only twenty minutes, he talked to the team.

They were on their way to the apartment.

God that's a lot of people to fit into our apartment.

Clint advised me to call out of work, which I did.

My phone was blowing up. People I had barely talked to in years. People from work. People from school were asking me so many questions trying to get the dirt.

I ignored all of them except for Beth.

After her calling me five times I finally picked up and told her to come over.

After that I called Pops. He was confused as to why people were calling him. Why was Ted on TV? What was this about me dating an Avenger?

I promised I would explain everything, but he needed to get himself to our apartment.

When that was all done I looked at Clint. He was on the phone.

"How long till the team gets here?" Whispering while he was one the phone.

"They said they should be here in about half an hour. They took a quinjet." He whispered back.

My eyes bugged out of my head "Where are they going to park it?"

"Not our problem babe." He shrugged and went back to his call.

Shaking my head I decided I should probably get dressed.

Throwing on a Merida t-shirt and a pair of jeans I looked at my Keds. I decided on my Taylor Swift 1989 Tour City Keds. They were my good luck charm. I had a feeling we would need all the help we could get today.

Taming my frizzy curls I put on some makeup because I wasn't going to look like crap in front of the team.

As soon as I finished my phone buzzed.

It was Beth.

"Hey, there are so many reporters out here!" She yelled over the noise.

Going into the living room I told Clint he would need to go get Beth.

"Shit tell her to hang tight for a minute. I'll get her." He swore and got up "Lock the door behind me."

Nodding I did as he asked.

God was this going to be our life now.

I really hoped not.

I didn't need paparazzi trailing me on my morning commute to work.

Two minutes later the door was unlocking, and I ran into Beth's arms.

"Are you okay?" Asking her, pulling back to study her.

"I'm fine! How are you!" She questioned, brushing my hair.

"Wondering which circle of hell we're currently in." Joking to keep the mood light.

"Good one hun." Clint snorted.

"What's it like out there?" Asking the both of them.

"Insane. Someone is going to need to help Pops get inside." Beth commented.

"Tony is working on crowd control," Clint said.

"Oh by the way the Avengers are on there way here." Speaking to Beth.

Her eyes grew so big I thought they'd pop out of her head.

"Even the cute one I've been texting?" She said.

"Yes, Sam will be here too." Smirking at her as I glanced at Clint.

"Great I look like crap," Beth complained, gesturing to her loose shirt and jeans.

"Go raid the closet. You got like ten minutes." Chuckling as I waved to our room.

"Thank you!" She breathed before running into the bedroom.

"Just make sure not to take any of my clothes," Clint called out in a joke.

"I think she could be wearing a garbage bag and Sam still wouldn't care." I laughed as I went into the kitchen to grab mugs and my tea tin.

Thank God Clint drank coffee because I didn't have any. Putting on Clint's coffee machine, and my electric kettle I heard a knock at the door.

Coming out of the kitchen I stared at Clint. Beth came out of the bedroom, an anxious look on her face. And my pink floral blouse on her frame.

"It's us Legolas." Tony Stark's voice rang through the silence.

Letting out a breath of relief Clint went and opened the door and ushered everyone inside.

Glancing at Beth I gestured for her to keep calm and to breathe.

"Hey, guys." Going over and saying hello to everyone with hugs "Please make yourselves comfortable."

"Does anyone want coffee? Tea?" Asking as I began to wring my hands but immediately flinched because of my wrists.

"Shit forgot about that." Wincing in pain.

"Pops is going to flip out when he sees your wrists," Beth said as she came over and examined my wrists.

The team stopped and stared at Beth.

"Everyone this is Beth Naomi, my best friend." Introducing my best friend to her idols.

"Hello." She meekly waved to everyone.

Her eyes caught Sam's and she smiled when she saw him.

Sam smiled when he saw her too.

"Not to break up your moment but we have damage control to do." Natasha rolled her eyes and pulled out a laptop and sat on the couch.

Beth blushed pink as did Sam.

"Where's Thor?" Asking the group as I noticed the God of Thunder was absent "And Rhodey?"

