Chapter Text
Phil slid off the back of Clint's bike. He took off the helmet, patted down his thinning hair like it was possibly out of place. He reached back, opened the box, pulling out his bag before stashing the helmet inside and closing it again, slinging the bag over his shoulder. He had been staying with Clint more or less full time for the last month, but he still found himself packing a bag daily much to his lover's amusement. Clint had cleared a space for him, and he had brought stuff over but he wasn't going to give up on his cold, damp, appalling, hovel just yet. He hoped soon to have money to do it justice, and he also hoped that Clint might just agree to set up with him there.
The sale of Lola was going through this week. As much as it pained him it would pay off a lot of bills and where he had lived previously it had been garaged, now it was case of paying for one or leaving it out, which really wasn't right.
An agreement had been reached via Phil's lawyers with the Casino. Repayment of part of the money would be made, when it had been pointed out that Phil couldn't be held as a guarantor when he didn't even know about it. Reece had begrudgingly agreed to a vastly reduced amount just to keep it out of the courts.
Yesterday the pair had taken a much needed the day off. The restaurant was shut because of the last minute renovations, and May had offered to oversee the workmen and get everything ready for the grand opening. Today Phil had one more surprise for Clint. He grabbed his hand as the man took off his own crash helmet and practically dragged him along in his excitement.
Clint's old shop had closed down last week. All the stock and equipment had been transferred into Shield; all Phil's staff had volunteered to pretty much ferry everything up the road. It warmed his heart to think what a great set of people he had working for him, they had welcomed Clint into their fold with nothing but happiness and helpfulness. It excited Phil in way that he hadn't been in such a long time that Clint had agreed to this crazy idea.
...
He had worried all day and long into the night when Clint hadn't come by after they had chatted in the coffee shop and Phil had first mentioned the idea. He hadn't expected an answer of course; Clint needed time to think about it. It was a big idea after all; it wouldn't be easy to juggle relationship and business. God knows it hadn't worked with Nick, but he had a feeling they had a chance. So when Clint hadn't come back, Phil feared the worst, because not only did he appear to have mess up a business opportunity but something far more personal.
He'd leapt in with both feet, had he possibly scared Clint off for good?
He had shut up the restaurant and headed back to his place with a heavy heart. It didn't stop him looking hopefully up and down the street, but there was no sign of anyone, which wasn't that surprising at one o'clock in the morning.
Phil had laid back on his bed with a heavy sigh and thumped his fist in frustration into the too thin mattress, listening as the springs protested and didn't exactly ping back into place. He'd shut his eyes not bothered by the fact that he was still fully suited up, legs half off the stupidly uncomfortable excuse for a bed. He made an effort and reached up to undo the jacket button and loosened his tie, but anything more seemed too challenging.
He drifted off, trying not to over think everything.
He was startled awake by banging, not aware enough to make out where it was coming from; he glanced at his watch and was surprised that it was only half an hour later. The pounding didn't appear to be in his head, but his door, so groaning he pulled himself up. He nearly tripped down the stairs in his rush to get down there once he was fully awake. It wasn't until he was half way down that he realised that it could be the casino heavies back for a bit more. So when he got to the door he was a little tentative opening it only a crack. He quickly flung it wide when he saw Clint's retreating figure. "Clint?"
The man in question turned quickly, smiled shyly, "Sorry it's late."
"It's fine, you okay?"
"Of course, sure, I..." He'd paused then said nervously, "Yes."
Phil's eyebrows had lifted in question, not catching on, "Yes?"
"Yes," Clint smiled nodding his head enthusiastically to go along with the words.
"Uh..." And then it had dawned on Phil what Clint was saying, "yes?" He smiled unbelievably.
"Yep, I'd love to work together."
"You're sure?"
Clint had nodded again, "It won't be easy, I know, it's not always going to go smoothly but nothing worth having ever does."
Phil had stood open mouthed for a few seconds before pulling the man in and kissing him soundly. When he pulled back to see a happy smile on Clint's face he said surely, "We can do this."
Clint laughed, "We most definitely can."
From that night on they hadn't slept apart, they seemed to fit together in all the right places and in all the right ways, they made an awesome team. Even May had commented on how good they looked together.
…
Phil eagerly pulled his partner round the corner from where the bike was parked, to the front of the restaurant and stood in front of the building as Clint looked up in wonder. Phil watched as he spared him a quick and delighted glance, before looking up again and said, "Oh man, I love it." He pulled Phil into his arms and hugged him tight.
Phil laughed with relief at the reaction. He held on to his new start in life under the big shiny sign that surprised Clint so. It adorned the front of the new Coffee Shop and Restaurant, in large bold letters announcing, no longer just 'The Shield,' but now 'The Shield and Arrow’.