Stucky's daughter

25

As my eyes fluttered open, I found myself confined to a sterile hospital bed. Sitting up, I surveyed my surroundings, spotting my fathers engaged in a hushed conversation with doctors and nurses. Overwhelmed, I allowed my body to slump back onto the bed, my mind swirling with confusion. It was then that I noticed the breathing aid still clinging to my face, a stark reminder of the fragility of my condition.

A compassionate nurse approached, her gaze filled with empathy as she offered me a small bottle of pills. I obediently swallowed them, hoping they would provide some relief from the physical and emotional turmoil I had endured. Hours later, Steve, my pillar of strength, gently wrapped me in warm blankets before carrying me to the car. Fatigue washed over me, and I succumbed to sleep, surrendering to its embrace.

When I awoke, I found myself on the couch, still cocooned in the comforting layers of blankets. The breathing aid remained a constant companion, a reminder of the tenuous nature of my health. I struggled to rise, my weakened limbs protesting, yet managed to make my way to the kitchen to fetch a glass of water. The gaze of my beloved friends rested upon me, concern etched upon their faces. In that moment, Peter enveloped me in a warm embrace, and I clung to him, seeking solace in his presence. He lifted me effortlessly, settling me back on the couch, where laughter filled the air, dissolving some of the weight that burdened my heart.

As sleep beckoned once more, I found myself drifting into its soothing depths, laughter echoing in my dreams. Yet, beneath the surface, my thoughts swirled, grappling with the gravity of recent events. Unbeknownst to my fathers, my mind remained active, contemplating the choices that had led me down this treacherous path. They tenderly caressed my hair, believing I had succumbed to slumber, while I wrestled with my inner demons.

In a tender moment, they carried me to my room, taking care to check my temperature. Steve's voice resonated with concern as he assessed the reading. "39.5! It's higher... I believe it's a result of the accident," he stated, his worry evident. Bucky concurred, suggesting a course of action. "Yes, I agree. We should awaken her, administer the necessary medication, and apply the cold towels." With gentle shakes, they roused me from my contemplation, their eyes searching mine for signs of recognition.

Bucky administered the medication, while Bruce arrived with the cool towels, aimed at soothing my fevered brow. Every five minutes, I attempted to remove the towels, but Steve steadfastly held my hands, preventing my restless fidgeting. As exhaustion beckoned, I surrendered once more to the comforting embrace of sleep, finding respite from the storm raging within.

I awoke to Wanda's exuberant voice, calling out for Tony. The aroma of food wafted through the air, drawing Tony's attention from another direction as he dashed downstairs. Sensing my unease, I rose unsteadily, only to be met with a wave of dizziness and a surge of pain. I stumbled into the bathroom, where the contents of my stomach betrayed me, forcing me to rely on Loki and Thor for support. In their steadfast presence, I managed to clean myself up, all while Loki relayed the details of my ordeal to my fathers. Thor, recognizing my vulnerability, cradled me in his arms, offering stability as we ventured back to the living room.

Settled on the couch, my fathers draped the comforting blankets over me, placing the cold, damp towels on my forehead. A single tear escaped, tracing a path down my cheek, and Bucky gently wiped it away. I fought against the encroaching slumber, determined not to succumb, yet it proved futile. Soon, I found myself drifting off once more, my mind consumed by a dream haunted by the specter of Mia. Tears stained my cheeks, even in the depths of sleep, yet I kept my sobs muffled, a sound swallowed by the silent night.

Peter's concerned voice pierced the veil of my dreams, questioning the source of my tears. In an instant, my fathers rushed to my side, their touch gentle as they attempted to rouse me from my troubled sleep. Gasping for breath, I sat up abruptly, my back supported by Bucky's steady presence. In that moment, I simply regarded them, my words barely a whisper. "I'm sorry," I confessed, my eyes drifting shut once more.

Minutes passed, my fathers assuming I had surrendered to sleep once again, while my mind churned with thoughts left unspoken. Gently, they scooped me up, carrying me to the sanctuary of my room, where Steve took my temperature once more. "39.0! It's still dangerously high... Should we take her to the hospital?" The fear in his voice was palpable, a testament to their love and concern for my well-being.

"No," I mustered, my voice trembling with apprehension. The relief in Bucky's eyes was evident as he offered an alternative approach. "I think she just needs to relax, sleep, and focus on consuming nourishment and staying hydrated." With their words echoing in my ears, I allowed myself to sink back into the embrace of the pillows, reaching out for Bucky's hand. I clung to him, finding solace in his touch as I surrendered once more to the healing power of slumber.

Awakening the following day, the weight of exhaustion clung to my limbs. I opened my eyes, greeted by the tender gaze of my fathers as they tenderly brushed my hair away from my face. Uttering a feeble smile, I whispered, "I'm sorry," before closing my eyes once more. Minutes ticked by as I lay there, my mind spinning with the magnitude of the journey that lay ahead.

My fathers, sensing the depth of my contemplation, carried me to the living room, where I was enveloped in a blanket of warmth and comfort. Bruce's gaze flickered across a screen, monitoring my pulse and heart rate, and in a moment of rebellion, I decided to remove the devices. Standing before the door, I hesitated, recognizing the potential folly of venturing outside. Reluctantly, I returned to the couch, surrendering once again to the vulnerability of my condition. Bruce, returning minutes later, discovered my act of defiance and reattached the devices before proceeding to his meeting.

As sleep beckoned, darkness intertwined with troubling dreams, and the sound of my anguished cries pierced the veil of night. Swiftly, Steve appeared at my side, enveloping me in a tender embrace, a shelter from the nightmares that threatened to consume me. We lay together for a fleeting moment, finding solace in the unspoken connection before I whispered, "You can go now to the meeting." Understanding, he nodded and departed.

Once more, sleep claimed me, and as the rays of a new day filtered through the curtains, I stirred. The journey ahead remained daunting, but within the folds of their unwavering love, I found strength to face the trials that awaited me.