So full disclosure. I am a history student working in museum studies. So all the ideas I'm writing about in this story are in fact mine lol! Just thought I would share! THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR LOVING THIS STORY!
I woke up cradled next to someone.
What?
Opening my eyes to the sunlight peering into the room I found myself facing Clint's chest.
Oh right.
Titling my head up a little I saw that he was still asleep.
Taking an assessment of the situation I found our legs tangled over one another. His arms were wrapped around my waist. Mine were up against his chest.
Craning my neck I looked to my clock on the nightstand and saw that it was just after ten in the morning. That made sense. We didn't crawl into bed until almost two in the morning.
Clint tightened his arms around me. Looking up I saw that he was still asleep. Good, otherwise he might see me blush.
I wish I could reach my phone. I wanted to take a photo of him sleeping. He looked so cute and peaceful.
I still couldn't believe this God was my boyfriend.
I had a lot to tell Beth later.
Snaking my hand up from his chest I reached up and began to stroke his fluffy hair. I lost track of how long my fingers lingered through his hair before he began to stir awake.
When he opened his eyes I gave him a shy smile "Morning."
"Morning." He gave me a sleepy grin before he placed a quick kiss on my lips.
"How did you sleep?" Asking him as I continued to stroke his hair.
"Good. Better than I've slept in a long time."
"Hmm must be the mattress." Quipping as I giggled.
"That must be it." Clint snorted.
He closed his eyes "That feels good." He was referring to my fingers in his hair.
We were quiet for a while enjoying each other's presence, but then my stomach began to rumble.
Clint opened his eyes. There was a glint of amusement in them.
"Somebody's hungry." He said.
"Maybe a little." Admitting.
"You want to eat in or go out?" He asked me.
"Hmm, I'd like to take you for the all-day breakfast at Ted's Bulletin." Answering, pecking his cheek.
"Ted's it is then." He kissed my head "But I'd hate to leave this comfy position." He sighed and closed his eyes again.
"Clint." Laughing as I tried to untangle myself from him "I'm like a little monster. I need to be fed regularly or else I go crazy."
"Jesus your arms are like vices." Struggling to pull myself free "Must be all that time with the bow, Hawkeye." Smirking to him.
"You know it." Clint kissed my neck "I'm very strong."
"So strong." Mocking him in a baby voice.
Clint pouted "Come on Hawkeye time to feed your girlfriend." Attempting once more to break free.
He let out a dramatic sigh "Oh fine. If I must." He loosened his arms and set me free.
"Meet back in fifteen?" Questioning.
"Sounds good." Giving me a kiss before untangling himself from me and getting up.
Smiling I watched him leave the bedroom and heard the front door open and close. Getting up I made my way to the bathroom to freshen up.
My hair somehow still looked good even though I was notorious for having insane bedhead in the mornings so I kept it down.
Keeping it simple I opted for a pair of jeans, my black flats, a black cardigan, and a bright red sleeveless blouse.
Having some time I texted Beth and tried to fill her in on last night's activities as much as I could.
Her initial text was just fourteen exclamation points.
To which she then called me.
"He took you to see Hamilton!" She blared out over the phone.
"Yeah, he did." A goofy smile on my face as I packed my purse "Oh Beth it was literally one of the best nights of my life. Dinner at Fiola Mare and seeing Hamilton. It was a dream." Letting out a happy sigh.
"I'll bet! How was it seeing it live? Was it as good in person?" She questioned.
"It was phenomenal. It was everything I had hoped it would be. Oh, I have a gift for you. Feel free to stop by later and I'll fill you in on all the details. Right now we're about to go to grab breakfast at Ted's Bulletin."
I wanted to mention about me knowing about Clint being an Avenger but for some paranoid reason, I didn't want to say it over a recorded line…
Jesus, I was already becoming wary of "The Man."
"I will pay you back if you get me a cinnamon roll if they still have them. If not I'll take a s'mores tart." She said.
"Noted. I'll text you when we get back. I think I have picked my topic for my submission but I just want to hammer it out one last time."
"Got it lovie." She said "Have a good breakfast. Love you."
"Love you too." Saying to her before we hung up.
Still having a minute I pulled up Instagram and posted the photos from last night, with the caption 'So this happened last night with the greatest man on the planet. We didn't throw away our shot! #hamilton #raiseaglasstofreedom #kennedycenter
When I posted it I fretted for a few seconds about people recognizing Clint but the photo of us barely showed his profile. No one would be able to tell.
