...Rawr!
It's been many years since Clint went to find Natasha, but as he promised Steve, he has been visiting more often and even meeting up with old friends. Throughout those years, he has learned that everyone has managed to find someone to love. He wasn't surprised that everyone found someone, but he was definitely more surprised at the fact that Tony was able to keep the same girl for years since he is known as the playboy. Regardless, Clint was happy for him and knew that she must be tough, otherwise Tony wouldn't stay together that long. When reminiscing the past, he couldn't help but feel that everything had turned out right in the end, and the resolution he had reached in the end had at first felt bittersweet, but it was still the right decision. Seeing how happy his best friend and old love are together made him feel that it was time to let go. So far Steve still didn't know that Clint and Natasha used to be together; in fact, no one else knew but the two of them. It was something that was meant to stay just that- a secret. Regardless of the outcome, Clint let out a sigh, wishing he didn't have to go solo to Steve and Natasha's wedding.
Steve and Natasha decided they wanted to finally tie the knot but decided to wait at least two years so they can save some money and because they wanted everyone to attend. When Clint received the invitation, he was also asked to be the best man. He thought about the reply for a second before saying yes; didn't even have to think about it for too long. They told him he could bring someone, but honestly he couldn't think of anyone he would want to bring with him, which is why, at the moment, he was alone. Everyone brought their significant others: Tony and Pepper, Thor and Jane, Bruce and Betty. Even Loki, Rhodey, and Bucky brought someone with them. At the moment, everyone was out there on the dance floor partying, drinking, eating, or talking, saying it was time Steve and Natasha tied the knot. Everyone but Clint that is. Hours earlier the DJ started to put on a slow dance and everyone started to calm down and dance. Clint making an excuse saying he didn't want to dance stepped outside to get some fresh air. Once outside, he leaned against the balcony and again sighed wishing he had someone with him, not that he was regretting letting Natasha go or anything. He still felt it was the right thing to do.
"What's with the sigh?" A voice said from Clint's left side. Clint turned his head to see a pretty girl leaning against the balcony with a cigarette in her hand.
"You know that cancer stick will kill you…" Clint replied with a grin.
"I know. Been meaning to quit but never got around to it." A slight chuckled came from her.
"Maybe, but for now I'll have my fun with it until someone really stops me. Anyway, what's with that sigh of yours?" After taking one last big whiff, she threw her cigarette on the ground, crushing it with her left foot, then leaned against the balcony, and looked at Clint and waiting for his reply.
"Oh nothing… just wishing I had brought someone with me." He stated while looking out towards the night sky.
"Yea, I wish I did too, but I'm fine with that. Still had a good time in the end…" And for everyone, it truly was a blast. Tony being Tony had decided he wanted to marry the Steve and Natasha because he claimed there was absolutely nothing he couldn't do, except having an arc reactor stuck to his body and having a suit of armor to save the world. Now that was impossible for something like that can only be seen in the movies. No one disagreed with Tony and to them, it was a way for them to include their friend into the ceremony. Certainly Tony did a fabulous job, though he did tell some side stories here and there.
"Very true… you know I never caught your name. I'm Clint Barton, Steve's best friend and best man."
"So we didn't. I'm Maria Hill, Natasha's cousin and maid of honor." There was a triumphant smirk on her face.
"So you're the cousin that I've been hearing about…" prior to the wedding, Clint and Maria had never met before, even during the rehearsal. They were either too busy or just missed each other by few minutes.
"And you're the guy that Natasha was seeing back in college. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me, though I must admit. I actually thought you would stop them."
"I'd definitely be lying if I said it never crossed my thought, but seeing them together like that… I was at first devastated to learn she had moved on, but hearing how Steve talked about her made me feel he is definitely the one who can take care of her in the long run and that he is the one Natasha needs, not me. I mean, I did hurt her when I left like that, even if it couldn't be helped. Regardless, I saw how they looked at each other that day… and seeing that told me it was time to let it go and move on. Everything did work out in the end and I am glad for the way things are."
"Hm… you're a decent guy Clint Barton. Makes me wish Nat actually did go back to you, but then again, Steve is an all right guy too." With nothing left to say, they both turned their attention to the sky and letting a comfortable silence take its place. While looking out, Clint and Maria noticed there were many fireflies flying about, without a care in the world. Some shone brightly while others were dimmed, but either way, it was truly a sight to see. "So what is it that you do?"
"I'm an Olympian archer, but mainly a photographer. I would've been the one doing the photos for their wedding, but they wanted someone else so that I can be part of the occasion. What about you?"
"I own a small café and a bar that is right next to each other. It's quite successful and who knows, I might expand one day."
"A café and a bar?" Clint wondered, "that's very contradictory if you ask me."
"It is, but I always wanted to have my own shop and I thought why not. No one, even Nat, thought I could do it but I proved them wrong. Here I am, with two successful shops of mine and I had no help whatsoever. You should visit when you get the chance; it has a very good atmosphere too. Look for the name Fireflies 20. Shouldn't be too hard to notice."
"I would like that and maybe we can get to know each other a bit more." Maria smiled at that thought.
"When you come, drinks will be on the house, just for you. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to the party. Almost time for the bouquet toss." And with that Maria slapped his back and headed back inside.
Clint had never met someone like Maria before, not even Natasha was this blunt with him when he first met her, but here was someone who didn't care what anyone says. He also couldn't deny the fact that Maria was pretty good looking herself. "Maybe this night wasn't so bad after all…" Clint thought to himself, and with a last look at the fireflies, Clint made his way back to the wedding.
.
I do not own Avengers.
I own any original characters you see here (though I doubt there will be any... maybe only a few).
If there's any grammatical errors, let me know and I'll fix it. I'm usually good about it but the lack of sleep is making me see things lol.
.
Eeee... I ended up coming up with more ideas for this and I thought why not! Hope you guys enjoy this!
.
I hope you like this chapter and leave a review! It lets me know if you guys love or hate this and it is good for motivations!
.
~~Ciao for now!~~