Chapter 143
Chapter 143-
The Next Morning-
The sun poured into the den waking me up. Well at least we had a ton of natural light.
Clint groaned before rolling to lie on his stomach while hugging me close. I held him running my fingers through his hair and kissing his forehead while he snored softly. I missed this.
“Mh.” Clint hummed as he started kissing along my collarbone making me smile. Slowly he kissed up my neck to my jaw until he finally kissed me one the lips. “Morning.”
“Morning.” I replied. “Sleep well?”
“Very.” He said. “Any chance you feel like staying in bed today?”
“Tempting.” I said. “But I think we should go pick out some furniture today. A stove and fridge so we can have breakfast in bed next time we decide to stay in.”
“Yeah but it’s still early.” He said moving to lie between my legs as he started kissing down my neck.
“Yeah it is.” I said pushing Clint onto his back and straddling him before kissing him.
A Few Hours Later-
“So memory foam or orthopedic?” I asked.
“Which one is the one in your room?” Clint asked looking through the list of things we needed to get .
“Uh… I think its orthopedic.” I said. “Tony gets them from this place, has them in all of his places.”
“Let’s get one of those.” He said.
“I’ll get Friday on it.” I said as we drove across the bridge back into Manhattan. “We should go look at TVs. I’m thinking a sixty inch?”
“Perfect for gaming.” Clint seconded.
“We’re going to need sheets and towels” I added.
“That stuff we can just order online.” He said.
“Well most of this stuff we can order online, It’s only the big stuff we’re going to have to check out in person.” I said as we made it back home. “But we are getting that couch.”
“Agreed.” He said as we pulled into the garage.
“Home sweet home.” I said as we got out.
“At least for the next few weeks.” Clint said.
“It’s going to take a while to get used to the quiet.” I said.
“I doubt it’ll stay quiet for long.” He said putting an arm around me as we headed up. “I’m going to check up on Lucky and Nat.”
“I’ll go check on Tony, make sure he actually got some sleep last night.” I said stopping at the labs. I walked in and Tony was hunched over working on something. “Hey you.”
“Hey, how was the house?” He asked.
“Well its safe to live in now, actually looks like a house now.” I said putting my arms around him and cupping his cheek. “Did you get some sleep?”
“Yes mom.” He said sarcastically. “I was thinking…”
“Oh that’s never good…” I teased and Tony rolled his eyes.
“We haven’t really had a getaway since Paris…” He said.
“Paris…” I said smiling at the memory.
“I was thinking we take a week and find a nice beach somewhere like Bali…” Tony suggested.
“Bali?” I asked.
“You’ve always wanted to go, or we can do the Maldives.” He said. “We’re overdue for a vacation.”
“I do need some vitamin D.” I said. “And a whole week out of the lab could do you some good. Have you had lunch yet?”
“Had a late breakfast.” He said.
“Which consisted of?” I asked.
“Coffee.” Tony said.
“And?” I asked.
“Uh… Bagel?” Tony answered and I looked back at the table where a bagel that only had one bite taken out of it was pushed to the side.
“Come on.” I said taking his hand and leading him out.
“I’m working on something.” He said.
“It can wait.” I said as the elevator doors opened and he followed me in trying to hide his smirk. “You craving anything?”
Tony just smirked and arched an eyebrow up a bit.
“I meant food.” I said crossing my arms and smirking at him as the elevator doors opened. “I’m making you a sandwich.”
“Sandwich?” Thor said perking up.
“I’ll make you too.” I said kissing his cheek as I walked past him. I took out everything from the fridge and got started making Thor and Tony a sandwich. Well in Thor’s case it was sandwiches plural. One was not going to fill him up.
“Mhm, why do sandwiches always taste better when someone else makes them for you?” Tony asked.
“Oh it’s a sensory thing, see as you’re cooking it you’re smelling it so as you start eating it’s not as fresh and…” I said.
“This is good.” Thor said stuffing his face.
“Hales, I forgot to tell you your test results came in.” Tony said.
“Blood results?” I asked.
“Yeah, should be in your inbox.” Tony said.
