Up in the nest

Baby, it's cold outside [Clint & Steve, Denver]

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:52:34 GMT

It was a different cold here than New York, one that reminded Clint more of his youth. He'd had to go into the investment office to check out the new encryption system SHIELD had installed. It was good, one of Stark's, mostly computer based but the operation still required some boots on the ground, good old-fashioned human eyeballs examining the entire scene.

Clint wasn't in the building long. He spoke to Reynolds, the agent in place, coming across as enough of an asshole as to engender some sympathy among his co-workers, hopefully allowing some new information to pass his way. After that he grabbed some lunch with Preston and headed back to the townhouse that SHIELD owned. The sun was just setting as he flopped in front of the television and looked for something to watch.

A quick glance at his clock, and he calculated the time in New York. Steve wouldn't be home yet, so Clint just relaxed, waiting for his nightly call.

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Bored [Tuesday night: Clint, Darcy, and strangely enough, Tony]

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:29:02 GMT

Clint didn't mind longer missions; they were part and parcel of SHIELD's operations and he knew his strengths lay in the field. Dating Steve gave him a reason to like being home, but logistically with today's technology, they could keep in contact on a regular basis without being in the same city or country (even if Clint did miss the kissing. A lot).

His current situation didn't require him to be on-duty twenty-four/seven. The agent handling this mission, Ravi Preston was up and coming in SHIELD, hard-working and serious. She didn't seem to mind Clint's hand's off style of overseeing the security, but some of her comments had led Clint to believe that she might be interested in a little more than just working together, which troubled him more than it might have in the past. Before, he'd have either ignored it if he wasn't interested, or acted on it for some short-term fun and relaxation. He didn't want to do either right now, or hurt anyone's feelings.

Turned out, Clint didn't have to worry about much. By the middle of the first week of the mission, it had become apparent to most of the people staying in the safe house that Clint was disappearing into his room early each evening, and speculation was rampant that Barton had someone special in his life. It was fooling, Clint knew, and emailing Steve during his lunch break and every night was going to get them outed sooner rather than later, but still, once he was done with his work, he found himself in his bedroom, logging on to their secure Stark uplink and chatting with Steve and anyone else he could find all evening long.

( cawcaw_clint has joined the conversation )

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Earth dogs are boring [Friday night emails]

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 01:10:01 GMT

Clint was sitting in his room at the safe house, finishing unpacking for his extended stay here in Denver. Two weeks, maybe three, doing some security for an undercover job. Not terribly hard work, since he wasn't the agent running the mission, but still - watching the big picture took a careful eye, and this was something Clint was good at, and he wanted to do a good job here.

But there was nothing on TV but a show about obnoxious gold miners and a dog show.

To: Nick Fury
From: Clint Barton

The safe house needs a better cable package.

To: Everyone
From: Clint
Subject: Bored

So, there's this dog show on television, and I don't see our dogs on there. Is it because they're from outer space?

Hit me back, people, I'm bored.

Clint

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Happy Birthday Kitten [secure and encrypted email to Natasha]

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 15:25:37 GMT

I know you can't reply to this, but Phil told me that you're able to check messages occasionally. Happy birthday, Tasha!

This is an example of what you're not getting from me.

Sorry. Steve's going to help me make something a little less grandiose, but hopefully still tasty.

Birthdays have never been a big deal between us, but I wanted you to know, this year more than ever, that you're amazing and incredible and I can't imagine my life without you. It's sort of ironic that your birthday falls on Thanksgiving this year, because I am thankful for you, and what you've done for me. Everything changed after Buenos Aires, and it's all because of you. Love you, miss you, come back soon to me safe and sound.

Your pet misses you. Dog, too. Be safe, Tasha, and good hunting.

CB

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Monday meme [wibble time]

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 02:26:37 GMT

Turn to page 35 in the nearest book to you. the 3rd sentence determines your sex life in 2013

*cough*

"Both the British and the French were indebted to the pioneering work done for more than a decade by Polish mathematicians."

