Disclaimer: I own nothing in the MCU or anything drawn from the comics. Unfortunately. Lol. All characters belong to the amazing people over at Marvel! I'm just playing with them for a little bit.
Summary: Homecoming AU. "I swear..." he gasped out between his sobs. "I... I didn't kill Mr. Stark." When the argument after the ferry incident goes horribly awry, Tony is missing and presumed dead, and Spider-Man is suspect number one. Peter believes his mentor is still alive out there, but he'll need help to find and save Tony from who truly wants him dead in time.
Author's Note: Hey, guys! Thanks for the reviews, follows, and favorites, they mean a lot! Now, there are a couple little clues in this chapter as to which villain from the comics is behind everything, though I'd like to do a little reminder that I've taken some creative liberties with him to fit this story. With that said, I hope you guys enjoy chapter three! :-) Happy and Peter awkward bonding ahead!
Chapter 3– Headline News
"I got the kid. We're headed to the ER now. He's a little worse for wear, but he'll live. He's actually sleeping right now. Lucky for him, he managed to escape that explosion by the harbor with relatively minor injuries. Though it does take a lot to hurt him, and he's got some sort of enhanced healing ability... Anyway, he'll be fine, I'm just bringing him in to make sure everything's okay. He honestly seems more shaken up than anything..." Happy let out a nervous chuckle. "You know as well as I do that someone we both know very well would kill me if I... if I didn't bring him in..."
The trip back to the car hadn't been the easiest on either Happy or Peter. After standing guard for the web-slinger to make sure no one discovered him changing from the suit into the makeshift outfit he'd bought for him from the tourist department near the Staten Island Ferry port, he'd had to more or less drag the half-conscious teen the few blocks he'd run earlier to get to the harbor. Fortunately, no one had paid them much mind since everyone was so distracted by the disaster of the burning building. After stopping a few times for Peter to catch his breath, they made it back to his vehicle in just enough time to beat the notoriously mean meter maid who wandered the streets in that part of town. After having been ticketed by her before for getting to his car not even a minute too late, he had to admit he took great satisfaction in seeing her scowl at the fact that he'd won this round.
Though the fact that he'd had to drag the kid at all concerned him. Other than seeming disoriented and just plain off, the weakness in his limbs, how he seemed so physically drained, wasn't good. But the suit's AI– Karen?– hadn't detected anything serious other than... a brainwave abnormality.
Happy then chanced a glance in the rearview mirror when he came to a stop at a red light at where Peter– now dressed in a too large "I survived my trip to NYC" t-shirt with a cartoon drawing of a taxi on it, pink Hello Kitty sweatpants, and flip-flops with his black suit jacket still draped over his lap like a blanket– was curled up in the backseat, his thin arms wrapped around himself almost protectively, with his head leaning crookedly against the headrest. The multi-million Spider-Man suit was in a brown paper shopping bag on the passenger seat up front. His eyes were closed, but it was clear by his still too-pale face that any sleep he was getting wasn't at all restful.
The head of security's gaze faltered as he watched the teen for a moment longer, his brow furrowing. Something had happened up on that rooftop besides his argument with Tony and the explosion, of that he was certain. Peter may not have remembered yet, but it would come to him in time. Hopefully. Though judging by how it was clearly affecting him even subconsciously, he almost dreaded to find out what that something was.
"That's a relief. I'm glad to hear the kid's overall okay," Pepper said on the other end. Her voice was quiet with a slight tremble to it, and Happy sighed to himself when he knew exactly where her mind was at. It was a concern he wholeheartedly shared. "So... he was a part of that fire, then...?"
"It seems like it, yeah," Happy confirmed as he turned onto the street that would bring him to the hospital. "I don't exactly know how since the kid really doesn't remember too much of what happened right now, other than he and Tony had some kind of argument shortly before it happened, and then he woke up on the ground and the suit's AI told him there'd been an explosion."
