Ok guys, I'm sorry I didn't post this yesterday like promised, but I got back later than I expected. So I immediately went to bed. I was wrong by the way. Chapter 11 isn't The Party, it's A Change in Plans. The next chapter will be The Party. That title might change but it'll still be the Party scene. As far as music that inspired this chapter, there really wasn't any for this chapter. But I hope you like this chapter. It's been a long time coming. Sorry for my absence. I'm glad to be back and I still ship Clintasha extremely! :) I guess I should say that I don't own the Avengers or anything related to them. If I did, there would be way more Clintasha. :)
Chapter Eleven: A Change in Plans
Clint Barton
"I was wondering when you two lovebirds were going to get back." I felt the tension radiating off of Natasha in waves. She was visibly pissed.
"What the hell are you doing here Stark?" She growled as she recovered and rushed into the room, pulling me behind her. She kicked the door, closing it with a slam. "Were you seen?"
"Maybe?" Tony said, shrugging. Natasha had crossed the room in a matter of seconds, promptly invading Tony's breathing space. "I swear Stark, if you compromise our mission, I will personally end you, and that precious suit of yours won't be able to save you." Tony had a calm front put on through years of practice and arrogance, but I could still see the hints of fear embedded in his irises.
"Now, now," he clucked, shaking his head. "That doesn't sound very American with just a hint of French…too many Russian hints in your voice." Natasha's eyes narrowed and a determined look crossed her face. I knew what was coming, and I gave a loopy smile, doing nothing to try and reign in my infuriated partner. If Stark wanted to mess with the redheaded Russian bull, he had to deal with the consequences when it charged. Natasha kept her green eyes locked with Tony, and Tony became determined to keep his locked there too, which was exactly what Natasha wanted. Without any kind of warning, she kicked Tony in the shin, causing him to curse and yelp in pain. Before he had time to recover, she grabbed his arm and thrust him to the ground with one hand, while pulling the gun she always kept on her with the other. She cocked it and pointed it at Tony's head before the daze even left his eyes. Then he was staring down the barrel of her gun.
"I'm not in the mood Stark. Now what the fuck are you doing here?"
"I think you should really be asking what the fuck we're doing here," Tony corrected. Natasha's eyes widened as she understood what he meant.
"Where are they?" She seethed.
"Oh relax Spidey, they're next door." Tony pulled out a cell phone, no longer worried about the gun in Natasha's hand. That was just like Ton Stark: arrogant until the bitter end. "Yeah, guys, it's safe to come down now. Come on Cap, it's fine. Spidey, tell him it's fine." Tony had the audacity to hold the phone out to Natasha.
"You do realize it's loaded right?" Natasha smiled sarcastically, an almost sadistic look in her eyes.
"Oh come on, you wouldn't really shoot me." He scoffed. She tilted her head to the side and raised her eyebrows. Then without warning, she fired the gun. The door burst open as Steve Rogers stumbled in, followed by an antsy Bruce Banner and Thor.
"Friends!" Thor called out.
"What the heck is going on here?" Steve said breathlessly. He took in the sight of Natasha with her gun and Tony who was in a permanent tense position. She hadn't hit him of course. He could be useful to the mission, which made him valuable for the moment and therefore not target practice. The bullet had missed him by only inches though, enough to scare him completely shitless.
"The usual," I said nonchalantly. Natasha lowered her gun and glared at Tony.
"You were saying Tony," She spat.
"Damn it Natasha, you could've fucking shot me!" He said, finally having the courage to open his eyes and glance up at the redheaded Russian standing before him.
"Then don't piss me off Stark! Now what the hell are you doing here?"
"Maurice sent us," Steve said. Natasha and I both turned our glances to the blonde super soldier.
"Why?" Natasha spoke with a softer tone to Steve, which was normal since she spoke to Tony with a hard edge full of constant irritation, but somehow it still made me jealous. Natasha walked past Tony and came to stand beside me.
