Don't Leave Me Here - Starker

17

It was Thursday now, and Tony decided he was doing a patrol with Peter that evening. The younger was bouncing off the walls, waiting for him to get ready.

"Give me a minute, then we can go!" He laughed, having Friday run tests on his suit.

Without it being used for a while, he wasn't sure if there was anything affected over time. However, the diagnostics looked clean, and everything was still operational.

"I know, but I'm excited! We're going on patrol together, and I'm dating Iron Man!" Peter laughed, as though he'd just realized. "I mean who else gets to say that?"

"Okay Spider-Man, go get ready. I'm almost finished."

Peter raced towards the case that held his suit, getting into it within a matter of seconds. The younger was hoping Tony could enjoy himself, knowing that he was safe on patrol, might allow him to shake his nerves.

When Peter had turned back to Tony, he was suited up as well, casually floating away from Roo, as the puppy chased after him.

He shook his head, smiling at the pair. "Tony! Don't tease him."

Roo's attention fell on Peter, now running as fast as he could. The puppy didn't stop, barreling straight into him.

"Roo!" Peter laughed, now collapsed on the ground.

He sat happily on top of Peter, was trying to sit up. Tony flew towards them, scooping Roo up and into his arms, and placing him on the couch.

He offered Peter his hand, who accepted.

"My hero." He playfully mocked.

Tony rolled his eyes. "Very cute, but I'll take it."

Peter ran off, opening the door to the launch pad.

"Boss? There seems to be some interference within your Arc Reactor. I would advise to run scans." Friday spoke.

He continued out the door, brushing her off. It wasn't uncommon for their to be some sort of interference between the reactor and the suit. Although the diagnostics came up clean, his reactor wasn't perfected technology, even if he had created it.

"Friday it's fine. This has happened before, and what do I do? We will run scans when I get back." He reassured.

When she didn't speak of it again, he assumed whatever she'd picked up couldn't have been too serious, otherwise she would've told him.

"Tony? You ready?" Peter called out.

"Whenever you are!"

Peter hesitated, before racing back towards him.

He knocked on his helmet. "Hey!"

The mask flipped open, revealing a smiling Tony.

"Can I help you?"

"Sure can!" Peter mumbled, catching the other's lips.

"I love you."

Tony smiled, pulling Peter's mask back over his face, making him laugh. "I love you too."

With that, he ran, leaping from the launch pad, and descending rapidly towards the streets below. When he caught himself, swinging upwards, he could see Tony flying into the night sky, leaving Peter in awe.

He continued swinging through down town, before making his way to a large apartment complex, sitting atop the edge of the roof.

"Hello Peter."

"Oh, hey Karen! Anything for us tonight?" Peter asked the AI.

"Not yet, I will keep you updated."

"Thanks!"

Peter could hear Tony laughing as he flew around the city. He was weaving in and out of traffic and between buildings, Peter was grateful the other was having a good time with this. He flew by, hovering near the roof.

"I take it you're having fun, Iron Man?"

"Oh Pete-" Tony sighed. "This is great. I don't think this will ever get old. Thank you for taking me out here."

"You're welcome." Peter replied. "Now go on! They'll call us if we're needed."

And he flew off again. Even if they didn't get a call tonight, Peter knew this was good for Tony. For both of them really. A small relief from the every day, doing what they enjoy.

After about fifteen minutes, Peter still sat, listening to the rush of the night, enjoying the peace of it. Although he had become slightly unnerved, after not hearing anything from Tony for a while.

"Tony?"

There hadn't been a response, but Peter didn't want to worry, knowing the other was most likely talking with Friday.

"Peter?"

"What's up, Karen?"

"I am not trying to raise any alarm, however Friday has alerted me to signs of distress from Mr. Stark's suit." She continued.

Peter felt his stomach sink, as he stood. "Why didn't Friday tell me herself?"

"Mr. Stark denied her request to alert you."

"That means she broke protocol." Peter hissed. "Karen, get me through to them, now!"

It took only a moment for their lines to connect, and Peter did his best to remain calm.

"Friday? What's going on?"

"Peter, his blood pressure has bottomed out. He told me to test it again, and I received the same results." She explained.

"Is it just his blood pressure? Or is it something more?"

"He'd asked me not to report it, but now I believe their is an issue with the Arc Reactor. Without being in the lab, I am not equipped to identify the exact source of the problem. But you needed to know." She continued. "At this rate, I would advise medical intervention is necessary."

"Shit- Tony? Honey, can you hear me?"

"Pete- something's wrong."

Tony's voice sounded strangled, as though he was unable to breathe properly.

"I know. Can you get to me?" Peter asked, his voice trembling.

"-M trying."

"Karen, if Dr. Banner is accessible, please call him, get him to the tower. Friday, get the med team to the bay, tell them we're ten minutes out." Peter instructed, knowing he was going to need more help.

"Tony?"

"I see y-ou." He choked out a response.

Peter knew he wasn't flying fast enough, and he was too far away.

"Friday- get him to me!" Peter shouted, almost pleading with the AI.

"Can't- make it."

And Peter watched as his thrusters shut off, one at a time. The Arc Reactor blinked several times, before completely going out, and Tony plummeted straight to the ground.

Edited 10•06•25