Chapter 4

Hey guys! Decided to post today on Friday- 1. I couldn't wait any more! and 2. I have a huge paper coming due soon, so I won't have much time to do anything else. Enjoy!

The next couple of days went smoothly with no problems. Peter seemed to be doing pretty good, except for the nightmares. He tried his best to keep his attitude in check. He even made up to Morgan by going outside with her and playing. They played for hours outside. Tony was talking with Pepper about some SI stuff, when Peter carried Morgan in – hot and sweaty. Peter grabbed a soda from the fridge for himself and a juice for Morgan. Tony chuckled at how sweet those two were together. Morgan ran over to Tony and jumped on his lap. "Daddy, Peter and I played so many games!"

"Wow, that sounds like so much fun!"

Peter was really tired from being outside and he hoped he would sleep straight through for once.

That night, Peter had a horrible nightmare. It was so bad that he fell out of the bed. By the time, Tony got to Peter. Peter had already woken up some, but he was still crying. When Tony tried to help him up, Peter started kicking and screaming. He must have been still in that horrible dream.

"Peter, wake up. It is okay. It is just me, calm down. You got to wake up, bud." Tony spoke firmly but not unkindly.

Peter's screams finally came to a stop. He seemed to have calmed down a little, but he couldn't seem to wake up. Tony continued talking to him patiently, telling him he was safe, and he didn't need to kick anymore. Peter's kicking slowly came to a stop. Tony had managed to get Peter between his legs, like he had just a few nights before. This time though, Peter wasn't trying to escape. Peter never opened his eyes, but he was awake.

Tony figured he was just too exhausted to open his eyes. "Good boy, Pete. You are okay. I am going to release you now. You won't start kicking again, right?"

Peter nodded and gave a whispered yes. His throat was sore from all the crying and screaming. Tony helped Peter to the bed and under the covers. Peter managed to ask for water in a very hoarse voice, which caused him to start coughing.

"Okay, bud I am going to get you some water, but you can't leave the room unless I am with you. Understand?" Peter nodded.

After a few moments, Tony returned with three water bottles. Peter guzzled all three within just a few minutes, even though Tony told him to slow down a bit. Peter rested his head on Tony's chest, exhausted but awake. Peter opened his eyes after some coaxing. He wasn't going to sleep right away so Tony put on a movie for the both of them.

After a half hour, Peter said, "Mr. St-Stark, I need to use the restroom."

"Okay, bud."

Pete returned shortly, looking around the room like he was confused.

"You okay, Pete?" Peter seemed really confused for a moment and then snapped out of it. "Mr. Stark, I am sorry for keeping you up."

"Don't worry, Pete."

"Mr. Stark? When can I see Ned?"

"You can see him anytime, Peter. In fact, if you are up to it, we can have him over later or you can go to his house." Peter broke out into a smile and started to talk about Ned. Before Tony knew it, Peter had drifted off to sleep while in the middle of a story.

Tony had decided that it would be good to distract Peter by letting him go to Neds' and come to the lab. Seeing his best friend seemed to help Peter. Things were going fairly well. Peter was busily coming up with ideas for suit upgrades for Tony, but then the light switch in Peter's head went off. He was in the middle of using a tool when he dropped it and clutched his chest.

He was desperate for air. "Mr. S-Stark!"

Tony came over helping Peter to a chair. "Pete, what's wrong?"

Peter began sobbing. It became so intense that Peter threw tools across the room. He was really angry, but he had no idea why. Tony tried to get him to stop throwing things. The bad turned into worse in a blink of an eye. When Tony told him to stop throwing and screaming, Peter threw a string of creative curses at Tony. His jaw dropped at the teens' words.

"Peter, I know you are upset. I sorry you feel the way you do. Shh. Take some breaths and calm down."

Peter continued throwing insults and remarks. He would be angry and then sob and then be angry again. Tony was so confused as to what to do. So, he grabbed Peter and sat with him on the ground, holding him firm. Peter began struggling trying to free himself. Tony let Peter kick, squirm, throw insults, and cry. He let him get it out of his system.

When Peter finally managed to calm down and his cries became coughs, he spoke. "M' sorry, Mr. Stark. I-I don't know why I did that."

"I know bud."

" I need water."

"Okay. Let's go upstairs if you are calm enough." Peter nodded, silently following Tony upstairs.

Tony instructed Peter to sit on the couch. When Peter finished his water, he turned to look at Tony with sad, nervous eyes. Finally, Tony pulled him into a tight hug.

Peter took a deep breath in and said, "I want May back."

After a few minutes, Tony patted his knee and grabbed a pillow. "Here bud. Lay here for a little while. Put a movie on and rest. I am right here if you need me." Peter fell asleep resting his head on Tony's lap.

When Peter woke up, Mr. Stark was across the way in the kitchen talking with Rhodey. Rhodes had taken Morgan out for the day. Tony was really grateful for Rhodes because all of his attention had been on Peter. Peter rubbed his eyes, got up and made his way into the kitchen. He felt absolutely miserable.

"Hi. Colonel Rhodes." Peter said with a hint of excitement.

"Hey, Pete how are you feeling?"

"Uh, okay. I guess."

Tony had come around to where Peter was, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder and squeezed it lightly. "Pete, if you are up to it. We were thinking about all of us going out for dinner. If not, you and I can stay here." Tony said.

Peter didn't feel up to it and the way things had been going, he was afraid he would have another outburst at the restaurant. "Mr. Stark, I… I." Peter paused, "That would be great." He lied, but he had already ruined their plans before.

That evening, the whole family went out to a nice restaurant. Before going inside, Tony pulled Peter aside, away from everyone else. "Pete, if you start to feel bad in anyway, tell me. Got it?"

Peter nodded. "I am really trying to be good, Mr. Stark."

"I know kid. You are doing amazing considering what all you have been through."

Peter managed a smile at that. Peter tried to not look around at all the people staring at him or at the prices. It took everyone about 5 minutes to convince Peter that he could order anything he wanted. It was all going well until he saw a lady walk in that looked like May. Knowing he didn't want to make a scene, he asked to be excused. Rhodes nudged Tony a few minutes later, when he saw Peter outside leaning against the railing. Tony made his way outside. Tony managed to get Peter to tell him what was bothering him, he sobbed. He was so tired of crying and being overly emotional all the time. But it was like he couldn't control it. After a few minutes, Peter wiped at his eyes.

"You going to be okay, Pete?" Tony asked gently.

"Yes sir, Mr. Stark."

Tony patted his shoulder and said, "Good boy."

As soon as they got home, Tony had Peter follow him into his office. "Pete, the school called. They wanted to know when you were planning to return. I told them that it was up to you."

Peter did not feel ready at all to go back, but he missed Ned. He wasn't sure if he was allowed to have Ned over or not, and he didn't want to ask.

"Pete?"

Peter shook his head as he jumped out of his thoughts. "S-sorry, Mr. Stark. I didn't hear you."

"That's okay. I asked what you wanted to do about school. It is up to you. No pressure."

"I-I would like to stay ho-here, if that's okay. I am n-not ready yet." Peter hoped Mr. Stark hadn't noticed that he had almost said home.

"Okay. I will let them know." Tony gave a small smile.

Author's Note: Hey guys! Hope y'all enjoyed chapter 4 of Living Life as Possible. Peter is still grieving, but who wouldn't be. Things are looking up! See y'all next week! As always, please review. It is most appreciated! I am open to suggestions and ideas!