Why Cayden Finally Got To Say I Love You

Chapter 04

Clint glanced up at the clock as he flicked absently through the television channels. Clambering off the sofa he padded through to the kitchen to check on the food warming in the oven. He could not help the smile that pulled on his lips as he heard the soft clink of a key being put in the front door lock. Grabbing the glass of Bourbon from the counter he made his way to the door and smiled at the figure that walked into the lounge.

"Hey," Cayden smiled, dropping his rucksack on the floor and stepping further into the room. Clint returned the smile, making his way forward to meet Cayden in front of the sofas.

"Hey," he replied, stealing a quick kiss before pointing to the sofa, handing him the glass. "Food's almost done."

Cayden laughed quietly and flopped down onto the sofa, giving the archer a small salute with his free hand as he took a sip of his drink with the other. Clint gave an approving nod – albeit with an amused smirk – and turned toward the television. Grabbing up the remote he tossed it to Cayden, the doctor catching it easily as Clint in turn returned to the kitchen. Cayden took another sip of his drink and searched through the planner to locate the programme Clint had downloaded for them. For him? Well it had been his idea in the first place but the archer had agreed that it looked good…

Clint returned only a few minutes later, laying a couple of large plates filled with the usual "bite size" foods that Clint had realised Cayden would pick away at on the table next to the sofa. Ducking back into the kitchen briefly he returned with a bottle of beer for himself and the bottle of bourbon. Topping up Cayden's glass he laid the bottle on the table and slipped onto the sofa next to the doctor. Looking up at the television he noted that the first episode was lined up and ready to play.

"Come on then," the archer said as he leant over Cayden to pick at some of the food. "This show had better be good Poole."

x-x-x

"So… how was work?" Clint asked as the second episode finished.

"It was ok actually," Cayden replied. "Everyone kept coming and checking I wasn't overdoing it but apart from that…" Clint felt the other man shrug. "Thankfully it was quiet so that helped."

Clint gave a small nod, holding up the television remote.

"Another episode?" he asked.

"One more I think," Cayden nodded, returning his attention to the television as Clint queued up the next episode.

"So, how many days have you got off?" Clint asked when the credits finally started to roll on the third episode, stretching leisurely before snuggling back into Cayden's chest. He used to know the doctor's shifts quite well but of course following the virus scare the rotas had all been changed. Cayden inhaled quietly.

"I'm off for two, back for two then I actually have a whole week off."

"A whole week?" Clint tilted his head to look up at Cayden in surprise. "You're only just back you lazy ass."

Cayden shrugged.

"I had some annual leave booked," he admitted, nuzzling his head against Clint's. "I figured it would be rude to work on your birthday."

Clint blinked in surprise.

"How did you know it was my birthday?" he sighed through his nose, tilting his head in acknowledgement as Cayden simply arched an eyebrow. "You've read my medical record."

"I've read your medical record," Cayden confirmed. "So…" he traced his fingers lightly – nervously – over Clint's side. "I thought maybe we could do something? You know… I thought I could actually take you somewhere nice for a change or maybe we could go away somewhere or…"

"Oh… eh actually," Clint screwed up his face. "I should'a said earlier – Tony's already booked this paintballing place – and I mean like a whole forest – for us for the day. Then everyone's going back to the tower for food and stuff."

"Oh right, ok," Cayden forced a smile onto his lips. "Sounds good. Will I at least get to see you in the morning?"

Clint blinked.

"Wh… oh no I…" the archer pulled back slightly in order to sit up. "I did already actually check with JARVIS you were off that day, I… thought you could maybe come?"

It was Cayden's turn to blink.

"You want me to come?"

"Well… yeah," Clint shrugged nonchalantly although Cayden could see the ripple of anxiousness in his eyes. "Thor's taking Jane and Tony's taking Pepper… and Rhodey I think actually," the archer smiled nervously. "I just figured it was about time I introduced you to everyone," the smile flickered. "I mean only if you want to obviously."

Cayden's surprised expression turned quickly into a smile.

"I'd love to come," he replied calmly, trying his best not to outright grin. Clint exhaled a small sigh and nodded.

"Great. I'll eh… I've got to call Tony tomorrow anyway about new arrows he's making so I'll confirm you're coming then."

Cayden raised both brows.

"More arrows?"

Clint chuckled.

"Tony gets bored easily."

"I'm sure he does," Cayden laughed, before he paused. "Sorry, did you just say confirm I'm coming? You're already told Tony about me?"

Clint smiled sheepishly.

"Yeah…" the archer rolled his eyes. "He went total teenage girl on me."

Cayden chuckled and nuzzled his face into the back of Clint's neck, planting soft kisses on the exposed skin.

"You calling him any special time?"

Clint scoffed.

"Late. Pepper's away for the next few days – God knows what time he'll get up."

Cayden nodded in acknowledgement.

"You got to go into SHIELD tomorrow?"

Clint shook his head.

"Nope."

Cayden's lips curled toward a smile.

"Any other plans for tomorrow then?"

"Nope."

The doctor's smile widened as he continued to plant kisses on the archer's neck.

"So… you don't need to be up early and I don't need to be up early and I think three episodes is enough for one night…"

Clint smirked, biting his lip as he rose to his feet, holding out a hand towards the other man. Cayden quirked his lips and took the offered hand, letting himself be pulled up and close to the archer. Meeting Clint in a soft kiss he quickly deepened it, pulling Clint back out of the lounge area and toward the bedroom. He would not say anything more on the matter out loud – it was best not to draw attention to when Clint took steps out with his comfort zone – but he could show the archer just how much he appreciated that he was finally getting to meet his friends…