#aimee writes

So when Uhura had asked you to get drinks with her after your shift, you didn’t even feel bad for turning her down, you must have looked like you needed the break because she didn’t even ask a second time. She was good at respecting boundaries, but she also liked to try and convince you to join her in shenanigans, so her not trying to entice you, even slightly, was a sign that you looked as exhausted as you felt. 

You sighed happily as you slipped into lounge clothes, you couldn’t even think of the last time these sweats had made an appearance. You plopped yourself on the couch and pressed play on the first movie that came up on your padd. You heard your doorbell go off and you groaned, you hadn’t even made it 10 minutes into the movie. Maybe Nyota had changed her mind and was going to try and force you out with her. 

“Come in” You shouted, too lazy to move to see exactly who it was. You barely even turned your head to look at who you had just let enter your space. 

“From the look of it, I am going to assume you’ve forgotten of our planned date.” You heard a gruff voice say from your doorway, a slight chuckle in his voice. 

“Oh my god!” You sat up rather quickly to look up and see Leonard with a bouquet of flowers in his hand and a rather nice looking outfit on. You had been so busy the last few weeks, you and Leonard had barely had time to even see each other in passing. You had finally synced calendars and made plans to have a nice sit down date, one that was more than a 5 minute lunch, or 15 conversation before you both passed out in one of your beds. “It completely slipped my mind, I am so so sorry Len. If you give me like 10 minutes, I can be ready.”

You stood up and walked over to him, reaching up to pull him into a kiss, “The flowers are lovely” You toyed with one of the leaves, smiling at how much thought he had put into getting them for you. 

“You’re fine, you look exhausted,” He frowned slightly when he took in just how true that statement was.

“And here I was about to say how handsome you looked, and you’re saying I look terrible” You huffed. 

“Now don’t put words in my mouth, I said you look tired, not terrible.” He glared at you, “How could I possibly think you look terrible when you look so adorable in my sweatshirt.”

You tried and failed to hold back the smile at his comment, “I don’t remember this being yours.”

“Probably cause you stole it forever ago.” 

“Well anyway, just make yourself comfortable, and I will get changed.” You told him, “though don’t even ask, you’re not getting this hoodie back.”

“I wouldn’t dare,” He smiled, “But no need to change, we can just stay in. Looks like you just started a movie, and I would hate to make you not finish that, plus i could use a nice calm evening too”

“Are you sure? I feel terrible about ruining plans that you clearly took time to make.” You frowned. 

“It really wasn’t anything crazy, we can rain check it until you have had more sleep.” He told you, sincerity in his voice. 

“Thank you, Len.” You smiled, pulling him into a hug. He didn’t hesitate wrapping his arms tightly around you, staying like that for a while, just happy to be in each other's arms. 

“How about, I get these beautiful flowers in a vase, you go change into something more comfy and we can just curl up on the couch, eat some shitty replicator food and watch the dumb movie I had started,”

“Sounds perfect” He planted a kiss on your forehead before passing the flowers off to you and heading in your room to find some of his clothes to change into. 

You had finished putting the flowers in a vase and placing them neatly on your counter before finding some food to replicate when Len came out with a few extra pillows and blankets from your room. Upon seeing how cozy he was about to make the couch, you had no doubt you would be finding yourself asleep soon but you were just happy to have some time to spend with Len quietly. 

As you set the food down on the coffee table, Leonard had gotten himself and the pillows and such situated. You then found yourself getting settled curled up against his chest. You each grabbed a bowl of food and ate in comforting silence as the movie neither of you were paying all that much attention to played in the background. Once you were done eating and the dishes were set aside, you felt Leonard lightly playing with your hair, a gentle kiss here or there placed on your hairline. It wasn’t much longer before you felt yourself slipping into a deep sleep. 

Before fully succumbing to the sleep that was gripping at you, you found yourself mutter a soft, barely audible, “Love you so much Len,”

"It’s a surprise!" You plopped yourself down on your motorbike and then turned to him, saying, "I'll take you anywhere you want to go today!"

"...Is that why Kumon told me to bring my stuff before goin’ out?” Juza said as he glanced at the window on the second floor. He saw his younger brother by the window, widely grinning at him and giving him a thumbs up.

You rapidly nodded. "This is for all the times you took me to lots of places, Juza-kun!"