There was hesitance in her next words, but it was also clear that she needed to know this answer. "So, that means... that means that Tony was part of that, too..."
Happy tightened his hand around the wheel. "Listen, Peps. I'm sure... I'm sure that Tony's gotta be fine if the kid is," he attempted to assure her, even though he wasn't quite sure himself about what he was saying. "He had his suit there, even if he wasn't wearing it during their conversation. There's a good chance he's around the area, just as discombobulated as Peter. I'll go back and look when we're done at the ER."
"I... I don't know, Hap..."
"I know, Peps." He wasn't sure what else he could say.
There was a long silence after that, one where the head of security didn't try to push the CEO into speaking. His own mind was spinning, trying to come to terms with all that had happened as well, so letting her do that at her own pace was the best idea. He instead turned up the radio a smidge more, but not loud enough where he couldn't hear her when she decided to come back, nor loud enough to disturb Peter's fitful sleep in the back. He just needed a little more noise since the silence of the rest of the car's occupants were going to drive him crazy if he were left alone with his thoughts.
"I've been watching the news," Pepper finally spoke up, her voice wavering. He was almost relieved to hear her voice again, he just didn't like how somber it sounded since it was so unlike her. "They mentioned what... what happened down by the ferry. How... how it was torn in half and almost sank, and... and how Peter and Tony saved it. And with the building, they're saying the explosion was possibly caused by a gas leak, or something... And you know, I'm not really sure if I believe that. I mean, doesn't it seem a little odd that both incidents happened in such close proximity to each other almost at the same time? How... how can that be a coincidence, Hap?"
Happy quickly glanced in the rearview mirror to check on the kid again. "I mean, I suppose it's possible what they're saying could be the case," he muttered. "But you're right, something doesn't feel right about this. Especially because we know for sure that Tony and Peter were involved with both incidents, which the news doesn't. Plus, when I was there, I didn't smell any gas or anything. Though, that really doesn't mean much since the fire is at the top of the building..."
"So... do you think it was... intentional...?" Pepper's fear at this possibility was palpable.
The head of security waited for a minute before he answered with a sigh. "I think it's very possible, Peps... After all, Peter was working on some sort of mission with... arms dealers with some alien-tech based weaponry when he got in over his head, from what Tony's told me. We can get more details from the kid on that when he's more coherent, no problem. But I wouldn't put it past them to strike when their guard was down, especially since they likely wouldn't want Iron Man getting on their trail, too. And..." He sighed in defeat. He was going to regret saying this, he knew it already. "And, well, Tony's sort of... made a lot of enemies over the years. A lot of people sorta hate him... and the rest of the Avengers, too, of course!" He quickly added the end, hoping to soften the blow.
Pepper's breath caught in her chest but didn't say a word, and Happy's heart dropped. Hearing that had been worse than having her snap at him, no doubt about it, and he regretted what he said even more, despite knowing that it was true.
"Regardless, I could be wrong, but after just the little bit I've learned after finding Peter, something isn't settling quite right in the sense of that explosion being an accident," he concluded.
A moment passed before Pepper sighed heavily, sounding as though she had the weight of the whole world pressing down on her shoulders. "No, no, you're right," she agreed softly, almost in resignation. "But that means that... that something could be wrong... with Tony... I mean, none of us are able to reach him..."
Happy nodded once. As optimistic as he'd tried to be with her earlier, that was a hauntingly real possibility, and certainly one that he didn't want to think about. "Agreed. But we'll figure this out, Peps. I promise. Just hang in there, okay?"
"I know... Of course I will."
Then, the head of security's brow furrowed when he heard a quiet sound from the backseat. He glanced in the rearview mirror to see that Peter was stirring and mumbling something in his sleep. He was clearly distressed.
"Hey, Peps, I'm gonna have to go," he told her. "Something's going on with the kid, and we're almost at the hospital now. I'll call you back when we're done at the ER. I don't see it taking very long... But you let me know if you hear anything, too. From... from Tony, or anything. You know he's more likely to reach out to you than me."
