Chapter 32: He (Hawkeye) Talks In This One 

*Sizzle, sizzle* Mmmmm… Bacon… I willfully creak my eyes open and stretch slightly, while still laying down. I look to my right and see the clock reads 8:16 a.m. Then I look to my left and see the windows in my room are tinted to block out the sun. As I sit up though, the windows slowly brighten. I stretch again and release a small morning moan while pulling my legs closer.

            “Good morning Jade. It is 8:16 a.m. on September 12th. The temperature for today includes a high of 72 degrees and a low of 59 degrees. Wind temperatures and speeds to be low; it should be beautiful day.” Jarvis greets.

            “Morning Jarvis. You think you could tell me the temperature of the Atlantic to add to the equation of how beautiful today will be?” I say with a smirk while closing my eyes once again for a brief moment.

            “The temperature of the Atlantic Ocean is rang-”

            “Kidding.” I cut him off.

            “Of course Miss.” I push the covers off myself and walk to the window.

            “Man it’s already September? A couple weeks ago it was summer.” I say standing in front of the windows.

            “Yes that does appear to be how the seasons operate.” Jarvis replies, rather sarcastically.

           “Okay, now I believe that Metal Head constructed you.” I say while making my way across the room and to the bathroom. As my reflection enters the mirror, I look down at my attire. I had changed into the leggings for training and a white, loose tank top Jarvis provided. Taking the same brush I had used after my shower, I rake it through my bed head. Releasing a yawn, I give a tired salute to my reflection and tread out of the room, my nose leading me to the bacon. I look down the hall and see Tony’s door slightly gaped. I’m tempted to see if he’s still sleeping but quickly recall the giggling from that direction around 11 o’clock last night and decide against it. Steve’s door though is wide open, so he must be awake. Considering his bed is perfectly made. I give another big yawn and stretch as I turn and enter the kitchen. As I walk in, I see Steve, and I think Pepper and Tony sitting on the couch. Tony though looks taller and Pepper seems more blonde… Huh, I thought she was more of a ginger, but whatever. Still stretching, I lift my arms above my head and actually feel a pop in my back. As I walk to the coffee machine, another yawn comes on. The yawn drawing out, I pour myself a cup and lean against the counter. Giving my head a little shake after the yawn, I notice a figure at the table. After taking a sip of coffee and getting up to walk to the couch, I tiredly wave and say, “Good morning.” *Mental scoff* Who even owns orange pajamas? Clint probably.

           Walking to the couches, I see the other three looking at me and as I’m realizing Steve has brown hair, an incredibly gruff and so not Clint’s voice says, “Mornin’” My eyes spring open and I whirl towards the table. As casual as ever, a very recognizable giant orange rock person sits at the table. “What? You never see a guy eat his bacon before?” The Thing says. Looking away from him, I gingerly set my cup on the counter bar. I hold up my finger and mouth ‘one sec’ to Rock for Brains (literally) and look over at the couches. Taking baby steps towards them, I do in fact see The Invisible Women, Mr. Fantastic, and the Human Torch on the couch. Awesome. And seriously, if you haven’t gotten that that was etched with sarcasm, re-read a few chapters for me. Standing at the back of the couch, I look at them with disbelief.

           Mr. Fantastic clears his throat and stands. “Hi, you may not know who we are, but Director Fury called us in to help the Avengers train you.” I look him up and down, slacks, button down, and all, with wide eyes.

           “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Ding.

           “Nope.” Clint saunters out of the elevator, freshly showered and wet haired, to me. He swings an arm around my shoulder and gestures to the three in front of me. “Ready to fight some super humans? And whatever Ben is.” I hear a grunt from the Thing and a laugh from the Human Torch while he stands and walks around the couch.

           “Come on Clint, you told me she was easy on the eyes, but,” He gives a low whistle, “Not this good.” As he walks around Clint and me, I see he’s getting ready to put his arm around me as Clint did, so before I’m encased in a Hawkeye and Human Torch sandwich, I swerve under Clint’s arm and behind him.

           “Alright Hotshot, let’s take it down a notch.” I say facing them.

           “Ooo and o-so sassy.” Human Torch says. I furrow my brow, with a ‘really’ expression towards the Human Torch. He simply continues looking me up and down with a smirk on his face. Normally, I wouldn’t care, but the similarity between him and Steve is disconcerting.

           I never thought I’d be happy to hear Tony Stark’s voce but, when he walks in, ready for the day, he lets out a clearly annoyed sigh saying, “They’re already here.” It’s more of a complaint than question really.

