Part 2
Disclaimer: I don't own Marvel.
3rd Person P.O.V.
Harley stumbled back a few steps, falling into a chair. He gasped, trying to hold back tears. His cinnamon roll of a boyfriend had been assaulted... in the tower, of all places. Which probably meant-
Harley stood up quickly, posture stiff and muscles tight. The person who did this was probably still in the building. He just had to figure out who it was...
"Bruce-" the doctor held up a hand.
"He's going to be fine. I'll patch him up and try to get him awake... whatever it is, go do it." Harley nodded quickly, sparing one last glance at his beaten boyfriend before running out into the hallway and to the security room. It was unoccupied- FRIDAY could identify intruders much better than any human.
That added another level to the situation. Whoever had hurt Peter was somebody that the Starks had let in.
Harley shook his head, frowning. He pressed a key to show security footage, scrolling through it until he found the scene that had gone down. He watched the footage with growing horror, covering his mouth with a hand. Once it had ended, Harley was left staring at the image of his bruised, beaten, and bloody boyfriend, laying in a pile on the floor.
A few seconds passed before Harley balled his hands into fists, scowling. A low growl escaped his throat as he bared his teeth.
"FRIDAY," he spat. "Where is he."
"Sir, you seem to be in an unstable state. I recommend talking to someone about what is bothering you." Closing his eyes, Harley let out a forced breath. FRIDAY was right... as much as he wanted to absolutely murder Steve, it wasn't the best option. Plus, Peter wouldn't have wanted it... there had to be a different way.
~
Tony was sitting at a lab desk, tinkering with an old watch, when Harley burst in, looking incredibly upset.
"Woah, woah, what happened?" The billionaire questioned, putting the watch down. His son came first. The teen paced back and forth, face twitching irritably. "Kiddo, you gotta talk to me."
"Dad, I-" the words caught in his throat, and he swallowed them back down. Not yet. "There was an assault. In the tower." Tony frowned, standing up and leaning over the desk.
"Shit... when? And, uh, who?" Tony noticed the expression on his son's face darken, fists clenching furiously.
"Maybe an hour or two ago... it was Steve. He hurt Peter." Harley looked down at his feet, taking a deep breath.
"Peter, like the intern?" Harley nodded. "Hmm. Any idea why? Did he provoke Steve?" Harley's head shot up, glaring at the older man.
"Peter would never... he idolizes the entire team." He pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing. "Dad, I- I actually wanted to tell you something. It's why Steve hurt Peter..."
"I'm listening, kiddo."
"Okay. Well, you know Peter and I have gotten... closer lately, yeah?" Tony nodded. "Right. So he and I are actually... dating..."
"You're gay?" Harley nodded, swallowing thickly. "Huh. Well, I'm happy for you."
"You don't mind?" The teen questioned.
"Of course not. I'd love you no matter what, kiddo." Harley ran into Tony's arms, hugging him tightly.
"Thank you, Dad," he whispered. After a moment, he pulled away, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Um... since Steve hurt Peter-"
"Consider it taken care of. Peter's part of the family now, so invite him for dinner sometime!" Harley grinned, nodding. Tony smiled, patting his son's shoulder. "Now go be with your boyfriend, alright? I have a feeling he needs you to be there for him right now."
"Right. Thanks, Dad! Love you!" Harley called, running back to the med bay to be with Peter. When he got there, Bruce was standing over the injured boy, dabbing a cloth to a cut.
"Ah!" Peter gasped, turning away slightly. He noticed Harley, sighing with relief. "Harls..."
"Hey, darlin'. You feeling okay?" Harley pulled a chair up to Peter's bedside, holding up a hand to caress his cheek lovingly.
"Everything hurts..." he mumbled, closing his eyes and leaning into Harley's touch. The blond nodded solemnly, glancing at Bruce.
"He has multiple broken and bruised ribs, and a mild concussion. As long as he takes it easy, he should be fine in a few weeks, although the ribs might be extra sensitive for a while," Bruce explained.
"I'm just glad you're ok, darlin'. You really scared me for a moment there..." Harley sighed, smiling gently. "I love you."
"I love you too, Harls." Harley leaned in to kiss the smaller boy, being careful of his ribs. Thick white gauze wrapped all around Peter's chest, hiding most of the bruising. Harley frowned, turning to Bruce quickly.
"Is he okay to leave the med bay? I'd like to take him to my room to lay down for a while," he explained. Bruce smiled, raising an eyebrow.
"That's fine, just be careful of his ribs and take it easy. If there's a problem, come get me." Harley grinned, nodding.
"C'mon darlin', we're going to my room!" Bruce stepped in quickly.
"Oh, Harley, it might be better for him to walk... less potential damage to his ribs."
"Sure thing. I can help him." Harley slowly helped Peter to a sitting position, noticing the wince. Once Peter was on his feet, the blond secured an arm around his shoulders to help the smaller boy walk steadily.
"Woah..." Peter murmured. "I'm kinda dizzy..." Harley looked at Bruce worriedly.
"That's normal," Bruce assured. "He took a big hit to the head, it'll pass in a few moments."
"Oh. Yeah, I'm okay now." Harley sighed with relief, helping guide Peter to his bedroom. When the brunette got in Harley's bed, he gasped at the pain in his ribs, bowing his head into his boyfriend's chest.
"Oh, darlin'..." Harley murmured, kissing Peter's cheek gently. "It's okay, I know it hurts..."
"Yeah." Peter closed his eyes, leaning closer to the blond. "Harls?"
"Mmm?" Peter was close to tears, eyes bright and watery.
"Steve, he- he called me a-"
"No, no, darlin', you don't have to say it. It's okay." Peter let a quiet sob escape his lips, Harley scooting closer to try and offer comfort and security to the injured boy. "It's okay. It's over now. He won't be bothering you ever again, I promise." Harley was close to tears himself, holding Peter carefully.
"Thank you, Harls."