december challenge

“Katie-Kate?” Clint stumbles down the stairs as Lucky enthusiastically barks at whoever dares to wake him before noon on a day off. “Nope.” A cheerfully pitched female voice makes him shudder and he quickly heads towards the coffeemaker. “Coffee.” He whines pitifully as he sees that it’s empty. Clint really isn’t a morning person and coffee is necessary to make him at least a little human okay. Laughter is his only response before he gets shoved aside and quick hands make work of the coffeemaker. He drops down on the couch, head falling back and eyes closing while he scratches Lukcy who’s making herself comfortable next to him.

He must have drifted up because when he opens his eyes again the smell of fresh coffee, bacon and eggs great him and he groans happily. He slowly gets up and scratches, petting the dog a few times before turning around and going to the kitchen for coffee. And breakfast but first coffee. “Darce?” He stumbles to a halt at the sight of the young woman who has apparently made him breakfast.

“Hi sleepy.” Darcy beams at him and motions for him to sit down as she puts a large coffee mug and a plate on the table. Clint makes a beeline for the mug and happily downs all the coffee. He immediately feels more awake and shoots her a smile in thanks. Darcy picks up the coffeepot and refills the mug as Clint finally sits down. “Thanks and uh… Not to sound ungrateful but what are you doing here Darce?” Darcy shrugs and looks away, she begins to clean up the mess she made as she avoids the question. “So is Katie your girlfriend?” Clint chokes on his toast and coughs before he can speak again. “Don’t say that.” He nearly shouts as he shudders at the thought. “She’s too young.” He adds at Darcy’s raised eyebrows.

Before Darcy can ask more about Kate there is a knock on the door. Darcy looks over at Clint who just shrugs and starts eating again. Darcy sighs loudly and goes to open the door. She is surprised to find Natasha on the other side and immediately steps aside to let the woman in. The widow raises a perfectly sculptured eyebrow and Darcy just blinks. They make their way to the kitchen, Clint only pausing to wave as he keeps eating before Darcy finally blurts, “Why did you knock?” because if she can come into the apartment at any time then surely Natasha can too. Natasha’s lips quirk up with amusement as she studies the younger woman. “I smelled breakfast.” As she sees the confusion on Darcy’s face she clarifies. “Barton doesn’t cook so if I smell breakfast there must be a woman in here.” Darcy’s eyes widen with understanding and then she smacks her hand over her mouth. “No. Gods no. I mean not that he’s not. But no. I. No.” She mutters, words barely audible through her hand. Natasha just looks amused before raising an eyebrow at Barton who promptly chokes again. “Tasha.” He mutters angrily when he can breath again. Tasha just gives him a bland smile before gracefully sitting down at the table. “Is there anything left?” Darcy nods and quickly fills another mug and plate and puts it on the table in front of Natasha.

Silence last while they eat, Clint eating a second plate and Darcy eating some as well. Natasha works in silence as she clears the dishes away when Clint interrupts the silence. “So what are you doing here Darce?” Darcy freezes and keeps quiet but Clint waits and when Natasha is done she sits down and raises an eyebrow at the younger woman in question. Darcy doesn’t notice since she is looking at table, not speaking.

“Darce?” When Clint touches her arm she flinches. Clint sits next to her and exchanges worried looks with Natasha. “Darcy you need to talk to us.”