AN-

I think this is the longest chapter yet, standing at 3,667 words and ten pages long. This one was so complicated to write. Happy fourth to all of my fellow American's I had to post this today because well, you'll see.

I couldn't help but smile at that comment. I could taste the chocolate ice cream he was eating, on my lips.

We were still entangled with each other when Steve and Loki came back. Steve had a knowing smile playing on his lips and Loki . . . well I'm not sure he knew what he was feeling. There was a mix of anger, sadness, frustration, and I swear a little bit of pride.

To my dismay, Clint pulled away and I could see a touch of red on his cheeks. He started to scratch his neck, but his smile never faltered for a second.

"What?" I casually asked Loki.

"Really, out of all the men on Midgard, it had to be him?" He asked.

I nodded and continued smiling. I could feel Clint's calloused fingers start to intertwine with mine. At this point, I really could care less what my dad thought. I wasn't exactly sure myself why I didn't pull away or slap Clint after he kissed me. Did I want it to happen? I shook my head to banish the thoughts; I really didn't feel like trying to figure it out at the moment, so instead I raised Clint's hand to my lips and gingerly kissed it. I could feel, what felt like an electric shock, rush through Clint and pass to me. I saw the skin on his arms start to form goose bumps, as did mine.

I could tell Steve was on the brink of bursting into a fit of laughter. I looked at Loki and his face of utter confusion. I myself started to laugh. I looked up to see Loki looking really mad, which only made me laugh harder. It took a lot to finally contain my laughter which I had passed on to Steve and Clint.

"Well if all of you are done being children, I'd like to go back to Stark Towers." Loki huffed.

"You ready to go Steph?" Steve asked wiping his tears of laughter away.

"I'm ready when you guys are." I said looking at Clint specifically.

He nodded and Loki started walking quite fast and Steve rushed to keep up with him, leaving Clint and I to leisurely walk back, hands still clamped together.

"Okay, since you don't hate me why were you acting like it?" I asked breaking the silence.

"Let's just say I'm not one for subtly."

"So you faked an emotion that might backfire on you?"

"I tend to not think things through a lot." He said sheepishly.

"Wait," I said, stopping dead in the middle of the sidewalk. Clint looked at me urgently.

"What? What's wrong?" He asked his voice frantic.

"What about Natasha?"

"She and I are just friends. I know she seems like she likes me, but she swears she doesn't."

"People lie, Clint, I'm the daughter of the god with a silver tongue."

"I know that, but I also know Natasha." He said a bit impatiently.

I felt my blood start to boil and suddenly he ripped his hand apart from mine and started massaging it. I saw the blue sparks dance on my fingertips. I took a deep breath and the sparks disappeared.

"Sorry, I really have to learn to control that. Anyways, I believe you, it's just I don't want to be the one that ruins your friendship with her." I said helplessly and looked at the ground.

He tipped my chin up to look at him and his amazing eyes.

"Hey, I understand, just leave it to me okay?" he whispered and gave me a quick kiss.

We continued walking and Clint returned his hand back to mine clasping them together.

When we got back, no one was there but us.

"Jarvis, do you know where everyone went?" Clint asked.

"Yes sir, Mr. Stark went to a press conference; Thor has gone to meet Jane, Dr. Banner has gone to the College lab and Ms. Romanova has gone to her house."

"Thank you, so it's just us." Clint said.

Loki walked over to perch himself on a barstool, and glared at Clint as we made our way over to the couch hands still together. I could see Clint was getting antsy, so I looked at Steve and flicked my eyes over to Loki. He knew what I meant almost instantly.

"Hey Loki, you want to check out this new schwarma shop that opened up?" Steve asked.

Loki grunted pretty much saying no. Steve looked at me and I blinked pretty much saying wait.

"Oh for goodness sakes go dad, you have to eat or you'll have a seizure again. It's either this or microwaveable food shoved down your throat while you are Boy Scout tied to a chair." I jokingly threatened.

"Boy Scout tied?" Loki asked.

"Wrapped in rope, then duct tape," I said blankly.

He nodded. "Let's go Captain, for . . . schwarma."

I smirked as the two large guys walked out the door.

"Now it's just us," Clint whispered.

"Not quite, Jarvis no record keeping of right now alright; this is classified." I spoke to the AI and there were a couple of beeps in response.