A knock on my door brought me out of my bedroom. Grabbing my keys I opened the door and stepped outside flashing Clint a quick smile as I locked my door.
"Come on let's feed the little monster," Clint smirked taking my hand.
After a scrumptious breakfast at Ted's Bulletin, to which Dot paid for, much to Clint's annoyance. She snatched the bill before he could grab it. They went back to their apartment building.
When they had been back for about thirty minutes a knock at the door roused both of them from the couch.
"That will be Beth. Time for girl talk and proposal idea finalization. So as much as I like you, out mister." She giggled pushing him out the front door where he gave Beth a quick wave before she went inside.
"We'll text you when we're done talking about you." Beth joked.
Turning back he caught Dot winking at him before closing the door in his face.
He shook his head with a laugh and went over to his own place.
Deciding to kill time he grabbed his laptop and called Nat.
"So how did it go?" She asked him outright picking up the video call.
"Which part?" He questioned sitting down on the couch with his laptop.
"Start with the date first."
"Dinner was amazing. The food was so good. Dot and I split the best chocolate cake I've ever had. We walked around after dinner and I led her The Kennedy Center. There was pure shock on her face when I told her we were going to see the show." Clint chuckled thinking about Dot's face.
"I take it she liked it then," Nat smirked.
"Nat she loved it. It was worth it more to see Dot watching the show. It-it was like she was absorbing the entire experience into her soul." Clint smiled.
"Oh and she's my girlfriend now." Clint blushed a tad.
"Well, well, well." Nat let out a smile.
"Is Clint on!" Stark's voice yelled in the background.
"Jesus you need to start taking my calls in a more private place!" Clint hissed at Nat, who just shrugged her shoulders.
Stark came into view with Steve and they both took seats.
"So dish! How was last night? I'm assuming it went well from what she posted on Instagram this morning." Stark said.
"What?" The three of them turned to Tony.
"You're following her on Instagram?" Clint asked. Not sure how to feel about that.
"Not following, just monitoring." He explained and pulled up his phone.
"Here this morning from DottieLaurens13 'So this happened last night with the greatest man on the planet. We didn't throw away our shot!' #hamilton #raiseaglasstofreedom #kennedycenter." Stark read aloud to them and then showed them the pictures Dot had posted.
Clint tried to hide his blush when Dot referred to him as the greatest man on the planet.
"I have to say the photo of the two of you is adorbs." He smirked before putting it away "Plus no one will be able to tell it's you."
"Looks like you guys had a great evening." Steve smiled at Clint.
"We did. The restaurant was excellent. When I led her to The Kennedy Center and told her we were seeing Hamilton, I swear Dot almost fainted." Clint chuckled.
"You're welcome again for that by the way." Stark passively waved.
"Yes, thank you again." Clint attempted to not roll his eyes.
Luckily for him, Nat had his back and slapped Tony upside the head.
"Don't lord it over him. He wanted to do something special for his girlfriend." Nat said to Stark.
"Girlfriend!" Stark's interest went through the roof "So it's official I take it!" He grinned like a puppy.
"Yes, we are officially together." Clint rubbed the back of his head out of nervous habit.
"Oh yay!" Stark squealed "When can we meet her? Bring her down immediately!" He demanded with a grin.
"Hold on." Steve interjected before Tony could get further carried away "Does Dorothy know the truth about you."
A grin appeared on Clint's lips and he began to laugh. His teammates looked at him confused and a bit concerned.
"So…..she does?" Nat carefully ventured.
"She knows. She's known for weeks." He laughed "Jesus did that throw me for a loop when I told her."
"She knew!" They all yelled.
"Yeah. Her best friend who is an Avengers superfan, who saw me for ten seconds with Dot one morning told her immediately." He chuckled.
"Christ I was so nervous!" Clint rubbed his hands over his face "I was so sure she would bolt or hate me for lying but when I told her she dropped her head and started to laugh. She said and I quote 'I don't know how much longer I could have kept that a secret.'"
"Oh I like her already." Stark chuckled.
"And she's okay with it?" Nat asked Clint.
"She is." Clint said with a small smile "She said it doesn't matter to her. To her, I'm just Clint. Not Hawkeye, not an Avenger, just the man she likes."
