"Mr. Stark, I can't thank you enough for this. I promise I won't let you down, I'll come every day for training a-and every weekend- "
"That won't be necessary Peter, but you are welcome here on the weekends. Or better yet, why don't we call you- "
"Oh, no, no! The weekends will be perfect. Thank you so much!"
The two were alarmed by the sudden roar in the sky and Tony smirked.
"Jarvis, inform the team that Desi has returned, will you?"
Desi hoped the team could hear the roar of the sky; when she landed in the yard, she immediately fell off her horse, crying out as the pain came back in full force.
Tony's eyes widened in horror.
"Desi's hurt, emergency protocol!" Tony yelled as he ran towards her, Peter following him when he saw Desi's position.
Desi groaned, her eyes drooping when she saw her hands become bloody.
"T-Tony… Jarvis? Help me..."
"Desi!"
She heard Tony's voice but felt familiar hands cradling her face and could barely make out Bucky's face.
"Doll, stay awake. Look at me, keep those eyes open, do you understand me?" Bucky demanded as he lifted Desi up in his arms.
"I'm…s-sorry," Desi whispered before she went limp in his arms.
"Take her to her med bay, right on the left." Tony told Buck as he went through the med bay.
"Oh, it's bad. She can't heal herself…" Peter's eyes watered with tears when he saw all her blood.
"Jarvis, a little help here!" Steve yelled as he helped Bucky put her down, ignoring the kid's mumbling.
Tony took Desi's hands and double-tapped her wrists, showing her in her leggings and camisole top from yesterday, exposing her wound to them.
"I will need to put anesthesia and force her asleep so I may stitch her and provide her some blood." Jarvis said as the machine injected a needle into her stomach and an IV into her arm.
"I will need to decontaminate the room and apply the dissolving stitches; I ask that everyone leaves the room." Jarvis spoke and the team reluctantly walked out.
Bucky was pacing, his anger nearly overwhelming when he saw Desi in such a state.
"Buck…" Steve said sternly, wishing he'd calm down.
Bucky growled before he screamed, punching with his metal arm through wall.
"Damn it!" Bucky yelled, hating the feel of helpless.
"We need to be calm for her, Buck/" Steve told him, but he knew everyone in this room was worried.
"Is Mercy going to be, okay?" Peter asked.
"She's strong, kid. I know she'll make it through." Steve tried to assure him.
Tony felt the familiar feeling of worriedness from when Pepper was in the hospital, and he couldn't take it.
"Jarvis, pull up Desi's body camera footage in the conference room." Tony said, he needed answers.
Steve and Buck looked at each other briefly before they followed him with Peter following behind, the wide screen already down when they walked in.
"Play the clip for us, will you, Jarvis." Tony asked.
It started simple, she met Thor's mother and father and heard about a woman named Jane. She was escorted and told to wait there, but she didn't wait when there was chaos happening around her with screaming.
Then as Desi was flying off with Astros, they watched as Heimdall destroyed an alien ship, and she was relieved but when the mother ship appeared in front of her, with smaller ships around it, they tensed. "Buck, I'm so sorry. I might be a little late." she said softly before returning to the castle.
They watched Desi fall to the ground with Astros, quick to treat him and those around her, giving her Mammen to the guard, lending her Pegasus so they could get to safety. Running through the chaos until Desi fell towards the water. Tony clenched his hands, watching as she fell until they saw her familiar golden light.
"Is she…flying?" Steve asked aloud, the video answering his questions as Desi took off, spinning mid-air as she avoided the shots attempting to hit her.
Desi had landed in the castle and made her way to Frigga and Jane, seeing an alien being.
"Does your mother know you came into a woman's room? I'm afraid boys aren't allowed here." they heard Desi joke and Tony couldn't help but chuckle.
"Good to know I rubbed off on her." Tony thought, but now was not the time to be cheeky.
They watched as she fought against him, and they were proud to see Desi had struck Malekith in the face. Their hearts quickly dropped when they saw Desi lifted by an unknown person, facing Malekith; she was choked when they heard the familiar sound of gasping for air.
