I know, a cliffhanger! I'm a writer - it's what I'm known for! Thanks to everyone who is still with me. We're almost to the end of this story, but, never fear, there will be a Finders Keepers 2. This couple has many more stories to tell. I hope you enjoy this one.
Also, it's now October, so you know what that means? Whumptober! Yes, I will be posting Whumptober stories again this year. As a friendly reminder, they will not necessarily appear in this story or refer to anything in this story. However, if you've been with me for any time, I have been known to rework them into the main story. Look for those to be posted under Whumptober 2021 - The Clint Barton Multiverse.
It was too much for Natasha, who spun on her heels and left the medical wing. "I refuse to let this happen. There is going to be a wedding, and they will go on the best honeymoon a couple has ever had."
"There's that stubborn redhead I know." Natasha didn't have to turn around to know Bucky was behind her. "I agree with you, you know." He moved to stand next to his former pupil and lover. "Everyone deserves some happiness in this world. I know Shuri and her team will do everything to make it happen."
The two teammates were quiet for several moments. "I'm glad you got away from HYDRA. I spent years wondering what had happened to you. You were there one day, then you were gone. I always assumed I'd done something wrong. Eventually I realized that's how the Red Room worked. If they sensed any familiarity or attachment, they'd find a way to end it." Natasha crossed her arms across her chest as if she were trying to hold in her emotions. "Thanks for being their friend."
Bucky smiled. "Mikayla makes it easy. When I talk to her, it's like talking to my sister."
"That's how it is with Clint. Once I got the programming out of my head and rediscovered myself, he's how I always imagined having a brother would be."
"And there there's Stevie." Bucky grinned. "Sensing you don't think of him as a brother."
"Is this a shovel talk, Barnes?"
"Nope, just an observation."
"Good."
A comfortable silence enveloped them until Steve showed up to get their attention. "They're bringing Mikayla out of the chamber." They turned around, and the trio walked back to the medical wing.
Clint, whose eyes were red and swollen, was sitting on his bed; the only telltale sign of his anxiety was the constant drumming of his fingertips on his knees. Steve and Bucky joined their teammates. Natasha came and stood next to Clint. Shuri motioned to the Wakandans, and a swooshing noise could be heard as the machine was turned off, and Mikayla was removed from the chamber.
"How long before she wakes up?"
Shuri answered. "It will probably be later today. If not, then it will be tomorrow. How are you feeling, Agent Barton?"
"I'm fine," he replied until Natasha shot him a look, then he sighed in resignation. "A slight headache, but it's OK."
"Let us look, please," Shuri said, and without giving him a chance to object, sent one of the doctors to look in his eyes. The doctor nodded to Shuri. "Here is some medicine for you. Please take it. I do not want to have to bring in the Dora Milaje to persuade you."
Clint knew when he was outnumbered, so he put out his hand, accepted the medication, and was rewarded with a slight Natasha Romanoff smirk. 'Dora Milaje?' He mouthed to Natasha.
'The king's security force,' she mouthed back. 'I'll fill you in later.' Clint nodded.
Over the next few hours, team members filtered in and out, checking in on Mikayla, who remained asleep. Clint was released from the medical wing, but, of course, he chose to stay in case Mikayla woke up. At one point, he looked over at her and thought he saw her trying to talk but figured it was a figment of his imagination.
"How are you holding up?" Steve asked Clint.
"I'll be better once she wakes up."
"I think we all will. I hate the unknown."
"I'm with you, Cap. Too many variables."
Steve nodded. "It makes it hard to plan strategy."
As they were talking, Mikayla opened her eyes. "Help," her voice came out in a squeak.
"I'm here, babe." Clint immediately jumped off the bed and went to stand next to her. Steve followed him and stood just behind his left shoulder.
Mikayla blinked her eyes a few times, trying to focus. "Clint?" Clint and Steve released deep breaths, happy to discover she hadn't forgotten who he was. "Where am I? Where are we?"
"We're in Wakanda," Clint answered. Steve stepped away to get Shuri. "Everyone but Pepper and Misty are here."
"What-what happened?"
"What's the last thing you remember?"
