This chapter is very, very short. It's also the last chapter. Sorry about this, guys! I'd just like to say thanks to all of you who have been with me through writing this story. You all have been wonderful!

Chapter Twenty-Three

Hannah's P.O.V.

It had been a several weeks since I had come home and things had pretty much returned to normal. My aunt and uncle had returned to their work at S.H.I.E.L.D., but had asked to remain in the states for a few weeks, given the previous events. Director Fury had 'graciously' consented, according to my uncle. Good. The Director had already stepped on the two assassin's toes enough for a while. It would be foolish to try to do it again.

Right now, I was busy cleaning my room. The picture I had smashed was now restored and sitting on my dresser besides the picture of my parents and I. Both items were my most treasured possessions now. I rummaged through my clothes and started to put some away when I saw a flash of white. I looked down and recognized the piece of paper that had fallen out from behind the picture of my parents at the apartment. I had completely forgotten it since I had arrived at the Tower, but now I was curious. I picked up the paper and unfolded it. I nearly dropped it when I realized who's handwriting it was: Dad's.

Hannah,

I didn't know how long it would take you to find this or if you ever would. It's only been a few weeks after your mother's death, but I knew I had to write you the truth. I never told you about my past, or at least, I kept most of it hidden from you. The truth is, I have a brother. His name is Clint Barton. Our parents died when we were young and we were sent to foster care. After a while there, we ran away and joined the circus. He's a talented archer, let me tell you. If anything should happen, I've put him as your legal guardian.

I suppose the reason I never told you any of this is because it hurt to talk about it. When Mom and Dad died, I felt so alone. And after my brother and I parted on bad terms, we never did reconcile. I knew his phone number, but I suppose I was too much of a coward to call him. I pray that you'll forgive me one day for this. But I also hope that you understand. I love you, baby girl.

-Dad

"Dad." A few tears ran down my face as I held his letter in my hands. That's when I knew what I had to do.

A Few Days Later...

"Barney (Bernard) Barton." I read the name on the tombstone in front of me. It was right beside the tombstone of Harold and Edith Barton; my grandparents. Uncle Clint stood beside me. I had shown him the letter. Now we both knew why we had never known each other; why there were so many secrets.

"He was a good man." My uncle stated quietly beside me. He stared at the stone, his eyes filled with pain and regret, but he couldn't hold back the care he had for my father. No matter how many years had passed between them, they were still the same brothers that had faced the world together, if only for a short while.

I couldn't help but admire him for having the strength to come with me. He had been quiet the whole car ride to the cemetery. He had seemed so hesitant when he looked at the quiet graveyard, knowing that his only brother was there. But he had gone nonetheless.

"You gonna be okay, kid?" He slung his arm over my shoulder and pulled me close to him.

"Yeah." I looked to him. "You?" He was quiet for a moment, then he spoke.

"We all got bruises." He responded softly. The reference to my favorite song made me smile.

"We do." He imitated the same smile. And I could see that our share of pain brought some comfort to him, just as it did for me. Yes, life had given us some terrible scars, but it hadn't pushed us away from life. Instead, it had brought us closer as a family.

"Let's go home." He said to me. Home. To my friends. To my family.

We got in the car and started to speed off to the airport. As we did, he said,

"Oh, and did I mention Nat and I are having a baby?"

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Oh yes, discordchick, I did this for you! I bet all you readers love me now, don't you? Just thought I'd throw that last bit in for some fun. This is last chapter for this story, sadly. As for a sequel, well, it's not in the foreseeable future. I'm telling you, college is gonna kill me! Thank you all so much for reading this story! You have all be so wonderful and encouraging! THANK YOU! Please review!