study_in_scarlet | Dancing in the Dark (for farmboyhawk)

Even though the whole situation clearly rattled Clint, he was still able to think rationally and give her an easy answer. It was comforting. “That sounds like a nice trip,” Natasha replied. It might be nice to just get into the car and drive, and it was always nice to take in some different scenery. She had hoped to see more before their vacation had gotten derailed but it wasn’t too late.

Grinning and twitching away from his teasing fingers, Natasha reached back to give his thigh a playfully warning pinch. There were very few places where she was actually ticklish but she was pretty sure Clint knew them all, not that he often proved it.

Moving her hand to her stomach again, she looked down at how it rounded just slightly even with her laying down. Peanut, she thought, and really, it was a pretty good description of the ultrasound photo. Still, it was the first time he’d referred to the baby as anything less than formal and she wasn’t sure how to feel about it. It sent a stab of longing through her, of pure and utter want. She was trying so hard to not get too attached until they at least got through the first trimester, but it got more difficult by the minute. She wasn’t yet prepared to admit that it wasn’t only that she couldn’t bring herself to get rid of it, but that there was a part of her that actually wanted this. “My own personal tour guide,” she said, finally looking back at Clint. “Often women find that the sickness passes after the first few months, so we may get that boat ride yet.” She actually sounded hopeful. It was a dangerous path.

"Cruel woman."

Clint chuckled and quickly got his leg out of reach. Natasha knew exactly where to make it sting if she wanted to. They would attract quite the attention if they got into a playful sparring session right now.

Soon enough though, it was Natasha's turn to fall into a much too serious tune for an afternoon in the sun, and he immediately regretted not continuing the teasing instead. It wasn't like he didn't understand her, on the contrary. It was only by mostly trying not to think about the still very present risks too much, that he got through the day. Right now there wasn't really anything they could do besides waiting and hoping. They both weren't too good at that.

"We will, and it will be awesome."

He lowered his head for a quick kiss to her forehead and tried to put all optimism he found inside into his words while his hand wandered back to her belly, just resting there warmly.

"Just think about it, lonely beach, star-shine on the water... We'll roast marshmallows, sing stupid country songs and then..."

His grin turned definitely dirty, making further spoken speculations unnecessary.

She knew she couldn’t live like this, couldn’t keep herself detached just in case everything took a turn for the worse, and it wasn’t fair of her to expect Clint to either. Maybe she wasn’t ready to start picking out names, but she couldn’t pretend like this wasn’t happening either, couldn’t pretend that there wasn’t a life growing inside of her.

Surprisingly, Clint’s optimism helped and she found herself smiling warmly at him and covering his hand on her belly to hold it there. There was nothing really to feel yet, but it was there, and it was time she accepted that. Worrying would only do damage and make the chances even greater of her fears coming true.

He painted a wonderful picture, and she was just closing her eyes and letting the scene play out in her mind when he trailed off very suggestively. Looking up at that filthy grin she let out a laugh. “I didn’t know country songs got you into the mood.”

"Depends on the occasion. Campfire and country just always comes as a pair."

Her smile was so much better to look at and Clint did his best to keep it there. Making a fool out of himself always was a good way for that. And there never was a wrong time for some pop culture lecture.

"You know, like in this old Star Trek movie when the war veterans are doing 'Row row row your boat'. Gets me all melancholic and shit and I need to need to snuggle really badly."

He pulled her a little closer to emphasize his words and gave her that exaggerated seductive look, biting his lower lip with a grin, just to hear her laugh again.

Natasha practically giggled at his actions and swatted playfully at him when he pulled her closer. The combination of that look and those words made it impossible not to laugh.

“If old men singing a children’s song gets you all hot and bothered I may need to reconsider a few things,” she replied.

Shifting around so she was practically sharing his towel with him now, she stretched out the length of his side and placed one hand on his chest, resting her chin on it.

"Not the old guys, just the sappy romance of a good old campfire."

Natasha getting that close was a very welcome change of position. He leaned down to kiss her, just softly, slightly, because he knew he would still taste of salt, and finally reached for that book then. The shadow on his face when he rested it on his chest was very welcome after the heat in the water. And if he got a little lost in thought again instead of in the story he began to read to Natasha, in his best clear, accent-free Italian to make it easier for her to follow, at least she wouldn't see.

