[#000] Appointments

[asthehawkflies]

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[Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[asthehawkflies]

[It takes a moment but he finally ducks his head in acquiescence. He trusts her, trusts her to know him better than himself sometimes. Most times. He leans forward, resting his forehead against hers, feeling a knot of tension he hadn't realised had been there start to unwind. He had someone to watch his back now, someone he trusted more than anything.]

Damn Asgardians. I swear they have it in for me. At least Thor only made me miss my vacation. Fury was right though. There were real aliens.

[It hardly the most serious thing they could be discussing but it's a welcome distraction. He laughs softly at the raised eyebrow, giving her an incredulous look of his own.]

Is that really so strange? The hell is that look for, Nat?

Re: [Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[widows_kiss]

[Her forehead rests against his for just a moment, giving comfort, stealing a little in return. Because they both needed it, for their own reasons, and this at least was something she could give him. When she draws back, she gives him a grin, quick and brief as she lifts a hand and ruffles his hair fondly.]

Yes, yes there were. And look on the bright side. You could have been in Malibu herding Stark instead. [Which reminded her...] Are any of the others here?

[She meets his incredulous stare with a curious look of her own.]

What look? And maybe not strange. A little surprising, perhaps.

[Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[asthehawkflies]

[He scrunches his face up when she ruffles his hair, but he's grinning as she does it and then leans back more comfortably on the couch.]

I'm not sure he would've appreciated me wearing the heels and skirt as much.

And hell, that's a story and a half. Stark's here, and Pepper Potts. Rogers. Jane Foster. And then things get weird. Howard Stark is here, from the 40s. A friend of Steve's, James Barnes too. And Margaret Carter.

[And that's before they get onto other realities.]

That raised eyebrow and 'I have suspicions' look. He needed a place to stay. I have an empty apartment I'm barely using.

Re: [Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[widows_kiss]

I don't know, you might have pulled it off. [She's now picturing this, tapping one finger against her chin as she considers him with a smirk, her eyes bright with humor.] I'm sure we could have found some way of making it work. I certainly would have appreciated it.

[She makes a mental list of the names he mentions, committing it to memory. They're missing Thor and Bruce, which makes having Loki here a little worrying. The people from Roger's past are a surprise, but if this place can bring people back from the dead, there's no reason they couldn't be here.]

I bet the Captain is thrilled. Are they the ages he remembers them? The people he knew?

[Her smirk peeks back into existence at his reply] Clint, I always have suspicions. It's what I do.

[Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[asthehawkflies]

You already have far more blackmail material on me than you will ever need.

[He doubts she'll ever have reason to use it, so it's more joking than anything else.]

Yes. I think they're all within a couple of years of when he knew them. I think he's really glad to have them back.

[He can't really protest that, one of the perils of having a super spy as a best friend, but still...]

Your suspicions are not normally turned on me.

Re: [Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[widows_kiss]

I could always use more, though.

[It's said laughingly, because yes, she really does, but little cause to use any of it unless something comes up that's too good to pass over in making him squirm a little. They've played their fair share of pranks on each other over the years, shared in more than their fair share of embarrassing moments. Besides, the diversion in topics has relaxed him, made him smile and laugh, and that was good to see, considering how exhausted and serious he'd been when he walked in the door. And she hadn't missed the state of his fingers, either, though she hadn't pointed it out. He'd been shooting a lot lately. Too much, from the looks of it. All signs she knew meant he wasn't dealing well with something. Or several somethings.

If he'd been drawn here just after getting Loki knocked out of his head, she suspected she knew why, and that's without even knowing what he might have experienced here before her arrival.]

I can imagine he is. The missing time for him when he first woke up must have been a terrible thing. [She hadn't been there for that, hadn't met him until much later, but she had an understanding of it. Could empathize with the experience.]

You said Loki is here?

[It's not a topic she particularly wants to turn the conversation to, but it needs to be done, and she's not one for avoiding the elephant in the room unless it suits her. Which it doesn't, not when there's a threat like that trapped here with them.]

They are, occasionally. Usually when you surprise me. I suppose I shouldn't be. You hadn't really gotten to meet the rest of the team yet if you woke up here after the fight on the Helicarrier. I take it you've done something about that, from the sound of things?

[Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[asthehawkflies]

No such thing as too much intel, right?

[Of course not, and as much as she's mortified him over the years, he's more than made up for it in return and they've always been able to laugh afterwards. He needs that sometimes. He feels more relaxed than he has since arriving here.]

I'm guessing so from what I heard from HQ after he woke.

[And now they hit the hard part. Loki is never his favourite subject, and recounting everything twice in the space of a few days is not the most appealing prospect. She deserves it though.]

Yeah. We have a truce with him. [The word is bitter on his tongue.] It's a bad place for feuds.

[He licks his lips, looking away from her, expression darkening.]

