Sorry for the long delay. I got sucked into Doctor Who :)
Title: Down for the count
author: Cindy Ryan
"He's all yours."
Natasha winced as the third physical therapist in the last two weeks stormed past her ID badge in his right hand. The young red haired man hadn't said quit in so many words but his body language was screaming it. The Black Widow sighed and squared her shoulders as she walked into the small gym.
The two weeks since she and Clint had returned from Mexico had been a blur of briefings, medical consults and physical therapy. They were in one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s smaller bases in Virginia. Close enough to D.C. for access but far enough that most active agents didn't come here. This base was used for training and conferences It was on the edge of a medium sized lake looking more like a modern office building than a military establishment. For Natasha the place was a blessing. With Clint's current state of mind people would not be a good thing to add to the mix.
Over the past fourteen days the Black Widow had taken everything her partner had thrown at her verbally or physically. She let him shout, curse and vent. That was her role. Though Natasha was sure Coulson knew of the two times she'd lost her temper. Gave back to Clint as good as he was giving. Letting out a string of Russian curses the Black Widow was sure Clint hadn't heard before. She wasn't proud of the most recent incident just last week where she'd kicked her partner's legs out from under him. It'd been during a sparing session that had gotten out of hand. He'd been supposed to be taking it easy. Getting strength back to his upper body but not jostling the injured arm. Instead he'd kept at her as if it was normal. As if nothing had happened. Going at a hundred and twenty percent. After Natasha had put her partner in his place she'd stormed from the gym afraid she'd say something they'd both regret later.
"Are you testing Fury?"Romanoff asked as she reached Clint.
"No."Barton replied darkly as placed a sweaty towel in a bin by the left wall.
"Doesn't look like it."Natasha responded as she leaned against the wall. "That's number three in case you weren't counting and I don't think he's coming back."
"Leave it alone, Nat."Hawkeye warned as he picked up the small blue bag that had been resting by one of the benches.
"Fury's going to keep sending them until you complete the therapy."The Black Widow replied quietly. "I know it's tough but it's the only way to get back to active duty."
"Maybe this job isn't want I want any more."Clint snapped.
Natasha blinked in surprise. She hadn't been expecting that.
"You don't mean that."Romanoff argued.
Clint met her gaze for a long agonizing moment before stalking past and leaving the gym. Natasha watched her partner leave until he was out of sight. The Black Widow couldn't help but wonder if Coulson's faith in her was misplaced. Clint was spiraling and Natasha wasn't sure if she could catch him. But Natasha wasn't giving up no matter how much part of her wanted to. She hadn't been an easy person to deal with when Clint had brought her into S.H.I.E.L.D. Everyone from Fury on down had questioned her partner's sanity, reasoning and loyalty. Clint hadn't given up on her then and she wasn't going to give up on him now.