Hi Friends! This the last chapter tom this story. A huge GIGANTIC thankyou to all my readers for reading, following and adding to thier fav list. You guys are simply the best. Let's read this chapter now.
Enjoy :-)))
The ride back home was blur to Tony. He didn't care how many signals Happy broke or the fact that he was driving above speed limits. Right now he just couldn't take his eyes off the fragile looking boy who had fallen asleep on his lap the minute his car started moving. His one had was tightly bunched on Tony's pants while other loosely hanging over his waist. The man trailed his fingers on the teenager's hair being careful not to touch the bump. It was barely visible but still he didn't want to take any chance and hurt him.
Tony laid his head back and sighed. He could feel Happy's eyes on him that flicked every few seconds from the mirror. He knew the man was also worried about the boy even though he never showed his affection towards him. A boy like Peter, someone who is full of life and filled with positive attitude, is kinda hard not to get attached to. He wished last night never happened. To someone it maybe matter of six to seven hours but for Peter the memory was going to stay with him till the last day of his life
The engine died down and Tony opened his eyes. He saw Peter had barely moved from his position and it only confirmed how exhausted the boy must be. He whispered to Happy to open the door so he could carry him inside.
Tony gently laid a boneless Peter down on his bed, covering him with a blanket. He pulled a chair and sat down next to him. The man grabbed Peter's small limp hand, the one which wasn't injured and stroked it gently between his own. For once he was so greatful that Peter had healing powers, still he had called Bruce to make sure there was no serious injuries "It's going to be okay kid. I'm right here with you"
LATER
Peter woke up with a panicked jolt and he instinctively attempted to dart up, from wherever he was lying on. But he didn't go very far as a pair of strong arms grabbed his shoulders and tried to push him back. Feeling trapped the boy started screaming as he feebly tried to get away from the hands that were holding him "No! Let go!"
Tony was finding it difficult to calm Peter down who was still battling with invisible fear "Pete! Stop... it's okay. It was a dream.. you're not there! Peter listen to my voice"
Peter almost punched Tony in the jaw but then stopped struggling he heard the familiar voice and blinked rapidly to clear his vision. He was met with Tony's face, brows narrowed and eyes filled with worry "...kay.. you're safe. You're with me"
Peter did a sweeping glance around, closing his eyes. He was back in Tony's house. His room. Not sitting in the dark and cold place. He slowly peeled his eyes open and exhaled a breath he was holding "I'm not there?" he asked in small voice
Tony gave a sad smile "No kiddo. Not anymore"
"I'm back"
"You are Peter. Back home"
Peter's breath hitched and he threw himself at the man, hugging him tightly "I was so scared. I couldn't even use my powers"
"I know kid. I'm sorry you had to go through all that" said Tony tightening his arms around the trembling boy
"You came for me"
"Ofcourse kid. I would never leave you alone" Tony nodded as he pulled back and gave a light push on Peter's chest "Lay back down. You need to rest"
"I feel fine now Mr Stark" said Peter resting his back behind the headboard. He then heard Tony request FRIDAY to order five person meal and his stomach growled at that. God, he was so hungry. Tony chuckled ruffling his hair and picked up a glass from the side table "I knew you'd be hungry. I got your favorite chocolate shake. Drink this, you'll feel lot better"
Peter drank the whole glass and placed it back on the table. There was silence for a moment before he spoke "Mr Stark"
"Yeah kid"
"Why?" asked Peter looking so small and vulnerable that it pained Tony's heart. The man brushed off a strand of hair that was blocking the boy's view "What do you mean?"
Peter could feel tears surface in his eyes, voice cracking as he asked again "Why did they do it? I always help the cops in catching the bad guys then why did it happen to me"
Tony's stomach lurched at the innocent question "I don't know kid. I really don't know. You didn't deserve it. Happy told me McLouth has been in this profession for last ten years but he's got transferred more than seven times due to his heavy and illegal methods of handling criminals. The man though has caught many criminals.." he laughed bitterly "...well who wouldn't surrender to his torture"
Peter shuddered, remembering his time with Brian in the room.
"But you don't worry okay. The boy in the picture has been found and he gave his statement that you had nothing to do with him. You case is rested kid"
Peter sighed in relief "What will happen to McLouth?"
"Probably will get fired. Wait... I'll make sure he gets fired" Tony clenched his jaw, still mad at the man and his absurd techniques and how ill mannered he was towards everyone
"But..."
Tony raised his hand "Oh no Pete. I know what that 'but' means of yours. Don't even think about forgiving this man. I already took pictures of your wounds when you were unconscious for half an hour, plus Simon is ready to give his statement against McLouth. So we got all the evidence to prove him guilty"
"Why does it feel like I'm doing something wrong" Peter pursed his lips and Tony shook his head fondly "Because you're too good buddy. Only you are capable of having this big heart that you want to forgive the man who hurt you"
Peter shrugged "I don't like seeing anyone in trouble"
"But this man needs to be stopped. If we don't stop him now, God knows how many Peter Parker will he falsely arrest. Peter Parker who won't even have your powers"
"Yeah.. maybe you're right" Peter replied fidgeting with the hem of the blanket "Mr Stark"
"Hmm?"
"Thank you"
Tony smiled. He took Peter's hand in his again "I'm sorry Pete. If only I had known sooner, he wouldn't have hurt you"
"No.. you saved me. You came for me and that's all it matters. You're truly my .." Peter yawned "... my favorite avenger"
Tony chuckled "Okay Underoos. Nap time. Get some sleep until your meal arrives"
Peter's eyes were already drooping close as he mumbled "Stay"
"Anything for my spider baby" Tony crawled under the covers and took Peter into his arms, bundling the boy into the covers, who snuggled closer, laying his head on the man's chest and other went to wrap around his waist. Peter smiled, relaxing completely. Tony asked FRIDAY to dim the lights and placed a soft kiss on Peter's head. He ran a hand the boy's back, mentally thanking every angel above who kept his kid safe. Just when he thought the teen had fallen into deep slumber, a whisper like voice reached his ears "Mr Stark"
"Yeah"
"I missed my chemistry test"
THE END :-)))
Please leave a comment one last time :-)))