Chapter 2
The following morning, a sliver of the sun coming through the bedroom blinds struck Mikayla straight in the eyes, causing her to stir. Moaning, she reached over and, not surprisingly, discovered cold sheets instead of the warm body of her husband. Mikayla still felt like she was living in a dream. Here she was, simple Mikayla Fitzgerald, now Barton, staying in a house in freaking Iceland on the first leg of her honeymoon. "Honeymoon. I still think I'm living in a dream."
"I can pinch you if you'd like." Mikayla looked up to find Clint entering the bedroom, carrying a tray with her breakfast of various pastries and a large cup of coffee. "I wanted to make sure you got some sleep. We're off to see the northern lights tonight." Clint sat the tray down on the nightstand. "Good morning, Mrs. Barton."
"Good morning, Mr. Barton. Please don't ever stop saying that. It sounds so, so right."
"Your wish is my command, Mrs. Barton." Clint leaned in and kissed her. "You were able to get some sleep, weren't you?"
Mikayla nodded. "I did." Clint watched as she sat up and stretched her arms over her head, Mikayla catching him out of the corner of her eye. "What?" She reached over and grabbed a muffin from the tray.
"It still amazes me that a sexy, gorgeous woman would choose to spend the rest of their life with me, an ex-carnie, a man who fights with a paleolithic weapon while surrounded by gods and superheroes."
Mikayla reached over and took his hand. "Then you wouldn't be the man who caused me to fall hopelessly in love with him. Clint, trust me, there's no one on this earth or any other world I want. It's you, and it will always be you."
Clint smirked, then growled. "Damn, I'm so glad you're mine." The breakfast tray was moved to the nightstand, and the breakfast and coffee were forgotten.
Later, after showering and getting dressed, Mikayla turned to Clint. "What are the plans for today?"
"I thought we'd take it easy and walk around the city, then look at the northern lights. They're something everyone should see at least once in their lifetime." Clint kissed her temple. "Sound like a plan?"
"Sounds like a plan." The two left the house and headed into the city. Keeping an eye on their surroundings, Clint steered Mikayla toward various food trucks and shopping areas. He swore he wouldn't let his guard down, even if he were on his honeymoon. At one point, he swore he caught a glimpse of Redwing and wouldn't put it past Nat to arrange something. "Could we maybe try something other than herring?" Mikayla asked. "I never knew there were so many ways to serve it."
Clint chuckled. "It is a big seller here. Don't worry. I've got more planned."
Mikayla breathed a sigh of relief. "Whew." She spotted a food truck serving everything but herring. "Let's go there." Mikayla dragged him over, and they got some dried cod, then sat on a bench. "This is surprisingly pretty delicious, definitely tastier than the herring."
Clint agreed. "I've got something in store for dessert." Clint led her over to a small café and had her sit down at a round table. "Be right back." He kissed her and then went to the counter, returning with two bowls of ice cream. "Let me know what you think."
Mikayla tried a spoonful and moaned. "This is the best! Please tell me it's not herring ice cream. That would break my heart."
"Nope, rye bread ice cream."
"Oh, I am looking up the recipe when we get home. I don't think it'll save well on the journey back."
"It definitely won't." Clint finished his bowl. "Ready to walk it off?" Mikayla nodded, so Clint took their bowls and put them in a bin with other dirty dishes. As they left, he turned around, looked up, and froze.
"Clint? What is it? Is there someone here?" Mikayla looked around frantically but didn't see anyone who looked like they shouldn't be there. She followed Clint's eyes and realized what it was. "Clint, he's not here." Mikayla figured he hadn't even noticed the name of the café when they entered. "Clint, look at me. He's not here. You're with me, your wife, and we're on our honeymoon. Look at my eyes. Focus on me." Mikayla put her hands on his shoulders. Immediately, Clint grabbed her right arm and twisted, shoving her to the ground. "Ow, Clint! You're hurting me! Stop! Loki's not here!"
After several minutes of holding Mikayla down, her screams finally broke through his foggy brain. Looking down, Clint realized he had pinned his wife to the pavement. Thankfully, no witnesses had hung around. "Mikayla? Babe?" He heard her whimpering. "Oh, my God, Mikayla. Can you stand?" His wife nodded, so Clint helped her up, her legs shaking so much he took most of her weight as they went over to a bench. "How bad?"
Mikayla grit her teeth, trying to hide the pain. "I'm fine."
