AN: I don't own Hawkeye, Marvel does. Big thanks to my beta reader BookFanatic12 who is helping me with the rewrite of this.
Enjoy!
"Were you actually there?" Alex asked, her voice full of disbelief. James had never talked much about his past but to be honest, she was fascinated by his previous job. He was acting all mysterious about it which only added to her undying curiosity.
"Alex, honey, come on! You know, that I can't tell you that." He smiled sweetly at her and gently kissed her on the lips. She could sense he was not going to tell her - it was time to bring in the big guns. She would make him talk.
Alex pulled herself away from him, her long black hair swaying behind her as she suddenly played hard to get. If they were in a relationship, they had to be honest with each other, one way or another. He wouldn't get away with this hiding-my-past crap. After all, who could she tell his secret, which wasn't actually a secret since she already knew that lacked the details, to? Even if she wanted to tell someone, she didn't have many friends. Alex had been a lone wolf ever since she could remember - and her grandma surely wouldn't care. She would be happy for Alex, seeing her in a long-term relationship.
"Oh, come on!" He repeated his plea. "I just can't tell you. There are certain rules and protocols, which I have to follow even though I don't work for S.H.I.E.L.D. anymore. Don't be mad, please?" She knew what he was getting at, but she still refused to budge. Protocols were just an excuse. If she wanted, she could just as easily look it all up on Internet. God knew there was plenty, but hearing his point of view was just so damn fascinating. It was like listening to an action movie plot.
Alexandra mustered the best angry face she could, pretending to be ready to leave. If he was so bent on staying quiet, he could do that alone.
"Alex, sit down. I will tell you. Just sit down." She turned to him, barely managing to conceal her smug smile. He rolled his eyes at her behavior. Ever since they started dating, he had had a hard time telling her no or straight out arguing with her.
She couldn't hold it any longer and laughed at him. James was adorable when he rolled his eyes that way. Alex considered herself lucky for being able to convince him to do anything for her - it was like a talent of sorts.
"Yes, I was there. I've already told you that I've worked for S.H.I.E.L.D., but that is the past and you know pretty well that I can't talk about it nor do I like to talk about it." He tried to avoid the topic, even though he clearly agreed to tell her more. "I- it wasn't nice."
It was his puppy dog eyes that made her reconsider. Maybe facing aliens was a rather unpleasant memory and she was making him relive it. It was selfish. But to her defense, he had never shown any signs of PTSD.
With his beautiful grey-blue eyes so sad and looking to the ground, she stopped her questioning.
Alex put her hand on his shoulder in comforting manner and made small circles with her thumb over his collar bone. She was still mad at his secrecy but she wouldn't push him into it. She hated seeing her boyfriend hurt.
His eyes were her weakness and could make her do things. In an instant, she let the conversation slide and turned to a love sick teenager. It was unfair, no one should be so handsome and she was doomed if he ever used it against her. He knew all too well what would cease her attempts altogether.
"Okay, okay. We can just watch the TV," she said in a harsher tone than she intended and stood up to find remote. James was smart enough not to talk back. Her tone assured him that even if she was so kind to comfort him, she was pissed at his lack of trust. Alex was very curious, something he was well aware of, and considered honesty a great part of her relationships - she would never date a liar. He'd be ready to talk to her about his former job eventually.
"I think The Voice is on tonight." Her attention fully on the television now.
James swiftly stood up, leaving her staring up at him from her position at the couch. He gave her a brief peck on the lips and moved to the door. Alex wasn't surprised to see him go.
"I'll see you tomorrow!"
She muttered 'bye' back, along with some mean remark. He couldn't have heard her since the door was already shut.
It was nothing unusual for James to suddenly make his leave when things were getting a little too tense. Just typical - leaving when a woman was angry.
She'd normally end this kind of relationship but she had always assumed James was a huge supporter of avoiding fights and discussing things calmly instead. It was a blessing in a way, but he avoided the arguments much more often than discussing them. That irritated her slightly, but his vast number of good aspects of personality outweighed it.
XxX
James Mont didn't get it. Why on Earth was Alexandra so curious? Yes, he wondered about things once or twice, but her curiosity was borderline unhealthy.
He made sure that she knew damn well not to ask him about all the S.H.I.E.L.D. crap. But she just kept asking. It was infuriating and making his mission twice as hard. It couldn't continue that way.
