Don't Leave Me Here - Starker

19

"He just lost his aunt, and now this? He has every right to be upset." Steve whispered.

"I agree, but Steve, they have a dog too. All I'm saying, is it could be a possibility." Sam replied.

Natasha seemed indifferent over the matter, unsure if the situation fell one way or the other.

"You talkin' about Tony and Peter?" Bucky asked as he walked towards the small group, the puppy trailing behind him.

"Yeah." Same scoffed. "But you weren't here for that."

Bucky shoved him slightly. "Still heard it bird brain."

"You can ask Pepper, if you really want to know?" Nat suggested, ignoring their bickering.

"You think Tony would tell her somethin' like that?"

"Sam, as far as I know, they've always told each other everything." Steve shrugged.

"Or- and this is just an idea, we can ask Peter when he wakes up?"

"Oh, good one cyborg! How'd you come up with that?" Sam snarked.

Steve tried to bite back his smile, while Natasha silenced them with a glare.

In the midst of their arguing and scheming, Roo had found Peter and Clint on the couch, waking both of them up. Of course he could hear the others, just a few feet from him, but didn't care what they thought. His only concern was for Tony.

Steve glanced over, meeting Clint's eyes, who seemed pissed. He tucked Peter further into the blanket, and walked towards the small group.

"Last I knew, he can hear much more than you think. Peter doesn't need your judgment or approval right now. He needs our support, so shut your mouths." Clint hissed, brushing past them.

The group fell silent at his words, watching as Peter stood from the couch, and heading into the kitchen behind Clint. The younger looked- distant. Lost, almost. And when Steve met Sam's gaze, he knew the other had made up his mind about Peter and Tony.

The two had made coffee, before taking the puppy outside, and sitting down. The elevator chimed, alerting the others to Pepper, Rhodey, and Happy's presence.

"Where is he? Where's Peter?" Pepper asked them, her own eyes puffy and red.

Steve pointed outside, and she raced past them. The other two waited, joining the group and making small talk.

"Peter, honey?"

She joined him, immediately pulling him into her arms, which he returned.

"I don't know what happened-" He croaked.

"It's not your fault. It could've been anything." She sighed. "And knowing Tony, he ignored the problem until it was too late."

Peter nodded his agreement, knowing the man was eepecially stubborn when it came to his own health.

"Karen said it was internal bleeding." He sniffled, not having the heart to think about it again.

"Oh God- I'm sorry you've had to do this. I know how hard this is."

"I just hope I was fast enough."

"You did so well honey." She soothed.

"She's right bub. You did the best you could for him." Clint added.

He appreciated their words, but they did very little to comfort him now. When Pepper's phone rang, she walked away to take the call, Peter and Clint following behind. He noticed the groups attention was pointed to him.

Sam didn't have the chance to ask his question before Clint was already on him.

"Don't you dare." He hissed. "This is not the time."

"What's wrong?" Peter asked, his stomach sinking. "Did you hear about Tony?"

"Not yet, Pete." Steve replied.

"We just had a question about you two." Natasha continued.

"This is not your place."

When Peter heard Rhodey say this, he knew what they were asking for.

"Not that this should be the concern right now, but yes, Tony and I are together." Peter sighed. "I'm not looking for your approval. The only thing I care about is him."

He knew it sounded mean- hateful even. He didn't want it to be that way, but he was frustrated and upset. Tony was injured only hours ago, and this is what they were worrying over. Peter couldn't understand.

"You're right, Peter. I'm sorry." Steve apologized. "Our priorities here were incorrect, but we are worried about Tony too."

Peter nodded with a sigh. "I shouldn't have snapped at you. And I appreciate you being here, truly. But a lot has happened today, so you'll have to forgive my short temper."

"Of course, Pete." Clint replied.

A few moments later, the elevator chimed, revealing an exhausted Bruce Banner, who scanned the room until his eyes found Peter.

The younger stood trembling, but hopeful. He swallowed his fear, waiting for any sign from the other, the agonizing seconds dragging on.

"He's asked to see you." Bruce said, offering a smile.

Peter felt the relief wash over him as he let out a shaky breath. Tears stung his eyes, as he made his way to the doctor. He offered his hand to Bruce, who took it happily.

"Thank you so much."

"I'm glad I was able to help." Bruce replied.

He left for the elevator, Pepper right behind him.

"He's alright, honey." She whispered, holding him close once more.

He didn't trust his voice, only offering a nod.

Tony was okay.

Edited 10•07•25

The amount of hate I have for the rest of this book, is wild lmao. Who let me write that shit?
Still editing tho! Have patience, it will hopefully get better!