Chapter 23: All Mixed Up
Principal Nick Fury was not a happy man at the moment. Not at all.
"I'm gonna keep it straight with all of you; this is some class A bullcrap! I cannot believe all of you are in my office right now! You couldn't save this bull until after you left campus?! You had to do it in the hallway?! My hallway?! Damn!"
Principal Fury's office was a place that nobody wanted to go to on bad terms. The middle aged bald black man had a permanent chip on his shoulder, one hell of a temper, and was swift to deal punishment to anyone who deserved it. Even Clint dreaded going to him on bad terms. Poor Brucie Boy. He'd just experienced a bad brawl and public embarrassment, and now he had to deal with Fury. One could argue that he was justified for trading blows with Hammer and Blonsky, but fact remained he still threw the first punch. It sucked that Mr. Coulson, one of his favorite faculty members at the school, was shooting him constant looks of disapproval while Principal Fury ranted on about their behavior, but he couldn't help but feel proud of himself. Though wrapped with an icepack, his right hand still hurt like a bitch. But it served as a reminder of what he did. Bruce had never been in a fight before in his life. He was as far away from confrontational as anyone could be most of the time. And yet his first fight ever, he knocked Justin Hammer out in one swing. Part of Bruce was scared of himself knowing he was capable of doing that, but at the same time WOW! He knocked out Justin Hammer in one swing! Then came the beating from Emil Blonsky. Strange enough, Bruce was proud of himself for that as well. Bruce had never experienced so much physical pain in his life, but he persevered. Bruce saw himself as a weakling, so knowing he took a pounding from a rough lacrosse player without breaking or getting knocked out like Hammer gave him some comfort. Even if he did cry in front of everybody but that's a different thing. Bruce held his head down and looked sideways. In the seats beside him sat an anxious Thor, a neutral looking Clint, a red-faced Emil and dizzy Justin Hammer who was holding an icepack on the side of his head. Bruce smiled on the inside. His friends came for him and defended him. His Circle had his back despite Bruce idiotically trying to push them away. If Bruce wasn't so exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally, he might've shed a tear of happiness.
I'm going to find a way to make this up to them later.
"And further more,-" Principal Fury projected, catching Bruce's attention.
"I don't give a damn about your position on the team, Blonsky! Nor yours, Mr. Odinson! I have had it up to here with all of the drama at this school!"
"With all due respect Mr. Fury, Thor and I were finishing the fight and defending our friend." Clint said calmly.
Bruce was amazed by how cool Clint seemed. Even big beefy Thor was a nervous nelly in Fury's presence, and with good reason. The man's surly attitude combined with a scary looking eye-patch was almost unsettling.
"A fight he started!" Justin exclaimed, his angry eyes looking directly at Bruce.
Bruce struggled not to laugh. Justin was such a child. Bruce knew he'd be happy to nearly break his other hand if that meant he could get another crack at him.
"One that you and your jackass comrade instigated! Bruce would have never thrown the first punch if you had not been looking for trouble!" Thor boomed, and Hammer shrank back in his seat like the worm he was.
"Is it my fault Banner apparently can't handle some jousting words?" Emil asked rudely.
A fire ignited in Bruce's belly. Though he just got his ass kicked by the guy, Bruce was not going to take any more of Emil's crap.
"'Jousting words? Jousting words?! You were intentionally making fun of me and saying hurtful things about me and my friends when I clearly asked you to leave me alone! I don't even know you! Why'd you take the time out of your day to purposefully hurt me you stupid son of a-"
Principal Fury slammed his fist on his desk, the loud bang causing everyone including Coulson and Hill to straighten their spines and quiet up.
"Save that shit for Springer! This is my office! And the only one who will shout and swear up in this mother effer is me! Am I understood?!"
Bruce swallowed nervously and looked straight down at the floor. Blonsky and the other boys did the same. There was no messing around with Principal Fury. You just didn't do it. Fury nodded and cleared his throat.
"Good. Now that we've got that out of the way, time for me to dish out some consequences. We've been here for quite a while. Now, from what I understand, though Blonsky dealt more punishment and prodded at him to begin with, Banner did indeed throw the first punch. Now normally, whoever started the fight would get the more severe punishment as expected. However, I think today I can make an exception."
"You've got to be kidding me." Emil grumbled.
Fury shot him an annoyed glare and pointed a finger at him.
"Did I ask you for your input, Blonsky?! No! Now hush!"
Emil did just that, suppressed anger radiating off him in spades. He almost looked Bruce's way until a quick but noticeable elbow to the ribs from Thor stopped him.
"Now as I was saying; Banner here has a spotless record. Perfect grades. Never popped up on my troublemaker radar even once. Same for Odinson. Hell of a role model. Hammer, Blonsky and Barton? That's a different story. The three of you have been in my office before. More than once. Each experience more unpleasant than the last. It's been a long day for us all. I've got phone calls to make and paperwork to fill out so let's get this over with shall we? Bruce Banner. Thor Odinson."
