Two weeks later, Tony and Bruce had temporarily moved their labs to the medical floors. Johnny had gotten progressively worse and they were scrambling to figure out what they could do to help him get better.
"Fuck!" Tony yelled out in frustration. He hadn't slept in almost six days, worry and fear making it virtually impossible. He threw his hands up as he shoved away from the desk he was currently sitting at. "I don't know what the hell is happening with my son and it's driving me crazy!"
"Maybe you would benefit from a few hours of sleep as well as something to eat, Sir?" JARVIS asked in a soft monotone.
"I'm not hungry or tired. Can't do either anyway as long as Johnny keeps getting worse." Tony mumbled as he rubbed at his eyes. He jerked when he felt a pair of strong hands fall on his shoulders. He tensed, then sighed as he felt them start to massage away some of the tension holding him tight. "Steve..." Tony groaned.
"You left before I woke up this morning. We were supposed to have breakfast with Peter." Steve whispered against Tony's hair.
"Fuck, Steve, I-I'm sorry. Is Peter mad? He's mad at me isn't he. Damnit, I can't seem to get anything right..."
"Tony calm down, he wasn't upset. Just asked if we wanted to have lunch with him." Steve smiled against Tony's hair. Loving the smell of his shampoo as it mixed with whatever Tony used to style his hair, as well as something else. Something that smelled uniquely like Tony.
"Yeah, yes, sure t-that sounds like a good plan." Tony groaned as Steve's hands moved down his back, kneading and rubbing in their slow descent. "God, I love your hands." Tony moaned. "H-how about we take Pete to his favorite spot? You think he'll like that? We can pick something up for Johnny too." He said softly, eyes drifting close as he relaxed against his husbands chest.
Steve nodded, "He'd like that I bet. We can call for a reservation and take the rest of the day to relax." When Tony stiffened, Steve slid his arms around him, holding him loosely but making sure he couldn't move to far. "A-at least a few hours?" Steve tried to hide the needy tone from his voice but could hear it slipping out anyway. Frowning, he turned away from Tony, guilt making his stomach churn as he pressed his cheek against his curls.
"Steve, baby, w-what's wrong?" Tony turned around to face his husband. Looking up into the pale face and haunted sky blue eyes. "Steve..."
Steve tried not to blush under the intense gaze. Tony had a way of seeing things when Steve tried to hide them from him. "I-I miss you a-and I feel bad about it because I-I know you're trying to figure out what's going on with Johnny but..." Steve looked down at the floor, "I can't help it. I just...can we, ummm, maybe an hour a-after lunch..." Steve drifted off, his face bright red, eyes turned away from Tony.
"Aww, honey, sure we can. I'm sorry, really. I didn't...I forgot how hard this must be for you two as well. We can all come up here and relax. Put a movie on and watch it with Johnny. I-I'm sorry, I've just been busy trying to figure this all out and..."
Steve smiled, "It's ok, Tony, really. I just...I need some down time with you, that's all." He pulled him closer as he placed a kiss against his forehead.
Tony grinned, "Of course cupcake, anything for you. How bout this, you go pick up Peter while I grab a shower and change. By the time you two get back I'll be dressed and ready to go."
"You're sure? I mean, I can always wait if you want to ride with me. You know I don't mind the company." Steve whispered softly.
Tony shivered, "Y-you know if I go we won't make it to the school." He slid his arms around Steve's waist, pulling him closer. "You could always take a shower with me then we can leave?" He gave the tall blond a devious grin which earned him a shy smile and a darker blush. "You are so...beautiful...when you blush like that." Tony stared up at Steve, his smile turning soft. "I-if you want, uh, l-let me grab a shower and change of clothes and we can ride together. I mean, unless something comes up..."
"Sir, Ms. Potts is on her way up with a stack of papers for you and Captain Rogers to sign."
Tony sighed as he let his head fall against Steve's chest. "And here's why I said..."
Steve squeezed Tony's waist and smiled when the med bay doors slid open to admit Pepper. "Hi Pepper, how's it going?" He gave the tall red head a smile and wave. He held back the sigh of agreement as he thought about Tony's words. "I'll sign then go get Peter. You hurry up and do what you need to and be ready when we get back." He whispered next to Tony's ear.
Tony shivered, "O-ok, uh, just...just call me before you leave the school or have JARVIS send me a message." He looked up at Steve then turned to greet Pepper. "Hiya, Pepper my love. You're up and working kind of early this morning?" Tony said as cheerfully as possible.
