The Avengers: A Change of Fate

Chapter 13

Tony sprang from the couch where he had sat down with Steve. He paced around the coffee table. They were all growing impatient, especially him.

"That's it. I'm going up there," Tony whipped around and headed for the stairs.

"Tony-"

"It's been half an hour, Steve. I think they've had enough time, don't you?"

Steve sighed, but let him storm up the steps. When he barged into Stella's room, he found her asleep. Vision held her in his arms, and her head rested on his chest. He didn't even look guilty when Tony caught him. They looked so peaceful when he came in, Tony almost wanted to apologize.

"She fell asleep," Vision informed.

Tony sighed, "Hulk is still waiting to see her."

"I can wake her," Vision volunteered.

Vision brushed back her hair, his fingers barely brushing her skin, "Stella," He called to her gently.

He caressed her cheek, "You need to wake up."

She stirred in his arms, and opened her eyes. They filled with a happy light at the sight of Vision. She smiled at him, and sat up. When she caught sight of Tony, the happiness drained from her face. She jumped and put her arm protectively over Vision.

"It's alright, Stella," Vision said, gently lowering her arm.

"You still have one visitor left to see," Tony reminded.

"The Hulk," Stella remembered as she relaxed a bit.

"He can probably fit in here, if you're not up to getting out of bed."

"I can go down and see him."

Vision helped Stella out of bed, and followed beside her as she walked towards the door. Tony glared at him as they passed. He followed them out, keeping his eye on them. Vision stayed close to her as she went down the stairs. She gripped the railing so tight, her knuckles were white. The Avengers watched as she made her way down the stairs.

When Stella fumbled, Vision caught her, and helped her the rest of the way down. He let her go at the bottom of the steps and lingered there. Stella continued to make her way towards Hulk without him. Tony stared Vision down as he passed him. Hulk smiled as Stella hobbled closer to him. He drew her into a gentle hug.

"Hey, Big Guy," Stella greeted.

The Hulk looked at her with almost teary eyes, "Bad kid hurt you. I'll smash him."

Stella shook her head, "He didn't know what he was doing, Hulk."

"He hurt you," Hulk insisted.

"I know, but he's just a kid. He's too young to know the consequences."

Hulk grunted angrily, "Geez, Hulk, I didn't know you were such a softie," Hawkeye teased.

Hulk whipped his head up and growled at him, "It's alright, Hulk, we all know you can kick his ass any day," Stella comforted.

Hulk smiled and Hawkeye turned back around with a disgruntled look on his face.

"Alright, it was nice having you all here. Not really, but I think Stella is starving by now and she needs rest, so feel free to not stop by again, and don't let the door hit you on the way out," Tony announced sarcastically.

Stella glared at him before turning to say goodbye to Hulk. He gave her another gentle hug before rising to his full height. The Avengers said their goodbyes on their way out the door. Tony followed them out, leaving Stella standing in the room on her own. She made her way to the bar and struggled onto a stool. Tony came back shortly after he had left.