Airplane #13
Erian waited for him the next night, waited on the steps until Barton appeared. She didn't want to shorten their walk together, because she had a lot to ask him about.
He came quickly enough, announcing himself with a paper airplane that read, Evening, Erian. She smiled down at the paper, and when she looked up, Barton was there.
Erian began walking with him beside her, and asked softly, "Why'd you carry me last night?"
Barton shrugged, his face composed into a complete lack of expression. "Your feet were hurting. Which reminds me, how are they tonight?"
"Better, thanks." Erian hesitated, suddenly feeling shy. She'd waited all day to ask him why he'd kissed her, and now she couldn't bring herself to do it. Erian didn't want to scare him off.
That's ridiculous. He's an assassin who's supposed to kill you. You'd be better off without him.
But I like him.
Erian found herself thinking of the age-old question of any child with a new pet – Can I keep him?
"Why are you smiling?" Barton asked, and Erian clapped a hand over her mouth.
Shit! "Just thinking."
"You should be careful about that. I've heard it can be dangerous."
Erian looked at him incredulously, and saw that Barton was smiling. She laughed, shaking her head a little. "You're unbelievable, Clint, you know that?"
Barton turned that smile on her, and Erian felt something panic inside her. "Yeah, I've heard that before." He eyed her shivering form, and added, "Will you snap at me again if I offer you my jacket?"
Erian shook her head shyly, and Barton gently settled his jacket over her shoulders. She slipped her arms through the sleeves and pulled the jacket front closed, marveling at the sudden warmth. "Thank you."
"No problem."
They walked a ways in silence, and Erian put her hands in the pockets of his jacket, enjoying the warmth. After a time, Barton asked, "Why do you walk home?"
Erian shrugged. "I don't have a car, and I never feel like calling a cab. I know it's not terribly practical, but . . . I like to look at the stars. I like to walk at night."
"I know the feeling," Barton replied softly, and Erian glanced at him without turning her head. She smiled a little at the look in his eyes.
They walked in silence back to her apartment. Erian fully expected Barton to be standing at her window when she closed the door, but he wasn't there. A pang of sadness ran through her, and Erian shook her head firmly to dispel it.
I don't need him. Really, I don't.
She folded Barton's jacket and set it on the windowsill before taking her shower.