"You are powerless here, mortal." he told her.
"And you…you're…weak alone. Coward." she said as her body glowed.
It felt like everything went into slow motion.
They saw Thor and Loki enter the room and throw their weapons at Desi's assailants, noticing as she staggered before she was quickly spun back. They heard Desi scream in pain, and it was Bucky's undoing. He punched another wall, grunting as he couldn't relieve himself of the anger. Steve looked away as Tony closed his eyes, swallowing harshly as he felt powerless again. Peter looked in disbelief, his heart breaking for her as he felt emotional again.
But worse than that, they saw her stabbed.
"Why did you do that, you stupid woman?" Loki asked her.
Desi smiled, a weak laugh escaping her, "Because she's your mother." she answered.
"Selfless until the very end." Steve whispered.
"Where the hell was Loki that entire time?!" Bucky yelled.
Tony's jaw clenched; what was going through Desi's mind when she was alone up there?
Were her thoughts like his? When he was in the wormhole?
When Astros came into view, Bucky's jaw clenched once more as he assumed was her coming home.
"I'm going to kill him." Bucky said under his breath.
"I'll join you on that." Tony said, enraged that Loki could behave in such a way.
"Guys, we need to work together as a team…" Steve said, and three men looked at him like a madman.
"What did you say?" Bucky questioned, ready to fight his best friend.
"You should call Clint and the others; they might want to join in." Steve said with a smirk.
"I didn't know you had it in you, Capsicle." Tony joked.
"Wait, does that mean we should be expecting Loki?" Peter asked, but Bucky sighed, walking out of the room.
"Where are you going?" Tony asked him.
"I'm going to clean Astros; I don't think she'd be okay to see her blood on his body." Bucky said.
"Oh, I'll help!" Peter offered, following Bucky.
"Kid, go home!" Tony yelled.
"No way, not until she wakes up, Mr. Stark, sorry." Peter apologized as he disappeared.
"I'll call Pepper." Tony spoke as he left.
"I'll wait here, in case anything happens." Steve offered and received a nod from Tony as they left the room.
Desi groaned, attempting to sit up when she felt a hand over hers.
"Hey, you're awake." she opened her eyes and smiled when she saw Steve sitting beside her.
"Hey, you." she said, feeling groggy.
Steve smiled at Desi, feeling her squeeze his hand.
"I love that smile of yours. That smolder must be a lady killer for you." Desi joked, making him chuckle.
"You gave us quite a scare, but…good work up there."
"Is everyone okay?" she asked weakly, feeling guilty for making them worry.
"Buck is, well, he's out for blood. Tony…he's not showing it, but he's been in the workshop for a while now; he's distracting himself. And…that kid Peter Parker has been coming to visit you." Steve answered.
"Oh wow, Peter's here already?" She questioned. "And what about you?"
Steve flashed her a small smile, but his mind returned to her stab, and his heart ached at the sight of it. He leaned over her and gently kissed her, cupping her cheek carefully. He was almost afraid he wasn't here, knowing the memory of her struggling to breathe, blood coming from the corner of her lips, and her abdomen would forever be imprinted in his head.
"Injuries come with a risk on this job, but…we almost you. I wasn't…ready for that."
"Steve, I'll be okay."
"You're on bed rest until I say otherwise." He said firmly.
Desi smiled, "Okay."
He looked at her suspiciously, "That easily?"
"When you give me that 'Captain' voice, you'd be surprised how quickly I obediently obey."
"You shouldn't have told me that, sweetheart." He spoke in a soft, husky voice.
"I have no regrets." She said, smiling but wincing as she felt a short pain in her stomach.
"Allow me a moment to provide you something for the pain. I'd advise not healing yourself just yet." Jarvis's voice came through, making Desi close her eyes.
"Okay, I'm at everyone's mercy. I promise…I'm glad I can rest for a moment."
"Let me go get the others, okay?" Steve offered.
"Okay…" Desi whispered.
