It was a typical day at Stark Tower, or as typical as any day could be for the Avengers. The sun filtered through the high windows, casting long shadows across the gleaming floors. You were in the lab, going over some data you’d collected on a recent mission. Clint Barton, who had been tasked with perimeter security, strolled in, looking for a break from his routine.
“Hey,” Clint called out, waving as he approached your workstation. “What’s got you so engrossed?”
You glanced up, offering a distracted smile. “Just going over some data. I'm trying to make sense of these energy readings.”
Clint peered over your shoulder, squinting at the screen. “Looks like a bunch of numbers to me. Do you need any help?”
You shook your head. “I’ve got it. Thanks, though.”
Clint noticed the tension in your voice and frowned. “Everything okay?”
You hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Just… stressed, I guess.”
Clint didn’t look convinced, but he let it slide. “Alright, but if you need to vent or anything, I’m here.”
You managed a grateful smile. “Thanks, Clint.”
A few hours later, you were still at your workstation, the stress starting to mount. Tony Stark entered the lab, looking as sharp and confident as ever. He took one look at the data on your screen and sighed.
“Still on this?” Tony asked, his tone bordering on impatience.
“Yes,” you replied, trying to keep your frustration in check. “There’s a lot to go through.”
Tony shook his head. “You’re taking too long. We need results, not excuses.”
Your patience snapped. “I’m doing the best I can, Tony. This isn’t exactly simple stuff.”
Tony’s eyes narrowed. “Your best isn’t good enough. We don’t have time for slow learners.”
You felt a lump form in your throat, anger and hurt mixing in a toxic brew. “I’m not a slow learner. I just need a bit more time.”
“Then maybe you should find another line of work,” Tony shot back, turning on his heel and walking away.
You sat there, stunned and hurt, the words cutting deeper than you wanted to admit. Clint, who had heard the entire exchange from just outside the lab, stepped in, his face a mask of anger.
“What the hell was that about?” Clint demanded, crossing his arms over his chest.
You looked up, tears of frustration in your eyes. “Tony. He thinks I’m too slow, that I’m not good enough.”
Clint’s expression softened as he crouched down to your level. “Hey, don’t listen to him. He can be a real jerk sometimes.”
You shook your head. “But what if he’s right? What if I’m not cut out for this?”
Clint’s eyes hardened with determination. “No way. You’re one of the smartest people I know. Tony’s just got his head too far up his own ass to see it.”
You managed a weak smile. “Thanks, Clint. But it still hurts.”
Clint stood up, his jaw set. “Well, someone needs to set him straight.”
“Clint, don’t,” you pleaded, but he was already out the door, storming down the hallway in search of Tony.
He found Tony in the common area, casually sipping on a drink. Clint wasted no time.
“Stark!” Clint shouted, causing Tony to look up in surprise.
“What’s your problem, Barton?” Tony asked, raising an eyebrow.
“You!” Clint snapped. “What the hell do you think you’re doing, talking to her like that?”
Tony’s expression turned defensive. “I’m trying to get results. We don’t have time for hand-holding.”
“Hand-holding?” Clint repeated, incredulous. “You’re not pushing for results. You’re being a bully. She’s working her ass off, and all you can do is tear her down?”
Tony’s eyes flickered with guilt for a moment, but he quickly masked it. “Sometimes the truth hurts, Barton. This isn’t a charity.”
Clint stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous. “No, it’s not. But we’re supposed to be a team. And teams support each other. If you can’t see that, maybe you’re the one who needs to find another line of work.”
Tony was taken aback, clearly not expecting such a fierce defense. He opened his mouth to respond, but Clint cut him off.
“You owe her an apology,” Clint said firmly. “And not some half-assed one. A real apology. Or so help me, I’ll make your life a living hell.”
Tony stared at Clint for a long moment, then sighed. “Fine. I’ll talk to her.”
Clint nodded, satisfied. “Good. And Tony? Don’t ever let me hear you talk to her like that again.”
Tony held up his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. Message received.”
Clint returned to the lab, finding you still at your workstation, looking more dejected than ever. He walked over and placed a comforting hand on your shoulder.
“He’s coming to apologize,” Clint said softly. “And he better mean it.”
You looked up, surprise and gratitude in your eyes. “You did that for me?”
“Of course,” Clint replied. “We’re a team. And I’ve got your back, always.”
Just then, Tony appeared in the doorway, looking uncharacteristically humble. He approached you slowly, his eyes downcast.
“Hey,” Tony said, his voice softer than usual. “I… I owe you an apology. I was out of line.”
You looked at him, unsure of what to say. “Tony…”
“No, let me finish,” Tony interrupted. “You’re doing great work. I was just frustrated, and I took it out on you. It wasn’t fair, and I’m sorry.”
You could see the sincerity in his eyes, and some of the hurt began to melt away. “Thanks, Tony. I appreciate it.”
Tony nodded, relief washing over his face. “Alright. Let’s get back to work. Together.”
As Tony left, Clint gave you a reassuring smile. “See? Things are looking up already.”
You smiled back, feeling a newfound sense of camaraderie. “Yeah. Thanks, Clint. For everything.”
“Anytime,” Clint said, clapping you on the back. “Now, let’s show them what we’re really made of.”
With Clint by your side, you felt ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that you had a true friend who would always stand up for you.
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Jeremy Renner & His Characters One Shots
FanfictionJust a compilation of JR and his characters One Shots. *Requests always welcome*