So this means... nope, I got no idea what this means. :(

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Let's talk about Natasha [Saturday morning, Clint and Bruce]

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 02:14:26 GMT

Natasha had been gone a few days before Clint contacted Bruce. He'd been getting mission reports from Coulson, and the app Tasha had installed on his phone gave him access to her location, so he rested a little easier. But what she'd told him about the flashbacks still concerned Clint, and as he sat on his bed, holding her small black book, he sighed.

This book was important to her, he knew that, and him having it meant that a part of her was worried that she'd be compromised somehow being back in Russia. Clint wanted to help her, but that wasn't how they operated. He couldn't climb inside her head and straighten it out, as much as he wanted, just as she couldn't help him get past the Loki shit (other than the therapeutic concussion).

But he could talk to Bruce, and perhaps that would make him feel better, at least. Heading toward the common kitchen, he poured himself a cup of coffee, and waited for Bruce to arrive.

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emails [Friday night]

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:20:38 GMT

To: Bruce Banner
From: Clint Barton

Can we talk? I'll buy breakfast tomorrow morning if you can make it

To: Steve Rogers
From: Clint Barton

The week from hell almost over. Can't believe two people who live in the same building keep missing each other, but it feels like weeks since I've seen you. Want to go see a movie and/or dinner Saturday night? I've got some stuff I need to talk to you about and I miss you more than I want to admit.

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What the hell, man... [Clint and Coulson]

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 15:15:06 GMT

Fury had been out of the office the last few days, and hadn't responded to Clint's request for a private meeting. Clint was angry that he hadn't taken the opportunity to talk to the man at the party on Wednesday night, but he was supposed to be celebrating his birthday. Ought to be a happy night. He could attack Fury the next day.

But alas, Fury was making himself unavailable, so Clint went after the next best person. After asking JARVIS where Coulson was this morning, he headed up to the swimming pool to find him.

There was this duality of feelings inside Clint right now, maybe even more than two. Watching Phil swimming his laps, he was happy to see his friend alive and healthy and getting stronger very day. Watching him swim, Clint still couldn't believe he'd been so ill not that long ago. But on the other hand, he was furious that everyone in SHIELD seemed to be so at ease with setting Loki loose on missions with agents in general, and Natasha in particular.

Then again, he sighed as he leaned against the wall, everyone but him seemed to be getting along with Loki. Maybe he was the problem. Clint snorted, wondering how things got so fucked up. Stepping closer to the water, he sat down on the side of the pool, kicking off his shoes, and waited for Phil to come toward his edge. Clint's jeans were getting wet, but he didn't care. He just wanted to understand.

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Heading home [emails to Steve and Natasha]

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 17:40:50 GMT

To: Steve Rogers
From: Clint Barton
Subject: Heading home

Tell Bear I'm bringing him a treat from Texas and that I miss him. And you. I miss you, too (but you don't have to tell Bear that).

Got plans for dinner? We can watch Amazing Race and I tell you about the trip.

[Text message to Natasha]

Late breakfast? Early lunch? Where will you be around eleven this morning?

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More Thors than you can throw a stick at... [Maria & Clint, Austin ComicCon]

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 19:16:46 GMT

The weather in New York sounded bad. Steve had emailed him earlier than morning, telling Clint about the impending storm, but so far, nothing too bad. With any luck he and Maria be able to fly back home tomorrow after their mission, though the weather here in Texas was pretty damn perfect today.

Not that Clint was experiencing too much of the outside. The Austin Comic-Con was being held at the convention center downtown, a huge building currently filled with anime characters, comic book vendors, and more Iron Mans than he ever wanted to see. The mark he and Maria were tailing seemed to be pretty deep into this geek counter-culture. Dressed as the Joker from the Batman movies, Hector Cadille knew everyone, stopped to talk to lots of cosplayers, and didn't linger in one place long enough for them to grab him.

Clint chuckled again as he followed Maria into another crowded room, watching out for her as much as he could, as well as the mark. The guys at these places weren't shy about admiring Maria's body in that Wonder Woman outfit. Clint had thrown together something that passed for Modern Warfare cosplay, he hoped, and he was grateful that he was able to pack some real heat in here among the peace-bonded weapons.

