In which Peter doesn't like the dark
Peter shifted uncomfortably in the darkness. He didn't like it. He couldn't see anything. Peter tried to assure himself that he would be fine. He just had to keep it together until someone else found him. He could do that... but then a thought crept into his mind. What if he wasn't alone in this dark dark place. He suddenly got very scared, and cried out for the one person who would make things better, even though he knew he wouldn't be there.
"Mr. Stark?" Peter could here the shakiness in his voice.
"Kid?!" Mr. Stark's incredulous voice sounded next to him, "What are you doing here? I thought I was the only one to-"
"You're here???" Peter interrupted the man, "I thought you were..."
"Nope, I'm right here," Mr. Stark replied. Peter was so relieved that he was not actually alone. That made this whole situation better. It made him not want to break out and risk the consequences so much. It made him feel much braver.
"We should be quiet," Mr. Stark's voice sounded stressed. Peter understood why. Their predicament was a stressful one.
"Okay," Peter mumbled, he knew Mr. Stark was right but he really wanted to keep talking. It made him much less scared of the dark. They stood in silence in the dark room. Peter began humming quietly to himself.
"Kid, you gotta be quiet until someone finds us," Mr. Stark said barely above a whisper.
"Okay... I'm just..." Peter just stopped what he was saying. He couldn't admit his fear. They stood in silence a little longer, and then Peter couldn't stop himself from speaking.
"It really dark in here," Peter said rocking nervously on his heels.
Mr. Stark didn't say anything, but Peter could practically hear the man raise an eyebrow.
"I mean like, i'm not scared or anything... just wow darkness," Peter mumbled folding his arms to comfort himself.
Mr. Stark remained silent.
"Like why would I be scared? It's just darkness. I mean come on! I am Spider-Man, I am not scared of anything... Especially not the dark... being scared of the dark is so... so dumb... right... right?" Peter attempted to convince himself he had nothing to fear. He had to keep together. He couldn't embarrass himself. He had to stay strong.
"Do you want to hold my hand?" Mr. Stark asked softly.
"Yes please," Peter squeaked.
Mr. Stark's hand was shaking. Wait, was he afraid of the dark?
Tony sighed a sigh of relief as he took Peter's hand. He was so glad the kid had given him an excuse to hold his hand. It was very reassuring. He felt more comfortable in the darkness. Tony suddenly found it easier to breath. It was a good thing he hadn't had a panic attack in here. That could have had disastrous effects. He felt like he could stay here for hours.
The closet doors flew open and light blasted Peter in the face.
"Found you!" Scott sang. Tony let out a disappointed grumble, and dropped Peter's hand, "You do know you have a better chance of not being found if you hide in separate places... right?"
"Yes, I know that," Mr. Stark growled and pushed his way out of the closet.
"Also it's generally a good idea to be quiet. I would have thought that hiding place beneath you and skipped it if I hadn't heard you," Scott stated.
"Yeah, I know, but that ding head intruded my hiding place, and started talking," Mr. Stark gestured angrily at Peter, "You know I when I was young I was the best hide and go seek player? No one ever found me, and I mean ever!"
Mr. Stark stormed away angrily.
Peter looked guiltily down at his feet. Scott nudged him.
"Hey perk up kiddo," Scott said reassuringly, "The old man is just pissed because he's losing his edge."
Peter laughed a little.
Peter walked into the living room where they were to wait after they were found. Mr. Stark was glowering angrily on the couch with his arms crossed over chest. Peter sat on a chair across the room. He still felt guilty for ruining Mr. Stark's perfect track record. The man's gaze softened when he saw Peter sit by himself. He looked almost shocked.
"Kid? What the hell are doing? Get your ass over here next to me on the couch!" Mr. Stark sounded amused and also a little bit concerned.
"I thought you were mad at me..." Peter was confused. He had seemed very angry a minute ago.
"Gosh! No! Get over here," Peter obediently joined his mentor on the couch. Mr. Stark nudged him, and whispered in his ear, "Just for the record I am not a huge fan of the dark either, and I am very glad you were in there with me."
"Really?" Peter perked up. He was glad Mr. Stark wasn't mad at him.
"Yes kiddo. Plus I couldn't be undefeated forever," Mr. Stark laughed, "How much do want to bet Nat takes this one?"
"Probably," Peter agreed. Mr. Stark chuckled and wrapped his arm around Peter's shoulder. Peter snuggled closer to him. They would win next time.