"Why the fuck is it always New York City? Seriously? What is it about this fucking city?" Tony groused as he blasted a bot out of the way and dodged the return fire. "And magic? Why does everyone and their brother know magic? Where are these people coming from?" Iron Man blasted past Thor who was currently beating back the opposition with Mjölnir.

"Iron Man, your left." Captain America's voice filtered through the comm as Iron Man jerked out of the way of an oncoming blast.

"Thanks, Cap." The whine of a repulsor filled the air as Iron Man blasted upwards going towards the maniac controlling the chaos below. He was struck hard in the right side causing the suit to actually cave in. It was now cutting into his side and he felt his arm bend at an unnatural angle before he righted himself before shooting back towards the biggest threat. Pain was being pushed back into the farthest corner of his mind. Blackwidow dodged an attack and came up firing while Hawkeye picked off the attacker behind her from up high on a skyscraper. Debris rained down as the Hulk flung himself through the air at one of the more aggressive bots as it began firing down at the Avengers who were mostly Earthbound. Iron Man began firing, putting as much power behind each attack as possible and slightly more than JARVIS thought was advisable. "Fucking ridiculous." He growled it out as he dodged some kind of magic being thrown at him before he realized that his opponent was now aiming at Hawkeye who was protecting Captain America and Blackwidow's backs as they were swarmed upon by several more bots. Thor was making his way towards their direction having eliminated his own opponents and realizing his fellow warriors were in peril.

Hawkeye's back was turned as he focused on the threat below and that momentary lapse gave an opening for an attack. Iron Man threw everything into his repulsors and shot in front of the attack; the suit absorbed the blow and successfully blocked his teammate. It was then that Hawkeye whipped around in time to see the lights in the Iron Man suit shutter and go dark as Iron Man fell from the sky towards the ground. "Fuck! Iron Man is down."

"Someone catch Stark!" Coulson's voice blasted through everyone's comm as Iron Man plummeted closer to the ground. The Hulk launched himself from the ground towards the Avenger rapidly coming towards Earth. He wrapped his arms around Iron Man as gravity took him back to street level. Thor had turned from his destination before he made his way towards Iron Man's attacker and blasted him out of the sky. He was fortunate that he had more experience in dealing with opponents who utilized magic. That and the fact that the other man was distracted by Iron Man's decent gave him an advantage. The second that the man was unconscious, having lost his grip on the device he was holding, the bots lost their ability to maneuver and began crashing into objects, buildings and each other. "Stark? Stark? Tony? Can you hear me?" Coulson tried to rouse Iron Man and despite all his complaints, threats and glares towards Tony Stark he could not control the panic that was bleeding into his voice. "Dammit, Stark. Don't you fucking do this." It was an order that was not responded to and Coulson was rapidly losing composure. That was one of his Avengers and he'd be damned if he lost one.

Captain America raced towards his downed teammate with the others following rapidly behind. Steve Rogers hit his knees to the ground and reached down at Tony; his hands fluttered over Iron Man's helmet before he pried the faceplate off in a move similar to that from after the Battle of New York. He stared down at the closed eyes and pale face before opening his mouth, "Tony. Come on. Why do you keep doing this to me?" the last sentence was quieter but none the less audible. Behind him Hawkeye and Coulson approached.

"Dammit, Stark. What the hell were you thinking flinging yourself in front of me?" Clint glared down at Tony's face because it was a better option than acknowledging the sinking feeling in his gut. "You're going to give Phil so much paperwork we'll not see him for weeks."

A short gasp and the eyes fluttered open; Tony Stark's expression was pained and his face was pale. The Arc Reactor remained dark.

"Tony." It was said with relief as Steve Rogers started to relax, but Coulson was still tense and staring at the Iron Man's chest.

"Stark. Do you have any backup Arc Reactors?" his voice was urgent as he crouched down beside Tony. Tony who was struggling to breathe and his hands were fluttering near his dead Arc Reactor. He nodded and tried to sit up. "Where are they?"

"Workshop. Dummy knows."

Coulson turned to Thor, "Can you get there quickly?" his voice was pressing.

"Yes, Son of Coul." He sounded solemn, "But I have not been in the workshop before."

Steve jerked to his feet and walked to Thor. "I go down there all the time. I'll come." Thor nodded, grabbed onto Steve and they shot off leaving the other Avengers behind to help their fallen teammate.

"What were you thinking?" Clint demanded as Tony tried not to focus on the pain. This was going to be another close call and he'd been working so hard not to emphasize just how important the Arc Reactor was to his life. Just how quickly things could progress towards life threatening. "I had everything under control!"

