Starker.
Peter x Tony
Ever since Aunt May's passing, Peter's anxiety became almost uncontrollable, loosing the only real family Peter had left caused strain on the twenty year old's mind and senses. The only person able to calm the young was his mentor, Tony Stark.
TW: Kinda sad beginning, violence, little bit of fluff ending, strong language.
-not time line accurate-
__________________
Peter stared at the ceiling, unable to look out into the city's view. He had meant to go patrolling, but Peter couldn't find himself to grab his suit and put it on.
His eyes fuzzed as they unfocused, darkening but not quite black yet.
It had been a year since May's passing, the young adult still couldn't bear the thoughts. He had moved into the Avengers tower, Tony persistent on not wanting to lose his young protégée.
Peter couldn't help but let his mind slip back to that night.
'Peter go..' May whispered her eyes struggling to stay on her nephew.
'No- No May I can't..' Peter cried softly, holding tightly onto his Aunt's hands.
Fire blazed through the apartment lobby, more concrete rubble falling from the ceiling.
'With great power must also come great responsibility. I love you Peter, you will do amazing things.' May coughed softly, squeezing her nephews hands one last time.
Peter's eyes filled with tears again, his heart began racing. His fists balled into the blankets.
___________________
"Sir, Peter's heart seemed to have elevated again. Still increasing." F.R.I.D.A.Y alerted Tony.
The man looked up, dropping his tools. Tony frowned, he loved the young man deeply, and hated every anxiety attack, every panic attack, that Peter had, knowing it caused Peter pain.
Tony washed off his hands walking up to Peter's room. He knocked on the young mans door as he entered.
"Pete?" Tony entered, the only light was a dim glow from a side lamp.
Peter was now curled facing the wall, the door, Tony rushed to Peter's side as he didn't get a response.
Peter whimpered, his breath entering and leaving his lungs too quickly.
"Hey, hey, hey, I'm here Sweetie." Tony moved around the bed, sitting against the back of the head board.
Tony pulled Peter into his lap, the young man only struggled for a moment before feeling the familiar body, and smelling Tony's scent.
"It's okay." Tony spoke calmly, into Peter's hair, rubbing his palms against Peter's back and arm.
Peter continued to cry softly into Tony's shirt. The older man letting him do so.
"Stare at the wall that's told a thousand tragedies.."
Tony started softly, knowing that when he sings Peter's favorite song, the young Spiderling will calm down.
Peter had always thought the song reminded him of Tony.
"Holding a hand that's loved every part of me,
A lady comes and tells me I've got to leave,
Right away everybody's the enemy,
Deep breaths from the room I watch you lie,
Any beat from your heart gets me through the night,
You're my love, you're my death, you're my alibi,
Say this isn't goodbye."
Peter's ears let the song in, Tony's soft voice bringing him back to reality, back to the mans arms.
"Who's gonna drive me home tonight?
Who's gonna argue til' they win the fight?"
Tony paused only for a moment before he continued.
"You're the only one that knows how to operate,
My heavy machinery.."
"Don't let the light, go out.
Don't let the light, go out."
Peter joined in finishing the chorus brokenly.
"Don't let the light, go out.
Don't let the light, go out."
Peter sniffled, nuzzling into Tony's chest deeper, his fingers finding their way up to Tony's arc reactor. Finger tips gliding against the smooth titanium.
"I'm sorry Tony." Peter mumbled softly, closing his eyes pressing his palm flat to Tony's chest.
"Don't be sorry Kid. I've always got you. I'm happy to help Peter." Tony wrapped his arms fully around the young man, resting his face in Peter's hair.
Peter's body warmed, just like it did every time Tony was so close. The touches, laughs, every moment they shared, was making Peter fall for his mentor.
Peter couldn't help but dislike the nickname the older chose for him.
"I'm not a kid." The young man pouted, pushing his face up to Tony's neck.
The man chuckled softly, moving his fingers to Peter's hair, playing with the soft grown out curls.
"You should get some rest Pete." Tony mumbled softly, closing his eyes as he felt Peter's breath on his neck.
Peter hummed softly, "I was supposed to go out.."
Peter pouted pushing his nose against Tony's neck. Tony hummed in response, Peter's cool nose gliding up and down his warm skin.
"That's okay Petey, we'll go out tomorrow." Tony mumbled softly.
Tony continued rubbing Peter's back, letting the young man fall asleep in his arms.
Tony knew Peter hadn't gotten much sleep in quite some time, but the young man always seemed so peaceful in his arms
Tony kissed the top of Peter's head, before trying to lay Peter down on the bed. Peter stirred, latching himself tighter to Tony.
"Stay please?" Peter's hazel eyes, popping open darting up and meeting Tony's own blue ones.
