A/N: So… This story-idea came to me OUT OF NOWHERE. And it refused to leave. So, here we are. (chuckles nervously)

WARNINGS: some language (sorry, Steve!), violence, mild adult themes, lots of general weirdness (well, this IS my story…)

DISCLAIMER: Muah-hah-haa! As if I'd EVER have enough money to hire Jeremy Renner, or own anything to do with him aside DVDs. A girl can only dream, and type fanfiction. (pouts)

Awkay, before I chicken (hawk?) out… Let's go! I REALLY hope that you'll enjoy the ride.

The Mystery of a Hawk

It Begins With a Rough Landing

Unlike most people probably assumed Tony Stark liked certain routines. He enjoyed it when everyone and everything was exactly as they were supposed to be. Especially with the kind of a life the Avengers led it was comforting to have some sort of a pattern to fall into when he was home.

One member of the team being absent wasn't good on that pattern.

Clint had been on a highly classified mission for over a week. It was nothing uncommon, of course. Which didn't make it any more… pleasant.

Tony wasn't worried. Of course he wasn't. Judging by the archer's injury history he just had some gloomy… concerns.

It was eleven in the evening and Tony didn't feel like going to bed just yet although he probably should've. So he started making coffee. Only to realize that he'd already prepared a mug that'd gone cold.

A familiar chuckle made him jump. "You're irresistibly adorable sometimes, you know that?" Pepper kissed his cheek. "Such a worry-wart."

Tony rolled his eyes. "I'm not worried. That mission is just taking too damned long."

Pepper smiled and kissed him again, this time on the lips. "I know. But you need to stop worrying before you give yourself an ulcer. He's a seasoned field agent. He'll be back before you know it."

Tony was about to remark something witty. Or perhaps he planned on making a definitely not child-friendly suggestion. Until there was a crash as glass broke.

They exchanged a look, then ran, Tony bracing himself to protect them both and the Tower if he had to. He was just about to make a security alert when he barged into a large common space and froze.

A window had been broken. On the floor, amongst shards of glass and stains of blood, was a massive hawk. The second he appeared the bird glared at him and screamed, menacing despite the slick blood staining its pitch-black feathers. It was impossible to tell whether the animal had gotten hurt during the rough landing or before ever crashing into the Tower.

Tony stared, then blinked twice, slowly. Where did the bird come from? And what, exactly, was it? It didn't look like any average type of a hawk.

Tony took a step closer before he even realized it. Pepper grabbed his wrist. "Don't! It's injured and aggressive. You'll overwhelm it."

"Sir?" a computer voice echoed. "This data is most confusing. But the intruder seems to hold some genes from at least two different types of a raptor. As well as genetic traces of agent Barton."

On the floor the hawk screeched again, far more desperately this time, and tried to spread its wings.

Tony gulped thickly. His eyes widened as an impossible realization began to dawn. "Clint?" What happened during the mission? How was this even possible?

The bird emitted a yet another shout, and it sounded a lot like a cry for help.

TBC

A/N: Oh boy…! Poor Clint! What indeed happened to him? And can it be reversed? Will Clint ever be a human again?

What's the verdict, guys? Would you like to read more, or should this story have its wings clipped before it even begins? PLEASE, do let me know! Starting a new story is always unnerving, so it'd mean A LOT to hear your opinion.

In any case, thank you SO MUCH for reading! And whoever knows. Maybe I'll see you later?

Take care!