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In Harley's defense, he was drunk. Wasted, hammered, black out drunk. It was a party, one of the many, thrown in anticipation for their upcoming holiday break. Parties mean drinking-- lots and lots of drinking.
He still feels drunk when he picks up the phone the next morning. "'Lo?" He mutters, still waiting for his coffee to brew as he leans against the counter.
Tony's voice is way too chipper for the afternoon. "Good morning to you too, sunshine."
Harley grunts and it's the best response he can offer him.
"Oh, I see we're not enjoying our hangover, huh?" Tony sounds way too happy. He never likes it when he or Peter drink too much. Harley expected a scolding when he saw Tony's contact calling.
"I'm gonna hang up," Harley promises, opening his eyes in time to see Peter kneeling by the washing machine, ringing out his clothes. With a groan, he says, "Hold on, Tony-- Pete, I told you a million and one times, you have to let the wash cycle finish."
"No!" Peter snaps without much heat in his voice. "It's been on one minute for the last fifteen. It's done."
"It's obviously not done," Harley argues as he watches water spill from the boxers Peter is wringing out. His clothes will never dry now. They've been through this before.
"I'm sorry, Felix and Oscar, and I'm interrupting something?" Tony asks, sounding amused on the other end.
"Sorry," Harley replies with a huff. "Peter's just bein' an idiot."
"I thought you were used to that," Tony says, making Harley laugh.
Peter looks up with a frown. "Hey! What did he say? Put him on speaker."
Harley does so and tells Tony, "You're on speaker now. I think you hurt Pete's feelings."
"Good. He hurt my feelings last night when he called me old."
Harley doesn't remember that, but he doesn't remember much of anything honestly. He remembers Peter looking really hot in the jeans he was wearing, but that's about it. "He always calls you old."
"Yeah, but it's different when drunk Peter says it."
Harley blinks his eyes a few times. "Okaaay."
"I'm sorry for whatever drunk Peter told you," Peter says from where he's still loading sopping wet clothes into the dryer. That's gonna need like three dry cycles, all because Peter was too impatient for the first wash to finish.
"Drunk Peter didn't say much since it was drunk Harley that called me," Tony says, making Harley worry about what he said. "I waited a few hours to call you, but I wanted to make sure you both were alive."
"I don't even remember calling you," Harley admits.
"You were getting ready for bed I think. You called to tell me you made sure Peter got home safe. Even though you were in no state to get home safe yourself." There's a pointed tone in his voice.
"We didn't drive," Harley reassures him. "Peter especially."
"Hey!"
"That kid's just as dangerous sober as he would be drunk," Tony chuckles.
"I can hear you," Peter grumbles.
"Finish wringing out your laundry, princess." Harley smiles when Peter sticks his tongue out in response.
"Well, I'm glad you're both home safe and sound. And not throwing up."
Harley frowns. "We threw up?"
"You told me Peter fed the plants outside with his vomit."
Peter's face turns bright red as Harley howls with laughter. Peter moaned, letting his head fall against the washing machine. "Why'd you have to call him?"
"Don't worry, Roo," Tony says. "Harley embarrassed himself enough too."
Harley's heart skipped a beat and he's certain all of the color drained from his face. "What did I do?"
When Tony replies, his voice is high in a mock rendition of Harley, though his voice sounds nothing like that. Especially not the horrid Southern accent. "Tony, he's so beautiful. Tony, is he even real? Tony, I can see forever in his big brown eyes."
Harley feels his face burning up when Peter's mouth falls open. So, yeah, Harley and Peter are dating… but no one else knows that.
"I gotta hankerin' to suck his tongue out of his mouth--."
"I did not say that," Harley insists, though he really isn't sure. He doesn't even remember calling Tony last night.
"You sure did. Amongst many other inappropriate things."
"You're fibbin'," Harley accuses just in case he can still save their cover.
"I was in college once. I know how hormones work," Tony continues and Harley's face only grows redder. "I'm upset because you didn't tell me about him. I thought we were close, kid."
"There's no one--."
"Don't feed me that bullshit when you were telling me about how in love you are with him only a few hours ago."
And that's when the world seems to stop spinning. Is Harley in love with Peter? Oh, for sure. There is nothing he's more certain about in life than that. But has he told Peter yet? Of course, not. They've been best friends since they met each other a few years back, and Harley was smitten immediately. They've only been dating for a few months now, and they haven't said the big L word yet to each other.
Harley is scared, but he looks at Peter anyway. He's staring over at Harley with wide eyes, his mouth open even more.
"I don't-- I didn't--." Harley stutters, unsure of what to do. He doesn't want to deny it in front of Peter and hurt him. He does love him. He loves him more than anything else. He just never wanted Peter to find out from Tony like this. Tee
"Drunk you doesn't lie to me."
"Tony…"
"You should invite him to Christmas dinner," Tony says. "If you're this infatuated with him, I want to meet him."
Harley can't look up at Peter. He just can't. "I'll ask him. I can't promise he'll say yes-- he's busy. But-- I can ask."
"Tell him Tony Stark wants to meet him. I think that'll help convince him."
Harley rolls his eyes as he answers, "I doubt he cares about that."
"You're a brat. Pete, tell him that he's a brat."
Peter doesn't say a word, and finally, Harley looks back up. He's still staring at him speechless.
"Peter's busy with laundry." Harley watches as the water from one of Harley's sweatshirts that Peter always steals drips down, soaking Peter's lap.
"Well, he agrees that you're a brat," Tony says nonchalantly. "I'll bug him to make sure you bring your plus one to Christmas dinner."
Tony won't drop it unless Harley agrees, even partially. "Okay, I'll ask. After I finish my coffee, I'll give him a call."
Tony sounds smug when he replies, "Good boy. I can't wait to meet him. I'll let you go now so you phone is free to call lover boy."
"Tony."
"Goodbye, Romeo!"
