Hello Everyone! I hope that you enjoy this little collection of Avenger centric Christmas stories. Hopefully, I'll post one every day leading up to Christmas (around ten chapters). We'll be starting off with Clint.

I don't own the Avengers or any of the music the stories are based around.

It's cold out, was Clint's first thought as he made his way out of Avengers Tower to begin his Christmas shopping. There was a lot more snow in New York this year than normal, and poor weather had made getting any work done rather difficult. If there is anything Clint hated, it was being cooped up. However, the sky had cleared and the cheery sun was set against brilliantly blue sky—without a cloud to be seen to top it off. New York City was beginning to look like itself. People bustling to and fro, taxis the color of the sun zooming by, and plenty of noise. It was almost overwhelming. Almost. But Clint was determined to get his Christmas shopping done . . . before the last minute this year.

The afternoon went rather well. Clint had found something for everyone—he even procured a new collar for Steve's dog, Brooklyn . . . along with a few extras. After dropping off the colorful packages at the tower, he returned outside to meander a bit before dinner. He soon found himself at the small dog park, which was oddly enough a lot more crowded than usual. Clint's ears soon caught the lifting melody of Christmas carols being sung and he wandered towards the small crowd.

The group was good. Clint usually wasn't one for a cappella groups, but these people had talent. As he stood listening to the various arrangements of traditional songs, he noticed one small boy standing to the side. The boy was no more than seven, and was trying very hard not to cry. His eyes were shiny with unshed tears and his small frame was trembling under the strain of his efforts to hold back the sobs. Ever the hero, Clint made his way toward the boy.

"You okay kid?" the archer inquired. But the boy made no response. He didn't even acknowledge Clint's presence, which was odd. So Clint tapped the boy on the shoulder—causing the child to jump. Clint suddenly understood why the boy didn't respond.

Are you okay? He signed to the boy. The smile that appeared on the boy's face could've lit up a Christmas tree.

I'm all right, he responded. But my aunt is singing in the group and I can't hear her and she has a hard time signing while singing.

Clint felt bad for the boy. He had a friend while growing up who was deaf. It was difficult, even after they had learned how to use sign language, because not everyone was as good at it (if they knew sign at all), or were considerate enough to try to communicate. It was getting late but Clint had an idea. When Hawkeye was stuck on something it usually took the Black Widow to get him to abandon the idea. Seeing as how Natasha was absent (not that she would discourage this anyway), Clint went a head with it.

Would you like me to sign for you? Again, the boy smiled. As the next song began, Clint positioned himself in front of the boy and began to sign.

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?

This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

As he continued to sign, the boy signed along. His smile grew wider with each line. Clint hazarded a glance to the sole female member of the group and noticed her smile at the boy. The archer couldn't help but be happy with them. A warmth crept up in his chest despite the cold air.

The song ended and the crowd disbanded. Clint strode toward the young boy and his aunt, who and quickly joined him after the last song.

I'm Clint, he signed and spoke.

I'm Jenna, the twenty-something signed, and this is Jake, she added.

It's nice to meet you both. I hope you don't mind the fact I approached your nephew. I just saw he was a little upset.

At this Jenna started crying, completely dumbfounding Clint. Jake shuffled and glanced down at his feet, clearly embarrassed by his aunt's display of emotion.

I'm sorry, Jenna apologized. It's just that Jake was born deaf. Obviously, he has never heard me sing, but before this year his parents would always sign my performances for him. But his parents died in May and it's been a huge adjustment. She glanced fondly at her nephew, who was staring at his aunt and the archer, rather contented to watch their conversation. You've made his day.

Clint gave a small smile. He reached into his jacket, pulled out a pen and paper, and scribbled something on it. He handed it to Jenna and said,

If you ever need someone to sign for you, give me a call. I might not be able to make it all the time, but if I'm around I'll be there.

The lady smiled and handed the number to Jake, who was more than a little enthusiastic.

Thank you, Jenna signed. We might just do that sometime.

Clint nodded, said goodbye, and walked back toward the tower with a little more spring in his step than when he left. He was so focused in getting back that he missed the conversation between the two family members behind him.

So, Jake began with a mischievous smile, are you gonna call him?

His aunt ruffled his hair affectionately. I just might.

Blessings to all- WovenInASong