A/N: Sorry for the wait but thank you for the responses! I've started a new job recently so I've been busy with that. But mostly good things are happening in my life now, so that's an improvement.

My issues aside, hope you enjoy the next chapter! We also get some insight into Darcy's feelings... ;)

"So what's our backstory? We're not sticking with me working for the president, are we?" asked Clint once he settled down in his seat next to Darcy. She had been nice enough to give him her aisle seat. They were on a Thursday morning flight to Phoenix and Darcy was unusually awake. He had a feeling the large coffee she'd just finished was actually her second. Or perhaps she was only as nervous as he was.

"No. I told my mom that you're a consultant for a private security company. But everyone's gonna ask if you've met Obama. Uncle Ted is likely to make some racist comments about Obama. He's Amy's dad."

"So, I'll probably just be silently nodding a lot?" Clint asked, remembering that Amy was the bride.

"Pretty much," shrugged Darcy. "Though if you want to play up the asshole boyfriend I dump, feel free to to offend Uncle Ted. It's really easy. Just say something rational about border control."

"Just point me the direction of the pool and the fondue, and I'm happy."

"Simple man with simple pleasures. Uncle Ted would like that," Darcy snickered and Clint let the joke go without fixing her with a frown.

"You not a fan of Uncle Ted?"

"He's kind of the worst. Always passively aggressively comparing me to Amy. And he's gonna be asking me about when I'm gonna get married and popping out a kid like it's the only real thing I have to offer in life."

"Tell him that we refuse to get married until gay marriage is legal in all states but until then, we'll live together in sin with our adopted, troubled black and hispanic youths," Clint said and Darcy began to guffaw. He didn't know many women who guffawed often but it was Clint's favorite way that Darcy expressed herself.

"Oh my god. Can we? I think he'd have a stroke!" Darcy only stifled her laughter when the passenger in the window seat waited impatiently for them to let him through. They stood up and let the man pass but Darcy took a moment to tap Clint's shoulder with hers. He missed the contact when she sat back down.

"So, is there anyone in the family you actually like?" Clint asked once they settled again. Darcy's shoulders slumped slightly and she looked down, focusing on the safety pamphlet in the seat pocket. His gut tightened.

"Aunt Lisa is super nice. She's my dad's sister. Married to Ted. My dad still doesn't believe they're married. Ted's so…controlling sometimes. I hate it."

"Is she happy?" Clint asked softly. He'd seen more than enough marriages like that as a kid. He didn't always like it but he didn't have a right to tell others how to best live their life if they were just doing what they could to get by. The question caught Darcy off guard and she took a long pause before answering.

"Yes. I think so. Her oldest son, my cousin Sam, has a couple kids she babysits a lot. Sam's pretty nice too. Quiet and super chillaxed. He used to smoke pot a lot in college," Darcy smiled, laughing at an inside joke. Her mood was lifted though and that made Clint's clenched stomach ease.

"What about your parents?"

"Mama and Papa Lewis?" Darcy smirked, nose wrinkling ever so slightly.

"Should I call them that?" Clint raised an eyebrow.

"Only if you want Papa Lewis to threaten you with a shotgun. He may do that anyway. Every time Matt came over, he liked to allude to it."

"I'll be on my best behavior," promised Clint, a muscle twitching in his shoulder at the mention of Matt. Or maybe it was the urge to wrap his arm around her.

"I'll let you in on a secret," whispered Darcy, leaning in close enough for him to smell her shampoo. It smelled like cucumber. "Papa Lewis doesn't own a shotgun."

"That's a relief."

"It's a Colt Diamondback."

"My fear is mingled with respect," admitted Clint and Darcy grinned. He looked down at his lap, because he knew if he didn't, he'd stare at her, silent and goofy.

"Mama Lewis will probably clutch her pearls at the age difference but we're gonna break up soon so whatever," Darcy shrugged, pulling out a Scientific American she bought at the airport newsstand from the seat pocket in front of her.

"Yeah, whatever," said Clint, swallowing past the lump in his throat. He was nine years and 6 months older than Darcy. That wasn't too bad. At least, he didn't let it bother him too much on good days. Leaning back and spreading out his legs as much as he could, Clint crossed his arms. From the corner of his eyes, he watched as Darcy began flipping through the magazine. She always joked that she skimmed through them to try and understand more of Jane's babble but she always took her time with the articles. Often she'd underline or circle words, looking up theories and chewing on her thumb. Sometimes, she'd read an article a few times before clarity registered on her face. Clint had secretly watched her do it numerous times now. Swallowing past the lump in his throat, Clint cleared it and Darcy looked up at the noise.

