Don't Leave Me Here - Starker

20

Until Peter saw Tony with his own eyes, he didn't think he could believe Bruce. And as Pepper ushered him off the elevator, he wasn't sure he wanted to see the other.

The younger had froze, just before the door to Tony's room.

"Peter, honey?"

Images of Tony's lifeless form pierced his mind, the deathly pale tone his skin held once he'd gotten his mask off. His usually warm self, cold to the touch. Peter wasn't sure he could bear seeing him that way, again.

He could hear others behind him, and Pepper asking someone for help. Though he wanted to, Peter couldn't make himself move closer to the room. He knew Tony needed him, but he couldn't get it out of his head.

"Hey bub."

When he felt Clint's hand on his shoulder, he was pulled from his thoughts, sucking in a shaky breath.

"You can hear it, if you focus." He whispered.

Peter blearily glanced at Clint, confusion evident on his face.

"Listen for the monitor."

And Peter could hear it. It was steady, not too fast or too slow. It was proof Tony was alive, he was still here, just on the other side of the door.

"It's constant, yeah?" Clint reassured. "He's just waiting to see you."

Peter nodded, and with trembling hands, he pushed the door open, his heart breaking to see Tony in such a state, so vulnerable. Though he looked much better than the last time he'd seen him, Peter still couldn't believe he'd ended up here.

He sniffled, walking closer to the bed. Tony's eyes fluttered open, and he groaned at the bright lights. Peter stopped, a few feet from the other still, waiting for him to adjust. But when he caught the younger's tear filled eyes, he smiled.

"Peter?"

Peter nodded, trying to hold back his tears.

"Love?" He spoke again, offering his hand to the other.

Peter rushed to the bed, and into Tony's arms, as gently as he could.

"I'm here, baby." Tony soothed, brushing away his tears. "I'm not going anywhere."

"You- scared the hell out of m-e." Peter managed, choking on sobs.

"I'm sorry-" Tony replied, voice thick with emotion.

Peter shook his head, brushing his fingers over the others face. "I love you."

"I love you too." Tony whispered, dragging Peter's lips to meet his.

When they pulled away, Tony wiped Peter's tears away, who quickly brushed him off.

"Stop fussing over me. How're you feeling?"

"Honestly?" Tony grimaced. "Like I got hit by a truck- or forty."

"You look like it too." Peter agreed. "Your hair- I mean."

Tony scoffed, fussing with it slightly. "You know I hate that."

Peter laughed lightly, tussling it around, making him somewhat presentable. "I know, but you look good no matter what."

"Thanks, love."

Peter sighed, holding tightly onto Tony's hand. "I'm so glad you're okay. I just thought- but I didn't know how to help- then-"

"Pete-" Tony whispered, interrupting his spiraling. "Nothing would've changed what happened. I've known that for a long time, eventually the shrapnel was bound to shift."