Warnings: Swearing, Drama, Angst, Past Chapter Healing

The car ride to the tower was trippy to say the least. I wasn't sure if I was passing out, or if my brain was zoning out. All I knew was that I was repeatedly blacking out or loosing focus. So much so, that it seemed like time was passing me by in a flash. My head was resting on Tony's shoulder. Well it was more like he was holding my head up with his shoulder, it felt more like dead weight to me. The rest of my body was no different, all of my limbs felt like they were filled with lead. If it weren't for the padded leather seat I was on, I would most likely be on the ground at my soulmates feet. Having fallen over or some such nonsense, and landing in some back asswards position on the carpeted floor.

Not long after the car started to move, I could feel myself starting to slide down the seat. It got worse with each red light, stop sign, pot hole, and bump in the road. I tried to reposition myself, but it was like moving a one ton cement block with only your hands. Impossible for us mere mortals. After Happy hit one particularly harsh bump that he couldn't avoid due to traffic, I ended up sliding too far forward on the seat. Before my sluggish and weighted body could even attempt to move, a pair of hands wrapped around my waist, preventing me from falling to the cars floor.

The suddenness of the movement, and how unexpected the touch was, caused me to jerk upright, and fall off the seat anyway. So it ended up not even mattering that someone had tried to prevent my fall, though I appreciated it all the same. All of the muscles in my body were tensed up, and ready to fight. It sucked, because my flight or flight reflex wasn't needed right now. I needed to take a few breaths and calm down.

I was safe now. I was with my mates. It was a mantra in my head that I kept repeating. I simply needed to cool down my mind and body from the fear that kept coursing through my veins.

The voices around me, were more like tones to me at this point. I wasn't really understanding the words that people were saying, or the conversations they were having. It was more like I was hearing the tone of voice that they were using, and making assumptions based off of that. A sharp tone from above me, made me look up, and I saw that Clint was holding his hands out for me, with a gentle look on his face. Steve looked hurt and sad, and was holding his hands out in front of him like they were loaded guns, but I wasn't sure why? Wasn't he happy that we were going somewhere else? Maybe he was upset that now that I wasn't next to him, he was sitting besides Tony? I honestly couldn't tell at this point.

Clint drew my attention back to him, by slowly leaning down towards me. While making eye contact with me, he grabbed my hands, and gently pulled me to sit in the seat next to him. The seatbelt was then pulled carefully over my lap and shoulders by his calloused hands, and buckled in place. All while I watched on confused, unable to focus on a single solitary thing for more than one minute. It was like he'd be putting the seatbelt on me, then I'd see Tony's watch sparkle in the sunlight, and that would fascinate me for a while. Then I would be focused on the seatbelt again, which sucked by the way. Even though you're always supposed to wear a seatbelt, I hardly ever wore one if I was in the backseat. Which raised the question, why was he making me wear one now? I looked across the way at Tony. I'm not sure what for, but he just smiled back at me softly. His hands were clenching and unclenching on his lap, and I was just getting more and more confused by the minute.

Chills started to make their way up and down my back, and across my shoulders. I hadn't realized until now, just how cold I was. The chills were aggravating some of my injuries, though I didn't know it, and because of that I was dripping blood onto the leather seat I was sitting on. Bruises were starting to make themselves known along my cheekbones and arms, and the slow yellowing color was simply fascinating for my mind to watch and contemplate right now. I bewitched myself by watching how the light moved across the different bruises forming and how that made the colors change slightly. The cars driving by outside my window were also alluring. There were so many different colored cars, and with all of them moving, it was like a giant rainbow.

I was so distracted by my erratic thoughts, that I barely noticed when we pulled into the private parking garage at Avengers Tower. Alright, so it was really the descent into the darkened garage that made me realize where we were, and that pulled me back to reality.

". . . Med . . . Inj . . ." Two words lazily floated into my ear. When I looked to see who had said them, it was Tony, as he got out of the car followed by Steve. Clint reached around me slowly to unbuckle me, and I shot him a large smile in thanks. My limbs were starting to gain back their mobility, and my brain was beginning to function properly, so I decided to get out of the car myself. Sliding out of the car was extremely painful, thankfully Tony was there, waiting for me with a hand held out to assist me.

"Unc . . . ble . . . Bed . . . Her . . ." More and more words were starting to make sense, and I was just thankful that my brain wasn't as overwhelmed as before. Sure it was still on overdrive, but being able to understand what's going on around you is important. I just wished that I was able to grasp the whole conversation.

