Marvel One-Shots

Flu & Avengers

Peter Parker sat cross-legged on the floor of the Avengers’ living room, his phone in hand and a pile of tissues beside him. He had planned to hang out with MJ and Ned, but flu season had decided to attack him with a vengeance.

Sighing, he glanced at the other Avengers lounging around him, each battling their own symptoms.

“Hey, guys?” Peter said, voice slightly muffled as he dabbed at his nose with a tissue. “What would be a normal and polite way to cancel a plan if you have a flu?”

Tony Stark looked up from his latest gadget, his brow furrowed. “My mind is open, but my sinuses aren’t,” he replied, sniffling dramatically for effect. “I mean, how about just saying you feel like you got hit by a truck? That’s always a classic.”

Natasha Romanoff leaned back against the couch, a weary look on her face. “My nose is running, so I am definitely not the person to ask,” she chimed in, pulling a tissue from the box Tony had conveniently placed within arm’s reach.

Clint Barton, sprawled out on another chair, grinned even as he coughed. “I have a fever, and it’s not a Saturday night one,” he added, smirking at his own joke.

Peter knew MJ appreciated straightforwardness and politeness. “Thanks for the help, guys,” he said, his voice laced with sarcasm. “What about you, Cap? What should I say?”

Steve, looking a little under the weather himself, offered a simple, warm smile. “Just say, ‘Hi, I’ll have to cancel our plan because I have the flu.’”

Peter’s fingers flew over his phone’s screen as he typed Steve’s response. "Finally, that’s what you call normal."

Tony sighed looking mock exasperated. "You’re no fun."

He hit send and then collapsed back onto the floor, a satisfied grin on his face. “Okay, now I just have to wait for MJ to reply.”

As the group exchanged sickly glances, Natasha shot a playful look at Steve. “You know, you could always be more creative with your wording.”

“Yeah, like telling her you’re busy fighting off evil germs or something,” Tony added, winking.

Peter rolled his eyes, laughing despite his discomfort. “You guys are the worst. But, at least I have the best role models for being sick.”

Clint raised an eyebrow. “Role models? You mean the ones sitting here struggling to keep our heads up?”

“Exactly! You guys are superheroes, and even superheroes get sick,” Peter said, a hint of admiration in his voice. “It’s nice to know that even the toughest can take a break when they need to.”

Just then, Peter’s phone buzzed, and he quickly checked it. A smile spread across his face as he read MJ’s reply:
Hope you feel better soon! Let’s reschedule when you’re back on your feet!

“See?” Peter said, looking up at the Avengers.

Tony smirked, raising a fist. “Another victory for Team Flu!”

As laughter erupted in the living room, Peter felt a warmth in his chest, despite the chills coursing through his body. With the Avengers around him, even the flu didn’t seem so bad.