"He said you needed an 'in' to Fredrick Laclare's exclusive party." Bruce spoke up. He had an awkward manner about him, but then again, if I turned into a gigantic green monster every time I got pissed, I'd probably be awkward too. I could sense Tony stand up. He loomed behind us and I could tell that he was smiling goofily in that arrogant way that only the billionaire could manage.
"Say hello to your 'in.'" Natasha tensed ever so slightly, not enough for the others to notice, but enough for me to see. Oh I would never hear the end of this one, and neither would Maurice. Natasha hated putting the fate of a mission in someone else. It had taken her a few years to get used to having me as partner and to become comfortable having me around on missions. Adding Stark into the mix was just asking for trouble.
"Excuse me?" She asked through gritted teeth.
"Well, you need to get into an exclusive party. I'm a billionaire who can get on the list to any exclusive party I want to."
"Why would an arms dealer like Laclare invite a billionaire superhero to his party?" I asked, finding a flaw in the logic of everyone around. How was this going to work?
"Laclare's not scared of Iron Man," Natasha said. "It's not about Iron Man at all really. It's about reputation and attention. Laclare wouldn't want the attention drawn to him if Tony were to make a big scene about not being admitted to the party. Plus, it would boost his reputation in the arms business if he could say he had a notable superhero like Iron Man at his party and was selling weapons right under his nose."
"Precisely my dear Widow," Tony sneered. I saw her grit her teeth as she tried to keep calm. There was just something about Tony Stark that got under Natasha's skin. He knew exactly how to piss her off and push all her buttons. He'd developed it like a science and completed it like an art. "Aren't you glad you didn't shoot me now?"
"Fuck off Stark," she said without turning around to look at him again. I couldn't help but smile. And then a thought struck me.
"Well we know why Tony's here, but why are the rest of you here?" I asked.
"Fury sent us with Stark for backup." Steve said easily, his blonde hair slicked back perfectly. I snorted.
"It's more likely that you were sent to make sure she doesn't kill Stark before we get into that party. How exactly are we getting into that party?"
"I'd thought you'd never ask," Stark said, a wicked grin on his face. I could tell Natasha was clenching her jaw hard. This was going to be a long night….
X.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.X
- Tony Stark
I'd only been waiting for them for an hour, but when you're sitting alone on a hotel bed in the dark, an hour was a hell of a long time. And I'd planned to make up for it by pissing off Natasha Romanoff every chance I got. I motioned for everyone to follow me farther into the room. There was a small couch against one of the walls with a window above. Natasha hurried past me and closed the windows. "Paranoid much?" I asked.
"We have a cover Stark, and unlike you, we know how to keep it." She said harshly.
"That's not fair. I know how to keep a cover. I just don't like to," I said matter-of-factly.
"Get to the point Tony," Clint said, realizing that Natasha only had so much willpower. If I kept on, it was very likely she would seriously maim me. Still I looked at him, mouth gaping open in shock that he'd interceded on my hell-bent quest to irritate Natasha until her breaking point. I grumbled and sat down on the couch.
"Fine lover boy," I muttered. Natasha's eyes narrowed, farther than I thought even possible.
"Tony, I hate to interrupt your pouting session, but this is a time sensitive situation." Steve interjected.
"Okay, okay, okay," I started, "So you're back stories have officially been edited, well not really your backstory, but Eric Hirst's father's story."
"Go on," Natasha said.
"He worked with my father, not publicly of course. Hirst, it seems, was a very private man. Over the course of their working relationship, Hirst and my father became very good friends, and now, as a favor to one of my father's few good friends, I'm trying to recruit Hirst into working for my company. I heard he was on vacation in Paris, where I happened to be – "
"Who's going to believe that you were just randomly in Paris? You do have to do some work sometime," Banner acknowledged.
"Are you kidding me? When do I ever do work? That's what I keep Pepper around for," I laughed. Everyone frowned, realizing that I had a point. Most of these guys hadn't known me that long, but it was pretty obvious I avoided work whenever possible. It felt too much like a job, and that was so grown up. "Anyway, so I'm in Paris doing anything but work, trying to relax after the amazing feat I accomplished in New York. And when I heard you were here I looked you up and invited you to join me at Laclare's party."
