Where there is anger, there is always pain underneath.

Anger

It was only a few days and Tony was back and forth when it came to accepting that Peter was dead and being denial. He refused to be seen, even when it was obvious that everyone was concerned.

The only people that had left was Clint and Scott, who had families they needed to see and couldn't stay.

Steve and the rest of the Avenger checked on Tony every day, though the man would never respond and just kept his eyes staring at the ceiling with the Spider-Man mask close to his proximity.

The only people he would respond was talking to Morgan over the phone, listen to Pepper's gentle voice and Rhodey. That was it.

Peter's body was taken to Wakanda, where Shuri and a bunch of other doctors could figure out on removing the stones without ruining the body. No one told Tony about Peter's body being moved. They thought it was the best to keep it low until Tony's mental health improved, though they were expecting it to be a long road of recovery ahead of them.

Tony had nightmares every night. The same one every time. Peter being grasped into Thanos' hand and him choking and dying. It was haunting to say the least. It got to Tony so badly that he wouldn't sleep.

Pepper or Rhodey would have to comfort him those nights, but it still didn't change the fact that Peter was dead.

Peter could've helped ease his PTSD.

Peter could've helped him all through it.

But he was gone. And it was getting worse.

Sometimes, they had to give him sedatives, despite his harsh protests. Pepper and Rhodey knew why he would be defensive when it came to sleeping, and no matter how much the nightmare was occurring, he needed to sleep.

The only time when he was normal, was when he talked to his 5 year old daughter.

Of course, only over phone calls. He didn't want to see his daughter being worried over his well being.

Speaking of well being, his appearance looked like he fought the Chitauri army again, but this time the pain felt unbearable.

There was dark bags under his bloodshot eyes. His injuries were healing every so slowly, making him limited to doing things. Hell, he felt so helpless and useless. He couldn't do anything under the supervision of Pepper and Rhodey.

They were too keen.

Tony just wanted to go home. Take a swig of scotch to wash away his sorrows. He was sober since Morgan was born again, but damn, he needed a drink.

He missed Peter. He needed Peter. But out of all his pleads...the world will never give his kid back.

"We need to tell him," Pepper hissed at Steve.

Even though Steve was the captain of the Avengers, fought in the army and battled Thanos, there was no doubt that Pepper was very scary when she was aggravated, upset and angry.

This was one of those times.

"I know, I know, but Tony isn't in his mentality to hear this," Steve explained, earning a pointed glare from the woman.

"And keeping this secret that's about Peter will only make it worse," she seethed. "You kept a secret and that's how the Avengers disbanded! Imagine when he finds out that we kept this from him," Pepper said.

There was a flash of hurt crossing his face...though, it was true...

Steve shook his head and looked down. "You're right, but how are we supposed to talk to him when I or the other Avengers can talk to him," he asked.

"If its about Peter, he'll listen," Pepper said plaintively.

"Why can't you do it?" He asked, sounding like a 6 year old child. Pepper gave him sharp glare that sent Steve's body in shivers.

"'Cause I'm not the one to bring Peter's body to freaking Wakanda without Tony's consent. Now that I mention it, without May's consent either," she replied that definitely meant that there was no way of getting out of this.

Who was May, though?

Speaking of May, she found out over 24 hours after they got back from battling Thanos. Pepper had the time to visit her, but it wasn't her joy to tell Peter's Aunt that he died reversing the snap.

Though, she accepted Peter's death better than Tony. Mostly because she was a nurse and watching people die from old age, cancer, or sickness was...expected. Sad thing about hospitals is that its like a gamble. People can come out...and the other people remain.

Still, she took it hard. Her only family member was gone. Though, Pepper would make sure that May was never alone. Not when Peter was family to them. May was family to them as well.

Steve sighed. "Alright, alright...how soon can I talk to him?"

"Now," She immediately replied. "He just got done with talking to Morgan."

Tony was exhausted. Having to keep his pain and mournful posture away from Morgan was absolutely draining. He loved his daughter 3000, and would never let her see him in pain. Not when she was still young to experience happiness.

