Peter groaned as Stark gently coaxed the boy awake.

"Come on Peter, It's time for dinner, and you still need to apologize to Pepper and Rhodey."

"Five more minutes," Peter responded, pulling the covers over his head and curling into a tight ball.

"No, food. Come on, Peter, let's get you dressed."

Peter groaned but threw off the covers and rolled out of bed. He stretched, feeling the kinks in his neck and back work their way out.

He heard an intake of breath and looked behind him to see Tony looking at him with eyes that were blown wide. If he took a guess, he would say that the man was aroused. Stark looked away, blushing slightly.

"Sorry, I...Let's get dressed." Stark moved towards the bathroom and probably towards the closet within.

Peter sat down on the bed and covered his lap, thinking about the look he had seen in Mr. Stark's eyes. That was definitely arousal and interest, which meant he wasn't the only one affected. It was actually good to know, and it helped Peter feel more in control.

Stark returned wearing a t-shirt and a pair of jeans from the bathroom and tossed a pair of gym shorts and an oversized t-shirt at Peter.

"Here, you can wear those until we can get you some clothes."

"Sir?"

"Yes, Peter?"

Peter slowly pulled the shirt over his head as he thought about how best to phrase his question.

"What am I doing here, Sir?"

Peter looked up at Stark; he was so confused. He didn't understand what was expected of him or what he was now supposed to do with his life.

His life before hadn't been perfect, but whose life is? He had been happy, but now, even after one day, he knew things would be different for the rest of his life.

Stark sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. It looked like he was going to answer but then shook his head.

"Get dressed, Pete."

"But, Sir?" Peter pushed.

"No, Peter. Now put your clothes on and get downstairs." Stark's voice had hardened, and his eyes turned stony.

Peter's shoulders slumped, Tony wouldn't be answering any of those questions today. Peter pulled on the shorts and tied them within an inch of their life, then followed Mr. Stark down the stairs with Dum-E and U trailing behind.

They made it down to the kitchen to see that the table in the corner had been set for four, and both James and Pepper were seated, waiting for them to arrive.

Pepper was sipping on a glass of white wine while Rhodes held a beer. They looked to be talking about something pretty serious but stopped when they saw the two enter.

"I was wondering if you were going to join us, Tony," Pepper said as she looked at the two.

"Of course. Peter has something to say to you both." Stark nudged Peter forward so that he was facing Pepper and James.

Peter cleared his throat, not sure what he was supposed to say but figured he'd wing it and see what happened.

"On your knees," Stark said before he could speak.

Peter shivered at the act of humiliation he was supposed to perform, not only in front of Tony but also these two relative strangers.

Peter looked around the room for any sympathy or help, but both adults sat and waited silently, showing no emotion one way or another.

Peter sank slowly down to his knees in supplication. He looked up but found he couldn't mean anyone's eyes.

"Now, say you're sorry, why you're sorry and tell them why it won't ever happen again." Stark directed.

The boy looked at the floor, unable to stand looking any higher. His face was flushed red with humiliation.

"I...I'm sorry that I disturbed you both last night, it was wrong of me to wake you like that. I have learned my lesson that running away does not solve anything. I'm truly sorry." Peter had a bit of a stuttering start, but his voice got stronger as he went.

"Good boy," Tony said as his hand came down and gently stroked Peter's head.

Peter leaned into the touch gratefully, knowing that the words signified that the humiliation was over.

"Now, let's eat. I'm starved." Stark clapped his hands together as he approached the table.

Peter stayed kneeling on the floor unsure if he was allowed to sit at the table or remain where he was. He looked to Mr. Stark, searching for guidance.

"It's ok, Peter. You can come join us at the table. Your apology was perfect."

Peter smiled with relief. He had not only done well; he had been perfect.

Dinner went without a hitch; the three older adults talked about this and that, most of it going over Peter's head while he picked at his food.

He wasn't feeling all that hungry and honestly, he just wanted to go back to sleep. He was a little worried at all the sleeping he had been doing the last two days. It seemed like every time he should be awake; he was taking another nap.

Part of it felt like a sort of defense mechanism to the situation he was in. Peter had found that whenever he was stressed or anxious, his body would need a lot of sleep. When he was in high school and had had a pretty stressful week, he would sleep for 20 hours straight when the weekends came around. He missed it; it all stopped when he went to college and tried to work almost full time.

"Peter."

He heard his name distantly, and it took him a second to realize he had completely zoned out for a bit.

"Yes?" He looked up and around at the three people watching him.

"Peter, I called your name three times. It should not take you that long to respond, is that understood?" Stark reprimanded with a reproving look.

"Yes, Sir." Peter flushed in embarrassment. He was usually better about not zoning out in front of others.

"Now, as I was saying, I need to take care of some….business after dinner. I want you to go upstairs with the dogs and get some sleep. I won't be long. You look worn out."

"I'm pretty tired," Peter agreed.

Stark frowned and pressed the back of his hand to Peter's forehead.

"Are you feeling alright? Not sick or anything?" The concern was apparent in Stark's voice.

Peter, feeling petulant about Stark's sudden concern, shook off the touch.

"I'm fine." He said sullenly.

"Don't be rude Peter, or do we need to go over another lesson in manners?"

