Author's Note:Thank you so much to digedag; Katie MacAlpine and BrokenKestral for taking the time to review that lats chapter! You guys are my favorites and really make this all worth it!

Okay some good news and bad news. The bad news is that this chapter is shorter than my others. I ended up cutting the last scene I originally had in this chapter, partly to make my proofreading job easier with my current sleep deprivation and partly because it really went better with what I wanted to do with the next chapter. The good news is with the content I now have for the next chapter it's looking very good for me having another chapter to post next weekend! So keep an eye out for it!

Hope you all are staying safe and healthy!

Chapter Five

"Thanks for coming on such short notice," Phil said as he ushered Maria Hill through the foyer and into his office area.

"Are you kidding, I cleared my morning for this," Maria said. "I was honestly starting to think we weren't going to solve that mystery. That's a huge breakthrough you had with Clint yesterday."

"It wasn't me," Phil said honestly. "It was Steve. I swear, the kid's getting better at this kind of stuff than I am these days."

"Still, Clint told Steve because he wanted to tell you, but probably felt more comfortable with the help of a peer," Maria pointed out as she took a seat at one of the chairs across from Phil's desk. Phil took the other chair on the same side of the desk so that they could face each other without the desk between them. "That's significant."

"Yeah, I know you're right," Phil admitted.

"How have things been since this came out?" Maria asked.

"Fairly uneventful so far," Phil said. "There was some tension at dinner last night. You know how…" he paused as he contemplated the best word to use, "forthright Tony can be."

Maria chuckled. "That's very generously putting it lightly."

"But before dinner Steve took Clint out into the neighborhood to show him around. So, I think at the very least those two are bonding. That's something anyway."

"And yet… you don't sound happy about that," Maria observed, raising a curious eyebrow.

"I am glad that Clint is managing to bond with one of the boys despite all this," Phil clarified quickly. He paused to take another steadying breath and then let out a humorless chuckle. "I just… I haven't felt this overwhelmed and out of my depth since I took in my first kid ten years ago."

"That's understandable," Maria acknowledged. "This is a new one. Hell, it's a new one for me too. Usually, when we get a kid with special needs, we know it from the start and can plan to make proper accommodations. Having it sprung on us like this after already placing a kid is practically unheard of." She paused as if unsure if she should go on. After a moment, she spoke carefully. "You know, we might have homes that have more experience with this kind of thing. It's something we didn't get a chance to look into before trying to place him since we didn't know exactly what we were dealing with." She didn't outright say it, but the implication of the statement was painfully clear as it hung heavily in the air between them.

For the first time since he became a foster parent, for just a split second, Phil was tempted to take her up on her thinly veiled offer to move one of his kids to a different home. The thought only lasted a moment though and was gone as quickly as it had come. He had never once had a kid transferred out of his care. He wasn't about to change that now because of one unexpected turn of events.

"I know," Phil finally said with a small, appreciative smile. "But, you don't need to do that. We'll figure this out."

"I know you will," Maria said with a knowing smile. She leaned down and pulled Clint's file from her bag and then placed the file on the desk in front of her and flipped it open, poised to take notes. "So, let's take this one step at a time. Now, what do you see as the next step?"

"I got a recommendation from the kids' doctor for an excellent audiologist in the city,'' Phil said. "I managed to get Clint an appointment for Wednesday. Hopefully, the audiologist will not only be able to help Clint, but also help me with how to best handle the situation."

"I'm sure he or she will," Maria said, nodding as she made a note in Clint's file. "And that's really good that you were able to get him in so soon. Specialists like that can often be booked up for weeks, especially when it comes to new patients."

"Yeah, it only took several phone calls and some mild begging," Phil said with a laugh. "And even so, Wednesday still seems so far away."

"I'm sure," Maria said. "So, what's the plan for getting him through the next three days?"

"I managed to dig up a small whiteboard and some dry erase markers from some old school supplies and put it upstairs," Phil said. "I'm encouraging the other boys to write messages to Clint in an attempt to start up a conversation with him."

"And how's that going?"

"The other boys have taken to it pretty enthusiastically actually. I think Tony and Thor especially see it as a game to see if they can get him to talk, but even Bruce gave it a try without much prodding. But so far Clint only seems inclined to communicate with Steve. And Steve told me that even that is very minimal." Phil frowned. "I'm just afraid of not getting through to this kid."

