Chapter 2
Peter held his sandwich close to him as he stood there, looking at Tony and May in confusion. Peter was honestly a little annoyed that he wasn’t told about this arrangement, and he was even more annoyed with Tony for ignoring Peter for months, only to show up at his apartment, for what? Shelter? Unfortunately, Tony intimidated him, and Peter didn’t like being upset with May.
“Mr-Mr. Stark. I didn’t know you’d be here.” Peter said, sparing a confused glance towards May.
May looked flustered, “Sorry, sweetie. This was a last minute thing… Happy called-“
“Happy has your number?”
Of course he did. Neither Happy nor Tony could be bothered to contact Peter, but they had no issue talking to May… who they both barely knew… or at least he thought they barely knew. Peter didn’t show it, as Tony spoke, for the first time since Peter got home.
“I gave her both Happy and I’s phone number soon after she found out about your… erm extracurricular activities.” Tony explained.
Peter felt his stomach drop. He didn’t even have Tony’s phone number… what the hell, was he jealous of his aunt? Peter simply gave a nervous smile.
“Oh. Well, I have homework.” Peter said weakly, as he began heading to his room, hoping to escape the awkwardness of the situation.
“Nope.” May said, causing Peter to stop in his tracks. “It’s Friday, homework can wait.”
Peter didn’t argue- he didn’t like arguing with May. Besides he didn’t want Tony to think he was avoiding him… which...he was... but he didn’t want to explain that. So he took a seat, next to Tony, and began to eat his sandwich, to avoid blurting out a million questions.
“Why are you eating? Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.” Tony asked.
Peter swallowed, “This is an appetizer. Why are you here?”
The abruptness of the question caused a brief moment of silent.
“Peter!” May scolded.
Tony simply chuckled, “It’s fine. I take it you’ve seen the news?”
Peter nodded, “I know someone threatened you. But I mean… Why are you in hiding? You get threats all the time.”
Tony frowned, “I can’t say.”
Peter became frustrated. Of course he couldn’t- because he could never tell Peter anything. He was always treated like a child… May placed plates of spaghetti in front of Peter and Tony, as Peter began eating.
“That still doesn’t answer why you’re here.”
May gave Peter a warning glare, which silenced him, but Tony simply frowned.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were unhappy to see me.”
Peter’s stomach dropped, “No no no. That that’s not it at all I-I just mean with all the places… why here?”
Tony shook his head, “I was joking Peter… calm down. But it just seemed like the safest place.”
Peter narrowed his eyes, both selfishly disappointed that Tony’s answer wasn’t along the lines of trusting him, and suspicious about his vague answers. There was something he wasn’t telling Peter…
May then changed the subject, “So Peter, how was school today?”
“Flash wasn’t there… so good.” Peter said.
Tony raised an eyebrow, “Who’s Flash?”
Of course he cares when things are awkward enough already.
“It’s nobody-“
May glares, “Like hell it's nobody. He’s the kid who picks on Peter. I’ve gone to the school a couple of times and tried to do something about it… but nothing ever gets done.”
Tony nods in understanding as a glint of anger shined through in his eye, “I can do something about it.”
“Mr. Stark… you don’t have to… I’ve dealt with it for years. I can deal with it now.” Peter said.
Tony glared, “I don’t tolerate bullies, Peter. Just because you can deal with something by yourself doesn’t mean you should.”
Peter wanted to yell… letting out all the anger and disappointment he kept pent up for months, but he didn’t say anything… for May’s sake. And perhaps for Tony’s sake as well.
***
After they finished, May asked him to show Tony the guest room. Peter led him to the room next to his- which hadn’t been used for a while.
Tony looked around, and Peter decided then to crack a joke.
“I know it’s not as extravagant as you’re used to… but I’m sure it’s better than nothing.” Peter laughed.
Tony remained silent. Peter wondered if he overstepped a boundary, but then he noticed what Tony was looking at- it was a picture.
“Oh, that’s Uncle Ben- uh, he died.” Peter said, flipping the frame over. What was that even doing in here?
He tried not to think about it too much. He thought he had come to terms with Ben’s death a long time ago, but saying that sentence still felt like a jab in the heart. Tony looked at him sympathetically, but he didn’t at all look surprised.
“I’m sorry…”
Peter hated when people said that. “It’s fine. I’m over it.”
That was a lie, and he could tell that Tony didn’t buy it, but he luckily didn’t push any further. Peter left the room, and was met by May, who was pulling out blankets for Tony. She looked at Peter.
“I know it’s weird having your kind-of-sort-of-boss sleeping over, but it’s for the good of everyone. Who knows? You may even get closer!”
Peter simply nodded. He honestly didn’t want to get his hopes up… if Tony didn’t want to get close to him before, why would he now?