Chapter 10
The day Tony came home, Peter stood home from school to help. Tony had lost some weight and needed help walking, even though he kept trying to fight his son on this. Bucky held the front door open as Peter helped Tony into the house and directly to the living room. Once his father was seated, Peter sat next to him with a warm smile. "Welcome home, dad."
"Good to be back." Tony said, leaning back against the sofa as a content sigh escaped his lips.
Bucky walked into the living room, Jarvis quick at his feet. "Glad you're doing better old man. Wish I could stay, but duty calls. Don't give the kid a hard time while I'm gone." He set some bags down and moved to give them both a hug.
"Fuck you, I give everyone a hard time. He is no exception." Tony exasperated.
"Wait, you're deploying?" Peter asked once he let go of his uncle.
With a small smile, Bucky shrugged his shoulders. "Something like that. But I'll be gone for some time. Make sure no one breaks into my apartment?"
Peter nodded, frowning as he waved his uncle off. Once Bucky was gone, Peter grabbed a cup from the cabinet and filled it with water. "Let's get you in bed so you can take your medicine, dad." He said loudly so Tony could hear him.
"Yeah, sure." Tony answered, starting to get up from the couch. He felt a hand under his arm, and appreciated it for the moment as Peter helped him up. "I could have gotten up, you know."
"Sure." Peter chuckled. Together, they walked to his parents bedroom and got Tony in bed. Covering him with the quilt, Peter handed his father the cup of water and dug in a bag for his pills, giving him one.
Tony took the pill and set the cup down on the side table. "There's something on your mind. What is it?"
Peter laughed and sat on the edge of the bed. "What makes you say that?" He saw the grin Tony gave him, and sighed. "Okay, yes. There is something I wanted to talk to you about. Don't get mad. Just...hear me out?" He spoke nervously, but he was determined.
Crossing his arms, Tony leaned his head back against the headboard and closed his eyes. "I'm listening."
Taking a deep breath, Peter began to explain. "Well, when you were in the hospital...Harry came to see me. He had seen on the news that you were taken to the hospital. We spoke and he explained to me what had happened that night. How his dad had told you a lie and blamed me for what happened. It was still wrong what we did, and I am not playing that down. But...we talked. And he stuck by me while I was terrified. With you in the hospital and no one being able to get in contact with Pop, I was not in a great state of mind." He took a moment to let Tony say something if he wanted, but when Tony kept quiet, Peter continued.
"I thought a lot about this. Fearful I was about to dig myself back into bad choices. But I came to realize that Harry was not a bad choice. He was my best friend and for a while, he was my boyfriend, my lover. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss him. But we aren't even considering that. I met Gwen, and we've hit it off really well. So...we are going to try at being friends again." Peter finished. He felt this was as much detail he could go with before he just started rambling.
There was a long moment of silence. For a brief moment, he thought maybe Tony had fallen asleep. But suddenly, Tony leaned forward and opened his eyes. "Look, you're eighteen years old. You're about to graduate high school. I can't really stop you from having the friends you want to have. Maybe Steve thinks he can, but I'm a little more level headed than him. If you want to speak to Harry, that is your choice. I know the kid lost his father not too long ago and Norman wasn't really the greatest person to be a father. Do I like this? Not really. But, I will be here in case of anything, I will be here for you Peter. Always." Tony offered a soft smile.
Wrapping his arms around his father, Peter hugged Tony. He had always felt close to Tony, able to tell him certain things that maybe he was too afraid to tell Steve. "Thanks dad."
Leaning back, Tony held up a single finger and his features returned to a more serious look. "On one condition. We both have to take care of ourselves. That means if I have to take my pills, you have to take yours."
Peter stood in the bathroom getting ready for school. He stared at the bottle in his hands and felt his heart pounding in his ears. It had been so long since he had taken his antidepressants and was actually feeling nervous about going back on them. But if this meant Tony would take his heart medication, Peter would do it. He took a single pill out and put the bottle back in the cabinet.
Tony was already seated in the kitchen, two glasses of water on the table. "I was going to make breakfast but got a little dizzy."
"No, it's fine dad. I'll make us something." He placed the pill on the table next to his cup of water and saw Tony had done the same. Peter set to scrambling some eggs and popped waffles into the toaster. Once plated, the two ate breakfast together and then each grabbed onto their pill. Together, they took their medicine before Peter gathered the dishes and cleaned up. "I'll come home right after school to make us dinner. Remember, your lunch is already made and in the fridge. Just put it in the microwave."