Mikayla concentrated, thinking about the question. "It's…fuzzy. The farm? I think, anyway. I remember playing Monopoly." She motioned to ask Clint to help her sit up, then looked at him, her voice wavering. "Why Wakanda? What's wrong with me? Her lower lip was quivering, her breathing grew rapid, and she started shaking. "Clint? What happened to me?"
Clint immediately began rubbing her temples. "Hey, Mikayla. Listen to me. You're here, and I'm here, the team's here. Focus on my breathing, on my voice. You've got this." Clint cradled her head against his chest, giving her a chance to feel his heartbeat, to align her breathing with his. "That's my kick-ass fiancée. Breathe normally. Shhh." Once her heart rate and breathing slowed down, Clint tilted her chin up to his face and kissed her forehead. "Hey."
"Hey." Mikayla shyly smiled.
"After you get checked over, I'll fill you in on what happened, OK?" She nodded. Clint kissed her cheek, squeezed her hand, then stepped away from the bed, making room for the medical personnel.
"Agent Fitzgerald? I'm Shuri. Welcome to Wakanda. How are you feeling?"
"Confused, also have a bit of a headache." Mikayla rubbed her head. "You helped us before, didn't you?" Shuri nodded. "Thank you, and, I guess, thank you for helping us again, though I still don't know why we're here."
Clint stepped back to stand next to her, and between him and Shuri, the two of them explained the situation to her. "So, that's why we're here. No one better to deal with memory issues than the Wakandans."
"I have someone that might beg to differ," Steve walked in, Wanda by his side.
"Wanda!" Mikayla opened her arms to hug Wanda. "I'm so happy to see you. I've missed you!"
Wanda sniffed, trying not to cry, and allowed Mikayla to envelop her. "You're OK. You're both OK." The two friends held each other until Wanda stepped back, turned around, and hugged Clint.
"That's what they tell me," Mikayla said, reaching to grab Steve's hand and squeeze it. She knew if she focused on her friends, it would keep her mind busy with fewer opportunities to dwell on her missing memories. "Is the rest of the team nearby?"
Steve nodded. "They're just outside. We didn't want to overwhelm you." Mikayla nodded. "We'll go eat, then come back, give you some quiet time." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Good to have you back. You were missed."
The trio watched Steve leave. "How are you truly feeling, Mikayla?" Wanda sat down in a chair next to Clint, who was perched on the side of the bed holding Mikayla's hand, afraid that if he let go, she'd disappear.
"Physically, I'm fine. The headache's better, no more marching band."
"And otherwise?" Clint asked, voice filled with concern, knowing how much she'd already been through and dealt with to this point.
"The memory loss is bothering me. What if I forget something important? I mean," Mikayla stumbled, talking over herself, words tumbling out faster than she could say them, "I didn't forget you, or my friends, but what if I can't remember something regarding work, how to do my job? Then where will I be?" A panic-stricken look crossed her face.
"Then we'll worry about that then." Clint squeezed her hand. "You're not in this alone." Mikayla nodded in resigned agreement. "Now, let's see if we can get some clothes and take a walk outside."
As he went to turn around, Shuri and T'Challa walked in. "I understand our new friends are up and about," T'Challa greeted Clint and Mikayla, directing a nod to Wanda. "I've not had the pleasure of meeting the two of you yet. I'm T'Challa. Allow me to welcome you to our country, though I'm sorry for the events that brought you here." As soon as Clint heard T'Challa's name, he immediately straightened up, recognizing T'Challa's name from SHIELD reports. "I have it on good authority that you seem to be physically recovered from your battle." He motioned to someone behind him, who brought forward a set of clothes for the pair, Wanda having made her exit to join the rest of the team.
"Clint, Mikayla." He shook each of their hands as he spoke their name. "We are always happy to help our friends from SHIELD and the Avengers. If there is any way I can be of service, please do not hesitate to ask. My sister Shuri and the medical staff have advised me they would like to keep you here for about a week to ensure there are no lasting effects. Never fear," he held up his hands and smiled, "you will not be required to spend your free time here in medical. When you are not here being examined, we have set up a place to reside while you are here. Once you have changed clothes, please feel free to join your teammates, then we will show you where you will be staying." He nodded, then left the room, along with the group of people with him.
