I present to you the next chapter, a little longer than my latest ones. Amazing what you can do with ideas from reviewers and friends!

As a reminder, I don't own any of the characters or the actors that portray them (except my OC's, of course, performed by no one in particular)

Please enjoy, and thanks for reviewing, reading, commenting, and following.

Mikayla eventually looked up at Clint. "Leg's beginning to ache. I'm going to go back to the room and wind down." She kissed him. "Don't feel you have to come with me. I'll be okay. If I sense any weather changes, I'll grab my earbuds." Mikayla said good night to the others, disappearing down the hall.

Clint watched her until she wasn't in his line of sight, then went to the kitchen. "She okay?" Nat joined him in the kitchen.

"She will be, started to doubt I still loved her. Thankfully, I nipped that in the bud. Next, we'll work on control issues. I told her what helped me after my waterboarding incident, and she's agreed to try that. I still think at the heart of it all was the lack of control she felt. She's so used to being in control of things, and now she's been thrown for a loop again, Tasha."

"She's come to the right place. Aren't we all a bunch of control freaks?" Natasha grinned.

"Boy, that's the truth. I don't want to overload her with options, so I'll wait it out to see how best to help her." Clint grabbed a bag of trail mix from the cabinet. "Night, Tasha." She nodded, and Clint started toward Mikayla's room.

"Barton?" He heard Tony's voice coming from the lab. "Come here a sec." Clint went into the lab and leaned on a table. "How's our girl doing?"

"Struggling." Clint gave Tony an overview of what Mikayla was going through. "Trying to help guide her toward things she can control and manage the things she can't."

Tony nodded. "Think I have an idea that might help." Tony shared with Clint a little about his time in captivity and what helped him after he returned.

Clint considered what Tony said. "It might work. Where would you put it?"

"There's still some open space just under the roof. I could have the water come in through there, and she could funnel it to the different stations. Thought I'd run it by you first."

"Thanks, Tony."

"Oh, I'm also working on a smaller bow and quiver. Something she could carry and not have to strap across her back. Figure it'll be tender for a while." He looked at Clint. "Try not to look so surprised. I care."

"I know. I'll keep it quiet. Wouldn't want to ruin your reputation." Clint stopped leaning on the table and went to the door. "Thanks again, man."

"Yep." Tony was already focusing his attention on the holographic design.

When Clint got to Mikayla's room, he found her stretched across the bed, lying on her stomach, and studying her tablet. "Anything interesting?"

"Tuxedos, specifically white tuxedo jackets." Mikayla turned her head to look at Clint. "I've got to do something to keep my brain occupied. I'm not in the mood for another breakdown." She patted the spot on the mattress next to her. "Here, I'll show you the ideas I have." Clint sat down, and Mikayla handed him the tablet. "Take a look and let me know what you think. I know we've talked about it before, but I just want to make sure you still like the choice."

He viewed the photos. "Yep, that's the one." He pointed to a simple white tuxedo jacket over a white button-down shirt with black slacks.

Mikayla looked at the picture and smiled. "That's the one I was leaning towards, too. I was thinking dark purple bow tie and handkerchief."

"I can do that." Clint kissed her temple.

"One more decision to mark off the list. Next decisions, flowers, and caterers."

Clint put the tablet down on the bed away from Mikayla. "First, let's treat your back." Mikayla nodded and took off her shirt. Clint was prepared, having brought the medicine with him. After she laid back down, he applied the cream. "How is your back feeling? The medicine looks like it's helping."

"It doesn't feel quite as raw." She only winced a couple of times when his fingers traveled over some of the deeper wounds.

"All done." Clint stood up, giving Mikayla room to stand.

"Be right back." Mikayla stood, grabbed a pair of pajamas from her dresser, and retreated to the bathroom to change clothes, still insecure about anyone seeing her back outside of medical treatment.

While she was doing that, Clint gathered the blankets that had fallen to the floor, placing them back on the bed. He turned the radio on for background noise then checked the thermostat. "Friday? Please turn the heat up a couple of degrees in Mikayla's room."

"Of course, Agent Barton."

Clint looked up as Mikayla returned from the bathroom and sat down on the other side of the bed, leaning forward so her back wouldn't be propped up against the headboard. "Legs feeling okay?"

