Chapter 9
Pepper stirred slowly, stretching as she slowly opened her eyes. It took a moment for her brain to catch up with memories of last night.
Then she looked around finally taking in Peters' room, and it all came back.
PETER!
Snapping her eyes fully open, Pepper bolted upright and turned around. Stopping with a small smile on her face.
There was Peter and Tony, still huddled together fast asleep. Both of Tony's arms tight around Peter, as he too held onto Tony tight. His head snuggling against his chest. It was quite a sight.
She slowly peered at her wrist to see her watch, a little startled to see it was just after 8 in the morning. She was usually up a lot earlier. But considering the night they had it wasn't surprising.
Moving carefully over to Peter, she gently reached over to brush a hand over his forehead and cheek. Amazed when he didn't feel hot, but normal. Grinning, she pressed her hand to his head again, and chuckled.
Peter let out a murmur, and Pepper quickly removed her hand, not wanting to wake him. But instead, he buried his face into Tony's chest, and Tony as if on instinct, tightened his hold on him. It was so sweet to see. Pepper's eyes watered.
"FRIDAY?" Pepper said softly not wanting to wake them; "How is Peter doing?"
"Vitals are stable." FRIDAY replied in an equally soft tone; "Temperature at 99 degrees Fahrenheit."
"His fevers gone." Pepper said in belief and awe.
"Affirmative." FRIDAY replied; "Peter's fever rose to 103 at 4:33 am, and then broke at 5:02 am, where it preceded to then continue to drop down to 99."
Pepper sighed heavily, combing through Peter's hair for a moment, so happy to see he was going to be ok. A little worried that Peter's fever had spiked that high, but relieved that it had finally broke. That he was getting better.
"He's going to be ok." Pepper said more to reassure herself.
"It appears the worst of the flu is now over, and he is now recovering yes." FRIDAY replied and it made Pepper smile.
She looked at her boys lovingly. Tony's cheek resting on the top of Peter's head, one of his hands still in his hair, Peter's face in Tony's chest. They really did love each other, had such a special bond that Pepper couldn't even understand. They needed each other. She knew that much.
"Mrs Stark. May Parker is at the front door."
Pepper paused, for a split second about to wonder why she was here, and then remembered it had gone 8.
"I'll be right there." Pepper replied, quietly getting up and slipping out of the room without waking Tony or Peter. They could both do with the rest. And well she didn't have the heart to wake them when they seemed to happy together.
Rushing to the door, she opened it whilst pushing some hair from her face, wondering how terrible she looked.
"May. Good morning." Pepper said brightly, opening the door wider to let her in.
May was in her nurses outfit, so was probably going to a shift soon, Pepper deduced, and wanted to come see Peter beforehand.
"Pepper hello." May smiled back as she walked in, but stopped as she studied her; "Oh no did I wake you? I'm so sorry. I know it's early. I had Happy drop me off because my shift starts in an hour, and I wanted to come see how Peter was doing."
"Oh no don't apologise." Pepper waved her off; "I was already up. Peter and Tony are still sleeping. We..." Pepper chuckled as she led May towards the kitchen; "Or I should I say Peter had kind of a rough night." She grimaced as they entered the kitchen and May gasped at the sight. Pepper forgot what it looked like.
"What happened? Is Peter ok?" May rambled panicked looking around worriedly, and stilled at seeing the drops of blood on the floor.
Damn Pepper wished she had cleaned that up.
"Peter's fine." Pepper said quickly holding her hands up at May peacefully; "It was just a little incident..." Taking a deep breath, Pepper then set about explaining everything to May whilst she made her a cup of coffee.
May was shocked afterwards, and took the cup shakily; "I...I had no idea about the storms. He never said anything." May said sadly; "I wish he had told me." She wrapped her hands around the cup closing her eyes.
"I know we felt the same way." Pepper said leaning on the kitchen island to face her as May sat opposite her; "He said he was worried about being a burden to us. I think he was just embarrassed."
May chuckled and smiled at Pepper; "He always puts other peoples needs before his own, lying about how he's really feeling, just so no one worries about him."
"He's a good kid." Pepper agreed.
May nodded darting her eyes towards the stairs; "I might go check on him. Is that ok?"
"Of course go ahead." Pepper waved her hand; "I need to sort this out anyway." She said gesturing at the mess in the kitchen. They hadn't had time to sort it out last night, and now was as good a time as any.
