I'm Right Here

Chapter 2

Once they were safely on course back to Earth, Tony and Steve helped Peter into some of Quill's clothes (a too-large t-shirt, some flannel sleep pants, and two thick pairs of socks) and Tony's hoodie before moving him to the back of the ship to rest on a mattress that had seen better days. It was more of a giant pillow bed. Bruce had checked him over and given him a clean bill of health with the few medical supplies they had around. Now he needed to rest. Steve and Bucky took a spot across from them on another mattress, Bucky's head resting on Steve's shoulder, his arm curled around the super soldier's. Tony sat next to him on the bed, watching for a moment as he almost fell asleep sitting up.

"C'mere, kid," he said, holding out his arm. Peter crawled into his lap, sitting sideways and curling up with his head on Tony's chest. Peter pulled his legs up to his chest and tucked himself into Tony's, reveling in the warmth his mentor provided with his arms wrapped completely around him. Tony began rocking him again, feeling his trembles and hearing his tiny moans of pain at his tight muscles. He patted his hip rhythmically and kissed his temple. "Try and relax, Pete. Breathe. You're okay. Everything's gonna be fine. You're safe."

Peter nodded as best he could and took a deep breath, closing his eyes and forcing himself to relax against Tony. Over the next few hours, Peter would drift off, only to wake with a cry a few minutes after. Tony was frustrated. Not at Peter, but at the situation. He just wanted him to be able to get some sleep. He would soothe him, talk him back down, and hold him just a bit tighter each time he woke. Finally he was able to get him to fall asleep for more than 5 minutes. They were going on 30. Tony sighed and his head fell back against the bulkhead, his body freezing and his eyes widening at how loud it was. He cautiously, fearfully, looked down at the teenager. Thank God Peter hadn't even flinched.

He must be down for the count, Tony thought. Try as he might, though, he couldn't keep his eyes open any longer.

Unfortunately, he had about as much luck as Peter had falling asleep. Every few minutes, he would wake with a start, looking down to make sure Peter was still there. He would pet his hair, back, side, and then release a tear or two before falling back asleep. When Peter would twitch or flinch, Tony would jerk awake. He sighed with frustration.

Little did he know that Steve had been watching them the whole time. He had wanted to get Tony's attention earlier, but when Peter finally fell asleep he just didn't have the heart. Now seeing how desperate Tony was getting for sleep, he made his move.

"Tony," he called quietly. Tony looked at him with bloodshot eyes laced with confusion and exhaustion. Steve glanced down at Bucky, who was asleep on his shoulder, their legs stretched out in front of them, before holding out his arms and beckoning. Tony took on a look he'd never seen before. One of possessiveness, protection, and...love? "Give him here. You need to get some sleep."

"I'm fine," Tony said stubbornly, holding Peter closer, if that was possible. Peter groaned a bit and Tony loosened his grip, petting his hair.

"Like hell you are. You can't even fall asleep. He'll be safe with me. I promise," Steve retorted. Tony stared at him for a moment longer before heaving a great sigh and standing with Peter. He'd regained some of his strength while sitting down and was able to handle him now. Steve gently woke Bucky, not wanting him to be startled. "The kid's gonna sit with us for a bit, okay?"

Bucky nodded and mumbled something before getting more comfortable on Steve's shoulder, releasing his arm so he could hold Peter. Tony gently set him down on Steve's lap, straightening his legs across Bucky's, who curled his arm around the boy's knees as he fell back asleep. Steve was in a perfect position to hold him, a platform near them that allowed him to rest his elbow without it falling asleep while he cradled Peter's head in it, his other arm draped over his chest. Tony straightened the hoodie on Peter and stroked his cheek, looking gratefully at Steve and nodding his thanks.