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Times Square, New York.
Across from the entrance of Stark Tower.
A stunning figure stood there, gazing at him.
The moment she saw him clearly, the joy in her eyes became impossible to contain.
Ron was just about to say something.
But before he could, Gwen ignored the bustling traffic and dashed straight into his arms.
Looking down at the girl nestled motionless against his chest, Ron swallowed the words he was about to say.
He simply stood there, holding her tightly.
Passersby noticed them, smiling with admiration and a hint of envy.
Ah, youth…
And they're both so good-looking!
After what felt like forever, Gwen finally lifted her head.
"Where did you go? I couldn't find you."
Her soft, kitten-like voice made Ron tighten his embrace for a moment.
Though in his mind, another thought surfaced—
One world, one girl… that doesn't count as being a player, right?
I mean, in every world, I'm loyal…
Shaking his head, he quickly pushed those messy thoughts away.
"I had something really important to take care of recently."
Gwen, having released all her pent-up emotions, felt much better and slipped out of his arms.
"What was it? Can you tell me? Can I come with you?"
Ron ruffled her hair.
"Hmm… of course."
"Right now, I'm taking you to do something big."
Perfect timing—he was planning to go heal Happy.
Happy was one of the few true friends Tony Stark had.
Half of Tony's anger this time was because Happy had been injured, crossing a line Tony couldn't ignore.
Acting on impulse, he declared war—something he later had some regrets about.
But regret or not, even if he had to choose again, he'd still do the same thing.
Otherwise, it would weigh on his conscience.
Of course, if it had been Pepper in Happy's place…
Tony would've skipped the whole "declaration of war" part entirely.
J.A.R.V.I.S. would've hacked global satellites, pinpointed Killian's exact location, and then—
Boom. Missile strike.
Maybe even a small nuke if necessary.
And if he really went that far? The whole world would cover it up for him.
Because that's the kind of power Stark had in the Marvel universe.
Moral of the story? Background matters.
The world runs on connections.
Bringing along an excited Gwen, Ron drove straight to the hospital.
Intensive Care Unit.
Happy lay there with an oxygen mask on, his body covered in wounds, swollen from inflammation.
"He's Tony Stark's bodyguard?" Gwen gasped, covering her mouth.
She had heard about the attack on Stark Industries.
But she hadn't expected Tony's personal bodyguard to be injured this badly.
"Not just a bodyguard anymore," Ron corrected. "He's the head of Stark's security team now—also the director of the security department."
Even though J.A.R.V.I.S. had already briefed him on Happy's condition, seeing it in person still made Ron's anger surge.
Happy wasn't just Tony's friend.
He was his friend too.
Back when Ron was in a dazed state, it was Happy who helped change his clothes countless times.
Even when it came to using the restroom and cleaning up messes, Happy never once showed any disdain.
He took care of Ron like a little brother.
Recalling those memories, Ron's expression darkened.
The usual warmth in his demeanor disappeared.
His eyes gleamed with a chilling coldness.
Pressing his lips together, he stepped forward to the bedside.
Sensing Ron's mood, Gwen remained silent, standing quietly by his side.
"I thought with Tony's precautions, you'd be fine."
"I figured I had time to get you something better—an upgraded serum."
"Looks like… you weren't that lucky."
"Pain is normal. Don't worry, you'll be back to normal soon."
Ron raised his hand and placed it over Happy's chest.
Murmuring softly, his hand began to glow with a green light.
The energy seeped into Happy's body.
His injuries, already treated by doctors, started healing at a visible speed.
Where there had been dried blood, the scabs peeled away like dead skin.
The sudden sensation made Happy scratch at his body, shifting slightly in his sleep.
Underneath the falling scabs, fresh, unscarred skin emerged.
The movement startled him awake.
Seeing the familiar figure standing by his bed, Happy blinked in shock.
"Ron? What are you… wait… my injuries… are gone?!"
Halfway through his sentence, he suddenly realized—
The pain was gone.
Lifting his hand, he saw no trace of any wounds.
He clearly remembered failing to dodge the explosion.
Was this a dream?
An illusion?
No—
He was still in the hospital.
He had been injured.
His eyes darted to Ron's now-lowered right hand.
"Ron, was this… you?!"
Ron grinned and pulled him up.
"No need to be so shocked."
"You're all healed—why are you still lying in bed?"
"Come on, get up and walk around."
Happy, still in disbelief, stared down at his own body.
He ran his hands all over himself, checking frantically.
No pain.
None at all.
He reached to unbutton his hospital gown—
Ron immediately stopped him.
"Dude, we have company."
"Huh? Oh—ah, hahaha! I just got too excited!"
Noticing Gwen, Happy grinned, turned, and bolted for the restroom.
"You guys chill—I'm gonna check this out properly!"
"....."