Life Happens

Sam

Even though Sam said he hated training, he actually enjoyed it. There is always something calming about. Familiarity is always nice in a world so chaotic. Steve looked like he was focusing more on Wanda with this round of training by giving everyone a training session with her. Sam laughed at the image of Steve teaching Wanda to use the "frisbee of freedom". She could probably turn it into a spinning saw if she wanted to. That was actually a terrifying thought.

Sam had been sparing with Clint for the best part of three hours which granted was longer than normal but it was fun. Just when Sam thought he had the upper hand Clint would pull some crazy move that Sam had never seen. Sam could feel exhaustion creeping up on him but he was determined to get one over Barton. Hit after hit Clint either blocked or hit back twice as hard which just impressed Sam even more. The dude was a sniper but he was easily holding his own in fist fight.

Sam eventually gave in. "Alright, alright. I'm done." Sam wheezed as sweat poured down his face. "I don't know how you do it." He laughed. Clint smiled and laughed too.

"Well back when I was in the circus I needed a lot of stamina. And years of training." He explained.

"You were in the circus?" Sam asked.

"Long story but yes. No one told you?" Clint replied.

"Nah. Wanna get something to eat?" Sam suggested.

"Wilson that is the best thing to have ever come out of your mouth."

The pair hit the gym showers before heading to the kitchen. Wanda was stood in the kitchen already stirring a big pot on the stove.  "You can grab a snack if you want. This won't be done for a while." She said without looking up.

"Smells delicious. What is it?" Sam said as he looked into the pot.

"Paprikash. My treat." She said. "If you want I can save you some to warm up later if you want a rest? You both look exhausted."

"You are an actual Goddess!" Clint gave her a peck on her cheek before running off to his room with a box of cereal bars. Both Sam and Wanda laughed. Clint truly was a kid at heart.

"How's Pietro?"

"The usual. They keep saying it will be any day now but..." Wanda trailed off.

"If you need anyone to talk to I'm here." Sam squeezed her shoulder.

"I think you need to help Steve first. He's very tense."

"I try but he doesn't want to worry me and so he lies about how he's actually feeling. Is Nat back yet?"

"She should be back soon. She didn't sound very happy on the phone."

"So whatever she was doing didn't go as planned?"

"I assume. She also said she had something for you." Wanda said.

"Oh I love presents." Sam laughed.

    ****

Sam had spent his evening sitting on the roof playing with his drone. Tony really had out done himself. He probably shouldn't be having as much fun as he's supposed to be. He lined up his shot and missed the bullseye by a millimetre. After a few more days of practice he could probably hit every bullseye.

"I know what your thinking Wilson. You won't beat me." Clint said sitting next to him. "My skills will beat your red winged drone."

"Huh. Red Wing. That's a cool name." Sam made the drone fly back. "And what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

"Can I talk? About stuff?" Clint was clearly nervous.

"Man of course you can. So what's up?"

"Where do I begin? That hospital... I don't know I think it pushed me over the edge. The other night... I had this nightmare. I hadn't had one in ages but there he was. Stood there in his green and gold armour. It's been years and I just can't shake him. That mind control... it was weird. It didn't just turn me into a zombie... it changed me. I knew exactly what I was doing but I thought differently."

Sam pulled Clint into a hug. He hated seeing him like this. "No one will tell me how many agents I killed but I know it's a lot. They were innocent and I murdered them."

"Clint you can't blame yourself."

"Really? I could have done something. I should have stopped him in the first place before he got in my head."

"Have you spoken to anyone else? Surely there was someone else?"

"I suppose I could do that. It's just... he knows everything about me. Things I didn't even know about my self. I know Thor said he's dead but what if he isn't? I mean it wouldn't be the first time Thor thought he was dead."

"No I get it. Let me see what I can do. I promise, you'll get through this."

"I thought today would be different. It had started so well and then. It just creeps up on me. Look I'll leave you too it. Thanks for this." Clint stood and walked back inside the building. Sam stared out over the compound. Clint was in desperate need of help.