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Peter was exhausted after talking to the cops. The doctor informed him that Tony wanted to see him and was waiting outside for last five hours. The boy sighed knowing he wouldn't be able to avoid his father much longer. He had to be strong and face the reality "Send him in"
After few seconds Peter saw Tony step in with a smile "Hey baby. How are you feeling now?"
Peter pressed his lips. Just as he feared, his father was standing alone. Pops was nowhere to be seen. Steve had left them.. again. Tears shone in his eyes and forced his tongue to speak "I'm...I'm fine"
"Good. Do you need anything? Doctor said you're allowed to drink soft liquids"
Peter shook his head. How can Dad behave so normal when the absence of his Pops was hurting him so much
Tony chuckled which confused the teen "Hmm...I think you will feel a lot better if I show you something"
Peter blinked staring at his father
Tony tilted his head to his side "Steve, you can make your grand entrance now"
Peter's eyes widened when Steve stepped inside with a broad smile "Hey kiddo"
FIVE HOURS EARLIER
Tony thought he was being slapped
Steve felt a stab to his heart
Both the adults shared a look, eyes immediately dampening at the doctor's words. To be honest they weren't surprised or couldn't even blame Peter for this kind of reaction. Their son who had tried to warn them about the incoming danger but they choose to ignore him like an idiots. Was it so hard to believe the boy?The situation they were in now could have easily been avoided only if they had listened to Peter
The doctor felt bad for the two men but he had to respect his patient's decision. Who knew if it was a case of domestic abuse. He needed to make sure if these two weren't the ones who caused harm to the boy "Mr Stark and Mr Rogers, I request you both to wait at lounge area. Please do not enter this room without permission" he stood firm until he saw the two men reluctantly leave the corridor and only then he went back inside
Peter stared at the wall ahead with blank eyes. He knew his fathers would be worried for him but right now he didn't want to see them. Atleast he was able to expose John but still nothing felt right. The boy was just tired of everything. He knew this would probably be the last time he saw his parents together and he was so not ready for this moment. Atleast they were together outside. He wanted to cherish this moment as long as he could. Tears rolled down from the corner of his eyes and he didn't bother to wipe them
"Peter are you ready to a statement to the cops?"
OUTSIDE
Tony saw Steve walk ahead of him, shoulders hunched and body dragging itself. Something snapped inside him. Realisation hit him like tons of bricks. He not only owed an apology to Peter but also to Steve... the same man who said...
"It doesn't matter if Tony and I are not together now. I'll always love him until I take my last breath"
Tony froze, remembering Steve's words. After all they have been through...after he decided to stay with John... after he filled Peter's custody papers... even after he decided to give divorce...
Steve still loved him
Tony wobbled on his feet and his heart pained like it had never before. He felt like he was going to loose two of the most important person in his life on the same day. His eyes went wide when he realised Steve was heading for exit. His legs began to walk and he rushed to catch up with the man. Tony caught Steve's arm and started to drag him, ignoring the man's surprised protest "Tony what are you doing? Where are we going?"
Tony didn't reply until they reached parking lot where no one was around. He spun Steve so they were face to face "Where were you going?"
"What?"
"Peter is still in ICU. He needs us"
Steve scoffed "Guess you didn't hear the doctor. Peter doesn't want to see us"
"Can you blame him? We have lost his trust...we made ... no.." Tony shook his head "..not we..it was me... I made a mistake.. a huge one and I take full responsibility"
Steve stared at Tony
"Steve I'm sorry. I know it's too late for apologies and you've every right to be mad at him. Curse me or hit me of you want... I deserve all and maybe more" Tony swallowed thickly "Steve I..."
Steve narrowed his eyes "What? That you love me? That you don't want me to leave? Now that John is gone, you want me back in your life?"
Tony eyes watered and tried to reach out to him "Steve..."
Steve swatted his hand away "Don't touch me! I can't believe you let someone like John in your life who tried to hurt our boy. Yes I accept that I'm also responsible but you've no right to say that you love me"
"I'm sorry" Tony let the tears flow freely "It was really stupid of me"
"Yes it was!" Steve shouted "How can I trust you Tony? How can I be sure that you won't go after another man?"
Tony remained silence for a moment before looking straight into Steve's eyes "Now you know how I felt?"
"What do you mean?"
"When you came back...I was so scared of losing you again. I wasn't sure if your stay would be permanent. What if you left us again like you did thirteen years back. You're feeling insecure now the same way I felt when you showed up" Tony confessed with heavy voice
"So this was some kind of revenge on me?" Steve scowled and Tony shook his head vigorously "No! No Steve... I was just so angry and hurt... yeah I did go with John but we never...we never had physical relation"
Steve swallowed hard
"Somewhere inside me felt this was wrong. I asked him to wait and thank god he agreed" Tony sighed tiredly "I felt insecured just like you're feeling right now. I'm really sorry Steve"
Steve gulped down the heavy lump. He hated how Tony was right. Still it hurt so much "Nothing matters now Tony. It's all over between us"
"No" Tony pressed his lips, shaking his head
"Yes Tony" Steve's throat bobbled with heavy emotion "I'm leaving this city.. I don't want anything from you.. not even.." his heart clenched painfully to say the next words "...not even Peter"
Tony's eyes widened
"I'm sure he'll come around soon. Peter is very sweet boy.. you raised him so well. I cannot take him away from you. I'll take back the custody papers and ..I don't care if you sign the divorce papers. I won't bother you ever again"
"Steve please no" Tony sobbed
"Just do one thing for me. Say Pete I love him and I'm sorry" Steve turned around to leave but Tony caught his arm "No Steve please don't go"
"Let go Tony. It's all over now. I'm releasing you of any kind of burden from my side"
"But you still love me..I know you do"
"It doesn't matter now"
Tony shook his head and started talking in watery voice "Falling in love with you was like entering a house and finally realizing I'm home. When you smile at me, I feel invincible, hands wrapping around me, making me feel safe. Having you in my life makes me feel like everything is possible in this world. There is no 'Me' or 'I'... from now on there will be only 'Us' I love you Steve Rogers"
Fresh tears gathered in Steve's eyes and Tony swiped his thumb on the cheek "Remember I said these lines when..."
