Episode fanfic title: as the title says
Aftermath...5 days later.
(Mia's POV): At the Avengers' Mansion...
Opening my eyes, I gasped slightly and sat up.
I was greeted in a white room, where I was met with a blurry vision of Hank, who immediately stood up from his seat, and went to check up on me, "Hey, Mia. Glad you're awake." He continues, smiling, "How are you feeling?"
"I need glasses," I tell him.
Hank sat in shock, blinking at me, his expression shifting from relief to confusion.
"Glasses?" he repeated, clearly caught off guard. I looked him straight in the eye, rubbing my eyes for emphasis. "Yeah, glasses." I continue to explain, "My vision has been unnaturally sharp for a while now, but it's all blurry at the moment. My eyes clearly need a break."
He widened his eyes and tilted his head in interest: "That's... unusual." He hesitantly comments with a frown, already slipping into scientist mode, "Usually, Gamma radiation shouldn't affect eyesight like that. Unless..."
He trailed off, muttering something about mutations and cellular regeneration. I, on the other hand, waved a hand in front of his face. "Hey. Doc. Focus. Where am I, and how long was I out?" My voice snapped him out of his concentration, and he cleared his throat.
"O-Oh, right, sorry." Hank sweatdrops and scratches the back of his neck, "You're in the mansion's med-bay. And you've been unconscious for five days." "Five days?!" I groaned, flopping back onto the pillows. "Ugh, I hate time skips."
Hank gave me a weird look. "Time... skips?"
Before I could explain, the door slid open, and in walked—Tony Stark.
His usual confident swagger was gone, replaced by something tense, almost hesitant. The second our eyes met, his shoulders sagged in visible relief.
"Oh, thank God," he muttered, striding over.
I grinned nervously and waved with a smile.
"Miss me?" I teased.
Tony didn't laugh; instead, he walked over, reached out a hand, moved his index finger, and then gently flicked my forehead, "Ow! What the hell was that for, asshole?" I exclaimed angrily, only for him to shut me up with a full glare.
"You idiot," he hissed, but there was no real anger in it. Tony's glare softened slightly, but the intensity in his dark eyes didn't waver. His hand, which had flicked my forehead, now hovered awkwardly near my face before he pulled it back.
Shoving it into his pocket like he wasn't sure what to do with it, "You scared the hell out of me," he muttered, voice low.
I blinked.
'Scared him? Since when did Tony Stark get scared of me?'
I mean, sure, we'd gotten closer since we first met,—for instance, when he got me freedom from the RAFT detention center of S.H.I.E.L.D., the first thing he wanted to do was get me anything I wanted, which was concerning, but I slowly warmed up to it.
So, he got me a bunch of clothes (like, four outfits that I chose), a huge box of books, and then that one time I totally undressed him when he was out cold. He even joked about it later, after he jumped out and scared me in his STARK TOWER kitchen when I was belting out a song while cooking—but seriously?
This was different.
His usual smirk was nowhere to be found. The playful arrogance that usually clung to him like a second skin had been replaced by something raw, something real, and it threw me off.
Big time.
Even though Tony stood three feet away, I felt or like I knew how he was close to walking a bit further towards me to sit down and close the distance between us since his cologne filled my nose, and the muscle jumping in his clenched jaw betrayed his struggle to calm down.
'Why is he looking at me like that? Like I mattered. Like losing me would have actually mean something to him.'
A weird warmth fluttered in my stomach, spreading up to my chest that I thought It was... nice. Too nice. And that was the problem. Because this wasn't how things were supposed to go. Back in my world, Tony Stark was a character:
—A genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist who cracked jokes to hide how much he cared for the people he is close with. But when it came to women, he had countless failed relationships, and one-night stands during his teenage years, and now, he's still doing it.
But deep down, I know for a FACT that Tony Stark doesn't or won't even actually care about some random girl like myself who got thrown into his universe by accident, right? I mean, sure, in the movies and shows, Tony had his moments of vulnerability.
Pepper, Rhodey, even Peter Parker. But me? I'm not Pepper.
I wasn't family. I wasn't even an Avenger in the first place. A nobody from another world, I entered the life of a dead Mia. Now, a MARVEL fan inside her, I possess plot details and secrets of a kids' superhero TV show, including its ending.
The main question is: 'Why me?...' Looking down at my hands, without even taking a glance at anyone as the question burns me, 'Why was Anthony Stark looking at me like this? Like I'd just ripped the arc reactor out of his chest and walked away with it.'
"What the hell were you thinking, going up against Zemo like that?"
Looking up, I slowly began rubbing my forehead while trying to hide my confusion as I tilted my head, "Uuuuh, that I didn't want Steve or Janet to die while I sat in hiding like a coward?"
Tony opened his mouth—probably to argue—but then Steve Rogers himself stepped into the room. Holding a small white daisy in his hand: 'Oh, please don't tell me he feels guilty!' I thought in concern, and sadly, Steve did actually have the guilty look.