You thought Juza would smile or at least say a small thanks. But for some reason, he kept silent. You wouldn’t deny it made you nervous based on how hard your heart was thumping. What made him hesitate to take a ride with you? Did he think you were a reckless driver? Or was it risky to have you drive anywhere as it was your first time driving outside the school?

With those thoughts floating inside your head, you blurted out, “I-If you’re worried about my driving skills, I passed the driving test with flying colors!”

He shook his head. "’Is not that. It’s just… I didn't do those things to get a reward.”

You let out a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness it wasn’t because of my driving.” Then you quickly cleared your throat.

“I know you’re not that kind of person, Juza-kun,” you firmly said. “But will you let me take you anywhere you want to today?”

When you activated your puppy eyes, Juza averted his gaze from you as a faint blush painted his cheeks. You even let out some whimpers to urge him to say yes. He was weak to your cute antics, after all.

Your efforts were finally rewarded when he said with a voice barely above a murmur, “...Okay. But I dunno where I wanna go yet.”

Giving him his helmet, you said with a triumphant grin, "Then we'll just tour the whole city until you find something interesting!"

Without another word, you dragged him to the back of the motorbike’s seat. After securing your helmets, you grabbed his arms and locked them around your waist.

He was about to tell you that he would grip the seat instead but all of that was thrown in the wind. You turned the brakes and stepped on the motorbike, making the two of you speed off. Out of instinct, Juza gripped unto you tightly.

“Just tell me to stop if something caught your eye!” You yelled against the wind.

Even though Juza grunted in acknowledgment, he wasn’t sure if he could focus on his surroundings. His face was hot and a bit red, and it was not because of the scorching sun. He never got this close to a girl except for his mother. More importantly, the fear of suffocating you swarmed inside his head. But he didn’t want to make you think he disliked your touch. He didn’t want to hurt your feelings now or ever. So how could he not be self-conscious?

In the end, it took you three traffic light stops for him to regain his senses and actually choose. Guilt rose from the pit of his stomach. Still, he was silently grateful as you didn’t pry on him.

True to your hunch, the both of you mostly hopped in different stores and stalls that sold sweet food. However, the amount bought and plastic bags he was carrying was beyond your estimation. You reminded him from time to time not to buy too much or else his pockets would become empty. Though at the end of your trip, both of you feasted on the bought sweets and endlessly chatted at a park.

“It’s already that late, huh.” You sat up from the bench and stretched your arms. Then you stood up and offered your hand to Juza. “Here. I’ll take you home.”

After accepting your hand and standing up, Juza mumbled, “No. Just drop me off at the station.”

Your lips curled into a frown. “I can’t do that. I’m your driver for the day, you know?”

“But it’ll be faster for you to go home and ‘is safer.”

Catching on his message, you wrapped an arm around Juza's waist and patted his side. "There you go again with your worrying. If there're creeps at night, I’ll just outrun them. I’ll even wham them with my motorbike if they become too persistent.”

Cold sweats formed on Juza's back. “You don’t need to go that far...”

You waved your hand dismissively at him. Then you hopped on your motorbike, pulling his arm to make him sit at the back. You instantly placed Juza's arms around your waist. His arms weren't as stiff as before but they still clung to you.

You chuckled to yourself. It was a good thing for him to be comfortable around you, especially since this day was for your special man to enjoy.

When you sped off, Juza looked at his side. Now that he thought about it, it was his first time not being too alert at the road at all. He never noticed 'til now how the lights from buildings seemingly appeared to be twinkling stars nor how the breeze that tickled his skin was like his mom's gentle caresses. He also only realized now how the rustling leaves were similar to a lullaby being whispered to his ears.

A small smile appeared on his lips. This wasn't so bad.

You were so much in love with her that you were standing in the toy aisles of Target trying to decide what would be something that would get two boys to not hate you immediately. You know how much her kids meant to Wanda and if they told her you had to go, you would be gone before you had time to blink.  

You had found two small lego sets, remembering Wanda saying they had recently been really getting into them. While you had considered getting them one of the giant sets, you didn’t want to make it look like you were trying too hard, so instead you picked two different small Star Wars ship sets figuring those would go over well while not being too over the top.

You were sitting in your car trying to talk yourself up to going to the front door. You knew it was a little ridiculous to be this nervous about meeting someone’s kids but you just really wanted this night to go over well. You felt like you were a teenager again having to meet someone's mom and the panic that came along with that. You finally decided you had to go in when you noticed one of the boys peeking at you through the blinds.

