Clint—MAY CONTAIN AVENGERS ENDGAME SPOILERS

[nola_beast]

Because Zach's salary was tony, his apartment was tiny. In turn, so was his bedroom, and much of it was taken up by the bed itself, which was a modest full that didn't leave a ton of extra space.

So he definitely, definitely noticed when someone climbed in with him in the middle of the night.

"Clint?" he sleep-mumbled, because if it wasn't Clint, he was going to be extremely alarmed.

Comments

[nola_beast]

"Of course we're good," Zach told him. He was a muddle of confusion and guilt (Clint didn't know about himself!), but that much was clear. "You didn't even need to get out of bed."

[nola_clint]

He shrugged a shoulder. "It seemed like a good idea to put some space between us for a little bit," he said. "If you wanted me to keep my hands to myself."

[nola_beast]

"I'm worried about you being alone, though."

[nola_clint]

"It's. Whatever. You know? It's just a movie. I was probably just..."

He had no idea what he was, but there weren't good words for it, so he shrugged.

[nola_beast]

"It clearly wasn't whatever," Zach said gently.

[nola_clint]

"Well, fine. Then how about we watch some other movie or whatever," he said, frowning.

[nola_beast]

"Okay." There was a long pause as Zach considered his current situation. Or rather, his condition. He didn't move to get out from under the blankets. "Go get it started."

[nola_clint]

"Kay," he said, straightening to head toward the door. He paused there, hesitated, then turned back. "Hey. I love you. You know that, right?"

[nola_beast]

"Of course," Zach said. "I love you too, Clint."

[nola_clint]

His expression--posture--everything visibly relaxed and he smiled for real before heading outside.

[nola_beast]

The moment Clint was out of the room, Zach flopped back on the bed, taking a moment to stare at the ceiling. All the complications he could never possibly foresee were converging into one emotional maelstrom. It was almost like being home at Graymalkin.