Of Distant Memories and Forgotten Dreams

by anomaly16

He knows he's still innately connected to the fiery assassin, and he thinks that maybe, in a distant past, they once were in love. But before he can move on he has to find the answers to the questions that weigh him down, so he writes her a letter, and holds out hope that it isn't too late for some child's play. one shot, comic-verse details mixed with movie-verse relationship.

4. Missed Connections

Of Distant Memories and Forgotten Dreams :: chapter 4

Clint-

God, I hope this letter finds you…I leave tomorrow at 0700 for a mission. When you arrive at our spot I'll be 10,000 miles away. 10,000 miles away wishing I was with you. I don't know how long I'll be gone but I'll find you when I return stateside. I promise.

Your vision's never failed you, Hawkeye, and it didn't a year ago in the med wing. More than once I let me own selfish desire, my need to be close to you, silence my instincts, delaying my exit through the vents. Morse or the medical staff almost caught me a few times, and I now know you did, but I couldn't stop. I had to make sure you were alright. I had to stay close, and learn every detail of the accident so I could make sure your injury wasn't preventable. Because if it could've been prevented, if I could've saved you if I were there, I never would've been able to forgive myself. Partners protect each other's sixes, and I had failed to protect yours.

As I think about our past, about Budapest, Moscow, and Istanbul among the others, I think you may be right, Clint, about everything. There are things I need to say to you, things that should've been said long ago, but couldn't have, I don't think. We needed the entire country between us to truly realize what exactly we're fighting for and I get the feeling we wouldn't be so sure had we never parted.

I need you to get this before you leave for the city so you don't show up to our spot alone. Don't give up on me, Clint. It's time for some child's play.

Always yours,

Nat