[ That message goes straight to his voicemail, and Steve picks it up after five minutes. Goes to call the number because he sure as hell knows that voice. ]
Clint. Good to hear from you. Was just about to go to the Dome if I don't catch you again here at the Blocks.
[Look. Listen. Wanda hasn't judged him for it. He doesn't hear any kind of judgement in Steve's voice. But he still gets that momentary dropped stomach feeling like he's in trouble. Or that he's been caught doing something Deeply Disappointing.
He keeps his voice casual.]
Yeah? You deciding to place bets on people or something, or you just like to watch? They've got rounds for enhanced people, if you actually wanted to try your hand at it.
You met Wanda. Good. She's...got some weird temporal stuff going on with her; before she ended up here, she was still at the Raft.
You could still come see me. If you really wanted to. Get some drinks there. Might be we find a better venue, though. Somewhere less rowdy. You been here long?
Yeah, she told me. [ About her canon point, essentially. The Raft. Asked about The Future. All that lovely jazz. ]
Do you have a fight today? I can just come and get you after. We can have some drinks, then. I've been here for almost two weeks now and gotta say not my type of place. [ Understatement of the century. ]
No, no, that's okay. We can meet up now. Or later. Whenever you're good for it. I kinda should be a little more social as it is. Need all the friends you can get in this place.
If you wanna slurp down some noodles, I know a good place. I mean, noodles are noodles, you can't really find a bad noodle place, but I mean they've got things in stock and tend to have halfway decent service...
[Okay. This is fine. This is great, actually! Shit, with Steve around, things might actually start looking better in this town. Depending on just what his intentions are in taking sides with Castle with the raider assholes, maybe he should join in. What are they gonna do against a supersoldier with a vibranium shield?
And Frank's apparently got his bulletproof vest merged into his body. So at least that's center mass shots taken care of.
Clint's got...himself. Hm.
Nope, no time for feeling anything close to inadequate. It's fine. It's good. He's gonna have dumplings with Steve and figure things out from there. And when he gets there, that's about when he starts to wonder what Steve last remembers. If that's going to be...volatile.
Bridges to burn while crossing them when they get there, he supposes. Steve's still a sight for sore eyes when they meet up, and he can't help but grin about it.]
[ As soon as his shift at the supermarket's over, Steve mounts his bike and drives off. The Dumpling House isn't too far from where he is, so it's a smooth ride, all things considered. Meeting Wanda was one thing, but Clint's going to be another. At least, he kind of knows what to expect when Wanda asked him if The Future got really bad because Clint fights often in the Dome.
The thing is, though, Clint buddy oh pal, Steve didn't arrive with his vibranium shield, which is something he's also grappling with.
But that's most likely going to be part of their catching up. Arriving at Xiao Xue, he parks his bike somewhere safe and heads in. A smile immediately curves up his lips upon seeing Clint. ]
Not weird at all. I'm honestly wishing the same. Still- [ Is he coming for a hug? Yes, yes he is. ] -good to see you, Clint.
[Oh, you know he's down for a manly friend hug. There's a physicality that he's only recently been starting to come back around to that he's been missing out on for years. Just because he won't describe himself as touch-starved doesn't mean he isn't.]
It's real damn good to see you. Even under the circumstances of whatever the hell place this is. Maybe especially. City like this could use a little Steve Rogers.
[ Only the manliest of hugs for his pal, Clint. Once Steve pulls away, his hand settles on the other man's shoulder, solid and comforting. The smile on his face is still palpable, if not even a tad more amused. ]
You flatter me. It could use all of us.
[ Because he believes in his friends and their ability to choose what's right regardless, so he's definitely tossing back that compliment. Gaze traveling around the area, Steve spots an empty booth they can occupy and beckons Clint to follow. ]
[Yeah, that's...such a Steve thing to say. Clint's not even going to argue it, because it's true, and also Steve can't take a compliment to save his life, so it'd be a losing battle.]
Couple times. Starting to feel like a bit of a haunt. Pretty sure I'm not the only one that feels that way.
[He settles into the booth.] So. You ran into Castle. He gave me the heads up you were here.