Tony nodded, sliding down the bed, letting Peter lay on his chest. Tony it was wrong for him to be enjoy laying with Peter like this, but he couldn't help himself longing for more.
"I'll stay Peter."
That was the last thing Peter heard or remembered before falling asleep.
___________________
The Web-Slinger woke alone the next morning, maybe it being for the best. He wasn't sure if he'd be able to handle waking next to the man he was falling for.
Peter ran his hand across the sheet where the man had laid the night before.
Peter shook his head.
"I can't feel this way." He sighed softly, knowing his feelings couldn't exist in reality.
Peter got up, getting into the shower, letting the warm water rush over his skin.
Peter decided that he should go out instead of laying around the tower, or being in such close proximity with the man he wasn't supposed to fall for.
__________________
It had been about four hours of Web-Slinging small time thieves and pick pockets before Peter was sitting on the ledge of a building.
Peter really did feel better whenever he was out being the 'Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man' but sometimes the young mans mind took over and he couldn't bring himself to be that hero.
Peter looked out over the city, the distant bustling noise putting some sort of ease through the young mans body.
Then he heard it, the familiar sound of repulsers coming closer.
Peter looked around, spotting the shiny metal the flew towards him.
"I thought we were going out together Peter?" Tony's com connected with Peter's.
"I just wanted a moment. Needed some air Mr. Stark." Peter replied turning his head back to the city's skyline.
Peter wished Tony wouldn't have come out, but he couldn't really turn the man away.
Tony was slightly surprised, the young man hadn't called him 'Mr. Stark' in quite some time.
"Is something on your mind Petey?" Tony asked, landing down next to the Web-Slinger.
"Just the usual.. Everyone I love dies, and there's nothing I can do... I'm terrified to get close to anyone." Peter hung his head shaking it.
Peter was always honest with Tony, finding himself unable to lie or hide anything from the older.
"Pete.." Tony put his hand on Peter's shoulder, the young man flinching and turning away.
"It's true Mr. Stark!" Peter stepped away.
"It's not Peter, none of this has anything to do with you loving someone. Shit happens Peter, and we can't save them all no matter how hard we try." Tony followed Peter's steps.
"Why not? My mom, my dad, my Uncle Ben, my Aunt May... Everyone Tony, I can't let that happen to you too." Peter's voice cracked before the young man darted off.
"Peter wait-!" Tony called after the Spiderling.
"Karen, block Tony's tracking and coms." Peter sighed slinging himself down the street.
"Are you-"
"Yes, just do it Karen."
Peter continued swinging until he couldn't hear the sound of repulsers that were trying to follow him.
Tony had given up on trying to follow Peter, thinking, hoping, that the young man would come home by the end of the night.
But Peter knew he wouldn't be going back.
Peter had ended up at an abandoned factory lying out on the roof, a few stars twinkled through the city's bright haze.
"I can't go back..." He whispered softly into the cool air, watching the steam from his breath disappear in the air.
Peter's eyes began to blur with tears once again.
________________
Tony paced his tech lab, worried about Peter. After the man returned to the tower he tried checking Peter's location, which he was locked out of, then the man tried calling but was unable to reach the young man.
Tony felt disgruntled, cursing himself for not taking the options away.
Tony got into his suit once more and went out searching for Peter.
"Come on Peter, why'd you have to run..?"
___________________
Peter's eyes popped open, repulsers coming closer. He shot up as Tony landed.
"Oh thank God Peter! I was so worried!" Tony yelled running over to the Spiderling.
Peter whined as he was captured in the mans suited arms.
"N-no! No! Stay away!" Peter pushed away from Tony's arms, "I'm not risking your life just because you think nothing will happen. I'm not losing you too." Peter shook his head stepping away from the man.
"Peter you won't lose me, I promise, please come home. I don't want you to be alone, you don't deserve to exile yourself out of fear and anxiety over losing people. I know it's been hard, but Peter please come home, I've been here this long, I don't plan on going anywhere any time soon. I need you home Peter." Tony stretched out his hand, hoping the young man would take it.
Peter looked at Tony's hand, "T-Tony I can't."
The young man whimpered turning away from the elder. His heart starting to beat faster.
Tony stepped forward wrapping his arms around Peter. The Spiderling freezing in his spot.
"I need you home Peter, please?" Tony asked pressing his forehead against Peter's masked head.
Peter whimpered wanting desperately to go with the man.
"I can't trust it." Peter pushed himself away once again, sniffling the young man tried taking off.
"Peter please-" Tony was desperate for Peter to change his mind, a full day without the young man made Tony's heart ache with depravity.
"N-No Tony. You- You can't change my mind." Peter shook his head vigorously, taking off his mask.
Anxiety and panic begun pumping through Peter's veins. He wanted, needed to get out of there.
