Chapter 15: The Real Treatment:

The medical wing of the Triskelion buzzed with quiet efficiency as medics and doctors moved through the sterile halls. The atmosphere was dense with a mixture of stress, urgency, and hope. It was here that an injured Steve Rogers lay, a shell of his indomitable self, and Chloe was preparing herself for the immense task ahead. After ensuring Secretary Ross had left the premises, the real work was about to begin.

Steve's injuries were severe, and Chloe knew it. She stepped into the room, her heart clenching as she saw him lying there so vulnerably. "Hey soldier," she whispered, her voice catching in her throat.

"Hey," Steve replied weakly, his voice barely more than a whisper. His eyes were glazed with pain, but he managed a soft smile. Despite everything, he was still trying to be reassuring, still being the Captain.

With soft, steady hands, Chloe started to assess his wounds. Burns, lacerations, bruising - some wounds were nastier than others, and it pained her to see him this way. As she began the process of easing his pain and treating the most severe injuries, Steve spoke again.

"I really am grateful for you," Steve said, his eyes locking on hers with an intensity that momentarily surprised her.

"Steve, you don't have to-," she started, but he cut her off.

"No, I mean it," he insisted. "It's only been a short time, but your friendship means a lot to me."

Chloe's fingers hesitated for just a moment before continuing their careful work. She began to remove his helmet, and with a gentleness that bordered on reverence, she started to peel away the upper portions of his uniform. Some parts were stuck to his skin through burns, and she winced with every flinch Steve made.

"I should be thanking you," she said with a sad demeanor. "But since meeting me, you've been suffering."

"Chloe, don't," Steve interjected quickly. "Don't be. It was worth it." His words were a reflection of what she had once said to him, a sentiment that bolstered her through the toughest moments.

Her eyes filled with unshed tears, and she smiled sadly as she continued to assess the full extent of his injuries. Some wounds were much worse than she had anticipated, and her heart ached at the sight. Still, she fought her fear, focusing on the main task at hand: getting Steve back to health.

After what seemed like an eternity of work, Chloe looked at Steve with a determined expression. "You're going to need some time off to heal properly."

Steve's immediate response was to protest, but she put a hand over his mouth, silencing him. "I'm serious, Steve," she said firmly. "I promise I'll do everything in my power to help you recover."

Watching from a distance, Clint Barton and Natasha Romanoff shared a look of approval, while Nick Fury observed secretly, giving a brief nod of commendation. Chloe took a deep breath and gave the final breakdown of Steve's injuries. He would need rest, rehabilitation, and above all, time - something that went against every fiber of Steve's nature as a soldier.

After ensuring Steve was as comfortable and stable as possible, Chloe left his side to find Fury. When she located him, she delved into a conversation about her 'spark' and 'magic', and explained how she planned to help Steve. Fury listened attentively, his expression thoughtful yet encouraging.

"You're doing a good job, Chloe," Nick said, his voice firm and reassuring. "You've proven yourself in more ways than one."

"Thank you, sir," Chloe replied, feeling a surge of determination. "I just want to help Captain Rogers get back on his feet. He means a lot to... well, everyone."

Fury's gaze softened slightly. "You're on the right path, Harper. Keep using that drive and power. It's what makes you stand out here at S.H.I.E.L.D. But remember, don't burn yourself out."

Chloe nodded, taking his words to heart. There was a brief pause before Fury added, "And don't worry about Ross. He's always had his own damn agenda, but he doesn't run things here. We take care of our own at S.H.I.E.L.D."

"Yes, sir," Chloe said, her voice filled with gratitude and resolve. Fury gave her a final nod before walking away, leaving her alone to contemplate everything that had happened thus far.

Standing in the corridor, Chloe let the reality of the situation wash over her. It was daunting and overwhelming, but she would not falter. Steve Rogers, Captain America, had shown immense trust in her, and she intended to live up to it. With a deep breath, she steeled herself for the long road ahead, knowing that this was only the beginning of the journey towards healing and recovery.

Her mind wandered back to the moments when she first met Steve; the anticipation, the awe, and now, the immense responsibility she felt. Chloe knew she had grown significantly in a short amount of time, not just as a professional, but as a person willing to fight for those she cared about. As she returned to Steve's side to resume her watch over him, she vowed silently to see her promise through, no matter the obstacles.


Clint and Natasha exchanged a knowing glance as they made their way to Steve's room. They had been dealing with injuries and battles for years, but seeing Steve in his current state was difficult for everyone. Natasha paused just outside the door. "You think he'll stay off the field this time?" she asked, although she already knew the answer.

