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"You insolent mortal! What the hell are you thinking?!" His voice came from a deep part of his chest.

Once your heart rate steadied and you came back to yourself, it wasn't hard to snap back to reality when you felt a death glare directed towards your body. If looks could kill you would be 4 feet under already.

"I-" you cleared your throat feeling it tighten with each breath you took. "I'm sorry I really didn't mean to alarm you."

The last thing you could do right now was meet the eyes of this man. He was already intimidating enough, but when you quickly stood up you realized he was towering over you making you want to shrink into nothing. God, you really could not catch a break recently. Each time you've had your mind set on doing what you've wanted for so long, something gets in the way. All you could sense was guilt, you felt it the moment Pepper stayed the night with you in the hospital after worrying about you and now you feel it again with this other 'life saver'.

"You're sorry? Is that all you have to say, I just spared your life which is not something I do without appreciation."

Before everything was cloudy, your mind mostly. It was like it was being thrown in 5 different directions and you weren't able to retract most of your thoughts. What did make you forget about your intolerable mind all together was the audacity coming off this guy. He stood there looking as entitled as ever with his arms crossed and a stone hard expression. You didn't owe him anything, not even gratitude. You never called out to him for help, you didn't even want him to pull you back and here he is expecting you to thank him for taking away something you've wanted for years.

"Well thank you prince charming for saving me, but I didn't need you too." You sneered making your way to the elevator. Sleeping in that luxurious bed and feeling guilty beats talking to this guy any day.

"If I wasn't here you would be dead."

That was the last thing you heard before the big metal doors of heaven closed, suppressing any sound with it. Your head hit the cold walls with a bang as you kept hitting your head against it, you needed some common sense to get knocked into you. Sleep never sounded so good.

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"She's not even awake, why can't we just come back later."

"Stop whining Tony, I don't have time later which you should know since I'm running your company. Just let me do the talking-"

"You know I can hear you right."  

Outwardly groaning, you pulled the covers over your head to block out the loud whispers. It didn't help either that you forgot to close the blinds last night, so now the intense glare of the sun is teaming up with the people in the room to wake you up. Your head was pounding tremendously which could only be the cause of the amount of hits your head took to the elevator wall. It might've helped in the moment, but right now your body was fully striking hell upon you. The loud clearing of a throat reminded you that Pepper and someone else was still waiting for your attention. 

"Sorry, I get cranky in the morning." You yawned remembering your place in this whole situation. Pepper has given you more than you could have ever asked for, you were just supposed to be polite and do everything in your power to not anger the very powerful business women, because when people get mad - especially at you - it never ends well. 

Blinking away the morning sun you instantly recognized the other figure standing next to Pepper. He looked just as smug as he did in the billboards you passed around the city. Surprisingly, he wasn't wearing the famous sunglasses that he was basically known for, the same ones that people looked everywhere to find the pair only to be disappointed when they realized they cost more than their monthly rent. Tony Stark was staring dead at you, you who still had your morning face and messy hair. Shit

"Mr.Stark, I um am sorry for my disrespect, I really didn't mean too-" 

"Kid your fine, Pepper should be the one apologizing to us both for waking us up at the ass crack of dawn."

Pepper shoved Tony in the side and smiled brightly at you who was trying to suppress a laugh. If this was normal between them, then this conversation was definitely gonna be easier that you thought.

"If you both are wondering when I'm leaving, I can seriously be out of here in less than 5 minutes." You immediately started to pull the covers off when Pepper stopped you.

"You're not leaving here for a while, so get comfortable. I wanted to introduce you to Tony because he's going to be the one that will be supervising you when I'm gone. Which is going to be most of the time."

"Wait. What do you mean supervising?" You voice came out shaky, like even your vocal cords were scared to let the words pass through the room. 

"Well..when I talked to the doctor he disclosed that he thinks the overdose was purposeful, so in order for me to get him to agree to let you stay here I needed to make sure you were supervised and had some form of remedy for your mental pain, which you can open up about when you're ready." 

Her eyes were just as soft as her tone, you felt like the poor lost dog that everyone felt bad for. But that was never your goal, you had a goal and you couldn't even reach it. Now you're here, feeling claustrophobic around all this money and worry. You wanted to go back, Dylan always said that when people worry about you they want something from you, but you have nothing you could possibly give these people. They have everything, riches, power, fame, Tony Starks a God damn super hero for crying out loud. What could they want with you?

"That's sweet of you guys, really, but I don't need anything. If you're worried about me doing drugs again, you don't have to be. I swore to myself I would stop after that."