He'd have to tell her something eventually - but what if she told someone? S.H.I.E.L.D. would definitely come after him. It'd be hard to hide from them. They still had power, even after that New York and Washington fiasco. And if he wouldn't tell her she might break up with him. Nevertheless, telling her was a risk he had to take. Her trust would be only useful. He'd have her wrapped around his fingers in no time.
James mulled over the information he'd later reveal to her. It was mostly lies and half-truths, but solid enough that she would be content with what he said and would never doubt it.
He was flipping his phone in one hand haphazardly as he pondered the lies over when it started to ring. He immediately glanced at the caller's ID, expecting it to be Alex but the screen was pitch black.
The ringing echoed in his apartment and he quickly realized it was his other phone. The one he secretly used to contact his supervisors.
Claiming that his heart hadn't skipped a beat at the sudden realization would be a lie. The phone hardly ever rang, it couldn't be any good news. It never was.
"Agent James Mont."
"S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives managed to find some classified information. They know you're in New York City. You have to leave, few days tops. Go off the grid, where they won't be able to locate you," the voice on the other side commanded without as much as introduction. It wasn't necessary.
"I understand. Hail Hydra!" James said since he was sure it was the end of the order-giving. These calls were rarely open for discussions.
"Hail Hydra!"
James felt like kicking something. He threw one of the pillows angrily, making it hit his CD collection, breaking few in the process. He growled at the sight, ruffling his hair in exasperation. 'Just perfect,' he couldn't help thinking sarcastically.
His day couldn't get any better. He probably screwed up with Alex earlier and now he had to leave.
As soon as the other agent said he would have to leave, his mind sprung into action. He owned a small cabin, it was simple but he could make it feel cozy.
A plan was already forming in his head. He just needed some ordinary supplies, some wood and blankets. Only problem remaining was what to do with Alex. It was obvious he wouldn't be able to explain a sudden disappearance so she had to go with him. But how to get her there? That was the real question. Telling her without rising any suspicions was essential and he had no time to waste if S.H.I.E.L.D. was hot on his tail.
XxX
Alexandra heard soft but persistent knocking on her door. It was surely James, though why he bothered to knock was beyond her. He knew where she kept her spare keys. She told him once when he got to her apartment and she was left in traffic for two hours because of some car crash.
At least he had proper manners and didn't just barge into stranger's house. That might be considered impolite but would've saved Alex a trip to the door.
Just as she predicted, James was standing in front of her. Alex grinned, she loved being right.
"Hey there ... why are you smiling like that? It's creepy!" James joked, his eyes shining with playfulness. She merely shrugged but continued fleshing her white teeth.
"Alex, stop it. I have a surprise!"
"Well then don't hesitate to enter. I'm curious already!" She allowed him to walk past her and closed the door, while subtly checking his hands for a small box or something. There was none she could see.
So the surprise must be something he didn't have with him, maybe he booked them some great spa. Very relaxing - she would love that and it would have been just what she needed. He surely wanted to make up for their fight which they had had yesterday, but man, it wouldn't be that easy. She wanted some trust and got a gift - it needed be a good one to help.
"Well... we're going to my cottage, I mean to the nature, to relax a bit... you know."
Her jaw dropped visibly at the bomb thrown her way. Trip to nature? Seriously? Alex had to do everything in her power to close her mouth and play her disdain off to a simple surprise.
She wasn't a big fan of nature and frankly, his idea sounded rather boring. What were they supposed to do there? Alex prayed that he was kidding.
"Nature?" She cringed at her high-pitched voice. "Well, that really is a surprise! But I mean, not necessarily a bad one! But just why would we go there exactly?" Her face contorted as she lied so much it hurt. Alex was an especially bad liar and he must be painfully aware of her deception by now. At least she was trying to ease her horror.
James seemed to think about something for a moment, his eyes drifting to a side. "You mentioned once that you used to camp with your parents, so I thought you would like it."
Alex sighed internally. She brought this on herself. His face was so eager and she dared say he was even nervous about this proposal. The longer she looked at him, the harder it was to say no.
Could it really be that bad? Few days surrounded by woods and wild animals? He was right though, when she was a kid she loved camping. Before her parents died in a car crash, they went for hikes and camped a lot. Her mum had been a scientist and used to explain everything to Alex. She was even more curious back then. She'd show her colorful butterflies and make her listen to all kinds of birds singing - but that was a long time ago.
