Chapter 26
Mikayla sank to the ground. "I knew he shouldn't have gone. He's just gotten his strength back from his last round of injuries. Why didn't I insist he stay back at the tower?"
Loki knelt beside her. "They'll bring him to the healing room. If you allow me, I can take you there."
'What do I have to lose?' Mikayla thought. 'I don't have any idea where this healing room is.' "Thanks," she murmured, taking Loki's hand. She stood, and he hurried the two of them back to the main area of the place. They arrived as Thor entered the receiving room. "Where is he?" Mikayla asked as she dropped Loki's hand and ran to Thor.
"Volstagg has taken him to the healing room." Thor gently wrapped his arms around her. "Clint will be fine. The healers will know what to do."
"What happened?"
Thor led her to one of the cushioned benches. "One of the Jotunheim savages got behind him and pierced him with an ice spear. It's one of the most common injuries our people sustain while battling in their realm. Our healers are very knowledgeable." Thor tilted her face and, with a large thumb, wiped a tear from her cheek. "Have you been in here the whole time?"
Mikayla shook her head. "No. I walked through the gardens, then went to the training room."
"Did you find it to your liking?"
"I did. Tony will probably want to see it so he can upgrade the one at the tower. It's very impressive." Mikayla bit her bottom lip, unsure if she should say anything about Loki.
"What's troubling you, my friend?"
Mikayla sighed, then answered. "There was a visitor while I was there. I met your brother."
Thor's look became stern, and he reached out his hand to summon Mjolnir. "Did he hurt you?"
"No, no, not at all. He was very polite and restrained in a way. He apologized, and we talked a little about losing our parents. I told him I didn't hold him responsible for what he did to Clint since he was also being controlled by an outside force."
A soft voice spoke from across the room. "She left out she threatened me if I ever harmed or so much as touched him again."
Thor beamed with pride. "That's the Lady Mikayla we know and love. Now," he said as he stood, "let's take you to see your archer." Mikayla stood and linked her arm with Thor's, and the two friends left the room. Loki watched them as they exited and murmured to himself as they went, wishing Clint a speedy healing and the couple a long and happy union.
They arrived at the healing room and saw several people gathered around someone on a table with an orange glow surrounding him. "Is that Clint?"
"Yes. The healers are already at work." Thor kept Mikayla by his side, lightly restraining her so she wouldn't rush over to the table. He led her to a seating area where the rest of the team was waiting. "Stay here. I'll go check on Clint for you."
Mikayla nodded as she watched Thor approach Tony, standing close by the healers, trying to pick up any details. The two Avengers conversed as their Clint was unconscious, surrounded by Asgardians. "He's too stubborn for his own good." Mikayla turned her head to look at Natasha, who sat beside her. "The two of you can stop trying to set records for most injuries."
"Doing our best," Mikayla responded. "Sam was right. We haven't had a lot of time to be ourselves. The recent time off has helped some, and I know we can't completely retreat from our lives."
"No one says you have to," Steve said as he sat on the other side of Mikayla. "We'll give the two of you as much time as you need. Also, don't let Sam know he was right. His ego's big enough as it is." Mikayla chuckled. "Good, got you to smile." Steve and Natasha continued helping Mikayla to stay focused on other topics.
"Mikayla?" The trio looked up at Tony and Thor, who had broken away from the group at the table.
"How is he?" Mikayla asked.
Tony ran a hand through his hair. "He's going to be fine. Some type of treatment similar to the cradle. He'll be back to his sarcastic self in a few hours. They're going to transport him to your room."
Mikayla took a deep breath. "Thanks, Tony. Thor, thank them for me."
"'Tis already done, Mikayla. Allow me to escort you to your quarters." Mikayla stood and walked off with Thor. They followed the group, taking Clint to their room, and Thor stayed until Clint and Mikayla were comfortable. "If you require anything, do not hesitate to ask someone outside. They will come and get me at once."
Mikayla stood on her tiptoes and kissed Thor's cheek. "Thanks, Thor, for everything."
"It is worth it to see you smile again. If I don't hear from you, I shall stop by and check on the two of you later." He hugged her and then left.