"The party that you aren't invited too," Steve trialed off.
"Cap, I'm Tony Stark. I can get into whatever party I want." I placed a hand in the air and held a finger out, signaling them to wait. This was going to be good! Everyone looked at my hand confused. This brought a gleeful smile to my face. Romanoff had the most pissed off look on her face. 3….2….1…. And right on cue my phone rang. Everyone jumped at the sound. I pulled it out of my jacket and opened it slow and deliberate, placing it on speaker so everyone could hear the pieces of my plan falling into place. "Tony Stark, genius billionaire playboy philanthropist at your service," I emphasized every amazing thing I am, which only garnered eyes rolls from Romanoff and silent annoyance from everyone else. Hey, it was the truth.
"Mr. Stark, this is Angelique Pierre, Mr. Laclare's assistant. I apologize for the hour. I realize that it might be inconvenient for you…."
"Nonsense! Miss Pierre, what can I do for you?"
"Mr. Laclare has become aware that you are in Paris, and he would like to extend an invitation to a party he is holding tomorrow evening in honor of his wife, Cassandra. He would consider it an honor if you would attend. Cassandra is an avid fan of your company's work with clean energy." Angelique's heavy French accent dragged along with each word she spoke, but it all sounded like music to my ears.
"Tomorrow? I'll have to have Pepper check my schedule. What time?"
"Of course sir, the party is at seven sharp."
"Tell Laclare that it's his lucky day. I'll be there."
"Excellent. I'll mark you down on the guest list. Mr. Lacalre will be glad to hear this. Will Ms. Potts be joining you tomorrow evening?"
"Unfortunately not, business in New York has detained her. Someone has to run my company." I smirked, which was obvious in my tone. Miss Pierre gave a fake, disenchanted laugh.
"Of course Mr. Stark. Remember, the party is at seven tomorrow evening." She said, before she hung up.
I placed my phone back in my jacket and just waited for one of the stunned Avengers in front of me to say something about my amazing ability to know what my status would get me, because how could it not…I'm Tony freaking Stark. "Impressive Stark," Banner finally said. Romanoff looked completely disgusted by the exchange, which I took as a plus for me.
"You got lucky Stark." She said through gritted teeth as she stood and took a few steps away from the couch.
"Oh come on Romanoff, humor me. You know that had nothing to do with luck. Now, on to more important details…like what you're wearing." Steve blushed. "Oh come on Cap, I meant to the party tomorrow. You can't show up dressed like that. Did you come prepared?" A dagger flew past me, so close to my face that my hair felt the blade go by. I knew that would piss her off.
"Stark, I always come prepared. Now I suggest you go find another hotel to stay at because you're not sleeping in my room." Bruce, Steve, and Thor all stood and headed for the door.
"Of course Lady Natasha." Thor said, carrying his hammer behind him. I stayed put a little while longer. I was about to put the cherry on top of everything.
"What," I said, leaning back on the couch, "that only Barton's job?" Her body stiffened and she didn't even turn to look at me. Clint exhaled an angry breath.
"Tony," he warned, and I knew my work was done. I stood, waving my hands in mock surrender even though it was clear I was the actual winner. I followed the rest of our freak show out the door, leaving the two lovebirds to their night.
X.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.X
- Natasha Romanoff
I was the first one up in the morning. I woke with a headache from hell. I'd slept poorly last night. I'd been too busy thinking of all the ways Stark and the rest of the Avengers' appearances last night could've blown our cover. They were in our hotel room. Anyone could've seen them. And anyone could've tipped off Laclare about it. The only way I'd finally been able to drift off to sleep was Clint's words that if someone did tell Laclare about Tony's visit, it could easily be twisted to appear as if Stark was visiting Eric Hirst to try and recruit him, which was part of the backstory now apparently. And to be honest, Clint holding my hand didn't hurt either. And it all came rushing back to me. I'd been so worried about our mission's safety last night that I didn't even have time to think about Clint and I. Ugh, everything was a mess. The sooner this mission was over, the better. I needed to get out of Paris before I made a second fatal flaw in judgment.
