Black Hawk Down

Chapter Four

February 4 - 1400 hours - Coulson's office - The Bus

"Clint wake up," Phil called from his office door.

"Phil?" Clint asked. "Are we almost there?"

"Another half hour, but I need to talk to you." Phil replied. "Fury called in, wondering why we're heading back to New York so soon and he wants to talk to you."

"What about Tasha?" Clint asked. "I don't like the idea of leaving her by herself after all that's happened."

"She should be fine, I'm hoping Fury will be quick." Phil said quietly.

"Ok, lets go," Clint said carefully shifting Natasha to a more comfortable position on the sofa.

They headed down the staircase to the command centre of the bus.

"Barton, good to see you back on your feet with a smile," Fury said.

"Sir, it's good to have Coulson back." Clint said.

"I had my reasons, Barton," Fury frowned.

"So did I, Sir," Clint replied.

"What's going on? I give you all a weeks leave and you're heading back within 24 hours." Fury asked.

"Sir, Agent Romanoff is unwell," Clint replied. "We are confident that a bit of time and observation she will be back to 100%."

"Understood, why head to Stark tower?"

"We felt that having Banner to watch her would be a good idea as he is used to working with us." Clint replied.

"Uh huh," Fury wasn't convinced.

"I also felt that a familiar environment might be more comfortable for her," Clint said.

"So what's wrong with her?"

"Nothing too serious, just some dehydration and lack of food due to her time in captivity."

"Dismissed Agent," Fury ordered him out.

Clint immediately headed back up the stairs. Natasha was tossing and turning on the couch.

"Tasha," Clint called, "Natasha, you're safe."

"Clint?" Natasha's voice was broken.

"Tasha, it's me I'm here," Clint moved closer as she began to wake up properly. He'd learnt a long time ago not to get too close to her when she wasn't fully aware of her surroundings.

"Clint," Natasha pushed herself up off the sofa into his arms. He grabbed her in a tight hug. "You weren't there anymore." Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

"I'm sorry, Fury called in wanting to speak to me and Phil," Clint whispered. "I had to go."

"I... it was like in my nightmare, you were gone and you were never coming back," Natasha whispered. "I... it worried me when you weren't here."

"I'm sorry. I didn't want to leave you alone but we couldn't have Fury see you, and figure out what was wrong." Clint replied.

"I understand," Natasha whispered.

"We should head downstairs, we will be landing soon." Clint told her.

"Ok," Natasha quickly pulled herself together.

"How are you feeling now?" Clint asked.

"The pain is less, but only a little."

Clint nodded. "I called Pepper before I called Bruce and Tony. I didn't know whether or not to tell them so I left it up to her." He began to lead her towards the door.