Mikayla nodded. "It should be about time for the cast to come off, shouldn't it?"

"We'll check with Bruce in the morning."

"What's the forecast?"

"Supposed to be clear and sunny, a nice spring day. Want to get out?"

"Maybe to the roof. Not sure I'm ready to handle maddening crowds at this point."

Clint understood. After his times of captivity, it always took him a few days to assimilate back into the world. "You've still got your archery skills, by the way. I saw your form in the gym. I told you it would become second nature."

Mikayla leaned her head on Clint's shoulder. "It felt, well, normal. It's good to know I didn't lose the touch. That's another way I'd pass the time, by aiming and shooting in my mind." She yawned. "Okay, I'm fading. Time to call it a day." She kissed Clint. "Night, Clint."

"Night, babe." Clint stayed by her side until she fell asleep, then slid out of bed and went to the living room, finding Natasha relaxing in a chair reading. "Tasha? Got a favor to ask."

She put a bookmark in the book, then slid the book onto an end table. "What's up?"

"I think Mikayla needs to get out of the tower but isn't ready for the busyness of Manhattan yet. Think you could drive her up to the farm, at least the town? Maybe seeing it and reminding herself of her childhood would help."

"Sure thing. I'll see if Pepper wants to go, make a girls' day out of it." Nat pulled her phone out and texted Pepper, who immediately responded that she'd love to. "Consider it done, Clint."

"Thanks, Nat. We're going to check with Bruce in the morning to see if he could remove the cast. Make sure she takes either the crutches or braces, even though she probably won't want to."

"Gee, guess where she gets that stubborn streak from?" Natasha smirked.

Clint ran his fingers through his hair. "Yeah, Phil was pretty stubborn."

"Barton, you know exactly who I'm talking about."

He smiled. "I know. I think that's what will get her through this."

"Yep, you've done okay. She'll make it. We won't give her a choice."

"Exactly. Night, Tasha."

"Night, Clint." Natasha picked up her book and went back to reading.

When Clint returned to Mikayla's bedroom, he noticed she was on her back and not fidgeting. 'God, I hope she can get a good night's sleep. That may help her more than anything.' He did his best not to disturb her as he climbed under the covers next to her. Clint was happy to see she wasn't shivering, either, though that didn't stop him from lying next to her and wrapping his arm over her hip, avoiding the damaged part of her back. Before he knew it, he'd fallen into a light sleep, waking up whenever Mikayla moved or made noise. Thankfully, she slept through the night with just a few restless moments.

Mikayla woke up, opening her eyes to find a pair of deep blue eyes staring back at her. "Morning, beautiful."

She blinked so she could better see him. "Morning, handsome."

"You slept through the night."

"I did? I don't remember a thing, so I must've slept soundly. Meaning, if I slept soundly, so did you. Am I right?"

Clint nodded. "That's progress, babe." He kissed her forehead.

Mikayla reached over and ran her fingers through his hair. "Any progress is good. Maybe I am on the road to usual."

Clint grabbed her hand and kissed it. "You are, and I'll be there with you every step of the way." Mikayla leaned in and kissed him, starting softly and tenderly. Clint tried to hold back a moan as she forced his mouth open and began exploring with her tongue. He put his hand behind her head and held it against her neck, making sure not to travel down her back. As the kissing grew more intense, Mikayla began trailing her nails across his chest. Clint grabbed her wrists and stopped her. "Are you sure?"

"Beyond sure." Mikayla began nibbling his ear.

"What about your rule?"

"Shhh," she put a finger over his mouth. "Less talking, more kissing."

"Yes, ma'am, if you insist."

"Smart man," she mumbled, bringing her lips to his and kissing him again. They spent some time slowly and methodically rediscovering each other. Clint made a point to avoid her back, so they stayed on their sides, facing each other. The couple continued until they both reached their release point. Breathing heavily, Mikayla collapsed next to him until she felt her legs were strong enough to make it to the bathroom and back. "Damn, I missed this." Clint nodded his head as he stroked her arm. "What's our plan for today?"

"I figured another sense of usual. After we check in with Bruce, you're off for a girls' day out with Nat and Pepper." Mikayla started to protest, but Clint shook his head. "Not here in the city, somewhere a little less populated."