"Kid, Pepper told me about what happened and we just wanna help. You don't have to stay here forever, just till doctors orders are fulfilled. Get some rest, when you're ready to have breakfast take the elevator to the common room on the 60th floor. This is not up for negotiation."

With his last statement he was out the door without a glance back. Ok, how bad could this actually go. You stay here, shadow Tony or Pepper for a few weeks or however long, then you're free to go back to normal life. This couldn't be that bad right, right? They said they would let you leave, you're not trapped, that's all that matters. Your plans will just have to be delayed till then, you'll just have to get out of here before Tony and Pepper realize that you're a hassle and get angry. Dylan taught you to keep looking forward and never to look back, and that's what you’re going to try and do. 

"I know this is a lot, but I'm always here if you wanna talk. If you ever feel like this is too overwhelming we can always call the hospital and work something else out." 

You nodded at her with a smile on your face, doing your best to cover the thoughts behind your eyes. 

"Can I give you a hug?"

Your neck immediately snapped to look at Pepper with an expression that she's never seen before. Your eyes wide, lips parted, life draining from your face. You didn't wanna panic, panic led to arguments and beatings. If you show you're scared then they'll take advantage of your frail state. 

Her arms opened and traveled themselves halfway around you before you flinched and shut your eyes. 

" Please no" you breathed not bothering to open your eyes just yet. You didn't notice that your arms came up to cage your body, but when you gained the confidence to regain your sight you saw something in Pepper that you never saw in Dylan. Remorse.

"I'm sorry, I'll make sure to drop by today to make sure Tony isn't annoying you too much. Get some sleep, it's still early."

After you heard the click of the door you released the breath you didn't know you were holding. Slumping back into the comforting pillows of the bed doing your best at taking Pepper up on her suggestion. Yet, what came to you wasn't sleep, it was the recognition of how absolutely fucked you are.

You haven't treated yourself to a new outfit in years, everything was always out of budget and just wasn't worth it. You needed that money to get along and live the dull life that you were granted with. So when you opened the walk-in closet expecting it to be empty, your jaw dropped when you saw the room packed with clothes for any occasion imaginable. Your fingers glided through the silks of the dresses, relishing in how light and soft they felt on your skin. You remember one time Dylan bought you this dainty black silk dress that felt like heaven against your body. It wasn't the material of the dress that made it so special, however it was the event that the dress was bought for. 

The stars of the night were shining brighter than normal, you just knew they were. Everything around you seemed as happy as your little heart was. The silk laid on your body like it was its only purpose and your matching black mask only enhanced the color of your eyes. You still couldn't believe Dylan took you here, he wanted to treat you to something since you've been good therefore, taking you to a charity hosted masquerade ball that he was invited to. 

A large hand pressing into the small of your back made you jump slightly and quickly turn around only to be greeted by your date. The dark brown orbs of his face and tight pressed lips were the only thing visible through his mask. His heavy breathing caused his button up to tighten around his chest, giving the perfect view of his muscled body. 

"I don't want you leaving my side. Understood?" His hand moved to your upper arm gripping it tight enough to leave a mark. 

"Yes, I'm sorry." Your eyes moved to the floor as shame seeped all the way up your neck. That was the first and most important rule that Dylan gave you and now you've already gone and screwed the night up. The patio just looked so beautiful, like a fairy garden. Plus, you needed the air, you've never been to something like this before and you were starting to feel claustrophobic in that room that reeked of something you didn't have, wealth. 

Two of his fingers moved to your chin lifting your eyes to meet his. "The only way I can keep you safe is if you're on my side, there are people here that could hurt you." 

Nodding slowly you saw a smile tug at the corner of his lips before he swooped down and connected them with yours sighing in pleasure. You could never say this out loud, but you never enjoyed the taste of whiskey that was always on his lips. His mouth opened slightly wanting access into yours, without thinking you stopped the uncomfortable interaction that you could just never enjoy by keeping your lips shut. 

"Stop fighting me, relax, it's supposed to feel good." He growled pulling the back of your head into his, pressing his lips into yours with much more intensity-

"Hey kid, come down, breakfast is ready." Tony's voice echoed through the small space. 

Shaking your head you pushed your memories aside and called out to Tony, he wasn't in the room so where the hell could he be. "I'm talking through the speaker, wow there's a lot I gotta teach you." 

Grabbing a pair of jeans and a hoodie you quickly changed and rushed to the elevator whose doors were starting close. "Wait, can you hold it?" You shrieked realizing the person most definitely wasn't holding it for you. Walking faster you managed to slip through the little space that was left and instantly regretted it the moment you realized who the occupant was. The only indication he made of acknowledging your existence was stepping aside to let you press the floor number you were heading too. Awkwardly scooting to the side to find the number 60 you saw that it was already pressed. Great, just great. 

