endgame

[watchesthewatchers]

And then one day at around noon, Tony gets a sudden call from a number Peter sometimes uses.

Only it's Arthur's voice that bites out;

"He needs a jet. He's in Hong Kong."

Comments

[profiteering]

Tony grits his teeth and turns his attention back to Peter. They have a few hours left in the air, but better to spend it in terse silence than fighting, he decides.

[greatdealofbravery]

Arthur slips away to go get to the other side of the cabin, curling up in the corner there to get a little rest.

Peter is drowsing much more openly, secure in Tony's lap.

[profiteering]

When they land, Tony goes out first, to be sure there's a ride waiting.

[zen_en_vert]

Bruce is there, leaning on the car door, biting the inside of his cheek.

He moves to intercept Arthur, first, who immediately tries to bolt, and reels him deftly in for an embrace and a few warm words, keeping an arm around him as he heads them for the doorway.

[profiteering]

Tony helps Peter, who he can only imagine is in pain again. He gives Bruce a brief, grateful smile.

[zen_en_vert]

Bruce gives him a quick smile, so tender it could nearly be a kiss, before pinning Arthur in to the car and helping Tony get Peter into the back seat.

"We have SHIELD medical waiting at the tower."

[profiteering]

"Thank you, baby."

Trying to be simultaneously relaxed and attentive.

"Are you driving?"

[zen_en_vert]

"I've had the most sleep out of all of us."

He says, before slipping in to the front.

"So I think that's best."

Peter grabs at Tony, a pretty good indication that he shouldn't take shotgun.

[profiteering]

Tony settles in the back with him, and with Arthur.

"Drive fast."

With a subtle squeeze of Bruce's shoulder.

[watchesthewatchers]

Peter puts his good hand on Tony's knee.

"I feel like my mouth is full of cotton."

[profiteering]

He grins.

"That's because we filled you with morphine. How's the pain?"