Holding On (or, 5 times Phil had no idea what to make of Clint’s behavior, and 1 time he finally figured it out)

Sometimes, it takes a near-death experience to realize what someone means to you, even if you don't realize you realize it.

So, waaaaaay back, last January, I actioned a fic (for a donation to a human rights organization) and 3White_Mage3 started things off with an awesome opening bid. They didn't end up winning, but made a donation anyway and so I said I wanted to write them a fic, too. Only a year later (ducks head in shame), I'm finally posting the first chapter.Thanks so much to 3WM3, who's been infinitely patient while I work on other fic. I'm soooo sorry for the long wait! They asked for Clint/Coulson with exasperated Nick; fondly amused but mildly disconcerted Phil; and Clint, who's just trying to hold on. And nothing sad, because the world has too much sadness in it already. I couldn't agree more!Because I'm me, this starts off a little angsty - because apparently I'm physically incapable of sitting at my computer and writing fic that doesn't have a t least A LITTLE angst - but it won't last, I promise! Thanks to JD45, who slapped me around and gave me valuable feedback on this fic.