The phone call ends, but Harley doesn't move. Tony doen't know what he'd done, but he just told Peter Harley loved him. Peter and Harley like each other-- they cuddle and go on dates and have really good sex. But...but love can ruin all of that. Especially if Peter isn't looking for it to be serious and something more casual.
"You love me?" Peter finally speaks, the sweatshirt still hanging limp in his hands.
Careful, Harley. What you say next could lose him. But he can't lie to Peter. No matter the consequences. Taking a deep breath, he replies in a soft voice, "Uh...yeah. I do."
Peter drops the sweatshirt to the floor and it makes a loud noise, causing Harley to flinch. He shoots to his feet, and Harley waits for Peter to run away. Instead, he runs right to Harley.
He shoves himself between Harley's legs and grabs his face between his hands to start kissing him. It's fast and rough with some teeth, but it's still perfect to Harley. Peter doesn't pull away until he needs a breath, and Harley's glad because he wasn’t expecting that this early in the morning. He needs a moment to breathe himself before he passes out.
"You love me," Peter murmurs against Harley's lips.
"Yeah," Harley says, a little more confidently this time. "Of course, I love you."
"I love you too," Peter tells him. "I love you so much. I didn't think you did, and I didn't want to say something and ruin it by going too fast or push you away."
Harley lifts him up by his ass so Peter can wrap his legs around his waist. He wants Peter to be as close to him as possible. Peter apparently wants to be close too-- and he needs it, Harley realizes when he feels Peter's growing erection press into his stomach.
Peter moans into his mouth as he begins to grind his hips against Harley to the rhythm of their panting. Harley chuckles, always in love with the way Peter seems so innocent until you get him going. Harley loves enjoying his libido and testing just how far it can take them-- thank you, spider bite.
Which makes Harley a little nervous to remember Tony claimed Harley had said some inappropriate things about his boyfriend-- which is Peter. The R-rated things Harley can sing about his sexy boyfriend are not things to share with Tony. Tony knowing any bit of their sex life is just plain horrifying, frankly.
Peter lets out a frustrated whine because apparently, Harley isn't giving him enough attention while his mind wanders.
Well, Harley can't have that. If his boyfriend needs attention, then he's getting it.
"Your pants are all wet," Harley says, feeling the cold water from the washing machine clothes.
"Already?" Peter asks, barely giving himself a second to talk.
Harley chuckles, moving his lips to Peter's jawline. He kisses his skin a few times and nibbles his skin gently until Peter grunts impatiently. "I can get you out of them…"
"Please."
"Then let's get goin', darlin'. Don't wanna keep you waitin'." Harley stands up, keeping his hands on Peter's ass-- such a good ass. Thank you, spider activities.
"What about-- the clothes?" Peter squeezes his legs tightly around Harley's waist.
"Leave 'em. They can wait. You can't." Harley carries him into his bedroom, dropping him to the mattress. Peter drags him down to follow by his t-shirt.
Harley dors so happily.
"Say it again," Peter whispers when they're close and flush against each other again.
"Huh?" Harley asks, his brain struggling to keep up with anything but Peter underneath him.
"Say it," Peter repeats and then, it clicks.
He smiles, kissing Peter's lips softly. "I love you, darlin'."
"I love you too."
After Peter's given all the attention he needs, they lay in bed, enjoying the quiet. Peter has his head resting on Harley's chest with his hands tapping on Harley's stomach. Peter tends to fidget frequently, and Harley finds it nothing but endearing.
Harley is so relaxed he could close his eyes and fall asleep. But then he'd have to stop looking at Peter, and even if he can only see some of his face and most of his wild curls from this position, he still doesn't want to miss a thing.
He continues tracing mindless patterns on Peter's sweaty back. These moments here, cuddling with Peter, are just as good as the sex. They only have a few moments before they need a shower, and Harley will savor every second of it.
"So…" Harley says, dragging his fingers up Peter's back to the nape of his neck. "Christmas."
"What're you thinking?" Peter asks, twisting in Harley's hold so he's staring up at him.
"I dunno…" Harley admits, chewing on his bottom lip.
"I was going to go anyway," Peter says, and Harley can't tell if he's for telling them or against.
"Yeah, but as-- Peter. Not as my boyfriend."
Peter frowns, his brow furrowing. "We know the family isn't homophobic. They know you're gay-- and I assume they know I'm bi. So there's no reason for you to be worried about their reaction. Unless it's me."
"No," Harley says immediately. He doesn't want Peter to ever think he's ashamed of him. Harley knows Peter, and he knows that despite his confidence, he still has his insecurities. "I'm not ashamed of you. I enjoy having you to myself and keep this between us. It's fun sneaking off with you when no one knows. It's exciting."
"Them knowing could be exciting too," Peter says tentatively. "They could be happy for us."
"Of course, they would be," Harley agrees immediately.
"And...we could still sneak around," Peter says, getting all shy as if he hadn't been begging for Harley to eat his ass an hour earlier. "It could be more fun once they know…"
Harley grins, his hands going lower down Peter's back to his waist. He rests his hands on the swelling of his ass underneath the sheet. "You want to sneak around? At Christmas dinner?"
"Mr. Stark has that outhouse by the lake."
Harley can't help but laugh. "I'm not-- we're not having sex in a tiny bathroom stall, Peter."
"Well, not with that attitude we're not," Peter replies with a pout. "It's a thing! Every couple has sex in a bathroom stall at one point."
"Peter, we're not going to fit. And you're loud. It won't be sneaking, it will be giving a show."
Peter's eyes brightened. "Does that mean we're telling them?"
Harley isn't sure what kind of hell will be waiting for them when they tell the family they've been dating for almost a year now. But when he looks at the way Peter's eyes light up, he can't say no. "Yeah...we can tell them."
