A/N: I've been writing for two days and nothing was coming out right. Ugh. So we've ended up with some Fury and Hill friendship, and Hill hurt and comfort, because I love angst. Also, there's a reference to one of my favorite bloggers (The Blogess) in this chapter. Bonus points if you catch the reference!

Additional Note at the End

Day 3: Holding Hands

Maria Hill was enjoying her first quiet night at home in months. She had a long-overdue book and a blanket waiting for her on the couch as soon as her tea finished steeping. Her hair was pulled back in a messy bun, and she had quickly changed into her favorite pair of grey yoga pants minutes after walking in the door. The television blared softly in the background, and she looked up occasionally to see the creations the chefs were creating. After dropping the tea bag into the cup of boiling water, she turned her attention away from the show and reflected on the last few weeks.

She and Steve had slipped away for dinner and drinks when her schedule allowed it, and she was reluctant to admit that she enjoyed his company. His banter was witty and teasing, something she hadn't expected from the seemingly reserved Captain. She was actually having fun. It had only been three dates, and unfortunately she had been called away on emergencies each time towards the end. If Fury hadn't already given his approval she would have suspected he had a hand in the lack of being able to finish a date. Tonight the Avengers were making a public appearance downtown, and she took the opportunity to catch up on laundry.

She padded to the basement floor of her town home and switched out the load of laundry with her dog at her heels. She had picked up Hermes from her next door neighbor earlier that night, thanking the woman for keeping the golden retriever. She loved where she lived. It was private, and everyone kept to themselves. Her town home opened into a small courtyard and grassy area, unusual for the city and well worth the addition to the price tag. Hermes's nails clicked behind her, and he nosed Maria's hand, eager for attention. Maria scratched him behind the ears, and headed back upstairs to grab her tea. Just as she was heading to the couch, her phone rang with Fury's name flashing across the screen.

"You better be calling to tell me who won the quick fire challenge," she grumbled.

"Did you see the motherfucking soufflé Juanita made?

She rolled her eyes.

"I just turned on the tv," she replied.

"I would have used goat cheese and rosemary," he knowingly retorted.

"Ah yes, such a wonderful, yet sharp flavor combination," she said dryly.

"Are you sassing me, Hill?"

"No sass, sir. Just superior taste buds."

Hermes whined at the door, and Maria went to let him out. Fury chuckled.

"Chris was eliminated."

"Good," Maria answered while opening the door. "I didn't like him."

She felt a sharp pain in her right arm and looked down, confused. The skin was torn and bleeding, and she instantly ducked behind the door frame.

"Hermes, go to Nina's," she called knowing the dog would head towards her neighbor's steps.

"Hill?" Fury questioned, his voice sharp.

"I've got unknown hostiles, sir. A bullet just grazed my arm."

Fury cursed. Maria grabbed her Glock from the entry table as another bullet broke through the hall window.

"Shit."

"I'm sending the Avengers your way, Hill."

"Seriously?" she griped and headed to the stairs.

"They're the closest to your position."

"I just finished remodeling. If my house is destroyed, I'm sending you the bill," she muttered as her door was kicked in.

She fired once, and the first guy dropped with a thud. This is why she had hardwood floors, she mused. Bloodstains on the carpet was bad for resell value.

She heard the sound of glass shattering, and the metal scrap of a canister rolling. It went off with a bang, and smoke started to fill the first floor.

"It's an extraction," she said quietly. "They're not trying to kill me."

"That's a plus," Fury said, his voice tight.

She ducked into the third floor hall, and was met with three masked figures.

"Fuck," she said and dropped the phone.

The one closest to her slammed her into the wall, and the gun fell from her grasp. His hands were at her throat, fingers bruising. She let her head fall forward and made her body limp, and his grip loosened. She reeled her head back before smashing her forehead into his face. He dropped her, clutching his bloody face with both hands. The other two joined in the fight, and she winced when a few of their punches hit their mark. She knew they were getting frustrated as she continued to evade them. She coughed hard, as the smoke continued to rise. She had to stall for time.

