The Prince of the Tower

Chapter 16: Arrow the Archer Dog

Of course, being home in Westchester also meant that when Clint's birthday came up a few days later, there were plenty of people that wanted to spoil him — not just for the birthday but for everything that had happened in the past few weeks that they were trying to balance out.

K had started things out with chocolate chip pancakes, and things kept getting better from there. Barney had gotten him some purple arm guards and finger slings for his bow, and K had gotten him a bullwhip and an Indiana Jones hat that he refused to take off all day.

Storm had gotten him a few books, including one called Last of the Mohicans that Clint thought looked like it would be harder than the others, but Storm said he was up for it. And Jean and Jan had clearly conspired with what felt like half a wardrobe's worth of clothes for him.

The Avengers had sent over gifts, too, which had Barney in awe as Clint opened various archery-related gifts and what looked like an authentic helmet from Thor... which Clint giggled at and promised he was going to put it on his wall because his mom was Swedish so it meant he was following her footsteps.

Of course, the day didn't go past without at least one little hiccup, and the one noticeable absence was that of Logan — who had been with the Avengers since the day before on some kind of a Hydra mission. But even with that, Logan had managed to get back before the big birthday dinner was entirely over.

He hadn't been able to take the time to get out of uniform though, so when he came in, it was with a partially damaged yellow and blue uniform on, his cowl shredded, and with something very fluffy in his arms. "Got here as quick as I could," Logan said.

"Oh wow," Barney breathed out, even as Clint rushed over.

"Are you okay?" he blurted out.

Logan frowned at him and nodded. "'Course I am. Just took longer gettin' here than I figured. But ... I thought you might help this little guy out." He shifted his arms so that the little black nose came out from under Logan's elbow with a high-pitched growl from being moved.

Clint froze for a second, blinking at the tiny yellow puppy, before he let out a delighted sort of sound and held his hands out for the little dog, grinning at him widely. "Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow," he whispered.

"Whatcha think?" Logan asked as he straightened up. "Think he'll do?"

"Uh-huh," Clint whispered.

The little pup whimpered a little, then tipped his head back until his nose was under Clint's chin — sniffling and making little noises before he just started licking his chin and trying to snuggle up.

Clint giggled and snuggled right up to the little puppy. "I'm gonna name him Arrow," he declared.

"Of course you are," Jean said in a voice that said she was dying of cute.

K made her way over to give the pup a look, checking out his teeth and eyes — all while he wagged his tail and tried to lick her. Once she petted him, he leaned into her hand, clearly settling down a little. "Oh, he's a lover." She turned to Clint. "More than Sicem was at this age, even."

"That's perfect for Clint," Barney pointed out. "He needs lots of spoiling."

K swatted Barney's arm for that but didn't argue it as she made her way over to give Logan a kiss. "Good call."

"Happens now and again," Logan said with a shrug.

You're trying to kill me, Jean projected to Logan from where she was wiping her eyes.

We both know that's not true. Done that before. Didn't like it, Logan shot right back without missing a beat.

Jean shook her head at him. Yes, but now you've found a way to do it with sweetness.