Needless to say the atmosphere in my apartment was very different after Clint and I kissed.
In other words, I was more awkward as hell than usual.
But then again that was nothing new.
"So about going out?" Clint brought up the topic as we waited for the chicken to cool down.
"Yes?" Blushing a little.
"Would you like to?" He gave a nervous laugh which I found adorable.
"Hmm I don't know?" Turning around from the tray to look at him. It was good to make him sweat a little.
Clint was staring at me with wide eyes.
"Only if I get to plan it." Smirking at him.
He let out a laugh "That's it? That's your condition."
"Yup. I know how to plan a good time." Smiling at him "Are you free Saturday? I thought we could make it an all-day thing. If that's okay with you I mean." Muttering with nerves.
"Spending the day with a cute nerd? Sounds like torture. But I guess I could bear it." Clint grinned devilishly at me.
My body temperature rose dramatically.
"So Saturday it is then. Be ready at 11 am." Turning around to hide my blush and arrange dinner on two sets of plates.
"See I don't know…." He drawled out and I could feel him coming closer to me.
"I don't think I could wait until Saturday for a date." He said deeply and I jumped a foot when he placed his hands on my hips.
"Christ." Muttering to myself as I cursed inside when I heard his chuckling.
"Someone is skittish." He said putting his head on my shoulder.
"I wonder why when someone, who shall remain nameless, prowls around like a freaking ninja." Rolling my eyes.
"So, instead of me having to wait all the way till Saturday." Clint said overdramatically "I thought I could take you out tomorrow night for dinner. If you're free that is."
"I'd like that." Turning my head to meet his face. A gentle smile on my lips "Nothing fancy though." Wrinkling my nose.
"Causal it is." He chuckled "I'll pick you up at 6:30."
Clint leaned in and kissed me. Every new kiss sent a tingle through me. I wondered if that would ever go away? Did I even want it to?
It was brief and gentle. I could tell he was trying not to push my limits and respect me.
Still, it made me wish he'd never stop kissing me.
Lord how pathetic was I?
Breaking the kiss I smiled at him while I handed him a plate "Come on let's eat."
We went and sat down at the table and began eating.
"This is really great." He commented.
"You've already got two dates in the books. No need to suck up any further." Smirking at him.
He wadded up a napkin and threw it at me "Shut up."
A giggle escaped my lips. We made small talk until I remembered something.
"Oh God." Groaning out.
"What?" Clint questioned looking puzzled and a tad concerned.
"I owe Beth five bucks. She won the bet. Man, she is never going to let me live this down." Chuckling as I ran my hands over my face.
"What exactly was this bet?" Clint's curiosity was fully piqued.
"Beth bet me five dollars that you and I would kiss before the month was over. I told her I only had to wait three weeks then to get my payday." Sheepishly telling him.
Clint busted out laughing.
"I swear you keep laughing there will be no tomorrow night." Threatening him with narrow eyes.
"I'm sorry, just it is kind of funny." He said getting out the last of his laughter "Why did you think you would lose the bet. I mean was I a little hazy with all the flirting?" There was a tiny undertone of anxiety in his voice.
"No I mean-I-" Stopping and lowering my eyes "I didn't think I was your type." Timidly mumbling.
"Dot." His tone tired.
"I mean you can't blame me for having it cross my mind." Defending myself "I'm a dorky, Disney obsessed history nerd. I can't stop talking about Hamilton and I'm not exactly turning any head with my curves, curls, and glasses." Standing up and grabbing the empty plates.
Clint had other plans though.
He grabbed my arm and pulled me down into his lap, while simultaneously saving the plates from crashing to the floor.
"How the hell did you do that?" Saying after I regained some composure. I was sitting perfectly balanced on his lap and the plates were balanced on his hand.
"Fast reflexes." He casually said as he put the plates down on the table.
Not technically a lie I suppose?
"Or you're a circus freak." Gawking him.
"Stop trying to change the subject." He sternly looked at me.
"Look it's not that far of a leap Clint." Sighing as I tried to get up from his lap, because eep! Nothing about this was embarrassing at all.
His response was to tighten his arms around my waist, securing me in place. Now I was trapped.
