A Slice Of Life, Death And Everything In-Between

What Wasn't Supposed To Happen

Prompt by @best-sarcastic-friend-MJ: Tony disintegrated instead of Peter (in Peter's arms).

Disclaimer: I do now own Spider-Man or any related materials.

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It wasn't supposed to be like this; Tony was supposed to be the one there, the one who protects Peter and makes sure he is safe.

But it's kind of hard to do that when his arms are now turning into ash right before his own eyes.

"Dad." Peter chokes out above him, his tear stained and dirty face floating in and out of focus above Tony's. "Daddy, I don't want you to go! I don't want you to go, please!"

Tony feels his heart break even as his body disintegrates further under his son's arms.

Reaching one shaking hand up, the genius gently cups his boy's face, brushing a thumb against his soft cheek and choking on a sob when Peter leans against the touch.

"It's okay." The superhero gasps out, his whole body shuddering as he sinks further down into the red dirt of the alien planet. "It's okay Petey-Pie, I'm okay."

Peter just shakes his head, his beautiful dark eyes spilling even more tears as he holds his father tighter, almost as though he could piece him back together with sheer force alone.

Tony can feel the same cold feeling begin to settle into his neck and chest and he knows he doesn't have much time. With his last breath filling his lungs, the man raises his other hand, caging his kid's face in his thin grasp.

"I love you, baby." He whispers, so soft it's barely words at all, but he knows Peter can hear him. "I'm sorry, I'm s-so sorry."

Then the air rushes out of his chest and his body turns to nothing.

The last thing he sees before the wind blows the ashy remains of his body is his precious son's despair ridden face, hallowed by the light of a star not their own and the echo of Peter's scream rippling across the rust colored dirt.