The Hermit Herbalist

Chapter 38 - A Goddess' Therapy

Loki did not react at all when Clint brought up her going to therapy. He explained what it was and why he thought she should go to it. She was sitting on the rocker in Darian's nursery, gently tapping his back after feeding him. Clint had come in and was nervously fiddling with his son's stuffed animals. "So... I think you should go see a therapist. For everything that happened to you on Nornheim," Clint said and Loki just looked at him.

"That's fine," she answered simply and Clint blinked a couple of times.

"You're not going to fight me on it?" he posed and Loki gave him a look as she stood up and placed Darian in the crib, putting a light blanket over him and turning on his little nanny cam.

"Why would I fight you? You're clearly doing this because you're concerned about me and I can appreciate that. You're my husband," Loki said as she cupped his face. Clint smiled, wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her out of their son's room.

"I like it when you say that," he said and Loki raised her eyebrow, confused.

"What? That you're my husband? But it's the truth. I was merely stating a fact," Loki answered and Clint sighed.

"Way to kill my smooth talking romance," Clint said and Loki giggled, covering her mouth before gazing up into his blue eyes.

"There's nothing smooth talking about you," she retorted and Clint scooped her into his arms bridal style.

"But I'm still romantic.  You didn't disagree with that," Clint pointed out as he entered their bedroom, carefully closed the door with his foot and placed her down on the bed.

"I did not disagree with that.  How perceptive of you," Loki said coyly as she took one of her thick curls in her hand and brought it against her cheek in a seductive manner.  Clint felt himself grow even more aroused at the sight.  His wife was a beauty beyond comparison.  Clint believed that if she had been placed next to exotic women like Helen of Troy and Aphrodite, they would be pale candles to her blazing fire.  Loki's foot landed on his shoulder and she used her big toe to lift his chin.  "Eyes on me, my love.  Don't let them or your mind wander to other things," she ordered and Clint swallowed.

"Yes ma'am," he readily agreed as he kissed the top of her foot, her pale, hairless calf and all down her leg.  Loki dropped her head to the pillow and moaned quietly when Clint reached his destination.  And he worshipped at the altar of his wife.

Tony recommended that Loki see his therapist, a Dr. Avery Halsen.  He was of Swedish-American descent and very quiet.  A good listener.  His prompts were gentle and Tony told Loki he always felt relieved after a session with him.  Dr. Halsen had been Tony's therapist since Afghanistan and once he had revealed his status as Ironman, Dr. Halsen had really been a big help.  Dr. Halsen arrived on Clint and Loki's floor a couple days after Loki agreed to therapy dressed in light blue jeans, a light grey sweater over a white button down.  His blonde hair was combed back and he wore a pair of silver-rimmed glasses.  A portfolio was tucked under his arm, and he had a thermos of tea in hand.  "Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Barton," he said, shaking her hand.  Loki smiled back as she let go of his hand and gave Darian to Clint.  "Mr. Barton, if you want to listen at a distance, that's fine, as long as Mrs. Barton agrees to it.  It's sometimes comforting to the patient to know that they're telling their partner without telling their partner, if that makes sense," the doctor said.

"It does.  Loki, you alright with that?" Clint asked and Loki nodded.  Her fingers were nervously fiddling with the thick threads of her green sweater dress.  

"Very well!  Pick your setting, Mrs. Barton," Dr. Halsen said.

"Just Loki is fine.  You make me sound old by calling me missus," Loki said with a smile.