Bruce's head shot up at the mention of his name. He nervously twiddled with his thumbs. He was so ready to get the rest of this day over with. Whatever the punishment was, Bruce just wanted it dealt with so he could finally go home and take care of his hand. Holy crap did his hand hurt.
"I suggest you two thank Mr. Coulson here as much as possible. I'm supposed to be suspending you both right now, but he's convinced me that you two should just be put in detention for a week instead. Starting tomorrow."
Bruce let out a hard breath he didn't even know he was holding. Thank goodness. Detention sucked but a suspension on his record would've been ten times worse. Thor looked like he wanted to leap out of his chair and give Mr. Coulson the biggest bear hug he could. Instead he settled for bowing to the counselor and tugging on his long blond locks.
"I cannot thank you enough, Son of Coul. You are a gracious man."
"This also means you get to keep your position on the team, Mr. Odinson. I suggest you stay away from any more fights the rest of the year." said Ms. Hill.
"You have my word."
Ms. Hill nodded at him, her mood just as indifferent as Clint's. Mr. Coulson winked at Bruce and Thor and gave them a reassuring thumbs up. Bruce's heart swelled. He was afraid Mr. Coulson would've treated him different for what he did. Nope. He was still good old Phil. Bruce's relief turned back to nervousness as Fury turned his one eye to the other three. He didn't care what happened to Justin and Emil, but he was worried about Clint. Clint's record was far from spotless, but he was just helping out a friend.
"Justin Hammer; you didn't throw any punches but you didstart this whole ordeal. Detention for a month. And no Senior Trip. Get out."
Justin straightened out his glasses and chuckled. Bruce wanted to punch him again so badly.
"No Senior Trip? Nicky, isn't that kind of extr-"
"Get the hell out of my office, Hammer." Fury interrupted coldly.
Justin's face dropped hard. He sniffled and grabbed his things, slowly exiting the room.
"Emil Blonsky," Fury started,
"I am done with you and your obnoxious behavior. You also started this fight, and you hurt Banner pretty badly. Co-captain of the lacrosse team be dammed. Long term suspension for you."
"WHAT?!" Emil erupted, shooting up out of his chair.
"You can't do that! The team needs me!"
"Maybe you should've considered that while you were being a jerk to everyone all this time. Including your fellow lacrosse players. Don't think we haven't already spoken with your coach about this." said Hill, her arched brow daring Emil to say anything further.
"By the way, also no Senior Trip and Prom." Coulson added.
"Are you kidding me right now? This is bullshit! I'm Emil Blonsky!"
"And I'm Nicholas Fury. Nice to meet you. Now get out of my office. We'll see you again after Spring Break."
"Suspension?! Christ! Why can't you just-"
"Emil,..." Clint warned.
Bruce's blood ran cold. Clint Barton in his dangerous mode was something nobody wanted to see.
"Legally Fury can't put his hands on you. But I can. Leave. Now."
"You hear that, Fury? Clint is threatening me!" Emil whined.
Clint laughed mischievously, crossing his legs and shaking his head.
"Oh please, Emil. You haven't seen me threaten. You'd know if I was."
A shiver ran down Bruce's spine. He was more than happy that Clint was sticking up for him, but seeing him like this on top of Principal Fury and his surly air was kind of scary. Emil looked around the room, looking for support from anybody. When everyone just stared at him with blank eyes and tight mouths, he kicked a chair over and stormed out of the office. Clint then looked up at Fury, ready for whatever.
"Now you, Mr. Barton. Admittedly, you're a tricky situation. You've been in several fights ever since your freshman year. Two of them nearly hospitalizing whoever got on your bad side that day. Now I told you after last year's track field brawl that if this happened again, you'd face possible expulsion. And I'm tempted to do it, too. I am really tempted."
Bruce's eyebrows shot up.
Expulson? Oh my goodness!
"But,...this year I've heard good things about you. You've made some friends, most of whom vouched fiercely for you. Your grades have been steady. Your behavior issues have improved vastly. On top of that, this time you got in a fight protecting one of your fellow students. One who just happens to be one of your new friends."
Clint gave a simple nod.
"That's true, Mr. Fury. Whatever happens next, I don't regret my actions." he stated.
Principal Fury pursed his lips and sighed.
"Well, that's all well and good. Unfortunately, there does have to be some consequence for your actions. Short term suspension. Three days. Also, this is your last strike. If I even hear about you talking back to your teachers again or genuinely threatening somebody, I will revoke your Senior Trip and Prom privileges. Am I clear?"
Clint just nodded again.
"I understand."
Fury plopped down in his chair and began messaging his temples. It was clear how tired he was of everything now that the proper punishments were dealt. The other two faculty members took over from there.
