Iron Beta 3: What to do When your World Explodes

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"Can't catch me!" I shout over my shoulder and laugh as I weave through the New York crowd.

"Bet I can!" A male voice behind me gleefully shouts, and I can hear sneakers slap the pavements even over the hustle and bustle of the city.

I cheer as I skid to a stop in front of glass-paned café, the banner reading Bluebird Burgers.

Arms close around my waist from behind as I whirl to face my boyfriend of just under one year, Clint Barton.

He smiles and brushes a kiss onto my nose. "Told you I could catch you."

"I still got here first." I point out, poking his chest.

He shrugs. "Whatever. Let's go get some burgers."

I nod and take his hand as we step inside our favorite café. I wave to Sharon, our usual waitress, and she comes right over and leads us to a table for two.

"Taylor, Clint, always good to have you. Will it be the usual?" Sharon asks with a smile as she sets down our silverware and menus, just in case.

I grin as Clint pulls out my chair. "Yeah, Sharon, thanks."

She shakes her head. "No, thank you for coming back. One Cupid Special, a Dr. Pepper, and a Coke coming right up. Your menus?"

We hand our menus and she whisks away towards the kitchen. I lean back into my chair, using Clint's propped up legs as a footstool. We love this little café, we know the owners by name.

"Can you believe it's almost been a year?" Clint asks thoughtfully.

I shake my head with a smile. No, I can't believe it's almost been a year since Clint asked me out in front of my dad and the rest of the Avengers. "I can scarcely believe I've put up with you for so long."

Clint snorts. "Oh ha, ha, very funny. More like me putting up with you."

I gasp and put my hand over my heart in a gesture of mock offense as I flick my napkin at him.

He grins and dodges the napkin just as Sharon approaches with our food.

"Cupid Special, one plain cheeseburger, one hamburger with everything, one order of fries. Enjoy you guys."

"Thanks, Sharon." She nods and walks away to tend to the other customers.

I munch absently on my fries as small talk is exchanged, half my mind going over some schematics my dad had asked me to look at for one of our projects.

"Taylor?"

I jerk my head up, a fry hanging out of my mouth, as Clint calls my name.

"What?

He chuckles and reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. "Is your brain stuck in the lab again?"

I blush and nod sheepishly. "Yeah, sorry. There's this one project..." I trail off as Clint nods and leans over to kiss me.

"I understand. And I'm flattered that you dragged yourself out of the cave to have lunch with me." He deadpans.

I snort as I roll my eyes and fling a fry at him. "Don't get a big head, bird boy. I had to get fresh air before I suffocated on oil fumes."

"Oh, so the only reason you emerged is so you don't die? I see how it is." He teases as he narrows his eyes playfully. "And I think the big head is yours, Ms. 198 IQ."

"Just shut up and eat your food."

He sits back and picks up his burger and I return to my fries.