We did it, guys – we reached 100 reviews!

Are we awesome, or what? To everyone who helped us reach our goal, thank you, thank you, thank you! To those who didn't, you should feel ashamed! Go review now to make it up to us, yea?

I know you guys are a little bummed about the sort-of break-up from the previous chapter. And, um, well, it only gets worse in this one. But, you know there is a happy ending eventually and by eventually I mean the Chapter Sixteen. No worries. Just keep reading!

Hope you like it.

May 14th, 2013

Three weeks.

It had been three weeks since she had heard from Clint – and Georgia was getting pissed.

Clint had been ignoring her attempts at contact, her calls going straight to voicemail, her emails going unreturned. With each failed call or text, Georgia's anger peeked a little more. Then, she made the mistake of turning on the news. The terrorist called himself the Mandarin. He'd only been active for a handful of weeks and already the body count was reaching triple digits. But, if that wasn't enough, Tony Stark had to go and invite the Mandarin to his Malibu home.

The beloved beach house was destroyed within the hour.

Now, Pepper Potts was in hiding and Tony Stark was presumed dead. And, unfortunately, Georgia was in the dark about it all. Three weeks ago, she could have called Clint. The S.H.I.E.L.D. agent would have kept her updated and eased her terror and fear. Because Georgia was terrified; she loved Pepper. The classy strawberry blonde was a fantastic woman to work for. She was sophisticated, easy to get along with, and treated her employees with a respect that Tony never could quite muster. Still, despite his condescending social skills, Georgia liked Tony, too.

Clint wasn't the first Avenger Georgia met.

When Stark Industries considered who to move to the new office in New York, Pepper Potts had personally conducted the interviews and on the day of Georgia's interview Tony had accompanied his girlfriend. Ultimately, he had been unimpressed with the public relation's rep. Sure, she knew her stuff and was a quick thicker, but she was way too professional for Tony's taste. Too…bland. There were other, much more interesting candidates to choose from. And who would want corn flakes for breakfast when they could have Lucky Charms?

Thankfully, Pepper vetoed her billionaire boyfriend and Georgia got the job. After her move to the Big Apple, Georgia ended up seeing much more of Tony Stark at the Tower then she anticipated, what with Tony spending most of his time at the California office, leaving others like Pepper to manage his company. One day, Georgia was playing fetch for her jerk of a boss, running back and forth across Stark Tower, getting this and filing that. Eventually, she found herself waiting outside of Pepper's office. She needed the CEO to sign off on a few public announcements. When Miss Potts called for Georgia to enter, the PR rep slid inside silently and crossed to Pepper's desk. She laid the forms in front of the executive officer and waited patiently for her to skim them over before scribbling her signature.

The news was on in the corner, another update on the New York incident, and Tony sat near the window, a bottle of Scotch in hand, a bored disposition about him. While she waited, Georgia eyed the famous billionaire and pursed her lips curiously as his superhero persona, Iron Man, flew across the TV screen. "Does it ever bother you?"

Tony blinked. He cocked his head toward her, looking not unlike an owl. "What's that?"

"Does it bother you that the media calls you Iron Man, but your suit isn't actually man of iron?"

The billionaire's gaze narrowed as he examined her, a reappraisal of the bland professional. He didn't offer a reply but tossed a smirk her way, sipping his Scotch like it was water. Georgia watched in amusement as Tony tried to decide what to make of her. The brunette wondered how bland Tony Stark would think she was if he knew she was sleeping with one of his Avenger teammates.

Now, Georgia would never get her answer because Clint was ignoring her, Tony was dead, and she was forced to merely watch the news and wait for answers.

Then, miraculously, Clint showed up at her door. Georgia was so furious but so relieved at the same damn time. She immediately flung herself into his embrace; it was so good to see him, alive and seemingly well. Tony, Clint told her, had made it out. The Iron Man was alive, and Pepper was safe, though it was a close call on both sides.

Clint explained to her how he and the other Avengers were on separate missions themselves and didn't learn about the Mandarin's personal assault on their friend until after Tony had rescued Pepper and the President - both of whom who had apparently been kidnapped by the sadistic terrorist. Clint did not seem pleased with this happy ending. Georgia assumed part of that guilt. Tony had needed his friends, his teammates, and they hadn't been there. But, as Clint gazed at her with an expression of utter defeat and devastation, Georgia realized the other half of it was regret. Regret - not for what he hadn't done, but for what he was about to do.

"No," she said firmly. "No. I won't let you."

Clint gave a sad smile, his expression one of absolute misery. "How could you stop me, G?"

"What happened to Pepper-"

"Has happened before," Clint interrupted. The muscles in his jaw ticked. He took a deep breath and pinned her with a calm but resolved stare. "There's a reason S.H.I.E.L.D. prefers orphans and loners. When you don't have a family, it makes it easier to do your job when you aren't concerned about your loved ones getting hurt. Or when those loved ones can't be used against you. Pepper was targeted because of Tony. I can't...I won't let that happen to you."

"So what? You're just going to be alone for the rest of your life? Always cutting people off and shutting people out?"

