Summary: At first nobody noticed. Then they couldn't ignore it. Clint hated Tony beyond reason and Tony's determined to find out why. He's not prepared for the raw pain he uncovers.

At first Hawkeye only joked with Natasha. Then slowly the closed-off Hawkeye vanished and the Avengers were rewarded for their patience with Clint Barton. He joked, he laughed, he sang and he was an awesome cook. They started to notice things one breakfast.

The Avengers were sat in the kitchen at their tower at breakfast. Clint was cooking them breakfast and they were eagerly waiting. Clint handed the food over to Natasha to hand out.

"Hey Tash, that's Thor's."

Natasha replied, "Clint, there's enough here to feed the Other Guy."

"I know but Thor eats a lot."

Thor was half-way through by the time the others got their food. Tony stared at his empty plate as Clint started eating.

"Clint, Tony's not got any food." said Bruce mildly.

Clint ignored him and carried eating. Tony coughed a little. There was no response.

"Clint, you forgot Tony." added Steve.

"I didn't forget."

"But he has no food."

"Yeah I know."

"But…"

"I didn't forget to give him food. A billionaire can hire somebody to cook."

Tony walked off. Natasha glared at Clint.

"It…" she started but the archer cut her off.

"Don't, alright? Leave it."

With that Clint got to his feet and also left the room. Natasha sighed but didn't go after him.

"OK, isn't this the part where you go after him?" asked Bruce.

"What is wrong with the Hawk?" boomed Thor.

"Is he alright?" queried Steve.

The next time they noticed was when Clint begged to go into the lab. Bruce was doing an experiment involving lasers.

"Please Bruce? I'll be good I promise! Please!"

"OK! Just don't stick your hand in front of the laser and do what I tell you. OK?"

Clint rolled his eyes. "Man, you're less fun than drill sergeants."

Bruce laughed and led the way to the lab. Tony was on his way over.

"Hey Bruce! I thought I'd come and see the experiment."

Bruce shifted awkwardly on his feet. "Erm… the thing is there's only going to be enough room for two and I already asked Clint. I'm sorry Tony."

Tony nodded. "No problem. Have fun Clint. It's a cool experiment."

"Hawkeye."

Tony faltered for a minute. "I'm sorry?"

"You call me Hawkeye. I am not your friend."

Tony looked stunned and he stormed off. Bruce glanced at Clint but guessed the other man didn't want to discuss it.

Tony though had a plan. He was going to find out what Hawkeye's problem was once and for all.