Author's Note – Interludes are small breaks in the story to look through the eyes of a different character. They are meant to be shorter than the main story chapters. I promise, they will carry the story forward in some way, not just review the same stuff.

First Interlude

Natasha watched as the Quinjet settled on the deck. All she could think was finally. She wanted off the helicarrier. She wanted to get back to the mansion, back to where she could keep an eye on everyone, him in particular. Most importantly, however, she wanted to get Darcy over there. Clint needed her.

The two partners had returned to the carrier after Thor took Loki away to face judgment, but the side-eyed looks, the nervous whispers of the other agents drove Clint away in less than a day. Nick Fury recommended some time off to let things settle down while Maria Hill watched them both with caution. Natasha had glared at both of them and pulled Clint on to the first shuttle to the city. She made a phone call. Her cell rang less than five minutes later. Pepper Potts calmly informed her that a car would be arriving shortly to pick them up. They had rooms waiting for them in the mansion on Fifth. JARVIS, Tony Stark's ubiquitous AI, would set them up with their own security clearances, and they were welcome to remain as long as they wanted.

Natasha had taken a few minutes with Pepper to make arrangements for the others as well. One could never have too many bolt holes, and the mansion was nicer than most.

Her attention returned to the jet as the rear hatch opened. She could already hear Darcy as the young woman's voice grew indignant.

"Really, Jane, didn't anyone bother to feed you in Norway?"

Finally she spotted them. Her eyes narrowed. Jane did not look well. The woman had been waifish enough in New Mexico where she had Darcy watching her every move. No one in Tromso had apparently bothered and she looked like a gentle breeze could blow her away, let alone the stiff wind coming off the Atlantic.

"I swear," Darcy continued ranting as she kept a strong arm around her boss's waist. "Next time they decide to ship people all over the planet, I'm insisting I go with you. You didn't sleep either, did you?" She shook her head before focusing on the woman next to her once more. "Don't bother answering. I could probably hide that jet in the bags under your eyes."

Jane smiled at her assistant as Natasha stepped forward.

"Ladies."

Darcy's head swung forward. "Tasha! Thank goodness!"

Natasha resisted the impulse to smile as nearby agents tripped over their own feet at the nickname. Let them wonder – it would do them good. "Darcy, you look well."

"Yeah, right," Darcy sniffed. "I look like I need a good nap." Natasha lifted a brow in question, and Darcy just rolled her eyes. "Yes, mother, I slept." Now Natasha had to suppress a desire to laugh as jaws dropped around them. She saw Darcy spot them as well, but she covered quickly. "Speaking of, though, how soon can we get Jane somewhere with a shower, a kitchen, and a bed?"

"We're loading up a shuttle to New York right now," Natasha answered. "As soon as it's ready, we'll leave." She gestured for them to follow her. "I can at least get you some soup from the commissary while we wait."

Darcy nodded. "Good idea. Lead the way."

As Natasha watched her cajole and persuade Jane to eat, her thoughts returned to the feeling of finally. She would finally have the help she needed. Darcy was stubborn enough, bull-headed enough to not be scared off. Pepper was wonderful, but she had to deal with Stark and all of his idiosyncrasies as well as running all of the Stark businesses. Darcy could help her corral the others, especially Clint. She was just what they needed right now.

End Interlude