May stopped herself though paling at the mess; "I'm so sorry about that by the way. I'll pay for all the damages..."
"Oh don't be silly." Pepper chuckled; "FRIDAY's already ordered a new fridge and food for us. Besides, we know that it was an accident. It wasn't Peter's fault. We don't really care. We were more worried when he cut his feet. I hope they heal ok." Pepper finished with a worried face.
May smiled at Pepper; "Thank you so much for taking care of him. I hate having to leave him for work, and I'm so happy he wasn't left alone. You've taken good care of him. I don't know how to thank you."
"No need. We would do anything for Peter."
Nodding, May excused herself to check on Peter. Slowly opening the door and peering in. Stopping with a broad smile at Tony and Peter.
When she was gone, Pepper turned to the mess and put her hands on her hips. Then she grabbed the broom, and started cleaning up the glass, and throwing out the rotten food. Thankfully, the fridge and new food would be here soon.
She was just about finished when May returned.
"They're still sleeping." May said with a relieved sigh that Peter was feeling better; "I'm glad Tony is with him. He's a good dad."
Pepper warmed at hearing that; "He is." Then she paused as she was finishing cleaning up, to turn to May feeling a wave of courage, and an idea; "Listen. This isn't the right time, clearly, but I think we all need to talk about Peter's situation."
May tilted her head frowning; "Situation?"
"Travelling back and forth between our home and yours. It's not good for Peter. Or Tony." Pepper emphasised; "I think we need to come up with a more permanent solution."
To Pepper's surprise May nodded; "I know. I've been talking to Happy. He told me how sad Tony's been when Peter leaves, and I've seen it in Peter too. It's the same way I've been feeling when he's not around." She sighed and shook her head; "It's not ideal for any of us, I can see that now. But I don't know what to do Pepper. I just want to protect him from getting hurt, and we both know if he came here to live permanently, the truth would have to come out about him to the world. And the press would be all over him. I'm not sure Peter's ready for that. Especially right now. I'm sorry but I refuse to put him through that. I know that may seem unreasonable..."
"No I understand." Pepper nodded looking down; "Tony and I feel the same way. But maybe we could find some time to sit down and talk. To could come up with another solution. That works for all of us."
"I know we all want what's best for Peter. So let's arrange a time to sit down and talk. When he's better."
Relieved, Pepper smiled and hugged her; "Thanks May. I know Tony will be happy to hear that."
"Well we are co-parenting now." May quipped; "Three parents." She laughed shaking her head as she stepped back; "I'm so happy Peter has some other people he can rely on now. More family. He need you both. So we all need to find a way to make this work. All agree. We'll figure it out. I know we will. Tell Peter when he's up I'm so sorry for missing him, but I'll be by to check on his this afternoon ok?"
"Sure yeah I'll tell him."
"I've got tomorrow off so if he's better I'll come take him home alright?"
Pepper felt a momentarily sting at that and silently nodded.
"Great. I'll see you later. Keep me updated on his progress will you?"
"Of course." Pepper said as she led May out.
When she closed the door after May was gone, Pepper stood there for a moment a little dazed. It just felt natural having Peter here, to take care of him. This was his home. Having May say she was going to take Peter, to her home. It hurt a little. She meant what she said to Tony, she'd come to see Peter as he own son. She loved him, and just like Tony she loved having him here. She missed his exuberant spirit when he was gone. Damn, now she knew how Tony was feeling. They really needed to think of another solution to Peter's living arrangements.
0o0oo0o0o0SPIDERMAN0o0oo0o0o0o
Tony was having one hell of a nightmares. Flashes of sharp images that shocked him to his core.
Of Peter falling into that large lake after Vulture dropped him...
Of Peter under attack at the ferry, struggling to keep it from falling apart and getting hurt in the process...
Of Peter with a building caving in on him, and no one coming to save him...(That one especially made Tony's heart clench. When he found out about it he had a panic attack realising how Peter had nearly died because he had taken his suit away, leaving him defenceless. Pepper had to help calm him. It still hurt for Tony to think about.)
Of Peter fighting Vulture and crashing his plane...laying there hurt and dying...
Of Peter laying on the roof of some building in his Spider Man suit, in the rain, sick and unconscious...
It was all too much.