           “Nice to see you too, Mr. Stark.” Mr. Fantastic says. Okay, I don’t care if it is only in my head, I can’t call him that. Gah, what’s his name? Roy… Riley… Rick?

           “Pfft… Next time I stay at the Baxter Building - oh wait that’s right, I have a perfectly perfect tower that you’re standing in, Richards.” Richards! Reed Richards!

           “Yes?” I look to Richards as I realize I said my break through aloud.

           “Oh, um, nothing.” I mumble as I step back up to Clint.

           “I thought she wasn’t supposed to know who we were?” The Invisible Woman says standing next to her husband. Or… wait, did they ever get married? I remember a lot of buzz about it a while ago, but never kept up with it.

           “She’s not.” I hear behind me, Natasha walks out of the elevator and to us all.

           “I repeat, you’ve got to be kidding me right? They’re some of the most televised people out there, how would I not know who they were, let alone their fighting styles?” I say.

           “Doesn’t matter, they still have powers, that should still prove a difficulty.” Natasha says. I think back to every major fight I’ve been in, a good portion of them being with mutants or super humans.

           “Yeah okay. Well I don’t know about you guys, but I’m gonna go get some of that bacon.” I say spinning on my heel and walking away from them all to the kitchen. I grab my coffee off the counter as I pass it and take several strips of bacon off a plate next to the stove.

           “J, did you make this?” I ask picking my coffee back up and walking to the table.

           “Per request of Mr. Grimm.” Is my response.

           “Thank you.” I say sitting down. After swallowing the first bite of bacon, I look to the man sitting next to me. “Ben right?” He nods in response. “Well thank you for having the bacon made, very nice thing to wake up to.” I say taking a sip of coffee. “Jade Leiton.” I hold my hand out to Ben Grimm. He hesitantly looks at it and I’m sure he must not be used to this treatment, what with the whole rock completion. I may not be able to relate, but he’s considered a super hero, he can’t be that bad. To ease the tension I add on, “I may joke about it, but I really don’t bite.” He lets out a slightly grunted laugh and takes my hand in his big orange one.

            “I don’t see the big deal Reed. She seems harmless.” Ben says as everyone joins us in the kitchen.

           “She dislocated Captain America’s shoulder.” Natasha says.

           “And relocated it.” Clint adds on.

           Holding up a strip of bacon, I gesture to Clint before taking a bite of it and says, “I’m pretty sure that’s not the right term.” Clint simply shrugs while hopping up on the counter.

           “Anyway, Jade, you’ve already met Ben Grimm, The Thing, this is Sue Richards, The Invisible Woman,”

           “So they did get married?” I interrupt Natasha.

           “Yes.” She answers.

           “Thank you, proceed.”

           “You clearly know Dr. Richards, and this, is Johnny Storm, The Human Torch.”

           “Ladies call me torch.” Storm says.

           “Dude.” I say furrowing my brow, once again towards the man. “Does that work, please don’t tell me that works.” I say looking between everyone. Ben laughs as Sue reluctantly nods and my confusion and disgust grow evident on my face.

           “I’m beginning to like her.” Ben says after laughing.

           “Yeah, okay great you’ve met the Fantastic Freaks. Now Jade, what would you say to me putting 50 cameras in Web Head’s bathroom?” Tony says sitting next to me at the table. I choke on my coffee at his words. After a slight coughing fit I look at Tony to make sure he’s serious.

           “I’m sorry, what?” I ask.

           “I want to prank the kid and your story last night gave me an idea. So I was thinking we rig 50 some cameras to come out of the wall once he’s in the shower and then the loudest, most obnoxious music blasts through as all the flashes go off.” Tony explains with wide, excited eyes. It takes me a couple seconds to process it all, but then I think back to the picture on my fridge of Peter covered in suds and the shower curtain on his bathroom floor. If I with one camera did that, imagine what 50 cameras would do.

            “I’d say sign me up.” I reply with a big smile of my own.

            Tony bats the table a couple times before standing and saying, “You keep getting better and better Frenchy.” I smile as Tony exits to his workshop and Clint chuckles at the plan.

           I stand to put my dishes in the sink while asking, “Okay now you two are spies,” I start gesturing to Natasha and Clint, “But can I trust these four?”

           “Johnny had sawed into the legs of a chair and it took a month for Ben to sit in it just right for it to break, last week.” Reed says. I stifle a laugh while Ben death glares me.

           Storm on the other hand is cracking up. “Totally worth it.”

           “Can it, Hothead.” Ben grunts.

