Many thanks to Aublanc, my beta for this story.
Title: Compromised
Prompt: "Write a story taking place during another culture's festival."
Warnings: Post Thor: Dark World
"Okay, you can say what you want about Asgardians, but they sure know how to party."
Natasha rolled her eyes and sampled another platter of roasted meats.
"You only say that because they have an open bar policy."
Clint grinned and nudged her shoulder with his, careful not to slop his mead.
"Ah, come on Tasha. Live a little, let your hair down! We haven't been to a party like this since that time in Rio."
She smirked, eyeing the distant tangle of limbs and off-key notes that was Tony and the Warriors Three serenading the good doctor with bawdy drinking songs.
"If you're talking about that quinceañera we crashed, I seem to remember you falling into a fountain halfway through and blowing our cover."
Clint shrugged and took another gulp of mead.
"I don't see any fountains around here, do you? Besides, we were actually invited this time. No worries."
"Maybe."
The pair was silent for a while after that, just sitting back and letting the festivities wash over them. Clint found his eye drawn to the couple on the dais. Thor and Jane were stuffing honeyed fruits into each other's mouth and positively beaming with happiness.
"Do you ever wonder—"
He cut himself off and grimaced before draining the rest of his tankard.
"Clint?"
"It's nothing. Never mind."
Natasha looked at him and set her plate down before tugging him to his feet, leading him out to a column lined balcony. She dropped his hand and went to lean against one of the pillars, the bright Asgardian moon lighting her face.
"Some things just aren't meant for us, Barton."
"I know."
They stood there in silence, watching the moon sink steadily towards the horizon. Even when the happy couple said their goodbyes, they hid in the shadows. The moon was just kissing the edge of the ocean when Natasha caught his gaze again and held his eyes with her own.
"Agent Barton…I've been compromised."
His mouth dried and lips ticked upwards.
"Yeah. Me too."