The Road to Recovery

Whirlwind

Tony turned to Peter as they rode the elevator in Stark Tower, having returned from their walk. "I was thinking that we could work in the lab. Distract ourselves, update Friday, build something; just like old times."

Peter glanced at him, considering it. Just like old times...and what are those? Happy times, I suppose. When we laughed, pulled all nighters, and ate pizza at 3 a.m. But I can never have that back again. You will never be okay, Peter, you will never be normal. You have become a freak, a monster. The only reason he does this is because he pities you. He doesn't love you, he can't wait to be rid of you-

"Peter." A gentle, yet firm voice caught his attention. He felt a hand turn his face, and Peter found himself staring into the eyes of mentor. "Don't listen to those voices. I don't know what they're telling you, but it's a lie-"

"Do you care about me?" Peter blurted out, full of uncertainty.

Tony's heart broke once again, but he didn't let it show. If he did, Peter would feel terrible. "Of course I do, don't ever doubt it. You're like my son, I love you, kid."

Peter nodded, processing the words. "I-I'd like that...working in the lab." Tony smiled, it was a victory, a small step. He knew that on his worst days, all he'd wanted was to be distracted, Tony hoped it was the same for Peter. Pressing the button for the lab, he said, "And Peter, whenever the voices start talking, tell me."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Peter and Tony worked long and hard. Well, mainly Peter, who was fixated on his newest project. Tony lent the occasional advice, but for the most part, he just watched to make sure the kid didn't explode anyone or anything. Around 6 p.m. they rode the elevator up to the main living area. As Peter entered the kitchen, he saw someone unexpected.

"May?" He asked dubiously. His eyes flickered between Tony and his aunt, as if questioning if this was real.

"Hey baby." May greeted gently. Peter bit his lip, staring at the floor. Tony must've told her what happened. Gods, she must be so disappointed in me. I'm a screw up-

His thoughts were cut short when two arms wrapped around him tightly. "Oh honey, I'm so glad you're here." Peter tentatively hugged her back, finding comfort. "Tony told me what happened today," she said, placing a tender hand on his face, and brushing away a stray tear. Peter held onto her hand, keeping it there. "I love you, Peter. I want you to know that. And i know I'm not your parent, but-"

"I love you too May," Peter interrupted, beginning to cry again, "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry."

"Peter..."

"No! Listen. I was so selfish, wanting to die. I didn't think about how if I left you'd have nobody. I didn't think about how many other people would be hurt or killed if I wasn't there to save them. I didn't think about them or you or my friends or Tony. I just-I am sorry. I didn't want to have to endure this suffering anymore." At this point, both him and May were crying; and Tony would be lying if he said he wasn't either.

"You're not selfish for wanting happiness and for the pain to be gone. You were, however, blind. You are not alone, you never were, never will be. You are loved and surrounded by people who have gone through this, who can help you. We're here, let us help you. Will you let us in?" May offered, eyes full of understanding.

Peter nodded shakily, not trusting his words, and furiously swiped at the tears in his eyes. "Alright, baby." May smiled, glancing at Tony.

Clearing his throat, Tony sat at the table, Pete and May claiming the seats across from him. "Peter, me and May were talking, and we thought best that while you recover, you be schooled here. At the Tower."

Peter furrowed his brow, this was certainly not what he expected. "We could either do book learning or an online curriculum; with how smart you are, you would certainly move faster, and could even graduate early. But from what you've told us, this could help decrease your anxiety and greatly help with media attention."

"Is this for real?" Peter asked, scared to hope.

"Of course Peter," May confirmed, "only if you want though."

"Yes. Yes, this is... amazing." Peter exclaimed. I can finally be rid of Flash. But what about MJ and Ned? They'll understand, right?

"One condition though, be honest with us, and your counselor. Alright?" May said sternly.

"O-okay. I'll try." Peter agreed

"That's all we ever ask for." Tony replied, smiling slightly. "And on this note, I think, that it is time for some food."

The three of them sat- well, Peter flopped- onto the couch, May on his right, Tony on his left. Each had a plate of Chinese takeout. While they ate, they watched Captain Marvel. But before the movie ended, Tony and Peter had fallen asleep, both exhausted from the emotional day that preceded this.

Today had been a whirlwind. In no way, was everything healed. There were no, 'I finally opened up and now I am miraculously okay', clichés. But honesty is the first step toward healing. Admitting you need help. For how can one be healed when the illness is unknown?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Authors note:
I'm sorry updates are slow. This has definitely been the most difficult book I've written and has been a learning process from start to bottom. Direction has also been hard with this book, and I pray that I have not utterly failed in what I am trying to do. More chapters will come. Thank you for sticking with me and reading. Comment your thoughts. And message me if you ever need to talk.
Lots of love,
Siri