Comfortember Day Three: Hugs

Peter had good days.

Peter had bad days.

Peter had days where he was constantly busy thanks to school, patrolling, and lab days with Tony. He didn't mind those days. But those days could be the most draining. He could juggle a lot in his day. But even he had a limit.

Today was one of the days Peter liked but part of him was also not a fan of this day in particular. This was all because he had a poor sleep before his day even started. He didn't even have a nightmare. He was just restless and it was messing up his day.

Peter could barely pay attention to what was happening in class. He had a growing headache and his heightened senses did not help. He just wanted to go home- no wait, he wanted to patrol first. He had a duty to Queens! People were counting on him.

...He also wanted to see Tony for lab day. Not even just for their lab time. Peter simply loved spending any time with Tony, enjoyed working with him, felt comfortable and safe with him around.

...That made him sleepier for some reason. Huh.

And so, Peter went through his school day waiting impatiently for it to pass. He tried thinking of when he'll be spending time with Tony after keeping his duty to Queens. To anyone who needed help, really. It helped make the day go by a little faster. Thankfully Ned and MJ were around to help him through it too.

Before long, it was time for Peter's Spider-Man responsibilities. He grew more and more tired as he swung through the city. He managed to stop a man from robbing a poor old woman (who robbed old people?), he got children their baseball that they ended up throwing way out of the park (not bad for grade schoolers), and he stopped a store robbery.

Peter did all of this without passing out, without even hinting at the citizens that he was tired. As far as he was concerned, that was a job well done. He deserved a gold star and a churro. And then a nap after he was done eating the churro.

It took Peter fifteen minutes longer to get to the Tower than usual. He doubted Tony cared. It was better than an hour or more. If that was the case, no doubt his mentor would call him to see what was happening.

"Hello, Peter," FRIDAY greeted as he stepped in.

"Hey, FRI," Peter yawned. "Mister Stark is in the lab, right?"

"Yes, Peter."

Peter smiled a rather dopey smile as he made his way to his room to get changed into normal clothes. He lazily put on sweatpants and a Star Wars T-shirt. He forgot to put his shoes on before leaving his room to go down to the lab. He made sure to take the elevator. The last thing he wanted to do was walk down a staircase.

Meanwhile, Tony was so distracted with what he was working on in the lab that he didn't hear Peter shuffle in. He didn't even realize Peter was in the room until the kid wrapped his arms around him and snuggled into his back.

"Uh, hey, Pete," Tony said, a bit awkwardly.

He put down his tools and tried to look over his shoulder to see the kid. He couldn't see his face. Peter hummed in a way of greeting but didn't let go of Tony. He didn't even look up.

"You okay there, Underoos?"

Peter hummed again.

"FRIDAY, is Webs sick?" Tony asked, looking to the ceiling because obviously Peter wasn't going to answer him.

"No, Boss. It appears Peter is merely tired."

Peter moaned and snuggled against Tony again.

Tony chuckled lightly. Of course Peter was. Tony sometimes thought Peter put his sleep aside to get everything done that he wanted to get done that day. He was just as bad as Tony sometimes. And Tony wanted to change that. They could work in the lab some other time. If the kid was tired, Tony was going to put him to bed.

He tapped Peter's hand gently. "Let go, kid, and I'll take you upstairs. You don't have to work today."

Peter groaned and held onto Tony tighter. "No…Don't wanna let go."

At least he was talking.

"Pete, we can hug it out later. You need to take a nap, like a good Spider-baby."

Peter huffed and Tony imagined him pouting. Tony repeatedly tapped Peter's hand until he finally let go. Tony turned just in time as the kid's knees gave out and he started to collapse. He was glad they were so close or else he may not have caught him.

"Yeah, this was the right call."

He couldn't tell if Peter was actually asleep or if his eyes were just shut and his body couldn't remain standing. Either way, Tony carefully lifted Peter in his arms and held him close, secure. Peter lightly gripped the fabric of Tony's shirt.

Tony hummed a tune quietly as he brought Peter back upstairs and to his room. He didn't fail to notice that Peter's body slackened more and more. He decided he was going to lecture him about a proper sleep later.

Tony gently laid Peter on his bed and pulled the covers up to his shoulders. Peter shifted in the bed and sighed in content. Tony brushed some of Peter's soft curls out of his eyes. Seeing him so peaceful was enough to make Tony happy.

"Sleep tight, kiddo," Tony whispered.

Tony bent down and kissed his kid's forehead softly and then he left the room.

Author's Note: A more casual cute one today. Short and sweet which was how I wanted this one to be.

Tomorrow is the first Iron Bros chapter! So I'm looking forward to sharing that one.

That's all for now. I'll see ya'll in the next chapter.

Thanks for reading!

~Kurosaki