Tony began making his way into the living room, Jarvis following him slightly behind. "Don't worry about me. Go to school!" He sat down on the sofa and grabbed the remote. "Come on Jarvis. Up." He patted the space next to him and the puppy jumped onto the couch next to him.
Shaking his head, Peter grabbed his backpack and headed out for school. The days were getting warmer, and that meant the school year was coming to an end soon. For Peter and Gwen, that meant high school was coming to a complete end. Prom was around the corner, but both had decided not to go. Instead, they planned to go on a date. They had not gone on a date since their Christmas one was cut short, so this was long overdue.
Shoving his skateboard into the locker, he rushed over to meet Gwen at her locker before the bell rang. "Good morning!"
Gwen looked up at him with a smile. "Wow, good morning. Haven't seen you this happy in some time." She nudged him lightly before closing her locker. "I take it your dad settled in well? How did the talk go?"
Shrugging, Peter began escorting Gwen to her class. "It went better than I expected. We have...an understanding. I've always been pretty close to my dad, and I felt comfortable telling him about Harry."
"Uh-oh, don't tell me you're going to take him home instead of me now." Gwen joked, linking her arm with Peter's.
Chuckling, Peter shook his head. "Harry and I are great friends. But we may have been a bit toxic for each other. Either way, we are just happy to be back in contact." They stopped in front of a classroom and Peter took Gwen's hand in his own, a bit more bold as the days go on. "Besides, we have a prom date. Just you and I, right?"
"Hmm, I don't know. I think you'd look great with me on one arm and Harry on the other." Gwen smiled, giggling when she saw Peter blush. "While this is still a true fact, yes, prom date is just you and I."
The bell rang and the two separated, heading off to their respective classes. They only shared one class together, and didn't even sit close to each other. So naturally, the day went by slow. The two ate lunch together, and finally the last bell rang. Peter waited with Gwen for her train and then headed to his.
When he got home, Tony was still in the living room, but the empty plate on the small coffee table was a good sign that he was taking care of himself. "Hey dad! I'm going to take Jarvis for a walk, then I'll start dinner."
Tony smiled over and stood up from the couch slowly. "Sure thing, I'll start getting things ready." He moved slow, but was determined.
Peter took Jarvis around the long blocks twice before heading back inside. Tony was still in the kitchen looking a bit tired. Letting the puppy off his leash, Peter took off his jacket quickly and rushed into the kitchen. "Hey, I got this dad. Go sit down, okay?" Peter grabbed onto his arm and helped him back to the sofa.
"I'm sorry. I tried to reach for the seasoning spice in the cabinet and just…" Tony seemed out of breath.
"It's okay dad. You had a big surgery, you shouldn't be overdoing it. Just stay put. I got this." Planting a quick kiss on his father's forehead, Peter set to cooking dinner.
The next few weeks were the same. The duo took their pills in the morning, Peter went to school, came home, walked the dog, made them dinner, prepared his father's lunch for the next day, helped Tony into a hot tub, took a shower, went to bed. It started to become routine and he had felt weird getting dressed after getting Tony into bed.
Finals were over, the weather had warmed and Spring was here. It was mid-May and prom night. Peter put on his tux and grabbed the corsage off his computer desk. "Hey dad! I'm going to head out now to pick up Gwen. Are you sure it's okay to take your car?"
Tony lay in bed with his laptop resting on his legs. He had a lot of work to catch up on and had spent the last few night up on his computer. "Just don't scratch it. And don't have sex in it."
His face turned a bright red and Peter stuttered out some words before clearing his throat. "We aren't at that stage yet dad." Before he could say anything, Jarvis started barking hysterically and rushed to the front door. Confused, Peter gave Tony the corsage to hold and rushed after Jarvis.
The front door opened and the loud boot steps sounded the foyer. Peter froze as he looked at Steve close the door and drop his bag. "You must be Jarvis." He said, holding his hand out to the puppy who started wagging his tail happily. Steve looked up to see his son dressed for the evening. "Hey kiddo. Prom night?"
"You're home!" Peter shouted in joy, rushing over and crashing into Steve in a big hug. It was almost like hitting a brick wall, the man was so built compared to Tony. "Why didn't you call, I would have made dinner." Peter said as he pulled away.
