I bet you weren't expecting this. I know it's been nearly a year since I updated and I feel awful about that. I just really wanted to finish this story and When It Rains, so hopefully a new chapter of that should be out soon too. I've looked back over what I've written, and seen a whole heap of mistakes, which I can't be bothered to fix right now. I will eventually, don't worry. And as you probably know, a lot changes over a year, so my writing style may seem different, I like to think it has improved but you never know. How I interpret characters might be different too, so sorry if that bugs you. I would love to hear your thoughts about the new chapter, so remember to comment afterwards. Love all of you guys that might have stuck with this story despite me being just plain awful abandoning it. Hope you like the chapter.

Max had made sure Agent Cooper had seen her leave SHIELD. She knew for certain that he would follow her off base and on to the streets. Although she didn't know for sure the reason for him being here, but she could take a guess. He was looking to expose her. And she couldn't have that. Not when she'd managed to convince Steve she'd be no trouble. If he disappeared, life at SHIELD would die down and she could go working there, without the constant fear of being found out.

Part of her was so angry at herself. If she had been honest about her past from the beginning, SHIELD might have been fine with it. They were fine with Natasha after all, and she used to be the Red Room's most notorious assassin. But she had chosen to lie instead, and now she was in far too deep to back out. Not only would she be caught out for her past, but done for lying about it too.

That was why she had to do this. Up until now, only having Steve and Loki know was okay. They hadn't ran their mouths. They hadn't threatened or black mailed her. They were giving her a decent, honest chance. That she probably didn't deserve. But this was about more than them now.

So here she was, coat collars up, hurrying through the streets with Agent Cooper on her tail. She turned a corner quickly, and doubled back, standing in the shadows until she saw Agent Cooper pass. It was obvious he couldn't stop to locate her without looking suspicious, so he continued to walk ahead and Max followed, her footsteps soundless on the pavement.

It was raining slightly, a drizzle falling from the dark night sky. The only form of light was from the lamp posts dotted around the street, so she could slip into darkness between each of them. Eventually Agent Cooper turned, and caught just enough of a glimpse of Max to see her disappear into an alley. Good, Max thought, it was going to plan.

Max didn't turn around until she heard his voice. "My, Maxine, were you trying to beat me at my own game?" Although she couldn't see his expression exactly in the darkness of the alley, she could practically hear the smirk in his voice. "You're not nearly good enough to do that, girl. I should know."

She didn't respond straight away. Seconds ticked past until she heard an audible sigh come from his direction. "Are you going to hide in the shadows all day, or are we going to have a conversation?" He sounded bored, and it irked Max entirely. He would regret the teasing later.

"Why are you here?" She finally asked, venom in her voice. It wasn't like she didn't already know the answer - and the outcome. Max was just biding her time, figuring out if there was anything else she needed to know before she ended the ordeal. Did anyone else know he was here? Did anyone else know why?

"I'm just ... visiting." Cooper took a step towards her, his height was probably supposed to be intimidating but it wasn't. Max knew she was the one in control of the situation, Cooper just wasn't aware of that. And decreasing the amount of space between them showed that. It was in fact, a very bad move on his part. "Checking up on our favourite girl scout agent." He was mocking her, and the way the previous agency had used - and treated - her like a child.

"I'm not an innocent little girl, Cooper." She spat, pulling her coat together, as if she was trying to keep in the warmth and wasn't reaching for the knife in the inside pocket.

"You are a child Max. Barely twenty-five, but you look younger. And by God do you act like a kid. Letting your emotions get the better of you. You don't think things through, and now you have to face consequences. Consequences I'll bring about. Ones you deserve, you lying, cheating, murderous girl." He leered. "You're still a little girl, Max. But you're by no means innocent, you and I both know that."

"You're right." Max's face contorted as she lunged. Cooper was obviously not expecting the movement and the switch blade dug into his chest. A killing stab. "I'm not innocent. I don't have a choice any more." She said, almost like an apology. The action she had to take, just made him right. About her. About everything. But Max was past the point of caring, she let apathy fill her where before remorse would be taking over her mind. It was her or him.

