Don't Leave Me Here - Starker

5

A little more than a week later, the two sat in the living room, solemnly making funeral arrangements.

After some debate, Peter had given up on arguing with the older about payment. Tony quickly denied Peter's mention of 'emergency savings', stating it wouldn't be necessary.

Peter thanked him adamantly, of course, and didn't understand how Tony could be so generous with him. But it was a thought for another time.

It would be a small gathering, with a few of both May and Peter's friends. Tony would be there as well, to support Peter. It would be perfect.

"Thank you again, really. This is much more than I could've ever given her." Peter spoke, a soft smile on his face.

"You don't need to keep thanking me Peter. It's certainly the least I could do, you know? May was an amazing person, and I'm happy to do this for you both." Tony finished with a smile.

Peter only nodded, not wanting to cry again. He couldn't help but thank the older though, and could only hope Tony understood how grateful he was.

And how could he not be? Tony had offered him a place to live. Sure, Peter could've managed on his own, taking care of the payments for their apartment. But Tony denied the idea quickly whenever they'd discussed the living situation in depth. He was sure it had something to do with what happened when his own parents passed. 

Tony simply didn't want Peter to be alone.

That thought twisted his gut, but in a good way. Peter was thankful he cared so much. Nowadays, any thought of Tony sent his heart stuttering.

However he quickly shook away any giddy feeling he felt after being in Tony's presence. He had other things to worry over than some butterflies. 

"Peter?"

Peter flushed, looking up quickly. He'd been in his own thoughts, and wasn't sure how long Tony had been trying to get his attention.

"Sorry..." He mumbled sheepishly.

"You alright?" Tony questioned.

Peter nodded quickly. "Yeah- I'm good, Mr. Stark."

Tony smiled softly. "You know you can call me Tony, right?"

"Right, I'll work on it." He smiled, glancing downwards as he felt his cheeks heat up.

He wasn't sure of it though. Addressing him as Mr. Stark allowed him to keep a certain distance. To sway his mind from wondering about what those silly butterflies meant. It was professional, considering Tony was technically his 'mentor'. Although he was sure their relationship would change soon, as their situation had. How it would change, he wasn't sure. But again, that was a thought for another time. 

"Okay," Tony says, catching Peter's attention again. "The flowers will be there in the morning."

May's funeral was tomorrow. Peter wasn't sure he was ready to say goodbye so quickly.

"Okay."

"It's late, you should get some sleep, yeah?"

Peter nodded, stifling a yawn. "I will. But don't forget you need to sleep too."

Tony laughed. "Don't worry about me. I'll see you in the morning."

Peter stood and left the living room. He paused when he reached the door.

"Also I'm making breakfast tomorrow."

Tony scoffed. "There's nothing wrong with my cooking."

"Eggs are supposed to be yellow, not black." Peter laughed.