This is an amazing story, and I absolutely love it!

Hey I love your stories! They are really good! I would love to read the High School AU story! Just wondering if you had any plans of posting it. Thanks!

Hullo xD

Ok, so I love that you’ve brought in the partial-deafness – despite it having a different backstory in this verse – and I’m wondering what the solution to this is going to be given that canonically, it was Tony who patched him up with some fancy Stark-quality hearing aids. This time, he’s got Shield, but they’re honestly not as high-tech as Stark Industries, tbh.

It’s also a real curve ball because it suddenly deepens every former interaction between the two of them in the past – how many times did Clint not actually hear what Phil was telling him? It’s hard to be sure, and I love that you’ve left this revelation this long because it really pulls the entire story into a new light, because almost every exchange is now coloured with this new information. It’s a very, very well done twist, and it makes perfect sense as well.

Jac continues to grow into a momma-bear over him, and I love it, and Fury is awesome whenever he shows up. I do like that he’s at least trying to keep things by the book while also rolling his eyes and just trusting Phil. It’s an interesting dynamic, honestly. Tbh, though, hearing him get called Nick was a really good bit. I think the only person who calls him that is Maria, usually, so it really shows the depth of the relationship between Fury and Coulson.

Aha, you’re a/n clears up a lot. Anyway, onwards to the next chapter.

-Ciao Mate

Hullo xD

I like the inclusion of this nurse solely because it drives in how much Clint hates being touched, even for medical reasons, and that Phil and Jac are currently the only two people who can pierce his hard shell. She also adds a bit to the world, making it feel habited by more than just the three main characters, and I really like that.

We get more about Clint’s intellect and he quickly unwinds the whole situation in a very similar way to Phil, and I’m honestly impressed by how quickly he came to the right conclusion. He’s definitely got a future at Shield, and it’s also telling of his past life that he readily believes someone is willing to put a hit out on him. That tells me there are still a decent number of mysteries as to what he’s done.

The ultimatum is a twist of the knife because it shows his drive and his own sense of self-preservation (that’s shockingly small) while contrasting how much he’s had to depend on nobody but himself. He doesn’t really trust other people to take care of him and it shows in how he’s willing to get himself killed just to sort out his own business on his own. It’s contrasted against Phil, who really cares and doesn’t want Clint out there right now, not in his current state.

Altogether, it’s a really good scene, and it’s fun to see that Clint’s aim extends to his balls.

The panic attacks seem to be getting worse, in my opinion, which tells me we’ll be hitting the climax soon. Once we do… I can’t even imagine the depth of his trauma, because it just gets worse with every turn.

-Ciao Mate

Hullo xD

[And Phil couldn’t help but wonder when it had come to this.] – Yes, crank on that fatherly affection because it so works for this story. This whole scene is just of the dad whose kid has been hurt and he doesn’t want to leave the bedside, and the best part of it is that Phil doesn’t even realize that this is exactly why he feels that way. It’s a beautiful exploration of the bonds that form when you aren’t looking, and I think that’s what makes this story good.

The relationships between the characters is bloody perfect.

Jac got her promotion! I’m rather happy about that because we’ve seen her been pushed around a lot by the other doctors in the infirmary, but she’s setting herself up quite nicely now. I think Fury may have pulled some strings after seeing how competent she is, but I really like how we’re seeing her progress as well. Her character arc is more of a subplot in truth, but seeing it moving forwards along with all the others really drives home how interconnected their lives all are at this point.

The deeper we get into Clint’s head, the more heartbreaking it gets. We know the carnival master is a good dude who was more than willing to take him in and cares for him like one of his own, but to Clint, he’s just not worth that much. It’s gutwrenching, and I suspect there’s going to be a lot more heartstrings getting tugged on in upcoming chapters

Overall, a really strong chapter.

-Ciao Mate

Hullo xD

So, here’s the thing about this chapter. We, the reader, know that Clint is going to make it, but that doesn’t make it any less harrowing because damn, you don’t go soft when it comes to the brutal realism of this whole scene. Barton’s strength is on full display as he endures getting a bullet dug out of him after everything else that he’s already dealt with since getting shot, and we see him finally be weak afterwards when he just doesn’t have the strength to fight anymore.

It’s a nerve-wracking read because there’s all kinds of damage that can be done even if he does survive, and we’re no closer to finding out who the shooter was than we were before this story began. I see that little teaser, though. *squints* Was this a false flag operation? Do I smell Hydra’s influence?

Back to the medical stuff, but damn, Clint got through getting a bullet dug out of him without anaesthetic, and that’s something to be impressed by. It hurts like a bitch, and it really comes through how much pain he’s in when the usually stoic and sarcastic lad can’t even count right.

I also see this as a real turning point in the relationship between Clint and Phil because if this wasn’t proof that Phil has his back, then I don’t know what is. You can feel the emotion behind the words because in many ways, Clint’s like a son to Phil at this point, even if he hasn’t yet admitted that to himself yet.

Overall, this was a harrowing chapter and that teaser! I must know who the shooter was at once. Only one way to find out, though.

-Ciao Mate

Hullo xD

This chapter starts out so beautifully and light, and yay, Barton’s got his GED, and Clint is trusting him to take his weapon out onto the field for a proper training exercise without him watching… and you go and rip that away! You monster!

