Dancing in the Dark (for farmboyhawk)

[study_in_scarlet]

They didn’t get a lot of time off together, at least not enough to make a trip away worthwhile, so for this one weekend they decided to stay in the city and play tourist for the day.

They had started with a walk through Central Park before grabbing an early lunch at one of the city’s many street vendors and then wandering through the American Museum of Natural history. Natasha found the Hall of Minerals fascinating while Clint had gotten a kick out of all the dinosaur bones. They both enjoyed laying under the big blue whale with all the normal people.

Afterwards they went to a nice restaurant for supper, blending into the crowd of normal couples as best they could and Natasha actually forgot if she was playing a role or being herself as they finished their wine and shared their desserts.

“Thank you,” she said sincerely as they left the restaurant, stepping back into the cool night air. Nearby a busker played guitar and sang with surprising melody and soul, barely seeming to notice as people threw change into his open case, so caught up was he in his music.


Comments

[study_in_scarlet]

He really was, and Natasha wouldn’t have him any other way. He was ruthless and efficient when he needed to be, but he couldn’t turn off the guilt like she could. That compassion, that softness, was one of the things she loved most about him, and something she felt rubbed off on her in a good way. Some days she thought that he was her humanity; she was certainly much more alive, much more human, with him than she ever had been before.

Wrapping one arm loosely around his shoulders for a moment, she placed a soft kiss to the hollow of his throat before leaning back to look up at him. Angelina sort of knew where he worked, so if asked Natasha could say that she worked with him without having to elaborate, hopefully. Everything else she could probably roll with.

“You keep saying things like that and I’m going to expect to wake up one morning to a surprise wedding thrown by all your neighbours,” Natasha chuckled. It was easy to joke about it as it was something they had never really discussed, something she never really considered doing again. “Now get back in the kitchen.” Pulling away from him, she gave his ass a playful slap.

She doubted she would have to go far to get the information she wanted, then back to the house for some food, a shower, and some more relaxation.

[farmboyhawk]

"Well, you would look ravishing in a white dress..."

Clint quickly ducked his head before Natasha could decide to cut it off. A wedding would go a little far in terms of a harmless cover, admittedly. Still the idea made him grin.

"Aye, Ma'am. Clothes on or off?", he shot back, swaying his hips tentatively on the way back to the house. Fortunately Natasha couldn't see his stupid giggle or the way, his cheeks flushed.

He thought to hear Angelina's warm deep voice somewhere down the street, so that issue would be solved soon. He could just hope, his housekeeper wouldn't tell any embarrassing stories... He had had one or the other night of excessive drinking back then, when he had come here for a few days, to relax from that mission he still couldn't quite remember. He was pretty sure he hadn't done anything too stupid, since he hadn't ended up in the hospital with too much Grappa grog in his blood but...

Warming their pasta carefully on low heat and getting the salad ready distracted him from these worries quickly. He had the radio on again - he was firmly convinced that food tasted so much better with a pinch of his favorite bands in it - and soon found himself singing along again. A local station this time, playing mostly classic rock, and that was just about perfect. Def Leppard and him just sang passionately to love and hate colliding when he thought to hear the door, but he didn't stop, neither preparing his dressing nor his soulful performance. Natasha could always throw a book at his head if it was too bad.

[study_in_scarlet]

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.

[farmboyhawk]

"Yep, they'll be horribly disappointed. I don't do groupies. I'm already firmly committed."

Clint didn't look up from his finishing touch on the dressing for his answer, but he was sure, Natasha would see his grin anyway. If she really liked it, one of these days he actually might sing a little longer for her.

"So, your hunt was successful I hope? And well, since you came back I guess you haven't heard the worst about me yet."

Still grinning, he got out dishes, placemats and napkins from the kitchen cabinets.

[study_in_scarlet]

“Good. Because while I’m not above pulling hair and scratching, I’d prefer to just flaunt you instead.” She could indeed see his grin and she couldn’t resist giving his ear a quick nip before backing off and letting him finish his work.

“Quite successful. There’s a place not far from here. She gave me a name, but we will have to find the number and give him a call to make an appointment,” she said. Snatching a piece of tomato from the bowl she moved toward the fridge, getting them both something to drink while he took care of setting the table. “And she seemed a little more interested in grilling me than talking about you. I think she was trying to determine if I’m good enough for you.”