I screwed up, Tasha. I let him get to me and I screwed up.

[He nods at the question.]

Yeah, here and there. Steve seems like a good guy, bit too morally upstanding for me but a good guy. And Stark is... Stark.

Everyone's expecting me to be part of a team I barely know.

Re: [Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[widows_kiss]

[She listens to what he says and to what he doesn't, her gaze intent once more, picking up his reactions and reading them just as easily. When he looks away, she shifts closer, bumping his shoulder with hers in a fond nudge, letting her arm come to rest against his own in silent support and comfort.]

Tell me?

[She nods as he explains, biting back a smile at his description of Rogers, because yeah, there was no one like the Captain, she was certain.] You are part of the team. You knew Fury was angling us that way. And everyone on that team barely knows each other. Except for you and I, we have a bit of an advantage, at least. But we all fought together during the invasion. Sometimes side by side and back to back. You know as well as I do that you don't come out of a fight like that without a connection.

[Except he'd missed that part of it, so she wasn't surprised that he felt at odds with the team still. She wondered if anything here had changed that yet? And wasn't sure if that made it better or worse...]

[Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[asthehawkflies]

[He leans towards her, grateful for the comfort. It was easier to offer it than accept it, and he hadn't exactly let anyone get close enough to offer much.]

I thought I was fine. Stark didn't realise I didn't know about Coulson and he let slip that Loki had killed him.

I tried to kill him. Couldn't think of anything else, like it was the one last push I needed over the edge. No recon, no care. I was just... angry.

There was a kid there, one that Loki had taken a liking to. She saw when I shot him. Wasn't hurt but... [He's an assassin. She can guess how much of a screw up that was for him.]

Loki he... he caught me. Cut through my biceps. Thought I was gonna be crippled.

[And he can't quite bring himself to look at her because even now, there's part of him which is always going to be waiting for people to walk away.]

I know what he intended for us. From my point of view though, after what happened... kind of expecting a cell more than a promotion.

Re: [Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[widows_kiss]

Yes, well. You always were a bit of an idiot.

[It's said with fondness, no sting in the words, because her calling him that is more an endearment than anything. She listens to what he says, both about the incident with Loki and his expectations back home. Wishing she'd been here does no good; what's done is done. She knew that sort of rage, just as she knew the dangers of giving in to it. She doesn't miss the way he curls into himself, can't lift his head to meet her gaze, and that tells her more than anything what he's thinking right now, so she nudges him again, then lays her head against his shoulder, her arm snaking its way around his waist as she tugged him close against her side.]

Going after him alone with no plan, no back-up... that was foolish. You're smarter than that. Better. Although I can't say I didn't want to do the same when I heard about you. When I heard about Coulson.

[Loki had proven himself to be a master of finding the best place to strike that would do the most damage. Even her, in some ways, and that was not so easy a thing to do. Although the buttons of guilt he'd tried to push hadn't been the ones that had compromised her, in the end.

She nudges him again, picking her head up to look at him, her gaze firm.] Don't do it again. Don't think I won't kick your ass and tie you up somewhere if you so much as consider it.

[Natasha let her gaze drop to his arms when he mentions being caught. She's not worried - he pulled his bow on her upon entering, after all, so obviously he's not hurt as badly now as he was.] You're not, though. Far from it. You've been training. A lot. [Yeah, Clint, she noticed that.]

You don't have a cell. Not for that. Actions taken under that kind of situation aren't going to be held against you. That wasn't you, Clint.

[Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[asthehawkflies]

[He tenses at the contact for a moment, shuddering before he relaxes into the touch. It's familiar and comfortable and he leans his head against hers, arm sliding around her shoulders to hold her close.]

It was sloppy. Stupid. I made the whole situation worse. I would've done the same if it'd been you too.

[If Natasha had been killed, or, god forbid, he'd succeeded in killing her on the helicarrier, he doesn't think there would have been any power strong enough to stop him going after Loki.

He can't avoid that kind of insistence and he meets her eyes before nodding.]

I won't. I promise. Been a couple of times I would dearly have loved to though.

[He winces at her comment and glances down at his hands. They're scabbed and torn up worse than normal, a couple of the cuts from the strings worn raw.]

Yeah well, there's not a whole lot else to do. Too much time to think and no other outlet.

I know. I know that. Believing it might take longer. He... it wasn't like I was just mindlessly obeying. It changed me, my loyalties. I made suggestions, volunteered information without being asked.

Re: [Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[widows_kiss]

You're not the only one. But you can't afford to be sloppy. Especially not now. So tell me about this truce we have instead. Was that Rogers' doing? Or someone else's?

[She reaches out with her free hand, brushes a finger over one scabbed knuckle, her touch whisper-light as she frowns at the sight of his hands, the evidence of so much punishment]

You think too much. I'm sure we can think up another outlet for you that doesn't involve this.