“Let’s see then.” I said taking my phone out and bringing them up. “Uh normal, no genes that will one day give me a horrible disease and slowly kill me… slightly elevated metabolism due to minor alterations in chromosomes attributed to the serum since it matched up to part of Steve’s… Hey Tony did you take a look at these?”
“No, why is something wrong?” Tony said.
“Unidentified genetic anomaly.” I said showing Tony. He looked at them over my shoulder before zooming in.
“Bio and genetics aren’t really my thing but I’m pretty sure that’s not a normal gene sequence.” He said. “Located on one of your X chromosomes...”
“Was it caused by the serum?” Thor asked concerned.
“No this is completely different, there are different nucleotides and the proteins it expresses are unknown.” Tony said.
“It has to be some mistake right?” I asked.
“Actually…” Thor said and we both turned to him. “When the healers on Asgard were looking over you when you were infected with the Aether, they said they found something that was not of Earth.”
“Yeah the Aether.” I said and the grim look on Thor’s face said it all. “Not the Aether.”
“They didn’t specify what it was but it was most certainly not of earth.” Thor said.
“So it was there before the serum.” Tony said.
“I’ll be in the lab.” I said getting up and heading downstairs. I headed to my favorite spot in the lab and looked to my left. Bruce’s glasses and lab coat were still right where he left them.
I shook it off before going to his book shelf and started picking up all of books related to genetics. I was about to start reading when I remembered we had an AI.
“Friday bring up everything you can find on genetic anomalies and while you’re at it bring up all of Bruce’s notes I know he took samples from Thor, himself and Steve and analyzed for genetic alterations or in Thor’s case just a comparison of differences between Asgardian and human DNA.” I said and Friday brought it all up. I started reading through it and it was a bit confusing. “Any chance you can bring up a PDF of Bruce’s text books?”
“Boss has already downloaded all PDF’s of textbooks most used in the lab.” Friday said.
“Bring them all up, it’s time for an old fashioned cram session.” I said.
Third person’s POV- Hours Later
“Hayley it’s time for din…ner.” Steve said. There were screen holograms and files opened all over the lab. Each screen was flashing new images every second and Hayley was just standing in front of them her eyes moving from screen to screen. “Hayley?”
She wasn’t responding her attention was solely on what was in front of her.
“Hayley?” He said again a bit louder but she didn’t say anything. “Friday call Tony.”
Steve just stood there watched as Hayley just worked. Steve only looked away when the elevator doors opened and Tony walked in.
“What’s all the…” Tony started before he saw Hayley and what she was doing. “Wow.”
“She isn’t responding.” Steve said.
“Hales?” Tony said. “Hayley? Calliope?! She’s hyper focused.”
Tony walked closer watched as she stood completely still. Her eyes moving from on screen to another every second. Tony looked at the screens and they were flashing new images or text every second or maybe even faster. It was moving so fast it was practically a blur to him.
“What’s wrong with her?” Steve said.
“I don’t think there is anything wrong with her.” Tony said.
“This isn’t normal.” Steve said.
“None of us are normal Cap.” Tony said. “The serum changed the way her brain processed information making it faster, really fast. Hales?”
Tony walked closer and put a hand on her shoulder making her jump a bit and blink in surprise.
“Hey, didn’t hear you come in.” She said smiling at him.
“You didn’t…” He started.
“Guess I was busy cramming.” She said with a shrug. “So I looked over Bruce’s notes and read everything we had on genetics.”
“Yo-You read everything?” Steve said.
“Yeah.” She said smiling and bringing it up. “Page 403 paragraph three. So the X-chromosome is actually really tricky. In males it’s fully expressed but in women only one of them is even though they have two that’s because of X-inactivation. To make sure there isn’t an excess amount of proteins. That’s why this genetic anomaly never showed up until now. I think the best way to figure out what exactly that genetic anomaly does and potentially figure out why the serum didn’t kill me like Hadrian thought it would is to replicate, isolate and then embed it into recombinant DNA to figure out what exactly it would express. Depending on what that is we can more or less identify characteristics of where it originated from.”