"Back home?"

"Yep, back home. You have to promise me something, though."

"Okay," she said, a little uncertainty creeping into her voice.

"Take the braces or crutches and use them. Please?"

"Damn, and here I thought I was immune to the puppy dog eyes," she sighed. "Fine, if it'll make you happy, I'll do it."

"Good. Now, let's go get your morning bath out of the way so you can get started on your adventure."

"I'll settle for a nice day where nothing happens."

"Same here, babe."

Mikayla sat up. "What will you be doing?"

"Probably checking in with Stark. I've got some ideas for some new arrows." He had an ulterior motive, too. Clint wanted to see how Tony's idea was coming along, see if maybe he needed some help building it. Clint didn't want to mention anything to Mikayla until it was built. "Since we're just going to the next room over, you shouldn't have to wear your boot. In fact, I know you won't." He stood and walked to the other side of the bed, reached down, and picked Mikayla up princess-style. Mikayla chuckled and laid her head on his shoulder as he carried her to his suite.

They emerged and met Tony and Bruce in the lab. "Hey, it's the Hawkeyes, and before noon. Impressive."

Mikayla stuck her tongue out at him. "Sorry, not here to see you. Bruce? Could you check and see if I can get this stupid cast removed, please?"

Tony lit up a welding tool. "I can help with that."

"I am not letting you get anywhere near me with fire, Stark."

"Don't say I never offer to help." He put his welding shield down and continued working on something.

"Let's go to the med bay." The couple followed Bruce to the medical wing, where Clint helped Mikayla up onto the exam table. Bruce brought over the portable x-ray machine. "Okay, let's look. He scanned her foot and studied the resulting pictures. "Looks like you're good to go. The bone's healing properly, so I'll get the saw." Before they knew it, Bruce had returned and removed the cast. "I know you've got physical therapy starting Monday, so she'll probably give you some exercises to help strengthen it. You'll also want to put lotion on it and not scrub it when you bathe. Oh, and I hear you're going on a small getaway today. I'm going to suggest you take along a wheelchair. I'm not sure your leg is up to that much walking, even with crutches or braces."

"You're cramping my style, Bruce." Mikayla glanced over at Clint, who was glaring at her. "Fine, I'll take a wheelchair." 'Didn't say I'd use it, though.'

Of course, Clint knew exactly what she was thinking. "I'll see to it Nat and Pepper make sure she uses it." Clint looked back over at Mikayla and could feel the laser beams coming from her eyes. He chose to ignore them.

"Okay, Mikayla, let's get you off the table." Clint and Bruce each took one of Mikayla's elbows and helped her down. She gingerly put weight on her formerly broken ankle. "Well?"

"It doesn't hurt. It's weak, but I'm able to move it okay." She wiggled it around and moved it back and forth to show them.

"Good. You should wear a shoe larger than your usual size since the ankle's still a bit swollen. I'll also wrap a bandage around it for support since you're going to be out and about. You won't have to wear it when you're at home." Bruce went to the cabinet and returned with a bandage, wrapping it around her ankle after sitting in a chair. "All done. Have fun today."

Mikayla smiled at him. "Thanks, Bruce."

"Yeah," Clint spoke up, "thanks, Doc."

"No problem. Glad you're back home, Mikayla."

"Me, too, Bruce." She hugged him. "Thanks for everything." Mikayla turned and looked at Clint. "Ready?"

"Yep." Clint put his arm around Mikayla's waist, and the couple left the med bay.

When they arrived in the living room, Natasha and Pepper were relaxing on a couch. "There she is!" Pepper said, standing up and walking over to Clint and Mikayla. "And look, no cast!"

"Yep, no cast. I'm finally starting to find myself again, at least snippets of myself."

"We'll take it," Clint said, kissing her temple. "Did you want to wear one of my shoes?"

Mikayla chortled. "Your size ten shoes? Please, I'll trip and fall in no time flat."

Pepper spoke up. "Let me guess, for your swollen ankle?" Mikayla nodded. "What's your shoe size?"

"7."

Pepper looked down at Mikayla's shoes. "I think I have a pair of size 8's in that style. I'll be right back."