Steve raised his eyebrows and smirked. "You've been cooking?"
"Yeah! Well, I had to take care of dad, so I had to learn. Uncle Bucky showed me a lot." Peter couldn't get the smile off of his face. Maybe the pill had something to do with his better upbeat mood, but no pill could enforce the pure joy he was feeling at his dad being home.
"Wow, you've grown so much since I've been away. I'm proud of you." Steve placed a firm hand on Peter's shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
"Thank you, sir." Peter answered, standing straight up and actually proud for a moment.
Steve's eyes glanced just over Peter's shoulder and his gaze softened. "Tony." He said.
Peter moved aside and looked at Tony as he slowly made his way over, his eyes red with tears. Steve didn't make him walk all the way, and quickly moved to pull him into a soft hug.
"You're home." Tony said, his voice cracked with the onslaught of emotions. "Steve. My Steve is home." He said into the other man's shoulder.
"I'm home." Steve answered, pulling away slightly to place a soft hand on Tony's cheek and kiss him.
Peter smiled at his father's having a moment. He crouched down to pet Jarvis who sat there panting and wagging his tale. He felt his phone buzz in his pocket and looked to see a reminder for a reservation. "Oh! I've gotta go. Pop, I'm so glad you're home, but I've got a date. Make sure dad gets back in bed. He's already had his last pill tonight, but should drink at least one more glass of water. No more heavy foods, no matter how much he pleads. He is on a fixed diet." Peter took the corsage Tony held out to him and gave both his father's a hug before heading out the door.
Steve looked to Tony and smiled. "What did you do to make him so...responsible?"
Tony patted his chest. "It wasn't easy. I had to battle aliens and got this nasty scar to show for it."
The waitress sat the couple down at a reserved table. The Dim Sum restaurant was bright and colorful, giving off a party feel to it. Gwen marveled at the corsage Peter gave her, admiring his taste. They had both dressed as if going to prom; Peter in his black and white tux and Gwen had a deep dark cherry dress on. They chatted for a while and ordered their food as a hot pot of tea was setdown for them.
"So, what's it like interning at Oscorp?" Peter asked, pouring Gwen some tea and then a cup of his own.
Smirking, Gwen leaned in as she cupped the small glass in her hands. "Topic already back on Harry, huh?" She chuckled.
Peter rolled his eyes and set the hot teapot down. "Come on, what's it like?" He asked with a smirk of his own.
Gwen took a sip of her tea and set the cup down. "It's definitely a challenge. But nothing that I can't handle. After graduation the internship ends and Harry offered me a full-time job there." She spoke but didn't sound too interested.
"That's great though! A full-time job right out of school. And pays well too. Why aren't you interested in it?" He asked, blowing on his tea.
"It's not that I'm not interested. I mean...it's a hell of a job. He said he'd put me in any department I want. But I want to go to a good university. Earn my own, you know?" She took another sip of her tea before continuing. "My dad always works so hard, and he had to really push for what he has. I don't want to be handed things. He inspired me to push myself to the fullest of my potential. I think I got a really great shot at some top universities I've applied to. I don't want to be tied down due to a job."
Peter smiled and set his cup down. Reaching over, he intertwined their fingers and gave her hand a soft squeeze. "You can do anything you set your mind to. I know that much about you already, Gwen. Think of it this way, you take the job on for the summer for some money to pay for books. Those universities only teach the top notch stuff. So you know those books are going to be expensive. I'm sure you won't have to worry about tuition. What place would be dumb enough to not give you a full scholarship?!" He boasted encouragingly.
"You're just saying that." Gwen laughed, leaving their hands together as she brushed her thumb against his.
Peter shook his head in defense. "Um, have you met yourself? Have you ever seen your grades? Who was just named valedictorian?"
They shared a laugh and Gwen relaxed against her seat. "But, what if it's a school overseas?" She asked nervously.
A moment's pause as Peter was a bit shocked at the admission she applied for schools that were overseas. He took a deep breath and smiled a smile he hoped looked true. "If they will take you, they'd be very lucky. And I'll be here. My dad insist I start working for him right after the summer. But pop wants me to go to school. Either way...I support you Gwen."
She smiled and let go of his hand just as the food arrived. "Thank you, Peter."
"Wait, is that why you've been so pushy about Harry?!" Peter asked, faking shock.