The muscle in his jaw flared to life and, slowly, Clint leaned back into the comfort of the Georgia's couch. His face contorted into a sad acceptance. "Yes."

Georgia's gaze narrowed, her eyes becoming slits. "That's bullshit."

"Where did you see this going, G? Huh? This was just supposed to be fun, stringless sex, right? It couldn't go on forever. We had a good run. Now, we-"

"We had a good run?!" Georgia roared. She reached over and slapped the hell out of Clint's arm. The violence was gratifying but there was a hint of annoyance in the back of her mind. Georgia knew he could've stopped her if he'd wanted; he let her hit him. "You're so full of shit, Barton. You were the one who wanted to get serious! You were the one who got jealous. You-"

"Can you honestly tell me that you saw this ending happily? What, G? You see us getting married and riding off into the sunset? I'm a killer. I am contracted by the government to kill at their whim. I can't-"

"Stop it! Stop throwing your career in my face. I knew what you did before any of this shit started. I accepted it then, and I accept it now. Stop trying to use it against me. Yes, I get it. Your job will make this difficult but, fuck, get over it, Clint! Stop being such a bitch." Her hands were sweaty, her stomach in knots, and Georgia felt like at any moment she was going to burst into tears and blurt out something embarrassingly pathetic along the lines of: "Please, dear God, don't leave me."

Clint didn't have to be a master at reading people to see Georgia's despair. Guilt dug deep into his core and Clint's hardened expression become one of terrible anguish, as if it were about to grumble before her eyes. "Georgia," he pleaded. He shrugged pitifully, scrambling for the right words. "This can't-"

"Don't. Don't do this. I know what you're going to say, but just don't, okay?" Georgia took his hands in hers. She laced her fingers through his, squeezing affectionately, and begged him to understand. "I know you're worried and I know everything that's been happening lately – this shit with Pepper, the thing with Natasha, and…the other night – I know all of it has you freaked out. But you can't just walk away. My entire life will have to be scrapped if you do."

Clint scoffed, "Don't even try that crap, G. You aren't that kind of girl. You won't fall apart. You'll be fine."

"Oh, I know I'll be fine, but that's not the point." Georgia realized that Clint was genuinely afraid for her safety, not just from the dangers of his world but from him. Her only hope was to remind him of how fucking perfect they were for each other. To remind him of all the laughs and good times that they had shared. To remind him of how easy it was, them being together. Their relationship was effortless. Perfect. "You've been to every single one of my favorite restaurants. I'll have to start all over! No more Marcel's. No more Lucky China. No more Phil's Phootlongs. Do you know how long it took me to find a good hot dog stand in New York? A clean stand."

Georgia motioned her living room. "And you're practically all over my apartment. Everything saved in my Netflix account you picked. Half of the cookware in the kitchen you bought. You installed my alarm system and helped me program my wireless router. You even have an entire shelf in my bathroom! Your toothbrush, razor, cologne, deodorant – what am I supposed to do with all of that stuff? Then there's the bed and the couch and the patio chairs and the kitchen counters and, well, shit, Clint, we've had sex pretty much all over this place. I'll have to find a new apartment!"

"Geor-"

"I'm serious, Clint," she argued, squeezing his hands. Desperation clawed at her throat. She could see the disbelief on his face. See how much he was torn. He wanted to be with her. She knew he did but he was afraid. "Clint…please. Just…give it some more time."

His gaze abruptly snapped up to meet hers. "I can't. We can't do this anymore, Georgia. I'm sorry."

"Clint…" Suddenly, Georgia could see it painfully clear. Clint was lost to her. He was leaving again, only this time he wouldn't be back.

She hated that she was so weak. That she had allowed herself to become so damn attached. This was so unlike her. Clint was right; she was not this kind of girl. She didn't fall in love. She didn't want commitment and a life-long love affair. Or, at least, she didn't used to. Now, she wasn't quite sure. She just knew she didn't want Clint to walk out that apartment door.

When he kissed her goodbye, the kiss was soft and sweet and gentle. His mouth ghosted over hers, their mouths barely brushing. His touch was so tender, intimate, that Georgia began to cry, tears silently streaking down her cheeks. She hated herself for it, but couldn't help it. Somehow, Clint had unexpectedly slipped into her life and seemed to change her world overnight. Now that he was slipping out just as unexpectedly, what else was there to do but cry? She had tried to reason with him. She had dealt with the nightmares and the kidnapping and with going weeks at a time without seeing him. She had dealt with it all but that, apparently, had not been enough.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, his hand curled around her neck, palm cupping her cheek. The tips of his fingers were tangled in her dark hair and, as he stroked his thumb over the curve of her face, Georgia licked her lips, tasting her own salty tears, and murmured, "Me, too."

"Goodbye, Georgia."

Though the windows were firmly shut, the steady drone of New York City's streets filled the small apartment. There were sirens in the distance, a barking dog somewhere. The sound of breaking glass.

Clint had just dumped her.

It was over.