The young man's vision started to glare as the tears mixed with lights in the distance. Peter's steps were wobbled and awkward, his chest heaved for oxygen.
"Stare at a wall that's told a thousand tragedies." Tony started, suddenly next to the young man.
Peter fell to his knees clutching his chest. Tony exited his suit crouching and wrapping his arms around Peter who weakly pushed against him.
"Holding a hand that's loved every part of me,
A lady comes and tells me I've got to leave,
Right away everybody is the enemy,
Deep breaths from where I watch you lie,
Any beat from your heart gets me through the night,"
Tony paused, rubbing Peter's back, a soft kiss to Peter's temple. The young man only sniffled as he continued to cry the elders arms.
"You're my love,
You're my death,
You're my alibi,
Say this isn't goodbye,"
Tony paused again, pressing a kiss to Peter's forehead, cupping Peter's cheek with his other hand.
"Who's gonna drive me home tonight?
Who's gonna argue til' they win the fight?"
Tony kissed the tip of Peter's nose. Peter blushed looking through his wet doe eyes, up at Tony.
"You're the only on that knows how to operate,
My heavy machinery."
Tony leaned forward once more, a gentle kiss to Peter's lips. The young man blinked slowly.
"Don't let the light, go out.
Don't let the light, go out."
Peter's face became hotter, but unable to help himself from joining like he always had before, or from looking away from the older man.
"Don't let the light, go out.
Don't let the light, go out."
The pair finished, Peter stayed still in the mans arms.
"Please come home Pete?" Tony asked, running his thumb over Peter's cheek bone.
"T-Tony... T-this is even more reason for me-"
Peter was quieted by Tony's lips, the man unwilling to hear the younger's next words.
Peter whimpered, his body relaxing into Tony's as their lips moved slowly. The young man gripped at the elders undershirt, pulling themselves impossibly closer as the kiss deepened.
It was only moments later the pair parted, panting softly against each other's lips.
"I don't want to lose you either Peter. I can't let you go when I know that all I want to do is protect you, make you happy, make sure you know you can be loved without losing someone. I'm always going to be here for you Peter." Tony wished it had been a better moment for him to express him feelings to his protégée, but he couldn't let Peter go without telling him.
Peter closed his eyes and hiding his face in his hands, now unwilling to look at the man.
"Tony- I don- I can't-" Peter tried to stifle a sob unsuccessfully, shaking his head.
"Peter-" Tony tried again, put the younger pushed him away.
"Tony I can't. I-I can't do this." Peter shook his head, standing up quickly, slipping his mask back over his face.
Tony stood as well, "Pete wait please-!"
Tony's calls were in vein as the Spiderling was out of sight. Tony sprinted back to his suit, even though he knew it was futile to look for the young man, Tony couldn't help himself.
________________
Four months had passed since Peter's been back to the tower.
The first month Peter had slipped away from being seeing by the Iron Man numerous times, the only saving grace was being able to hear the repulsers on the suit.
After that, the Web-Slinger didn't see the man, hoping at least the hero had given up on trying to see him. Though it hadn't stopped his heart from aching, with the thoughts from the other side, Tony had given up and no longer cared.
Peter's first month without the man was heinous, the young man was never able to sleep, always being on the edge of an anxiety or panic attack.
The only way Peter was able to curb the cruel attacks was his song, but playing it didn't have quite the same effect as the elders voice did.
Peter agonized in debate, wanting to go back to the man, but fearing the worst would come of if he went back.
The first two months went by quickly, and by the third Peter believed he was getting over the man, his subconscious knowing otherwise.
Peter had been able to get through most days without the grueling debilitating attacks by the start of the fourth month of being on his own.
This day had been different though, bad guys had been turning up left and right, making it quite busy for the spider enhanced hero. By night fall it had gotten worse.
The Web-Slinger's body was sore and tight, aching to rest as he found himself surrounded by a gang.
Peter had disrupted their vandalizing 'party' which did not have the greatest reaction from the six men.
The young man started with webbing two by their feet and punching them backward. Another two kicked at his legs from behind knocking Peter on the ground. Peter flipped shooting webs toward the men trying to push them backward, they advanced anyway with sharp kicks to Peter's chest and back.
Peter groaned as the fifth and sixth joined in.
Peter's panic started to build, the mens kicks lasting for what seemed like forever. Peter just tried to lay still, waiting for the men to become satisfied by their damage.
The men left, cutting their friends free and leaving the young Web-Slinger battered on the alleyway pavement.
Peter finally let out a sob, knowing it was clear, and that he was alone. Pain ripped through the young mans body as his chest heaved.
"Karen. A-alert T-Tony pl-please.." Peter coughed, the metallic taste confirming the worst.
Peter's brain fell blank, and his eyes faded to nothingness.
The young Spider-Man laid unconscious waiting for the man he ran away from.
