Note: the song and other properties, of course don't belong to me.


Staring at the wall, he goes in and out of consciousness. 'Mariah, I'm sorry.' "Where are we?" ".." Looking at her expression, "I'm sorry. Did I get it wrong?" Placing her hands on his sides before closing the gap; "No. I just wasn't expecting this?" Still looking disappointed, "I see. I can always use our reputations and get us somewhere better." "Sean, it is fine. While this is definitely unexpected, I don't need all that high maintenance as long as I have you.

And I am glad you finally asked me out. I have been crushing and have had feelings for you for a while now." "Really?!" "Yes. Though, you are going to have to tell my parents." He shallows at this. "My dad is harmless." The fear still evident in his eyes. "Maybe to you, you're his little girl. But this is Hawkeye, we are talking about. He knows so many ways to do away with someone.

And what about "your mom, aunt and uncle?! If he considers dating me, a non-issue; Mockingbird, The Black Widow and The Winter Soldier, are just as scary." "You are worrying too much. You know they won't do anything. Not unless…And they have nothing on your mom. So, I should actually be the one who is afraid?!"

Smiling, he leans down further, "okay, you got me there." Before he can kiss her, she grabs his hand. "Come on. I am getting hungrier." "You aren't going to go nom nom on me, are you?" Taking the opportunity, he kisses her soundly, which she relishing. Cupping the back of his head, readily returning it.

"Well for a first kiss that definitely wasn't bad." "First kiss?!" "Oh, come on, you know this already. We are all practically joined at the hip." "But I thought?!" "Oh, Roger and James, that is nothing. And they like to think so, besides there have been moments, where I actually think there is more than them being best friends?! Though, I don't think they are aware of this, still?!

Plus, I have also caught them flirting with America and Kate Bishop, so?! I like most women have nothing against a good-looking man. But one who appears they are willing to roam the field, no, thank you." He opens the door, holding it as she says this. He smiles and laughs at this. "What?!" "While they do think, those two are attractive. Which they are, it is simply for them to try to make you jealous."

"Jealous?! You all know that those two are some of my best friends." "Hey, we're guys. Besides, it isn't like women don't use the same tactic at times." Taking his hand in hers, "you've got me there. What's say I let them believe this?!" "You definitely are Clinton's daughter." Pushing the chair in for her as the menus are laid down for them, "thank you."


"Relax, Sean." "Mr. Barton, you holding a knife isn't exactly comforting." "As if I could even touch you if I tried." "That is what I am afraid of, the three of you are more than capable." "I said relax, Sean. Mariah has already told me. And while I would rather not try to think of that image, and she is my little girl. I trust her judgment. Besides, I know that you aren't out to play her. Now Roger and James?!

Seriously, you have more head on your shoulders than those two, at least when it comes to your feelings." "Are they really that oblivious?!" "Hey, people tend to see what they want. Though, given the dangers we have constantly been in, well, that doesn't always leave room for things like feelings to be processed correctly.

Nice maneuver. But we are here to talk about your intentions toward my daughter. And not your teammates and their love lives." "While we are still dating, and I have no intention at the moment, I am hoping that she is my forever." "You really see a future with her?" "Yes, sir. Though, yes, marriage isn't a goal I have in mind yet. We still haven't been dating long. But given that I do see a possible future with her." "What do you mean possible? I thought you were serious about her." "I am. I mean when the time comes, I." "I see. You want to know if my approval will be forthcoming."

Jumping down from the crate, the knife still in his hand. "I thought my words and actions gave me away." "?" "Clearly, I was mistaken. Guess there really is a first time for everything. And your head isn't as screwed on as much as you represented. I am after all still holding the knife. Nor did I pull anything else out, that could cause harm."

Bowing his head, "no sir! Yes sir?!" "Which is it, kid?! And I am just messing with you. Of course, you have your priorities straight." "?" "Well, if you didn't not only would your mom be disappointed. So too would, Mariah. And she would never even bother if you were any other way. Besides, you know with how she was raised, Your mom, Bobbi, Bucky, Natasha or I aren't the ones to worry about. Mariah would handle and put you in place, herself."

Looking down, "yeah, she is something else, isn't she?!" Clinton smirks at this. Putting his arm around the younger man. "Come on. How about we have a friendly spar?! I can teach you a few things; I am sure your mom hasn't yet. And when the time comes, you will have my blessing when you ask me."


"Mr. Barton?!" The man is putting the arrows away. "I see." He responds seeing the expression on Sean's face. "Normally, I would say no. And have an issue with this. But I know how much she cares about you. And raising her to handle herself. Knowing that I don't even have to ask nor expect you taking care of her. You would do this regardless. Well, go on. You have passed the first main hurdle. And while Bobbi may not have always been present in her life, I know that she would agree with me."


His palm is sweaty. And his pulse is racing. 'You can do this. You have faced worse. You love her. She is everything you have ever wanted when it comes to spending your life with someone else. But what if she turns me down, and isn't ready for such a step and commitment?!' Seeing his mom, 'looking to him; she nods her head before moving her head in Mariah's direction.

Torus, Roger, James, America, Kate Bishop, and Tuc have gravitated toward her. Each picking up on his demeanor. "What?! What are you guys looking at?!" Turning she sees Sean, get on his knees in front of her. "Sean?!" "I am probably about to make the biggest fool of myself. But when it comes to you, I usually can't seem to help myself, Mariah."

The others look around. "Where is Thomas, William and Teddy; they are supposed to be here?!" Before the couple can continue, the doors burst open. "Sorry, we're late. Are we still in time?!" Seeing their cousin on his knees; "sorry, Sean. Things went wrong so we have to wing it." William starts glowing blue as Thomas starts running, fixing things the best he can.

Turning on the radio, placed in his hands, Ted remains still as I Do (Cherish You) by 98 Degrees begins playing; just as the last of the flowers are thrown on the floor. With a table with food on it, illuminating the corner it is in. The others don't get far in trying to give them privacy. "I am nervous as hell. But I do know if I went my life without doing this, I would always regret it.

Mariah Natalia Barton, you have always been one of my best friends. And I hope you always will be. And as my feelings have evolved and the entire time we have been dating; I have come to realize there is no one else for me. I will never feel the way for another woman, the way I do you. So, I am asking you to be my wife, Natty?"