"Had to go back to Asgard for normal God duties. Rhodey is out on an errand. He'll be joining us soon," Tony commented before he sat down next to Natasha.

"I'll have a coffee if the offer is still good." He said.

"Yes, does anyone else want anything?" Openly inquiring.

Several of them wanted coffee and tea.

"I'll give you guys a hand." Wanda offered to me and Beth as we went into the kitchen.

"How were the crowds when you came in?" Asking Wanda as I assembled mugs.

"Still pretty crazy, but I know Tony is working on it. He thinks you guys might need to do a press conference." She said.

The Haunted Mansion mug I had been holding almost slipped out of my hands "Please God no!" Already starting to panic.

"Hey, Dottie calm, deep breaths." Beth lightly grabbed my shoulders and began to count with me.

"Is she alright?" Wanda anxiously asked as she stared at me.

"She has anxiety. Sometimes she gets panic attacks." Beth briefly explained before focusing her attention back at me.

We worked on my 4-7-8 breathing pattern for a few rounds before I calmed down.

"I'm good. I'm okay." Breathing out shaking my head of the anxiety.

"I'm sure Tony won't make you do the press conference if you don't want to do it," Wanda added trying to be helpful.

"I'd rather leave it to him. Or do a written statement." Swallowing as I grabbed the coffee pot and began to pour.

A couple of minutes later Beth, Wanda, and I walked out of the kitchen carrying mugs and a tray of cookies.

"I hope you guys like Tim Tams." Lightly joking as I set the cookies down along with my tea tray.

"Steve, Vision pick whatever teas you'd like." Pointing to the tin.

"Thanks, Dot." Steve offered me a smile and another hug.

"Thanks, I needed that." Muffling into his shirt.

"Please tell me you've found Ted," Clint said as he came over and rubbed my back.

"We've found him. He's currently in jail." Tony said.

"At least that's some good news." Trying to be optimistic. Leaning into Clint's embrace.

"When do I get to snap his neck?" Clint joked through clenched teeth. Well, at least I hoped he was joking.

"Not anytime soon, sorry pal." Tony said "He admitted to the assault. But we're trying to configure out a longer sentence for him. See if we can get any extra dirt. He's going before the judge tomorrow."

"What exactly do we do with the remains of the tornado Ted gave us?" Running a hand through my hair.

"That we're also working on," Natasha commented as she typed on her laptop.

"Am I going to be able to go back to work tomorrow?" Openly questioning them.

"At your own risk," Sam said.

"Great, thank you." Rolling my eyes.

"You'll go back to work we just have to get this all under control," Steve added more helpfully.

My phone rang.

"It's Pops." Looking at the screen.

"I'll go get him." Clint kissed my head.

Answering my phone, I had to yell over the background noise, "Pops, Clint is going to come to get you!"

Clint left the apartment and I hung up the phone.

"So this is going to be very disorienting for him. He's not like Beth. He doesn't follow the Avengers. So please be nice." Telling all of them "He's already going to flip when I tell him what happened with Ted on Tuesday."

I was not looking forward to this.

"We'll be on our best behavior," Wanda said looking to the group who nodded their heads.

"Yeah, old people love me," Tony said with a grin.

Beth snored behind him "I wouldn't call him old if you're trying to get on his good side."

That made me smile.

The door opened and Pops and Clint came inside.

"Dorothy!" Pops exclaimed. When I made my way over to him, he grabbed me in a hug "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Are you okay? Did anyone give you any trouble." Pulling back and looking him over.

"No, I'm fine. I just kept my head down as you said to. There were a few people outside the house but it was nothing." He explained.

Finally, Pops noticed that my living room was full to bursting.

"Uh Pops, meet the Avengers. Guys, this is my grandfather Thomas Morgan." Shyly smiling between Pops and the team.

"What the hell?" Pops mumbled confusedly as his eyes took in everyone.

Pops noticed Tony sitting on our couch "Hey you're that hippie with the robot suits!" Pointing at him.

