A/N Thanks for your reviews and support.

dogman999: thanks for your review, my friend. I won't let it get me down. Don't let it get you down either. ^_^

Coulson's POV

Tiredly he rubbed at his eyes as he looked between the dog and his asset. He knew from Panov that dogs were supposed to be good for aiding in mental health recovery. As far as Clint came he still had a long way to go. He would never be normal by any standards. Only as normal as he could be.

Clint said not meeting his eyes, "I couldn't just leave him, Coulson. He's hurt, starving, and scared. Just like I was when you brought me into SHIELD."

He wanted to tell Clint that it could only stay the night. That was pushing it with Nick's rules about the bases. They could have pets in off base apartments. On base, they weren't allowed to have any animals. It made it hard to keep the base clean and they were gone too much for anyone to reliably take care of another creature.

Phil couldn't bring himself to say the words. Clint's eyes were bright blue in a way he had not seen. There were so many times he forgot how young the archer was. It was moments like this that he remembered. He very much doubted the man had been allowed to be a child. Or have a pet for that matter.

Rubbing a hand down his face he considered the options. He could allow Clint to keep it. It might last for a few weeks but eventually, Nick would find out and there would be hell to pay.

Second option would be getting Clint an apartment of his own. Once the paperwork was filled out it would only take a day or two for an apartment to be ready. SHIELD furnished and paid for apartments for its agents. They were run and used only by government agencies. So they were almost as safe as being on base.

The final option would be to give away or get rid of the dog. From what he knew of Clint that would not do either. Naming the dog meant he was attached.

The dog itself was injured and that probably had been what made Clint bring him back. Seeing himself in the animal and how he was before. Things were getting better but there were still times when Clint disappeared. When he returned his eyes were clouded lost to his memories. Maybe the dog would be good at bringing him fully into himself. To finish healing.

Phil sighed, "You can hide him for a few days on base but long term it isn't a viable option long term. The only other viable option would be for you to get an apartment off base. Or find him a new home."

Clint looked down at the dog considering. Phil understood what was going through the younger's head. He was afraid of losing the home he created at SHIELD. Being abandoned so many times played a key role in it. Even years of being in SHIELD had not smoothed over some of his rougher edges.

Getting his own apartment would be a big step in the right direction. He would still need to come for missions and meeting Panov. During his downtime, he would be free to do his own thing. To create a life outside of SHIELD. That was what he hoped for his asset and friend.

Clint questioned unsurely, "I'd still be allowed to stay on base, right? If I wanted to that is."

"Clint we would not be removing you from the base," he responded as he caught the blue eyes again, "You will always have a place here. There are times I stay on base rather than go home. I'm positive Fury spends more nights on base than in his apartment. But if you are wanting to keep Lucky you will have to get an apartment. Fury is strict about his no pets policy. Even if you were to get him certified as a support dog I doubt he would be allowed to stay."

Clint contemplated it for a moment before he said, "Just a small one bedroom. It doesn't need to be big or fancy."

Phil hid a smile. Progress this was progress that Clint had not made in a while. Tomorrow they would start on the paperwork for the apartment. Tonight he'd leave Clint to his own thoughts.

Panov's POV

It had been a surprise when he returned from talking with the new CIA program members to find Clint had moved into an apartment. His first thoughts had been to question what had changed. Before he left the young man had not shown any interest in moving out on his own. In fact when asked he vehemently denied wanting an apartment.

Coulson had no problems giving him the address to the apartment when he asked. There was a knowing look in his eyes when asked. Obviously the handler knew what happened to cause such a change of heart.

The apartment building was on the north side of the city. To anyone who didnt know any better they would have thought it was for the comfortable. Morris though could see the agents who kept watch. They made sure that no one attacked the places where their brothers stayed.

When dealing with members of Medusa and then returning to SHIELD it was easy to see the difference. Medusa it was all about your own safety. Caring about others only got them hurt. The difference being Century Team 12 who would die to protect each other. SHIELD was protective of their own and just as Century Team 12 would die to protect each other so would SHIELD. That mentality was dangerous but his words fell on deaf ears when he mentioned the dangers.

Finding Clint's apartment only took a few seconds. Knocking on the door he heard barking from the other side. The door opened a second later to reveal Clint in a pair of basketball shorts and a t-shirt.

For a moment he just blinked at Morris before he greeted, "Good morning doc. What are you doing here?"

Morris replied noting the brown puppy behind him, "I came to see how Coulson convinced you to get an apartment. But seeing the puppy behind you I think I can understand. Bases don't allow for pets but I have to wonder how you came across him?"

Clint rubbed the back of his head as he said, "Uh I was off base when I came across him. Looking at Lucky, I couldn't just leave him. He was hurt, scared, and angry. It was like I was looking at the past version of me before SHIELD took me in. I had to extend a helping hand just as Coulson did for me."

Oh, Clint. That he understood better than anyone. He wanted to be there for others to protect them from having to live the same kind of life he had.

Morris asked with a small smile, "Can I come? Maybe have our session early?"

Clint stepped aside to allow Morris inside.