When Clint ducked his head Natasha poked him in the ribs instead before letting him go. He was in a playful mood, something she was very happy to see, and one that had definitely rubbed off on her. Or maybe it was the other way around; she didn’t know and it didn’t matter. It was about time they had a couple of carefree hours with nothing ruining it. “Up to you, since you’re cooking alone,” she called after him, shaking her head slightly. Turning back to the kitten she gave it a parting scratch on the head. “I am going to go subject myself to embarrassing questions for you, little one. I hope you appreciate it.” The kitten purred and twitched its tail.

Walking away from the house, Natasha didn’t have to go far before coming across Angelina. Natasha started out all politeness, introducing herself and thanking the woman for the food and everything she had done to prepare the house for them. It had led into a conversation about how pleased she had been to learn that Clint was not alone this time followed by praising of his character and Natasha’s beauty. Clint had talked about her, so it was nice to finally meet her, and then the questions came. How long had they known each other? Was she aware of his drinking habits? No ring on her finger yet? Tsk tsk. It was the knowing look that went along with that statement that got to Natasha, the way Angelina seemed to be studying her as if she knew some secret they were keeping.

Eventually Natasha was able to steer the conversation away and get the information she needed. Thanking Angelina and inviting the woman over for lunch some day, Natasha retreated back to the house where Clint was in full on concert mode. Her smile instantly returned and she approached him, wrapping her arms around him from behind. “Mmm, my very own rock star. All the other girls will be so jealous,” she said at a break in the lyrics, standing on her tiptoes to peer over his shoulder.