The thing about Clint is that he had always been there for her. Back when he was nothing but a symbol, a parasocial relationship. He had been her lighthouse in her darkest days, had shaped who she grew up to be. And so, seeing him brought nothing but absolute unadulterated joy in her heart.

Clint had filled a void in Kate. Almost fitted the shape her dad had left after dying. A shape that became more painfully bigger since she felt her mom betray everything Kate stood for.

But Clint would always be there. Reminding her to be brave, to have hope. If he could face a bunch of aliens with a string and sticks, then she could beat the shit out of some corrupt cops.

"I swear they look worse than this," Kate pointed out proudly, cocking her head as she smiled goofily. She allowed Clint to gently get her back in bed. But not for a second did she lose the spark of joy in the way she looked at him.

"I'm tempted to facetime them just to see their faces, but that's probably going to backfire with Laura." Oh, she would so go back to mom mode. "I'll call in a bit, I promise." After dinner. If she doesn't pass out. Thank god she took those naps...

Something softened in her. It wasn't guilt, but awareness. Hope that she wouldn't disappoint him with the choice she made. "I didn't want to worry you, not over this. It's not your mess to clean, Clint. You deserve your time with the kids."