June 4th, 2013

"If I never see another volcano ever again, I'll die a happy man," moaned Bruce as the team filed out of the elevator onto the top floor of Stark Tower. Another successful mission behind them, the Avengers were exhausted and bloodied and glad to be home. Tony leading the way, the team sluggishly moved to the conference room at the end of the hall and gathered around the long table for a debriefing.

Jarvis lowered a screen at the head of the table to reveal a live feed of Director Fury. "I take it the trip was a victory?"

"Define victory," grumbled Steve. The Captain leaned his elbows on the table and rubbed his temples, "Natasha almost drowned, Thor nearly got shot, and Bruce fell into a volcano. Er, the other guy fell into a volcano."

"A volcano?" repeated the Director. "I am impressed, doctor. That's a new one. Even for you."

"Tell me about it," Bruce sighed. The doctor rubbed a hand over his face and glanced around the room at the weary faces of his comrades. After everything that had happened recently, the gang was finally all back together. Thor had taken some time away from his Asgardian duties to help Tony recuperate after he and Pepper were attacked, and Natasha was working with the group once again. Though no one dared to discuss it or even knew what happened really – expect maybe Steve, Bruce suspected – something detrimental had occurred between Natasha and Clint. The dynamic duo were experiencing trouble in paradise but seemed to be able to set aside their differences to help Tony in the recovery process as the Iron Man struggled to piece his life back together.

Director Fury dismissed them after the debriefing. They were getting an early weekend. Bruce hoisted his go-bag higher over his shoulder and headed for the elevator. The jet tub in his apartment downstairs was calling his name. Dr. Banner paused as he reached the door of the conference room. The room had emptied out, save for Clint. The S.H.I.E.L.D. agent was frozen at the table, his back stiff, staring a hole into the wall.

"Clint?" A familiar, hawk-like gaze darted up to meet Bruce's eyes. The doctor gave a gentle smile. "You okay?"

"M'fine," the assassin muttered automatically. Bruce was tempted to call him on the instinctual lie but was too tired and, honestly, a little fearful of Clint's reaction. Prying with Clint Barton was like poking a bear with a stick. There was simply no way for the situation to turn out well. So instead, Bruce smiled, murmured, "Alright," and told Clint to try and enjoy his time off.

Clint smirked sardonically. A month ago and Clint would be on his way to Georgia's apartment where he would most definitely enjoy his time off. Now, his weekend would consist of weight training and a few extra-long sessions at the shooting range with his bow. Hawkeye rubbed his face and bit back a groan of frustration.

"Agent Barton, shall I call a cab?"

His lips bent in a frown. "No, Jarvis. I think I'll take a walk. Um, thanks, though."

"Anytime, sir."

He waited for the Avengers private elevator for nearly fifteen minutes before giving up and decided to take the stairs; he'd catch one of the staff elevators on the next floor. Wait, shit, what if he ran into Georgia? Christ, that would be awful. Just as Clint was debating whether or not to just go up to the roof and drown his sorrows in Jack Daniels, Pepper Potts strutted by on the way to her and Tony's apartment. "Pepper!" he flagged her down after a brief scan assured him that none of his teammates were within earshot. "Hey, uh, sorry. Quick question. Georgia Downes, she's a PR rep here-"

"Yes, I am aware," Pepper gave a charming smile. "She does work for me."

Clint shot her an awkward, forced half-grin. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Y-yeah. I know. Um, anyway, do you know if she's in today, by any chance?"

"Normally, I wouldn't be able to give you an answer, but I can today. Ms. Downes isn't here. She went back to the Los Angeles office."

Like someone had pressed the 'mute' button on the television that was Clint's life, all the noise surrounding him faded. His world became instantly silent. One heartbeat. Two heartbeats. Three. He blinked. "What?"

Pepper nodded with a polite smile. "Yes, she transferred back to L.A. last week."

All of a sudden, the noise was back and enhanced ten-fold. The sound twisted and morphed and turned Clint's world red as he was filled with rage. Grinding his teeth, Clint called to Tony's computer butler. "Jarvis, is the Quinjet still on the roof?"

"Yes, sir. They've been refueling. Shall I have them wait for you?"

"Yes. And tell them there's been a change in the flight plan. We're not heading back to base. We're going to California."

Meanwhile in Los Angeles:

The cell phone on her desk buzzed to life. She answered the call, the voice on the other end speaking before she could. "He knows."

Georgia swallowed, her stomach instantly spiraling in a nervous panic.

"Relax," the voice instructed. Georgia could practically hear her eye roll. "Deep breaths. Can you do this or not?"

Georgia clenched her eyes shut. The phone trembled in her grasp. "I can do this. I can, I just…Christ, Natasha, I hope you know what you're going. This plan better work."

The redheaded assassin grinned. "Trust me, it will."

Next chapter, we actually see how Natasha and Georgia become friends. This chapter was longer than I anticipated and I only sort of got around to hinting at it. Sorry. Also, ilovestoriesandfanfic is finally getting her wish! We get to see how Clint meets Georgia's parents!

Any guesses to what Natasha and Georgia have planned? Leave your guess in a review!