EYES ON FIRE !

          “ sorry, WAIT —— can we start from the beginning?? specifically with WHERE i am, because i’m just really confused. “

“– Yeah. Dogs are the best.”

“Better than people, that’s for sure. --No offense.”

Clint blinked at her. “– …Brown?”

Laurel smiles. “Fair enough. My dog growing up was a mutt, we had no idea what kind he was, apart from that he was adorable.”

          “ don’t be. i’ve come to understand that looking back on what you lost only prevents you from living with what you have, “    he said, returning her smile with one of his own.    “ yeah, it does suck. but i guess we’ve all gotta’ experience it sooner or later. “

Clint thought. Thought some more. “– …Like…two years? Maybe? Time flies.”

“Mm, tell me about it.” Two years feels more like eons ago, considering everything that’s happened. “What kinda dog is he?”

“– Yeah. You too. …My dog’s Lucky.·‘Shis name, not a description. …’Sboth.”

“Lucky,” she says, already excited at the prospect of seeing a dog. It’s been ages: she and Connor keep meaning to go visit the shelter, but things seem to keep coming up. “How long have you had him?”

          barry stayed silent for a bit before a let out a soft sigh.    “ yeah, she, um —— she died a few months ago, “    he said, glancing down at his hands as he shoved them in his pockets.    “ needless to say, i can kinda’ relate to how you’re feeling right now. “

“– Anytime. Clint. Barton.” He holds his hand out towards her for a handshake.

“Nice to meet you, Clint.” She extends her own hand as well, and shakes his hand briefly.

          “ yeah, no problem, “    he said, giving her what he hoped she took as an encouraging smile.    “ nice to meet you, laurel. “    god, saying that name again felt weird, he thought to himself before speaking again.    “ i actually had a friend named laurel, believe it or not. “

“– If it gets too much, come pet my dog. He’ll love it. Four-oh-four.”

“Thanks.”A slow smile finally breaks across her face. “I’m, uh -- I’m Laurel.”

‘ it’s got a good meaning. ‘

Clint cocks his head, contemplating. “– D’you like dogs?”

“Love ‘em. Why?”

          with a sigh of his own, barry hesitantly placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder, hoping it was at least a little bit comforting.    “ crying is better than doing something stupid. but if you need anything, i’m here. uh, i’m barry, by the way. “

“– Gross. Dwelling sucks. You okay, though?”

“Yeah, it does. In the grand scheme of things, yeah, sure. I’ll be alright. ” She sighs, taking a breath and looking down and talking mostly to herself. “Just as soon as I figure out what to do about everything else.”

“You’re welcome. And congratulations.”

She gives the girl a small, polite smile. “Thank you.”

‘ fangsolutely. ‘