Clint | Pietro
MON 25 MAY
Clint winces, pulling the phone away from his ear, as Pietro loudly exclaims, "What? You were shot?!"
He gives it a minute. Waits for Pietro to get over the initial shock of Clint's admission, before he presses the phone back against his ear. "I don't talk about it much, and that's - yeah. I worked for a law enforcement agency. Worked a lot of jobs as security. Gathered intel, when they needed me to. Mostly just quick jobs, in out and, no fuss. Except this one job. There was - well, fuss. I got shot. Fucked up my shoulder real bad."
"I do not know what to say."
"People usually don't."
"How bad was it?" Pietro asks, a beat later.
"Never healed right. I couldn't go back to work, after that. Lost everything."
"It is not your fault that you were hurt. Do not blame yourself."
"What happened next is what I won't forgive myself for."
"Perhaps in time."
"Not everything can be forgiven."
"It is not up to you to decide whether she forgives you."
Clint pulls at the string on his sweater. Nods along, even though he knows Pietro can't see him. "Yeah, I know. Since when did you have all the answers?"
"Not all," Pietro murmurs. "Just some"
"I have a question. A serious one, for a change. No jokes," Clint says. "Did I really say, you know, all that. When I called you, when I was drunk, did I tell you I loved you? I mean, I know I get sappy sometimes - or moody, it can go either way, depends on what mood I'm in when I start drinking - but I guess I didn't think I was that bad. Cause that's pretty bad, considering we'd been talking what, a couple of days? Damn."
"Remember the night, and the answers will follow."
"Aww, come on!" Clint laughs. "That's bullshit."
"Fine. I will tell you, but only since you asked so nicely. The answer is no, there was no confession of love. You did not give me your farm. You told me that you liked the sound of my voice, that it made you want to-"
"I think you can stop there. I didn't - I wouldn't say that. I didn't."
"Made you want to fall asleep." Pietro finishes. "Because it soothed you. But I am interested in where your mind was going with that?"
"It was going nowhere."
"That is a shame."
"Smartass."
"Oh," Pietro says sweetly. "I remember now. You said something about my eyes - always telling me how pretty they are. That is how you put it, yes? I also remember something about a smart mouth. I have been honest with you, so will you do the same for me?"
"I'll try."
"Did it bother you," he asks, accent a little thicker now, more pronounced. "When you thought Jacob was a boyfriend?"
Clint's mouth becomes incredibly dry. He does the only thing he can think of doing in that moment: deflect attention away from himself, and place it on Pietro. "Did it bother you when you thought Laura was my girlfriend?"
"That was not what I asked."
"Do you think Jacob bothers me?"
"I-" Pietro begins, then stops abruptly, the words caught in his throat. He doesn't speak for what feels like a long moment. "Maybe. Maybe it did bother me, when I thought that she was - that the two of you were together."
"Oh. I didn't think you'd actually answer. Not honestly, anyway."
"I did, so now it is your turn. Nothing but brutal honesty." comes Pietro's somewhat sharp reply. He sounds nervous, which Clint finds comforting, if he's being completely honest, because at least he's not the only one on edge here. "Go on. Does it bother you?"
"Yes." Clint says. "It did. Does. Whatever. But if you want to, you know, have a boyfriend named Jacob then that's fine. He can answer your phone when you're not in the room, which is frankly just a little weird and intrusive, and he can buy you bagels or whatever it is you get weird cravings for. Because we're not, you know. Me and you. We're not - look, we're friends. You're like a brother."
The sound of Pietro's laughter usually makes Clint smile, but not this time. He's too busy grimacing at his use of the phrase "like a brother".
"This is how you see me?"
Clint hesitates. Sure, he could lie his way out of it. Spare them both the mess of getting feelings involved, but he doesn't do that. He decides that Pietro deserves better than that - deserves the truth, something that Clint hasn't been willing to give him for a long time, always deflecting with jokes and snarky remarks. This time, he just leans back, takes another sip of his beer, and tries honesty for a change. Brutal honesty, as Pietro put it.
"No, that's not how I see you. I don't know why I said that."
"Then how do you see me?"
"I'm still figuring that out myself. Besides, isn't your ego big enough already?"
