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[blackhourglass]

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for @deathbeforedecaf

[blackhourglass]

continued from here

It took Nat a lot longer to get ready, not because she was stewing over her appearance, but because she was trying to decide if she wanted to go back to using Clint to scratching that itch again. It'd been a while since they'd done this sort of thing. She couldn't say she didn't miss it, because she did. It was only that their friendship had grown further and so had her affection for him.

Itches were there to be scratched and she didn't really want any added stressors to her life, not that Clint had ever been stress. He was always the opposite. He was the one she went to when life was overwhelming her. He was ... something akin to what home might be for her. She could get away and find safety in a bottle of wine, good conversation and laughter. That's why this was difficult, mixing it all up sometimes could get a little confusing for that good ole' female brain, even Nat's.

Still, she was there when Clint knocked at the door, smile wide on her face. Her red hair swung about her shoulders loose and free. She hadn't bothered to dress up, wearing light cotton pants and a long sleeved half top that matched. It suited her figure and was comfy to boot.

"Hey handsome. Get on in here, and let's crack open those bootlegged bottles. I'm so glad you swiped them from Tony. He totally owes it to us." She offered Clint a hug and a kiss on the cheek as he walked by. He knew where things where and so she didn't bother to show him, merely followed him back to her kitchen and leaned against the counter, letting him serve her tonight.

Re: for @deathbeforedecaf

[deathbeforedecaf]

Clint grins at Nat when she opens the door, holding up the two bottles of wine that he'd brought over. "I doubt that he'll even miss them," he replies. "He had so many different ones in there." Clint is not a wine connoisseur, so he just assumes that all wine is essentially the same. He's never noticed a difference between $5 wine for the bodega down the street and whatever Tony gives them.

He follows Natasha into the apartment and goes directly to the kitchen to pull out the cork screw. He uncorks both bottles both because he's sure they'll drink them and because they need to breathe or something. Clint doesn't know what that means, but it's fine. He's just doing what Tony always says to do.

After a few seconds, he's determined that the first bottle has breathed enough, so he pours them each a glass. "So did that guy from the bar ever message you back? And if he didn't, are you sure he's not dead?"

[blackhourglass]

Over the years Natasha has learned a bit or two about various alcoholic beverages. It's all a part of her gig. She has to know a lot about a lot. There's a literal filing cabinet in her head. Tony Stark did wine well, but she wouldn't have minded sharing a few brews with Clint either. It was only an excuse and she knew it. She needed to see him, to be with him again. It was time.

"That man has a wine cellar that puts most major stadiums to shame." She laughed. Maybe it was smaller than that, but she'd been through a few floors of one of them. That was only the one he happened to have at his house. She didn't bother to mention the fact that he owned a few wineries in general.

Moving closer to Clint she comes up behind him and settles her chin on his shoulder. She likes that he's the right height to rest it there. Inhaling his scent settles any nerves she had about being here again, doing this again. One hand slips around his waist and she noses against his back. "No, he didn't call, and I'll let him live one more day. I've got you here now and more important things on my mind."

Thought I lost this link!

[deathbeforedecaf]

Leaning back against Natasha, he just shrugs. Men are trash, and they both know it. At least she knows that he'll always be there for her. "Well, fuck him I guess," he says, "but I'm not gonna complain because it's worked out pretty well for me."

He turns in her arms to face her and cups her cheek with his hand. "Forget him." They both know where this is heading, so he leans in and presses their mouths together. Natasha needs someone to scratch an itch, and Clint is more than willing to be used for that purpose. She's his best friend, and he's more than happy to giver her anything she needs.

For @pursuitofcappiness

[blackhourglass]

continued from here

[Knowing Steve's tendency to dress up for most all occasions known as dinner dates, Nat did the same and wore one of her nicer black dresses for him. It might have been short, but it did exactly what it was supposed to.

She showed at the door with a glass of wine, and a smile.] Hey there. Do we have time for a glass, or should I go get my heels on to meet you on your bike. I made sure to wear a dress that stretches.

[She laughed, and pulled up at the leg, revealing a bit of thigh where it met her garter belt. It was done directly to make Steve blush, but she couldn't help herself. It was half the fun.]

[pursuitofcappiness]

Well, we've got reservations, but we can be a little late.

[ And he also isn't affected by alcohol. But then, he gulps as the breath escapes his throat, but he ignores it.

Nat's just being. Nat. ]

You sure you won't need a jacket?

[blackhourglass]

Give me but a second then. Come in.