"Like hell you are, Mikayla. I can see you grimacing. I am so sorry." Clint stepped back and turned away from her. "I hurt you. God, Mikayla. Can you forgive me?"
"Of course." Mikayla's voice was shaky. "You didn't mean it. You saw his name and had a panic attack. Clint?" She reached out for him. "I broke your nose, remember? And I was in my right mind, so I had no excuse. Please, turn around and look at me." Clint couldn't resist her pleading, so he slowly turned around. Mikayla held her right arm against her chest, her left arm still stretched out to him. He slowly made his way back to his wife. "It's not dislocated, just extremely sore. All I need are a few pain pills and you." Mikayla managed a shy smile. "You've helped me through endless numbers of nightmares and panic attacks, and I've been there through your nightmares. Let me help you through this attack, okay?"
Clint sat down next to her. "Okay, deal."
Mikayla's smile spread across her face. "Good." She leaned over and kissed him. "Let's go back to the house, and we'll take it easy until this evening."
"Sounds like a plan." Clint stood, held out his hand until Mikayla took it, and stood as well; then the couple went back to the house, spending the rest of the day lazing around, watching movies until it was time to head out to see the northern lights.
Mikayla followed Clint to a spot he'd picked out. They made themselves comfortable among the other spectators. Once the light show started, she leaned against Clint while looking up at the night sky and the spectacular colors of lights crossing the sky. Clint put his arm around Mikayla, carefully avoiding her right arm in a sling to ensure no additional damage other than a slight sprain. "Warm enough?" Clint whispered.
"With you here? Yes." Mikayla sighed. "This is amazing, Clint. I've never seen anything like it."
Clint kissed her temple and then took her left hand. "They're still not as stunning as you." Clint knew Mikayla still had trouble believing she was beautiful. Her confidence was in her computer technical abilities; everything else she doubted consistently. That had become evident after Barney kidnapped her. They were still dealing with triggers from that, along with the aftereffects of having their memories played with. Thinking of all of that gave Clint an idea. He pulled out his phone and checked something, then smiled.
"Everything okay?" Mikayla asked. "Please don't tell me there's a mission."
Clint patted her hand. "Nope, no mission. I was researching something." He slid his phone back into his pocket. After the show was over, Clint turned to Mikayla. "Well?" He helped her up.
"You were right. I can't think of any words to describe it." Mikayla yawned.
"Time to get you back to the house and off to bed."
Mikayla sighed. "I know. I was hoping that my days of getting tired quickly were over."
"They will be." Clint walked her back to their car, made sure she was settled and buckled in, then drove them back to the house. Mikayla fell asleep on the trip, so he carried her in and put her to bed when they arrived. He kissed her and then went into the living room to unwind, joining her about an hour later.
"Morning." when Clint woke up the next day, he woke up missing Mikayla's presence. He listened but didn't hear her moving around, so he got up, threw on a bathrobe, and went to look for her. He found her sitting on the back patio, cradling a steaming mug of coffee.
Mikayla turned around, wincing. "Hey."
"You're up early. Everything okay?" Clint sat beside her, noticing a cup of coffee waiting for him.
Mikayla nodded. "Just enjoying the quiet."
Clint took a sip of his coffee. "I can always go back to bed."
She reached over, placing a hand on his forearm. "No need to do that unless I get to join you."
He smirked. "Arm must be feeling better."
"Still sore, but I'll manage. Super serum, remember?"
Clint gulped down his coffee. "We'll start with a massage."
"I thought you'd never suggest that." Mikayla finished her coffee, and then the couple went back to bed.
After bathing and eating breakfast, the couple sat in the living room. "What's on the docket for today, Clint?"
"I thought we'd check out some museums. Take it easy."
"Lead on, McBarton."
Clint groaned. "That was bad."
"Made you smile, though." Mikayla leaned over and kissed him. Clint then stood and grabbed the car keys, leading her out to the car. "How many museums are we going to?"
"We'll start with a couple and go from there." Clint tapped the steering wheel as he drove to the first museum. Mikayla spent the trip watching the scenery as they passed, taking in the sights. Never in her wildest dreams did she ever picture herself visiting Iceland, especially on her honeymoon. She was so focused on the views of the surrounding nature that Mikayla failed to notice the museum's name, which had been Clint's plan. "We're here."
