A/N: Sorry for the cliffhanger, but it seemed like the place to end the chapter, hahaha! Glad the fighting sequence was okay though. I'm not the best action writer. My specialty is feelings.

Chapter 25: Aftermath

Peter's POV:

Everything after finding out that Tony had been shot passed by in a blur. I remembered putting pressure on his wound, and feeling his blood soaking through my gloves and onto my hands. I remembered the feel of his clammy hand on top of mine, and how he told me, "It's okay." I didn't know what he meant by that, but he was definitely wrong. Nothing was okay, least of all him.

I barely remembered walking outside, the ambulance taking him away, or Vision forcing me to change into regular clothes before flying me to the hospital. Nat and Bruce had ridden in the ambulance, apparently. At some point we'd arrived at the hospital, and somehow I'd ended up in an uncomfortable chair in some crowded, noisy hallway. Vision stood across from me, Natasha standing just as still next to him while Bruce was next to me, his head in his hands. I had no idea how long we sat there, but my mind kept flashing to how dead Tony had looked.

I recalled hearing his yells, and bursting into the room he was kept in. Those men had been waterboarding him, and I'd been filled with more rage and fury than I could ever remember. I'd knocked out the three men in less than ten seconds, and if it hadn't been for the loud gasping Tony was doing, I think I may have killed them. Instead, I'd ripped off the sack from his head and stared into his haunted eyes. Releasing him from his restraints, I wanted to start crying when I felt his arms wrap around me. I held it together, though, letting Tony know that everything was fine and that I'd get him out of here.

When he'd gotten off the table, I'd taken my first good look at him as I rushed to keep him from falling. He had bruises all over, strange marks on his chest, and red, angry whip marks all over his back. He was shaking, and I had to force down my own sorrow and fear as I guided him out the room. Getting through the home hadn't been too difficult until we'd run into Ross. When the shooting started, Vision immediately jumped in front of Tony and I, and then Tony placed himself on top of me. I was stunned by his action. Things grew chaotic afterwards, and right when I thought everything would be okay, Tony was collapsing to the floor.

There'd been so much blood. Too much blood. It'd been leaking steadily out of his wound, and no matter what I'd done, I couldn't stop it. I stared at my hands to see Tony's blood was still on them. Feeling suddenly sick with horror, I got up and rushed to the nearest bathroom, collapsing on my knees and throwing up the second I made it to a toilet. As I dry heaved, and tears fell down my face I felt a soft, comforting hand on my back, and looked back to see Bruce kneeling on the ground with me. He didn't say anything, just allowing me to collect myself before helping me stand. He guided me to the sink, and washed my hands for me, scrubbing them until there was no more blood on them.

"Tony is strong," he finally spoke as he dried my hands. "He's also stubborn, and I promise you, he'll be just fine."

I stared at him with eyes full of hope and disbelief. "Please don't coddle me, Bruce," I spoke hoarsely, feeling he was just telling me what I wanted to hear.

He shook his head firmly, placing his hands on my shoulders. "I'm not," he stated seriously. "I don't know how I know, but I just do. Tony will make it through this. He will survive. He's got too much to live for, and he won't let himself leave you and Pepper behind."

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I wanted so desperately to believe him, but how could he know something like this? "You can't force yourself to survive a gunshot wound," I argued weakly, my mind now flashing to Uncle Ben's dead body. "Stubbornness can't save you. Love can't save you. I'm not stupid, Bruce, I know what bullets can do. My uncle was killed by a gun, and I'm going to lose my dad now," I cried in agony, and Bruce pulled me in for a hug. It was the first time I'd been hugged by him, but I found his arms comforting and soothing. They were strong and they held me tight just like Tony did, and I lost the battle with my emotions. I began to sob, and he rubbed my back while telling me over and over again that everything would be okay, and that Tony would survive this.

I wished I could have his faith, but life had not been kind to me. My parents, uncle, and aunt had all been taken from me, and now life was going to take Tony. This wasn't fair. This wasn't fair! I wouldn't be able to handle it if Tony died, I wouldn't.

"I need him," I cried to Bruce. "I need him so much, he can't leave me now! He's my dad, he's my dad, he's my dad, and he can't die! I can't lose anyone else, Bruce, I just can't!"

