Title: Hawk Watching

Author: Chimera Dragon

Warnings: AU, Post Movie

Pairing: FrostHawk (friendship, mostly)

Chapter 3

Clint lay on the lounger. The last rays of the sun were warming his skin through the blankets he had on and the hat Tony had given him at the last baseball game the man had gone to shaded his eyes from the light.

His brow furrowed as his mind started to race. Images flooded his mind.

He was dreaming again.

Dreaming about Loki.

He knew why. The God had come to visit him on several occasions, and though he wasn't prone to fixation he seemed to have one for the raven haired male.

He sighed and slowly blinked his eyes open. Glad none of the others had come to see where he'd wandered off to.

"You don't seem to be sleeping too well," a familiar masculine voice said softly.

"Bruce?" Clint asked, mind still slightly fogged with sleep. He looked over to see the scientist watching him with calculating eyes.

"I was sent to come get you for team movie night. Why are you all nested outside? It's too cold for that," Bruce replied by way of explanation. He watched the blonde for a few moments. "It almost seems like you're waiting for someone."

"I am. And I'm not. Can we just leave it at that?" Clint asked as he unwrapped himself and moved to stand. He yawned hugely as he did so, and several of his joints popped as he stretched.

"You could. But what are you going to tell the other?" Bruce countered.

"It's nothing."

"Loki. It's gotta be Loki," Bruce concluded as he watched the expressions flit across the assassin's face.

"Don't tell the others, please."

"Why would I tell them? And why are you outside waiting for him? I thought you hated him," the older man looked confused but genuinely interested.

"Because, it wasn't initially a big plan to take over the Earth. He didn't want any of that. But to save his life he had to make a deal with the Chitauri. I know, because when he was in my head... when he was looking for answers. I saw into his mind too. He wanted to fail. Maybe not the way he did, but he didn't want any of what happened," Clint sighed as he leaned over the railing and looked out over the skyline.

"That's... didn't Thor say something about that when he visited last time?"

"I think so. To be honest I wasn't really paying attention. I was too tired from my last mission when he came to visit,' the archer replied.

"Well, just between the two of us, I think you're right. I had my suspicions when he came after me. It was like he wanted to bring us together. What better way than to attack us all together? And having a way for you to get stuck with us? And Selvig's little 'back door' was almost too convenient. I know you all had some of your minds, but that shouldn't have managed to make it through. Should it?"

"Not really," Clint agreed. "I know Loki liked to make it more of a free will under supervision... but he gave me a Selvig way too much room to move. Though I really don't like that man. He's ... he doesn't understand what it means to be a soldier. To be an assassin since you where old enough to hold a bow and drive a car. But that's a discussion for another day. You doin' okay?"

Bruce laughed at the change in subject. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"Because you told me when you turn into the Other Guy that it takes a lot out of you. And you don't always have a lot of control over what he does. It kinda... overwhelms you. I know how that feels. After the whole scepter thing. I have an even better understanding of it."

"Yeah. It used to. But since the attack on New York... Since all that happened I seem to b e more in tune with the other Guy. I still feel overwhelmed but it's not so bad. It's like we have the same goals a lot of the time now. I still feel so angry. And I'm still exposed but it's better now. What about you?"

"I'm doin' pretty good, doc. Just gotta try and keep my head on straight and figure out it is I want from this... thing with Loki."

"What thing?" Bruce asked as he other man turned to face him.

"He can project himself. And ... he's been coming to visit me," Clint replied. He didn't really see the point in trying to hide it at this point. Bruce wouldn't tell anyone unless he really had to. And Loki was just talking with him. What was the harm in that? His team could stop him again if they had to. Though he seriously doubted it would come to that any time soon.

"Really? That's fascinating!"

"It is, Doctor Banner," Loki's voice drifted from the railing. He was seated on the metal as he had been the first time his presence pulled Clint from his bead. "And you are looking well."

"Oh my God! Loki?" Bruce asked even as he stared at the projection. "I can see through you."

"Yes, that happens when you're only seeing a projection of me," Loki replied with a laugh. He looked over at Clint and smiled softly. "And it is good to see you as well, my Hawk."

"Good to see you too, Loki. How are things going with therapy?" the archer asked as though this kind of conversation was commonplace. Which it had been becoming.

"Good. Perhaps I can even come to visit soon. Father and Thor have been talking about having the Avengers come to visit Asgard. I believe you have a holiday coming up and it is traditional to visit friends and family during such a time."

"This is amazing!" Bruce breathed as he stepped closer to the projection and reached out to touch it. He seemed pleased that his hand passed right through the projections' shoulder. "How are you doing this?"

Loki looked down amused. "I am using my sedir, and a spell to project myself through the branches of Yggdrasil and my connection to Hawkeye. He gives me an anchor. There are others I could use if I so choose to. But he is the strongest connection. Perhaps because we enjoy each others company. Or perhaps it is Fate. She is a fickle mistress. Isn't she, my Hawk?" Loki laughed again and hopped down off the railing, passing through Bruce briefly before leaning against the balcony door.

Bruce watched Loki's projection with fascination clearly written on his face. "That's cool."

A smile broke over Loki's face. "Thank you."

"Welcome, but I do need to steal Clint here. Is it hard to project yourself?" Bruce asked, still watching Loki and noticing the little things he could see through him.

Loki tlited his head to the side for a moment before nodding. "A little. But it is good practice. And he needs to get out more. I will visit you again, my Hawk. And perhaps you too, Doctor Banner. You seem accepting of me. Man and the beast. Isn't their a children's movie about that?"

Bruce looked a little taken aback at the comment. "Um, there are several. And I guess I'm just the kind of guy to live and let live. I know what it's like to not be in control of yourself."

Loki nodded sagely. "A terrible feeling. Though I'm glad my ... prodding did good, not ill."

Clint watched the two with a half smile on his face.

"And what are you smiling about?" Loki asked as he turned to the archer.

"If I can get everyone up here at some point maybe we can get the others on-board a little sooner. I know Thor mentioned wanting us to visit when he was here last, but Steve seemed hesitant. And I don't know if Tony really cares. But that's Tony for you," Clint shrugged and looked out at the nearly dark sky. "You know, doc. We should get going before they come looking for us."

"True. It was ... good to be able to talk with you while you're ..." Bruce paused, at a loss for words.

"Sane? I know. Hawkeye has said much of the same. And it is good to be in my right mind again. I will visit again soon," Loki waved and faded in a swirl of green.

"Shall we, doc?" Clint asked.

"Sure," Bruce replied as they walked back inside for team night.

TBC...