Before you could even knock, he was ripping open the door. “Do you always sit in your car for 10 minutes before coming into someone’s house?” He asked you with a laugh.

“Sometimes, I tend to drive too fast and am always too early” You chuckle awkwardly, looking past him to see if you could spot Wanda.

“Dear, it’s not nice to tease our guest” Wanda scolded her son, turning to you she smiled. “I think it’s cute that you do that.”

“Thanks,”

“This is Billy,” Wanda gestured to the boy who had just been making fun of you. “Tommy!”

Suddenly the other twin appeared beside her, sliding on the hardwood floor in his socks.

“It’s nice to meet you both,” You smiled at them both.

“What’s in the Target bag?” Tommy asked

“Oh! Well I was doing a little shopping for myself and I saw these two lego sets and I thought you two might like them, so I picked them up!” You quickly started to pull them out of the bag to show them what you had picked out. The boys both cheered immediately in excitement, each rushing to grab one out of your hands. You were relieved that they didn’t immediately start fighting over who got which ones.

“You really didn’t have to get them anything,” Wanda said softly, a loving look in her eyes and her gaze shifted from you to the boys.

“Now boys, what do you say?”

“Thank you!” They both chimed in unison. You chucked at that.

“You’re very welcome.” You smiled, “Oh and don’t think I didn’t get anything for you,” You turned to Wanda and pulled out a bottle of wine.

“Oh wow, you know how to be a good house guest don’t you.” She smiled, taking the bottle from you and leading you to the kitchen.

“Well I want to make sure you keep me around.” You joked.

“Oh I have a feeling we won’t be getting rid of you any time soon,” Wanda smiled before pouring you both a glass of wine. You headed back into the living room to help the boys with their new lego sets that they were both already working on getting put together.

You managed to hail a cab easily and gave them your address. The night shift of security guards chuckled at you as you struggled to make your way to the elevators. You did, however, notice one turn off the cameras so that Tony wouldn’t be able to use the video against you later. You would have to remember and bring them a fruit basket. Though you had a feeling that you wouldn’t be fully remembering tonight.

You finally made it into the elevator and quickly clicked your floor before bending down to unstrap your shoes. You were sick of wearing them and this would get you one step closer to being able to crawl in bed.

You made your way into the kitchen. Setting your shoes on the counter, you knew it was slightly gross, but you would make sure to wipe the counter down in the morning. You made yourself a glass of water, somewhere in the back of your mind, you had thought about the fact that you definitely hadn’t left any dishes in your sink and yet they were piling quite high in the sink, however you decided that your weren’t exactly in the right state of mind and that would be something to worry about in the morning.  You finished one glass of water before filling it up again and heading into the bedroom.

You were too tired and too drunk to bother turning on the light. You knew the layout enough to not worry too much about running into anything. You set the glass down on the nightstand before stripping off your clothes from the night. You were tired but there was no way you would be sleeping in such an  uncomfortable outfit.  You quickly went over to the dresser and pulled out the t-shirt that was on top.. You were happy to realize you managed to pull out an oversized one, perfect for sleeping in. You were sure it was probably one that you have stolen from Clint.

You finally made your way into bed and fell asleep almost as soon as your head hit the pillow.

Had you taken longer to fall asleep you might have noticed that there was another body in the bed you had crawled into. You also might have felt them as they instinctively reached for you in their sleep and that they had quickly wrapped you in their arms.

~~

You woke up slowly, feeling foggy and disgusting. You had a massive headache, you felt like you were going to vomit at any moment and you were sweating. The last thing might have had something to do with the warm weight you felt behind you. It took you a minute to register that it was another person that was currently clinging to you.

You immediately stiffened, trying to recall the night before, but the last thing you could recall was Nat declaring that you were doing shots. You groaned as you mentally cursed her for convincing you that you could keep up with her drinking.

As you looked at your surroundings you were confused as you recognized the room. It wasn’t yours but it was also clearly one in the tower. It suddenly hit you like a ton of bricks. You were in Clint’s room. You found yourself holding your breath as you slowing turned your head to confirm that you were in fact being held by the archer.

