Times Long Past

Auld Lang Syne: Times Long Past

Author's Note: This is a chapter of my Clintasha AU, Dear Agony, that I decided to publish on it's own, in addition to it being a chapter. If you want more backstory before you read this, I would suggest reading my full fanfiction. But, this chapter can stand alone as it's own story. Story is inspired and named after the traditional Scottish song, Auld Lang Syne.

It was New Year's Eve, and while the team known as the Avengers usually all got together at Tony Stark's rather extravagant household for the annual celebration, Steve had suggested that this year they go to another team member's house. While Natasha Romanoff would have been the last person the team expected to offer up their place, she willinging invited them all over to her apartment for the holiday.

It was around 6 o'clock in the afternoon when most of the guests began to show up, though Steve had gotten there early to help Natasha set up the place. Steve was dressed rather casual, with just a light blue button up and dress pants. Natasha wore a semi-formal black dress, and her hair, which was now grown out more than usual was slightly curled and had a faint brown tone to it.

Natasha insisted on keeping the party itself rather simple, but Steve had brought over a set of gold rimmed glasses and plates, as well as several different food dishes and decorations.

Natasha's apartment was a decent size, with an open living room that had a leather multi piece sofa, which was large enough to fit most of the Avengers on it. Right outside of the living room was a balcony that looked out onto the quiet city street below. The living room was connected to a kitchen, separated by an island that could serve as a bar. Natasha only had three barstools, and so Steve had brought a few over from his own place just so there was enough for all of them to sit around.

Grunting as he carried one barstool in each hand through her front door, he said,

"Well, I'm not sure if we'll be able to match Stark's New Year Parties, but once we get these stools in, everything should be good."

Shutting the door behind him, the red haired Russian stated bluntly,

"I don't think any of us could match Stark's reputation when it comes to parties. But, It'll be good to mix things up."  

Shrugging in agreement as he placed the stools evenly beside one another, moving them carefully so not to scrape her floors, he then slipped on his leather jacket and headed towards the door.

"I told my friend I'd give him a ride over to your place, it's still alright if he comes, right?", Steve asked as he zipped up his jacket.

She nodded as she leaned against the granite counter and said calmly,

"You know I'm fine with it. Stark on the other hand may not agree, but hey, this isn't his place."

"And thank god it isn't. Thanks again, Nat. I know it was a rather sudden request, but it'll be good for him. I really appreciate it," Steve said as he opened the door and a blustery winter wind suddenly blew into her apartment as he did.

Natasha grabbed his keys that he had left on the counter, and as she placed them in his palm she said,

"It'll be good to see him, I'm glad he's willing to come."

Steve smiled and nodded, as he closed the door and Natasha went back to making final preparations.

About thirty minutes after Steve left, Tony and Bruce were the first to arrive, and as predicted Tony had brought a variety of his own drinks to share with everyone. Natasha greeted them both, taking Tony up on an offer for a drink, and helping him place the rest in a silver bucket with ice, that Steve had brought over. Tony immediately claimed a seat at the bar, pouring himself a scotch he turned to ask Bruce to come and join him. Bruce was quickly looking around Natasha's place, as half the Avengers had never been inside her apartment before.