Owner	Pose
Clint Barton	It's only on their way up to the rooftop for a barbecue party - whenever this happens nowadays - that visitors notice that there is, in fact, a third floor to the building where Hawkeye lives. By the look of it, with their doors padlocked, these two appartments on the third floor aren't occupied. But today is different as, upon reaching the third floor, one would notice that one door is fully opened, allowing to look inside. Not that there is much to see inside, other than two dusty chairs, and even more dusty floor, and dirty windows providing some sunlight inside the generally dark appartment. On the other side of the landing, the padlock on the other appartment has been removed, and the door left closed. Here and there along the walls, on the floor, brand new gallons of beige paint have been neatly aligned, along with all the necessary equipment for painting. Just by the stairs leading up to the rooftop, a poster has been stapled on the wall with the incription OPEN BAR AND BBQ FOR PAINTERS and a large arrow pointing up. Right now, Clint and Skye are finishing sweeping the floor of the open appartment, and man, there is a nice pile of dust in the corridor. "Ye're right, maybe I should get a vaccum someday. But we're done!"
Natasha Romanoff	Natasha had agreed when asked to join the party. Course, she might not have read the fine print. Or listened to it. She thought it was a barbeque so that was a good time to bring her beau and go for some social time between her friend, best friend and boyfriend. Hopefully it went better than some other introductions had gone. Upon arriving on the third floor, she paused and eyed the many gallons of paint lining the hallway. Already her Natasha tingle was going off. Then she saw the sign. For Painters. "I think we've been hoodwinked," she stated. "That or I should listen better."
Phobos	For Agent Aaron, his connection to the group and the party was primarily through the smallish Russian next to him there on the third floor. He doesn't experience anxiety as most people do, but assuredly if he did there would be some at the meeting of Agent Romanoff's friends. Not anxiety, but some amount of trepidation perhaps considering one always considers what another considers a party, what level of curious small talk there might be, and what people will get up to during it.     So for him, when he espies those paint cans and all, he seems to brighten a little. "Oh hey, painting." Since that gives a demonstrable task to offer some respite from those awkward moments that sometimes come along in newish social situations. Uncomfortable silence? Paint through it!     "C'mon, won't be that bad." He starts to advance toward the paints and the like, looking around for the needed gear and equipment and starting to poke around inquisitively.
Yaozu	Like some stray piece of a shadow for as black as his feathers happen to be, Yaozu steps up behind Natasha, his talon clicking on the floor. He wears a set of traditional Chinese robes that are as black as what he is, save for the dark red that edges the sleeves. Feathery ear tufts lift, and his beak makes a light click of sound. "Perhaps bamboozled," he offers, tilting his head to one side. His hands slip away from each other where they had been resting in front of him, returning to his sides. For some, he is no longer the way he once appeared. For others, he's been seen as he is, with his mutation completed. "As it is said, many hands make light work, so perhaps it will not take very long," he says in a thoughtful tone.
Skye Johnson	"You know our friends aren't going to be fooled. You do know that?" Skye laughs. "I hope we bought enough alcohol. At least we get the racoon out!" She pulls out the dust pan.
Clint Barton	The stairs are so old that anyone moving around can be heard on the three floors. It doesn't take years of experience as special agents to hear Nat arriving with Alex, and also Yaozu - who used to be quieter. "Hey, here's the backup!" Clint laughs, as he exits the appartment, broom in hand and Skye by his side. "I've got it all covered, booze for the whole division, no worry. Oh and, hrm, no need to tell 'em about the racoon." For a moment he's a bit puzzled, seeing Alex with Nat. "Hey Nat, you should know by now to always trust me, to add small print, that is. And you brought more help..." This sentence is cut short by a stabbing pain to his side, where Skye just poked him. Glancing at her, Clint is given THE look. You know, THE look your girldfriend gives you when you should drop it, or just shut it? THE look that says, careful mister, or the couch is yours. Well, that's the look Skye just gave Clint. And it worked. He got the hint. "Oh. Hey, thanks all for coming. Alex, right?" They only met once briefly, if he recalls, but THE look told him all he needed to know. "And Yao, man, I'm glad to see you all. We've got food, booze - and even tea. Let us finish here first. Like Yao said, nice one indeed, many hands make light work."