Clint shook his head with a small smile. "Not a chance in hell, Nat. But if anyone can make him take a breather, it's Chloe. She's got a good and pure way with people."

Natasha's eyes softened. "She's good for him. Maybe she'll succeed where we haven't."

Inside the room, Chloe was in the midst of redressing Steve's bandages, the rhythmic motion of her hands providing a strange sense of comfort. Steve had dozed off, exhaustion overcoming him as his body gave in to the fatigue and injuries.

The door creaked open, and Clint and Natasha stepped inside, moving quietly as not to wake Steve. Chloe looked up, offering them a tired but appreciative smile.

"How's he doing?" Clint asked, keeping his voice low.

"He'll pull through," Chloe replied, glancing down at Steve. "But he needs time. Time to heal properly."

"You did good, Chloe," Natasha said, placing a reassuring hand on Chloe's shoulder. "We're all grateful."

Chloe's heart swelled slightly as warmth spread through her at their words. She wasn't sure she deserved such praise, but it filled her with determination anew. She gave Steve a final check before stepping back, allowing Clint and Natasha to take their seats beside him. She knew they needed this moment as much as he did – soldiers like them shared bonds forged in the crucible of battle, bonds that were unbreakable.

"We've got him now," Clint said gently, nodding towards the door. "Go get some rest, Chloe. You've done more than enough for one day."

Chloe hesitated but saw the sincerity in his eyes. Exhaustion was beginning to overwhelm her; she needed some rest if she was going to continue helping Steve. Reluctantly, she agreed and walked out, her mind a storm of thoughts and emotions.


As Chloe made her way to her apartment, she couldn't shake the enormity of what had happened. The almost life ending battle Steve was involved in, the injuries, Secretary Ross's interference – it all felt like a blur. She had been so focused on keeping it together that she hadn't given herself a moment to process everything.

When she finally reached her room, she sat down heavily on the edge of her bed. Her thoughts turned back to Steve and the promise she had made to him. Her heart ached at the memory of his pain-filled eyes, his body battered and broken but still full of resolve.

"You can do this, Chloe," she whispered to herself, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. "You have to."

Before she realized it, exhaustion overwhelmed her, and she drifted into a troubled sleep, filled with fragmented dreams of battles, healing, and the weight of her responsibilities.


The next morning, Chloe woke up feeling a bit more refreshed. The weight of her duties was still heavy, but she felt a renewed sense of purpose. Determined not to let Steve down, she quickly got ready and made her way back to the medical wing.

As she approached Steve's room, she overheard Natasha and Clint talking in hushed tones.

"He's a stubborn one, that's for sure," Clint was saying. "But he's got a good team looking out for him."

"And a good friend," Natasha added, glancing up as Chloe entered. "Morning, Chloe. You sleep okay?"

"Morning," Chloe replied with a small smile. "As well as could be expected. How's he doing?"

"About the same," Natasha answered, her eyes flicking to Steve's still form. "But he'll pull through."

Chloe nodded and took her place by Steve's bedside. She gently checked his pulse, his vitals, and the progress of his wounds. Despite the severity of his injuries, there were signs of improvement – albeit small ones.

"He's a fighter," Clint said softly. "We've seen him come back from worse."

"But that doesn't make it any easier to watch," Natasha added, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and determination.

Chloe spent the better part of the morning tending to Steve, supported by Clint and Natasha. The work was slow and meticulous, but each passing hour showed progress, however slight.

During a break, Chloe took the opportunity to find Fury. She needed his guidance, his support, and most importantly, she needed to share her thoughts and concerns with someone who understood the immense pressure she was under.

She found him in his office, as composed and authoritative as always. He looked up as she entered, raising an eyebrow in a silent question.

"I wanted to thank you," Chloe began, taking a seat across from him. "For your support and for trusting me with Steve's care. It means a lot."

Nick Fury nodded, his usual stern expression softening slightly. "You've earned that trust, Bennett. You've shown you're capable and dedicated, and that's what matters in this line of work."

Chloe took a deep breath. "I'm trying my best, but sometimes it feels overwhelming. These powers, this 'spark' or 'magic' as you called it... I want to use them to help, but I'm still figuring out how."

Fury leaned back in his chair, considering her words. "You're doing fine, Chloe. These things take time. Harnessing your abilities, understanding them – it's all part of the process. You're on the right path, and you've already proven your worth."

His words were a balm to her anxious heart. "I just want to be sure I'm doing the right thing. That I'm not overstepping or making things worse."

Fury gave a rare, almost paternal smile. "You're doing more good than you realize. And don't let people like Ross distract you with their pettiness. He's not the one protecting the world – we are. And we do it by trusting our instincts, our abilities, and each other."