"You won't lose him," Bruce whispered fiercely, pulling away to look me in the eyes. "I swear to you, that you will not lose him."

I looked at him, stunned by how strongly he believed his own words. Latching onto them in pure desperation, I let the words soothe my terror. I brought myself back under control, realizing that whatever happens, now wasn't the time for hysterics. I had to be strong.

"I'm sorry," I told Bruce, but he frowned deeply while shaking his head.

"You have nothing to apologize for," he stated firmly. "Your reaction was completely understandable and expected. If you're ready, let's head back and see if there's any news."

I wiped at my face before taking in a deep breath. Nodding at Bruce, I followed him out of the bathroom and back to the ugly, smelly, waiting hallway. Nat and Vis looked at us both in concern, and I offered them both a weak smile. I'd barely sat down, when a doctor came out and walked to Natasha. I jumped to my feet, following the doctor as he led us into a private area.

"He'll live," he stated, and sighs of relief were given all around. My knees went weak, but I forced myself to remain standing. The doctor went on to explain that it'd been a close call, and that Tony had coded once. He explained all the damage done by not just the bullet, but the torture. It seemed the marks on his chest had been caused by electrodes. I wanted to throw up again at realizing Tony had been electrocuted in addition to everything else.

As the doctor listed off Tony's injuries and what he'd done to treat them, I realized that he'd never referred to the waterboarding. I was the only one that knew that'd happened, so I felt the need to speak up, in case that torture could have led to damage they weren't aware of.

"Doctor, sir," I called out hesitantly, and all eyes turned to me. "When I—um, the people who found him told me they walked in on him being water boarded," I informed him, noting immediately the way all three Avengers tensed. The doctor frowned, thanking me for the information. He informed us that he'd look over Tony once more for any damage from that. We wouldn't be able to visit him until that was finished with, so we all walked back towards the noisy hallway.

Before we got there, though, Natasha stopped me, demanding I explain exactly what I'd witnessed when I'd rescued Tony. I recounted everything, and watched as her nostrils flare, a murderous look in her eyes. Bruce's eyes were closed, and he was breathing heavily while Vision's stone glowed brightly for several moments.

"I need to let Pepper know what's going on," Nat then stated, walking away quickly. We stayed where we were, instead of returning to the main hallway. Nobody stopped us, and I think it was only because of Vision. Not only was he strange looking, but there was a dark, foreboding expression on his face that I'd never seen. I understood their anger, but I was just too relieved that Tony was alive to let myself focus on that emotion.

Tasha joined us sometime later, and I looked at her, asking how Pepper was doing.

"As well as expected given the circumstances," she responded tiredly, before reaching out and running a hand through my hair affectionately.

"You did very well, Peter, and I'm sure Tony will be very proud of you," she asserted, and my heart warmed at the sincerity in her voice. A comfortable silence settled among us, and after what seemed like forever, the doctor from earlier came to retrieve us, letting us know Tony was as well as could be expected, and that we could visit.

"He is unconscious, but that is because we have him sedated," he explained as he led us into a small, dimly lit room. My heart seized as I caught sight of Tony. He looked like hell. There were bandages all over his chest, some on his arms, and even one on the side of his face. Wires were attached to him, and the sound of his heart beat filled the room. I walked to his bedside, and grabbed hold of his still hand. If it wasn't for the fact that I knew he was alive, and the sound of his heart monitor, I would've thought he was dead. He was so freaking pale, and he looked awful.

I noticed as Bruce and Natasha took the doctor aside and began to speak with him, but I ignored them, just settling in a chair on the side of the bed, and entwining my hand with Tony's. He was going to be just fine. He was alive, and he would heal from this. He would be just fine. Despite all the torture. Despite being waterboarded again. He would be okay. Physically and mentally. He was the strongest man I'd ever met, and he would survive this just as he'd done everything else in his life; and he wouldn't have to do it alone. I'd be there for him every step of the way.

Natasha called for Vision, and he now stepped out of the room. I didn't have to wonder for long about what was going on as Nat and Bruce walked back into the room. "SHIELD doctors are on their way, and as soon as we get the go-ahead, we're going to fly Tony to HQ. He's not safe here, or anywhere outside the US. We don't know who else was working with Ross," she spoke.

"Where is Ross?" I asked, suddenly realizing I had no idea what'd happened with him after we left.

