Chapter Text
Tony quietly walked through the halls of S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ. Like last time Bruce was with him but unlike last time Tony was not marching around in a fit of rage. Instead he was feeling giddy. It had been two weeks since he and Clint had bonded. They had decided to take things slow, remain friends for a while. The archer was good looking man, hot even. Not to mention sarcastic, brave and hilarious. The perfect match for Tony but for now Tony was content only sleeping beside him.
Natasha and Clint had been gone for five days, doing something S.H.I.E.L.D. related. Tony knew better than to ask his bonded. He could find out from JARVIS anyway.
As they walked toward the briefing room, Tony felt Clint's emotions change. At first he had been feeling tired and annoyed. Nothing unusual after an op but suddenly his emotions had turned into anger, resentment but most prominent of all was the deep ache of sadness. It was the same emotion he always got when he talked Phil but this was ten times worse.
Ton doubled over as the full force of Clint's emotions hit him. Bruce instantly reached out to support him.
"Tony!," said Bruce," Are you alright,"
"Yeah," he said softly, "But we gotta get to Clint. Something's wrong,"
Tony practically ran the rest of the way to the briefing room, Bruce right at his heals.
XXX
Natasha stared at Fury, her body tensing. Next to her she could feel Clint getting angry but most of all she knew he was feeling hurt. First Phil and now this.
"She's one of our best Fury," said Clint, "You can't just give up,"
"We have looked every where," said Fury
"It's been a month." shouted Clint
Natasha stayed silent.
"Technically it's been a month since the battle with that Asgardian psycho," said Fury "It's been a year since we've seen her,"
"She was a good agent," continued Fury, "But now we have to believe that Agent Laakso perished in the New York attack,"
"Have you found a body?"
"Agent Barton-"
"Have you found a body?!" said Clint, his voice sounding more and more dangerous
Natasha went to touch his arm as the door opened to reveal Tony and Bruce. She breathed a sigh of relief at the sight. While they had only been bonded for two weeks, Tony had shown that he could easily deal with Clint's worse moods.
"Hi guys," said Bruce as Tony made a beeline for Clint
Natasha nodded at him and than turned to watch as Tony gently asked Clint how he was, how the op went. Eventually he pulled Clint closer, hugging him tightly
"So," said Tony finally turning toward the rest of them, "What did the pirate say to make you guys so upset,"
Before Fury could say anything, Clint spoke up, "Their giving up on finding Alyssa and pronouncing her dead,"
"It is our conclusion that she passed," said Fury
"Is that the only plausible answer," asked Bruce
"She was supposed to get here around the time of the battle from a vacation she's been on for a year," said Fury, "During the all the chaos no one was able to communicate with her and she hasn't been signed in,"
"It's not the only plausible solution," said Clint, "Something else could have happened to her,"
Fury pinched his nose, "She was on vacation Agent Barton. However she was supposed to come in around the time the attack happened but even if she wasn't supposed to come in, she would have come in anyways. The plausible conclusion is that she came to New York and perished in the attack,"
"I guess you could be right or you could be wrong," said Tony
"We have decided to stop looking and that is final," said Fry in an authoritative voice and left the room
Clint kicked a chair in anger. Tony gently circled his waist, "Hey it's OK,"
"She is a good agent," said Clint
"Do you know where she went," asked Bruce
"Some Scandinavian country," said Natasha, "Even S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't sure,"
Tony and Bruce looked surprised.
"She's a good agent," repeated Clint, "She can disappear,"
"How did S.H.I.E.L.D. let her have a vacation anyways," asked Tony as they all started to move out of the room.
"Especially a year long," added Bruce
"We're not sure what happened," said Clint, "I don't even know if the higher ups know. I think Phil was the only one who knew,"
"Fury trusted Coulson explicitly and Coulson trusted Alyssa explicitly," said Natasha, "If Coulson had said the Agent Laakso needed a year away from the agency, Fury would have agreed,"
They all fell silent for a moment at the mention of the dead agent. Tony pulled Clint closer and put the other arm around Bruce. Clint gestured for Natasha to walk closer and she moved until she was brushing against him. They stayed silent the rest of the way.
