[ On a mission, Clint would be incredibly annoyed, and perhaps concerned, that he's failed to be as subtle as he hoped he was being. But it's not his fault. Coulson is one of few important people in his life and losing a soldier, an agent, it's one thing, but losing him is something else entirely.

He jumps down from a high wall hidden by overhanging trees far enough away but still within hearing distance, lands on both feet, and casually walks over. ]

You caught me. [ He's got a cheeky grin in place despite it, and he bends low to ruffle the puppy's fur. ] The Dark Avenger's got a nice ring to it.

[ He shrugs, trying to hide the fact he's smiling as the puppy slobbers all over his hand. ]

Black Beauty's out then. [ He pushes him to full height, sits beside him. ]

Who said I was referring to the adorable little guy?

[ And, really, he can't pretend not to like this puppy, it's too cute, so excuse him while he rubs at the things ears and puts on a stupid voice. ] You gonna tell us what you're name is or is he doing it the hard way?

You've got many names around base. All flattering.

[ The puppy tries to scramble up, so, naturally, he pulls him up. ] Stark's probably got an app for that.

None you'd care to hear, sir.

[ He's officially in love with him, face lighting up. ] A cat translator might be tempting, you just know those things plot to take over the world.

[ He may or may not have made up rumours at one time or another that created things, but it was only ever to see how long it got back to him. ]

Bruce's theory on Loki's starting to make more sense.

[ But he's still his favourite, right? ]

The one where he's on equal footing with a bag of cats. [ Shrugging. ] Tasha filled me on most of what I missed. Personally I think it helps her sleep to recite it.

If she ever tries to tell you a story, pretend to look excited, even if you're not feeling it.

[ Speaking of handling things... ]

It's good to see you up and about.

[ He leans, lowers his tone, as if he's going to say something serious. ] Nurses back at the hospital weren't bad, though.

Too far? [ Looking away like a kicked puppy, but amused all the same. ] Too far.

[ He looks back when the puppy wriggles its way from Clint's lap to Phil's, and, no, he's not making an awe face. ] Where were you looking?

This is why people think you're a robot. [ He doesn't include himself in that group, though.

He considers asking if he should be out and about this soon, but he knows he would do the same. ] How's the apartment working out?