The hand not turning pages was caressing her neck and back, harmlessly, softly massaging fingertips treasuring every inch of skin her bathing suit revealed while he spoke. Sometimes he played a little with the strings of her top, just to tease her, but never made a move to open them. Only an unspoken promise that he would definitely up for more games later.

His adventure in the water had still left traces, though, and it wasn't long before his water bottle was empty and his throat still felt sore. His eyes longingly wandered to that one stand in the distance, where they had bought their granita the other day, and he sighed. Getting Natasha to move away from him and letting go off her was pretty far the last thing on his mind right now.

Settling down against him, Natasha turned her head to rest it more comfortably against his chest as he started to read. He had a lovely speaking voice, and she could tell he was making an extra effort to keep his words clear and concise. She loved listening to the soft Italian rolling off of his tongue, and before long she was entirely engrossed, both in the words and him.

His touch felt good, soothing and soft and occasionally teasing, and for a moment she thought she could have stayed like this forever. In answer to his caressing fingertips she let her own trail over his ribs, his shoulder, never once straying to tease. Every once in a while, though, she would turn her face against him and place a gentle kiss to his skin, tasting warmth and salt.

As comfortable and almost dreamlike as this was, Natasha didn’t fail to notice how quickly Clint finished his water, nor how his eyes strayed to the food stands up the beach. She didn’t want to move, but she couldn’t make him suffer either. Slowly she pushed herself up to sit beside him. “I’m going fro a swim,” she announced. It was near time she got into the water and it would give Clint time to rehydrate himself.

"The book and me will be waiting."

Clint winked at her and dutifully put Natasha's bookmark back in before he lazily pushed himself up, wallet in hand, to restock their supplies. He didn't leave without watching Natasha stroll to the water of course, with a very appreciative grin. Her little teasing back hadn't gone unnoticed and just sparked that little fire further that promised an adventurous night.

For that he would need some energy though. Whether it was that knowledge or simply his body screaming for nutrition, it was calming that his stomach reacted to just seeing that food trailer with audible demands. He decided that a big strawberry granita contained enough calories and sugar to not feel light-headed again and brought an extra bottle of water for Natasha, for after her little workout. He shortly thought of buying a can of beer just to get his mind a little off things, but for once he really wasn't a fan of that stuff... And the Italian idea of beer was even worse than what they served in your everyday pub.

Besides, he had yet to see the day when drinking would make anything better.

"How about this one then?"
The girl behind the counter obviously had watched his struggle and came up with a half full bottle of grog from under the food shelves, with a mischievous little grin.
"First one's for free. How about drinking to the end of the Summer?"

Clint decided that the girl was definitely eying him a little too interested and denied politely. Natasha would probably have his guts if he started drinking hard stuff at this time of the day. And a splitting headache tomorrow definitely wouldn't make things better.

He spent his time while indulging his ice cream watching Natasha a little and flipping through the first pages of his own book, but just as expected he didn't have the focus to read. It was so much more interesting, keeping his eyes on his partner and enjoy how relaxed she looked, how easy with something that wasn't quite training, but still so much more graceful than what most people called swimming.

If he hadn't felt so wrung out, maybe he would have joined her again, just for that warm, calming feeling of her body close to his in the water. Maybe they could improvise later, in the shower. After how patient she had been with his brooding and irrationality today, she definitely deserved to be looked after and pampered for a few hours...

Natasha could feel Clint’s eyes on her as she walked, and if she added a little extra swivel to her hips then she could hardly be at fault.

The water was warm and inviting and she dove in as soon as she was deep enough to do so. Swimming out to the buoys, she treaded water for a few minutes, trying to pick Clint out on the beach full of people. Part of her wished he was out there with her, but recalling their last foray into the sea it was probably good he wasn’t. As fun and hot as that had been she was pretty sure neither of them had the energy for that at the moment. It was better saved for later when they could have both feet on solid ground, or a surface to lay on.