“Fuck” You muttered as you tried to think of how to get out of this situation. You also were trying to rake your brain for the ending to your night. Clint had declined the invitation to come out, so you were trying to decide how you ended up in his bed. You also had no way of knowing what had happened and if you had finally made your feelings known to Clint but couldn’t remember it, you would never forgive yourself. Nor would Clint ever let you live that down.

But speaking of that, had you come to Clint in such a state as you were obviously in last night, there was no way he would let anything happen. You had to hold out hope that you had just made your way here drunk and Clint just allowed you to cuddle with him. It wasn’t like you had never shared a bed with him, but usually you were in more clothes.

You realized then that you were only in your underwear and what looked like his shirt, not helping clarify what had happened last night. You had also noticed that he wasn’t wearing a shirt when you had quickly peaked over your shoulder.

You were trying to decide what to do, whether you should quietly slip out of his room and try and pretend like nothing had happened or if you should stay and talk to him to figure it out.

You didn’t get a chance to make a decision as you suddenly felt him stirring. A low groan escaped his lips as he slightly stretched beside you. “Good morning,” he quietly mumbled.

It wasn’t even a millisecond after that, that you were suddenly pushed out of the bed with a quick force as Clint let out a blood curdling scream. You weren’t sure what his reaction would be, but that had not occurred to you.

“Ow” You groaned as you sat up from your new position on the floor.

“What the fuck!” Clint exclaimed. “How- wait, y/n?”

You were left even more confused. Maybe he had decided to come out and you were both drunk.

“Yep, it’s me you just pushed out of your bed.” You sighed, “I was hoping you could explain what happened last night but that seems like it won’t be the case.”

There was an awkward pause, which you realized was because Clint was trying to read your lips. You sighed before quickly signing what you had just said so he didn’t have to try and guess. You added ‘I guess you must have decided to drink after all’ at the end.

“No.” Clint replied with a perplexed look on his face. He quickly turning to his nightstand to grab his hearing aids and put them in before continuing his thought. You finally forced yourself to move from your spot on the floor and sat down on the edge of the bed. You were still feeling shitty because of the hangover you had known you would be dealing with today.

“I didn’t drink anything last night besides coffee. I watched a few episodes of ______ before going to bed. Last I had heard from you, you had sent a rather incoherent text, something about shots and Natasha.” Clint explained his knowledge of the night.

“That’s where my memory gets hazy. I recall Nat ordering a few rounds of shots and that’s about the last thing I remember from last night. Then I woke up here, in your shirt apparently. I thought maybe- never mind, I wasn't sure what happened and then you threw me out of your bed which was only more confusing.” You explained your own account of the night.

“Wait you thought we-“ Clint looked at you with shock

“No, no, but also I couldn’t figure out why I was in your bed with nothing but your shirt on.” At that comment, Clint’s eyes drifted down to the shirt in questions. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t notice the way his eyes lingered on where the hem of the shirt was laying.

“You sound almost disappointed that we didn’t” Clint says with a cocky smile spreading across his face.

You rolled your eyes at him. “No I’d much rather remember that”

“Oh well if that’s your concern, no need to worry, if we had there would be no way you’d be forgetting it anytime soon.” His smile only grew at your admission. Truth be told, that second half had meant to stay in your head but apparently you still weren’t thinking clearly.

“Cocky much?” You chuckled at him. Moving to start picking up your clothes that you were finding thrown throughout the room.

“I am. I might make you forget your own name, but you wouldn’t be forgetting the experience.” He said in a low voice. You noticed he had stepped directly in front of you as you stood up from retrieving an article of your clothes from the floor.

You wanted to say something snarky in return but as you met Clint’s eyes, the words fell from your throat. You found your throat dry and yourself at a loss for words.

“Clint, I-“ You started but were quickly stopped as he took another step towards you. His gaze moved to your lips before he leaned in until his lips were ghosting over your own. He was giving you all the time in the world to pull away, to say that you didn’t want this but that was the last thing you planned to do.

You reached up, placing your hands of either side of his neck, before snaking them around his neck, interlacing your fingers through his hair and you closed the distance between you.

“What do you say we make what you thought happened last night a reality,” Clint suggested with a smile as you finally pulled away.

“I think that sounds like a great idea,” You smiled back “But I would really like a shower first”

“Oh you know, it looks like Lila needs me, I think I got to go.”

“Clint, please I am dying over here and need some advise!” You plead with him. You weren’t sure why you decided to go to Clint with your love life problems but you had no idea who else to go to.

