The Arachnoids [A Starker Rock Band AU]

16: We? We.

"Peter?"

Peter looks up from his guitar. With May's blessing, he's been crashing at Tony's place for the last week to keep a constant eye on him. He didn't bring much. One small suitcase for his clothes, his backpack with a few random necessities- and of course, his guitar.
He's been mindlessly strumming it for a while now, trying to incorporate the small tips and tricks Tony taught him the past couple of days. His fingers are slowly starting to get accustomed to it.

"Yeah?" He answers and smiles at the man in front of him. Peter has to admit that with each passing day, Tony seems to grow more and more handsome. The boy soon notices the troubled look on Tony's face, though.
"I..." Tony sighs and slumps down on the couch next to Peter. "I know this sounds stupid, but, erm, would you please come along when I meet Pepper?"
"Wait, seriously?" Peter asks surprised. Tony's eyes darken, and he sniffs.
"I- Nevermind. Forget I asked. What were you playing?"
"No. Nonono, Tony," Peter rushes quickly. He puts his guitar on the guitar stand next to the couch, and he turns towards the man a bit more. Two days ago, Tony had talked to Bucky- who then in return spoke with Pepper. According to Steve's boyfriend, Pepper is willing to speak with Tony as long as Bucky's there as well. "I'll come along. If you're sure that's what you want? Don't Nat or Steve want to help?"

"They would. But- I want it to be you."

Peter's mouth goes dry, and he stares at the man in front of him. Tony jerks back slightly as if he hadn't expected to say those words either. The shocked reaction only confirms to Peter that something's happening here.
"Peter, I..." Tony's voice wavers, and he stops talking entirely. Peter doesn't know what's happening. Is something even happening? Did he mishear the words? Or understand the tone wrong? But Tony's eyes radiate a particular shame. A secret to hide. A secret that - this time - has nothing to do with Pepper, or Morgan, or his pills.

"Tony?" Peter asks quietly. "What... What exactly are you saying?" Tony clenches his left hand a few times and then, he lets out a soft breath. It's quiet. For how long, Peter doesn't know. It could've been minutes. Hours. Days. Each second passing feels like eternity itself is played on a loop.
"This wasn't supposed to happen," Tony murmurs in the end. It catches Peter by surprise. He frowns, waiting for Tony to continue.

"You- Peter... God. You're so young. Barely out of high school." Tony pauses, chewing on his next words. "But... I've never felt so connected to someone else before. I like you. Space boy. " Peter can't help but let out a surprised chuckle at the sudden use of his otherwise jesty nickname. The laughter seems to crumble the tension enough for Tony to let out a soft snicker as well.
"Well," Peter starts. "I-I've never met someone like you, Tony-"
"So thoroughly fucked up, you mean?" Peter growls and smacks Tony's arm semi-playfully.
"Hush. Don't say those things about yourself. But, yeah. I guess I don't..." Peter doesn't know what to say next. Surely, he's grown very fond of Tony. He's got feelings and dreams about the superstar that are, without a doubt, more than just friendly. But... Is it enough?

Only one way to find out.

"I'll come with you."
"What?"
"To speak to Pepper. I'll be there."

Tony lets out a relieved breath. He bridges the space between both their bodies, and he pulls Peter in. For a second, Peter wonders if they're going to kiss, but he's glad when Tony simply wraps his arms around his shoulder for a good old hug. Peter smiles and reciprocates the sentiment by doing the same.
"Thank you," Tony whispers. Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for listening, for taking me seriously. Thank you. For everything. Tony doesn't say those words out loud, but the slight tremor in his voice reveals everything Peter needs to know.

"We'll get through this."
"We?"

"We."