Don't Leave Me Here - Starker

8

Peter opened his eyes, blearily seeing the sun filtering in through his window. He pulled the blanket closer, but hit something instead. He gasped, shooting upwards, startling Tony who had been asleep next to him.

"Shit! Sorry Tony." Peter said, his face flushed.

Tony groaned, throwing the blanket back over his head. "Too early-" He whined. "Why're you hitting me?"

"I'm so sorry! I completely forgot you were there..." He trailed off, fidgeting with the blanket in front of him.

Tony threw the comforter off, smiling at Peter. "Good to know I'm so forgettable."

Peter sat, blushing harder. "You know that's not what I meant."

He couldn't help but laugh at the other. "I know, but we need to get going."

He slid out of the bed, offering his hand out to Peter. Tony watched with complete admiration as Peter took his hand, blushing harder if that was possible. He made no mention of it, letting the younger walk towards the door.

"Oh and can I pl-" Peter turned, and walked straight into Tony's chest.

Tony caught him, allowing him to stabilize before he released him. Peter blushed again at their closeness.

"S-orry, didn't know you were right there." He laughed, looking towards the ground. "Uh- Can I please make breakfast this morning?"

Tony gave him a skeptical look. "Why, you don't like my cooking?"

"Uh-" Peter hesitated. "I just- I can always help out you know? I'm sure you need time to get ready for work today, and..."

"Yes, you can cook. I know I'm bad at it." Tony laughed. "I can become an expert in thermo nuclear astrophysics in a day, but can't make an omelette."

Peter joined in, relieved. "Oh good, because I didn't want to have to say it to you."

Tony shook his head, still smiling. "C'mon, I'll make coffee. That is about the only thing I can do."

When Peter hadn't moved, Tony looked at him expectantly.

"I just wanted to thank you, for last night, I mean-" Peter mumbled.

Tony just wrapped his arm around the other, seeing he was clearly flustered, leading them out of the room.

"I don't think I've slept longer than a few hours in weeks." He smiled sheepishly.

"I'm glad you got some rest." He said brushing Peter's curls.

"I'm going to change, I'll be back to make breakfast in a minute." Peter smiled, escaping Tony's grasp.

He made a bee-line for his own room, closing the door quietly before collapsing onto his bed. He was in trouble. Just the slightest interaction with Tony anymore, sent his heart soaring. He was sure he'd looked like a lobster after this morning.

"Oh man-" He sighed.

He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm the butterflies he felt. He didn't know what to do. It was obvious he had a hard time trying to be calm around the older man, but he couldn't act on any feelings he had. Oh, but he was head over heels for Tony Stark.

And how could he not be? He was caring, kind, charismatic, and so intelligent. Peter loved spending time with him, whether in the lab or just watching a movie. It didn't matter, he was just happy to be with Tony. And that was the trouble.

Peter couldn't be with Tony. Hell, he wasn't sure if Tony was interested in having a relationship right now. Let alone with someone younger than him. They weren't on the same path, Tony ran a business, and Peter was finishing high school. Feelings also have to be reciprocated. If Peter told Tony how he felt, and he didn't feel the same, well- Peter didn't even want to think about that. It would ruin everything.