She removed the knife and held it away from her while digging out a piece of cloth to clean the blade. Max pocketed both, making sure there were no traces before climbing the fire escape onto the roof tops and disappearing into the grizzly night.

Natasha really did love living with The Avengers. She wasn't going to say it as such, but sitting in the communal area watching a Disney film like this, was the closest she had ever come to having a real family. However odd and dysfunctional it might be. She felt sappy for even thinking about it, but it didn't make it any less true. Part of her wondered what she was becoming, telling Clint she loved him, thinking of the Avengers as her family. She also wondered if anyone else could she some of her walls crumbling away. She hoped not or she'd have to work at reassembling them.

Loki's words were still playing on her mind however. Just because her and Clint had a night together (and a morning) didn't mean everything would be perfect from here on out. They had to talk things out, and that was a conversation she didn't want. She didn't want to upset the new found balance that had been conducted between the two of them. For now, she just put it out of her mind.

As Tony had said, they were watching Mulan. Natasha was curled up in an arm chair, legs swung over the side. Tony and Steve had settled peacefully on the couch, bickering aside for that evening. They got on much better than when they first met, but it didn't stop the odd tiff now and again. Thankfully, everyone knew it wasn't serious. That evening was also better, because for once they were joined by Pepper, sitting on the other side of Tony. She had put aside Stark Industries duties that night, and substituted them for a night with the Avengers.

Bruce and Loki were sat on the floor. The Asgardian seemed to be actually paying attention to the film, no matter how bored he looked. His brother was with Jane once again that evening. Bruce however was tapping away at a Stark Pad, probably for his and Tony's latest project. No one seemed bothered that he wasn't interested in Mulan.

"Shang is just freaking out because she made him think he was gay." Tony commented, arm wrapped around Pepper. Steve scoffed by the side of him. "No?"

"Is that really all you can say, Tony? I mean this man's been through a lot, he has to lead an army, his father has just died, and he nearly followed suit. And he just found out the person who saved him has been lying to him. I think it's more than -" Steve looked mildly concerned, eyes still focused on the screen. Natasha smiled to herself slightly. Steve genuinely got wrapped up in films, and Natasha thought it showed what kind of caring person he was. But it also showed how easily he could analyse a situation.

"I was joking, buddy." Tony cut him off, giving him a joking, light hearted punch to the arm. Steve smiled and shrugged.

Natasha spoke up from the chair. "Personally I feel more for Mulan." A few eyes flicked over to her. "I mean she's saved a load of people, like her dad, and nearly Shang's entire army. All she wanted was to help her dad and now she doesn't even get credit for the awesome things she's done because she's woman." Natasha also shrugged, matter of factly.

"Preach." Pepper voiced from the sofa and Natasha smirked. Pepper was definitely one of her favourite people to talk to. It was just a shame she wasn't around much. But then again, Natasha wasn't either. Their wind-down times didn't happen to coincide very well. Natasha made a mental note to organise coffee or something with Pepper. Something normal friends did. Where they'd probably proceed to talk about not so normal things.

Before anyone else had the chance to reply, the elevator chimed and Coulson and Clint stepped out. Natasha let a slight grin seep on to her face at the sight and Clint's face matched. The rest of the team didn't seem to notice. It was like a whole conversation had taken place in the silence as they entered. Not the conversation they needed though, Natasha thought.

"Agent!" Tony greeted from the sofa, also pausing the movie. Loki looked slightly uncomfortable on the floor. Not surprising, seeing as he had killed this man a year ago. It reminded Natasha that although they were getting along, he couldn't be trusted. That was probably something she should have remembered sooner.

"Stark. Everyone." Coulson smiled slightly, giving a nod. Clint dropped his duffle bag, probably containing training gear, shedded his jacket and sat on the floor in front of Natasha's chair. Subconsciously, she started playing with the fuzzy hair at the nape of his neck.

"Hey Phil." Steve waved slightly from the couch. "Film's half way through, but you could still join us?" He offered, scooting closer to Tony so a space opened up next to him. Coulson gave another light smile, but shook his head. Although Natasha could tell he was tempted.

"Not today Cap'. But I do have to talk to you guys." Natasha paused for a second. It didn't seem like bad news, from the way he was presenting himself. Yet she couldn't figure out what it was he was about to say.