Like he'd personally failed a mission, which is something he would do when he didn't do a good job, and I feel bad for him to act like this.
"Mia," He placed the flower gently in the bedside vase, "I'm glad you're awake." I blinked at the flowers, seeing how sweet this man is, when I hesitantly tried to comfort him. "You didn't have to—" In one split second, Steve instantly stopped me from speaking.
One look from his eyes, said everything: "I did," he insisted, jaw tight, eyes locking onto my brown ones, "If I hadn't been distracted—" "Steve," I extended my hand to stop him as a way to interrupt him, while keeping a straight face.
"I chose to fight Zemo; that's on me. As your Liaison, it's my job, and I believe no one should carry that guilt but me. You always take responsibility for others; let someone else carry the weight for once, okay?"
Tony scoffed at my words, "Recklessly."
"Heroically, bitch. Bite me." I stick my tongue out at him triumphantly. Before he could respond or scold me, Janet zoomed in, small at first before growing to her normal size, hands on her hips, "You are so lucky you didn't get seriously hurt!" she scolded.
I smiled innocently, as if I hadn't just spoken with Tony, "Aw, I feel loved just hearing it." I winked at her playfully, channeling Jack Frost mode. Janet rolled her eyes, but smiled. Then Thor strode in, clapping his hands together.
"Ah! The warrior awakens!" He grinned. "A fine battle you fought, though reckless indeed!" Before suddenly slapped (not knowing he did it with his super strength) on my back. "Thanks, Point Break." I winced, but I saluted weakly.
Thor blinked. "Point... Break?"
"Don't ask," the billionaire said, grinning and shaking his head. I sighed, leaning back against the pillows, my expression hardening. "I know I was reckless, but I don't regret it." Tony crossed his arms. "You should, considering the fact you got STABBED."
I roll my eyes, "And? Everyone gets stabbed in or not in battle, Anthony." The silence stretched, thick and heavy, and everyone was watching us both have a staring contest that I could've sworn I heard Steve asking Janet in a whisper.
"Are they always this way?"
Quietly hearing that, I mentally grin while she responds with, "Yep, but I'll be honest, it's actually adorable to watch them act like a married couple." Meanwhile, back with Tony, who exhaled sharply, running a hand through his already messy hair.
"You died," Tony blurted it out.
I blinked, raising an eyebrow and tilting my head as if reconsidering the memory, purely to irritate him: "Uh. Pretty sure I didn't?"
"Your heart stopped. Thrice." He said in a flat voice, his fingers twitching, "Once in the hospital after the surgery, then in the ambulance on the way here, and again last night while we were sleeping."
I widened my eyes, glancing at the team, who nodded in confirmation.
Confused, before I mouthed an "Oh..." when the realization came crashing down on me,'That... that must be my silent panic attack. I thought I wouldn't have that kind of problem anymore in this world but, I guess I was wrong.'
But the fact that he was looking at me like that, with the tension rising on his shoulders, and the last one I haven't fully understand was the fact that he hadn't made a single sarcastic remark since walking in.
Steve saw me get stabbed and thought I might die. Then Tony witnessed my silent panic attack, believing I almost died in my sleep, though I didn't know how to explain that I'd been having them since preschool.
"Sorry?" I tried weakly.
But even so, I knew saying sorry wouldn't cut it; there was no way I could be forgiven for what I did. Tony let out a humorless laugh, shaking his head. "You're 'sorry'?" He dragged a hand down his face in frustration.
"Mia, you took a sword to the gut for a guy you barely know." Tony narrows his eyes at me like I was a child who did something wrong, "Again, what the hell were you thinking?" I frowned. "I was thinking that I didn't want Steve to die?"
"Steve has a shield."
"And Zemo had a sword!" I shot back. "A really sharp one, in case you missed the part where I got stabbed."
Tony's jaw clenched. "You shouldn't have been anywhere near that fight."
"I wasn't just gonna stand there and watch!"
"You should have!"
The words hung between us, sharp and final as I stared at him, my chest tightening by the amount of words he's saying right now; Tony looked away first, his shoulders slumping. When a beeping sound was coming from the vital machine.
"Tony, stop," Hank said, stepping between us. "You're stressing her out." "I'm not—" I try to deny it but, he stopped me: "Mia, you are. Your vitals contradict your denial about what Tony just said, and it's affecting you."
He was right.
Once I glanced up to see my vitals rising, so I took a deep breath, and the beeping returned to normal; But that didn't make it any easier to stop replaying to what he just said. I swallowed hard, picking at the edge of the blanket. "I don't know why..." I mumbled.
"Then why, Mia...? Why did you do it?"
I hesitated to answer.
'Why had I done it? Because the Black Panther was SUPPOSED TO SHOW UP BY THROWING CAPTAIN AMERICA'S SHIELD TO SAVE HIS LIFE, THAT'S WHY!' Is what I wanted to say, but instead, I rethink as it began to bother me:
'But...he came later, and because of that, I don't know why but...Maybe a part of me wanted to join in and know what it feels like to save someone you look up to, or because, in that moment, it had felt like the right thing to do.'
