Caught In A Web

twenty-one

"I couldn't get Banner back," Natasha informed as he joined the rest of the Team around Tony's bed. Tony was still sedated as everyone thought it was better until Shuri updated them on your condition. "The Hulk is still running around."

"The Borderland tribe will watch and report anything if needed," Okoye told Natasha.

"Why haven't we heard anything, T'Challa?" Steve asked. He was growing more impatient, just as the rest of the Team were.

"We must trust Shuri," T'Challa replied. "She must have a reason."

"If something happens to her..." Bucky trailed off.

"We will not go out for revenge, Barnes."

"Try to stop me."

"Bucky," called Sam. "Nothing's going to happen."

"If something does, I'm with Barnes," piped in Clint. "I'm sure Stark will feel the same way."

"We need to focus on the positive," Scott said. "Y/N will make it through. We don't even know how bad it is."

It was then that Shuri walked through the doors. The anxiety level rose in the room as no one could read her expression.

"Shuri," T'Challa called. "How is she?"

"The poison that was used took longer than I care to admit to identify. But I did. I put together the antidote, and it has been delivered. We are in a waiting game now."

"Waiting for what?" Bucky asked.

"If the antidote will work."

"It's you, Shuri; of course it will."

"I am confident, but even I am not perfect. Her body also needs rest. She's been through a lot and needs to sleep. I'll bring her into this room soon."

"Everyone should get sleep," T'Challa added. "There are plenty of rooms in the palace for everyone."

"I'll take the first watch," offered Steve. "Tony shouldn't be alone."

~~~

Tony groaned as he began to come to. Something weighed heavy on his heart. He hoped that it was all a terrible dream. That you were okay and sitting by his side. But when he opened his eyes, that was not the case.

"You're definitely not the first person I wanted to see," Tony muttered, closing his eyes again.

"Well, I can say the same thing," Bucky responded.

"How long was I out?"

"About twelve hours. Steve, Clint, Sam, and I have switched out watching you."

"Where's Y/N?"

Bucky stayed silent, simply turning his head to the doors you were still hidden behind. "Shuri's keeping her away from us, just in case."

"What happened?"

"We successfully cornered Rumlow. Hope and Scott shrunk down and kicked the knife away from Y/N's throat, but it had already broken skin. Y/N then webbed Rumlow up. You would have been proud."

"She shouldn't have been in that situation."

"No, she shouldn't have."

"What happened next?"

Bucky sighed. "I was carrying her to the jet with T'Challa as the rest of them took care of the base and Rumlow. She complained about being cold and sleepy. T'Challa and I immediately knew that something was wrong. We were right when Steve told us there was poison on the knife. We rushed her here, and Shuri found an antidote. We're still waiting to see if it kicks in."