I turned my head back to Clint and the second I did, he crashed his lips against mine. My arms instinctively flew to around his neck. One of his hands claimed a spot at the back of my head and his fingers tangled in my hair, the other wrapped around my waist pulling me close. He started to make the kiss deeper but before I let him, I pulled away and I could feel the longing and hatred my body screamed at me for doing so.

"You taste like chocolate." I breathed.

"You taste like vanilla." He shot back.

"Want to make an ice cream swirl?" I laughed.

He shook his head at the joke and pulled me back for another kiss.

After we both lost our energy, we both reluctantly pulled away. We started to curl up on the couch instead, his arms wrapped around me and I had one arm lying across his stomach and my head on his chest. I could hear his steady heart beat and the rise and fall from him breathing has lulling me into a half sleep. My eyelids slid closed and I listened to the drone of my environments, after a couple minutes, Clint started talking again.

"Hey Steph?" He asked a bit whispered. I could tell that he thought I was asleep and was seeing if he could wake me for a second.

"Hm?" I muttered still not opening my eyes.

"Would you go on a date with me?"

I smiled at the question, knowing the perfect response.

"Clint, we just had a make out session. Do you seriously have to ask that question?"

There was silence.

"Why not tonight?" he suggested.

"Can't,"

"Why not?"

"First it's the fourth of July. Second it's Steve's birthday, he's your team mate you have to do something for him."

"Right, well I figure that we are going to plan something when everyone else gets here?"

"Exactly my dear master assassin," I said poking his stomach and making him jump.

About an hour later the whole team, but Steve was at the tower. Tony had sent him and Loki on a wild goose chase for some random material.

"Alright, Steve's birthday is tonight as you all know, and it only seems right to throw him a party." I announced.

"Why are we going to project a celebration at the Captain?" Thor asked.

I heard Clint start to laugh and Tony sock him in the arm.

"No Thor, it's a figure of speech, it means that we are going to have a celebration for him." Tony explained.

Thor nodded his head, but I am pretty sure he still didn't entirely get it. I shrugged it off and continued.

"It is my opinion that we have a kind of 'old time' party, World War Two era to be exact."

I saw everyone nod and smile at the idea.

"First, Tony, can you look for a couple of his unit?"

He gave me a you've got to be kidding me look.

"Hey just checking, second, Clint and Bruce can you look for hors d'oeuvres and drinks?"

They nodded.

"Thor, Natasha, can you help me decorate the ball room?"

They agreed.

"Alright so I know what to tell guests, what type of party is this?" Tony asked.

"I think it should be formal, and if it's not a hassle, if you could please invite the hellicarrier crew?"

"On it," Tony said.

Everyone went on to their appointed jobs and got busy. Thor and I went looking through storage to find any red, white, and blue anything. I found a couple of all three colored table clothes, balloons, and there was a bulk bag of confetti. Perfect. We walked up to the ballroom and I did a little happy dance, to see that there was one of those drawbridge looking things on the ceiling that when you pushed a button, it dumped whatever it was containing onto the people below. We blew up all the balloons, and scattered the confetti and placed it on the ceiling drawbridge. Then we set up the side tables and refreshment table. Clint and Bruce arrived back with the perfect selection of drinks and food. I asked them to set them out on the table. I went to check up on Tony. He said that all of the RSVPs were made and all that was needed was everyone dressed and Steve back. I didn't have a dress. I ran down to talk with Natasha and she didn't either. We both made an emergency trip to the mall and the first store we went into we thankfully found the perfect dresses. Natasha's was a basic black dress with spaghetti straps and no back. Mine was a knee length white dress with a thin gold fabric layering over it. There was one strap and it was like a bunch of flowers together falling. I found a pair of strappy gold heels and Natasha had black ones. Thankfully, I still had Tony's card. We quickly checked out and rushed back to Stark Towers, moments before Steve and Loki. We had both changed in the car and were rushing up the stairs. When we got into the ballroom, everyone was there near their hiding spots. Clint and Tony were upstairs telling Steve that they were called to an undercover mission and had to wear suits. We all hid in our spots while someone stood by the light switch. The room was dead silent, but you could feel the tension.

