I Promise

“Peter?” Tears started to stream down Peter's face, getting lost when they hit the muzzle. “Is that your name?” Tony already knew the answer, but still wanted the confirmation.

Peter nodded earnestly, it almost seemed like his head would fall off his shoulders at how jerky his movements were. Tony smiled at him. “I don't think we’ve been properly introduced.” He walked over to the bed. “Hello Peter, my name is Tony Stark, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Before he could continue the charade and offer his hand for a handshake, Peter jumped into his arms and hugged him. Tony didn’t have to think this time, he just hugged back one hand on Peter’s back and one cradling his head full of curls.

At this point Peter was sobbing into Tony's shoulder. Peter hadn’t cried through this whole ordeal, and probably hadn’t for quite a while before this, judging by the vacant terrified eyes Tony was met with when he first saw them, but it was all coming to the surface now. “Hey, hey, you're safe, I’ve got you. I’m not leaving you, I promise.” He slowly lifted Peter further into his arms so he could climb on the bed and so Peter wasn’t leaning awkwardly over the side, especially because the IV in Peter’s arm was being pulled and no one wanted to go through that process again.

They stayed like that for a long time, Peter on his lap in his arms and Tony hugging him tightly. After about an hour of comfortable silence Tony noticed Peter had fallen asleep. ‘Thank God’ he thought. It was obvious the kid was tired, but he was too terrified to sleep, this meant that he was finally starting to feel safe. He quietly whispered, “FRIDAY can you project the scan of the muzzle for me?” Since he had muted FRIDAY she did not answer, but as soon as he finished the sentence a projection was in front of him. He spent the next hour holding a sleeping Peter with one hand and tinkering the protection with the other.

Tony found that there was a fail safe, built into the muzzle, in the event of someone tampering with it. If not taken off correctly it would release 100 volts of electric current through Peter’s body, that’s enough to fully charge about 8 car batteries. 50 volts is enough to be lethal to a normal human, and even though Peter is obviously not normal, there is no guarantee he would survive a shock of that caliber. Tony thinks he cracked how to get it off, but to be extra safe he has decided that, later, he will build the exact same muzzle in his lab and make sure he did all his calculations correctly before actually taking Peter’s off.

After he finished working out the plan for getting the muzzle off he thought it best to start making a recovery plan for Peter. Once again he whispered, in an attempt to not wake the exhausted kid, “FRIDAY? Can you scan Peter and project a list of injuries?” The holographic list appeared before him, it was longer than he wished, although of course he wished there wasn’t a list to begin with. It read: 5 healing incisions on chest and abdomen, Bruising around abdomen and chest, 3 cracked ribs, 2 broken ribs, Hairline fracture in right wrist, Excoriation on both wrists and ankles- abrading or wearing off the skin, ‘No doubt due to the cuffs’ Tony thought angrily; Malunion Fractures on both legs- fractures that have improperly healed, and severe malnourishment.

After he finished reading the list the only thing he could think was, ‘God, this kid has gone through more than most adults have or will ever have to.’ He had only known the kid for less than a day and already knew he was one of the strongest people he had ever met, ‘had it really been less than a day?’ He looked outside to see it was beginning to get dark. “FRIDAY do you think he will wake up soon? Can you project your answer on the screen?” He immediately saw a response before him and couldn't help reading it in his head in a women’s voice with an Irish lilt, FRIDAY’s voice.

I do not believe he will be waking up for quite some time. His body is exhausted and needs time to rest. Chances are he will be asleep until morning Boss.

‘Guess I'm sleeping sitting up’ is all Tony could think. “FRIDAY send the list of injuries to Helen and tell her to go get some sleep and that Peter won't be awake until morning.”

Will do Boss. appeared on the screen and then the screen vanished. He grabbed the red and blue throw blanket that was laying next to him and draped it over them both. He looked down at Peter, his eyes were closed and also relaxed, no hint of the terror that seemed to constantly fill them. He settled in, not even caring how much his back would hurt in the morning. The only thing that mattered was the small boy in his arms.

