The Assistant

Part 45

Maria POV-

The medical team cleared Y/N of any serious injuries. Some bruised ribs, facial lacerations and heavy bruising to her right knee but otherwise she was okay, it wasn't life threatening and that's all that mattered.

She was dehydrated and fatigued, her body needing the rest as she slept the whole way through the examinations as well as the night.
It was now 9am and I hadn't left her side. A knock at the door gathering my attention.

Sharon- hey, I got some coffee
Maria- thank you
She takes a seat next to me, handing me the cup of coffee.
Sharon- how's she doing?
Maria- just waiting for her to wake up, they didn't say when because they don't reckon she's slept much in the past month.
Sharon- she's a fighter, we all know that
Maria- I just wish I could've stopped this
Sharon- don't blame yourself, she was always going to stop AJ from getting hurt

The monitor starts to beep, her blood pressure and heart rate rocketing upwards.
She shots up, looking around the room at her new surroundings.
Maria- calm down Y/N, you're safe

Sharon jumped up running out the room, "we need some help in here" being shouted down the corridor. Nurses run in as they push Y/N back down onto the bed, one nurse injecting a sedative into IV.
Her body relaxes, gently easing its way back down as her head lays on the pillow.
Maria- was that normal?
Nurse- afraid so, the shock of everything caught up with her but she'll be okay. She's awake, you can talk to her.

I perch on the side of the bed, my hand brushing her hair out of her face
Y/N- hey
Maria- I'm so mad at you
Y/N- why?
Maria- you could've died, you didn't follow protocol
Y/N- she was so scared, how is she?
Maria- fine thanks to you
Y/N- Bucky?
Maria- in a cell currently, he's refusing to speak to anyone
Y/N- I spoke to him there, let me talk to him
Maria- maybe later, you need rest

I took her hand in mine as we sat in silence, a tear running down my face
Y/N- what's wrong?
Maria- I thought I was never going to see you again
Y/N- I have this ability of not dying
Maria- I love you too much for you to leave me
Y/N- I love you too much to ever think about leaving you, you're my best friend after all.

Friends. Brilliant.

Y/N POV-

I'd been in the hospital wing for a couple days when they released me.
Maria- where are we off to?
Y/N- I need to thank the Avengers and see Bucky
Maria- to the compound we go

I sat in the passenger seat as Maria drove, her hand resting on top of mine the whole way.
She opened the door as I stepped out the car, brace around my knee until the swelling had gone down.

The compound was quiet, noise coming from the cell room as I slowly walked in. The Avengers turning round at the noise of the door opened. Steve and Natasha's hands entwined together before pulling apart at my entrance.
Steve- Major Clarke, good to see you again
Y/N- no need for official titles Cap but it's good to see all of you again.
Wanda- how you feeling?
Y/N- my egos broken but otherwise I'm doing okay
Steve- you've got nothing to be ashamed about, you survived.

Natasha hadn't said a word, shock still on her face at what I'd seen.
Bucky- Clarke?
I push my way beside them coming face to face with the solider
Y/N- I'm here Bucky
Bucky- how did we get out?
Y/N- these guys saved us
Bucky- did you mean what you said?
Y/N- of course I did.

I can feel everyone watching as Steve moves closer, his hand now resting on my shoulder. I turn my head staring at him as I remove his hand
Y/N- don't touch me
Steve- oh I'm sorry
Y/N- I'll do whatever I can to get you out of here Buck, to get them out of your head, you have my word
Maria- and that means a lot
Bucky- thank you Clarke, I appreciate everything.

I walk out the room with Maria, ready to head to the Shield base when a hand grabs mine. I turn round and see Wanda, a sad smile on her face.
Y/N- I'll catch up
Maria- sure

I head over to the couch with Wanda
Y/N- what's up?
Wanda- I could feel your pain when we were in there, the thoughts in your head at the sight of Steve and Nat.
Y/N- I'm sorry you had to see that
Wanda- I tried to not look but they were strong, I saw what they did to you as well
Y/N- it's okay, just don't tell anyone yeah?
Wanda- why?
Y/N- I don't need them looking down at me, I don't want to be the one that needs saving or anything.
Wanda- you'll never be that to me
Y/N- thank you
I give her a hug and head out to Maria.

I walk into Shield headquarters, applause filling the air as Agents line the hall to welcome me back.
Y/N- I'm gonna kill you
Maria- I know, it was too tempting
I walk down the hall shaking hands with many people, most of who I don't know. My class at the end applauding like the rest.
Fury- someone is here to speak to you Agent Clarke

I walk into the office
Y/N- Sergeant Major Elliot
I stand and salute in position
SME- at ease Solider.
I move into my relaxed position before shaking the Majors hand
Y/N- what can I do for you Sir?
SME- we need your help, the red emperor is terrorising the southeast again.
Y/N- I thought we put him down sir?
SME- unfortunately not, we need you to take control of the mission.
Y/N- I've been discharged though Sir.
SME- I know, discussions have taken place and Shield are happy for you to help with our enquiries. You'll be well compensated for you time, you're the only one who knows the red emperor inside out. We don't have time to train others.
Y/N- how long do I have to decide?
SME- I need your answer by the end of tomorrow

Maria follows me out of the office and towards the car.
Y/N- what should I do?
Maria- I can't tell you that
Y/N- what do you think though?
Maria- if it'll help you get through everything then I'd say go for it. Natasha is dating Steve and you know it, maybe some time away could be good for you.