Spider-man: Christmas with Two Hawks

Merry Christmas

On Christmas Day, snow coated the Barton farm like icing on a cake. The cold that infested the land was countered only by the bright sunlight, which bounced off the snow like a laser off a mirror. Didn't change the fact that it was freezing.

A car rolled past an open gate and parked outside the farmhouse. Clint Barton stepped out of the driver's seat. He moved to the back of the car and opened the trunk. He pulled out a stack of neatly wrapped Christmas presents. He glanced at his house and smiled.

'I made it.'

"You coming?" he called as he closed the trunk. 

Kate stepped out from behind, also smiling. "Yeah. Come on, Lucky."

Lucky the Pizza Dog barked excitedly as he followed Kate, who was holding his leash. The two archers walked to the house side by side. Clint was happy she was here with him. 

As they approached it, Kate asked, slightly nervously, "Hey, are you sure this is okay?"

Clint chuckled as he reached the door. Kate had been asking him that exact question repeatedly since he suggested taking her to the farm. He didn't see what she had to be so nervous about. His family already loved her.

"I'm telling you, they are very excited to meet you," he assured her again.

At that moment, Nathaniel Barton stepped to the front door. The youngest son's eyes grew three sizes as he cheered, "Daddy!" and rushed to hug his father. It was a bit awkward with the presents that  Clint was carrying, but it was still very heartfelt.

The only daughter stepped through next. "You made it! You kept your promise!" she cheered.

Clint laughed. It felt like his heart was going to burst out of his chest. He couldn't believe that she was right. He couldn't believe that he made it.

"Here, take something," he said, handing the presents to the eldest son. Cooper didn't mind having to take the presents the moment he walked through the door. He was just happy to see his dad on Christmas.

"What's your name?" Nate asked, his attention quickly switching to the stranger that his father had brought home.

A few Merry Christmases had to be exchanged before Clint was able to properly introduce Kate. He continued moving to the door, urging everyone inside, claiming that, "It's cold."

Laura Barton was grinning as she walked out of the kitchen area.  There was no doubt that she was just as happy as her husband.

"You made it," she said happily as she pulled Clint into a hug.

That made it all real. He felt so happy that he could burst.

"I made it. Hey. I missed you too," Clint sighed happily as he hugged his wife back.

Back in the hall, Nate exclaimed, "Ah! The dog is so cute!" His excited cry echoed through the house. Kate laughed as she stumbled into the house.  

"What's his name?" Nate asked her.

"That's Lucky," Kate answered.

The smile on Laura's face grew when she noticed Kate. The hug between her and Clint broke. The archer chuckled as the pair approached the younger archer, "Right, yeah. Brought home a couple of strays." He gestured to his partner, "This is Kate."

Kate waved awkwardly and forced a smile.

"Welcome, Kate," Laura said as she pulled Kate into a hug. "So good to have you."

Later on, the Barton children were opening their presents. Nate was practically vibrating with the Christmas spirit as he ripped the wrapping paper off his gift. It was a scene straight out of a Christmas commercial. Everyone was smiling and sharing stories. Had Clint mentioned that he was happy that he made it?