The second the doors burst open the lights shot on and everyone jumped out yelling 'surprise.' The balloons and confetti rained on the guests as the music started to play. Steve looked genuinely stunned as hoards of people rushed over to him to wish him a happy birthday. I walked over to the refreshment table and took a cup of juice. Bruce was standing guarding the punch bowl, I figured, Clint or Tony might try to spike it; also because I didn't want him to hulk out. I turned to look at the crowd and saw Clint trying to make his way over here. I smiled at seeing him in a suit, he looked so handsome. His attempt failed when he was pulled to the side by a couple of the older ladies and a few S.H.I.E.L.D agents. I laughed and somehow got to talking with a few older gentlemen. They were asking how I knew Steve, how old I was, favorite classes, were Steve and I an Item, it felt like a family reunion. Speaking to a bunch of old people I didn't know. I figured, some were from his unit, because they were dressed in the battle uniforms. I answered all of their questions when someone came up behind me and wrapped their arms around my waist.

"You look beautiful," Clint whispered into my ear, his warm breath tickling my neck. I could feel him straighten up behind me.

"I'm sorry gentleman, but I must take this fair maiden away." Clint said and I giggled.

"Aw, but she's so pretty! Can't she stay for a bit longer?" One of the old men asked. His name tag read: Stan Lee.

"Sorry my good man, but I need her." Clint responded and he rearranged his arms slightly.

I let out a tiny squeal when he lifted me up and carried me over to where the team sat.

"This is the little trickster who arranged this all, and yes the pun was intended." He said setting me down, but not moving his arms from my waist.

"Thank you so much, this is just all too amazing! How can I ever thank you?" Steve asked.

"No need to thank me, and besides you still haven't opened your gifts." I smiled.

"Why don't we open them now?" Tony asked.

We all gathered around the table designated for presents that was overflowing. It took at least an hour to go through it all. Steve had received a 'Technology for idiots 101' book from Tony, a collection of history books from Bruce, a bottle of metal shiner from Natasha, a flask with Steve's shield on it from Clint, and because Tony and Clint wanted to mess with the poor guy, a box of Pop tarts from Thor. Everyone else pretty much gave him war memorabilia. Mine was opened last. This one he took care in opening because I had wrapped it in a rare Captain America wrapping paper. When he finally got it open, he opened the binder that revealed all of the Captain America comics I could get my hands on. He looked up and smiled at me.

"Thanks, you are the best person I have ever met." He said.

I smiled back. "Let's just say it's a thank you for earlier." I said grabbing Clint's hand.

After that, everyone flocked to the dance floor, at least those who were able. The music playing was an old swing dance record that Tony had lying around.

I noticed Steve had gone over to one of the side tables and sat down. I broke away from Clint, much to his dismay, and walked over to Steve.

"Don't tell me you are sitting out your own party." I teased.

"I kind of have to; I can't dance." Steve said shyly.

"Then I can teach you." I offered.

"I'm not so sure that's a great idea."

"Does it look like I care? Come on Popsicle, you are dancing tonight." I grabbed his hand and dragged him out there.

"Hold your hands like this." I told him cupping my hands palms up. He copied and I placed my hands in their proper position.

"We are going to take this real slow okay? First we are going to go to your left." He stepped to his right.

"Other left Cap,"

"Right, sorry,"

"Your fine, just breathe and relax."

He nodded and took a breath.

He stepped to the left.

"Good, now back to the right and then holding one hand we are going to turn out and pull back."

He did exactly that.

"Congratulations Captain Steve Rogers, you have just learned the basic moves of swing dance."

He had this goofy grin spread on his face.

"You ready to try some tricks?"

Then the smile dropped.

"It's okay; we'll take it really slow."

He nodded.

"Okay, we are going to do the basic step then we will do a jelly roll."

After the three basic steps I paused and let him come in.

"I'm going to turn against your arm till I hit your chest, do not let go of my hand till I say."

I spun in and stopped with his arm curled around me.

"Now grab my other hand with your other arm."

He did so and although I couldn't see his face, I knew he was a deep shade of red. His other hand dropped and I spun out.

"That's the jelly roll; honestly swing isn't hard you just have to be able to move with the music." I smiled at his pale face; he looked like he was going to be sick. I let go of his hands and he hurriedly left the ballroom. I felt a certain archer's hands cover my face.

"Guess who!" He said.

"Hmmm, Thor?"

"Nope,"

"Oh, it's got to be Tony."

"Guess again,"

"Loki?"

