Nathaniel

I never really knew Auntie Nat. Everyone says that she was special - so pure and kind and good and brave. She fought off lots of scary monsters and saved Daddy's life all the time. I couldn't imagine life without Daddy, so I'm very grateful to Auntie Nat.

Mummy and Daddy named me after Auntie Nat. I'm going to make her proud and grow up to be as brave as she was.

Lila

Auntie Nat was always a part of my life. Ever since I was little, I'd wait patiently for Dad to come home after saving the world. When he came through those doors, Cooper and I would run at him and jump into his arms, and when we'd said hello properly, I'd always ask if he brought Auntie Nat. He almost always did. Auntie Nat would lift me up and hug me tight, and tell me how much I had grown. She was always so attentive, so gentle. She'd ask me questions about my life and spend time with me. She treated me like an adult and never talked down to me, even when I asked questions that she couldn't answer. She'd always look at me sadly and say "I wish I could tell you, sweetheart, but it's not my place to say. Your Dad will explain it when the time is right."

Everyone seems to think Auntie Nat was a powerful and dangerous badass. I knew that she and Dad had saved each other's lives countless times, and that they were always pushing the edge of danger to protect the innocent. But I never saw her as fierce or dangerous. To me, she was always caring and loving. She made me feel like I was important and always told me to enjoy every moment of my childhood. "Grow up slowly and carefully, Lila," she'd say. "Don't forget that you are precious."

This time, I didn't ask if Dad had brought Auntie Nat. He was already crying, and I already knew.

Cooper

I didn't always understand what Dad and Auntie Nat were up to, but I knew they were saving the world. Dad often brought Auntie Nat home with him, and she'd hug me and tell me how brave and strong I was. I'd look up at her eyes and know that she meant every word. She kept secrets from me, but never lied.

As I got older, I started noticing more. When Auntie Nat came home with Dad after a trip, the both of them would always look so tired, and so worn out. Sometimes there would be injuries - a limp here and there, bruised ribs and various cuts to their skin. They tried to hide in front of me and Lila, but I noticed. And there was something else between them - a quiet, unspoken dependence, as if they needed to see each other a little longer, to know that they were okay. Something bad had happened on the mission, I knew, but I never asked.

Because of Auntie Nat, Dad came home safely every single time. Even this time.

Laura

When Clint first told me about his new partner, a former Russian spy, I thought he'd gone mad. But then I met her, and I realised what Clint had seen. Beneath the hard exterior, and the darkness, and the guilt, Natasha Romanoff was as pure as they come. Brave and kind with a heart of gold. Soon, she became a sister to us and an aunt to the children. She was family.

Over the years, I began to learn more about her past. In those vulnerable moments, typically after a tough mission, we'd sit on the moonlit porch and talk about our lives. With every horrendous story that she told me with a trembling voice, I grew more and more in awe of her strength and courage. I remember a conversation one night, when I asked who else knew about her past. She said: "Some people at SHIELD, who needed to know. And Clint. And you." I asked why, and she answered: "I trust you. You and Clint - you guys have a way of really seeing me, for who I am now. Most people are repulsed, or worse, they pity me."

Oh, Nat. You were the strongest woman I have ever known. You brought Clint home to me time and time again. You loved my children as if they were your own. You loved me as a sister. And I will always miss you.

Clint

It should have been me.

Damn you for being so stubborn. You sent me home to my family - our family, but you yourself disappeared forever.

You saved my life in so many ways. I've never known anyone as strong or as brave as you. You inspired me to be better. You always cared so much about every innocent life, even when it hurt so much that your heart was shattering into a thousand pieces. You never gave up on me, not even when I might have killed you, not even when I'd killed dozens and completely lost myself. You found me and you brought me home. You made me the man I am today.

You didn't want me to leave my family behind. You wanted me to see my wife and kids again, and I did, and I owe you everything for it.

But you left your family behind. Laura, and Cooper and Lila, and even little Nathaniel. Little Nat, your namesake. Bruce, and Steve and Thor. Pepper and Morgan. We all feel your loss, Nat. We'll all miss you forever.

I don't know that we'll ever recover from the grief. But we'll move on, for your sake. I swear, Nat, I will fight for what is right until my dying breath, and I'll raise my children to do the same. Just like you, Nat.

Rest in peace, partner. Your ledger is pure white. See you on the other side.