Because He Loves Me

Chapter 1: Dreams and Nightmares

14 years later

Tony Stark was not a man for pity, hugging, or anything that comes with being a lovey-dovey parent. That was why he was surprised to find himself hugging Peter Parker, his son. 

"I love you, Dad." Peter said. Tony couldn't help noticing that this version of Peter was smaller, weaker, and perhaps more babyish. He was also....glowing? 

"I love you too, Peter." someone said. But although Tony was who Peter was speaking too, it didn't seem like Tony was the one to respond. 

"Peter?!" Tony asked loudly, sitting up and hitting his head on the backboard of the bed as he did so.  Just a dream, just a dream. He told himself in his head as he rubbed the back of his neck. 

"Tony, what's wrong?" Pepper asked sleepily, sitting up. "It's like two in the morning." 

"Nothing Pep, bad dream." Tony said. 

"Mm." Pepper was skeptical, but her husband being restless at two in the morning seemed less important than her sleep. 

And before you call her selfish, put yourself in her shoes for a second. That's what I thought. 

Tony heard little footsteps outside his door, and not being able to sleep anyway, he got up to check it out. He found Peter himself tiptoeing down the hall in his pajamas, evidently sleepy but he was acting like he was on a mission or something. 

"Peter Benjamin Parker Stark! Why are you awake at two a.m.?" Tony exclaimed. 

"I could ask you the same thing." Peter said, attempting to stand his ground. Tony folded his arms and raised his eyebrow, and Peter instantly cracked. "I'm sorry, that was rude." Tony smiled. Even if Peter was fifteen, he was still very much a little boy. 

"I expect an answer." Tony said. 

"Oh, right. You called my name, so I came." Peter said. 

"I wasn't that loud, Peter, your bedroom is on the other side of the Tower. I hardly woke Pepper. Why are you awake?" Tony asked. 

"I...um...I'm hungry." Peter said, his voice getting higher. 

"Don't lie to me." Tony said, folding his arms again. 

"How did you...how is....I didn't-" 

"I know when my babies are lying. And I don't like it, so you need to tell me the truth before we have a real discussion." Tony said. Peter shivered. 

"I couldn't sleep. I had a....a nightmare." Peter mumbled looking at the floor. 

"Why didn't you say so in the first place?" Tony asked. 

"I'm 15." Peter said, still avoiding Tony's eyes. "It's embarrassing to still have nightmares." 

Tony smiled. "Aw, there's nothing wrong with having scary dreams, baby." Tony said. Peter blushed deeper. 

"Can I please go to bed now?" Peter asked. 

"Yes, you can. I'll see you in the morning, baby boy." Tony answered. Then he  let Peter hug him and then sent him to his room. 

"Man, I am nailing this dad thing." Tony said as he went to bed. 

"Sure, honey." Pepper muttered.