Happy belated Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it here in the US! Also, happy one-year anniversary of Hawkeye airing on Disney Plus! I know I should've updated The L Word in honor of the date, but this chapter was due for an update first. Thanks for everyone sticking with me. I think I'm getting my writing groove back - yay!

After what seemed like hours, but was only maybe an hour, Bruce came out of Clint's room in medical. "We found out they mixed atropine with the eyedrops they gave Clint. We were able to flush the solution out, and his eyes don't appear damaged." Mikayla released a huge sigh of relief and leaned back in her chair. "There's also good news about his leg. Because of the tourniquet, the blood loss was kept to a minimum. Doctor Cho was able to sew up the wound, but he'll still be out of commission for a few weeks."

"Bruce?" Mikayla asked nervously. "What about any, uh, treatment that was done to him?"

Bruce smiled. "We've done blood tests. There are no anomalies, so there is no sign of the serum. As for his brain, there doesn't appear to be any damage. Mikayla, we know he remembered you, so that's a positive. He's sleeping right now, but we'll run additional tests to confirm everything once he wakes up. Before you ask, yes, you can go in and see him."

Mikayla nodded. Steve and Thor helped her up, and Natasha reached out and took Mikayla's hand to help steady her. They entered Clint's room and sat down around his bed. Mikayla took the hand without the IV in it. "Think maybe we could stop trying to find ways to top each other's injuries if I say you win?"

"I think it's probably a tie," Natasha said. "But a good idea to end the competition. I'd say it's a win for both of you."

"Sounds like a plan," Steve agreed.

"Mikayla." The group looked up and saw Shuri enter the room. "I wanted to reassure you. Your Clint will be fine. His brain was not compromised, and Doctor Cho's cradle will help his leg wound. Once he is stable, the two of you are more than welcome to return to Wakanda with us."

"Now, Shuri," T'Challa stepped into the room, smiled, and put a hand on his sister's shoulder. "Let's not pressure them. They know they are welcome anytime. Though, I'm sure it would make Chewie's day."

"Thanks for the offer, both of you," Mikayla said, carding her fingers through Clint's hair. "I'll talk it over with Clint to see what he wants to do."

"That is only fair, my friend. Shuri, have you finished your scans?" She nodded. "Then we should get back to Wakanda. Okoye's already waiting outside." The group turned to look, and Okoye nodded at them.

Shuri sighed, which is when people realized how young the Wakandan princess was. "Fine." She handed Mikayla a beaded bracelet. "If you need to reach us, you can use these."

Mikayla remembered seeing the Wakandans using them when he and Clint were recovering. "Thanks, Shuri."

"You are welcome, my friend. We hope to hear from you soon." Shuri nodded to each of them, then followed T'Challa out the door.

"I'd almost forgotten they were here," Steve said. "Thor's friends were here, too, right?"

Natasha nodded. "They're going back once Fandral and Darcy get back from their date."

"I'm sure we'll hear all about it from Darcy when they get back," Steve murmured. "I heard Sam talking to Mikayla on the plane, and he's right." Natasha looked at him questioningly. "They haven't had time to be just Clint and Mikayla since they returned from their honeymoon. I'm grounding them from the team effective as soon as Clint is cleared for active duty. Bucky can be our sniper."

"Agreed," Natasha replied. "I'll let Nick know." She looked over and saw Mikayla had fallen asleep, still holding Clint's hand. "I've still got some safe houses, and I know Clint does, too. Not sure he'll feel safe unless he knows there will be multiple layers of security that he's designed. Thankfully, we're done with HYDRA, so that's one less group that will be out for either of them." Natasha ran a hand over Mikayla's head, then stood. "Think I'll search and see if anyone from either of their pasts might come back and try to bite them in the ass." Natasha patted Steve's shoulder and then left. Steve stayed for a few more moments, then left the couple to get some rest.

Clint felt a weight on his chest. He struggled to open his eyes, but once he did, the first thing he realized was he could see. "Hot damn, that answers one question," Clint mumbled. When he opened his eyes more, he figured out what was on his chest. Mikayla had fallen asleep with her head on his chest. Clint smiled. "Second test passed. I remember her." He lifted his hand, untangled it from the IV tubing, and ran his hand through her hair. "They're gone, babe. We took 'em out. Those assholes won't bother you anymore."

"Yay," Mikayla muttered, readjusting to snuggle closer to her husband."

