Doctor Stark (C. Barton)

Chapter Twenty Six

Mercedes found her father sitting at the picnic table a bit from the house. If it wasn't for her being pregnant, she wouldn't have felt tired from the walk. It wasn't too far away, it just felt that way since she was carrying extra weight on her front. A baby belly really did add some extra pounds.

"Dad?" She called, when she was close to the table.

Tony didn't answer her, he simply stayed quiet. Mercedes sighed to herself, and sat down at the picnic table next to him. She needed to explain everything, and she needed him to understand why it had gotten so far.

"Dad, I'm sorry, I really am. I wanted to tell you, but I didn't know how. I mean, one minute, it was a simple change in where I worked, and then next thing I know, I'm hiding entire life." Mercedes admitted, looking down at her hands in her lap.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked,"Did you think I would make you leave? Did you not trust me?"

"No! Nothing like that!" She exclaimed,"It's just—I remember you saying you didn't want anything to do with people like Steve, or people that associated with him. When I was given the job, I was scared to tell you, because I didn't want to disappoint you." She said, causing him to scoff.

"Oh, bull!" He retorted,"You know me! You know I wouldn't have cared where you worked or what you did, as long as you were happy and not in any danger! As long as you weren't working at some strip club or topless bar, I wouldn't make you quit! You know this!" He spat, making her let out a shaky breath.

The two stayed silent for a moment, Mercedes felt upset and her father was silently fuming.

"Why didn't you tell me about Barton,  or your kids?" He asked, hurt truly evident in his voice.

"I didn't know where my relationship with Clint was going for some time. Once we had been together for a while, I was worried you'd make us breakup because he worked for Fury, and you didn't like Fury. We got engaged right before our son was born," She sighed shakily,"When I found I was pregnant with my son, I was scared to tell you. I had already kept so many secrets, and I was afraid that telling you would make you hate me. Then when I had him, I cried because you weren't there, and it was my fault. I cried when I sent the invitation to his birthday and you guys didn't come, but I didn't tell you guys why you should come. I wanted to tell you then, and then at Christmas, but you almost died. I wanted to tell you about this baby on Christmas, then on my birthday next month, but I guess things change."

"Do you truly hate me this much? Do you not trust me this much, that you'd really think I'd hate you or hurt you because of any of this?" He questioned, glaring at the girl.

"Dad, I--" She began, but he cut her off.

"No, Mercedes, I can't handle this right now. You're a big girl, you understand," He retorted,"I truly love you with all my heart. You're my little girl; my whole world, and you didn't trust me. You kept all of this a secret from me, and it hurts so much. I don't know what I can do to make you understand how much you truly hurt me, Mercedes Stark, but you did, congratulations."

Mercedes felt tears falling down her face, as her father walked away from her. She could see the hurt, and hear the pain in his voice. She had really hurt him, and she didn't know how she could fix it. She knew it was her fault though, and she needed to try to fix it as best as she could.

While she sat at the table and cried, someone walked over and sat down beside her. She looked over and was surprised to see Steve. She had only just met him earlier, yet he was the one that approached her. He seemed unsure, but he wasn't running away from her, or hating her for what she had done.

"Natasha told us what happened," Steve commented,"and as much as it pains me to say it, I understand why your father is upset,"He caused her to sigh, so he quickly caught her attention again,"but I also know that you can make it up to him. You're his little girl, and he can't stay mad at you forever, no matter you've done. If I had a daughter, and I was in his place, I'd be mad, yes, but I'd try to understand. He's stressed right now, we all are, and he just needs time. Give some time, and he'll be back to the same sarcastic, man we both know." He said, making her nod and wipe your eyes.

"You're right," She smiled slightly,"Thank you, Steve." She replied, and he gave her a reassuring smile.

"Now, you should head inside. You need to eat and rest," He jokingly scolded,"and Nat's looking for you." He added, giving her a gentle wave.

Mercedes definitely felt better thanks to Steve, but she still felt horrible for how her father reacted. She still felt horrible for hurting him so badly. She wanted to fix it, but she really didn't know how. Honestly, she was just going to have to listen to Steve's advice, at least, for now.

Once she got inside the house, she went up to her and Clint's room. Clint was in the shower when she went in the room. Natasha came into the room with Bean and Moxley. Natasha and Bean climbed into the bed with Mercedes and snuggled close to her. Moxley climbed onto the foot of the bed and laid down as well. When Clint entered the room, all of his favorite people were asleep, and he couldn't help but smile...