“Fine, but why aren’t you going to Kate or Yelena? They are your best friends.” He questioned.

“Yes, that is true but it kind of involves them.” You sighed.

“Oh?”

“Yeah, so, god I don’t know how to say this… I think I am in love with them.” You rushed out the last part. Glad to get it off your chest but also not fully sure how Clint would react.

“You’re in love with them?” You watched as Clint processed what you had just told him. It wasn’t judgment in his eyes, but he was definitely working through something in his mind. “Now that I am thinking about it, it’s pretty obvious. I think they both feel the same thing. I just wrote it off as you all just being attached at the hip friends, but i think it’s definitely more than that. I think you should just tell them.”

“I can’t do that.” You barely let him finish his sentence. “I'm worried, that if we go there…. things might never be the same. What if they don’t feel the same way? You know how hard finding roommates in this city is?”

“Why did you bother calling me if you weren’t going to take my advice that you so desperately wanted.”

“I don’t know. Maybe I wanted you to tell me I was crazy for being in love with not one but two of my best friends and that I needed to get over it or I’d ruin our friendship.” You sighed, realizing how ridiculous you sounded.

“Wait, which best friends are you in love with?” You felt your heart drop to your feet as Kate’s voice rang out behind you.

“I- I thought you had class for another hour.” You stutter out, hoping to change the subject.

“Just tell her the truth, I got to go” Clint told you before hanging up.

“My class let out early. What truth is he talking about?” Kate asked, a bit confused as to why you were telling Clint something that she didn’t know.

“It’s nothing.” You tried.

“It doesn’t feel like nothing, especially if you thought to call Clint about it.” She frowned, “You’re in love with someone and won’t tell me who?”

“It you.” You sighed, deciding trying to hide it may be worse than just telling the truth “And Yelena.”

“And listen, I know that’s a lot and it’s kinda weird and we have just started to feel super comfortable in our weird and chaotic friendship so if you don’t feel the same, or Yelena doesn’t or whatever, I will forget it and we can just pretend that I never said anything.” You rushed out before she had a chance to respond.

“You’re in love with me?!” She stuttered out, “And Yelena? Oh thank god, I was starting to think I was the weird friend who had fallen in love with both her roommates and was definitely going to slip up and say it eventually.”

“Who is in love with their roommates?” Yelena said as she had just entered the apartment.

“We are,” You and Kate said at the same time before giggling at the face of shock the turned into a smile from your favorite Russian.

“Oh you both finally decided to admit it!”

“Wait, are you trying to say you’ve known?” You asked, taken aback.

“Duh, I am a spy, you are both so adorably obvious.” She rolled her eyes as she hung her coat up.

“You didn’t think to, I don't know, tell us?” Kate huffed.

“No. It was cute watching you both.” She smiled.

“So you feel the same?” You asked hopefully.

“I mean, with looks like those, if I don’t, someone else is bound to, don’t you think?” She continued to tease.

“I mean, yeah, she’s definitely a catch.” He finally managed to come up with a response.

“So you think I should go for it?”

“Well..” He hesitated, it was obvious he was trying to come up with a reason to say no, anything to discourage her from asking you out, “I guess yeah, I don’t know why you think you need to ask me permission in the first place.”

“We both know why” She smirked. Natasha wasted no time in finishing her drink and heading over to the dancefloor where she quickly found you.

Tony couldn’t peel his eyes away from the scene that was unfolding in front of him. He watched as Natasha made her way to you, the way she seductively leaned into you, the blush that flooded your cheeks at whatever she whispered into your ear. The way you bashfully looked at the ground. Something that normally Tony loved, he loved how easy it was to fluster you, but watching Natasha do it made his blood boil for some reason.

He watched as Natasha whispered something else before seeing you nod your head quickly and smile wide. Another thing he loved, that smile, especially when you would get overly excited about something, like it seemed that you were from Natasha asking you out.

It wasn’t as if Tony hadn’t already realized his feelings before this moment. He was well aware of how much he was in love with you. Hopelessly really. But he never felt like he could risk ruining your friendship, and luckily for him, you never seemed to bring home dates, or talk about them so he didn’t have to witness you happy because of someone else. Yet here he was, watching as you got excited about a date with someone else. And not just anyone, Natasha of all people. Someone he knew would treat you right and probably would take you on the best date of your life.

