Chapter 3
They spent the rest of the day searching for activities in Perth, then retiring to the bedroom for more honeymoon-appropriate activities.
The following day, the couple woke up early, ensuring everything was packed before making their way to a small coffee shop. After grabbing some coffee and pastries, Clint called to have a taxi pick them up and take them to the airport. They made it through security without any issues (again) and quickly found their seats. Curling up next to Clint, Mikayla finally spoke. "I'm guessing paid for by Tony?"
"Oh, I'm sure. We will have a couple of layovers, a couple hours in Amsterdam, and a couple in Dubai."
"Any issues for you in either of those locations?"
Clint shook his head. "Nope, especially since SHIELD never flew out of the airports. I figure the layovers will give us time to stretch our legs. I'm sorry we won't be able to be true tourists."
"That's okay. We're together, and that's the important part."
Clint kissed her temple. "Exactly. Once we take off, get some rest. I'll wake you when the food shows up." Mikayla nodded. After the flight attendant made the announcements and the plane was in the air, Clint put his arm around Mikayla, allowing her to stretch out and rest while he kept watch. As she slept, Clint regretted not taking her to the volcano. He knew Mikayla would've loved it. He was happy she got to see the light show, though. He was also glad he had someone with him to view the skies this time. He dozed off thinking about Perth and possibly doing nothing but spending their entire stay in the house.
They spent the layovers in Amsterdam and Dubai, walking around the airports and grabbing food. Even though they were traveling first class, airplane grub was still airplane grub. Before he knew it, they were landing in Perth. Mikayla stirred and looked out the window. "Not a cloud in the sky," she said, smiling at Clint.
"I'll take that as a good sign." Clint took their bags from the overhead compartment and held Mikayla's hand as they went down the steps. He glanced at his phone, looking at the address Natasha had texted him, noting a car would be waiting for them. "Hey, look who's here to pick us up." Clint pointed to the black sedan.
"Happy!" Mikayla exclaimed, dropping Clint's hand and running toward Tony's head of security.
"Hey, Mikayla." Happy smiled, wrapping his arms around her. "It's good to see you."
"We didn't take you away from anything, did we?" Mikayla asked as she stepped away from Happy, allowing him room to shake Clint's hand.
"Nope, things are slow, so it was no problem." Happy opened the trunk, allowing Clint to load their bags. "Friday is, of course, monitoring the house but not recording anything."
"So, you're saying, what happens in Perth, stays in Perth?" Mikayla joked.
"Exactly." The trio buckled in, and Happy drove them to the house. He pulled into the driveway, and it settled something in Clint to see the security gate across the expansive driveway. "Friday will get you the passcode." The gate opened, and Happy pulled up to the house. It was a ranch-style house with an oversized garage, a driveway made of brick, and a group of small bushes in the front yard. The house was brick, with the garage door and trim painted in a burnt red color. Happy pushed a button, opened the garage door, and drove the sedan into the garage, the door shutting once the engine was turned off. The trio exited the vehicle, with Clint and Happy bringing in the suitcases. The garage opened into a foyer, a galley-style kitchen on the left, a large open-concept combination living room/dining room on the right, and a gas fireplace against one of the walls. Mikayla went directly to the back wall, looking out the sliding glass door onto a covered lanai, a wrought iron table, chairs, and a gas grill visible. The patio ran the length of the house, Mikayla expecting nothing less from Tony. She heard Clint and Happy's approaching footsteps. Clint walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, propping his chin on her shoulder, Happy standing behind him in the living room. "I gave Clint the keys. Just give me a text when you're ready to leave. I got a message from Tony wanting me to check out some business opportunities in Fremantle, so I'll hang out there. There should be enough food for a month or so." Happy clasped Clint's shoulder, then Mikayla's. "I'll head out. Enjoy the rest of your honeymoon."
"Thanks, Happy," the couple said in unison.
"Come with me," Clint said, taking Mikayla's hand. "I'll give you the tour." Clint walked her through the five bedrooms, two bedrooms, and two living areas. They ended up in the master bedroom, sparsely furnished with a queen-sized bed and two metal nightstands, each with a lamp. The window to the left looked out over the beach, and there was a master bathroom on the right side. "Remind you of anything?"
Mikayla smiled. "It's like the shower Tony made for me at home."
"I knew you'd appreciate that." Clint drew her close. "What say we break it in?
"Why, Mr. Barton? I thought you'd never ask." Mikayla squealed as Clint picked her up and carried her bridal style into the bathroom, then later to the bed.
After taking the rest of the day to recover from the jet lag, Clint brought up the list of things he'd researched to do in Perth. He pulled out his phone and shared the list with Mikayla. "What sounds good, babe?"
Mikayla took the phone and looked over the list. "What about visiting a winery? We were going to do that once before, but it was booked."
Clint nodded, remembering the Long Island trip and the horseback riding on the beach. "Sure, let's see what we can find."
