“The day we met,” Tony said slowly, tracing a thin finger around the lip of his glass, “you said you could provide for our family.”
“Yes?” Clint said. His milkshake was gone. He had no idea how Tony still had most of his left. Ice cream was awesome
“Does that mean you…” Tony trailed off and made a motion with his hands.
“Do I what?”
“Can you… get… you know. Pregnant?”
Clint blinked at the question. Tony had an earnest look on his face, hands clasped tightly around the base of his glass, brown eyes wide.
“Yes,” Clint said finally, somberly. “You can… what was the phrase Sam used? Knock me up? But only when I’m wearing my pelt.”
Tony’s throat bobbed as he visibly swallowed. “So to have kids, we have to have sex when you’re wearing…”
“That’s right. The gestation period lasts about ten months. I’ll have to stay in my pelt the whole time.” Clint paused to pick up a spoon and swipe some of the foam out of Tony’s glass. “Since you won’t be around to protect me in the ocean, you’ll have to build an aquarium in the tower. Two stories, if you don’t mind. I’ll need the exercise to keep my figure.”
“I… I can do that,” Tony squeaked. He cleared his throat. “Whatever you need.”
Aw shit. Clint’s heart melted. His human was so silly, but sweet down to the bone. “Tony, Baby, I can’t get pregnant. I’m just messing with you.”
“What?!” Tony yelped. “Then what was all that about your pelt?!”
Clint laughed. “I’m a man regardless of whether I have my pelt or not. If we want kids, we’ll need to adopt or find a surrogate.”
“You asshole.” Tony bawled up a napkin and threw it at him. You nearly gave me a heart attack!”
Still laughing, Clint dodged. “I couldn’t help it. You’re adorable.”
“Asshole,” Tony repeated, flushed pink to the tips of his ears. “You know I don’t know much about selkies.” He looked down at his milkshake, embarrassed.
Clint reached across the table and took Tony’s hands in his. “Baby, I’m sorry. You were right; that was mean. But I love that you were ready to do whatever I wanted. You were so ready to provide for me and our pups… I’ve never had that before,” he confessed softly. “It’s amazing.”
Tony sighed. “You’re mean, but good with compliments,” he grumbled.
“Good enough to share the rest of your milkshake?”
“Not even close.”
(They’re still undecided about kids.)