Steve and Tony just stared at her.
“Hayley do you feel okay?” Steve said.
“I’m fine why wouldn’t I be?” She retorted.
“Yo…” Steve started.
“No reason.” Tony said putting and arm around her. “Dinner’s ready.”
“Oh sweet, I’m starving.” She said not noticing Tony shaking his head at Steve.
“Go ahead I’m just going to show Cap an upgrade really quick.” Tony said.
“Don’t take too long.” She said kissing Tony and smiling at Steve on her way out. Once the elevator doors were closed Steve started.
“Tony she’s not okay.” Steve said.
“She has a clean bill of health. All of her tests came back clear.” Tony said.
“She was in a trance and didn’t hear us call her.” He said.
“Wouldn’t be the first time she got so caught up with work she ignored everything around her.” He said. “Steve she’s okay. Maybe a little different than before but she’s fine. So just drop it.”
“Her mom injected her with a serum that lets her do all of this, in just a few hours.” He said looking around at all the data Hayley had put together and learned. “This would take anyone months or even years to learn...”
“She’s fine.” Tony repeated. “Leave it alone.”
“Tony.” Steve said.
“Hayley’s in perfect health, no side effects of the serum or even the coma.” Tony said shutting down the lab. “You’re making a big deal out of nothing. There’s nothing to worry about, leave it alone.”
With that Tony walked upstairs leaving Steve behind in the lab.
Weeks Later…
The past couple of weeks had gone by in the blink of an eye. Clint and I had been out furniture shopping almost every day. Natasha had also helped out a lot. I’m pretty sure she was hiding weapons all over the house when I wasn’t looking.
When I wasn’t with Clint I was in the lab… well at least until Thor walked in lifted me up over his shoulder and carried me out. Well most of the time he carried me out, there were a few times we went at it there. What can I say we were on our honeymoon and he was leaving for who knows how long.
Tony had actually been trying to get me to spend less time in the lab. We went out on a few dates and for the first time since I met him he asked for a small low key night for his birthday. Just the two of us in his penthouse having dinner and spending the night together. I still baked him a cake.
Steve had been acting really weird lately. He’d just watch me a lot. If I was in the lab he’d just come in randomly without me realizing. One minute I was alone the next he’d be a few feet away just watching me concerned for some reason.
Bucky had taken to hiding away in his room again. I couldn’t blame him, with the move coming up the tower was a bit of a mess and people were always coming and going.
I’d always catch him in the kitchen and we’d have our midnight cocoa together in silence. We didn’t really talk but it wasn’t awkward either.
And then there was Will.
“But seriously Hales, the country?” He said as we were walking back to the tower after breakfast one morning.
“It’s peaceful, there’s no traffic, the air is free of smog, and…” I started.
“And it’s so boring. Do you even have a pizza place close enough that delivers?” Will said.
“It’s not a desert island Will they have pizza.” I said.
“What about Chinese food at three in the morning?” He retorted.
“When was the last time we ordered Chinese at three am?” I retorted and Will thought about it.
“We haven’t but we can. We have that option here, in New York, the greatest city in the world.” Will said.
“I’m not moving to another country Will just outside the city. I’ll still be around all the time and you’re always welcome to crash at our place.” I said as we walked into the tower lobby.
“But a farm Hales…” Will said.
“I bought the house before the coma Will, you knew this was coming.” I said.
“Yeah I expected it in like ten years when you hit thirty.” He said. “Not now, after everything.”
“That’s exactly why I have to do this. I want a home, stability, not having to look over my shoulder because someone might be after me. I’m taking an early retirement because I got lucky this time and if I stay I will fall back into old habits.” I said.
“So you’re avoiding your mom.” He said.
“Dragon lady.” I corrected. “And no, more like I’m handing off the problem to the people that are trained to handle it.”
“Again avoiding it.” Will said.
“How’s footsy?” I said changing the subject after hearing Will’s phone buzzing for the twentieth time since we met up.
“Uh you know how I said I was going to end things with him… well the talking turned into more sex.” Will said.
“And its just…” I started.