While Pepper went back to the penthouse, the trio stayed in the living room, with Clint and Mikayla sitting on the love seat and Natasha still on the couch. "Did you want something to eat before hitting the road?"

"Sure."

Clint hopped up and went to the kitchen, returning with a granola bar and a couple of hard-boiled eggs. "Here you go." Clint handed them to her. By the time Pepper returned, Mikayla had finished her breakfast.

"Thanks, Pepper." Mikayla took the left shoe from her and leaned down to put on the shoe. "I can work with this."

"Don't forget the wheelchair," Clint said. Mikayla groaned, hoping he would forget that. "Doc wants her to be in one since she just got the cast removed."

"And here it is." They turned and saw Bruce wheeling it into the room.

Mikayla shot Clint a go-to-hell look as she climbed into the wheelchair.

Clint took Bruce's place behind the wheelchair. "I'll take you downstairs while they go get the car." The two women nodded and went to the elevator to take it to the parking garage. Bruce waved at them as they left.

"I don't like it, Clint." Mikayla angrily crossed her arms, sticking out her bottom lip and pouting.

"I know, but you don't need to be doing anything to cause any more damage to it. Besides," he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "think of the fun we could have with me sitting in the chair and you sitting in my lap."

"Hmmm, you have a point."

"Of course, I'm Hawkeye."

Mikayla rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Any chance you get for an arrow joke, bird boy."

"Hey, it made you smile. I call that a success." The elevator doors opened, so Clint pushed the wheelchair into the lobby and toward the waiting car. "Got your earbuds?"

"Yep." Clint held the wheelchair as Mikayla climbed into the backseat. "Don't have too much fun without me. Tell Edna I said hi." He leaned into the car and kissed Mikayla.

"I will. Love you."

"Love you, too."

"Sappiness time's over," Natasha joked. "Time to move along." Clint chuckled as he shut the car door, then loaded the wheelchair into the trunk. Mikayla put in her earbuds, focusing her attention on her phone so she would overlook the crowded streets.

A few hours later, the women arrived in Mikayla's neck of the woods. "Where to first?" Pepper asked. "Mikayla?"

"The diner?"

"Good choice. Gotta pay our respects to Edna, right?"

"Edna?"

Mikayla answered. "She's the town's adopted grandmother, works at the local diner." She gave Pepper directions, and soon they had arrived. "Well, not going to be able to use the wheelchair here."

"Never fear," Natasha said. "We put your braces in the trunk, too." She got out of the car and got them from the trunk. Mikayla fitted them around her arms and slowly made her way up the steps. After entering the diner, they sat down at a table close to the front door. "Here she comes," Natasha uttered as she handed the others their menus.

"Micki, Nat! It's been too long!" Edna leaned over and hugged each of them. "And you've brought another friend."

"Pepper, Edna. Pepper's my boss and my good friend."

Pepper held out her hand, which Edna wholly ignored, and went right for the hug. "Always happy to meet more of Micki's friends."

Pepper was momentarily stunned but hid it well, as she always did. "Nice to meet you, too." She sat back down in the booth. "How long have you known Mikayla?"

"Since the day she was born. She's always been a stubborn little spitfire. Was two weeks late." Mikayla put her head in her hands, having heard the story too many times to count, and knew there was no way it wasn't going to get back to Clint. "Now, what can I get you girls to drink?"

They each ordered tea, so Edna left to get their drinks, giving them time to look at the menu. Pepper leaned forward. "Okay, spill. Why Micki? Which I think is adorable, by the way."

Mikayla groaned, then explained the story to her. "If we could keep that from Tony, I'd appreciate it."

"Whatever is said here stays here." Mikayla breathed a sigh of relief.

Edna returned with their teas. "So, have we decided?"

Mikayla stuck with her usual club sandwich and fries, Nat went for a Reuben, and Pepper ordered a BLT. Edna turned in their orders, and the women talked. Well, Pepper and Natasha talked. Mikayla sat back and listened, part of her still trying to figure out how to fit in again. She felt fine when it was just her and Clint, but once other people were around, all she wanted to do was shrink back into her shell. Natasha noticed and started asking her questions, slowly drawing her into their conversation. Edna returned to refill their tea, asking how the wedding plans were coming along. "I've got a lot of it done." Mikayla pulled out her phone and showed Edna the dress, tuxedo, invitations, and cathedral photo.

