welp.

[debts]

—and we're back.

I don't think anybody's surprised.

Comments

[recalibration]

See? This is win-win, Romanoff.

[ commie bionic boyfriends notwithstanding. ]

[debts]

[ You're just jealous cause he can bench press more than you. ]

I would have been worried if you'd forgotten how to use the bathroom while I was gone.

[recalibration]

[ that's only like 25% of it. their facebook friendship status is set to weirdsies. ]

No potshot at the state of my apartment? You sure you're all here?

[debts]

[ Sorry if you can't keep your bisexuality in check, Barton. All you'd have to do is ask. ]

We all know that's a lost cause.

[recalibration]

[ honey in the middle, leeway, etc—you know the drill by now, nat. ]

They've got maid service at Stark Tower right?

[debts]

[ She makes a face. This is her 'Jesus Christ, Barton' face. ]

I don't know why you have so many nerf guns in the first place.

[recalibration]

[ clint and that face are old friends. ]

Failed surprise birthday party, 2009. Either I'm predictable or SHIELD did a horrible job of erasing my childhood dream from my file.

[ it's that first one, clint. ]

[debts]

—You're predictable.

[recalibration]

I think I've taken enough abuse in this convo to be guaranteed a front row seat and all of you popcorn.

[debts]

Clean out your fridge and maybe I'll think about sharing.

[recalibration]

Deal.

[ jokes on you romanoff, there's only beer and ketchup left in there at this point. ]

[debts]

[ Again: you are so predictable, Barton.

A beat, then her expression softens a little. ]

Where have you been lately?

[recalibration]

[ it's part of his mess of a man charm.

he doesn't need to shift his expression because it's been there from the start (but she knew that already). ]

Benched. Can't be too broken up about playing favorites, especially when I'm so "easily" persuaded away from the sidelines. [ a pause. ] You?

[debts]

[ She huffs a laugh, though there's nothing strictly funny about it. Tired, maybe. ]

Limbo. Back and with nowhere to go.

[recalibration]

Rough deal.

[ he's mastered the art of making his throwaway phrases sound sympathetic. ]

You ever get assigned somewhere miserable and end up missing it?

[debts]

Sometimes. [ Which is admitting herself to sentimentality, but she's not a robot, and Clint's pretty good at keeping secrets. ]

Let me guess. The spaceship?

[recalibration]

[ he resists the urge to say 'only sometimes?' baby steps, barton.

cue nostalgic look. ] It was surprisingly not terrible. Minus the pirates.

[debts]

[ Mentioning Coney Island wouldn't do anyone any favors, you know. ]

No plans to go anywhere else, fill in the gap?

[recalibration]

[ and yet it's always on his (and the one pulling at the strings') mind. ]

You know how it goes; no ETA 'til whatever got me curbed in the first place is sorted. You any better off?

[debts]

[ You're a fool, Clint Barton. ]

She's sitting on a few ideas. I don't know why she expects them to be different, but— it's better than being restless.

[recalibration]

[ you're this fool's work wife partner, natasha romanoff. ]

If they're anything like the last place you were at, I think you'll do just fine. Let me know, I'll send you a postcard. You like Ferris Wheels right?

[debts]

Sure. [ I used to sounds a little cruel, at this point. ]

Think you'll have time to come visit?

[recalibration]

Wouldn't be the first time I had my orders changed on me. [ the corner of his mouth curves up. ] You going for survival of the fittest again?

[debts]

[ Her shoulders draw together into a small half-shrug. ]

That does seem to be a recurring theme.

[recalibration]

Beats playing house. [ clearly not his strong suit. ]

Keep me posted. Who knows, I might do more than visit.