_________

Morning came and Tony was awoken by something shifting in his arms, Peter. He looked down just in time to see Peter’s big doe eyes open and look up at him. Tony gave him a soft smile and gently squeezed his arm in a comforting gesture. “Hey champ, sleep ok?” Peter seemed to think it over for a second before nodding. “Good, I’m glad.” Tony shifted a little prompting Peter to sit up. Tony got off the bed and started stretching out his sore stiff muscles. ‘Damn, I'm getting old.’ Tony thought as he heard his back crack.

“After you fell asleep I worked on a possible way of getting that off you.” He started pointing at the muzzle. Peter seemed to perk up at that. “I thought that would make you happy, I just need to test my theory in my lab first to make sure I don’t hurt you.” Peter nodded in assent of the plan. “Great, also-” He stopped for a second thinking over the best way to convey his next thought without scaring Peter, “I know your legs have to hurt a lot, and Helen and I want to help fix them. Would you let me bring her back in to look at them?” Peter's eyes turned fearful. On seeing this Tony quickly added, “Once again, it's up to you, and even if she did come in she would not do anything or touch you without your consent, I promise.” Peter relaxed a bit at that, but seemed to want to ask a question. “Yes?” Tony tried to prompt him in communicating his thoughts.

Peter stayed still a minute but then lifted his hand and pointed towards Tony, “Me?” Peter nodded, “What about me?” Peter pointed at him again and then down at the bed. Tony took a minute to understand the gestures. He then had an idea of what Peter was asking “Will I stay?” Tony asked uncertainty. Peter nodded and looked down almost in shame. Tony walked closer. “Hey, buddy can you look at me?” Peter slowly looked up and Tony smiled at him, “You don't ever have to be ashamed of asking for what you want. And to answer your question, of course I’ll stay. I’ll go to the lab later, but I am not letting anyone into this room unless I am here with you as long as that is what you want.” Peter seemed content with that statement. “Can I ask Helen to come up?” Peter nodded, “Thank you” Tony replied.

A few minutes later there was a gentle knock at the door. Tony looked over at Peter for confirmation and Peter nodded. “Come in,” Tony called out. The door opened and Helen walked in sporting regular clothes, luckily she remembered to not wear her lab coat.

“Hello Peter” Helen said tenderly, still standing near the door as she did not want to overstep. “Can I come closer?” Peter nodded. “Thank you.” Helen stepped towards the bed and stopped in front of peter. “I need to replace the IV bag, while I do that, do you need to use the bathroom?” The part of Peter’s cheeks that were showing above the muzzle were flushed with embarrassment as he nodded. ‘Of course he needs to use the bathroom, I am an insensitive idiot.’ Tony thought to himself. “Thought so, can Tony help you get there?” Peter still looked embarrassed, but realized he could not get there himself and nodded. “Ok, I am just going to unhook the IV, part of it will stay so we don't have to redo the whole thing, is that okay?” Again Peter nodded. Helen made quick work of disconnecting the IV and tooked up at Tony expectantly.

Tony stopped his mental reprimanding of himself and smiled at Peter “Alright, can I carry you again?” Peter nodded. Tony put one arm on Peter’s back and one under his knees, hearing the familiar unpleasant whimper of pain Peter let out. “Sorry buddy” Tony still was not used to how light Peter was, he hoped he would never have to get used to it and that peter would start gaining some weight as he got healthier. Tony walked with Peter into the bathroom. Peter looked at him hopelessly and shamefully. Tony knew this would be hard physically for him and also mentally as it was obvious he was embarrassed. Tony had an idea, “Ok, I am going to turn around and give you privacy, but leave my arm out so you can use it as support, alright.” Peter nodded. Tony put Peter on his feet but kept him steady with his arm as Peter basically supported his entire weight on it. Tony turned around but kept his arm out for Peter. Tony made a mental note to add a support bar to the bathroom wall while Peter is recovering. He heard the flush of the toilet, but still waited to make sure Peter was decent. He felt one hand still on him for support and another that tapped on his shoulder. He turned around and smiled. He helped Peter wash his hands and carried him back to the bed.

