Paralyzed
It was the team's fault he was laid up in the hospital for two months, unable to move.
It was a routine mission, some low-life who wanted to take over the world using their own built-in-their-backyard robots.
As usual, Tony found the central power source: a hub that sat on the top of a 10-story building. He flew up and worked on figuring out the hub while the Avengers fought off the annoying robots.
Tony was out of suit as he powered down the hub, needing his small fingers to deal with the wires. Even knowing this, the team didn’t think twice to have his back as they focused on fighting the robots. Why would they need to defend him? He’s Iron Man.
As soon as the hub was off, the robots powered down, collapsing in the streets. The Avengers on the ground high-fived and cheered until they heard a big explosion, which they later learned was the hub self- destructing after being powered down. Hearing the sound, they all glanced at each other: no one had checked on Tony.
They looked up to the genius’ location to see his body tumbling off the building on the outskirts of the huge explosion. They ran in that direction, though they all knew they would not be able to catch him. And they didn’t.
Tony was silent when he fell, he was silent when they ran over, and he was silent as the rescue team carted him off to the hospital.
After two months, Tony was able to return home, in a wheelchair of course.
They talked about the incident, apologized to the genius, but he said he didn’t blame them. But they couldn’t help but blame themselves every time they saw their teammate struggle to function.
After two months of self-pity and distancing themselves out of shame from the genius, Nick forced them to attend one of his physical therapy sessions.
At first, they didn’t see the problem with it, but minutes into the session they all wished to hide away in their rooms. It was incredibly sad to watch their once loud and boisterous teammate struggle to transfer chairs, struggle to pick up his feet, struggle to sit on an exercise ball. It was their actions, their lack of actions, that had led to this. But they quickly realized their purpose.
The physical therapist was a very nice woman, but they could tell she had worked with Tony for quite a bit considering she didn’t blink at his attitude and rude remarks.
“No,” Tony said firmly, arms crossed in his chair.
The physical therapist, Sarah, was trying to get him to do his most hated exercise: walking across the room. “Come on, Tony,” she sighed, setting up the equipment.
“I’m not going to do it,” Tony said, eyes narrowed.
Even with the anger in his posture, the team knew him. They knew that under this facade, Tony was scared. He was scared of failing.
“I’ll help him,” Steven said suddenly.
Tony jumped, having forgotten they were there.
All of the Avengers present stood behind Steve, eager to help.
Sarah’s face lit up before the genius could intervene. “Let me show you how.”
Tony loudly voiced his displeasure but didn’t fight as the belt was placed around his waist. He watched with shielded eyes as Sarah instructed Clint to move his legs from the chair’s footrest and place them on the ground. His legs were thin and weird looking. They had lost so much mass and he knew he probably looked like a misshapen stick figure.
Clint moved the billionaire’s thin legs to the floor and tied up his laces. He then followed Sarah’s instructions on how to strap on the leg braces.
Once he was done, Bruce helped Tony scoot forward in the chair and Clint held his hands on the genius’ knees for support. Steve and Sam stood at either side of Tony.
Steve noticed Tony’s nervous look and caught the genius’ eyes. “You got this, Tony.” The man held his eyes for a second before nodding.
On Sarah’s count, Steve and Sam heaved Tony up under each armpit. As soon as he stood at full height his knees immediately went to collapse. “Come on Tones, you got it,” Sam said. Tony grunted with effort but he embraced Sam’s words and fought for strength. After a moment, the two could feel how the disabled man was holding himself somewhat steadily.
“Great job, Tony,” Sarah said. “Now let's take a few steps, alright?”
The team quickly learned that Tony was not at the point where he could move his legs on his own easily. Sarah showed Natasha and Bruce how to move Tony’s legs in an imitation of walking. Clint stood in front, providing additional support at Tony’s waist.
“Okay, Tony, first step,” Sarah said when everyone was in position.
Tony’s legs trembled and shook and sweat broke out on his forehead, but he didn’t move. They watched his toes twitch slightly in his shoes, but they didn’t move.
Clint, standing in front of Tony, caught Tony’s eye. He put a welcoming smile on his face and nodded. Tony let out a deep sigh.
After a few seconds, Tony’s foot shuffled forward a few inches before being assisted the rest of the way by Bruce. Tony jumped as the team let out shouts of happiness. He looked around and saw big encouraging smiles on their faces.
“Again, Tony.”
Tony huffed before picking up his hip in an attempt to drag his foot forward. It moved slightly and Natasha picked up the rest. The team smiled widely.
This continued for a few more steps before Tony suddenly stopped. He was panting widely and the sweat had built until it was dripping from his person. His knees dropped and the two men at his sides quickly rushed to catch him. “I can’t,” he cried, eyes squeezing shut. He didn’t want to see the disappointment on his teammates' faces.
Before Sarah could say anything, “Yes, you can,” Steve said firmly. “You’re an Avenger, you’re Tony Stark, you can do anything.”
Tony shook his head, his face scrunching up as tears welled in his eyes. The team were shocked at the sight. “It hurts, I can’t do it anymore.”
Clint took Tony’s chin and held it. He used a washcloth to wipe off the sweat on his teammate’s face. “Yes you can, Tones. We are right here, okay? We got you.”
Tony held his gaze before taking a deep breath and letting it out shakily. It took a minute to get his knees to hold his weight and a bit of effort on Clint’s part.
He felt Bruce pat his leg encouragingly. He gathered up his strength and let out a big grunt of effort as he threw his foot forward. Bruce caught it and carried it a few inches before securing it on the floor. They waited a few seconds for Tony to get his bearings before repeating it with Natasha’s foot.
Tony was able to get all the way to the wall with his team’s encouragement and proud smiles. As soon as he got to his goal, he collapsed forward into Clint, letting the archer hold his weight. Sarah ran over with the wheelchair and the other men helped Clint lower him down.
Tony collapsed in the chair, tired, worn out, but smiling wide at his team. They would always have each others’ back.