Peter grins like a little kid, and Harley has to ignore the fact they're both naked and their bodies are sticky with their shared dried cum. "It's gonna be great, Harley. You don't have to be scared or anything-- I know Mr. Stark can be over protective, but he loves you too. He'll be happy for both of us."
"Oh, it ain't him I'm scared of, darlin'." Harley shakes his head slightly. "Aunt May could kill with one look. You're her baby. If I hurt you--."
"You won't."
"Even if I said no to sex in the outhouse?" Harley teases.
“I won’t tell Aunt May about that, so yeah-- she won’t kill you for that.” Peter’s cheeks flush pink and it’s adorable to know that Harley can still get him all flustered as he did when they first started dating.
“I’m trusting you,” Harley tells him. “If she kills me, that’s on your conscience.”
“Oh, however will I live with myself?” Peter mocks, rolling his eyes.
Harley pinches his ass once, making Peter squirm with a short yelp. “Don’t be a shit when you’ve got nowhere to go.”
“Technically, I do have somewhere to go,” Peter replies. “I’m meeting Ned at the comic store. There’s a new issue of that Han Solo comic we’re reading and Devon says they’re getting the shipment in at two.”
“Two?” Harley parrots, checking his watch. “So we’ve got time to kill then.”
Peter laughs, and Harley loves it. It’s the most beautiful sound in the world. “Babe, as much as I’d love to, I think I’m a little too sore for another round.”
“Who said anything about another round?” Harley asks, pulling him up close and kissing the top of his head. “I wanna spend the rest of time holding you and doin’ absolutely nothing else.”
Peter’s smile softens and he lays his head back down on Harley’s chest. “You’re such a sap.”
“Your sap, though.” Harley goes back to tracing Peter’s back, this time hearts.
“Yeah. All mine.”
--
When it comes time for Christmas dinner, whatever courage Harley managed to muster is gone. He stops the car in front of the cabin and stares out the window at all of the Christmas lights. He knows they’re all in there waiting to see who his boyfriend is-- there is no way Tony managed to keep Harley’s drunk call a secret-- and Harley is terrified of the looks he’s going to get.
They’re not only Harley’s family; they’re Peter’s family too, and they know the both of them. They know that Peter deserves so much better than Harley. They’ll probably laugh at Harley, and pity Peter.
“What’re you thinking in that head of yours, sweetheart?” Peter puts his hand over Harley’s and starts to rub his skin softly with his thumb.
“It’s nothing.”
“You know you can’t lie to me,” Peter continues. “If you change your mind, and you don’t want to tell them, we can wait. I want them to know about us, yes…but I don’t want to tell them until we’re both ready.”
What if I’m never ready?
“I want to be ready.”
“I know.” Peter wraps his fingers around Harley’s. “But I won’t rush you.”
Harley tears his eyes away from the bright lights to look at Peter. “I don’t wanna disappoint you, darlin'.”
Peter lets go of his hand to cup his cheek. “You could never. Let’s go in there and see how it goes…if you feel ready, then we tell them, if not, then we wait. No big deal.”
Despite his words, Harley knows it is kinda a big deal to Peter. As insecure as he is about some things, his love for Harley obviously isn’t included in that. Of course, he wants to share that with his loved ones. But still, Peter is willing to wait until Harley’s ready. He leans closer to Peter until their noses are brushing against each other. “Thank you, Peter.”
Peter pecks Harley’s lips with a quick kiss. “Don’t thank me, lover boy. Now let’s get in there before Morgan eats all of the crackers on the cheese platter.”
Harley watches as Peter pulls away to get out of the car and go into the back seat where they have three bags full of Christmas presents. Peter grabs all of them effortlessly and shuts the door with his foot. Harley can’t help but stare at him as he starts walking towards the cabin.
Glancing over his shoulder, Peter raises any eyebrow. “Well, are you coming?”
Harley hurries out of the car to catch up to Peter. “Let me hold one,” he insists when he reaches his side.
“It’s not heavy.”
“That ain’t the point.”
Peter rolls his eyes. “Just knock.”
Harley narrows his eyes and glares at Peter for only a moment before giving in and knocking on the front door. Stupid stubborn boyfriends. He’s still glaring when the front door opens, and Rhodey chuckles as he answers the door. “Oh, no. Did you get lost following Peter’s directions again?”
“I’m not that bad!” Peter insists behind one of the stacks of presents.
Harley rolls his eyes and takes a step towards Rhodey, accepting his hug. Rhodey ruffles his hair as he pulls away. “Merry Christmas, kid.”
“Merry Christmas, Rhodey.”
“Me next!” Peter says.
“Put those bags down first, and you’ll get your hug. If you’re lucky.” Harley steps inside with Rhodey so that Peter has the room.
Peter is in the middle of putting the bags down when they hear another voice join them. "Well, if it isn't my two favorite trouble-makers."
Peter grins over at Tony while Harley feels his heart skip a beat. “Hey, Mr. Stark! We brought presents.”
Tony chuckles. “I see…but there is something missing I thought you were bringing.” Harley knows that when he looks right at him, he’s referring to his boyfriend. Of course, he can’t even say hi first. “Where’s the boytoy, Keener?”
If only Tony knew he’s talking about Peter.
Peter looks over to him and lets him answer. He isn’t pressing Harley, he knows this, but still, Harley feels bad when he replies, “He’s not here yet. Maybe…maybe he’ll be here tomorrow. For dinner.”
Tony hesitates, but in the end, doesn’t argue. “Alright, kid. I’m holding you to this.”
Peter, bless his heart, tries to distract Tony from the 'Harley’s boyfriend' conversation. “Mr. Stark, who cares about him? I’m right here.”
“Alright, alright, kiddo. Get over here.” Tony opens up his arms, and Peter runs forward, colliding for a hug. Peter has grown a few inches over the last few years, and he’s an inch taller than Tony when the man doesn’t wear heels in his shoes. Right now, in his own home, he's not in anything but a pair of slippers, so it’s clear that Peter’s taller as they hug. Tony rubs his back with his good arm, using the bionic arm to hold him close. “You’re going to squeeze the life out of me.”