He looked over to Spider-Mans mask and brought it to his nose. It was the only thing that had Peter's scent. Something he was thankful to have as of right now...he still could've preferred Peter at his side, giggling like a little child and him ruffling the kid's soft curls.

He sniffed and rubbed his tired eyes with the back of his hand.

God, he wanted Peter in his arms again...

A knock interrupted his thoughts and he looked up, expecting Pepper to come in, but little did he know that Steve would pop his head in and give a small smile to him. Tony watched as Steve went fully in and sat down in a chair next to him.

It took every ounce to scowl at the Captain and look away, but he kept his hard look at Steve. He didn't know why he was angry, or blamed everyone for the reason on losing the kid.

But he just...did.

"Look Tony," Steve started. "I just wanted to see how're you're feeling."

"I'm fine," Tony snapped in reply, looking away. He heard Steve shuffling and then a hand on his shoulder.

"I know you're not," he said quietly. Tony felt a rush of anger course through his body as he flared his nose and jerked his shoulder away from the man's touch. "The hell you want, Steve?" He snarled.

Steve took a hesitant step back and brought his arms to his side. "Tony, I-"

"Listen, just tell me what you're here for and after that, leave me alone," Tony responded, his voice sounding like acid.

Steve looked at the man intently. He'd seen Tony go through emotional stuff, get drunk and still go off with a fake smile afterwards. But this time? Tony was disastrous. His face was pale as ever, lips parched and dry. There was weight on his shoulders that even Steve couldn't comprehend.

Giving Tony his wish, he closed his eyes and looked down. "Peter's body has been transferred to Wakanda-"

"Why?" Was Tony's question immediately. Steve didn't even bother to look up and look at Tony's facial expression. Because he knew that Tony's look would kill him by now. Especially how snappish and vexed he was towards everyone but Pepper and Morgan.

"The infinity stones is buried in Peter's hand...we can't remove it with the technology we have. Its too dangerous," he sighed.

Tony just glared at him.

"I know we shouldn't have done it without your consent, but you were mentally unstable...we didn't think it would be the best to tell you," Steve said sincerely, finally having the guts to look at Tony.

The look on Tony's face though, was expected.

"You brought my kid's body to some obscure place that even I don't know about," Tony whispered, eyes averting to Steve with a deadly glance. "What the hell were you thinking, Cap?! This is my kid's body and you somehow think you could take Peter's body away without letting me-" He froze and Steve grimaced.

"Does his Aunt know?" Tony questioned afterwards, his voice full of venom.

Steve's face looked surprised. "Who?"

"Peter's Aunt, you asshole!" Tony exclaimed with anger.

"B-but, I thought Peter was your son-"

"He was my intern," Tony seethed, but eyes softened as he looked down at the Spider mask in his lap. Peter wasn't just an intern, he was so much more than he would admit. So much more...

Steve gave a defeated sigh and shook his head. "No..."

"For God's sakes!" Tony threw his hands up. "Did you ever think to use your special brain?!"

Steve held his hands up in defense. "We didn't know...Pepper never mentioned his Aunt."

Tony looked at him with a violent stare. "Don't you fucking dare bring Pepper into this mess!"

The Captain remained calm, but inside he could literally feel the fear in his bones. "Look Tony, I know you're upset, but we wouldn't have been able to do the funeral until the stones were extracted," he explained.

Tony's eyes drooped down and sighed in defeat. "Fine," he replied curtly. "When did you take Peter to Wakanda?"

"About a few days ago," Steve responded, shrugging. "Shuri has been the one to be the one operating it."

Tony inhaled and exhaled and nodded mutely. "Give me all the updates from now on and I'll talk to Shuri about this...situation," he added a little softly.

Steve sagged his shoulders, blowing out a small breath of relief. But it still didn't mean that Tony was mad at him.

"Now...please go," he whispered, looking up at the ceiling again, and swallowing thickly.

"Thank you, Tony," Steve murmured before walking out to leave the billionaire to collect his thoughts.

"Daddy?" A soft, squeaky voice entered his over thinking mind. He craned his head and smiled gently, watching Morgan and Pepper walk over to slowly to his hospital bed.