"And how many of your kids have you said that about over the years," Maria said with a knowing look and a smirk. Phil laughed as he nodded in acquiescence. "You are always asking for our challenging cases, Phil. Well, it seems that I couldn't have picked a better case for your next big challenge."

Phil couldn't help the small smile that pulled at his lips. "Okay, point taken."

"You got this, Phil," Maria assured him. "Now, do you want me to try to talk to Clint before I go?"

"I don't think that's a good idea," Phil said apologetically. "Putting him in a situation where he feels like he has to talk seems to cause him to close off even more."

Maria nodded. "That's understandable. Is there anything that you need from me in order to make this easier?"

"Just talking it out like this has helped immensely," Phil assured her.

"I'm glad," Maria said with a smile as she closed Clint's file. "If you think of anything, please don't hesitate to call me. How about we set up a meeting between you, me, and Clint later this week, after he sees the audiologist so that we can all get on the same page with our game plan going forward."

"Yes, that sounds like a good idea," Phil agreed.

"Give me a call after the appointment and we can set that up," Maria said as she stood up, Phil following suit.

"Thanks again for taking the time to come over here," Phil said as he escorted Maria back through his office to the front of the house. "I know how shorthanded you are in your department."

"We all have our crosses to bare," Maria said with a small smile that seemed a bit strained at the corners. "Mine is to run around and make sure all these kids are well taken care of. Yours is to actually take care of these kids. We can debate another day over which is more challenging."

"Sounds like a plan," Phil said with a humorless laugh as he opened the door for her. "Be safe out there."

"Always," Maria replied as she swept by him and headed down the stairs.

Phil stayed in the doorway, confirming that Maria made it to her car and pulled out safely into traffic before he closed the door.

"Why w- why was Miss Hill here?"

Phil turned to find Thor standing halfway down the stairs, looking down at him warily.

Phil gave him a comforting smile as he climbed the stairs up to where Thor stood. "I was just updating her on recent events."

"Clint is going to stay, righ-ight?" Thor asked, a little bit unsteadily.

"Yes, of course Clint is going to stay," Phil assured him. "You know that Miss Hill just likes to keep up with current events when it comes to you guys."

Thor nodded, looking a little relieved. Then he sent a glance over his shoulder. "I was coming to tell you, you might want to come upstairs. Tony is pitching a fit."

"Of course he is," Phil said with a sigh as he followed Thor back up the stairs. It just wouldn't feel like his house if they ever had a quiet morning.

"Good, Phil's here, he's gonna side with me!"

"That's a bold assumption, Tony," Phil said lightly as he came back up onto the second floor and surveyed the scene of Steve, Tony and Bruce gathered in the kitchen. It was a familiar one, as breakfast tended to be strangely controversial with this group. "What's the problem this time?"

"Phil, whose turn is it to make breakfast?" Tony demanded while Steve rolled his eyes behind him.

"What's the chart say?" Phil countered, nodding toward the refrigerator where they kept the chore chart.

"Well, that's the thing," Tony drawled, flinging out a hand. "Strangely, it seems that it hasn't been updated."

"And you know damn well why," Steve snapped.

"And I'm pretty sure that qualifies as preferential treatment, something I was under the impression was frowned on in this house!"

"Alright, calm down, both of you," Phil said. "Tony, take a breath and tell me what's bothering you."

"According to the chart, it's my turn to make breakfast. But, I can't help but notice that after the new kid's usual one week grace period, the chart has not been updated to include him. Traditionally, it should be his turn to make breakfast. But Mr. Golden Boy here is inclined to let him sleep in and avoid responsibility. Surely the chart is incorrect, since I have been told many times that allowing others to avoid responsibility is doing them a disservice. Right?"

Phil sighed heavily, rubbing his forehead. It was true, when a new kid was introduced into his house, it was typical that he was allowed a week to settle in before being added to the chore chart. And it was also true that Phil hadn't been as conscientious as he usually was about integrating Clint into the usual routine. With all the initial struggles that surrounded figuring out how to simply communicate with Clint, Phil had thought it would be appropriate to delay putting Clint on the chore schedule for a little longer.

He should have known better than to think the rest of the boys wouldn't take notice.

"Tony, this is a special circumstance," Phil tried to placate. "We're going to give Clint a little more of a grace period than we usually do."

