I Promise

Peter put one foot in front of the other and took his first step. His legs were weak and felt like they would give out at any moment. He stumbled, but Tony was there to steady him, “You’re doing so great.” He praised once Peter was again stable.

Peter tried once again to take a step. He carefully and slowly put his right foot out and down and then did the same with his left foot. When he had successfully taken a step Peter turned to Tony, who was right next to him as always, with a smile. “I did it!” Peter said like he was a child seeking approval and praise from his dad. He didn’t even care that Helen was still there.

Tony had a huge grin on his face to match Peter’s. “You sure did bud! I’m so proud of you!” He was. He had never felt so proud of anyone in his life. It seemed odd for something as little as a step, especially since it was technically not Peter’s first step ever. But still he could not stop how proud and fond he was from showing, nor did he try to. Especially after Peter had turned to him so happily. He can’t even imagine how Peter feels. He can’t imagine how freeing it must be to take your first step in over a year.

Peter looked up at Tony in adoration. He then looked back down and focused on walking. He took another few steps and almost made it to the bathroom before he stumbled again. Of course Tony was there to catch him. “You alright kiddo?” Tony said, one arm holding Peter’s middle, the other still holding the IV bag.

“Yeah, Yeah I’m fine.” His heart was beating fast from almost falling, but he wasn’t really scared. He had faith Mr. Stark would be there to catch him, and he was right. Mr. Stark pulled him up and steadied him once again.

“How about we do a little more and then call it a night.”

Peter just started walking, he just started feeling more free, so he chanced arguing, “But Mr. Stark.” he whined.

”You shouldn't push and over exert yourself Peter.” Helen said with a gentle tone, but to Peter it sounded like an order. He shut his mouth and put his head down. Tony saw this and sighed, they still had a long way to go. “I’m sorry.” Helen added. That definitely got Peter’s attention. None of the Hydra scientists, or anyone at Hydra for that matter, ever apologised to him. Whether they were training him, doing experiments, or anything else, they barely talked to him, nevermind apologised to him.

He looked up and saw she was being genuine, “It’s ok,” he whispered. He then focused back on walking, he took a few more steps and then leaned against the wall to turn around. Tony turned with him so he could keep holding the IV bag but not have it pull across Peter. Peter then started making his way back towards the bed. This time he gained more confidence and did not stumble. He leaned against the bed with a proud but tired smile on his face.

“Alright, I’ll leave you to go to bed and check back in in the morning.”

Peter gave a small nod and Tony smiled and said, “Thanks Helen.”

She smiled at him and gave him a nod before turning around and leaving. Once the door was shut once again Tony turned to Peter. “Do you need to use the bathroom before bed?”

“Yeah.” Peter said tiredly.

Tony almost moved to pick Peter up before realising he didn’t have to. Even though it was a good thing there was part of him that would miss carrying Peter. He knows he’s not a baby or a toddler that needs to be carried, he is a teenager, but still he would miss it. Just to be safe he walked beside Peter and hovered a bit as he made his way to the bathroom. When he got to the door Tony handed him the IV bag so he didn’t have to disconnect it. Peter took it and closed the door.

Like Tony, Peter was also a bit conflicted. He was able to walk to the bathroom, but when he was done he almost knocked on the door to signal to Tony he had finished. But before he did he realised he didn’t have to. He could get up, open the door, and walk out on his own. He didn't need Tony to carry him anymore, to be honest he was kind of going to miss it. Tony just felt so safe and when he was in his arms he knew nothing bad could happen to him. Now he was more on his own. Tony was still there of course, but he was more independent. It was freeing and amazing, but it was also scary. He had not been even the least bit independent for years.

He finished up, grabbed the IV bag, which he had laid on the sink counter, and opened the door. Tony was a few feet away but when he saw the door open he walked to Peter to make sure he wasn’t going to fall. “Ready for bed?”

“Yeah.” Even if he wanted to fight to keep walking more he was too tired. He was sad that only a few steps could make him so tired. Logically it made sense since he had not walked in a year and his body was not used to it, but it still made him sad and kind of mad. Luckily he knew his fatigue from walking wouldn’t last long. His enhancements made him able to adapt a lot quicker to things than a normal human. He felt gross being happy for that since the only reason he had that ability was because of Hydra.

