Trick or treat!

Well this was a first. In all the years Clint Barton and Natasha Romanoff had been partners at S.H.I.E.L.D., they were always in close proximity to each other on October 31. Not always on a mission, but never a continent, or two, apart.

It was bad enough that Fury sent Clint on his latest mission solo. It made sense given the delicate nature of the objective, Natasha had to admit. But she also believed that any mission could benefit by having them together. Working together, she emphasized to herself.

And it was Halloween. As ridiculous as it was, she and Barton had developed a little tradition. Each year one person provided a treat of some sort for the other. Nothing big, of course, and the cheesier the better. This year was her year to receive. Except he was crawling around in the sand and she was on assignment guarding a high-ranking diplomat during a state dinner. The dinner ended two hours ago, as did her responsibility, but she would be keeping the five-star hotel room until two minutes before check-out time.

As she propped up the luxurious pillows to begin reading that best-seller Pepper recommended a few months ago, a knock at the door raised her suspicion. "Room service," called the muffled voice.

Natasha pulled her robe tightly around her, picked up her pistol, and moved silently to the door. "I didn't order room service," she replied.

"Compliments of a third party, I believe. If you are refusing the delivery, please let me know. It will leave an awful mess out here otherwise," said the concerned voice.

Slipping the pistol into the pocket of her robe, she peered out the peephole. There stood a bellboy with a tray. On the tray was the most decadent looking ice cream sundae she'd ever seen. If this was hit, she had to appreciate the bait. She couldn't refuse.

She opened the door, snatched the sundae and all the accessories from the tray and slammed the door. "Thank you. I'll have your tip added to my bill at checkout tomorrow."

"Thank you, miss," said the young man as he walked away.

Sitting between the spoon and the napkin was a hand-written note on the hotel letterhead. It read simply: "Trick or treat." As Natasha walked back over to the bed to enjoy her treat, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She was smiling. This was a rare and genuine and actual smile. She told herself it was because of the ice cream. No sense ruining the moment by over thinking it.

Before savoring the first bite of caramel ice cream drizzled with hot fudge and having to wipe real whipped cream from the tip of her nose, she whispered into the air, "Happy Halloween, Clint Barton, wherever you are."

**Hope you liked it. Happy Halloween to you!! Also, have a virtual handful of your favorite candy!! **

Edited 2015-10-31 12:36 am (UTC)

Love it! And mmmh virtual peanut butter cups - almost as good as the real thing!

So glad you liked it! I enjoyed a dozen few of those real peanut butter cups this evening. Nothing like the real thing! ;)

Aw, sweet! :)