Chapter 24
"Good news?" Mikayla asked as she stepped into Clint's room.
"Healing as expected," Bruce said. "He's sleeping now."
"It's called inspecting the insides of my eyelids, Bruce," Clint murmured.
Mikayla shook her head as she chuckled. "I see they left the sarcasm gene intact, which is good. I wouldn't know what to expect from a non-sarcastic Clint Barton."
"Less talking, more snuggling." Without opening his eyes, Clint lifted the sheet. Bruce shook his head and smiled as Mikayla slipped off her shoes and climbed into bed with Clint. Once she settled in with her back to Clint's chest, Clint lowered the sheet and wrapped his arm around her. "Later, Doc." Bruce nodded and waved, quietly leaving the room after asking Friday to turn down the lights.
Once the door closed, Mikayla slowly and gently turned to face Clint. "Hey," she whispered, afraid if she spoke any louder, it would break the spell, and she'd discover HYDRA was still holding Clint.
"Hey," Clint's voice was scratchy, and he sounded exhausted but still had enough energy to stroke Mikayla's face. As soon as he touched her, it was as if something in Mikayla had broken. She started sobbing, almost as a release. Clint knew precisely how she was feeling. He knew if he wasn't so drained, he might start crying, too. "I'm here. I've got you." Clint rubbed Mikayla's back and held her, letting her cry even after his shirt was thoroughly drenched. When she started gasping to catch her breath, he put a finger under her chin and lifted her head to look at her face. "You with me?" Mikayla nodded, seemingly drained from her crying episode. "You're still the most beautiful sight I've ever seen."
Mikayla moved even closer to her husband. "I thought – "
"Shhh," Clint placed an index finger over her lips. "Not focusing on that. We're here together, and that's what matters." Mikayla nodded, then Clint leaned in and softly kissed her. "I took your advice."
"About what?"
"The chair. When they tried to make me forget, I repeated your name, focused on you. There was a brief moment when I thought they had won. I, I forgot your name." The couple held each other a little tighter. "Then memories came rushing back, and I knew they wouldn't win."
"And now the bastards are gone."
Clint nodded. "They're gone." He didn't want to admit they seemed like cockroaches: when you think they're gone, they reappear. Clint wondered if the world would truly ever be rid of HYDRA. He knew there would always be people and organizations like theirs, wanting to reinvent the wheel, who think they can mold people into what they want them to be, taking away others' free will and replacing it with something evil. Clint knew that was one of the reasons the Avengers were around: to make sure good would overcome evil in the long run and, in the process, help to clear ledgers of people like him and Natasha. 'Enough with thinking about those assholes. I will focus on what's right here in front of me.' After making sure Mikayla was asleep, he allowed himself to drift off, hopefully to dreams filled with nothing but the love of his life.
Clint woke up the next morning a little foggy but clear-headed enough to recognize where he was. First, he heard monitors beeping, saw the headache-inducing fluorescent overhead lights, and smelled the unmistakable scent of antiseptic. He groaned as he stretched his arms and swore he felt each vertebra snap, crackle, and pop. "Damn, old man." Clint turned his head and saw Natasha sitting in the chair, holding a steaming cup of what he hoped was coffee. "Forget it, Barton. It's hot tea. You get water."
"Coffee has water as an ingredient," Clint attempted to reason with Natasha. He knew it was a lost cause, but it was their routine after years of working together.
"Down, boy." Natasha sipped from the styrofoam cup.
"Fine," Clint huffed. "Where's Mikayla?"
"She went to change clothes. She was still in her outfit from the mission." She took another sip. "Sure you don't want some delicious and nutritious water?" Natasha motioned to the table next to the bed.
"If it's that or nothing, I'll take it. I can pretend it's coffee."
"That's my boy," Natasha patted his hand, then moved the table closer so he could reach the cup.
"Ah, my friends!" Thor boomed as he entered. "It is good to have us all together again. I see you are doing well, Clint, thanks to the good Doctor Cho."
Clint couldn't help but smile hearing Thor. His smile grew when he saw Mikayla walking in with Thor. "Yep, on the road to recovery and being good as new." Natasha stood and stepped away from the bed when Thor and Mikayla entered.
"That is good news, Clint. The wonder that the cradle holds is amazing. Your Midgardian science never ceases to capture my attention."
Mikayla let go of Thor's arm and went to sit on the bed next to Clint. "When did you leave?" Clint asked as he draped his arm over Mikayla's lap.
"I woke up, and you were sound asleep, so I figured I'd make my escape. Plus, I was beginning to reek, so it was time to shower."
"Mmm, sorry I missed that," Clint murmured in her ear.
Mikayla slapped his arm. "There'll be time for that when you're healed, Clint." She ran her fingers through his hair.