"And when are we leaving?" At this point, she just smiled.
"Right after lunch."
Wow, Alex though. He was rather enthusiastic about this whole thing. It was almost incredible seeing him so eager. Although, thinking more about it, he was always kind of insistent. He pursued her until she gave up and agreed to a date. One thing led to another and now, they had been dating for about three months.
"Oh, okay, that's soon," her brows furrowed, "and for how long?"
The more they talked, the more confused she got. The abruptness of it all made no sense. Why the rush? Did she make him think she was that mad at him? And since when did he own a cottage? He hadn't mentioned it before.
"Three days. Doesn't that sound just great? Right?" He didn't wait for her answer." I'm going to pack some things. I'll pick you up at 1 p.m. See you then! Love ya'!" He said casually and basically sprinted for the door.
"Love you, too," she muttered to him before he was gone and left her dumbstruck. Everything happened so fast. It was frustrating. She had to go pack something. But what? She reckoned if it'd be cold there and her last words to him completely forgotten. It was the first time they said the l-word to each other. And it was nothing like she expected or wanted it to be.
XxX
James considered his small mission of persuading Alexandra a success. She took it rather well. Not initially, he noted her surprise and following horror but a little stuttering, nervousness and a speck of eagerness and hope and she was his. Everything was great.
The cabin stood in the middle of the forest - for the lack of a more appropriate wording. The road was a dusty one, his car surely a dirty mess. The small building itself was surrounded by thick trees and few bushes here and there. Few other cabins, similar to his own, were scattered in these woods but not a single one was close enough had anything went wrong.
"Welcome to my cottage!" James said as he opened the door with his free hand, the other one holding their bags, to reveal the inside of his cottage. Right in front of them was an old worn out couch and a fireplace in the left corner. He liked the way the kitchen was connected to the living room – if you could call having a single couch a living room. It was right behind the couch and very plain. The grey counters contrasted with the wooden floor and walls. The room was as big as you would expect small cottage to be. Three doors inside led to the bathroom, tiny pantry that could also be a wardrobe and a bedroom.
"It's... cozy ... and really nice." She appeared at a loss of words. He rolled his eyes when she wasn't looking. Of course she didn't like it here, it was obvious. The few cute pillows and blankets he found could only do so much. Even he hated this place but a safe house couldn't be exactly a mansion. The basic furniture that was inside was just some cheap stuff, but it was enough to live by if he needed to crash there.
"Don't worry honey. There's a fire place inside and some candles, too. We'll be nicely warm and no one will find us here."
What James had really meant was no S.H.I.E.L.D. agents around but it sounded more suggestive than he though so using the opportunity, his free hand slid down to her waist and he kissed her neck. Alex laughed and smacked his hand but made no attempt to move away.
"Can we go inside now?" She looked at him seriously.
"Of course, you must be cold."
"No shit Sherlock!" She grinned at her own words and threw herself on the couch, snuggling into the blankets with a sweet smile. She had no intention of helping him to set the fire place. He invited her to spend a romantic weekend with him and she was making it clear to him.
'Why does she have to be so sarcastic?' He though bitterly as he set down the bags and located the wood. He was trying to play the nice, sweet, romantic, although a little shy boyfriend. He did everything a woman would want from her man and still, it wasn't enough for Alexandra. Pretending to love someone was quite a hard task and her attitude was only making it more difficult. He deserved a freaking Oscar for all this crap.
XxX
"Agent Barton. There's a Hydra agent James Mont hiding in your area. Monitor his actions but be careful, he can't notice you... but you know that... sorry. He's there with his girlfriend... um," a shuffling of papers sounded, "Alexandra Dawson. We don't know if she's Hydra agent as well. We've already sent you all information you'll need. Find out more about her and what is she doing there. After you secure the area, inform us and we will take care of agent Mont," the rookie agent finished, most likely red-faced from the awkward middle of the order. Barton wasn't new in this business, he was able to perform a simple mission without the agent telling him not to be seen. That was like Spying 101.
"Copy that." He ended the call. After putting his phone down, he sighed. No matter his and his fellow Avengers' efforts, Hydra was still strong and full of members like Mont. Eliminating their ranks was proving to be harder than any mission he'd ever had. He'd seen many stuff throughout his years, he was brainwashed even, but this? This was something else, he was getting old for this shit.