" . . . Inside first." That was Clint. I would know his voice anywhere. Granted I was looking between the three of them like it was a tennis match, but their beauty made it so hard to focus. The muscles Tony was displaying, Clints authority was extremely sexy. . .

The cut of Steve's jawline.

Wait, was Steve's jaw moving?

I looked closer at his jaw, squinting to see if it really was moving. That, or it was just so sharp that it could cut air.

" . . . Doll?" With a squeak, I jumped slightly, only to fall right into the arms of the man with said 'sharp jawline.'

"Are you alright doll?" Steve spoke slowly and clearly, as he looked into my eyes. All while keeping his hands on my waist. I had jumped into them after all. I don't know why he was speaking so slowly though? It didn't occur to me to answer his question with words, so I tilted my head to the side in confusion. All while staring up at him with wide eyed wonder. He was so handsome, so strong, so mine. . .

"Tony went up to get things ready." Clint, who I hadn't noticed had even left, returned from wherever it was he went to, and came up to stand besides Steve.

"We should get going then." Steve nodded at Clint, then turned to me. "Ready to get cleaned up kitten?" That I understood perfectly, and the answer was yes! I nodded my head enthusiastically causing both men to chuckle. Then they were helping me to the private elevator. Each perfect example of a specimen of man, had one arm held out to me, so my hand was nestled in the crook of their arms. They were treating me like I was a princess, and they were escorting me to a Ball. I may have been injured, but I had a huge smile on my face, even though it hurt like a bitch.

The ride up was silent. I was so distracted by the lights that were on the buttons for the different floors, that I missed the silent looks that Steve and Clint were passing each other over the top of my head. We went farther up than I expected us to, and when we stopped, it was just below Tony's private lab. Steve and Clint stepped out with no problem, like it was nothing at all to be this high up. Ihowever remembered Tony telling me that the top floors were his. The only reason I could think of that we would be up here, was if Tony had something in has lab that he needed.

Apparently I was walking to slow, not that I cared, because I could hear grumbling coming from behind me. With every new step that I took, a new ache and pain would present itself. For example, apparently I had somehow twisted my ankle and not noticed it until now. The only time I can think of where that could have happened, was when I pushed myself out of the thug leaders arms and onto the floor. My body twisted some then, and I lost my footing. The end result to that, was me face planting on the floor. Either way, if my limping form was to slow for them, they would just have to wait. I didn't think we would be going to far anyway.

Turns out, I was right about the not going far thing. From the elevator, we entered a small entryway that was painted in light creams. It even had an archway, and standing under that archway, was Tony, looking like he had just gotten Willy Wonka's last golden ticket.

"Any problems on the way up? I configured J.A.R.V.I.S. to recognize you both to allow you entry, but it wouldn't have mattered since Stella was there. Her scans would be enough to allow you emergency access. I also gave him a heads up that she was injured and you were escorting her. Otherwise, next time you want to come up and see the Queen, you need to do a retinal scan and biometric scan with voice confirmation."

"A little much don't you think?" Steve asked, but I could tell he was about to be shut down.

"After what just happened? After what we just saw and saved her from? It's not enough. But it'll do for now." Tony responded.

"No, we didn't have any problems." I couldn't tell if it was Steve or Clint who had responded, because I was distracted at that moment. In light grays, white, and pinks, going all around the archway, were small peonies connected by a swirling green vine. They were painstakingly hand painted, and each one was just as unique as the last. I ran my fingers lightly over the design as I examined it more closely. It was absolutely beautiful, like a miniature garden of peonies, only inside, and made just for me. The awe and wonder that I'm sure was on my face, couldn't begin to describe the feeling of peace that came over me as I stood in my new happy place.

"Angel?" Tony's quiet voice pulled me from my thoughts and I gave a soft hmmm in response. "Do you like it?" He came up behind me, making sure his steps were loud so that he wouldn't startle me, and lay a hand on my shoulder. All I could do was nod. What else do you do, when surprised with such delicate beauty?

"I hand painted them, as well as some other things in your rooms to make them feel more homey to you." Steve said. My rooms? What?

I turned around to look at Steve, and he was smiling sheepishly at me. "My rooms?" Was the first thing I was able to say, and even then it was a whisper that seemed like a shout to my ears.

