The silence between us

Fandom: Marvel, Avengers.

Ship: Clint Barton X Reader.

Word count: 320 words.

Square: 15 "Can't hear."

Rating: Teen.

Summary: Clint doesn't accept he has hearing problems.

Major Tags: Hearing problems.

Additional tags: This is my entry fandom-free-bingo Valentine's edition.

The mission had been a success, now you and Clint were back at the base, exhausted.

As you were taking off your tactical vest in the locker room, you heard Clint mutter something. You turned to him, frowning.

"What did you say? "You asked, thinking he might have mentioned something about the mission.

Clint looked at you, but his eyes narrowed slightly as if he hadn't heard your words.

"Nothing, never mind," he replied quickly, turning his attention back to the bow he was dismounting.

The following days, you noticed small changes in his behavior. Once, during a training session, you called his name, and he didn't respond until you were right in front of him, touching his arm.

"Clint, are you all right? "you asked worriedly.

He looked at you, his jaw clenched.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just distracted," he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

One afternoon, you were both in the common room, going over plans for a new mission. The sound of coffee dripping into the machine filled the comfortable silence between you. Suddenly, a loud clatter echoed down the hallway: a box of supplies had fallen. You were startled, but Clint barely reacted, only looking up when he saw your expression.

"Didn't you hear it? "you asked.

He shook his head.

"Hear what? "he asked, clearly annoyed with himself.

"Clint, I think you're losing your hearing."

He leaned back in his chair, letting out a heavy sigh.

"I know," he finally admitted. "I've been noticing that things sound... muffled. But I thought it was fatigue, or maybe the bumps in the missions."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

" My hearing has always been a key part of my job. If I lose it... what am I then?"

You approached him, placing a hand on his.

"But you need help. We can look for solutions together."

After a moment, he nodded.