The Root of All Obsessions
Tony sat in the hospital. The nurses bustled along, laughing and joking, trying to make him feel a little better. Tamika was hurt and it was his fault. No amount of joking or comforting smiles would make it better until she forgave him. Not that he would forgive himself. She was his best friend and he hurt her. The disappointed look that he received from his father was bad. Moreover, the fact there was no punishment made him edgy. He sat there staring at his hands.
Mrs Stinson stared at him as though he was dirt underneath her feet. The screaming she gave him when she found out what happened still made his ears ring. Mr Stinson was a lot better. He took in the situation and gently picked up the whimpering girl in his arms and walked back to the house. Tony felt a little better when he reassured him that accidents happen and that he knew that it would never happen again. Tony liked Mr Stinson; he always had pearls of wisdom and made him feel like he was part of the family. Unlike his own father, who spent more time at his company than he did at home, unless it was to do with something brilliant Tony had made.
"How are you doing, Tony?" Mr Stinson asked, kneeling down in front of the shamefaced boy.
"I'm so sorry, sir, I didn't mean for her to get hurt." His earnest face made Bruce Stinson chuckle.
"I know, son, don't worry about it. She'll be running around with you again in a few weeks."
Tony looked up with concern shining in his eyes. "Weeks?"
"Yeah she's got a few broken bones, knowing her she'll be with me in her workshop, to the disgust of her mother." Tony gave him a small smile. Tamika loathed being well mannered and spent more time in her father's garage than indoors, playing tea parties with her mother. That girl knew more about engines and car parts than any mechanic he knew.
"Can I see her?" Bruce smiled at the eager young face and nodded. They both stood and walked to the room. Tony felt like his legs were going to collapse at any given moment. Looking into the room, he felt sure that he was going to run at any moment. Tamika lay sleeping, her leg in a cast and bandages all over the place. Guilt washed over him. It was his fault that she was hurt. Bruce rested a hand on his shoulder, offering the strength Tony needed to move forward. The man always gave him what he wanted his father to offer without question. Slowly he walked up to the bed. Tentatively he sat down next to Tamika, waiting for her eyes to open.
"I'm sorry for throwing things at you, Tony." He jumped. Tamika opened her eyes slowly, her dark blue orbs showing her remorse. Tony shook his head.
"I shouldn't have pulled you off your branch. It's my fault you're here." Tamika smiled.
"Nu-uh, I started it," humour danced in her eyes. He opened his mouth to argue before finally getting it.
"Yeah it was." He chuckled at her indignant look before growing serious. "I'm sorry and I promise that nothing will hurt you again, not even myself." Tony's jaw squared itself resolutely. He was going to keep that promise, hell or high water. Tamika stared at him for a moment before nodding. There was nothing she could say to change his mind. Tony Stark always kept his promises, not matter what.
"I am going to get you back for this you do know that, right?" He panicked for a moment before sighing and dropping his head in shame.
"Yeah I know." She snickered before yawning.
"I hope you like fish."
Thank you for reading this story. I love reviews and ones that let me know what you would like to see in the story. I can't promise that every single request will make it in, but I'll do my best to have the plot to include it! See you next time! I'll make sure to bring bells!