"How about we talk about this, after we get you laying down and Bruce on his way up with medical supplies?" Clint threw in from where he had been standing just outside the elevator doors. His arms were crossed, and he was watching me like he was waiting for me to collapse. Well I planned to prove him wrong. Hopefully.

"Why? I'm fine." I said, but just as the words left my mouth, I started to loose my balance. Before I could fall too far, I pushed my hands out in front of myself, and steadied my body using the wall. "See, I'm fine."

"Yeah, you're totally fine." Clint remarked sarcastically, as he came up behind me and slowly lifted me up into his arms. My whole body tensed at first, subconsciously, waiting for a hit or blow I guess, and I hated myself for it. The look of pure anguish that crossed over his face before he masked it, made my heart physically hurt. These were my soulmates, my men. They weren't going to hurt me. I forced myself to relax into the bridal hold he had me in, and sent him a remorseful smile. "It's not your fault baby girl." was his response as he began to walk into the set of rooms that were mentioned before.

Whoever had set them up must have caught on to the fact that I loved colorful things, because this room made me feel like a princess. Instead of the creams used in the entryways, the walls were different shades of blue that touched and melded together in such a way that it looked like waves were crashing against each other. I honestly felt like I was walking into the sea as Clint walked into the room with me in his arms. It could have been from the fact that my brain still wasn't functioning right, or it could have been the walls. Either way, I didn't care. It was marvelous.

The bed that Clint set me down on was obviously a King by the size of it alone, but that wasn't what made the breath catch in my throat. "You know I'm not a child right?" I whispered, but I was still staring in awe as my hands ran over the bed frame. As a young girl, I had always wanted a bed like this, it was my dream bed. But a single mom couldn't afford such extravagant things, so I was perfectly fine with my twin sized resting place. I could never have dreamed that now as an adult, I would be sitting on such luxuriousness. With four posters going up to almost reach the ceiling, it was surrounded by a canopy made with a mother of pearl sheen, that had fairy lights sporadically placed on it for light. There was an oversized rope, like you would see in movies, at the head of the bed. I had a feeling that when pulled, it would release the hangings from their confinement, and the bed would be closed off to the world. The sheets felt like liquid underneath my fingertips, and were a very light color of pink, almost like you would see on a starfish. Not like Patrick from SpongeBob, but a real starfish, ones only found in the depths of the ocean. It was a bed fit for a Queen.

"We know you aren't a child sweetheart, but you are our princess." Steve was the one who was speaking, but my mind and body froze.

Sweetheart. . .

Sweetheart. . .

Sweet heart. . .

SWEET heart. . .

Sweetheart ! ! !

My heart started to race, and I was no longer in the room with my mates. Instead I was back at the cafe with those 'things". Those men, that had dared try to violate me, that had hurt me. They called me "sweetheart" so mockingly. Not caring that I was terrified. Not caring that I was fighting them back with all my might. I felt weak, having to wait there, praying that somebody would come and save me. And yet, they continued to mock me. Continued to call metheir "sweetheart."

Even though it was Steve who had called me that, and there was nothing but genuine sincerity and care for me in his voice, hate ran through me. I hated it. I hated that word. Those thugs had taken something so innocent, so sweet, so pure, and ruined it. Now all I felt was pain and disgust when I heard that word.

"Don't call me that." I don't know how long I sat silently after Steve had said "the word," but I had all of their attention now.

"Don't call you what sweetheart?" There it was again, only this time it was Tony that said it.

"I SAID DON'T CALL ME THAT!!" I screamed as I pulled my legs up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them, before burying my head in them. Sweetheart, sweetheart, sweetheart. It was just bouncing around in my skull, and I hated it. Tears fell from my eyes and started to soak through the pants I was wearing. I had no desire to start full on sobbing, but when I went to take a deep breath, a choked sob fell from my mouth.

I could feel the bed move around me, as my mattress sunk in in multiple places. At first I tensed. This whole day had my adrenal glands working overtime, and my fight or flight messed up so badly that I didn't know what to do anymore. Thankfully no one moved, and my body relaxed in it's own time, and of its own accord. My crying came to a stop after a few minutes, and I was ashamed to lift my head up to look at any of them. They fought bad guys for a living, they saved the day and came home bruised and bloodied on more than one occasion. However no one had seen them cry, I most definitely hadn't seen them cry yet, but they were owed an explanation. I did just blow up at them after all, and I'm sure they didn't appreciate that.