"I was thinking that I couldn't let my teammate get hit by whatever that was…the suit can take more. And your back was turned…you were helping the others." Tony gave a halfhearted smile as he worked to ignore the stabbing pain. "We need to get this off. JARVIS, a little help please."

"Of course, Sir." Came the smooth voice and Tony could detect the slight worry in the AI's voice. The sounds of the Iron Man suit releases going off filled the air as it began to move. Natasha got to her knees and began lifting the parts off carefully, mindful of the injured man beneath. The gloves were easy as were the parts on his legs. She stared at the caved in part of the chest plate and the damaged arm of the suit. With great caution and steady hands she began to remove the damaged bits just as Thor hit the ground with Steve Rogers. His arm was broken as was evidenced by its appearance and she'd seen enough broken limbs to spot one almost immediately, but he'd need to get an X-Ray to double check. It was the damage to his side that was severe and she tried not to wince as Steve Rogers hit the ground next to her.

"How do I change it out?" he asked, worry coating his voice as his hands held the glowing Arc Reactor cautiously. Tony carefully instructed him on exactly what to do and turned his head so as to not see the object that kept him alive taken from his chest. It bothered him to see someone else remove it. Obie had really not helped his already messed up self with that one. Tony listened to the sounds that indicated the reactor was being removed, forced himself to breathe as close to regular as he could without causing himself more pain and then felt the hum of the replacement reactor. It was ok. Everything was fine with the world and that damn thing was in place. His heart was safe once more.

Tony carefully sat up feeling Steve supporting him as he tried to get to his feet. His right arm hung down at his side and was screaming in pain, but it had nothing on his side. The damage on his side was really noticeable now. Tony's shirt was clinging to his side, coated in blood and pulling at the cuts when he moved. He stared down at the armor and the dead Arc Reactor; the technology could not be left behind or trusted with SHIELD. No one would get their hands on his tech. It was his and he wasn't sharing. "I need—" he looked at the armor helplessly.

Clint bent down and started piling the smaller pieces onto one of the chest sections while Natasha began to do the same. Steve wordlessly placed the dead reactor in Tony's good hand. The entire Avengers team made sure every single piece of the Iron Man suit was collected before they began the slow trek to the SHIELD vehicle. No one said anything about Tony going to Medical because it would be pointless until he'd secured his suit in his workshop.

They eventually made it to Avengers' Tower, to the huge elevator and then up to the main floor of the living quarters. There was no way Tony was going to make it down the steps in his condition, but he moved to make the trip anyway. "No, Tony." Steve's voice was firm as he steered the smaller man towards a chair. "I'll make sure every piece gets to your workshop and we'll have JARVIS lock everything down, but you're not going down those steps." He stared down Tony's stubborn expression as the other man's shoulders slumped.

"Fine."

Steve turned to the others and jerked his head in the direction of the stairs. "Let's get this done. Then we're all getting checked over by Medical." His voice left no room for argument or protest. He led the cluster of heroes down the steps while he held onto the Arc Reactor himself. The sound of footsteps from the hallway caught his attention.

"Oh my God! DAD? Are you ok?" Peter's voice was worried and panicked. The footsteps of the teenager picked up as he made a beeline for the injured Tony Stark. Good. Steve thought, someone to keep an eye on Tony in case he passed out or something worse happened.

Clint smirked slightly. "Stark needs someone to watch him. I figured we were going to have to knock him out to get him to Medical."

"Like you're one to talk, Barton." Natasha raised an eyebrow, "I vaguely recall several instances where you tried ducktaping a wound. I've knocked you out and dragged you there myself more times than I can count."

The look on Steve's face was one of horror. "You have ducktaped injuries? What is wrong with you?!"

"Would you look at that? We're at Stark's workshop. Enter the code, Cap." Clint looked at him innocently.

"This isn't over. This is not going to continue." Steve stared him down before typing in his code and pushing the door open. Slowly the Iron Man suit was placed down as a couple of the computers lit up and JARVIS' voice filtered throughout the lab.

"Place every piece together and I will begin the diagnostics scan. Captain, if you will hand Dummy the Arc Reactor." The British voice was slightly clipped as JARVIS began the scan, taking stock that every piece of armor was accounted for before beginning to run the diagnostics. The Avengers slowly filed out one by one, heading up the stairs until Steve Rogers was left standing in the workshop alone.

"JARVIS. How important is the Arc Reactor to Tony's well-being?" he watched as Dummy rolled across the workshop with the dead Arc Reactor as a compartment opened up for him before the reactor was placed inside only to be sealed once more.