Tony helped him get back in bed and put the IV bag back up on the stand. After he went to the bathroom he sat next to Peter. “I’m so proud of you for what you accomplished today.”

Praise was still a bit forign to Peter, but he was happy to get it nonetheless. “Thanks,” He whispered.

“Tomorrow if you're up to it we can walk around the Penthouse. No one else is allowed up here.” He added the last part to make sure Peter didn’t feel overwhelmed.

“Okay,” Peter said as his eyes started to droop.

“And after that we can go on other floors and I can introduce you to my friends,” He saw Peter’s eyes widen a bit in fear at that, “Only when you're ready. We won’t do anything your not ready to do, I promise.'' Peter relaxed at that and let his eyes fall shut.

Tony then laid down as well. Peter’s eyes were still closed but he inched his way over to Tony and laid his head on his chest. Tony smiled and put one arm around him and they both fell asleep.
_______

Tony awoke in the middle of the night to Peter kicking his newly healed legs and muttering fearfully in his sleep. He looked down to see a pained look on Peter's unconscious face and sweat in his forehead. “Kiddo?” He said, trying to get Peter to wake up, but also trying not to jar him awake. Peter just kept thrashing and muttering.

Now that Tony was more awake he could hear what Peter was saying. And it broke his heart. Peter was muttering, “No, I’m sorry… Please, I’ll do better… Stop, please I won’t do it again… I’m sorry…” He could imagine what Peter was dreaming about, even though he didn’t want to.

“Pete, It’s not real, please wake up.” Part of that sentence was a lie. Although what Peter was dreaming about was not real in the sense that it was not happening now, it did happen at some point most likely. Peter wasn’t imagining, he was reliving whatever he was seeing. Peter just kept thrashing or, more like fighting against invisible figures of the past. Tony was trying to keep his distance so he didn’t get hurt, but also did not want to leave Peter. He got off the bed and knet at the side. “Pete, I need you to wake up!” He was starting to panic, although Peter was healed he still should not be moving that much. He took a chance and as gently as possible took hold of Peter's shoulders and shook him. “Pete, please wake up, you're going to hurt yourself!” Peter still did not wake up, he juist kept thrashing and pleasing. Tony shook him a little more forcefully, “Peter!”

Peter awoke with gasp eyes flying open and frantically searching the room for the threat. But all he saw was a panicked worried Mr. Stark

Tony saw him look around the room for a threat that wasn't there. “Hey, you're safe. No one is here except you and me, I promise.”

Peter could hear how fast Tony’s heartbeat was and how it might have even been faster than his, which still felt like it was beating out of his chest. Once he had calmed the slightest bit he felt guilt rise in him. “Sorry.” He said in a raspy voice, still trying to catch his breath.

“Peter, no you don't have to apologise for. I was just scared you were going to hurt yourself.” Tony took a breath and got back on the bed hugging Peter to his chest. “Are you okay?” He hated asking that question, he knew the answer, but what else was he going to say?

“They were so angry.” Peter whispered as tears started to blur his vision. Tony wasn’t going to ask who ‘they’ were, he knew. He just waited for Peter to continue if he wanted to. “They were mad I ran away. They were going to break my legs.” He sobbed.

What made this whole thing worse was that Peter said “They were.” Tony knew he was talking about his dream where ‘they were’ about to do it. But in reality, they already had, it had actually happened. It wasn’t just a nightmare Peter could wake up from and hopefully forget. It was a memory that he will carry with him.

Tony couldn’t say, ‘It’s not real,’ like he would to other people's nightmares to calm them down, since it was. It was in the past, but it was horrifically real. He settled for, “It’s over, you're safe, I promise.” ‘It’s over’ meant the dream and Peter's time with Hydra. He hugged Peter tighter.

Peter nodded into Tony’s chest, tears still falling. But now that the initial panic was over, and knowing Mr. Stark was there to keep him safe, exhaustion was taking over once more. He was afraid to fall asleep again, but couldn’t fight his body’s need to rest. He closed his eyes and just focused on that fact that he was safe, the fact that he wasn’t there anymore, and the fact that Mr. Starek would wake him up if he had another nightmare.