I went red while everyone else tried to not burst out laughing. Though Sam let out a laugh and quickly covered it with a cough.

"Damn Rhodey is going to be pissed he missed that." Sam chuckled.

"Well, I've never had it put that way before." Tony mused getting to his feet.

"Tony Stark, a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Morgan. You've got one heck of granddaughter." Tony held out his hand. Pops shook it in a daze.

"Pops it's a long story and I know it's a lot to take in." Gently saying to him as he let go of Tony's hand "Clint is an Avenger. Well, he's retired." Attempting to explain.

"Dottie, what are you talking about?" Pops turned back to me "What are-" His eyes went wide when he saw my wrists.

"What the hell happened!" Pops yelled and everyone grew quiet.

"Pops its nothing." Trying to downplay the bruises.

"Nothing! This doesn't look like nothing." Pops grabbed my arm and stared at my injuries.

"Was this Ted?" Pop's eyes flared in anger.

When I didn't answer he got his answer.

"Goddamnit, Dorothy!" Pops raised his voice "When did this happen?"

"Tuesday. He showed up outside of our apartment." Sighing out "Clint scared him off."

"Yeah but not before he did this!" Pops gestured to my wrists again.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He questioned in fury.

"Because I'd knew how'd you react." Groaning in frustration.

"And where were you?" Pops pointed an accusing finger at Clint. He jumped back surprised at Pops zoning in on him.

"Hey! Clint was here!" Raising my voice as I defended my boyfriend "Who do you think got Ted to leave? Clint broke his nose for God's sake."

"Don't blame him for Ted being Ted!" Adding with a touch of annoyance.

"No, I blame you for living in this fantasy that you can have a normal life while he is out there!" Pops said.

"What am I supposed to do? Hide myself away! I'm stronger than that! I'm not going to stop living my life because of that bastard!" My voice going into a yell "I'm not living in a fantasy. I'm living in reality!"

"Your mother wasn't living in reality! She was living a fantasy and look where that got her!" Pops shouted at me.

I reeled back as if I had been slapped.

Everyone was silent. I could feel the unease and tension in the room. A plastic knife could have cut through it. I could feel everyone's eyes on me.

"Don't you dare blame mom!" My eyes watering "Mom was a victim! Mom was scared and in agony! That doesn't mean mom was weak! Mom left that night to protect me!" Screaming at Pops as tears spilled down my face.

No way was I breaking down in front of everyone. Turning around I fled the living room and slammed the bedroom door shut.


Thomas made a move to follow Dot but Beth stopped him.

"No, you've done enough." She darkly told him before walking to the bedroom. She gave a quick knock before disappearing inside and shutting the door closed.

"You have to stop comparing her to her mother," Clint said to Thomas.

"What do you know about it!" He shot back at him.

"I know enough." Clint walked forward and stood in front of Thomas.

"The more you compare her, the weaker and more insecure she is going to feel. She is stronger than that. She is braver than that. You and I both know it. I know you love her but this isn't helping." Clint tried to explain in a calm manner.

The whole day he had been trying not to put his fist through a wall. And it was only twelve in the afternoon.

Dot and Thomas's family fighting had not been helping to calm him.

"You keep making her out to be a victim, eventually she will become one!" Clint seethed at him "She's better than that. She's stronger than what Ted keeps trying to do to her."

"I know that!" Thomas shot back at him.

Thomas moved away from Clint.

Everyone's eyes were on them.

Clint watched Thomas heave a long sigh. He opened the balcony door and stepped outside, shutting it behind him.

"Is this day over yet?" Clint rubbed the back of his neck.

"Not quite buddy." Steve clapped his back in support.

"What happened to Dorothy's mother?" Vision asked with the curiosity of a child.

"She died when Dottie was thirteen Vis." Wanda quietly explained to the AI superhero "Her father used to abuse her mother."

"Why is he still allowed to walk free then after all he's done?" Vision openly pondered.

"I'm working on it," Tony added as he stared at his tablet.

"Good question Vision." Clint sighed out and kicked the table.

