Finding Robin

4.The Procedure

Robin

We make our way to the infirmary. This tower must have everything, they have a freaking operating room. I guess it's good to be prepared.

    "Oh shoot, I forgot to introduce you two," Tony gasps. " Dr. Penn, meet Robin, Robin meet Dr. Penn." I shake the woman's hand. Wow, she has a very firm grip.

    " Hi Robin, it's very nice to meet you. I assure you, you are in great hands. My team and I are some of the most experienced neurosurgeons in the world," She tells me, smiling. We walk into the room and I spot a table in the middle. It's okay, you can do this. " I'm going to have to ask you a few questions," she tells me as she pulls out a clipboard. "Tony, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

    "Robin, you okay with this?" He asks, I nod back. Hesitantly he makes his way out of the room. She asks me routine questions, like my weight, height, and blood type. All of which I don't know. Finally, after a blood test, measurement, and tons of seemingly unrelated questions, it's time. Soon, she introduces me to the other doctors who will be helping her. I barely pay attention, all I can think is, they are good, not bad. Right?

    " Okay, then," She says, grasping my hand. We are looking each other in the eyes now. Me on the table and her on a chair she brought over. " I'm going to need you to put this on and when I come back we'll begin." She hands me a hospital gown. No, no, no. The last time I did this, it ruined my life. No. The images of me in my cell, freezing on the floor, wearing this exact thing flash by my mind. "Hey, you can do this. I know how scared you feel. We can get through this."

    "Thanks," I murmure whilst forcing a smile. They leave the room and I change into the wretched thing. It takes a while, but soon she's back.

    "I got the a-okay from everybody. Well, that is everyone except for you," she states looking in my direction. "How do you actually feel about this?"

    "Listen m'am, I just want to get this over with so that I can become as normal as I can, Okay?" I tell her sternly.

    " Okay sweetheart," she calmly sighs. " Would you like someone with you when we put you to sleep?" Say yes, say yes.

    "No," I answer. What the- I meant to say yes. "No, I don't need them." I bet it's this fucking chip. C'mon try harder. "N-yes, yes I really want them. Please." She smiles.

    " I thought so, we're just going to insert the IV first okay? You might be a bit drowsy when they come though," She tells me. I hold out my arm and lay on the table. One of the other nurses insert the IV. It was just a small prick but i'm already almost asleep. I see her leave the room and then come back with a bunch of people. I don't know much after that except, I felt someone squeeze my hand in theirs, saw the mask on my face, and heard the simple phrase, "I love you doll."

Tony

    At this point, all I can do is pace outside the operation room. It's only been 30 minutes since she started, but I'm scared as hell. " Hey, you good Tony?" A voice asks. I turn around and see Rhodey.
    " You're joking right? The closest thing I have to a daughter is in that room getting brain surgery. The worst part is I can't help. So no, I'm not "Okay"," I respond to him still pacing.
     " Listen, that girl is one of the strongest people I know, if anyone can get through this, it's her. Plus you got one of the world's best neurosurgeons. You did all you could, now it's time for you to wait," he tells me.

    " I guess you're right, I did all I could do," I saigh. I take a few deep breaths, it's only then that I realize how fast my heart was beating. I sit on a chair by the door and soon, I'm lost in my thoughts again. I can't lose her again.

Wanda

The smell of fresh cookies wafts through the top floor of the tower. Yes, I stress bake, don't blame me. Ever since Nat asked me to spy on our girl I knew something was seriously wrong. Like, Nat would not ask me to do it if it wasn't serious right? I just feel bad for the poor girl, so young. It seems like she has lost most bodily autonomy, not being able to go outside the tower? That seems a bit overkill, right? I'm about to take the 9th batch of cookies out of the oven when F.R.I.D.A.Y. tells us she's out of surgery.

Steve

    That girl has a big effect on us all. I've been trying to distract Bucky for the last 4 hours, but he can't get his mind off her. To be honest, I haven't been able to either. She's a good kid and a strong one too. Bucky and I are on our 15th board game when F.R.I.D.A.Y. makes the announcement. "Robin is out of surgery now." I have never been happier to hear that robotic voice than now. We all practically race down to the infirmary.

Bucky

     I swear, the elevator is only slow when you need to get somewhere. Finally, we arrive at the infirmary and I practically sprint to her bedside. She looks so peaceful. The side of her head is littered with stitches, that's going to leave a nasty scar.

    " Hello, I'm doctor Penn," the doctor I who operated on her introduces herself. "It's very nice to see that she has such a large support system." I look around, everyone in the tower came to see her. " We successfully removed the tracker, but as we suspected, we couldn't extract the chip. We are going to keep her on sedatives for a few days just so she can properly heal. Tony, I assume you know how to use a syringe right?" He nods, not looking up from Robin's face. " Great, I will give you further details later. I suggest we keep her asleep for at least three days for maximum healing. She might have trouble talking, moving, and/or vision so be ready for this. Keep in mind that this was a very invasive surgery, so please give her space and time to heal. Now I have to go catch a flight to Switzerland. I'm going to leave one of my nurses to help her get situated. Other than that I think you guys can handle her, you are the Avengers after all."
     I don't know how long I sat there holding her hand, but I do know that in that time, Dr.Penn left, the sun set, and soon everyone left. Well that is except for me and of all people, Nat.

    "She really loves you Buck," Nat says out of nowhere. "I can just see it in her eyes. Same thing with Tony, but yours is different."

    " I know," I say, not looking up from Robin's sleeping form. "That's why it would kill me if we lost her again."

    "Believe it or not, it would kill all of us," She tells me. "Even me, I think I see myself in her. I don't know how or why, but I do. Yes, she is kind of a nuisance for me to keep tabs on but she's a good kid." Then she leaves, leaving me to sit alone with my feelings. Soon, for the second night in a row, I fall asleep next to the Bravest and strongest girl in the world.

Robin

    It's so calm, you know. The waves crashing against the beach. The seagulls flying overhead. Somehow I'm the only one at the beach today. I can feel the sand in between my toes as I walk the length of the beach. There seems to be not a cloud in the sky. I stop short to pick up a shell that catches my eye. It's light purple with white stripes. How peculiar. I keep walking, fidgeting with the shell in my hands. Then there is another one identical to it, I pick it up. I keep walking, then there is another one and another one. It's like a trail. I follow it for what feels like days, soon I can see what seems to be a boardwalk in the distance. All of the rides seem to be running, but not a soul is there. I keep walking closer, somehow drawn to the scene. Then, there is a song. I feel like I know it but at the same time, it feels so distant from my memory. I walk into the entrance and explore. I walk through the rides, games, and stands. What is happening? I almost give up when I see someone at a table eating cotton candy.

    "Hello sir, could you help me? I seem to be lost," I tell the stranger.

    "Oh, hello Robin. I think we need to talk," the stranger says and then turns to face me.

    "L-Loki?"

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Okay then. How do we feel about this ending? Honestly I'm lowkey excited. As always please tell me recommendations or preferences. Love y'all - X