Natasha Romanoff	"I should have known," Natasha agrees as she sees the pair exit the apartment. She knew he had this building but honestly she hadn't really been here much. Once for the grand tour and that was about it. Which had involved knowing the third floor was closed. Seemed times they were a'changing. "I'll be glad to help. Alex gets to make his own choices." She was going to make official introductions but Clint saved her from that.
Phobos	"Alex works," Is the rejoinder offered in return to Clint as Alexander smiles then turns away from the pile of gear. Taking the handful of steps forward he extends a hand offering a shake. "It's good to meet you, Clint."     If the shake is taken his own is a firm grip but not aggressive, giving two shakes and then releasing with a casual ease. He steps back and tilts his head to the gear, biting his lower lip in thought as he considers the lay of the land. "It's cool, I don't mind painting." He leeeans over and scoops up a roll of tape and casually pulls the lead of it from the body with that /zzzrp/ sound then asks, "I'll start taping up?"     And if left to his own devices he starts on that corner of the task.
Yaozu	Talons tend to make it difficult to be quiet or stealthy. Yaozu managed it much better before he had them. He glances towards Skye, and then to Clint, and then he gives a nod. "I will help where I can," he says softly. He's helped with painting before, and even though if was a few years ago, the jist of it is still the same -- put more paint on the walls than anywhere else. "I am glad to be seen, and it is always good to see friends," Yaozu says, giving a small nod. "You are welcome," he adds. His wings shift slightly at his back but are kept held close there. He looks towards Alex, and he gives a nod to him. "It sounds like a good place to start," he agrees. Lifting his hands, he slips a hair elastic from his right wrist before gathering his hair up and securing it into a ponytail at the nape of his neck so it will be hopefully kept out of the paint.
Skye Johnson	"I told him it would have been simpler to torch the thing, but Oooooh no, someone" *cough*Hotshot*cough* "insisted that we invite our friends." Yes, Skye is laying it on thick. But she plants one on his cheek to show it's not serious. "Come on, us too. Gino will be delivering in a short while. Free booze for all. Yao? I've got the kettle for some tea. The one I got from the old lady in Chinatown."
Clint Barton	Alex's hand his firmly shook in return, "Likewise. We met once, hey. 'Member, clipboard, arrow?" he laughs at that, "And yeah, let's paint this place, won't be long, then we can relax and enjoy some chill time on the roof." Now that Alex started, Clint gets busy, prepping paint and rollers for the others. "Alright, it's a four room appartment, plus the bathroom. All beige. Don't mind the floor, it'll be redone." He hands the rollers and brushes to Nat and Yao, "I'm sure you'll do fine. Serious, it's paint or fire, like the lady said, so let's try paint before the torch." Chuckling, as he passes by Nat, he glances at her, adding, "I trust you with my life, Nat, and I trust you with my paint." It didn't take long with the five of them, and soon all the walls are fresly painted - and some hands and arms as well. And just as the job is done, right on time Gino's arrives with the pizzas. "Gee, guys, that's awesome. Say, you're free next weekend?" Laughing, he starts running down the stairs, "I'll get the pizzas! Skye, you want to regroup on the roof?"
Natasha Romanoff	And a few other places on that paint. Because there was no way everyone was getting out of this unscathed, with the personalities involved. Of course, Nat was the first one to fire shots. At the person closest to her, which happened to be Alex. He got a lovely handprint on the back of his shirt when she gave him a brief hug as they shared a moment. Okay, she hugged him to put the handprint there. She had a stripe down her nose which had been his return fire when he realized what she'd done. She moved with the group toward the roof, giving a glance in Clint's direction as he ran off. "That will depend on the quality of vodka you bought!" In response to the next weekend offering.