Mikayla turned back, sat next to Clint, and began carding her fingers through his hair. "Clint, I think being injured on two worlds is enough. I don't think anyone's going to top that." She caressed his face as she softly spoke to him. "Steve said we're going to get some time off. I know you hate that, but I think we need it. We can do whatever you want. I remember when we were out west, you were going to take me to a cabin in southern Colorado. We could go out there, just the two of us. I'm sure Tony would Starkify it for extra security. Heck, he's probably got control of every satellite and would keep an eye on us. We've now met Heimdall, so he'll look out for us, too. Before you start getting a complex, I know you can keep an eye on me just fine, but it doesn't hurt to have extra coverage." Mikayla watched as Clint peacefully slept. She lifted his shirt to see what the wounds looked like. She was surprised when all she noticed were three minor puncture wounds. Mikayla yawned and decided it would be a good time for a nap. As she went to stand, someone knocked on the door. She stood and walked over to the door. "Who is it?"
"Loki."
Puzzled, Mikayla opened the door. "Is it time for dinner already?"
"No," Loki shook his head. "I was just checking on your husband and to see if the two of you needed anything."
"He's sleeping now. Thor said he should be fine in a few hours."
"I'm pleased to hear that. I am unsure if you brought any bags or luggage, but there should be clothes in the wardrobe for the two of you." He bowed. "I shall take my leave, and I am truly pleased to hear the good news." Loki turned and continued down the hall. Mikayla shut the door and walked toward the large wardrobe in the corner. She rifled through the clothes until she found something comfortable, then laid down next to Clint and eventually fell asleep, waking up whenever Clint would stir.
Mikayla woke to a knocking sound. She opened her eyes and found Clint still asleep. "Wonder if we can get some of whatever they gave you to take back home?" She turned toward the door. "Coming!" She stood, grabbed a robe, and shuffled over to the door.
"Lady Mikayla, I have brought the two of you something to eat."
Exhaling when she heard Thor, she opened the door. "Thanks, Thor."
"How is our Clint doing?"
"Resting."
"Bored out of my skull would be the better term." The two at the door turned to see Clint sitting in bed.
"Clint Barton! How long have you been awake?" Mikayla asked as she put her hands on her hips. Thor smirked.
"Long enough to know I'm starving. Hopefully, those are Asgardian versions of pizza and coffee." Clint motioned toward the tray Thor was holding. "Come on, bring it in. I'm a growing boy."
Thor laughed. "It is good to have you back with us, my friend." He continued laughing as he entered, then set the tray on the table in the corner. "How are you feeling? Is all well with you?"
Clint snorted. "As well as can be after being stabbed by multiple ginormous icicles." He held a hand to his stomach. "Whatever your people did worked. I don't feel any pain." Mikayla noticed he winced a little when he pressed on the wounds, but she focused on the fact that he was awake and alert.
"They have been around as long as Asgard. Their gifts are passed from generation to generation and are always evolving. I am pleased they were able to help and hope Tony was able to gather some knowledge to take back to Midgard."
"If anyone can, it'd be him," Mikayla said.
"I shall take my leave and allow you to eat in peace. I will share the good news of your recovery with the others. I know they have been anxiously awaiting an update." Thor turned, and before he opened the door, he turned back around. "There are no activities scheduled for tonight. The gala will be tomorrow when I will ask my Jane for her hand in marriage." He bowed and left the room.
Mikayla turned to Clint. "So? What do we have to eat?" She sat down at the table and waited for Clint to make his way over to the table. "Well, it doesn't smell too strange or horrible."
Clint chuckled. "Believe me, after some of the stuff I've eaten on missions. This looks and smells like a feast." He handed Mikayla a plate and removed the other from the tray. After taking a bite, Clint nodded. "Not too bad, whatever it is."
"You're right. It is pretty good." While they ate, Clint talked about the fight with the Jotunheim. "What did you do?"
"I found the training area. It was filled with all types of weapons. Clint, their bows are amazing. It's like the bow was made for my hand. I was going to take pictures of my perfect shots, but I didn't know if cell phones worked here, and while I was thinking about that…." Mikayla caught herself before continuing.
"What? What happened?"
Mikayla shook her head. "Nothing. Heimdall told me shortly after that about you getting hurt."
Clint sent her a knowing stare. "Mikayla Barton, you can tell me anything. You know I'll find out, so you might as well spill it."
"Fine," Mikayla huffed. "Loki showed up."
Clint clenched his jaw and grabbed the table. "He what? Why wasn't anyone with you? Where is he?"
He started to stand, but Mikayla grabbed his forearm. "Sit down, Clint. I'm fine. He didn't do anything but talk." Clint huffed but sat down. "We had a nice chat. He was kind enough to take me to the healing room, then left when he saw the rest of the team. Clint, I looked into his eyes. They were nothing like how you and Nat ever described them. He apologized and accepted his punishment. Odin took away his powers."