"You're all free to go now." said Hill.
"I hope this was a learning experience for all of you. Tread lightly from now on. It's your senior year. Don't ruin it." Coulson said gently.
"We will. I can promise you." said Thor.
Bruce grabbed onto Thor's giant arm as he stood up. Yeah his hand was in crying pain the most but his back was still killing him as well. Damn Emil was a hard hitter. Before they opened the door to leave, Bruce suddenly remembered something and brought Thor down to ear level.
"What is it?" the Asgardian asked quietly.
"I'm not sure, but I think Loki was the one who told Justin and Emil about my situation which started this whole mess in the first place. None of us talk to them so it makes the most sense to me." Bruce whispered.
A flash of anger showed in Thor's crystal blue eyes.
"Thank you for telling me, Bruce. I shall deal with that situation later. In the meantime, let us join our comrades." Thor whispered back.
Bruce nodded, secretly hopeful that if his brother was responsible then Thor would shove his foot up his ass. Out in the hallway, Bruce, Thor and Clint were greeted with the happy faces of Tony, Steve, Natasha, Jane, and T'Challa the second they stepped out.
"I don't want to hear any protests. We're going to Steve's house right now to celebrate." Tony demanded.
Natasha came up to Bruce and put her hand on his shoulder. He was still a little mad at her, but he was also relieved that she still wanted to be around him despite what happened at lunch earlier.
"How are you feeling?" T'Challa asked him.
"I just want to go to bed to be honest. I'm sorry Tony but I'm going to have to protest. I'm tired." said Bruce.
Tony crossed his arms and glowered at Bruce.
"You trying to avoid us again, Brucie Boy? Haven't you learned by now that's not gonna happen?"
Bruce let out a hoarse laugh, hating that Tony was trying to be a wise ass while he was still in pain. He grimaced, clutching at his side after he stopped laughing.
"No no no, I swear. After today I'm not doing that anymore. I promise. It's just...well, I got my ass kicked and I'm still hurting. You guys go ahead. Honestly. I appreciate you all, but I really wanna go to bed."
"If you like I would be happy to drive you home, friend Bruce." Thor suggested.
Bruce shook his head, letting go of Thor's arm and leaning up against the wall.
"No it's okay. I'm sure my mom is already on her way here to pick me up. She's going to have a freakout when she sees me."
"Are you sure?" asked Jane.
Bruce nodded, sighing hard and sliding down to the floor where he put his head in his hands.
"Well you let us know the minute you're feeling better. It really isn't the same hanging out without you." said Steve.
Bruce smiled at them and nodded. Yeah. Betty or no Betty, he was not giving them up.
"I will. I'm sure my Science Bro misses having me at Candyland."
Tony laughed at that one.
"Yes indeedy. Now let's go. He's starving."
"Who?" asked Steve.
"Duh! Me!"
Everyone groaned in unison as they said goodbye to Bruce one last time and headed towards the front door. Everyone but Natasha.
"You guys go on ahead. I'll catch up in a minute." she said.
Then Bruce's stomach started to twist.
Crap baskets.
The beautiful redhead sat down next to him, her lime green eyes staring directly into his. Bruce had trouble suppressing a sly grin. Her vanilla scent was a welcome smell that he would never get tired of. He took a deep breath before managing to slow his pulse down.
It's only Natasha. Get yourself together, Brucie Boy.
Natasha ran her fingers through her bangs and blew a raspberry.
"Bruce...I don't want things to get weird between us, alright? I apologize for what I said yesterday. You didn't deserve my bitch mode."
Bruce couldn't help but chortle.
"'Bitch mode.' That's a good one. I'm...I'm sorry, too. It's just...breakups suck. I mean, damn."
Natasha chortled as well, holding her knees close to her torso.
"I know. I don't show it much but...I do kind of know what you're going through."
Bruce looked at her confused. As far as he knew, Natasha never dated anyone in her life. How could she possibly know what it was like to break up with somebody?
"I thought you-"
"Clint." Natasha interrupted, and suddenly Bruce got a better sense of what she was talking about.
"Oh."
Natasha exhaled and closed her eyes.
"Yeah. I feel so stupid, you know? All this time, here we were telling ourselves 'Oh, we're not boyfriend/girlfriend. We're just close pals who simultaneously act like siblings and friends with benefits.' Truth is...we may as well have been boyfriend/girlfriend. I know this. He knows this."
Friends with benefits. Bruce gulped, feeling nervous asking her this next question.
"So...you and he...?"
Natasha nodded.
"Yes, Bruce. We've had sex. It was an on and off thing ever since we met."
Bruce nervously chewed on his lower lip. He had always had a strong feeling they had some what-what and hey-hey with each other but...wow. Conformation was still surprising to him.