Pepper smiled at Steve as she greeted him. "Hi Steve, I'm doing good, thank you." Turning to Tony she frowned, "Hi Tony and no I'm not up early, it's actually two thirty in the afternoon." Shaking her head at the surprised look on his face she sighed. "I know you two are busy with what's going on with Johnny but I need you to sign for some of the new projects you both have going on."
Tony groaned, "Come on Pep, this can't wait until..."
"It's been waiting for at least three weeks Tony, two of which have been because you both have been here with my nephew." Pepper broke in with a frown.
"Sorry Pepper, we've just been a little stressed..." Steve tried to cut off the argument he could feel beginning but knew with Tony it may not work.
"Well, all I'm asking is if it can wait one more day. That's not to much to ask is it?!" Tony pulled away from Steve and walked over to one of the vacant desks across the room. "I mean what is it that can't wait for our signatures?"
Pepper glared at Tony as she tried to control her temper. "The purchase orders for the benefit for your mothers foundation, as well as the schematic's for the new art wing being added to the boy's school, as well as a few other requests that have been waiting anywhere from three weeks to two months!"
Tony groaned, "Sorry, Pep, sorry I'm just...fuck, ok just, uh, here let me have them and we can sign the ones we need to." He gave her an apologetic smile as she handed him a stack of papers and a pen.
"It's ok Tony, like I said, I know you're busy but these just can't wait anymore." She held out a stack of papers to Steve as well. "How is Johnny doing, by the way?"
Steve took the other stack and signed where she showed him. "From what Bruce has been able to find out, he's got some type of viral infection but we're not sure what." He looked over at the papers in front of Tony. "Tony, do I..."
Tony looked up with a grin, "Nope." He said, popping the "P." I've got this. You go grab Peter and I'll meet you back here in...thirty?" He tilted his head up for the kiss he knew was coming.
Steve smiled, "Ok, make sure you wear something not...you...please? You know how Peter is when we go out to eat and a crowd is around." Steve frowned at Tony's grin, "Tony, please, just...not today, I can't handle both of you together."
Tony gave him a small frown. "Well, one, I'm upset I didn't get my kiss and two, I have no intention of drawing attention to myself right now."
Steve leaned forward and gave Tony a kiss then smiled, "You can't help but attract attention where ever you go. Just, nothing to flashy, ok? I-I like your casual look anyway."
Tony grinned, "I thought you loved it when I looked blissed out from...mmph..."
Steve gave Tony a hard kiss to stop the statement. He was very much aware of Pepper still standing in the room with them and wanted to stop the conversation before it got started. Pulling back he smiled down into the face turned up towards his. "I love you and I'll see you when we get back."
Tony sighed, "Yeah, yeah just hurry the hell up and I love you too babe, so much." Tony flushed at the pleased look that covered Steve's face. It still took him by surprise how this man was his husband and how lucky he was to have him and their boys. When Steve turned to walk away Tony stopped him. "Steve?"
Steve turned back to the pair standing at the desk. Smiling, he waited for Tony to say what was on his mind.
"Be careful, ok? I-I mean if you need to, have Happy take you instead of taking the bike?" Tony didn't want to admit to the worry that had started to settle in when ever Steve or Peter where away from him. He would admit to himself that Ross' words had been bothering him since Johnny first got sick, but he didn't want to worry Steve, so he kept the thoughts to himself. "With everything going on..."
"It's not that far and you know I'll be careful. I'll be back soon, ok?" Steve smiled at the nod he got from Tony.
"Yeah, well, ok I'll have JARVIS make the reservations then wait for you two to get back." Tony watched as Steve nodded then waved.
"Ok, we'll be back in no time so be ready, please?" Steve turned to walk out the doors but paused when he heard Tony whisper loudly to Pepper.
"Pepper, guess what?" Tony leaned over and whispered loudly to his friend. "I have a date with a tall blond haired, blue eyed god. Can you believe it?" He didn't hide the grin on his face and couldn't help the blush when Steve looked back at them.
Steve turned back and gave Tony a wink. He let out a soft chuckle at the blush that bloomed on the tan face. "Good to know that I can still make you do that." Steve waved as he left the room, a smile on his face as he walked away.
Tony turned to Pepper and grinned, "Well, Pepper my love, not that I'm trying to rush you off but I really do have a date with a tall blond and an athletic brunette." He winked at her as she gave him a playful shove. "Oww, don't damage the goods now."
