Lucky - Chapter 4


He always thought of them as friends, but the look they exchanged over his shoulder was far away from just that. He had never seen her look at anyone that way; it was new, a fresh flower after a reign of destruction. The rational part tried to reason with him – they'd gone on a mission together not too long ago, they were friends, and he had just begun to overanalyze every interaction she had with those around them. The emotional part snapped a bolt of jealousy through his body so violently his head spun. Get a hold of yourself, Clint! And then, just as fast as the look was there, it was gone, and her focus returned to him. He rearranged his face to less of a sulk and maintained a decent amount of happiness until she was called across the room and sauntered away.

"Aww, come on, Barton, wipe that sorry-for-yourself look off your face," Tony teased, appearing at his shoulder. He managed a quizzical look, "I don't know what you're talking about?"

Tony smirked. "I saw the way you looked at her when she looked at Rogers."

"Lay off, Stark," he sighed, voice to hollow for it to hit harshly.

"Aww, buddy," Tony laughed, "Her and Steve, though? As if!" Passing him a bag of pistachios, he added before leaving him be, "Help yourself, and for fuck's sake, ask her out before I lose my bet!"


One evening, she convinced him to invite the team over for dinner at his tiny apartment. It was spontaneous; she was stretched out across his couch, rifling through a new mission folder. He was making is way through the kitchen, cooking them lasagna for dinner. For a moment, they looked up at the same time and smiled at each other.


When they first started becoming closer and he took her to his place, she teased him about how much of a homemaker he was compared to her. He'd seen her apartment; there wasn't much there but a couch, TV, bed, and small kitchen.

"Any place can feel bigger once you start to actually use the kitchen, Natasha." He took a quick peak through the cabinets; it had the bare minimum required to be functional. All it lacked was a person to put everything together. "Be my guest," she chuckled, sinking to the couch and flipping on the TV. "How do you feel about chocolate?" he called, tugging his coat back on. She glanced over. "An aphrodisiac? Careful, Barton, if I wasn't that smart I'd think you'd only become my friend to seduce me."

He headed out the door for the corner store, laughing, "I'll take that as a 'yes', then."

He baked a chocolate cake that evening, the first thing he had ever made for her. She took a bite, those grey-green eyes widening with delight. She beamed across the table at him and he just grinned. He didn't know. Yet.

"You know, Clint, you and this cake make this tiny place feel a little more like home."


"You know, Clint, you shouldn't let your amazing cooking talents go to waste on just me," she said, closing the file, padding over to the kitchen. He slid the lasagna into the oven and cocked his head at her. As soon as she'd gotten closer, his pulse had picked up. "What are you suggesting?" he returned.

"Let's invite the team over. For dinner."

"Nat, you can't just decide to invite the Avengers over to my apartment," he chuckled, ruffling her hair quickly. She pulled out a rare pout, giving him those wide eyes he loved to see.

"But we're best friends, Clint, what's yours is mine and I think they'd really appreciate it. Plus, I think Tony and Hill are secretly huge foodies. I'm sure they'd love to indulge you in some deep talk about which method really is the best method to make vegetables."

"Ok, well everyone knows that baking veggies is-" She cocked an eyebrow at him and he paused, a faint pink appearing on his cheeks. "Right, you don't care…" Silence stretched out between them before he sighed in defeat. "All right, fine, I'll invite them over. But you're helping me host."

She beamed. "Deal!"


(New Message. Sent to: Iron Dickwad, Cap. Rogers, Thunderbolts & Lightning, Banner, Nat R, Fast & FURYious, Agent Hill): 'Hey, team. I know we all love Stark's parties, but let's face it, the food is just ok. So, Nat gave me the idea to make dinner for the team this Saturday at 7 pm. There'll be lots of great food. Let me know if you can make it.' (3:26 pm)

'Oh, and there'll be lots of alcohol, too.' (Nat R – 3:27 pm)

'Sounds nice, Barton. I'll be there.' (Cap. Rogers – 3:40 pm)

'I will bring the Asgardian Moon whiskey!' (Thunderbolts & Lightning – 3:44 pm)

'Sorry, Barton, I won't be able to make it. Thank you for the generous invite.' (Fast & FURYious – 3:57 pm)

'Boooooooooo, Fury. I, on the other hand, will be there. Can I bring Pepper?' (Iron Dickwad – 4:01 pm)

'Sure, Tony.' (4:02 pm)

'I can make it.' (Banner – 4:07 pm)

'Same, can't wait. Thanks, Barton!' (Agent Hill – 4:31 pm)