They'd had a bit of a reprieve as they followed their guy into a Patrick Stewart panel, and for a few moments, Clint was able to forget about being a secret agent and just be a fan, laughing and clapping with the other hundreds of people in the room.

Yeah, as long as he got a Captain Picard autograph, he'd consider the trip a success. "Okay, he's heading out the back. Where do you think he's heading?"

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Curious dogs are curious! [wibble time poll]

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 22:47:00 GMT

Woof, woof, woof!

View Poll: Farfar needs love too!

[wibble time post: no in-game repercussions, just a bit of fun ♥. interact away!]

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The dog days are over. [Bear and Dog, Monday night]

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 01:43:46 GMT

From this high up, Bear thought he could smell the whole city.

Some kind soul had put some grass up on the roof, a small track circling the top of the tower, and right now, Dog was racing herself, going in circles and then stopping, pouncing on her shadows. It looked like fun, but rught now, Bear was too busy looking down off the edge of the tower. Uncle Clint and Tasha were hanging off the side, tied by some strong looking ropes.

It was dark outside, but every few minutes or so, Bear would hear one or both of them laughing, calling out to each other. He wasn't sure why the people were playing outside the building when there was so much space to run around up on top, but he didn't think too much on this - the ways of his humans were confusing, and Bear didn't try to understand them.

Trotting over to where Dog was rolling on her back in the grass, he play-bowed, then pounced on her. It smells like rain.

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Dinner and afters... [Clint and Steve, Tuesday night]

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 23:07:16 GMT

Lunch with Steve at SHIELD the previous day had been good. It hadn't been that long since they'd seen each other, really, but between Clint's trip to Uzbekistan and Steve spending time with Bucky, helping him re-acclimate to the present time, it felt like months. Clint wasn't prepared for the feeling inside him when he saw Steve walk into the cafeteria, his blue eyes seeking him out and when they finally did see each other, Clint's stomach did a slow flip and all he could think was that everyone in the room could read his feelings on his face.

Because of that immediate reaction, he did his best to try and keep from fawning too much every time Steve opened his mouth, but it was hard. It wasn't as if they could talk about personal things, so the conversation seemed relegated to what they were working on, general Tower talk, and dog stories. Occasionally their feet would brush together, or he'd catch Steve's eye and see something in them that made him smile, but for the most part, they were in friend-mode, and it was bearable. Tolerable.

But tonight they were going to be alone, and they could talk about anything they wanted. Steve had promised spaghetti, so Clint had stopped by the grocers on the way home and grabbed a couple extra items - a loaf of French bread, some garlic cloves, a wedge of Parmesan cheese, some salad makings and a bottle of good red wine to make the evening even more special.

Steve would be arriving soon, so after getting the kitchen cleaned up, Clint jumped in the shower and put on a nice shirt with his jeans. "JARVIS, do we have any music appropriate for a dinner date?" he asked, and was immediately rewarded with some soft Spanish guitar, wafting over the sound system. "Love it," he murmured as he tidied up, picking up the dog toys that were strewn all over the living area, fluffing the pillows and straightening the blankets that he kept on his sofa.

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email to Steve (Sunday night)

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:38:44 GMT

To: Steve
From: Clint
Subject: Lunch tomorrow?

Hey there-

Hope you're having a good weekend. Mine's been pretty quiet, which is nice, and now I'm topping it off with some reality television. Life is good.

How's Bucky doing? Are heading back to work tomorrow? If so, can I tempt you with delicious SHIELD cafeteria delights?

Clint

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Peace offering. [Natasha and Clint, early Saturday morning]

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 17:01:12 GMT

It wasn't as if SHIELD had normal jobs, a nine-to-five, five days a week sort of organization. But even though Clint was a likely to be working on a weekend as a weekday, there was something magical about Saturdays. For the last couple of months, Saturdays meant hanging out with Steve, but he had a guest right now, and Clint knew that was important time for both of them. Having met Bucky, he knew how rough things would be for the immediate time being, so he tried not to be a bother too much, just sending the occasional email checking in, and saying hi.