"You're one to talk." Staring at him "You have as much of a self-deprecating personality as I do. It's a defense mechanism for us."
"My whole life I wasn't the prettiest. I wasn't the girl guys chased around. I learned to accept that. I moved on and became the shy, quirky, nerdy wallflower. I didn't fit in, but that's okay." Telling him
"And you," Waving a hand at him "You're like the perfect package. Funny, sarcastic, easy to talk to, handsome, intelligent, handy." Smirking the last word, "You could probably have anyone you wanted. So why pick the goofy next-door neighbor?" Shrugging my shoulders at the absurd thought.
"Because the goofy, beautiful, kind, intelligent, quick-witted next-door neighbor is the woman who caught my eye and keeps me coming back for more," Clint said as he pushed some of my curls from my face. My skin rising in goosebumps where his fingers touched as red spread to my cheeks.
"I am going to make you see how beautiful you are." His hands tightened further around my waist.
I could feel my eyes grow wide.
"Doubt it." Murmuring as his gaze caused me to suddenly feel warm.
"I like a challenge." He mumbled as he nuzzled my neck, planting soft kisses along the way. My skin growing flushed with every spot he gently pressed his lips on.
Goosebumps exploded all over my body.
It was becoming hard to think. I noticed that was becoming a habit when I was around Clint like this. I wouldn't last long if it kept up.
"Okay, you've made your point. Your new life mission is to show me I'm gorgeous." Moving my neck away from his lips and positioning my face to look at him "Now can I please clean up?" Asking him.
"As long as you let me help." He said.
Kissing his cheek, I said "Deal."
After Dorothy and Clint watched bummed around and watched some TV they called it a night a little after nine since Dot had work in the morning. Clint hovered in the doorway repeatedly kissing her goodnight before she let out a laugh and shoved him onto the balcony. Claiming she had to get some sleep. Her cheeks were thoroughly pink and lovely.
He loved the way a blush would spread on her cheeks every time he kissed her.
Entering his apartment he grabbed his laptop and immediately went to search on where he could take her out to dinner tomorrow. While he was searching, he video called Nat from his laptop.
"So did you ask her out?" Was the first thing his best friend said.
"Yes, we're going out for dinner tomorrow." Clint rolled his eyes trying not to make a big deal about it even though he could feel heat rush all over his body.
"That's my boy." She smirked, "Where are you taking her?"
"Not sure yet, I'm doing research now. She wanted to do something casual. Then on Saturday, we're spending the day together. She's planning everything."
"You relinquishing control? Who is this woman?" Nat joked.
"She's pretty special." Clint felt himself going pink.
"Clearly." Nat's lips moved into a small smile. She chose to ignore Clint's blushing, which he was thankful for.
"Is that Katniss I hear?" Clint heard Stark's voice in the background.
"Oh God." He groaned not ready for this.
"There is our lovesick puppy!" Stark beamed into the laptop, standing in front of Nat.
"Excuse me." Nat pushed him out of the way.
"No, no we want all the details." Stark pulled a chair up and sat next to Nat "Did he ask her out?" He turned and asked Nat.
"He asked her out. They're going out tomorrow night and again on Saturday." She told him.
"Damn two dates in one week. Look at you go Legolas!" Stark cheered.
"Is that Barton?" Sam's voice boomed.
"God shoot me now," Clint grumbled as one of the newer, louder, Avengers came into view of the laptop.
"Hey man!" Sam greeted him.
"Did he ask her out?" Sam asked Stark and Nat.
Clint thought it was ironic that they were talking about him, yet no one seemed to ask him any questions.
"Yes they're going out twice this week," Stark replied.
"Oh look at you go!" Sam whooped.
"Changing the topic!" Nat cut in and shut them up "Where are you taking her tomorrow. You said casual right?"
"She wanted casual yes." He said.
"Well she probably wants to keep it comfortable. You know how stressful first dates can be. Well, I can imagine at least." Stark said and he saw Nat roll her eyes.
Clint tried to hide his smirk.
"Anyway any ideas on where to take her?" Nat tried to get on topic again.
"I'm looking now." He told them as he scrolled through the internet.
"Why don't you text her and ask her what she'd be in the mood for?" Sam asked.
Clint went still.
Shit.