"There's my baby girl," Tony cooed. "Did you behave at your grandparents house?"

She nodded and allowed for her mother to prop her up on the bed side. "Me and grandma were drawing...look!" Morgan exclaimed, holding up a piece of paper. Tony took it eagerly and scanned it with a smile. It was Ironman with his signature pose with a mini Ironman doing the same one. Out of the corner, however, surprised him. In the corner was Spider-Man crouching down with webs near him.

"Its Spider-Man!" She said excitingly. "Like how you would tell stories of him."

Tears welled up in his eyes. He looked away for a moment before facing his daughter with a small smile. "Its looks amazing, honey."

Morgan returned the gesture and curled up on his side. "I missed you, daddy," she sighed.

Tony sniffed and kissed the top of her head. "Me too, sweetheart."

He felt his other side of the bed shift and a hand gently running through his messy hair. He craned his neck and saw Pepper gazing at him and Morgan with so much love. Since Peter's death, he couldn't help but feel more calmer.

Pepper gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. "I know that Peter's gone," she murmured between the kisses. "but just know that we'll always be with you...no matter what." Tony choked back a sob and sensed a thumb rubbing over his cheek, never noticing the tears that were leaking out.

"I love you," she whispered.

Tony leaned against Pepper's touch. "I love you too, Pep."

For once, he felt content, and even though there was going to be trials and tribulations when it came to Peter's death, he knew he wasn't going to be all alone.

It was the next day, and Tony was the one to talk to Shuri. And damn...this girl was so intelligent, it reminded him of Peter so much it hurt.

"The Stones I have noticed is deteriorating Spider-Man's hand as we speak. We must remove them as soon as possible...or there won't be a body to bury," Shuri explained sadly. Tony nodded and looked at the details that has been sent through the hologram.

"Will you be able to remove them?" Tony asked curtly.

"Yes and no," she replied. "My technology is able to take the Stones easily, but I am no expert on the human body. One mistake and it could blow Spider-Man's body into ashes."

"Peter," Tony said quietly. "His name is Peter."

Shuri pursed her lips and nodded. "Though, I am quite surprised that his body hasn't fully become ashes by now."

"What do you mean?"

"Even when his brain isn't functioning, his body is still using his enhanced abilities to heal themselves and their wounded parts. If we can remove the stones, we can let his body regenerate before it gives out completely," Shuri responded.

"I see," Tony murmured and looked at the Wakandian girl with determination in his eyes. "Is there any chance I could operate with you?"

Shuri hesitated. "Sir, it is not wise to do an operation when you are unstable. I understand this is your son, but I think it is best to let someone else to do the operation with me-"

"No," The man said firmly. "I will be fine. I was able to place them on the gauntlet with no problems and I will have no problem of extracting them," he said.

"Mister Stark, this is surgery we are talking about," Shuri said sternly. "This isn't mechanics or anything like that. It is quite more fragile than any other machine."

Tony thought for a moment before thinking of a compromise. "Can I just watch the operation as it goes then?"

Shuri was about to protest, but when she saw the father's pleading eyes. The eyes on which to at least save his boy's body to properly bury, she couldn't bring herself to say no.

"Very well, Tony Stark. Be at Wakanda by next sunrise," she informed before tapping out and the hologram fading.

After that, Tony just stared at the wall. He knew he shouldn't be doing this. He knew about being unstable...but this was his kid.

If he couldn't give Peter a proper greeting, he was going to give him a proper farewell.

"No, Tony!" Pepper exclaimed, arms crossing over chest as she watched her husband look down at his lip. "What you need to do is rest!"

"I'm fine!" Tony hissed.

"No you're not! This isn't up for debate! You need to rest and-"

"And what?" Tony exploded, sitting up forcefully and eyes boring right into Pepper's stern eyes. "And watch helplessly while someone is removing the stones from my kid's hand?! No one knows better than I do that Peter has enhanced powers! Anything could go wrong! I am not letting him turn into ashes again! I-I can't! I don't want him to-to s-suffer like the last t-time he-he died!" He started hyperventilating and heaving dry sobs as his whole body shook.