"So that's why during Tony's birthday weekend you were pissed? I mean, really pissed?"
"Yes. As much as I hate to admit it,...I felt threatened by Tony. I felt like...like he was stealing Clint away from me. Like he didn't deserve to have my partner."
"So what changed? You two are obviously more than cool now." asked Bruce.
Natasha's lips form an evil half smile.
"The following Monday. Clint had felt like shit that whole weekend, and he was driving himself crazy with his feelings for Tony. I confronted our friendly neighborhood Stark and...I threatened to kill him if his goal was just to mess around with my partner."
Bruce's eyes widened in shock.
"Holy shit." he blurted out.
Natasha kept grinning, unphased by Bruce's reaction.
"Yeah. It was like that. After I threatened him, he more or less professed his love for Clint. After that,...well I'm sure you can figure the rest out. Tony Stark got his Clyde. And I..."
To Bruce's additional shock, Natasha squeezed her eyes shut. The infamous Natasha Romanoff was choking up. Over a boy. Letting instinct take over, Bruce slid his good hand over her forearm and gripped her fingers.
"So you do know. He's still your best friend but in a way, you and Clint did break up." he said.
"Yeah. I suffered quietly but I did suffer. I'm over it now but sometimes,...sometimes,..."
Natasha sniffed and swallowed, giving Bruce's hand a gentle squeeze.
"I'm really sorry this happened to you." she said, obviously attempting to change the subject.
Bruce looked down at his hand and snorted.
"My breakup or me getting my ass kicked?"
"Both. Although from what I hear, you were quite the asskicker yourself. One strike knockout with your first fight? Sorry if I sound wrong here but I think that's awesome."
Bruce couldn't stop the ear to ear grin the spread on his face if he tried.
"Yeah. I'll admit I'm not proud of myself but at the same time I am."
Natasha squeezed his hand one last time before standing up and straightening her hair out.
"When you're ready to talk about whatever this thing is between you and me, let me know. You're not right now so I'm not going to press. But this does have to happen. You know that, right?"
Bruce's proud grin was wiped away in a snap.
Aaaaaand there it is. Crap baskets.
"You're right. I'm not ready to talk about that yet. But can I ask why it's so important to you all of a sudden?"
Natasha sighed again. He knew she wasn't a fan of sharing, but she pretty much started it.
"Because Bruce...there's somebody I might like. I mean, like like. I'm not sure what to do with these feelings I'm having for him and you. I just...need some clarity."
Bruce nodded at her, not sure what to do with this new information. Natasha nodded back, turning around and jogging to catch up with the others. Then Bruce closed his eyes and stared down at the tiles, counting them in boredom until his mom came to get him. He really needed that nap he was talking about.
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The whole downstairs of the Rogers household was filled with the heavenly aroma of butter and cheese. After making sure Bruce was alright, the rest of the Circle all went straight to Steve's house for an impromptu celebration of sorts. Mrs. Rogers was a little caught off guard, but she was happy to make them all a mid-afternoon lunch. While Mrs. Rogers was busy making stacks of grilled cheese sandwiches, the seven teens piled into Steve's bedroom upstairs. Where of course Tony had initiated an inappropriate conversation while Jane and Natasha were freshening up in the bathroom.
"Admit it. You know it's true." said Tony.
"God you're dumb." Clint replied playfully.
"Stark, I'm afraid you're not making any sense." said T'Challa, who Tony was surprised to see fit so easily with them already.
"Really? I thought I made myself pretty clear." said Tony.
"Not everybody thinks the way you do, T." said Steve.
Tony chuckled smugly. He loved challenging Steve. That wholesome guy routine his friend had was just fun to fuck with every now and then.
"Yes they do, Captain. They just don't admit it."
Thor, who was giggling like a school girl the entire time, scratched his nose and asked,
"So let me get this straight, friend Tony; regardless of the fact that most of our group is straight, you would believe that all men are afraid of vaginas?"
Tony rolled his eyes. Didn't they know him by now?
"That's the PC way of putting it, but here's what I really mean; every man whether straight, gay or Donald motherfucking Trump is terrified of the power of the pussy."
Steve and Thor practically jumped out of their skin at the mention of the p-word. Tony relished in their pink-red faces and sour expressions. He really did have too much fun messing with people sometimes. T'Challa simply stared at him with wide eyes while Clint hid his face with his hands.
"Tony! That's nasty talk. I won't have that in my room." said Steve.
Tony couldn't help but burst out laughing right then.
"Jesus Christ. I swear you're a ten year old in a seventeen year old's body sometimes, Captain."
"I suppose the same could be said for you, Stark. But that's a different thing." T'Challa quipped.
Tony winked at the Wakandan.
"Daaamn. We've got ourselves a good one here, don't we?"
"Good god, Tony." said Clint with a small punch to his shoulder.