[ Steve settles in the booth, as well, immediately flagging the tired waitress to give her their orders with a cordial smile. Once that's done, he turns his attention back to Clint. ]
Ah, did he now? Here I thought you got my number from Wanda. [ He's mostly teasing, as if he's telling Clint to look out for her more. ]
He's an okay guy. Rough around the edges, but decent. [ Still doesn't agree with his methods but that's another topic for another day. ]
Good on him for giving you the heads up. I learned you guys have been working on something out there in the Fringes. Told him I'm in and that I'd talk to you about it. [ Which they're apparently doing now. ]
[ There's the tiniest hint of an eyebrow arch from Steve when Clint says it's not his type of op. ]
I've tracked down hydra bases before, Clint. If it's for the safety of civilians and storm chasers out there, we need to get to the bottom of these organized raiders.
[ And that's what makes this his type of ops, all things considered. It's the why of it all, admittedly. ]
[Clint frowns a little. Maybe it's not so different after all when Steve puts it that way. His gaze drifts aside, like it's the first time he's taking in the little shop instead of an uncountable time he's been there.]
That why you didn't give me any shit about what I was up to for five years?
[ That question weighs heavy on Steve that he falls quiet for a moment, jaws tightening while he glances away fleetingly. That period in Clint's life is something Steve wishes his friend didn't have to go through. Sometimes, he still feels guilty about how he wasn't there for Clint, when he, Natasha, and the others were off trying to find Thanos and look for ways on how to bring back everyone.
He'll never judge his friend for the things he did in those five years, when he was grieving the loss of his whole family. Steve knows what it's like to lose someone and desperately try to bring them back. To find ways to cope. Everyone's built differently. No judgment will ever come from Steve.
So, when he turns his attention back to Clint, it's with soft blue eyes, and brows drawn together a little. ]
Those five years were especially rough on you. I'd never give you shit for them. [ He pauses, trying to find the right words. ] Might not agree on everything, but I don't have any right to judge you for the things you did.
[ Lifting a hand, he reaches to squeeze Clint's shoulder. Reassuringly. Solidly. Before he slowly retracts it. ] I'd have to let you know, though, that I'm from a time that's... a little ahead of you.
[He doesn't necessarily want to focus on it. All the blood spilled, the judgement others certainly had for him even if they might not have said anything to his face. He doesn't want to focus on how the price of whatever it takes was Natasha.
Steve's hand is grounding. Keeps him from lingering. His focus snaps back.]
...Castle said he's got a friend here from down the line. Said...things work out. That we won. That Banner's snap worked just the way it meant to, and we win. I- [He always remembers it. Her voice. Clear as day. And how he was never sure, never fully convinced it was real after the explosions around them, after falling-- And he's always going to remember the rush of emotions when Frank told him. How for a few grateful moments, all of the weight slid from his shoulders.] You gonna tell me otherwise?
[ As soon as the question hits his ears, the corner of Steve's lips curve up into a small, albeit reassuring, smile. He almost wants to reach out again and squeeze Clint's shoulder, but he relents, hoping the reassuring smile on his face would be enough.
And the slow shake of his head. ] We won, Clint. We did it together. All of us. We managed to get everyone back.
[ Everyone back except Natasha. And Tony had to do the ultimate sacrifice to make it happen. But he's not going into these details if Clint's not going to ask, still thinking the man's from before they came up with the idea of going back in time. ]
[There's no reason to doubt Murdock, and no reason still to doubt Castle, but still...still, hearing it from Steve means the world to him. Clint nods a few times before he leans back, shoulders flush with the back of the booth, and tips his face toward the ceiling.
It's been killing him for five years. Longer than Nate got to be alive for. Cooper should be in the middle of college. Lila should be on his coattails. Five years he only got older and colder and should have been watching the kids grow up and watch Laura get more beautiful. But now they get to. They get to do that, with or without him.
He scrubs a hand over his face and sits back up straight again.] Everyone but Natasha. [A quiet correction.] She made it work. Whatever it takes, right?
[ Steve watches the display of emotions on Clint's face, his smile widening but softening to that of empathy. He knows just hard Clint took the last five years of the Blip. And to be one of the few people to deliver the news that yes, they indeed were able to retrieve everyone, they were able to bring Clint's family back, almost brings a tear to his eyes as well.