Clint and Mikayla changed into clothes that someone had brought from the Quinjet. Clint gritted his teeth as he pulled on the clothes, his body reacting to the twisting and turning. After he got dressed, he looked over at Mikayla. "Ready to see what they eat here?"
Mikayla shrugged her shoulders. "Sure."
"Babe? Remember," Clint said, taking hold of her hand, "we're in this together. I've got you. We'll get through this." He paused. "Smell?"
"Antiseptic, flowers, bleach." Mikayla smiled, recognizing what he was doing.
"Taste?"
"Blood, water, metal. Hmm, that's new."
Clint wiped her lips with his thumb. "It's from the blood, tends to have a metallic taste." Mikayla nodded. "Hear?"
"You, sensors beeping, tapping on the window." Mikalya turned and saw the group standing outside the room, Thor's large fingers lightly tapping to get their attention. Mikayla's smile grew, and she waved.
"Ahem, eyes on me, Fitzgerald." Clint put a finger under her chin and turned her head to face him again. "See?"
"You, you, nothing but you."
"Sorry, it only works if you're having a concussion and seeing triple. Try again."
Mikayla huffed. "Fine. You, machines, and beautiful scenery."
"Last but not least. Touch?"
"Clothes, sheets, and you."
Clint smiled. "You remembered the exercise. Welcome back."
Mikayla leaned her head on his shoulder. "Thanks." She sighed. "Why does being in the hospital make you so tired?"
Clint put an arm around her and kissed her temple. "Because you're supposed to be resting, but you can't."
"Makes sense."
"Ready to go see the team and grab a bite to eat?" Mikayla nodded. Clint took her hand, linked their fingers together, and they stepped out into the hallway.
Not surprisingly, Thor was the first one to greet the couple. "Hawkeyes! I knew you'd come back to us!" Thankfully, he'd learned how to tamp down his excited hugs and was the gentlest giant the team had known, except for maybe Hulk. "We never doubted our Wakandan friends for a moment. They helped Master Barnes, so we knew they could assist in your recovery." He ended the hug by kissing the top of Mikayla's head and gently patting Clint on the back.
"Any chance to get to grab a nap, Barton." Natasha punched him in the arm, but Clint saw the hidden concern in her eyes. "How's our girl?" She leaned in and whispered.
"Doesn't remember anything about the mission but passed the senses test. Got some things in mind to further test her memory."
Natasha smirked. "I have a feeling she'll pass that one with flying colors." Natasha spun around, strutted over to Mikayla, talked to her for a few minutes, and then stepped away.
"Good to have you back," Steve said, enveloping Mikayla in a hug. "Are you feeling OK?" He turned on his should-be-patented Captain America stare, challenging Mikayla to lie to him.
"Not the look, Cap," Mikayla whined, then she chuckled. "I'm tired and struggling with some short-term memory, but Clint's OK, so I'll be OK. Plus, I'm surrounded by the greatest team and family in history."
"That's my girl." Steve patted her back as he stepped over to greet Clint.
"Thanks for allowing me to face my girlfriend again, Fitzgerald," Sam joked as he hugged Mikayla.
"Hey, I have a heart. Besides, I've felt the wrath of Misty Randall before. It's not fun." Mikayla grew serious. "Have you talked to her?"
He nodded. "Gave her the good news."
"Thanks, Sam." He gave her another hug, then pushed Steve out of the way to talk to Clint.
Mikayla's face lit up when she saw Bucky. "Thanks for having my back out there," she said, returning his hug.
"Told you after the first battle I'd follow you into one. Besides, no one wanted to put up with Clint moping."
"Yeah, I am kind of attached to Broody McBrooderson." Mikayla wrapped her arms around Clint's waist.
"Wouldn't have it any other way." Clint grew serious. "Thanks for having her six, man."
Bucky gripped his shoulder. "It's what friends and teammates are for."