"You're supposed to press a number." He stated his tone just as flat as his damn hair. 

"The number has already been pressed, or should I just press it again for good measures." You scoffed, crossing your arms, turning your body so you were fully facing him. If it wasn't his stick forward posture that annoyed you (which you didn't even know why, everything about this guy just pisses you off) it was the roll of his eyes. 

"I'm astonished you didn't try getting to the floor by jumping off the building." 

Oh that's it, not many things get you riled up but ever since meeting this guy it's like all your pent up aggression has suddenly decided to make an appearance in your life. His perfect fucking sculpted face is looking extra punchable right now, granted you've never thrown a punch but if you were to try you knew you would break this mans nose, or at least you hoped- 

"Ay finally reindeer games and our special guest decided to grant us their company."

A bright smirk was plastered on Tony's face, you immediately felt yourself shrink. Tony's powerful just like Dylan and to be honest you were scared to piss him off because that meant he could hurt you the same way Dylan did. You calmed yourself before stepping out of the elevator but not before pointing a glare at the man inside. If you thought your room was big, this room was as big as the titanic. You had to stop your eyes from visibly popping out of your head, Tony really went above and beyond. 

The whispers in the background made you uncomfortably aware that you had an audience behind you. Regretfully turning your head away from the city view you were met with another surprise. You really couldn't catch a break anymore, the Avengers we're sitting at the long dining table in front of the kitchen talking under their breaths and shamelessly looking at you. You really didn't wanna ask for Tony's help especially when he looked so consumed on whatever he was doing on the literal floating screen in front of him. You brought your hand up shaking it making it the most stiff and awkward wave you're pretty you're ever given anyone. The loud clearing of Steve Roger's throat finally caught Tony's attention, looking up from his screen he smiled apparently not sensing the discomfort in the room.

"Oh right!" His hand moved, gesturing to your small and weak body, introducing you. 

"Nice to meet you, but why exactly are we meeting you." Clint's eyes darted between you and Tony, the center of his forehead creasing. 

"Well the kid is staying with us on Pepper's orders, and we get to keep her company." 

You were suddenly highly grateful Tony didn't give them all the details as to why you were here, along with saying 'keeping company' instead of suicide watch. Their gazes haven't left you and you were starting to think that maybe you were invisible, cause surely no one could look at someone else for that long and not see it as rude. Natasha was the first one to speak up.

"Finally another woman, the testosterone levels in this group are overpowering. Come on hun take a seat, I'm Natasha by the way." 

You haven't felt yourself genuinely smile in what seems like forever, the feeling of the skin of your cheeks crinkling slightly wasn't unpleasant but it also wasn't welcomed. 

"I know who everyone is." You laughed lightly, unable to contain the ridiculousness of this situation. You were in the same room as the Avengers, earth's mightiest heroes, people with literal super powers. You recognized everyone, except for one person but then again you didn't care much to learn his name and he seemed even less interested in yours when Tony introduced you. 

Your eyes moved along the length of the table trying to figure out who was the best person to sit next too. The only problem was there was only one seat empty, and it was right next to that black haired arrogant brat. Sighing, you made your way to the chair and sat down disregarding the glare you knew he was throwing at you. Two could play at this game, just because you draw the line at angering more than half the people at this table doesn't mean you don't have a little fight left in you reserved only for him. 

Steve came around and placed a plate full of eggs, toast and bacon in front of you, not forgetting to hand out his welcoming grin. There was no way you were gonna finish this, he  made you a plate that could feed Thor not some 5' something frail girl. Gulping, you focused on the conversation around you as you shakily picked up your fork. You don't remember the last time you ate, it was most likely at the hospital. It wasn't the aspect of weight loss that kept you from eating, it was the dull mundane task itself. You hated the way food felt sluggish in your mouth after a few chews, it made you immediately nauseous and shiver in disgust. In the end consuming food wasn't something that kept you away from your dreadful thoughts. Like everything else, it was something you wouldn't pay much attention to when you were on the brink of death so why should it be important to you now? 

You weren't even 3 bites into your eggs when conversation slowed and everyone started putting away dishes. Your eyes were closed, concentrating on getting the food down and ignoring your goosebumps to see that everyone was scarfing down their food like it was their life mission. You added this to your mental list of things you needed to fix about yourself now that you're in the presence of the same people. You knew if you kept acting weird, they would find out things, things that would make them only see you in disgust-

" Are you truly going to waste all that food?" 

You could hear his smirk without even looking at him, if you weren't shaking your fork would be in his eyeball. 

"Leave me alone."