Chloe nodded, absorbing his words. She felt a sense of clarity and resolve settling over her. "I'll keep that in mind, sir. I won't let you down. Or Steve."

"I have no doubt about that," Fury said, standing up and placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Now, go get back to him. He needs you, and we need him back on his feet."

With renewed determination, Chloe returned to the medical wing. She found Natasha and Clint still keeping vigilant watch over Steve. They had become like his personal guardians, reflecting the deep sense of camaraderie and loyalty within their team.

Hours turned into a sluggish framework, and Chloe remained steadfast in her care for Steve. Little by little, his condition improved. The worst of his burns started to heal, and some of his strength returned. It was a slow process, and each small victory was celebrated quietly by those who stood by him.

Finally, Steve began to regain consciousness more fully. His eyes fluttered open, and he looked around, seeming disoriented but gradually becoming more aware.

"Steve," Chloe said gently, leaning over him. "How are you feeling?"

He blinked, his gaze focusing on her face. "Chloe... I'm... feeling better, I think."

A smile broke across Chloe's face, tears of relief gathering in her eyes. "That's great, Steve. You gave us all quite a scare."

Steve's hand found hers, gripping weakly. "Thank you... for everything."

"Again, You don't have to thank me," she replied, her voice thick with emotion. "Just get better, okay? We need you."

"I'll do my best," Steve promised, his eyes filled with gratitude and determination.

Over the course of the entire day, Steve's recovery continued steadily. With Chloe, Clint, and Natasha by his side, and the support of the entire S.H.I.E.L.D. team, he regained his strength. Chloe's dedication and care played a crucial role, and it didn't go unnoticed by anyone.

One point, as Chloe sat beside him, Steve reached out and took her hand. "You saved my life, Chloe. I don't know how to repay you."

"You don't need to repay me," Chloe said softly. ""We're a team. We look out for each other. That's all the repayment I need."

Steve nodded, his gratitude evident. "You're amazing, you know that? You've got something special, and it's not just your abilities. It's your heart."

Chloe blushed slightly, her eyes shining. "Just doing my part, Captain."

The bond between Chloe and Steve had grown stronger, forged in the fires of struggle and healing. They had both learned valuable lessons about trust, resilience, and the importance of leaning on each other.

As Steve's recovery progressed, the time came for him to be discharged from the medical wing, although he would still need plenty of rest, off days and definitely lighter duties to ensure a full recovery. Chloe, Clint, Natasha, and Fury were there to see him off, each offering their own words of encouragement and support.

"Don't push yourself too hard," Natasha warned with a smirk. "That's our job."

Steve chuckled, though it was still a bit strained. "I'll try. But don't think I'll be sitting around doing nothing."

"You'd better," Clint added, clapping Steve on the shoulder gently. "Or we'll have Chloe here to keep you in line."

Chloe laughed, the sound light and filled with genuine happiness. "You heard them, Steve. No heroics until you're 100%."

Steve shook his head but smiled warmly. "I'll behave. For now."

As they walked with Steve to a lounge area within the Triskelion, Chloe felt a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. They had faced down immense challenges, both physical and emotional, and come out stronger for it.

After ensuring Steve was settled, Chloe took a moment to step outside into the fresh air. The sun was setting, casting the sky in hues of orange and pink. She felt a sense of peace as she reflected on everything that had happened.

Her own self journey was far from over, but the experiences she had shared with Steve and his team had given her a newfound strength and perspective. She knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she had the support of her friends and the drive within herself to overcome them.

Taking a deep breath, Chloe looked toward the horizon and whispered with a sense of renewed purpose, "We're going to be just fine."

And with that, she returned to the heart of S.H.I.E.L.D., ready to face whatever came next, knowing she had friends, people she could trust, and those who would stand with her through it all.


A/N's: Another day passes, another chapter is downpacked. Chloe really emphasized her care and concern for Steve in this chapter. Like Lord Beerus once said to Chi-Chi, "You're a fine wife! Goku(Steve) Is lucky to have you." In Chapter 16, another long awaited character, who I'm sure you'll all find out beforehand, will be joining the party, changing the scale of things for sure. Steve's road fo recovery Is on a steady path thus far and if he keeps this up, he'll be back up In no time. The only differences in the chapter from what I originally had scripted was Clint & Nat's appearances Chloe's brief, but impactful conversation with Fury, and looking back, I'm glad I did all of these things.

Updated Search for the Fandom Page: https/captainamericalegendreborn ~ It will appear at the top of the search, I searched myself!

Anywho, With all that beiny said, See you all in Chapter 16! Have Fun, Stay Safe & Be Good People!