Helen smiled, “Can I connect you back to the IV?” Peter nodded “Thank you.” ‘So Helen's head picked up on the appreciation thing as well.’ Tony thought. “May I look at the wounds on your chest?” Peter looked apprehensive but still nodded. “Ok, I am just going to lift your sweatshirt, alright?” Peter nodded again. Helen carefully lifted his sweatshirt and both adults were a bit shocked at what they found. The heavy bruising on his chest and abdomen were no longer shades of black, purple, and blue, but more green and yellow now. The incisions basically disappeared except for some white line like scars. “Well, it looks like he has a healing factor.” Helen stated, looking at Tony. Peter looked a bit uncomfortable, “Do you heal quickly?” Helen asked, directing her question at Peter even though she already knew the answer from the evidence in front of her.

Peter looked a bit confused, like he was trying to figure out what to say, that is if he didn’t have the muzzle on. In lieu of speaking, he made a few gestures. One was a “so-so” gesture with his hand and one that looked like he was putting something in his mouth, if it weren't covered by the muzzle. Tony was at a loss to what Peter was trying to convey. Helen however seemed to understand. “You do, but it doesn't work well unless you are fed properly?” Peter almost looked surprised that Helen understood, but nodded in confirmation. Tony just looked at Helen shocked, not trying to hide his surprise. She smiled at Tony and replied to his unspoken question, “I know because it is the same with Steve and Bucky.” Tony nodded in understanding.

“Alright,” she said gently as she pulled the sweatshirt back down, “Can I now look at your legs?” Peter nodded with an uncertain look to his eyes. She smiled and rolled his pant legs. She started to feel around his shin and Peter let out a few painfilled whimpers, Tony Put an arm around Peter’s shoulders and gave a comforting squeeze.

”You're doing so well.” he assured him. It was only when Helen gently lifted Peter's left leg that things went south. Tears started falling from Peter's eyes and he put up his arms in a X formation pleadingly. Helen was still looking at his legs and could not see this, but luckily Tony could, “Stop!” Tony called out. Helen froze, looked up and saw what was happening, she carefully put Peter's leg back on the bed and took a few steps back. “Peter?” Tony asked, Peter looked up with red rimmed eyes, arms still fixed in an X. “Thank you for telling us to stop, we don’t want to do anything to hurt you. You’re ok, it’s over, I promise.” Peter nodded a little in understanding but still kept his arms where they were. “You can put your arms down.” Tony said in a concerned manner. Peter looked down at his arms almost like he forgot he was still holding them up and slowly uncrossed them and put them at his sides.

Helen cleared her throat so she could say something but not startle Peter, “I am sorry I hurt you, thank you for telling me.” She waited a second before continuing, “Would you mind If I spoke to Tony for a second in the hall?” Peter looked a bit almost betrayed but nodded. Tony looked at her questioningly but nonetheless unwrapped his arm from across Peter’s shoulders and got off the bed.

“I’ll be right back, I promise.” He gave Peter a small smile and after Peter gave a nod of confirmation followed Helen out to the hall. They walked all the way to the other side of the Penthouse, Tony was more than confused.

Helen saw the confusion and once again answered his unspoken question “If he is like Steve or Bucky he might have super hearing.” Tony nodded in understanding. “I wanted to speak about his legs, but I don’t want to scare him.”

“What are your thoughts?” Tony looked more than concerned.

“FRIDAY can you scan Peter discreetly and project a list of injuries?” Helen asked instead of answering Tony.

Before FRIDAY could answer Tony cut in “I already did that last night.”

“I know.” Helen simply replied, “FRIDAY can you also project the list from last night next to this one?”

“Will do.” Replied FRIDAY.

Two lists appeared before them, one shorter than the other. One no longer had: 5 healing incisions on chest and abdomen, Hairline fracture in right wrist, and Excoriation on both wrists and ankles.