So Clint woke up from a good night's sleep, having worked out a lot of sore muscles last night in the hot tub. Looking at himself in the mirror after he used the bathroom, he frowned. The bruises were still ugly as fuck, but they didn't feel like he'd been hit by a truck. Clint knew he'd be able to go through a hard work-out later, and maybe get in some shooting practice, take Bear to the park for some fetch. There were some movies on his DVR ready to go - all in all, a quiet day at home, and after this week, that sounded fine to him.

He wasn't exactly surprised to see her in the kitchen - they could get into each other's rooms, that hadn't changed. But things had been decidedly cool between them since Russia. When Clint saw his favorite breakfast foods spread out on his kitchen island, he immediately thought of those cats that brought their owners dead birds. Maybe the situations weren't so different.

"You want some coffee?" he asked, heading to the pantry and pulling out two coffee mugs as Bear and Dog took off to the living room, both attacking the same dog toy. "I've got some of that chicory stuff that we had in New Orleans that time."

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So, what's new with you? [Bear/Hans and Loki]

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 22:48:51 GMT

Despite the distance between all the dogs in this enormous tower, Bear could still hear his brothers and sisters when they howled in delight or anger, or when they moved around the building, especially the four that remained with Farfar. Uncle Clint had gone out, petting him on the head before he left, saying something about the water being too hot for the young dog, which might have been true - Bear preferred to romp in cool streams, and play in the briskly cold waters of his homeland. This new place had few rivers, but he had gotten to swim in the large waters with Duke and Ella when Daddy and his brother Bucky took them to the sea this week. That had been very pleasurable, though he missed Uncle Clint very much.

But right now, there was something afoot, he could feel his kin on the move, and Bear scratched at the door to Uncle Clint's rooms. He barked at the ceiling, then barked again, and the door popped open. Panting and woofing excitedly, he scampered into the elevator and barked again, asking to be taken to his family.

The elevator opened, and Bear trotted out carefully, looking around. He could hear the others - Valdis, Aenor, and Einar wrestling with each other, while Vigi and Warin investigated the far end of the room. But in the center, a familiar tall man was pacing on a balance beam, as if deep in thought. Bear stayed away from the fray as best he could, walking close enough to the others to sniff them, allowing them to sniff his as well before he turned toward the man. Farfar! Bear called out, jogging quickly toward him, his tail wagging so fast his entire rear end shook.

Greetings! You look well, Farfar. Bear tilted his head. But your fur has been shorn.

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Getting old is a bitch [Friday evening, roof-top hot tub]

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 22:10:09 GMT

Clint and Natasha had arrived home late the previous night from Uzbekistan, banged-up and full of Russian delicacies. Maybe Tasha was right when she went on about the healing properties of good vodka. All Clint knew was that when he had been drinking it, he felt okay. But now, home and sober, Clint was hurting all over.

In lieu of the alcohol, Clint had taken self-medicated with some strong pain-killers and he was feeling a little better, good enough to drag his tired ass up to the roof-top hot tub. Maybe the hot water would loosen his muscles and make him feel better. He knew that when he pulled off his t-shirt the bruising on his arms and back would show - ugly, purple and dark. But fuck it, he wasn't here to win any beauty contests. Clint just wanted to stop being so damn sore.

The sun had just set, and night sky was sort of purplish blue, the most gorgeous color he'd ever seen. Clint closed his eyes as he tilted his head back and sighed.

[large hot tub is large - multiple threads welcome, even if they aren't with Clint - feel free to chat amongst yourselves. if you want Clint or Jane specifically, let me know in the subject line, or just start talking to one of them. ♥]

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email to Steve (Wed afternoon)

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:36:49 GMT

To: Steve
From: Clint
Subject: work

Hey you,

I know I just back but Coulson invited me to go with him to fetch Natasha in whatever former Soviet Republic she's landed in. Could I impose on you to watch Dog and Bear for me? If four dogs are too many, then you can drop Dog off with Bruce, I know he's got some supplies for her.