Phobos	Painting is at times a full-contact sport, and Alexander does look like he's been involved on the play field. Though it's more hand spatters and on some of his clothes though he liked the shirt he was currently wearing, which was a black one with pink flamingos all curved around on it into the shape of a skull. Very terrifying and perhaps the loss of it would make him sad. Were it not for the fact that there was a crate in the Bronx that had thirty more of the same shirt.     Though now he's clamboring up the stairs and that hand print is rather evident, but in some ways it might stylistically add to the look. Maybe he'll keep it. For now he meanders up and to the party area, stepping to the side of the stair well to clear the way for the others as they come up and giving Natasha a small hand squeeze and smile before he goes in search of seating arrangements for when the food arrives.     "Didn't take too long, all told." A beat then he adds, "Despite the efforts of /some/ people to derail the endeavour."
Mockingbird	It wasn't Bobbi's plan to arrive a little more than fashionably late. But, in reality, work kept her back; there are no weekends in SHIELD for some agents. She can hear the footsteps of the other party-goers echoing down the stairwell as she trudges up behind them, a bottle-sized bag dangling from her wrist. The blonde agent dressed for painting, not thinking she'd arrive as late as she has - trendy black jeans, high waisted and loose, high top tennis shoes in her favorite red and a white spaghetti-strap tee covered by an ample cut-off shirt. When she reaches the top, "Evening, everyone. Well, look at you, been enjoying yourselves?" She refers, of course, to the tell-tale signs of paint on several people's clothes. "I crossed Clint going out for pizza."
Yaozu	"It is part of what friends are for," Yaozu says, giving a small nod. His ear tufts lift, though they have nothing to do with hearing at all. His attention turns to Skye when she mentions the tea, and a smile causes his beak to part a little bit. "Thank you, Skye. Tea would be most welcome, and she makes very good blends," Yaozu says. Four rooms and a bathroom doesn't sound like a lot to paint, really. He accepts the equipment that he's give for the task, and then he goes to pick a corner to start in -- which seems a logical place to start. And over the course of the painting, in addition to hands and arms, there were also some feathers that fell victim to the paint -- wing feathers, as it happened. Yaozu may or may not have noticed it, but if he did notice it then he didn't do anything about it. "What is happening next weekend?" he asks, a bit of curiosity in his voice. He has gone along with the others towards the roof of the building. Then he looks to Alex and gives a nod. "It was not very long at all," he agrees. His ear tufts flick back, and he turns his head in the direction of the stairs. It's not quite to the point of turning his head beyond the human range but it's really close to it.
Skye Johnson	When Clint goes to answer the door, Skye plugs in the kettle. "Sorry, Yao, I just have a mug. Unfortunately all my tea stuff is at one of our other places." This would make three. "Hey Bobbi. Just in time to head up onto the roof and relax." Skye managed to cover herself in paint. And she hasn't a faint clue about next weekend.
Clint Barton	The rooftop is in not much better state than the rest of the building. At least, it's not leaking. Otherwise, there's the good ol' BBQ and garden chairs, coffee tables of disparate sets, all well-used but still usable. On a metal drum turned upright, the open bar waits for the painters, glasses and ice bucket at the ready. There can be found the minimal and regular like sodas, beers, coolers, and a large bottle of Moskova vodka - whatever Clint was told is surely the best vodka in the world. Like he'd know! After a few minutes, the archer returns with four extra large pizzas, some marked MEAT LOVERS and some vegetarian, and places them on one of the coffee table, with plastic plates. As he passes by Yaozu, he notices his attention caught by something. "Somethin's wrong?" he wonders, before moving to the improvised bar. "Next weekend is next appartment," he laughs. Helping himself with a soda - yes, a soda - he clears his throat, trying to look serious but the grin on his face shows how much he's enjoying the get-together. "Thanks again all for coming, it's been a while. It's nice to see you all. The freshly painted appartment will be for a poor woman with two kids who were just evicted from their place. They'll appreciate your help. Now, let's eat!"
