Tori

     My eyes flutter open. I shield my eyes with my hand to block the bright lights. Once they become used to the light, I keep my eyes open. I am in a hospital bed. I feel something around my neck, making it so that I can't arch it. My hand is warm, how unusual. My attention is directed to the chair, someone in it.
     "Hey," Steve says.
     "Ste-" I begin.
     "Shh," Steve shushes me. "You're not allowed to speak for a few weeks. Your vocal cords are damaged."
     I look into his eyes. They aren't the same. They are so sad, so depressed. He smiles, but that smile hides a storm. I realize that he his holding my hand. I quickly pull it away, causing Steve to frown.
     "What's wrong?" he asks.
     I look around the room, looking something that I can show him with. I point to a stethoscope that lays on a counter. Steve picks it up and hands it to me. I quickly place my fingertips on it, ice spreading across from them onto the metal.
     "I know," he says softly. "I has told by the doctors earlier."
     I try to show my absolute fear through my eyes to him. I don't want to freeze him.
     "You aren't going to hurt me," he coos. "I'm fine. You don't have to worry about freezing me."
     I sigh, still having the fear of freezing Steve's hand.
     "It's okay," he says.
     I smile and try to calm myself. I take his hand in mine, showing him that I am comfortable now.
     "It's okay," Steve repeats. "It's all going to be okay."

•••

     "Hey, Tori," Tony says.
     I smile at my brother who walks in with the other Avengers.
     "I'm so sorry," he whispers.
     My smile fades and I look down at my sheets. The other Avengers greet me and I try to show my thanks.
     "How are you feeling, Lady Tori?" Thor asks.
     I give him an "okay" gesture with my hand and make a weird face. He grins.
     "That Harris guy is dead, you know," Natasha tells me.
     My eyes widen at his name, the mad scientist. Memories of the serum flash through my head. I sort of nod, feeling good now that he isn't around to torture anyone else with his serums.
     I bring up my hand to adjust the neck brace, but ice crystals come from it. Everyone yelps and I put my dangerous hands underneath the covers.
     "We're so sorry about that," Bruce says. "I'm trying to think of something to get rid of the power, but it's almost impossible."
     I lower my head, trying to hide my watering eyes. Stop it, I tell myself. You've lived through the torture to get this power. You can live with the power. Steve takes his finger and stops a tear from running down my face. I look up at him, his sad smile sinking into my soul. It just makes me want to cry more.
     "Hey, Tori," Clint says. "I have felt similarly when Loki took control over my mind. I didn't have any power and I found myself attacking Natasha. It's a horrible feeling, being helpless."
     I do my small nod, agreeing to his last statement. I rub my eyes, wiping away the small tears. Steve shifts in his chair, thoughts of when he was brainwashed filling his mind.
     "But we're all safe," Tony adds. "And that's all that matters."