Tony shot his eyes open with a gasp, looking around wildly. Startled to see he was in Peter's bedroom. The Star Wars, and Star Trek posters what he saw first.
There was a murmur, and a sudden weight on him shifted.
He quickly looked down, and instantly relaxed.
Peter.
He was fast asleep, laying on him. His head buried in his chest, an arm wrapped around him, the duvet half covering Tony now as Peter had now thrown a leg over him. Clinging to him like a Koala bear.
He smiled warmly, reached a hand over to comb through Peter's hair, laying a kiss to the top. Remembering everything about last night. How Peter was so scared, and had gotten hurt. But he was ok. Tony had been there for him, to help him.
Then Tony stilled, touching Peter's forehead, and cheek, and grinned. Peter was cool. His fever...was gone...
"Hmmm." Peter murmured leaning into Tony's touch with a smile.
Leaning against the headboard, Tony watched as Peter's eyes slowly blinked open. He stretched, and snuggled into Tony as he woke, warming Tony's heart. It was sweet seeing Peter wake up, his face so innocent.
Peter felt so warm, like he was in a lovely cocoon again. Most of all he felt safe. And he hadn't felt something like that in a long time.
Then he realised how much clearer he felt. His head wasn't as foggy anymore, the headache practically gone. The nausea had disappeared too. He still felt chilly, and had a sore throat and stuffy nose. But he felt better...
Feeling like cheering, he opened his eyes fully to take in his surroundings and stopped as found himself looking at a familiar band shirt. That's when he realised there was a gently hand working its way through his curls. He looked up slowly, and stilled.
"Morning spider baby." Tony murmured with a broad smile.
Peter blushed beet red, the whole night immediately flooding back into his memory. He had humiliated himself, acting like a damn baby. He blamed it on the fever, but deep down maybe his inhibitions had been lowered enough for him to confess his true feelings.
Tony just rubbed his back seeing Peter was embarrassed. Probably about last night.
"How are you feeling?" He asked taking pity on the kid, touching his forehead again; "Your fevers gone. Looks like you're on the mend."
Blinking Peter finally made a sound of agreement; "I feel better. Headache and nausea are gone."
"That's great buddy."
Then Peter shivered, and instinctively snuggled back against Tony, seeking his warmth. Momentarily side-lining the embarrassment of the position they were in, just taking a moment to enjoy it because he knew it would never happen again.
"Feeling cold?" Tony murmured worriedly, wrapping both arms around Peter to warm him.
"A little." Peter said shyly; "Can't stay warm sometimes. Have to have lots of blankets."
Feeling bad, Tony kissed his head again; "I can go get you some more blankets if you want?"
"No." Peter said a little raspy, clinging onto his dead. It shocked Peter more than Tony, but he just had a deep fear about letting his dad go; "Stay. Please."
"Ok bud." Tony said softly with a broad smile; "I'm not going anywhere."
"I..." Peter trailed off blushing again, so he buried his face in Tony's chest.
"What? I can't help unless you talk to me kid?" Tony said worriedly, feeling something else was wrong.
"I like your hugs." Peter spoke in a whisper, and somewhat muffled by Tony's chest, but he was still able to hear it. He felt tears in his eyes, and froze, unable to breath for a moment; "They're warm, and cosy." Peter added letting out a few small coughs before finishing; "Make me feel safe."
Aw this kid!
"Well." Tony cleared his throat to blink back the tears; "You can have free hugs whenever you want spider baby."
Peter mumbled into Tony's chest, and Tony frowned not understanding.
"What was that?"
"M'not a baby." Peter mumbled showing his face again, shyly looking at his dad. A part of him liked the nickname spider baby. The way his dad said it, showed he really loved him. But he wasn't a little kid anymore, he felt like he didn't deserve that.
"Maybe not, but you'll always be my spider baby." Tony murmured, and paused wondering if maybe it really wasn't appropriate now; "Want me to stop calling you that?"
"No no...it's just...not in public maybe."
Tony just chuckled, and Peter enjoyed the sound.
"Sure thing buddy."
Peter's stomach grumbled, making him blush again, and Tony grinned.
"Looks like you really are feeling better."
"What's the time?" Peter furrowed his brow as he looked around without lifting his head off his dad.
"Not sure actually..." Tony looked over to the other side of the bed, suddenly realising Pepper was gone. And there was some clattering going out from somewhere else in the house.