"Aw!" Stark crooned.
"Shut it." Clint narrowed his eyes at Stark.
"We're happy for you buddy." Steve said to Clint "We hope we can meet her soon."
"That's a thing that is definitely going to happen," Stark said.
"She knows it's not going to be easy, and yeah there will be things that need to be brought up, but for now we're just enjoying each other's company. When a topic comes up, then we'll address it." Clint told them.
"Not a bad strategy," Nat commented.
"Uh speaking of addressing certain things-" Tony began "After it was apparent that you liked this woman, out of habit and as a precaution for you I had Friday but together a file on Dorothy." He tried to play it off casually.
"Okay." Clint was a little annoyed, but he understood why Stark did it.
"Did you want me to send it to you?" Stark asked him.
"No." Clint answered immediately "Whatever she wants to tell me, she'll tell me when she's ready."
"Another good call," Nat said and Steve nodded in agreement.
"Got it, no problem. Just thought I'd offer." Stark held up his hands in peaceful surrender.
"Now let's back on the topic of when we get to meet her!" Stark beamed "Oh we should take a field trip and see her at work!"
The rest of them groaned.
"No!" Clint exclaimed.
They were all in for a longer conversation than they anticipated.
But that's how it usually went with Stark.
"Okay I think I got it." Fixating on the butcher paper on my walls "The title will be What's the Password: The Story of Prohibition and the Birth of the Speakeasy."
Turning around to Beth who has finished with her cinnamon roll "Does that sound good or is it too wordy?"
"Nope sounds perfect girl!" Beth cheered "But maybe ask your Avenger boyfriend just to be sure." She grinned.
When Beth arrived I made sure to get everything from last night out of the way so I could focus on my project.
So now every other minute Beth was bringing up the fact that Clint was a superhero.
"You are going to need to be more chill if I ever let you around him again." Being serious with her.
"It's not like I'm going to strap him down and demand answers out him." Beth tried to defend herself.
"No, you'll just verbally annoy him to death." Sarcastically replying.
"Sorry babe but it is a bit trippy that you're romantically involved with a superhero." Beth shrugged.
"Not to us, it's not. We're just continuing as normal." Turning back and staring at the title I had created.
"Okay yes, I'm going with that title. Time to start over now with the finish line in sight." Speaking to myself before I began to rip the lengths of butcher's paper off my walls only to replace it with new, clean pages.
"I always feel bad when I do this. This can't be good for the environment. I really should switch to a larger wipe board." Stuffing the used paper into my recycling bin.
"But you're recycling the paper, plus you don't do it that often," Beth said.
"True." Grabbing a black marker and writing my new title on a fresh sheet of paper.
Pulling out my phone I texted Clint that it was safe to come over whenever he wanted.
"Behave." Pointing at Beth as I put my phone away.
"Yes mom." She groaned out.
Two minutes later there was a knock on my glass door.
"Come in!" Calling out from my spot of writing.
I heard the door open and close.
"Hey Beth." Hearing Clint say hello to my best friend.
"Hey, Hawkeye." She replied. I could hear the smug grin in her voice.
"That's all you get." Responding with my back to her.
"No fun!" I heard her pout in response while I heard Clint chuckle.
"Paper, paper need fresh paper." Saying to myself as I grabbed the roll and pushed it on the floor cutting myself a new sheet.
"Tape? Where's the tape?" Twirling around in a circle with the sheet of paper.
"Kitchen table last time I saw it," Beth responded.
Going over to the kitchen table I saw it sitting there "Thank you!" Calling out.
Coming back into the kitchen I tapped the new piece of paper onto the wall and grabbed a sharpie out of my pocket.
"No blue is artifacts, what color have I not used before?" Glancing at the walls "Teal works." Skipping over to the coffee table where the markers were.
"Oh hi honey." Snapping out of my stupor and noticing Clint "How are you?" Going over and kissing him quickly.
"Good." A smile played at his lips.
"Sorry but I'm in the zone." Gesturing to everything "If you think this is bad you should see the inside of my mind."
Beth snorted.
"Not one word." Narrowing my eyes at her.
"You make it so easy though." She whined.
Rolling my eyes I went over to my new paper and wrote exhibit layouts with a teal marker for a header.
