Till the End of Time-

Chapter 36: Three Weeks Later

Even as my eyes are closed there are different times when I hear voices. Sometimes the words are clear and at other times they are completely mumbled and incomprehensible.

Images and memories dance around behind my eye lids.

"Did it work? Has she absorbed enough of it?", a voice asks.

"Oh yes it's working, don't you see? Even in her veins the answer is there", another responds.

"When will we see results?", the first voice asks.

"Well it used to be a slow process, but as long as we let him be with her more, things will speed up".

The first person scoffs, "Is that why you let it carry on?".

"The heart is a funny thing comrade. If the heart is happy and willing, it will let the body do more than it ever thought it was capable of. Their secret affair will continue and be encouraged in order for us to reap the rewards".

I moan in my sleep trying to speak.

"Quiet! Let her rest. We will come back for her later"...

The embrace of sleep takes over me once again and I am lost in its arms.

Eventually my consciousness begins to surface and my eyes slowly peek open. Gradually, I adjust to my surroundings and the daylight.

I'm in a hospital room laying in a bed, as one of the monitors beeps ritually.

I try to lift my hand but it's heavy and when I glance over I notice Steve holding it as he sleeps. My lips slightly crack as I try to smile at the beautiful scene in front of me.

I continue to look around the room and that's when I notice Bucky sitting in a chair in the corner also fast asleep.

My throat is dry and desperate for water, so I try to reach for the nurses button without waking them up just yet.

But I must have moved just enough, because the super solider next to me pops his eyes open and then widen in surprise.

"Rosie! You're awake!", he says leaning forward and kissing my hand. His voice wakes up the other soldier in the corner and he too comes over.

He doesn't say anything but he scans my face, his eyes are clear with both worry and relief. Bucky walks over and takes the button from my hand pressing it rapidly.

Bruce, Tony and my aunt all come running through the doors, and once they see me they pause for a slight second before all talking at once.

"Hey kid, how're you feeling?", Tony says coming over and taking a seat on my bed.

I nod and start to sit up, but when I do there's a choirs of "Take it easy!", "Be careful", and "Do you need help?".

I smile and lift up my hands as I manage on my own, "Guy's I feel perfectly fine! There's nothing to worry about".

Steve looks at me with big blue puppy dog eyes, "We're just worried about you sweetheart", he says softly stroking the side of my face.

"I know, it's because I was shot right? Honestly, to tell you the truth I don't feel a thing. You must have me on some pretty good pain medication Dr. Banner", I lightly laugh trying to lighten the mood.

After I say this they exchange a few looks between them. Banner checks my vitals not making eye contact with me, so I turn to look at Steve and the others questioning them with my eyes.

"You're not here because you were shot Rosie", Steve informs me while giving my hand a squeeze.

I furrow my brows confused, "What do you mean? I was shot, I remember that. I know that I blacked out after you caught me".