The Newyorkers (Project next-gen part 2)

Old friends

As soon as Alex was taken in for the lie detector test, Clint was already leaving the campus. Mostly because he was still absorbing the news, but also because he had to hear the truth from a primary source.

"Hey Clint," Kate said to her Godfather at the door of the Avengers lounge.

Clint dropped his serious expression and replaced it with a smile.

"Katie, do you need something?" The archer asked.

"You're gonna go see my dad aren't you?" She questioned

"I need to hear it from him," He replied.

"Can you give this to him when you see him?" Kate asked, pulling a letter out of one of her suit's pockets.

"Whatever's in that letter, I'll make sure you can tell him yourself," Clint said, giving Kate a parental kiss on the forehead before leaving.

After borrowing a quinjet, He set off to his destination. Los Angeles California. It was the only place Derek stayed other than New York when he was in the States. After touching down and obtaining a rental car, Clint drove over to his friend's property. The guards outside recognized him instantly and let him in without question.

When reaching the main building, Clint noticed the front door was ajar. Fearing for the worst, He started regretting not bringing his bow and simply braced himself for combat. Instead of conflict, however, he witnessed his best friends shuffling through some documents on the massive dining table, with a half-empty bottle of whiskey sitting beside him.

"Derek?" Clint said in an empathetic, confused and frustrated tone.

The man looked up from his documents and noticed the Avenger standing in the doorway.

Clint took a good look at the living/ dining area, noticing how messy it was. There were papers scattered everywhere, blueprints all over the couch, 3D prints of weapons placed out on the floor and more.

"What is this?" Clint asked

"Have a seat," Derek replied, clearing off a large enough section of the dining table for the both of them to sit comfortably.

On his way to the table, Clint picked a 3D print off of the floor and began twirling it in his hands.

The duo sat at the table in silence for what felt like an eternity, until Clint broke the ice.

"What are you doing man?" Clint asked, more disappointed than frustrated.

"I don't know anymore, I just wanna keep her safe," Derek said with his head down

"By working with Hydra," Clint replied disapprovingly

"Come on Clint, you know I wouldn't willingly work with them. You kept your family a secret from Shield so your enemies wouldn't know about them. I don't have that luxury," Derek explained

"It started as secret deals in an auction house I had some connections with which is why I moved back here alone but then it got more daring. They wanted me to steal from Wakanda. Of course, I didn't want to do it, but then they threatened Kate. So I moved her back here but I knew that that wasn't enough, so I gave them what they wanted. I can't lose her again," Derek explained, pouring himself another glass from the expensive-looking bottle and taking a swig.

"I'm gonna turn myself in," Derek revealed, after swallowing his drink.

"What?"

"Those new heroes stopped Hydra from getting their vibranium, and they captured one of their soldiers. They'll be looking for me. The only thing worries me is that I think they've got Kate,"