"What does that even mean?" asked poor confused Thor.
"Ooooooh. What're we talking about?" asked Jane who entered the room with Natasha close behind.
"Tony here's saying that all guys are afraid of the power of a woman's kitty cat." Clint explained.
To Tony's surprise, the two females simply chuckled and sat down on either side of him. Tony arched an eyebrow, happy to be sandwiched between two gorgeous girls.
My my my. This is getting interesting.
"He's right you know. As well you should be." said Jane.
"Oh yeah. Nothing like a good piece of the cookie to bring a man to his knees." Natasha added with a wink.
"Oh my lord." Steve mumbled into his hands.
"I suppose that's why the two of us are playing for the other team recently?" asked Clint with a flirty look at Tony.
Tony smiled at him. He hid it well but Tony was highly upset at the fact that Clint and Natasha didn't sit with them at lunch today. Clearly they were having some issues, but it was nice having Clint still acting like...well,...Clint with him. Here at Steve's house.
"Yup. That and I have to switch it up every now and then. Otherwise I'd be prying females off of me 24/7."
Natasha punched Tony hard in the arm, making him jump and wince.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"You know for a supposed genius, you're kind of a dummy." Natasha replied.
"A huge dummy. Honestly, Tony. Not everybody sinks that low, alright? Not everybody wants to have sex with you." said Jane.
Tony's Cheshire Cat smile inked across his face.
Oh, is that how it is? Have they forgotten how much of a slut I was before Clint?
"Oh you'd be surprised, Janey Dear. People you know. That's all I'm saying."
Steve grimaced, shaking his head sharply.
"Well I don't wanna have sex with you." he said.
"Nor I." Thor chimed.
"Pass." said Natasha.
"Gracious, no!" T'Challa exclaimed.
"Not even blackout drunk." said Jane.
Tony shrugged it all off. Honestly if his friends did want to have sex with him, he'd be freaked the hell out. He turned his head, wiggling his eyebrows at Clint who was lying behind him.
"I know someone who does want a little bit of what-what hey-hey with yours truly."
Clint snorted, gently shoving Tony a few inches away from him.
"Not at this moment, Sugar Coochie."
"Dayum."
And then the whole group shared a healthy laugh together. Tony loved that despite their differences (some of them pretty major), they were still the Circle. It was why he acted the way he acted. Said the things he said. Never before had he felt so free to be totally and completely himself, so yeah he had fun making them uncomfortable sometimes with nasty talk. Honestly, who hasn't from time to time?
"Steve and company! The grilled cheeses are ready!" Mrs. Rogers announced from downstairs.
Wasting no time, Thor jumped up from his spot on the floor and zipped out of the room in three seconds flat. Steve, Jane, Natasha, and T'Challa followed suit. They knew that if they didn't stop him then the Asgardian would devour 90% of the sandwiches before they could blink. Tony got up to do the same, but he was stopped when Clint grabbed him by the wrist and yanked him down on top of the bed.
"Clint, what-?" was all he could get out before his lips were captured in a hard, hungry kiss.
Tony eagerly participated, feeling practically starved of Clint's good loving all day long.
Damn! This feels good. Really good. Realllly really- wait a minute!
Clint tried slipping his tongue into Tony's mouth, which he almost succeeded in doing. Tony really wanted to get a taste of his Clyde, but there was something he needed to get off his chest first. Tony placed his hands on Clint's shoulders and gave a firm push, unmolding their lips. Clint rolled his eyes and sighed hard.
"Are you serious?" he asked.
Then Tony sat up, wiping off his lips and frowning back.
"Are you serious? You don't talk to me all day. You sit somewhere else at lunch, and now you expect me to just make-out with you, no questions asked?"
"In case you haven't noticed Tony, I just got into a fight and now I'm suspended for a few days. Yes, I expect you to make out with me no questions asked. C'mon, T."
Then Tony scoffed. He scooted further away from Clint, shockingly offended by his behavior for the first time in a long time.
"Look Clint, I get that you're jazzed up or whatever, but don't think I'm over what happened today."
"Christ, Tony. Don't be such a woman. If anything I should be mad at you for last night."
"You mean me refusing to fuck you? Are you kidding me right now? Our sex has been almost nonstop since my birthday. One night I don't give it up so you avoid me?"
Clint's eyes narrowed at Tony. Those intense steely-blues still got Tony nervous whenever his boyfriend got upset. He didn't tell him, but Tony still wasn't completely over Clint hitting him that one time. He was scared that Clint could lose his infamous temper again. He hated feeling like he had to walk on eggshells with the person he's pretty sure he fallen for.
"Look I'm sorry, alright? Can we just move past this? Please?" Clint asked exasperated.
Tony pursed his lips in frustration. He could tell Clint was genuinely apologetic, but no they couldn't move past this. There was a reason he couldn't get naughty with Clint last night.