Natasha Romanoff	That. She had been about to answer the query on next weekend, since she suspected it would be apartment number two. Clint handled that so she moved for the makeshift bar. More precisely, she was heading for the vodka. A little smile of approval that it had been kept on ice at least, allowing it to stay chilled since that was the proper way to serve. Well at 32 degrees Farenheit was proper but she appreciated the effort. She poured a glass for herself then glanced around, "Anyone else want vodka while I'm here?" to be polite.
Phobos	Into a garden chair, Alexander thumps. Settling in but mindful not to lean back considering the still somewhat /wet hand print/ on the back of his shirt. But he's got enough wherewithal to take up a bottle of beer and pulls the cap off with a faint /clink/ then sets it aside. He makes some motion to offer the beer to Nat but then sees she is likely busying herself with the vodka. "No thanks, I'm covered."     Which leaves him free to drink. So he does.     Only to catch sight of Bobbi's arrival. She's in turn given a raised beer wave as he lifts his voice. "Ms. Morse."
Mockingbird	To know about something, Bobbi had even seen photos of Yaozu's transformation, is not adequate preparation to see the changes in the flesh or the feather, as it were. Training and genuinely liking the agent help her keep any surprise from her face as she nods to him. "Hey!" She holds up a bottle of single-malt whiskey which she puts on the bar. "With this heat, I'm starting with a beer." She fishes one out of the ice opens it and salutes Alex. "Mr. Aaron," she says with mock gravity. "Next week for another apartment? I hope I can make it!"
Clint Barton	Of course, Clint notices Yaozu's transformation as well, and didn't mention it. He got THE look once from Skye, he's not chancing getting another one. Not to mention, he's seen all kinds of people over the years and, frankly, Yao kind of looks nice compared to some others. Helping himself with a large piece of meat lovers pizza, the archer takes a seat, "Yes Bobbi, we still have to clean the other appartment, then paint it," he says, "It's a bit... complicated. It's occupied. In a way." Chuckling, he glances over at Skye.
Skye Johnson	"If you are giving vodka out, and you really mean beer, sure!" Skye finally came up with Yao's tea. Tea delivered, she finds a pretty fair chair, and sits. "You know, it was smooth. If the other apartment goes as smoothly it won't be too bad."
Yaozu	There's a smile that results in the parting of his beak at Skye's words, and he gives a nod to her. "A mug is not a problem, Skye. Thank you, for bringing tea," Yaozu says softly. He doesn't really drink much in the way of alcohol, so he's grateful that tea is an option. His attention turns to Clint at the question asked, and he gives a small shake of his head. "Mm, no, nothing is wrong. I was listening," he says. Then he tilts his head to one side before giving a nod. "I will help, next weekend, if you need it," he adds. "It is a good cause for the apartment." His hazel gaze falls on Bobbi, and he gives a nod to her. "It is good to see you, Bobbi," he says softly. Interestingly, perhaps, he seems willing to let others help themselves to the food before he will.
Phobos	For a brief moment Alexander is pulling on the back and shoulder of his t-shirt as if trying to pull the bit of fabric around so he can survey the damage done by the cruel perfidy of he Black Widow. Eventually he's able to at least see part of it so crinkles his nose a touch at such a transgression then makes a small hrf of sound before he looks back towards Clint.     "I have a comms shift next weekend," Alex leans to the side on the chair, resting his elbow on the arm of it and holding his bottle casually in one hand. "But after it if you're still painting I can come by." The offer is made casually even as he glances around from face to face to face.     "Though..." He starts to ponder, "I could swap shifts with one of my friends."
