Title: Knight in Leather Armor
Author: Cindy Ryan
Pairings: Clint/Natasha
timeline: pre-movie

Natasha had never seen a throwing star that sharp or small. Barely the size of an American quarter. Since it was tiny the Black Widow hadn't been looking for it. Some how Clint had seen it or more accurately them since there were three in total and tackled her out of harms way.
Romanoff had the wind knocked out of her as Hawkeye landed on her torso.

They were in Hong Kong and the sun was just setting. The mark they had been after had cornered them on the roof of a parking garage. He'd sent half his gang after them on foot while a sniper fired from a nearby rooftop. She and Hawkeye had taken care of the gang and had turned their attention to the sniper when someone had started throwing the deadly Japanese weapon. Now it was eerily silent.
At first Natasha thought Clint was playing. He often teased her to get a smile especially when missions went too long. However as Nat tried to pull her right hand up that was trapped between them she felt the blood.

"Clint?"The Black Widow called worriedly as she gently pushed him off of her and sat up.

Barton groaned as he rolled onto his back. It was then Natasha saw where one of the throwing stars had sliced down the center of Hawkeye's leather vest right below his collarbone.

"You do not always have to be so noble."Natasha stated grimly as she gently pried away the ripped leather to examine the wound.

"It's a partner thing."Barton replied weakly as he gripped her right hand to stop the probing. "It's fine, Nat. Just a scratch."

Romanoff shook off his grasp and finished her examination. When they had become lovers Natasha had gained a healthy appreciation for Clint's chest. In fact it was her favorite body part and Natasha was happy to see that the vest had deflected most of the throwing star's impact. It was a cut that would need stitches but not as bad as she had thought.
In fact it had almost stopped bleeding.
Barton eased himself into a sitting position

"See."Clint prompted taking her right hand in his once more. "Nothing. I've cut myself worse shaving."

"That was too close."Natasha commented as she glanced around the sedan they were behind.

No movement from the unconscious gang members. No sign of their ninja assailant.

"Yeah it was."Hawkeye agreed as he lightly touched Natasha's left cheek with his free hand. "For a second I thought I hadn't moved fast enough."

Natasha kissed him quickly. "Thank you."

"What partners are for. Any sign of our ninja friend?"Clint asked.

"No "The Black Widow commented as she rose to a crouch. "Think they cut their losses and left."

"We have these guys."Clint replied as he rose to his feet keeping hidden. "We'll get Marrufo."

Natasha picked up one of the small throwing stars that had landed by the left front tire of the sedan. "We can trace these. Can't be too many places that sell them."

"Lets wrap this up and you can buy dinner while we work on plan B."Barton suggested as he glanced at the surrounding buildings there was no sign of the sniper.

"You think your reward should be dinner?"Natasha asked with a grin as she called base for backup to help load the unconscious gang into a transport.

"It's a start."Clint replied returning her smile.

Romanoff shook her head in amusement. She knew he was kidding about getting rewards for saving her life though she'd repay him anyway.
Much later when they were alone.
She was just grateful Clint was okay….an inch either way and he wouldn't be.
It was what he did. Part of who Hawkeye was to be noble and brave.
There were a few knights still around and Natasha was learning she had one as a partner.