"You are going to make a beautiful bride, standing next to that handsome man of yours."

Mikayla blushed, knowing she'd stopped positively thinking of herself. "Thanks," she replied timidly.

"Where is that man of yours, anyway?"

"Girls' day out, so we left him behind," Mikayla replied. The other two women noticed the only time Mikayla seemed to perk up was when she talked about Clint.

"Well, I'll be sure to send back a sandwich and fries for him."

"Thanks, Edna."

"No problem, Micki. When you're done, come up to the counter. I've got something in the back for you. Wasn't sure when you'd be back up here, so I've been saving it." Mikayla nodded as Edna left the table, returning shortly with their food. "If you need anything else, just holler."

"Thanks, Edna." The three women ate their sandwiches in silence. They each ate about half their sandwiches and fries. "I never get tired of these."

"Reminds me of the sandwiches my grandmother used to make when I was growing up," Pepper said. "She made the best, but this is close."

Mikayla took the napkin from her lap and tossed it on the table. "I'll be right back." She scooted to the edge of the booth, fitted her braces against her arms, then went over to the counter and leaned against it.

"Sweetie, what happened?"

"Broken ankle, just got the cast off this morning."

Edna nodded. "You know I'm not going to ask what happened."

"Because you know I'll tell you." Mikayla gave her a brief description of the battle and the kidnapping, biting her lip to keep from breaking down.

Edna wrapped her in a bear hug. "Oh, Micki! I'm sorry that happened to you, but you made it through. I'm proud of you for that. You know your parents would be, too."

Mikayla nodded. "I saw them in a dream."

"You know they'll always be with you. Speaking of, I'll be right back." Edna went to the back and came back with an oblong box. "Here."

Mikayla propped her braces against the counter and sat down on a stool. She removed the lid and lifted the paper. "Oh, my! I wondered what had happened to it." Mikayla raised the contents. "How did you end up with my mom's veil?"

"My daughter Sandy borrowed it. Since George and I eloped, I didn't have a wedding dress, so your mom loaned it to her. We never got a chance to give it back, so I saved it for you."

Mikayla bit her lip again. "It's going to go perfect with the dress."

"I thought so, especially after you showed it to me. Want me to carry it over for you?"

"Sure, thanks."

"No problem, dear. I'll bring some boxes and Clint's sandwich, too."

Mikayla nodded, then put her braces back around her arms and went back to the table. "What did she have for you?" Pepper asked.

"My mom's veil."

"There's your something old. Now we'll work on the something new, something borrowed, and something blue."

"We can look for the something blue and something new while we're out today," Natasha said.

"Thank you both," Mikayla said, trying not to tear up. "I needed this more than I knew."

"Hey," Pepper said, putting her hand on Mikayla's arm. "We're here for each other. We support our family any way we can. We're just glad to see the old you on your way back."

"Me, too, Pepper."

"Here we are," Edna bounded over to the table, handing each woman a box, then placing Clint's boxed-up meal and the box with the veil in it on the table. Pepper went to pull out her credit card. "Honey, your money's not good here. Micki and her friends don't pay. If you stop back by on your way out, I'll have a couple of pies saved for you." She leaned down and gave each of the women a hug. "Have a good time, and nice to meet you, Pepper."

"You, too, Edna, and thank you."

"Anything for Micki." Edna took their empty plates and walked away.

Mikayla chuckled. "I'm surprised she didn't ruffle my hair."

The women laughed as they left the diner, got in the car, and Pepper drove them to the outdoor mall. The first shop they passed was a bridal shop. "Look, Mikayla, we can stop in here and see what they have," Pepper said.

"Not using the wheelchair," Mikayla glared at the other two. "Clint doesn't need to know."

They walked in and were greeted by a clerk. "How can I help you?"

Pepper spoke up, pointing to Mikayla. "Our friend is getting married in September."

"Congratulations! Have you chosen a dress yet?"

"I found one online." Mikayla pulled out her phone and showed it to the clerk.

"That is an exquisite choice. Give me a moment. I think we have that in stock." The woman disappeared in the back, returning shortly, holding a dress. "Is this it?"

