lost (Hawkeye)

Chapter 38

Percy:

Sleepily, I brushed the sleep from my eyes as I sat down at the table next to the others.I felt like an orange that had been pulled through the press.I don't think they've even noticed me yet, so engrossed are they in their discussion about whether vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream is better. Personally, I'm in favour of blueberry. That's blue;-)"Good morning" I mused quietly, but received no reply. I took a piece of toast and slathered it with jam (which unfortunately wasn't blue. I should ask Tony if he has any food colouring) and took a bite. I wasn't really hungry and the bread didn't taste of anything, but if Will found out about how little I ate, he would beat me up, then heal me again only to beat me up again. When I thought of the son of Apollo, I had to smile involuntarily. I liked Will. He and Nico complemented each other perfectly. Maybe I should invite them over sometime. As I looked out, I gazed into six pairs of worried eyes. What was going on now? "What's wrong?" I asked, turning to Tony who was sitting next to me. "You were totally gone all of a sudden. Clint had asked you if everything was all right." "Uh yeah, I'm fine." I said quickly." If you want to talk about last night..." Started Clint speaking softly. A shadow flitted across my face." Nothing happened last night that I want to talk about." I interrupted him. I looked around searchingly. I was looking for my picture book. I hadn't found it in my room." Have any of you seen my photo album?" I asked the Avengers. I saw scattered shakes of the head. But when my eyes met Tony's, I knew immediately who had it. The billionairs's head was bright red. I held out my hand." Tony, didn't your mother teach you not to steal." He stood up and pulled the book out from behind the sofa. He handed it to me." I didn't steal it. More like borrowed it with the firm intention of returning it to you. But seriously, what did you expect me to do? I wanted to see what was making you so sad." I looked at him angrily. "Still, you have no right to pry into my private business Tony Stark. When I think it's your business, I'll tell you!" I stared at him angrily." God, if I had to choose between an angry Fury and an angry Percy, I'd take Fury." I heard Clint mutter softly. "Keep your fingers out of my business, Stark." I stood up and walked out of the room. Still feeling Tony's hurt look at my back. Once in the hallway, I slumped against the wall. Actually, I hadn't meant to yell at Tony like that. It wasn't his fault. But everything that had happened recently had built up inside me and Tony was the last straw that broke the camel's back.I realised how much I was shaking. I hugged the book tightly to my chest.A warm hand rested on my shoulder and I looked up. I looked into the cobalt blue eyes of Clint. He sat down beside me and pulled me into his arms. Only now did the tension fall away from me, the tears finding their way out and running down my cheek.Clint didn't ask, he was just there, giving me a foothold in the flood of my emotions."If you want to talk, I'll be there and always listen to you. You can always come to me."I only cried harder, what was wrong with me?It was a dangerous thing to cry. It showed weakness.And those who showed weakness would not survive for long.Yet something inside me said I could trust Clint. I felt comfortable in his presence. I felt safe and content."Thank you Clint, that's sweet of you to say." He gently stroked my back to reassure me.Just then Steve came into the hallway. Seeing us together like this, he blushed slightly and gave us a knowing grin. What was wrong with him? He was weird!"Director Fury is here. He wants to talk to Percy." I nodded and stood up. This could be fun.