"You have a sister, right?"

"Oh yeah, Sophie," Darcy remembered cheerfully, shutting the magazine. "About to turn 16 and she's going through her rebellious phase. If it's not related to Gerard Way or on her phone, she probably won't care. So off the hook on that one."

"Gerard who?"

"Lead singer in a band, wears eyeliner and sullen in a sexy way according Sophie."

"Oh…" intoned Clint, sort of understanding.

"Okay," Darcy pulled out her phone and brought up photos of a pretty brunette who had ghosts of Darcy's features but was taller and skinnier. She also had a glint in her eyes that Clint didn't trust. "This is Amy."

"Is that crazy in her eyes?" asked Clint, brow furrowing as Darcy nodded fervently.

"Yeah, I know right? Why are my dad, Sophie and I the only ones who see it? Ugh, she wants me to wear this horrible bridesmaid dress that makes my ass look like I'm trying to hypnotize someone!" groaned Darcy, and Clint could tell she was gearing up for a rant. The plane ride was going to be delightfully quick. He was also wondering what the hell this bridesmaid dress looked like.

Arizona was warm and sunny, a welcome change from New York. As much as Darcy liked living in New York City, she would always love consistently warm weather and open spaces. Though, droughts were something she could do without. The moment that Clint walked out of the plane and onto the ramp, already feeling the heat of Arizona, his face lit up. Darcy secretly watched him, taking joy in the happiness residing in every line of his face and the ease that settled in his body. It wasn't something Clint really let himself feel often. Darcy thought he certainly deserved it. She tried to make him happy, with little quips and buying him fancy coffee blends but she didn't see herself ever being able to make him happy on a long term basis.

They made their way to baggage claim, Clint skimming through a pamphlet on tourist attractions in Phoenix and Darcy looking through the hotel room confirmation email. The plan was to rent a car, head to the hotel and part ways until she introduced him to her parents and little sister just before dinner. Darcy would be engulfed in bridesmaid duties and Clint was gonna knock back margaritas at the poolside. Tonight's dinner was thankfully a low key one. Just Darcy's immediate family eating Mexican food before the crazy of the wedding spilled into every minute of their lives. Also, some time to let Darcy and Clint sleep off the slight time difference.

Truth be told, she was also looking forward to spending as much time alone with Clint until she was dragged away. Even if it was just a half hour car ride. She really did enjoy it when it was just the two of them. A small part of Darcy had a crush on Clint, though she loathed to admit it because she knew it would just signal to the universe that all her hopes needed to be destroyed. She kept it to herself, stealing glances and laughter when she could.

So when Darcy saw her mother and Sophie waiting at baggage claim, she stopped walking and gaped. After a few steps without her, Clint noticed her surprise but he followed her gaze and easily guessed what happened when Mrs. Lewis squealed Darcy's name in joy. Taking it all in stride, Darcy grit her teeth and smiled. Clint placed a warm hand on her lower back, playing the part of a good boyfriend and offering her a shrug and smile that showed he didn't care. It made the lightest of flutters rush through her gut.

Ignoring it all, Darcy finished the short distance and let her mother wrap tight arms around her. She allowed herself to be engulfed in a tight hug and just before it ended, she enjoyed the memory of her childhood- security she'd long since lost. When they broke apart, Darcy hugged a grumpy Sophie, just to annoy the little emo and also because she did genuinely miss her baby sister. The kid had been texting her the terrible updates of the wedding progress up until this point and this was probably one of the few moments calm they were going to have. What a fun few days it was going to be.

"And where have you been hiding this handsome man?" Mrs. Lewis asked, pulled Clint into a big hug. Clint gave Darcy a confused glance but Darcy's was just as surprised as him in the warm welcome. When they pulled way, Mrs. Lewis grabbed Clint's head and gave him a big kiss on the cheek.

"Mom's been drinking Bloody Marys all day," Sophie supplied helpfully and Darcy's mouth formed an understanding 'o'.

"You hush Sophie. It's not a crime to enjoy a wedding," Mrs. Lewis scoffed, turning back to Darcy and tried to whisper. Though her tipsy whispers tended to range from average volume to a little too loud. "Honey, I'm so glad we finally get to meet Clint! You should have seen your Aunt Jodie's face when I told her about your date. She had it in her mind that you were a lesbian. Can you believe that?"

That made Darcy send Sophie a raised eyebrow. The teen snickered as she stared at her phone. Sophie had been the only one in the family who knew about her original lesbian lover plan and very likely told mom's oldest sister. Mom and Jodie were locked in a decades long sibling rivalry that was never helped by the fact Amy preferred distant Aunt Jodie to Aunt Hannah and always insisted in inviting Jodie to Lewis Family get togethers. The pot stirring she-beast.

