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Title: Ordinary Morning
Author: Cindy Ryan
Pairings: Clint/Natasha
notes and summary: See part one
Natasha awoke and stretched. She found the bed next to her empty. Sunlight streamed in through the small window as the Black Widow glanced at the alarm clock; almost nine. Trying to determine where Clint was Natasha listened. The shower wasn't running but she could hear the tv in the living room. The Black Widow also heard dishes clinking in the kitchen. Slipping out of bed Natasha walked out into the main living area. She was surprised at what she saw. The small glass topped dining table between the living room and kitchen was set. White table cloth, a dozen red roses in a vase in the center. A basket of pastries sat on the left side of the table.
"The flowers are beautiful."Natasha complimented as she stepped into the kitchen. "Thank you."
Clint paused in his task of cooking eggs as Natasha reached him. "You're welcome and good morning. I was trying to let you sleep in."
Natasha kissed him. "All I've done lately is sleep, but thanks. Smells wonderful. Is this my present?"
"Think I'd lowball it with breakfast?"Hawkeye scoffed with a grin. "This is just the start."
"You have me intrigued."The Black Widow replied as she kissed her partner once more.
"That's the idea."Clint retorted as they broke apart. "Go sit, food's almost ready."
An hour later Natasha was stuffed. It'd take her weeks at the gym once she was reinstated to get back in fighting shape. The meal had consisted of French toast with fresh strawberries, eggs, coffee and pastries. Natasha decided to just enjoy the day her talk with Clint about Stark could wait.
"Are you trying to spoil me?"Natasha asked with a smile as she settled back in the chair.
Clint grinned as he finished his last bite of egg. "Maybe. Did I succeed?"
Ever since Budapest Natasha was constantly amazed by Clint's faith in her. It was the one solid thing in her life which sometimes scared her.
"Why are you so good to me?"The Black Widow asked seriously.
Clint glanced up surprised at the change from the light banter. He set his fork down and scooted his chair so they were next to each other. Hawkeye took Natasha's right hand in his and squeezed it gently rubbing his thumb over her knuckles.
"Because I love you. I know I don't say it often enough."Barton began softly. "Nat, you're my partner...you're family. What happened in Monaco made me face the possible reality of a life without you and it scared the hell out of me."
Crying wasn't something Natasha did often. She found it a sign of weakness. Today though Natasha felt tears form and slid down her The list of people who had stood by her in her life like Clint had was very short. The Black Widow didn't know what she had done to earn his faith and love but she was grateful.
"Hey, Nat,why the tears?What's wrong?"Clint asked worriedly as he gently brushed a few away.
Sniffling Natasha shook her head. "Nothing...it's just no one has been this wonderful to me in a long time. I love you, Clint."
Smiling Clint kissed his partner once more before rising to his feet.
"Where are you going?"Natasha asked as her right hand lingered with Clint's.
"Thought you wanted your present?"Barton countered with a grin as he walked through the living room and to the hall closet.
Natasha watched as Clint opened the closet retrieved something and shut the door. As he got closer the Black Widow saw a thin long silver envelope with a red ribbon around it. With a nervous smile Hawkeye handed it to Natasha. The Black Widow was surprised by the weight of the envelope. Maybe he had slid a necklace inside? Taking off the ribbon and setting it on the table Nat opened the envelope. Tucked inside was a folded piece of white stationary. Curious Natasha glanced up at Clint to find he had sat down. Pulling out the paper Natasha discovered it was a letter from Director Fury. As she unfolded the paper the rest of the way a package of tickets tumbled into her lap. Natasha forced herself to read the letter first.
Dear Ms. Romanoff:
On behalf of the President of the United States I'd like to commend you for your bravery and exemplary service in the battle of New York City. In addition to the good work in the recent mission in Monaco. For both you will be rewarded with your choice of mission posts once cleared for duty.
Until then you and your partner have earned some time off. I have spoke with Dr. Jamison and on his advice have approved six weeks off for both of you. Don't argue, Natasha. Enjoy the time; you've earned it.
Nicholas Fury
"The tickets are plane tickets to Athens."Clint explained softly as Natasha met his gaze. "The others...I know our last time on a boat didn't go so well but I know how much you wanted to go back to Monaco...there's a couple different Mediterranean cruise packages there for you to choose from. I wasn't sure ..."
Natasha set the envelope and contents on her lap and reached over kissing Clint long and deep. When they finally broke apart Natasha tenderly touched Clint's right cheek.
"I take it you like your gift."Barton surmised with a grin.
"It's wonderful."Natasha commented. "And it doesn't matter which one we go on because any will be perfect. Thank you."
Clint rested his forehead against Natasha's. "Jamison's cleared you for travel. There's a flight tonight for Athens or one tomorrow morning. Which one?"
"Tonight."Natasha replied quietly. "I don't want to waste a second of our vacation."
"Tonight it is."Hawkeye agreed.
end