_________________
"Boss, I have Peter's location, sent by distress signal." F.R.I.D.A.Y alerted the working man.
Tony dropped the wrench he was holding. The man shot up, activating his nano-tech suit. Tony made his way to his secret building exit, flying out the top of the tower.
"Where?" Tony asked looking in all directions before a pathway lit up on his screen.
Tony fired his repulsers full blast as he followed the path line.
Only taking a minute or two, Tony was landing in front of unconscious Spider-Man.
"Fuck Pete-!" Tony gasped, picking up the almost lifeless Peter.
Tony took the young man back to the tower just as fast, and immediately taking him to the private medical bay.
The man reluctantly letting the doctors take charge, leaving him behind closed doors. Only after being consoled by Doctor Strange, Tony knew the doctors needed space to figure out what's going on. He didn't even know.
Tony waited, pacing the hall outside the doors for three hours before Dr. Strange emerged from them once more.
"Steven please tell me he's okay?" Tony asked, rushing over as soon as he heard the doors.
"He's okay Tony, a couple of broken ribs, internal bruising, and a little bleeding, but he'll recover in a few days with his super-human healing. He definitely needs to rest, no immediate activity incase of re-fracturing the ribs." Steven patted Tony's arm.
"He's sleeping from the pain reliever and sedative, a lot of anxiety in that kid Tony, you have to be careful." Steven added, knowing Tony would be asking to see the wounded young man.
"I'll have to wait till tomorrow?" Tony asked, obvious desperation and ache in his eyes.
"Yes Tony, you should get some rest too, I know you've been taking the last four months really hard. He's okay, he's safe, get some sleep." Steven patted Tony's arm again, disappearing behind the doors once again.
Tony tilted his head back and groaned with frustration.
Hanging his head down, Tony left the private hospital wing. The man didn't go to his personal quarters, rather he went back to his tech lab.
Tony mindlessly and numbingly working on whatever he ran into first.
The man tried to not glance at the clock, his eyes betraying him every now and again.
'12:48 am'
'1:09 am'
'1:23 am'
'1:38 am'
'1:57 am'
Tony prayed to whatever god there was, for time to move faster, or by some graces, Peter would call for him.
Neither happened, time only crawled, and Tony was never alerted to be beckoned to the young man.
'4:57 am'
Tony was on his fourth adjustment, that he planned for his suit. It only took Tony awhile whenever he was showing Peter something. He probably should have waited to do them with Peter, but the man was desperate for something to take up his time, knowing he couldn't sleep.
'5:44 am'
Tony couldn't sit any longer. Not the espresso's that he had been drinking helped. Tony started making his way to the private medical floor, taking the longest way conceivable.
Not that it had mattered with the quick stride Tony couldn't help but take.
'6:41 am'
Tony looked away from his watch.
"Friday, alert Doctor Wizard I want to see Peter." Tony crossed his arms.
"Already did Boss." F.R.I.D.A.Y responded.
Tony waited at least another five minutes before Steven emerged.
"Fucking finally! God damnit-" Tony threw his hands up.
"Woah woah, okay, he's not awake yet you may have to wait a little lo-" Steven waved his hands, but was also disrupted.
"I want to be there when he wakes up! Please just let me back there Steven, I own the fucking building, will you please?" Tony was exasperated at this point, beyond desperate, and beyond a delusional state.
Steven sighed defeated, "Come on."
"Fucking thank you." Tony sighed as well, feeling almost relieved.
Steven rolled his eyes leading Tony back to Peter's room.
Tony could've cried seeing Peter laying there, connected to the IV drips and monitor. He would've if Steven wasn't still standing there.
"Can you please?" Tony's eyes looked sharply at Steven.
The Doctor sighed shaking his head with disapproval as he retreated out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Tony's eyes softened as he looked back at Peter, sleeping so peaceful. Tony could have sworn it was the best sleep Peter could have had, just by the way Peter was laying, breathing, and motionless.
Tony felt himself take the first actual breath he's had in four months. Before grabbing a hold of Peter's clammy hand, resting his head on his arm closing his eyes for the first time.
________________
The man feeling constrictment chest the whole time Peter wasn't by his side.
Tony became reclusive after the first month, but unwilling to give up, the man hacked into the city's camera system, looking out for the Web-Slinger.
Sometimes the man would catch glimpses, but the Spiderling seemed smart enough to avoid the cameras, maybe a feeling or maybe knowing Tony so well.
With out Peter, Tony rarely left his lab, his espresso machine over loading from time to time as the man's constant use wore it out. The man watched screens tirelessly, eyes dried and glued to moving screens.
Tony would play Peter's song in the background. Also playing the recording of their last interaction together.
'Please come home Pete?'