"...Because I could," I said finally, meeting his gaze. "And because someone needed to." Tony's expression flickered—something unreadable passing through his eyes before he shut it down.
He exhaled slowly, shaking his head. "You're impossible."
I grinned weakly. "Yeah, well. You knew that when you let me stay."
All of us smiled.
"Except for one thing," I replied casually, and everyone looked at one another, confused as Janet tilted her head.
I smirked, even though I wasn't planning on saying it, I gotta entertain myself. "...What?"
"I gave my first kiss to Zemo." Silence, followed by a loud outburst from none other than—"WHAT?!" Tony shouted, I cover my ears, whereas Steve's eyes widened in disbelief at what I just told him: "Mia, you didn't—"
Janet gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth. "No way."
"A kiss? In battle?" Thor just looked confused.
I just shrugged like it was no big deal: "Yep. Mid-fight. TOTALLY Worth it." Tony looked like he was about to short-circuit, and whines, "WHY?!" "Because someone had to shut him up." I grinned, while the rest stare at me like they wanted to ask why again but I decided to raise my hands in surrender.
"What? You can't judge someone who has a hot voice!" The look on Tony's eyes says everything, even his voice is rising in disbelief, "That's not—! You could've—!" He threw his hands up in exasperation, his frustration palpable. "I give up!"
Janet, unable to contain her amusement, let out a bright, contagious laugh.
"Oh my God, Mia!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mirth. Steve leaned back, letting out a weary sigh as he rubbed his temples, clearly overwhelmed by the chaotic scene.
Meanwhile, Thor, still trying to make sense of it all, shrugged his broad shoulders, a perplexed expression crossing his rugged face. "Midgardian courting rituals are... rather peculiar," he remarked, shaking his head in bemusement.
I cackled, ignoring Tony's glare.
"Hey, if I was gonna die early or something, I gotta make my first kiss memorable, no?"
Tony groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "You're really pushing your luck, Mia. Y'know that, right?" I raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk still lingering on my lips. "Oh, come on, lighten up! You know I have a flair fo making awesome exits for a villain, even if I'm just waking up."
"See? That's the problem!" he pointed at me, crossing his arms again, "It's not just your life at stake. You worried us all."
I stared at him like I was bored, but felt a little, JUST A LITTLE bit of guilt at the earnestness in his voice: "I get it, I really do. But I fought Zemo because I believed in what I was doing. I knew the risks."
"Yeah, and that's what scares me," Tony said, his brow furrowing. "You can't just play the hero without considering the consequences." "Are we really going to have this conversation again?" I challenged, tilting my head slightly, "May I remind you that you would do the same thing?"
Before he could respond, Janet chimed in, trying to diffuse the tension. "Okay, enough with the guilt trip! Let's celebrate that Mia's awakening and back in one piece! How about we throw a welcome-back party?"
"Yeah, right after we fix the damage Zemo caused," Tony muttered, but I could see a reluctant smile forming. "Come on, Tony. Just for a bit," I pleaded, adopting my best puppy dog eyes.
He sighed, finally relenting. "Fine, but just for a little bit. We still have a lot to discuss about your methods." "Deal!" I exclaimed, grateful for the distraction. Thor clapped his hands again, enthusiasm swirling around him like a storm.
"A celebration it shall be! Perhaps I shall bring mead!"
Janet chuckled. "You always think of the drinks first, don't you?"
"Of course! What is a feast without refreshments?" Thor replied with a booming laugh.
As everyone began to chatter excitedly about the upcoming party, I felt warmth settle in my chest. Despite the chaos and the close call with Zemo, here I was, surrounded by friends who cared.
After a few moments, Steve cleared his throat, drawing attention back to him.
"Mia, before we celebrate, I need to talk to you privately."
I blinked in surprise but nodded. "Okay. What's on your mind?" He motioned everyone out until only he and I remained in the medbay; I sensed the gravity of the conversation to come.
"Look, I just wanted to say that I understand why you jumped into that fight," he began, his tone serious. "But you have to promise me that next time, you think before rushing in. We're a team for a reason. I need you with us, not putting yourself at risk."
I nodded, "I get that, Steve. I swear I wouldn't do it again if it wasn't necessary," I replied, my voice steady. "But we can't always wait for things to be perfect to act. Sometimes we have to take risks."
"True," he conceded, his gaze softening a bit. "But that doesn't mean you should isolate yourself. You should be relying on the team. We're always here to back you up." I nodded, feeling the weight of his concern. "I promise. But you have to promise me something in return."
"What's that?" he asked, curiosity etched on his face.
"That you won't beat yourself up over what happened. We all have our roles to play in this, and I chose mine. Just like you choose to lead us. You can't carry the weight of every decision alone."
Steve smiled softly, looking relieved. "Alright, deal."