"But I set her straight," Mrs. Lewis continued as they made their way to the baggage claim belt. "Even told her that Clint had a well to-do job. Hope that's fine."

"I told Aunt Jodie that Clint saved the president's life," Sophie said, not taking her eyes off her phone but still smirking like a little shit. Both Darcy and her mother rolled their eyes.

"I'll love telling her the story then," said Clint with a small shrug. "Jumped in the way and everything. Even have a scar to prove it."

"You'll do just fine here," Mrs. Lewis patted his chest. Darcy sent Clint a small thankful smile. They waited a few moments for the baggage claim belt to start up but it stayed still.

"So mom, why did you decide to pick us up? You know we were gonna rent a car," Darcy tried to say nonchalantly but nervousness still shone through.

"Oh honey, I almost forgot. Slight change of plans. The girls want me to take you straight to lunch for some catch up time and Clint's gonna meet your father at the hotel. Your father and the other fathers are already there are watching some of the younger kids today."

"But I thought I'd introduce Clint to daddy tonight at dinner," argued Darcy, not liking how the day was turning. And it was only 11 AM.

"I know but I thought it would be a great for Clint to meet him now, since you won't see him until the big dinner tonight. The girls said you'll be booked all day."

"What big dinner?" asked Darcy, voice lowering in shock and discontent. "I thought it was just gonna be us."

"We thought it would be nice for the whole family to get together for dinner tonight. Your Aunt Jodie planned it all. I had no say in it," claimed Mrs. Lewis, gesturing that she had washed her hands of the matter. It explained why she'd been drinking so early in the day. With a geared shudder, the belt finally began to moving. Darcy sighed and hoped their bags were the last ones off.

"Oh that reminds me, smile!" Sophie said, perking up. She lifted her phone and took a picture of Clint. When everyone stared at her, she attempted an innocent expression which didn't work so well with her heavy, black eye makeup. "Aunt Jodie said she'd pay me 25 bucks if I show her a real picture of Clint. She's convinced Clint was fake and would have a convenient reason not to come."

"She did, did she?" Mrs. Lewis crossed her arms, anger beginning to boil in her eyes. She was planning revenge. Darcy knew what that slightly wrinkled nose and ever so pursed lips meant. Hell, she inherited that look from her mom.

"My left side is my better side," Clint told Sophie, moving into a pose that Darcy was pretty sure he had taken from Tony. He angled his body away from Sophie and stared steamily in to the camera. Darcy wondered if Clint was a secret camera-whore or if he just decided to earn the fondue.

"Oh, good one. Aunt Jodie's gonna be mad," Sophie said and took a couple of photos with various color filters. Mrs. Lewis giggled in joy, happy she didn't have to do too much revenge planning for now.

"This is gonna be a long weekend," huffed Darcy.

"Hey, it's gonna be fine," Clint assured, stepping next to Darcy and wrapping his arms around her shoulder to pull her into a hug. It was comforting and her worry began to ebb away. "I'll be fine. Go and gossip and I'll behave when I meet your dad."

"See Darcy, Clint's fine with it," Mrs. Lewis insisted, cooing over the affectionate display. "Your father is gonna love him."

"Dad hated Matt. I think anyone else is a step up," smirked Sophie.

"Your father never hated Matt," scoffed Mrs. Lewis, "he just thought the boy lacked…lacked maturity."

"Dad thought he was a tool," Sophie said in a tone that suggested she also had the same sentiment. Darcy felt the sudden urge to defend Matt but let it pass. Instead, she held onto Clint tighter. When he squeezed back, Darcy lay her cheek on his chest, soaking up affection she knew she'd not have another chance to fully enjoy when they were back in reality.

"Watch your language young lady," Mrs. Lewis warned. Not at all perturbed, Sophie snapped a picture of Darcy and Clint's embrace. Realizing what she was doing, Clint kissed the top of Darcy's head and waited for Sophie to take a few more 'candid' pictures. A part of her was annoyed but also a little touched at how similar Sophie was to her. She also didn't want to break contact with Clint, enjoying the pressure of his head atop hers. When Darcy saw her bag appear on the belt, she pulled away and ran towards it. Now was not the time for sentimental feelings that would blow up in her face faster than a Stark experiment. Clint followed her, attempting to grab the bag before her. She heard him call out to Sophie.

"If you get paid more for those pictures, we want a cut of the profit."