SIEBB One Shots

Clint Barton (Post Chapter 17)

As the ramp closes on Natasha and Bruce, I briefly wonder why those two have been spending so much time together. I am slightly concerned about Natasha, as her past is not a pleasant one. I head to the front of the plane, and start it up, preparing for takeoff.

I flick the switches, and maneuver the plane off the ground. Then, I switch on autopilot, and move to my seat.

I end up dozing off, and drop into my usual nightmare. I can hear Loki's voice whispering in my head, sowing thoughts of destruction and murder into my mind. I nock an arrow, and take down my friends. A perfectly aimed projectile buries itself in Nat's throat, followed by another arrow plowing into my wife's back. I hear whimpers behind me, and turn.

I see my two children, Lila and Cooper, looking at me with fear in their eyes.

"Daddy, daddy, please don't hurt us." Lila cries. Cooper shields his sister, holding her close so that she can hide her face in his chest.

"You have to snap out of this. Dad-" Cooper's voice cracks.

"You killed Mom. You killed Auntie Nat. And I know it's not you, Dad. Please, wake up!" my son pleads. An ugly smile makes its way onto my face.

"Sorry kiddo. It's the job." And I fit two arrows to the string.

My eyes snap open, tears blurring my vision slightly. I clench my fist. What I wouldn't give for a good shot at that damn demigod...

I sigh, and stand up, walking over to the cockpit. We're an hour out from New York.

Once we arrive, I land the plane on Avengers Tower. Steve walks out without a word. I sigh, and make my way out of the tower. It's a long walk to S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ, but it gives me time to think. Upon entering, people start to whisper, glancing at me out of the corner of their eyes. I don't care. I just want to go home.

I walk to the hanger, and get a plane. I enter the cockpit, and set the course to the set of coordinates that only a few people know. Then, I take off. The flight doesn't take that long, and soon, I can see my farm in the distance.

I land the plane, and exit, hurrying to the door of the house. I open it slowly and walk in.

"Honey? I'm home!" I call, and Laura enters my sight.

"Clint!" she exclaims, and envelops me in a hug. I peck her on the lips, and brace myself.

My children appear and run towards me, a chorus of Daddy! reaching my ears. I smile and scoop Lila up with one arm, using my other arm to bring Cooper into a hug.

"Hey, kiddos! It's nice to see you. I missed you guys." I say. A warm feeling blooms in my chest.

I set my children down, and turn to Laura, who smiles at me.

"Why don't you sit down, and tell me what's been happening?" she suggests, and I comply. I tell her about our mission to Russia, and the Sea Scorpion, and everything that's been going on. She sits down beside me, and snuggles into my side. Lila climbs onto her lap, while Cooper sits on mine. And my worries about my nightmare vanish, replaced by one single thought.

"I'm home." And in this moment, I am the happiest man in the universe.

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