"Fine." he grumbled.
Alright. Okay. He would swallow his feelings. For now.
"Good. I'm fucking starving. Let's get downstairs before the others suspect something." said Clint hopping off the bed.
Tony followed behind, fighting the urge to bring their discussion back up.
This talk isn't over, Clint Barton. Not by a long shot.
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Clint ate a second grilled cheese sandwich, carrying on casual conversation with the rest of his friends in Steve's living room. The food was tasty. The chatter was funny. T'Challa was a welcome addition to their crew, and Jane was surprisingly cool. He wasn't so sure if she was suddenly more with them because of Betty's breakup with Bruce, but he didn't really care. Jane was a special girl. He could see why Thor was crazy about her, and obviously Natasha was overjoyed to have another female around. And yet, Clint couldn't fully get himself invested in the atmosphere. He wasn't so sure exactly why he was acting the way he was toward Tony, but for some reason he didn't really want to be there. Tony kept acting like his usual self, but every now and then he would flash a glance his way. Every time he didn't Clint would feel...annoyed. He wasn't so sure why, but unfortunately Tony was annoying him. Last night Tony made nice with his brother and defended his honor in front of that prick Rhodey. Clint loved that Tony fought for him. That he wasn't so quick to give up on making him happy. Really he did. But,... Clint was still annoyed. Yes he was a little horny and sex with Tony fantastic, but no naughty time last night wasn't the main reason he was so bothered. It was the fact that Tony clearly had something he wanted to get off his chest but wouldn't say or do whatever it was he wanted to. Clint was not a mindreader. He also wasn't one to ask questions or prod if he didn't feel like it. Yeah it was kind of messed up that he didn't sit with him at lunch today but after what happened with Bruce, did that really matter right now? All he wanted was some hot kisses. Clint shook his head and sighed.
Whatever's got Tony's panties in a bunch he can deal with himself. I'm a boyfriend. Not a psychiatrist.
After he finished his grilled cheeses, he stood up the same time as Thor and Jane.
"I'm uh, I'm gonna head out." Clint announced.
Natasha's eyes locked on him, and he knew that he'd been had. She was still his partner. She knew there was something bugging Clint. It was almost irritating at times but hey, they had a connection.
"What's going on, Clint?" she asked.
Her question gained Tony's attention, who was still flashing him a strange glance. Clint had to tread cautiously. He took a vow years ago to never lie to Natasha, so he'd have to word himself carefully.
"I uh, I just feel like getting some air for a while. I'm um, not feeling 100 percent at the moment."
To his relief, Natasha didn't ask why. She simply shrugged and turned back around. Tony rolled his eyes, turning around as well.
"Lady Jane and I shall take our leave as well. I must take her to little Darcy's house for babysitting duty." Thor informed.
"Should...should I go with you?" T'Challa asked uncertainly.
Clint fought hard not to laugh. He'd almost forgotten that T'Challa was Thor's special guest to take around town with him.
"You're welcome to stick around here a little bit longer." Steve offered.
"Yeah and when you're done with Mr. CookieCutterGoodBoy over here, you and I can go have some real fun. It's been a while since I've hung out with another heir." said Tony.
Clint rolled his eyes and took his leave with Thor and Jane. Sometimes Tony's rich boy thing was cute, but not today. He just wasn't in the mood. After saying their proper goodbyes and heading out in his car, Clint then felt stupid. He really didn't have any other plans on what to do now. He smacked the wheel of his car, aimlessly driving around the neighborhood.
Great, you dummy.
Clint knew by now that Principal Fury had called and told Barney about what happened. Defending a friend or not, he knew Barney was really not going to be happy with the news of his suspension. Clint shivered. Boy he was not ready to deal with that just yet. He thought about maybe going to see Bruce, until he remembered he said he wanted to take a nap. Poor fella. Clint remembered the first time he himself got into a fight. Brucie Boy would definitely need a nap. Clint scratched his chin as he thought, casually cruising around town in his purple Saturn.
Just what else is there for me to do? All my friends are back at Steve's.
For some very weird reason, quite out of nowhere, Clint started thinking about sweet things. Strawberry short cakes. Honey buns. Cinnamon muffins. All were things he liked. Things he had a hankering for for no reason. It was weird? Why did he suddenly have a sweet tooth all of a sudden?
Sweet tooth...sweet tooth,...
He knew somebody else who had a sweet tooth. Sort of. Kinda. Not really. Maybe? Then Clint took out his cell. One of the very few things he actually allowed Tony to get for him was a new Stark-Phone. His old flip phone was a piece of shit. Stark-Phones were all the rage, and they had some very nifty apps and features. Features like finding addresses. Clint chewed on his lips nervously.
This is crazy. Should I? I mean,...should I?