“All the time. I’ve never been with someone with such a big sex drive and it’s good don’t get me wrong but I miss the other stuff. The talking, and dates and cuddling after.” Will said.
“Then tell him that.” I said.
“I’m trying to but we always end up in bed.” He said as we made it to the common room.
“Do you really want to end it?” I asked.
“Yes.” Will said.
“Will you can be honest, do you want to stop having sex with him?” I asked again.
“I’m never going to find love again so I guess I can settle for amazing sex.” He said.
“First off, never settle for less than you deserve. Know your worth. Everyone deserves to be happy and if you’re anything but he’s not worth it. And secondly you’re going to find love again. Josh was the epic love of your life and chances are it won’t be exactly the same it was with him but that doesn’t mean you won’t find love again. He wants you to be happy again Will, you just have to give yourself the chance.” I said. “And maybe stop screwing footsy. If he has such a high sex drive then chance are you’re not the only one he’s fucking.”
“Uh Hi Bucky.” Will said awkwardly.
I turned around and saw Bucky standing awkwardly at the edge of the kitchen.
“Hey…” I said. I really did have to put a bell or something on him and Nat. I never hear them when they walk in. “You hungry? We brought goodies?”
Bucky just stood there. He glanced at me and then at the box of donuts before looking at me again. I slowly put the box on the counter, leaving it open.
Bucky waited a few seconds before stepping forward and taking one. He then muttered something that sounded like a thank you and walked out.
“He’s as talkative as ever.” Will said.
“He had an early session today.” I said. “I’m actually surprised he’s out of his room so soon.”
“How’s that going?” He asked.
“I’m not exactly sure. We don’t really talk about that.” I said. “I’m going at his pace, letting him adjust to me being around.”
At that moment Will’s phone buzzed again.
“Footsy?” I asked.
“Yeah.” Will said awkwardly.
“You want to…”
“Would you hate me if I did?”
“No just remember…”
“No glove no love, wrap it before you tap it, cover your stump before you hump,” Will said as he ran out. “Love you Bye!”
I sighed and grabbed another donut, moaning as the saltiness from the bacon complement the sweetness from the maple.
“Mh.” I moaned.
“That good huh?” Steve said making me jump.
“I seriously have to put a bell on you guys.” I said making Steve chuckle.
“Everything okay?” He asked.
“Yeah why wouldn’t it be?” I asked.
“No reason just checking in.” Steve said picking up a donut eating it as he leaned against the kitchen island. I could feel him watching me.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Noth…” He started.
“You’ve been acting weird.” I said.
“Weird?” Steve asked.
“You’ve been staring, like a lot.” I said. “And it’s not in the ‘Wow she’s so beautiful’ way you do when you’re sketching me, or the ‘I can’t believe she’s really here’ way everyone else does from time to time but more of a you’re waiting for me to drop at any minute. You’re always standing when I’m in the room. You’re always in the corner closest to me, less than five steps away and you only show up when I’m alone.”
“I’m just keeping an eye on you, Make sure you’re okay after everything.” Steve said.
“I’ve been cleared by three doctors, the tests came back clear and except for a harmless genetic anomaly I’ve apparently had my entire life nothing came up.” I said.
“The serum change you, and maybe you don’t see it but we have.” Steve said.
“Your serum changed you too.” I said.
“But my serum was safe.” Steve said.
“Didn’t it give the first guy a red skull?” I retorted.
“It was developed by scientists. Everything about my serum was planned and I had a choice.” Steve said.
“And I didn’t but I’m still here with a higher functioning brain. It’s been weeks. If it was going to kill me I’d be dead already or at least showing symptoms.” I said.
“But we don’t know why your mom…” he started.
“Dragon lady.” I corrected.
“We don’t know why she gave you the serum.” Steve said.
“Neither do I and I don’t care.” I said. “I’m retired and whatever game she is trying to play I’m not falling into it. I’m done.”
“You’re not the least bit interested in…” He started.
“Retired.” I answered.
“She faked her death.” Steve said
“Retired.” I repeated.