"Here maybe this will help," He used one hand to cover my eyes while he took something off and tied it around as a blindfold. He spun me around to what I assume was a hundred and eighty degrees. I felt his lips press against mine and I could taste a bit of juice on his mouth. He pulled away.

"Well?"

"Oh you totally have to be one of the older gentlemen I was talking to earlier!"

"You're killing me here!" he said exasperated and untied the makeshift blindfold which was his tie.

"Oh you," I said in a totally fake disgusted tone.

"Yeah whatever, I know you are happy to see me."

"How can you be completely positive archer?" I said sweetly, both of us knowing that I was using bait for the bite.

"Because I can little trickster," he hissed into my ear as he drew me close.

"Just like you can be certain that your arrows will hit their target?"

"Yes and you can thank hours of practice for that."

"Practice makes perfect correct?"

"Yes it does."

"Well then you might want to keep practicing little archer." There was the bite. I pulled away from his arms and sauntered over to the balcony doors.

I glanced over my shoulder as he stood there completely dumbfounded when Loki walked over. He asked Clint something and Clint shook his head and said something. Loki half looked over his shoulder, while Clint stared after me. I gave a vicious poison smile and continued back outside. I half expected Loki or Clint to come outside, but they never did, so I came in to join the festivities. I ended up dancing with five of the older men, ten of the male hellicarrier crew, and all of the Avengers guys, but Clint, and Loki. At the end of the party, I was exhausted. We all decided that we would clean up tomorrow. I went back to my room and changed into more comfortable clothing. I was wearing black sleep shorts and an old camp shirt my brother had given me. I pulled my frazzled hair up into a ponytail and collapsed on my bed. I couldn't fall asleep, because I kept hearing a twanging sound followed by a thud. I went out of my room in search of the source. My hunt sent me down to the training room's archery range. I slipped through the open door, and saw Clint firing off arrow after arrow, every time, never missing the bull's eye.

"Clint?" I asked, worried.

He grunted in response never stopping once.

"Clint, look at me!" I said a little louder than wanted.

He turned his head after slowly lowering his bow. His eyes were bloodshot and glazed over. He was exhausted as well.

"Why are you doing this to yourself?" I whispered.

He dropped his head and fell to his knees dropping his bow.

"Clint!" I rushed over to him.

I made him look at me, his face looking so young, but his eyes were filed with age and experience.

"Clint I'm so sorry, I didn't think you would take it that literal. I know you; you are the best archer in the universe. You practicing is pointless, because you are already the best."

He looked at me his face never changing from that weary sadness.

"This is my entire fault, I didn't mean to hurt you, I'm so sorry. I never think before I act, it is always my fault. I am so sorry." I kept repeating those last four words as I felt hot tears run down my cheeks.

I dropped my hands to my lap and let my eyes close. I felt two hands cup around my face and wipe the fallen tears away. Then those same hands grabbed my trembling ones. I felt him coming closer and I felt him gently kiss me, trying his hardest to not make it deeper. His hands quickly flew up to where they always were when we kissed, this time was different. I deepened the kiss myself and he started to lean me back, having his hand ready to keep my head from hitting the cement floor. When I was fully lying down, he broke the kiss and lay down next to me. I crawled into the same position we were in when we were on the couch. He had one if his arms behind his head though.

"Why do you do that to yourself?" he whispered.

"Do what?" I said my voice shaky.

"You blame everything on you. It's not healthy."

I couldn't respond. I didn't want to tell him it was because everything was always blamed on me, so after a while it became a habit.

He knew that I didn't want to answer for some reason, so he didn't press on. We just continued laying there. His rhythmic breathing and heart beat mix were starting to make me fall asleep. After a little bit, I felt someone lifting me up and carrying me. We went up the stairs and down a hallway into a room. I knew it was a bedroom, because I was laid under the covers of a bed. After a minute, I felt someone slide in next to me. As long as that was all it was I was fine. I felt the rough calloused fingers of an archer intertwine with my long thin ones. I smiled knowing it was Clint and fell back fully asleep.

AN-

Awwww! Wasn't that sweet? I just loved writing this part. If it was in a movie, it would be one of those crying scenes to me. XD Love that all of you are happy with the Steph x Hawkeye romance! Gummy bears to all who review/ed, favorited, alerted, read, all that Jazz. I love you all! Oh and P.S I give extra special Hug points to those who caught my Easter Egg in this chapter!