-Jack no!-Kate yelled as soon as she saw the scene happening.

-What the hell is going on here?-Eleanor showed up.-And why is there an Avenger in my dining room?

-Um, hello-Clint tried to speak.

-Oh my God, you're Archer-Jack gasped.

-Hawkeye.-Kate corrected.

-Clint-The hero replied.

-Hawkeye and I are working on a case, and we needed to use the bathroom. -Kat troed to make up an excuse-He did. So, we were by the house, we dropped in. No big deal.

- Working on a case together? How terrific. -Eleanor asked curious.

-He's my partner.

-We're not partners.- Clint interjected.

-Well, we're friends-slash-partners. -Kate tried.

-I wouldn't really describe us as friends.

Eleanor looked at them with attention, she didn't really like the idea of her daughter teaming up with a super hero, in fact, she seemed that as something extremelly dangerous.

Suspecting the situation, she grabbed her phone,  noticing a new notification. Kate, while that, wondered how her mother knew they were there, and why didn't Rowan call them in time as she asked him to.

-Someone used my laptop to sign onto my work account ten minutes ago.-Eleanor told them serious- Any thoughts, Kate? Hawkeye?

Kate and Clibt exchanged glances, as much as she could avoid the subject it wouldn't work.

-Um...

-I would like my daughter to start telling me the truth.-Eleanor insisted.

-I logged into your account because I needed information on an actual case with actual people who are in actual danger. -Kate opened up, still feeling nervous.

Eleanor tilted her head surprised at the revelation, for her, Kate was just a child, not a hero, she would be the one in danger actually.

-So, Kate is helping you with an Avengers-level threat?-She asked.

-Well, not exactly.-Clint retorted.

-But you are working together?

Hawkeye hesited for a second. Were they working together? That kid was very impulsive, new to that type of thing, she could get in trouble easily, but also helped and had great skill. He couldn't deny that until now, they managed to survive, and all of that happened because they were together.

-Yes. Sounds weird, 'cause it is.-He concluded.

- Okay. Well, I guess I'm just gonna have to trust everyone at this table to do what's right. -Eleanor sighed.

Clint nodded, Kate noticed the atmosphere and rushed to go, getting up from the table.

-Cool. It was great bumpin' into you guys-

-Please stay.-Eleanor interrupted, Kate sat as she ordered.

-We should get...-

- Can I see you out?-Eleanor said to Clint.

- I'll get my coat.- He nodded in agreement, trying to don't cause a fight between the family, getting up from the table and walking out with Eleanor, nodding at her fiancé- Jack.

-Let me clarify. -Eleanor approached him by the elevator- She is not a superhero.

-Oh, yeah. Come on, I already knew that. -He replied, being chill about the situation until now.

-She's pretty good at all this, but..-Eleanor looked down, thibking, then at him- Natasha Romanoff was pretty damn good at it, wasn't she?-That broke his heart apart- Being good isn't always enough to keep you alive.

- I see. -Was all he could say.

The elevator rang, it had arrived.

-Clint?

-Yeah?

-Do you have kids? Yeah, I'm gonna assume that you do. -She continued-It's been a rough week for my family. But I am letting you know that I cannot lose Kate. I've lost people before. I know in your line of work, you have, too.

- I understand.

-Okay. So, you'll forget this case?

-I can't do that.-He shaked his head.- But what I can do is ensure that your daughter stays safe. Okay?

She nodded heavily with her head, and, before leaving, she said at last.

-And, Clint?-She asked.

He looked back, while inside the elevator.

-Rowan is helping you, isn't he?

He tries to appear not surprised, even though the question was pretty sudden.

-Not exactly.

-Anyway.-She told him serious.- If he appears again, tell him to stay away from my daughter.

Anyone would be surprised with her sentence, almost as if something changed, if Eleanor had a fire inside her soul, a laser within those cold eyes of hers.

-Why don't you tell him that in person?

-It's more complicated than that. Anyway, goodbye.

The elevator's doors closed and Clint continued there, with his doubts.