XXX
Clint sat on the couch in the common room, head in Natasha's lap. Everyone was watching Fast and Furious, except for Steve who was washing the dinner dishes. Tony had told him multiple times to use the dishwasher but washing dishes made him feel close to his time so everyone humored him. Just like they humored him being a mother hen. Thor was still somewhere off realm.
"Sir the task you gave me 10 minutes and 5 seconds ago is complete," came the resident AI's voice suddenly.
"Thanks J," said Tony getting up.
"Task?," asked Natasha
"I decided to run some checks on Agent Laakso," said Tony, powering his Starkpad.
"Really," said Clint sitting up
"I mean you said that she was a good agent so I thought I could help,"
Clint stood up and threw himself at Tony, wrapping his arms around him. Tony hugged him back, gently running his hands through his hair.
"Thank you," Whispered Clint
Tony gave him a soft smile making a warm feeling blossom in Clint's chest. He ignored it.
Tony lead him back to the sofa and Everybody gathered around. Clint snuggled into his side and peered at the Starkpad.
"Born in Norway," said Tony, "Moved to America to go to Stanford, something about political science, communications and a lot of languages,"
"She was sent around as a diplomat a lot," said Natasha
"I thought you said she worked ground ops with you guys," said Tony
"Spied too," said Clint
"She was a woman of many talents," said Natasha
"Were you guys close," Tony asked her, "I know Clint and her were-,"
"No," said Natasha, "Clint and her were friends,"
Tony bit his lip for a moment looking thoughtful than said, "You're lying,"
"Excuse me," said Natasha in a deadly voice
Clint moved between her and Tony on instinct. Natasha looked a bit startled for a second.
"Clint," said Tony
"Sorry," Clint muttered, "The whole bond thing makes me protective and that tone of voice from the Black Widow usually means lots of pain,"
"No one's hurting anyone," said Steve, "Right Nat?"
Nat sat down with her arms folded.
"Everyone calm now," asked Steve looking around
"I was waiting for something like this to happen," said Bruce chuckling, "I mean we're all pretty volatile,"
That earned him few smiles. Everyone relaxed a bit.
"Tony," said Steve, "What did you mean by what you said,"
"I guess that wasn't the best way to tell you guys that I know when you're lying," he said sheepishly
Clint snorted. Tony had a death wish.
The thought instantly put a frown on his face.
"What do you mean," asked Natasha, "Isn't that usually a sentinel trait,"
"And even than, very strong sentinels," said Bruce
"It's not like I'm listening to your heartbeat or anything. You probably have ways around that,"
Natasha shrugged
"The theory is that the combination of Alpha and Guide made me hyper aware, more than a 'normal' Guide," said Tony, "It's one of the reasons I gave up drinking. If I had been sober it would have taken one conversation for me to notice all the shit Obadiah was pulling under my nose,"
Clint didn't know what to say to that so instead he sent a pulse of comfort toward his alpha hoping it would help. Instantly he was filled with a feeling of gratitude.
"I think that was very brave of you," said Steve, "And we're all very proud. Right guys?"
Everyone nodded.
"Thanks guys," said Tony softly and than chuckled, "Well that got a bit too emotional. Let's get back to Laakso,"
Steve smiled while Bruce grinned. Natasha just rolled her eyes.
"The thing is that these S.H.I.E.L.D. files don't ave much on them," said Tony, "There's birth place, schools, awards but nothing else,"
"Most agent files are like that though,"
"I know," said Tony, "I've seen a lot of them,"
"You mean you've hacked into a lot of them," said Clint
Tony grinned at him.
