Chapter 1
The building was crumbling.
Falling falling falling
Right on him
Help me. I’m stuck! Help!
Mr. Stark!
Help me!
Please!
I can’t breathe
I need help
Please
~~~~~
Tony woke to the sound of screaming.
His kid's screaming.
And then suddenly, he was bursting through the door of his room, his repulsors up.
“Peter?!"
But the thrashed in his bed, whimpering and sobbing, alone.
Tony threw himself onto the boy’s bed. “Pete! Pete, it’s okay! You’re okay, baby, wake up!”
He cupped his cheek. “It’s okay, Petey. We’re okay, we’re fine.”
Peter opened his eyes with a gasp, flinching. He searched wildly around the room. “M-mr. St-stark?”
“I’m here, sweetheart, I’m right here. It’s okay, tesoro. It’s okay,” Tony assured.
Tears streamed down his face, and Tony pulled him into his lap with his strong arms, rocking them back and forth. Peter sobbed hysterically into his chest while the man kissed his head, stroking his curls.
The small boy’s tears were causing him physical pain, and he tried desperately to stop them.
“I got you, Pete, I have you, you’re here. You’re safe, bambino. I got you. It’s okay. I’m here.”
After a long, long moment, Peter’s small, trembling voice spoke up. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Mr. Stark. Please don’t leave me. Please don’t leave!” He sobbed and pressed his face into Tony’s warm sweatshirt. “I’m sorry!”
“Petey,” he murmured. “Sweetheart, I’ll never leave you. Ever. I will never leave you. I’ll always be here. It’s okay, Petey. I got you. Always.”
Peter didn’t calm down for ages, clutching Tony tightly and crying. The man rubbed his back soothingly, kissing his temple over and over and murmuring love and comfort to him.
Slowly, the boy’s cries dissolved to sniffling and the occasional sob. “Stay?”
Tony hugged him closer. “Of course, kiddo. I’ll never leave you. Ever.”