“I haven’t seen you in so long,” Peter tells him.
“It’s only been a month, Pete,” Tony says, even though everyone knows Tony missed him just as much.
Rhodey says it. “You were just complaining to me about wanting to visit the boys at school last week, Tones. Don’t even.”
“Sounds like the old man,” Harley cracks with a smirk.
“You’re a brat,” Tony tells him, wagging his finger at him with one arm still wrapped around Peter.
“Are you calling my boy a brat again?” May asks, coming into the room with Happy at the side. She’s wearing a dark green sweater with a pair of mom jeans and her hair was braided neatly. Peter definitely doesn’t get his fashion sense from her.
“Nah, just Harley.”
“Oh, that’s alright then.” She steps aside and pulls Peter in for a hug.
Harley huffs with a smile. Ever since moving up here for school, she’s always been a second mom to him. She treats him just like she treats Peter, and that alone was a huge part of Harley feeling comfortable enough after moving from Rose Hill Tennessee.
“Well, at least I like you, kid.”
“Don’t forget his boyfriend. I bet his boyfriend likes him plenty, after hearing about all of the things Harley was gonna do for him that night.”
Harley’s face burns, and he knows Peter’s was too even though he can’t see his face as Peter hides his face by staring down at his feet. “Tony.”
“What? Am I making you embarrassed?” Tony asks with a smirk. “Maybe don’t get plastered at parties and call me-- well, I’m glad you called me-- just don’t give me all the dirty details about your boyfriend.”
“W-What did I say?” Harley asks, afraid of the answer.
“I’ll let the room use their imagination.”
May moves from Peter to Harley for his hug. “Stop giving him a hard time, Tony. He’s a junior in college. As long as he’s happy, and he’s being safe, there’s nothing wrong with him being sexually active.”
“Thanks, May…” Harley grumbles, wondering if she’ll say the same thing when she realizes it’s her nephew he’s in the relationship with.
“Of course.”
“Hey, if health class is over, can we get their bags in their rooms and eat? I’m starving.”
Peter handed one of his bags to Happy with a big grin. “I missed you too, Happy.”
"Just get over here, kid." Happy huffs, lifting an arm. Peter immediately tucked himself in Happy's hold. "Missed you so much."
"I know," he replies cheerily.
Harley looks around the room and he's reminded of how many people love Peter, and how many people would look at Harley and think Peter can do so much better.
That's why he can't tell anyone he's dating Peter because they won't approve. They'll make a face and tell Peter to break up with him before it's too late.
Harley knows this. He wasn't the catch back in Rose Hill. He started too many fights, and that shows in his crooked nose and the scars on his knuckles. People back home had a hard time accepting Harley when he first came out, but he always dreamed of a place that would feel like home when he came out. Especially here-- anyone could be anyone in New York City. That's what the songs say.
He planned on hitting every club and every bar to find the hottest men that all ran away from home to find themselves. What he hadn't planned on was finding the hottest guy sitting in Tony's lab before he even had the chance to go explore the city nightlife. And then to find out they were going to the same school? Harley had been in heaven.
Granted, it had taken them a few years for them to actually pull their heads out of their asses, but they're together now.
They're together, and Peter loves him. Peter thinks he's enough-- probably because Peter doesn't think he deserves anyone. But Peter's approval isn't enough anymore if they tell the world.
"Hey, you okay?" Peter is suddenly by his ear and Harley jumps back. He's too close. They'll all know. They'll hate Harley.
"M'fine," Harley grumbles, grabbing a bag from his arms and walking ahead to where he knows his bedroom is waiting. He doesn't wait for Peter to catch up to him, and he doesn't turn to see his reaction. It would probably break Harley's heart.
--
"What's wrong?" Peter asks that night when Harley's unpacking his duffle bag for the week. Harley doesn't jump, even though he didn't hear him walk in.
"What?"
"You've been avoiding me all night."
"No, I haven't," Harley says, and it isn't necessarily a lie. "We were sitting next to each other at dinner."
"You moved away when I tried to wrap my leg with yours." Peter's frowning slightly.
"We haven't told anyone yet," Harley points out, not wanting Peter to know he had been terrified of someone seeing their limbs intertwined.
"No one would have seen us," Peter says quietly. Harley continues unpacking, though now he's just moving clothes around to look busy. It's a long moment of silence before Peter continues, "I thought you wanted to tell them."
"I do," Harley insists. "But--."
Peter stiffens. "But what?"
"Look at you, Pete," Harley says. "Look at everyone around here that loves you. How am I supposta tell them you're datin' me?"
Peter's face softened. "Harley--."
"No! I don't want none of that pity bullshit."
"Harley," Peter says, not letting Harley brush it off. "Everyone in that room loves you just as much as they love me. They're going to love us."
"I highly doubt that," Harley grumbles.
"Well, I don't. And I'm always right. So ha." Peter comes over and pulls the pair of jeans Harley has refolded three times in the past minute out of his hands. "No one else is here. You don't have to keep your hands busy."
Harley doesn't argue because that's exactly what he had been doing. He lets Peter put the pants on his bed and take his hands in his. Then he looks down at him. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be…" Peter pulls his hands so they're close together and then wraps his arms around him. Harley is the bigger one. He's supposed to be the one holding and comforting Peter, not the other way around. But it feels nice to be held. So he shrinks as much as he can in Peter’s arms and hides his face in his neck.
Peter kisses the crown of his head softly as he wraps his arms around Harley. Harley breathes in a deep breath, comforting himself with the smell of Peter. For the Christmas season, it's his usual fresh laundry scent mixed with the Winter Candy Apple lotion he's wearing from Bath and Body Works.
"I love you," Harley mumbles, nestling his nose against the pulse point on Peter's neck.