"He's secured and waiting for SHIELD to pick him up," she answered coldly, and I didn't bother asking what she meant by "secured".

"Where's Vision?" I asked next.

"The UN knows we were here, and that something happened," she informed me wearily. "Vision is going to meet with them to start damage control. T'Challa has been informed of what happened, and he's going to help out as well. I'm pretty sure Rhodey is also on his way."

I was stunned and horrified at the thought of the UN punishing any of them for what had happened.

"Don't worry, Peter," Nat stated firmly, catching sight of my expression. "With Ross in custody and Tony alive, we'll all be fine. We might receive a slap on the wrist for going on a rescue mission without permission, but seeing as it was Ross who did the kidnapping, we can claim lack of trust in the system."

She said all this with confidence, and I allowed myself to relax. I relaxed my upper body on the bed, and just watched as Tony's chest rose up and down. The sound of his breathing and the beeping of his heart monitor soothed me, and I found my eyes closing. I tried to fight off the sleep, but when I felt a hand rubbing at my back and Natasha telling me to sleep, I gave in to my exhaustion…

…I jolted awake at the sound of the heart monitor beeping rapidly. Looking at Tony in panic, I saw him moaning and thrashing in his bed. I stood up, shaking him while saying, "Tony, Tony, it's okay, you're safe. It's me Peter, and you're at a hospital. Wake up, wake up, wake up!" I begged, unable to stand seeing him like this.

He gave a loud gasp as he shot up, letting out a cry of pain as his hands flew to his side. Nurses rushed in, and I felt hands pulling me away. I was about to roughly shove them off until I saw it was Bruce. His eyes were focused on Tony, who was groaning and panting heavily from the pain he was in. The nurses tended to him, hooking back the IV that he'd accidentally yanked out. They asked him questions, but he completely ignored them, his eyes settling on Bruce and me. He seemed to visibly relax at seeing us, finally acknowledging the nurses around him.

The doctor arrived at this point, and the nurses moved aside as he looked Tony over. He lifted the now bloody bandage from his side, noting that he hadn't seemed to have damaged it anymore. Looking more closely, I noticed the bandages on Tony's back were also bloody. The doctor ordered the nurses to clean Tony's wounds again before bandaging him up once more, and he shooed us out, saying Tony would no doubt want privacy. I reluctantly allowed Bruce to pull me away.

Bruce wrapped a reassuring arm around him, murmuring that everything would be just fine, echoing the words I'd told Tony minutes before. I looked up at Bruce and felt the need to say, "Physically, yeah, but what about mentally?"

The older man paused before letting out a sigh. "It'll take time and work, but I'm sure he'll recover, especially with you and Pepper at his side. Tony knows he's no longer alone, and besides you and Pepper, he now has me, Nat, Happy, and Rhodey. We're all going to be there with him to make sure he recovers from this."

It took longer than I'd expected for us to be let back into the room, but when we did I was relieved to see Tony looking better than he had the first time we'd entered the room. He was awake, but only barely. They'd pumped him full of pain meds, and he was quickly fading back into sleep. I rushed to his side, grabbing hold of his hand and letting him know we would be heading home soon. I was pretty sure I saw gratitude in his eyes before they closed as he fell back asleep.

Bruce and I watched Tony sleep for less than an hour before Natasha appeared, followed by several people in SHIELD uniforms. I recognized some of them from the one time I'd spent in the HQ hospital. Tony's doctor walked in and spoke with the woman who seemed to be in charge. The doctor didn't seem happy about what was happening, but he didn't try to stop them as Tony was lifted and placed on a rolling stretcher. He was unhooked from the hospital monitors, and then hooked up to new ones before he began to be wheeled out.

He was completely surrounded to the point I couldn't even see him, but I didn't argue as I realized they were not only protecting him, but blocking him from being seen by anybody. I followed the entourage quickly, being led into one of the vans before being driven back towards a large jet I'd seen but never been in.

"Where's the quint jet?" I asked curiously, and Nat replied that Vision had taken it to go and meet the UN. I felt for Vision, and hoped everything was going well. At least he wouldn't be alone. I didn't know T'Challa, but I'd heard nothing but good things about him. Even though we'd technically fought together in Germany, I hadn't even exchanged a single word with the man. Rhodey was also on his way, and I knew he was more accustomed to dealing with these kinds of things than Vision.