Mikayla nodded, getting out of the vehicle. Clint paid the admission, and Mikayla's jaw dropped as soon as they entered. "Clint? Where the hell have you taken me?" He shoved a brochure into her hands and smirked. Mikayla glanced down at it. "The Icelandic Phallological Museum! Why am I not surprised? Tony's suggestion?"
Clint chuckled. "Nope. I was flipping through channels a few months ago and caught a documentary about it. Did you know there's someone in California who's offered his, uh, member to the museum? He even went so far as to get the American flag tattooed on it." Clint winced a bit when telling the story.
"Well, I guess it was either that or Cap's shield."
Clint groaned. "Great. Now I'm going to have to scrub that image from my brain." Once they got over the initial shock, the couple made their way around the museum, which ended up being highly interesting and informational. "Please tell me you picked up souvenirs."
"How could I not?" Mikayla held up a shopping bag. "I mean, everyone should have a penis-shaped joystick, don't you think?"
"You're evil, Mrs. Barton, and I love it."
"It's part of my charm. Where to next?"
"Nothing as exciting as this one. I thought we'd go to the National Museum of Iceland. I know how much you like history."
"Sounds interesting. Let's go."
"As you wish, my lady." The two chuckled, making their way to the next museum. As Clint pulled up, a rainstorm struck. He quickly looked at Mikayla, who gripped the door handle so tightly that Clint thought it would break. He put the car in drive and sped back to the house. Once the vehicle was in park, he jumped out, threw open Mikayla's door, grabbed her, and carried her inside. "Mikayla, babe, I'm here." Clint sat her on the couch, knelt in front of her, and began rubbing her temples. "It's fine. You've got this. You're safe. Focus on me and my breathing." Clint took one of her hands and placed it over his chest. "Feel my heartbeat, Mikayla." He could tell the moment she came back to herself. Her eyes became less glassy, and her breathing slowed to match his. "Back with me?" Mikayla nodded. "Good." Clint sat next to her and pulled her to him. "I checked the weather earlier, and it didn't say anything about rain. I'm sorry, Mikayla."
"Can't control the weather, Clint," Mikayla said, voice barely above a whisper.
"I wish I could." Clint kissed the top of her head.
Mikayla wrapped her arms around Clint's waist. "I ruined our honeymoon."
Clint pulled her away from him, making it easier to look her in the eyes. "Hey, look at me. No, you didn't. I think we're even on meltdowns." He brought Mikayla back to him and stroked her hair. "I think we're due a slight change of plans. You okay?" Mikayla nodded again. "Let me make a call. I have an idea." Clint kissed her temple and stepped into the bedroom.
"Why the hell are you calling me on your honeymoon?" Natasha immediately answered.
"Meltdowns."
"Oh, no." Natasha sat down in the gym, having just finished a workout. "Bad?"
"Not sure whose was worse."
"Clint? Do I need to come and get you two?"
"Nah." Clint filled her in about Cafe Loki and the storm. "Can you check the weather forecasts? I need a place to take her where it's not likely to rain."
"Give me a sec. Let me get back to my room." The two friends chatted as Natasha took the elevator back to her suite. "Okay, I've got my tablet out. Searching for somewhere with clear skies. Got it. Australia."
"Damn, one of the few places I don't have a safe house. You?"
"Nope. Let me do some checking. I'll call you back in a few." True to her word, Natasha called him back fifteen minutes later. "Perth. Tony's got a, as he terms it, hidey-hole on a private beach. He'll make sure it's well-stocked for you. I booked you two on a flight, leaves in the morning, same names." Natasha gave him the flight details.
"Thanks, Tasha."
"We're good here. Enjoy your trip. Did you take her?"
Clint smiled. "I did. She had a blast. We're bringing back presents for everyone."
"Thanks in advance, Barton."
"Later, Nat." Clint put his phone back in his pocket and returned to the living room, finding Mikayla curled up on the couch watching TV. "Well, looks like we'll both be having a new experience."
"Oh?" Mikayla ran her hands up and down her legs before stretching them out, tucking her toes underneath Clint's thighs.
"Australia. We're staying on a private beach."
Mikayla shook her head. "I'll say it again. Exactly how many houses does Tony have? I knew you don't have a safe house there, and I don't think Nat would have one on a private beach."
"It pays to have rich friends."
"When are we leaving?"
"In the morning. It's about a 21-hour flight. We can do some research this evening, find things to do."