The correction briefly surprises him, but it's not palpable on his face, still sympathetic to the wave of emotions that are clearly surging within Clint. So, he knows. He's from after they went back in time, but before they were actually able to confront Thanos and his armies and bring everyone back. This just means they aren't far apart.
He only didn't mention Natasha because Steve was unsure of when exactly Clint's from. Now that he knows, though, he feels he should be more upfront since their points in time aren't too distant. ]
Whatever it takes. [ He says with a nod after a moment. His soft smile, though, shifts into something sadder, more poignant, blue eyes reflecting the same. ] Tony understood this, too.
[ His brows knit together ever so gradually. Yes, he didn't make it, as well. ]
Shit. [That's not what he was expecting. Natasha, sure. He lived that. He lived that every single day. Tony? What in the hell did Tony do to get himself--] God damn it. [He leans forward this time, elbow on the table and head hanging. Down to four of them in the end, huh. Because of some god damn magic rocks.]
[ Jaws tightening, Steve glances away upon hearing Clint's reaction. Tony's sacrifice still plagues him. Sometimes, whenever he closes his eyes, he can still see how burned one side of Tony was after that snap. How all life was sucked out of him. How it smelled like burning metal and oil. Tony told him when he agreed to the plan that he hopes they won't die trying, and yet they had to bury him after they've tried their best. Had to see his family mourn him. It stings.
The question almost doesn't register to Steve when Clint asked it, as he takes a sharp breath and lets it out. A soft shake of his head is what Clint will receive before he adds - ] Those were the only two.
[ Turning back to Clint, his eyes don't betray how moved Steve was of what Tony ultimately had to do. ] Told Tony once he's not a guy who'd make the sacrifice play. Glad to be proven wrong, but still.
[ Steve falls quiet, and this silence is only interrupted when their orders arrive. He only briefly nods to the server as thanks before going back to stare at his noodles. ] I was just in his funeral when I was dragged here.
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Clint. Good to hear from you. Was just about to go to the Dome if I don't catch you again here at the Blocks.
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He keeps his voice casual.]
Yeah? You deciding to place bets on people or something, or you just like to watch? They've got rounds for enhanced people, if you actually wanted to try your hand at it.
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[ Definitely no judgment here. His voice is neutral when he says it. ]
Wanda just told me you fight there sometimes, so I thought I'd come to see you. [ A beat. ] You know, catch up and stuff.
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You could still come see me. If you really wanted to. Get some drinks there. Might be we find a better venue, though. Somewhere less rowdy. You been here long?
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Do you have a fight today? I can just come and get you after. We can have some drinks, then. I've been here for almost two weeks now and gotta say not my type of place. [ Understatement of the century. ]
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[ Clint can hear a box hitting the floor. ] Early lunch? Have a place in mind?
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[ Another box hits the floor. ] I'm in. They do have good noodles. See you there in twenty.
[ Yeah, good here is very debatable, but it's decent, at least. ]
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And Frank's apparently got his bulletproof vest merged into his body. So at least that's center mass shots taken care of.
Clint's got...himself. Hm.
Nope, no time for feeling anything close to inadequate. It's fine. It's good. He's gonna have dumplings with Steve and figure things out from there. And when he gets there, that's about when he starts to wonder what Steve last remembers. If that's going to be...volatile.
Bridges to burn while crossing them when they get there, he supposes. Steve's still a sight for sore eyes when they meet up, and he can't help but grin about it.]
Is it weird if I say I wish you weren't here?
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The thing is, though, Clint buddy oh pal, Steve didn't arrive with his vibranium shield, which is something he's also grappling with.
But that's most likely going to be part of their catching up. Arriving at Xiao Xue, he parks his bike somewhere safe and heads in. A smile immediately curves up his lips upon seeing Clint. ]
Not weird at all. I'm honestly wishing the same. Still- [ Is he coming for a hug? Yes, yes he is. ] -good to see you, Clint.
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It's real damn good to see you. Even under the circumstances of whatever the hell place this is. Maybe especially. City like this could use a little Steve Rogers.
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You flatter me. It could use all of us.
[ Because he believes in his friends and their ability to choose what's right regardless, so he's definitely tossing back that compliment. Gaze traveling around the area, Steve spots an empty booth they can occupy and beckons Clint to follow. ]
So, how many times have you eaten here?