Tony knew what it was like to be jealous but this was a whole new level. He couldn’t stand the way you were smiling with Natasha the way you immediately started to dance with her. He hated to think that he hesitated too long and might have lost his chance with you for good. He was seeing all sorts of scenes that he may have to sit through play out in his head. He didn’t think he would survive if he had to watch you and her be all cute in the common areas. He definitely wouldn’t survive listening to you gush about how great your date was with Natasha.

With that he decided he was going to have to do something about it. He threw back the rest of his drink and marched over to where you were on the dance floor.

“You can’t go on a date with Natasha!” He shouted at you as he pushed in front of the spy you were currently dancing with.

“Excuse me?” You asked, confused as to what he was even saying. Tony looked pissed, he was red in the face, huffing as if he was out of breath, and he was speaking insanely.

“I’m in love with you and I just- you can’t go out with Natasha because you should be going out with me instead.” He blurted out.

You continued to stare at him dumbfounded. You had no idea where that confession had come from and you had a few too many drinks to fully be able to process what was just said.

“You-your in love with me?” You repeated.

“Yes. and I know you might not feel the same, but I just I can’t sit and watch you date her when I am hopelessly in love with you without at least telling you how I feel.”

You glanced behind him, to Natasha who was smirking away. You weren’t sure what she had done, but you were going to have to thank her later. You quickly grabbed Tony’s hand and dragged him off the dance floor and out to the balcony.

“I am not quite sure what you are going on about with me and Natasha but do you mean that? Do you actually love me?” You asked him once the music had faded into the distance and the cool air was helping you think a little more straight.

“Yes. I have been desperately in love with you for so long.” Tony confirmed. “Natasha told me she was going to ask you out and then I watched it happen and saw you say yes and I just- I couldn’t sit back and watch you say yes to her without at least letting you know how I felt. And if you don’t feel the same and want to go back in there and dance with her I won’t blame you and we can forget this ever happened.”

“Well since I have been hopelessly in love with you for months, I don’t think I will be doing that. I would much rather sit out here with you.” You reply. You watched as he visibly relaxed, like he was holding his breath waiting for you to respond to his confession.

Before you could do anything else, Tony’s hands were on your cheeks pulling you into a heated kiss. Your hands immediately went to his arms, steading yourself as you eagerly kissed him back. Eventually your hands found themselves holding onto his face, not letting him get too far from you.

“God we’re both idiots.” You chuckled.

“Speak for yourself, I am a genius.” He scoffed.

“Dumbest genius I have ever met”

“Shut up.”

You started to stand up when you noticed Clint thrash around on the couch. You frowned when you heard a groan pass through his lips. You realized it wasn’t just movement in his sleep that pushed you on the floor but it seemed to be a nightmare instead. 

You immediately felt the need to comfort him and hopefully wake him up from whatever was plaguing his mind. You perched yourself beside the couch and gently ran your fingers through his hair. “Clint, wake up,” You tried to coax him out of sleep, “You’re dreaming, wake up,” 

When Clint didn’t immediately stir, you decided to take a more direct approach, “Clint,” You tried, this time shaking his shoulder. 

You didn’t have time to react to his arm swinging out at you and knocking you over from your squatted position on the ground. You were ready to get back up when you were suddenly pinned to the ground. 

“Clin-” Your voice stopped when you noticed the gun pointed directly at you. You couldn’t help the fear that set into your bones as you stared at the barrel of a gun. “Clint, It’s me, it’s Dani,” You pleaded with him. 

You saw the flash of realization in his eyes right before he scrambled off you, You heard the click of the safety on the gun and him slamming it onto the coffee table. 

“Shit, I am so sorry,” Clint rushed, “You just- I woke up and didn’t know what was happening and -”

“It’s okay,” You told him, trying to regain your own breathing. You could feel your heart racing. “I shouldn’t have tried to wake you up like that,”

“No, it’s not your fault.” Clint was fidgeting, “Want me to make us some coffee?”

“Coffee sounds good,” You nodded, you knew you weren’t getting back to sleep after that. 

The apartment is filled with an awkward silence, you wanted to ask Clint about the obvious nightmare, you wanted to be a comfort to him but you weren’t sure how to broach the topic. You could tell Clint was still agitated and probably wanted to spill out more apologies. 

“I really am sorry,” Clint said sheepishly as he handed you a mug. 