           I couldn’t contain it, so I let out my laugh along with, “I’m sorry Benny-Boy, but that’s funny.”

           “You know, I think I’m starting to like her too. Question though.” Johnny says while walking in front of me. I gesture for him to continue. “Why did Stark call you Frenchy?”

           “Because I’m French.” I say. Looking around him and at Natasha I ask, “Wasn’t that in my file?”

           “I wanted to be specific so I left a lot blank.” Natasha explains.

           “There’s not much in your file, physical features, and some skill asset.” Sue adds on.

           Looking back to Johnny I say, “Oh, well yeah. I’m from France.”

           “Then why ain’tcha voice all funny?” Ben asks.

           I smile at that while answering. “A French girl is rather memorable in the U.S., don’t you think?”

           “Very.” Johnny answers while looking down at me. “I like your tattoos.” He says, quite seductively, taking my right arm and brushing his thumb over one of the birds. “Got anymore?” It takes every muscles, tendon, molecule, in my body to not shutter. Sure, he’s hot, but one, he literally stole Steve’s face, and two, you don’t get into it with 5 other people in the room, let alone your sister and brother-in-law. So I develop a quick little plan that will require a second or two of me playing along with Hotshot here.

           “As a matter of fact, I do.” I can see everyone grow rigid with awkwardness as I respond just as seductively. “Wanna see?”

          “Do you even have to ask?” Johnny says eagerly. I smile at his response. Quickly, I spin around, bend over, and shoot my left leg straight up. Just barely missing Johnny’s face. I smile at Sue and Reed’s gasps, Ben and Clint losing it, and Natasha smiling.

          “Well there’s this one.” I say referring to the feather on my ankle while holding my left leg for stability. Completing my turn and missing Johnny’s head by a centimeter. I bring my leg back down to face him. He has a somewhat stupefied look and I join Clint and Ben in laughter while everyone else smiles and releases chuckles of they’re own.

           “Alright so when is this whole training thing supposed to start?” Johnny asks, rather agitated as I walk around him and lean on the counter next to Clint.

           “Before anything starts, I’d like to drop my apartment and get some stuff. Kinda running low on clothes and such.” I say.

            “Once you change we can go.” Clint says.

            “Awesome.” I say beginning to walk, but quickly spin on my heel. “Wait, we?”

           “You can’t go out alone.” Natasha simply explains.

           “So yeah, you, me, we.” Clint says hopping off the counter and gesturing first to me, himself, and then both of us.

           “But, last night?” I say confused.

           “That was only because you were with someone. And Steve…” But before Clint can finish Natasha elbows him in the ribs which pushes a painful sounding groan form him.

           I raise an eyebrow at the two, along with everyone else, as Natasha states, “I told you that’s not funny.” Before storming out.

           “Be ready in 20.” Clint tells me before running after Natasha. “Nat wait!” He exclaims after the elevator doors close. He immediately catches the next lift though. When he’s gone I turn to the other super hero group I’m now affiliated with.

           “O-kay. Well lovely meeting you all. I suppose I’ll see you later.” I say receiving a wave from, as Tony so eloquently stated earlier, the Fantastic Freaks. I turn and go down the hall and when I pass Steve’s room I can’t help but grow curious about what Clint was going to say. And why Natasha, of all people, got pissed at it. I just hope they don’t get too caught up in it. It’d be a shame if those two were mad at each other. I knew they were partners before but now that I actually know them, they really are good friends. Oh what did Becca call them? ClintNat? Natint? No… Clintasha! Yeah, that’s what it was. I turn away from Steve’s room and enter mine. When entering my closet, I see that I actually am fresh out of clothes. Hmmmm… I guess I can war this? I pull on my black converse high tops and walk to the bathroom. I brush my hair again and apply minimal makeup. When I look back in the mirror I realize I still have all my piercings in. there’s a reason I took them out in the first place. Well one, it attracts attention, and secondly, it was the wrong attention. Tons of druggies would approach me and, although they were some of the chilliest people I’ve ever met, I’d rather only be mistaken for doing dope. So I take out my lip and nose piercings. I look in my bag and find I did in fact toss some others in. I exchange the goddy pieces in my ears for simple silver rings and studs, along with putting a small ring in my nose that has some detailing. Much better. Simple. Rubbing the last bit of morning off of me with deodorant and perfume, I grab my jacket and head back out to the living area. I expect to see the Fantastic Four again, but they’re nowhere to be found. Before I sit down though, I realize I haven’t seen Pepper this morning. I tip toe back down the hall to Tony’s room and slowly creak the door open. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I wasn’t expecting a perfect and pristine bed. In fact, everything in this man’s room is perfect. From the crisp curtains and OCD organized watch collection, to the personal mini bar. Or mini for Tony Stark. I wanna personal bar in my room… Before I can continue my mental whine I hear an elevator ding. Fearing it’s tony or Pepper, I jump slightly. I close the door quietly and scurry down the hall, but stop as I hear voices.

