Hi all. So I just realize I haven't made the Cap talk to his comrade. So that's what this is…then I'll stop making Clint suffer for something that wasn't even his fault…stupid Loki…he hurt my boy.
Steve Rogers had seen a lot in his life. Whether it was back as scrawny Steve Rogers seventy years ago or as Captain America today, he'd seen a lot.
He'd seen comrades fall in battle and lost many good friends. Steve didn't like it though. How could he? How could anyone like watching their friends and teammates die?
Watching Clint fall made Steve realize just how much he cared about his new friends. How he loved not being alone. It also made him realize that no matter what, he'd keep the five safe. That was his promise as both Steve and as his patriotic mask decked out in America's red, white and blue.
After the incident they decided to call the Falling Hawk, the team made sure that Clint was occupied that night.
Steve could tell it wasn't enough. Sure, the stupid movies Stark picked out made the archer laugh but it was only a masked laugh. He was only avoiding his feelings again.
The team soon fell asleep. Clint was the first to awaken a few minutes after he heard the gentle snores. He snuck down to the gym and Steve followed.
He watched the archer pound on a punching bag for a moment. When Clint landed a strong punch and broke the seams, he stepped in.
"Just don't destroy them all Barton…I need to vent too you know" he said.
"I thought you all were asleep" he muttered as he rested against the bag.
"I was, but I heard you leave…enhanced hearing" he answered.
"I'm fine Captain…I'm not going to the roof again….." Clint replies and Steve gives him a smile.
"Glad to hear that" Steve answers.
Their silent a moment before Clint sighs. "I don't need a babysitter Steve, I promise I'm done trying to kill myself" he says.
"There are better ways to let go Clint" Steve advises.
"That's kinda why I'm here Cap" Clint tells him.
"Are you pretending the punching bag is Loki?" Steve asks and Clint gives a small smile.
"Wish I could have given him a beating. When he turned and I held my arrow to him it took all my restraint to not let go" Clint says.
"That proves you're not like him then. Loki didn't seem to care who he hurt or killed. The fact its eating at you proves you're not the monster" Steve says.
"How do I stop it Steve? Obviously you guys won't let me kill myself so how do I get peace?" Clint asks.
"I don't think there really is an answer Clint. All six of us have guilty feelings and always will"
"Wonderful" Clint muttered and moved to sit against a wall. Steve followed and sat beside him.
"I think we can all help each other though. When we all sat down and made that friendship circle I felt a weight lifted from me. For first time since I woke up I finally didn't feel all alone" Steve told him.
Clint sighs but then gives him a nod. "Yeah, I was pissed at first that Tony saved me but…"
"But then you realize its because we truly care. Natasha told me how you got to the tower and I think Tony likes you" Steve says.
"Well don't go making it sound like it's a bad thing Capsicle"
Steve just looks up and smiles at Tony. "I wasn't Tony, I am only implying to Clint that you're a good man"
"I thought that was implied by the fact I saved Earth and took in five superhero misfits so generously"
"I see you're modest as well" Steve replies and Tony chuckles.
"You okay there Hawky?" Tony then asks Clint whose watching their friendly bicker with amusement in his eyes.
Clint stares at him a moment then gives a small nod. "Yeah, I think I am going to be okay Tony, I've got friends looking out for me" he replies.
Tony holds out his hand and Clint takes it. "Finally you get it" Tony comments proudly. He then looks at Steve. "We all know which friend helped out the most though" he says smugly.
Clint laughs and Steve is relieved to hear it sound so genuine. "Come on Hawkeye, we can't be the Avengers without you"
"Thanks Cap" Clint says and Steve leads him out with his arm around his friends shoulder.