"You proposed to me"
Tony nodded "I know what I'm asking from you is too much and I've lost your trust but believe me Steve.. it's always been you. Even if I was with John...I always searched for you in him"
"Tony..."
Tony pressed his forehead over Steve's and cupped his jaw "I'm right here and I promise never to break your heart and trust. Take me back in your life"
Steve clenched his eyes shut, letting out a pained sound. Tony's lips were quivering when he leaned in just a bit so their lips were brushing each other "Take me back Steve. I need you...our son needs you"
Steve's shoulders hunched, tension melting away on the thought of his son and crossed the tiny distance between their lips and kissed Tony
Tony was shocked for first five seconds but soon encouraged Steve's move. The world dissapered around them, so did all their worries and problems. Their lips moved in perfect sync and Tony pulled Steve closer and closer to himself, kissing him deeper and in more passionate way. The need to breathe broke the two mouths apart. Steve looked into Tony's eues breathing heavily "That was..."
Tony smiled softly "I know" he caught Steve's hands and interwined their fingers "I'm sorry for all my mistakes. Give me one chance Steve. I promise I won't let you down"
Steve stared for few seconds and gave a small nod "I want this Tony. You're my life...my husband.. my everything...but I can't just magically forgive you.. just give me some time. I'm ready to give us a second chance"
Tony nodded, a ray of hope shining in his eyes "Anything you say. Take all the time you need. Please just don't leave me"
Steve squeezed Tony's hand "But what are we going to do about Peter? He's still mad at us"
"Yeah. We need to talk to him"
"Let's go then. We do have some good news for him. Maybe that will help in our favour" Steve smiled walking towards Peter's room. Tony soon followed with a broad smile. His family was going to get united again after thirteen years.
Tony talked to the doctor and was very furious when he heard it was John who had pushed Peter which caused him internal bleeding. Steve had to physically restrain him from visiting John in the prison. He reminded Tony that Peter was more important and they needed to be there for him. They made an request to the doctor to ask Peter if he was ready to see them.
PRESENT
"Hey kiddo"
Peter openly gaped at Steve. He was hundered percent sure his father would have left by now and not standing with a smile on his face. What the hell happened in last five hours?
Steve slowly walked towards Peter and leaned down to press a soft kiss on his forehead "I'm so sorry Pete. I should've listened to you when you were trying to warn me about John. I'm so sorry you got hurt"
Peter stared at his father. Yeah he was little mad about that part but right now he was super confused why was Steve still here. Tony stood on the other side of the bed and took Peter's hand in his "I'm sorry too kid. Please forgive me"
Peter's eyes flickered back and forth between his fathers, tongue feeling dry as sand in desert. Steve shared a worried look with Tony "He's still mad at us"
"No!" Peter winced at the strain "I'm not...I mean yeah a bit upset but what's going on?"
"What do you mean?" asked Tony
"What's going on with the two of you!? How come Pops still here and why are you two smiling so much?" Peter asked feeling utterly clueless
Steve smiled even more and walked towards Tony. He took his hand in his and interwined their fingers "Pete.."
Peter's eyes went wide with anticipation "Yeah?"
"Me and your Dad..."
"Yes?"
"Dad and I are..."
"C'mon say it already. This patient.." Peter pointed to himself "...is getting impatient"
Tony laughed and Steve kissed their fingers "We've decided to give ourselves a second chance"
Peter almost bolted upright "What!? Are you serious? Ofcourse you're serious or else Pops wouldn't be here.. this is so awesome! Oh God I can't believe this.. Dad I'm so happy...you..aww aww aww" he cried out clutching his side
"Peter!" Tony pushed his son back on the bed "Calm down son. You're hurt"
"I'll go call the doctor" said Steve but Peter stopped him "Wait Pops! I'm okay...just got little excited... Actually super excited. Thank you Pops...Dad... you guys are the best"
Tony smiled "We should be thanking you Peter. I wouldn't have found my family back without your efforts"
"Tony's right" said Steve "If it wasn't for you, I would have lost my family forever"
Peter smiled and took his father's hand in each "We are family" he received a kiss on both side of his head from the two men. Peter yawned, eyes blinking in slow motion. Tony ran a hand on his hair "Get some rest. We'll be right here when you wake up"
"Promise?" Peter asked, eyes already drooping close. The last thing he heard before sleep claimed him was the voice of his fathers "We promise"
THE END :-)))
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