[She squeezed his wrist lightly, her head tipping against his shoulder in a slight nod. She understood that all too well.] You also missed a kill shot on both Fury and Hill. And you didn't kill me.

[Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[asthehawkflies]

[When can he ever afford to be sloppy? It nearly got him killed and it was only luck that people had come to help him.]

Steve warned the whole place about Loki when Loki arrived, from what I've heard. But while we can watch, we can't do anything unless he strikes first. People aren't too keen on grudges from home spilling over.

[He turns his hand when she touches it, letting her see the extent of the damage.]

I'm open to suggestions. I've worked a few days at one of the shops in town.

[He'd missed, huh? That gave him paused and was a relief.]

Loki wanted to know why I'd failed to kill Fury.

[The thought of killing her freezes him to the core.]</small. You're alive. And you're here and real.

Re: [Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[widows_kiss]

No, I can imagine not. Not in a contained space like this. [She frowns, because she knows just how easy it would be for the bloodshed to spill over, escalate out of control. While she doesn't trust Loki, she can see the sense in it. They were all held here, even him. New enemies often made allies in the strangest of places. Something else she knew better than anyone.]

You, in a shop? Doing what? [It surprises her at first, but as she thinks about it, she can picture it. Besides, keeping busy is good. He can't spend all day every day on the range.

Her fingers skim lightly against his palm as she rests against him, not moving away, though she feels the tension in him at the end.]

I am. You didn't hurt me, Clint. [She pauses, then tilts her head back just far enough that she can see his face. One corner of her lips quirks upwards.] It got pretty rough though. And then you pulled my hair. Asshole.

[Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[asthehawkflies]

And not when the Malnosso can send us to war at the drop of a hat. Even children and civilians.

[He shrugs at the question.]

Moving things that Rogue tells me to move, mostly. It passes the time and she's good company.

[And he's been giving it a good try at spending all day, every day, in the range, or at least training.

He smirks at her, matching her expression.]

As I recall, you bit me.

Re: [Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[widows_kiss]

It wouldn't be the first time children and civilians are sent to war.

[It's spoke softly, but he knows, and she knows he does. That doesn't excuse it, make it right, but the concept is not one foreign to her. It's also not one she makes as much objection over as some of the others would on her team. War makes many things happen that never should.

She laughs softly when he tells her what he does, her eyes warming in affectionate amusement.] Yes, that does sound like it would be a good fit for you. I'm glad you've found something useful to do to keep out of trouble. I'm sure Coulson will appreciate not having to check the rafters or deal with complaints of innocent bystanders being shot with suction arrows.

[When he smirks at her, she playfully slugs him in the arm.] You deserved it. That was a low blow, Barton.

[Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[asthehawkflies]

I know. Doesn't mean I can't hate it.

[His arm tightens around her for a moment, pulling her close. He'd been young when he'd fallen into this life, but she'd been younger, much younger.

He gives her a wry look for that.]

Which part? The heavy lifting or having someone tell me what to do?

Anyone in SHIELD who can't dodge deserves to get hit by one.

[They should be paying him extra for training really.

He made a show of rubbing his arm and looking hurt after she hit him, mock glaring at her.]

Yeah, I must've missed the lecture on 'honourable combat for assassins'.

[He falls silent again, regarding her searchingly for a moment. She's not injured but...]

What about you? I heard you waded into a war. That's not like you.

What did Loki do to you?

[Because she's a spy, not a soldier. Her battlefield is elsewhere.]

[Action | Tuesday, November 13th] SUP. Just jackin' ur thread HOPE YOU DON'T MIND

[somethingtoavenge]

[Phil is currently unaware of the apartments third, unexpected but not unwanted occupant. After walking the village like he had gotten in the habit of doing before he left and returned, he heads back to the apartment, pondering if he should have another cup of coffee or perhaps something with less caffeine.

The cold is starting to get to him for the first time, making his chest ache and his breathing harsh so something nice and hot to warm him up would be good.

After hitting the CH5 kitchen and making up a thermos of hot chocolate don't judge him, hot chocolate is awesome Phil heads to the apartment.

He doesn't bother to knock, after all he lives there, and so simply walks straight in. There are two voices, both intimately familiar yet only one he knew should be here and the other-

Phil looks up eyes zeroing in on the couch and it's two occupants. He doesn't drop the thermos in absolute shock but it's a near thing. Instead his eye widen and his wings open partly.]

Natasha?

[Well, she must be the real deal because otherwise Clint wouldn't be sitting with her. Still, it is rather a shock, but a good one. Phil feels his mouth want to smile and lets the expression come for once instead of turning it into his usual bland smile.]

Re: [Action | Tuesday, November 13th] Cooooooooulson! *dying whale noises*

[widows_kiss]

No. It doesn't. [She can't argue that, so she just leans a little closer when his arm tightens about her shoulders, her own snug about his waist. Still, she smiles when he responds to the teasing, a hint of impish amusement creeping into her expression.]