'T-Tony... T-this is even more reason for me-'
'I don't want to lose you either Peter. I can't let you go when I know that all I want to do is protect you, make you happy, make sure you know you can be loved without losing someone. I'm always going to be here for you Peter.'
'Tony- I don- I can't-'
Peter's soft sob.
'Peter-'
'Tony I can't. I-I can't do this.'
'Pete wait please-!'
____________
"Tony?" Peter groaned, covering his eyes, shielding the bright fluorescent lights.
Peter's eyes focused, looking for the man he wasn't sure he wanted to see, after pushing him away for so long.
The young man noticed the human form, uncomfortably slouching over the hospital bed, Peter had just realized he was in.
"Tony." Peter called again, a little louder, the monitor beeping slightly faster.
The man stirred groaning as he sat up.
"Fuck that su- Peter, Pete, hey.." Tony stood, only to sit on the edge of Peter's bed.
Peter slightly calmed, but only for a second.
"Did you take me to a hospital?" Peter asked looking around the room, as if he was making an escape plan.
"No you're at the tower Pete, it's okay Sweetie, you're home. You really scared me Peter, I was really worried about you." Tony squeezed Peter's hand tightly.
Peter looked down, "I never stopped thinking about what happened, but I just couldn't bring myself to come back. I still don't... know if I can..."
Large hot tears started slipping down his face.
"Peter... I need you home, you need to come home. Everyone misses you, I miss you so much Peter. You can't live being afraid to be close to someone. I can't lose you again Peter, four months without you was enough." Tony cupped Peter's cheek, swiping away a few of Peter's tears.
"I thought you stopped looking." Peter hiccuped over larger tears.
"Oh Baby, never, I never stopped, you just got too good." Tony shook his head, leaning forward, pressing his lips to Peter's forehead.
Peter whimpered softly sniffling, he nodded when Tony pulled back.
"I'm sorry Tony..." Peter whispered after a moment, looking through thick wet lashes at the man.
"Don't apologize, we'll make up for our lost time, okay?" Tony brushed another tear away.
"Okay.." Peter whispered softly, a wave of equanimity washed over Peter.
The young man finally feeling a warmth, calming, levelheadedness take over his overwhelmed body.
"You should get more rest, Steven said you'll have to take a few days. What happened Peter?" Tony asked, fearful of the answer.
"It was a long day... Just one after another.. Then I was trying to break up this gang who were vandalizing that building.. Ugh-" Peter stopped, groaning as he tried to sit up a bit more.
"Here." Tony stopped him, and pressed the side of the bed, causing the head of the bed to rise.
"Thanks." Peter sighed breathless, "Anyway, I was just overwhelmed as they came at me." Peter closed his eyes letting his head rest back.
Tony seethed with anger. Peter could feel it.
"I didn't really see them, and there's no way to know who they were. There was six of them, only four of them were able to beat my ass. Got the other two stuck." Peter chuckled dryly, but winced, reaching for his ribs.
"I'm the one person who can find out who they are." Tony's voice was articulated with anger dripping off every syllable.
"Tony please just leave it. It doesn't matter now." Peter now had his eyes open staring at the man.
"Of course it does Peter, they broke your fucking ribs! Internal bleeding and bruising! They caused you fucking harm and that's the fucking least I'll do to them." Tony stood, now pacing around Peter's hospital bed.
"Tones..." Peter sighed softly watching the man. "Please forget it?"
Peter knew the mans words were a promise, nor did it matter what Peter said, Tony in the end would 'avenge' the young man.
Tony looked over at Peter, unable to hold on to the frustration, not with the helpless, desperate look on Peter's dace.
The man sighed joining Peter's side once more.
"For now." Tony warned, promised rather.
Peter shook his head, closing his eyes lying back again.
"I want to go lay in my bed." Peter grumbled softly, feeling Tony's hand wrap around his own.
"Soon I promise Sweetie." Tony lifted the young mans hand, kissing his knuckles.
Then a knock at the door caused the pair too look at it, as if the door itself knocked.
Steven entered, a small pensive smile as he saw Peter was awake.
"Hey Kid, how are you feeling?" Steven asked rounding the bed to the monitor, typing a few things into the computer near by.
"Not a Kid." Peter grumbled, "Sore, little bit of pain when I breathe, talk, try and move." He added still grumbling.
Steven hummed, "Do you want any pain reliever for that? You'll have to be on bed rest for the next three days in case of a re-fracture, I also want to keep you on these fluids for the rest of the day. They have a health serum to help along with your super-human healing, just as a precaution. You'll be able to go back upstairs at the end of the day."
"No I'm okay. I don't really like taking stuff." Peter shook his head.
Steven checked how much was left in the IV bag, before checking Peter's vitals.