[It takes her but a second to down the glass of wine in her hand, and once that's gone she swings back to her bedroom and gathers up the shoes she'll be wearing. They are completely impractical, but absolutely stunning with the dress-- exactly how they should be.

Stalking back out, she spins for Steve's pleasure, and then grabs a small tight little leather jacket she had sitting by, sleek and black, of course. ]

Jacket covered, anything else you think I might need? I've got my gun in my tiny little... [She just winked at him, and then laughed shaking her head. It didn't mean that she wasn't packing, but where-- well, she'd never actually tell. Knives were easier to hide in outfits like this anyway.]

Come on, let's go.

[pursuitofcappiness]

No hurry.

[ He's happy to just hang out for a bit while she finishes her wine anyway, but it's no problem if she just wants to down it, either.

He raises a brow. ]

What kinda danger do you think we're gonna get into?

[ But he knows she's just being careful and they've had some interesting run-ins.

He leads her out to the bike. ]

@captain_bitterness

[blackhourglass]

continued from here

[It was refreshing to find someone like Nate to have a conversation with. He'd kept her wits entertained and had her laughing off and on for the better portion of a day as they texted off and on for a while.

The radio silence preceding the date was appreciated as well. It offered exactly the right amount of anticipation. Natasha had taken out Nate's photo several times in the interim and reviewed their conversation to laugh and smile as she waited for ten am.

Being prompt, Nat had been to the museum fairly early and scouted it out to make sure there was nothing that was going to go backwards for them. Her past didn't need to come creeping up in the middle of a date in such a large place. It was a logistical nightmare, but she was extremely cautious.

That was another reason for meeting inside. There's far more cover inside than out. Settled up against one of the welcoming desks, Natalie waits with a brochure, flipping back and forth, trying to figure out what they should do first. ]

<3

[captain_bitterness]

[There are very few people in the world who can sneak up on Natasha, but Nate isn't like most people and for once she may have met someone who is actually on her level skill wise. Not that he would ever use his skills against her, but it does mean that for once someone is able to get within five feet of her without her noticing right away.]

Miss Romanoff.

[His voice is a deep pleasant baritone and he gives her a little nod in greeting. In person she'll notice two things right away: one is that he is extremely tall, six foot five, which makes the fact that he was able to go unnoticed extra impressive.
And two: He is dressed in a sharply tailored all black suit and is wearing black leather gloves, even though it isn't cold outside.]

[blackhourglass]

[Unsuspecting, Natalie waited quietly and rather unassuming. She was dressed in something that was rather different than the all black, leather wear that she was often found in. It felt good. Change was warranted every now and then. There was a slight shuffle that altered her to someone moving only a second before she heard Nate's voice. Impressive, extremely impressive.

Turning, she lifted her brows and curled her lips appropriately.]

Well, I'll be. You got me. That was very good, Nate.

[There's a quick and subtle glance that takes in all the cursory information that she needs to know and commits it to memory before she takes a glance as the woman she is, drawing in the more subtle details. His face his softer and more youthful than she expected, so incredibly handsome.

Then there's his height. Wow. She takes a step in closer and then pauses, remembering what he said about being different, and where she might have taken his arm, she pauses.]

You look amazing. I'll say I am not disappointed, you are far better in person than your picture. It does not do you a lick of justice.

[captain_bitterness]

[His lips curve up into the ghost of a smile, it's more of a smirk really, and he tilts his head slightly.]

I'll take that as a critique on my photography skills then, which pale in comparison to yours obviously.

[Especially considering the photo she sent him.]

You look stunning as well, shall we? [He asks and offers her his arm.]

For @yeahmagnets

[blackhourglass]

from here

I only watch it because I have to for what I do. I have to know about the people I'm going to work with, know everything about them. So, the news is a source, like the internet.

No, nothing like a superhero. I'm a woman who can kick some ass if I need to.

Yeah, maybe I should except doctors have never been my type. I think everyone gets it now and then. We've all got our needs.

@yeahmagnets

[blackhourglass]

from here

[Maybe Natasha's a few years older than Jesse in age, but she's got years in classic wisdom on him. It comes from her history. Although, maybe he's managed his own fascinating wisdom in trade from the life he's lived. Natasha has slipped through the shadows of the higher realms of drug trades, of mob lives, and further espionage of all ranks and in countries even she doesn't always remember.

