The Road to Recovery

Who Knows Anymore, I Don't

Peter awoke later than next day. He blinked his eyes blurry against the bright lights. Glancing towards his left he saw Tony, and next to him Steve. The events of the night before hit him like a tidal wave.

"Kid-you're awake!" Tony exclaimed.

But Peter wasn't listening, his eyes drifted past his mentor to the still form of Natasha. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he continued, tears trickling down his face.

Steve raised his head from his seat next to Natasha to look at Peter, his face full of concern."She's okay, kid. She's all right."

"It's my fault," Peter said.

"No, Peter, it's not," Tony replied firmly. "Natasha came of her own accord, because she wanted to. She knew the risks, and she willingly took them. Don't blame yourself for anything that happened last night." Peter didn't reply, instead staring at the ceiling and silence.

Tony sighed. However, the one still form of Bucky at the door to the medbay waved him over. Bucky waited to speak until they were in separate hallway, "I have an idea."

Tony nodded, "Spill, Barnes."

"What if we were to take Peter Wakanda?" Bucky offered.

Tony furrowed his brow, "For how long?"

"However long it takes." Bucky responded.

Tony mulled the idea over in his head, pacing the hall. "You think this will work?"

"It did for me, and I know it will for Peter. He's come far, but he still has a long way to go. Especially when it comes to his fighting." Bucky explained.

Slowly, Tony nodded, "Who will go with him?"

"Me and Steve."

"Alright." Tony conceded, "We'll tell Peter at breakfast tomorrow."

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

"

Peter," Tony started, "Bucky and I would like to talk to you."

Peter looked up from where he sat hunched over his cereal. "What is it?"

Tony and Bucky shared a glance. Bucky began, "I was talking to Tony the other day, and well, I think would be good if you were to take a... vacation... Wakanda." Peter opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by Bucky. "I know you may not like the idea, but it would be good for you. You've improved a lot, but I still think they could really help you, especially when it comes to your fighting."

Peter was silent for a long time, thinking over what had just been proposed. "I don't want to leave until Natasha's awake," he muttered.

Tony nodded, "That works. It will give us time to settle plans with the King."

~~~

Only four short days later, Natasha awoke. Steve was still sitting by her bedside, like he had done day after day. "Steve..." Natasha mumbled drearily.

"Nat, how do you feel?" Steve asked.

"I'm fine." Natasha responded, trying to push herself into a seated position. Steve helped, moving the bed into a more upright position. "How long have I been out?"

"Only five days. Gods, I'm so glad you're okay." Steve said.

Natasha smiled, movement at the doorway catching her attention. "Looks like you're not the only one either."

Steve turned and saw Peter, fidgeting just outside the room. "I-I just wanted to make sure you were okay, Natasha. Before I left."

Confusion clouded over Natasha's face. "Where are you going?"

"Me and Bucky will be accompanying Peter on a trip to Wakanda." Steve explained.

Natasha grinned, "Well, I wasn't there for long, but from what I know you'll liked it, a lot. When do you leave?"

Steve answered. "Tomorrow."

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

The next morning, Steve and Bucky had already boarded the quinjet all the luggage, now Peter stood at the bottom of the ramp, waiting. Tony came up next to him, "You ready kid?"

Peter sighed, biting his lip, "You're sure you're not come with us?"

Tony smiled sadly, "Yeah Pete, I'm sure. But you'll be fine. Bucky and Steve will be with you."

Peter stood there, not moving. Soon enough, however, tears started to roll down his face. "The last time I left, it was Europe. A-and then Mysterio happened, this mess started, and I... I almost died." He finished softly.

"Oh Peter..." Tony hugged Peter, not letting go until the kid had stopped crying. "Bucky and Steve will not let anything happen to you, neither will the Wakandans. I promise you, you'll be safe."

Peter stared at Tony, "Ok."

Tony smiled, "I'm proud of you, Peter. make sure to have fun with the princess, I have a feeling you two will get along just fine."

~~~

The quinjet landed mid afternoon. "We're here," Steve called, "be ready to meet the king." Bucky and Steve headed down the ramp side by side, with Peter trailing behind. Waiting for them was King T'challa and princess Shuri, along with their dora milage.

"My friends," greeted T'challa, "it is good to see you again."

Steve smiled, "It's been too long."

"White wolf!" Shuri exclaimed, hugging Bucky.

"Hello, Shuri." Bucky replied happily.

"The real question is," Shuri continued, "where is my broken white boy?"

Bucky stepped aside, revealing where Peter had stood, hidden. "H-hi. I'm Peter, Peter Parker."

Shuri grabbed his wrist, pulling him towards the palace entrance, "Let's go Parker. I have a lot to show you."

T'challa sighed, "Shuri is too excited, she's going to scare the poor boy."

Steve grinned, "I think her and Peter will be good friends."

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

Author's note:
This is all I can manage right now, happy birthday, I hope you like it. Thanks for reading.
Lots of love
Siri