"You didn't have a concussion, but you were badly bruised in and out, along with a few broken ribs, and some internal bleeding. Other wise you're pretty lucky Peter." Steven spoke, while typing into the computer.
Tony could only stare at Peter, and the young man could only look down feeling ashamed.
"Remember, bed rest Peter. I don't want to see you back in here."
Steven left the pair alone, feeling the tension between them.
"You should have taken something, I know you're in more pain than you're saying." Tony frowned, squeezing Peter's hand.
"I don't like it. Just kind of makes me feel wrong." Peter sighed softly, squeezing Tony's hand in return.
Tony shook his head feeling upset the young man wouldn't take anything to curb the pain.
"You don't deserve the pain Pete."
Peter didn't say anything for a moment.
"In some way.. I feel like I do." Peter laid back again, "I can't help it, but in some way it feels like it was a deserved punishment. Spending a lot of my life trying to run away from things I didn't need to, being too scared to build something... build a relationship with you.. because I don't want to lose another person." Peter couldn't bring himself to open his eyes and look at the man next to him.
Tony's heart ached for the young man, wanting nothing more than to fix all the anxieties that plagued Peter.
"You never deserved the life that was given to you Peter. You don't deserve to be filled with so much pain and loss. You deserve abundance's of love from every surrounding human being. You weren't meant to feel this way, you're meant to feel excited about new relationships and bonds, and not that you'll lose them the moment you get them. I'm not going anywhere Peter, and I don't want you going anywhere I want to show you that you can love, and that you deserve it." Tony poured out his heart, still hoping to, and still set on changing Peter's mind.
Peter whimpered, knowing the man was right, wanting nothing more than to give into his feelings though he was still hesitant.
"It'll take me time... I'm just so scared.. I don't want to lose you like that..." Peter sniffled softly shaking his head slightly.
"I know, I know Baby, I'll be here every step of the way for you, I just want you happy, healthy, and protected Peter." Tony brought Peter's knuckles back to his lips, letting them linger for a moment before bringing their hands back down.
Peter smiled sadly before closing his eyes once more, feeling tired, drained, and sore.
Tony didn't say anything more, letting the young man fall to sleep, knowing Peter needed it.
_______________
Peter's promised bed rest only lasted two days. The young man trying to make his way down to Tony's tech lab buzzing with anxiety, causing high alert around the young man.
Peter woke up with a start, grabbing at his still sore ribs as he sat up. Sweat dripping down his forehead, flashes of four men kicking him played back as Peter stood unbalanced making his way to the door.
He needed Tony.
Peter's vision beginning to fuzz, his chest unable to move air in and out fast enough. Peter forced himself down the hallway, using the wall to hold himself up as he shakily moved.
Peter heard his name being called just as his knees gave out, strong arms wrapping around him before he hit the floor.
"-'re the only one that knows how to operate,
My heavy, machinery."
Tony's strained voice, slowly brought Peter back to reality. The young mans head feeling melted down to nothing as he was regaining control of his body and mind.
"Don't let the light, go out.
Don't let the light, go out."
Peter focused on the words, his eyes still glazed over as he looked up at the man holding him.
"Don't let the light, go out.
Don't let the light go out."
Peter leaned his head against the mans chest, closing his eyes as he mumbled softly along.
Tony played with Peter's hair, continuing the song.
"A rush of blood floods hot thoughts in my head,
Red roses sitting silently beside the bed,
I'm saying more right now than I ever said,
Don't wanna live if the thought of loving you is dead.."
Peter sniffled softly, wrapping an arm around the mans neck. Calming from the attack slowly in the mans embrace.
"Who's gonna drive me home tonight?
Who's gonna argue til' they win the fight?
You're the only one that knows how to operate,
My heavy machinery
Who's gonna drive me home tonight?
Who's gonna argue til' they win the fight?
You're the only one that knows how to operate,
My heavy machinery.."
Tony kissed the top of Peter's head, keeping his hair in the Spiderling's hair.
"Don't let the light, go out.
Don't let the light, go out."
Peter joined in again.
"Don't let the light, go out.
Don't let the light, go out."
The pair stayed in silence for a minute or two, Peter's breath evening out.
"Was it a dream?" The elder asked softly, rubbing Peter's back now.
The young Spiderling nodded against the mans chest.
"Those guys."
Peter hated mentioning his dream, having been those men who over powered him in the alley. Tony knew it was only a matter of time before he found them, which is what Peter hated, even if he secretly wanted to get them back, it wasn't like the Spiderling wouldn't cross paths with them on his own.
Tony growled softly, Peter shivered.
"You don't deserve what happened." Tony sighed, tightening his hold.
Tony hated that Peter's world never seemed to stopping causing pain, the man only wanted the best for Peter. Promising to keep an even closer eye on the young man from now on.
