[Private Spam for Natashas]

[worldsbestmarksman]

[When Mal makes a post Clint does a quick search of the ship. He'd hidden for different reasons, taking time to heal his broken arm. It's still in a sling but they say he'll heal fast.

It's a hell of a place. This ship. In more ways then one. When he stops in front of her room he taps on her door, two sharp taps and a long one.

Then he speaks.]

...Go ahead, open the door so you can laugh at my mullet.

Comments

[persuadeyou]

Not a chance, [she murmured, leaning against the wall to face him. She looked away, though, broke eye contact with his speech and let her hair fall forward over her shoulder while she crossed her arms. His faith in her had always meant a lot; it had meant redemption, and a second chance. She was supposed to get those things there, but she'd already had them when he made a bid to bring her into SHIELD.

She didn't know what she was supposed to do here. And it was hard, having it thrown in her face again when all she wanted was to forget.

But she nods, eventually, quiet.]

Yeah. I guess you're right. [She doesn't have that kind of faith in herself - but she has it in him.]

[worldsbestmarksman]

[He'll believe in both of them. that's what being a circus performer does. It makes you think magic's possible.

In this case however he's pretty sure it is.]

can I ask you a really weird question?

[persuadeyou]

[He'll need to. Her mouth crooks just a bit at the corner, but she nods. and despite herself, she's a little curious to know what he considers weird.]

[worldsbestmarksman]

Is there something else...honestly that you'd rather be doing?

[He doesn't sound sarcastic or unhappy or angry, just curious. Genuinely curious.]

I mean like, a hobby or a job or do you want to learn how to knit or sew?

[persuadeyou]

[Her eyebrows arch at that. It's not that she's never been asked the question, it's that the option was never on the table.]

Do I look like I want to learn to sew?

[She shrugs, and pushes off the wall to pace slowly, from one end of the small room to the other.]

You know my skill set. I don't really have hobbies.

[worldsbestmarksman]

First thing that popped into my head.

[He considers this] Do you...want a hobby? I mean have you ever thought about that? More then just movie nights.

I... [He had hobbies.] I used to read a lot of carnival enthusiast blogs.

[persuadeyou]

[She makes a noise that's almost a snort, almost a laugh. Carnie blogs. Somehow,she isn't that surprised.]

Never thought about. [How did she spend her down time? Sleeping, sometimes reading in preparation for the inevitable next mission. Sometimes she missed ballet, but--]

Guess it's not really my thing.

[worldsbestmarksman]

...Do you want it to be a thing? I mean something you could do?

[He rubs his head] Natasha...I think it sounds pretty lame but...I dunno sometimes there are things I do do...to go unwind. Thinking up creative dominoes pizzas, that kind of thing.

[persuadeyou]

I work out. [She just shrugs again, looking away. Unwinding isn't exactly something she's good at. Relaxation just makes it easier to let your guard down, and that's something she'll never do.]

I'll be fine, Clint. You don't have to hang out and...worry about my hobbies.

[worldsbestmarksman]

..I'm not worrying about hobbies, I'm worried about you right now.

[His tone is firm] You don't have to come out, but will you let me bring you something to eat?

[persuadeyou]

[She rubs at her forehead, scratching her eyebrow. She doesn't make idle gestures, so the fact that she is now says something. She's uncomfortable. She wants to wallow, she doesn't want to eat, she just wants to sit here, and think about every bad thing she ever did for the Red Room - so she can forget them again.

She shrugs, finally, and nods.] Yeah, sure, if it'll make you feel better.

[worldsbestmarksman]

[He rises] I just want to make sure you're okay Natasha.

[persuadeyou]

I'll be fine. [She makes her voice firm, nods, even lets a smile creep into the corner of her mouth. Natasha knows how to play pretend better than anything, and she knows how to seem normal.]

I just need some time to work it out of my system.

[worldsbestmarksman]

[Outwardly he falls for it...inwardly he's not convinced. Prepare to be tailed Natasha.] ....You sure?

[persuadeyou]

[Bring it. It'll still be a fe days before she leaves her room. :c But she gives him a small smile, and nods.]

I'll be fine, [she repeats.]