They'd already greeted Wanda, and Bruce and Tony were still in the lab, so Clint and Mikayla followed the group to get some food. For the most part, the atmosphere was light-hearted, the team was grateful to have their archers back, but Clint kept one eye on Mikayla. Her smile wasn't making it up to her eyes. He wanted to know what she was hiding, but being surrounded by everyone wasn't the time to try to find that out. He watched her push food around on her plate, and every so often, she'd take a bite.
Rhodey came in to join them, leaning in between Clint and Mikayla for shoulder hugs. "Prisoner's back on the plane. The Raft is ready for him. Wheels up in 15." He left to update Bruce and Tony.
Everyone finished their meal then made their way to the plane. "We'll get regular updates from Shuri," Bruce said as Mikayla hugged him. He looked down at her. "Anything you need to be translated, I'm just a call away." Mikayla's eyes grew watery as she hugged him a little tighter, too choked up to give a response. Even Clint held his handshake a little longer than usual, unable to put his gratitude into words.
"I know, I know, saving the best for last," Tony strolled up to the couple. "I'm working on nanobot trackers for each of you. Can't have the group misplacing Katniss and Legolas, can we?"
Mikayla threw her arms around Tony and burrowed her head in his neck. In between sniffs, she whispered, "Thank you for saving me so I can still marry Clint. I'll never be able to repay you."
Tony patted her back and replied in the softest voice anyone had ever heard come from him, "Wouldn't have you miss that. Plus, someone's got to help us with Morgan." Before he totally lost it, he broke off and arranged with Clint for their return trip in a week.
Clint and Mikayla stood side by side, arms around each other, watching the Quinjet as it took off and disappeared into the horizon. "So, guess we're on vacation now?" Mikayla asked.
"Looks like it," Clint said. "We should probably get back and find out where we'll be staying." The two held hands as they made their way back to the palace complex.
T'Challa met them at the entrance to the medical wing. "You have had enough tests for today. Your presence is not required. Come, let me show you to your rooms. I know this is not your home, but please treat it as such. We've tried to make everything as comfortable for you as we can."
"Thank you, T'Challa, for everything," Mikayla smiled.
In return, T'Challa gave them a smile that was pure sunshine. "It is our pleasure to help our friends. We'll give you some time to rest and get accustomed to your living arrangements. Feel free to walk around. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask me, Shuri, or Okoye." The rest of the trip was quiet as Clint and Mikayla took in their surroundings. "Here we are." T'Challa opened a door and ushered them into a suite the size of a large two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan. He gave them a tour, then left them with a promise to have someone check in on them later.
"Wow, just wow," Mikayla said as they came back to the living room. "This is amazing." She turned around to face Clint. "Wonder if we could spend our –"
Before she could get the word 'honeymoon' out, Clint pulled her close and shut her up by fervently kissing her as if her very oxygen was giving him life. "I need you," he growled. "Bedroom, now."
The couple didn't emerge from the bedroom until later that evening. Clint was wearing a pair of light purple sweats, Mikayla wearing a matching t-shirt. Mikayla ran a hand through her hair as she stood in the living room. "Look, a note." She walked over to the door of the suite. After reading it, she turned around and relayed its message to Clint. "There's a tray of food outside. They knocked but didn't get an answer." Her face flushed a lovely shade of pink that Clint knew traveled down under the t-shirt.
"Well, we were a tad busy," Clint smirked as he stood behind Mikayla, draping his arms around her, pulling her to him.
"True, which is why we need to eat. I didn't eat much at lunch. I think I was still in shock about what was going on. Honestly," Mikayla turned to face Clint, "I think I still am. Will I ever get the memories back? Are there any tests we can run or do to make sure I haven't forgotten anything else?" She buried her head in Clint's chest and started crying.