"I love you too, Harls," Peter rubs his back softly, kissing him some more.
If he could have stayed there forever, he would have. But a knock at his bedroom door has him pulling himself from Peter's grip as if he's being burned. Peter lets go of him just as the door creaks open and Tony pokes his head inside.
"Hey, you two, your old man is heading to bed."
"You're not our old man," Harley argues because he's so not playing pseudo brothers with his boyfriend.
"You're gonna break your old man's heart saying that, kid. Though, you should get it all out before your boyfriend gets here, I suppose. Gotta be on your best behavior." Tony winks at him.
"If you keep your bad behavior up, I'm telling him not to come."
"Aw, don't be like that. I wanna meet him."
"Then leave me alone and promise not to harass him when he gets here." Harley raises an eyebrow.
"I won't harass him," Tony says slowly. "But I will have a talk-- just a talk, don't give me that look-- with him and make sure he knows that there are many, many people that will hurt him if he hurts you."
Harley's face burned as he watches Peter grin out of the corner of his eyes. "You're not giving my boyfriend the shovel talk."
"Watch me," Tony replies petulantly. "My job won't be complete until he is aware that he is not good enough for you, and he never will be good enough for you, but we'll tolerate him as long as he treats you well."
Peter can't help but laugh now as he listens to the exchange.
Tony looks over to him and says, "Just wait 'til you bring someone home, young man. I'll tell them the same exact thing. No one will ever be good enough for my boys."
"I don't know if I'll ever settle down," Peter says because he loves being a little shit. "I'm a wild stallion. A lone wolf. Like Miley said, I can't be tamed."
Tony stares at him for a long minute. Then finally, he sighs. "On second thought, I should probably thank whoever decides to put up with you."
Peter grins. "Aw, thanks, Mr. Stark."
Harley swallows thickly. He knows this is the perfect opportunity for them to tell Tony they're dating. It's private and personal. There's no audience, and the topic is already the focus of their conversation.
But then he remembers Freddy Kendrick from middle school. Freddy told his parents about wanting to be with boys, and they had sent him to therapy for it. By junior year, he was dating a cheerleader with a pretty face and a perfect body. Their wedding photos were all over Facebook last Spring, and Harley often wonders if Freddy's happy or if he's trapped.
Harley doesn't want to be trapped. He wants to marry Peter and spend the rest of his life with him. He doesn't want to go to some camp where they beat the gay outta you.
Tony's probably got enough money for a therapist that would have more modern day approaches to 'fixing him'. He can afford the brainwashing and hypnotizing that big-wig therapists provide.
"Hey, Earth to Keener."
Harley blinks a few times and realizes Peter and Tony are both staring at him in concern. "Uh. Yes?"
"You zoned out on us," Tony says, watching him carefully.
"I'm tired," he says, not lying entirely. "Pete made me watch Golden Girls all night." Also not a lie. Peter fell asleep three episodes in, and Harley stayed up just to look at his face illuminated by the television light.
"I told you that I would drive and you could nap."
"I wouldn't have woken up with you driving."
Peter groans, and it's adorable. He wants to kiss the groan right from his lips. "I'm not that bad. I've only ever had one little incident, and that wasn't my fault."
"Peter-- you hit Happy with the car."
"It was a gentle tap! Like a pat on the shoulder." Peter actually tries to defend the fact that he hit Happy in the shins when Happy was helping him practice parallel parking.
"A pat on the shoulder?" Harley repeats incredulously. "He had a bruise on his shin for a month."
"He knew I was coming!"
"No, you were supposed to be going in reverse."
"I got distracted--."
"When don't you?"
"You know what, Keener?"
"Tell me what, Parker."
And this is usually the part of their bantering when they dive forward and grab each other's cheeks to start kissing ferociously. But Tony reminds them they still have an audience. "Are you two done yet? Sheesh, it's worse than watching Barnes and Wilson."
"I thought you were goin' to bed."
"I am, brat. And for that, I'm saying goodnight to Peter first." Tony pulls Peter in for a hug, and Harley doesn’t mind watching just to see Peter get the love he deserves. "Goodnight, Roo."
"Night, Mr. Stark." Peter has his cheek pressed against Tony's shoulder with his eyes squeezed shut as he enjoys the hold.
Then Tony let's go of him and turns to Harley. "Get over here, squirt."
"I ain't a squirt," Harley complains with his face pinched as he goes to get his hug.
"Don't start, or else I'll call you something worse the entire week." Tony pulls him in, but Harley's the one wrapping his arms around him.
"You should call him munchkin," Peter suggests.
"No," Harley grumbles, but letting go of Tony just yet. He missed his hugs, though he will literally never admit that. "I'll kill ya' if you even think about it."
"That's not very nice, pumpkin."
Harley groans as Peter laughs. Harley is going to tickle him till he damn near pisses himself later. He'll see who's laughing then.
"Goodnight, Mr. Grumpy." Tony rubs his back gently before pulling away from the hug that Harley wasn't ready to lose yet. "You two better get to sleep. We've got a long day when they get here."
"Steve promised we could rematch our chess game." Peter looks excited, but Tony immediately shakes his head.
"Number one, I can't believe you call him Steve, but I'm still Mr. Stark. Also, you're not playing that game tomorrow. It takes hours when you two play and we don't have hours."
"We'll start early."
Harney can't help but laugh. "Your pretty little head ain't ever off that pillow early, darlin'."
It's true. Harley loves watching him sleep in the morning, as creepy as it sounds. He just loves seeing how peaceful and beautiful Peter is.
"Cupcake's right," Tony says, making Harley groan. "You probably don't even know what anything before noon looks like on a weekend or holiday."
"You're both mean." Peter pouts like an adorable puppy that Harley wants to scoop into a hug and kiss his cheek senseless. But Tony is right there. "And I won't stand for it."
