Chapter 35: 35
'.....'= Thoughts
"....."= Conversations
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While Phil and Daisy drove to the headquarters of SHIELD, John, Pepper, and Tony went to the same hospital where Pepper was staying.
Happy lost his arm in the fight, while Tony was also injured, though not as severely as Happy.
When they arrived at the hospital, after a bit of inquiry, the doctor informed them that Happy was out of danger.
Upon hearing this news, Tony and Pepper breathed a sigh of relief. He thanked the doctor and asked if they could visit Happy.
The doctor nodded and said, "Yes, you can see him now. He's in room 217."
The three of them made their way to the room anxiously, hoping to see Happy awake and recovering. As they entered the room, they saw Happy lying on the hospital bed, still unconscious, with various machines hooked up to him. Tony pulled up a chair and sat next to him.
Pepper stood on the other side, her eyes filled with concern. "Do you think he'll be okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
"He's a tough guy, Pep," he said reassuringly. "He'll pull through."
After observing him for a while, the group exited the room Happy was in, as the Doctor insisted they give Happy some peace and quiet.
John had a few hours before his flight to Russia, so he stayed beside Pepper and Tony.
Meanwhile, Tony was also taken away for treatment by the doctor, although he was not as severely injured as Happy.
As they waited for Tony to finish his treatment, Pepper turned to John with a sigh. "I can't believe all of this happened," she said, her voice shaky.
John nodded sympathetically. "I know, it's been really rough. But we'll get through this, Pepper. Tony and Happy are strong, they'll recover."
Pepper managed a small smile. "Thank you, John," she said gratefully. "You've been such a help through all of this. I don't know what we would do without you."
John hugged her, "Just doing what I can."
Just then, the doctor emerged from the room where Tony was being treated. "Mr. Stark is going to be just fine," he said with a smile. "He sustained some injuries, but nothing serious. He just needs some rest."
Relief washed over Pepper's face. "Thank you, doctor," she said sincerely. "Can we see him now?"
The doctor nodded and led them back into the room where Tony was resting. He was lying on the bed, looking tired but much better than before. Pepper rushed to his side, taking his hand in hers.
"I'm so glad you're okay," she whispered.
Tony squeezed her hand weakly. "I'm fine, Pep," he reassured her. "Just a little banged up. But I'll be back on my feet in no time."
Pepper smiled through her tears, grateful that Tony was going to be alright. She leaned down and kissed his forehead gently.
Tony smirked,"You don't have to worry about me, Pep. I've survived worse."
Pepper couldn't help but laugh. "That's true," she admitted, thinking back to the time Tony was kidnapped by the terrorists a few months ago.
John approached Tony and Pepper after talking a bit with the doctor.
"Hey Tony, glad to see you're doing alright," John said, a hint of concern in his voice.
Tony looked up at him and grinned. "Thanks, kid. You didn't have to stick around."
John shrugged. "I couldn't just leave you hanging, especially after everything we've been through together." John further continued "Well looks like, I have to make the trip to Russia alone."
Tony looked up at John, concern etched across his face. "Are you sure about this, John? It's dangerous, and I don't want to see you get hurt."
He seemed to be quite reluctant to let John go alone; however, he was not in a better condition to help him at the moment and he didn't want to hinder or hold John back in any way.
Additionally, the doctor had told him to rest for about three weeks before taking any action.
John's expression hardened, his determination clear in his eyes. "I have to do this, Tony. It's the only way I can find closure and justice for my parents."
Tony hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I do understand, John. And I support you. Just promise me you'll be careful, alright?"
John smiled gratefully at Tony's words. "I promise, Tony. I won't let anything happen to me."
"Here," Tony exclaimed while handing him his watch and an ear piece. "Jarvis is infused in it. He'll be downright handy for you in Russia. He can decipher languages, uncover intel, and heck, he can even infiltrate systems if the situation calls for it. And this handy earpiece right here? Well, it'll keep me connected with you, and it's your ticket to chattin' up Jarvis. So, put 'em on and let's get this show on the road."
John nodded, accepting the items. "Thank you, Tony. I really appreciate all your help."
Tony grinned. "No problem, kid." He further continued, "Just remember, it's not just about revenge," Tony said, his voice serious. "It's about finding the truth and bringing justice. Don't lose sight of that."
"I won't, Tony," John replied, gripping the watch tightly. "I won't let my emotions cloud my judgement.
The three of them spent a few more minutes talking and reassuring each other before it was time for John to leave for his revenge trip.
As he turned to leave, Tony called after him. "And John, remember, you're not alone. We are with you every step of the way."
John smiled, feeling a surge of confidence. "I won't forget that, Tony. Thank you."
As John left, Tony turned to Pepper and squeezed her hand.
"He'll be okay," Tony said, his voice filled with conviction. "We've got to have faith in him."
Pepper nodded, a concerned look on her face. "I know, Tony. But he's just a kid."
"He's a lot more mature than he looks," Tony's eyes twinkled as he saw John leave.
And with that, they held onto each other, finding strength in their unity and determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
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