A slight laugh came from the other end of the phone, Pepper sounding like she'd cry instead if she hadn't. "Okay, Hap. I will."
"That a girl." With that, Happy hung up and tossed his phone to the passenger seat with the bag holding the Spider-Man suit before turning his full attention to the teen. Not that he was the most comfortable with kids, but this should be okay, he reasoned. "Hey, kid? Peter? You okay, buddy?" He paused, turning down the radio so he could try to make out what he was muttering about that was freaking him out so much. "Peter?"
Only met with more indistinguishable mumbles, Happy reached back with one arm, glancing behind him only briefly so he could keep his eyes on the road, and managed to set his hand lightly on the web-slinger's knee over his suit jacket. "Peter? It's okay, kid. You're okay. We're in my car, nothing's going to hurt you here. You're just having a nightmare, bud, that's all..."
"N-no... wait. Un-uncle Ben... wait... no..."
Happy's eyes narrowed slightly when this time, he could understand some of Peter's frantic mutterings. He secured his hold on his knee. "It's all right, kid," he reassured him. "It's just a nightmare. You're okay."
Suddenly, Peter jerked awake, his eyes wide as he looked around him. The head of security immediately withdrew his hand, and he felt the teen's panicked gaze focus intently on the back of his head. He then heard a quiet, almost nervous, chuckle.
"Oh... sorry about that, Ha-Happy. Didn't mean to... to bother you..."
Happy offered him a small smile flashed through the rearview mirror. "It's all right, buddy," he said, attempting to keep his tone light. "Didn't bother me." He frowned slightly. "You, uh... you're not the only one I know with bad nightmares..."
Though there was an undeniable look of curiosity on Peter's face at this, he didn't press the topic since he could tell the underlying subject of those words was a difficult one. Instead, he absently rubbed his arms, out of embarrassment more than anything else, as he gazed intently out the window. Why'd he have to go and do something stupid like that when he and Happy didn't necessarily get along the greatest in the first place?
But the head of security had come for him when he'd needed someone to...
Able to feel how uncomfortable things were getting, Happy sighed as he stopped at another red light. "You know you can go back to sleep if you want, kid," he told him. "I'm probably not the best at small talk right now, or really most the time if I'm being honest... Won't bother me a bit."
The teen noticeably paled as he briefly shook his head. "N-no, I'm okay, thanks..." he muttered, not able to look back at him.
Whatever the dream had been about had clearly scared him, that much was clear. Happy sighed before trying another tactic. "Well, we're almost at the hospital," he informed him. "So we'll soon be able to get ya in and out of there as quick as possible. How's that sound?"
Peter nodded once. "Yeah, sounds great." His tone was quiet, distant, disinterested even.
Knowing he probably wasn't going to make any progress with the kid at the moment, Happy looked straight ahead of him, focusing on the traffic as the hospital at last came into sight a few blocks ahead. He spared a brief glance down at the radio dial, and, thinking it wouldn't hurt, reached out and slowly turned it to the right so the music– a particular ACDC favorite of his that he shared with Tony– was a little louder. For some reason, it put his troubled mind a bit more at rest as fun moments with the billionaire over the years he knew he'd come to cherish came rushing back as the chorus came through the speakers. Besides, it wasn't like he and his passenger were going to be talking much, anyway.
So it was with surprise that he heard Peter's still somewhat weak voice yet again, though this time, it had a bit of a cheerful tone to it. "This song?" he spoke up. "It's a really old one, but I like it. Aunt May sometimes plays it."
Happy glanced in the rearview mirror curiously, seeing there was a small but true smile in the teen's paler features as he looked at the back of his head. His eyes, with the pupils slightly less dilated now, had a bit of a gleam to them. The former laughed, causing the look on Peter's face to broaden. "Y'know, this is one of Tony's favorites, too. He often listens to it while working on something or other in his lab," he replied with a fond smile of his own. "You've got a good taste in tunes there, kid. It's a classic!"
