Author's Note: Well I don't really have anything new to say, except I am almost done with my semester, and I am really excited. I do hope you all haven't been too upset with me about the lack of updates. I try really hard to update, but it is hard when I have three 5-page essays due within a week of each other. You guys are here to obviously read the next chapter, so I will let you guys do just that.
Beyond the Masks We Wear
Bruce and Clint ate dinner, neither one of them would look at the other for too long. Bruce hadn't forgotten about the kiss earlier in his room, and he was trying to decide if Clint had done it to just snap him out of his own mind or to convey some other emotions. Thankfully his mother didn't notice the awkward aura that permeated the dining room, but if she did, he was glad that she didn't bring it up. Clint happily ate the food, thankful that he could eat such a wonderful meal, as back at the circus, the food wasn't always the best and rarely tasted like it was homemade. Offering to clean up the dishes, Bruce gathered the plates from the table and began washing them, hoping to get a minute to gather his thoughts before asking Clint.
Turning around to gather the rest of the dishes, Bruce jumped as Clint was standing behind him holding the rest of the dishes from the table. Taking a deep breath, to calm himself from the jolt of surprise, Bruce took the dishes from Clint and carefully placed them into the sink.
"About before…" Bruce started before Clint held up a finger to silence him. Bruce just shut his mouth and nodded, letting Clint speak.
"I like you Bruce, I really do. I just don't want to cause you any trouble. You're in high school, destined to attend an amazing science university. I don't want to get in the way."
"You wouldn't ever cause me any trouble, if anything I feel like I caused you trouble since day 1. I know it's selfish, but I really don't want you to leave. I-" Bruce didn't know if he would be able to say the remaining two words. Looking down at the linoleum floor, he mumbled out the last part.
"What did you say Bruce? I'm not on the floor." Clint joked, giving Bruce a little shove before placing his hand on the other's shoulder. Opening his mouth again, Bruce wasn't able to finish as Clint had pulled him into a lung-crushing hug.
"I heard you the first time. I feel the same Bruce. Go talk to your mom, she wanted to have a conversation with you before we head to the Police Station tomorrow. I'll take care of the rest of the dishes." Clint released Bruce and took his place in front of the sink, washing the remaining pans and pots that were used to cook with.
Walking back into the living room, he found his mom sitting on the couch with an expression on her face that he couldn't place. She looked different, almost happier but at the same time her demeanor gave her an ominous aura.
"I know Bruce." She said after he sat down next to her on the couch. He flinched at the expected onslaught of derogatory slurs. When they didn't come, he glanced at his mom.
"You do?"
"Yes. I've known for a while now, I just wanted to give you time to tell me. But from what I think you're going to ask me, I thought I should cut to the chase." Before Bruce could even form a syllable, she continued.
"I know you like Clint, and I have to admit that I think you look happier with him around. I don't know that much about him other than what he has told me. So even though I this may sound weird, if you want him to stay, just go for it and ask."
Giving his mother a quick hug, he returned to the kitchen finding Clint sitting on the counter, a pile of clean wet dishes stacked in the other half of the drying rack. With a warm smile, Clint hopped off the counter and followed Bruce into his bedroom, closing the door behind him.
"How was the chat with your mother? I hope it wasn't to shocking." Shaking his head, Bruce caught Clint off guard and pulled him into a kiss. Revenge for the kiss before dinner.
"I guess we're even now."
"Yeah, we are. I have something to ask you, but I don't know how you will react. However, I understand if you immediately say no." Bruce mumbled, scratching the back of his head.
"I even don't know what my response will be because you haven't asked me anything yet."
"Would you like to stay, here, with me, I mean with us?"
"You mean like… live here with you and your mom?" Clint asked, trying to understand what Bruce was saying.
Instead of getting a response, he saw Bruce nod before his face turned a shade of pink. Gathering the blushing teen into his arms, Clint whispered a "Hell Yes" into his ear, before falling onto the bed.
A/N: Yeah its short. I wanted to stop before the Police scene, as that will probably take a full chapter to deal with. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I apologize for any errors as I am writing this in a very dim window as people in the library surround me.