I was typing away notes about the additions to our backstory and the edited plan when Clint stirred in bed next to me. I looked over at him. He looked so peaceful when he slept. It was truly one of the most beautiful sights I'd ever seen. I wish he could always be like that – at peace, without the pain and melancholy of years in the business weighing on him like it did. As much as I hated to admit it, I cared about Clint, and I knew how seriously he took his job.
I was the first sight he blinked awake to, which I secretly loved, not that I would ever tell Clint that. I just kept typing away on the computer, pretending not to notice him waking up beside me. I didn't bat my eyes at his shirtless chest, even though it was making me slightly uncomfortable on the inside. I kept my rhythm steady and never once looked at him. "You're up early." I acknowledged.
"Not as early as you apparently." He yawned. I withheld a smile and finished up my notes. Then I closed the laptop only to find him staring at me. I wanted to blush, but years of training and being experimented on in the Red Room had given me the ability to control the involuntary function. And blushing right now would show a sign of weakness. I couldn't let my feelings for Clint Barton interfere with our professional relationship. I was already extremely mortified that I'd let memories of our slip the last time we were in Paris cloud my mind enough to blur the lines even further of our relationship. We were partners. Our only relationship was supposed to be a working capacity. However to make a good partnership I've found you have to at least have a basis of friendship and respect. But our relationship was so much more than that. And it was dangerously close to breaking the rules. "You're by far the better note keeper." He smiled. I hated when he smiled, because I loved it and it made me melt inside.
"That's because I actually take notes. I've seen your reports Barton. You're lucky you're a good agent." I kept my voice even, not letting even the slightest inflection enter my voice. Even still, Clint knew I was joking. We'd been around each other long enough that he could easily distinguish my moods and comments even though they usually all came from the same cold, even façade that I kept on. Clint's goofy smile widened.
"What?! You don't think my reports are just the greatest?" He asked with mock hurt that I'd brought the quality of his reports into question. I rolled my eyes and didn't respond, but the glint in my eyes said enough. "So are you ready for tonight?"
"Just like I told Stark last night, I'm always ready for a mission."
"Another party in Paris…." He started, running his hand through his hair. He said it in as even a voice he could, but just like Clint knew me, I knew him, and I caught the uncertain tone through all its masks. I turned and narrowed my eyes at him.
"Another mission in Paris," I corrected. I didn't know how many times I could go through this: having to make it perfectly clear that even though there was something there between us buried deep below all the denial and stubborn ignorance, nothing could happen. As much as he wanted it, and as much as I wanted it, we just couldn't. It would be too dangerous. Partners didn't get involved. It would only cloud our judgments until someone got hurt, and if Clint ever got hurt because of a bad decision on my part, I'd never forgive myself. Clint easily picked up on the sternness in my voice and nodded.
"Whatever you say," He muttered as he rolled out of bed and pulled a gray T-shirt out of his bag, pulling it over his head. "At least I remembered to pack a suit." I let a small smile show. Barton hated dressing up in suits for fancy parties. They just weren't his style. Not that he didn't look good in them - and trust me, he knew he looked good in them. They just made him feel stuffy and confined. I rolled my eyes.
"Barton, you always remember to pack a suit. You've never forgotten to pack anything as long as we've been partners."
"Well with someone like you always on my case, making sure I check and recheck everything, it's kinda hard to forget to pack something." I lowered my head and felt a strand of hair fall in my face. I reached up to brush it away, but Clint's hand beat me to it. We stared at each other for a long time until a knock on our door broke the trance. Clint and I both looked towards the door, guards immediately up. I slid the laptop underneath the bed and immediately became Lena. I leaned back in bed lazily, like I hadn't just been typing notes about our secret mission to steal weapons from Fredrick Laclare and assassinate him. Clint walked slowly to the door, guard up. He was in a position to pretend to be Eric, but could easily slip into badass SHIELD agent if he needed too. He hid a gun in a drawer close by as he sauntered to the door. He was just about to open the door when a voice boomed from the other side.