           “I really am sorry.” A man that sounds an awful lot like Clint says. He must be talking to Natasha about earlier.

           “I know, but I wish you wouldn’t tease them so much.” Natasha replies.

           “And I wish they would both open their minds.”

          “You and I both know how that can be one of the hardest things to do.” I slowly peek my head around the corner and see Natasha and Clint standing in front of each other by the elevator. Clint pulls Natasha into a hug, which seems to be the only time I’ll ever see Black Widow surprised.

           Realization dawns on her, and she brings her arms up and around Clint’s torso while he mumbles, “I know.” Seconds pass and they don’t move as Natasha seems to lean into him, but do eventually break apart to look at each other. They don’t say anything, just gaze at each other. … Now kiiiisss… Whoa what? Am I shipping… Oh what was it?...

           “You should probably go get Jade.” It started with Clint, I know that… Oh, wait, crap! That’s me! I spin and quietly, but quickly, run down to my door.           I know I don’t have time to actually get through the door, but I do open it. That way when Clint comes around the corner, like he is now, I can make it seem like I’m just coming out, as I am currently doing.

            “Ready?” I say turning towards hum.

Not answering my question and gesturing to my clothes, Clint asks, “Weren’t you just wearing that?”

           “I told you, I’m running low on clothes. And besides, I can change at my apartment.”

           “Okay let’s go.” Clint says leading the way to the elevator. Once inside, we fall into a slightly awkward silence, and I can’t help but notice Clint staring at me.

           “Yes?” I ask turning towards him.

           “Sorry, I just haven’t seen you without all the metal yet.”

           “And?” I say, sensing that he’ll say something crude.

           “I like it.” Whoa… That was unexpected. “I know I don’t know you that well, but it suits you.”

           “Um… Thanks…” I say as a timid response.

           “It also looks like your hair is fading.” Clearing my thoughts, I pull a stand out in front of my face to see it.

           “Oh, yeah, I guess so. Whatever, nothing stays long in blonde hair anyway, unless you bleach it.” I say, tossing the hair back.

           “You really don’t care?” He asks as we continue to descend.

           I shrug while saying, “Yeah, it’s just hair and I really only did it so it’s be harder to recognize me.”

           “Then why not dye it all black?”

           “I like my blonde. It’s one of the few traits from my mother.” Clint leans against the wall and crosses his arms.

           “Okay, you talk about your parents as if you weren’t separated from them for more than a decade. How do you remember them?”

           I sigh before answering. “After I escaped, I managed to get back to my house. Luckily an old friend of my parents kept it from being sold. I managed to grab some photos and other nostalgic objects.”

           “How did you escape?”

           Thankfully, the elevator doors pull open as Clint asks that, so I walk out saying, “Perhaps another time.” He nods respectfully, letting the subject drop. He follows behind me as I walk to my apartment building.

***

           “Of course the elevators fixed when I’m not on a time limit.” Clint says as we enter my buildings lift.

           “That’s what I said.” I agree with him as the box lurches to life. We ride to the 16th floor and exit crossing the hall to my door. As I’m pulling out my keys, I hear another door open.

           “Morning.” I hear Collin say behind me. Clint and I turn to find Collin, getting his newspaper, in his underwear.

           I sigh as Clint turns to me and asks, “Neighbor?”

           “Unfortunately.” I mumble turning back to my door. I open my door and grab Clint’s arm, pulling him in saying, “Come on Clint.”

           “Clint? Hi, Collin. Did Jade finally wrangle a guy home?” I hear behind me.

           “Something like that.” Clint says, walking over to Collin to slap his hand in one of those gruff, dud handshakes. I roll my eyes at the two as I cross my arms impatiently.

           “Hey, have I seen you before?” Collin asks. I realize Collin must be recognizing Big Birds alter ego.

            “I don’t think so, I kinda have one of those faces.” Clint replies. I stifle a laugh that Collin doesn’t seem to notice, but Clint shoots me a glare.

           “Yeah, maybe, but,” Collin gives a laugh, “And this may sound weird, but you kinda look like Hawkeye.” I shift weight to my right leg as I fake cough to stop my laughter from ringing through.