Clint held her as she let it out. "We'll talk with the Wakandans, see what they have to say. We can also talk to Bucky." He rubbed her back in a circular motion. Once she stopped shaking and making sure she was OK, he opened the door, bringing the tray inside. Clint took it over to the small dinette table and sat it down, then pulled out a chair for her. "Looks good, babe. Come on, let's eat." As she sat, the day's activities hit her, and she sunk, elbow propped on the table, holding up her head. "Eat a little bit for me, and then we'll get some sleep, OK?" She nodded, picked up the sandwich, took a few bites, a few slurps of soup, and finally ate some of the salad. She finished by pushing the plate away from her, watching Clint as he continued to eat. Clint looked over and saw Mikayla's eyelids drooping. "OK, come on, time for bed." He stood and pulled out her chair, helping her to stand, but her legs gave out. Clint was able to catch her before she hit the ground. He picked her up and carried her bridal style to the bedroom. Mikayla was awake enough to pull back the covers as Clint laid her on the bed. "I'll be right back." Clint kissed her temple. "I'm going to clean up." Mikayla nodded and wrapped herself up in the covers.
Mikayla had fitful dreams, tossing and turning most of the night. When she woke up, she felt like she hadn't gotten any sleep. She sat up, swung her legs over the side of the bed, and held her head in her hands. "Where am I?" She rubbed her eyes, looking around and trying to place the room. "Why don't I recognize this place?" She began frantically yelling Clint's name. "Clint! Clint! Where are you? What's happening?" Mikayla wrapped her arms around her legs and began rocking back and forth.
Clint, who was brewing coffee and cooking breakfast, immediately turned off the stove and ran into the bedroom. "Mikayla, babe! I'm here." He knelt, cupping her face in his hands, and softly spoke. "Focus on me, focus on my breathing." As he talked, he slipped his hands up and rubbed his thumbs in a circular pattern on her temples. "You've got this, Mikayla. You can do this." Clint slowed his breathing down, making sure Mikayla matched it.
Once Mikayla's heart slowed to a normal pace, she came down from her anxiety attack. "You're here," she said in a quiet voice, putting one of her hands on one of his large, calloused hands.
"I am," he replied. "You with me?" She nodded. "Good." He stood, then sat down next to her. "I texted Sam. He gave me some ideas that worked with Bucky." She nodded again, swearing if she spoke again, her voice would crack, and she'd fall apart. "What's the last thing you remember from last night?"
Mikayla smiled. "That's easy," her voice raspy from screaming, "you carrying me to bed."
"Good. Now, what's your earliest memory of yesterday?"
Mikayla scrunched up her face as she thought. "A conversation like this. You asked me what I remembered."
Clint nodded. "You're passing. Now for the tough one. Before yesterday morning, what's the last thing you remember?"
She closed her eyes, thinking back, then groaned in frustration. "I still can't remember anything between playing Monopoly at the farm and waking up yesterday here."
Mikayla started to cry. Clint wrapped his arms around her. "Shhh, it's OK. You're only missing about a day. How does your body feel? How's your headache?"
She sniffed. "The headache's gone. I don't feel like I have any physical injuries, just the mental ones."
There was a knock at the door. "Agents?" Okoye's voice was heard through the door. "Shuri and the doctors are requesting your presence in the lab."
Clint sighed. "Thanks, we'll be out shortly." He stood up and went to the closet. "Looks like they got our go bags. Someone hung up our clothes." Clint took out shirts and pants for each of them and tossed them on the bed. Mikayla went to the dresser and did the same for undergarments.
After they got dressed, the couple went to medical, meeting Shuri and other medical personnel there. "Good morning. How did you sleep?" Shuri asked.
Clint spoke first. "Fine, same as usual."
"And you, Miss Fitzgerald?"
"Please, it's Mikayla. I'm tired, so I probably didn't sleep well."
"She tossed and turned a lot, seemed restless," Clint commented. Mikayla started to protest, but Clint shook his head. "We're dealing with your brain here, babe. They deserve the full story." Mikayla sighed, knowing he was right.
"That's to be expected." Shuri motioned to the beds. "Now, if you two will have a seat, we'll get started on the tests." Clint and Mikayla got as comfortable as they could while being poked and prodded by the medical staff. Instead of being placed in a machine to scan her brain, Shuri waved her hand over Mikayla while wearing some type of device on her wrist, then waved her hand over Clint. "You may sit up now." Shuri went to confer with the other staff, then returned. "Mikayla, we'd like to take some more blood from you."
