Catching The Hawk

My recovery Buddy

~Beep~Beep~Beep~

You slowly open your eyes to the faint sounds of the beeping heart monitor. You move your eyes back and forth to try and orient yourself to where you were. Recognizing the medical bay of the compound, you sigh in relief. You were in good hands now. Trying to turn over onto your left side u feel a barrier. Laying half on the hospital bed and half on a chair was none other than the one who saved you. You stared at him, hearing little snores escape his lips. A crooked grin creeps up on your face. He stayed by my side this whole time? I don't understand what I did to deserve that. If I wasn't behind him, he would have gotten the hit. Reaching out with your right hand you run your fingers through his hair. In doing so he stirs in his sleep and says one word...

*Y/N...* The snores start again.

My name? In his sleep? Why did it sound so sweet and innocent coming from those lips. Your heart skipped a beat and you closed your eyes to calm your breathing. Trying not to wake him. Placing your hand back on his head, you continue to softly play with his hair.

*Y/N! Your awake!* Nat whispers to you entering the room.

*Shhhh, Clint's asleep. I'd hate to wake him. After everything he did to make sure I got back safe.* Looking up at Natasha's grin you knew what she was thinking.

*Oh, I know. We all do! And just so you know, he has not left this room in 3 days. Even I couldn't get him to at least go shower or change. He was really worried about you.* She steps to the right side of the bed. Pulling up another chair. *How are you feeling?*

*Sore as hell! I don't really remember much of what happened, but I'm glad he was there.* You tell her trying not let her see the tears forming in your eyes.

*They found a slug in your back. You were lucky. Two inches closer to your spine and you would have been paralyzed. Tony and Bruce got the best surgeon and they got u patched up. But there will be a bit of recovery time. So no training for a cpl weeks. Or...any other extra curricular activities.* She winks at you.

*Trust me. That department is barren and has been for a while.* You sigh

*Anyways, Tony is gonna want a debriefing from you two now that your awake. I'll go let him know.* She jumps up from the chair and hurries out the room.

You turn your focus back to this man half on your bed. He looked so peaceful laying there. But you knew that if he wasn't awake by the time Tony came in it would be a rude awakening.

*Clint?* You softly say his name. This time running your nails down the back of his neck. You could visibly notice the goose bumps forming. *Clint, you need to wake up.* Still whispering under your breath.

You have no idea how he is when woke up from sleep. You wanted to be as gentle as possible. Still nothing.

*Clint please wake up. Tony is headed here to debrief us.* You run your fingers over his ears then back through his hair. Geeze, he sleeps like a log.

You can hear Tony's voice down the hall. Getting closer and louder. He steps in the door and takes in this scene.

*BARTON! Sleeping on the job, huh?* Tony hollers in your direction.

Clint snaps awake, jumping up from the spot he was laying on. Dazed but in a fighting stance.

*Uh, Barton, having good dreams were you?* Tony jokes making the joke apparent to everyone in the room.

Clint looks down and immediately flushes red and takes his seat back in the chair next to the bed crossing his legs.

*So, how long has this-* He points between the two of you *been going on?* Crossing his arms he raises his left eyebrow in curiosity.

*I don't know what your talking about Tony.* Clint says so matter-of-factly.

You whip your head between the two of them, feeling like this is just a bad fever dream.

*You and Y/L/N? Canoodleing the Newbie, huh?* Tony is just egging him on. It's only a matter of time before this becomes more embarrassing than the time you were stood up for your Jr Prom.

*OK, Tony, enough! Nat said you need a debrief of the mission.* Crossing your arms you try your best stern face.

*Easy tiger, I'm just picking on the birdbrain.* Tony pulls his phone out of his back pocket and flips it in the air. Suddenly it projects on the wall pictures of the small box you retrieved from the base.

*This.....was not something you two should have gone after alone! I have no earthly idea why Fury would send you two without back up. BUT I'm glad you both made it back safe.* He starts typing on his phone and the images change to 3 viles of green liquid.

*What is that?* You question

*That....is a new mutation of the super soldier serum. NASTY stuff! Our Intel said this is all they have made so far, but we can never be certain. It is Hydra after all.* Tony places a hand over his face. You can see the pain all over it. *You could have died Y/N! I'm taking this up the chain, and you're off missions till your 100 percent better! Do you hear me?*

Tony wasn't trying to scold you or yell at you, but it was coming off that way. It stings to feel like you failed when you actually did something right. Well, other than being shot.

*Go easy on her Tony. I should have been more careful.* You now hear the hurt and guilt in Clint's voice. *Next time we'll bring Nat.*

You look over at Clint, but he won't even look your direction. Like a punch in your gut, your stomach drops. Is he mad at me? I'm doing my best!

*Regardless, No newbies without at least 2 Sr agents with them from now on! I'm not risking loosing someone due to incompetence.* With that he storms out the door.

You sit there staring at the wall past the end of the bed. Biting your lower lip, trying to choke back any tears. Agents don't cry, specially Avengers don't cry. You tell yourself.

*Hey* You hear his gentle voice to the left of you, but you don't move. *Y/N. Remember what I told you in the elevator that one day. Don't let what others say to you affect how you see yourself. You did amazing for a new Agent. I'm proud of you! No matter what Tony has to say.*

Now his voice was closer than before, but you still haven't moved. You're not even sure that you're still breathing. You feel a warmth on the right side of your face and realize this man has now placed his hand on your cheek.

*Y/N? Are you doing ok?* Turning your head to face him you now realize how close he has gotten. Clint was now seated on the side of your bed facing you.

*Promise me something? Will you?* You couldn't even muster a response. The best your face would allow is an *mmhmm*

*When you're better, you will let me train you on some stealth techniques. It could save your life one day. And I dont know what I would do if...* He trails off not wanting to finish his sentence.

Looking up from the blanket on the bed you meet his eyes and see a single tear falling down his left cheek. You reach out with your right hand to wipe it away. He grabs your hand and leans his face into your palm. This was a whole new side to him that confused you. He was always so stoic. He carried himself like a statue. Never breaking.

*I would love that. I need all the help I can get.* You whisper the last part, but you know he heard it.

*Good, I know you need rest. And let's be honest, I need a shower!* You giggle, but grab your stomach to the sharp pains running down your back.

*Don't make me laugh. It hurts!* Playfully you punch his arm. Knowing that it probably felt like a flea bite.

*I'm gonna go get cleaned up, but I'll be back down to check on you later.* He kisses the back of your left hand then stands up to walk out. Leaving you laying there with a cheesy grin on your face.