A/N: This is a bit of a departure from what I've been writing. It's also not your usual pairing. But I hope you give it a chance and I really hope you like it. This first chapter is a light intro, things get more serious in chapter 2. Let me know what you think. Please!

Once again up in the nest. It wasn't Hawkeye's name for it but it seemed to stick with everyone else so he didn't argue. At least people would know where to find him if necessary. Since the Tesseract had been brought back to the S.H.I.E.L.D. facility most of his waking hours was spent watching it and by extension Selvig from this high vantage point. It wasn't bad work as things go, he was in a climate controlled room, he had space to move in, and no one was shooting at him. But he was bored out of his mind.

Clint Barton was not a stranger to sitting in one place for hours, maybe even days waiting for a target. This was different; there wasn't a specific target but eventually someone or something would come after the Tesseract. Barton's money was on something. Anything that could get through all the outer defenses would mostly like be alien in origin. And that worried him. Before S.H.I.E.L.D's encounter with Thor and the others from Asgard, Barton was sure that he could defeat just about anything. If not defeat it, then be part of the team that could. Now, he wasn't so sure. Before Thor, demi-gods were just something you read in mythology books, they weren't walking down your street.

Finally Selvig is done working with the Tessaract for the day which means that Hawkeye's tour of duty was at an end. Someone would replace him but he would still be on site if there was an issue. Selvig would be going back to his quarters where he would be someone else's responsibility for the next six to ten hours. Barton climbed down to the floor and was in the hallway toward the cafeteria shortly after Selvig left with his escorts. He was so focused on getting something to eat that he passed right by the only traveler in the hallway bumping them before continuing on.

"You forget your manners up in that nest?" the man says calmly but with a definite hint of authority.

Barton stops, his heart beating wildly in his chest. A shiver of delight goes through him. He calms down, takes a quick look around to make sure they are alone, and turns with his head bowed. "No sir, I was just thinking about how hungry I was…"

"Did I ask for an explanation?" the taller man snaps at him.

"No sir."

"I need to talk to you in my office. I'll have some food sent up."

Clint fell in beside Director Fury and followed him to his office. He kept a neutral look on his face for anyone they passed along the way. Inside Fury's office Barton flops into one of the two chairs in front of his desk and closed his eyes for the first time in sixteen hours. After food arrived Fury closed and locked the door. Only then did Clint take his usual, favorite place, sitting cross-legged on the floor beside Fury's chair.

"This is a work meeting; you don't have to sit there."

Clint looked up, "I know but we haven't had any time recently…I miss it."

Fury's ran his hand gently over Clint's hair, "I know but unfortunately until Selvig figures out this Tessaract thing I need you there. But maybe I can have you debrief me on the situation more often. Although I think that may be necessary anyway…"

"Mmmph," Clint replied while trying to shove half a sandwich in his mouth.

"Make sure you don't eat your fingers there. I can't really explain it. Someone's coming for the cube. I can feel it, if I close my eyes, I can almost see who or what it is."

"Channeling the Allfather?"

"Who?"

"Allfather, Odin, Thor's dad. I've been reading up on Norse mythology, very similar to Asgardian history. I'm beginning to think Thor is not first contact. Anyway Odin can forsee the future and shit, gave up an eye to do so. And you being short an eye as well…"

"Barton…"

"I thought this was work, not play," Clint says with a mischievous grin.

"It is, which is why you got a warning…"

"Damn."

"I know I miss it too. When all this is over schedule yourself a week's vacation." Fury lowered his voice and said in a deeper tone "You are going to need some recovery time when I'm done with you."

"Sir?" Clint said in a much quieter respectful voice.

"Yes, my wild boy."

Clint shivered before he refocused on what he was going to say, "Unfortunately I think your feelings maybe right. I've been antsy the last few days. At first I thought it was the 16-hour shifts Selvig has been working. But I've been feeling that itch, like right before my target comes into view. Something's coming." Clint yawns, "We've had this thing way too long for there not to be an attempt."

"I agree. You should head to bed. Selvig is likely to be at it again in a few hours. I wonder if he's feeling it too."

Clint looks up at Fury for permission and he nods. Clint throws his trash away in the nearby trash can and stands up, yawning again. "Probably, but you never know with scientists. They all creep me out. Please tell me there will be another briefing tomorrow. I need something to look forward to."

Fury smirks, "Yes, another briefing tomorrow. So if I'm Odin what does that make you, Thor?"

"Like I'd ever be pure enough to swing Mjolnir. I'm the other son Loki, god of mischief."

"And we both know what happens to boys that make mischief..." Fury opens one of his desk drawers and pulls out a small gray box tied with a black cord and pitches it to Barton who catches it in one hand. "I was going to wait until Halloween to give this to you but figure you can hold on to them for me."

Clint opens the box to find a set of nipple clamps with tiny arrow charms hanging off of them. "You know how much I fucking hate…" He could feel Fury's glare on him, "Thank you, sir; I will take good care of them."

"I will only use them on our anniversary, unless that "mischief" of yours gets out of hand. Now go to bed."

"Yes sir," Barton began to open the door; he couldn't resist a little more mischief, "Goodnight Allfather."

Fury let out a low mischievous laugh, knowing he would get to use those clamps way before Halloween rolled around, "Night, Loki-boy."