“It’s forgiven,” You told him sincerely, “How long have they been happening?” You finally got the nerve to ask. 

“Since I got back,” Clint said weakly, looking now at his own mug, avoiding eye contact. 

You frowned, you knew the feeling but you had to assume that Clint had seen a lot of terrifying things. You had a feeling that there was a lot that you didn’t know and that there was more to the story than just the alien attack. Clint had been gone for nearly a week before without even a word from him. He was often radio silent but there were also plenty of times when he found time to send you a quick message, but you went a week with nothing. 

“If you want or need to talk about it, I am here for you Clint,” You reached out and squeezed his hand gently. 

Clint looked up at you and you could see the pain in his eyes which only broke your heart more. 

“I just caused a lot of people pain,” Clint said softly. 

“You also helped save the world and a lot of people,” You told him with a frown. You knew that the attack on New York had a lot of casualties but you also knew that they were on the aliens and not Clint or any of the others who were helping to stop them. 

“You don’t know the whole story” 

“You’re right, but I do know you.” You told him, “I know that you literally help anyone you possibly can. A good example is both me and Lucky. You would never do something to intentionally harm anyone, unless they seriously deserved it.”

“It’s just, there was a point when I wasn’t exactly in control of my own mind,” Clint admitted, “and none of that was true anymore.”

“Well if you weren’t in control then you can’t be blamed for your actions.” You were concerned by what he meant by not being in control of his own mind but it almost seemed better not to ask so you didn’t. “All I am saying is that you helped save the world and I am grateful, as are many others.”

Clint gave you a small smile, “Thanks,” 

“Anytime.” You told him sincerely. “And thank you,”

“What for?” Clint asked

“Before you rudely pushed me off the couch, that was probably the soundest sleep I had gotten in awhile.” 

“Sorry to have disrupted it. You looked like you really needed it.” 

“I can’t argue that,” You sighed. “But for now coffee will do.” 

As you two enjoyed the mugs of probably too strong coffee, conversation started to flow between you two again. You were catching Clint up on things he missed since you had last seen him, including how much Lucky had missed him. 

You seemingly missed the look in Clint’s eyes as he actively listened to you tell him about the cheesy reality show you had been watching every night. 

Clint POV

As Clint listened to Dani talking about everything that had been happening in the last few weeks and beyond, Clint really stopped to think about how much he truly had missed her.

He thought about how panicked he was when he and Natasha were flying the jet into New York. He knew Dani would be so close to everything and had no way to warn her. He had to focus on the mission but in the back of his mind he was fighting for Dani and praying to any god that she would remain safe. 

He recalled the panic he felt when things had calmed down but she hadn’t answered his texts or calls. He had no way of knowing if she was in danger, injured, or worse and it was horrible. 

He also recalled the pure rush of relief he felt when he saw her in the hallway. She was safe and she was right in front of him and he had never felt more relieved before in his life. 

It was when thinking of that moment that Clint finally saw what had been right in front of him the whole time. Dani. Holy shit, Clint suddenly realized he was in love with Dani. When the hell did that happen? 

Clint figured it probably had happened that first day when he witnessed her trying to move in by herself with a broken foot. Or possibly how she would order pepperoni pizza just so he could eat more pepperoni. Or it was all the times she would patch him up after a mission. The first time had truly been an accident but he’d be lying if he sometimes didn’t just skip medical because Dani was much kinder to him even when she was yelling at him to be more careful. Or it might have happened during one of their many movie nights or their workout sessions. Whenever it happened Clint realized he was in far too deep now. 

Dani POV:

“Earth to Clint!” You said snapping your finger in front of his face. 

“Sorry,” Clint shook his head, trying to clear it of his thoughts, “zoned out there,”

“I noticed.” You chuckled.

“Go on a date with me.” Clint suddenly blurted out. 

“Wh-what?” You stuttered out. Taken aback by the bluntness and seemingly out of nowhere request. 

“I mean,” Clint stumbled, “If you would want to.”

“You’re asking me on a date?” You asked, “Like a real date?”

“Yeah, like something fancy” Clint said. You could tell he was nervous when he started to rub the back of his neck. 

“Okay, yeah” You smiled. You had to try to contain the giddiness you felt that he was actually asking you on a date. 

“Really?” Clint asked, genuinely surprised. 

“Yeah, but you better make it good,” You teased him with a wink.

“It’ll be the best date you’ve ever been on.”