Eleanor, instead, picked up the phone.

-They were here, just like you warned me.-She spoke with another person through the line.- Now, enough of this.

°°°

Clint had discovered about Sloan company with his wife, Laura, while Kate continued there, stuck at her mother's apartment.

-Mom, I need to tell you about Jack.-She insisted.

The fiancé had gone to the kitchen grab some tea, her mother sat on an armchair in front of her daughter, alongside with her fiancé. She was already tired of that conversation, and wanted Kate out of that case.

-Can we...can we change the subject, please?-She sighed.-You need to give him a break. Come on. I... I need your help with a few decisions on the Bishop holiday party.

-I don't... I don't think I'm in the mood. Come on, Kate. -Kate looked down, fidgeting her hands.

-You're great at this sort of thing. The party's non-denominational, encourages company camaraderie with a festive spirit.

-Sounds like a blast already.

-Did someone say parties? -Jack arrived with that goofy happy smile of his-Just make sure there's plenty of dancing.

- Well, my mother doesn't dance.

- Oh, really? I beg to differ.-He put the cups down, standes a hand to Eleanor- Darling?

She got up and danced him slowly, he muttered a song as they swang slowly as she chuckled softly towards him.

Kate's mind drifted away, towards a very distant and happy memory from years ago.

-I don't dance.-She crossed her arms.-I hate this party. These people. Everything.

He touched her shoulder, made a cup with his hand next to ear and whispered:

-Then come with me.-He grabbed her hand and ran away.

Kate and Rowan's mothers tried to catch them but couldn't, neither did the guards. The two heirs quickly avoided everybody, leaving to a more isolated area, outside the huge saloon, where the snow fell from the dark sky, soft and gentle, cold and delicate on top of them.

-What are we doing here?

-Now, miss Bishop.-Rowan standed a hand like a little prince.- would you like to dance with me?

-There's no music. -Kate complained.

-We can create our own music. -Rowan chuckled, she grabbed her hand, as they looked into each other's eyes- As long as we are together, it's already worth it.

Kate chuckled as they spinned into crazy circles, alternating into slow box steps, moving foward and back as Kate sang slowly a christmas song she didn't know the full lyrics.

At the end, they both tripped and fell, starting a snowball fight until they were too tired to even walk again. Just staring at the starry sparkling night above them, side by side, making angels on the ground.

-What? What'd I say? -Jack asked as Eleanor laughed-Did I say something wrong or...

Kate had snapped back to reality, the thoughts were away now, even though the memories would always be present within her soul. She attempted to pay attention to the conversation.

-Every time you use one of those aphorisms, they are... wrong.-Eleanor chuckled.

- What? No. That can't be right, is it?-Jack asked with a smile- Darling. Please.

-The other day, you said, "Absence makes the heart grow older".

-Because that's what it does!

After some laughs, Eleanor looked sweetly at both of them, Kate and Jack, realizing how good it was to have both of them around, by her side:

-I'm so glad you're both here.

-You know, we should play a board game.-Jack suggested.

-That's a cute idea.

-Risk, Yahtzee, Stratego.

°°°

The intercom buzzed, Rowan have been on the phone the whe day busy, tired, Clint didn't come back to the apartment, so he was alone.

-It's me. I come bearing pizza and holiday cheer. Let me in.-Kate spoke outside, attempting to hold a bunch of packages together.

He chuckled at her sight, opening the door to let her in, grabbing some of the packages.

-Oh, thank you.-She said, walking inside with him. She looked around the apartment.-Where's Clint?

-I thought he was with you.-He answered, delivering the packages at a table.

Kate sighed, sitting at the couch with Pizza Dog, petting his head.

-My mom probably told him something, maybe tried to make him drop me off the mission.-She said.

Rowan sat by her side, opening one of the soda bottles she brought, putting into a couple and giving one to Kate.

-Why would she do that?

-She caught us loking into her system.

-That's bad.

-By the way, why didn't you call me?-She looked at her friend- you were supposed to call me when she was coming.

