Not connected to any of my other Clint/Natasha fics. Post Winter Solider

Title: Pause
author: Cindy Ryan
pairings: Clint/Natasha
spoilers: CA2

It was two days after the collapse of S.H.I.E.L.D and the revelation of Hydra that Clint Barton finally caught up with Natasha Romanoff. They were in a hotel room just outside of Heathrow airport in England. They'd been in touch briefly since everything had fallen apart. That night was the first time Clint had gotten a really good look at his partner. Saw her when her defenses were down. When it was just them.

Natasha looked tired. More than just physically tired the type of weariness that seeps into your bones. That you feel as an ache. That you think you'll never get enough sleep to recoup. She'd been through a lot the past few weeks. Hawkeye could see the events starting to take a toll on his partner though he also saw her determination still shining through. The determination that she wasn't going to let Hydra defeat her or the group of people she considered family.

Even forty-eight hours later it still shook Clint to know how close he'd come to loosing people he cared about. With the help of Maria Hill Clint had seen the footage of the bunker in New Jersey being attacked. Seeing S.H.I.E.L.D jets firing on their own...on his friends hadn't set well with Clint and wouldn't for a long time. Being orphans he and Natasha both knew what it was like to be alone. Hydra had almost accomplished that and for that Clint would make sure they paid. It wasn't about revenge or justice it was about family. S.H.I.E.L.D was family and it would rebuild.

"Clint, we should see if there's an earlier flight."Natasha suggested as she sat down on the edge of the bed.

"There isn't I checked while you were in the shower. We need to rest while we can."Clint stated as he sat down next to his partner.

"I know...I just feel like I could be doing more."The Black Widow commented quietly.

"You've done a hell of a lot already, Tasha."Clint replied softly.

Hawkeye knew they couldn't put the world on pause. Couldn't stay here when there was so much that needed to be done. Clint wasn't that selfish. He just wanted these few hours. Clint wanted to reassure himself that the woman he loved was alright. Steve had saved Natasha's life and for that Clint was forever grateful. However, he knew the scars from that weren't all physical and were still raw. They put their lives on the line every day and yet sometimes it was a little too close. When it was a little too close...like now...that was when Clint and Natasha took a few moments to themselves. To appreciate the fact that they had survived another op. That they still had each other.

"Get some rest."Clint urged as he scooted up the bed drawing Natasha with him.

"I'll try."The Black Widow promised as she curled next to Clint resting her head on the pillow.

"I love you."Hawkeye stated softly.

Natasha smiled and leaned up kissing Clint. "I love you too."

A few minutes later the Black Widow was asleep. Clint turned off the lights and watched his partner. He'd always known he'd made the right choice that day in Budapest. Now Clint was more grateful than ever that they're lives had crossed. Tomorrow they'd be back saving the world, but tonight was a much needed chance to pause things and just be Clint and Natasha.

end