The warning was clear. Peter crossed his arms over his chest and slumped down into his seat.

"No, Sir." There was still a level of sullenness that Stark heard in his voice because the next thing Peter knew, he felt a sharp slap to the back of his head.

"That's one. Let's not get to three."

Peter flushed at the blow, especially in front of Pepper and James, but all the fight left him.

"Yes, Sir. I'm sorry." He added sincerely.

"I know you are," Tony said in a gentle voice. "Come on, let's get you to bed baby boy."

Peter pushed away from the table and followed Stark back up to the master bedroom.

Peter made a beeline for the bed when they got in the room.

"Peter, wait."

Peter turned to look at Tony, confused.

"Yes, Sir?"

Tony approached the boy and put his hands on the boy's arms.

"I know this has been hard for you. I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and your attitude today. You've been such a good boy Peter. I've noticed that and am very appreciative." Tony leaned down and placed a kiss on the top of the boy's head.

Tears welled up in Peter's eyes at the praise. Tony's speech was like a balm covering and soothing all the stress and anxiety. Without thinking about it, Peter leaned into the touch and placed his head against the center of Tony's chest. The man slowly wrapped his arms around the boy and held him close in a loving embrace.

"My good boy." Tony murmured into Peter's ear.

"Thank you, Sir," Peter said fervently, letting his tears fall silently down his cheeks and into Tony's shirt.

Tony cuddled him a little longer and then sighed.

"I wish I could stay with you baby boy, but I have to get some work done tonight. Climb into bed for me. The dogs will watch over you until I return." Peter nodded and climbed into bed.

Tony looked at the dogs that had followed them around all day. He pointed at Peter and told them to guard.

Both dogs hopped up and curled around the boy, who was curled up on his side. One laid its head on his side the other on his feet. Peter felt warm and safe surrounded by them and gently slipped into sleep.

—-

Peter was lying in bed, waiting for Tony to return. He was restless and achy. The dogs had left hours ago leaving him alone in the bed. He shifted this way and that, trying to get comfortable.

He heard the door crack open and looked up to see Tony walk in wearing just his sleep pants. Peter watched as the man quietly approached the bed and climbed onto it. Instead of settling on his side and pulling Peter into his embrace like before, he crawled on top of Peter and cradled the boy's face in his hands. Peter's breath came out in little puffs across Stark's face as they stared at each other.

Stark bent down and kissed the boy with hot, wet lips. Peter moaned into the contact. He kissed Stark back desperately, wrapping his arms around the man and pulling him towards him. Stark groaned in response and lowered himself so that he was pushing Peter into the bed with his weight.

Peter trailed his fingers down Stark's back, tracing the muscles he found there. Stark's lips traveled down to leave a trail of wet kisses behind him as he found the boy's nipple, bare and available for him to suck. Peter ground his hips up into Stark's to get a little friction on his member, moaning as he did so. Stark felt so good. He was so aroused it was practically painful.

"Sir, please!" He begged, not really sure for what, but he needed something, and Stark was the only one that could provide it.

"Patience Peter, soon, so soon….."

Peter shot up in bed, his chest heaving and his dick hard as a rock and throbbing painfully.

One of the dog's heads nudged it's way into his lap, looking up at him with a worried expression. Peter hugged Dum-E's head to his chest, burying his face into the warm fur.

Peter shook as he started to react to the dream he had just had. Stark had kissed him, and he had wanted so much more from the man. He had wanted to be touched and taken by Stark. He would have done anything to feel that rush of pleasure course down his spine.

He was still so hard. Peter thought it would go away upon his waking, but it was still painfully there. He needed to get out of this bed. He needed out of this house. He wasn't going to run away, but maybe he could get away with a walk in the fresh, night air.

Peter jumped out of the bed, trying to ignore his straining cock. The cold of the outdoors would help. He looked around for a clock and finally noticed one on the nightstand, it read 11:23 pm. It wasn't too late, and he would have Dum-E and U with him. Stark couldn't argue with that, and even if he did, Peter just couldn't be in this room anymore, not without feeling like he was going to explode.

He quickly went into the closet and grabbed an oversized sweatshirt and a pair of slippers before heading out of the master bedroom and down the stairs. The dogs followed behind, happy to tag along. He made it to the front door and tried the handle. Peter was surprised when it turned easily for him. Peter poked his head out and felt the cold air practically steal his breath. Perfect.

Peter cautiously walked outside. He would do a quick walk around the house and then come back inside, and no one would be any wiser.

Peter made it halfway around the house before he heard a popping noise. He looked around confused, then terrified as he saw both dogs drop beside him. Peter didn't think, he just ran. There was another popping sound, and then the feeling of something hitting the back of his neck. He kept running. His vision started to blur and then darken until he could no longer see even his hand in front of his face, then he began to stumble. The last thing he remembered was falling forward into the sand below him; then there was nothing but blackness.

Tony sighed as he walked tiredly up the stairs to his bedroom. They had found the leak but didn't really get much out of him; the dude was so hopped up on SSS (Super Soldier Serum). Tony really hated that stuff.

He pushed the door open to his room, removing the tie he had put on with the three-piece suit he wore to intimidate people. He looked towards the bed, wanting to see Peter, but Peter was gone.