He knew he had forgotten something!
"You still don't have her number do you." Nat narrowed her eyes at him.
Clint's silence gave them the answer.
"Jesus H. Christ Barton!" Stark yelled. He watched Nat hang her head and Sam shake his in disappointment.
"We were preoccupied! I forgot okay!" He tried to defend himself but immediately regretted saying that to them because they all turned and looked at him through the webcam.
"Hmmm preoccupied? In what way were you two preoccupied?" Stark propped his head in his hands waiting for an answer like a smug ass.
"None of your damn business." Clint snapped at him.
"Aw man, that's what I'm talking about!" Sam laughed with delight.
Clint felt himself go red from embarrassment and rage.
"Hey idiots, focus!" Nat snapped at the two of them "Where is he taking Dorothy tomorrow?"
"Well, what do you both like?" Stark asked, getting back on topic thankfully.
"Chinese, pizza, Thai food." Clint listed off.
"Got it. Take her to Baan Thai in Logan Circle. Great food, great atmosphere. She'll love it." Stark said.
Clint googled the restaurant and had to admit the menu looked pretty good.
"Not bad," Clint commented.
"Okay, so foods done. Are you getting her anything? Candy, flowers that type of thing?" Sam asked him.
"Isn't that a little cheesy?" Nat and Clint both raised their eyebrows.
"It could be seen as an endearing gesture." Stark offered.
"Chocolates seem like a bit much, but you could do flowers." Nat conceded.
"What kind? I don't know her favorite flower." He said.
"Roses?" Stark suggested but was met with multiple headshakes.
"Nah too ordinary," Sam said.
"Just get a mixed bouquet," Nat told him and he nodded.
"Look at our boy growing up. Sunrise, sunset." Stark sighed with a smile.
"And goodbye to all of you." Clint shut his laptop closed. Effectively ending the conversation.
A second later his phone was ringing. He knew it would be Nat.
He answered it without saying hello.
"I know you might be nervous but don't be. She already likes you. Otherwise, she wouldn't have said yes. Unless it's pity." He could picture Nat smiling over the phone, "Just be yourself."
"Thanks Nat." Clint smiled.
"Good luck tomorrow. Call me if it's a total disaster." She joked before hanging up.
After Clint left I spent an hour on the phone with a squealing Beth. It made my headache. Though she directed me on what to wear for a casual first date.
She had ordered me to wear my dark eggplant ¾ blouse, skinny jeans, my black motto jacket, and black flats.
I had to agree that the outfit wasn't bad.
She also said she would be over Friday night to do a girl's sleepover and help me get ready on Saturday.
I couldn't say no. Especially since she said she would watch Hamilton with me again on Disney+.
After we got off the phone I tried to fall asleep, but I found it difficult. As I lay awake, I couldn't believe I was going out with Clint tomorrow night.
I couldn't even believe that we had kissed. Multiple times!
It felt like a daze. Like it wasn't real. I kept expecting to snap out of my daydream.
My mind still boggled on why he wanted to go out with me, but I knew that if I voiced it out loud again it would effectively get shut down by Beth and Clint.
God I can't believe I told him I was a virgin!
Mentally screaming inside that I was an idiot for telling him.
What's more, I couldn't believe he didn't bolt out the front door the second I told him.
What did that say about him?
Somewhere between the back and forth cyclones in my head, I managed to fall asleep. The next thing I knew my alarm was blaring, waking me up.
I flitted through work in a daze, trying to keep my mind focused, but not having much luck. I kept drifting back to tonight. Fretting about everything.
I hoped it would be a good time. That we both had fun and that he'd want to go out again on Saturday. More importantly, I hoped I wouldn't be my weird, awkward self.
When work ended I rushed out of the office before Diana could corner me for something. Hopping on the metro I raced home as fast as I could. Making it to my apartment at 5:45 giving me forty-five minutes to change, attempt to control my hair, and put on my face.
Before I knew it was 6:30 and Clint was ringing my doorbell.
"Oh God okay." Fluttering as I patted my hair one more time before speed-walking to the front door.
Smoothing down my top once more I took a deep breath and opened my door.
Clint stood on the other side and smiled at me when he saw me.
"Hey, you look great." He smiled at me.
