Stark's Shadow

Chapter 27 - Two Steps Forward... Get Taken Down by The Avengers?

Tony comes back through the door followed by Fury. Tony looks anxious, which just makes me feel worse. I've always felt worried when Tony does, he's my big brother. He's always been my hero.
I used to think nothing could scare him, that he was immune to anxiety and fear. Of course, now that I'm older, I know that's not true; but when the little girl in me who always knew he was a hero sees him lacking his usual confidence, it takes away any confidence I felt.

"Olive," Fury says in an almost threatening tone.

"Nick," I say with a slight smirk. Tony shoots me a look, "Sorry, Fury. I need to be serious for once, don't I?"

Fury stops when I correct myself, "Yes, that's probably best,"

I nod, "What happens next?" I ask quietly, as reality sinks in. Tony comes and stands next to me. It makes me feel slightly better.

"Stark, it's best you go. Your sister and I should speak privately," Fury tells Tony, sending him off. He goes to the door and turns to give me a reassuring smile before he leaves.

"What happened, Stark?" Fury asks me, his expression unreadable.

"I don't know. I was told Desta activated Belladonna. I don't remember doing more than giving threats, but even that didn't feel like it was truly me," I tell in a panic. I feel I'm on the verge of tears. I hope it's not obvious, "I know you probably don't believe me. I understand, and I am sorry. I don't kno-"

"Enough, Stark," Fury cuts me off, "I do trust you. You may be a pain in the ass, but you didn't go through what you did to betray us."

I sigh, "Thank you," I breathe out, "Why did you need to speak to me then?"

"You're supposed to be a genius, aren't you?" Fury asks with a slight smile.

"Not like Tony. I can't deal with stress at all, he thrives under it. I've always been jealous of that," I say with a dry laugh.

Fury shakes his head, "You need more confidence, Stark," He tells me, "But this isn't the time for that. What I'm here for is to know if you know what could have happened with Desta?"

I shake my head. I know nothing. All I could think of is she decided to change her mind. I tell Fury she should stay locked up, and that if she asks to speak with me that I refuse.

I had to stay in the med bay a short while longer. I had some injuries from fighting the Avengers. None of the medics knew what happened, so I was left in the dark, as usual.

"Nice weather outside," A Dr. said to another.

"Oh yes, for sure. After this, I'm going on a hike with my wife," The other Dr. responds, then she turns to me, "How about you, Ms. Stark? Plan on going outside when we're done with you?"

I laugh softly, "I can't, not after being under these lights for so long. I'm weak enough,"

"How long do you think you've been here?" The second Dr. asks.

"A week?" I guess, "I'm feeling pretty drained."

The doctors both look surprised. The first one tells me it's been nine days.

I give a slight smile and a nod in return and they go back to work. Nine days. That's quite a while. I hope they'll be done soon. Then I notice the doors open. I hope it's Tony, then see Steve and Bucky and feel better seeing them.

"There's the sleeping beauty," Bucky teases me, "Bruce got you good, huh?"

"B-Bruce?" I stutter, "What could he have done? He's a big teddy bear."

"Well, the Hulk," Steve corrects Bucky, "He hit you against nearly every solid object he came across at least three times before Tony managed to stop him. It's caused a bit of a rift between the two."