You Can Let Go Now Daddy

All Better

Tony had messed up. He'd messed up big time.
Steve had warned him not to go in, but he hadn't listened. At least he'd saved the kids.

It had been a hostage situation and in order to save the children the man had been holding, Tony had traded himself without the Iron Man suit. Of course his teammates had tried to talk him out of it and if Pepper had been there she would have screamed.
But all he could imagine was Peter's face and how utterly terrified he would be if he was in this situation.

His injuries could've been much worse, Natasha told him as she rushed beside his gurney, talking quickly. The guy could've ripped him to shreds but all Tony had escaped with was a broken rib, a broken leg and a black eye.
They set his rib and leg quickly, so now he laid in the hospital room, listening to some sitcom on the TV that the nurses had turned on.

He knew Pepper and Peter would be there soon. Pepper had taken Peter out shopping for a smaller bed, some more clothing that fit and maybe a couple of new toys as well. The adoption would be finalized soon and that meant that Peter would be legally their son. That meant their apartment needed to be made more kid friendly for the little tyke and today was the first step toward that.

As he imagined Peter's excited face, the door opened and footsteps rushed to his bedside. He opened his eyes, meeting Pepper's worried eyes.

"Tony, how could you do that? You risked your life... I... What would I have done if you hadn't survived?" She asked angrily and Tony sighed softly.

"I'm alive, Pepper. I... I couldn't not save those children.... If it had been Peter..." He choked back any tears that threatened to fall and looked around her. "Where is he?" He asked hopefully.

"Outside. I didn't know how bad you were and I didn't want him to see you if you were worse... He brought a bunch of his new stuff.. He's so excited to show you... If you died Tony... He would've been crushed. Please. Don't throw your life away so carelessly again. Peter needs you. I need you." She wrapped her arms gently around Tony who buried his face slightly in her neck.
"Alright. Can I see the little guy now?" He asked and Pepper chuckled. That was the closest to an apology she was going to get. Instead of responding, she kissed his cheek and walked back poking her head out.

Peter walked in bag in hand, eyes lighting up as he walked quickly over to the bed.
"Stark!" He grinned, letting Pepper pick him up and place him beside Tony.

"Hey, kid. You have a fun day shopping? What'd you get? Show me... Go on. I know you want to." He encouraged the boy who looked slightly hesitant. Peter began pulling stuff from his bag and explaining why he'd wanted it. Tony listened, his attention undivided.

When they reached the bottom of the bag, Peter pulled out a box of band aids. More Avengers designs being advertised on the box. The boy reached into the box and pulled one out.

"What's that for?" Tony asked curiously, watching him peel the sticky part off.
"Your eye. The bandaid will make it feel better." He stated matter of factly, showing him the Captain America design. Tony went to protest and ask for a different Avenger but before he could, Peter stuck it to his closed eye.
"You know what, I think you're right Peter. I think Cap will heal my eye right up. Thank you." He pulled Peter to his good side, the boy resting his head on Tony's shoulder.

The nurse came in an hour later, Tony and Peter were still asleep and Pepper was sitting beside the bed having packed all of Peter's things back into the bag.
"Visiting hours are over." The nurse told her. Pepper looked up then back to Tony and Peter curled up together, sleeping peacefully.
"They can't sleep without each other... I don't feel comfortable leaving Tony alone. He has nightmares quite frequently. Do you mind if Peter and I stay the night? It will be less of a hassle for you in the end." Pepper pleaded, not wanting to move either of her boys.
The nurse sighed but nodded. "I'll let the night nurse know you have special privilege. Have a good night, ma'am."
Pepper watched her go, turning back to Tony and Peter. Never before had she seen Tony as peaceful as he was in that moment. "Sweet dreams boys."