He starts to leave, and Harley feels his heart skip a beat. Peter isn't supposed to leave him when the sun goes down; that's when he's supposed to come crawling into his bed after a long night of patrol. Tony chuckles as Peter leaves, saying goodnight as he walks away. Harley stares.
"Well, I'll let you get some rest now, bud. I'm glad you could make it. I missed you two."
Harley nods his head, pulling his eyes away from where Peter disappeared. "We missed you too. Even if all you ever do is harass us."
Tony grins, shrugging his shoulders. "Someone's gotta keep you two in line."
"I think it's the other way around."
"Perhaps," Tony agrees before moving towards the door himself. "Well, goodnight, I'll see you tomorrow, muffin."
Harley throws a rolled up pair of socks at Tony, but he ducks out of the way before it hits him. After Tony is gone, and so is Peter, Halrey lets his arms drop and his shoulders sag. He knows Peter says he understands Harley's reluctance, but he hopes he means that. More than anything, Harley wants to shout his love for Peter across the rooftops-- or at least through Tony's cabin.
Then at least, he'd have Peter to cuddle with tonight.
But he doesn't, so Harley takes his time putting his clothes away and getting ready for bed. He pulls on sweats and a t-shirt, glancing at his door one more time before crawling into bed.
He pulls the blankets over himself and curls up in a ball around an extra pillow, trying to imagine it's his boyfriend. It doesn't work as well as he planned. This pillow isn't nearly as clingy and doesn't drool.
He's so focused on trying to fall asleep with Pillow Peter, he's startled when Real Peter is crawling into bed with him. "Move over."
Harley's eyes shoot open. He hadn't even heard him walk into the room. "Peter, what the hell?"
"Scoot!" Peter says in a hushed whisper. "I'm tired, and it's cold."
Harley can't keep the smile off of his face as he shoves the pillow away so Peter can get into bed with him. He immediately pulls Peter in close and Peter snuggles against his chest, tangling their legs together. His body relaxes the moment Harley is holding him.
"I didn't think you were comin', darlin'," Harley mumbles quietly. He kisses the top of Peter's head, his curls tickling his nose.
"I always sleep with you."
"I know, but I thought 'cus I didn't tell anyone you wouldn't want to."
"No one will see us," Peter says.
"I know."
"So then why did you think I wouldn't come in to cuddle?" Harley can hear the frown in Peter's voice.
"'Cus we were supposta and then I--."
"Stop," Peter says, pulling away to look up at him. "I'm not going to punish you for having trouble with coming out to your family. I'm not an ass." Peter's voice softens as he says, "I'm also not stupid. Staying in my room would have meant no cuddles for me either."
Harley laughs, and he hopes Peter can feel the rumble deep from his chest. "I love you, Pete."
"I love you too, honey bun."
As he smiles, Harley says, "If you call me one more food name, I'll ain't ever callin' you darlin' again."
"Liar."
"I speak the truth. I'll only call ya' car parts. How does that sound, catalytic converter?"
Peter laughs so loud, Harley's afraid someone close by might hear.
Harley just grins and hushes him softly. "Shhh, sweetheart, the house is sleepin'. Don't go wakin' 'em all up."
"It's your fault," Peter argues, ready for a challenge that usually ends with them panting through swollen lips. Harley can see that spark in his eyes, even in the dark.
"Goodnight, Peter," Harley says pointedly.
"Goodnight, horn dog."
Harley doesn't give the name any attention, and after a long moment, Peter says, "Get it? Instead of corn dog, it's horn dog because horny."
"Hey, sweet pea?"
"Yeah, Harls?"
"Go the fuck to sleep."
"Hey, babies...morning time."
Harley does not want it to be morning time. Morning means he has to leave his bed and worse than that, he has to let Peter leave his arms. He hears Peter snoring softly and feels the small pool of drool cold on his chest.
Halfway through the night, Peter had pulled his own shirt off and urged Harley to do the same. Harley told him no funny business and their funny business only lasted maybe ten minutes before Harley pulled away as Peter's eyes started drooping back to dreamland. He had enough energy to pull Harley's shirt over his own head and snuggle back in his arms though.
God, Harley's the luckiest guy in the damn world.
"Harley. Peter. Wake up before you miss breakfast." Someone shakes his arm and it's only now that the words register in Harley's head. That's someone in the room waking them up as they're cuddled like drugged up octopuses.
His eyes snap open and he blinks his eyes to try and see past the blur of sleep. Long brown hair cascades above them along with a soft smile. "Good morning, honey."
"M-May," he stutters. "I, uh, can explain."
She furrows her brow. "What's to explain?"
Harley can't keep up with this conversation. This isn't how it's supposed to be going. She's supposed to be dragging him out of bed by his ear and hollering at him to stay away from her innocent baby boy who would never in a million years get into bed with a guy. "I'm sorry-- for courting your son-- I know it's strange, and it's weird, but I do love him. I love him as much as any girl could. And I hope he loves me nearly half as much. I promise--."
May cups his cheeks. "Woah...Harley, calm down. You're okay. You don't have to apologize."
"But--."
"There's nothing weird about my baby being in love with his boyfriend. Finding his person? That's all I've ever wanted for him." May brushes some of Harley's hair behind his ear. Peter continues to sleep soundly on his chest.
"But…" Harley's voice cracks. "I'm not a girl."
May looks almost sad at his words. "No. But that doesn't matter. That doesn't matter to anyone here."
Harley doesn't understand how every single person in this cabin can be okay with it when so many people in Rose Hill aren't. "Freddy Kendrick-- his folks sent him to a camp. To fix him."
"There's nothing to fix. They only sent him to a place where he knows the other guys are all batting for his team."
Harley laughs along with her. "Yeah...he said he spent the entire summer having sex--..." He stops when he remembers he's speaking to Peter's Aunt. And she heard all of the things Tony said about Harley and his boyfriend. "I, uh, I mean--."