Pietro sniggers on the other end of the line. "It can be bigger." he says. "So am I a bro, or a babe?"
"Neither. You're just you, and I'm me, and I never said either of those things because both are equally embarrassing."
"I can be me," Pietro says. "But I am not so sure if you can be you. You do not seem to like being you very much."
Brutal honesty, Clint reminds himself. Even if it hurts, even if it makes him sound ridiculous, he promised honesty. It takes a moment for Clint to wrap his head around what Pietro's getting at. "That's because I don't. Sometimes. I like being me when I'm like this. When I'm happy."
"What makes you happy?"
"People. Nat, Steve, you. Hell, even Stark isn't the worst thing to happen to me. Working on my farm makes me happy. I wasn't happy after I got shot. Even before, I had - we had troubles. Because of me. Those weren't good times. I didn't like myself much back then."
"And these are better times, yes? Perhaps you should enjoy it more. You never know when you could get shot again."
"That's comforting." Clint says dryly.
"What I mean is you never know when the next bad thing will happen, which is why you should take moments to enjoy the good. You were hurt but you did not die." Pietro says softly. "Do you want to be old and full of regrets, old man? It would be better to not think too much about it, and instead to do it."
"Easier said than done."
"You know, he is not a boyfriend. Jacob is a friend of Wanda's."
Clint sits up slightly, beer still in hand. He lifts it to his lips, waiting on Pietro to elaborate, or, at the very least, explain. Though he's not entirely sure that he's deserving of an explanation, all things considered. Natasha's words are still fresh in his mind, Clint can't shake them: take a chance on your Running Man.
"So he's not your boyfriend." Clint says slowly.
"He could be, if I wanted. But I don't."
"But you were in the shower."
"Yes, but he was not in there with me."
"You let me think he was your boyfriend."
Pietro scoffs. "I do not let you think things. You thought he was, and I did not correct you until now. Why should I correct you? I did not know that me having a boyfriend would bother you. I did not think that was something you would be interested in knowing. Is it?"
"I-" Clint stopsand thinks that maybe this is a really bad idea. Then again, he's always liked bad ideas. It always seemed much more fun than going the safer route (which kind of explains that 'thing' with Stark). "I'm not good at this. I don't know what to say, so I'll just try that brutal thing. The honesty. It bothered me, yeah. And maybe it's something I'm interested in knowing. I don't know what I felt. It's like I was jealous, and that confused me. I haven't been jealous in a really long time."
"I understand," Pietro says. "It bothered me too."
"The only guy in my life is a golden lab, so. Nothing to be bothered over."
"So I have some competition then."
Clint smiles, warmed by the sound of Pietro's laughter. "Yeah. Big competition. He's pretty charming."
"Is he? Do you like him best when he drools all over you?" Pietro teases.
"Trust me, when you meet him you'll fall in love with him. Everybody does. Can't be helped." Clint says. "It's got something to do with him having just the one eye - it's big and beady, and sweet. It's like kryptonite against us humans. We can't resist. You'll forget all about the drooling."
"When I meet him?"
"What?"
"You said when, not if."
"Oh. My bad. Now that I think about it, that sounds really presump-"
"I would like that." Pietro interrupts. "To meet him."
"Really? I mean, I'd be there too, of course. Because he is my dog, no matter how bad you want him."
"Actually, I was hoping that you would also be there. That is something else I want. You. For you to be there."
There's that strange, fluttery feeling in Clint's chest again. Makes his head feel all light and dizzy. He scratches at the back of his neck, just so he can have something to do with his hands. He'd fidget too much, otherwise. It wasn't this bad, back on the job. He was calm and collected, always maintaining composure, even in the most heated moments. It didn't matter how tense or just generally shit a situation was, he remained composed.
Lately, it's like all his composure has gone out the window, and he's pretty sure Pietro has something to do with that.
"Sure." Clint says. "I'd like that a lot."
"One day soon?"
"One day soon."
TUES 26 MAY
[9:07AM]:
Hey so I'd like this to be as not weird as possible.
[9:08AM]:
I'll just be my usual charming self.
[9:08AM]:
And you can keep being the same brat I've come to know and care about.