Mikayla nodded fervently. "That's it!"

"Would you like to try it on? I'd be happy to help you."

Mikayla looked toward Pepper and Natasha, who nodded in agreement, so Mikayla followed the clerk back to the dressing room. She returned a short time later, limping into the main area. "Well?"

Pepper turned around. "It's perfect!"

"Barton will faint," Natasha half-joked.

"It's a little large, but we can alter it as needed," the clerk said.

"I've, uh, recently lost weight, so I'd like to do that closer to the wedding."

"That won't be a problem. Are you from around here?"

"Grew up here, living in New York City now."

"Well, you're looking at the seamstress, so I'd be happy to drive down closer to the wedding date for a final fitting. What's the wedding date?"

"September 28th."

"Let me check my calendar. My name's Gloria, by the way." She walked behind the register and pulled out her calendar. "Nothing scheduled that entire week."

Pepper spoke up before Mikayla could answer. "Gloria, that would work out perfectly. We'll take it."

Gloria smiled. "Wonderful! Was there anything else you needed?"

While the others were talking, Natasha was walking around and spotted something. "Here's the something new, or maybe even the something blue." The women turned to see her holding up a dark blue garter.

"I didn't think to ask, what are your colors?"

"Dark purple and dark blue."

"That would go perfect, uh."

"Mikayla Fitzgerald. This is Pepper, and that's Natasha."

"Nice to meet each of you. Shall I add the garter to the total?"

"Yes, please," Pepper again answered. Mikayla decided to let her since she was paying for it, after all.

"Have you purchased anything else yet?"

Mikayla shook her head. "Haven't had a chance yet." She shared with Gloria what she was planning for her bridesmaids and maid of honor dresses.

"Let me grab my catalogs." Gloria went behind the register again and brought out some books for them to look through. After rifling through them, Mikayla found what she was looking for and pointed them out to Gloria. "I can order those, no problem."

"We'd like it if you could have them delivered to the city," Pepper said. "I'm willing to pay for that. I'd like you to send the bill to Stark Industries."

"Oh, of course! I'd like to suggest a shop for the tuxedos." Gloria pulled out a business card. "My brother Justin and his wife Jennifer have a shop in Manhattan. If you decide to purchase the tuxes from them, I can have everything shipped there. Even if you don't, I'll still be happy to help with the dresses."

Pepper looked at the card. "I know this shop. You have a deal."

Before Mikayla went back to change, Natasha stopped her. "Hold on, let me take a photo. I know it's supposed to be bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her dress, but when have you two done anything traditional? I'm the best person, after all."

"Hold that thought." Gloria ran to the back and came out with a bouquet of fake purple roses and handed them to Mikayla. "Completes the look." She backed away as Natasha took the photo, then walked next to Mikayla and helped her to change back into her clothes. Mikayla tensed up as Gloria buttoned and unbuttoned the back of the dress, but Gloria didn't say a word.

As Pepper was paying for everything, Mikayla sat down. "Nat, it's happening, isn't it?"

"Yep, it is. I didn't think Clint would ever get married, but I can't imagine him marrying anyone but you. You make him happy, and I know he makes you ecstatic."

"He does, Nat. I think we ground each other."

"Can't ask for more than that. I'm happy for both of you."

"Thanks, Nat." It meant everything to Mikayla to have her blessing since she was Clint's best friend.

"Ready?" Pepper said, holding the dress over her shoulder and handing Natasha the garter box.

"Gloria, thanks for everything," Mikayla said.

"Thank you, and I'll see you in a few months. I'll let Justin know to be expecting you."

The women waved as they left the shop, then went to the car and put their purchases in the trunk. Once the packages were loaded, they continued walking around, looking at the different shops. Mikayla made a point to stop at the bath shop and the candy store. After making their purchases, they made their way down the sidewalk and stopped at a jewelry store. "Let's go in here. I need to look for something blue." They went in and looked around. After several minutes, Pepper called Mikayla over. "What's up?"

"I think I found something blue." She pointed to a silver necklace with a sapphire pendant. "What about this?"

"It's blue, that's for sure."

"Excuse me," Pepper called the salesperson over. "We'd like to look at this, please." The case was unlocked, and the clerk pulled the necklace out so the women could get a better look at it. "What do you think, Mikayla?"

