A/N: This is my first story that will consist fully of one-shots. This story, The Common Factor will not be in time order, but it will be in the order that Pepper meets each of the Avengers or avenger related people (like Shield Agents). This will consist of 20 chapters.

Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel, Disney does.

Updates: This story will be updated once every Sunday.


The Common Factor

Bluebox345

Chapter 1- Clint Barton

Virginia Potts was sitting in the stands of the circus, watching the main act. The crowd showed their enthusiasm by gasping and screaming at the right points during the show. There were trapeze artists, dancers, clowns, huge animals and ring masters.

The one person that caught Virginia's eyes the most was the archer. He looked a bit young for his role, but his skills were phenomenal. He hit every shot that he set out to do.


The show was over and Virginia making her way through the crowds to the restrooms. Her parents were going to wait by the shop. Somehow, in the large crowds, she found herself lost, in an area she knew that she wasn't supposed to be. There were crates stacked over the gravel and cages were tigers and dogs were sleeping or pacing.

Virginia jumped when a tiger growled at her and she scooted away from the cage instinctually.

"You're not supposed to be here." Came a man's voice from behind her.

Virginia froze and turned around slowly. It was that archer from the main event. He was wearing tight black pants, no shirt and his bow was strung diagonally over his shoulder and his quiver hung off of a belt clip on his left side. He definitely worked out, as Virginia studied his ripped chest.

Virginia swallowed, "Sorry, um. I was looking for the restrooms."

The archer lifted an eyebrow, "And you decided to look in a closed tented area?"

"The tent was open." Virginia defended herself.

"Well, next time, don't go in places that don't have any people around." The archer stated, "Come, I'll show you the way to the restrooms."

Virginia followed next to the archer, "You were good in that act." Virginia stated, "How long have you been training?"

The archer didn't even look at her and responded with, "Since I was old enough to hold a bow, I've been practicing." After the terse response, Virginia remained silent the rest of the way, "Well, here we are." the archer said.

Virginia saw the blue portable toilets and the long line that was lined up in front of them, "Thank you." Virginia said gratefully. She looked around and noticed that the archer disappeared. Virginia sighed, she never got his name.