A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Stark Tower

“‘62,” Phil said, running his hand along Lola’s flank. “What about yours, ‘67?”

“On the nose,” the man said, grinning. “She’s my Baby.”

“I know the feeling. She looks to be in great shape.” Phil watched a taller man pad out of the convenience store, followed by Steve, who held a paper sack of snacks and a couple of soft drinks. “Looks like that’s me.”

“Me, too. Take care of her, y’hear?” The man tossed him a salute, and the taller man took his elbow.

“Dean,” he said, and Phil noted that while he was younger looking, he looked a lot more tired. Brothers, or best friends, perhaps. “We need to get going.”

“I know, Sammy, we’re going.” Dean clapped the taller man on the shoulder, and they packed up.

“Who was that?” Steve asked as Phil replaced the nozzle. He glanced at the Impala pulling out; Lola was headed in the opposite direction.

Wouldn’t you think my collection’s complete? 

Wouldn’t you think I’m the dude, 

the dude who has - everything

Look at this quiver

Arrows untold 

How many arrows can one quiver hold? 

Looking around here you think 

Sure, he’s got everything. 

I’ve got composites and recurves a plenty 

I’ve got longbows and compounds galore 

You want piss arrows 

I’ve got twenty! 

But who cares 

No big deal 

I want moooore.

I wanna be where the Avengers are 

I wanna see, wanna see them prancin’ 

Flying around on … what do you call them? 

Oh! Suits! 

Shootin’ a bow, you don’t get too far 

Suits are required for flying, saving 

Strolling around down a - what’s that word again? 

SHIELD 

Up where they save, up where they fly 

Up where they stay all day in the sky 

Wanderin’ free, wish I could be 

Part of that world

What would I give if I could live with Avengers? 

What would I pay to spend a day as a hero? 

Bet’cha those guys they understand 

That they don’t reprimand their soldiers 

Proper soldier sick of grunt work 

ready to stand 

and ready to know what superheroes know 

ask ‘em my questions and get my answers 

what’s a repulser and why does it - what’s the word? 

burn? 

when’s it my turn 

wouldn’t i love, love to explore that world of steve 

right out of SHIELD 

wish i could be 

He ended up rolling onto his back and pillowing her on his chest, his hands warm as he made sure she was comfortable and the blankets were over them.

He ended up rolling onto his back and pillowing her on his chest, his hands warm as he made sure she was comfortable and the blankets were over them.

[Text — Encrypted] See you in a minute.

The elevator shirred open and he took in the sight of his son sprawled out on the couch, crazy straws scattered around him like some sort of twisted plastic snow. He shook his head and cleaned up the boxes of wine before turning to Bree and tucking his arms underneath her.

“Hello, gorgeous. Let’s get you to bed.” He lifted, picking her up and cradling her to his chest before walking her back into the bedroom. He took off her shoes and tucked her into bed, smoothing the hair from her forehead and kissing her brow.

“You need anything?” he asked. “Glass of water, aspirin for when you wake up?”

Bree hadn’t felt like this in ages. She had no idea why Clint had decided to start drinking, nor why she chose to join him, but that was in the past, and now she was being lifted. She yelped softly and wrapped her arms weakly around Phil’s neck.