For those reading Scorned I'm still working on it, I promise. Ending is giving me fits. :) Should have it hammered out this week. Found this while going through old files and realized it wasn't posted here.
Title: Getting back to normal
Author: Cindy Ryan
Two days after the battle for Earth Clint Barton walked into the training range at the new S.H.I.E.L.D headquarters. It was barely five in the morning on a Tuesday but Barton found sleep hadn't been his friend of late. Another side affect of the mind control. Another thing for Loki to burn in hell for. Shaking off the dark mood Clint went to the equipment locker to retrieve his quiver of arrows and bow. The two items always brought comfort. Something he could rely on no matter what.
Opening the wire mesh gate Barton stopped in surprise. Where his quiver and bow were supposed to be were brand new ones. Clint had lost so many arrows during the fight in New York that he'd planned on spending the morning restocking. Smiling Hawkeye pulled the weapon out of the locker and sat on a nearby bench. As he peered into the black leather quiver Clint found a folded piece of paper with his name on it. He recognized the handwriting instantly. Pulling out the note Hawkeye set the quiver and bow aside and unfolded the paper. He read his partner's neat scrawl.
'Clint,
I thought these would help get things back to normal for you.
Glad to have you back.
Natasha'
Putting the note in the chest pocket of his shirt Clint picked up the bow turning it over in his hands. It was the latest model...state of the art. Black in color with a leather grip. A gift Natasha hadn't had to give. She'd already went above and beyond freeing Clint from Loki's mind control. Something Clint knew he'd never be able to repay her for.
Standing Barton slung the quiver over his left shoulder and moved to the target range. The new bow worked wonderfully almost fluid in his hands. It would be a joy to get to know this new weapon. After a couple hours Clint finished practice and returned the new quiver and bow to their spot in the locker. Things were slowly feeling back to normal. Mostly because of his partner. Another thing he owed her. Hopefully some day Clint would be able to clear his ledger of red.
end