Not too long after, Tony heard Peter's breaths even out. Tony sighed in relief, but still he did not let go of Peter. He fell asleep as well a few minutes later, Peter still in his arms.

_____

Tony awoke to Peter fiddling within his IV. His eyebrows furrowed with concern, “Whatcha doing bud?” His voice was still groggy from sleep, but his concern had him wide awakened.

“Sorry, I didn’t want to wake you.” Peter whispered. He felt bad and Tony could see that. Peter was angry that he was such a burden. Mr. Stark couldn’t even get a full night's sleep because of him.

“It’s no problem Kiddo, can I help you?” Tony still didn’t know what Peter was doing, or what was wrong, but it was obvious he needed help.

“I need to use the bathroom, but the IV won't disconnect.” He said with frustration.

“It’s ok, here I’ll show you.” Tony sat up and went through the process of how to disconnect the IV without pulling it out all the way. He reconnected it so Peter could try for himself. Peter then successfully did it. “There you go.” Tony said with a smile.

“Sorry.” Peter looked down in shame.

“Hey, you have nothing to apologise for. Asking questions is how you learn.”

Peter looked conflicted at that statement. He had learned that Punishments are how you learn. You do something wrong, get punished, and never do it again. Questions just lead to beatings. Not punishments, beatings. Peter didn’t feel like explaining this, he was still tired from just waking up, so instead he just replied, “ok.” He scooted to the end of the bed and put his feet on the ground. Tony was right next to him just in case. Peter stood up and swayed a bit as he let his newly healed legs get used to his weight. Once he felt more stable he walked to the bathroom. Tony stayed with him, just to be safe, until Peter closed the door. Tony then grabbed his phone which was attached to a charger and laying on the nightstand. He had a surprise for Peter that he was really excited about and wanted to make sure everything was ready. He was happy to know it was and set his phone down as Peter appeared from the bathroom. “Hey bud, how about we have breakfast then Helen can check on your progress and then we can take a walk around the penthouse. Sound good?”

Peter wasn’t too happy about the Helen part. He also doesn’t like that he is not, Helen had been nothing but nice and he was being illogical. But still, for some reason he couldn’t help the anxiety that rose in him just from the mention of her name. Still he said, “Sure.”

“Alright,” Tony said, clapping his hands, “FRI, send up breakfast for both of us and tell Helen she can come up to check on Peter and change his IV.”

“Will do Boss.” FRIDAY replied.

Peter got back on the bed and reconnected the IV himself. To be honest he was kinda proud. A few minutes later there was a knock on the door. Tony, as always, looked to Peter for permission to open the door. Peter gave him a nervous smile and a nod in confirmation. Tony walked to the door and opened it to see Helen standing with a tray of food and a new IV bag. “Morning Tony.” She said with a smile. He smiled back and opened the door for her. Once she stepped in she greeted Peter, “Good morning Peter.”

“Morning,” he whispered. Tony was very happy that Peter spoke directly to Helen, even if it was in a shy whisper.

Helen put the tray on the chest of drawers under the TV and picked up the IV bag. “May I replace your IV?” She asked Peter.

“Sure,” Peter said, once again whispering.

“Thank you,” she said as she made her way to the right side of the bed where the IV stand stood. She took down the empty one and disconnected the line. She then reconnected the line to the full one after cleaning the port with an alcohol wipe and then hung up the new bag. “Since you are eating pretty regularly I think this should be the last bag.” Peter perked up at that, “I can the IV out later today.” She stated, stepping away.

“That’s great!” Tony said, smiling in Peter’s direction. “For now Pete and I are going to take a walk around the Penthouse so I can give him the tour.”

“Sounds nice, just don’t overdo it and take the IV stand with you or at least the IV bag.” She said to Tony.

“Of course, thank you.” Tony replied.

She gave a smile and a nod as she turned to leave, empty IV bag in hand. “Enjoy your breakfast boys.” she said as she closed the door behind her.

