A/N: So, it's a lot of conversation. Like, a lot. But it's plot-filled! :D

A Dead Man, A Punch, and A Christmas Song:

~Clint~

"You're an idiot."

"Again, we've already established that." I look from Nat to the building. "I'll be fine." I smile, although I know that may not be true.

"You'll get arrested."

"I'll break out. Honestly, Nat. You act like you don't know me." I rub my hands awkwardly against my thighs. "They understand what I'm going through; I'll be fine." Nat shakes her head.

"You can't just waltz in there." I lift an eyebrow.

"I can. And I will. I'll be fine."

"I can't let you go in there."

"Give me fifteen minutes." I get out of the car and enter the building. It's a big room and there are lots of desks. This place looks a lot different when I'm not in handcuffs. I approach a desk, smiling. "Hi. I'm looking for Captain Rogers' office?" The man points to a door. "Thanks." I walk over, chuckling as I hear Tony's voice. I turn the doorknob and enter without ever knocking. "Hey, guys." They look at me in shock.

"You're not supposed to be here."

"Look, I said you can arrest me when I brought the sniper in. I need your help for that." They look at each other before nodding. "I have a picture of him. I need you to get me a name." Steve nods and holds out his hand for the picture, which I hand him. He promptly turns as white as a ghost.

"Steve?" Tony rushed to Steve's side, a hand going to Steve's lower back. I chuckle.

"No – no way! He's dead. I saw him die with my own eyes years ago!"

"Hate to break it to you, Cap, but being 'dead' is the best way to do our job. You're so off the grid you're never suspected." Tony claps a hand onto his boyfriend's shoulder.

"Who is he?"

"His name is James Barnes." Steve gulps. "I met him when I was little. Bucky was always…"

"Bucky?"

"His nickname. Bucky." He closes his eyes. "He was my best friend." He looks back down to the picture. "You find him; you bring him straight to me. Got it?" I nod, turning to head back out. I freeze when I reach the door.

"You guys remember the conversation we had before I left?" I look over my shoulder and see them both nodding. "If I'm not back in 24 hours, if you don't hear from me, you know what to do." They both nod.

"Don't die."

~Clint~

"James Barnes?" I nod. "I think I might be able to help you find him." I shoot her a questioning stare. "He happens to be a client of mine. I have more people than just you and Bruce to keep up with, you know." I nod.

"Where can we find him?" The anger in my voice is obvious, but it doesn't faze Nat. Nothing ever does.

"A few blocks east of here. I'll drive."

~Clint~

Nat points to an apartment. "Up there." I nod, getting out of the car. "Clint!" I turn my head back to her before closing the door. "Be careful. He's dangerous." I nod.

"Got my six, Nat?" She nods. I approach the building cautiously, tapping the gun holstered to my waist. I knock on the right apartment and – bingo – Bucky answers the door. "Hey." I start casually. "You shot me." I punch him in the face. Hard. He gets up and runs. I chase him through his apartment, stumbling over a few things. "Get your ass back here, you motherfucker!"

He jumps through an open window and I fall on my face. I'm such an idiot. I get up and brush myself off, mumbling a string of curse words to myself. Nat looks at me questioningly as I approach the car. "What happened?"

"First, did you see me punch him?" She nods, chuckling. "… Did it look cool?"

"Tell me what happened, Clint."

"He ran. Jumped out a window. I did punch him, though." I sit in the car, ignoring her stares. "We'll track him down. We'll catch him."

~Clint~

The phone rings once. "Hello?" I smile.

"Hey."

"Clint?"

"Yeah, babe. It's me." I inwardly hate myself. I can't believe I just called him that. The relieved sigh he lets out is worth it, though. We've never really used terms of endearment before.

"I miss you."

"I miss you too." I fiddle awkwardly with my fingers. "I found the guy who shot me. I punched him in the face and then he got away."

"At least you're all right. When are you coming home?"

"Not for a while, babe. I have things that need to be done." I hear him sigh. "I'll be there, in your arms, as soon as I possibly can. I promise."

"You don't call home enough."

"Comes with the job. I'm in danger of being arrested, after all." I bite my lip. "I'll be safe."

"You'd better be." I can hear his tears through the phone.

"I'll be home for Christmas. You can count on me…" If you could hear someone glare through a phone, I can guarantee I'd hear one right now. "Not in the mood for Christmas songs? All right. How about…" I lick my dry, chapped lips. "I miss you. I'm coming home. Just remember that."

"Of course, Clint."

"I gotta go now, babe."

"Of course. Take care of yourself."

"I love you. You know that, right?"

"Yeah. Yeah I know. I love hearing it, though." I smile.

"I'll call you soon." I flip the phone closed and Nat walks in.

"We need to leave now, Clint." I nod, standing up. I'm in for one hell of a ride. Not only did I just make a promise I know I can't keep, I just told a man I love him. I've never done that before in my life. Jane and, occasionally, Nat are the only people I've told that to. Just thinking about it makes my heart jump.

"Let's go."

A/N: Well… There you have it. Opinions?