Like Father Like Son | Irondad + Spiderson

music

Bruce had discovered Peter had bruised ribs, a black eye, and a mild concussion. Tony decided he should rest.

Peter lied down on his bed, holding a bag of frozen peas to his left eye. Tony was sat on a chair beside the teen's bed, a worried expression on his face. There was an overwhelming silence, one that Peter was used to. He was used to this feeling of being alone, ever since he was young. Thoughts flooded his mind as his breathing began to get heavier, hoping something would break the silence.

And something did.

"Peter, you alright?" Tony leaned forward, thinning his lips. Peter shot up, wincing at the pain. 

"Sorry," He breathed, coughing.

"Don't apologize, just take deep breaths."

Peter nodded, lying back down and breathing in and out. In and out. His breathing calmed, and he sniffled.

"You wanna talk about what happened?"

Peter looked away, contemplating this decision. How would Tony react if he told him about Flash?

"You don't have to if you're not ready, Pete-"

"No-" He took a deep breath. "It's okay.

"There's this kid- in my, uh, school, and... he just hates me. I- I don't know why. And- uh- today, when I went to use the bathroom- he was there, and he just-" Peter coughed, looking away from Tony. He mumbled inaudibly under his breath.

"He what?"

"He hurt me." The teen whispered, and Tony just stared at him angrily. He wasn't mad at him, however, mad at whoever would dare hurt his child.

"Usually it's not that bad, but- today it was really bad- and I didn't know what to do- so I just- I left."

"What's his name?"

"What?"

"I asked, what is his name?"

"Why-"

"You know why."

"Dad, seriously, don't hurt him-"

"I will. He hurt you."

"Dad, please."

Tony took a deep breath, realizing his hands were clenched into fists and his nails were digging into his skin. He opened up his hands, staring at Peter. "Okay. But if he hurts you again, you know what's gonna happen.

Peter laughed softly, but cringed at the pain in his ribs.

"Hey, relax."

There was a silence for a few minutes, until Peter quietly spoke up.

"I don't wanna go to school tomorrow." 

"What?"

"I don't wanna go. I can't go back there."

"Kid, it'll be fine. Listen, if he hurts you again, just tell me, okay?"

"Yeah, but I don't want you to hurt him."

Tony let out a small laugh. "I wasn't being serious, Pete, I'd probably get arrested. I wouldn't hurt him, but something would have to be done."

Peter smiled softly. He had slightly calmed down, but was still a bit panicked.

"Hey," Tony started, and Peter looked back at him. "There was this song I would always listen to when I was younger. It would always make me feel, well, better. I think you'd like it."

"Jarvis, play 'Mr. Blue Sky."

"As you wish, Mr. Stark."

A cheerful melody filled the room, and Peter began to smile. 

"Sun is shining in the sky, there ain't a cloud in sight."

Peter nodded his head to the music, the peaceful melody flooding his ears.

"It's stopped rainin', everybody's in a play, and don't you know, it's a beautiful new day, hey hey."

The teen's breathing began to calm as he listened to the song.

"Rollin' down the avenue, see how the sun shines brightly in the city,"

Tony began to quietly sing along, a smile on his face.

The song ended a few minutes later, leaving Peter beaming brightly.

"That's a nice song." He giggled. Tony smiled, standing up. He pecked the teen's forehead, placing the blanket over his body. "Call me if you need anything." He said, turning to leave.

"Bye dad."

Peter would listen to Mr. Blue Sky every day from that moment on. In school, at home, even if he was just taking a stroll outside. He had sworn to listen to it everyday. It would cheer him up after a bad day, and made him feel genuinely happy. It make him feel as if, even if the skies were dark and cloudy, there would be a day for him where there was a blue sky. Even for a short while.