Tony turned back to Peter, “Ok, Breakfast?” Peter nodded, smiling. Tony walked over to the Tray of food. “Looks like we're both having pancakes today. They look extra fluffy!” Peter giggeld. Tony brought the tray over and as usual put a pillow on Peter’s lap followed by a plate of pancakes and then handed him a small cup of maple syrup. Tony then got up on the bed with his plate in hand and started to pour some of his maple syrup on his pancakes. Peter copied.

Tony, like last time, reminded Peter to chew carefully since solid food was still relatively new. He couldn’t help but watch Peter look curiously at his fork full of Pancakes. He watched as that curious expression turned to happiness once he took a bite. He smiled softly and started eating his own.

Peter was always blown away when he tried something new. Everything he had had, except the garlic chicken even though he actually didn't have it, was amazing. Many were, even though he didn't think it was possible, better than the last. This was definitely one of his favourites! He almost thought it tasted familier, like once upon a time a long time ago he had had it before. But if he had then it had still been over 7 years.

They ate in mostly silence, Peter enjoying his food too much to talk. After Peter drank his glass of OJ, which he also loved, Tony started to clean up. He took the empty plates and glasses and put them back on the tray and put the tray back on the chest of drawers. He turned back to Peter, “Alright, so are we rolling the IV stand or just taking the bag.”

Peter thought for a moment, but not too long. He wanted more freedom, and god knows he’s earned it. “Just the bag please.”

Tony smiled, “Of course, no problem, one second.” He went to the right side of the bed and brought the IV bag down. “Can you hold this for a second?” Peter nodded and took the bag. Tony came back around the bed to Peter’s side. He took the bag once more and stayed at Peter’s side as he inched his way to the edge. Peter put his feet on the ground and slowly stood up. Like this morning he stood for a fews seconds getting used to the weight on his legs. Once they did not feel as shaky or like they were going to give out immediately he took a few steps.

Tony waited patiently and watched Peter stand for a little and take a few shakyish steps. Once Peter seemed more confident he asked, “Ready?”

Peter looked up and smiled, “Ready.”

“If you get tired or you need help at all let me know.” Peter nodded, “Alright, let’s go!” Tony said with a grin on his face. They took slow steps to the door, Tony a bit ahead so he could open the door, but not enough to tug the IV line.

Peter took his first step out the door and the feeling was indescribable. After being stuck at Hydra, and not only that, but strapped to a table for so long, and then stuck in one room, except for the surgery, which he was asleep for, this was the first time he was actually free. Walking on his own and not confined to one space. He closed his eyes and took in the moment. With his eyes closed he swayed a little bit, Tony was quick to steady him.

Peter opened his eyes to see Tony smiling down at him and keeping his stable, “Thanks.”

“No problem,” Tony simply stated, not wanting to make this big moment for Peter about him. He gave Peter another moment. After which he said, “Ready for the grand tour?”

“Yes.” Peter said with some confidence.

“Alright,” they walked down a hall full of doors, but did not go into any. They kept walking until they got to the end of the hall which led to a large open kitchen/dining room. The kitchen looked immaculate. It had clean polished black marble countertops and a centre island. A stainless steel fridge, oven, dishwasher, and microwave. The cabinets were solid black and the stove top had spider burners. Scattered around the countertops were various appliances, a stainless steel toaster and waffle maker, a keurig and a coffee pot, redundant Tony knows, an airfryer, a rice cooker, a mixer, etc. “This here is the kitchen.” Tony stated, “It has every appliance one might need, although I mostly only use it for coffee.” Peter laughed a little, and it was music to Tony’s ears. “And to the right is the dining room,” He said gesturing. Peter turned to see a huge glass table surrounded by chairs with tall backs, “I almost never use it.” He shrugged. They walked further and ended up in an equally big, if not bigger, living room. It had a huge red couch as well as some black arm chairs. Peter Looked up and his eyes grew wide. He thought the TV in Mr. Stark's room was big, but the one in this room looked like it belonged in a movie theatre. Tony laughed, “I know, it’s a bit dramatic, but imagine how cool watching Star Wars is going to be on that.”

Peter's surprised expression turned to a giddy and hopeful one, “Can we really?”