Peter chuckled quietly. "It's definitely catchy."
The head of security tapped the steering wheel in time to the beat, glancing in the mirror in time to see that Peter was nodding his head slightly to it as well as he went back to gazing out the window. He was glad to see the web-slinger's spirits had been lifted a little. The thought made his smile grow a little more.
But as he pulled into the hospital parking lot to look for a spot, Happy's brow furrowed a bit as his mind ventured to the nightmare that had so abruptly woken Peter.
Who was Uncle Ben?
Knowing it probably wasn't the best idea to ask at that time, he instead decided on the other thought that occurred to him as he kept his eyes out for an empty space. "Hey, kid? So, I know we're... associates? Friendly associates? Buddies?" An amused look passed over Peter's face as he attempted to find the right word. "Regardless, considering you're a minor, I don't think it's gonna be very simple for me to find out much about the injuries you sustained unless I'm a relation. So, if you don't object to me having your medical diagnosis here, we're gonna have to come up with something. I've got some tactics I can use, but..."
Once again, the teen was undeniably curious about this man who worked for Stark Industries, the intrigue this time enough to make him lean forward in the seat a bit. "Like what?" he wondered in awe.
Happy smirked. "Can't go revealing all my secrets, kid," he said. Though slightly disappointed, Peter found himself realizing that Tony and those he kept around him really were men of mystery. "Though I will say it's impossible to not pick up a couple things here and there from the years I've worked for a Stark. From what I've heard from Tony, you've got quite a sharp mind in ya, so it wouldn't surprise me if you pick up some things the more time you spend with us, too."
It was impossible for Peter to keep the grin from spreading across his face at this prospect, as well as the compliment he hadn't known Tony had given him.
"Anyway, I'd prefer to not have to resort to using any of those to find out how you're doing if I don't have to," the head of security continued. "So, that means we'll have to come up with something a bit easier and preferably at least appearing to be more legal."
The web-slinger worried his bottom lip between his teeth in careful thought as they finally found a parking spot about halfway across the lot and pulled into it. Then, a smirk of his own appeared on his face. "I've got something simple," he replied, a mischievous gleam appearing in his eyes. "Though I'll need you to answer something for me first."
Happy arched an eyebrow, almost regretting bringing up this issue already. He wasn't sure if he liked the look on the kid's face...
"Oh, yeah? And what would that be?"
If there was one place Happy hated sitting in more than any other, it was a hospital waiting room. Especially an emergency room waiting room. It wasn't quite as bad as lying in a hospital bed– he'd had more than enough of that to last him a lifetime after being caught and nearly killed in an Extremis explosion, leaving him comatose– but it was close enough to remind him of that time in his life he'd really rather forget about.
The head of security glanced around at the other people waiting with him for their friends and loved ones– a young mother with two children who couldn't have been more than three and doing everything she could to keep them occupied, a middle-aged couple trying to distract themselves by looking at some out-of-date magazines, a teenager counting out some coins presumably for the vending machine while his father didn't look up from his phone, and an old woman working patiently on some small knitting project with deft yet slightly trembling fingers, just to name a few– before turning his attention to his own phone and scrolling through his contacts. His thumb hovered over Tony's name for a moment, wanting to just go ahead and try calling yet again but not doing so since he knew nothing would change. He was definitely relieved that he had found Peter relatively unscathed, since although he annoyed the absolute crap out of him with his relentless phone calls, he was a good kid overall. Kept his nose clean mostly, at least.
But Tony...
