asthehawkflies | [#003] {Violence for fun and profit} Action/Video

[It's a routine they indulge in whenever they're in the same place for more than a couple of days. This seems like a good enough time to pick it back up, test each other a little, and they claim one of the rooms in the Battle Dome, equipping it with mats and padded walls because while the simulation won't allow them to get really hurt by weapons, Clint isn't sure that it can make getting slammed to the ground any less painful.]

Ready, Tasha?

[He's grinning, as much a mask to hide his intentions as her blank expression. They take up position on the mats opposite each other, and there's no bowing, no politeness, just stillness.

He strikes first, a punch that she blocks, returns with a blow of her own, and then they're fighting in earnest. It's vicious, both of them making use of every move at their disposal, a brutal mix of martial arts and outright brawling, dirty tricks and all.

A throw sends Clint sprawling, hitting the bench where they'd left their stuff, and his journal falls open, starting to record the rest of the fight. To anyone not familiar with them, it does look like they're genuinely trying to kill each other. Neither of them really believe in pulling their punches and they're eerily silent while they fight, neither of them making any noise besides grunts of exertion.

They seemed evenly matched for the most part, Clint's size and strength well matched by Natasha's speed and agility and the training she'd undertaken since childhood. Eventually though, one of them comes out on top, and it's Clint who ends up floored and winded, laid out on his back, Natasha above him, pinning him down and her elbow pressed against his throat.

He groans softly, and then smiles.]

I yield.

[OOC: Responses will be answered by Clint, or Natasha, or more likely, both.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[His eyed widen at the frank honesty in what she says, and in the way that she looks at him. She had been scared. Anyone would have been, but for her to admit it, that's not something that happens. Ever. And even after all this time, it hits him on the rare occasions when it does happen.

And it's not everything that he wants to know, but it helps him piece things together. Why she'd walk into a war like she had.

He brushes his fingers against her shoulder lightly, as much affection as either of them will usually permit when there's a chance they could be seen.]

I'll add Stark Baiting to the list along with duping new recruits, pissing off Hill and Poker Night.

[She knows she surprised him - she surprised herself, because she hadn't planned on giving those thoughts voice. But this was Clint, and he was an exception to almost all her rules, had been, since he'd dragged her in out of the cold. Made her a home, whether she'd wanted one or not. And she hadn't, not in those first days. It hadn't been easy to trust, to change. To accept.

She owed him a debt she could never repay. She'd never even come close. but she'd spend every day trying, all the same.

Natasha gives him a faint smile and nudges his ankle with her foot.] That sounds like a plan. Maybe we should invite the Captain and make it Strip Poker Night. I'm sure Coulson will thank us.

Edited 2012-11-20 01:03 (UTC)

[Of course to Clint's mind, any debt she might have owed had been repaid long ago. Not that Clint had ever assumed there was any debt at all. She'd saved his life before, more than once. She'd broken him free of Loki's control.

He gives her a lopsided smile and nods.]

I think between the two of us we can manage to get him down to underwear before Coulson expires of fanboy glee.

[Natasha's head falls back as she laughs, a genuine unguarded sound, because this topic is always one that will send her into near giggles, their firm and straight-laced handler's adoration of his childhood hero]

Remind me to acquire a camera before then.

[That laugh is something that he always takes the time to appreciate. It's rare to hear her so unguarded.]

I'll remember. If we don't get photographic evidence, no-one will ever believe that it happened.

That and the memento would be nice.

[She's grinning still, in a good mood, because despite everything, she'd been missing this and it had things feeling... almost normal again. Even if they weren't. Even if they might never be again.

At least this was still the same. Familiar. Comfortable.]

We could frame it. Have to make sure it's being bullet proof glass. I think Fury would support us in this venture.

[It's easy to relax like this, to push aside everything that has happened recently. She's always been like that.]

You know he would. He might even supply the glass and frame.

[She glances over at him, flashing him a grin.]

We did say we were going to drag him into mischief.

He could have it mounted in his office.

[It'd be like pinning a kid's crayon drawing to the fridge.]

We did. You're right. SHIELD isn't here. He has the wicked soul of a prankster waiting to get out.

Now you just have to convince him of that.

We're the best spies and assassins and general badasses that SHIELD has. How hard can it be?

[Very, very hard, but Coulson obviously wants to.]

[Natasha snickers and pats him on the shoulder before gathering up her things.]

That's the spirit. Good luck with that. I'm sure he'll be no match for you and your deadly sad-puppy eyes.

I've brought down regimes with these eyes, Tasha. Dictators have fallen, unable to stand up to me.

Are you sure that wasn't because they were laughing themselves silly on the floor?

Wow, that's cold. I'm starting to think that you don't have confidence in my skills.

What would ever give you an idea like that?

Well, now that my ego has been thoroughly punctured... hungry?

[She grins and saunters for the door, a sway in her hips.]

Starving. And I'll make it up to you, you poor put-upon baby. I'll even treat you to lunch somewhere.

[#003] {Violence for fun and profit} Action/Video

[Action]

Re: [Action]

[Action]

Re: [Action]

[Action]

Re: [Action]

[Action]

Re: [Action]

[Action]

Re: [Action]

[Action]

Re: [Action]

[Action]

Re: [Action]

[Action]

Re: [Action]

[Action]

Re: [Action]