Pepper shook her head with a soft laugh. "Go, I just needed you guys to sign these so I can send them off. Have fun and I'll talk to you later." She leaned over and gave Tony a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Ok, Pepper my sweet, I am off to get ready for my dates!" Tony turned to give his youngest son one more look, nodding when the nurse next to him adjusted his blanket around his shoulders. He turned toward the doors and headed up to their suite. His thoughts on what he and Bruce had been trying to figure out about Johnny's illness. There wasn't any known toxin anywhere and they couldn't seem to pinpoint what type of bite it was Johnny had received. He was thankful that the rash hadn't spread any further than his arm, which had worried Steve at first. Until his fever had finally come down and the rash started to disappear about a week ago. Now they were waiting for Johnny to heal after what ever infection was in his system.
"Hey J, let me know when Steve and Peter get back. I don't want to be late for lunch." Tony told his A.I. as he headed to the bathroom. He'd take a quick shower then get dressed, if he were lucky he could catch a few minutes sleep while he waited on Steve and Peter. Once his shower was done and he was dressed, he headed down to the common floor and decided he'd wait there. "Hey J, where is everyone?" The common floor was usually filled with people but now it was empty, the silence making him shiver.
"Dr. Banner is currently with Master Johnathon, both Agents Romanov and Barton are out on S.H.I.E.L.D business, Thor is currently in New Mexico with Dr. Foster, and Col. Rhodes and Lt. Wilson are both currently out on a mission."
Tony sighed, that meant he'd be left on his own until Steve and Peter showed up. "Well, turn the TV on and find something funny. Right now I just need a good laugh." Tony sank down onto one of the couches and waited for the TV to light up. He grinned when an episode of Steve's favorite cartoon's popped up. "Good choice J, good choice." Tony stretched and got comfortable, promptly drifting off to sleep. The sound of Pepper shouting his name jerked him awake.
"Tony! Tony are you in here?!"
"S're, o'er 'ere Pep, 's wrong, you're shouting." Tony asked sleepily, slurring his words, he struggled to sit up on the couch, surprised at how tired he'd been. "Wha' time 's it?"
"Jesus Tony, is your phone off? I've been trying to reach you for the past two hours!" Pepper looked at Tony, her eyes and nose red and swollen as she stood looking down at him.
"T-two hours, no I-I just...it's not been that long. Steve...Steve and Peter were supposed to be back..." Tony glanced down at his watch then jerked upright fully. "JARVIS, are there any messages from Steve?"
"Tony..." Pepper started.
"There are two messages from Master Steven, three from Ms. Potts, and three from the New York Police Department."
"The police department, uh, w-why would they..." Tony started confused.
"Tony, we need to talk..." Pepper tried again.
"Wait Pep, I-I need to check these messages from the NYPD..."
"Sir, there are two uniform officers on their way up." JARVIS announced.
Tony paused, his gaze going from his phone to Pepper. "Pep, w-what's going on?"
"I've been trying to call you. I got a call about an accident..." She moved toward Tony slowly, her hands held out as she talked.
Tony stepped back from her as he tried to absorb what was just said. "No...I just...an accident?" Tony looked back down at his phone, "JARVIS call Steve."
"Tony, listen..." Pepper's voice wavered.
"Connecting the call now, Sir"
Tony's impatience grew as he waited for Steve to answer his phone.
"Hi, you've reached Captain Steven Rogers-Stark. I can't get to my phone right..."
Tony frowned as he disconnected the call and turned when the elevator pinged, announcing the arrival of their uniformed guests. Glancing over at Pepper, Tony turned to meet the officers. "Officers, Tony Stark. What can I do for you this evening?"
The first officer greeted him with a handshake and head nod. "Mr. Stark, my name's Officer Nighy and my partner here is Officer Sellers. We really wish we were meeting you under different circumstances."
Tony could feel his blood run cold, Pepper's words from earlier echoing in his ears. I got a call about an accident. He looked between the officers, the first one, Officer Nighy, who had a British accent, was an older man with slightly graying chestnut hair, who looked at Tony with something close to sympathetic concern. The female officer, Officer Sellers, was a blond with honey highlights, and wore a look of extreme sadness and regret on her face. He stepped back from them and looked back over at Pepper. "A-an accident...y-you said something a-about an accident Pepper." Tony looked down at the phone in his hand and pressed the icon next to Steve's name.