           “Oh, really?” Clint says.

          “Yeah, I know it’s a little strange, but that dudes awesome. Crazy, but awesome.”

           “He is pretty awesome, isn’t he?”

           “Really, because I think he’s kinda cocky. I mean, he’s got nothing on T-Iron Man, but that one’s boastful.” I say walking up to the two.

           “So? If I could shoot like him, I’d be bragging too.” Collin says.

           “Hawkeye is a good shot, isn’t he? You know I heard, at one point, he took down 6 aircrafts during the Battle of New York, with one arrow, without even looking.” Clint says.

           “Holy shit! Now that is why he’s hanging with gods and super humans. Man, what I wouldn’t give to be him.”

           Before Clint can reply, I pull on his arm again and say, “Alright, lovebirds, time to break it up.”

           “Oh, come on, babe, what’s the rush?” Collin says opening his arms wide and revealing every toned, torso muscle.

           I roll my eyes, saying, “No rush, I just want to get packing done.”

           “Whoa, packing? Finally got tired of me Jade?” Collin asks.

           “You’d think, but sadly, that tank’s still a little low. Don’t worry babe, I’m just staying with some…” I hesitate, not knowing what to classify the Avengers as. I turn to Clint, but he just shrugs. “Friends, for a while.” I conclude turning back to Collin.   

           “Good, pretty sure my life would be dull without Jade Leiton.” Collin says with a smirk.

           I scoff turning to Clint and pushing him towards my apartment. “Put some pants on.” I say over my shoulder before kicking my door closed. “I can’t believe you just had a conversation, about how you look like you, with my almost-naked neighbor.” I say leaving Clint in the entry way as I go to my room.

           “Well he did say I was awesome.” I hear Clint say.

           “Don’t’ forget crazy. Now that’s not something I’d ever hear to describing you. Me sure, but not Hawkeye.”

           “You obviously haven’t spent enough time with me.” Clint says. “Who called you crazy?”

           “Oh just some kids. It was actually right after we met at the book store.” I say grabbing a duffle bag out of my closet.

           “Well was that book any good?” I hear him say along with several footsteps as I through the bag on my bed.

           “Oh it was wonderful. It should be on one of the shelves by the kitchen if you want to borrow it.” I say going back to my closet. I hear more footsteps as I assume Clint walks to the kitchen.

           A couple minutes pass as I begin to pull garments from hangers and out of drawers before Clint says, “I still don’t get why it’s called The Book Without Words.” I let out a small laugh before explaining, “It’s about a book called the Book Without Words, because that’s how it appears to anyone without green eyes.”

           “Why green?”

           Well green is the color of life. And the Book Without Words holds many secrets about life.” I say folding a shirt and placing it in the bag. Again there’s silence while I continue to fold clothes and put them in my duffle. That is until Clint bursts out laughing. I walk out of my room to see Clint in the kitchen, standing in front of the fridge, doubled over in laughter. “What?” I ask stepping up to him.

           “You did take a photo of the Web-Slinger!” Clint blooms holding up the picture. I take it from him and let out some laughs of my own at the sight of Peter.           

           After we both calm down, and I put the picture back on the fridge, Clint asks, “Why didn’t you take the camera? Did you really not like it?”

           “Oh, no it was amazing.”

           “Because I hate charity. Even if Peter was just trying to be nice, I just… I don’t know, I don’t like receiving something I didn’t work for.” I turn back to Clint to see him with wide, listening eyes.

           “Is that why you didn’t take the money from Tony?” I still feel my room.

           “I still feel bad about that.” I say walking past him to my room.  

           “You are quite the spectacle, Jade Leiton.” Clint says walking back with me. He stands for a moment simply studying my room, from the bed sheets, to the clocks, and to the side table, when finally his eyes land on my. “Need any help?”

A/N: Hiya!! How are you all doing? I'm rather dandy, if you're wondering. You probably weren't, anyway, chapter! 

Yeah, so guys, the Fantastic Four are here!! This is still mainly an Avengers fanfic, but you know what, my story, and the Fantastic Four are, as their name implies, fantastic! Also, a nice little Clintasha moment for y'all, and Clint and Jade spend a little quality time together. That'll continue next chapter if you're wondering. Again your probably not...

The picutre attatched is Jade's bedroom, at her apartment. I figured I'd just give the image that helped me mentally put together her apartment so yeah. 

I think that's all for now, so make sure to tell me what you think, and I'll talk to you next time! 

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