"She needs you to stay calm," Nat told him as she looked up briefly before going back to her laptop.

The bedroom door opened and Beth came out. She shut it again.

"How is she?" Clint asked anxiously.

"Hurt, exhausted, freaked." Beth sighed, running a hand through her hair.

"Where is Pops?" Beth asked.

Clint pointed to the balcony.

Beth went to the balcony door and opened it.

"She wants to see you." She told Thomas.

Thomas got up off the chair and came inside.

"I do not care that you're like a grandfather to me. You make her cry again and I'm dropping you off that balcony." Beth threatened to Thomas.

Clint had to smother his smile.

Thomas nodded sadly before opening the bedroom door and closed it quietly behind him.


"Dottie I'm so sorry." Pops started off with an apology.

"I know Pops I know." Sighing out as I sat on my spot on the bed "But it's not enough this time."

"You have to stop blaming mom. Mom was the victim in this situation. She wasn't weak, she wasn't nothing. She wasn't living in a fantasy. She was scared Pops." Heaving out a large breath, as I shook my head "The only one to blame here, is Ted."

"I know that. I do. I just-I look at what happened to Margaret and I get so terrified for you." Pops dejectedly said as he took a seat next to me.

"I know Pops. I know it worries you. It's always going to worry you until Ted is either dead or locked away." Running a hand through my hair "But you have to stop comparing me to mom. I know you're scared but again, mom isn't to blame."

"I don't even like telling you about Ted because of the way you flip out and react. I'm not weak. I can take care of myself and I have Clint." My lips quirked into a tiny smile.

"Pops I really need you to focus on the present situation at hand here because I don't have the energy for this today. My whole life got exposed this morning and I'm trying to figure out how to deal with that."

"I just-how did all of this happen?" Pops questioned so confusedly. I couldn't really blame him.

I spent the next ten minutes going over the real story between Clint and I. How we met, how we grew close, how I knew he was an Avenger before he told me.

"I knew that when people found out it was going to be an upset in my life, but I just didn't expect it in this way. Everything has gone from calm to nuts in a millisecond. And I know Clint feels so guilty about it." Tears of frustration and exhaustion started pooling in my eyes.

Pops wrapped an arm around me "It's understandable. You guys didn't see this coming. Let alone that son of a bitch spilling the beans. Clint shouldn't feel guilty. It's not his fault for what happened this morning, it's Teds."

Putting my head on Pops' shoulder I said, "Seems like it's always Ted's fault isn't it."

"Seems that way." Pops let out a sigh.

"Does Clint know everything about the accident?" Pops asked.

"Just the basics. He doesn't know the whole story of that night. I'm…I'm scared to tell him." Anxiously saying knowing he would understand what I meant.

Pops inhaled a large breathe "Dottie we've been over this before-" He started but I cut him off.

"I know, I know. It wasn't my fault." Passively saying "But that still doesn't make it any less scary." Quietly revealing "You know what it's been like for me these past thirteen years."

Pops rubbed my arm "I know and if I could take away your unwarranted guilt in a heartbeat I would. It's like what your grandmother and I always said, it wasn't your fault."

"I'm just worried he'll think differently of me." The tears finally fell, and I wiped them away.

"He won't. He loves you. That much is plain to see. But if he does then we'll kick him to the curb, and I'll get my shotgun." Pops grinned like a devil.

"Pops." Attempting to chastise him but it made me break out laughing instead.

"No matter what you've always got me and Beth." Pops soothed.

"I know. Thanks, Pops." I reached up and gave him a long hug.

"Do you really love him?" Pops inquired as we broke away.

A smile instantly appeared on my lips "Yeah, I do." My heart started to beat faster thinking of my archer out in the living room.

"Well, this isn't going to be easy. That much we know. But I'll be by your side through it all. And I'll try and keep an open mind." Pops sweetly kissed my head "Only because I love you." He smirked, "But you'll always be my little princess."

"Thanks, Pops." Pulling him in for another hug.


Pops and I emerged from the bedroom better than when we both went in.