Steve left in a hurry as Jarvis took care of her, letting out a deep breath. She was getting drowsy again when she heard heavy steps, and slowly opened her eyes to see Buck walking in.
Bucky leaned over Desi with a heated gaze on her, and she felt trapped by his blue eyes.
"You're not going anywhere, you understand me?"
"I'm okay with that." Desi agreed.
Bucky curled back a loose strand of hair behind Desi's ear, tracing a finger down to her cheek, cupping her right cheek. She shivered, taking a curl of his hair, twirling with his, mimicking him as she carefully placed her left hand on his. Bucky took a shaky breath, but his eyes never left hers.
"Are you okay?" Desi asked, worried about him.
"There's a couple of large holes in the meeting room. Tony let it slide, but…" Bucky rested his forehead against hers, taking in her presence.
"I was worried about you." Bucky said softly.
"I…was worried for a second there too. It was too close to comfort."
"I…I don't know if I could handle losing you. Don't do that again…" Bucky spoke, sounding fragile and it broke her.
"I won't do anything. Not without you or Steve, okay?"
His jaw clenched, still unsure but nodded, giving her a gentle kiss on her forehead, "Okay."
"Let Angel heal before you kiss her some more, okay?"
Desi hid her face in Bucky's chest when he saw Tony walking in with Steve and Peter, looking slightly relieved to see her.
"Peter! I'm so happy to see you! I wish it were in better circumstances." Desi spoke.
"Are you feeling better, Destiny? Do you need anything?" Peter asked, edging closer to her.
Seeing a stitch on her stomach, Desi looked down when she touched her injury.
"As much as I want a burger and a shake, I'll be fine. Thanks, Peter."
"I'm glad you find this funny; do you know how scared we were to see you bleeding out on the floor, clinging to life? You've been asleep for three days now." Tony spoke, clearly agitated.
"I'm sorry, you're right. I was really… scared that I wouldn't make it back in time." Desi admitted, feeling remorseful.
"Jarvis said you should be able to heal yourself tomorrow, but I want you to rest for the next two weeks, all right? And no missions for a month."
"Okay, that's fair. Can someone notify Weasel or Deadpool for me?" Desi asked.
"I took care of it already." Steve announced.
"Oh, good. Thanks."
"No rushing to heal herself, okay? We'll do it here together." Tony said.
Desi nodded, worried momentarily when Buck straightened up, but only took a step back.
"Good, now that you're all better Angel, why don't I order us some burgers?" Tony asked.
"Oooh! Can I? With only bacon and lettuce?" Desi asked.
"Jarvis cleared it. I'll get it with a chocolate shake, got it kiddo." Tony said with a wink.
"I need to go check on my poor Astros." Desi said sliding off the bed.
"Can I join you?" Peter asked.
Desi nodded, "Of course, Peter."
"I'll watch her." Bucky said softly as he lifted her bridal style.
"I can try to walk." Desi whined, but Buck smirked at her attempt to wiggle out.
"No one is going to risk it." Bucky said, hearing Peter chuckle softly at their banter.
"Pepper will bring the food, don't get gone too long!" Tony said as he messed with the console some more.
"What are you doing?" Steve questioned once Bucky and Desi were out of earshot.
Tony looked at him and smirked.
"Sending the vid to Nat and Clint, of course."
Desi kissed Astro's head as he nuzzled his head against hers, Bucky stand beside her as Peter patted the Pegasus.
"Are you all right?" Desi asked, feeling him nuzzle into her once more.
"I'm glad you're all right too. I didn't mean to frighten you. Tell you what:" she said as she brushed his white hair, "No more being apart from now in battle, huh? Ride together, die together."
He huffed at her but nodded his head, making Desi smile.
"Miss Destiny, can I take Astros for a ride?" Peter asked, curious to see what it was like.
"Sure, but not too high, okay? Both of you?" Desi pointed out.
Astros huffed as Peter jumped on the Pegasus and took off into the air without warning.
Buck grinned, lifting her up before he sat on the ground, placing her between his legs and her back against his chest.