[farmboyhawk]

"We'll do it the old fashioned way then and call the directory assistance to get the number."

Clint nodded at the outdated phone on the wall in the living room.

"I knew your spy skills would be of good use someday."

The mood was just too good to not keep on teasing each other. Natasha's last remark made him go at least half serious again, though. He stopped by her on the way back to the kitchen to wrap his arms around her waist and kiss the hell out of her, a passionate, affectionate promise for much more of that later.

"You're not good, you're perfect for me."

For a moment he just held her, softly caressing her cheek, her lips with his fingertips before he pulled away reluctantly to serve diner. He wisely waited until he was out of reach before calling back another teasing remark.

"If someone needs proof for that, maybe we should think about that wedding after all..."

[study_in_scarlet]

Natasha was pleased with this plan. Technology certainly made things easier, but it didn’t always make things better, and she was glad that they wouldn’t have to connect to anything any time soon. It wouldn’t be long before she was expected to send a status update to Fury, but she preferred to stay completely undetected until then, to live in this fantasy world just a little longer.

“Oh yes, it was very touchy business asking for someone’s name. Years of training, and I will be using it to call and operator and get the right number and address,” she replied in a completely monotone voice, purely teasing of course. A moment later she found herself in Clint’s arms and she gave herself over willingly to the sudden passion. It didn’t last long, but when he broke the kiss she was already feeling breathless. His words made her smile softly, her fingertips tracing gentle circles on the back of his neck. “She’s just being protective. It’s sweet,” she said. It was nice to know that there were others out there that cared for Clint and wanted to make certain that he was happy.

Reluctantly letting him go, she was surveying the table to see if they were missing anything when his last comment reached her. Turning back around to face him, she raised both eyebrows in his direction. “If that is your idea of a proposal, Barton, then it definitely needs some work,” she shot back, managing to perfectly conceal her amusement.

[farmboyhawk]

"I'll give it a thought and try again as soon as I get the perfect idea, okay?"

Clint was still grinning to himself when finished his work and carried both the pasta pot and the salad bowl to the small table in the living room. Only now he realized he hadn't actually asked Natasha if this was okay for diner. Sometimes that certain mission routine still stuck, it seemed, where there was no time and resources to think much about when and what to eat.

"I hope you like it. If your stomach is still giving you a hard time or something..."

He stopped his mouth quickly before he could start coddling her again and rather got himself a helping of salad from the bowl.

[study_in_scarlet]

“You do that,” Natasha replied, expecting nothing of the sort but content to play along.

Following after Clint with the drinks, she set the glasses on the table and took her seat, giving him a look for his comment. After the afternoon they had spent together she had thought he had forgotten about her sickness, or could at least see that she was clearly feeling better, but apparently he still had lingering worries. Of course so did she, she was just doing a very good job of ignoring them. She was feeling much better today, after all.

“I’m sure it will be very good,” she assured him, dipping out some pasta for herself.

[farmboyhawk]

"One of these days you'll kill me with that look."

Clint pretended to be unimpressed but again made a note to keep it more to himself that he just couldn't stop worrying about Natasha. The last thing he wanted was her feeling uncomfortable.

The food made him forget the subject for a while. Even warmed up, it lost nearly nothing of its charm, and he remembered quite vividly one of the reasons why he always came back here in the end. No one made pasta like these people. He had to stop himself from finishing that whole pot. Natasha shouldn't have to roll him to the bedroom later.

"I need a shower or we wake up in a salt lake tomorrow", he finally sighed when he pushed his plate away. Standing up to go to the bathroom would be quite a task feeling so full, though, so he preferred to half lean on the table for the moment, with his chin resting on his arms, and watch Natasha on the other side with a soft smile. "You know, I could get used to this whole domestic stuff."

[study_in_scarlet]

“Why would I ever want to do that?” she asked sweetly. “Trying to train another man to wait on me hand and foot as well as just how exactly to make me come so hard I blackout just sounds like far too much work.” She said the words in a conversational tone, like there was nothing raunchy about them at all, before shoveling a forkful of pasta into her mouth.