Continuing her swim she alternated different strokes between relaxing floating until her limbs were the right amount of heavy and tired. Making her way back to shore she could see Clint on his towel, watching her, and smiled to herself. Even on a beach full of half naked women he only seemed to have eyes for her.

“The water here is perfect,” she said as she approached. Pulling her hair forward over one shoulder, she twisted it around, making sure to dribbled the water on his legs as she wrung it out.

"I know, honey, I've just been in."

Clint took revenge for her little game with using one of these stupid endearments they both weren't into, and made it a show to shiver from the cold drops that hit his skin.

From the corner of his eyes though, he watched Natasha closely and unashamed, enjoying the sight of her swimsuit clinging wet to her lush curves and the sun drying the water on her skin. He felt like leaning over and kissing away every of that little drop on her legs, and then a little higher and... And he really needed to get his mind out of the gutter before things could get embarrassing.

Instead he handed Natasha her bottle of water like a perfect gentleman and did his best to keep his eyes on level with hers.

"Enjoying yourself, I see?"

Giving him a mock glare for that little endearment, Natasha rolled her eyes and flipped her hair back over her shoulder. Taking the bottle he offered her, she took a long drink before sitting down on her towel again and stretching her legs out. Placing her hands behind her she leaned her weight on them and tilted her head back, closing her eyes and letting the sun dry her skin.

“Very much,” she said, smiling a little. It wasn’t just teasing Clint she had been enjoying but just being here with him. Swimming in the warm water, relaxing in the sun, and feeling at peace for the moment despite everything else that that was throwing their lives off kilter.

"Glad to hear."

Clint hoped it sounded as honest as he meant it, in spite of him feeling slightly distracted by Natasha's posture, which presented her body in a most delightful way.

A grin playing on his lips, he moved behind her to wrap her in his arms, frame her legs with his. That way of course he got even wetter from Natasha's still damp skin but suddenly he couldn't care anymore. With a very content little purr he covered her shoulders with little kisses, just like he had fantasized about it a second ago and pressed his body close to hers, shivering a little both at the water hitting his skin and the tempting associations the embrace brought.

"Just needed to remind myself how good that feels", he murmured against her ear and placed another kiss there then.

His tone matched Natasha’s, sounding both teasing yet sincere, and slyly peering at him through just barely cracked lids she could see him openly admiring her body. With anyone else she grew tired of the ogling but she could never get enough of Clint looking at her like that.

Grinning wider when he positioned himself behind her, she settled back against his chest, her hands resting on his legs on either side of her, her fingers occasionally putting just a little bit of pressure against his muscles. His skin was warm against her cool body and she let out a content sigh. She didn’t miss his little shiver.

“Is that so,” she replied, closing her eyes again. “I’m beginning to worry about your memory, or perhaps it is me that is simply not memorable enough.” She tried to keep a straight face while she said this.

"Yeah, you know. Comes with the age. Soon enough you'll see me trying to remember where I left my arrows and trying to figure out Sudokus on the kitchen table."

Clint just laughed and rubbed his stubble-covered chin over her shoulder affectionately before leaning his head back with a sigh, enjoying the last of sun for today just like she did.

"Also, a barely-legal just tried to flirt with me. I figured it would be better to let her know, there's only one woman for me."

“I hope that’s a ways off yet. And in the meantime, any reminding of this nature that you need I would be glad to help with,” she replied. Clint often joked about his age, and she suspected that sometimes their age difference actually bothered him. She thought it was silly, she much preferred to be with him than anyone her age, and it wasn’t like Clint acted maturely all the time. In the end she hardly ever thought about it unless he brought it up. It didn’t matter how old he was, he was the man she wanted to be with and that was that.

Wriggling against him and giggling a little at the scratch of his stubble, she waited until he settled again before resting her head back on his shoulder. At his little confession she raised her eyebrows and looked up at him.

“A very good decision,” she said, smirking slightly. “Guess you’re not too old yet.” She pinched his leg through his shorts teasingly.

"It's still enough to be at least even with you hand-to-hand. Sometimes. On a good day", Clint quickly added before he could be rewarded with another pinch. Natasha knew his most sensitive spots definitely too well.

