Region-Beta Paradox (Avengers X Male Reader)

Not What It Seems

"Alright. I'm here. What are we going to do?" You asked as you got to the training room. The training room was much smaller than the original one you used in the Avengers tower, it was more or less like a makeshift gym with an empty area in this new building.

"Hand to hand combat. Get in position." He said and got into an offensive position himself.

"Wait, weren't we supposed to focus on my powers?" You asked but got into a position as well. You chose a defensive position. No matter how many times you had beat Steve before, you always feared the man for his combat skills. The guy knew over 50 martial art techniques, not to mention his super senses! He was definitely not a man to be trifled with in a fight.

Steve didn't answer and launched a punch towards your right. It was an easy one, you thought as you dodged it only to be met by his knee in your abdomen. He grabbed your neck from behind with his right hand and put his left hand underneath your arm as you crouched down, taken away at his merciless aim. He lifted you up and threw you across the room with ease.

You managed to gain your balance as Steve charged towards you without any delay. You dodged his right hook and met his left uppercut with both your hands as a defence. You didn't squander any time as you put your right foot on his left foot and slammed both of your hands into his chest as hard as you could. It worked. Steve lost his balance and landed on his back.

"Hope this isn't anything personal, of course." You said, sarcasm dripping from your tone as you pinned Steve's arms down with your knees, straddling his chest and launched as many blows you could before he managed to throw your lighter figure off of him and stood up. You ran towards him and ducked just as he launched a counter to your charge. Being the smaller and more motile, you easily crouched down, dodging his counter, and hit Steve's exposed gut with your head. As you put all of your strength in that hit, you managed to wrap your hands around Steve's left thigh and pulled it upwards with much effort. Steve lost his balance yet once again. He wasn't giving up just yet though, he got up swiftly but you were prepared. You held his shoulders before he could get up and kneed his chest as hard as you could. Steve was down. He held his chest as the air left his lungs and he struggled to breath through it.

You wiped the sweat off of your face and stood back. You simply turned to walk out. "Where are you going?" Steve asked. He had recovered much quicker than anyone else ever could from that blow but his voice still croaked. "We're not done yet."

You sighed and turned again to look at him. "Done with what, Steve?" You asked, trying to stay calm despite the fact that you were pretty much out of breath and panting from the fight. "What do you think this is? A shitty old soap opera?"

Steve looked at you in confusion. "I don't understand how-"

"Just because I wouldn't sleep with you, you decided to pull all of this?"

Steve's expressions darkened. "Who said this training had anything to do with that?"

"It's obviously very clear. Look where you're at. You're-"

"I was only trying to help." Steve said, his fists and jaws clenched. "Look how well you fought! And you didn't even use your powers once!" He yelled, walking forward towards you. "This is a room meant for training, Y/N." He said, his tone anything but friendly. "I suggest you leave your romantic conflicts outside when you come in here."

"What? Steve I don't have any 'romantic conflicts'! You're the one who-"

"Dismissed." He growled. You sighed and stormed off the room.

"Fucking unbelievable." You muttered under your breath as you walked out. You couldn't help but ponder offer Steve's words. Maybe the training wasn't personal? Maybe you were just imagining it all? But you just didn't know what to expect or think with Steve anymore. The man was way beyond your understanding after all the time you ha been with the Avengers.

"Woah." Tony exclaimed as you bumped into him just as you turned a corner.

"I'm sorry." You said and started to walk off but Tony jogged to you.

"Y/N." He called and you stopped, turning to his direction. "Everything okay?" He asked. You sighed and nodded. "Cap's rough training?" He sighed, eyeing your face. You realised it must've swollen where Steve had hit you.

"Yeah. Everything's okay." You said.

"I meant between you and Clint. Everything okay with him?" He asked after a couple of seconds of awkward silence.

"He seems fine. Why?"

"You left on pretty rough terms, Y/N." He said and looked at your hand. You still weren't wearing any ring. It was still with Clint. "Barton was... he went through a really bad time while you were gone. Trust me, you have no idea." He said sadly. "Just, take care of him. Okay?"

You nodded. You understood his point but your mind really wasn't in this situation completely. "I will." You said and Tony hugged you without any warning. You flinched at first but hugged him back right after.

"It's great to have you back." He said and patted your back. He pulled back from the hug. "I'll see you at breakfast." He said and walked off. Something wasn't right. Tony was never this open with his feelings nor was this any time for Tony to be up. He usually slept in late in the mornings and it was still only around a half past six in the morning. Maybe not everything was as it seemed.

***

"Hey Y/N?" Clint looked at you as he got out of the shower. You had gotten back to your room after the "training", showered and had started reading a random book to help you calm your mind. Clint had woke. An hour later. 

"Hmm?" You asked without looking up from your book.

"Is it okay if we have our breakfast in the room today?" He asked.

You looked at him and smiled, "Sure." You put your book aside and stood up. "I'll get our plates." You said and kissed his cheek before going to the main kitchen. Unlike your mutual room in the Avengers tower, this too didn't have a personal kitchen so everything was in the main kitchen.

"Clint okay?" Natasha asked as she saw you taking food to your room.

"Yeah, we're just eating in our room today. Hope you guys don't mind." You said with a smile.

"Not at all." She said. "He's really okay though, right?" She asked again

"Yeah, I'll take care of him. Don't worry." You said and got to your room with the plates. How bad could have Clint really gotten in your absence to everyone be so worried for him? It was normal for Natasha but even Tony?

"Hey, look what I found." Clint grinned as he pulled out a gaming console. You chuckled as you put the plates down, remembering how you had played a video game on your first meet with Clint. You had been on a winning streak, making Clint resort to cheating and interfering with your controls to not let you win which had only resulted in Thor winning the game. You had gotten really mad for it at Clint as he had laughed his ass off at the whole scenario.

"Breakfast first." You smiled and sat down with Clint. Before you two began to eat, Clint took your hand and put your ring back on your finger.

"There." He smiled. "I love you, Y/N. I really do." He said and kissed your cheek.

"I love you too, Clint." You smiled and gave him a long kiss on his lips before you two began eating.

***

"Did you tell him yet?" Natasha asked Clint. You two had spent the majority of the day playing video games with Clint and had fallen asleep on the couch next to him.

"Not yet." Clint grimaced, looking down at your sleeping figure as he brushed his fingers through your hair. You had your head on his lap.

"When are you going to tell him?" She pushed the conversation.

Clint sighed. "Please Tasha. He just got back."

"Fine." She stood up. "It's your decision. Just don't take too long, okay?" She said and Clint nodded.