It doesn't last long. Seconds, only. Moments. The thrill of justice was becoming more and more fleeting with every kill.
He wipes his blade clean in one smooth movement. This man in front of him had killed dozens, yet he had survived the Snap. So many innocents had not. It was unjust. He deserved to die.
But no sooner had the adrenaline left his veins, Clint felt the hollow emptiness return to his chest, and that all-too-familiar wave of despair. He shoved the feeling down. He couldn't bear to feel. This man was dead. But everyone was still gone.
Or perhaps not everyone.
He'd sensed her of course. He could always tell when she was there. But he'd so desperately ignored it until now. In the stillness, without distraction, he had to acknowledge her presence.
"You shouldn't be here."
He didn't turn around. He couldn't. He simply couldn't face her.
"Neither should you."
Her voice was the same, exactly as he remembered. It hit something deep inside him, tugging at his heartstrings, and his chest began to tighten.
"I've got a job to do."
He had to stay focused.
"Is that what you're calling this?"
She wasn't angry. Not even disapproving. Just...sad. Compassionate. Understanding.
The coolness of the rain was beginning to soak through his clothes. Strange. He hadn't noticed it before.
"Killing all these people isn't going to bring your family back."
No, it wasn't. Thanks for the reminder, Nat. Exactly what he had been trying to forget all these years.
Her voice became determined, and she walked towards him. "We found something. A chance, maybe."
She was close now. He shuddered inwardly. He could feel the walls crumbling as she neared.
"Don't." His voice quavered slightly.
He was finally looking at her. Her eyes were full of concern, and her forehead was creased in a slight frown. "Don't what?" It was like she was almost afraid to hear the answer.
Don't make me feel. I'm not strong enough.
"Don't give me hope."
Something shifts in her expression, and in that moment, he knows that she understands completely. "I'm sorry I couldn't give it to you sooner."
Her hand slips into his, cautiously at first, teasing his fingers apart. And then they are holding hands, and he knows that she will bring him home.