“You killed Hadrian and you’re not the least bit worried she’ll want revenge?” Steve said with an accusing and obviously disapproving tone.
“I’m going to make one thing very clear, I have a lot of regrets and there many things I wish I could take back. Selling Hadrian to the Russians who did kill him is not one of them and if I had to make the same decision all over again I wouldn’t change a damn thing.” I said looking him right in the eye. “He’s dead, I’m alive. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth and take the damn win.”
With that I got up and went downstairs. Clint was upstairs packing up his things. We were officially moving into the farmhouse tomorrow and Clint still hadn’t finished packing. Since I was leaving at the end of the week to Bali with Tony, We had only had a few days to settle in.
“Woof!” Lucky barked.
“Oh who’s a good boy.” I said kneeling and hugging Lucky as I pet him.
“How’s Will?” Clint asked.
“He’s good, not really happy about the move but he’ll come around.” I said. “both figuratively and literally.”
“Good he can help us put together all the furniture.” Clint said lifting a box up. I watched him, he had a bit of stubble on his face and he was wearing a flannel with a black t-shirt under and a pair of jeans and boots. He could be wearing a sack of potatoes and he’d still look good. “What are you smiling at?”
“You.” I answered hugging him before I kissed him.
He smiled and returned the hug and kiss. “This time tomorrow we’re going to be at home.”
“New home.” I said. “This is home too. We had a lot of good times here.”
“Yeah.” He said. “We met again, You gave me a cup of ice and told me to wait for it to melt before leaving me with my ex-wife.”
I laughed at that. “We had our first kiss on this couch.” I said.
“You know there is one thing we never did up here…” Clint said.
“You still have to finish packing.” I reminded him as he kissed my neck.
“Is that a no?” He asked.
“No we just have to be quick.” I smiled before he picked me up and carried me up to the bed.
About an hour later…
We were still in bed, wrapped around each other. My hand was over Clint’s heart and my head was also on his chest. His arm was around me and a hand was over mine.
“What’s on your mind?” Clint asked.
“Just thinking. We’re going to have a lot of free time.” I said.
“I think that’s why people look forward to retirement.” He said.
“I know but what are we going to do with all that free time.” I said.
“I have a few ideas.” Clint said moving us so I was on my back and he was hovering over me. “I could fix up the barn, maybe turn it into a loft or guest house. I was also thinking we could do some traveling. Maybe go back to Italy or go to japan, have some real sushi and ramen.”
“Do some actual sight seeing?” I asked.
“We should get some travel out of our system before we can’t anymore.” He said.
“We’ve got time.” I said.
“Yeah, we’re just getting started.” He said. “But now we have to pack…”
“What’s left to pack?” I said looking around and seeing boxes everywhere.
“Just clothes and a few other things.” Clint said.
“Nothing fragile?” I asked.
“No, got all the weapons packed up.” He said. “Just clothes I’m going to throw in a box.”
“Throw them tomorrow.” I said hugging him.
“Hungry?” Clint asked.
“Yeah but I have dinner plans with Thor. We’re taking a food tour of all of his favorite places. His goodbye to Midgard.” I said.
“That’s actually a really good idea, wish I’d thought of it.” Clint said.
“How about a food tour of the world. Starting with Naples.” I said.
“After we get settled in.” He said.
Third Person’s POV-
Hayley and Thor walked down the street hand in hand. Thor Whispered something in her ear and she laughed before hugging him close.
They were blissfully unaware that they were being watched.
A man in a black car snapped photos of them before sending them to his boss. It was only seconds later that his phone rang.
“Yes?” He answered.
“Stay on her. Don’t approach, just observe for now.” She said.
“Of course ma’am.” He answered before the call cut off.
The Following Day-
“You’re doing it wrong.” Steve said.
“No I’m not.” Tony said.
“The instructions say….” Steve said.
“I have three engineering degrees from MIT, I know how to put together a coffee table.” He retorted.
“That leg’s upside down.” Steve said. Tony looked at the leg and noticed the holes for the screws were facing the wrong way.
“I knew that.” Tony said quickly fixing it.