-I...I'm sorry, I picked up a call from work and didn't see it. Really, sorry.

Kate nodded, she wouldn't blame or fight with Rowan, she knew that he was overwhelmed as well.

-Your uncle's been pushing your limits lately?-She took a sip.

-You read my mind.-He chuckled, the dog lied beside him.

-Maybe he just does that because you're competent in what you do.

-Let's pray it is what you think.-He smiled to her weakly.- But he has always been like that so...

-It must've been hard.

Rowan lifted his shoulders, tilted his head to the side, indifferent.

-Just do what he tells you and stay quiet, you get used to it.-He lookes around- Anyway, why is all of this stuff about?

-Well, I was wondering-She grabbed some packages- like, we've been under pressure lately, so we could celebrate today.

He looked into a bag full of old christmas movies, treats, even 3 ugly christmas sweathers.

-I don't know Kate...

-Come on, Clint's already not here, don't let me down.-She looked at hum with puppy eyes.

-No...

-Please...

-Don't look at me like that... I won't....

°°°

-The cookies burned.-Kate said at the kitchen, The Grinch played on the TV, a christmas song blasted on the record player.

-What? Kate you're gonna burn my apartment!-Rowan rushed to the kitchen.

The both colorful sweather dressed couple tried to take down the fire, Pizza Dog was stealing some pizza from a box, while christnas lights Kate had put on, sparkled in the night.

-Okay, we didn't get burned at least.-She tried to be optimistic looking at ghe cooking result.

-We can't say that about the cookies.

Kate grabbed one, and before Rowan could say anything, she ate one at once. Attempting to smile at him:

-It's...great.-She lied.

-You're about to cry Kate.-He chuckled.- Don't worry, at least the cake didn't burn.

-Woo-hoo!-She lifted her arms up celebrating.

-Yeah, because who made it?-He spoke confident taking the delicious chocolate cake from the oven.

-Ah, shut up and give me a slice!-She pushed him slightly with her elbow.

°°°

-Pizza Dog, sit.-She demanded and the dog obeyed.

-No way.-He chuckled.-How did you teach him that?

-I know, I have many talents. Pizza Dog, dead.-She asked and the dog lied on yhe ground, paralyzed.

-Wow.

-Okay, live again.-She said and he got up again.

-He behaves better than you.-Rowan joked.

-Hey!

°°°

-Have you found out where I put this piece?-She stared at the puzzle clueless.

-I'm trying.-Rowan commented concentrated.

-You're taking hours.

-I'm not.

-You lost the piece, didn't you?

-I didn't.

He looked at her for a moment.

-Yeah, I did. But in my defense, Pizza Dog had jumped on me.

-Pizza Dog!

The dog simply walked away, like he had nothing to do with it. They laughed.

-Alright, enough puzzle. More candy cane?

-You know the answer is yes.

They shared the candy like they were still kids, it was a nostalgic, full of happiness night, they sat side by side, a christmas cartoon was on TV now.

-Thanks you for this.-Rowan suddenly said.

They were attempting to warm up by the fire place while eating the candy cane.

-For what?

-You know, the celebration.-He smiled- It's been a long time I have a real christmas, the last time was....-He stopped.

-10 Years ago?

He looked at her, nodding his head, observing the fire and remembering.

-Our last christmas together.

-I fell from a tree.

They chuckled.

-You were trying to catch our kite.

-It was worth it.

-Yeah, except the part where you broke your arm.

-At least you wrote something nice on it.-She recalled- "Kate, you're my hero"

-Guess that didn't change.-He chuckled.

They both looked at the fire, a warmness while the world was cold and chaotic outside.

-I'm glad to have you here, Rowan.-She said- I...I really missed having you around.

He looked back at her, a soft smile, warm heart, she was the only one to make that effect on him, leave him nervous, with butterflies inside his stomach.

-I missed you too, Kate.-He replied.-I'm glad to be here, with you.-He  looked down at his hands- There's nowhere I'd rather be right now.

-I can say the same.

The song alternated on the record. It was Baby It's Cold Outside.