"Well go a head, Agent." Tony prompted, lifting his arm from around Pepper to lean forwards.

"I've been sent to invite you all to SHIELD's Annual Charity Ball." Coulson spoke formally and Natasha rolled her eyes. She hated those functions. It was the whole of their section of SHIELD, dressed extravagantly and getting drunk off of champagne. Nothing special, nor enjoyable.

"SHIELD does charity?" Tony scoffed. "Could have fooled me." For which he received a hit from Pepper. "Ow.." He complained, rubbing his arm.

"In all seriousness, I had no idea SHIELD did stuff like this." Bruce spoke for the first time since the Clint and Coulson had entered.

Clint laughed. "Yeah, it's not that bad really. Fun if you like dancing." He muttered from his seat on the floor. "Most of the SHIELD agents go, unless they can come up with a good excuse not to." Previously, Clint and Natasha hadn't had very good excuses and were told by Coulson he would drag them out of whatever hole they had been hiding in if they didn't attend. If he couldn't back out, neither could they.

"And this year, Fury has asked me to invite the Avengers." Coulson sighed, as if he couldn't be dealing with this any more. "I'm sure you're all as excited as I am tired. I'll be leaving now, if you don't mind." He gave another weary smile.

"We'll be there, Agent!" Tony assured him, oddly excited. Natasha would have thought he'd be sick of dealing with all these events by now, but for some reason he sounded genuinely happy about it. Maybe it was because all of the Avengers were going now.

"Better be, Stark. Fury's orders, not mine." He quipped, already walking into the ready elevator. He gave them all a nod goodbye as the doors shut.

There was a lull as the room processed the quick visit, and then Tony spoke. "Something about that man still kinda scares me, y'know." He moved back in the seat.

"We know, Tony. We know." Clint clarified, looking up at Natasha for a second. He moved his arm so it rested on the armchair, and wrapped his hand around Natasha's. A simple, subtle gesture. But it was more than enough for Natasha, and probably the biggest amount of PDA she had shown since she didn't know when. "So what're watching?"

They watched Mulan and then on the request of Tony also watched Spirited Away. Natasha hadn't seen it before, but she really enjoyed it. Clint and her had stayed in the same position apart from when he left to go get popcorn, and then returned to the same spot. Eventually the movie ended and the team got up and stretched.

"Well, this was fun guys, but I'm tired." Tony yawned loudly.

"Wow, Tony Stark is actually going to bed at a reasonable time? Pepper, get the camera!" Clint joked, elbowing Tony in the ribs.

"Very funny bird brains." Tony snarked. "And yeah, I gotta sleep at some point." He waved to them. "Night team, good bonding session. Or whatever this was." And with that he walked into the elevator, with Pepper and Bruce, who left with a goodnight also.

Steve was walking around, collecting glasses and empty popcorn bowls that the Avengers had discarded around the living area, despite Tony telling him not to bother.

"We're gonna hit the hay too." Clint said, giving Natasha a slight nudge, who nodded. Steve smiled and wished them a goodnight before walking out to the kitchen.

"Sweet dreams," Loki said words dripping from his tongue, still seated on the floor, except he had a notebook in his hand now and appeared to be writing. It didn't look like he was going anywhere to sleep, any time soon. The pair of assassins turned to leave until he called out. "Oh, and Natasha?"

She turned and stared at the mischievous god sitting in front of them. "Do try and remember our conversation from earlier?" He prompted and Natasha rolled her eyes. Loki was trying to stir things around, but he was right. She did need to talk to Clint. However, bringing it up in front of Clint was just trying to start trouble.

"Trust me, I will." She replied coolly, turning to the elevator and getting in, ignoring Clint's confused expression. He followed soon though, and the doors slid shut leaving them alone. There was no music in Tony's elevators, which Natasha was grateful for. Personally, she found the music made things awkward, so the silence instead was quite nice. Until Clint spoke.

"So what was Loki talking about?" He was blatantly curious, on the verge of suspicion. It was fine, Natasha would feel the same way. Especially if it were Max, or someone else she didn't trust.