"How is that fair?" Tony demanded.

"Because fair looks different to each person," Phil pointed out. "We can make allowances from time to time."

"Sounds like coddling to me," Tony grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.

"And it sounds like you're just too lazy to make breakfast to me," Steve said with a glare.

"Um," Bruce hummed, drawing everyone's attention. He shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny and then glanced over to one side. Phil turned, following his gaze.

Clint was standing at the bottom of the stairs, looking over at the group apprehensively.

"Oh good," Tony said as he strode over to the kitchen table and snatched the white board.

"Tony, don't," Steve snapped.

"Kid deserves to know what's going on, don't you think?" Tony said, storming across the room as he scribbled on the board with the dry erase marker. "Don't want to leave anyone out."

As Tony headed for him, Clint frantically backpedaled until his back hit the wall, a panicked look on his face that Tony was completely oblivious to as his eyes were still down on the white board as he moved.

"Tony," Phil snapped, so loudly that Tony skidded to a stop. Phil continued in a more composed tone. "Take it easy, okay?"

Tony rolled his eyes, but was much more controlled as he approached Clint and held out the board at arm's length. Clint eyed him unsurely for a moment before he carefully reached out and gingerly took the white board. It took him a minute to read Tony's handwriting - which wasn't terribly legible on a good day - and then he looked up.

"I… c'n make eggs," Clint said quietly, his eyes darting uncertainly to each person in the room. "S'ram'led." He paused as he concentrated for a moment before speaking again, deliberately hitting the 'b' sound in the word this time. "Scrambled."

"Damnit," Tony groaned, throwing his head back dramatically as he spun around. "Guess it was too much to hope that he knew how to make something decent enough for human consumption?"

"Nothing's ever good enough for you, is it?" Steve grumpled.

"Okay, everyone calm down," Phil said calmly as he stepped forward. "Tony, retreat. Let me handle this."

Tony gave an overly dramatic sigh as he trudged away from Clint. Phil waited a beat before he approached Clint, knowing that it was best not to crowd the kid. He held out a hand and Clint handed over the white board and marker. Phil erased Tony's message with the side of his fist and then carefully wrote out his own message. He handed the board over to Clint so that he could take his time reading the words.

We usually take turns making breakfast for everyone. Would you like to take a turn today or would you rather wait until you're more settled?

Clint bit his bottom lip after he read the message. He took a moment, concentrating carefully before he spoke. "I can make breakfast."

Phil gave him an appreciative smile and then took the white board to write another message, reiterating it out loud as he held it out for Clint to read. "I'm sure Steve wouldn't mind helping you out since it's your first time. Maybe he can help make something to go with the scrambled eggs."

"Yeah, I can help out," Steve said with a smile.

"Of course Mr. Golden Boy can help out," Tony mumbled, ducking away as Steve took an annoyed, half-hearted swipe at him as he passed by.

Steve motioned Clint over and Clint made his way over to the kitchen, keeping a careful eye on everyone as he moved.

"Bruce, why don't you and Thor set the table," Phil suggested as he followed Tony over into the living room.

"Oh great, let me guess what that means," Tony moaned as he threw himself down on the couch.

"Is something bothering you this morning, Tony?" Phil asked as he took a seat in the recliner next to the couch.

"You mean beyond the usual spoiled rich kid getting orphaned and bussed down to working class angst?" Tony drawled absently.

Phil had to work to not roll his eyes. Tony certainly thrived on being over dramatic and though Phil was pretty used to it by now, it still tried at his patience from time to time.

"Do you want to go downstairs and talk about it?" Phil asked.

Tony huffed a heavy sigh as he waved a dismissive hand. "No, no need to have a whole formal meeting over it." He shifted his gaze to look over at Phil. "It just irks me when… you know, we're already overcrowded here and then you bring in yet another kid and then suddenly start giving him more slack than you ever gave us when we first came here. Bruce and I, we were thrown right into the fray after our first week here despite our issues. I'm willing to bet Thor and even Steve were too when they first came here." There was a note of accusation in Tony's tone along with a slight glare in his gaze.

"I'm sorry you feel that way," Phil said sincerely. "Honestly… this whole thing has been a little out of my depth. I've been overwhelmed as well."

Tony looked a little surprised by the admission. "Then why did you do it?"