-I really can't stay....-Rowan sang to Kate.

-Baby it's cold outside...-Kate chuckled.

-I gotta go away...

-Baby it's cold outside...

-This evening has been-

-Been hoping that you'd drop me in.

-Oh, so now you know the lyrics?-He chuckled.

They both recalled that dance, in the snow, so long ago, when they were only kids and Kate sang that same melody.

-Now I do.

-So-He got up and standed his hand, like a prince.- Would you like to danve with me, Miss Bishop?

A little dèja vu happened to her, but, Kate got uo, gave a shy smile, and grabned his hand, as they led to another area od the living room, giving box steps as the beat continued.

The last time they danced they were just walking no where in circles, this time, Rowan leaded, he had his arms around her waist, with respect, but also attitude.

She glanced at him from time to time, their eyes meeting and her cheeks on fire as he spinned her gracefully to only return to his arms again.

-You're good at this.-She muttered.

-Had some practice.

-With a girl, huh.

-None of them as delightful to dance as you.

-Touché.

Another spin, the smooth voices of the record leading to a soon ending, he pulled her a little closer, she didn't complain, there was something in his touch, in his presence that drawned Kate more to him.

The same about him, everytime she looked at him, Rowan freaked out inside attempting to look cool and calm at the outside.

The song ended. The magic still in the air. They looked at each other for a moment, still holding each other.

There was only the silence, their hearts and the memories.

When she looked into Rowan's eyes she could find comfort, a home, some love she could never get or understand from anyone else. As Rowan could see in her someone who truly knew him, who he could count on, someone who always fought for him, that truly loved him.

But they didn't know wich type of love.

Maybe the idea of loosing, the idea of mistaking it, made the two terrified.

-Kate...I...-He attempted to talk.

Her hands carefully held his face, her eyes half closed as she leaned foward, no song, no talk, just that, just her heart making the decision that sould change them forever.

But it felt right, actually, everything felt right next to him. It was almost as if they were only the two people in the world, as of they could run away and forget everything else.

And she forgot everything else when her lips touched his for the first time. As she finally, after all these years, realized what she wanted to do. As she admitted to herself what she felt for Rowan.

And he...he felt surprised at first, but it was impossible to deny, to reject such act, he wanted it as much as her, he felt it as much as her. Their eyes closed with the touch, the taste, the caring way she held her waist closer, against his body, as she caressed his nape.

No mistletoe was needed, no further talks, their connection was beyond, stronger than that. And as Kate felt her kiss being replied, her chest filled with happiness, such an incredible feeling that almost made her cry.

In such turbulent lives they found a home in each other and that's all that mattered.

Even aparting seemed different, as theycaught their breath and lookd at each other. It seemed clear, it seemed like true love.

He smiled, caressed her hair, and they didn't say a word, it wasn't necessary, he just kissed her forehead gently, embracing into a hug, warmness as she rested her head on his chest, hearing the beat of his heart, a heary thay beates towards her, and only her.

°°°

-Good morning.-He greeted her as she arrived at the kitchen.

Nothing else happened between the kiss, it just felt too early for that, and Kate still didn't know what would happen to them after that. After all, everything was still too new, to recent to even react towards it. She barely knew what to call him now.

-Mornin'-She replied giving a shy smile.

She looked at her phone, 3 missed calls from Clint, a text from him telling her to meet him at a park. She needed to go.

But just the visiom of Rowan making breakfest was heavenly, how he smiled as he flipped pancakes, he even bought an apron, wich tied around his waist.

-Clint called me.-She spoke.

-Oh.

-I need to go.

-...Alright. Don't you want to have breakfest first?-He asked with a gentle stare.

-I...I don't think I should worry him.-She tried, even though the idea of stayung with him was tempting.

-I understand.-He nodded.-Well, take care of yourself out there.

-I will.

She walked towards the door, and, before leaving, he grabbed her wrist.

-Kate.-He said and she turned around.- Here.-He kissed her cheek, she gave a surprised giggle- For good luck.