"Fine, how about a sponge bath, then?" Clint wiggled his eyebrows and smirked.
"That's the Barton we know, and Mikayla, for some reason, loves," Natasha retorted. "Since relief is here, I'm off to get breakfast." She stepped back toward the bed, kissed Clint's forehead, squeezed Mikayla's shoulder, then left.
After the door closed, Thor sat in a chair opposite Mikayla on the side of the bed. "I am pleased to see you both healthy and on the road to recovery. I don't like it when my friends are wounded." Thor leaned forward and propped his arms on his thighs. "Do you remember when I spoke to both of you about visiting Asgard?" Clint and Mikayla exchanged glances and then nodded. "My father has decided to hold a celebration in honor of the various entities that have been defeated and has invited my Midgardian friends. Before you say anything, Lady Mikayla, I know you did not fight in that battle, but you are an integral part of this team. I have also spoken highly of your valiant efforts in the battles since. You remind him of my mother, Frigga, which is one of the reasons you are included, along with your marriage to our Clint." Thor took a deep breath, then continued. "I have been assured that Loki's mind has been cleared of the being who had controlled him during the Chitauri invasion." During a late-night session when the three of them couldn't go back to sleep, Thor had filled the couple in as to what happened to Loki after Thor had initially been sent to their world. Sometime later, Thor explained to the group about returning to Asgard to do battle against Thanos, taking some stones from him and destroying them so no one else could use them, and in the process, defeating and destroying Thanos. "I have been assured that my brother will not be in the same area as you, friend Clint. But," Thor reached out and placed a large hand on Clint's shoulder, "you are as close to me as a brother, and I in no way wish to put you in harm's way or cause you any additional distress. If you do not wish to attend, I completely understand. I know you have not had much chance to be together since your wedding. I believe you can use the time in Asgard to reconnect, away from all of the troubles your world can bring upon us."
Clint realized how important this was to Thor and, apparently, to Odin. Without saying a word, Mikayla squeezed Clint's hand reassuringly and nodded, letting him know she would support whatever decision he made. Clint swallowed, then answered. "Since you seem to be sure that he's not the same Loki and I won't be forced to see him, we'll be happy to meet your father."
"Excellent!" Thor grinned. "I am so glad you've decided to attend. I have one more favor to ask." He leaned forward. "I have not shared this with anyone else. I am planning to ask my precious Jane to be my betrothed and would appreciate it if the two of you would be alongside me as I ask for her hand."
Mikayla spoke before Clint could answer. "Thor, we would be honored to stand with you as you ask. I'm sure she'll say yes."
Thor enveloped the couple in a giant bear hug. "Thank you, my dear friends. You will not need to pack anything, but you may bring your weapons. We have a training room in the main house, so you can see how your tools of choice compare to Asgardian weapons. Due to the recent events, my father has scheduled the celebration for this time next month, giving you time to regain your strength." Thor stood. "I wanted to present my case to the two of you first. Now that I have spoken to you, I shall speak with the rest of our friends." He leaned over, clasped Clint's shoulder, and kissed Mikayla's forehead tenderly. "Thank you, my friends."
Once Thor left, Mikayla spoke. "I'm guessing we won't need to bring our passports for this trip," Mikayla said, elbowing Clint. When she didn't get a rise out of him, she turned toward him and put her hands on his face to make sure he was focused on her. "If he hurts you, it'll be the last thing he does. Mark my words. No one messes with my husband and gets away with it. Understand?"
"Yes, ma'am." Clint took her hand. "I can face anything as long as we're together."
Mikayla smiled and shook her head. "You're sappy enough without the good drugs. I'm not sure the world is ready for perpetually sentimental Clint Barton."
"I can confirm that's the truth." The couple turned to see Tony entering the room. "Sounds like our resident hawk is on the mend, which is good since I have some new toys for you to check out."
Clint's face brightened. "You finally built me a sky cycle with an invisibility cloak?"
"Calm down, Legolas. No flying cycle, but I am looking at some upgrades to your arrows and your outfit."
"And then a sky cycle?"
Tony rolled his eyes. "I'll keep working on it." Tony glanced at Mikayla and mouthed, "No, I won't." Mikayla slyly smiled and nodded in gratitude. The idea of Clint flying uncontrolled scared the crap out of her. Mind you, had he not had the penchant for jumping off buildings, the two may have never met, so there was that to be grateful for.
"Fine," Clint huffed, "I'll accept that."
"Before you get on any type of cycle, you've got to recover from your latest injury." Everyone turned their attention toward Doctor Cho. "The cradle only works so many miracles. Now, everyone is out. Time for morning vitals and breakfast."
Mikayla leaned over and kissed Clint. "I'll be back in a bit. Love you."
Clint squeezed her hand. "Love you, too, babe."