Desi smiled, watching Peter and Astros while Buck wrapped his arms around her waist, resting her hands over his. Desi thought of the times she hunted with her father and began to whistle. Buck listened carefully, recognizing she was doing three continuous bird whistles and mimicked her whistle.
She looked back at Buck with an amused look, repeating her whistle.
"What does that whistle mean to you?" Bucky asked.
"My father and I used to whistle whenever there was prey in the area mostly, but if we got separated, that was my call. It was to let him know where I was…I've been missing him lately." Desi answered, explaining the situation.
"Did you have any family? Anyone, you miss?" Desi asked suddenly.
He took a deep breath before he answered.
"I had a sister named Rebecca. Our mother died when we were still young, so we made it by scavenging. She would get lost when we were kids, but we always found each other with a whistle. It was her way of letting me know she was safe or lost; like you and your father. I'd whistle right back, and she'd know. Just a whistle and I'd come running like hell to her." he explained.
"I'm sorry, it must be hard for you sometimes," Desi spoke.
"Sometimes but I have you," Bucky whispered in her ear, making her shiver, "why don't we use that whistle too?"
"Are you sure you want to?" Desi asked.
"Only with you. In any battle, in any situation, even when you're sleeping. Just whistle and I'll come to you." Bucky told her.
"Only with you."
"Pepper is on her way with the food, you should wash up, Angel. You still have blood on you." Tony warned her from the window.
"Okay!" she yelled, as Bucky stood up and lifted her once more, "Peter! Time to get down!"
With the help of Bucky carrying her, Desi went straight to her room and quickly took a shower before dressing up. She wore black joggers, a sports bra, a blue V-neck oversized shirt, and white ankle socks to cover her cold feet.
Knock. Knock.
Her door slowly opened, and Steve popped into her.
"Food's here."
Desi made a small sequel when Steve carried her into the kitchen, and she sighed in relief when she smelled the food. Steve saw her big, excited eyes and smirked at her childish behavior, kissing her on top of her head as he sat her down in the kitchen. Pepper chuckles at her playful look as well.
"You look good for someone stabbed a few days ago." Pepper told her.
"Oh, nothing heals me quicker than a burger." Desi said, giggling when Pepper handed her a fast-food bag and drink.
"Chocolate shake, of course." Pepper said.
"Awe thanks! You're my favorite non-Avenger ever!" Desi said, hugging her.
Pepper hugged her back and smiled, glad to have her back.
"Wait, who's your favorite Avenger then?" Tony asked, almost offended.
Desi took a sip of her chocolate shake, shrugging, making Pepper laugh at Tony's fake hurt look.
"You are, of course. You and Pepper are the aunt and Uncle I wish I had, kind and supportive; not afraid to give that tough love." Desi told him before sitting on the bar stool.
Pepper and Tony looked at each other and smiled; they liked the thought she had on them.
"But a young Uncle and Aunt, of course," Desi added, taking out her food, and flashing them a quick smile.
"That's my favorite Avenger, right there. Excellent job, kiddo." Tony said, making Desi giggle again as she dipped some fries in her ketchup.
"Someone was famished."
Desi ignored Steve as she quickly woofed down her fries.
"Take it easy." Bucky warned Desi, sitting beside her as he took his bite.
"Nonsense, fries must be eaten while fresh or they will be sad potatoes," Desi explained.
"She's not wrong." Steve said, sitting beside her as he stole a fry from her.
Desi gasped, "I can't believe you!" She exclaimed, swatting Steve's arm playfully, making Steve smirk.
"They taste better when they're not mine."
She rolled her eyes playfully, taking a bite of her burger.
"I'll be leaving in a few hours." Steve told her suddenly, catching her off guard.
"Mission from Fury?" she asked, in which he nodded.
"Something has happened in Washington, I'm unsure when I'll return but hopefully, I'll be back in a couple of days. I'm a call away if you need me." Steve told her.
"I know, thank you Steve. Just stay safe for me." She spoke.