Her cheeks blushed, she smiled at him.

-Well, guess I'm the luckiss girl in the world now.-She chuckled.- See you later Rowan.

-See you,Kate.

°°°

Clint explained their next plans, but didn't give a further explanation about why he wasn't at the apartment yesterday wich made Kate, slightly upset about it, but didn't want to argue with her partner.

-Okay, this morning, I'm gonna have a talk with our friend, Kazi. What I want you to do is track down the trick arrows from our friends, the LARPers.

-Wait, what?

-My tracer arrow stopped moving, and it's over by an NYPD facility down by the bridge. And now the LARPers, they're mostly first responders, one's a cop. See if they can get access to that NYPD facility. LARPer friends. -He said and Kate laughed-Yeah, they're... They're colorful. You're gonna love 'em.

-You know, I like to think of them more as our arrows.

-Okay. Go get our arrows.

She laughed.

-You're pretty happy today, did something happen?

-Well-She smiled as she walkes away- Let's just say that I'm feeling lucky!

°°°

-Yes.-He replied at the phone.- So he's been there? Right...Tipical... look, just don't let them touch her.-He heard someone saying across the line.- I don't care what happens to him, but if you touch a single strand of her hair, you're dead.

The door of the office opened suddenly, the assistent tried to speak:

-Mr.Rowan.

-Yes?-He turned off the phone.

-It's about your uncle.

-What happened?

-He's here. To talk with you.

°°°

Kate and Clint were hoing to an apartment to get back something extremely important taken from the Avengers' Compound. It was a risky mission, but Kafe still insisted to help him out.

They had already got the arrows back, and maybe now it would be easier to obtain the missing object.

Kate was already inside the apartment, the bow and arrow on her hands, as she sneaked through the darkness. Clint was on the other building across hers, observing in case od any danger.

But, things got out of control.

Realizing it was in fact Maya's apartment, Kate started a fight with the owner as she found them out, but, at the same time, a misterious fighter showed up, wich revealed to be, a black widown assassin.

Attempting to fight with Clint by any cost, the widow revealed herself to be a blonde, serious girl, not even a word said, she only wanted to kill him.

Maya was no danger to her, she got her out of her way, and went after the two heroes.

As Kate had already targeted her with the arrow, the girl shaked her head in a "no", used her gear, and jumped out of the building, before Bishop could even react.

-Who the hell was that? -Kate tried to cat h her breath.

-You don't wanna know, Kate.-Clint didn't exain to her.

He was still trying to keep up with his thouguts, fully understand what just happened, how the threat got bigger.

-I cannot be your partner if you don't tell me what's going on.

-You're not my partner. -He replied sharply. Kate stopped.-Do you understand that? You never were.

If someone looked closer, they could see small tears forming into her eyes, the friendship she built, the value she thought she had in that team, everything, seemed to turn into ashes, like nothing, all her efforts were worthless.

- Someone has hired a Black Widow assassin. -He sighed-This has gotten very real, very quickly. So I'm doing this alone.

-No, you're not. Look, I know that tonight didn't go as planned, but I chose to be here. I understand the risk, I understand all of that.

-I'm not gonna do it. -He looked into hsr eyes-Do you hear me? -Kate refused to understand, she fekt her heart broken by her own considered friend- Do you hear me? -He insisted as she held the tears.-Stay out of this while you can.

-What if I don't want to?

-Trust me, you don't.-He shakes his head.- Also, look out for who you become friends with.

-What are you talking about?

-That Rowan Ledger guy.-He spoke serious, Kate pratically stopped at the words- Stay away from him.

-What are you saying? He's my-

-People are not what they appear to be.

-Does this have to do with why you didn't show up last night?-She asked but he didn't reply- What did you find out? -He still gave no answer- What are you hiding from me, Clint??

He shaked his head, still the same frozen face look, as he told her:

-Go home, Kate. It's over.

Almost not believing his words, with her heart broken, and twisted feelings, Kate turned around and walked away, stepping hard on the floor.

Now, Clint had to fix that on his own.