The color drained from Mikayla's face, and she reached out to hold Clint's hand. "What's wrong? Is everything OK? We did a memory test. The, the only day I can't remember is the day everything happened, which was the day before yesterday, right?" Clint nodded in agreement.
"There's an anomaly in your blood, Mikayla. I'd like to run some additional tests. Let me reassure you. There doesn't appear to be any neurological damage." Clint shared with them the memory tests Steve gave him. "Yes, we used those on James. He also found it helpful to write down things at the end of the day, then tested himself the next day to see what he remembered. I would also suggest testing your recollection of earlier events in your life, though I do not believe that part of your brain was affected."
"So, you found an anomaly? What does that mean?"
Shuri smiled. "Something that is not normally found. It is not necessarily serious. If you don't mind, I'll reach out to Doctor Banner, and we'll review your medical records." Mikayla agreed, nodding her head. "Agent Barton, your blood work is normal."
"It's Clint and thanks." He hopped off the bed, still holding Mikayla's hand. "Are we dismissed?"
"Of course," Shuri smiled. "We'll let you know when we get the results." She took the scanner off her wrist and set it down on a tray. "Feel free to go out and enjoy Wakanda. We've got your phone number and will reach out when the test results are back."
Clint nodded, helped Mikayla off the table, and the couple left. "What say we go back, eat some breakfast, then go for a walk?"
"OK." The couple went back to their suite, took quick showers, ate, then started exploring the grounds.
Clint kept an eye on Mikayla, who hadn't said much since leaving the lab, other than answering questions he'd asked her regarding events from when they first met. Thankfully, she showed no sign of long-term memory loss, but she still couldn't remember anything from the day of the Manila operation. "I wonder if those are Bucky's goats?" Clint stopped when he saw children playing with several goats, all running around chasing each other. He had a flashback of growing up on the farm, he and Barney trying to corral the pigs and chickens at feeding time. Clint hoped these children would remain innocent and not have to be struck with life as they grew into Wakandan men and women, future leaders of the country. He heard some happy squeals coming from off to the right, looked over, and saw another group of children playing soccer. One of them happened to look back and started waving. Clint waved back, and then the little boy motioned Clint and Mikayla over. "We're being summoned." The two walked over to greet the kids.
"Hi!" The little boy greeted them, smiling ear to ear. "I noticed you were looking a little sad," he said to Mikayla. "Would you like to play soccer with us?"
'Out of the mouth of babes,' Clint thought. "Sounds like fun. You in?"
Mikayla shrugged her shoulders. "Sure."
"Good. You can be on my team." The little boy grabbed Mikayla's hand and dragged her over to where the rest of the kids were gathered. "You," he pointed to Clint, "can be on their team." Clint nodded, smiled, and jogged over to the other group of boys and girls.
Once the game started, Clint kept an eye on Mikayla, noticing the stress rolling off her as she ran around, interacting with the kids and trying to keep the ball away from his team. At one point, he kicked out, aiming for the soccer ball. Unfortunately, he missed and kicked her leg instead. "Ow!" Mikayla groaned as she went tumbling to the ground, grasping her ankle.
Immediately, Clint knelt next to her. "Mikayla, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to – "
"I know," she said through gritted teeth. "Damn, that hurts!"
"Here, let me look." Clint removed her hands and saw that there was a large gash across her ankle. He was assuming it was also bruised and would soon start swelling.
The game stopped, and the children gathered around Clint and Mikayla. The boy who invited them to play asked, concern all over his face. "Is she OK?"
Mikayla, biting her lip to keep from crying out, nodded. "I'll be fine." She smiled. "I'm sorry I won't be able to continue. I was having fun. Would we be able to play again tomorrow?"
The boy's face lit up. "Of course! We have the best medical here. Miss Shuri will have something that will patch you right up. May I?" He opened his arms to ask for a hug.
"Of course," Mikayla's smile grew as she held out her arms to hug him, which turned into a group hug as all the kids joined the pile. Clint stood back and listened to the best sound in the world, Mikayla laughing. After the group hug, the children backed away so Clint could help Mikayla stand. "Thanks, uh."