"Are we good or do I need to chuck someone out a window?" Beth asked with raised eyebrows.

"We're good." Letting out a few chuckles.

A knock on the door made everyone turn.

"That would be Rhodey," Tony commented.

Going to the door I opened the door and let Rhodey in.

"Hi Rhodey." Greeting him with a hug.

"Hey Dot." He hugged me back before saying hello to Clint.

Briefly, I introduced Rhodey and my Pops.

"Well good news is you still have a job," Rhodey commented as he took off his jacket.

That made me freeze.

"I didn't know that was an issue." Slowly getting out as my stomach flipped.

"What do you mean good news! Was I in danger of losing my job!" My voice rising in panic.

My chest started to rapidly fall up and down.

I felt another panic attack coming on.

"Dot, breath." Clint was at my side in a flash.

"But I still have a job right?" My eyes swinging to Rhodey as I tried not to buckle on the floor "I'm still at the museum right? Please tell me Ted didn't cost me my dream job!" My breath was coming out in rapid puffs. Oxygen was not getting into my body fast enough.

Clint wrapped his arms around me and lowered me into the chair Steve had vacated for me.

"Honey you need to breathe. Calming breaths." Clint knelt in front of me.

"It's too much too fast today." Tears pooled in my eyes as I attempted to hold the last bit of myself together.

"I know, I know babe." Clint touched our foreheads together as he brushed my hair.

"Dottie use your tools. Do your 4-7-8 breathing technique." Beth stood over me and comforted me.

"Way to go Rhodey," Sam said to him.

Rhodey stood frozen in place, shocked and ashamed.

"Rhodey it's not your fault." Shaking my head as Clint did my breathing exercise with me.

"No, it's kind of mine. I made Rhodey go to your work to talk with your supervisors. Try and explain the situation so you wouldn't get in any trouble." Tony sheepishly said with a guilty look on his face.

"But I still have a job right?" Questioning to anyone who would give me a freaking answer.

Pops nudged me and handed me a glass of water.

"Thank you." Taking it from him and drinking small sips.

"Yes, I cleared it with your supervisor Jude. He said to take the weekend and come back on Monday. I'm sorry Dot I didn't mean-" Rhodey said conflicted.

"No, it's not you. This whole day has been a mess. Thank you Rhodey for doing that for me." Hoping I was giving him a smile.

"Dottie you should take your pill," Pops said, referring to the antianxiety medication I took on an as-needed basis.

"No, what if it makes me groggy." Trying to fight him on it.

"Love we know the pills are just a backup. I think you need it right now." Beth said to me.

Looking at Clint I wanted him to protest.

"Babe I know you don't like taking them but I think one pill would help." He said in a tone that conveyed he was sorry for siding with Beth and Pops.

Slumping my shoulders in defeat I let out a groan.

"Fine, I'll take one." Accepting the demands of the masses. Beth nodded and went into my bathroom where I kept the bottle in my cabinet.

She came out and handed it to me.

Normally I would feel so embarrassed about this happening in front of literally everyone but I was too tired to care.

"Where's my tea?" Asking aloud as I unscrewed the top.

"Your mug is in the kitchen let me-" Clint rose to get up but Wanda cut him off.

"Let me." She said and moved her hands.

My eyes went wide as red…energy? I guess that was the word. Appeared from her hands. Beth, Pops, and I watched in fascination as we saw my Figment mug levitate in the air towards me.

"Thank-thank you." Managing to get out as I watched the mug hover in front of me. Cautiously I grabbed it and Wanda let her hands drop.

"No problem." She gave me a sympathetic smile.

I popped the pill in my mouth and washed it down with tea.

Beth and Pops continued to gape at her though.

"Manners!" Hissing at the pair of them.

They snapped their jaws shut and flushed in mortification.

"That was freaking awesome!" Beth grinned in awe.

Wanda smiled and nodded her head in thanks.

"I mean yeah it's cool I guess," Sam grumbled behind her looking just a tad jealous.

