This chapter is kind of short and more of a filler to get to the next part.

Thanks to Senema for her beta. Without her, the story would be much more difficult to read.

Chapter 12

Clint and Laura were still embracing as the other jeeps pulled into the mansion's brightly lit driveway. All passengers got out while the drivers took the jeeps back to the garage.

Of course, it was Natasha who broke the intimate moment between the couple. "Make way, Clint! Now it's my turn to hug Laura."

With a grin, Clint stepped aside and Natasha hugged Laura almost as wildly as Clint had done. "I was so worried about you and the kids!"

"I'm fine Natasha!" Laura assured her and looked at the other Avengers who were patiently waiting. Her face brightened when she saw Steve. "Thank you, Steve, for getting my husband out of jail." She also gave Steve a quick hug until she turned to Wanda and her face betrayed her dismay at Wanda's condition. She went up to Wanda and gave her a comforting hug. "Come on, Wanda, let's go inside!"

The two women walked arm in arm into the house, while everyone else followed them. Elijah and Shana brought up the rear, behind them the light in the driveway went out.

Shana led everyone into a salon that was big enough for everyone. Several men and women were waiting in it. Two men and two women wore a doctor's coat, while the rest of them wore some kind of staff uniform.

"Please listen!" Shana said loudly. "All our guests, who are unharmed, please follow the staff who will take you to your rooms. All rooms are equipped with showers and all necessary hygiene items."

Shana smiled. "Clothes are a little more difficult. Please tell the staff your size! They will at least be able to get you something that is comfortable and that you can wear, until your other clothes are washed."

Elijah watched in amusement as Shana brought order to the chaos. Soon there were far fewer people in the salon. He went to Shana. "I assume there is a cold meal ready for everyone in their rooms too?"

"Of course, sir!" Shana replied in mock insult. "In addition, everyone will be informed that a brunch will be ready for our guests tomorrow at 2 p.m. This way everybody can sleep in."

"Of course", Elijah said dryly. "I think I will retire to my chambers too. If something happens and it is necessary, you can disturb me at any time!"

"Yes, sir, I will! A light meal is also available for you." Shana grinned slightly so that there was no question of what kind of meal she was referring to.

Elijah returned her grin and now also left the salon, while Shana stayed behind.

Laura stayed in the background while Clint and the other prisoners were examined and cared for.

All four prisoners were worn out with signs of deficiency beginning to show. All three men had bruised ribs, severe bruising, and, in the case of Clint and Sam, concussions.

Wanda's condition was a little more serious in terms of deficiency symptoms, as she had been in the straitjacket the entire time and had not been given enough water, food or exercise.

"All four former prisoners should rest, eat small meals throughout the day and they should drink plenty", the doctor said when all of his examinations were completed.

Shana had listened carefully. "I will give instructions to the kitchen accordingly."

Laura now approached her husband. "Come on, Clint, let's go to bed."

Clint leered at her, but Laura could see it was only for show. But she grinned to cheer him up. "For sleeping, nothing more."

"What a shame", Clint replied, giving her a tired smile.

The couple now also left the parlour while Shana called two more of the staff to take Sam and Scott to their rooms while she tended to Wanda.

The doctors and nurses now also left the salon. They would be staying for a few days as well, just in case there were complications and they were needed.

Finally Shana and Wanda were the last ones in the salon.

"Come on, Wanda, I'll take you to your room", Shana said sympathetically.

"Thanks, Shana." Wanda gave her a tired smile.

Shana had given her the room right next to Clint's and Laura's, as she explained. "According to Elijah, you can stay here as long as you want. Rest!" Shana smiled sympathetically. "When you're ready, we can talk."

"Elijah said that you can help me, that you are a sister", said Wanda shyly.

"I'm a witch! While part of your power comes from a source that is unique to only you, I feel that the other part of your power comes from the same source as mine", Shana explained patiently. "I can't help you use that other power, but I can show you how I'm using mine." Shana shrugged. "And there is nothing to prevent you from applying these teachings in any way you want."

Wanda nodded thoughtfully. "That is quite possible! Thank you."

They had reached Wanda's room and Shana showed her where everything was. "I wish you a good night's sleep."

"Thanks Shana!" Wanda just hoped that she could at least get some sleep. She suspected, not wrongly, that her sleep would be interrupted by nightmares.

With a final nod, Shana withdrew. She also wanted to go to bed, the last few days had been as interesting as exhausting.

xxxxx

Clint and Laura hadn't talked much after entering their room, Clint was just too exhausted. No doubt they would have a long conversation, but not until Clint was ready.

They had jointly decided that the children should not find out about Clint's presence until the next time he woke up.

Clint and Laura went to bed and fell asleep snuggled together. Laura was woken up a few times by Clint's nightmares but her presence helped him to fall asleep again.

The next time Clint woke up, it was around noon. He was still exhausted, but his stomach was growling and now getting something to eat was a higher priority than sleep. But there was something that was even more important than eating.

"I'm going to take a shower", said Clint, who had been too tired yesterday. He wanted to finally get rid of the stink of the prison.

"Go ahead, I'll get your clothes ready", said Laura with a smile.

"Thank you, Laura." Thirty minutes later, after a long, hot shower, Clint was feeling much better. He put on the clothes Laura had laid out for him. He was just a little curious, however, where Laura got them from because they weren't his.

Laura, who knew her husband all too well, grinned in amusement. "The clothes were already hanging here in the closet. Elijah is very thorough. You wouldn't believe how the children's rooms are furnished."

Clint returned her grin. "I would, believe me!" He hesitated. "I know we have to talk, but can I eat something first?"

Laura hugged him. "Of course you can eat first, Clint. We will talk, but only when you are able to." Laura tilted her head to one side when she heard loud trampling. "I also believe that you will need all of your energy to greet your children in a moment."

The door popped open and Clint had just enough time to kneel before his children rushed inside. They jumped into his arms and he closed his eyes, overwhelmed by emotions. He hadn't thought that he would hold them in his arms again anytime soon.