The food was excellent, and Natasha was starting to understand Clint’s worry about eating too much while he was here and getting out of shape. Fury would not be very impressed if two of his best agents returned from vacation and had to be put on a bootcamp type exercise regiment to get back to their former glory. She might have to start joining Clint on his morning runs.

Assuming her stomach didn’t decide to revolt in the morning again.

Ignoring that thought, they ate in comfortable silence until Clint pushed away his plate, signaling he was done. “I could use one myself,” she said around a mouthful of food. She definitely wanted to wash all the salt and sunscreen off of her skin before crawling into their clean bed.

Chewing thoughtfully for a moment, she considered his further statement. Even after they went back home and back to work, why couldn’t they take a part of this with them? Just because they put their lives at risk almost on a daily basis didn’t mean they couldn’t have some normalcy at him, did it? In fact, it was probably exactly the opposite. Maybe they needed a little normalcy, maybe that was what had been missing from their lives. Evenings when they weren’t on shift, time between missions... why couldn’t they spend it together, just like this? Not all of it, of course; they were still their own people and needed time to themselves, but just having meals together when they could, or more time spent relaxing... she quite liked the sound of it. “I think I could to,” she replied, swallowing the mouthful and looking over at him.

[farmboyhawk]

"I'll have to ask Angelina how to do this, then we can have an Italian evening once in a while. You know, before we do all that fulfil-every-wish and orgasm all time record stuff."

Clint's smile deepened when he saw Natasha ponder about his remark and how she didn't seem averse to it at all. Balance, finding a new, healthier way of living for both of them, that suddenly seemed so close. Here was to hoping, it would last.

When he wasn't close to falling into a food coma anymore, he started bringing the dishes back to the kitchen to fill the dishwasher. Long year trained senses and paranoia had him startle for a moment when he saw a silhouette moving behind the mosquito net, but of course it was only their little visitor who seemed to enjoy the last of evening sun, sitting on the window sill. When Clint pushed the net aside to look down on the kitten, it got to its little feet immediately and lifted its head, obviously smelling the remains of the food.

"You've had your diner, fur ball. Gotta hunt a mouse if you need more."

But because he could be nice sometimes, Clint reached through the tilted window down and shook his head, grinning, when the kitten started to lick a few drops of tomato sauce of his fingertips immediately.

"Maybe we should just let you clean the dishes, huh?"

[study_in_scarlet]

“Mm, I like the sound of that,” Natasha replied, returning his smile before continuing with her dinner. Balance, that’s what they needed. It didn’t have to be all or nothing, they didn’t have to devote their ever waking moment to S.H.I.E.L.D. nor did they have to leave it completely. They could do this, they could work it out and find a medium that they could both be happy with.

While Clint started clearing away their mess, Natasha finished off her plate and sat back a moment, her eyes moving to the kitchen when she heard him talking to someone. Smiling when she heard what he was saying, she collected what was left for dishes and carried them to the kitchen as well. “Keep this up and she’ll be sleeping on your pillow by the end of the week,” she teased him as she set the dishes on the counter.

[farmboyhawk]

"As long as I get to sleep on your side of the bed with you then, no objections."

Clint said goodbye to their little friend for the night with a short caress over its head and put the net where it belonged then. Insects in his bedroom were guests he definitely didn't need.

He reached past Natasha to put the rest of the dishes in the dishwasher quickly and efficiently and set it to run then. Spontaneously he pulled Natasha in his arms, lifted her up and sat her on the kitchen counter, standing between her legs.

"Haven't kissed you properly for much too long", he murmured for explanation, close to her lips but not close enough yet, as if waiting for her permission.

[study_in_scarlet]

“Oh, I don’t know... I’ll have to think about it,” she replied coyly.

Standing back while Clint said his good night and finished loading and started the dishwasher, Natasha let out a laugh when he suddenly lifted her into his arms and sat her on the counter. Her arms unconsciously winding around his shoulders, she ran on fingertip down his spine right at the base of his skull to where it disappeared beneath his shirt collar.

“Then what are you waiting for?” she replied, just barely brushing his lips with hers before leaning back to look at him with a smile and raised eyebrows.

[farmboyhawk]

"Your invitation. Living to fulfill all your wishes, remember?"