"Oh come on, I mean I know it's early, but I figured you'd lovebirds would've at least gone to bed at as decent an hour as possible considering you have a party to attend tonight." I leaned back up in bed, groaning as I did. Clint opened the door, pretending to be tired.
"Mr. Stark, what are you doing here?" He stayed in character just in case someone had cameras posted just outside our room. Tony pushed his way into our room and Clint slid the door shut.
"Stark, you've got three seconds to explain why you're in my room again after so short a time." I spat through gritted teeth. Tony didn't even act fazed by my anger. He just looked around at both of us.
"What are you guys doing? We have a party to get ready for?"
"And we're supposed to take punctuality tips from you?" Clint looked at Tony in disbelief. Tony did have a flawless reputation for being the most unprofessional professional in the business. He hated working and had built a name for himself for being late and pushy and avoidant of meetings and parties.
"Now, now, don't get testy on me Robin Hood or Legalos or whichever famous arrow wielding warrior you're trying to be these days…" I gritted my teeth harder. Clint smiled at the obvious joke, but it just made my blood boil more. I picked up a book that I kept behind my pillow, near my gun and chunked it at him.
"Ok, ok, don't make jokes about Spidey's boyfriend," Tony noted, rubbing his arm where the book had hit him.
"You're lucky I didn't aim for your head." I warned. "Now what are you doing here Stark!"
"I'm just paying my dear friends Lena and Eric a visit before our party tonight. By the way, you need to start getting ready. I don't know how long it takes you to become your little seductive enchantress-Jessica Rabbit self, but if you're anything like most women, I assume this'll be an all-day thing." I'd already thrown my book and the only thing I had at my disposal was my gun. I pulled it and readied it for fire, never removing it from where it was aimed at Tony's head. Tony tried to act unafraid, but his body stiffened.
"Now, I think you should rethink that last comment." Clint had a loopy smile on his face at my victory. He laughed quietly as he turned away.
X.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.X
- Clint Barton
Tony and I sat in the lobby of the hotel, both dressed suavely in black suits. We were just waiting on Natasha. Every minute that ticked by left Tony making more annoyed sounds and gestures. He began pacing around. The man really had no attention span. I'd seen Nat get dressed a lot faster many times before. I half thought Nat was taking her sweet time just to get back at Stark for pissing her off. Tony finally sat back down beside me again and leaned over. "Man you sure you wanna keep her around? I don't know how you can stand this all the time." I wasn't going to reply to that, because I knew that Tony wasn't referring to Lena and Eric, but to Nat and I. But even if I was going to answer him, I wouldn't have had time too because Natasha had finally decided to make her appearance. Opting to use the staircase instead of the elevator in true dramatic fashion, she glided down the stairs like she was walking on air. And she was gorgeous. She was always beautiful to me, but that didn't change the fact that every time I saw her, I just stopped and gawked at her. She wore a long white dress that wrapped around all her curves and trailed along the floor. Her hair was up and she wore modest jewelry. Stark nodded in approval and then withdrew his cell phone from his jacket pocket. He stepped away to make a call while I walked up to grab Lena's arm as she came to the bottom of the stairs.
"Well it took you long enough." Stark said as he came back, inserting his phone back into his jacket.
"Who did you just call?" Lena asked, tilting her head to the side in earnest curiosity, but I knew that Nat also wanted to know. She didn't know Stark as well as she knew me and she hated that. Stark was also unpredictable and she hated risking the mission's sanctity with that. I held her arm tighter.
"Relax, I just called the limo up."
"Modesty really isn't your thing is it Tony?" I could tell Natasha hated using Tony rather than Stark, but Lena would always use Tony and would never speak to him in the awful tone that Natasha always reserved for Tony.
"Oh come on Lena. Just pretend you're a Princess for the day." I knew Nat would get him back for that Princess comment later. But she kept it professional, just smiling politely. Tony gestured for us to lead the way. I pulled Nat along with me and took the time to whisper, "You look beautiful." She smiled and blushed, but I could see in her eyes she was worried, because she couldn't tell if that comment had come from Eric or Clint. And then I realized that I didn't know either.