As time went on, Tony was lost in the confusion of what the day of the week was. But he kept on meditating with Strange. He kept Peter and Steve close on either side. He knew he could do it.
Because Tony Stark can do anything.
"Honey?"
Tony opened his eyes to the living, wanting to look Steve in the eyes as he spoke.
"What is it, Babe?" He held his hand as if he was caressing Steve's cheek.
Steve shivered and went to place his hand through Tony's when...
Tony felt a shock bigger than Thor's lightning go through his entire body.
"Steve?" Tony closed his eyes. "Guys! I think I got 'em!" He opened them again to see Steve staring at him, petrified.
"Tony? Am I dreaming?" Steve blinked back tears. There he was, mostly. To him, he looked like a projection, like Strange had explained.
"No, no...I'm here. I've never left you. I've been right here Steve. Calling for you."
"What happened? How is this possible?"
"The Infinity Stones must have a way with words...Thanos wanted to wipe out half of the population of the universe. Who would've thought that there was an odd number?" He laughed. "I know your math is not as up to par as the rest of us, but-"
"Oh, Tony..." Steve cried. "I'm so sorry."
"I promise, I am ok...it's just been weird lately. Being only half dead is challenging. When I open my eyes, I'm here. But when I close my eyes...I'm with them."
"Them? As in..."
"Everyone snapped away." Tony sighed. "I was passed out and saw none of that going on. But I felt like I was dying, but never did. This is all just a big mess."
"Tony, we think you were cursed. That you pissed off the wrong alien and now..."
"Squidward." Tony narrowed his eyes.
"I'm assuming you know what I'm talking about?" Steve was so overwhelmed right now. He had seen some crazy things in this new century, but this had to top it all. Aliens, no big deal. Aliens with a vendetta against everything he thought he now knew? Bringing a whole mess of chaos.
"Yeah, but I killed him." Tony heard his name, and closed his eyes.
"A dead man's curse is very difficult to break." Strange explained. "I think it's time Steve gathers up the team."
"Can you give me a minute, Doc?" Tony barked.
"Tell him I said hi!" Peter raised his hand, as if Steve could see him.
"Peter says hi. I'm glad you got to meet him."
"Yeah, we talked for a while before..." Steve looked sad. "Tony, he was so scared. He saw T'Challa disappear, then for some reason, knew he was next. I thought he was just sick, but..."
"It's the Peter Tingle." Tony smirked, then turned behind him, as if winking at someone Steve could not see. "It's like a sixth sense. He can tell when danger is coming."
"Wow...that kid really is impressive." Steve thought back to their first meeting in Germany. He then realized what he did to that poor kid, no matter how strong he was, that was something on any other day Steve Rogers-Stark would never do.
"Yeah, he is." Tony agreed. "I need you to do something for me."
"Anything, Tony. I will do anything to bring you back."
"I need you to assemble the team. Anyone who is left. We're trying to find everyone on our side. But we have got to figure out where that son of a bitch is, so we can bring everyone back."
Steve squeezed his hand and kissed it. Tony never realized how much he missed that. "Of course. Are you coming with me?"
"Actually, Babe, I'm really tired. I need a minute to...recover."
Steve smiled, remembering his promise to take better care of himself. "I'm proud of you."
Tony reached forward and kissed Steve. It was so cold, it almost scared Steve, but he welcomed it tenfold and kissed back eagerly.
"Ok?"
"Yeah."
"Then let's go get this son of a bitch." Steve winked as Tony thought he was having another heart attack. He laughed so loud, he felt like he had woken the dead...bad joke, Tony.
On both sides of reality, they searched and called far and wide for anyone they could think of.
Steve was already making a plan with the Avengers in the compound as to how they were to obtain the Infinity Stones from Thanos. He thought they would be alone in this, but Tony assured him that they could help a little from the other side.
"Uh, Cap. We got a visitor." Rhodey pointed over his shoulder to a blonde woman in a suit, her eyes glowing.
"Where's Fury?"