Here's an update for you, freshly made. This one is more of what is happening in the waiting room, but the beginning is Tony's perception of what's happening. I had to stop myself from continuing or it would be too long, so probably tomorrow or the next day the new chapter will be up. I hope you all enjoy this and I am so thankful for the positive feedback I get! Seeing reviews and when someone adds my story to their favorites makes me excited. Thanks in advance for reading and/or reviewing!


It was darkness. Cold, bitter, alone darkness where light was abandoned and all hope was lost. He could feel the slow throbbing of pain but couldn't focus. Tony tried to remember, tried to think. Just then he noticed an overwhelming light that encased his body and he was yet again thrust into reality.

There was an awkward shift of excessive weigh moving from Tony's left shoulder to his lungs. He tried to move, make the slightest sound, but nothing happened. He only then became aware of a buzzing noise and the familiar grazing of hands.

"He's back with us."

Heartbeat.

"Can you hear me, Tony?"

Heartbeat.

"You're going to be alright. I'm Dr. Stevenson. You were shot in the shoulder and we're going as fast as we can for your heart."

Heartbeat.

Another voice starting speaking to him. It was a feminine voice, almost a fairy-like tone. He couldn't hear another word before the darkness took him under again.


Steve's leg was moving in a hurried motion, bouncing in time to every second that passed. His hair was disheveled, his face a mess of puffy eyes and swollen lips. They had taken Tony four hours ago and none of them had heard from the doctors since. Not even a look of acknowledgement. Steve's legs were too long for the cheap, plastic waiting room chairs. He moved and huffed before a firm hand clasped his shoulder. Bruce, who had gone out for coffee, handed the Captain a warm cup and a soft nod before handing out the rest of the drinks. Clint was leaned against Thor and perhaps would have been a laughing moment if they were under different conditions. Natasha was on the phone with Fury, giving him hourly details. It was utter hell to be this defenseless, they were the damn Avengers. Stuff like this shouldn't happen. Steve ran an indelicate hand through his blonde mop, standing when Pepper came rushing through the doors, her own blonde hair in pieces everywhere.

"Where is he? What happened?" Her long fingers dug into Steve's arms before pulling him into her body for a hug. She smelled of the airport and the outside world.

He fought back tears and cleared his throat. "The doctors took him in for surgery a few hours ago. They haven't said anything. We were walking through the park when someone called out and shot Tony in the shoulder. It happened so fast but Natasha tackled him and we waited for the police." Steve's eyes closed at the memory and he was pulled in for another hug.

"It'll be okay. He's faced worse." Pepper was a freeborn optimist that believed in anyone and everyone. The ghost of a smile was on her lips.

Steve nodded and he sat back down, pulling the blonde woman who had been Tony's friend and assistant for many years to sit beside him. This was going to be a long night.


It took five hours to stop the bleeding, fix Tony's wound before it interfered with his heart or the small arc reactor keeping him alive. The petite fairy-like nurse wheeled him into the recovery room before walking to the large group of overly large and intimidating people. She sighed and put on a cheery face.

"Hello, are you all here for Tony Stark?" Her voice sounded strong but tired. She met the crowd of faces, all nodding, before two incredibly attractive blonde people walked closer to her.

"I'm Steve, and this is Pepper," the taller of the two said. The smaller blonde, who she knew now as Pepper, had the same tired expression the rest of them did.

"I'm Nurse Carla. Tony is now in recovery and his surgery went well. He's going to be fine." She gave a soft smile when the entire group shared a similar release of breath and anxious dropping of their shoulders.

"Are you his wife?" The nurse turned towards Pepper, awaiting her answer. This erupted a small laughter from the others and a blush from the tall gentleman named Steve.

"No, I am his assistant and best friend." Pepper directed her gaze to the Captain, "He's the closest thing you'll find to family."

"My apologizes...I just assumed." Her speech was hurried and she lowered her lashes. "I regret to inform you that only family members can see Mr. Stark when he is in recovery and the ICU."

Steve's face fell and he clenched his fists before Bruce came up and held one of the fists in his hands, hoping to calm his friend.

"But if things go well tonight, he will be moved to a regular room and then you all can see him." Carla gestured towards the group of people behind the three in front of her.

"Thank you." A curt reply from Steve before he turned and walked straight into the chill of the night, leaving behind curious and understanding gazes in his wake.

Nurse Carla nodded to the others and walked back to her station to check up on her other patients. Stupid superheroes playing make believe, she thought.

"You need to go home and sleep, Steve," Natasha stood in front of him as he walked back to the waiting room. "There is no discussion. We're all going."

He opened his mouth to argue when the first words Clint said since it happened shut him up, "Captain, you're too much of a gentleman to barge in there demanding. You can't do anything and I know that this is a shitty situation because we don't lose often, but right now the best thing you can do for him is go home and GO. TO. SLEEP." He shifted from Thor's shoulder and stood up, stretching.

Steve's shoulders deflated with defeat and he ran another hand through his hair. Tony's blood stained his shirt, and he was ungodly tired.

"Fine, but I'm coming here first thing tomorrow," Steve helped a groggy Pepper out of her seat and woke Thor up.

"We all will," Bruce nodded and they walked out of Lenox Hill hospital, Tony on their mind and heavy in their hearts.