"Thank you." Pushing some hair behind my ear "So do you."
He was rocking dark jeans and a dark blue button-up shirt, and a black leather jacket.
Simple. Yet oh so sexy.
"Oh here." He pulled a bouquet of flowers from behind him "I thought you might like these. I didn't know your favorite flower, so I mixed a bunch."
"Wow thank you." My heart thumping loudly in my chest at the gesture that meant so much. No man had ever given me flowers before.
"They're beautiful, give me one second I'll put them in a vase." Turning around and heading to the kitchen. Putting the bouquet under my nose I breathed in the floral scent as I heard the door close.
Rummaging through my cabinets for a minute I found a simple glass vase and filled it with water.
Putting the flowers in water I gently touched the petals on one of the daisies.
"I hope they're okay," Clint said from his spot in the kitchen doorway.
"They're perfect." Beaming as I went over and kissed him "Thank you."
Grabbing my bag we made our way out of my apartment. Clint waited while I locked my door and then we were off.
"I hope you like the place I'm taking you to. A friend recommended it and said they had great Thai food." He told me as we made our way to the metro.
Feeling too nervous to talk I simply smiled. Halfway to the metro Clint intertwined our hands together. My smile grew larger.
"Where is this place?" Asking as we went underground.
"Logan Circle." He replied and I nodded.
When we got onto the metro he still hadn't let go of my hand. Inside I was doing a little happy dance.
While we sat down on the metro, waiting to get to our stop, we made small talk while I looked around the car.
"Oh look!" Pointing with my free hand to the Hamilton poster across the car.
Clint turned to look to where I was pointing "It's the Hamilton poster. The musical just began shows here in D.C." Grinning at the familiar poster.
"You really are nuts about this show aren't you." He said with a smirk.
"Completely! When it premiered in NYC I tracked everything. I played the cast recording nonstop for two weeks when it first came out. It drove Beth to insanity." Laughing at my nerdiness.
"Have you ever seen it?" He inquired.
I let out a snort and I knew it confused him.
"Hamilton tickets are insanely expensive." Elaborating "At the Kennedy Center tickets are going as high as five hundred dollars for just one person."
"Five hundred for one person!" His voice rising a few octaves.
"Well, those are front row orchestra seats." Shrugging "But yeah I'm ever going to get to see that show. Even the lower-priced tickets sold out so fast. I tried to get cheap seat tickets for one of the D.C. shows, but since it's only going to run until September, they sold out so quickly." Sighing out.
"The closest I'll ever get to seeing Hamilton is watching the taped version they did with the original cast that they put on Disney+." Trying to put on a happy face even though I looked back at the poster and my stomach sank knowing I'd never get to see the show live.
"But it's enough and that's all that matters." Hoping my smile was convincing.
"Maybe one day it will happen." Clint tried to be optimistic.
"Maybe." Deciding not to argue with him.
"Beth is actually coming over Friday night for a girl's night. I'm forcing her to watch Hamilton for the third time, and she's spending the night to help me get ready for Saturday." Adding shyly.
"How adorable." He jokingly mocked me.
"In the words of Aaron Burr, let me offer you some free advice. Talk less, smile more." Cheekily grinning at him, quoting the musical.
"I'm assuming that's from Hamilton?" He quipped.
"Good-looking and smart. You have it all." Giggling as I kissed his cheek "Maybe one night I'll force you to watch it with me."
We made small talk the rest of the way. Getting off at our stop we only had a small walk to the restaurant called Baan Thai.
"Smells good." Saying as we walked in and were seated.
We both were silent as we perused the menu.
"Do you want to split the golden fried pockets as an appetizer?" Clint asked after a waitress came and took our drink order.
"Sure they look good. Do you know what you're getting?" Inquiring.
"I'm going to get the spicy stir-fried chicken and bamboo shoots." He told me.
"Dangerous choice. That says next to it, very spicy." Raising my eyes at him.
"I can handle it." He winked at me.
I rolled my eyes, but a small smile was on my face.
"What are you getting?" He asked me.
"I think I'll go with the northern Thai mixed curry with chicken. I can handle a little spice." Chuckling as I shut my menu.
The waitress came back and took our orders. When she left Clint reached across the table and grasped his hand in mine.
