Oh No... (Ironstrange)

Chapter 2

      Tony found himself dozing off in the waiting room. Deep in thought and falling asleep. 'Better than worrying, I guess.' Tony thought. His mind drifted towards the neurosurgeon, Doctor Strange. 'Man, he's pretty cute.' Tony thought. 'No, don't think that! Think of Peter! He's more important!'

      Tony's thoughts were interrupted by Stephen approaching him. "Tony, your son is in recovery. The surgery was successful, but we're going to watch him for a few weeks to make sure the tumour doesn't come back. For the time being, you're free to see him or go home for the night," Stephen said. 'God, how long was I waiting?' Tony asked himself.

     "I'd like to see him," Tony said.

     "Okay, follow me," Stephen said. Tony stood up and started walking with him.

      They soon reached the room that held Peter. "He might be asleep," Stephen said, holding the door open for Tony. Tony bit his lip and looked at Peter's sleeping form. He pulled a chair to the side of the bed and sat.

      "Dad?" Peter mumbled, half-asleep. Tony grabbed Peter's hand.

      "Yes baby, it's me," Tony answered.

      "I love you," Peter mumbled back. Tony felt tears.

      "I love you, too," Tony answered. Peter then drifted back to sleep. Tony was distraught, knowing that might have been Peter's last words. Tony always had his doubt for doctors since Pepper. She got better, then the tumour came back stronger, killing her. In other words, he didn't trust Strange just yet.

      "Tony, I hate to interrupt, but visiting hours are almost over. I know you're going through tough times, and I want to help distract you from emotional pain, so, do you want to get lunch with me on Saturday?" Stephen asked.

      Tony nodded. "Sure. But only if you're paying," Tony said, feeling he should try and lighten up. Peter is recovering.

      "Sure thing. Let's exchange phone numbers real quick," Stephen responded. They exchanged numbers. "Well, I'll walk you out, then," Stephen said after the exchange. 

     "Let me say bye to Peter first," Tony said, turning back to Peter. He kissed his forehead, mumbled 'See you later, squirt,' then followed Stephen out.

//At lunch on Saturday\\

      
      Stephen pulled up to Tony's house in his very pretty black car. He got out and knocked on the door to pick up his date. They were going to a casual burger joint, Red Robin.

      "Hey Tony, ready to go?" Stephen asked once the door opened. Tony nodded and stepped outside, locked the door, and followed Stephen to his car.

      Soon enough, they were seated at a table at the restaurant. "How have you been?" Stephen asked. Tony shrugged.

      "Pretty good for my son dying in a hospital. You?" Tony responded. Stephen smiled lightly.

      "I've been fine. So, tell me about yourself," Stephen said, sipping his soft drink.

      "I work at a bank, and that makes good money. I like science, and my favourite colour is red. Your turn," Tony replied.

      "I work as a neurosurgeon, it makes excellent money. I also like science, but I also love being a doctor, and my favourite colour is blue. Do you have a significant other?" Stephen asked in return.

      "My wife died ten years ago to brain cancer. I've raised Peter alone ever since. Is this a game of twenty questions?"

      "Well, I'm also single and it would appear that this is twenty questions. Tell me about Peter,"

      "He's just an optimistic ray of sunshine that's bright in many ways. He's very in to science and he's just bubbly. He's such a good boy that deserves a happy life. I hope you can make him survive," The food then came so they were quiet a while.

      "I'll help Peter in every way I can to help him recover. I'll even help you pay the medical bill if you need me to," Stephen eventually said. Tony smiled.

      "I appreciate it. I appreciate you for helping me through this tough time, and I can't wait for this friendship to deeper develop," Tony responded, truly happy that a man like Stephen has entered his life.

      "I've needed a friend, so I appreciate you as well, Tony. I too, look forward to this friendship," Stephen responded, paying the bill.

      Stephen drove Tony back home, but talked to him before he got out.

      "I enjoyed this, we should do it again sometime. I hope Peter gets better soon," Stephen said, unlocking the car door.

      "Oh, we'll definitely do this again. Thanks for caring about me and my son. Bye, I'll see you at the hospital, I guess," Tony responded, opening the car door and stepping out of the car.

      "You're welcome. See you soon," Stephen responded as Tony closed the door. They waved at each other as Stephen drove away. Both men fell asleep that night thinking of the other.