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Couple times. Starting to feel like a bit of a haunt. Pretty sure I'm not the only one that feels that way.
[He settles into the booth.] So. You ran into Castle. He gave me the heads up you were here.
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Ah, did he now? Here I thought you got my number from Wanda. [ He's mostly teasing, as if he's telling Clint to look out for her more. ]
He's an okay guy. Rough around the edges, but decent. [ Still doesn't agree with his methods but that's another topic for another day. ]
Good on him for giving you the heads up. I learned you guys have been working on something out there in the Fringes. Told him I'm in and that I'd talk to you about it. [ Which they're apparently doing now. ]
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And I told him I'd talk to you about it. Doesn't seem like your type of op. I mean, not gonna say no to the help if you're offering it, obviously.
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I've tracked down hydra bases before, Clint. If it's for the safety of civilians and storm chasers out there, we need to get to the bottom of these organized raiders.
[ And that's what makes this his type of ops, all things considered. It's the why of it all, admittedly. ]
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That why you didn't give me any shit about what I was up to for five years?
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He'll never judge his friend for the things he did in those five years, when he was grieving the loss of his whole family. Steve knows what it's like to lose someone and desperately try to bring them back. To find ways to cope. Everyone's built differently. No judgment will ever come from Steve.
So, when he turns his attention back to Clint, it's with soft blue eyes, and brows drawn together a little. ]
Those five years were especially rough on you. I'd never give you shit for them. [ He pauses, trying to find the right words. ] Might not agree on everything, but I don't have any right to judge you for the things you did.
[ Lifting a hand, he reaches to squeeze Clint's shoulder. Reassuringly. Solidly. Before he slowly retracts it. ] I'd have to let you know, though, that I'm from a time that's... a little ahead of you.
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Steve's hand is grounding. Keeps him from lingering. His focus snaps back.]
...Castle said he's got a friend here from down the line. Said...things work out. That we won. That Banner's snap worked just the way it meant to, and we win. I- [He always remembers it. Her voice. Clear as day. And how he was never sure, never fully convinced it was real after the explosions around them, after falling-- And he's always going to remember the rush of emotions when Frank told him. How for a few grateful moments, all of the weight slid from his shoulders.] You gonna tell me otherwise?
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And the slow shake of his head. ] We won, Clint. We did it together. All of us. We managed to get everyone back.
[ Everyone back except Natasha. And Tony had to do the ultimate sacrifice to make it happen. But he's not going into these details if Clint's not going to ask, still thinking the man's from before they came up with the idea of going back in time. ]
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It's been killing him for five years. Longer than Nate got to be alive for. Cooper should be in the middle of college. Lila should be on his coattails. Five years he only got older and colder and should have been watching the kids grow up and watch Laura get more beautiful. But now they get to. They get to do that, with or without him.
He scrubs a hand over his face and sits back up straight again.] Everyone but Natasha. [A quiet correction.] She made it work. Whatever it takes, right?
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The correction briefly surprises him, but it's not palpable on his face, still sympathetic to the wave of emotions that are clearly surging within Clint. So, he knows. He's from after they went back in time, but before they were actually able to confront Thanos and his armies and bring everyone back. This just means they aren't far apart.
He only didn't mention Natasha because Steve was unsure of when exactly Clint's from. Now that he knows, though, he feels he should be more upfront since their points in time aren't too distant. ]
Whatever it takes. [ He says with a nod after a moment. His soft smile, though, shifts into something sadder, more poignant, blue eyes reflecting the same. ] Tony understood this, too.
[ His brows knit together ever so gradually. Yes, he didn't make it, as well. ]
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Anyone else I should know about?
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The question almost doesn't register to Steve when Clint asked it, as he takes a sharp breath and lets it out. A soft shake of his head is what Clint will receive before he adds - ] Those were the only two.
[ Turning back to Clint, his eyes don't betray how moved Steve was of what Tony ultimately had to do. ] Told Tony once he's not a guy who'd make the sacrifice play. Glad to be proven wrong, but still.
[ Steve falls quiet, and this silence is only interrupted when their orders arrive. He only briefly nods to the server as thanks before going back to stare at his noodles. ] I was just in his funeral when I was dragged here.
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