"It is currently 10:47 am." FRIDAY offered for them.
"Woah." Tony murmured in surprise; "Looks like we slept in Underoos."
"Oh sorry." Peter said feeling guilty; "Do you...have to be somewhere?"
"Nope." Tony replied immediately rubbing Peter's back; "No where more important than with my spider baby."
At that, Peter knew Tony was teasing him now. Calling him spider baby on purpose.
Finally he chuckled.
"You sleep ok?" Tony asked after a moment, feeling as Peter stilled.
"Sorry. For making you sleep in here with me..."
"Hey stop that." Tony said firmly forcing Peter to look up at him; "No more with the apologising. I'm here for you whatever you need. You want me to be here so you can sleep, I'm here. You want to hang out and watch movies, I'm here. You want to talk about anything, anytime, I'm here. You want to blow stuff up in the lab, I'm here."
Peter laughed, and Tony grinned.
"Ok dad. Thanks."
"As much as I would love to stay like this all day," Tony sighed because he really would; "I think I need to feed you before your stomach starts growling at me again."
Giggling, Peter nodded; "Food sounds good dad." He was starving. Maybe from not eating much yesterday and throwing up.
Tony waited, but when Peter didn't move. He raised an eyebrow; "Um bud? You have to let me go so I can get up."
"Oh. Right." Peter mumbled and still didn't move.
Amused, Tony tried to pull Peter's arm off him, but he couldn't remove it. It was like he was stuck to him.
Very clever kid...
Peter wanted to get up, he knew he had to. But he was scared to let go of his dad.
He just felt so happy with him, in this moment. The outside world just fell away.
An idea forming, Tony moved his hand to Peter's side, and then started tickling him. With his enhanced senses he was extra ticklish.
"No dad!" Peter started laughing trying to shove his hands away, but ended up rolling off him and batting at his hands on him.
Tony leant over him laughing wickedly; "What's wrong kid? Don't like being tickled? Well I'm the tickle monster!"
"No...stop it!" Peter moaned but couldn't stop laughing; "DAD..." he whined, finally grabbing his dad's wrists to stop him. Still giggling after.
Tony just smiled; "Don't like the tickle monster?" He wiggled his fingers over Peter evily, who chuckled watching him warily; "That's a shame he likes you." He murmured leaning to tickle him again.
"Dad..." Peter rolled his eyes, kicking his feet as he shoved him away; "Ok ok I'll get up." He finished laughing, and fell back against the bed tiredly.
Amused, Tony finally stood up and stretched. Hearing some cracks and winced, he was getting old.
Then he turned to Peter and shook his head, seeing Peter stretched out like a starfish.
"Come on spider baby." Tony reached out a hand to him.
Grinning, Peter took his hand and was pulled up.
As he stood he stumbled a little. His legs still a little sleepy, and his muscles still aching. Tony quickly reached out to steady him, looking at him concerned.
"You ok Peter? Dizzy? Nauseas? Maybe you should be back in bed?" Tony rambled worriedly.
Peter just smiled and patted his dad's arm; "I'm fine dad. Just a little achy everywhere."
Tony's gaze softened; "Well let's get some food in you that might help." He slung an arm over Peter's shoulder and led him out the room.
As soon as they left, they both smelt the delicious smell of bacon, eggs, and toast.
"Mmm. That smells good." Peter murmured sniffing, and then let out three loud sneezes that had Tony smirking.
"I think I can guess where Pepper went." Tony murmured grinning, as they descended the stairs.
They entered the kitchen, and stopped. Tony exhaled lovingly, catching sight of Pepper moving around the kitchen, cooking bacon and eggs on the stove, buttering toast and making coffee. She was also swinging her hips and humming to some music.
Watching her Tony could only smile, she was absolutely stunning. And the way the sun caught her hair, and face, it created a glow. He loved her with all his heart.
Pepper turned and her smile broadened, making his heart skip a beat.
"Ah there's my boys!" Pepper said moving around to them, with a glass of orange juice and held it along with a pill to Peter.
"Here you are sweetie. How are you feeling?"
"Thanks mom!" Peter said eagerly taking the pill and downing the glass of orange juice; "Better actually. It's just a bit of a cold now I think."