They did some searching and pointed out one. "You can get pictures with the animals. I doubt anyone here has heard of you, so I think it'll be okay. I'll be sure to grab ballcaps and sunglasses for us."
Clint looked over at her, knowing there was no way he could refuse her anything. "Sure, let's call ahead, make sure they're open." They were indeed open, so Clint found the keys to the car parked in the garage, plugged the address into the GPS, and the couple drove to the winery.
Several hours later, after stopping off for a meal, they returned to the house, owners of several bottles of wine. "I can't believe they let us use photos to put on the wine labels." Mikayla chuckled as she looked at the bottle they got for Tony and Pepper. "I think they'll love Howard the duck, don't you?" The winery had several animals patrons could have their pictures taken with, and Mikayla couldn't resist the duck. "Now that's what I call a set of duck lips," she joked. "That's definitely better than the people that pose like that in photos."
"I don't know," Clint said, wrapping his arms around her, holding a bottle of wine in his left hand, "I think this is my favorite bottle."
Mikayla looked down and saw the bottle with their picture on the label. Clint had talked about how relaxed she looked in the photo. "Why wouldn't I be?" She'd said to him. "I'm with you, so I'm safe, and there's nowhere else I'd rather be." The proprietor snapped the photo, and with the sun behind them, Clint swore she resembled an angel, the light from the sun surrounding her like a halo. Mikayla, of course, had to ruin the image by turning around and tickling him, stopping when he agreed to put that photo on another bottle.
That evening they went to a small bar housed in an old flour mill. The bar was known for its gin collection, so Clint ordered a gin and tonic while Mikayla had a vodka collins. He took a sip of his mixed drink. "Your uncle introduced me to cocktails. I was used to drinking the cheapest booze I could find, or none at all, knowing what alcohol did to my dad." Mikayla shivered, thinking about what his father had put him through, wishing she could go back and punish his dad for his actions, but she and Clint had had many conversations about that, so she tamped down her anger and continued listening to him. "When I had to start going on missions that required more of an up-close and personal touch, usually as Nat's escort or date, C had to teach me how to act like I belonged." Clint chuckled. "I figured if I pretended like I was James Bond, I wouldn't have any problem. C didn't see it that way and slapped me upside the head, letting me know the enemy wouldn't fall for that. Plus, that wasn't the way the spy game was played."
"Now I know why listening to you and N critique Bond movies sounds so familiar. Uncle P used to mutter the same things when he thought I wasn't listening. I never knew why he'd talk to himself, and now I do." Mikayla looked over at Clint. "He'd be proud of both of us, you know."
Clint nodded. "Yeah. I still can't believe he and F talked about us being together." He reached across the table and linked his fingers with hers. "Now, look at us. Mr. and Mrs." Clint lifted her hand and kissed the back of it.
"You've come a long way since that reckless kid he first knew, and I've come a long way from the gangly teenager he let move in with him."
Clint shook his head. "That's it. We're getting too sentimental. I think that means it's time to dance." He stood, holding out his hand. Mikayla took it, and he led them to the dance floor, spending the next while dancing to a mixture of fast and slow songs. Clint wrapped his arm around Mikayla's waist during one song and pulled her to him. "Ready to go, babe?"
"Yep." Clint clasped her hand as they went to the car and drove home.
The following day, Mikayla woke up first, so she went to the kitchen and fixed breakfast. Clint woke up to the smell of fresh coffee, so he threw on some boxer briefs and followed the scene to the kitchen. "Morning, Clint. Breakfast is on the table." She gently shoved him toward the dining room table. "Your coffee's over there, got you the biggest mug I could find."
"Aw, coffee, yes." Clint sank into the chair and inhaled the contents of the mug. "The elixir of life."
Mikayla appeared with the coffee pot and refilled it. "Don't forget you need something other than coffee. We're going to see the quokkas today."
"The what?" Clint thought it was too early in the day to start throwing strange terms at him.
"The quokkas. Those cute, little, furry animals on the island? The ones mentioned in the brochure at the winery?"
"Oh, yeah, those."
"Don't worry," Mikayla said, ruffling his hair, "I'll reward you handsomely, RH."
"Oh?" Clint reached out, grabbed her, and pulled her into his lap, "I think we can start your payback now." He stood up, so Mikayla wrapped her arms around him and allowed herself to be carried back to the bedroom, knowing the breakfast dishes could wait.
Later, they took the ferry over to Rottnest Island, then rented a couple of bicycles to travel around. The couple parked them in a designated area and went to the beach, noting a few other couples and several families doing the same thing. As Clint looked around, he thought he might be able to get used to being an ordinary citizen, but that thought went away as he realized he was analyzing everyone, seeing if they were a threat. "Once a spy, always a spy," Mikayla whispered.
"I must not be a good one if you noticed," Clint said under his breath.
Mikayla squeezed his hand. "Please. I only noticed because I was trained by two of the best, three if you throw my uncle into the mix. Besides, I feel safer knowing you're looking out for us. I've been watching, but not as diligent as you have been."
