When Clint returned with a large, steaming cup of tea, Natasha pushed herself up to sit, propping the pillows up behind her. She considered his offer a moment before shaking her head. She felt disgusting, sensitive and irritable and for the moment she didn’t want to be touched. She needed a little space, and she knew Clint would understand without explanation.

“Thanks,” she murmured as she picked up the cup, cradling it in her hands for a moment and letting it warm her hands. Closing her eyes she breathed in the steam before taking a sip. The warmth seemed to spread through her whole body and despite everything she smiled faintly.

Opening her eyes she looked over at Clint. “You don’t have to stay if you have things you want to do,” she said. She knew he liked to run in the mornings before it got to warm, and that boat still sat somewhere in the harbour, waiting for restoration. There was no point him wasting his vacation hovering over her while she was ill when there were much more relaxing and enjoyable things he could be doing.