It makes for an interesting pair, for sure, but one thing she knows is the allure of a good time and Jesse's got her interest more than piqued. There's something bold in the way he speaks that has Natasha wanting to leave early for the day. She actually dips out of training grunts and leaves Steve with all the cadets so that she can go slip into something provocative. Lingerie has been her singular splurge since coming to the US. It wasn't something she could afford, or even find in Russia while she was there.

Finding the little black number, Natasha pulls on soft jogging pants and a bulky sweater over it. It's casual and yet it looks perfect on her trim form. She's already masturbated once today thinking about everything they're going to do together, and pulled out her toy chest from the bedroom, in case he wants to get creative. It doesn't matter if they meet and fuck once. It sounds like it'll be worth it. She's always willing to meet a guy who's not afraid of her. Most men who know who she is, want her to step on them. She's willing, but she likes a guy who wants to use her too.

When the door sounds, Natasha goes to greet Jesse. Her place is nice, it's not opulent or flashy, but shows well enough via the neighborhood and the security downstairs that she's got money. ] Well Hey, it's nice to finally meet you in person.

[yeahmagnets]

[ Jesse's definitely more street smart than 'book smart', but given his wide swath of life experiences, he has some wisdom to him that's a little beyond his years. Or maybe it's just that he tends to come off as more immature than he really is under the surface.

Jesse doesn't know enough about Natasha to share the fear that some others might have of her, but knowing about the whole Avengers thing, he can see why some people might be a little intimidated. Jesse isn't that easy to rattle. At least not by conventional means. Sure, put a gun to his head and he might turn into a sniveling little shit, but he's not scared of someone based on their status alone.

It's one of the reasons he doesn't feel nervous as he presses a hand to the panel beside the door, leaning his weight against his arm while he waits for Natasha to answer. WHen she does, he straightens up and gives her a smile. ]

Hey, you too. It's Jesse, by the way. I dunno if I mentioned that. Nice, uh, nice digs.

[ He comments on her place, gesturing with a general sweep of his hand. ]

You gonna let me in?

[ Jesse laughs and steps inside once she lets him. He's quick to shrug off his hoodie, but he just drapes it over his shoulder as he steps further inside her apartment. ]

So where's this table at?

[ No reason to beat around the bush--he might as well get right down to it. ]

[blackhourglass]

Right, Jesse. You're fucking adorable. I could have you for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

[Only being honest, Natasha licks her lips and lets him into her apartment to look around for a few seconds. She's polite as a host and moves over to the kitchen first. Just off the side of it is the dining room table that he's so interested in, but that can wait for a few seconds. Natasha wants to get a good look at the man she's going to be giving herself over to tonight.

Fully committed to the transaction, she's curious about the eager man on the other side.]

The table is through there, but do you want a drink first? I've got water, soda, beer, hard stuff.

[There's a really nice countertop in the kitchen too, where she leans now, legs crossed, eyes taking in Jesse from top to bottom and back to top again. ]

for @abit_ofboth

[blackhourglass]

from here

I assure you my mind may be mortal, but it is not tiny. I will let the subject alone, only because I believe that messing with the powers of time are a dangerous thing. Be careful how you speak of my mind, you little god or I might take back my offer to share myself on a more intimate level.

They are the one with the jets, and if you were to bring scotch we could sit and drink the scotch from the tub. It's a nice place to enjoy a drink from, since good scotch is hardly something you do shots of.

I take it you know about where I live, or do I need to send you my address?

[abit_ofboth]

[Well, he certainly hit a sore subject.]

My apologies. It was a bad attempt at a joke, nothing more. I know you are quite capable. And I'll have you know, I am not so little. But if I haven't put my foot too far into my mouth, you just may find that out.

That does sound lovely. And rest assured, I will bring the best scotch. Definitely something to savour, no shots required.

I can find you, yes. I shall be there shortly.]

[Shortly indeed. There's a knock at her door within moments.]

[blackhourglass]

[Not so sore as all that. It's merely wise not to insult the mind of a strong Russian woman whose been working diligently on strengthening what confidence she may or may not have in herself, especially after having said mind torn apart and put back together time and again by people with rather cruel intentions.

Anything else that she might have thought about texting was put to the side when Loki did all that he said and a little bit more by showing up at her door within mere minutes. It didn't even give the Widow a chance to freshen up as she'd normally have done for any guest arriving at her place.

Her fingers had been poised over her phone when the knock came, making her jump only the slightest bit. "Oi, these gods. I didn't even get a chance to change." She muttered to herself under her breath as she moved across the floor silently. Opening the door, she leaned against its frame with half a smile. "I see you don't mess around. Welcome to my humble living space. Come on in. Sorry I didn't have a chance to slip into anything more comfortable for you, so what you see is what you get tonight."