His gaze landed on the picture he was using for the contact, and he couldn't help but smile as he enlarged it. Tony was next to him, sitting on the couch in his living room at his and Pepper's old home in Malibu, and while he was grinning broadly, the billionaire beside him was wearing an overdramatic expression of mock crying. A slight chuckle escaped him at the memory. It was one of the few times the other man had joined him to watch Downton Abbey, his own personal favorite show, and while he'd been obnoxious the entire time by either asking stupid questions about random things or questioning every little thing the characters did or even just wondered why he liked such an elegant soap opera, it was some of the most fun he'd ever had watching it (especially since he'd been able to catch the episode again at a later time to see what he'd missed while talking through it the first time). What he hadn't expected was for Tony to invite him back over a few weeks later, asking sarcastically, yet with a straight face, "So, what'd I miss? Who died? Got married? Had a kid? Whatever?" as they settled in to watch that evening's newest episode with a huge bowl of popcorn to share between them.
It was a fond memory he'd always treasure.
Happy sighed to himself as he slipped his phone back in the pocket of his suit jacket that he now had back. He had never expected that over the years he'd worked for him that Anthony Edward Stark would become his best friend. Sure, he was someone he'd always looked out for and protected, ever since he was first hired as his bodyguard and limo driver years ago. But back then, he had only done so since it was his job. Back then, Tony had been... eccentric, egotistical, and way too much of a playboy for his tastes. It was difficult work keeping track of him when he'd be running from party to party, or keeping an eye on whoever he spent his time with there, or having to keep tabs on everyone there because he'd never been certain who'd want to slip something in his charge's drink or try something else of suspicious nature that could bring him harm. Just like his dad before him, he had more enemies than people he could consider friends.
But that all changed when Tony had made that fateful trip to Afghanistan. He hadn't been able to protect him then. But how could he have? He'd had no clue that Obadiah Stane had tried to orchestrate the billionaire's captivity and death for all that time he'd worked with the younger Stark. But... perhaps he should have. He could have done something, noticed something, couldn't he have? That had been his job, hadn't it? Though he knew there was no use dwelling on that now. What was done was done, and Tony had still been returned to them safe and sound.
But it was definitely clear that his charge had been... different when he'd returned to the States after his captivity. He was almost a shell of his former self, no matter how hard he tried to pass off otherwise. Happy had been able to see all the cracks in the aloof, uncaring exterior of this completely changed man. And he had to admit to himself that while Tony had been in captivity for those three months, enduring who knew what, he realized that his role as bodyguard for Howard's son was much more than just a job. It was because he wanted to keep him safe. Because he cared.
As the billionaire had continued to recover from what had happened, both physically and mentally, he had opened up to him a bit more and became increasingly more friendly toward him, which Happy had initially found surprising. And over the years, they'd formed a close, trusting friendship. Happy didn't have too many people he could consider friends outside of those who worked at Stark Industries since the job had taken up most of his time for so many years, but he loved the little makeshift family that he, Tony, Pepper, and Colonel James Rhodes had created. Professionally speaking, he had continued to be Tony's bodyguard even when he wasn't CEO of Stark Industries anymore, at least for a little while. But he had to admit he'd felt ridiculous telling people he was the bodyguard of Iron Man of all people, so he'd demanded that he get a different position. After all, Tony didn't need him in that way anymore. While it wouldn't hurt for someone to keep an eye on him at least some of the time since he could still get himself into trouble relatively easily, he could overall take care of himself now. So he was thrilled when he was promoted to the head of security of Stark Industries, his main charge now being Pepper since she had taken over as CEO. Even though now, he was balancing that somewhat with the Asset Manager position he also held, and was secretly glad about since he'd really rather avoid another situation like the Extremis incident, which is why he found himself at the Tower so much packing up everything to move out.