"I might come back to that reminder later, though..."

His lips got busy with her ear again, alternating between little kisses and soft bites while his fingers drew gentle circles her waist and hips.

"Probably should be eating something before though, or I'll have to get up for a bite in the middle of things. Cooking again? Or shall we try a restaurant? I can call old Zio Turi and ask him to fix us something to take home, if you're rather not among people right now."

It had taken a long time for Natasha to get this comfortable with another person. In the past, the only time she had been so affectionate in public was for a mission, for a reason, but Clint was no mission. Even back home she had been wary, wanting to keep their relationship to themselves as if to protect it, to hold it sacred. Here, though, it didn’t matter who saw them, and it was nice to relax in Clint’s arms heedless of the people around them. Nobody paid them any mind anyhow.

Of course there was still a part of her that wanted to hid away, so the mention of cooking again was tempting, but Clint had been so excited to take her to all his favourite places when they’d first arrived, and she didn’t want to deprive him of that.

“Let’s go out tonight,” she said, tilting her head back to look at him. “Dinner. Dancing. Cinema. Whatever you want to do.”

Clint couldn't deny that he was surprised. He had expected Natasha to be in the mood for remoteness right now, stay in private with some movies and books and avoid any hustle around them. At least until the next few weeks would be over and they both would feel a little more secure with the situation. Hopefully.

But of course that was nonsense. Sitting at home wouldn't make things better. It would only add to that weight of uncertainty and make their tendency too brood worse. And after all, no one said that they needed to drown their sorrows in lots of booze or jump down some roof with wingsuits to have fun. Both not exactly what the doctor recommended right now.

A little walk through the beach nightlife, a nice diner in a coast restaurant and a little bit of music later... That would help cheer both of them up a little. He felt a stupid grin spreading on his lips and quickly hid it with a soft kiss to Natasha's lips.

"Sounds perfect. And we can always drive home anytime when we've had enough. Got some nightly duties to fulfill later, you know..."

The more Natasha thought about it the more she knew that they both needed an evening out. If they continued to isolate themselves it would only make things worse. They needed to continue living, needed distractions, needed to do things that didn’t involve staying home and thinking about what was to come. Besides, it wasn’t as if she was noticeably showing yet to anyone but herself and Clint who knew what to look for, knew her body. They wouldn’t have to worry about anyone asking them questions about it. They would be just another couple out for a date night.

She caught that slight grin before he kissed her and knew this was the right course for them tonight. She could just imagine his boyish excitement as he showed her more places and shared food with her that he loved. “Mmm, I haven’t forgotten,” she replied, smiling at him and squeezing his knee. “What’s on the menu for tonight?” She was already starting to feel hungry again, but she made the sentence purposefully misleading so he could interpret it however she wished.

One thing was for sure: by the end of the night they would both be satisfied in every possible way.

"Whatever you're hungry for", Clint answered in exactly that suggestive tone of hers that had an excited shiver run down his back, but didn't go any further into that. Natasha was sitting a little too close to him for that. Enough embarrassment for today.

"I was thinking, after all that pizza and pasta we had, we can try some seafood stuff for a change. We'll see about that desert later then, when we're home."

He gave her shoulder a playful bite and sucked that small spot of skin softly between his teeth.

Natasha chuckled at his words, her heart feeling light and excited at all the meanings they could have. Moving her hand up his leg to settle on his thigh, she sighed contently as he teased her skin with his mouth, heedless of the sunscreen and salt that covered it. “Seafood sounds good,” she replied, resting her head back on his shoulder. “And something rich and creamy for desert.”

They should probably go back to the house to clean up and change before going out again, but she had the distinct feeling that if they went home they wouldn’t be leaving again until the next day. These places were probably used to tourists combing the beach by day and frequenting their establishments by night, right? Maybe a quick change of clothes would be enough. “Maybe we should pack up here,” she suggested, though it was probably a little early for dinner. Maybe a little snack to tide her over could be arranged.

"You got it, beautiful."