First off, I love that little misdirect about Phil missing his shoulder holster, because for a split-second, it’s like: Huh? Did Barton snap and snag Phil’s gun before the exercise and is he the one shooting wildly through the crowd? I honestly half-expected that to be the case at this point, but the scenario that followed was just so much better. Something I like was the sheer elegance of this chapter - we weren’t even at the place where the shooting occurred, but we still know everything that happened.

It also gives us the opportunity to see what SHIELD runs like during an active crisis, and I quite enjoyed that. Also, I will always stan a Maria Hill cameo – best recurring character in the series, imo.

There’s a really nice note of tension now because Clint’s in big trouble with a poisoned bullet lodged inside him, but he’s resourceful, so I’m sure they’ll find him. The real tension comes from wanting to know who shot him and why? We know he has a lot of enemies and the like, but the first thing that jumped out to me was that it’s his brother. I guess we’ll see xD

You also do an amazing portrayal of a damaged person who’s afraid to trust. It’s painful reading, but it’s so good at the same time, and I don’t know if it’s because of deep research into the subject or just personal experience, but it’s flawlessly done. Kudos.

-Ciao Mate

Hullo xD

Okay, before we jump into this one, I’m just going to say that I ship Phil/Jac and I think they need to just get together already. They bounce off each other really well, and all their scenes together have an underlying chemistry that just works. In some romances, you read a chemistry that’s a bit forced, but here there’s none of that. It just feels natural.

The thing to consider in this whole next piece is the slow bonding between Phil and Clint, and you do a masterful job at putting it all together. There’s a steadily widening bridge between them, and there’s been a lot of growth from who Clint was to who he is today. Granted, there’s still a long way to go, but if you always keep looking forward, all you’ll see is how far you have to go. Just looking back once in a while is a good way of seeing just how far you’ve come, and Barton really has come a long way.

Also, I do not like Anderson and would like to set him on fire. He raises some valid points but he’s really a douche about the whole thing.

Speaking of Phil’s backstory, he’s a fun case of a character that didn’t come from the comics like the other SHIELD agents (Maria Hill, for one, is a beloved recurring comic character of mine) but pushing all that aside, Phil’s a bit of a blank slate since he originated in the movies. One thing that did step out to me was when he said other soldiers who’d served in Afghanistan would say the same things about their beds – but Phil did a few tours (at least one) before becoming actively affiliated with SHIELD.

Overall, a really strong chapter

-Ciao Mate

Hullo xD

I’m alive. Life’s been life, but then I rewatched Endgame and needed a Hawkeye fix, and I said to myself, don’t you know someone who writes the best Hawkeye stuff? Well, yep, I do know such a unicorn. Without further ado, let’s jump right in shall we?

I really do enjoy the almost fatherly bond that Phil has with Barton – it’s so reminiscent of how he behaves with the younger agents in Agents of Shield, and it just really suits his character, you know? The opening “ten more minutes” nagging is quintessential parent-child nagging, and I really like it.

The whole introduction to the circus is really well done. I can just smell the cotton candy and hear the music while reading that whole bit. It’s also very wholesome of Phil to keep on digging for more information on his young charge. I’m going to assume this whole relationship is why Hawkeye is usually with Coulson in the earlier movies – because it fits in so smoothly.

Clint’s backstory is just heartbreakingly real and personally painful for me, and I really just like the depth you’ve given the whole operation as well. With the circus master harbouring runaways but scaring of the ones who just want adventure rather than are there out of sheer desperation… it paints a very familial bond between the people in the circus, and the whole thing really just works for me. Overall, it’s a solid scene, but hearing more about how Clint grew up really just tugs at the heartstrings.

Bloody hell, the name drop! My whole face lit up reading that closing line, and it just clicked. This backstory makes so much sense, and is so heartbreaking, but so good to read at the same time that I just can’t stop.

Overall, a brilliant chapter.

-Ciao Mate

I LOVE YOUR STORY I READ IT INSTEAD OF REWIEWING THE MATERIAL FOR MY EXAM AND I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL!

Hello! I know I already reviewed yesterday, but this story really stays on my mind and I can't stop thinking about it, so here I am again. I am still overwhelmed with the story and the universe you've created, and I would like to request something if I may. You mentioned in the AN that you plan to write a sequel to this story. If you do so I would reeeaaaally LOVE it if you would write the confrontation between Phil and Swordsman! I am dying to read it! I think I'd probably print it out to hang it on my wall or something :p I mean, I get excited just thinking about it and I can't help but wonder how the meeting will to go and what Phil will say to him, but I just know that the man will get what he deserves. I really like the protective vibe Phil has towards Clint! If you feel like writing it, I am also quite curious to more scenes about Clint's mom and his time with the carnival (the friends he made, his relationship with Frank,...). I really like this story and this universe and the way you write the characters, so I am really looking forward to a sequel if you should decide to write and post one. In any case, thank you very much for this story already and enjoy your day! I'm going to reread it and fangirl a bit more about it now I think ;) kudos!

I adore this story! I really love how you captured the growing relationship and the building trust between Clint and Phil. Clint's story was heartwrenching to read sometimes, but I love how you wrote it and how you let Phil deal with it. It really makes me want to read more about them! And of course I love sassy teenager Clint! Thank you for writing and sharing this wonderfull story!

This was amazing! I just sent it ti a friend do we get the sequel anytime soon? I wanna know the between recruitment, the meeting Natasha, all the way up to Clint meeting the avengers... your writing is great! Makes me want more!

Great story. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I love how you write Barton as confident in his abilities but with the little vulnerabilities of a child who didn't grow up in a stable home. Great job!