Disclaimer: I do not own the Avengers….sadly.

Only my warped imagination about the things I can do to them : )

Authors Note: I'm starting to get very carried away with this story LOL! I'd like to say a big thank you to NinjaViper and Rivan Warrioress your reviews brighten up my day, so thank you.

I have already started writing another few stories and will post in the next few days.

Thanks and hope you enjoy this chapter.

7 Months Later

Phil was a man on a mission, other agents dived out of his way as he headed towards the gym. He knew it's where the kid would be, he'd already checked the weapons range, the cafeteria and the vents. The kid could hide anywhere within the base but Phil would usually find him within the hour, but lately he had to admit the boy was getting better at staying hidden.

The doors swung open and he immediately spotted Clint at the far end on one of the treadmills. It looked like he'd been there a while, sweat covered the thin grey t-shirt he had on, he spotted the ear phones and smiled to himself. The kid had been over the moon when Phil gave him the mp3 player for his 16th birthday last week.

It was just over the 8 months since Phil had brought Clint to SHIELD after being stabbed by his own brother. Phil knew the kid was still adjusting, he could be happy and laughing one moment then switch to broody and withdrawn. But Phil knew it was hard for him, he was usually withdrawn after a nightmare, remembering in graphic detail what his brother did.

But over the last month the kid had seemed calmer and more laid back, and Phil noticed the quick wit and sarcasm that flowed from him so naturally. He was sure he was finally seeing the real Clint.

Clint seemed to be happy with his decision to stay at SHIELD, he knew he was still too young to become an agent but Phil was letting him train in certain areas so he would be a natural when the time came. Already Phil could tell the was a born athlete, he was a very fast runner, was already talented in acrobatics and his accuracy when firing a bow and arrow was better than some of SHIELD's best snipers. He wasn't allowed to use a gun yet but Phil knew he'd more than likely excel at that too.

He was also schooling Clint as he found out he was home schooled by his parents before they died, then at the orphanage Clint mentioned a few of the older kids would show the younger ones some of the basics like Maths and English and reading.

Phil knew the boy was smart, he picked things up really quickly and wanted to learn more. He had a real thirst for knowledge.

He stopped in front of the treadmill and waited for Clint to acknowledge him. Clint smirked at him and reached for the controls to turn off the machine, he pulled out the earphones with his other hand.

"Hey Phil." He greeted. "What's up?" He asked grabbing the towel off the railing.

Phil handed him a bottle of water and gave Clint an affectionate squeeze at the back of his neck.

"Thought you might like get out of here for a bit of fresh air." Phil replied smiling at the teen.

Clint looked surprised. "Really? Like outside and everything?" He smiled sarcastically.

Phil chuckled. "Well if you don't want to….." Clint paused as if thinking it over then grinned. "Yeah that'd be cool."

Coulson shook his head and guided the boy towards his room. "Go shower and get changed and grab a bag….meet you at the hangar in an hour?"

Clint's face scrunched up in confusion. "The hanger? We flying somewhere Phil?"

Phil ignored the question and kept walking. "You'll just have to wait and see won't you?"

Clint didn't waste any time, he practically ran towards his room and changed out of his shorts and sweaty t-shirt and jumped in the shower.

Phil shook his head at the boys enthusiasm and headed to see director Fury before they left on their trip. He had already gotten permission to take some personal time, and get to spend that time with Clint outside of the agency. He still wanted the kid to be able to do normal things.

He remembered the boy's face when he'd gotten the birthday cake, a few presents from some of the other agents and the gift from Phil, he'd looked ready to burst into tears. When Phil had asked him if he was alright, he had nodded and admitted, "I can't remember the last time I celebrated my birthday." One of the female agent looked ready to cry and the others looked ready to hurt someone.

The kid just brought the protective side out in everyone it seemed.

Clint sat slouched in the chair reading one of his favourite books, The Hobbit. Coulson was talking to the pilot to find out how long it would take to reach their destination, then headed back to his seat.

"Another hour or so." He told Clint.

Clint nodded and continued reading. Phil still hadn't told him where they were heading and he was feeling a little anxious. He trusted Phil but he knew there would always be that tiny voice in the back of his head telling him not to trust anyone as he'd be the one to get hurt again.

The hour flew by and then they were fastening their seat belts to prepare for landing. Clint stepped off first and breathed in the fresh air, then smiled as he realised he was in another country. He'd never been abroad before so he was feeling excited. The sun was beating down on him as he made his way on to the tarmac, he lifted his hand up to shield his eyes from the glare.

Phil stepped up behind him and gave him a nudge. "Come on, we will go check in at the hotel then do a bit of sightseeing."

Clint threw his bag over his shoulder and followed Phil to their hire car, he couldn't help but whistle appreciatively at the black Chevrolet Camaro. "Nice…."

The teen turned to Phil with a curious look on his face. "Where exactly are we Phil?"

The agent collected the keys for the sports car and put their bags in the trunk. "We are in Hawaii." The look that spread across Clint's face had Phil laughing out loud. It was like a kid in a candy store that had just been told they could eat as much as they wanted.

"Come on Barton, let's get moving." Clint immediately followed, jumping into the Camaro. He put on his sunglasses, belted up and gave Phil a thumbs up.

Coulson grinned at his young companion and put the pedal to the metal, this would be good.

It took a few hours to get to the hotel in Waikapu from the Kona International airport, once they checked in they headed to their room, Clint put his bag on one of the double beds and went for a wander round the room as Phil set his bag on the other bed and started to unpack. Everything folded neatly, it was so Phil.

Clint took in everything, the size of the room was similar to the training room at the base, and that was big. There was an en suite bathroom with twin sized shower, then the open living room area with its own mini bar. Phil shook his head at Clint's silent question. No alcohol.

Clint simply shrugged, he knew he wouldn't be allowed, but he had to ask. He flopped down on the bed. "Where are we going to go first? The beach?" He asked as he watched Phil sort his clothes into the drawers.

"Where ever you want to go Clint. We have two weeks to do whatever you want." Phil replied as he finished putting all his stuff away.

The teen sat up on the bed, his legs dangling over the end. "Really, two whole weeks? Was Fury mad that you asked for time off?"

Phil sat on his own bed and looked at Clint in amusement. "He was shocked I'd asked for time off because I don't think I've ever used any of it. But no he wasn't mad. Practically pushed me towards the door."

Clint laughed. "Seriously? You've never took time off? Why now then?"

Phil answered honestly. "I've never really had a reason to want to take time off….but now I do."

The teen ducked his head in embarrassment. "You didn't have to." He mumbled.

Phil got up and moved next to Clint, putting his arm around the teens shoulders and pulled him into a half hug. "I wanted to. Ok?"

Clint nodded and moved to stand. "Ok…lets go sightseeing then."

Phil grabbed his wallet and car keys and together they headed out to see the beautiful island.

Next chapter coming soon. Clint and Phil explore...