We walked onto the jet, and Tony was once again transferred onto a more secure bed. The jet took off, and looking out the window, I was glad to see it seemed to fly as fast as the quint jet. I sat as near to Tony as I could get, and watched the medical team work. I found myself relaxing, knowing that we were on our way home. Home was safe, and home was where Pepper was. I knew I was worried sick, but I couldn't imagine what she was like. I grabbed my cell, and realized I should call her. I knew she'd spoken with at least Natasha, but Pepper would no doubt appreciate hearing from me as well. I knew she was no doubt worried about me as well.

Standing up and moving away from everyone, I dialed Pepper's number, and she picked up nearly right away.

"Oh my god, Peter, honey, how are you?" she asked rapidly, and I instantly assured her I was unharmed and fine before adding that we were on our way. She gave a huge sigh of relief, sounding near tears as she expressed her happiness that I was fine.

"How's Tony?" she then asked with deep concern, and I paused before answering honestly.

"He's in bad shape, but he'll be fine," I informed her, my own voice sounding choked up. "I wish we'd gotten there sooner," I admitted, my voice turning small.

"Don't do that to yourself, Peter," she declared firmly. "You did the best you could, and you saved him. That's all that matters. Dwelling on what if's will do you no good," she lectured wisely, and I bit my lip as I nodded. I suddenly wished she was here with me, so she could provide me with comfort and reassurances.

We spoke a little more, but I refrained from giving her any details about what happened. She didn't ask, thankfully, but I realized the conversation would be had at a later time. Eventually, Pepper and I said our goodbyes, and she assured me that she'd be in the hospital waiting for our arrival.

Hanging up, I wearily made my way back towards Tony. He was no longer pale, but his face was scrunched up as though he were in pain. I thought of pointing this out, but realized that they no doubt knew this already. They wouldn't leave Tony in pain if they had a choice.

Settling myself back down in a seat close him, I kept my eyes on the man the entire trip home. I was completely exhausted when we arrived at HQ, but the thought of seeing Pepper kept me going.

Tony was wheeled out and straight to the on base hospital where we were met by Pepper. She looked at Tony in horror before her eyes landed on me. Quickly closing the distance between us, she enveloped me in a hug, burying her head in my hair as she expressed her relief that I was unharmed and okay. I greedily took in her comfort, feeling tears falling down my cheeks. The fear of the day was hitting me once more, and she hugged me even tighter as I silently cried into her blouse. She slowly began to lead me somewhere, keeping an arm wrapped around me. Before realizing it, I found myself back in the living quarters. Instead of walking to my bedroom, though, Pepper led us down to her's. She led me to bed, helped me remove my shoes and tucked me in. I was too tired to fight the sleep, and feeling completely at peace for the first time since I'd found out Tony was kidnapped, I gave in to sleep.

Pepper's POV:

I watched Peter sleeping, and felt torn. I wanted to be with Tony, but I also wanted to stay here with Peter. Knowing that Peter came first, though, I settled with letting Friday know to inform me if anything happened.

Looking at Peter, I felt pure relief once more to find him not only okay, but completely unharmed. He was completely exhausted, and emotionally spent from everything that had happened, but I knew with time, he'd recover. I was just glad that he was sleeping now. When he woke, I'd get him to shower before feeding him. Only then would I take him to see Tony.

My heart constricted painfully as I recalled the brief look I'd gotten at my love. He was in horrible shape. His entire upper torso was in bandages, and he seemed to be in pain. Natasha had informed me of his injuries and of what Tony had to have endured to have sustained those injuries. When she ended with how he'd been waterboarded, I'd nearly started sobbing in sorrow. The terror Tony must have felt as that happened had to have been unbearable. Physically he'd heal, but what mental state would he be in?

Looking back down at my exhausted son, I realized that I too had been running myself ragged. Realizing that now would be a good time to catch up on some needed sleep, I settled myself next to the boy, and closed my eyes. Listening to his quiet breathing helped lull me into sleep after only minutes…

…I woke up when I felt Peter stirring next to me. Opening my eyes, I saw that he was sitting up, looking around the room with some confusion. His memories clearly caught up to him, for he sucked in a breath, tensing before looking at me in panic.