“Sure you did.” I said kissing his cheek as I passed by before grabbing a box. Clint was putting up a curtain rack. “That side needs to be a half inch lower.”
Clint moved it a bit lower.
“Perfect.” I said handing him a cold water bottle.
“Hayley where should I put these?” Thor asked carrying in three huge boxes.
“Those go upstairs.” I said.
“So.” Tony said abandoning the half-built coffee table. “I have a few ideas for security. Nothing too over the top. Just some motion sensors along the perimeter of the property. Finger print locks on the doors, security camera’s, maybe hook up Friday in the house.”
“Okay I’m going to counter that with just the sensors on the perimeter and Friday on our phones to alert us of any unwanted perimeter breaks.” I said. “We don’t need more than that.”
“Though if you had any ideas for the armory downstairs…” Clint said.
“Just because you two are retired doesn’t mean everyone one else is too.” Natasha said.
“We’ll be fine.” I said.
“Though maybe having Friday around just to monitor things for us wouldn’t be such a bad thing.” Clint said.
“That would be okay.” I said.
“Good cause I brought all the gear.” Tony said.
“Course you did.” I said as he got right to work.
By the time Tony was done most of the house was set up. The only thing we had left to do was add our personal touches but that we could slowly add.
“If you need anything I can be here in under ten minutes.” Tony said as he said bye.
“We’ll be okay but if you want to drop by for a visit or to get away for a bit we have plenty of room.” I said.
“I might take you up on that.” He said hugging me. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Looking forward to it.” I said before he let go and Natasha came over and hugged me.
“I left a holstered gun under your side of the bed just in case.” Natasha said.
“Nat.” I said.
“You never know.” She said hugging me.
“We bought a king size if you ever want to sneak in.” I whispered making her smile.
“I’d be here even if you didn’t.” Nat said kissing my cheek.
“I shall be by every day.” Thor said.
“You better.” I said hugging him.
“I’m happy for you two,” Steve said.
“Thanks.” I said. Steve looked like he wanted to say something but thought better of it.
“Hales.” Will said.
“Will.” I answered.
“What am I going to do without you?” He said.
“Buy a house in the country so we can be neighbors?” I suggested.
“I’ll leave Manhattan when hell freezes over.” Will answered.
“I know.” I said.
“I’m gonna miss you.” Will said.
“I’m sure footsy will keep you company.” I said. “Or at least distract you.”
“He’s not you.” He said tearing up. “It’s the end of an era.”
“Damn it Will, you promised you wouldn’t cry.” I said tearing up. “Because if you cry I cry and… and…”
“You’re an ugly crier.” Will said crying.
“We’re going to see each other all the time.” I said.
“We’ll have weekly dinners.” He said.
“And alternate going into the city and you coming here.” I said.
“Last weekend of the month is ours.” Will said.
“And we text constantly.” I said.
“And use emojis so I know what your face looks like.” Will said.
“I’ll try.” I said as we hugged. “Okay. We’re going to be okay. It’s the end of an era but it’s also the start of a new one.”
“I’ll see you in a few days.” Will said going to walk away but hugging me again. I hugged him tight before letting him go.
“Text me when you get home.” I said.
“Yes mom.” He retorted.
One by one they all drove away until it was just me and Clint. He smiled at me and pulled me into a hug.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Yeah.” I said smiling as I hugged him back. “Just happy we finally made it here.”
Days later…
I was walking through the compound with Will who had apparently gotten a promotion. Stark Foundation-Avengers Liaison.
Essentially he handled all the legal aspects of any damage the team might make while out on missions. Will did such a good job helping deal with the fall out of Sokovia he got poached by the foundation from legal with a sweet pay raise.
It also meant he was going to split his time between New York and the compound.
“Damn is there anything Tony can’t build?” Will said as we walked through the building watching everyone moving around trying to get settled.
“Ikea coffee tables?” I reminded him.
“Right.” He said laughing. “So how’s retirement?”
“It’s good.” I said smiling. “Lots of down time,”
“That’s kind of what happens when you don’t have to work eight hours a day.” Will said. “but it’s working for you. You’re glowing. You’re even wearing beach clothes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so… relaxed. Hell even your posture is relaxed.”
