Not Everyone Can Be Saved

Chapter 5

The tower was engulfed in chaos. The Avengers were running around, suiting up for a last-minute mission.

"Barton!" Steve called, grabbing the archer's attention. He hadn't been the same since (Y/N) left.

"What's up, Cap?"

Steve looked serious. "I think you should sit this one out."

Clint frowned. "Um... Why? You need me."

The captain reluctantly sighed and ran a hand over his face. "Clint... The report indicates that she might be there."

The man's face instantly hardened. "I don't care."

"Clint--"

"It won't affect my fighting, I swear."

"You can't guarantee that, and you know it! Listen to me, you--"

"No, you listen to me," Clint interrupted. "You guys need me. We're running ragged as it is... Please, just let me come along. If she does turn up, I'll do whatever you say."

Steve looked hesitant, but nodded. "Okay... But do exactly as I say."

(Y/N) carefully watched the HYDRA base, scanning for any signs of activity and wondering why the heck she had felt it necessary to run to the very organization that he had loathed so much. She shook her head. These thoughts could prove fatal if she let them continue. She had a mission. That was her only focus. They would be here soon... She stood and headed to the info hub.

Showtime.

Clint lost himself in the fighting. It was the only way to distract him from his grief. Grief over the woman that he loved, grief that he had fallen in love with her murderer...

No.

Hit, dodge, string the bow and release. Fall into a rhythm. Forget. Forget...

Her smile. Her eyes. Her laugh...

Her tears. Her guilt when she confessed...

No.

"Barton, get down to the infohub. I want you and Romanoff in and out, forty seconds, no more."

"On it, Cap."

(Y/N) was ready. She would do whatever it took. The trap was set.

She could see him coming, with Romanoff. He saw her.

"Barton."

Why...

Oh why did it hurt so much to see the hatred in his eyes?

He sneered. "(L/N)... Or is that even your real name?"

"Hawkeye..." Romanoff warned.

Barton ignored her.

(Y/N) steeled herself for what was to come.

Without warning, he lunged. She blocked his blow. He was distracted, and it was obvious. Using this to her advantage, she quickly dropped him to the floor, unconscious, looking up just as Romanoff moved forward.

"Oh relax... Did you really think I was gonna hurt him?"

The redhead didn't react. "What are you really after?"

(Y/N) sighed. "You know I didn't want this."

"Then stop it."

"I can't."