"Brat," He said kissing his forehead "But you're right. That's not the point though. The point is that usually those files at least have how those agents were found, their past, special skills. This one has nothing,"
"Maybe it's in an off file," said Natasha
"Off file," asked Steve
"They're not actually files," said Clint, "It's when Fury sets up something specific for one agent without putting it in the database. He offered me a farm when I almost married this girl Laura,"
Laura had been wonderful. They had had fun. She had been so accepting of his life, had supported him completely but at the end of the day their orientations had come in the way.
"I did not know that," said Tony
Instantly something like nerves and shame blossomed inside Clint. He should have told Tony. How could he have something so important from him. He should have-
"I'm so so sorry. I was going to tell you but I didn't know if I had to or or if you-," He was tripping over his words and stuttering badly by the time Tony cut him off.
"Whoa," said Tony, "It's alright. C'mere,"
Clint let Tony pull him close until his upper body was in the alpha's lap, his head in the crook of Tony's arm. His legs ended up in Natasha's lap.
"Clint," said Tony, "What did we talk about,"
"No jumping to conclusion about how people feel about something," said Clint
"And," Tony prompted gently, "What else?"
"No instantly thinking that I fucked up,"
"Good," said Tony and kissed his forehead.
"Sorry," Clint muttered though he wasn't sure what exactly he was apologizing for.
"We'll add 'no apologizing if there's no reason for it' to the list," said Tony
Clint smiled and snuggled closer, laying his head on the alpha's shoulder.
"I'm not mad or disappointed," said Tony, "We can talk more about it later but I need you to know that I'm not mad or disappointed. Just a bit surprised. OK?"
"OK,"
"Good," said Tony, "back to the subject,"
Clint was relieved at the fact that Tony had dropped the subject easily enough. Everyone else took the hint and didn't say anything. He was sure Tony and Natasha and even Steve would want to talk to him later but he would rather do that one on one.
"So do you think Agent Laakso might have family or something at this 'off file' location," said Bruce
"Even if she did," said Steve, "Fury wouldn't be pronouncing her dead if she was there,"
"Do you think he might be faking it," said Tony
"Why would he do that," said Steve
"Well if she wanted to retire...," said Tony
"No I don't think so," said Natasha, "Fury would never let her retire and I don't think she would do good in it. She likes the job too much,"
"How do you know," said Steve, "I mean she has been gone for some time,"
Natasha didn't answer but Clint could feel her tensing. This could turn bad really fast. Natasha was still skittish around the avengers and din't like direct questioning. Not to mention she didn't like admitting that she was close to anyone.
"It doesn't really matter," said Tony, "I don't think anyone can argue with Natasha's opinion. She's a spy. We'll rule out retirement,"
Clint had no doubt that Tony had felt Natasha'd discomfort and defused the situation on purpose. Whether it was because of his orientation or some other natural instinct, the alpha was very observant. It wasn't very obvious because he over looked his instincts most of the time like calling a dangerous assassin a liar but he could be pretty insightful when he wanted to be.
"Do you guys know any significant ops she worked," said Tony, "someone might have-
He was cut off when JARVIS started speaking.
"Sir there is an incoming call from Pirate Fury,"
Clint burst out laughing.
"Really Stark," said Steve disapprovingly but Clint could see the hint of amusement in his expression.
Bruce was smiling and shaking his head. Clint could see that Natasha was amused too, even if it wasn't really obvious to anyone but him.
"Tell him to go away," said Tony
"He says it is urgent,"
"Tell him to-
"Patching the call through Sir," said JARVIS
"Traitor," muttered Tony
The Director's voice filled the room, "Avengers get yourself to HQ immediately,"
"Why would we-,"
"Just get you ass here Stark," said Fury, "We have visitors,"
XXX
Maria Hill met them on the Helicarrier's Helipad.
"What are we doing here," said Steve, taking the lead as he usually did in 'avenger' situations.
"Thor showed up with a companion about half-an-hour ago," said Maria, "They wanted you to be present for the conversation,"
"Why wouldn't Thor come to the tower first," said Tony
Maria just shrugged, "Probably something to do about who he came with,"
They all followed her to the conference room.
