Chapter 15: Girl talk
Natasha and Lex were in the gym, training. Luke had asked for Clint to be instructor, which suited Nat.
"So, you and Loki? How did that happen?" Nat asked Lex as they walked towards the showers after they'd finished fighting. Lex was learning quickly, and it also helped to have an Asgardian giving her tips in her head. She put a strong shield to him before she answered Nat's question.
"Our minds are joined, it means that we know hell of a lot more about each other than is safe, and that when one person feels something, the other feels it. It means that we can fight well together, and also know when the other is trying to kill you."
"That is defiantly helpful. That'll come in handy, because then he'll know what you like, when you need someone there or when to move the hell out of the way before he gets hit with a fireball."
Lex laughed at that. "So how long have things been going on with you and…?" Lex looked towards the surveillance. Nat filled in the gaps in her head.
"We've been partners since New York. We've grown closer and closer, and things just progressed to the next level." Nat smiled to herself at the thought.
"I bet he's a gentleman. Loki actually asked permission off Tony to date me, or "court me" as he put it. It's sweet though."
"He is a true gentleman. After everything, I suppose I need someone like him. I don't deserve him though."
Lex grabbed onto the older woman's arm. It was almost as if their places were reversed.
"Nat don't say that. You never saw the feed last night did you? I said the same thing to Loki, and he told me that he loved me, no matter what I've done in the past. At least I didn't try to take over New York. I'm sure Steve feels the same way. You do deserve him, don't doubt yourself. Don't make the mistake that I did, and push the ones who love you away."
Nat looked at the girl with respect. She was so young, but so wise.
"Thanks Alex, do you mind if I call you that?"
"Its fine Nat, do you want to go shopping later? I need some half decent clothes other than my suit, however comfy it may be."
"I know how you feel because I'm the same with my cat suit. I'd love to come shopping. I haven't been shopping in ages because Maria's always busy and I can't exactly take the guys shopping, although Steve would probably agree just to make me happy."
"Great! Let's goes have a shower and freshen up, I'll swipe some credit cards off dad and I'll be you in the lounge in an hour. Deal?"
"Deal. See you there."
The women parted and headed to their respective rooms.
Meanwhile in the kitchen, Luke and Clint were also having a heart to heart.
"Clint can I ask you something?" Jake's comment a couple of days before had made him curious.
"Sure mate, what's up? Something wrong between you and Jake?"
"Do you fancy me?" Clint looked up from the apple he was cutting and nearly sliced his finger off. Shit that kid was more observant than he thought."
"You are rather cute." He admitted, going slightly red.
"Thank you Clint, but I'm with Jake. I love him, and I'm not going to leave him. Fury's decided we're going to be partners, and we need to be honest with each other. I like you, but only as a friend. Let's keep it that way, hey?" he reached out and put his hand on Clint's, looking into his eyes for conformation.
"I'm fine with friends. I see that what you and Jake have is special, and I'm not going to wreck that. Apple?" Clint gestured to the apple he'd finished cutting.
"Sure." Luke reached for the apple but Clint slapped his hand away. Luke looked at him in confusion.
"Open." Clint commanded Luke, and hand fed him the apple. At that moment Jake chose to walk in. He looked at the pair and grinned.
"I hope you're not cheating on me Luke." Jake walked over and put his hands round Luke from behind. Luke grinned up at him and kissed him.
"I would never do that to you babe. I love you too much for that."
Clint was making gestures of being sick at them. Luke pulled away and laughed at Clint.
"God you guys get a room. The kitchen table not for sex, no matter what Tony thinks. Get out of here!" Clint walked over to the fridge and pulled out a carton of orange juice.
"You up for it Luke? I'm sure your fragile body won't take it….." Jake whispered in Luke's ear, nibbling on the top of it. Luke groaned slightly, then grabbed Jake's hand and pulled him out the room. Clint shook his head.
"Kids!"
He regretted suggesting that they get a room when the ventilation shaft fell on his head from the racket being made upstairs.