[9:16AM]:
i think what you meant to say is babe
[9:16AM]:
the same babe that you know and deeply care for
[9:20AM]:
I call you babe one time and this is what I get.
[9:24AM]:
Never gonna let it go, are you?
[9:30AM]:
it is very unlikely that i will
[9:30AM]:
but we will see ;-)
[9:33AM]:
Another lazy day today?
[9:36AM]:
no
[9:36AM]:
swimming class this afternoon
[9:40AM]:
You take swimming lessons?
[9:41AM]:
not take, teach :-)
[9:43AM]:
I'm impressed. How long have you been teaching for?
[9:45AM]:
not very long
[9:47AM]:
3 yrs
[9:50AM]:
Wow. Do you enjoy it?
[9:53AM]:
yes mostly
[9:54AM]:
when i was a child i loved the water then wanda almost drowned and i could not swim for years i refused to go in. i thought about it every single day and missed the water but could not bring myself to do it until i was 18 she went in with me
[9:56AM]:
it is not so bad
[10:01AM]:
I'm sure they love you.
[10:04AM]:
of course they do
[10:04AM]:
who wouldnt? :-)
[10:06AM]:
You know, not a lot of people can pull off the whole "obnoxious and vain" thing you've got going on.
[10:08AM]:
you are right not many people can pull it off
[10:09AM]:
luckily i am not one of them
[10:13AM]:
i am lovable :-)
[10:15AM]:
Likeable*
[10:17AM]:
you said it yourself that you are sure they love me
[10:20AM]:
perhaps we could watch a movie tonight?
[10:23AM]:
I'd like that. :-)
[10:26AM]:
or we could always try something else
[10:26AM]:
something new
[10:28AM]:
what do you think?
[10:31AM]:
I think I'm a little concerned about what you mean by "new" and I'm also not sure if I wanna know.
[10:34AM]:
you worry too much old man
[10:36AM]:
i was thinking a skype call? video if you like
[10:40AM]:
you do know what skype is yes?
[10:43AM]:
Yes
[10:46AM]:
is that a yes you would like to
[10:46AM]:
or a yes you know what skype is?
[10:50AM]:
The first one.
[10:52AM]:
And also, screw you. I know what Skype is. I'm not that old.
[10:54AM]:
i am only teasing :-)
[10:55AM]:
i thought you liked jokes old man
[10:57AM]:
You're right, I do like jokes. I guess that's why I like you so much.
[11:00AM]:
because i am a joke?
[11:03AM]:
Hey, you said it, babe. Not me.
[11:05AM]:
I gotta go finish up some jobs around town. Talk later?
[11:05AM]:
Either before your swimming lessons, or after. We'll figure it out.
[11:07AM]:
bye babe
[11:10AM]:
Try not to get yourself into too much trouble while I'm gone.
TUES 26 MAY
[1:19PM]:
i am already very bored
[1:19PM]:
and missing you
[1:20PM]:
you are much more entertaining than what is on TV right now
[1:24PM]:
law n order SUV repeats
[1:25PM]:
suv**
[1:25PM]:
SVU
[1:33PM]:
day time television is not good
[1:40PM]:
when will you be finished? hopefully soon i need entertaining
[1:47PM]:
i am going for a run i will talk to you after maybe
TUES 26 MAY
[3:04PM]:
i am having a very bad time
[3:07PM]:
a dog chased me through the park
[3:07PM]:
i am not usually scared of big dogs but this one was like a small horse
[3:09PM]:
very angry and big
[3:10PM]:
did i tell you i am afraid of horses? i am
[3:13PM]:
what is to stop them from trampling you
[3:14PM]:
nothing
[3:14PM]:
the answer is nothing
[3:16PM]:
clint there is nothing to stop them from crushing you
[3:18PM]:
how did you survive in the circus? elephants and horses they are so big
[3:27PM]:
i have to leave for my lessons soon. will speak with you after :-)
TUES 26 MAY
[3:49PM]:
Damn. Think I just missed you.
[3:56PM]:
Just caught up on your msgs. You've had a big day. A pony chased you and you couldn't decide what to watch? Sounds like the kind of thing that would only happen to you. I hope your day turned out better than mine did.
