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streetlevel

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From:

streetlevel

It does kinda feel like that sometimes. Like flying. Glad to know I got the seal of approval from Hawkeye on it. And... it's fine, Kate. We're okay. [Matt just likes his pro bono work too much, and hates taking on cases with assholes just to make money. He knows he has to suck it up and do that, though.]

The man has enough weapons, don't give him any ideas.

From:

hawk_shot

You know, it's kinda unfair that both Peter and you can pull that trick and I'm stuck on the ground, running after you or having to get a cab. [That doesn't sound fine at all.] Do I need to talk to Kirsten?

I still wanna randomly call him Honey Badger if I ever get to meet him.

From:

streetlevel

Peter can do it better than I can. Mine's more parkour than webslinging. No! I don't need you to talk to anybody. I've got it. She knows already. We've got it.

I would have been surprised if you hadn't, knowing you.

From:

hawk_shot

Yeah, but you still get to do the swing thing. It's not the same with my graphook arrows. Mine's more of a zipline. [Which she still loves, but it's not as impressive.] I could give you guys a loan. Or like, hire you in some more permanent way?

I'm gonna take that as a compliment.

From:

streetlevel

I'd rather not mix friends and money. Thank you, though. For the offer. I promise, we'll be fine.

Again, no surprise.

From:

hawk_shot

[She remains quiet, too tempted to argue, aware that Matt knows how she feels.] You know money is not a big deal for me. But I get it. [She pauses for a brief moment.] But can you promise me, as in really promise me, Matt. Will you tell me if things are not good?

[Lying came easy to him, she knew that by now.]

Also, you don't happen to have a curler, do you?

From:

streetlevel

I'll tell you if things are not good.

A curler as in that hair thing or a curler as in that weird sport?

From:

hawk_shot

"Kate, I promise I'll tell you if things are not good." [She insists.]

The hair thing. Does Heather have one here? She has amazing curls. [A beat.] Any exes left one behind?

From:

streetlevel

Katerina Von Bishop, are you trying to lawyer me? [He's almost proud.]

First you say I shouldn't keep extra toothbrushes 'cause of how it looks, now you're asking if I have an ex's curling iron I kept? I think Heather has one she keeps over, though.

From:

hawk_shot

I've might have picked a thing or two. [Besides, someone has to.] And I'll take that over 'Katie'.

I never said you shouldn't! Just pointed out what it looked like... Besides, it was totally possible. I can't believe I forgot about my hair.

From:

streetlevel

What's wrong with Katie?

I'm very glad I don't need anything but a hairbrush to live my life.

From:

hawk_shot

... I hate it.

Not even a razor! It's kinda crazy, really.

From:

streetlevel

Why, though? You just don't like the sound of it?

Well no, I do need a razor. I was thinking about head hair, not face hair. I do need to shave my beard. I don't really want the shipwrecked hermit look.

From:

hawk_shot

I don't know. It kinda feels wrong, doens't it? Makes me sound like I'm five.

Again, on your behalf? You make it work. [But she considers this for a second.] Maybe play with some gel on your hair?

From:

streetlevel

It doesn't sound inherently young to me, but I was just curious why you didn't like it. Nothing wrong with not liking it or feeling that way about it.

That's sweet of you to say, but I don't like when it gets unkempt. [A beat.] Why does my hair need gel?

From:

hawk_shot

... [She licks her lips, suddenly considering something. It's dumb, this doubt she feels. They've shared far more intimate things before.] Dad called me that.

It fits the blood on your shirts, though. [Not that he wears that all the time. But it's fun to tease him about it.] It doesn't. But it would be cool to see you with a different style.

From:

streetlevel

So it's what a five year old you were called, got it. I think it sounds like a very sweet nickname for your dad to have had for you, Kate. I promise not to use it, then. So it can stay a thing between you two.

I want the blood on my shirts to say devil not crazed hermit. [He knows she's teasing.] My style's getting old? I thought it was timeless.