"T'Chuly, but I'm mostly known by Chewie." He grinned. "I was named after the great warrior Chewbacca, but I am not a walking carpet."
This caused Mikayla to laugh even louder. "No, you are not, Chewie." She held out her hand to shake Chewie's. "I'm Mikayla, but you can call me Micki, and this is Clint," pointing to Clint. "No nickname for him, though."
"I am happy to meet both of you. We will let you go get your injury taken care of and look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
"You got it, Chewie." Mikayla ruffled his hair, leaning on Clint as they went back to their suite.
"Babe, you are amazing," Clint said as he placed her on the bed so he could get a better look at her leg. He'd torn off part of his shirt to tie around her leg and stop the bleeding.
"Amazingly klutzy, you mean." Mikayla sharply inhaled as Clint untied the makeshift bandage.
"That wasn't your fault," he said. "I'm going to get some ice. Be right back." First, he went to the bedroom, grabbing medical supplies out of his go-bag, then going to the kitchen. He returned carrying gauze pads, medical tape, antiseptic, scissors, and a frozen bag of peas. "I was hoping for a frozen drink, but this will work," Clint joked as he knelt and began applying the antiseptic to the wound. Mikayla gritted her teeth as he tended to her. "Want something for the pain?"
"Nope," she inhaled sharply. "I'll just picture myself drinking one of the imaginary frozen drinks."
Clint chuckled as he cleaned the wound and taped the gauze pad down, then handed Mikayla the bag of peas. He watched her as she gently placed it over her ankle. Before she put her ankle down, Clint grabbed a pillow so she could elevate her ankle. "You good?" She nodded. "I'm going to head over to medical to let them know what happened. Oh, before I forget. Heads up." She looked as he tossed her tablet to her. "For entertainment and to keep your mind occupied."
"Thanks, Clint." He smiled, leaning down to kiss her. "I'll be here when you get back." Clint waved as he left their suite. She cycled through news reports but didn't see anything about Manila. After that, she went through some of her books but couldn't settle on anything. Looking at the time, she did some quick math and decided to make a Skype call.
"Oh, my God. Mikayla!" Misty screamed through the camera. "How are you? When are you coming home? Sam told me what happened. Wait, you do remember me, don't you?"
Mikayla chuckled, listening to her best friend sounding like a whirling dervish. "I'm fine, Misty. So far, the only memory I've lost is what happened the day I lost my memory. They want to keep us here for a week to observe us, make sure there's no lasting damage. How are things there?"
"Relatively calm, just missing our archers. Sam and I have been hanging around here. Oh, and Pepper hired me to redesign Stark Industries offices."
"That's awesome, Misty! Congratulations."
"I know. She checked my references and was pleased with other offices I've done, so she offered me the job. Hey, where's the second-best archer?"
Mikayla rolled her eyes and laughed. "You're talking to her, goofball. Clint's gone to talk to Shuri. Give her an update on me." She turned the tablet to show Misty her ankle.
"How did you manage that?"
Mikayla told her about the soccer game. "I was having fun until then. These kids are adorable and so polite. They're definitely a representative of their leader."
Misty shook her head. "Who would've thought we'd be here? Living this life."
"Not me, that's for sure." Mikayla thought back to their college days, how naïve they were in college, not knowing there was such a thing as superheroes. She noticed something while looking at her screen. "Uh, Misty? Is there something you're not telling me?"
"Who, me?"
"Is there anyone else around? I thought I saw a glint of something."
Misty smirked. "Oh, this? Just a little something from Sam."
"You got engaged!" Mikayla shouted. "Congratulations, M! When did that happen?"
"Yesterday. Apparently, my birdman had it planned and was going to ask after your wedding, but after what happened on the mission, he didn't want to wait. I figured if marrying a bird boy was good enough for you, who was I to argue?"
Mikayla chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, if that isn't reason enough to get married, I can't think of another one. Have you set a date yet?"
"Nope, I haven't got that far. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact I'm engaged."
"How did your parents take it?"
"Mom's happy, already looking forward to grandchildren. Dad's still processing."