"Harley," May says with a laugh. "I haven't had my virginity since I was 15. You don't need to explain to me."
"But he's your son--."
"And he's 21. If he's old enough to vote, enlist in the military, and drink, I think he's old enough to have sex. Safe and consenting sex."
Harley nods his head feverishly. "Of course. There's always consent, and we're safe, and we've got a safe word along with the light system, so--....I'm ramblin' and tellin' you way too much."
May laughs but doesn't disagree. "I think it's sweet that you're so good with him."
"Usually Pete's the one stickin' his foot in his mouth. I ain't used to this."
May's smile softens as she leans down to kiss the top of his head. "I'll let you wake him up then so you can let him say the stupid stuff then."
"Wait, May…"
May doesn't leave yet.
"Can you...I want to tell Tony. When-- I want to tell him."
She nods her head. "I won't tell a soul, sweetheart. But if you're worried about his reaction, you don't need to be. Something tells me he might know more about this than you think."
Harley wonders what that means as she leaves the room. Does he know about them too? How did May even know? Did Peter tell her? Harley won't be mad. He just wants to understand how.
But if he knows, then he would have known yesterday. And he didn't make a face. He didn't refuse to let them come. Maybe he's okay with them then-- not just them both being guys but Harley dating Peter.
Harley smiles softly, pulling Peter in closer. He kisses the top of his head. Peter shifts, making a cute little moaning noise as he drifts in dreamland.
Soon, they'll have to face the day, and Harley will have to either buck up or chicken out. Until then, he's going to hold Peter close and enjoy their peaceful morning.
"So, he's coming?" Tony asks hopefully as Harley finishes setting the table. Tony prepared a big Italian Christmas dinner for everyone and refused to let anyone help. Especially Steve and his Irish tastebuds, according to Tony.
"Yeah. He's almost here." Harley thinks about Peter, who's watching Home Alone in the den with Happy and Rhodey. He'll be here real soon-- whenever Tony calls everyone in for dinner.
"I'm happy he can make it," Tony says, bringing a dish full of something cooked in tomato sauce to the dinner table. "We'll do our best not to scare him. Promise."
Harley eyes Tony, and he can't tell if Tony really doesn't know or he's just good at faking. "I'm hoping he doesn't scare you guys away."
Tony nods his head. "By what you've told me-- well, drunk you has told me, he sounds like...a wild one. But we won't judge."
"Don't mention the sex thing in front of him and everyone," Harley pleads. "He's...I'm not sure he'd be into having it broadcasted at Christmas dinner with the family."
"Totally understandable. We'll save that for New Years."
"Tony."
"Peanut."
"Stop with the food nicknames. It's weird."
"I have no idea what you're talking about, dumpling." Tony smirks at him, and it's clear where Peter got his little shitness from.
"You're annoying," Harley tells him. "I'm telling everyone that dinner is ready, old man."
"What's your boy toy's ETA?"
"He's not my boy toy," Harley defends Peter. "And he's almost here."
"Mhmm," Tony says, going back to the stove to get another dish.
Harley rolls his eyes before Tony can call him something ridiculous like broccoli or chili cheese dog. He heads over to the den first and sees almost everyone has come to watch Home Alone. Peter's so invested in the movie, he doesn't see May sitting on Happy's lap on the couch just behind him. He's leaning against Steve's left leg with Nathaniel curled up in his lap. Harley wants to sit there and enjoy the view for a few moments longer.
Rhodey catches sight of him and smiles. "Dinner finally ready?"
"Yup. Tony's just putting it all out now." Harley brings his eyes back to Peter, who's giggling at the TV with Nathaniel.
The TV is suddenly paused and the Barton kids plus Peter all turn to look around. Nat’s got the remote in her hand. "Dinner time."
The children all groan as they're urged to stand up by the adults in the room. Steve says he'll go and get the ones not in the den, who are sitting outside on the porch by the space heater.
When Peter starts to carry Nathaniel into the dining room, Harley stops him. "Hey, Pete. Can I talk to you?"
"Sure," Peter replies, not looking nervous, thankfully. One of them has to be brave here. He kneels down to Nathaniel's level. "I'll meet you in there, okay? Save me and Harley a seat."
"Okay!" Nathaniel chirps before running into the dining room with his siblings just behind him.
Now, Harley has Peter’s full attention, and he's not sure he's ready for it. Peter senses this and reaches out to grab his hands. "Hey," he whispers softly. "It's alright. We're okay."
"I know," Harley tells him. "I want to tell them. Now. At dinner. I want them to know."
Peter smiles, and Harley loves seeing how excited he gets. "Really?"
"Yeah. I want them to know about us. No matter what their reactions are."
Peter squeezes his hands and leans in close to press their lips together. He pulls away just as quickly and says, "I'm really proud of you."
"Thanks, darlin'..."
They walk to the dining room together, though Harley refrains from holding Peter's hand even though he wants to. He wants to surprise them, and if they see them holding hands before they announce it, they'll know.
Tony looks up when he sees them enter, the last of the family at the table. "Is your boy almost here? The food's gonna get cold soon."
Harley looks over to the three empty seats and swallows thickly. This is it. There's no turning back. "He's here, actually."
"Oh, good. Go let him in. He's probably freezing outside." Tony's fixing up the last few things on the table, not even looking over at Harley.
May gives him a nod and he reaches for Peter's hand. "I don't need to let him in. He's already here."
Some of the other adults realize immediately. Clint's eyes widen; Steve smiles widely; Natasha raises an eyebrow; and Happy turns to May. But Tony is a little late on the realization.
"Well, send him in! Is he hiding somewhere?" Tony laughs. "He doesn't have to be scared of us."
"Uh, Tones…" Rhodey says.
Tony finally looks away from the dishes he's fixing to look up at Harley. His brow furrows as he tries to figure out what's going on and then his eyes trail down his arm to where his hand is squeezing Peter's. He's probably going to leave bruises, he's so nervous.
