Mr. Stark's Nanotech Suit

Alvin stood beside a hospital bed wearing blue scrubs, watching Nick.

Nick, who had been full of energy just moments ago, grew anxious the instant he lay down on the bed.

Looking at Nick, who had had his mechanical prosthesis removed and was wearing only a pair of shorts, Alvin smiled and ruffled his hair. "What's wrong? Even Big Nick gets scared?"

Nick, who was usually quick with a wisecrack, didn't crack one this time. He clutched the pale blue bedsheet with one hand to keep anyone from noticing it trembling, and gritted his teeth as he said anxiously, "I hate hospital beds..."

Alvin froze for a few seconds, then smiled and patted Nick's skinny chest. "This is the last time. After this, you'll be able to live like a normal person.

"Maybe you can ask Steve. Carrying the flag and leading the team onto the field has to be more glorious than being a member of the team."

Nick lay there miserably, covering his eyes with one hand as he said irritably, "I want to be alone for a while...

"Do they have any medicine that'll make me fall asleep right away?

"Alvin, I'm not scared, but I feel like I can't breathe."

Alvin sat down beside Nick and smiled. "I'll have the doctors give you a shot right now. When you wake up, it'll all be over!

"Don't be nervous. Tough guys aren't afraid of little operations."

Nick covered his eyes with one hand so he wouldn't have to look at Alvin, while clenching the bedsheet with the other. "Why can't the new leg just fit over my leg like the old one?

"I hate surgery..."

Alvin glanced at Ginny and Mindy, who were peeking into the room from the doorway. He smiled and waved at them. "Don't