Disclaimer: I own none of these characters, have no affiliation with the Marvel Universe and whatsoever. If I did, there would already be a Clintasha movie out there (how I wish).

A/N: This is what I imagine happened between Clint Barton and Natasha Romanoff after the Avengers mission in New York. This isn't exactly related to 'Hey Clint' but then I might end up making this the preceding work of it, they do kind of relate after all. As usual, reviews appreciated! Honest criticisms are also welcomed, as long as they can help me improve my work. This is my second Clintasha fanfiction, still working on my skills and stuff.

Guilt can quickly turn into regret and self-pity.

The only way out is through acceptance and forgiveness.

- Unknown

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These two assassins have a long history, never will they show their feelings in a mission or in the S.H.I.E.L.D base, they know what they have between them is against the rules and acutely dangerous for them both.

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Clint rummaged through his drawers, cupboards and wardrobes for his sunglasses yet they were nowhere to be seen. 'Damn it!' he cursed, five minutes till the team's debriefing with Fury and they'll see their little alien friend off, back to Asgard where he belongs. He wouldn't miss this grand occasion for the world, but he won't be able to see anything without his sunglasses. Being photophobic sucks – especially for a professional archer like him.

'Two minutes, Barton!' a voice called from outside. He knew who it was without even having to answer the door.

'Nearly done. Just come in already, Tasha. Looking for my sunglasses. Do you happen to know where the hell they are?' he called back, running one hand through his brown hair while continue looking for his sunglasses with the other. Where could they be? He remembered distinctly that he had put them right beside his phone before he went for a quick shower. Natasha silently opened the door and slipped in while watching her partner turn his room over. A victorious smirk slowly worked its way up her face. This is going to be so much fun.

After searching for another minute which seemed like centuries, Clint finally realized that Natasha hasn't said anything since the second she slipped into his room. Silence means a lot of things to them, and this time, he knew she's up to no good. He whipped his head back and came face to face with a smug-looking Russian squatting right behind him. She was wearing his sunglasses on top of her fiery red hair. For God's sake.

'Seriously, Romanoff? Now? We're seconds away from getting Fury pissed.' He tried snatching his sunglasses back but she was too quick – as always.

'Want something? Come get it.' Natasha responded with a cheeky grin.

'Fine. Go ahead. Wear my sunglasses.' Clint pushed his way through his messy room and stalked out of their apartment and down the hall of their flat. He didn't get any sleep yesterday night and he really didn't want to lash out on Natasha right now. He did have a few seconds of eye-close, in between those nightmares that constantly reminded him of the last few days when he lost total control over himself – his mind and body, but those few seconds weren't enough at all. Can't she just leave him alone for once and stop messing around with his head for a while? Loki had already accomplished that mission more than enough.

'Don't do this to yourself, Barton. You can't live in your sea of memories and regrets. You know that.' Natasha said with a sigh. The trick didn't turn out as fun as she thought it would be. She locked the door to their apartment and followed her partner out of the building.

The drive to S.H.I.E.L.D was unsettling and unusually quiet. Natasha drove, as she watched her partner constantly fidgeting, out of the corner of her eyes. He'll never manage to forgive himself for what he had done, Natasha understood this better than anyone, but she needs him to pull himself back together or they'll both lose the little they have. She parked the car and pulled out the key. There is only less than a minute to get to their meeting room or they'll have to follow through all those shitty S.H.I.E.L.D protocols. Natasha put her hand on Clint's arm as gently as she can and gave him a tiny squeeze.

'Come on, Barton, it's time.' She said, returning him his sunglasses and swiftly climbed out of the car. She had not told Clint about her interrogation with Loki, it would just add to his guilt, she knew that, but if he heard it from anyone other than her, it would be far worse. She's just hoping now, hoping that the others won't mention the terrible event that happened just less than two days ago.

Clint refocused his thoughts that had been wandering the whole two minutes they took to get to the S.H.I.E.L.D base. He immediately put on his calm mask to remain as professional as he could and followed after Natasha. Loki drove him crazy the past few days. He had absolutely lost control of his mind and as a result of his actions. He helped Loki plan the attack in New York, the invasion of the S.H.I.E.L.D helicarrier and how to kill Natasha. It was entirely his fault, if only he wasn't so easily controlled, so weak, everyone would be safer – less of the New York population would be injured or dead, Coulson wouldn't have died and Natasha wouldn't have to go through all those worry herself.

The meeting with Fury, Hill, and the team ended quickly. It turned out that they will all be getting a long vacation for having fought so hard the last few days. Well, isn't that great? A month away from S.H.I.E.L.D, from missions, from fights, from weapons and paperwork. At least they might finally get some rest. They were given an extra hour to pack up their belongings for their holiday before they send Loki and Thor off, away from Earth.

'We're going to Paris.' Natasha decided as the pair of master assassins walked towards their car in the S.H.I.E.L.D underground car park.

'Romantic much, eh?' Clint chuckled, in which he received a deadly glare in reply. Those green eyes were literally blazing! How charming.

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That's the end of chapter one, it's not exactly very long, but well, it's enough for a start right? Clintasha is going to Paris! I've never been to Paris myself, though. What do you think? How do you think the story should continue? Review!