Marvel Imagines and One-shots (Requests Closed)

All Tied Up - Clint Barton

A/N: This is a bit darker than normal for me. 

***

"I'm serious. You should go for it," Bucky said as he took the seat across from you at the table. You rolled your eyes but didn't say anything. He'd been trying to convince you for the last ten minutes that Clint was as crazy for you as you were for him. You weren't buying it. There was no way Barton liked you. Not like that.

When Bucky opened his mouth to say something else, you cut him off. "Why is this so important to you? Why are you pushing this now? You've known about my crush for ages."

The super soldier glanced around before leaning toward you. "Because I didn't know he felt the same way until yesterday. Nat was setting him up on a date and he said he didn't want to go because they weren't you. They had no idea I was listening. You're my friend. I just want you to be happy."

You contemplated his words. It would be a risk, sure, but you'd been head over heels for Clint for ages. If there was even the smallest chance that you could be with him you had to take it. A smile curved your lips. "Okay, genius. He likes me. What do I do about it?"

Bucky grinned. "You should go to his room and talk to him after dinner. You know, away from everybody. That would be more comfortable for both of you."

It was a good plan. You nodded. "Yeah. Okay."

With that Bucky left you to your lunch. Unfortunately, you didn't see the smirk on his face as he went.

***

"I'm just telling you what I heard, man," Sam said to Clint as they sparred in the gym.

Clint shook his head. "It just doesn't seem like her. Are you sure you heard right?"

Sam signaled for a timeout and walked over to take a drink. "Bucky told her he overheard you and Nat talking about how much you liked her. She said they should prank you. She's going to come to your room after dinner to convince you the feelings are mutual then shut you down once she had you believing her. They were going to record it all and play it for the team." When Clint didn't say anything, Sam continued. "I know it's harsh. I'm just telling you what I heard."

Clint didn't want to believe a word Sam was saying. It just didn't match up with the you that he had fallen in love with. You were sweet and caring and kickass when you needed to be. Even the thought that he might be telling the truth made Clint's heart ache. It was one thing if you didn't return his feelings, but to make fun of him for them? No, that didn't sound like you at all. "I don't believe you. She just wouldn't do that."

Sam shrugged. "Well, it's simple, isn't it? She either comes to your room after dinner or she doesn't. At least this way you're forewarned."

***

The rest of the day dragged despite you doing everything you could think of to keep yourself occupied. You'd considered just finding Clint and talking to him now, but he'd been in training and meetings all day. Your stomach churned with nerves that only got worse with each passing moment. What if...no, you couldn't think like that. You'd put off telling him for so long. It was time to be the grownup you were and confess. Even if Bucky had misheard, you'd know you'd taken your shot.

Dinner came and went. Clint didn't linger as he usually did and you could only assume he retired to his room. You took a deep breath and glanced at Bucky. He gave you a cockeyed smile and a thumbs up. Go for it, he mouthed. You nodded once and made your way to the archer's room.

You stood in the hallway for several long moments before biting your lip and knocking on the door. He answered quickly. Despite his smile, something seemed off. He seemed almost disappointed to see you. Maybe he was expecting someone else? God, this was a stupid idea.