Finding The 4077th

Playing Ball

"What? Schoolwork is important." Hawkeye said. He knew his kid was getting pissed, and that's what he was going for. If normal talking wouldn't help, then he just irritates the boy till he becomes so angry he blows his fuse. He remembered himself as a kid, too stubborn for his own good. His dad would do the same, until he would explode and start yelling. Telling what's making him upset.

Chris groaned loudly in frustration, but didn't argue any further. He'd learned not to argue with his father when he had that look on his face. 

"Well, did you do your schoolwork or do I need to check." Hawkeye said he knew Chris's schoolwork was good, but he needed some kind of reaction from the boy.

Chris ignored him, this was stupid. His dad knew his work was finished.

"Christopher!" Hawkeye tried again.

"Yes! So don't snap your c-cap and leave me alone!" Chris snapped as he threw his comic to the side and crossed his arms. Angry tears threatened to appear but he wiped them away. He was so angry but he was also getting very scared. He just raised his voice a bit and there was always that fear that someone could get very mad and hurt him, if he was being too noisy. Not his dad, he trusted his dad. But that fear remained. He noticed that he started to tremble a bit and tried to keep his hands steady.

"Excuse me? What did you say? " Hawkeye asked, he was a bit shocked at the little outburst. He was relieved with any type of reaction but to see his kid throw something out of anger was a first.

Chris gulped and couldn't look at his dad, the tone of his dad's voice told him he probably went too far with his rudeness. His hands started to get clammy and his tremble got worse.

" Come here, please." Hawkeye said gently but seriously.

Chris sighed as he got up, he wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans before walking over to his dad.

His dad positioned him standing between his legs. Chris sniffled and wiped his eyes as dread filled him. He didn't want to be punished, and this position wasn't a good sign.

Hawkeye tapped the boy's chin, to request eye contact. Chris looked up, worry and sadness gleaming in his eyes.

"Care to repeat that? " Hawkeye asked.

Chris shook his head, "N-no, Sir," he looked up at his dad, who didn't look too angry. "I-I'm sorry" Chris added softly.

"You should feel sorry, " Hawkeye said as he playfully poked the boy in his side. Making Chris jump up, but smile.

"I mean, that was rude." Hawkeye said grinning as he poked again.

Chris giggled and tried to step away, but his dad poked and tickled him back into position. Making Chris giggle louder.

"Rude, but funny. I've never seen you throw anything." Hawkeye said. His kid was a little neat freak sometimes. So it was special to see him throw something. Hawkeye knew he should be stern about this behavior if Chris was a normal kid, but he knew his kid was terrified still about him making too much noise and he wanted to show Chris that there's nothing to be afraid of.

Chris looked a bit shocked, "My comic!" he squeaked before he ran to the comic he threw to look it over.

"Hey, you wanna play ball later? " Hawkeye asked, he thought he broke the ice a little, so maybe Chris would agree.

Chris's head shot up as he looked thoughtfully. He was still angry and probably should say no, but he had missed his dad a lot. That tickling was fun. He quickly nodded yes, and then grinned at his dad.

"Yeah?" Hawkeye said, looking down at his kid with a grin.

"I want to play, Dad! Can we go right now? " The small voice sounded excited and Hawkeye's heart swelled when he saw the boy smile. It was so much better than when it had been before, and it filled his heart with hope.