Clint watched Mikayla as she talked about the Asgardian. He couldn't bring himself to think about his name. The more he heard, the more he tried to believe the guy wasn't responsible for his actions any more than Bucky was responsible for his actions while under HYDRA's control. Of course, it was easier for him to believe that about other people than himself. Clint wondered if he was chosen because he was the weakest team member. Of course, that was before there was actually a team to be a part of. When he refocused his attention on his wife, he realized she'd been asking him a question.
"Have you heard a word I've said? By the look on your face, I'm guessing no." Before he could reply, there was a knock at the door. Mikayla sighed, then stood to answer it.
"Hope you're decent. Doesn't matter. We're coming in anyway," Tony announced about half a second before the door flew open. "Hey, Legolas, good to see you up and around." He marched over to the table, grabbed a piece of bread, and stuffed it in his mouth.
"That's one way to shut him up," Steve joked. He put a tentative hand on Clint's shoulder. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm good as new, thanks, Cap."
Steve looked over at Mikayla. "He's actually telling the truth this time," she replied.
Steve nodded. "Good, glad to hear it." He squeezed Clint's shoulder. "Tony's dragging us out to experience Asgardian nightlife. You are not invited."
Before Clint could speak, Mikayla reached and put a hand over Clint's mouth. "We'll stay in and have a nice, quiet evening so Clint can recover." She turned and looked sternly at her husband. "Right?" Clint nodded.
"Now that that's settled, we'll get out of your hair. See the two of you tomorrow," Steve said, leaving the room as Natasha dragged Tony away before he ate all of Clint and Mikayla's food.
Once the door shut, Mikayla removed her hand. "So," Clint said suggestively while wiggling his eyebrows, "we've got time on our hands. I've got some ideas."
Mikayla smirked. "I'm sure you do, Mr. Barton."
"Damn right, Mrs. Barton."
The following day, Clint and Mikayla met up with the rest of the team (except Jane and Darcy, whom Fandral had absconded with) in the dining hall as Thor went over the plans for the gala that evening. "We've had clothes delivered to your rooms for you as our honored guests. It is my great pleasure to have my friends join me tonight. Please, make yourselves at home while you are here. Feel free to walk around. We will be at your disposal until just before the celebration. The horns blowing will be your signal the gathering will be starting." Thor stood. "Again, my friends, thank you for being here to attend this special night. I will see you again in several hours."
Mikayla looked at Clint. "Guessing you want to see the training room."
"After everything you told me about it, you're damn right I do. My hands are itching to grab a bow and shoot." Clint stood, waited for Mikayla, and let her lead him to the training area. Tony went back to talk to the healers and pick their brains. Steve and Natasha went off exploring.
Sometime later, Thor entered the training area and waited until Clint finished shooting targets. "I thought I might find the two of you here. Are you enjoying our facility?"
"This place is fantastic," Clint said. "Think I could move here?"
Thor laughed. "We'd love to have you here, Clint, but I think you're better suited to life on Midgard. However, I would be happy to gather any particular details and share them with Master Stark for any improvements he might want to make."
"Sounds good," Clint replied.
Thor waited until Clint had gathered the arrows and put them back into the storage area. "I wanted to make you both aware. Loki will be in attendance this evening." Clint seemed more shocked than Mikayla. "I know that I previously stated he would not be, but after he came upon Mikayla in here, my brother went and told our father what had happened and apologized for startling her and causing you additional distress. My father sees this as an opportunity to have Loki prove to him he is truly sorry for his actions." Thor looked at both of them. "If you do not wish to attend the gala, your presence will be missed but understood."
The couple glanced at each other and seemed to have a conversation with their eyes, then Clint spoke. "We'll be there, Thor. Mikayla and I have talked. She told me about their conversation and how he acted. I'm willing to put aside my feelings for you. We didn't come all this way not to see you propose to Jane."
Thor stepped over and wrapped Clint and Mikayla in a big bear hug. "My friends, thank you so much! It would not have been the same without you, and I appreciate your dear friendship. Now, I must take my leave to prepare for the festivities. I shall see both of you soon."
"I'm proud of you, Clint," Mikayla said after Thor left, and they returned to their room.
"What can I say? You're persuasive." Clint opened the door for Mikayla. "Now, let's go get ready for this shindig. The sooner it ends, the sooner we get to go back."
A short time later, the team met to walk to the dining hall together. "Wow," Mikayla exclaimed as she looked around the expansive room. The group nodded in agreement. All anyone could see was rows and rows of long tables, each surrounded by a sea of people.