"Captain…" the AI's voice was hesitant.

"I need to know, JARVIS. Something like this cannot happen again. I was not completely aware of just how important it was until Coulson reacted. If it had just been me the reaction time might not have been quick enough. He could have died, JARVIS!" the strain was audible. "I'm not watching someone else I care about die; especially when I could do something." The AI could pick up the emotion in Captain Rogers' voice and noted the distress. As Sir had not explicitly stated that Captain Rogers could not receive the information JARVIS made an executive decision.

"Once you have returned from Medical I will explain the importance of the Arc Reactor. As it stands Mr. Stark is refusing to go to Medical and the others are quickly reaching their breaking points. I'm afraid you're needed at the moment, Captain."

Steve looked around the workshop one last time before heading towards the door, "I'll hold you to that." And then he was gone. JARVIS watched him move up the stairs and in the direction of his creator.

"I know you will." The voice was spoken out loud in the workshop and Dummy whirred before moving back across the workshop towards the Iron Man armor. His camera focused on the damaged parts with what could be described as worry especially as he noted the blood on several pieces.

"I don't want to go." Tony's voice was petulant as he stared at the door leading towards Medical. "Nothing good ever happens in there."

Peter was standing next to him and offering him support as Tony noticeably struggled to remain standing upright. Despite the injuries he was putting up a good resistance. Steve wasn't amused. Without warning he smoothly scooped Tony up into his arms, mindful of the injuries and feeling the muscles in the other man tense. A startled yelp escaped as Tony started to struggle, but went slack when pain flared up from his injuries.

"Damn you, Rogers." Peter helpfully held open the door before following after them. The other Avengers had already headed in with Coulson watching them like a hawk. "I hate doctors." He muttered as he cradled his arm to his chest so it didn't jar when Steve walked. Tony had noticed he was getting better regulating his breathing so it didn't hurt and counted it as a win.

Peter eyed him with concern. "Dad…you've bled all over your shirt and your arm is clearly broken." Tony wouldn't meet his eyes and looked anywhere but at the two people with him. Several SHIELD personnel watched the procession of people with fascination. A few with amusement as it was widely known that Tony Stark hated Medical.

"I've had worse and no one forced me to go to the doctor." He grumbled the last part and Steve felt his jaw clench.

"Well that won't be happening anymore. I can guarantee it." It was a statement of fact and Tony's jaw snapped shut as he glared off to the side as they neared the dreaded destination. "It's nice to know that I need to keep a closer eye on you." Steve turned his head towards Peter, "Are you going to help me make sure he doesn't duck Medical?"

Peter nodded with complete seriousness, "Yes." Which earned a groan from Tony.

"What did I do to deserve this?" he asked aloud and heard Peter open the next door. "I fucking hate needles. I just know they're going to stick me. That's what these people do. They torture innocent, injured billionaires and stick them full of needles!"

"You're being overly dramatic, Tony." Steve sighed as he carefully placed the other man down and then used a hand to keep him in place. The medical staff in the room watched Tony Stark wearily. Steve didn't blame them. The last time when Tony had been brought in unconscious he'd jerked awake when they'd been taking blood and had proceeded to flip out on them. Many things were destroyed in the aftermath and a few people might have been sobbing. Steve tried not to think about it.

It took five minutes before one of the nurses had a needle. Tony flinched, but locked his jaw. By the time a third needle was coming in his direction, "I'M NOT A FUCKING PINCUSHION!" Steve was then forced to help restrain Tony so the other man wouldn't hurt himself further. Peter watched on in muted horror.

Lots of drugs and far too many hours later saw Tony heading out of the door against doctor's orders. He'd also refused the meeting with Nick Fury he'd been informed about shortly after arriving because after that torture session he was not putting up with Cyclops. No way. Then came the painkillers. The only highlight of the whole trip. He moved to look at the supersoldier who was watching him carefully and grinned goofily at him. "They have amazing drugs."

Steve chuckled and Peter choked on a laugh. "Do they?"

"You have no idea!" Tony explained gesturing wildly with his left arm. The other was wrapped up in a cast and hanging in the blue sling he'd been given. "Everything feels great and are my feet still there?" he looked down at his feet and then up with amazement. "Wow." His eyes were wide and he looked over at Peter next who was shaking with suppressed laughter. "I'm so glad I adopted you." He beamed and floated on the drugs. Everything was hazy and nothing was wrong. "Never thought I would get to have a family of my own and now look at me! I actually found people who want to be around me." He looked so pleased with himself and unrestrained.