She heard the chambered round of a gun click into place, and she ran. She threw open the door of the rooftop terrace, and was quickly slammed to the ground. Her vision swam, and she blinked back the fuzziness. A boot thudded into her side, and she gasped, trying to draw in air. She was hauled to her feet, and she slowed, stumbling. The figure on her right was pulled off-balance and she slammed her fist into his face while pulling away.

The wind started to pick up, and she regretted the fact she was barefoot. Protecting her ribs, she kept her left arm close to her body and warily eyed the remaining figures. Tires squealed in front of her house, and for once she was relieved to see the Avengers. She took a step back, scenarios racing through her mind. The five men surrounding her exchanged glances, as thundering steps could be heard inside.

The next few moments happened in a blur. Rogers and Romanov appeared in the doorway, as one of the figures raised a gun in her direction. Her eyes widened for a fraction, and she dove to the side to avoid the bullet. She stumbled to her feet. Another figure came charging towards her, and she felt the breath leave her body as she was propelled backward. She flung her arm out, scrambling to get ahold of something as the edge of the building came racing towards her. She heard Steve cry out her name as her hand looped over the edge of the railing.

She scrambled for purchase, her body scrapping against the brick and concrete. She closed her eyes in pain and drew in a hitched breath as her grip began to slip. She could feel herself sliding, and Steve was too damned far away. She could see Tony Stark, sans suit, looking up at her in horror. Abruptly she was thankful for the fact Nina worked evenings and her other neighbors were on vacation.

The concrete pulled at her skin, and she glimpsed Steve's panicked face, eyes wild, as her world began to tilt. Her hands skidded across the building searching for something to stop her fall.

She reached, hands grasping.

Their fingers brushed.

His hand locked around hers, and she let out a pained cry as the jarring motion slammed her back against the building.

His hand was solid and strong, and he pulled her up in what seemed like no time at all and forever all in one.

He pulled her to his chest, arms wrapped around her, as her knees gave out. He lowered her to the floor, her hand still clasped in his. She leaned against his chest, and could feel the strain of his heart still beating madly in his chest. She drew in a shaky breath, her eyes closed. In the background, she heard the dull thud of a body dropping as Natasha dispatched the last intruder.

Despite her protest, Steve carefully lifted her into his arms and headed back inside. He deposited her gently on the couch, and her eyes dimly registered the broken tea cup on the floor. She gave it a look of regret, pressing her hand to her ribs.

"I have a first aid kit in the bathroom," she rasped, and Steve left with a nod.

Tony and Barton appeared beside her, and she slowly moved into a sitting position. Steve returned with a wet washcloth, and gave her a disapproving glare for moving. Natasha entered shortly after with Hermes beside her. The dog wagged his tail as he approached his owner, before resting his chin on her leg. She absentmindedly rubbed his head, while the others looked at her in surprise.

"Welcome to my house," she said with a heavy sigh.

"When you're all patched up, we're going to have a nice long talk about how you live in an area where homes go for $8 million," Tony said incredulously.

A car door slammed, and she tensed. Natasha waved her off. Steve stepped closer to her, unsure of how he should act. He settled for brushing his hand against her shoulder.

"Fury went to pick up Banner," she replied to ease the agent's distress.

Maria groaned, as the two men carefully entered.

"I think you need a new door, Hill," Fury commented as he set a bag down on her coffee table.

She glared, and raised her tank top so Banner could examine her ribs. Hermes thumped his tail before waddling over to Fury who scratched his back with familiarity.

"I just painted that one."

"I'll get some agents over immediately to secure the windows too," he said seriously.

She nodded, and gestured to the bag with a raised eyebrow.

"Soufflé," was all he said.

"Goat cheese and rosemary?" she questioned.

"Damn straight."

A/N2: In my headcanon, Fury loves to watch reality tv, especially cooking competitions, and calls Hill to discuss them. (It amuses me.) This series will also have a different backstory for Maria, which will be explained (ie- her townhouse) in a future chapter.