The Night Skies ~ Avengers

CHAPTER 7

I woke up with a groan, still exhausted from my restless night. I glanced at the clock, squinting my eyes, I was practically blind without my glasses.

It was only ten in the morning, that wasn't too bad of a time to wake up at.

With a swift motion, I tossed my blankets aside, like ripping off a band-aid. The cold air hit me, and another groan escaped my lips as I fought the urge to retreat to my warm cocoon. Instead, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up.

"Good morning Daphne." A monotonic voice boomed through the room. My heart dropped.

"Wow." I flinched, my hands flying to my ears protecting them from the loud noise.

"It's too early for this, friday." I muttered to the AI in annoyance, glaring up at the ceiling as if she were actually here.

After a quick shower, I examined my appearance in the bathroom mirror. The bags under my eyes weren't any worse than usual, and neither was the rest of my appearance. I nodded at my reflection in approval and left the bathroom.

Hoping that the rest of the house wouldn't notice my tiredness, I opened my door and stepped into the hallway.

I followed the sound of chattering at the end of the hallway, everyone seemed to be in the kitchen. As I entered I could feel multiple eyes staring at me as everyone looked up from what they were doing.

"Good morning Daphne, I heard you had a good night last night." Tony's words made my heart stop. I glared at Peter who was sitting right next to him, his cheeks grew red as he looked away from me. "Don't worry Peter didn't tell on you." Tony said, noticing our exchange.

I grimaced. "You really thought that you could leave unnoticed in a building such as this. Obviously we have security cameras that taped your little adventure." He explained with a smirk.

I looked down in shame, luckily the other people in the room had started up their conversations again, avoiding an awkward silence.

Tony's words sunk in, making me feel foolish for thinking I could get out unnoticed. Admittedly, sneaking out wasn't something I had much experience with.

"I'm sorry, I just needed some fresh air." I admitted truthfully, scanning Tony's face, hoping to see a smile or something else that could tell me he wouldn't get angry.

He sighed, clearly torn. "I can't get mad at you for needing some space after... -you know. It'd be insensitive. Just... don't make a habit of it. It's dangerous." His tone softened, letting me off the hook with a warning.

Relief washed over me, and I nodded gratefully as a smile returned to my face. I was thankful to avoid the lecture I was preparing for.

After pouring myself a glass of water, I sat down next to Peter, who was holding in a chuckle. I slapped his arm before flipping open the book I had left on the kitchen island.

Right before the room around me turned into a magical world Tony's voice snapped me away from my book. I looked to my right past Peter. Tony was staring at me waiting for an answer to a question I hadn't heard.

He laughed at my lost expression and repeated his question, "What were you doing out there anyway?" He asked. "Just taking a walk." I smiled reassuringly, as I quickly returned my eyes to my book.

Before my eyes landed back on the words on my pages I noticed both Natascha and Bucky staring at me, as they were making their own breakfast on the other side of the kitchen. I held eye contact and after a few seconds, recognized the look in their eyes. A look of certainty and knowledge.

At that moment I realized, they knew. My mind started racing as I stared at my book, occasionally flipping a page. I couldn't register a single word I read, as my mind was occupied. I could feel the stares lingering.