We did spend quite a bit of time together, I'm sorry, I didn't know it did that to you or I would have asked for him to let you come back sooner.
[hopeful pointing to a Chinese takeout carton]
[He takes a few mouthfuls, using chopsticks. Chewing contentedly.]
Again? As in, they've done it before?
It's not like anyone has ever given him a chance before. When he's come out, he's usually being chased or shot at, or someone wants to hurt him. I think he trusts me enough to know I won't hurt him.
Does that mean you're going to keep me around for awhile. [He's trying not to look as vulnerable as he feels just asking the question.]
[Clint lets out a long breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.] Good, I need you too. Both of you really. Is that odd? To need him and you both for different reasons?
Except he's not really. He's just like nobody I've ever met and now that he's getting better at talking, I'm really enjoying getting to know him. But I do like taking care of you, and I know if I end up in medical again, which is inevitable, you'd take care of me by breaking me out of the place. We can play doctor at home.
Also, your nerdy side? Sexy as fuck.
They shouldn't mess with you, it just makes our friend angry on your behalf and then he wants to come out and beat them over the head with the shiny things. If they were smart, they'd just let you change so the Big Guy can heal you up, and leave you the fuck alone. In fact, if you're hurt, come to me and I'll talk to him while he heals you up, alright? Make sure he's calmed down and knows you're going to be alright.
Yeah, you took a bullet and he spit it out. I'd really like it if you never tried that again, even if the big guy can save you, alright? We're trying to give you good reasons to live, that life can be good again.
And if that's not enough, I'm sure I could find ways to occupy you. Did you know, you've never told the big guy about the birds and the bees, as it were. [Clint can't stop grinning.] He had questions about why I was doing what I did that night in the alley.
Turns out, he kind of got a secondary buzz from it, but I made it clear that was something between me and Bruce, not me and Hulk. But he could enjoy any side effects all he wanted. Aren't I generous?
Does it work? With Tony, I mean? [Time to dip the chopsticks into the teriyaki steak box]

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