Lost in the Mirror (Avengers Fan Fiction)

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The Avengers had left around three in the morning. It was now ten o'clock at night and still they hadn't returned. Delaney stood anxiously in the skywalk, watching the skies and waiting to hear someone announce the heroes' arrival. Her arms were crossed over her chest and she chewed on her lip.

"They're coming in for landing." Someone spoke over the earbuds every S.H.I.E.L.D. agent wore.

"Have a medic team out there to greet them." Delaney ordered, not realizing how demanding she sounded until afterwards. "Please."

"Yes, ma'am."

Delaney watched as the jet landed and the hatch opened. A few silent heartbeats passed before the first Avengers stepped out. It was Thor, Vision, and Wanda. None of them seemed too terribly hurt but it was evident they had been fighting hard. Next to leave the jet was a beat up Natasha and an injured Clint. Natasha was acting as Clint's support, holding him up as they both limped towards the entrance to the Compound. Steve and Bucky walked out with Sam just behind them. The Falcon was cradling his arm to his chest. Tony and Bruce were the last ones to leave the jet. Bruce was in a pair of sweatpants and a large sweatshirt. He leaned against Tony, one arm thrown around the billionaire's shoulders as they walked into the Compound.

Where was Loki?

Delaney hurried to meet them a few floors down in the medic room.

•*•*•

"Hi, guys!" The intern gave them a warm smile and looked around to assess everyone's injuries even though there was enough medical personnel to help them. "How did it go?"

Her eyes found Steve's. He stood near the counter Bucky was sitting on.

"It was rough." The Captain answered. "But we made it."

"Speak for yourself." Clint muttered. "Think I broke my ankle."

"I know I dislocated this damn shoulder." Sam sighed out as the medic checking him out examined his shoulder.

"Where's.... Where's Loki?" Delaney was hesitant to ask but worry and anxiety had begun to eat at her insides. What happened to him? He went on the mission with the Avengers. Did he ditch them and leave? Did he die?

"He split the second we touched down here." Tony answered, glancing away from Bruce momentarily. "Used his magic mojo to leave."

"Is he okay?"

"He's fine." Thor assured her. "Just a few scratches and bruises. Nothing that will kill him."

"That's good." Delaney nodded her head. "I figured you'd all be hungry so I went ahead and got dinner. It's waiting in the conference room three floors up."

"I love you." Clint whispered then let out a high-pitched yelp as a medic messed with his ankle.

Delaney lingered for a few moments, moving between each Avenger to make sure they were comfortable and okay. When she stopped at Bucky and Steve, her eyes glided over Bucky's left arm. There were a few dents in the metal. The ex-Winter Soldier shifted uncomfortably under her gaze.

"Are you okay, Sergeant Barnes?" Delaney asked him, her hand finding his right bicep and giving him a gentle, assuring squeeze. Her blue eyes looked into his as she spoke to him. "Does your arm hurt any? Do you want something to make it feel better? I'm sure we've got medicine—,"

"No, I'm fine." He answered flatly. He wasn't sure how to communicate with the constant ball of annoying sunshine. "It's Bucky, by the way."

"Okay, Bucky." Delaney smiled softly at him. "If you need anything, just holler. We have the best doctors in the world."