Fighting Next To You ~ A Clintasha FanFiction

Part Thirteen

A/N: Hey everyone! I just wanted to warn you all that there is some strong language in this chapter. Enjoy!

~ Sam xx

Clint went into work today and I feel lonely. We haven't spoken about the kiss, we've had a few brief, awkward encounters this morning, but we haven't had a conversation. Today Andy Smith has a day off, so I'm going to invite him over and try and find out some extra information. Agent Janeeva and Agent Tay called this morning and told us that they've found something that might be of use. Avana Sparks still hasn't been found, but a syringe has been recovered with her DNA on. It was found in the hotel room she stayed in the night she ran away. I grab my phone and dial Andy's number. He doesn't pick up, so I leave a message, "Hey Andy, It's Kayley Johnson here; I was wondering if you wanted to come round for some coffee? I could really do with having someone to talk to. Anyway, thank you, bye." I hang up and get changed quickly. My mind keeps travelling back to the kiss. Was it a mistake? It was definitely unprofessional, and has most likely screwed up this entire mission.
:*:*:*:*:*:
The doorbell rings and I hurry to answer it. I find myself getting nervous. I even slid a gun into my waistband just in case. It's Andy. "Kayley, how are you?" He says, his tall figure looming in the doorway.

"Not too good, but please, come on in." I open the door wider and allow Andy to walk in.

"I just made coffee." I smile, leading him into the kitchen.

"Lovely." He breathes.

"I'm so sorry to disturb you on your day off, I just didn't know who else to turn to." I pour him some coffee as we sit down at the table.

"As I said, I'm a good listener Kayley; I understand what you've been going through." He smiles and places a hand on top of mine. A shifty shiver slivers up my spine as he does so, but I don't tear my hand away from his. I gulp down some coffee. "Kayley, can I ask you a question?" Andy says, removing his hand.

I nod, relieved due to him taking his hand off mine. "Sure." I smile a shaky smile.

Andy sighs. "Are you unhappy with Linus?" Shit. Am I? Is Kayley unhappy? If I say yes, then it could speed up this whole process. I fiddle with the rings on my fingers. "Kayley?" Andy prompts. I sigh and put down the mug.

"I can't complain. He saved me! He's made me so happy, but he just doesn't understand my problems. I need help, but he won't get me any." I turn on the tears and feel Andy's hand on mine again.

"Kayley, it's okay, we can get through this... together." Andy says reassuringly.

"I just find myself crying for no reason. Sometimes I don't talk for days on end. I feel like a monster. I feel damaged. I'm broken and no one can fix me." I cry out once more. Andy dries my eyes with his shirt sleeve.

"Look Kayley, I know this amazing clinic. They helped my sister with her.... issues. Let me take you there. Let me help you." Andy pushes. Yes, finally! This mission has been going too slowly for my liking, and it's about time something interesting happened!

"But what about Linus?" I stutter, the tears still falling. I've never felt like a good actress, but suddenly I think I am!

"Leave him Kayley. He's not worth it. Leave him a note saying you need a break and then once you are... finished at the clinic, you can come home." Andy hesitates slightly.

"Okay. Let's do it."
:*:*:*:*:*:
I can hear Clint pull up in the driveway, and I can't wait to tell him the good news. He walks through the door and ambles straight past me. He heads straight upstairs without even acknowledging me. I feel small all of a sudden, so I follow him up the stairs. "Clint?" I question.

"What?" He says shortly. I walk into the bedroom and find him sitting on the bed crossed legged, with his laptop in front of him.

"What's up?" I ask.

"Nothing." He doesn't even look at me.

"I saw Andy today. He told me about a clinic, I assume he means A.I.M. We're going there next week." I inform him. Clint nods. "I made progress today." I tell him. Clint nods once more without taking his eyes away from the screen. I stand in the doorway for a few moments. "Clint..." I begin.

"Romanoff, please leave me alone." He snaps. A sharp pain attacks my chest.

"What?" I question, shocked. Did the kiss even happen? I'm starting to get angry; I can feel the rage building up inside of me. "CLINT! What the fuck is your problem?! I've done so much for this bloody investigation today and you don't even give a shit! You fucking kissed me last night! Did it not mean anything? WAS IT JUST TO MAKE ME FEEL BETTER? Because if that's why, then you're a bastard and I-" My rant is interrupted by Clint, who moves off the bed and stands in front of me.

"Tasha..." He sighs, rubbing my arms.

"Stop stringing me along like a fucking puppet! Stop messing with my head!" I shout.

"I'm not..." He trails off, wiping my eyes (I hadn't even realised that I was crying).

"I can't do this Barton! I can't-" I'm interrupted once more, but this time by Clint's lips on mine. He pulls apart quickly.

"Tasha, I care about you so very much, but this is risky. If you really want to do this, then you need to understand the risks we're taking." He tells me. I don't answer; instead I put my lips back onto his.

"Our whole lives are risks." I smile. Clint laughs and kisses me once more; this one is short and sweet and makes my insides turn to mush.