Note: Just a small note to say that I do not own MARVEL, The Avengers or any of the characters in any way, although there are some original characters in this story that I am happy to say I brought to life such as Pippa and Atticus-okay well maybe not Atticus, but you get the general idea.

This story, Trading Hearts, is a sequel to Trading Cards. While you are certainly free to read this without reading Trading Cards, I strongly suggest you reading Trading Cards so you won't be lost. At the same time, if you do decide to venture into the world of Trading Hearts I wish thee the best and hope you enjoy the story.

I think that just about sums it up. Happy reading!

TRADING HEARTS

By: The Painted Green Door

Prologue:

A rather unbearable winter storm took place on January 2nd which meant a series of things at Clint Barton's homestead. A series of heavy snows combined with freezing temperatures and spine chilling gusts of wind sent a certain Mr. Barton busy with the tasks of chopping wood and tending to the antique cast iron stove found in the living room of his farmhouse. Clint would clomp rather ungracefully (though expertly) through the feet of snow, lost in his own thoughts as he mechanically completed his work. His thoughts currently revolved around his recent addition to the Barton homestead.

Likewise, his tenant was currently in a dream like state as she shuffled around the spacious and unfortunately drafty abode. Or at least that was Clint's observation as he made his way through the door and placed the freshly chopped firewood near the already plentiful collection of wood stacked near the entrance.

"The snow doesn't seem to be slowing down." He puffed out as he shrugged off his thick winter jacket, and bent down to untie his snow boots. He grimaced at the possibility of being snowed in. The roads wouldn't be plowed until days later due to their location, and even then the roads could be dangerous from the ice since there usually was a shortage of salt. As he managed to take off his boots and make his way towards the kitchen, he mused whether he should dedicate some time to the small shed outside. Any more large amounts of snow could possibly make the roof of the wooden shed cave in.

His temporary resident seemed to not register his words and he paused in the doorway to take a moment to study her figure. She seemed frailer and the bounce in her step which he grew to know from their Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S. days seemed to be nonexistent. A pang of worry occurred in his heart but he did his best to ignore it. Instead, he told himself it was common sense that she would be this way. After all, the circumstances weren't exactly ideal, there was the fact that she was in an induced coma for…a rather considerable amount of time.

He cleared his throat as he regained his focus, making himself push his previous thoughts and worries away, "Pippa."

This time she heard him. Jumping as if she had just been shocked, she whirled around quickly to meet his eyes for only a brief second before she cast her own downwards, "Oh, Clint. I didn't hear you. Dinner should be ready soon." She mumbled this all very quickly, her cheeks flushing a violent shade of red. She then clamped her mouth shut, pursed her lips, and continued busying herself around the kitchen.

He pretended not to notice the fact that he cheeks had sprung a rather bright shade of red, or that she pretended that he didn't even exist. Instead, he chuckled silently, knowing full well why she acted in such a way.

It was with that thought that he glanced up at the frame of the kitchen's entrance way and swiftly snatched the bunch of handsome mistletoe from its spot. He glanced over to see if Pippa noticed, but she seemed preoccupied with checking whatever was cooking in the oven.

Smiling like a mischievous schoolboy, he then snuck outside to discard it in one of the nearby fields. By the time he returned to the house, dinner was ready.

Note: I know I probably don't deserve it since I've been nonexistent for many moons, but can I ask for 5+ Reviews? I would love to hear from you guys (it's been too long) and what you think. Suggestions? Critiques?

Much love and thanks,

The Painted Green Door