"That can't be comfortable," Clint said. "Hold on." With a little effort, Clint slowly moved, giving Mikayla room to get onto the bed next to him.

"Okay?" Mikayla asked.

"Wouldn't have it any other way," Clint said. Mikayla tucked her head under Clint's chin. "Love you."

"Welcome home." Mikayla let out a soft breath before going back to sleep.

Clint didn't think any word could sound as sweet or mean so much as that four-letter word, especially when he didn't think he'd ever see it again. Moving his eyes down to look at Mikayla as she slept, Clint knew she was the one he most feared losing. "Don't know what I'd do without you. You're my north star, my guiding light."

Clint heard Mikayla mumble, "Uh, oh. Gave you the good drugs."

"Still doesn't mean I don't feel that way."

"Ditto." Mikayla tightened her hold on Clint. "Not gonna lie. I was really scared this time. Seriously thought there was going to be a Soldier 2.0."

"I was doing everything in my power to make sure that wasn't going to happen. Did the same thing you did, focused on what I knew. See?" Clint tilted his wife's head so he could look at her face. "Even when you weren't there, you were."

Mikayla smiled. "Always." She leaned up and kissed him. "How's your leg?"

"Better than if we hadn't had the cradle. Wasn't looking forward to another surgery."

"Thank goodness for medical technology."

"You're welcome." The pair looked over at Doctor Cho who had come in to check on Clint and take his morning vitals. "You'll still have to stay off it and take it easy for a couple of weeks."

Clint sighed. "I know. I hate being inactive, but I get it."

The doctor smiled. "I think Mikayla's had a good effect on you. I remember when you'd fight me and complain every step of the way."

"Or he just grew up," Mikayla smiled.

"Never! Not gonna happen." Clint held his hand to his chest as if shocked. "And here I thought you two knew me."

"Stop being a drama queen, Barton." Bucky strode in, Steve and Natasha behind him.

"Hey, Bucky. How's the arm?"

Bucky shrugged his shoulders. "Good as new. Leg?" Bucky figured that was the safer question, as it looked and sounded like Clint's brain was fine.

"Almost good as new. Most importantly, no damage to the eyes."

"Good," Natasha said. "Glad we don't have to change your call sign to Hawkear." Everyone groaned.

"On that note," Doctor Cho interrupted, "if everyone would please step out, I need to run a few more tests on Agent Barton." Mikayla looked pleadingly at the doctor, but it didn't work. "Even you, Mikayla. As the doctor, I'm ordering you to get some breakfast. Give me about an hour, and then you can come back and check in on your husband."

Mikayla huffed. "Fine, but I'm holding you to the hour." Still protesting, Mikayla was escorted out of the room between Steve and Bucky.

"Ah, Lady Mikayla!" Thor exclaimed as he saw the group. "You are looking well this morning. I take this to mean your archer is healing nicely?"

"He is, Thor, thanks." She hugged the Asgardian and then looked around. "Did I miss your friends?"

"Unfortunately, Heimdall had to call them back."

"Aw, I'm sorry. I was looking forward to getting to know them better."

Thor smiled. "I would like you to have that opportunity as well. Are you here for nourishment?"

"Yep, was ordered by Doctor Cho."

"Well, then," Thor said, smiling, "have a seat and allow me to prepare breakfast for my friends." Mikayla hoped Thor wouldn't just open boxes of pop-tarts and serve them to the team. The group was pleasantly surprised as they stood back and watched Thor fix french toast, moving aside to let Natasha step in and cut up some fruit to go with it. The team spent the next hour having lively conversations, happy to have everyone back together. Sam and Misty stopped in to check on Clint and Mikayla before leaving to visit Sam's sister for her birthday. Tony, through Friday, stated he, Pepper, and Morgan were taking a short trip to the Hamptons after getting an update on Clint and Bucky from Bruce.

"Agent Mikayla?" Friday announced. "Doctor Cho has finished her tests and says you are permitted to return to Agent Barton's room."

"Thanks, Friday." As she was putting her empty dishes in the dishwasher, Thor stopped her. "Would it be alright if I stopped by later to check in on the two of you? I'd like to speak to both of you about something."

"Of course, Thor. I know Clint would love to see you."

"As I him. Allow me to clean up here, and I shall visit you and Clint later today."

"I'm looking forward to it." Mikayla smiled and went back to medical to see Clint.