Before they could start another round of teasing, Clint gave in to his most urgent desire right now and pulled Natasha close, with his hand gently buried in her hair. Her touch had him sigh against her lips, his arm slipping around her waist to press her against him. The last of tomato and spice was on her tongue, her hair was stiff from salt and sand, and touching her had never felt better.

He took his time exploring her lips with his, dragging his lower lip over hers tenderly, teasing her soft skin with the stubble on his chin before his tongue slipped back in her mouth, thoroughly marking every possible spot as his very own territory.

"Better."

He pulled back just a little but kept her lower lip playfully between his teeth, looking up to meet her gaze. God, she was beautiful. The sun had left just the faintest shadow of color on her cheeks, and he would never ever get tired of seeing her so relaxed, so free from all the heaviness that usually dictated their life. She was very young, very innocent looking this evening. He felt a little like eating her alive again.

"Shower. Right", he murmured finally with another sigh but made no move to pull away but instead buried his face against her chest with a satisfied purr.

[study_in_scarlet]

Natasha grinned against his mouth when he pulled her close before losing herself in the kiss. It was slow and exploratory, as if it really had been a long time since he’d last kissed her and he wanted to remind himself of her taste and to map out every inch of her mouth. When he finally pulled back, taking her lower lip with him, she met his gaze unflinchingly, reading everything he was feeling in his eyes.

Sliding her hand up into his hair when he lay his head on her chest, she smiled and just held him, enjoying the closeness. She would have been content to stay here a while, close like this, but after a moment she wrapped her legs around his waist and locked them there. “I need a shower too, so for my first wish how about you carry me there?” she said, making sure her chest heaved just a little extra with her breathing while he had his face buried there.

[farmboyhawk]

"Somehow you always find the right words to motivate me."

Clint chuckled into the softness of her curves pressing against him so perfectly and somehow withstood temptation to start nibble on her skin through her dress. They had time, he rather saw her undressed anyway... and if this was how it would be tonight, with her beautiful deep voice whispering directions and encouragements, he had no objections at all.

He lifted her up easily, both arms wrapped around her waist, his hands on her thighs shoving up her skirt just enough so it wouldn't be in the way, and carried her to the bathroom without hurry. That soft, admiring smile was still on his lips and he never stopped looking at her, reveling in how she looked, how she smiled back and that small glimmer of excitement in her eyes.

Once they were there, he let her down to the floor just as gently and moved behind her to open her dress for her. With his hands already on her shoulders he stopped, though, remembering the drill and moved close enough to her ear to whisper a few soft, pleading words.

"May I?"

[study_in_scarlet]

Clasping her hands behind his neck, Natasha couldn’t help but marvel at Clint’s strength. He lifted her easily and carried her as if she weighed nothing, not even once faltering in his slow, steady stride. His arms were always gentle when he held her and she knew she was safe in them, but she also knew he had the strength to pin her down and be rough with her if he really wanted to. He wouldn’t, not unless she expressly asked him to, but the idea that he could was thrilling enough.

Once she was on her feet again she let her arms fall back to her sides and waited. Moving her hair out of the way and over one shoulder, she nodded at the request and answered with “yes. And the suit as well.”

[farmboyhawk]

"My pleasure."

Clint took his time with that next part too, fingertips circling, caressing, teasing over Natasha's shoulders, down her back, lips placing small kisses on the newly revealed skin until her dress was riding low on her hips. Straightening back up, he caught one of the ends of her bikini bow tie between his teeth and pulled it open, slowly enough to let her feel his breath on her neck until the thin fabric fell to the floor.

Her dress was next, casually pushed out of the way when his hands made their way back down, without even the smallest detour- he was a gentleman after all. Sometimes. If he wanted to.

Also, he actually enjoyed it, just slowly peeling layer by layer off Natasha's soft, smooth skin. First that light dress that didn't need much encouragement anymore to fall to the floor, then the nothing that was her bikini panties. His thumbs brushed over the smooth sensitiveness between her legs when he rolled that last part her hips, so short it was hardly even true. He sat back on the tub edge in the motion to help Natasha all the way out of the puddle around her feet, still all gentleman, save for a small, tender kiss on the sweet curve of her ass on the way.

"Anything else I can do for you?"

