sixwordstories | (no subject)

You and me both.

[Phil smiles at Jane even though he is slightly uncomfortable with his arm in a sling.]

How are you Doctor Foster? It feels like years since we last spoke.

I'm not sure that's entirely true babe. I'm trying to come up with a suitable joke, but I've got nothing. How are you? Really?

[Phil sighs and glances down at the sling.]

I thought coming back from death was bad but this...it's worse Clint.

[Clint hugs Phil on his good side and kisses his temple.]

It's pretty fucking bad, I won't lie, but you're alive, Phil. We'll handle this just like we handle everything else. I know it won't be the same, but I'm sure Tony will make you something amazing to replace it.

You and me both, mister. [sighs]

[Phil smiles a little]

Sounds like there is a story there? Care to share?

[He lifts his sling a bit.]

I'll share some of mine.

Well, I don't know if you'd believe me. It's a long story. [she smiles in return]

There is actually very little I wouldn't believe trust me. I'm a pretty open minded guy.

Well, I happened to come upon a man in a dumpster, who was bleeding out. As a nurse, I'm obligated to help someone who is hurt. So, I take him into my apartment, fix him up...and then, I find out he's a lawyer. But, a lawyer who likes to fight crime in his off time. [she pauses, wondering if she should have ever said that.]

[Phil makes a mental note to do some digging on this guy just to keep an eye on him. He shrugs his shoulder with the empty sleeve.]

I just lost my hand saving the world...frankly I think you got the better deal.

[Claire looks at his arm, in sympathy] Can I help in any way? How is the pain? Any phantom limb syndrome yet? [She wants to touch and examine, but only with his permission.]

I think it has been years since we last spoke. What happened to your arm?

Long story short a fellow agent cut my hand off with an ax to save my life. I'd been force to catch something that was about to kill me.

[Jane's eyes grow wide.]

Oh my god! I'm glad you're okay. Is there something Tony could do about your hand... make you a bionic one or something?

Given Tony doesn't know I'm alive just yet...I doubt he could make me anything right now.

I'm on some pretty good painkillers right now so the pain isn't bad. I have been struggling to not try and pick things up with my missing hand so yes to phantom limb.

Well, I'm sure once the pain dies down, you could get a prosthetic if you wanted to have use of that arm. Things will get better.

Given Tony's track record lately with robotics...I'd rather he didn't. I'll have Fitiz work on something once I'm ready...if I'm ready.

Right, bad idea.

There's no rush, babe, you know that right? I'll support you in whatever you decide, particularly if it's retirement. But I know better than to hope for that. [He smiles.]

You know I'd retire in a heart beat if I could Clint...but SHIELD is even more of a mess then before and there is the Index to deal with.

I know But one day, you're going to have to admit that SHIELD has done nothing but fuck you over and you don't owe it anything.

I may not owe SHIELD anything but I owe the people who still work for it a lot.

Well that's easily fixed.

I'd love to tell him and the other Avengers but...it's complicated.

Maybe a while ago that was true, but still? They deserve to know the truth.

You've literally given a part of yourself, Phil. Is there ever going to be a time when enough is enough?

[Clint sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose.]

I'm sorry. I just...I'm worried, Phil.

[Phil's face softens and he reaches out with his good hand.]

I know Clint...we've been through hell in the past year. Maybe if we could go to the farm for a while...make some good memories to balance out the bad.

Oh god, please can we go to the farm? You can have time to heal and we won't have to worry about anything for a week or two. You can have time to plan your next move after you've had time.