The only things left on the list from today were, Bruising around abdomen and chest (and those were already a lot better), 3 cracked ribs, 2 broken ribs, Malunion Fractures on both legs, and malnutrition. “We know he has super healing, It looks like his body healed the easiest injuries first, probably since the larger ones are too much with his malnutrition. I don’t think we should do anything about his legs until the rest of his injuries are headled and he is less malnourished.”

Tony could see an uncertainty in Helen’s eyes and knew there was more. “I know that is not all you wanted to say or else we would not be out here, what is it?”

Helen took a deep breath that almost came out as a sigh and continued, “The only way to fix his legs is to rebreak them and splint or cast them so they heal properly this time.” Tony felt sick, “The problem is,” Tony looked up shocked. ‘That wasn't the problem?’ he thought. “His metabolism seems even faster than Steve or Bucky’s from what his samples show, so the supersoldier pain meds probably won't work on him.” Tony felt his face drain of color, ‘hell no, we are not putting him through more pain, especially that caliber of pain’ he thought. Helen saw his train of thought and was quick to reassure him, “Tony, I am not going to let him go through that, do you understand me?”

Tony nodded gratefully, ”What do you suggest we do?”

“Well first things first he needs to heal the rest of his injuries and to do that he needs more nutrients, so the first step is getting that muzzle off so he can eat.” Helen paused to give Tony a minute to pull himself together, “While he is getting a bit stronger and while the rest of his injuries heal Bruce and I will work on pain meds and an anesthetic that will work with his system.” Tony nodded. “Until you get that muzzle off we can use the G-tube, but I would like to take that out as soon as we have the anesthetic made.” Again Tony nodded.

“I am pretty sure I know how to get the muzzle off, but if I do anything wrong Peter will be shocked. As soon as I have a minute I am going to the lab to test my theory before trying it on the real one.”

“The sooner the better.” Helen replied.

They both start to walk back to the bedroom, but once they opened the door they saw Peter was asleep again so Tony gently closed the door and headed to the elevator with Helen. “While he’s asleep I’ll go to the lab.”

Helen nodded and added, “I will work with Bruce on the pain meds and anesthetic.”

The both went their separate ways to work on tasks to help Peter.

_________

Tony carefully moved the wires around and cut one, but it made a beeping noise. “Dammit!” Tony cried out. He had put a fail safe on the copy just like the one on Peter, but had it emit a noise instead of a shock for testing purposes. He tried again and again and again. ‘Thank god I did not try this on the real thing first.’ is all Tony could think.

On the fifth try the clasp opened. “Yes!!!” Tony shouted triumphantly. Just then FRIDAY’s voice could be heard interrupting the AC/DC song playing.

“Peter seems to be waking up boss.”

“Perfect, just in time.” Tony leapt up and basically ran to the elevator. He didn’t even need to press the button, FRIDAY knew where he wanted to go. The elevator doors opened up to the penthouse and he ran to the bedroom door, but stopped before entering so he could calm down and not scare Peter. He opened the door and saw Peter looking in his direction fearfully. When Peter saw it was just Tony he visibly relaxed.

“Hey, just me. I told you, no one else is getting in here without yours or my permission, I promise.” Peter nodded. “So, I found a way to get the-” Tony stopped, he really didn't want to call it a muzzle in front of Peter, it is so dehumanizing, so he went vague. “That thing off your face, may I?” Peter's eyes opened comically wide and nodded vigorously. “Ok, ok, don’t strain yourself.” Tony said with a chuckle, although there was some genuine concern there as well. Peter blushed a little at Tony’s words.

Tony stepped over to the bed, “I have to get to the panel in back, can you lean forward a little?” Peter nodded and leaned forward. “Thank you. Ok, just give me a couple seconds to re-wire this.” He opened the panel and switched some wires and cut the one that worked with the copy. Time stood still for a second and then they both heard a click and the muzzle fell onto the bed with a soft thud.