But at the thought of the stubborn woman who had somehow won Tony's heart, Happy's thoughts flitted to the silver engagement ring with the impressive gem in it that had been sitting in his suit pocket for quite some time, ever since the other man had not been able to even think about it not long after he had bought it for her, which had ironically been shortly before she walked out his door. Happiness was the one thing he'd always wanted for Howard's son. And happiness was one thing he did not have before Pepper had surprisingly made such an impact on his life, even though Tony at one time would have argued the ritz and glamour of his playboy, party lifestyle was all he'd ever need. But Happy had seen, as things had begun to develop between him and his– at the time– personal assistant in a way none of them had ever anticipated, that his charge had been discovering a true source of happiness and peace through her for the first time in his life. That woman was the best thing to ever happen to the billionaire, of that he was certain. He had been encouraged when they'd moved in together the closer they'd gotten over the years, he had been elated when Tony had taken the step to actually buy the ring. He had been disheartened, angry at his former boss even, when he had let her walk away. Though he had also been able to see, as much as the other man didn't want to show it, just how heartbroken and lost he had been without her with him.
It was why he had been so relieved when Pepper had shown up at Avengers Tower one night about a couple months ago, saying that Tony had tried to reach her more than once sounding as though he needed her. That she had come back, even as a friend, had been a good step in the right direction. It had given him hope that they would be able to find their way back to each other once again since it was clear to him that neither of them had lost their feelings for the other.
Perhaps it was a hope that was still there. If Tony wasn't... No, he couldn't bring himself to think it.
But while he was glad to watch over the feisty woman, especially now when she needed that shoulder to lean on, there were many times where Happy missed the way things used to be with his former boss– the way things were before he'd donned the suits and started saving the world as Iron Man along with his new superfriends. At least he would still be his chauffeur from time to time, as it gave them some time together like it used to be, but still, it just wasn't the same. And at least with this kid that Tony had brought in to mentor, it gave them something else to do and bond over together.
As he sat in the uncomfortable chair, glancing at the small television hanging in the corner and reading the scrolling news headlines about the incident down by the Staten Island Ferry featuring both Spider-Man and Iron Man as well as the fire still blazing in the nearby building, he couldn't help but think that maybe– maybe– he could have protected Tony this time, too. That if he had somehow been able to, like he used to, he'd be okay now.
But just like with Afghanistan, he hadn't been able to protect him. And now he was missing and possibly hurt, or... or...
"Mr. Harold Hogan?"
Happy flinched a bit at his dreaded real name. This was what the kid had asked him in the car before they'd walked into the hospital. Not that he minded the name "Harold" overly much, really, he just wasn't used to it being used for him since he had gone by this nickname dumped on him by Tony for so long. Hearing it aloud was a bit off-putting, to say the least.
But, having to keep up appearances, and to follow the plan that he and Peter had come up with, the head of security rose to his feet, grumbling under his breath at how stiff his back was from that blasted chair, and ambled his way over to the middle-aged doctor who'd stepped into the waiting room. "Yes, that'd be me," he said, quickly making sure his Stark Industries badge was in plain sight. "How's my nephew?"
As strange as it was to say, he thought he managed to pull it off well. This had been the kid's simple idea to get him into his hospital room to find out what the damage was. And it was very simple and to the point. Much easier than any other thing he could have done, which, granted, wasn't much since he wasn't a tech genius like Tony. But still. He could do some things. Thankfully when they'd checked in and the receptionist asked Peter some basic questions, they hadn't pressed further on the fabrication of the familial relation. Also in hindsight, he knew it would have been easier still to just bring the teen to the Avengers facility upstate to get medical treatment. But the hospital had been closer, and quite honestly, the way Peter had been so off made him nervous to the point of wanting to get him checked out as quickly as possible. Not to mention only he, Tony, and Pepper knew his real identity, so bringing him to the facility wouldn't have been the best idea. The only concern had been the bill, which Happy had agreed to cover under the guise of the Stark internship so his Aunt May would never have to know he was there if it wasn't serious and she had to know, and so she wouldn't have to pay for an "on-the-job" injury.
The doctor flashed him a too bright smile he wasn't sure he trusted before glancing down at his clipboard. "He's resting and watching TV now," he informed him before chuckling. "Though I can tell you, he doesn't want to be anywhere near here. He was complaining through most of our examination."