"Oh? He's not upset, is he?"
"Good God, no. He's never been upset with anyone I ever brought home. I think he's in shock he's going to have to wear a suit."
"I can see that. Tell them I said hi." Her tablet beeped. "Hold on, getting a text." She quickly read it. "Clint's going to take a walk, relieve some stress."
Misty grew serious. "What aren't you telling me, Mikayla?"
Mikayla bit her lip, not wanting to ruin Misty's day. "They found an anomaly in my blood, so they're running more tests to try and figure out what it is."
Misty nodded. "I thought I overheard Bruce talking to someone when I walked by. How are you holding up?"
"Not gonna lie, it's scary after everything. They told me a little about what happened to me. I was shot up with two different drugs at one time, so my body didn't have time to absorb them. Clint was given the same drugs, but not simultaneously, so his body handled them better."
"You'll get through this, M. I don't know anyone stronger."
"Thanks. I'll keep you posted." She heard someone calling Misty's name. "Go. Tell everyone I said hi and tell Sam I'll talk with him when I get back."
"I wouldn't expect any less. Let me know when you can. Love you, M."
"Back at you, M." The call ended, and Mikayla felt a little more settled. She went through her books again, finally settled on one, then leaned back into the pillow, getting lost in the story.
Before she knew it, a couple of hours had flown by. She looked up as the door opened. "Hey, babe." Clint walked over to the bed and kissed her forehead. "How's your ankle feeling?"
She moved it around. "A little tight, but OK. I've got news for you. Sam and Misty got engaged."
"Good for them," Clint smiled. "I'm happy for them." He crawled up and stretched out next to Mikayla. "Not as happy as I am for us, but happy, nevertheless." He picked up her hand and linked their fingers. "You feeling OK?"
Mikayla nodded. "For the most part, yeah. I try not to let my mind go to the worst-case scenario."
"I know." Clint brought her hand up and kissed it. "Shuri wants to examine your ankle. Feel up to walking over to medical?"
"As long as you're with me, yep. I can face anything with you." She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I think hearing about Sam and Misty's engagement has put me in a sappy mood.
Clint chuckled. "I don't think we need any help with that." He rolled off the bed, walked around to the other side, and helped Mikayla stand. "Try walking on it and see how it feels."
Mikayla took a few tentative steps, then gained speed and confidence. "It's OK. You did a great job wrapping it, although I'm sure the magical peas helped, too."
Clint laughed as he put the peas back in the freezer, then returned to Mikayla, offering her his elbow. "Ready?"
"Yep." The two walked over to the medical wing. Clint noticed Mikayla didn't seem to be favoring her ankle. "Hey, Shuri." Mikayla nervously greeted the Wakandans.
"Ah, Mikayla. I heard you had an incident today. How is it feeling?" She motioned, and Mikayla, with Clint's help, got up on the bed. "I'm going to take off the bandage now." Mikayla unwrapped the tape and removed the gauze pad. "Hmm, interesting."
"What?" Mikayla looked worried. "Am I injured more than what we thought?"
"No, not at all." She turned around and spoke to one of the medical people in Wakandan. The man hurried over, handing Shuri a piece of paper. Shuri nodded, then reviewed the document. "Have you looked at your injury?"
"No, not since Clint bandaged it up. Why?" Shuri motioned to it. Clint and Mikayla looked at it. There was no bruising or swelling, and, other than a slight scar, couldn't tell anything had happened to it. "Good, it looks like Clint took care of it in time." They both noticed Shuri wasn't responding. "Right? That's what happened, right?"
Shuri looked directly at Clint and Mikayla; Clint grabbed Mikayla's hand. "That was part of it, yes. The anomaly we found was related to the drugs you were given." She paused, focusing on each of their faces, then continuing. "It appears to have worked. Your body now has the ability to accelerate healing, at least when it comes to minor injuries." She lightly ran her finger over Mikayla's leg. "You can feel that, correct?" Mikayla nodded. "Good, no diminished sensation."
Clint spoke up. "So, the drugs worked? You're saying she's got the super-soldier serum, like Cap and Bucky?"