Clint Barton	Clint hands over a pizza box and plate to Alex, feeling that only he and himself will be eating the meat lovers pizzas. "Hey, that'd be cool," he says, "But, hrm." He glances around at all the others, "Only those with an active rabies shot can help out. Unless we can catch the /squatters/ before, then there might be a lil' hunting to do before painting." There was indeed a reason why the door to this appartment was left closed.
Mockingbird	"Yaozu, good to see you, too," comes her prompt reply, warmth in her voice and smile. She is all too aware of the questions not asked which she'll save for another time. Bobbi's eyes widen as her stomach rumbles. She pats it and heads for the food table, "Just in time for the pizza, Clint. Thank you." After a swift perusal of the open boxes, she picks up a slice laden with onions, smoked buffalo mozzarella and kalamata olives. "Good choice," she mumbles around a bite. "How long did it take you to paint the first one?" She asks generally but watches Alex trying to look at the back of his shirt with an amused lift of her chin before taking another bite of pizza. Paper plate in hand, she grabs a vacant chair. "Um. Sorry? What? What do you mean, Clint?"
Yaozu	The avian tilts his head to one side, a bit distracted for a moment. Listening, perhaps. There are a great many sounds that come to the rooftop, after all, and his hearing is quite keen. "Your... occupants, they use a vent," Yaozu says quietly, looking to Clint and giving a small nod to him. He chose for himself a piece of the vegetarian pizza, and he takes a small bite before swallowing it. Birds don't have teeth, so there's no chewing that happens. There's a nod of thanks to Skye, when she brings the tea for him. "Thank you," he says softly, half bowing to her. He's quiet a moment, to have another bite of the pizza, and he gives a nod. "It did go smoothly," he agrees. Then he looks to Alex. "Perhaps Kelso will swap with you," he suggests, tilting his head a touch to one side. He turns his head to look to Bobbi, his feathery ear tufts lifting and turning slightly. "Amongst all of us, it did not take very long," he says, a thoughtful note to his voice.
Phobos	"Maybe, lately he's been a little more protective with his free time." Since Kelso having a girlfriend has dominated his off hours a bit more.     Accepting the slice and role of carnivore, Alexander takes the plate from Clint and nods a few times. There is a moment, however, when he glances toward Skye with a hint of curiousity. But whatever the thought may be it's kept to himself. Instead he busies himself with chomping on pizza and enjoying it for the time being.     Eventually he adds, "Rabies shots." As if that is a path of inquiry that deserves more attention. He looks around at the others to see their reactions to such a possibility, then returns his attention to Clint.
Skye Johnson	"What he means.." Skye really doesn't want to explain.. but.. "We found some racoons that had broken through the windows. And they weren't housebroken." Not at all. "Don't worry we are going to clean up before Saturday." As for the rabies shots, just how serious is he anyways?
Clint Barton	Slowly waving his hand, as if to wisk away the risks paused by the furry squatters, Clint laughs at the mention of the raccoons. Then he raises his eyebrow at the information provided by Yaozu, "Shit, the vent? And we thought they used the window. But hey, with the smell in there, I bet they broke it to get some fresh air." Yes, because there aren't only raccoons there, a full family, there are also droppings. "And it's packed to the ceiling with furniture. I mean, dang, we could open a Sally store!"
Mockingbird	Bobbi frowns faintly at what Yaozu alludes to but doesn't ask what he is referring to, unwilling to make the agent uncomfortable. She sits in silence, following the conversation, considering Yaozu. A self-depreciating smile lights Bobbi's face. "You all had me worried for a hot second. I was thinking were-wolves, vampire bats. You know. The usual. Raccoons, huh? Are they as bad as squirrels? Gnawing on cables and making a mess?"