With that, Nat stood aside and let Loki into her home, arm sweeping forward and directing him toward the living room and the roaring fire straight ahead.

@pirateangelbaby

[blackhourglass]

from here

The pain that pours off of Thor is absolutely palpable. It hurts Natasha to be here and feel such anguish within him. There are so many things that he could be doing, and she knows that there are plenty of people out there in the world that need and want him, but he has lost so much. Thor was a man used to being worshiped, tied to a people, a home, a place and all of that is gone. His family is gone. Natasha wishes she could tell him how it'll all be okay, but she's a completely fucked individual inside, so what does she know.

Death haunts her wherever she lands. She never stopped killing, and look where it landed her. Her mother died fighting to get her back, her father sold her into the Red Room when she was a mere child. Natasha remembers none of it. She doesn't even know the names of her true parents. One of her earliest assignments was to infiltrate the country as an American family, pretending as spies do. That was the closest she came. It was such a joke. She knew nothing of family or friends until the Avengers. Now she had no one. Her life was shared with no one special.

Laying her head against Thor, she turns into it and inhales -- remembering the sharpness of his skin. There's a different quality to it than those from "Midguard", as he always called earth. It made her smile. He always seemed to smell like a fresh lightning storm. It was still there, just hidden. He was still there, if buried under his guilt and depression. Sliding her arm behind him as she laid against him, she ran it barely under his shirt and against his skin, she felt a little more human for the contact. Real, live, skin to skin contact.

"I've been there. It's beautiful. Quiet, but beautiful. They said you were busy, but I have a feeling that you had told them not to let anyone come by. I've made deliveries, and picked up things. We support your town as often as possible."

Running her face along his side, she kisses his shoulder. "Hey Thor? Did you want to watch those silly movies, or just sit here and cuddle more?"

[pirateangelbaby]

"Oh." He hadn't known that. Or had he? He's forgotten a lot lately, either lost in the whirlwind of the first few weeks of New Asgard's founding, or simply because he was too deep in his cups to remember being told. But she's not wrong that he'd refused visitors more often than not, and eventually he'd stopped hearing that he had any. Now he wonders if that's simply because the Valkyrie stopped letting him know they were there since he wouldn't see them anyway. He clears his throat, giving her a half-hearted smile. "Thank you. For helping us, I mean. It's... it's been tough going."

It's been a long time since he's been so close to anyone, but just like the hug before, he finds that he's soaking up every moment as if it might never come again. His free hand twines fingers into the ends of her hair, idly playing with the strands, that uncertain smile relaxing a little into something more genuine. "Could we do both?" Even if they don't end up watching the images on the screen, the distraction is welcome background noise, a drone of white noise to lull them into forgetting. Into pretending that they're just enjoying time together, a normal night with nothing hanging over their heads.

[blackhourglass]

"Sure, of course we can do both, anything to ease that sadness from your eyes." There, she mentioned it. There are times we let our friends wallow, but there are times we let them know that we see their pain and want to share it with them. It's never easy to hold onto the part of this gig that requires this type of sacrifice. Natasha's mind wanders back to Clint, and how he's no longer even Clint Barton. He's shed his skin completely. It hurts in a way she can't even mention.

So many things do. Being around love is as hard as being alone, and sometimes more difficult in a time like this. Maybe that's why she needed Thor. She'd been alone and visited, but hasn't let anyone this far into her life. Sighing, Natasha sets down her beer after another swig, and picks up the remote searching through movies that she thinks he might consider silly. American Pie shows up. She knows that's an old flick, but it certainly qualifies as stupid and silly. Teenagers and sex, can't ever go wrong there. "How about this one, have you seen it? It never fails to make me laugh. I haven't seen it in ages."

[blackhourglass]

from here

If he has them, yes, I imagine so.

[Keeping it vague this time, she shakes her head at the phone and lays back against her couch, still wondering where this text is going. ]

If you had your choice, who would you pick to date, since we're talking here about dating.

[quick_sass]

I cannot see a man like him not having some eventually. So they are lucky.

[Verb tenses are hard, give him a break.]

I do not believe there are many valid choices. I could not stand Stark. The old man is clearly spoken for. The scientist would crush me. I prefer not to dabble with deities. Yes, not many choices.

[blackhourglass]

I see, you are looking for a male partner then. You're going to give me a run for my money. You'll steal them away with your handsome looks.