"You should take food with that. You've barely eaten all morning." Clint said to me as he moved to get up.

"I got it." Wanda smiled and a second later a banana was levitating towards me.

"Thanks Wanda." Grinning at her.

"Show off," Sam muttered and crossed his arms.

How cute! Sam was getting all jealous!

"Well, it's cooler than having a bird suit." Rhodey snorted.

Sam stared daggers at him.

"Yeah Wilson jealousy doesn't suit you," Tony smirked at him.

Smothering my smile I decided to eat my banana. My eyes went to Beth who was blushing.

"Is anybody hungry? I can order pizza?" Asking the group.

Several of them nodded in agreement.

Clint went into the kitchen to get the pizza menus.

"Do you think five will be enough?" He asked the group coming back into the living room.

"I'd make it six," Natasha added in her opinion.

"Put it on my card. We'll pay for discretion and delivery." Tony pulled out his wallet.

"No, Tony you're already doing enough." I tried protesting but he wasn't having any of it.

"Please no arguing." Tony smiled at me.

A second later Clint was on the phone ordering the food.

Dropping back into my seat I stayed mute, but not happy about it.

"Can I ask what all this is?" Vision inquired as he stood in front of my idea wall.

"That's for my exhibit." Explaining to him.

"But why is it on butchers paper taped to the wall?" He questioned quizzically.

"It's just how I process thoughts." Blushing because I knew it was weird.

Everyone now was looking at my wall except for Natasha who was still working on her laptop.

"These are some great ideas." Steve smiled at me.

"Thank you." Blushing harder as I thanked him.

"I love the cocktail nights. It sounds like so much fun to dress up in that fashion!" Wanda beamed.

"Yeah, I love the fashion from the 20's." Smiling back "I think we might go to one cocktail night." Looking at Clint who nodded.

"It is going to be amazing." Pops warmly rubbed my shoulders.

"When will it open?" Tony asked.

"At least another five months. Since we're in June now we're slated for it to open at the beginning of October. I think we're finalizing the date next week." Running a hand through my hair "There's a lot to do." Trying not to fall into the spiral of panic.

"It will come together. Don't worry." Beth comforted me.

"And when it's over we're going on vacation." Clint smiled at me.

"Oh okay." Rolling my eyes at him.

"No, I'm serious. I booked everything already." Clint grinned like a devil.

Stopping everything I stared at him.

"What?" Managing to get out.

"I wanted to surprise you a little bit later but it looks like you could use a pick me up today." Clint joked with a loving look.

My mind blanked and sputtered to get back to life.

"What? Where are we going?" Asking him utterly bewildered.

"Well, you told me to check my schedule and let you know." Clint was unable to contain his joy.

My eyes went wide.

"No!" Gasping out not wanting to get my hopes up. Thinking he couldn't mean…

"You did say that if I could survive a week in Disney with you, I could survive anything." He joked.

"God is that true." Beth snorted with a smile.

"Oh my God!" Launching myself from the chair and into his arms. We tumbled to the floor.

"We're going to Disney World!" The giddy child in me coming out as I hovered on top of him.

"Yup. A whole week of you, me, and the mouse." Clint laughed "We're going in the middle of October. I already bought the park hopper tickets and booked the hotel. We will be staying at the Bay Lake Towers."

"No fucking way!" Gasping even louder "The Bay Lake Towers!" My voice rising like five octaves "That place is so extravagant! It's so close to the Magic Kingdom that you can walk to it!"

"Okay, now I'm jealous." Beth joked with a smile.

"Group trip to Disney!" Tony clapped.

"Christ no." Rhodey rolled his eyes and shook his head "I'm not setting you loose in that place."

Laughing I moved back so Clint could sit up.

"I can't believe you did that for me." Tears formed in my eyes as I sat on my legs.

"It's not just for you. I've never been. I'm expecting a first-class tour." He smirked as he pushed some hair behind my ear.

Letting out an over-joyed sigh I said, "I love you." Shaking my head at the crazy man in front of me.

Clint smiled and leaned forward giving me a quick kiss.