"You can't change the past, and sometimes you just can't stop the worst from what's happening. I need to remember that." The Spiderling sighed softly, "I'm tired."
"Let's go to bed then Hun." Tony stood, taking the young with him.
Peter squeaked softly, tightening his own grip around Tony's neck. The Spiderling blushed a pink hue as he hid his face.
Tony carried the younger back to his room rather to Peter's, wanting to lay out with Peter in his California king. Not that Peter's bed wasn't large enough being a Queen, Tony would have put larger if the younger didn't profusely refuse, quite a few times.
Tony also preferred his silk sheets to Peter's cotton, again being Peter's choice just knowing how expensive the pure cotton sheets were.
Peter noticed the change in direction, but oddly, he didn't mind, maybe he was too tired, to question, or to become anxious from his overwrought mind.
Tony set down the already asleep Spiderling, once they had gotten to Tony's room.
Tony climbed behind Peter, slipping his arm under the younger's head, covered them, and his other wrapping around to Peter's chest. Tony let the lights dim, and closed his eyes, soon falling to sleep.
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Peter's eyes opened slowly, for the first time in well, forever. The young man shifted, noticing that he was constricted by an arm, Peter wrenched his neck quickly, his heart already reeling, before realization let him breathe.
Tony woke from Peter's frantic stir, eyes popping opened and immediately landing on Peter.
The young man was sitting up, turned toward Tony already, holding his chest with closed eyes panting.
"I f-forgot you took me in here." Peter spoke shakily, "It was weird to have someone's arm around me." The younger shook his head, now smiling a little, looking at Tony.
The elder leaned on his elbow, rubbing the sleep from his eyes with his other hand. He chuckled softly and sighed seeing Peter's smile.
"Scared me a little." Tony responded, opening his arms as he laid back again. "Sleep in with me?"
Peter nodded, feeling his face heat up a little more. Peter laid his head on Tony's shoulder, laying his arm over the mans chest.
Peter hummed comfortably letting his eyes close and body relax. Tony rubbed his palm along Peter's side, and grabbed onto the younger's hand.
"Thank you for helping me Tones." Peter mumbled, already feeling sleepy again.
"Of course Sweetie. Anything you need I'm here for." Tony squeezed Peter's hand gently, wanting to confirm what he said to be true in some way.
Peter hummed softly, weakly squeezing back as he slipped back into comfortable unconsciousness.
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"Oh Fuck Peter!"
The pair were still in Tony's bed.
Peter sitting in Tony's lap, forgetting how he got there in the first place, the young man's shirt was lifted Tony staring at the grotesque amalgamation of hues that covered Peter's chest.
"It's that bad?" Peter asked lowering his shirt, the young man still hadn't looked at his chest.
"I mean I thought it's be way better by now, but yeah, it looks pretty gnarly Baby." Tony sighed softly, pulling Peter into his chest.
Peter whined pouting a bit.
Over the few days Peter had been healing, Tony stayed as close as he could, only letting Peter be on his own while the young man slept or if he requested, which was only so he could shower. Even though Tony was more than willing to stand out side the shower.
Tony continued with the pet names as well, Peter didn't mind that either. But neither brought up what their relationship was, or had turned to, but there wasn't any need for the pair to rush on labels, waiting for Peter to make the first move.
"Are you hungry? I think it's almost noon." Tony asked softly, his fingertips running their way up and down Peter's back.
"Mhm." Peter nodded, shivering at the ticklish feeling.
"What do you want?" The man asked, his hands stopping at Peter's hips.
"Uhm, I don' know.." Peter mumbled softly uncertain.
"Well, I'll make you some breakfast. French toast then Love?" He asked kissing Peter's forehead.
"Mhm that sounds yummy." Peter smiled, sitting up, he leaned into kissing Tony's cheek, feeling just bold enough.
Tony smiled, squeezing the young man's hips, heart beating only for Peter. A simple kiss to the cheek sealing the man's fate forever.
The pair slowly made their way to the kitchen, Peter sitting himself on the counter next the the stove as Tony started on the french toast.
Every now and again standing between Peter's legs, hands wandering the younger's thighs, not that Peter minded the gentle touches. Tony's hands never reached high enough for Peter to get anxious.
Tony fed Peter the first slice, piece by piece lifting the fork to Peter's lips. The young man's face matching a rose the whole time.
"I can feed myself." Peter mumbled smiling sheepishly as Tony continued with a second slice.
"I know." Tony supplied simply, smiling as he continued to feed the younger.
Peter giggled shaking his head letting to elder feed him.
Peter's face reddened as an even bolder idea came to him.
"Do you want a taste?" Peter asked softly, his blush carrying to his ears.
"Huh?" Tony furrowed his eyebrows, slightly confused by the question.