"That's great honey!" Pepper breamed, pulling him into a hug, and then kissed his cheek; "Your aunt popped by earlier this morning to check on you, but you two were still sleeping. She's going to come by this afternoon to see you after her shift."
"Oh ok." Peter said grinning at the prospect of seeing May. He had missed her yesterday whilst he was sick.
"Come on. Bet you're hungry." She turned and guided him to the dining table, and sat him down.
"Don't I get a kiss?" Tony mocked a fake pout.
She rolled her eyes, but returned to him with a cup of coffee, and leant into him, cupping his face with one hand and kissed him passionately.
After a few coughs, Peter murmured; "Uh gross." But didn't mean it, smiling at how in love they were. It was nice to see them so happy.
Tony pulled back, and stuck his tongue out at Peter, reaching over to ruffle his hair making him laugh.
Pepper rolled her eyes again, swatting at Tony, as he tried to pull her in for another kiss; "Go sit down."
As he sat down beside Peter, Pepper returned moments later with plates. A large plate of two stacks of pancakes, and a plate of bacon strips. Then she returned again with another plate of toast slices, and a plate of eggs.
"Wow." Peter said in awe looking it all over hungrily.
"I wasn't sure what you might want, or how hungry you were." Pepper said as she sat down opposite Peter; "So feel free to have whatever you want. Or if you want I can make you something else."
"No this is...perfect." Peter said licking his lips as he pulled the large stack of pancakes towards him; "Thanks mom." He paused to look at her smiling broadly; "You're the best."
Pepper just chuckled, reaching across the table to take Tony's hand.
Tony and Pepper started picking their own food, and Peter grabbed his fork about to dig in when he stopped. He darted his eyes towards the kitchen seeing the new large silver two door fridge freezer. A wave of guilt hit him, and he felt sick, remembering what he did.
"Peter? You ok bud?" Tony murmured between a bite of bacon; "Pancakes ok?"
"I...I'm so sorry about the fridge." He turned to them wide eyed. He knew they said they weren't mad, but he had been crying, and hurt, they were probably lying to take pity on him.
"Hey hey..." Tony shifted to face him, putting a hand on his back; "What did we talk about? No more apologising."
"But I broke your fridge."
"Now we have a cooler one." Tony grinned smugly; "You did us a favour really."
Frowning confused, Peter looked between them.
Pepper leant forward; "FRIDAY is built into the new one. And it's bigger." She shrugged; "A new prototype Tony's been working on."
"She helps with keeping track of our food, and ordering groceries when we need them. It's got it's own power supply if there was ever a blackout. And..." Tony leant towards Peter whispering dramatically; "She can make ice cream."
"Oh. That is cool!" Peter murmured his smile broadening at the idea.
"Yeah thought we could try it later." Tony said returning his smile.
His smile faltered again as he looked between them, shifting in his seat, recalling how childish he had been last night; "Still I'm so..." He stopped himself from apologising; "I know I didn't act very mature last night...and I regret what I did. I really do."
Tony just scoffed and ruffled Peter's hair fondly; "You're kidding buddy? You were downright adorable last night. FRIDAY even sent me the pictures of the piggyback so I could have it framed."
"Oh god." Peter face palmed, blushing all the way down to his neck.
"Tony." Pepper scolded lightly; "Don't tease him." Then she turned to Peter softening; "Peter honey it's really ok. We were more worried when you cut your feet. How are they by the way?"
Peter blinked, he had forgotten about them. He flexed his feet and shrugged; "They don't hurt so that's good. Thank you..." He murmured smiling at Pepper; "For helping me. For caring for me last night." He said to both of them; "Even if I did act like a baby."
"A spider baby." Tony corrected speaking adoringly; "And we love spider babies in this house. Right Pep?"
"Right." Pepper agreed; "And you're sick honey. You had a pretty high fever. You weren't yourself."
Peter felt a little better at that. They weren't judging him for acting so childish, they just accepted it and helped him. They were the best parents ever.
"I love you both." Peter said utterly seriously; "Alot." He looked down playing with the tablecloth; "I want you to know that."
"We do buddy."
"We love you too honey."
"Come on eat up." Tony prompted nudging him smirking; "Spider babies need lots of food."
Peter rolled his eyes but smiled broadly as he tucked into his pancakes. Eagerly finishing off both stacks, and then moved onto the bacon and eggs. Soon having three helpings, which pleased Tony and Pepper immensely.