Thank you to everyone that reviewed, followed, and favorited. I really appreciate the support. This chapter isn't my favorite but I wanted to write it to sort of bridge into some others themes since everything will be in chronological order, so please bear with me.

Three Years before the Battle of New York

"Look alive, Barton!" Natasha ruffled his uncombed hair as she appeared from behind his chair in the SHIELD cafeteria.

Barton groaned in response. "Don't get feisty with me, Romanoff. This whole double life is getting increasingly difficult with two kids at home." Clint made sure to whisper the second part."

"Although I admire your child production hobby, you need a night off." Natasha offered him a genuine smile.

Clint laughed, "Maybe I'll drop them at the dog pound of a day or two." Natasha suddenly looked very serious and began shaking her head vigorously.

"No, Barton. I will not." Her voice began to lower dangerously.

"Nat, what on earth are you talking about?"

"Clint I'm a spy, I see where this conversation is heading and the answer is no." She said firmly.

"Wait, did you think I was going to ask you to-, "Clint stopped suddenly before putting a goofy smile on his face, "wait would you?"

"Clint, I will not babysit the tiny humans!"

"Come on Nat, you're the only person Laura and I both trust, and the kids love you," Clint didn't raise his voice above a whisper. He could see Natasha contemplating it over in her head. "Nat, do this for us and I will name the next one after you," he began smiling goofily again.

"The next one!" Natasha exclaimed in a hushed shout, "What are you? A factory for tiny next generation farmers!" They both laughed and Natasha sighed, "Fine, one day, that's all you get, Clint" Clint pumped his fist in victory while Natasha began to regret giving in so easily.

The very next weekend, Natasha found herself sitting in Clint's living room with six month old Lila in her arms, as the couple were setting off for the night. Cooper squealed excitedly as he ran down the stairs. Natasha set the baby aside to catch the energetic little boy that was ready to launch himself into the arms of his aunt.

"I'm so glad you're watching us, we can play spies"!" Cooper exclaimed, hardly containing her emotions

"You play spies?" Natasha sounded impressed. Clint gave a dramatic throat clearing that made her look up.

"Cooper does play spies and he's pretty good, might just give you a run for your money," he winked mischievously.

"Oh Barton, did he beat you at spying? That's completely understandable," Natasha earned a laugh from Laura and Clint glared at her with a smirk.

"That's it we are leaving, I hope they keep you up all night, Romanoff," After last goodbyes they were gone.

Natasha faced the impossible task in front of her. She was the Black Widow, she was everything except who she was trying to imitate at that moment. She wasn't comfortable with this life but she was comfortable with Clint and Laura and as the night carried on she was comfortable with these kids. As Lila and Cooper went to sleep for the night, Natasha saw one of those subtle but impactful changes in her. She could see herself being something besides the Black Widow.

Same Night

Clint flashed his wife a smile from the driver's seat, he wanted to have this night so bad and here it was.

"Clint, I really love Natasha. I don't know what it is but she's has lovely personality." Laura had that same compassion in her eyes as always

"You've clearly never been in a fire fight with her." Clint smirked.

"I'm being serious," Laura giggled, "She's a great friend."

"I agree with you. And I'm only slightly offended that you don't act the least bit jealous that I spend weeks at a time on missions with another woman. Meanwhile I'm currently despising our 70 year old mailman for looking too giddy when he gets to hand you the mail."

"You know I'm not the jealous type, and anyways Natasha is way out of your league." Laura emphasized.

"If Romanoff is out of my league, then however do I even come close to having you?" Clint kissed his wife's hand and she blushed a deep shade of red. Clint was proud he was the only guy that could make her blush.

Laura gathered herself. "Nat is different I don't get jealous over her. It's like she is registering what it's like for people to really trust her and she isn't willing to let that go. I think she's comfortable with her friendship with you and wouldn't risk anything to ruin it." She smiled at the thought of one of her closet friends.

"You read people well, you know that? Anyways, I didn't take this weekend off to discuss Nat, I had other intentions," he said with a wink.

"Well, aren't you feeling smooth this evening?" Laura blushed again.

Short chapter I know, but I didn't want to my next one with these, it didn't seem to fit. The next one will get a bit angsty, I should be up either tonight or tomorrow evening. Thank you for the support, and please leave comments, questions, or qualms.