"Mr. Stark..." Officer Nighy moved slowly towards him. "We've been trying to reach you for the past two hours. We, uh, we wanted to inform you that your husband and son had been involved in a car accident."
Tony flinched back from the other man as he placed his phone against his ear. Shaking, he waited for Steve to answer, begging him silently to pick up the phone. When the voicemail picked up again, Tony hung up and tried calling once more. "Steve, pick up...pick up pick up pick up...please...Steve, pick up..." Tony could hear the catch in his voice as his vision started to blur. "W-we had a date earlier with o-our oldest son, P-peter." Tony turned to look at Pepper. "W-we had a lunch date then a-a movie with Johnny, Pep..."
"Oh, Tony." Pepper walked over and hugged him close.
"Sir, Dr. Banner is currently on his way down to speak with you."
Johnny, Tony flinched. How was he going to tell his youngest son that his dad and brother were... "W-wait you said there was an accident. W-where are the bodies? I-I want to see them."
"Tony, maybe you shouldn't worry about that right now." Pepper said softly.
"Tony, i-is everything ok?" Bruce asked softly. He looked at the officers then turned to Pepper and Tony. "JARVIS said we had visitors from the NYPD?"
Tony turned to see Bruce standing in front of the elevator. "There's been an accident...S-steve and Peter..." Tony gasped. He looked over at Pepper then turned to Bruce. "T-the bodies, Bruce...I have to...we can't let anyone..."
Bruce nodded his head then turned to the officers. "Hi, I'm Dr. Banner. Um, is there anyway you can tell me what happened?" When they both nodded, Bruce led them towards the kitchen, glancing back at Tony and Pepper before entering the room with their guests.
"H-he's not answering his phone, Pep. S-steve always answers for m-me. W-why isn't he..." Tony could feel ice moving through out his body, turning him numb. "T-this doesn't...Steve j-just left..." Tony was trying to catch his breath. This couldn't be happening, Steve and Peter were not...
"Tony..." Bruce spoke softly, the sadness in his voice was clear to hear.
"D-don't...don't say it Bruce...please." Tony stood up from the couch, his gaze fixed on the windows. He wanted his suit...he wanted his suit so he could see for himself...it wasn't true, it wasn't true! Tony could feel his hands clenching as he tried to control his emotions. He didn't lose them...he couldn't have!
"Tony we need to talk about this." Bruce walked slowly towards his friend. He could see the manic gleam entering his eyes and knew things were going to get bad. The wounded sound that left Tony's throat gave Bruce goosebumps as he stood watching him. "Tony, talk to me, please."
"There's nothing to talk about Bruce." Tony said softly. He didn't want to hear it. He didn't want to hear the words because he knew that once he did they would be true. His world was being ripped apart at the seams by the fact that Steve and Peter...Tony looked around the room, looking from Pepper to the two police officers, then finally looking at Bruce. "Do...not...say it..." Tony said through clenched teeth. He could feel the tears filling his eyes as he started shaking. "Don't you dare say it Bruce...please...don't say it." He pleaded, tears sliding from his eyes and down his cheeks. "Please..."
Bruce moved closer to his friend, a sad smile on his face. "I won't say it Tony, not right now. We'll go see what we can find out at the crash sight, ok? I'll make sure to get in touch with Rhodey..."
"I'm on it." Pepper said softly.
"Ok, well Pepper is going to call everyone and we can go with the officers..."
"I-I can't leave Johnny. S-steve would be pissed i-if I left him alone for to long." Tony stared out of the windows, his face pale and blank, voice flat, devoid of all emotion, as he turned to face Bruce. "I-I asked him to have Happy drive him, t-to not take the bike. I-if I had pushed harder m-maybe..."
"This is not your fault Tony, none of this. This is the fault of someone not paying attention to their speed and the others on the road." Bruce stared at Tony fiercely. "Tony look at me," He waited until Tony had fully focused on him, the sable eyes flat, devoid of their usual light. "This is not your fault, Tony." When he simply nodded, Bruce glanced over at Pepper, a worried frown on his face, while she stood behind them, watching silently.
"I've called and left messages with Nat and Clint. Jane and Thor are on their way here. James wasn't available but Sam is bringing Lt. Barnes and Aveline isn't in her office." Pepper gave Tony a worried look. "He's really going to need her here..."
