NATASHA

As much as Clint was annoying, and sometimes even clingy, he was her best friend, and he always made her feel comfortable. She smiled when she thought of him, while staring out at the New York city lights. Sometimes she felt like they were family, and other times... it scared her. It scared her more than anything to think she could become so attached to an individual person like she was attached to Clint. She tried to keep her distance, but no matter what she always seemed to find herself opening up to him again. Its too dangerous! She kept reminding herself. I can't be attached to anyone. I'm still an assassin, and a spy for SHIELD.

But he is too. She tried to escape her thoughts, but they plagued her like tourists plagued the streets below.

"Tash?"

"Clint." A sigh of relief escaped her lips, and she wished it hadn't because he accepted it as permission to sit next to her. She found herself drawn to him again, his bright eyes staring out across the expanse of the city they protected. He turned to her and smiled, and she could have drowned in it.

"How's Tony?" Clint asked.

"He's up and about now. Oath is going to take him to see his daughter tonight."

"That's good. So, has Cap forced him to move in yet or not?" Clint grinned. Tasha shrugged.

"I haven't seen Steve all day."

"Hmm... that's weird. Usually he's been all over the building by the time the day's over." Clint frowned.

"Don't worry about it now." Tasha whispered. "He's probably exhausted." They sat in momentary silence. Then Tasha smiled, remembering the last time they'd sat like this. They had been at the top of the building, staring out of the lights. It was Clint's favorite place, it was very windy, but it was peaceful, and beautiful. "Lets go up to the top!" She whispered, almost giddy. Clint grinned, jumped up and held out his hand to help her onto her feet. She accepted it, and soon they were in the elevator, laughing like school age kids. When they reached the very top they sat with their legs dangling off the edge in the wind, and stared over the expanse of the city.

"I always like to think that all the lights are the stars on the ground." Clint said.

"They do look like that." Natasha nodded. He gently placed his hand on her hand and even though his touch was warm and she felt deeply drawn to him, it set off warning bells in her mind. Attachment is bad. It's too dangerous! She yanked her hand away from his. What were you thinking, Tasha?! You idiot!

"Sorry." Clint looked down again at the lights, but Tasha was having an ultimate battle within herself. I'm too settled in with this situation. I'm at ease and I shouldn't be.

"No, Clint. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I've put you in these awkward positions. It's just..." What would she say? She couldn't say anything.

"I get it." Clint shook his head. "We're just friends." No! It's not that. Why couldn't she voice what she was feeling? Why did they come up here? It just made it awkward.

"I've got to... I've gotta get some sleep." She stood up. Clint was shaking his head.

"Tasha."

"I'll see you tomorrow." She began walking away.

"TASHA!" Clint shouted. She turned slowly. "I love you!" She was having a panic attack. She couldn't breath. She had to get out- away. She ran. He didn't call after her, he knew it would be pointless. The elevator took her slowly down to her apartment. When she knew she was safe she sunk to the floor, tears in her eyes, and breathed in deeply. Why was her relationship with Clint so suffocating? She was a master assassin, yet she was too afraid to face his feelings, and even her own.