Chapter 2
When Tony regains consciousness he's in a room that looks like it came out of one of those future set TV shows that Ana used to watch. Howard never let him watch TV, but Ana did.
“Well, I'm glad to see you're awake. Charles has been worried sick. He's driving me mad,” some one says and Tony recognizes the voice.
“Erik?”
“That's me,” he says coming to sit beside the bed.
“Why are you here?” Tony asks.
“Charles didn't want you to wake up alone do him and I have been in rotation keeping you company. There are also a few things that need to be gone over with you before Dr. McCoy arrives,” Erik says.
“I hate hospitals,” Tony says trying to sit up a little further on the bed.
“You're not in one. This is the medical room in Charles’ home,” Erik says.
“Why would he need something like that?” Tony asks.
“Charles believes in always being prepared. It's one of his core principles. Also, there are people that live here with us that might require medical attention. Case in point is sitting next to me,” Erik says and Tony huffs.
“Now, about Dr. McCoy. There are some people who have...unique abilities based on a mutation of one of their chromosomes. Does they make sense?”
“Yeah, like green eyes or something like that,” Tony says.
“Yes, but these mutations are often a lot bigger than eye color. For instance I can make metal move without touching it,” Erik says and makes a bed pan float across the room.
“I…wow...okay that's so cool!” Tony says eyes wide and Erik looks surprised but pleased at his reaction.
“Now, Dr. McCoy...has hair all over his body and it's blue,” Erik says.
“Oh, okay. I don't really care about people's looks when basing opinions,” Tony says and remembers how he had tried to kick Stone's ass for judging his precious Rhodey.
“That's good. Look Tony, about what happened,” Erik says.
“Can I just not talk about it?” Tony asks.
“I'm sorry but no. But I will take it at your speed. Okay, I know it might be hard to believe that I can understand what you're going through. But I can,” Erik says.
“I know. You told me about your mom,” Tony says.
“That's not the only thing we have in common,” Erik says and holds his eyes as he lifts his sleeves and Tony sees a criss cross set of scars over both of Erik's wrists.
“I've lain in the same place as you. And Charles will understand the alcohol and drugs, but that's his story to tell,” Erik says and a tall furry man with a kind face comes in.
“You must be Dr. McCoy,” Tony says softly.
“I am. I just need to check your stitches and make sure your fluids are stable, and if you feel like it you can call me Hank.”
“When can I go home?” Tony asks softly. He doesn't really want to. Rhodey is off at basic training and Obie is off running SI. The house is so empty with just him. But it's not like he can just crash here forever.
“Give me four days. I don't like it when young people are on my table and I want to make sure you're going to be okay,” Hank says.
“Then of course you'll have to stay for who knows how long until Charles is calmed down,” Erik says.
“Huh?”
“Charles is the definition of a mother hen. And you're not leaving me to deal with his unfulfilled mother henning alone,” Erik says and gives Tony a knowing smile.
“I... I can stay here?” Tony asks softly.
“Yes, you can. We have a room set up for you and everything,” Erik says.
“Can I think about it?” Tony asks.
“Of course. Take all the time you need. You can stay, go, and come back whenever you feel like it,” Erik says.
“Just like a home?” Tony asks and he hates how small he sounds.
“Exactly like a home. Get some rest kleines. You're safe, you're home,” Erik says as Tony drifts off to sleep.
Home, Tony can't help but feel warm and fuzzy at the idea of having a home now that his was taken from him.
He drifts off to sleep thinking about whether he wants to stay.