Thor was sitting there, dressed in his usual clothes Beside him another middle aged man. He was wearing black suit with a grey tie. He would have looked like any other human but his scent and his eyes gave it away. The moment the scent hit Tony, he could tell there wasn't anything Earthly about it. His violet eyes also looked inhuman and cold.
"It's good to see you Thor," said Steve, "And..,"
"You may call me Ari," said the man standing up
"We could all have a seat-," started Fury
"No need," said Ari, "I am a part of a group of beings from all over the realms, we are...sort of like the UN of the nine realms,"
"Alright," said Steve, "What brings you here,"
"I'm here to personally invite you to attend Loki of Asgard's trial,"
"Oh,"
Tony felt Client tense beside him. A sick sort of feeling started to fill the omega.
Tony moved to his side the same time Natasha did. Steve moved to the right so he was standing in front of their alpha and omega. Bruce stopped at Steve's left. Even Thor, the god who had not been with them for a month now, came to stand by Bruce
It wasn't very obvious but anyone who was paying attention could tell they were 'assembling'. The avengers stood together whether it was mortal danger or a weird man in a suit.
"I'll give you some time to think it over and catch up with the prince," said Ari, "Oh and you will also be attending director Fury,"
Before anyone could say anything the man disappeared into thin air. Literally into thin air. One second he was there and the other he was gone.
"Why do I get the feeling that wasn't up for discussion,"
"It wasn't friend Banner," said Thor, "When they call you go,"
"Who's they?" asked Tony
"They are merely called The Court," said Thor, "I will admit that I do not know much of what they do however what I do know is that when it comes to matters between realms The Court usually becomes involved,"
"Why did it take them this long to hold the trial," said Maria
"You have to understand The Court deals with matters from all over the nine realms," said Thor, "Also.."
"Also what," said Fury
"Loki is one of them,"
"What," said Steve, "That man is part of some organization that's supposed to keep the peace between realms,"
"How can we know this will be a fair trial," asked Maria
"Do not worry," said Thor, "The Court does not take treason lightly. There have been brutal stories about what they do to those who break their oath. Loki will be punished according to his crimes. The reason it took a month was because they had to make sure he didn't sabotage anything else they we're working on,"
"That makes sense," said Natasha, "If someone betrayed S.H.I.E.L.D. we'd want to know exactly how much information they had given and how much damage control was needed,"
"Not to mention this interrogation probably had to be at a larger scale considering it involves nine different worlds," said Bruce
Clint was the only one who had not spoken yet. The sick feeling inside him had lessened but Tony could still feel his intense discomfort.
Tony took Clint's hand and squeezed gently, letting the archer know that he was there for him. Clint held on tightly.
Natasha who had been watching gestured to Steve.
"When is this trial supposed to happen," asked Steve
"The day after tomorrow,"
Clint squeezed his hand tighter.
"Alright," said Steve, "We'll be there but I think we should probably head back to the tower now,"
Everyone nodded. For once Fury let them go without saying anything.
They boarded the quinjet slowly, lazily sitting down with their limbs all over the place. Clint came toward Tony so, he made some room for him. Instead of sitting down Clint bit his lip.
"Can I-"
Realizing what the omega was asking, Tony opened his arms. Clint snuggled against his chest, settling himself between his legs on the plush jet couch.
"Can you rub my head," said Clint softly, "It hurts a little,"
Tony's heart went out to him.
"Of course sweetheart," he said, gently rubbing the omega's temples.
Clint sighed, "That's better,"
"Anything else hurt," asked Tony
"Just tired," said Clint, "It's been a long day,"
"Yeah," said Tony, "When we get home I'm going to properly take care of you,"
For a second it seemed like the omega was going to put up an argument but then he nodded.
"I'd like that," Clint whispered
"Good,"
-The End (for now)-
Dear readers, anyone wanna guess what's up with this Alyssa Laakso person?
I tried t make it obvious but I wanna see how many people can connect all the dots. Just for fun!