Happy couldn't keep the small smile from appearing at the corner of his lips. That sounded more like the teen he knew.
"So, you said that you and your nephew were on the Staten Island Ferry this afternoon when the incident happened, is that correct?"
"Yes," Happy answered with a nod, keeping to the story he and Peter had come up with. "Honestly, I have no clue what was happening when the ferry just started... breaking apart, and then that Spider-Man guy and Iron Man were there... It was crazy. But with all that happening, I was afraid that he may have... hit his head, or something, since he wasn't quite acting like himself when we got off the ferry."
The doctor spared a quick glance at his security badge before turning back to his notes. "Well, he did exhibit signs of minor head trauma, but nothing major such as a concussion or any swelling," he said. "There really weren't too many alarming physical ailments at all, actually. Other than some lacerations, abrasions, contusions, and some muscle weakness, I'd say that you and your nephew were relatively lucky today, Mr. Hogan."
Happy was about to allow himself a sigh of relief when that dreaded word came.
"However."
Dread flooded through the head of security as he met the other man's gaze. "However...?" he prompted.
The doctor sighed and lowered his glasses as he met the other man's gaze. "There were... lingering remains of a hallucinogenic in his system."
It took a moment for Happy to fully comprehend exactly what the doctor was telling him. Well, that could certainly account for why the kid was so off. It was definitely something he could have mentioned. If he'd even known...
"A hallucinogenic?" he repeated quietly. "Like a drug?"
"More like a gas," the doctor replied. "It's almost flushed out of his system now, and he seems to be getting a little stronger as a result. But do you have any idea where your nephew could have come in contact with it, Mr. Hogan?"
"N-no," Happy muttered, his mind racing. How could have a hallucinogenic gas gotten into the kid's system? Unless it had happened on top of that building... His heart dropped at the thought of what that could have meant for Tony, as well as cemented for him that what had happened couldn't have been anything but intentional. "He doesn't do that kind of stuff, if that's what you're implying. He's a good kid!"
"I have no doubt of that, Mr. Hogan. But sometimes even good kids make stupid choices..."
"Not this kid." No, not the goody-two-shoes, always-to-school-on-time, always-getting-his-homework-done, and always-eager-to-impress teen Tony had taken under his wing. "He keeps his nose clean, I guarantee it."
The doctor sighed. "Then do you have any idea how your nephew could have come in contact with it, Mr. Hogan?" he repeated.
Happy frantically attempted to think of something, anything, that could be a relatively good answer to that question. "Well, I know the FBI was on that ferry, too," he finally said, remembering what Tony had told him about how he had been attempting to help Peter with the arms dealers. "Tracking down some people who were dealing with something illegal."
When the doctor arched a questioning eyebrow, the head of security sighed. "Look, I'm not exactly sure how he could have come in contact with it," he conceded. "But that's my best guess. We weren't anywhere else today where he could have. Honest. And he didn't start acting a bit differently until we were off the ferry, when I wanted him to get checked out, anyway."
A moment passed where the doctor studied his eyes, making Happy inwardly squirm, almost as if he were checking for any signs that he could have come in contact with this hallucinogenic gas, too. "Well, Mr. Hogan, it is not my place to tell you the best way of how to handle your nephew from here, although I can offer you some resources that may be of help to him before you leave," he told him.
"And when can that be?" Happy asked, not caring if his tone came off a bit snippy or not.
"It shouldn't take much longer for that drug to wear off, it's already doing so at a quick rate," the doctor answered, ignoring the snippy tone like a true professional. "Since there's nothing else physically wrong with him that's a matter of concern, he may leave after that and when he's feeling up to it. Other than that, he did ask for you, so you can go see him."
This time, Happy did breathe a sigh of relief. At least they didn't have to stay long, like he'd predicted. "Thank you, doctor." He watched as the other man nodded once before walking away to address another person waiting before he pushed open the door that led to the back rooms.