Yaozu	There's a small nod given to Alex. "It is hard to say if it might appeal to him or not. If not for him, then perhaps it will work for another," he says, a thoughtful tone to his voice. "It would not hurt to post it to the trade board to see if anyone bites," he adds. He eats another bite or two of his slice of pizza, and after wiping his fingers on a napkin, he reaches to pick up his mug of tea to take a drink of it. He looks to Clint, and he gives a nod. "Mm, I can hear their claws on it," he says softly. Claws on metal are perhaps nearly as bad as fingernails on chalkboards. He finishes his slice of pizza, and then he wipes his fingers on a napkin before picking up his mug of tea again. His hazel gaze settles on Bobbi, and he gives a nod. "They can be messy and destructive. I have heard that they will nest in old furniture and have their young there, and that they can be quite... violent when they are cornered. They can get to be fairly large," he comments.
Phobos	For a moment Alex's lips part as if about to say something, some measure of words likely flitting to the fore of his thoughts a the mention of furniture and possibly their status of becoming... free furniture. Yet a moment after that thought flits into his mind another is rapidly on its tail which has the youthful Olympian take a bite of his piece of pizza to chase away any inkling that there might have been about him speaking.     Instead he chews and chews a bit more, then crinkles his nose a little. He looks around at the others and lets his pale hazel-eyed gaze wander from face to face before he murmurs a single word of judgment. "Gross."     About the raccoons.     Cuz they are.
Clint Barton	Clint listens to both Yaozu's and Alex's description of the raccoons, and nods in agreement. These cute pests can do serious damage too. The good thing is, they were limited to one room only. "Yes, they can be kind of agressive, especially when cornered... or evicted! I might call the exterminators. Or send Skye on a suicide mission." He then finished his soda, before adding, "And yes, they can be quite large, cuz their diet is trash."
Mockingbird	"I had no idea that raccoons were a problem in the City. I've heard some cities are getting coyotes and there are the red-tailed hawks that people are sighting downtown. Squirrels, of course, rats with bushy tails." She takes a swig of beer, balancing it on her knee. "Animals in the ducts, are kind of gross," she nods agreement to the young agent. "Brooklyn is a bit rural for New York?" She offers with a smiling shrug.
Skye Johnson	"Clint!" Skye was aghast even as she laughed. "Somebody come to my aid!"
Mockingbird	"Mr. Aaron will help you!" Bobbi says, fixing him with a mysterious smile.
Yaozu	There's a nod given to Alex at his assessment of raccoons. They can be pretty gross, and he's not going to argue that. "They are that, yes," he affirms. Then he takes a drink of his tea. "A live trap would work, if you simply wished to have them gone. You could return them to the forest. Corn would work as bait, or any kind of meat scraps," he says. "They are omnivorous. They tend to be a problem in many cities of high population," he comments. Yaozu takes a drink of his tea as he looks towards Skye, and he gives a soft chuckle. "You would not be made to face them alone," he says, inclining his head towards her. He shifts his mug to hold it only in one hand, and then he lifts his free hand to lightly and easily pull the elastic from out of his hair, setting it free again.
Clint Barton	"Hey, now, waitaminit! Geez Louise, can't joke anymore?" he laughs at that, "I'll let you all know, that I did protect her when we found them," he says in his defence. "Very good advice, Yao. Trap, yes, that could work. And if not, then the experts. I don't plan on killing them." He then reaches for another piece of pizza, shaking his head. "You know my luck, Bobbi. Would there be but one danged raccoon in Brooklyn, it'd be here."
Phobos	Alexander tilts his head and looks one way, then the other, then back toward Skye again. He bites his lower lip to hide a bit of a smile, only to have him set upon by Mockingbird's delegation of duty. "This sounds like a job for a man of vision, a man of duty, a man willing to risk his life for the greater good and of great courage to face such creatures as will be set upon them upon breaching the barriers in search of saving the wayward Agent Johnson."     His voice has dropped low, some grim portent clearly in the tone as he then murmurs. "Alas. I am not such a man."     Poor Skye, left to the tender mercies of the raccoons.
Mockingbird	Bobbi barely muffles a giggle at Alex's comical denial. "Smarty pants, she murmurs, shaking her head. "I like the sound of a live trap. I don't fancy having to kill one."