"It was nothing." She tried a light smile, a silent attempt at comforting him. "I'm tired." An obvious excuse to change topic. Of course she was going to have that conversation. But it could wait until they were in the comfort of his room again.

"Yeah me too." He agreed, slipping his hand into her's. She held it tightly, and made a mental note to remember how well it fit in her own.

Clint showered quickly when they got back to their room, and this time Natasha didn't join him. Instead, he changed into one of his t-shirts, and moved onto his bed. It was should have been strange for Natasha, to feel so at home in someone else's bed. But the sheets smelled like Clint, and he smelled like the closest thing to home she could think of.

The curtains were open and moon light would have filtered through if it weren't for the clouds carrying a light rain that pattered against the window. Natasha merely watched, tucking her knees up to her chest. She pulled out the pony tail her hair had been in all day, and let loose, red, curls fall against her shoulder. The city outside the window seemed visibly quieter. Natasha thought that, even though New York was the city that never sleeps, not many people wanted to be out on such a miserable night. She wondered what was going on throughout the city that midnight.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Clint exited the bathroom, rubbing his hair with a towel so it spiked upwards. He was already wearing a shirt and boxer shorts. He threw the towel onto a chair and turned to Natasha. "See you found where I keep my shirts." He smirked and she shrugged. "I'm gonna have to buy more if you keep stealing them."

"I never said I was going to keep them." She kept her knees up, but turned slightly to face him instead of the window. "I'm just borrowing them, I promise." She lied, knowing she would keep a few. For nights he was on missions. Or if this conversation caused them to end. That was probably a bit melodramatic. They had said they loved each other. Surely talking things over couldn't ruin that.

"Whatever you say, Nat." He continued to smirk and pottered around the room, picking up odd things like clothes off the floor and putting them in the laundry bin. She watched the way he moved, still with skill and grace he didn't need for such mundane chores.

There was a comfortable moment where neither of them spoke until Natasha stopped biting her lip. "Clint, we need to talk about this." She said, trying not to beat around the bush. Clint looked up from his task of clearing up, concern on his face.

"About what?" He asked, moving towards the bed, sitting on the edge. Not getting too close as if he didn't want to frighten her away like some kind of wild animal.

"We can't just ignore all the problems we have, because this is going well now." She rested her chin on her knees. "I know they'll come back to bite us eventually. But I don't know how to sort them out." She sighed.

"Tasha," Clint said, getting her attention. "What problems do you think we have?" He asked earnestly.

"This," She gestured between herself and Clint. "Is impractical. Unprofessional, even. It will get in the way, and in our line of work that isn't an option." Natasha removed her legs from their tucked position and folded them, her hands falling into her lap.

"Nat, I've felt this way about you for a long time, I was just too dumb to realise it. And it's never gotten in the way before." Clint paused, as if he was wondering whether to say something or not. "And as much as we hate to believe it, we're not partners any more." Natasha hadn't thought about it that way.

She looked away, out the window again. The honesty of this conversation wasn't something she was used to. "It's not just that. I don't know how to feel about a relationship. I've never had a real relationship, and I don't want to mess this up. I really don't." She admitted.

"I wasn't sure about having a relationship either. Until I woke up this morning and saw you there. I don't know about you, Nat, but I would wake up that way every morning if I had the choice." He took her hand and Natasha tried to shake the vulnerable feeling coursing through her. She knew Clint would be feeling the same way. "And besides, we don't even have to put labels on it. We can just ... be." He gave her a somewhat goofy smile and she returned a more subtle one of her own.

"I like that idea." Natasha agreed, nodding. She used the hand she held to pull Clint towards her. They maneuvered until they were lying side by side, hand still clasped between then. Clint pulled their grip upwards so it pointed towards the ceiling. He peered at it, as if he was surveying the link between the two of them. Trying to find where one hand stopped and another began.

"I meant it y'know,"" He said, far too calmly for Natasha to understand. "When I told you I loved you. I think I've always loved you." As sappy as those words sounded, Natasha couldn't deny that it was exactly what she needed to hear at that moment. Her shoulders felt lighter, as if a physical weight had been lifted.

Gently, she lowered their hands and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. "I love you too." She replied, folding herself into his arms.