In case I didn't mention it last night, I really liked meeting your friend. He seems like a great guy, and I'm happy you guys have each other. Also, I really like you. Is this thing between us gonna change the kinds of songs we send each other? Cause I heard one this morning that made me think of you, a little bit.

Clint

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At last... [Steve/Clint, Tuesday night]

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 02:07:45 GMT

The charity event of Tony's was a lot of fun, more than Clint had guessed he would have had. Talking with Tony and Pepper together was hysterical, the way they bounced words and ideas off of each other. And Steve, in that damned Armani suit of his, easily the most handsome man in the room, though he seemed to brush it off as if he were just another guy.

Riding back with the others, Clint watched as Tony and Pepper causally held hands, looking at each other with such clear affection that it made his heart ache. He was jealous, wanting to reach out and take Steve's hand in his own, to lean against him to just feel his body warmth next to his, to look up and see that same look reflected back.

Eventually, the car pulled into the garage of Stark Tower. After saying goodnight to the others, he and Steve stepped off on Clint's floor, waiting for the elevator doors to close. "Finally," Clint said, exhaling as he glanced over at Steve. He'd waited all night to have a few minutes alone with this man, and he was sure it showed all over his face.

Unlocking his door, Clint held it open for Steve. "Come in."

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A call in the night [Clint and Steve, too early Saturday morning]

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 14:50:25 GMT

Clint's days and nights were a little skewed right now. He'd gotten back from that disastrous road trip with Darcy sometime Friday afternoon, after they'd been rescued from what could have been an icy end. Clint hadn't slept in nearly thirty hours, and while his body was used to working under harsh conditions for long hours, it usually required some equally deep rest to recover.

The S.H.I.E.L.D. agents who picked them up had notified Fury and Hill of what happened, and as soon as his cell phone charged up a bit he shot off text messages to Tasha and Phil, and an email to Steve. Once they got back to the tower, he and Darcy parted company, and Clint felt better about their recent arguments, even if he still didn't approve of Team Rehabilitate Loki.

But that feeling didn't last. No sooner had he gotten back to his rooms than he realized that Tasha was still mad at him. Maybe Bruce had told her about 'the talk'. Maybe it was because he had partner-cheated once again, this time with Darcy. But Clint's bedroom had undergone a makeover, painted in a garish red, white, and blue pattern, his warm quilt replaced by a Captain America bed-cover. Rounding it out was a bottle of really good tequila on his nightstand, which told Clint that she wasn't furious. "Well played, Tasha," he sighed, too tired to even care as he flopped on top of the bedding, closed his eyes and passed out.

The next thing he heard was his cell phone ringing, the sound muffled because he'd fallen asleep on top of it. He looked down and saw that it was a little after 2 am, and it was Steve. "You okay?" he asked, his voice a little rough with sleep but full of worry.

There could be no good reason Steve was calling him at this time. "What's wrong?"

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email: To Natasha and Steve (really really early Thursday morning)

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:07:29 GMT

To: My Spider
From: Your Hawk
Subject: Gone, baby, gone

Heading up to the frozen north with Darcy for the day. Don't miss me too much.

To: Steve Rogers
From: Clint Barton
Subject: Puppysitting?

Hey man,

Darcy asked me to go with her on a quick trip to Canada today. I should be back late this evening, but I'd appreciate it if you could keep an eye on Bear for me so he's not all alone all day. JARVIS will let you into my room to fetch him whenever you want.

Thanks a lot. I owe you twice now.
Clint

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You up? [Clint and Steve, late Tuesday night]

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:27:49 GMT

The talk with Natasha on Sunday night had Clint in an introspective mood. He and Steve had enjoyed lunch on Monday, and then spent the afternoon working on paperwork together, but even then, he still hadn't finished the reports and knew he had to forgo time at the range tomorrow to get that done.

Clint had sent an email to Bruce about having a conversation, but now that it was coming up, he wondered how smart an idea this was. His fingers itched to reach for his laptop and email Steve, but Clint knew that was a crutch he'd gotten into, a way of keeping distance.

