Phil had never gotten into this game for the glory. He'd joined the army to pay for college and he'd started government work because he had the right skill set and he wanted to help people. Media attention or not, he was proud of his job and happy with it. Moreso, he was proud of the Avengers. People needed heroes to believe in in the same way that Phil had believed in Captain America. He was glad that they'd gotten the spotlight. They were all extraordinary. They had saved Manhattan. Hell, they had saved the world. Phil was just happy to have been part of it, even in the background.
As for another handler for Clint, no other handler exactly wanted to work with him. He had a reputation for being difficult and Phil had a reputation for being Phil. It worked out nicely in Phil's favor. Most people who worked for SHIELD long enough knew that there was a lot more muscle under the suit than anyone expected and they found that out by watching him do something unexpected and somewhat crazy. Phil was reserved and friendly, but he was also a capable fighter and notoriously dangerous when he was pissed off.
He looked down at Clint, hand going back to petting his back. "Good to know that wasn't brought on by head trauma. I might have been insulted." He would have been hurt. It would honestly have torn him apart. Whatever this was, it was a terrible idea. He was being selfish, but he'd rather have a terrible idea than have Clint not return any of his feelings. He'd kissed Phil. That had to mean something.
He let himself smile. "I've wanted to do that for a while, too." If Clint could put himself out there, Phil could, too, even if it was only a little bit. He wasn't throwing everything out there, but he could give what he got.
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As for another handler for Clint, no other handler exactly wanted to work with him. He had a reputation for being difficult and Phil had a reputation for being Phil. It worked out nicely in Phil's favor. Most people who worked for SHIELD long enough knew that there was a lot more muscle under the suit than anyone expected and they found that out by watching him do something unexpected and somewhat crazy. Phil was reserved and friendly, but he was also a capable fighter and notoriously dangerous when he was pissed off.
He looked down at Clint, hand going back to petting his back. "Good to know that wasn't brought on by head trauma. I might have been insulted." He would have been hurt. It would honestly have torn him apart. Whatever this was, it was a terrible idea. He was being selfish, but he'd rather have a terrible idea than have Clint not return any of his feelings. He'd kissed Phil. That had to mean something.
He let himself smile. "I've wanted to do that for a while, too." If Clint could put himself out there, Phil could, too, even if it was only a little bit. He wasn't throwing everything out there, but he could give what he got.