Chapter 26: Has a Heart
It was Harleen's second AA meeting. She hadn't been really looking forward to it all week. On Monday Shield asked Steve to go on a mission which he accepted. Leaving Harleen alone to attend this AA meeting. Sure she could've asked Thor, Clint Natasha, Tony or even Loki to attend with her but she it didn't feel right.
"Hello Harleen, so lovely to see you again." The leader said to Harleen. Harleen shook her head and brought herself out of her thoughts.
"Yes, it's good to see you." Harleen replied.
"Okay Harleen, I want you to go first. Is there anything else you want to share with the group? Anything at all."
"I haven't drunk for at least a week now. I've been close to relapsing but since I'm surrounded by my friends half the time, they don't let me." Harleen said looking around at the group. Her eyes came to an automatic stop at a slightly older but rather good looking man. He winked at her and Harleen swore she had never turned bright red before. The man had jet black hair gelled back, light stubble on his jaw line, his eyes were light brown and he was pretty built. He wore a blue under shirt with a black jacket over it, dark grey suit pants, shiny black oxford shoes and a gold watch.
"Angelo do you have anything to share?" The leader said looking at the man that winked at Harleen.
"No I don't my dear. But when I do, I'll be sure to tell you." He replied winking at the leader. Harleen didn't feel quite so special since the good looking man name Angelo winked nearly at every women in the room. The meeting took a break and Harleen got up to make herself a coffee. Shortly after she was joined by Angelo.
"Well it's not every day I'm graced with the presences of a lovely lady. Hello dear, my names Angelo Armand. And you are?" Harleen looked up and blushed slightly. He held out his hand and Harleen took it and shook it.
"I'm Harleen Quinzel. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasures all mine, my dear. You should let me take you out for a drink some time. Perhaps this afternoon or if not tomorrow night?"
"I'd love to but I have prior commitments the following nights."
"Oh well, perhaps another time mio caro." He took hold of Harleen's hand and kissed her knuckles before gently dropping her hand and walking over towards the leader. Harleen shook her head which she also hoped shook off the blush that had risen to her cheeks.
The meeting had ended that day and Harleen walked out of the door and saw Angelo. He winked at her before getting into a cab. Harleen shivered and pulled her coat tighter around her. She decided to walk the rest of the way to Stark tower. It took her half an hour but she finally got back to the tower. There was still a bunch of reporters standing outside the gate. Harleen somehow managed to blend in and sneak pass them.
Harleen made her way through the lobby and onto the elevator towards the rec room. As she was nearing towards the rec room she heard arguing and yelling. When the doors open she saw Natasha and Loki standing together. Natasha's eyes slightly red and watery and Loki looking furious. Then Harleen saw Clint's back. He was facing Natasha and Loki. Harleen could tell that Clint was stiff and looked ready for a fight.
"How could you Tash? He's the enemy. You don't even have anything in common." Clint said sounding angry and frustrated.
"He's not our enemy any more Clint. He's our friend, our team mate. We have plenty in common." Natasha replied sounding hurt and disappointed.
"He tried to destroy the world and you decided he was a good candidate to screw?"
"He's not the only one who has done bad things. We aren't just sleeping together Clint we are together. We have been dating for months now."
"If you're comparing his bad things to your mistakes then you two are nothing alike. And months really? Why didn't you tell anyone, why didn't you tell me?"
"We are everything alike; we're both looking for redemption. And the reason I didn't tell you guys or especially you Clint is because I knew you'd react exactly like this."
"And what of us Tash? You're just going to throw everything we have of us away for him?"
"Clint there was never us. You know that, somewhere deep down, you knew there would never be us. There can never be us Clint, you're like my brother. You're my best friend. I can't lose you. Not for anything. I'm sorry."
"Fine whatever you want Natasha. And you." Clint turned to point and death stare Loki.
"If I find you have somehow manipulated her into thinking you're some kind of God. You better watch out. Also I'm going to the gun range." Clint finished before storming off and passing Harleen. Natasha dropped to the floor with her head in her hands. She was letting out loud sobs and shaking. Loki bent down and wrapped his long like spider arms around Natasha's upper body. He lifted Natasha up and pulled her into a tight embrace. He gently stroked her hair and was whispering to her.
Loki had ushered Natasha towards the elevator. Harleen walked more into the rec room and saw the curious lit up faces of Tony and Banner.
"Does anyone know what the hell that was all about?" Tony asked.
"I'm guessing Clint found out." Harleen said walking over to the lounge to join them.
"Found out what?" Banner asked Harleen.
"That Loki and Natasha have been having a secret relationship."
"Oh that. I figured that out in the first couple of weeks they must have started." Tony said sounding proud. Banner smiled and said,
"Yeah that wasn't the most well-kept secret. I don't know how Clint hadn't found out sooner."
"That's because I was throwing him off the trail a bit." Tony announced.
"What do you mean?" Harleen asked.
"Well when I figured out Loki and Natasha was doing the dirty. I indulged in the secret. I used it as a blackmailing tool against Loki and Natasha. They gave me the money to the bets they made for dinner and I kept their dirty little secret. Clint however started to gather that Natasha was sleeping with someone. He was determined into finding out whom. So sometimes I'd give him some false information about this mysterious guy sleeping with our dear Natasha." Tony said looking smug and sounding proud of himself.
Banner chuckled and Harleen even joined in.
"Tony Stark really does have a heart." Harleen replied chuckling to herself.
"No he doesn't. He was doing it for the money." Tony said trying to sound serious.
"Tony Stark is a billionaire, what would he want with two hundred bucks a week?" Harleen said before walking off.
"You got me this time Dr." Tony replied breaking out a smile.
