Tribulation

Eight.

And sleep, Peter did. So, incredibly well at that-which was a nice contrast to how his previous nights have been in Stark Tower... especially the first week. He recalls sleeping for maybe half-an-hour at a time, and his dreams were plagued with May and Ben's voices, and how he would sit staring at his surroundings or out the window at the city below. People laughing, hugging, enjoying their days with their loved ones.

Today, when he woke up, he felt an overwhelming sense of calm. You know when you take a nap after crying your eyes out, a good long cry, and wake up feeling like the world is new? That's how he felt, stretching his limbs out and looking around.

Did Mr. Stark and the team ever come back from the mission? The Tower was calm and quiet, and he didn't hear the noise of Tony in the penthouse, but that could very probably be because of the construction of the noise cancelling walls and all. Peter stretched again and rubbed his eyes. His room looked the same as when he had fallen asleep, of course. The clothes he stripped himself of were on the floor with other articles of clothing. Looking out the large window, he can see that it was morning, his internal clock telling him it must be around 8 or 9 AM.

Rising from his bed, he recalled his interaction with Seargent Barnes - Bucky. Peter was sheepish thinking back to it, he must of looked pretty pathetic to him, huh? In only his boxers and crying because he can't go on a mission. What a sight he must have made. Despite his state, Bucky was quite.. kind, almost, to Peter. He treated him softly, without too much pity though. it was nice, to have someone talk to him like he's a person again. Peter smiled as he pulled on his outfit for the day; just jeans and his MIT hoodie. And some fuzzy socks with chemical equations on it. For fun.

Finally dressed, Peter meandered his way into the kitchen to get himself a nice bowl of cereal that is probably has too much sugar for a Superhero. That being said, he got out the biggest bowl in the cupboard because his stomach was growling incredibly loud at him. As he was busying himself with his breakfast, he failed to notice the sound of someone entering the kitchen, until he heard the dinning room chair squeak was it was pulled out and sat in. He turned, and to Peter's great relief, saw Tony sitting in his rob and slippers, on his Starkphone.

"Mornin', Mr. Stark... " Peter said, trailing off. Tony turned to him and smiled, and Peter finally saw his whole face. Before Tony could say anything, Peter blurted, "Are you okay?"

Mr. Stark had a swelling eye on his right side, the yellow and purple spreading to his cheekbone. And on his chin, he had a pretty sizable gash with cause covering it. He winced with the movement of turning his head, and Peter can only imagine the bruises and cute that he can't see. Tony smiled and waved his hand, the movement obviously hurt, but Tony was pretty good at hiding it.

"Yeah, good morning to you too Pete." He chuckled a bit, and then sobered up. "And I'm okay, kid. A few cuts and scratches here and there, but nothing I haven't had before. How are you? You look like a whole new person," He got up with the assistance of the table and chair, and walked over to Peter only to poke him, lifting up his arms to 'examine' him.

"Who are you? What did you do with my Peter?"

The younger laughed, and pushed Tony's hands away lightly.

"I'm the same Peter, just a Peter who happened to sleep well tonight. How was last night? What happened?" his curiosity got the best of him, as it often does, and he quickly changed the subject. Tony shrugged, and asked JARVIS to get him a cup of coffee going- black, of course.

"Well, it wasn't anything new..."

__

As Tony recalled the event to Peter, Bucky and Steve were a floor below discussing this new development to Avengers Tower.

Bucky was telling Steve about how he walked in on the kid. "He was cryin', like his dad just died or something. It broke my heart to see." he frowned, letting out a long sigh. "I'm worried for the kid."

Steve smiled softly and reached out to brush a lock of hair behind Buck's ear.

"Who knew you were sucha softie, huh? I'm sure he's okay, if he's living with Tony then he must be special."

"I am not a softie, Rogers. I'm a soldier from the second World War! I have a Robotic arm!"

He shoved Steve's shoulder lightly before nodding in agreement, and laying his head on his boyfriend.

They were sat on the couch, squished together and sharing a large knit blanket that Natasha had given (Possibly made for) them. Steve had a sketchbook in his hand was was doodling idly, and Bucky was watching the movie on the TV in front of them. They looked the part of the Old Ass couple from the 40's, besides the super soldier part, and the fact they looked not a day over 30 each.

Steve laughed and played his head on top of Bucky's, closing his eyes in contentedness.

"Would you want to go see the kid and Stark? See what's up, love?" Steve asked, putting his pencil down, reaching out to take a hold of Bucky's hand.

"Yeah.. I think that's a good idea. After dinner?" 

[a/n; I'm SO glad to be back into writing, and I'm trying to break into writing more, maybe original content. I'd love to hear ideas and maybe collaborate !! Thank you all for your patience and love.

with love,

Dion.]