𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 Stark is no longer the clueless kid she was before the Avengers were brought together. She has experienced her share of hard times but nothing compares to watching her family split up over the Sokovia Accords. She is given a deal, that if...
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CHAPTER FORTY-ONE ❝ we'll be alright ❞
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ASTER'S SURVIVAL WAS nothing short of a miracle.
From the battlefield, she was airlifted to the best hospital in New York and rushed into emergency surgery. Every doctor who looked over her said the same thing, that her being alive with the extent of her injuries was a marvel.
The moment she was settled in a room of her own, Aster was never alone. The hospital staff tried to tell the Avengers that they could only see her during visiting hours, but one look from Tony shut that policy down immediately.
Everyone took turns going to visit her. Aster was in and out of consciousness, loopy with the amount of specialized painkillers in her system that Dr. Cho herself had prescribed. Each time she woke up, it was usually the same words coming out of her mouth. Either she wanted Tony or Peter. Even though they were sitting right next to her every time.
The worst times were when she woke up asking for Nat. It usually happened when she saw Steve sitting by her bedside, where in her drug-induced haze, she was more than confused about why Natasha wasn't there too. Those were the only times that Tony would let them sedate her, unable to watch her cry for someone who used to always be by her side when she was hurt.
About a week had passed since Thanos and his army were defeated, and Earth was finally beginning to calm down. The return of half of the universe was something that everyone was going to have to adjust to, but the news of the Avengers being the ones to thank spread like wildfire.
Somehow, the knowledge that Starlight was fighting for her life in a hospital room had gotten out to the public. Support poured from every inch of the world and gratitude was offered by thankful citizens. The President had a medal of honor waiting for her, as soon as she would be well enough to accept it.
Since the Avengers Compound still needed major rebuilding, the Avengers, Guardians, and even some Asgardians stayed in the Tower instead. The deal hadn't gone through before the Blip, and Tony decided he didn't want to sell it anymore. The Wakandans returned to their home, although T'Challa and Shuri had flown back quite a few times to bring supplies for Aster's recovery.
On one particularly stormy night, it was just Peter at Aster's bedside. Aster was fast asleep, breathing softly with her cheek pressed against her pillow. She was hooked up to a plethora of machines, all making sure her vitals were stable.
Peter had a gentle hold of Aster's hand, rubbing small circles over her skin. He listened to her heartbeat himself, carefully watching her chest fall and rise. He couldn't stop thinking about the moment her heart stopped. He felt it all, and he never wanted to feel like that again.
Tony appeared at the doorway, observing the worry on Peter's face. He couldn't blame the kid, it was a feeling that he had been struggling with every day since she was admitted to the hospital. Since she nearly died in his arms. He sighed, finally entering the room. Sitting in the chair opposite Peter's, he pulled Aster's blanket a little higher.
When he noticed Tony's presence, Peter sat up a bit. Tony took note of the bags beneath the teenager's eyes and the tired slump of his shoulders. "Wanna go get some sleep? I'll be here."
Peter shook his head, returning his gaze to Aster. "I don't think I'll be able to sleep if I tried. Not until she's out of here."
With a hum, Tony nodded. It seemed like the two of them were feeling the same way. He studied Peter carefully, slowly squinting his eyes at him. "You know, I always used to dread the day she would fall in love."
Lips parting, Peter's wide eyes flickered over to Tony. Before he could say anything, Tony continued, "Because I didn't want to watch her get her heart broken. I thought it would be my karma, for being the playboy I was when I was younger. But when I realized it was you she was falling for..." Tony shook his head, smirking a little. "I've never let out a bigger sigh of relief."
Peter couldn't help but smile. He did his best to stifle his excitement, pressing his lips together and offering Tony a nod. "I promise you, sir, I will never break her heart. I'm lucky to have her."
"Good, 'cause I'm tired of watching her get hurt." Tony's eyes darkened a little and Peter's smile dropped. "I trust you, kid, but if you do hurt her..."
"N-no, I won't. I swear—"
"—She's got an entire family with kickass abilities who would go to war for her. Including me."
"I hear you loud and clear," Peter promised. He glanced over at Aster, tilting his head with a small smile. "Besides, I think she would kick my ass first."
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