"Oh!" Exclaiming turning around my eyes going to Clint "How does this sound for the exhibit title- What's the Password: The Story of Prohibition and the Birth of the Speakeasy. Be honest." Stressing to him.
"Yes, she will know if you're lying." Beth chimed in and I nodded in agreement.
"I think it sounds very cool. It's interesting. It grabs you in." Clint responded after a couple of seconds of thought.
"Great!" Beaming giving him another kiss.
"It's also 2020 so that makes the topic relevant. Let's party like Jay Gatsby." Beth joked and it made me giggle.
"Party….party…idea!" Raising my voice as the thought popped into my head. Scrambling around to find a notebook.
Without looking up from her book, Beth handed me a notebook.
"See this is why we're best friends." Smiling at her as Clint took a seat on the chair next to the couch. Furiously I began to write my idea down. I wrote so fast it made my hand cramp.
"Okay how about this for an idea. We set up like cocktail nights every other week while the exhibit is going on. Charge for admission since it's a special event. It will be like going to a speakeasy. We could bring in a bartender. Host it in the exhibit area. People could dress up in 20's gear. I could call it Knock Twice: Speakeasy Nights at the Smithsonian!" Growing more and more excited at the idea.
"I! love! that!" Beth clapped out.
"Damn babe that is an awesome idea." Clint beamed at me. He looked so proud.
Of course, it made me blush.
"Oh! Oh! Oh, and we could send an email to the people who sign up with a special password and a notecard to print out. Because some speakeasies required membership cards for entrance as well as a password!" Jumping around in my seat as I wrote everything down "It will really be like turning the Smithsonian into a speakeasy for the night!" Grinning widely.
Flipping to a new notebook page I began to sketch out what a membership card could look like.
"Dottie this idea is so fucking awesome!" Beth cheered "You are definitely going to win! Jude will love this because it will attract a younger audience like he wants!"
"She's right!" Clint snapped his fingers pointing at Beth "You are going to crush the competition."
"Now, now guys chill. I'm going against seasoned vets of the museum world. Everyone wants their own exhibit. I don't expect to be picked my first time around at 26."
They were about to mount a defense when I interrupted them "But the petty person in me will be happy as long as Diana doesn't get picked."
"True." Beth conceded.
"But you will be picked," Clint added and I rolled my eyes.
"Oh, are you psychic now?" Sarcastically asking.
"Yeah, I thought your skill was the bow and arrow. Not seeing into the future." Beth slyly grinned. Very pleased with herself that she was able to bring up another superhero thing.
Turning to Clint I said, "You might as well get used to her annoying you about this."
Clint shrugged his shoulders "Shocking." He deadpanned.
"Good because I have no intention of stopping." Beth grinned at us.
The week passed in a blur. Almost all my free time was taken up with me putting my proposal together. Which meant Clint spent the whole week coming over after I came home from work and labor like a crazy person.
He watched me type, write, and post-it note everything like a maniac. When I got worked up like this it was always hard for my fingers to keep up with my brain to which the rate the ideas spilled out of me.
Constantly I apologized to Clint and told him he didn't need to stay and keep me company in my madness.
He was always adamant about staying though. Which in the end was probably for the best because every couple of hours he made me take a break from work and just had me get up and walk around. At the end of the night, he practically had to pry me away from my work to go to bed.
By the time Friday rolled around he had already spent the whole week spending the night at my apartment.
I tried not to make a big deal about it. Because it wasn't. It was growth. It was normal. And with him, it felt comfortable.
Though Beth made it a big deal.
A great, exciting happy deal. But a big deal nonetheless.
Coming home after the long work week was a wonderful thing. I had managed to keep my proposal submission a secret from Diana. Who was constantly looking over my shoulder, literally and figuratively, while we were at work.
Stepping inside my apartment I put all my stuff down and let out a groan. Submissions were due Monday. My binder was almost complete. I was thoroughly impressed with myself.
Monday would come and once I dropped off my proposal I could breathe a sigh of relief that it was all over…then the waiting game would begin.
Changing into a pair of jeans and a long sleeve shirt my phone rang.
Picking it up I smiled "Hi Pops."
"Hello, my favorite granddaughter."
"I'm your only granddaughter. How are you?" Letting out a chuckle.
"I'm good. But more importantly, how are you?" There was an undertone in his voice.
"I'm fine…I'm almost done with my proposal. Clint's been helping me." Replying
"Ah yes, the mystery man!" Pops exclaimed "Speaking of the mystery man what are the both of you doing tomorrow evening?"
