*A few days later*

I was sitting in the kitchen, finishing off my morning coffee. Then there were hands on my shoulders. I knew the touch well, it just wasn't who I'd have liked it to be. Clint Barton rubbed my shoulders. "Morning Manda" he said, close to my ear.

"Good morning, Clint"

"You're up early" he sat next to me, leaning on the edge of the table towards me.

"So are you" I'd gotten into the habit of early mornings because of Bruce, he was always up so early.

"Nah" said Clint, "Didn't go to sleep – drank too much coffee last night"

I rolled my eyes. Clint twisted my chair round until we were facing each other straight on, my knees between his. He leant forward, elbows on his knees. "Manda, what's wrong?"

"What are you talking about? Nothing" I frowned a second.

"Yeah there is, what is it?"

"Nothing."

"Come on, just tell me," he said softly, "we've barely seen each other recently and any time we do you're acting weird – you're hiding something and I've known you long enough to tell. Is something wrong?"

"No"

"Look, if this is because of the nightmares, I'm sorry – I wish I hadn't said-"

"It's not that! Look, it really is nothing"

"Amanda" Clint said seriously, "I know you, better than I think you like, and I know that you've been uncomfortable the last few weeks, so please, tell me what's wrong so I can make it better"

"Clint-" I tried to argue.

"What is it? Is it Loki? Or New York? Are you having nightmares again? If it's because of the PTSD I can try to help" he pleaded desperately. I had no idea I'd caused him so much worry.

I stared at him for a second, "Look, I wasn't telling anyone, and you don't need to worry. I- I'm seeing someone, Clint. I just didn't want anyone to know yet"

He stopped, blinked and cleared his throat, "Seeing someone" he said softly, I could see the realisation in his eyes and his relief as he let out a breath. "Who?"

"It doesn't matter-"

"Yes it does." Taking a breath he repeated softer, "yes it does - I need to know they're good enough for you"

I was touched, "Um, it's Bruce, I'm dating Bruce"

"Bruce Banner? … Hulk?"

"Don't say it like that"

"Are you sure that's safe? Manda, it's just-"

"Don't. I am safe with him, he wouldn't hurt me"

"What if he doesn't mean it, what if there's an accident and you get hurt? I won't be able to sit by and let you-"

"Hulk wouldn't hurt me – he's saved me twice now, Clint. I am in no danger with him, Bruce or Hulk"

He sat back and looked away, taking a deep breath. "Amanda"

"Clint"

"Just listen to me... I... you mean the world to me and I need you safe. I've been looking out for you since day one, and I trust you to look after yourself, but I feel responsible for you. Just promise me, if you ever get hurt by him you'll walk away, promise me" I sighed. "Amanda"

"I don't know, Clint – I can't say that. Bruce means too much to me"

Clint frowned, "If you get hurt I'll never forgive myself"

"It won't come to that"

"It better not" he sighed, "Who else does know?"

"Tony figured it out" and of course I told Phil, but you don't know he's actually alive so…"and it wouldn't surprise me if Tasha knows somehow"

He laughed quietly at that, thank God. "I'm sorry," he shook his head, "I came over too strong, I'm just protective of you – you know that."

"I know"

"Come here, I still get hugs, don't I? He doesn't seem the overly jealous type"

I laughed, "Yes, you get hugs"

He stood and pulled me up into his arms, "Congratulations Manda, I'm sorry, I should be more supportive" We broke apart with smiles, he tucked my hair behind my ear, "Right – I'm off to have a chat with Banner" he began to walk away.

"Clint!"

"I'll be nice" he chuckled. Oh dear.