Chapter 14
We stay in the hospital for another day before I can finally convince the doctors to let me go back to the compound and rest there.
Stephen hovers over me as a nurse helps me into a wheelchair, his hands flitting around me looking for a way to help as his eyes stay locked onto mine.
“Relax.” I breathe as I settle into the chair, biting my cheek to stifle a groan at how sore my body is. “I’m good.”
He exhales, but only barely as we begin to walk down to the car.
I reach up, taking his hand as the nurse has us step into the elevator.
He smiles softly, his thumb swiping softly along the back of my hand, the band on his fourth finger glistening in the harsh fluorescent light of the elevator.
The nurse stops the wheelchair in front of the black car at the curb, and Happy opens the driver’s side door, rushing around to me and helping me up before the nurse has a chance.
“Hey Happy.” I say, grunting as he pulls me up. “Miss me?”
He laughs as he helps me into the backseat.
“Nope.” He says. “I was just super bored today, so I thought I’d come pick your sorry ass up.”
I laugh now as I settle against the leather, Stephen sliding in beside me on the other side.
Happy gets back in, and we drive away from the hospital.
I lean my head over, resting it on Stephen’s shoulder as we drive.
He kisses my hair, looping his arm around me and squeezing gently.
We ride in comfortable silence back to the compound, Stephen and Happy both rushing to help me out of the car as we park out front.
“Guys. I’m not made of glass.” I mutter, laughing as they half-carry me into the living room.
They set me on the couch, and I roll my eyes as I smile at them.
“Then stop getting broken.” Stephen mutters back, throwing a blanket across my lap.
I laugh lowly as the sound of quick footsteps enters the room.
“Mr. Stark!” Peter calls, running to the couch and throwing himself down beside me.
He wraps his arms around my shoulders, hugging me as his head rests against mine.
“Hey Pete.” I say softly, resting my hands on his arms.
Stephen smiles as he sits on the other side of me.
“I was worried about you.” He says quietly, not releasing his grasp on me at all.
I pat his arms gently.
“I’m sorry kid.” I answer. “But I’m alright now.”
He nods, sitting back slightly to look at me.
The door behind us opens, and more footsteps walk in.
“You always keep us safe.” Peter murmurs. “We have to be better about keeping you safe.”
Stephen nods, resting his head against mine.
“We do.” Nat says, walking around the front of the couch with Sam, Bucky, Bruce, and Steve. “I’m sorry we weren’t there. You always are.”
I shake my head.
“You’re all being ridiculous.” I say softly. “You were all busy, I should’ve been paying attention.”
I sit up slightly, looking at Nat.
“Did you guys find what they were looking for?” I ask her.
She nods, holding her hand out to Steve.
He reaches into the small bag on his shoulder, pulling out a large, yellow, glowing crystal.
“We aren’t sure what it is.” Nat says as she takes it from him, holding it out for me to see. “Bruce tried to get a reading on it, he’s getting new equipment and he’s going to try it again.”
I nod, trying to memorize it’s appearance before Nat slips it back into Steve’s bag.
She looks at Stephen for a moment, then back at me before cracking a small smile.
“Something you wanna tell us hot shot?” She asks.
I smile back at her.
“Ever the observer Romanoff.” I answer, reaching for Stephen’s left hand. “There’s an event coming up, and I suppose you’re all invited.”
I lift his hand, showing the ring to the small group in front of me.
“No way!” Peter exclaims, his eyes widening as he smiles between us.
Sam claps his hands together a few times, and Bucky even cracks a small smile.
Nat wishes us congratulations, and Steve nods in silent acknowledgment.
The group dissipates soon, leaving just Peter and Stephen on either side of me.
“They’re right you know.” Stephen says quietly. “They should care for you like you do for them.”
I shrug, pulling Peter closer, just barely.
“I’ll watch you two, you two watch me.” I murmur, leaning against Stephen’s chest.
My eyes get heavy as Peter leans against me.
“That’s what families do.” I whisper as my eyes get too heavy to reopen.
Peter nuzzles closer as Stephen kisses my forehead, and I fall asleep between my two favorite people.