As much as they were still playing, there was also the soft, admiring gentleness in his voice, the one always settling in when he was allowed to see her like that. He would never ever get tired of that.

[study_in_scarlet]

Natasha drew her bottom lip in between her teeth and tried to stay still as Clint slowly, torturously, undressed her. Considering how little she was already wearing, it was actually kind of impressive that he could stretch out the act as long as he did without really getting carried away and going off on a detour.

The use of his teeth was a nice touch and hotter than she cared to admit. Maybe next time she would get him to remove most of her clothing with his mouth.

When he had finished she looked back over her shoulder at him a moment, that tone in his voice making her stomach flip.

“Back on your feet,” she said when she turned to face him. Catching the hem of his shirt she pulled it slowly upward, stooping down to follow it’s path with her lips, much as he had done. He still tasted of salt, and she loved the way his muscles contracted slightly as she moved over him. “Arms up,” she instructed as she reached his chest, stopping a moment to swirl her tongue around one nipple before grazing it with her teeth.

[farmboyhawk]

They stood close enough to each other that Natasha had to feel and see the shudder running through his body at the sudden change in her voice, her words. And the way he drew his lower lip between his teeth for a second, to bite back a gasp. Fuck, she was hot when she was being bossy. Ever so often he would resist her just for the thrills when the mood changed like that, challenge her into a battle for dominance. But right now he felt like playing along, continue that little game of obeying her and worship her the way she deserved it.

Which didn't mean he couldn't try steer the game a little himself of course... Like with pressing his body close to hers when he stood up or shifting just a little to the side, so he ended up with one leg between hers, the rough fabric of his pants teasing the insides of her thigh. His lips ghosted over her forehead for just a second while he waited for her to decide what to do next, and a slow, smug smile let her know how much he already enjoyed this.

He lifted his arms immediately when she told him to, but of course couldn't resist letting his muscles play against her hands when she started undressing him, to give her something to watch and feel. The intentional game soon changed into shivers and sensitive skin hardening under much too short, too teasing touch when she attacked him with her mouth. His hands searched for support on the pole high above his head where the shower curtain was fixed.

"I think I like this kind of shower..."

[study_in_scarlet]

She felt him shudder and smirked to herself. This hadn’t been her intention at all earlier in the day. She had intended to show off one of the little ‘outfits’ she had purchased just for him, then have him pin her to the bed and fuck her senseless, but now... well, there was nothing saying they couldn’t do both, right?

He listened well, though of course he had to play his game as well, not that Natasha minded one bit. If fact she ground herself against his leg for a moment, closing her eyes at the sensation before continuing her task. Pulling his shirt off over his head, she ran her hands along his arms, feeling his muscles twitch and flex. She had never seen a more appetizing pair of arms in her life, muscular and veiny but not too much. Standing on her tip toes, she kissed along his shoulder to one perfect bicep. “Mm, I can tell,” she said, dragging her tongue along his arm before biting down on his skin, not enough to break through but definitely more than the usual playful nips. She didn’t want to mark him up too badly, though. Unfortunately here, in this climate, it wouldn’t be as easy to hide them.

[farmboyhawk]

A growl, feral and impatient, escaped Clint's lips. Fuck, as if she didn't know exactly what it did to him when she bit him.

He quickly got the rest of his shirt off his stretched arms and slung it over the curtain rail to hold on to it. If he started touching her now, this would be over in a matter of seconds and that was definitely not where this should be headed.

Instead he let that muscles she admired so much play against her lips, enjoying that sweet low burn from her mark with an aroused sigh while he waited for her next move. His leg between hers pressed against her just a little more, slowly rubbing against her, the fabric of his pants stimulating the sensitive skin.

"We maybe should start that shower before we're too busy, you know..."

[study_in_scarlet]

She knew, she definitely knew, and it was for the growl she elicited that she did it. A shiver ran down her spine and her stomach clenched at the feral sound, and she found herself rubbing against him, just short of practically humping his leg. She could feel his muscles working against her lips and sucked at his skin, wanting to sink her teeth into him and not let go.

“Maybe,” she agreed slowly, lingering a moment longer before abruptly pulling away from Clint. Moving over beside him, she bumped her hip against his before bending over the tub rather provocatively to turn on the tap and start mixing the water. “And maybe you should lose those pants.”