Peter tugged at Tony's shirt, pulling the man forward and connecting their lips. Peter hummed softly, and Tony groaned, tasting the sticky sweet syrup on Peter's lips.
Tony grabbed Peter's hips gently.
Peter's body filled with electricity, their lips moving slowly with synchronicity.
The young man's anxieties felt forgotten, his mind clear and thoughtless.
The pair parted just as slow as their kiss, foreheads pressed together, eyes still closed reminiscing the feeling of each other's lips.
"I've been waiting so long for you to do that." Tony whispered, another squeeze at the young man's hips.
Peter's face never calmed, the hue still glowing brightly.
"I know.. I'm still really nervous about it all, but I don't want to wait forever, or for you to wait forever.. I don't want to lose you in any way." Peter frowned looking down.
Tony raised a hand, cupping Peter's cheek, who leaned into the calloused palm.
"I'm not going anywhere not when I just got you back too. It's doesn't matter how long, I really would have waited forever, I still will. I don't want you stressing, or anxiety plagued because we're moving too fast either, you choose the pace, I'm not willing to risk 'us' because I stupidly think you're ready for something you're not. I want you to tell me, no matter what, if I do something wrong so I can fix it."
Tony stared into the younger's eyes, wanting to show his promise, his commitment.
Peter's heart thumped in the best way, butterflies circling his stomach. Peter could have jumped the man there, if the smell of burning french toast didn't hit his nose.
"Tony!" Peter whined, pointing at the stove.
Tony groaned pulling away, the man turned off the stove and brought the pan to the trash can dumping the burned not so much french toast into the trash.
"That was my slice." The man frowned staring at the blackened bread in the trash.
Peter erupted into a fit of giggles, unable to help himself.
Tony snapped his head towards Peter, smiling.
"Oh that's funny to you?" Tony asked, a raised eyebrow in amusement for the young man.
Peter caught himself from falling off the counter, from laughing of course. Tony walked over to Peter shaking his head.
"Y'know that's quite mean of you to laugh at me." Tony pulled Peter off the counter and into his arms.
Peter squeaked surprised, wrapping his arms and legs around the man.
"It was funny." Peter smiled innocently eyeing the man.
Tony hummed carrying Peter to the living room.
"Oh, I'll give you something to laugh about." Tony dropped Peter on the couch, immediately attacking Peter's sides with his fingers.
Peter squealed, fit's of laughter following.
"Tony stop!" He squeaked helplessly.
Tony continued the relentless attack to the younger's sides.
"Tony!" The younger squealed again, trying to wiggle away without much luck.
Tony laughed, Peter's giggles like music to his ears.
"Daddy stop!"
The pair stopped, freezing in their place.
"S-sorry- Oh God, I'm sorry!" Peter covered his face with embarrassment.
"Hey, hey, it's okay Baby. It's okay." Tony shook his head, moving Peter's hands away.
The man leaned down kissing Peter's forehead gently.
Peter looked up through already teary eyes.
"Oh Baby..." Tony frowned, "I promise it's alright, if you want to call me Daddy you can, I don't mind it at all, but just make sure you're okay with it, and ready for that."
Peter whimpered softly, feeling his heart in his throat. The young man nodded unsurely, still anxious over the moment. Peter hadn't ever called anyone else 'Daddy' before, not that he had experience by any means.
"Alright." Peter mumbled finally, "I-I'm not quite ready for that yet." He sat up with Tony's help.
Tony sat next to the younger, wrapping an arm around him. Peter gladly curled into the man.
"It's up to you, whatever you are and are not comfortable with. Just let me know." Tony kissed the top of Peter's head, the younger hummed contently.
"Can we watch Doctor Who?" Peter asked, pointing at the tv, but looking up at Tony. Wanting to change the subject.
"Doctor who?" Tony furrowed his eyebrows.
"Yeah! It's a show about this alien who travels space and time, it's super cool." Peter nodded confidently smiling.
The order shrugged, "Sure we'll watch it Baby."
Tony set up the show, Peter directing him on what to put on.
Tony didn't care for the cheesy show, at first, but after toying around with the idea of space and time travel, he couldn't help but think it was neat.
After a while, Tony's stomach growled, the man realizing he hadn't eaten yet.
"Mm I'm gonna order some Pho, do you want some?" Tony asked looking down at Peter.
The younger hummed slowly pulling his attention from the tv to the man.
"That sounds yummy." Peter nodded, turning back to the tv.
Tony chuckled softly, shaking his head at the younger.
The older man requested his and Peter's food using his AI, F.R.I.D.A.Y, the artificial intelligence confirmed responding that the food shall be delivered soon.
With that, the pair continued their show. Peter happily curling further into the older man's lap, and Tony happily holding Peter tightly.
Tony didn't really want to let go, and Peter didn't want him to. Both finally feeling peaceful.
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