Pepper found Natasha at the window of her room, while she was overlooking the city. She was sunken in thoughts and did not react to Peppers arrival, although Pepper knew for certain that the Black Widow had heard her coming.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but I forgot to give you these," Pepper said as she reached Natasha. She handed her a pair of keys. "These are the keys to your floor," Pepper explained.

"My floor?" Natasha remarked.

"Tony needed a new hobby. He designed this tower for you guys. Just in case you'd ever need a headquarters – he let his imagination run wild. This floor is designed for you," Pepper told Natasha.

"That's nice of him," Natasha replied.

"Maybe you should tell him that," Pepper advised her, "You know –"

"I don't need a speech in which you tell me that we are so much alike and that I should be nicer to him," Natasha interrupted.

"I wasn't going to say that," Pepper said calmly, "and for your information, I am not under the impression that you and Tony are alike."

"That's a relief."

"I know - Tony can be a jerk sometimes. But what would you say when I told you that he threw his arch reactor in the ocean and swore to get rid of his suits?"

"I wouldn't believe you," Natasha looked at Pepper for the first time, "But by the sound of your voice, I understand that he actually did that." Pepper nodded.

"So," Natasha had a mischievous grin, "how long did it take before he broke that promise?"

"A month, maybe two. He really tried to change, for me. But even I could see that he'll always be Iron Man. Tony isn't Tony without his suits. So when he started to tinker again, I let him. I can't change him, although he is a jerk and can be a pain in the ass and does stupid things from the moment he flies away in that suit of his. But that's Tony, and I wouldn't love him any other way. It took me a while to realize that."

"Why are you telling me this?" Natasha asked.

"Because I want you to know that it's okay to be worried. I was too, every time he left, I wondered if he would come back. But some things never change. Tony is one of them. And I guess Clint is too."

"How do you know that this has anything to do with Clint?" Natasha didn't sound surprised at all.

"I am a woman, does that count for an explanation?" Pepper smiled, "Ever since I met you – the real you, not Natalie Rushman – you've seemed so inhuman. But in some brief moments, I can recognize myself in you. When Tony mentioned Clint earlier, I could see it in your eyes. You're worried, although you're doing a very good job at hiding it. I don't know what's going on, but if you want to talk about it, you can always talk to me."

Natasha remained silent and kept gazing at the New York skyline. After a while, Pepper started to feel awkward and silently wondered if she'd crossed the line by mentioning Clint.

"I guess I'll leave you on your own then. Goodnight," Pepper said carefully. Again, Natasha didn't say anything. When Pepper closed the door behind her, she hoped that Natasha'd call her and say 'thank you' - or at least that she would say something. But it didn't happen.

Alright, this was a bit short, but the next chapter will be longer. I've already written it and I can tell you it will be about what Clint has been up to. Thank you to everyone who's been following, reviewing or who has favorited the story! I know it might sound old, but I apologize for any mistakes I made (grammar and vocabulary). As you might know, I am not a native speaker and although I try really hard not to make any mistakes, I still do. If something bothers you, you can always tell me! I do not have a beta anymore, and I am trying to write without one this time. It things get too bad, just tell me, and I'll look for a new Beta.

Anyway, enjoy the story!

Ellyn