Clint already opened his mouth to tell her again that it was her decision only when she froze in his arms. But then the discussion would either start again or they would be just where they had been in the afternoon, trying not to hurt each other and still doing so.

Maybe he needed to be egoistic about this part. He needed to know, to be sure. It wouldn't change his decision if it didn't effect hers, but he had to face this with both eyes open. He had run too often in his life and fallen flat on his face too often for that. If he wanted to support Natasha, he needed to stay in balance himself, somehow.

So he stayed silent and wrapped both arms around her again when she nodded, cradled her close against his body and stayed like this with his lips pressed gently against her forehead, nothing else. Just letting her feel he was there, now and in whatever would come up next, like promised. He didn't ask her to go upstairs or if she wanted to head for bed - he had a feeling it had to be evening by now - he said nothing at all. At least this time the silence didn't hurt as much.

She felt small and vulnerable in his arms this evening, and that hurt too. But that's what partners were for, right? He had to be the strong part on such evenings and provide whatever she needed.