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[bettercallit]

[ It's been eight days. Eight whole days. Better late than never, right? But in case anyone's yet to figure it out, he feels the need to make the announcement. He's sticking to text to avoid a metaphor slipping out; that's his story and he's sticking to it, okay? Okay. ]

Agent Phil Coulson has left the City.

Comments

[charring]

Are you okay?

[bettercallit]

Been better. Did you know him well?

[charring]

We spoke a couple times.

[bettercallit]

Guess it happens here a lot, right? Glad you got the chance to meet him.

[yourbestguysgun]

i'll be on the roof in ten.

[bettercallit]

You know I'll be there.

[yourbestguysgun]

[ Ten minutes later here he is, clutching a paper bag that's suspiciously bottle shaped under his arm. ] Here you go, Barton. Don't say I never get you anything.

[bettercallit]

[ The fact he's eager to reach out and take it, shedding it of the bag is a sign he needs it. ] You're only in it for a fifty percent cut. But I'll take it.

Text -> Action;

[theassassin]

I've got alcohol and the urge to just kick back and be lazy. Be lazy and drink with me.

[Well, this is something...

Now she's going to tuck her phone away and get ... home, giving Clint a reasonable amount of time to climb down from whatever perch he might be holed up in and get back to the apartment. She doesn't wait for an answer from him, it isn't a question anyway. So, she's not worried about the response, he'll be there and if he isn't?

She will find him.

And she will drag him back.

She'd been kind of wondering when he might decide it was time to mention that Coulson was gone. She knew, and she knew that he knew she knew, but she also knew not to push him. He'd say something when he was ready, and no sooner than that.

So, good. At least, now they can sit on opposite ends of the couch cross-armed and silent, but both have a reason for it.

Okay Barton, lets see you're as smart as she gives you credit for, or if she's going to have to fireman carry your gorgeoussulky ass down here. Either way is good for her.]

Action;

[bettercallit]

[ Clint considers replying, but decides against it, because even he isn't stupid enough to argue with her, and whether or not the intention was to do so he knows he'd end up doing it anyway. Plus, if he's honest, her company wouldn't be all that unwelcome.

He uses the time to come down from the roof, taking the stairs for once and dragging his feet all the way down; he loves it up there, on the roof, with a full view of the City so he can get eyes on anything and everything. It's not as necessary, not since Loki left, but he finds comfort in it, and it's familiar. He loves it at night, when he's struggling to sleep, or if he's up early for someone with little to do.

But he's been up there far too much, and even he knows it; the apartment is as tidy as it was the day that Coulson got swept away with the rest of the weekend visitors, and, god, that thought makes his heart heavy, ache with regret. He should have spent more time with him those last two days, would have if he'd known what would happen, and now he can never get them back.

Lying across the couch, Clint is ready, waiting, both looking for to and wanting the day to be over quickly. ]

Action;

[theassassin]

[Good. She was hoping he wouldn't put up a fight, it wouldn't have solved anything for her to kick his ass when he's already feeling like shit.

Bag in hand and goes right to the kitchen for glasses before she comes back to the couch, sets the glasses and the bottle down on the table. Then, prods him gently to lift up so she can sit.]

Make a space. [Her tone is soft, but still sharp enough that he won't give her crap.] Then you can lay back down again. At least until you're ready for a drink.

Action;

[bettercallit]

[ He makes a face at the prodding, but it's more fond than it is annoyed, and he lazily takes the hint, shifting his feet at the same time as he sits up straighter, leaning back against the corner so he's pointed a little more her way. ]

Are you kidding? Was ready for a drink before I even woke up.

[untilitkillsyou]

I'm sorry to hear that.

[bettercallit]

Yeah, me too. But I guess we all knew the deal when we got here.

Permavideo

[doeswhathewants]

Oh.

[bettercallit]

[ He's plastering on a smile that he doesn't quite feel, and manages to look sympathetic at the same time. ]

Sorry, kid, he told me the two of you were close.

[doeswhathewants]

People return all the time. Especially once they've been here before.

[bettercallit]

Yeah, that's something that's not escaped my notice since I got here, but it's still a long-shot.

[ He's not holding his breath, but he's open to being surprised. ]

[hulkbusted]

I'm sorry to hear it.

[bettercallit]

You and me both. Figured I should let people know in case they were wondering.

[hulkbusted]

Thanks for the heads up. You okay? [Not that he knows Clint particularly well, but it seems like it would be cold not to at least ask.]

[bettercallit]

We were close, worked together for years, should've known it'd be a punch to the gut after what happened. But I'll bounce back, always do.

[fe_male]

no shit, really? sorry man. you need anything?

[ sorry, it's all kind of surreal to him still, people leaving. ]

[bettercallit]

Someone to cook and clean would be good.

[ Because clearly those are the important things he'll miss the most. It's okay, Stark, he expects nothing less from you. ]

[fe_male]

replacement nanny, got it