Gwen laughed as she pointed her chopsticks at him. "No! All I'm saying is I know there is history and chemistry between you two. So, if you ever wanted to, you know...I'd be okay with a poly relationship."
Peter shook his head but smiled and picked up his chopsticks. "I'm assuming you talked this over with Harry?" He asked jokingly but a part of him really wondered.
"Actually, yes." Gwen answered, pulling a soup dumpling onto her plate. "When he offered me the job and I told him I would think about it. Somehow we got into the conversation."
Peter didn't say anything. Who brought it up? Did Gwen really see something a little more between him and Harry? Did Harry say something because he wants to get back together? Peter took a moment to realize Gwen was talking about being in a relationship with him almost as if they already were. It took him a moment, but he pulled a soup dumpling onto his plate and decided to ask. "We, uh...you and I are...we me, I mean are we?" He hated himself for suddenly getting so flustered. The whole night he had been confident and making sure he kept his cool and yet here he was, back to his stuttering habit.
A light blush spread across her cheeks and she played a bit with her food. "If you don't-" But her words were cut off.
"That's not what I meant. I mean...we never said, or rather I guess I never…" Peter took a deep breath and cleared his throat. "Gwen, would you like to go out with me? I mean, be together. We are out and have gone on dates. But I mean...officially?" That had sounded better in his mind.
The blush on her cheeks deepened and she smiled. "Yes, I'd like that."
They were both shy for the next couple of minutes, but settled into the environment and ate their meal. Once done, Peter paid the bill and they left the restaurant. Leaving the car in the parking lot, Chinatown was lit up with lights and life all around. Hand in hand, they walked to the park where many people still sat around playing games.
There was a group of older men playing some music. One older man noticed them enter the park, dressed up for the prom and motioned to his buddies. He picked up his Pipa and started working his fingers across the strings. The rest picked up their instruments and started playing an upbeat tune.
Gwen pulled Peter over to the music players and laughed. "Come on, dance with me! It's our prom after all."
Nervous at first, Peter placed his free hand on her waist and let her lead for a while. The music kept going, tune after tune, and he felt himself loosen up and just have fun. The two laughed together, and clapped after every song. Some other people had joined in and danced in the park with them.
The small band had started to play a slow song, and the gentleman playing the Pipa gave Peter a small wink and nodded to him. Peter smiled and slow danced with Gwen. "I don't think the school would have gotten a band this cool."
Shaking her head with a laugh, Gwen placed her hand on his shoulder as they danced close. "No, I don't think so. I mean, a live band in general is not their style."
Before he could talk himself out of it, and remembering that they had just made their relationship official, Peter leaned down and was happy when Gwen leaned up to meet his lips. They kissed for a moment before pulling away and smiling. Soon enough, the song came to an end and the small band stood up to bow.
Peter left them a tip and thanked them before heading out of the park with Gwen. "It's getting late. I should take you home if I wish to make a good impression on your father." Peter led them back to the garage and opened the door for her.
"Well, I better make sure you get home on time as well then. I've got two father's to worry about impressing." Gwen winked as she got into the passenger seat.
Getting in the driver's seat, Peter shook his head. "Nah, it's really just Steve you gotta worry about. He's the more strict one. Pretty sure if I was a female, he'd have gone with us."
The ride to Gwen's was too quick for his liking, but was happy with the goodbye kiss Gwen initiated. It felt right, it felt like this was a thing they could do now. He didn't have to be so nervous and he didn't have to worry about the social structure of school pressure. Maybe he was out of his league, but she didn't care.
Once home, Peter checked in on his dad's. Both were sound asleep; Tony most likely due to the pills and Steve from a very long travel. Peter tried his best to be quiet as he took a shower and got in bed. Jarvis curled up at this feet and fell asleep quickly. However, Peter was wide awake. Everything in the last few weeks had begun falling into place for him. He had a girlfriend, his best friend was back in his life, both his father's were home, and he had a puppy to top it off.
Maybe being back on his medication wasn't so bad. Maybe he could stop taking them. But he promised Tony he would stay on them this time. Was this something he should tell Gwen? Was taking antidepressants an important thing you tell someone you really care about? Suddenly, he felt a bit fearful of what the outcome could be if he did tell her, a knot in his stomach made him feel slightly sick. Peter decided for the time being, he would not bring it up.