"I've been doing this a lot longer."
"Good point." The couple continued walking in silence until Clint swore he heard tiny footsteps following them. He turned around to find a small, brown animal following them. "Uh, babe, think a quokka found us."
Mikayla knelt as the furry animal looked up at her. "Look, they do smile. I'm naming him Thor."
Clint chuckled. "They do have the same smile." He pulled out his phone and snapped a few pictures, allowing Mikayla to do the same as he posed with their new friend. "You're right. They're cute."
"I'm an expert on knowing what's cute. I've always thought you were adorable." Mikayla leaned over to whisper in his ear. "And don't forget sexy."
"Ditto, babe." Clint looked at his watch. "Come on. It's almost time for the ferry to go see the whales." They jogged back down the beach to catch the ferry for the humpback whale tour.
When they returned to the house, Mikayla looked through the pantries and fridge, finding some chicken and vegetables to cook while Clint took a shower. He returned, having changed into a t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants. "Chicken's in the oven roasting."
"I'll keep an eye on it. Go ahead and take a shower." Mikayla nodded and left. Clint thought about the past few days, how much more relaxed Mikayla was, and how much being in the sun was helping her to look healthier. She was finally gaining weight back after her ordeals over the past several months. Keeping her on this healing path was his number one goal. Soon, he heard the timer go off, so he went to the kitchen and took the chicken out of the oven, allowing it to cool for a bit before slicing it. When he finished cutting it and moving it to a serving plate, he quickly stirred the vegetables and then transferred them to a bowl. He poured them some iced tea and brought everything to the table. Upon hearing her footsteps, he turned around as she entered the room, running a towel through her hair. She'd changed into one of Clint's SHIELD shirts and pajama pants. "Good timing." She flung the towel over the back of one of the dining room chairs, then sat down, and the couple ate, talking about their expeditions that day. Once they were done and the food had been put away, Clint started the gas fireplace and turned the television on, finding, of all things, a James Bond marathon. Mikayla curled up next to him, and the couple stayed that way until Mikayla fell asleep. Clint carried her to bed, then joined her as they slept through the night.
During the next couple of weeks, Clint and Mikayla spent a lot of time on the private beach, the sun continuing to do wonders for Mikayla. One evening, she looked over at him. "Clint? Are you ready to head back home? I think I'm getting a little restless."
Clint smiled. "Yeah, I am. I think we've done everything there is to do here. I'll send Happy a text, then book us plane tickets."
"No need to buy tickets," Happy texted back. "I've got the Stark jet at Fremantle airport. I'll be by in the morning."
Mikayla addressed Friday. "Well, that was easy," Mikayla said, "and we didn't even have to utilize Friday. I hope you didn't mind."
"Not at all, Agent Mikayla. It was my pleasure not to have to be of service to you, though I look forward to seeing you back at home."
"Aw, missed you, too, Friday." Mikayla kissed Clint on the cheek. "See, I told you she loves me."
"No need to feel jealous, Agent Barton. I like you, too."
"Back at you, Friday."
After one last moonlight stroll on the beach, Clint and Mikayla went to clean and pack so they'd be ready for Happy the following day.
Time seemed to fly by on the trip back. Upon arriving in New York, the travelers went straight to the tower. Clint and Happy carried in the luggage and purchases from the trip. When the elevator dinged, Nat's voice could be heard above everyone else's. "About time you slackers got home."
"Love you, too, Nat," Mikayla said as Clint and Happy set down the luggage; then, Happy went to Tony's lab to update him on the business trip.
"Welcome home, M!" Misty ran over to her and swung her around in a giant bear hug. "You look amazing!"
"Thanks. It started rough, but I wouldn't expect any less from either of us."
"Lady Mikayla! Master Barton!" Thor came bounding over to them, resembling a golden retriever puppy. "Welcome home, my friends." He gently enveloped them in a giant bear hug, then stepped back to look over Mikayla. "Your vacation has served you well. The color is back in your cheeks, and your eyes are full of life."
"We're glad to be home, Thor. We've got presents for everyone, so have a seat, and we'll be right back." He bowed and returned to the couch.
As Thor returned to the group, Clint went to the bedroom and returned with the gifts, helping Mikayla hand them out. In time for Clint to hand him a bag, Tony emerged from the lab. "For me? Aww, Barton, you shouldn't have. Legolas, what the hell is this?"
"It's a laser pointer."
"Shaped like a penis!" Tony shrieked. Clint kept a straight face while Mikayla hid her smirk behind her hands.
"What? You don't like it?"
"It's shaped like a, like a"
"Yes, Tony, I know what it's shaped like. I've got pictures from the museum if you'd like to see them."
"Nope, I'm good."
Similar shrieks and inquiries could be heard coming from the sitting area. Clint and Mikayla grinned as they watched their friends discover the different gifts, everything from key chains to weapons to joysticks. The couple chuckled as they watched the different expressions cross Steve's face as he tried to figure out exactly how to hold the penis-shaped art pencil.