"The General is currently on her way to the Tower. She was just informed of the current circumstances concerning Captain Rogers and Master Peter."
Bruce sighed, "Thanks JARVIS." He turned to Tony. "Do you, uh, feel up to going out..."
"I-I need to see what happened. I need to, uh, to be able to explain it t-to Johnny." How was he supposed to do this? How was he supposed to keep it together if what they were saying was true? First Johnny getting sick, now both Peter and Steve are gone? Tony sank to his knees, a hand clutching his chest. He couldn't breath or hear anything. He couldn't feel the hands that tried to keep him up right nor did he see the looks of concern and fear that crossed his friends faces. "I-I need to...w-where are they?" Tony gasped out.
"When you are ready, we will go see them."
A soft voice spoke from his right. A warm hand brushed back the hair on his forehead and Tony bit back a sob."A-avie..." He turned into the embrace of his cousin, then cried when he felt Pepper wrap her arms around him as well. "I-I lost them...a-after everything...I s-still lost them both...I-I knew I w-wasn't supposed to have them...I knew..." Tony couldn't stop the tears from falling as he cried out his pain and heartache.
"It's ok cousin, we are here and will help in any way that we can." She looked up at Bruce then over to Pepper. "We need to go see what happened." She said softly. "When you feel up to going out, we will go see what we can find out for ourselves."
Bruce moved closer to the group sitting on the floor, his gaze on Aveline. When she shook her head, he turned his gaze to Tony, the sound of his pain and heartbreak echoing around them. "They loved you Tony. Steve and Peter, they both loved you and you loved them."
"I-I can't...I can't do this without Steve. H-he was the one w-who...T-this is...this is just a dream a-and you're all playing a joke on me..." Tony pulled away from Pepper and Aveline. Anger turning his features harsh. "It's April Fools and this is one huge fuckingly cruel joke."
"It's one hell of a cruel joke if you ask me." Came a sharp baritone behind the group.
"Rhodey..." Tony turned. "T-tell me you went by the scene before you came here. Tell me that you saw Steve and Peter and they're ok. Tell me...tell me I didn't lose my husband and son...please." Tony stared at his oldest and best friend. Sable eyes pleading with the stoic man in front of him, until he saw it. The smallest crack in his composure. "No..." Tony whispered. If Rhodey had seen it for himself...
"They're bringing the bike back here and the bodies are being taken to S.H.I.E.L.D. Steve will be given a military ceremony but you will be able to bury them..." He broke off at the high pitched sound from Tony. "Tones, I-I'm sorry. Damnit, I wish I could tell you something different. I wish I had seen something different..." He looked at his best friend, could see what was going to happen and knew they would need to stop it as soon as possible. "Tony, you know you don't have to go through this alone, right? You and Johnny, you two have us here with you. Let us help you..."
Tony moved back from the hand that reached for him. He felt raw, exposed in a way he's never been before. Steve and Peter were gone...He'd lost them, after everything they'd gone through, the hell of his and Steve's initial meeting, then falling for him...hard. Steve proposing and then the wedding, the birth of the boys, and still being Avenger's. He hadn't been able to save them, the most important people in his world and he'd failed them. He didn't want to be touched by anyone but Steve. He moved back from the group around him, looking into their concerned faces.
"Mr. Stark, we understand this is a bad time but we do have to ask, do you know anyone who would want to harm your husband and oldest son?"
Tony turned to Officer Nighy, his words repeating themselves in his head, mixing with everything else. Shaking, Tony wrapped his arms around himself, trying to get warm. "I...n-no, everyone loved Steve a-and P-peter. They, uh, they didn't have any enemies unless y-you count those we defeated as Avengers." He flinched when a pair of slim arms slid around him but didn't pull away. "Everyone loved them." Tony whispered. "There was no reason not to."
"You do not have to do this right now cousin." Aveline said softly.
Tony nodded, "I-I need to...m-my youngest son i-is sick. I need to..." Pulling away from his cousin, Tony turned towards the elevator, his thoughts on Johnny. "J, blackout the med levels. No one in or out unless it's Bruce or medical staff."
"Yes Sir."
Tony left the common floor and headed back up to the med bay. He looked back at the group he'd left standing there, could feel the looks of worry and concern. Tony shook his head, he didn't have time to worry about that. Not only did he have funeral arrangements to make, he also had to figure out how to tell Johnny that Steve and Peter would not be coming home...ever again.
