Do better, Mr. Stark.

22 - Love

"Well, that's it. I'm officially dying. Nice knowing you.".

That was part of Tony's one hour long rant about his most recent text message to Peter.

Until now, Steve simply let him talk. He honestly enjoyed having his estranged friend trust him enough to confide in him - after everything that happened, Steve would take any chance to be part of Tony's life again.

"You're being a bit dramatic, Tony. Surely Peter already knew you loved him, it's so obvious." he said. But that didn't help at all. "What do you mean it's obvious? Oh god for how long have I been embarrassing myself? And no one told me!".

"For gods sake Tony, just wait for his reply, I don't get what the big deal is. You're undeniably close and saying I love you is not the end of the world." Bruce added as he walked into the living room. "You don't get it, he's probably super weirded out right now, I'm supposed to be his mentor, that's it.". It wasn't like Tony regretted what he wrote, he meant it. But admitting something like that is personal, and personal isn't exactly his style. Neither is letting people get too close to him. The last time he did was with Steve, and everyone knows how that turned out.

Steve sighed. "Peter loves you like a father, you must know that Tones. He looks at you like you hung the stars in the sky.". Bruce nodded approvingly.

***

The next morning, Peter followed his usual routine. He never starts his day with looking at his phone, he just sneaks into the bathroom - careful not to wake May - and makes himself look somewhat presentable. It's been harder lately, seeing as he keeps staying up late because of patrol.

Thinking of his conversation with the Avengers yesterday, Peter couldn't help but grin to himself while brushing his teeth. They really were his family - his abnormal, chaotic family.

And just like that, Peter grabs his bag and his phone and rushes out of the apartment. For whatever reason, Peter always manages to be late, which is why he didn't want to take up any time by checking his texts.

Only when he arrived at school and sat down next to Ned in chemistry class was when he took a glance at his phone. The result was Ned having to shake his best friend to get him back to reality; Peter was staring at his screen and seemed like he forgot how to breathe for a second.

***

Just like that, Peter's day was made. He couldn't stop beaming and when Happy picked him up, he chattered away as if there was no tomorrow. Resulting in a very grumpy Happy.

Tony was in the common room, as he just got the notification that Peter arrived. He didn't complain nor nervously walk forth and back anymore, but he certainly wasn't feeling his calmest. He hated being uncertain about another person's feelings towards him. He hated being uncertain in general.

All that worry was for nothing, though. When the elevator door opened - and Steve's and Natasha's heads simultaneously turned towards the boy who entered the room - Peter quickly spotted his father figure and ran up to him, wrapping him in a big hug. A quite strong one as well, seeing as he sometimes forgets about his super strength.

„I love you too, Tony."