Locked, Loaded, Loved ✔️ COMPLETE | UNDER EDITS

Chapter 12.5--Natasha pt 1

A/N: This picks up where Chapter 12.4 left off :)

~Han

---

New Years Eve

"You want us to what?" I asked into the phone. I was currently splayed out on the couch with my head in Steve's lap as he read the newspaper. He was still old school like that.

"Babysit," Clint replied. "I'm surprising Laura for our anniversary and we're gonna be gone through the weekend. C'mon, you love the kids."

"Yeah, I know." I bit my lip. "I'm just not sure if I'm capable of such responsibility."

"Nat, you'll be fine. I promise. You can have the girls help out," he said.

I looked over to where Bucky and Sam were tackling each other. "I'm not sure taking care of six children is something I'm capable of."

"Six? We only have three kids," Clint reminded me.

I laughed. "I know. I was referring to Steve and the two bozos he calls friends."

"Hey!" Sam protested. "I heard that!"

Steve laughed.

"You do know it's New Year's Eve tonight?" I told Clint, sitting up and leaning my head on Steve's chest.

"I know. The timing isn't great, but—"

"Not great? Clint, I can't have three kids running around the compound tonight. Although, it'll give me an excuse not to go to Tony's party."

Steve put his newspaper down and looked at me. "Nat, Tony canceled the party."

I mouthed a thank you to him and then spoke again to Clint. "Scratch that. When do you want to drop them off?"

"We'll be there at 5pm."

*    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

"Thanks again so much for doing this," Laura said that evening at the compound. I took Nathaniel from her arms as Lila ran through the door and attached herself to Steve's leg. And Cooper was already using Bucky as a jungle gym.

"It's no problem, really," I assured her. Clint was right—I really did love spending time with the kids. It made me wish...no, let's not go there right now, Natasha. You have to stay focused.

"We'll be back later to pick them up," Clint said, giving me a hug. He called to the kids who came running over. "Now, promise me you'll be good, ok?"

Lila nodded. "We will. Love you, daddy." She hugged Clint and then ran back over to Steve. I smiled.

"Don't let them get into too much trouble, ok?" Clint asked.

I bounced Nathaniel in my arms. "Don't worry, I got this. Go have fun."

They left and I walked over to where Bucky and Steve were currently being attacked. Pepper was in the kitchen washing dishes, but she'd promised to help out.

"Alright, Nate. You little traitor." I sat down and bounced him on my lap. He blew a raspberry at me. "Let's watch your brother and sister win against my fiancee and his friends."

"Your assumption that we're gonna lose is definitely building my confidence," Steve said, grunting.

Lila got bored a few minutes later and ran over to me. "Auntie Nat, can we play Mario Kart?"

"Sure thing, sweetie." I glanced over at Bucky who was still being used as a jungle gym while Sam watched with a smirk. "Can you two take Nate?"

Bucky lowered his arm, causing protests from Cooper. "You want us in charge of a baby?"