the strongest avenger (2)

fifty seven

I take a few seconds to myself, James continues to rub my back. I sense Bruce and Steve standing off to my right. I tug the washcloth from my mouth, and put it next to me.

I try to catch my breath, but it's taking some time. Bucky shifts in front of me and kneels down so we're eye level.

I force my eyes to stay open, even though I'm just so tired, and I'm met with his piercing stare.

"Hey," I open my mouth to speak but he stops me. "don't speak." He glances at Bruce and I follow.

"Definitely don't speak. You uh...probably did some damage to your vocal cords."

I purse my lips and turn back towards James.

"Are you okay?" He murmurs.

I nod yes in response. He lifts his hand and cups my cheek, pushing back damp strands of hair. Sweat or tears, I'm not sure.

I tilt my head to the side, and focus in on his thoughts.

Thank you.

I watch him jerk back slightly, which causes a small smile to form on my face. Turning to Bruce, I zero in on his thoughts.

Can I go? Or do you want to check me?

Bruce blinks a few times, a little shocked. He then glances at Steve and Bucky. "Did you guys hear that?"

They both nod no.

"I knew you could read minds," James looks down at me as he stands. "didn't know you could speak in them."

I shrug my shoulders.

"Uh, but yeah. Let me check you." Bruce grabs a little flashlight and comes over. "Open."

I open my mouth and he shines the light inside, pursing his lips as he examines me.

I reach out and connect all four of our minds, so it's like I'm speaking out loud.

Thank you guys.

Steve jerks back and Bucky jumps slightly, which causes me to silently chuckle.

"Yeah that's new." Steve says.

No, I've been able to do it since sophomore year.

"And you didn't tell me? That's harsh."

I roll my eyes at the blonde. But then I look back at Bruce.

What's wrong?

"You won't be able to speak for a little bit. So that mind talking will definitely come in handy. And uh," He gestures around his neck. "I'll find some sort of gel or cream for that."

My brows furrow and I watch as James pulls out his phone and slides it over to me. I open the camera app, mouth popping open as I look at my neck.

There's a thick stripe from where the collar used to be, the skin around the edges burnt and the middle is completely raw. The skin is red and sticky with blood, and I have to resist the urge to hurl. I hand the phone back over to him with shaky hands.

Well, I say to their minds. I guess I'll be wearing a lot of turtle necks in the future.

Steve gives me a sad smile, while James just looks at me. I turn towards Bruce who's putting the scraps of the collar on a tray.

Bruce grabs some bandages and quickly cleans my neck, myself only flinching and hissing a little at the pain.

Can I leave?