Clint was drinking his glass of champagne. He was dressed in a suit. It was an annual Stark gala and Tony had invited all the Avengers. He could see his teammates mingling. He searched for his partner.
Clint saw her talking to the wives of one of the investors. She looked beautiful in her black dress. Clint's heart clenched at the sight of Natasha's beauty.
He had finally been able to admit to himself, that he was in love with her after years of denial. Clint took another swig of his drink as he watched his other teammates. Bruce was with Betty who had come after the Battle of New York. They were inseparable.
Tony and Pepper were talking to some important people. Thor was in Asgard.
The gala was arranged to garner good will after SHIELD fell. It had given them a lot of bad publicity.
"Hey." said Steve.
Clint had heard him come. "Enjoying yourself, Cap?" asked Clint.
"Yup, it is nice to have a break." said Steve.
"You and Sharon getting along?" asked Clint, smiling mischievously.
Steve blushed but nodded. "We are going out on a date tomorrow." he said.
"Good for you." said Clint.
He was happy that Steve was moving on. The man was lonely.
"Well, enough about me, what about you?" asked Steve.
"Me?' asked Clint.
"You are in love with Nat, so when are you going to tell her?" asked Steve, bluntly.
"What?" asked Clint.
He knew it was no use denying.
"Don't deny it." said Steve.
"I don't want to ruin one good relationship in my life. My romantic relationships always end in disasters. I don't want to lose Nat because of that. She is too important." said Clint softly.
"How do you know that without even trying?" asked Steve. "Look, Nat won't make the first move. She is afraid. Plus SHIELD's fall has really rattled her." said Steve.
"Wait, you think Nat has feelings for me?" asked Clint.
"Of course. You should have seen her hen Loki took you." said Steve.
Clint knew. Natasha had stuck by him during the ordeal.
"Well go ahead, she is on the balcony. Clint if I have learnt anything, its not to waste time." said Steve.
Clint nodded. "Thanks, Cap." he said.
"Anytime." said Steve.
Clint stepped out in the balcony. He saw Nat leaning on the railing.
"Hey Nat." said Clint.
"Clint, you have been gone most of the night?' said Natasha.
"Well you know these gatherings make me uncomfortable." said Clint.
Natasha nodded. They silently watched the view."How are you?"asked Clint.
"I'm fine. Just dealing with everything out in the open. The world knows I'm a monster now." said Natasha. Clint could see her eyes moisten.
"No Nat, you aren't a monster." said Clint very fiercely. "You are an Avenger with a big heart." he said.
Natasha smiled a sad smile. "I think many would disagree with you." she said.
"Natasha, you are the most beautiful woman I know. You have a very big heart. And nothing can change that." said Clint. Taking a deep breath he said, "And this is why I am in love with you."
Silence stretched on for minutes. Natasha stared at him shocked. Clint felt his heart clench. She doesn't feel the same way as she hadn't reacted yet. After few more moments of silence, Clint sighed.
"Forget I said that." he said softly. He knew she could see the sadness in his eyes. He shook his head. "I'm going to get a drink." he said.
But before he could turn and walk away, Natasha wound her arms around his neck and kissed him. Clint kissed back with the same passion. He circled his arms around her waist pulling her close.
Natasha let out a moan as Clint kissed down her neck.
"Oh, god. I have been dreaming about this for years, Clint." she said.
"You are beautiful Tasha." said Clint running his hands all over her body.
Natasha took Clint's face in her hands. She looked into his eyes. "I love you too." she said.
She then kissed him again.