Avengers: Reader Inserts

The Sniffles ~ Tony Stark x Reader

 Word Count: 2,765ish

Summary: You get sick which causes your arthritis to flare up. Tony is there to help you.

Notes: I literally cried while writing this because I was immobile just a few days ago because of my arthritis and getting sick at the same time. I also cried because I long to find a love that could care for me through my chronic illness. Unfortunately, because it's not visible, people don't believe me or end up growing tired of the issues. I can only hope that anyone who feels alone in their issues, finds this fic and finds some solace.

~~~~~

You groaned as you began to wake for the day. You winced as you swallowed, noting that your throat felt a bit raw. Taking a quick body inventory, you noticed that you had a slight headache and that your joints had a slight ache. You rolled over onto your side but quickly realized that was a mistake and sat up.

"Excuse me, Miss," FRIDAY's voice rang throughout your room. "But you have a mission briefing in ten."

"Shit," you muttered. "Thanks, FRI."

"My sensors are picking up elevated internal levels from you, Miss. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. I just need my arthritis meds and cold medicine."

"Both can be found in the medicine cabinet in your bathroom."

"Awesome," you stretched as you stood up.

You clenched your jaw as you slowly began to move through the pain. Once you got moving for a bit, you were able to handle it. You found the needed pills and took the water bottle from your bathroom counter to pour them down.

As quickly as you could, you found an outfit for the day and headed to the conference room. You were the last one to arrive but you technically weren't late. You found the empty seat towards the back, next to Tony. He shot you a smile with you returned it before the two of you focused on Steve.

The mission briefing wasn't long as the Team was supposed to go on a routine mission later that day. Afterward, you all made your way to the common room. You began to make yourself a smoothie, hoping that you could stay clear of this cold before it got worse. As you worked, you coughed slightly and cleared your throat.

"Do you have the sniffles?" Tony asked, suddenly appearing beside you.

"Holy shit, Tony!" You exclaimed, having jumped.

"I don't want to get sick."

"I'm fine, other than you almost giving me a heart attack." You coughed lightly into your sleeve.

"I need you to wear a surgical mask until you're feeling better. Is that okay?"

"Seriously Tony?"

He pulled his shirt over his nose and mouth, stepping closer to you. His hand lifted and he used the back of it to feel your face. "You feel—"

"Fine," you pushed his hand away. "I feel fine."

"A bit warm."

"Maybe because I'm growing angry at you."

He put both his hands up as he stepped back. "I'm just trying to help, sweetheart."

You scoffed. "Then finish making my smoothie for me."

"Oh, no. I will not be touching anything you've touched for a least a week. Speaking of which, I need to go sanitize."

"Germophobe!" You shouted after him as he disappeared.