With a soft sigh, I closed my eyes and slowly lifted my head. I didn't want to look at them. I didn't want to see the anger or hate that I was sure would be on their faces. "Look at me doll." Steve urged me, and I couldn't say no to him. I couldn't say no to any of them, so I slowly opened my eyes. Steve was looking at me with only compassion showing on his face. Tony, though there was anger in his eyes, was giving me his half smirk as he winked at me, making me giggle. Clint simply nodded his head at me and gave me a small smile. They weren't mad, and that's all I could ask for.

"They mocked me, and called me . . . that." I simply said, before looking down at my knees again.

"Then it won't be said. From now on, it's a swear word. A swear word that you say under pain of death. It won't be like shit, or fuck, or damn, but the most taboo word to ever taboo." Tony declared with a clap of his hands. It was like he was the King, and I was his injured Queen stowed away in her tower. He was laying down this new law for me and only me, to make me feel more comfortable. His fellow Kings that shared the throne and Queen with, were nodding along in agreement. Should anyone dare to violate this law, thou shalt be drawn and quartered. So mote it be!

I could just see that scene playing out in my mind as Steve and Clint both agreed with Tony. Sitting here on my new canopy bed in my ocean room, I truly felt like a Queen in her Tower. I would heal, and with the help of these men it would take no time at all, but first things first.

"Is there anyway we can get this dried blood off of me? It's starting to really irritate my skin." I said just as I scratched at what I thought was just a few flakes of dried blood, which happened to land on the floor. Turns out, it was not only dried blood, but a partially healing wound as well. And I had just opened it right on up again.

"Shit." I bemoaned as I looked around for something to stem the flow of blood with. I didn't want to get it on my new sheets, or this beautiful bed! Which I still had to talk to them about, but not at this moment. Not when I felt like I had just been run over by a semi-truck.

Two arms suddenly lifted me off of the bed, and I shrieked in shock. On the bright side, my body didn't tense up as much. On the downside, we were moving, and I wasn't sure where. "Come on baby. Bruce is gathering all the medical supplies that he thinks he will need to fix you up. Until then, let's get you into a bath so we can get you cleaned up alright?" Tony said in my ear, and I nodded. A hot bath would feel wonderful on my muscles, and I couldn't wait to get out of these disgusting contaminated clothes.

As Tony walked, I gazed around the room in absolute awe, "You said this was my floor?" I whispered to Tony, who gave me an indulgent smile.

"We'll discuss it more when you're feeling a bit better, but yes, these are some of your rooms." I had no idea what he was referring to by that, but the bedroom and main portion were amazing. The soft carpeting looked full and opulent from where I was looking at it, and it quite literally looked like sand. If I hadn't of known better, I would have said that it was sand covering the floor. The furniture was in different shades of yellows, greens, and corals that made it look like the plants on the ocean floor. The the plants that were sporadicallybut thoughtfully, placed around the room as well, only added to that feel. There was a flat screen TV that was much larger than the one in my tiny apartment, and I felt kind of odd. Tony, or who I'm assuming was Tony, had gone all out on my rooms, and we weren't even in the bathroom yet! I was humbled by how much care and thought went into this room, and I loved the theme.

By the time that we made it to the bathroom, my head was about to explode from the pure extravagance of everything, so I didn't pay much attention to my surroundings. The only thing I really paid attention to, was the bathtub which had jets in it. First off, I felt that a bathtub with jets was a little too much. I mean a normal bathtub would be fine, however it was like Tony was reading my mind.

"No take backs! You'll love the tub by the way. It has multiple jet settings, so it can get all the tension out of your muscles. I took the liberty and went out on a whim, and bought you some shampoo and other bath stuff. It's in the cupboard under the sink. If you need anything, just tell J.A.R.V.I.S. and he'll get one of us. We'll be waiting in your living room."

With a loofa in one hand, and shampoo in the other, I turned on the hot water and climbed into the tub. Oh it felt amazing! I would definitely be in here for a little while, so I hope the guys didn't mind waiting. With that, I started to scrub the dirt and blood off of my skin, and already I was starting to feel better. Those Hydra guys had better watch out. I may not know who they were, but as soon as I was better, I was going to kick some serious Hydra ass.

Thanks to everyone who is commenting, favoriting, and following my story. If you haven't done so, make sure you go to my profile and vote for my next story pairing.

As always, you guys are the muses that inspire me!