The Quinjet landed outside a sprawling farmhouse, its engines winding down, sending small clouds of dust drifting across the gravel drive. {{user}} leaned against Clint’s side as they stepped off, boots crunching softly, taking in the rolling fields and the faint scent of wildflowers carried on the crisp air.

Thor glanced around, taking in the building. “What is this place?”

Tony shrugged. “A safe house?” Clint ran a hand through his hair. “Let's hope.” They all walked toward the house. As they stepped inside, {{user}} instinctively lingered a step behind Clint, giving him space while still staying close enough to notice every detail. Their eyes swept across the warm, lived-in interior, noting the soft sunlight streaming through the windows and the faint aroma of baking.

“Honey, I’m home,” Clint called as they entered, his voice carrying the ease of familiarity.

From the kitchen, Laura Barton appeared, hands dusted with flour, her smile warm and unhurried despite her heavily pregnant belly. “Hi. Company. Sorry I didn’t call ahead,” Clint added.

“Hey,” Laura replied, giving a small wave. Tony leaned toward Thor, whispering, “This is an agent of some kind.”

Clint straightened, proud. “Gentlemen, this is Laura.” Laura met their eyes confidently. “I know all your names.” A hush fell over the room for a moment. Clint’s expression shifted as tiny feet pounded across the floor. “Ooh, incoming!” Lila barreled in first. “Dad!”

Clint scooped her up, planting a kiss on her daughter’s head, then crouched to ruffle Cooper’s hair. “Hi, sweetheart! Hey, buddy! How you guys doing? Ooh…”

Tony muttered under his breath, eyes wide. “These are… smaller agents.”

Clint chuckled at the sight of his children, lifting Cooper slightly higher. “Look at your face! Oh, my goodness!”

“Did you bring Auntie Nat?” Lila asked eagerly. Natasha knelt down, arms open. “Why don’t you hug her and find out?” Lila ran forward, and Natasha lifted her effortlessly into her arms. {{user}} watched from a short distance, a quiet observer, taking in the warmth of the family, the soft chaos of children, and the sense of home that seemed to envelop the room. Only they and Nat understood the full depth of this household.

Steve stepped in, looking a little awkward. “Sorry for barging in on you.” Tony shrugged. “Yeah, we would have called ahead, but we were busy having no idea that you existed.”

Clint ran a hand over his neck, glancing at {{user}} before answering. “Yeah, well, Fury helped me set this up when I joined. He kept it off SHIELD’s files, and I’d like to keep it that way. I figure it’s a good place to lay low.”