"My friends, welcome!" The group looked and saw Thor striding toward them. "Please, follow me." He bowed and led them to a table toward the front of the gathering. "Odin Allfather, it is my pleasure to finally introduce you to my Midgardian friends, the Avengers." He introduced them individually to his father, and they each bowed before him.
"It is my pleasure to welcome each of you to Asgard and to allow me to offer my sincere thanks, both for your assistance in the battle against the Chitauri and, most recently, in the battle on Jotunheim. My people are in your debt. Please sit and let us begin the festivities. I understand my son has something special planned."
The group sat down, and everyone in their room turned their attention toward Thor, who continued standing. "Yes, Father, I do. Jane Foster, we have been through so much. Our first meeting was inauspicious."
"Still say it was her fault," Darcy said under her breath. Jane elbowed her.
"As I was saying," Thor continued, "we have been through quite a lot since we first met. I have grown quite fond of you over our time together, and nothing would make me happier than if you would give me the honor of becoming my wife."
Jane blushed and smiled. "Thor, I would be honored."
The couple embraced, and everyone cheered. "My friends, thank you for joining me here. I had prepared to make a long speech, but as usual, my fair Jane took my breath away, and my thoughts disappeared. So, please, everyone, enjoy the feast."
The next few hours were spent eating, drinking, and sharing stories. The team met Volstagg's vast family, Hogun shared tales of his home, Fandral spent most of his time flirting with Darcy, and Sif and Natasha scarily bonded (probably on how to overthrow their respective worlds). Odin took time out to meet individually with the team. "The two of you remind me of a younger Frigga and myself. Master Barton, you have found yourself a beautiful and worthy life companion. Do everything you can to keep her."
"I plan to, sir." Clint still couldn't believe what was going on. Clint Barton, ex-carnie, non-superpowered Avenger, SHIELD agent, was talking to a literal god on another planet. He never thought his life would be so crazy. And out of that, the most awe-inspiring sight he'd ever seen was standing beside him. It still amazed him that anyone would want to spend the rest of their life with him.
Natasha leaned over and whispered, "Stop drooling, Barton." He smirked; she somehow always knew what he was thinking. The two spies began talking to each other as Odin moved on to speak to Mikayla. They chatted for a lengthy time, then Odin announced he would be retiring but said the gala would continue.
Thor gathered the team together. "My friends, I know you are eager to return to Midgard. We can either go back this evening or in the morning. Jane, Darcy, and I will be leaving tomorrow."
Steve answered for the group. "Then we'll leave then as well."
"Excellent! Please continue socializing, and we shall meet Heimdall in the morning." Thor took Jane's hand and led her around, introducing her to those who hadn't met her yet.
Someone tapped Clint on the shoulder as Clint and Mikayla were about to leave. "Master Barton." Clint tensed up as he recognized the voice. Mikayla squeezed his hand to calm him. He took a deep breath and turned around to face his worst real-life nightmare. "I know I'm the last person you want to see, so I won't be long. I wanted to apologize in person for taking advantage of you. I hope you can forgive me someday, but I won't be surprised if you don't. I'm still trying to forgive myself if that's possible. I want to wish you and your Mikayla well."
"I spent so long wanting to put an arrow through your eye socket, but I've moved on. I do my best not to give you a second of my time." 'Except in my nightmares, and even those are few and far between.'
Loki nodded. "As it should be. With that, I bid you and yours farewell." He bowed and left the dining hall.
"Well, that went better than expected," Natasha said.
"Yeah, well, I didn't want to make a scene and ruin Thor's moment. His brother's not worth it. Besides," he looked at Mikayla, "I've got more to live for now."
"Damn straight, flyboy."
"And, on that note, we're outta here." Clint and Mikayla said their goodbyes and went back to their room.
The following day, everyone met up, and Heimdall sent them back home. "I'll do my best not to cause you any added stress," Mikayla said before they left.
"It's no trouble at all, Mikayla. You keep things interesting." The group laughed as the wind took them back to the tower.
Pepper greeted them on the landing pad. "About time the party ended." She said, kissing Tony and handing him an envelope. "It's done," she whispered.
"Thanks, Pepperkins," he replied. "Robin Hood and Maid Marian, before you go off to do whatever you do, I have something for you. It's a little something I've been working on." He handed them the envelope.
Clint opened it, read the document, and then showed it to Mikayla. "What the hell, Stark?"