[4:01PM]:
Truck died on the way to my 1st job. Old farm I'm working on is a few miles out. I'm fixing their fences, etc. Cattle keeps getting out. My truck breaks down but I'm shit at cars. This truck is a piece of junk so I'm not surprised it crapped itself. No service, no car, nothing. Luckily a car pulled up beside me 10 mins later. Gave me a jump start.
[4:06PM]:
Worked on her barn for most of the morning. She asked me to take a look at her sink so I said I would. Not great with plumbing either. It sounds and smells like something died in and there and was clawing its way back up. Not a good thought. I couldn't fix whatever was wrong with it so I leave for my next job.
[4:09PM]:
Pay isn't great but I've picked up enough jobs around town that it makes a difference.
[4:14PM]:
Worst job was the last one. Final job of the day. The owners just moved in so they need as much help as they can get. The pay's actually not bad. I get there and get up the ladder because I'm working on the roof that afteroon. I kept telling their brat kid to not play near where I was working because it wasn't safe. Kid doesn't listen, of course. When do they ever listen?
[4:16PM]:
I think you can pretty much put together what happened next.
[4:17PM]:
If not, here's how it went: he ran by and smacked straight into the ladder, knocking it out from under me. I had 2 options. Go down with it or get off, so I grab onto the roof and hang off the rusty gutter. It gave out and I broke three fingers on the way down. Wasn't a long fall but it screwed my hand up really nice.
[4:21PM]:
Nothing to worry about now though. Doc strapped my fingers together after he put a bone back in place. Really ruined the mood I had going after talking to you last night. My hand's numb now and I can't feel a thing. Kinda hard to type with one hand. Takes a little longer.
[4:26PM]:
Look at me whining like the old man you always tell me I am.
[4:27PM]:
Have fun at your lessons. Xx
TUES 26 MAY
[7:03PM]:
?
[7:05PM]:
is this one of your jokes?
[7:05PM]:
i am worried that you are not joking
[7:09PM]:
lessons kept me longer please tell me you are ok
[7:15PM]:
you should be more careful
[7:17PM]:
what if it was more serious?
[7:25PM]:
Look at you, getting all worried. It's just a few broken fingers.
[7:27PM]:
3 isn't even that bad. Barney broke all 5 once. Twice, now that I think about it.
[7:30PM]:
be serious
[7:31PM]:
what if it was worse?
[7:34PM]:
If it was worse, we probably wouldn't be having this conversation.
[7:36PM]:
because you would be dead?
[7:37PM]:
that is not funny
[7:39PM]:
what a terrible joke to make
[7:44PM]:
Hey, that's not where I was going. What I meant was if it was any worse, I would've broken all fingers on both hands, and wouldn't be able to text you. Meaning we wouldn't be able to have this conversation. Nobody's saying anything about me dying. At least I'm not saying it?
[7:48PM]:
Besides, you always make jokes about me being an old man on my deathbed. How's that any different?
[7:54PM]:
it is different because i am the one joking
[7:56PM]:
this is serious
[8:03PM]:
It's really not serious, I promise. My fingers are wrapped up all nice and snug. I've got time off work while they heal.
[8:05PM]:
Promise it's not as bad as you're imagining it to be.
[8:05PM]:
It's just a small fracture.
[8:08PM]:
i want to see
[8:10PM]:
Like what, a picture?
[8:13PM]:
like skype
[8:15PM]:
Would that make you feel better?
[8:16PM]:
To see that I am actually still 100% alive?
[8:19PM]:
yes
[8:20PM]:
pietro . maximoff _1
[8:24PM]:
add me but do not call i need to shower first
[8:26PM]:
i will call once i am back
[8:26PM]:
try not to get in any trouble while i am gone as you say to me
[8:29PM]:
or in your case try not to fall off any roofs
[8:31PM]:
Can't make any promises. :-)
[8:33PM]:
still not funny
[8:33PM]:
stay indoors
I recommend checking this chapter out on ao3, because you can actually see the emojis that Clint and Pietro uses. For some reason they never show up on and I don't know how to fix that. Sorry!