Clint pressed another kiss to her neck and let go off her so she could stand up. He felt a lot clearer, he realized, relieved, when he helped her pack their stuff and lead the way back to the car. Clear enough to drive himself this time. Talking about everything to Natasha and being in the sun for a while had warmed that cold, uncomfortable spot in his soul that constantly tried to fish for worry and bad memories in his brain.

Not much surprising, they were expected when they got home, something that didn't elicit more than a short rolling of his eyes by now. Little one sat on their doorstep not even trying to pretend anymore, with her head high and her thin tail wrapped around her body. Much like a queen waiting for her minions to bring her food.

"Might get disappointed today, furball", he murmured when he passed her by, just patting her head shortly. "No going inside. You can eat out here.
Want to take the shower while I feed her?", he asked Natasha, straightening up with a little sigh. He was turning into the perfect catkeeper, it seemed.

They moved at an unhurried pace, and Natasha was pleased when Clint wordlessly took the keys and got into the driver’s seat of the car. It was the final proof that he was feeling better, at least for now, and just seeing it allowed her to relax even more.

Liho was waiting for them when they returned, and while Natasha knew it probably wasn’t good that the kitten had grown to depend on them so quickly, she couldn’t help but be pleased at the sight of the black furball sitting on the front stoop. Seeing Clint make a beeline for it and offer instantly to feed her only only spurred on that feeling.

“Okay,” Natasha agreed. It was probably a good idea to take separate showers if they wanted to get back out of here in a timely manner, though it was certainly tempting to tell Clint to hurry so he could join her.

Kissing his cheek, she ran her hand down over Liho’s warm fur before slipping into the house, making sure not to let the kitten in with her.

Of course Liho tried anyway but two trained spies were faster than a sneaky animal, so she had to stay outside this time. After a few protesting moews she gave it up, probably knowing she'd get her food anyway. Clint just shook his head with a grin and shortly watched Natasha disappear into the bathroom, fighting that urge to just follow her. It was important that they got out a little tonight and they wouldn't if they would be in one shower together now. There always was later.

Preparing food for little one had become routine by now, so he was done in just a few minutes. He also made sure to cut a few mango slices for Natasha in case she would be hungry and then went back outside with the bowls.

To his very surprise he didn't only find the kitten there waiting for him, throwing herself at that food as if she hadn't eaten in days. A small basket was waiting on his doorstep, upside down so Liho wouldn't try take it apart. When he lifted it, with the everlasting care and mistrust of life-long spy training, he found two books and a package of tea in it, along with a note that made the whole thing clear soon.

Ginger root helps against the morning sickness. NO peppermint. Look it up. Read a good book for once instead of this monster nonsense. Leave them at the table when you don't need them anymore. Librarian will cut me if you lose them. I've also cleaned up and changed the sheets. Try not to ruin these until I bring you back the others. A

Well, so much for not thinking about things today. Clint sighed a little and got up, only to realize he had been petting little one the whole time while reading. Old women and their cats. They had put a spell on him, that was it, surely...

He left the books on the living room table and the tea in the kitchen and quietly entered the bathroom then to see how far Natasha had come.

"Hey... Someone brought presents for you."

He peaked behind the curtain with a weak grin.

"Don't be surprised. Told you, she'd suspect."

As good as it felt to swim and sun her body, it always felt just as good to wash the traces off her skin. She hated the greasy feel of the sunscreen but it was an unfortunate necessity, and she was always glad to be rid of it.

Besides the sickness that morning, today was turning out to be rather perfect, and she actually felt a little excited at the prospect of going out on the town. Of course there was still a very large part of her that wanted to stay home, curl up on the couch in Clint’s arms and watch a movie, but she needed this, they both did.

Natasha had decided to just rinse the seawater from her hair instead of washing it again, so she was just finishing up when Clint entered. Noting the look on his face her stomach sank but she quickly figured out what he was referring to, though she didn’t know what exactly he spoke of. Angelina must have been by while she was in the shower and said something about the pregnancy, and apparently dropped off a few things.

“What did she bring?” she asked, turning off the faucet and wringing the water from her hair. She hoped it wasn’t baby clothes. Of all the things it could be, somehow that seemed like the worst. It was too soon; it would make it too real.

Dancing in the Dark (for farmboyhawk)

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