His Protective Dad Completed ✓

The Weight of Family

The sterile scent of the hospital room was overpowering, the faint hum of machines and the soft beeping of heart monitors the only sound that broke the oppressive silence. Tony lay in the bed, his eyes closed, pale but conscious. He had been awake for only a short time, but his strength was already running low. The exhaustion in his body was visible, but his eyes—those familiar, intelligent eyes—were still sharp, taking in the faces gathered around him.

Morgan was sitting at his bedside, her hand never leaving his. She was quiet, her face a mix of relief and lingering worry. The room had been filled with laughter and chatter when they first arrived, but it was now quiet, with only the soft rustle of his sheets as Tony shifted in bed.

Peter stood at the foot of the bed, his hands clenched tightly at his sides. He didn’t know how to feel. Seeing Tony in this condition was a reality he hadn’t been prepared for, despite all the things they’d faced together. He had always seen Tony as invincible, always the one who would protect them all, no matter what. And now, here he was, weak, vulnerable, and lying in a hospital bed.

Steve had been standing by the window, his hands pressed against the glass as if trying to steady himself. The shock of seeing Tony like this had hit him hard, but he was trying to keep it together—for Tony, for Morgan, for everyone.

After a few moments, Tony broke the silence. His voice was raspy but filled with warmth when he spoke. “Hey, kiddo... don’t look so serious. I’m fine, just a little... banged up. Nothing I can’t handle.”

Morgan tried to smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You scared me, Dad. You scared me so much...”

“I know, sweetheart,” Tony replied, his hand squeezing hers with the little strength he had. “But I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

Steve finally turned from the window, his eyes soft as he moved toward the bed. He had to fight to keep his voice steady. “We need you here, Tony. We all do. Don’t scare us like that again.”

Tony gave him a tired smile, then turned his head to look at Peter. “I’ll try not to, but you know how I am... can’t help but get in trouble. It’s kind of my thing.”

Peter tried to force a smile but failed miserably. “You can’t keep doing this, Tony. You can’t keep putting yourself in danger like that. You almost didn’t make it.”

Tony looked at him for a long moment, his eyes filled with a mixture of regret and affection. “Peter... I know. I never wanted to hurt you or anyone else. But I made a promise a long time ago... to protect you, to keep you all safe. And sometimes that means taking risks. I’m sorry I made you scared, but I’m not done yet. I’ve still got a lot of life left in me.”

Peter nodded silently, his chest tight. He didn’t want to hear about the risks Tony had taken. He didn’t want to think about a world without Tony Stark in it. The thought alone was enough to tear him apart.

Morgan wiped her eyes, her tears still falling despite her best efforts to be strong. “You’re not allowed to scare us like this again. I don’t care how many suits you have or how many times you’ve saved the world. You’re my dad, and I need you.”

Tony’s expression softened, and he let out a weak chuckle. “I’m sorry, Morgan. I really am. And you’re right. I’m not going anywhere.”

Steve cleared his throat, stepping closer to the bed. He looked at Tony with an intensity that spoke volumes. “We’ve all got your back, Tony. Always.”

Tony smiled, his gaze flicking between Steve and the kids. “I know, I know... I couldn’t do this without you guys. But I’ve still got a lot left to do. I’ll be out of here in no time.”

---

A Few Days Later

The days that followed were a blur of hospital visits, phone calls, and constant worrying. Tony was still recovering, but the doctors were optimistic. His physical injuries were healing, though it would take time for him to regain his full strength. Meanwhile, Morgan and Peter had been glued to his side, refusing to leave for anything other than the essentials. Steve had insisted they all take breaks, but it was clear that everyone was too shaken by the accident to do anything other than sit in the sterile hospital room and watch over Tony as he slept.

One afternoon, Steve and Tony were alone, the room dimly lit by the soft light from the window. Tony was propped up with pillows, still looking pale but much better than he had the first night. Steve sat at the edge of the bed, his hands clasped in his lap as he watched Tony, his eyes filled with concern.

“How are you really doing?” Steve asked quietly, his voice filled with more emotion than he intended.

Tony didn’t look at him immediately. He just stared out the window for a moment before responding. “I’m better than I was, but... I’m still scared, Steve. I’m not gonna lie to you. I was lucky. So damn lucky. But I keep thinking about the fact that I could’ve lost you all. That’s what really gets to me.”

Steve’s brow furrowed, and he leaned in a little closer. “You’re not the only one who’s scared, Tony. But you’re here. And that’s what matters.”

Tony met his gaze, his expression a mixture of gratitude and guilt. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to get that bad. I never wanted to put any of you through this. But I guess it’s part of the job, right?”

Steve shook his head, his voice stern but loving. “It’s not part of the job, Tony. Not like this. You have a family now. You can’t keep doing this. We need you here, and I need you here. We can’t keep doing this without you.”

Tony nodded, a silent acknowledgment of everything Steve had just said. He reached out, taking Steve’s hand in his own. “I hear you, Steve. And I’m sorry. I promise, I’ll do better. I’ll take care of myself... for you, for the kids, for everyone.”

Steve squeezed Tony’s hand, relief flooding his chest. “That’s all I ask, Tony. Just take care of yourself. We can’t lose you.”

---

The Stark Family, Reunited

Later that evening, as Tony was finally cleared to leave the hospital, the atmosphere in Stark Tower was filled with a bittersweet relief. It was still hard for everyone to fully process the trauma of the accident, but there was a sense of hope, a quiet promise that they would heal together.

Peter and Morgan had been waiting anxiously in the living room, their faces lighting up as Tony walked through the door, supported by Steve. Tony’s step was slow, but it was steady. His usual cocky grin was there, though it was a little weaker than before. He looked at his kids and his husband, feeling the weight of their eyes on him.

“We made it,” he said with a wink, though his voice was softer than usual. “Now, who’s up for ice cream?”

Morgan rushed toward him, her arms wrapping around him tightly, and Peter followed soon after, offering a hesitant smile. Tony chuckled softly, holding them both as best as he could.

“We’re not going anywhere, Dad,” Morgan whispered, her voice breaking.

Tony kissed the top of her head, his heart full. “Good. Because I’m not going anywhere either.”

And for the first time since the accident, they all felt like they could finally breathe again.