Clint wasn’t sure whether to be relieved when she finally moved to sit up or afraid. When she stood he definitely settled on the latter. Her kicks had hurt enough when she had been curled up on the floor, and he had seen what she could do to a man when she was really trying.

He watched her carefully, brow furrowed in deep concern, wanting nothing more than to wipe away the blood but knowing that even moving right now could be dangerous to his health. He flinched when she laid down behind him but otherwise didn’t move. Well, hadn’t this just gone to hell in a handbasket real quick?

“Natasha... I’m sorry,” he started quietly, resting his elbows on his knees and keeping his back to her. “I wasn’t gonna ask you anything. Even when you gave me a freebie, I didn’t want...” Dropping his head he ran his hands back through is hair. “I didn’t want to screw everything up. You know how good I am at that.”