irondad & spiderson oneshots

lviii. late night talks

TW: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS

Waking up that morning, Peter thought that he was one hundred percent sure of his decision. Now, as he walked through the city with nothing but his phone and earbuds, he wasn't so sure anymore.

He knew he was depressed, he wasn't stupid enough to think normal people had these thoughts. He was also suicidal, his plan he'd made last night an obvious show of that.

But he couldn't go through with it. So instead of walking to the Brooklyn Bridge and jumping off, like he was going to, he just wandered aimlessly through the dark city.

His phone was blasting something that he wasn't paying attention to, loud enough to distract him for a bit, but not loud enough to block out the rest of the world; nothing ever was.

Tears stung his eyes for no reason as he walked, a cold breeze ruffling his hair and sweatshirt. He pulled his hood up and sniffled.

Clearing his throat, he looked around for someplace to sit while he gathered his thoughts.

Spotting a McDonalds, he chuckled softly, wiping his now red eyes. Stepping inside, he walked to the back of the restaurant and sat down, burying his head in his arms.

He didn't know when he had gotten this low, to the point where taking his life seemed like a good option, like the only option.

Closing his eyes, he tried to steady his breathing. He didn't even have a reason. He just didn't want to be here anymore.

Not expecting it, he flinched violently as he got a text message. Shooting up, he pulled his phone from his pocket.

There were of course the missed calls and a few texts from May, but she'd given up hours ago. Now, though, there was a message from Mister Stark.

Mister Stark: Kid, where are you? Your aunt is worried sick.

Peter didn't get excited at the thought of his hero messaging him, anymore. The man hadn't called her Aunt Hottie, though, so he must've been serious.

Tears flooded Peter's eyes once again as he noticed that Mister Stark had said that Aunt May had been worried. He wasn't.

Peter: I'm fine.

He went to put his phone back in his pocket, but it pinged again.

Mister Stark: That's not what I asked.

Peter scoffed and rolled his eyes, turning off his notifications, resuming his music, shoving his phone back in his pocket, and dropping his head back into his arms.

Deep down, he knew the billionaire cared about him, probably even loved him, but he was stuck in a self deprecating haze, wondering if he should've gone through with it.

He knew people would be sad and guilty, but everyone would move on eventually.

MJ and Ned would find a new best friend, May wouldn't have to worry about money so much, Happy wouldn't have to listen to his annoying rambles, Mister Stark could find another intern, Flash would find someone else to bully, Queens would get a new vigilante, everyone would be fine without him.

Peter heard the door open, but didn't pay attention to it. Just as he was about to get up and start his walk toward the bridge again, he heard very familiar footsteps making their way toward him.

He stiffened, just as he heard someone slide into the booth across from him.

"Gonna look up at me, kid?" Tony asked.

Slowly, Peter sat up, pulling his earbuds out with shaky hands. "H-hi Mister Stark." He said quietly, his voice cracking.

He winced, eyes flicking around, looking for an escape. Tony's face softened when he saw the boy's red eyes.