In Another Universe

TWENTY THREE

[ A/N I don't typically put TW at the beginning of each chapter, but there will be a car accident and physical violence within this chapter so please exercise caution while reading 💕 ]

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Three empty pizza boxes lay sprawled out amongst the coffee table in the compounds theater room, a replay of this years past Super Bowl Game playing on the giant screen because Clint nor Steve could think of anything else to put on.

Steve sips on a coke while Clint enjoys a chilled beer. For the last two hours Steve has listened as Clint tell him all about his apprentice Kate and how he came to find her. Along with Nat's sister Yelena who is also now a member of the team.

"Nat would be happy you took Yelena in, She'd be proud to see you two working together." Steve nods solemnly, missing his friend.

"She'd be proud of you too, you know." Clint replies, patting Steve on the shoulder.

"Yeah? For what?" Steve scoffs, a dry laugh escaping his lips. "For destroying everything I touch?"

Clint sighs heavily, he knew Steve would open up about how returning home has been for him at some point tonight, he only wishes Steve would've done so about three beer prior. Maybe then the room wouldn't be rocking like a boat riding the waves of the ocean as he speaks.

"Steve, nobody knows how to navigate the shit we've experienced." Clint shrugs, resting his palm on his friends shoulder in effort to steady himself. "We're all flying blind out here in our strange fucking universe. Aliens are real, Time travels a thing we've done. There's different versions of us existing in the multiverse right now, at this very moment."

Steve holds Clint's wide eyed gaze as he hangs on every word spoken.

"It's like... Nothing we do matters in the grand scheme of things, But yet every single decision we make in the day — from which route you take to work to which pair of shoes you put on — has the ability to change the entire trajectory of our lives. And knowing that, knowing all the shit that we know? It's a blessing and curse. Yet here you are. Trying to make things work with the woman you love, because you love her. You could walk away, you could wake up tomorrow and start your life over with someone else. And you know what? It would be a hell of a lot easier. But it wouldn't be her. So yeah, I believe Nat, Our Nat, She's watching down on us right here in this moment. And she's fuckin proud of you, man. She's proud of you for making the choice to stay and figure this shit out."

Tears prick Steve's eyes as he bobs his head, his jaw flexing as he fights back his emotions. "Thank you."

"You and Anastasia are the easy part, it's the kids you gotta get to know. Just take your time and let 'em warm up to you at their own pace." Clint explains, reaching for his half drunken beer bottle.

"I want to get to know them, but what role could I possibly have in their lives this late? Bucky is the only dad they've known..."

Clint scoffs, taking a swig of the lukewarm liquid. "Look at Sam and Anastasia. He didn't meet her until she was, what? Ten? And then he didn't take her in until a couple years after that, Still he's more of a father to her than her own dad ever was. It's not about the time you've missed, It's about what you do going forward."

"What do you suggest I do?"

"Don't try to replace Bucky, Don't come into the picture trying to be an authority figure. Be a pal, Be a role model. The most important thing you can do is treat their mom well. Kids are smarter than you think, And I've spent a lot of time with those two over the years. They notice everything." Clint speaks reassuringly as Steve sucks in a deep breath.