It was crazy. Probably even stupid, but Clint had nothing better to do. He turned on the phone, seeing if he could really find the place he was looking for.
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Huh. Interesting. Clint thought as he parked the car in the lot. He'd found the place. Willshire Pines Apartments. It was a decent looking complex. Nothing too fight for a reservation over but not too shabby. If his Stark-Phone was correct, he'd be looking for the second floor of Building B. Door 209. Clint grew anxious with every step he took the stairs up to the floor.
Why did I search this place up? Why am I coming here? God I feel like such a creeper. This is probably a really bad idea.
And yet Clint continued on, feeling scared and stupid and nervous as he came closer and closer upon Door 209. He took a deep breath and steeled his nerves. He was already there. Might as well do it now and get it over with. Clint raised his hand and knocked softly on the door. When there wasn't an immediate response, he knocked again. A little louder this time. Clint was bouncing on his heels and playing with the belt loops on his jeans as he heard faint footsteps approaching.
Okie dokie. Here we go.
Ten seconds later, the door opened and there he was. The handsome faced sixteen year old Sokovian-American boy known as Pietro Maximoff. The one he'd come to see...for some reason. Pietro was wearing a gray tanktop, beige sweatpants and a dark blue apron. His hair tied in a pony tail. His cheeks with a bit of flour on them. Clint fought not to laugh. It looked kind of cute on him. Pietro's eyes widened when he saw who was standing in his doorway. Clint took a deep breath. After his weird exit from the park the night Clint ran into him, he was surprised Pietro didn't slam the door immediately.
"Clint?" he asked.
"What-what are you...ahem, doing...here?"
Clint couldn't help but crack a smile.
Is he stammering?
"That uh, that's a really good question actually. I'm not too sure myself. Can uh, can I come in?"
Pietro's eyes widened further, growing to the size of saucers. He gulped, not saying anything but continuing to stare oddly. Clint started to get uncomfortable. He couldn't blame him though. What Clint was doing was uber weird in the first place. Of course Pietro wouldn't want to see him. He turned around slowly, nearly jumping out of his skin when he felt a hand on his arm.
"Wait!"
Clint spun around and faced Pietro. The bright haired teen was flustered, blushing a deep pink across his neck and holding the sleeve of Clint's shirt surprisingly tight. Clint arched an eyebrow. This was definitely uber weird. Seriously, what was he doing here? Pietro cleared his throat and slowly let go of Clint's sleeve.
"Um, excuse me. Sorry. You can come in. You know, if you still want to." he said quietly.
Clint smiled at him. So what if it was weird. He was already here, so why not?
"Yeah. Sure."
He followed Pietro into the apartment, greeted to the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg and other nice things. There was also a hint of incense in the living-room, where Wanda was sitting cross legged on the floor reading a book.
"Who was it?" she asked.
Wanda looked up from her book, clearly not expecting to see Clint Barton in their home.
"Uhhhhh, hi?" she asked uncertainly.
Clint waved at her, not really knowing what to say. Wanda didn't say anything further. Instead she looked to her twin for an answer. When Pietro didn't say anything as well, Wanda simply got up and left the living-room, going to their bedroom instead. Clint followed Pietro to the kitchen, where leaned up against a counter and crossed his hands.
"I suppose I owe you an apology." said Clint.
Pietro walked up to him, whisking some kind of cake mix in a big red bowl in his arms.
"Excuse me?" he asked.
"Me. Here. Showing up like this. Don't ask why but I looked you up online and um, found your address. If you're creeped out by me being here, I completely understand." Clint explained.
Lord knows I would be.
To Clint's surprise, Pietro looked confused by his statement.
"Don't get me wrong that is strange but,...if anything I think I owe you an apology. I overreacted last night." he replied.
Overreacted to what though?
Clint grinned and chuckled, highly amused by this young man. Boy was that true.
"I think that's part of the reason I came by actually. I don't know why but...I feel like I wanna know more about what that whole thing was. I..."
Then Clint paused, letting out a nervous laugh. Christ, why was his heart pounding so hard? He barely even knew this kid.
"God I feel so stupid. I can only imagine what you're thinking of me right now. I should just let you go about your business, huh?"
Clint pushed himself off the counter, turning around to head towards the door. Pietro stopped him again, this time gently placing a hand on his chest. Pietro's bright silvery eyes locked onto him. Clint could swear he was breathing a little heavier than usual.
"Ahem. Do you uh, wanna stay for a little bit? I'm uh, making a cake for our grandmother. It's her birthday tomorrow."
Clint smiled softly at him, nodding his head.
"Yeah. Sure. That sounds nice. What do you want me to do?"
Pietro cleared his throat and tugged on his collar, which made Clint arch an eyebrow. Why was Pietro acting so weird around him? Did he really not interact with anyone other than his sister? And Loki? Pietro led Clint to the table where there was already a naked circular yellow cake ready to be dolled up.
