Phil would always do everything in his power to make sure that his agents came back alive. He didn't want to admit that he was compromised, but if he had to choose between Clint and someone else, Clint would win out every time. He would feel guilt, but it would be easier than anything he would feel after sending Clint to his death. That just wasn't an option. He would sooner sacrifice himself than let Clint die if he had the option. The missed meals and sleep were nothing compared to how he would have been if he'd gotten confirmation that Clint was dead. The idea that he could never get another call or stupid email from the man made everything seem bleak.

Phil loved his job, though. He couldn't imagine doing anything else. That didn't make Clint any less of a highlight--maybe the highlight. His time spent with Clint was some of the most important and memorable time he had. Even through all the worrying and the yelling, no one made Phil smile the way Clint did. No one. Sometimes Clint did thoughtful things that he tried to pretend weren't and sometimes he wasn't trying at all and Phil would just find himself grinning.

"That's actually not what they pay me for. I do get a bonus for dealing with you, though." He slouched down a little more until his shoulder was on-level with Clint's head.

Clint probably couldn't top the gift. Phil couldn't think of a better gift than that. No material thing was worth what the thought and effort that went into the card collection was. Even a trip wouldn't stand a chance of living up to it unless Clint was going to come with him. A vacation alone with Clint sounded nice, actually, even if it was something he would never get.

He watched Clint toss something on the night table, but he would ask about that later. Right now, he had Clint lying on him, pressed up against his side, and he just wanted to enjoy being this close. "I won't let anyone tarnish your reputation. What else do you have?" Other than everything.