Peter's eyes softened and Steve tried not to think about the implications that declaration had. "I'm glad you adopted me too. You're a great dad." The response earned a delighted look from Tony. The rest of the Avengers stood as the group of three neared them.

"HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Tony called waving wildly. Coulson's eye twitched as Clint doubled over laughing. Thor beamed back and copied Tony's wild waving.

"HELLO SHIELD BROTHER!" he boomed causing those who were not already staring to turn towards the Avengers. "HOW ARE YOUR WOUNDS FAIRING?"

"I CAN'T FEEL MY FEET!" Tony continued to approach as Steve shook his head behind him, sighing with exasperation.

Whoever had thought that giving Tony those painkillers wasn't thinking clearly. Though Steve figured they thought if they drugged him up enough then he'd stop being the world's worse patient. Idly he didn't blame them. A look of concern took over Thor's features. "What have they done to you, Man of Iron?" he stared down at Tony's feet seeing them still there and trying to figure out what was wrong with them. "I have experienced these Midgard doctors before. I did not like them." He frowned and stepped forward. "Have they injured you?" there was a hint of threat in the tone that had a couple of the agents around flinching back.

Tony stared at him in confusion, the drugs fogging his mind and things were rapidly becoming harder to connect as they worked through his system. "Umm…" he turned towards Peter. "Did they injure me?"

"No. I made sure you were safe." It was said with a serious note that caused Tony to nod with a serious expression. Tony turned to Thor while the others just stood back and watched the free show. Bruce was shaking his head. It was obvious those doctors had done this intentionally. He'd been there for Tony's last Medical visit and still remembered the carnage left in the genius' wake.

"It appears as though they did not injure me." Tony looked around before focusing back on his teammates once more.

Thor stared at him and took in the new additions to Tony's person. "What is that apparatus on your arm?" Tony stared down at his arm and couldn't see what Thor was talking about. He help up his left arm and looked at Thor with confusion evident in his features.

"Tony…he means your right arm. The sling." Steve's voice was careful as he placed a hand on Tony's back. "Let's get you home. The doctor mentioned those painkillers might make you loopy. You should rest after all the tests and getting your bone set. It'll be good for you."

"Home."

Natasha stared at Tony slightly worried, "What did they give him?" she questioned as they made for the doors.

"Way too much." Was the only response.

Clint walked next to Coulson and couldn't wipe the grin off his face if the world was ending. "This version of Stark might just be my favorite. Do you think Medical would give me some of those drugs for later?"

Coulson stared at Clint with his face blank and a decidedly blasé expression on his face. "I will shoot you, Barton. It will be without regret."

"But you looooooooooove me!" He grinned cheekily as they stepped outside of the SHIELD HQ and headed towards the limo Happy was standing near. "You wouldn't kill me."

"I never said anything about death, Barton." Coulson raised an eyebrow as Clint directed hurt puppy eyes at his lover, lower lip jutting out.

"HEY AGENT! CAN I WEAR YOUR SUNGLASSES?" Tony's voice cut through the stare off going on and caused Coulson to turn unimpressed eyes in Tony's direction. He didn't bother responding as he continued towards the rest of his Avengers.

Clint walked along, "You would have missed him had something happened." It was said knowingly. "I would have too. This is the second time he has done this…you're lucky you were unconscious the last time."

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Barton. Maybe you should have gotten a CT scan. I think you might have suffered a blow to the head recently." Coulson remembered watching the news clips, reading the accounts and hearing the stories.

Clint paused, "I haven't suffered a blow to the head."

"Would you like to?" Coulson returned.

"…no."

Sorry it took longer to post this then I had planned. Several prompts and plot bunnies caught my attention so I had to get those at least written down...two of the prompts I actually completed in one setting. Currently have seven documents open on my computer with stuff from this verse, prompt challenges and a few separate ideas. One a multi-chapter and the other one probably a long one-shot. I'm a bit of a multitasker and have been working on all of them. I'm nowhere NEAR finished with this series so never fear...there are far too many ideas for it.

Also Tony's hatred of all things Medical and needles is a bit of my own headcanon (though I've seen others who have similar headcanons as well). Then again I just keep inserting headcanon into this...so far a few have mentioned some of them. But they all have very good reasons I assure you ;)

Thanks for all the reviews and comments! I'm off to work on one of these other documents I have open!

EDIT: After receiving a few comments/questions etc on AO3/Tumblr/FFnet I posted a version of my headcanon on Tumblr to explain his reaction. The link will be on my profile.

Hope this answers any and all questions...if not feel free to message me or something I'll be happy to respond/clarify anything! Also if there is something else you notice and are curious about why I had a character respond that way I would be more than happy to explain.