“Of course kiddo, whatever you want.” Tony smiled at how excited Peter was. Peter almost jumped for joy at that, but stopped himself. Walking was still new, he was not ready to jump. “Want to keep going?” Peter nodded. They kept walking, this time to one of the walls, which was actually a giant window. “FRI, open the balcony door.” Immediately part of the wall started to slide open. Peter felt fresh air on his face. They walked out and Peter took in the city around them. They were really high up, but he didn’t mind. He often had to scale buildings when he went on missions for Hydra. It was morning and the sun was shining, Peter looked up and closed his eyes letting the warmth take over. He loved the feeling of the sun on his face. He didn’t get it much, or really at all at Hydra. The suit they had him wear was all back which included a black mask. The only colour had been the red Hydra symbol on his chest. He took a moment to bask in the sun now and pushed those memories aside.

Tony didn't speak a word, he wanted Peter to enjoy this moment without interruptions. He smiled at how content Peter looked. It was only after five minutes that Tony spoke. “As much as I am enjoying the sun, and I can tell you are too, we should go in. I don't want you to get sunburnt.”

Peter was a little disappointed, but knew Tony was right. He smiled and nodded and turned around. Tony switched sides as he turned as well so the IV line wouldn't be pulled across Peter’s body. They started to head back in the direction of Tony's room.

Peter didn’t even think about what he was saying until the words left his mouth, “That’s it?” Tony laughed a little and Peter quickly backtracked. “I didn’t mean it like that! The tour was great Mr. Stark.”

Tony was still laughing, “Don’t worry we're not done yet.” Peter sighed happily that he didn’t actually insult Tony and his home. They ended up back in the hallway of doors. Tony opened one to Peter’s right, “This is another bathroom, not that exciting.” Peter still peered in. Tony then moved to the door directly across from it on the left. “This is one of my labs. A small one though, my main lab is a few floors below us.” Peter peered in, it was small, but still it impressed him. It had work benches lining the walls with scattered tools on top and some stools. There were also blueprints all over the walls. “I honestly don’t work up here that often. We could make a workstation for you here if you want since you like science.” Peter’s mouth fell open a bit. Saying he ‘Likes science’ was an understatement. “Is that a yes?” Tony said with an amused look.

“Yes! Yes yes yes!” Peter said almost shouting, but then realised he left something out. “I-I mean yes please.”

Tony chuckled, “Sounds good, we can set that up soon.” Peter's face was sore from smiling. “Let’s move on for now.” He opened the door beside it. “This is my office, and once again, I barely use it.” Peter peered into a big room with a large desk with one chair behind it and two armchairs in front for visitors. The desk had stacks of papers on it. “I put the boring paperwork I don't want to do in here.” Tony looked inside as well, grimacing on how much work has piled up. “I really need to catch up on some of it.” He closed the door so he didn’t have to look at the work he had pushed off. “Anyways,” He grinned super excited for their next stop. “Last stop on the tour is over here.” Right across the hall from his office door was the last room. “This,” Tony paused for dramatic effect as he turned the doorknob, “is your room.” he opened the door.

Peter’s brain short circuited. ‘Did Mr. Stark just say his room?’ Peter thought. Tony was still grinning as he tilted his head to tell Peter to go in. Peter hesitantly walked in still confused. When he walked him he could have sworn his jaw hit the floor. Tony laughed at his expression and let him take his room in. Not only was it big, like as big as Tony’s room, it was decked out in everything Tony knew he loved. The bedspread was Star Wars, the closet, which was open, was filled with clothes. Most were red and blue. He had his own desk and the walls were lined with science pun and Star Wars posters. There were also a bunch of Star Wars lego sets staked on the ground next to his desk. Peter turned back to Mr. Stark, tears brimming in his eyes.

Tony’s smile turned to a slight frown, ‘Was this too much for Peter?’ he thought. ‘Did I overwhelm him? Did I-’ his thoughts were cut off by Peter crashing into him giving him a huge almost bone crushing hug.

Peter was overwhelmed, but in a good way. He had a room of his own. He had something to call his own. Not the orphanage’s, not Hydra’s, his. And not justa room to call his own, but a room made specifically with Peter in mind.

Peter didn’t let go, he just kept hugging Tony and then whispered, in a tearfully happy and grateful voice, “Thank you.”