Both? And yes, I would have to agree with that. But that's also more than half of the junior agents, so I can't imagine how much paperwork that generated.

You probably slept through it. Maybe Hill was teaching it.

[When Clint turns serious, she knows what he's going to ask her before he even opens his mouth. She glances down, trying to figure out what to say, how to say it. Fortunately, she's interrupted before she gets the chance. The door opens and her head comes up, because she knows who it will be. Hopes. Still felt that vise grip around her ribs when she meets his gaze.

Coulson.

[Her voice is soft, choked a little. There is part of her that wants to get up and fling herself at him, but she doesn't move, merely meets his gaze, her lips curving into a tiny crooked smile, her eyes bright and warm.]

It's good to see you, sir.

[Action | Tuesday, November 13th] Cooooooooulson! *dying whale noises*

[asthehawkflies]

Ow, my masculine pride.

[He's grinning as he says it, a teasing tone entering his voice.]

The sooner they learn how much paperwork SHIELD entails, the better. They should consider it a bonding experience.

That was their first mistake then. Well, second. After assuming that there is any need for combat to be honourable.

[And then she's looking away and oh, that is not a good sign. He feels himself tensing up, wanting little more than to hunt Loki down for whatever he'd done to her. He'd wrap him up and deliver him to her on a platter.

He doesn't get an answer, and maybe that's for the best. One less painful reminder for the day.

His hand rubs lightly against Natasha's side, because for them, this is practically an emotional breakdown. He grins at Coulson.]

So, we're all here. When do we take over the world?

[Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[somethingtoavenge]

[Phil closes the door behind him even as he looks Natasha over. Checking for injuries like he has always done after a hard mission.

From the way her voice goes he know she is from after he dies. His smile softens and becomes slightly bittersweet.]

Good to see you too.

[Phil walks towards the couch until he stands a comfortable distance in front of the duo. He gives Clint an amused look at his quip before deadpanning an answer.]

As soon as the paperwork is done.

[His wings rustle sightly and Phil look mildly annoyed before he folds them against his back again. If they were more demonstrative people he would extend his hand so he could pull Natasha into a hug, because it is good to see her again. But they are not, so he makes no motion for physical reassurance.]

Glad you're safe.

Re: [Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[widows_kiss]

[She gives a quiet scoff, her own wings twitching against the pressure of Clint's arm behind her and for a moment her expression is a mirror of her handler's, because really, that is so inconvenient and something she's going to start working on first thing tomorrow. Instead, her elbow nudges Clint's ribs for his jibe.

Not that it's far fetched. She was sure, between the three of them, they could make a fairly convincing power play, if they determined to do so.]

It was Clint's suggestion. I think he should get to fill it all out.

[Coulson's gaze on her is a familiar thing and she watches him do so, a faint smile ghosting over her lips]

You too, sir. Maybe between the two of us we can keep this one out of trouble. I hear another large chunk of the team is with us as well.

[Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[asthehawkflies]

[He drops his head back against the back of the couch, groaning softly.]

I swear, when I'm an evil overlord, I will have minions to do paperwork for me.

[And maybe it isn't quite the comfortable joke that it had been, and he doesn't manage his normal levity but he'll be damned if he lets Loki take everything from him.

He raises an eyebrow at them both, disapproving.]

I am a perfectly capable adult. I've been here for two months and have managed to survive. I have friendly acquaintances and everything.

[Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[somethingtoavenge]

[Amusement shimmers in Phil's eyes and smile at the interactions of his agents. His friends. In the wake of everything he'd come back to this was a breath of fresh air.]

Will you also get a fluffy cat to stroke while plotting when you are an evil overlord?

[Natasha comment about keeping Clint out of trouble pulls a light chuckle from Phil.]

Maybe. And yes, most of the team is here. I think Thor is the only Avenger who is not here.

[As for SHIELD agent? Well, all three were here right now.

He raises an eyebrow at Clint's near grumble, but doesn't say a word. All of that is true, but it doesn't stop Clint form being some sort of trouble magnet it seems.]

Re: [Action | Tuesday, November 13th]

[widows_kiss]

I'm sure we can find him one. [It's said with a smirk and a sideways glance as she taps her chin with a finger, mischief in her eyes.] Although I feel like I should be making some terrible bird joke right about now.

[Coulson's answer gives her pause and she hesitates.] I thought we were missing both Bruce and Thor?

[She returns Clint's arched look with a bland stare, unimpressed.] Since when has any of that kept you out of trouble? You could claim the same back home, if I recall. [Still, she grudgingly gives into the smile tugging at the corner of her lips] Besides, trouble's more fun with more people, at any rate. Maybe we can drag Coulson into some mischief for once.