The team had a rare day off, and a carnival’s arrival in town was unanimously declared a perfect distraction. Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanoff, Wanda Maximoff, Vision, Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson, Pietro Maximoff, Rhodey Rhodes, and Clint Barton stood near the carnival entrance, assessing the rides and game stalls.
“Alright, rules,” Steve announced, eliciting a collective groan. “Meet back here in two hours. No using your powers to win games unless absolutely necessary –”
“That’s unfair! You have super-soldier serum!” Pietro protested, earning a smirk from Bucky. Pietro huffed in annoyance.
“No pushing people off the Ferris wheel,” Steve continued, glaring at Bucky and Sam, who muttered, “That was one time!” and “He started it!”
“If you’re running late, text the group chat before we send out a search party. Go!” Steve finished, and the group dispersed, each rushing to experience the carnival’s offerings.
Clint wandered alone after losing Wanda and Pietro to a ring toss game. He caught glimpses of his friends as he passed, hearing Sam and Bucky’s shouts near a spinning ride. He spotted Tony and Natasha and was about to join them when something else caught his eye: an archery game.
A woman with a plaid shirt thrown over a black t-shirt was taking her first shot. She drew back the arrow, hitting the bullseye on her first attempt. Her eyes widened in surprise before she squealed softly and grabbed another arrow. Frustration mounted as she struggled to position the arrow correctly, trying again and again.
Clint walked toward her, a smile playing on his lips.
“Need some help?” he asked, his voice confident. She turned, her smile radiant as she readily accepted.
“Please,” she giggled, the sound like music to Clint’s ears. He positioned himself behind her, wrapping his arms around her hands to guide them to the correct spot. He drew back the arrow and released, not once glancing at the target, his focus solely on the woman beside him. Her cheeks flushed as the arrow hit the center.
“There you go,” he said, his voice a low murmur. “Perfect.” He grinned. “I’m Clint, by the way.”
“(Y/n),” she replied, her confidence growing. Clint noticed she was alone, but didn’t see Tony and Natasha observing them from a distance.
“Not here with anyone?” he asked casually.
“I came with friends, but I lost them on a particularly boring ride,” she said, rolling her eyes. Clint chuckled.
“Want to walk with me?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I would love to,” she said, her eyes sparkling, “but I still have another shot at this target.” She grinned. Clint took position behind her again, guiding her hands as she drew back the arrow. This time, she didn’t need his guidance, the arrow flying straight to the center. (Y/n)’s eyes widened as she realized Clint hadn’t even looked at the target.
The booth operator handed her a giant teddy bear, surprised to lose to yet another customer. Clint offered his arm, and (Y/n) looped hers through his.
“Shall we?” he asked.
“We shall,” she answered, giggling as they walked away with the bear and the archer.
Later, Clint pulled out his phone to see a photo of them talking, sent to the group chat by Tony. The caption read: "Care to explain, Barton?"
The response came swiftly: "I won't be at the meeting point in time ;)"