"Understood, ma'am. When I get back, will you go on a date with me?" He asked softly before he stood up.
"I'd love that, my Captain."
"I'm going to get some shut eye; I'll be in contact with you all soon." Steve said in his uniform voice, kissing her one last time on her cheek before leaving with his burger.
"So serious all of the time…" Tony said under his breath.
"Grab your burger and walk with me, metal man. You too kid." Tony said, gazing over at Pepper.
Buck noticed this and saw Pepper nod to him as Peter scrambled after Tony.
"Sure." Buck said, kissing the top of Desi's head before he followed Tony out of the room.
Pepper smiled, carefully sitting next to Desi as she finished her burger.
"Tony told me what happened with the boys, all three? Are you okay?" Pepper asked. Tony told her the news and even though it was clear Desi never dated before, she understood the gist of her relationships, and Pepper knew Desi needed a girl to talk to.
"My brain hasn't tried to understand it yet." She answered.
"Do you want to talk about it? I have experience with men, you know." Pepper told her, trying to lighten the mood.
"I don't know, it's complicated," Desi said plainly, allowing Pepper to let it go.
"I'm with Tony, I love complicated," Pepper said, making Desi laugh.
"Let's start at the beginning. Who was first?" Pepper asked. Desi sighed.
"Bucky, originally. I've never had a boyfriend before, let alone a crush. When I first met Bucky, don't get me wrong, I was attracted to him. He cared and watched over me then, but I didn't want to confuse his niceness for likeness. We had drifted apart when Steve kissed me. Loki expressed interest but we all got together at the same time…"
"Wow, really? Just like that? How did you convince them?"
"Actually, it seems they discussed beforehand before they cornered me in my room."
"You lucky girl. How is it with them? I can imagine it's exhausting."
"Oh, it is. Making sure they all know I adore them, making them feel secure, although it's mostly them doing that to me. I'm just…nervous I came into this naively."
"Oh, you did, but it's important that you all do this together. Maybe set ground rules; you need time for yourself too. Mental health is important in the relationship."
"You're right. And a break from missions from the orders I was given. I think this recent adventure really scared them more than it did me…how were they Pepper?" Desi couldn't help but ask.
Pepper sighed.
"Tony began to tinker, working on your suit…he gets like that when he's worried and restless. Steve couldn't even look at you without being upset; Peter would come every day after school and stay until midnight," Pepper told her, "Barnes took it the hardest though, visually. You have all of us, Desi." Pepper spoke before she pulled her into a hug.
Desi hugged her back and cried silently as her emotions finally got to her.
"But don't give up on Rogers and Barnes, okay? I've never seen men so protective, more ready to follow you into anything. And don't let one man change how you see all men; you'll never be happy like that." Pepper told her as she pulled away.
"I will, thank you." Desi said with a sigh before taking a sip of her shake.
"Anytime, sweetie. And hey, next week, girl's day." Pepper said before standing and walking over to Tony.
"I'm heading home everyone; I'll see you this weekend!" Peter exclaimed.
"Goodbye, Peter!" Desi shouted as he left.
"Bye, Miss Desi!"
Bucky pulled Desi onto her feet and lifted her bridal style, making her squeal.
"I can try to walk, you know."
"It's getting late, you need your rest." Bucky told her.
"Wait, wait, wait! My shake!" Desi squealed but Buck ignored her, leading her to her bedroom.
"I'll get you another one tomorrow." Bucky told her, ignoring her childish behavior.
Desi pouted, "Promise?"
He looked down and couldn't help smirk, "Just you and me. You may me a date."
"Deal." Desi declared as Buck opened her door. He laid her down in the bed, helping her get under the bedsheets as she snuggled into the bed, sighing in relief when she felt the cold sheets against her skin.
He wasted no time slipping into bed with her. Though he wasn't a fan of sleeping in a bed, it was easier for him with her around; his nightmares were a rare occurrence with her. He pulled her back against his chest, holding her securely as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Goodnight, Buck." Desi whispered, closing her eyes.
"Night, Desi." Bucky said before he left the room.