"Tony!" he gasped, and I immediately sat up, assuring him that he was fine, and that if anything had changed, Friday would have woken us. He seemingly calmed, and I ordered him to shower and change. He looked down at his filthy clothes before agreeing. I too showered before heading up and preparing some food. Peter appeared looking much better than he had, and I shoved a large plate of food towards him. He eagerly ate every bite, and I felt satisfied that he really was okay.

When he finished, he looked up at me expectantly, and I knew he was ready to head to the med bay. We both made our way, and when we arrived I found both Natasha and Bruce, both looking more awake and refreshed than they had the last time I'd seen them.

"He hasn't woken yet," Bruce stated, "but the doctor isn't worried. With the injuries he's suffered, she felt the best way for him to heal was to remain sleeping."

I couldn't help but agree, even though I really wanted Tony to wake up. Being awake would mean he'd want to get out of here as soon as possible, and that he'd be pushing his limits when he shouldn't. I already assumed his recovery would take longer than normal, because it always did since he pushed himself too much.

"What's going on with the UN?" Peter questioned anxiously, and Natasha answered, "Things are rather chaotic, to be honest. Ross's actions have stunned them, and it puts the United States in a difficult position. He is one of our own military members, a general to boot. No one foresees any consequences towards the Avengers, but our US ambassador is going to be taking on a lot of heat. They're also going to want an exact recount of what happened from Tony once he's awake."

"Not until he's strong enough," I asserted, and Nat nodded her head. "We'll do what we can to keep those wolves at bay, but he'll have to talk with them eventually. This isn't going to be like Afghanistan where he gets away without explaining anything to anyone."

"They're not going to force him to talk about what he went through," I said through gritted teeth.

"Once Tony is strong enough, no politician will be able to force him to talk about something he doesn't want to," Bruce spoke with mild amusement. "He'll talk circles around them, and still give them very little information."

I found myself relaxing at Bruce's words, knowing them to be very true. We'd just have to make sure we held off on the interrogation until Tony wasn't drugged with pain medication, and had the wherewithal to deal with some bloodsucking politicians.

A nurse popped through the sliding doors, a large grin on his young face as he declared, "He's awake." We all swarmed him immediately, throwing out questions and concerns, and the nurse's grin turned nervous as he held up his hands to us.

"U-uh, he just woke up, and the nurses are checking him over," he explained, not letting us all rush past him. "You can't all go in at the same time or you'll overwhelm him. He's really tired and sore, so only two people at a time, please."

Bruce and Natasha stepped back, and I gave them a nod before following behind the nurse with Peter. We were led into a spacious room, and were greeted by Tony gracing us with a genuine smile.

"Hi guys," he greeted, his voice sounding rough. I melted at hearing his voice and seeing him awake. Peter rushed the bed and seemed to barely resist from throwing himself at Tony. Instead, he just looked at Tony with eyes full of utter relief.

"I'm so glad you're alive," he whispered tearfully, but he managed to keep from crying.

"Me too, little spider," Tony replied softly, reaching a hand out to pat the boy's cheek.

I walked to his other side, leaned down, and kissed him on the lips deeply. I heard him give a moan, and smirked at the response. The overly dramatic gagging noise from our teenager broke the moment, and I giggled at Peter's tightly closed eyes.

Noticing this, Tony remarked in both jest and seriousness, "Mom and Dad are going to need some alone time when I'm feeling a little better, Petey, so plan a sleepover at Ned's place."

I laughed loudly now as the poor boy's face turned bright red with embarrassment. His eyes looked everywhere but at us, and I felt bad, so I gave Tony a warning look to stop the teasing. Thankfully, Dr. Matthews walked in, allowing Peter to regain his normal coloring.

"Good to see you awake, Mr. Stark," she greeted warmly. "How do you feel?"

"Ready to get out of the hospital," he responded, and I shook my head at his stubbornness.

"I'm afraid I can't allow that," the doctor responded kindly and knowingly. "You've endured torture, been shot, and nearly died; and all this occurred less than 24 hours ago. You're lucky to be alive," she stated seriously, and I looked to Tony with barely concealed relief. I'd almost lost him. I couldn't fathom that thought, and the consequences of what his death would've brought on me and Peter. I had to push all those what if's out of my mind, or I would've burst into hysterical tears at the moment. I settled, instead, with just laying my hand on his shoulder, reassuring myself that he was alive and here at my side.

