The only sound in the five-star hotel room was the steady and contented breathing of the couple lying in bed. Her head lay on his bare chest, taking solace in the comforting rhythm of his beating heart, as his battle scarred hand caressed the soft skin of her back.
"When I said I owed you one, that was a little more than I had in mind," he said with smile in his voice.
"Yeah, well, it was bound to lead to this, Clint. It just took me having to kick an alien life force out of your mind and an epic battle in one of the largest cities in the world for it to happen." She shrugged her shoulder nonchalantly against his side as as she curved her face upward to meet his gaze.
"There is that, yes." He ran his finger along her jawline and tangled in a curl that was framing her face. "I have something for you."
Natasha arched her brow at him as she grinned mischievously. "Already? I knew you were agile, but really Clint, maybe we should take a breather."
He gave the curl that was still wrapped around his finger a slight tug. "Not that, you minx. Although, it is an amazing idea, and one I will take you up on after while." He leaned over the side of the bed, reaching for the nightstand drawer where his wallet, gun, and mobile were stowed. His fist clenched tightly over the the surprise for the lady leaning over him as he righted himself once more beneath her. "Close your eyes."
She grimaced. "Really? You know I'm not one for surprises."
"Just trust me." Clint ran his hand over her eyes imitating she should do what he said. "Now hold out your hand."
With eyes closed obligingly, she turned her hand over that had been resting on his chest. A small, black satin drawstring pouch was held in his hand. Loosening the delicate cords, he emptied the contents into his teammate's waiting palm. "You can open your eyes now."
She glanced at him briefly attempting to gauge his reaction before dropping her eyes to the article that was lying in her palm. The glistening silver chain caught her attention first, then upon further inspection she saw the tiny pendant that was secured at its middle. A small arrow with sparkling diamonds encrusted throughout caught the morning light breaking through the balcony window. She gasped, unsure what the gift could mean. "Clint..."
"Don't say it's too much. Because it's not. It's not enough. For everything we've been through together, it could never be enough. Our lives are different than most and we both know our profession can't afford us the normalcy that is given to average folks. Though I can't give you a ring, as you so rightly deserve, I want you to have something that means just as much."
Natasha wasn't given to tears very often. In fact, usually it was in the guise of interrogating suspects in cases or other undercover assignments. Maybe it was due to the stress and exhaustion and emotions running high over the last few days. Or maybe not. Either way a single tear escaped her eye and trickled down her cheek before Clint caught it with his forefinger and wiped away the moisture. "Thank you. I can't give you much, Clint. You already know that."
His finger went to her lips to stop her protestations. "Shh. I know. It's alright. Because right now, at this point in time, this is enough. You are enough." With his confession, he took the necklace from her hand and fastened it around her neck, touching the arrow ever so lovingly before he placed a promising kiss upon her awaiting lips.
Note: If you saw Captain America: Winter Soldier, then I'm sure you saw the piece of fine jewelry that was around Natasha's neck. This instantly came to mind as I was watching the movie. ;)