Baby boogers
Cold air filtered through the half-open window, carrying with it the whisper of the wind. Peter's room was plunged into a quiet gloom as the sun's rays struggled through the curtains. The young man lay prostrate in bed, covered by a blanket, shivering slightly from the fever that had afflicted him for days.
Used tissues lay strewn about the room, silent witnesses to the hard battle Peter was fighting against a bad flu after three weeks. His face was pale, and his tired eyes reflected the weakness that was seizing him. Every breath was an effort, and nasal congestion prevented him from speaking clearly.
In the midst of his discomfort, Peter remembered the times when his auntie used to care for him with love and tenderness when he was ill. Although his Aunt May was there online for him, the emptiness of the loss still echoed in his heart.
A light tapping on the door caught his attention. The door opened slowly, revealing Tony Stark, the legendary Iron Man, standing in the doorway with a worried expression on his face. Tony had heard about Peter's illness from Happy Hogan few weeks ago, and had decided to visit him personally the whole 3 weeks.
-Hey, Pete, how are you feeling? -asked Tony in his characteristic sarcastic tone, but this time there was a genuine note of concern in his voice.
Peter looked up at Tony and tried to give a weak smile.
-Hi, Tony. I'm not feeling too well," he replied in a muffled voice, barely a whisper.
Tony approached the bed and examined Peter closely. The sight of the young man so sick and helpless awakened a paternal spark within him, a connection he didn't yet fully understand.
-"Well, my friend, you look pretty bad. I should have brought my medical armor. Cho, Bruce and all the guys, today " Tony said, trying to ease the tension in the air.
Peter gave a faint smile at Tony's attempt to lighten the mood. Despite their differences, he had come to appreciate the companionship and protection Tony provided in his role as mentor.
Tony decided it was time to do something to help Peter. He knew his boy was having difficulty recovering from the flu, so he decided to look for a solution with Bruce. It was already getting really strange. It was an on and off to school these past 3 weeks and nothing seemed to make Peter any better. He had taken every possible anti-influenza that Bruce had synthesized.
A few days later, in Bruce Banner's laboratory, Tony and Bruce were reviewing the results of Peter's blood tests. Tony was visibly bored, but his interest was piqued when Bruce paused and frowned.
-There's something not adding up here, Tony. Peter's immune defense system is significantly weaker than normal. He shouldn't be suffering so much from a simple flu," said Bruce, examining the data closely.
Tony approached, now interested and concerned about Peter's health.
-Is there an explanation for this, Bruce? Any genetic abnormalities? -asked Tony, his voice full of curiosity.
-"Maybe"
Bruce nodded and plunged into a frenzy of additional testing and extensive analysis. He performed a series of more detailed tests to understand why Peter's flu was so intense and prolonged.
Days later, Bruce called Tony at the lab with results in hand. The expression on his face was a mixture of surprise and concern.
-Tony, I've run a series of extensive tests and we've finally found the reason behind the severity of Peter's flu," said Bruce, his voice full of seriousness.
Tony quickly approached, his eyes fixed on Bruce, anxiously awaiting his words.
-It turns out that Peter's immune system is compromised due to a rare genetic condition from the spider bite. It affects his ability to fight viral infections. It's an unusual condition," Bruce explained, as he handed Tony the detailed reports.
Tony examined the reports, digesting the information and processing the implications of Peter's genetic condition. Concern and determination flashed in his eyes.
-Bruce, we have to find a way to help Peter. I can't let him suffer like this. Is there a treatment or therapy we can explore? -Tony asked, his voice heavy with determination.
Bruce nodded, sharing Tony's commitment to help Peter.
-I'm working on it, Tony. Although it's a complex condition, there is ongoing research and therapies in development. I'll do everything I can to find a solution for Peter. Don't worry, we won't leave him alone on this. I'll have to run more tests. You know," Bruce said, his voice full of empathy and determination.
Tony decided to stay and take care of Peter personally. Days passed as Tony took on the role of nurse, preparing hot soups, checking for fever and making sure Peter got enough rest.
On a restful afternoon he remembered the image he found in his dusty drawer, The image triggered a series of memories in Tony's mind. He reminisced about a night, years ago, when he was a Casanova and had a passionate encounter with Peter's mother. The connection became apparent in his mind, and a suspicion began to grow in him.
As Peter rested, oblivious to the commotion Tony was experiencing, the genius billionaire was facing his own inner demons.