"I love it. It's beautiful."

Pepper looked at the salesperson. "We'll take it." Mikayla was amazed how Pepper could buy something without even looking at the price. It showed Mikayla how fortunate she was to have been taken in by this crazy group of people, which ultimately wouldn't have been possible without her Uncle Phil, and subsequently meeting Clint.

Natasha noticed Mikayla was beginning to favor her left leg. "Okay, that's enough for today. Time to head back." Mikayla didn't put up a fight, so Natasha knew her ankle was bothering her. The women got back in the car and headed back to the city, stopping by the diner to pick up their pies. Pepper made sure to drive by the farmhouse. "Did you want to stop?"

Mikayla was about to say yes until she saw the barn. She started shivering and rubbing her arms, memories of her capture flooding her brain. "No, let's just go, please." She caught herself starting to zone out, so she pulled out her earbuds and turned up her playlist, putting her head down to avoid looking out the window. Natasha kept an eye on her as they traveled back to the tower.

When they returned, Mikayla gave in and sat in the wheelchair, primarily because Clint was waiting for them. "How did it go? Never mind, don't answer." He saw Mikayla's ashen face and immediately helped her into the wheelchair. "Talk to me, babe. What happened?"

She took out her earbuds. "Was having a great time until we drove by the farmhouse. It brought back memories." Mikayla started biting her lip, taking deep breaths to center herself. "I'm fine. I'm not going to get overwhelmed."

"That's my girl. Fight through it. You've got this." Clint stopped pushing the wheelchair until he made sure Mikayla was okay. Once she looked at him and nodded, they continued onto the elevator and up to the tower. "Living room or your room?"

"Our rooms. I've got purchases to show you. Oh," Mikayla smiled, "I have a care package from Edna."

"I swear if I weren't already engaged, I'd marry that woman."

Mikayla chuckled. "She is pretty awesome, isn't she?" Mikayla's phone buzzed. "Your food is in the kitchen, and I'm supposed to show you this." As they got on the elevator, she handed her phone to Clint.

He took the phone and looked at the photo. "You found it." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I think you can't be any more gorgeous, and then you prove me wrong every time."

Mikayla blushed. 'I sure as hell don't feel gorgeous, or beautiful, or pretty, or any other compliment Clint gives me.' "I swear I'm getting you a pair of glasses, Clint." The elevator doors opened onto their floor, so Clint wheeled her to her room and helped her up from the wheelchair. She saw the bags and boxes sitting on the coffee table. "Oh, good, they brought them up." Mikayla limped over to the couch and sat down. "Edna's been saving this for me." She handed him the box, and he opened it. "It was my mom's."

"She'll be there in her own way." Clint looked at the veil. "Gotta be honest. I don't know the first thing about women's fashion, but this looks like it will match the dress perfectly."

Mikayla nodded. "Gloria, the lady who sold us the dress, is going to come down closer to the wedding for final fittings. Hopefully, I'll put some weight on between now and then. It's funny. Once I lost weight when I was a teenager, I never worried about gaining it back. Now, here I am, wanting to put weight back on. It's amazing how life works." Mikayla leaned back in contemplation.

Clint happily noticed she was able to talk about events without falling apart. 'More progress,' he thought to himself. "What else did you get?"

"We got obsessed with the old saying 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.' The veil fits the something old. This," she handed him another box, "is something new."

Clint opened the box and pulled out the necklace. "Wow. Can I?" She nodded, and he fastened it around her neck. "Perfect, and I'm not just talking about the necklace." He leaned in and kissed her. "It was made for you."

"I loved it as soon as I saw it." She handed him a small bag. "Here's the something blue, and you don't get to see it again for several months." She smirked.

He pulled the garter out of the bag. "Damn, you women went all out, didn't you?" Clint put his hand on Mikayla's thigh. "I'm going to look forward to removing this since it means you'll officially be Mikayla Barton."

"Which is why I bought those to pass the time until then," Mikayla pointed to the rest of her purchases on the table.

Clint turned his head and saw the familiar logos. "Oh, you little minx."

She smirked. "See, slowly returning to usual." Mikayla draped her arms around Clint's shoulders and drew him closer to her. "Welcome back to usual."