"What's the damage, then?" Tony asked, his voice now bereft of humor. I'll admit, I was surprised not that he was asking, but that he was asking with both Peter and I present.

"Do you remember everything that occurred?" Dr. Matthews first asked, and he nodded his head somewhat unsure.

"I was drugged, kidnapped, had the crap beat out of me, and ended up shot," he recounted blandly. I flinched, and he just me an apologetic look.

"That is correct," the doctor replied before beginning to explain his injuries. He had two broken ribs and four bruised ones. There were burn marks on his chest from the electrocution, but miraculously, no real internal damage.

"Yeah, they didn't do it long enough," Tony muttered nonchalantly, but I could hear the relief in his voice.

"The whip marks on your back will heal, but they will also leave scars," Dr. Matthews continued regretfully, and I held back another flinch. I had yet to see those marks, but looking at Peter's pale complexion, I knew it wasn't pretty.

"The gunshot, obviously, is what caused the worst damage. One of your kidneys and the large intestine were both damaged, but the doctors in Turkey did an amazing job at repairing those, and saving you from losing a kidney," she explained. "All that's left now is giving your body time to recover, which means lots and lots of rest," she declared, her voice turning stern and she leveled Tony with a mild glare. "I've known you, Mr. Stark, long enough to know that resting is not in your dictionary, but unless you'd like to cause yourself worse injury and/or lengthen your recovery time, you will follow my instructions."

"Oh, I guarantee you, Doctor, that he will follow your directions to the tee," I stated firmly, giving Tony a very serious look. He would not be further injuring himself with me around...at least, I hoped I could get him to listen to me.

"I would recommend you stay on the base," Matthews suggested, "as we'll be here if anything happens, but that is up to you."

"Peter doesn't start school for another two weeks, so we'll stay until then," I informed her, looking at Peter to see what he thought. He just nodded his head in complete understanding, and I smiled at him. I'd make sure to get Ned and MJ here, so that they could spend some time together before school started again.

"How many days until you'll release me from this hell hole?" Tony now asked, and the doctor smirked before replying, "I recommend at least one more day only, since you will be staying on base."

He let out a sigh of relief, muttering, "Thank god."

I smiled fondly as I knew how much he detested hospitals. I mean, nobody liked them, but Tony seemed to have an even stronger aversion to them than most. I had no doubt that if Matthews had said he'd have to be here longer than a day, Tony would have found a way to escape.

Dr. Matthews left us alone now, and I grasped one of Tony's hands in mine. He looked exhausted, but his complexion was definitely better than when I'd first seen him. His entire torso was covered in bandages, and I could tell that despite the pain meds they had him on, he was still in pain. Every breath, no doubt, hurt due to the broken ribs, and his back had to be hurting as well. I felt for him as there would be no way for him to find a comfortable, pain-free position to sleep or even relax in. Recovery was going to be awful.

"Alright, fill me in on everything from the moment you found out about my kidnapping until now," he ordered firmly, and I began the tale, Peter taking over when it came to the rescue.

"Whose bright idea was it to bring you along?" he questioned, and Peter frowned uncertainly before I answered, "Natasha's, but I didn't argue. They needed all the help they could get."

Tony's eyes flashed to mine and I noticed the brief seconds of anger before they turned to understanding. "You saved my butt, kiddo," he now stated, giving Peter a grateful look. "You did great, and I wanted to tell you even then that I was really proud of you."

Peter's face lit up, his eyes brightening, and I knew Tony's words meant the world to him. "I did for you what you would've done for me," he stated, and Tony smiled as he ruffled the teen's hair affectionately.

Watching the scene, my heart warmed. Everything was alright now. They weren't perfect, as I knew the physical recovery would be tough, and the mental recovery even worse. I'd have to get Tony to talk to me instead of burying what happened like he'd done with Afghanistan. He would have to let us help him if he wanted to overcome this.

I didn't focus on any of this right now, though, choosing instead to just live in the moment.

A/N: I've got a lot of people asking for Steve to show up. At first I was totally against the idea but now I'll just say that I'll bear it in mind. No promises.

PLEASE REVIEW! Interest seems to be waning!

I've started chapter 28