Author's Note: My thanks to those who submitted reviews and have taken an interest in this story. As I said before, I generally write original fiction (and rather boring science articles) so I appreciate the encouragement with my first foray into fanfiction.
Moment of Truth
Chapter Two
"The bullet nicked an artery," Bruce explained to the rest of the Avengers, who were anxiously awaiting news. Banner fidgeted nervously. "Clint lost a lot of blood."
"Will he be all right?" Romanoff asked sharply.
"He should be. He needs rest to allow the shoulder to heal. No shooting that bow of his for a while."
"Can I see him?"
Banner nodded. "But he probably won't wake up for some time yet."
Romanoff didn't care. She pushed past the doctor into the small room. Clint lay unmoving on the bed, the wound in his shoulder hidden under a pile of white gauze. "It should be me there," she said quietly. Reaching out, she stroked his cheek tenderly, a gesture of caring she would not dare were Clint conscious. "Thank you."
Sitting in one of the uncomfortable plastic chairs next to the bed, Natasha settled in for a long vigil.
Time became irrelevant to Natasha. She had no idea how many minutes, or hours, had passed. The other Avengers had visited and tried, in their own ways, to offer her comfort. Bruce assured her that Clint was strong. Steve brought her tea. Tony refrained from making annoying comments. But none of that eased Natasha's concern for Barton.
A deep voice interrupted her vigil. "How fares the Hawkman?" Thor's voice was uncharacteristically soft and concerned.
"He hasn't woken yet," Natasha replied.
Without an invitation, Thor took a seat in the other uncomfortable plastic chair in the room. He looked decidedly un-superhero-like, wearing jeans and an untucked flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He actually looked more like one of the workmen still making repairs to Stark Tower.
After a long silence, Thor asked, "Why have you never told him?"
"Told him what?"
"That you love him."
Natasha didn't reply.
"When I left New Mexico for Asgard, I did not tell Jane Foster my feelings," the Thunder God explained softly. "Then when I could not return to her… It pained me that she might never know of my love for her. Simple words I should have spoken." Thor smiled shyly. "I tell her every day now."
"It's not so easy," Romanoff argued.
"Do you think it is easy for us? A mortal and an Asgardian?" Thor shook his head. "No, it is not easy, but it is worth it." He stood. "I must go now. Jane has promised to teach me how to drive her car. Please consider what I have said, my lady." The god bowed formally and departed, leaving Natasha alone with her thoughts.
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