I looked down and straightened out my flower printed dress. It was a bit pink and I actually liked it. That’s progress.
“The country, married, retired life will do that to you.” I said smiling. “Speaking of I need to go find my husband before he leaves.”
“You better have a real wedding at some point, you’re not stealing my chance of being a man of honor.” Will said.
“We’ll see.” I said before heading outside. I went to the car and took out the lunch I had packed for Thor.
I was about to walk in before I saw Thor, Steve and Tony walk out.
“I'm going to miss these little talks of ours.” He said.
“Well, not if you don't leave.” Tony said.
“Believe me if I had another choice I would stay but I have no choice.” Thor said. “The Mind Stone is the fourth of the Infinity Stones to show up in the last few years. That's not a coincidence. Someone has been playing an intricate game and has made pawns of us. But once all these pieces are in position...”
“Triple Yahtzee?” Tony said.
“You think you can find out what's coming?” Steve asked.
“I do. Besides this one,“ Thor said picking me up.
“Ah!” I yelped in surprise.
“There’s nothing that can’t be explained.” Thor said chuckling as he kissed my cheek.
“I’m going to miss you.” I said hugging him.
“And I you.” Thor said putting me down a few steps away from Steve and Tony. “I don’t know how long I’ll be away but know that I am always thinking of you.”
“Be careful okay?” I said hugging him. “Don’t pick a fight with any frost giants, or dark elves or… dragons if you can avoid it. I want you back in one piece.”
“I’ll try.” Thor said holding me close. He let go of me and put his left hand over mine. I smiled when I saw his wedding band.
During his goodbye food tour of New York, we had ended up at a pub where a couple were celebrating their elopement and told their friends by flashing them their matching bands.
I had to explain to Thor that the engagement ring symbolized betrothal and that during the actual wedding ceremony the couple gave each other matching bands so everyone knew they were married. Of course he then wanted to go buy me another ring, or actually go to Asgard and pick out a gem and some gold from the palace treasury.
I eventually talked him down and found a jewelry store close by that was still open. I told him that he bought me my ring then It was my turn to buy him one. It was a simple gold band that I got engraved. He put it on as soon as it was done and hadn’t taken it off since.
“I made you lunch.” I said handing him the lunch pack with the Avengers logo. Thor laughed when he saw it. “BLT extra bacon with avocado, chips and I baked you a few goodies and put in a few pop tarts… and a juice box.”
“Thank you love.” Thor said bending down to kiss me. I held onto him before he straightened up and kissed my forehead. “You’re the center of my existence.”
“You’re my light.” I answered back smiling at him even though I could feel the tears fighting to come out. He held my hand as long as he could while he slowly took a step back slowly letting go of my hand. Thor kept his eyes on me and gave me one last smile before raising Mjolnir up and the Bifrost light beamed down on him taking him back home leaving burn marks on the grass.
“That man has no regard for lawn maintenance.” Tony said breaking the silence. I smiled at him as he walked over and put an arm around me as we headed to his car. “I'm gonna miss him though. And you're gonna miss me. There's gonna be a lot of manful tears.”
“I will miss you Tony.” Steve said.
“Yeah well it’s time for me to tap out. Maybe take a page out of Barton’s book, build Hayley another house?” Tony said turning the question to me.
“Let’s start with a very long overdue vacation and figure the rest out as we go. We’ve got time.” I said smiling at Tony.
“The simple life.” Steve said.
“You’ll get there one day.” Tony said.
“If you want something bad enough you find a way.” I said giving him a pointed look. “Left some goodies in the breakroom and a few casseroles in the freezer that should hold you over for a few days. 375 for twenty minutes should do it.”
“Thanks.” Steve said and Tony just looked between the two of us confused as to what just happened.
“We should get going, we’ve got a plane to catch.” Tony said.
“Stay safe.” He said.
“Don’t jump out of planes without a parachute.” I said before getting into the car.
“Ready?” Tony asked me.
“Let’s go.” I said kissing him before we sped away from the compound.