"There it is!" Laughing "You just want the chance to grill him."
"Well yes I want to meet the man who is monopolizing all of my granddaughters time," Pops said with a fake heavy sigh.
"Way to lay it on thick Pops." Snorting as I came out of my bedroom.
Opening the balcony door I went out onto the patio and knocked on Clint's door "I'll ask him if he's free for dinner but you can't stick the shotgun in his face."
Clint's face appeared and he waved me in.
Opening the door I stepped into his place.
"I only use the shotgun when I need to." Pops defended.
"Yeah right." Rolling my eyes after shooting Clint a smile "I'll call you back and let you know."
"Okay love you honey."
"Love you too." Responding before hanging up.
"Hello." Kissing Clint while he sat on the couch "So interesting news." Plopping down next to him.
"Uh Dot, say hello to Natasha." Clint pursed his lips trying not to laugh.
"What?" Questioning confused.
Clint pointed to the laptop and I turned and saw that Clint was in the middle of a video call with Black Widow herself.
"Oh…." Trailing out, dumbstruck.
I was staring face to face with Black Fucking Widow.
Virtually speaking I mean...
"Nice to meet you." She said with a smirk.
"Nice to meet you too." Managing to get out "I've heard a lot about you."
"That's always dangerous." Her eyes shot to Clint as she let out a chuckle.
"All good things." Clint brought me into his lap.
Me letting out a squeak was my response.
I was now sitting on my boyfriend's lap with Black Widow staring at us.
Scratch that. She was analyzing me.
Studying me.
"How was work?" Clint asked me.
"Okay, tiring. Diana was still trying to weasel information out me. I can't wait for Monday to come so I can hand in my submission and have everything be done with." Sighing out as I ran a hand through my hair.
"Dot's submitting a proposal for her own exhibit at work." Clint filled Nat in.
"That's right you work at one of the Smithsonian's?" Nat asked me.
"Yeah the Museum of American History. It's been a bit hectic because everyone and their mother is submitting their ideas for their proposals for exhibit submissions." Explaining to her.
"What's yours about?" She asked with genuine interest.
"The history of prohibition and the birth of the speakeasy. I've also put together ideas for cocktail nights at the Smithsonian to go with the exhibit."
"That sounds interesting. Here's hoping you win it." She gave me a small smile which I returned.
"Thank you, Miss Romanoff."
They both let out a laugh "Please call me Natasha or Nat."
"Yeah, she's not dignified at all." Clint snorted.
"Hey! Don't make me start spilling secrets about you." Natasha narrowed her eyes at Clint.
"Please spill." My eyes twinkling.
"What, what news were you talking about when you came in?" Clint asked changing the subject.
"Oh um…Pops wants us over tomorrow night for dinner. He wants to meet you. Actually, his official words were 'I want to meet the man who is monopolizing all of my granddaughters time.'" Quirking my lips at him.
"I don't know…" Clint trailed off. Obviously nervous.
"Don't worry, Pops can barely work his iPhone. He has no idea who the Avengers are let alone who is on the team." Smiling, trying to ease his fears "He refers to Iron Man as that 'philandering hippy in the robot suits.'"
That made Clint and Nat burst out laughing.
"Oh, I can't wait to tell Tony that." Nat laughed.
"You'll do fine. All you'll have to worry about his Pops sticking his twelve-gauge shotgun in your face." Chuckling.
"Yes, Beth did warn me about that." Clint grinned.
"Looks like you better be on your best behavior," Nat commented smirking.
"I'm always on my best behavior." Clint seriously replied.
The answer was met by silence by both myself and Nat. Catching her eyes through the webcam I shook my head a little.
She smirked back at me in response.
Yay…bonding? I think?
"Well, I'll let you two get on with the rest of your night. It was nice to meet you Dorothy." Natasha said.
"It was a pleasure to meet you as well Natasha. I hope we can meet in person soon." Smiling but I was sweating.
"If Stark has any say then yes we will soon." Shooting us a wink before signing off.
Letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding I collapsed into Clint's arms.
"Oh that was terrifying." Huffing out a sigh.
"You did great." Clint rubbed my back "Like I said she likes you."
"Yeah, now all you have to do is survive my grandfather tomorrow." Snorting as I rested into him.
