So, something about the story, right? It's a sequel to my previous work, Liars and Killers. I highly recommend reading it, because I am going to reference certain events and OC's . But for those who don't want to go through sixteen chapter, I will explain some of the references at the end of each chapter.

Anyway, Couple of Master Assassins is a story on its own. It follows the role of Clint and Natasha in the Avengers Initiative, as well as their relationship. There will be spoilers for Iron Man 2, Thor and The Avengers. But there will be a lot of scenes we haven't seen in the films.

Prologue

There were five people in the room. Director Nick Fury and agents Maria Hill, Phil Coulson, Clint Barton and Natasha Romanoff. The survivors of Budapest.

The TV was on, but they weren't paying attention to it. It was showing Tony Stark over and over again, his life story, story of his father, and, most importantly, his last extempore.

„I am Iron Man."

Natasha was sick of hearing it for the fiftieth time.

„So you all noticed Tony Stark's... indiscretion," said Fury. „He caused a lot of trouble to himself and to us. He basically acted like an idiot, but that's not why I called you here.

Before I get to my point, I want to tell you a couple of things. First, you aren't allowed to take notes. Second, everything I'm about to tell you is top secret and if I find out that you as much as breathed about it to anyone else, I will personally kill you. Third, I'm more or less going to go against the Council orders, so if you aren't comfortable with it, you can walk away now and forget that you've ever been here."

Fury paused and looked at them. Nobody moved.

„Good. Now, have you heard about the Avengers Initiative? I'm not surprised that you haven't. It's an old concept, it's been canceled years ago. Its objective was to create a group of what you'd call superheroes. The best elite soldiers in the world. You are all familiar with the story of Captain America."

All heads turned to Coulson, who visibly brightened. His collection of vintage trading cards was legendary among SHIELD agents.

„He was meant to be the first of many, but the man who made the serum, Dr. Erskine, died and Captain Rogers was not only the first one, but the only one as well. When I found out that Stark was working on that suit, I asked myself – why not? Why not start again, this time gathering the soldiers instead of making them? I put forth the proposal to the Council."

„And they said no," said Natasha. It was the only possible outcome.

„Just so. But I'm not giving up. I have blueprints of a new aircraft. It's like nothing that has ever been done, but we will try. Agent Hill, that's going to be your responsibility. Eventually I want you to consult with Stark. I know, that man is a pain in the ass, but a genius as well. That thing is yours.

Agent Coulson, agent Romanoff, you are going to be our negotiators. I want someone to infiltrate Stark Industries and keep an eye on him."

„And Stark already knows Coulson's face," Natasha sighed.

„No whining, agent Romanoff, you will survive. You probably won't interact with him too much. Here is your cover story," he passed her a folder. „We are in process of preparing you a place in the company. If everything goes according to the plan, you'll start there in January. Barton, you are going to be the middle man for now, you will take Romanoff's messages and bring them to me. If anything goes wrong, you'll be Romanoff's backup."

„Roger that," Clint nodded.

„That's enough for the start. You are dismissed for now. And remember, if one word gets out..." Fury threatened.

„You still owe us the court martial for Budapest," Natasha remarked as they all got up.

„And I can still do it."

„Please," Natasha smiled on her way out. „You haven't done anything for two years and now you want to pull it out?"

Coulson and Hill were gone and Natasha was waiting outside, but Clint turned around in the doorway.

„This doesn't sound like you kind of thing," he told Fury. „Going against a direct order."

„I've learned something from you two. Sometimes you have to disobey, if you want to win."

Liars and Killers references:

"The survivors of Budapest." - In the Budapest incident these five people alone held a group of organic robots at bay and stopped them from killing innocent people.

"You still owe us the court martial for Budapest." - Fury promised them that he'll have Clint, Natasha and Coulson court martialed for insubordination. They were ordered to leave, but they stayed to stop the robots.