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[Bruce tugs at his tie, loosening it the tiniest bit as he looks out across the massive ballroom. He's attended black tie affairs before, but nothing like this. He tries not to think of the collective wealth in this room, or the amount of it being worn around necks and wrists tonight and how far it would go in other, far less desirable places in the world.

A caterer offers him a glass of champagne and he takes it reluctantly when she refuses to move on. Obviously, Tony's coached the staff.] Thank you.

[He holds it awkwardly, calculating just how long he should stay before he slips out.]

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[Maria gives Clint a stony stare that dares him to whistle again and Bruce finds himself biting back a smile. He takes another sip of his drink in an attempt to busy his mouth.]

Fury gave me the night off.

Are you enjoying the party? [Bruce liked Maria, but somehow in this setting and this light things felt different than they had on the helicarrier.]

I am. [He must not have been the only one to feel it, because Maria shifted on her feet and tapped the underside of her glass impatiently.]

[Clint just smiles innocently back at Maria]

You mean he can actually function without you? My whole world view has been shaken.

[Maria might have looked great, but she didn’t look entirely comfortable. Clint quickly took in her impatient movements]

Wow, really? You don’t sound like you’re enjoying it much. [Suddenly he was grinning again. Clapping a hand on Bruce’s back, Clint gave him a little push toward Maria] There is only one remedy, and that’s dancing!

[Bruce grits his teeth at the small push forward and is halfway through shaking his head when he looks up and sees Maria assessing him as if she's actually thinking about it.] I think I'll save your feet from that disaster.

[He straightens up though and gestures towards Clint.] Barton, was just saying hw he was looking for a partner though.

[Maria regarded both of them for a moment before finishing her drink and placing it on a passing tray.] Is that true, Agent Barton?

[Clint only grins wider at Bruce’s clear annoyance of his actions. He’s not surprised when Bruce makes an excuse not to accept, nor when the joke is suddenly turned back on him.]

Actually, I was saying how I was trying to decide which of all the beautiful ladies here would get the privilege of the first dance with me.

[In truth, he wasn’t a fan of these types of parties or dancing... well, most of the time. Given the choice he’d prefer an upbeat country band and some good old line dancing, or something with some real moves.]

[Bruce has to hand it to Clint for not loosing the least bit of cool at the suggestion. Somehow, in this setting, Maria seems even more intimidating than usual. He's actually relieved that she didn't push for a dance, because the thought of shuffling awkwardly with her sounds terrifying.]

What a lucky girl that will be.

[Maria's tone is entirely deadpan as she meets Clint's eyes. She appreciates Barton's skills in the field and his sense of humor on occasion but here it comes off as pure cockiness.]

Any contenders?

Edited 2012-07-27 14:58 (UTC)

[Clint can’t help but read Maria’s words and look as a challenge, and he has never been one to back down from a challenge. Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he exaggeratedly scans the room again before holding his hand out in Maria’s direction]

What do you say, Agent Hill? Up for making a few ladies jealous?

[Well, maybe there’s only one he’d ever be interested in making jealous, but he’s pretty sure Maria is the last person that would illicit such a reaction]

[Bruce bites back a smile as he glances between the two SHIELD agents in front of him. There is a short stand off before Maria gives her version of a tiny eye roll and takes Clint's hand.]

Step on my toes and you'll regret it.

[The tone is matter of fact, but Bruce thinks there's definitely a bit of amusement in the eyes. He gives a small laugh.] I'll just wait here.

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