A bashful smile bloomed on my face.
"How are you?" He asked me.
"Oh not bad. Long week at work so far, but I'm on a date with this cute, but kinda cocky guy. So far it's going well." Joking with him.
It earned me a few laughs and a grin.
His smile was perfect. Just like everything else about him.
It was totally unfair.
"What's been going on at work?" He asked.
"Oh the usual, my boss being a petty hard-ass. Nothing new." Shrugging my shoulders as my thumb began to trace circles on his palm "But my article got a lot of great feedback so that's something."
"I can't wait to read it. When the May issue comes out I'll buy one. You'll have to sign it for me." He grinned and I let out a laugh.
"Whatever floats your boat." Chuckling, letting go of his hand when the waitress brought over the appetizers.
We both grabbed a fried pocket. "Speaking of work, do you work? Or are you just focusing on taking a break while you recuperate." Asking him in going along with his lie, but still trying to find more about him.
"Right now I'm just taking a break." Clint answered simply "I've got a fair amount of money saved up from my previous job." He said carefully.
I wondered how much an Avenger made on a salary basis. Did he even have health benefits? Who took care of his vision plan?
All weird questions I couldn't ask him.
"If you could do anything for work what would you do?" Curiously inquiring, trying to get him to open up.
"Carpentry or construction work. I love working with my hands." Clint winked at me.
The obvious innuendo made my soda go down the wrong pipe.
"You have got to stop trying to inadvertently choke me." Coughing out as my eyes watered. I took another sip of my soda to clear my throat.
"Then get used to my flirting." He said with a toothy grin.
"Fat chance." Shooting back as I wiped my eyes.
"So construction, I can see that." Getting back on topic "Is that something you can do already?"
"Yeah it's kind of like a side hobby, but sometimes I think it would be nice to have my own little business. Either with construction or a furniture shop." He said.
"You know Father's Day is in two months. I'd love to get Pops something custom if you're up to it. I'd pay you of course." Rushing out the last part.
Clint snorted "You don't need to pay me."
"But I-" His swift gaze instantly cut me off.
"Well…I'll figure out how to make it up to you." Stubbornly saying as I crossed my arms.
"I can think of a few things." He grinned like a devil.
Immediately I swallowed the knot in my throat while managing to turn beet red at the same time.
"Dot, I'm sorry I didn't mean that. Like that." He explained "I was just joking around. I know I can get carried away." Grabbing my hand in his.
"No it's okay, it's just-" But the waitress came over with our food and I decided to let the matter drop. The topic was not a conversation I wanted to have in public. Letting go of his hand I picked up my fork.
"Smells delicious." Commenting with a grin once my food was under my nose, before I dug in. The flavors dancing on my tongue. The food was mildly spicey but nothing I couldn't handle.
"How is yours?" Questioning Clint with a raised eyebrow. I swear I could smell the spice coming from his dish.
"Very good." He coughed a little. I could see his face starting to flush.
"Really? Not too spicy?" Innocently musing as I batted my eyelashes.
"Nope. Not at all." His voice strained.
"I guess you won't need your soda then." Slowly sliding his coke toward me with an evil smirk on my lips.
He narrowed his eyes at me, and for a moment I felt like a deer being tracked by a hunter.
Clint and I engaged in a staring standoff. Seeing who would break first.
Letting a small sigh escape my lips I rested my chin in my hand and politely smiled at Clint, who was growing redder.
A minute passed in our standoff and I started to see little beads of sweat form on his forehead.
Another minute went by.
"Fuck!" He coughed before grabbing his coke and chugging half of it down.
"Oh my God your face." Laughing so hard I felt tears in my eyes.
When Clint was done with his drink he glanced at me with evil eyes.
"Here you might want to wipe your forehead." Handing him a napkin trying to hide my smile.
He took the napkin and wiped his forehead "Very cute. Just know that paybacks are a bitch."
"Yeah, yeah." Waving him off "Don't worry I won't tell anyone about your less than manly moment." Quirking my lips.
We passed the rest of dinner with great conversation. Bouncing from one topic to another. Always keeping it as light as possible.