Pepper froze and her dropped her hands to her side, softening her gaze.

"Tony," she whispered.

His eyes welled up with tears when he looked at his wife with a pained expression. "Please, Pep...I need to help, I-I can't just wait here and watch as my kid is having complications, whether he's dead or not."

The woman stayed silent for a few moments before leaning. "Why?" She asked.

Tony shot her a confused look, but she just turned that down and repeated. "Why?"

The man blinked and then looked down, his eyes averted to Peter's mask as he caressed it gently between his fingers. "I wasn't there for Peter when he needed me, Pep," he started. "And now? The least I could do is help Peter give a proper farewell; a proper funeral!...I wasn't able to save him ashes...I wasn't able to just bring him back like that! He wasn't buried properly because he turned to ashes, and...I don't anyone to know that Peter died by being turned into ashes...again." He took a breath and exhaled. "I just want him to know that I...that I-"

"Stop," Pepper whispered. She leaned farther and kissed her husband's temple. "I understand."

Pepper pursed her lips and sighed. "Alright...but! You need to rest right now and while you are on the plane...and I'm coming with you," she said and that was final. Tony was about to protest, but she hardened her look and he shrunk back into his hospital bed.

"Thanks, Pep," he whispered.

"You know I'll be there for you," she reminded.

"I know," he murmured.

"When you do you need to be at Wakanda?" Pepper asked.

"By next sunrise," Tony answered, giving his wife a weak grin.

"He's what?!" The Avengers exclaimed in unison. Pepper sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, already feeling a headache coming in. "Tony is going to Wakanda for Peter's...extraction."

"Why does he have to go?" Bucky questioned, earning a handful of nods from his comrades. Pepper stared at them as if they were idiots. "What do you think?" She grumbled. Everyone exchanged glances to each other and suddenly remembering that they this was about Peter.

Right.

"Can," Steve took a breath. "Can he really watch the operation in such a...mental state?"

"I've already contacted Shuri about this whole endeavor. She knows about his condition and we're both prepared if anything happens." Pepper shrugged and looked at them with a weary smile. "Besides, someone is gonna have to pick up Peter's body."

The room was utterly silent.

Pepper was right. Someone was gonna have to pick up Spider-man's body. Rocket, Gamora, Quill, Groot, Nebula and Thor showed their sympathies by tasking on taking Peter's body to Wakanda with strict instructions.

After all, this was Peter's body...that also held the Infinity stones.

Steve shook his head and cleared his throat, earning the attention of everybody. "Should we accompany you?" He asked.

Pepper pursed her lips. "Honestly, I have no idea how Tony is going to feel. He's been pretty pissy to everyone but Morgan," she sighed.

"Where is Morgan?" Rhodey asked.

"With Tony. He promised he would sleep if he saw Morgan before we leave," she replied, a fond quirk of her lips tugging upwards at the sight. Morgan running up to her father's hospital bed as she tried climbing up onto and snuggling with him.

It was one thing she could see Tony relax.

"Are you sure you don't want us to come?" Steve asked, interrupting Pepper's thoughts in the process.

"I'll go," Rhodey said instantly, stepping in.

Pepper smiled. "I'm sure he'd enjoy the company," she said. Everyone nodded in agreement. They were going whether Tony liked it or not.

"What about Morgan?" Rhodey asked.

"Grandparents will help out," Pepper answered as if it was obvious. "Anything else?"

"Yeah...when are we going?"

"Now." Before anyone could ask more questions, she turned her back towards them and strolled into the hospital room.

Thank you for all the reviews and those favorited and followed. It warms my heart to see many people enjoy the fic despite the angst and whump. On the other hand, I know I don't reply to reviews, but I just wanna say that I love each and every one of your guys' comments. It makes me so motivated and I can just feel the excitement I get when one of you reviews. Thank you so much. I won't be able to upload as soon as I wanted to, so expect a chapter in another...3 or 4 weeks lol...

(Also, regarding to the guest, Calvin, I like your idea! Perhaps I will use it :)

I have a tumblr that I rarely use, so if you have that, say hello on there as well! -MercyMaeyo