On the surface, it seemed like a terribly selfish question, but Phil could see it for what it really was. Tony had grown up in a home where nothing was done without obvious personal gain. It was a concept that he had a hard time grasping and the question was posed out of honest curiosity.

"It's the same reason I've taken in every kid that I've looked after for the past ten years," Phil said. "Because he needed help and I was in a position to give it."

Tony rolled his eyes. "You can't save every kicked puppy in the system, Phil. It's just not humanly possible."

"True," Phil allowed. "But if I had done nothing, Clint would likely be in juvie right now, isolated and not getting any of the help that he needs. I would think you of all people would sympathise." Tony huffed non committedly. "I will admit when I'm wrong though." Tony snapped his gaze over to Phil in surprise. "I was wrong to not follow our usual pattern of integrating new kids into the house routine after one week. I shouldn't have been giving Clint that much leniency and you were right to call me on it."

Tony opened his mouth to comment, but Phil continued before he could. "That being said, I need you to be more understanding. Because until we work out the communication issues with Clint, things may not go exactly the way they've always gone. So, for now, please bring your concerns directly to me, because I don't want to overwhelm Clint until we know more about what he's been through. You charging him with the white board is not going to help matters right now. Okay?"

"Fine," Tony sighed.

"Thank you," Phil said with an appreciative smile as he stood up.

"Sorry, Phil," Tony mumbled, dropping his gaze down.

"It's okay, Tony," Phil assured him gently, placing a comforting hand on the kid's shoulder. "We're all adjusting here. We're all allowed to make mistakes."

Tony Stark wore an arrogant, spoiled persona like a coat of armor. He subconsciously used a large, off putting personality in order to keep people at arm's length. Phil knew that so much more lay just under the surface of this troubled kid, a layer of himself that Tony kept fiercely protected. It was often easy for people to overlook the fact that despite his seemingly privileged childhood, Tony was not without his scars. Just like the other kids who found their way to Phil's care, Tony had been through a lot in his short life.

Phil left Tony to his own devices for the time being and headed back over to the kitchen to make sure everything was running as smoothly as it could with a house full of rowdy boys.

By the time that breakfast finally hit the table - which in addition to a generous plate of scrambled eggs also included bacon and a large pile of toast - everyone's stomachs were rumbling. Phil couldn't help but notice that the plate of bacon looked suspiciously smaller between Thor picking it up off the counter and placing it down on the table. The first few minutes were consumed with the usual grabbing and arguing over plates, but as everyone dug into the meal the ruckus finally calmed and for a rare moment in time things almost appeared calm in the house.

"Where'd the white board go?" Tony asked suddenly, his eyes whipping around the table.

Phil raised an eyebrow at Tony before he glanced around. "Looks like it got left over there." He nodded toward the counter where Clint must have placed it.

Tony stood and went over to retrieve the board. Phil glanced over at Clint, but his head was bowed over his meal as he ate and he didn't seem to notice that Tony had left the table. But Tony certainly had the rapt attention of everyone else at the table as he returned to his seat and began to scribble on the white board. Bruce tilted his head in order to read over his shoulder, and Phil felt himself relax - and simultaneously realized that he had involuntarily tensed when Tony had asked for the white board - when he saw a small smile pull at Bruce's lips.

"Hey, Clint," Steve said softly as he reached over and tapped on the table next to Clint's plate, drawing Clint's gaze up. Steve nodded over at Tony and Clint followed the gesture.

Tony silently held out the white board. After a beat of hesitation, Clint reached out and carefully took the board. Everyone was completely still and Phil honestly couldn't remember a time that the house had been so quiet.

And then… Clint gave a small smile, looking over at Tony. "Thanks." His voice was barely more than a hoarse whisper, but in the quiet it seemed to echo around the room.

Tony returned the smile. "I mean it."

Finally, unable to take the suspense any longer, Steve leaned over to get a look at the board. Clint handed it over for Steve to see better, and Steve smiled at the message before passing it along to Phil so that he could read it as well.

I'm sorry for earlier. These are some of the best eggs I've ever had. You did a really great job.

Phil sent Tony a grateful smile. "Thank you," he told the teenager softly.

Tony just shrugged a shoulder like it wasn't the big deal that it really was. With that gesture, the spell at the table broke and everyone went back to their breakfasts. But it was hugely encouraging to Phil to have gotten over this hurdle. This was going to work.

And this time, he actually believed that.