"Well since you're asking, would you mind um, putting the vanilla icing on this cake? It's done already. And I'll um...just keep working on this other uh,...cake...layer..thing."
Clint nodded.
"No problem. I have steady hands."
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Some time went by, and soon enough Clint and Pietro finished the entire cake. Three layers of delicious smelling wonder. The lower layer with vanilla icing, the middle with strawberry, and the top with chocolate icing and rainbow sprinkles. It looked absolutely perfect and beautiful. Clint, who had a few smears of chocolate icing on his face and hands, threw an arm around Pietro's shoulder and gave him a friendly shake.
"Wow. We did an awesome job, don't you think?" he asked cheerfully.
He looked at Pietro, who had gone completely rigid and was staring at nothing with saucer eyes again. He also felt the boy's skin start to warm up a little. Clint gave him another shake. Was something wrong?
"You alright?...Oh, oops."
Clint had accidentally smeared some of the chocolate icing from his hand onto Pietro's lower right jaw. Pietro then turned his head and stared at Clint, his eyes looking kind of zoned. Clint withdrew his arm, giving Pietro a little space.
Wow. Did someone turn on the thermostat?
With a weird glazed look in his eyes, Pietro then took his index finger, brought it to the place on his jaw where Clint smeared the icing, and stuck it between his slick pink lips. He sucked on his finger loudly, withdrawing it with a quiet wet pop. Clint's brows shot to the top of his forehead.
Whoah.
He searched for something to say, but suddenly there was a tension in the room that wouldn't allow him to say any words. He saw Pietro's surprisingly built chest rise up and down, breathing at a steady but loud pace. The male Maximoff's lips parted to say something, but then their weird moment was interrupted with another knock on the door. Both young men seemed to snap out of their immobile state, clearing their throats and not so subtly backing away from each other.
"Who uh, who else would come over here?" asked Clint, his throat suddenly drier than remembered.
Pietro scratched behind his head and shrugged, looking at anything besides Clint. He went to the door and answered it.
"Good afternoon." greeted a familiar voice Clint wasn't expecting to hear.
Clint spun around, both shocked and not shocked to see Loki fucking Odinson at the door.
Crap baskets.
"Aaaand that's my cue to leave." he said.
Things were already weird enough as it is. Loki entered the house and bowed to Pietro.
"Hi Loki." said their host awkwardly.
"Hello, friend Pietro. Forgive me if I am intruding. I did not realize Mr. Barton would be over." Loki said politely.
Clint rolled his eyes and quietly left the apartment before something he would regret happened. As he made his way downstairs, he could feel their eyes on him as he got into the car. Yeah. He was ready to go home now.
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On the outside, Pietro was simply blushing and a little sweaty. On the inside, Pietro was screaming. Both out of excitement and anger. Clint Barton, the secret object of his affections for two years, had looked him up and surprised him with a visit. Pietro couldn't believe this! Clint actually wanted to get to know him a little more and spend some time with him! Wow! Pietro played it cool the best he could, but he was still a blushing, stammering idiot around him. He could still feel the ghost of Clint's arm around his shoulder. Wow he felt nice. Good thing Clint seemed oblivious to his extremely obvious crushing behavior. Now worse than ever. Because now it wasn't just about Clint's looks. His very, very good looks. They...they had a connection. Pietro wasn't autistic or antisocial (much), but he really just doesn't know how to act around most other people. So the fact that he and Clint could easily talk to each other made Pietro's heart swell three times its size. Too bad he had to go and ruin it with that icing thing.
What the fuck was that? Flirting? Was I trying to flirt with Clint? And what was I about to say before Loki came? Crap baskets, what the fuck happened to my self-control?!
"So friend Pietro, it is true after all." said Loki, snapping Pietro out of his thoughts.
The male Maximoff grumbled, fighting the need to kick over a piece of furniture. Their grandmother would not appreciate that.
"Didn't we confirm this already? For fuck's sake Loki, what do you want from me?" he snapped.
Loki, undeterred by his attitude, simply chuckled and crossed his arms. The look he gave Pietro was making him feel uncomfortable.
"Quite a mouth you've got, Pietro. You and Clint were made for each other."
Pietro's face heated up. His heart rate soared. His palms grew clammy.
"Excuse me?"
Saved by his sister, Wanda came running into the living room, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the peppermint smelling Asgardian.
"Why hello, Loki! I'm glad you could make it." she said.
Loki's eyes lit up as well.
"Glad to be invited. You have a lovely home, lady Wanda." he complimented.
Pietro wanted to gag at the sight of a blushing, giggling Wanda. Since when does his twin get worked up and bubbly over a guy? Then he slumped his shoulders and mentally slapped himself.
Since I do as well. Fuck me.
A/N: Drama drama drama. What's to come for the Circle?