"My boyfriend is here because he's been here since the start."
"Your boyfriend…" Tony starts. "Is Peter?"
"Yeah…" Harley trails off, grateful for Peter by his side.
"Your boyfriend is Peter," Tony repeats, straightening up. Then the rest starts to click into place, and he must remember the conversation he has with drunk Harley. "Oh, my God! Your boyfriend is Peter!"
Harley nods his head, hoping this is a good sign. Everyone else can approve of them, but it won't mean as much as Tony's approval. "He is."
Tony looks over to Peter with a scrunched up face. "You-- you! You're nasty!"
Peter sputters, his face turning bright red. "W-What?"
"Holy shit-- everything Harley was telling me-- you 're the sex crazed boyfriend-- I think I'm going to be sick."
Rhodey rolls his eyes. "You're not going to be sick, drama queen. You were much worse at their age. Don't be a hypocrite."
"But this is-- this is Peter!"
"And he's allowed to have a healthy sex life," May joins the conversation with an amused smirk.
"You're okay with this!?" Tony practically shouts.
"Of course," she replies smoothly, and Peter grins beside him. "I've been okay with it since they met."
"We didn't start dating until a few months ago," Peter says.
"I know you best, baby. You were head over heels from day one."
Harley keeps his attention on Tony, trying to figure out what he's thinking past the horror. He's still staring at Peter, looking a bit pale. "Are you...are you okay with it?"
That seems to silence the room and they all watch the exchange. Harley hadn't meant to ask like that, almost begging for a yes, but he can't help it. He needs to know. "Am I okay with you two?"
"Yeah."
"Of course," Tony replies immediately. "You two-- I mean-- I didn't think you got along that well. I didn't know it was...this. But I'm happy. If you're happy."
"But it's Peter...he's-- he's...him."
"Thanks, babe," Peter says with a little laugh, trying to lighten his worries.
Harley can't focus on that now. He needs to know Tony is okay.
"Yes. He's him. He's your best friend and a great kid. He's perfect for you. Really. I couldn't imagine someone better for you. I know you'll take care of each other, and that's all I ever wanted for the both of you."
Harley grunts because Tony isn't getting it. "No-- he's him-- he's a him."
Tony freezes when he realizes Harley's words. "Harley, kid, that's okay. No one in this room has a problem with that, and if they do, I'll be the first ones to show them the door."
Harley swallows a lump down his throat. "Really?"
"Yes, really. Jesus, kid. Who do you think I am?"
It has nothing to do with Tony. Harley wants him to understand that. It was never Tony's fault. It's everyone else's in Rose Hill.
"Freddy Kendrick-- his Pops sent him to a camp. To pray the gay away or whatever. And-- Patty Moore wasn't allowed out of the house 'sides for school. Jackson Clark...his Daddy dragged me off of him and said he'd kill me if I ever even looked at his son again."
Tony comes over immediately, cupping Harley's cheeks firmly and looking him in the eyes. "You are safe here. I'll only kill you for being with Pete if you hurt him. But that goes for him too."
Harley's eyes are burning. "You're okay with me bein' gay?"
Tony laughs but it isn't like he's laughing at a joke. It's like he can't believe Harley needs to hear this. "Okay with you being gay? Kiddo, there's a reason Pep and I didn't work out."
Harley freezes. He doesn't want to assume, but...he follows Tony's gaze to the big blond with blue eyes sitting next to Tony's empty seat. Steve seems oblivious to the comment as he's giving Peter a thumbs-up. "You're gay?"
"Bi," Tony corrects. "But still, I think it'd be a little hypocritical of me to be angry at you, considering my own preferences."
Not only does Tony accept him, but he's like him. Harley leans forwards and pulls him into a tight hug. "Thank you."
Tony rubs his back and he returns the hug. "Of course, kid."
"I knew Mr. Stark would be cool about it."
Tony pulls away to look over at Peter, who's smiling so bright he could light up a black hole. "You, mister. You're not allowed to look me in the eyes for a week."
Peter laughs, his cheeks still flushing red. "Does that mean we have your blessing?"
"As long as I never have to hear the details I was told again, then yes. You have my blessing."
"Oh, come on, Tones," Rhodey laughed. "What happened to high fiving Harley and being so proud of the man your boy was becoming."
Harley grins over at Tony. Had he really said that to Rhodey? His boy.
"Never happened! No idea what you're talking about! These two don't even know what sex is! They're babies." Tony turns around to sit back down at his table.
Lila gasps from her seat. "Peter and Harley are having sex?!"
Now, Harley feels the same mortified blush Peter's been fighting. "Really, Tony?"
"Aaand that's the end of this conversation!" Tony says, clapping his hands. "Be safe, be happy...all that fun stuff. Harley, hurt Peter and I kill you. Peter, hurt Harley and I kill you."
"Well, what kind of hurt because--." Peter starts, like the little shit he is, and Harley wants to dig his head in the sand and die.
Tony seems to feel the same way. "Nope! No! Nu-uh! Quiet!"
Peter laughs, grabbing Harley's hand to lead him to the table. "I'm glad we have your approval."
"Uh huh. Whatever. Start eating." Tony can't look at either of them.
May, however, leans over and raises her hand for Peter to high five. "That's my boy."
Harley looks over to Tony and raises his hand for a high five, even though he knows he's not going to get it. But the fact that he can joke about this with his family-- with Tony-- it's all he's ever wanted.
"Keep holding your hand up. You might get tired after a while 'cus I ain't high-fiving you, french fry."
Peter leans in close to Harley, but his voice carries across the room. "Well, he's got you there. You do taste pretty salty."
Tony isn't the only one to gag this time. Harley laughs and pulls Peter close to his side, kissing the top of his head and in front of everyone, he announces, "I love you, darlin'."