Avengers Imagines

Whiplash (Pt. 2/2)

Clint woke up in an eerily familiar environment. He tried to stretch his limbs, upon which he realised both, his hands and feet, were bound. Acute pain shot through his head when he opened his eyes. “Am I in your closet?”

“You're lucky you're not at the bottom of the ocean.” You sat cross-legged in front of him. “Now, I want the truth. Did you send Laura here on purpose?”

“(Y/N), just hear me out.” There was a glimmer of hope in his eyes. You saw it and your stomach churned. “And why the fuck should I listen to you?”

Clint lowered his head, you wondered if he was hiding tears. There was a tremor in his voice when he spoke. “They took my son, I don't know who. They wanted me to do their bidding, starting with killing my family and meeting them at a location they would disclose later, when the deed was done. They said not to reach out to anyone for help if I wanted to see my son again. Also, that they would know if I did because they are keeping watch. So, yes, I gave Laura your address and told her to come here and stage this whole thing because I didn't know what else to do.”

“Because you didn't-” You shot up. “I have a bruise running along my forehead because you didn't know what to do!?”

“I know I hurt you, and nothing can even begin to make up for it.” Clint lifted his head and there, indeed, was a glazing over his eyes. “But that boy, Nathaniel, he never so much as hurt a fly. (Y/N), I am begging you, save my child.”

-

The case was handed over to the respective authorities as soon as taking such action was feasible. Your involvement was limited to leading the search and rescue, in addition to letting Laura and the kids stay with you while Clint got himself out of the twisted ordeal. That was your way of seeking absolution.

As of today, it was all over. The perpetrators were well and truly behind bars and Clint's family could finally go home. Unwilling to have the man in your apartment another time, you dropped them off at the facility from where he could pick them up. While the Avengers rejoiced, you waited in the training room until they all went home.

Facing Clint was not the problem. Well, maybe it was, but in no small part was the thought of speaking with Laura when her mind was not preoccupied with threats of immediate terminal danger.

“I see what he saw in you.” Laura's voice came from right behind you — sudden yet firm — bearing no fear, apprehension or malice. You jolted awake of your thoughts. “Laura, I'm sorry.”

“You didn't know. He told me.” She  gently caressed your arm, the affection in the gesture you found strangest. It was true. You had not known of Clint's marriage for the entire duration of your relationship. However, Laura's contentment with the whole thing was still rubbing you the wrong way. “And you believe him?”

Laura looked at you the same way you supposed she would look at one of her kids when they would ask why their father was not home more often. “The worst of his lies had already come into light. Why would he lie any further?”

“That's one way to look at it.” You sighed. Laura clearly gauged the disbelief on your face. “We are two very different people.”

“And he managed to make idiots out the both of us.” A wry smile formed on your lips as you stared at the primly manicured lawn through the glass in front of you.

“As the woman who won, I suppose I should be gloating right about now but seeing as the prize is Clint, I'll be keeping my mouth shut.” Laura firmly strained on your shoulder so you would move to face her irrespective of your choice. “(Y/N), you saved my Nathaniel, you gave him a new life. I want you to be a part of it.”

“Laura...” You staggered back, eyes growing wide. In your periphery, you could see Clint approaching, his nearly one year old son in his arms. Just when you thought all was doomed, a familiar voice rang in your ears.

“Wow, this is all kinds of fucked up. What do you think she is going to ask you to do?” Tony quipped. You would have mistaken it for the voice of God had you not immediately realised you still had your comm in your ear. Smiling vaguely and motioning with your finger about needing a minute, you turned around. “You were listening?”

“Hey, you are the one who still has her communication device in when she's home. I thought one of them was stolen.” Tony informed through your earpiece. Regarding his answer for a moment, you whispered harshly. “That's still rude!”

“You wanna get out of there or you want to be the godmother to all of Clint's children?” Even though he was not anywhere near the action, Tony was losing patience. You glimpsed at Clint and Laura waiting behind you, and felt the true meaning of fear. “Alright.”

Next thing you knew, there was an announcement blaring over the speakers.

“Ms. (Y/N) (L/N), please report to the Director's office immediately. I repeat, Ms. (Y/N) (L/N), the UN Secretary General awaits you in the Director's office, please report immediately.”

Tony's voice returns to your earpiece. “You're welcome.”

“I have a...there's um...” Not even trying to form a coherent sentence, you began to leave. On second thought, you turned back and beckoned Nathaniel, who gladly abandoned his father for your arms. Bobbing the boy once or twice, you passed him to Laura. You took a step back, tensed your shoulders, curled your fist and lunged as hard as you could.

Clint was seeing stars. He rubbed his sore jaw, which was made that way due credit to your punch. You were wringing your knuckles. “You passed out before I could do that last time.” Turning to Nathaniel, you caught his little palms between your fingers, swaying them back and forth. An uncharacteristic smile glowed on your face. “You're not going to remember any of this, are you? Hopefully.”

Clearing your throat, you patted off imaginary dust from your outfit. “Go home, Laura. No use waiting here, I'm not coming back.”

“Good luck with your marriage!” And with that, you were gone. Where, you didn't know. Probably to discuss workplace boundaries with Tony. That seemed like a good idea.