As the head of security made his way down the bustling hallway toward the room he had helped bring Peter to some time after they had checked in, he found his mind was still drastically spinning. He smiled slightly and muttered a quick apology when he almost bumped into a nurse who was hurrying by before sighing wearily. The little more he was able to figure out and piece together about what had happened after the ferry incident was only leaving him with more questions, and not very pleasant ones.
There was no doubt in his mind now, between the explosion and the hallucinogenic gas, that whatever had happened on top of that building had been some sort of attack. But why? What had the attackers wanted? Had they been after Tony or Peter, or perhaps even both? Had the arms dealers wanted to make a more desperate move to get Spider-Man and Iron Man off their trail? But why the gas?
And where was Tony? He would definitely have to go back and look further for him, especially if he was also dealing with the hallucinogenic in his system...
Happy was almost making himself dizzy with all of these questions as he rounded the corner and approached the open doorway of the kid's room. He glanced inside, smiling a bit when he saw that Peter had dozed off while watching some stupid show on MTV. He walked inside before carefully lowering himself into the cushioned chair with a sigh, stretching his legs out in front of him in an attempt to get comfortable.
It wasn't very long before he couldn't take anymore of what was playing on the screen, so since the teen was asleep anyway, Happy grabbed the remote and flipped the television to a local news channel, seeing that both the ferry incident and the building fire were still being covered. Just like he'd hoped. Just in case there was anything new.
When he saw there wasn't yet, he made sure Peter was comfortable before he pulled out his cell phone. He considered for a few minutes how to word what he'd learned in a quick text to Pepper, not really able to think of an easy way to do it. He also wondered if he should bring up what he was thinking in terms of having the kid stay with them for a bit at the Avengers Tower since the feeling of dread about the intentions of the attackers wouldn't leave him alone.
"Ha-Happy...?"
At the weak, quiet voice, Happy quickly raised his head to see Peter was now awake and looking up at him intently. But it was how wide his eyes were, the fear in them palpable, that unsettled him the most.
"Hey, kid," he said, trying to be as calming as possible. It wouldn't be too much of a stretch if the kid was a bit disoriented as the hallucinogenic continued to leave his system. "You'll be okay in a little bit, buddy, I promise..."
But he stopped when the teen shook his head almost frantically. "N-no... That's n-not it..." he stammered, reaching out and lightly grasping his arm. "It's... it's..."
Happy fought his normal instinct of pulling away from the touch as his eyes narrowed slightly. The web-slinger seemed truly panicked. "What's wrong, kid?" he wondered, still forcing his voice to remain calm.
Peter continued to stare at him, wide-eyed, as he took a few deep breaths. His voice cracked a bit on his next words. "I... I remember..."
At this, Happy's stomach tightened. He leaned forward a bit. "Just breathe," he muttered, setting a steady hand on his shoulder. "What do you remember, Peter?"
A moment passed where the teen attempted to slow his breathing before he licked his lips to get moisture into them and swallowed hard before he was able to reply.
"I... I remember more of... of what happened with Mr. Stark... on that building..."
Happy's heart leapt, both out of hope but also fear. That was encouraging. Maybe he could get more of a direction of what could have possibly happened to Tony, of where to look...
But before he could say anything more, something the reporter on the news was saying caught his ear. Though playing quietly, it sounded eerily like his best friend's name...
Glancing at the television to make sure he'd heard correctly, Happy's eyes widened as his heart almost stopped and his stomach plummeted when he read the breaking news headline on the bottom of the screen.
Stark Presumed Dead; Spider-Man To Blame?
Author's Note: Annnd, there's a bit of a cliff-hanger! So, Peter's recovering, and Tony's still missing. Peter's starting to remember what happened, and then there's this breaking news headline. So, that still begs the question– what happened? We'll start finding out soon-ish! Thanks for reading, guys! As always, feedback is appreciated! Until next time :-)