It was late... not ridiculous late, but Clint suspected that he wouldn't be waking Steve up. Duke and Ella, that was another story, he smiled to himself, reaching across his bed to the night table, his leg nudging Bear in the process. "Sorry, boy," he murmured, scratching the dog behind his ear as he scrolled through his contacts and found Steve's number.

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Email: To Bruce Banner [monday evening]

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 03:17:18 GMT

Hey Bruce,

Can we meet for a drink sometime this week? I thought we might have some things to talk about.

CB

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Scoot over... [Clint and Natasha (with Bear and Dog) very late Sat night]

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 02:13:55 GMT

Today really had lasted for about thirty hours, if Clint took time zones into account.

A car was waiting at the S.H.I.E.L.D. airfield to take them back to Stark Tower once they landed, and since the debriefing from the Dubai trip had taken place hours ago on board the helicarrier, Clint, Steve, and Phil were all given leave to head back to their home. Everyone was quiet on the drive, and Clint thought he might have actually fallen asleep for a few minutes, because the next thing he noticed was the car pulling up to Park Avenue, and pulling into their underground garage.

He and Steve had talked quietly after the debriefing from Phil, and Steve actually managed some sleep, though Clint was too wound up from the mission to rest much. In a way that was good, because he spent the time walking around the helicarrier, seeing the repairs that had been done, how things appeared back to normal after Loki's attack. Well, after his attack.

But now they were home, and the three men all said their good-nights in the elevator before separating to their different floors. Clint was the last one on, watching as Steve headed toward his rooms. Part of him wanted to go there, stay and talk longer but he had another engagement that he just couldn't miss.

The elevator stopped on Natasha's floor, and using his passcode he let himself into her apartment. He found her sleeping in her bed, flanked by puppies (who looked so long when they were laying down, could they have actually grown so much in three days?). Pulling off his shirt, he kicked off his shoes and quietly climbed into bed next to Bear, who seemed happy to see him, wagging his tail sleepily. The pillow felt amazing under his head, and he sighed aloud, all the tension from the day seeping out of him.

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The stars are brighter in Dubai [Steve and Clint, Thursday night]

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 23:35:28 GMT

Thursday had been long. Clint's alarm went off at four am, and the wheels on their jet were up by six. Six-thirty and the helicarrier was on its way toward the United Arab Emirates.

Once on board, Clint wished he could hit one of the beds in the common sleeping quarters but there was too much to do. Everything from terror bulletins to public news broadcasts to weather patterns were scrutinized by Clint, Steve, and Coulson. Clint knew that Steve had his persona down pat, the way he sort of slipped into that character was a little eerie. It was Steve, but it wasn't Steve, not the guy he knew, and Clint knew he'd be good at this, once all the kinks worked their way out.

Clint's job would be both easier and harder. He wouldn't be expected to speak much, just stand there, presumably armed, eyeballing the cartel boss that they were meeting, who would also be flanked by a gunman. But he was responsible for ensuring that their intel was good, that the meeting went well, and that his eyes were everywhere, on everyone, watching, seeing, observing.

Until this morning, they hadn't been entirely sure who it was that would be attending this meeting: the big boss or one of his underlings. But the report from the private airfield came in and Clint couldn't keep the grin off his face. It wasn't Fedor Malashenko, but his son and heir apparent, Marko. It couldn't be better news as far as Clint was concerned, because if they could get in good with the son, then they'd have an 'in' in that area of the world for years to come.

It was well into the evening when they got to their hotel. The Lear jet that left the helicarrier was almost as nice as Tony Stark's plane, and when it landed at the airfield outside Dubai, the two of them stepped into their character as they stepped into the private car that drove them to their destination, where 'Grant Buchanan' and his body man were taken to the penthouse on the top floor. "Not a bad room, Sir," Clint said, trying to keep the smirk off his face until they swept the room for bugs. Drawing the curtains, he stared a moment out the huge picture window at the view of the Persian Gulf, all lit up at night. Amazing.

"May I unpack your bags now?"

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