Afterward, we walked around Logan Circle and stopped by Dolcezza for some gelato. Continuously joking with Clint that he needed it more to revive his taste buds after dinner.
He tried swatting at me a few times but I managed to dodge him.
Making our way back to the apartment building we held hands the entire time. If I could, I would have made the night last forever.
That's another thing that happened when I was with Clint. I found myself wanting time to stop and have it just be the two of us.
Climbing the stairs up to our apartments I wondered if I should invite Clint in for a bit? Or should I just leave it be for the rest of the night?
"Do you want to come in for some tea? Or I could make coffee if you'd like." Telling him.
"Tea sounds good." He grinned and I sheepishly smiled back and unlocked my door and turned on the lights.
"Make yourself comfy." Speaking as I dropped my purse on the side table and headed into the kitchen.
"I think I'll go pick my mug." He mused following me.
Letting out a chuckle I reached into my top cabinet and grabbed my tea tin.
"Pick whatever suits your fancy." Trading his mug for my tin.
"The Genie, classic choice." Nodding in approval. Going to my shelves I selected one of my Cinderella mugs and put water in my electric kettle.
"So…how was tonight?" Going over to him and nestling in his arms as I waited for the kettle to boil.
"Absolutely horrible." He sighed.
"Oh well then." Moving to get out of his embrace only to have him gently grab me back and pull me into him.
"But I can live with it." He laughed as I giggled against him.
"Good to know." Staring up at him. Both of us smiling.
Clint slid his hands up my neck and cradled my face before leaning in to kiss me. Eagerly I met him halfway. He gently backed me up against the countertop never losing contact. Somehow my arms found their way around his waist.
Oh my God was he lean. Muscular and lean. And gorgeous.
The kettle started beeping behind me.
"The kettle." Breaking the kiss.
"Another second won't hurt." Clint pulled me back for another kiss.
The kettle kept beeping in the background.
"It's going to keep doing that until I turn it off." Rasping out as Clint moved to kiss my neck.
He let out a groan before giving me one last kiss before stepping back towards the fridge.
"Good choice." My voice a little funny.
Going to the kettle I poured both of our teas and let them steep before handing Clint his.
"Can I ask you something?" He questioned.
"Sure." Replying.
"At the restaurant-" He started and I winced. Of course, he would remember and bring it up.
"Yes?" Letting out a tired sigh and took a sip of tea.
"Did I upset you? With my flirting I mean?" He rubbed his neck nervously.
"No, it wasn't you." Sighing "It's-just" Pausing trying to get my words together.
"When I say I haven't done much. I meant it. Obviously by me being a virgin. But I haven't even fooled around a lot." Shyly telling him.
"I guess you just intimidate me." Adding.
"If you ever felt like I was pressuring you," Clint put down his mug, looking visibly upset with himself.
"No, shit I'm not making this any better." Chastising myself "It's not you, it's me. It's me and my dorky, no experience, virgin vibes." Snorting out "I'm not good at all with men and you're-you're like a whole new super level." Gesturing to him.
"It's like you're on this superhero level." Sheepishly adding in.
Subtle.
Running my hands through my hair I knew I was getting upset.
"Dot, Dot it's okay." Clint gently grabbed my hands in his.
"What if I can't give you what you want." Lowering my gaze to the floor "I mean I know we've literally only had one date, but what…what if you get bored." Whispering. Hating myself when I felt tears coming on.
"Babe." Clint sadly said, and I tried to ignore the jolt that went through my body when he called me babe.
"It's happened before." Roughly wiping away the tears "Guys have left because I wasn't moving fast enough for them or because they were tired of waiting."
Clint guided my face back up to him.
"I'm not like most guys." His tone serious.
Yeah most guys aren't superheroes….
"I'm not going anywhere and I certainly won't push you before you're ready. Those past guys that did that were complete assholes. If you give me their names I will go and kick their asses." He lightly joked.
It got a watery laugh out of me "I might take you up on that."
Still, I bit my lip in hesitation.
I knew by the way he looked at me he could tell I was still uncertain. Guarded. Scared.
"I'm going to do everything I can to prove to you that I'm different." He wiped away some of my tears with his thumbs.
Leaning in a gave him a quick peck.
"You already are." Softly telling him before wrapping myself in his arms.