From:

hawk_shot

... A little literal, I know. But... It's weird, 'cause Clint uses it sometimes to tease me. He knows I don't like it. And somehow, it still kinda feels okay with him. [Not that she'll ever admit it.] Don't tell him I said that.

Now I want to see you beardy and wearing red horns that look like cat ears. [Because she'll forever tease him about that.] I didn't say that! You're twisting my words! I'm just saying... Something maybe spikier would look cool on you. Once?

Edited Date: 2025-05-06 10:56 pm (UTC)

From:

streetlevel

I won't tell him. I think it makes sense that it might be okay for him to do it, though. He's not your dad, nobody could take that place, but he is family to you now.

They do not look like cat ears. Not a single cat has claimed me as their own. Who is gonna style my hair with gel? It can't be left in my hands, they're not capable.

From:

hawk_shot

Yeah, it is. [And it's so strange to be talking about this outloud. Or the fact that she is so comfortable around Matt that she doesn't have trouble saying it.] I know it makes me sound like a crazy person, but in a way Clint has always been there for me. Right after dad died.

Are you able to see your reflection and say for sure that they don't look like kitty ears? [Maybe she can find someone dressed as a cat to prove her point.] ... Ask Heather? I don't think there's a single woman who doesn't enjoy playing with her boyfriend's hair.

From:

streetlevel

It doesn't sound crazy. Family can be more than blood. And people you can count on might not take the place of people who are gone, but still fill some of the parts that were lost.

My suit guy wouldn't do me dirty like that. I bring him gelato sometimes, too. [Matt tries to picture asking Heather to do his hair in a new style.] I dunno. Maybe. [Giving Matt a head rub, he can certainly picture Heather doing that. Being silly with hairstyles... he's not certain she'll see the appeal in being silly. Maybe he's wrong.]

From:

hawk_shot

Yeah, that's a good point. Real close friends have always felt like family to me. [And she knows she's found one with the Bartons.] Guess I just feel like a crazy person over having had this... Parasocial relationship with Clint, I guess?

You need to introduce me to your suit guy. The fabrics he uses are amazing. And I can totally bring him gelato too! [Is it an exclusive thing, though?] When was the last time you tried something new?

From:

streetlevel

I guess it's a tricky thing, isn't it? The parasocial thing. I've had people tell me that I've changed their lives, and I haven't always known their names. I guess that... if something I've done has inspired someone to live a better life, then it seems like it should be all right? Which it sounds like you've done with your original relationship with Clint. I'd imagine that's what he wants, partly why he ever suited up in the first place. To make a difference.

I can introduce you. [A beat.] You mean new with my hair? I don't think I've ever done anything really new. I just tell my barber to make me look good and trust him. I'm sure he's made some tweaks over the years to keep me in some semblance of current style.

From:

hawk_shot

Has that ever felt uncomfortable to you? People asking you to sign their tits aside... [Yes, she will never forget about that.] But yeah, I guess it can't be too bad if we ended up being partners. I really hope to make that sort of difference for someone someday.

You will?! [Excuse her if she sounds so excited. But this so makes her feel like a pro.] See? Exactly why you should at least try it. At least I like how you're lately wearing more t-shirts under your coat instead of the old buttons up.

From:

streetlevel

It's made me feel guilty sometimes I guess. To not know the names and stories of those people. Most of the time they're really sweet and aren't demanding or anything, I just feel bad because I'm me. And how do you know that you haven't made a difference like that already? You've helped a lot of people by now.

I will. I trust you, and I'd rather you have better armor. Or at least the option of it. Hell, you might know my LA guy. Luke Jacobson? I guess he designs regular outfits for superheroes and celebrities too, and he must go to all the parties because when I'm there he's trying to get me to go to parties. He says I need to network better. ... and now you're sounding like him with the t-shirts. What's wrong with button ups?