Kid, tell me what happened: The Sequel

Dandelions and Roses

Peter Stark-Rogers inhaled sharply as his eyes glazed over the math worksheet in front of him, trying to get his brain to think of an answer despite the ache that had grown towards the back of his head. At first it was a small prick towards the back of his head, rudely interrupting him as he copied notes from his science textbook onto his notebook, and as he continued to do the rest of his homework and projects, the small whisper became louder and louder, spreading all over the teenager’s form. 

Peter lowered his pen, setting his hands to his head as he massaged his temple in an attempt to make his head feel any better. His attempt was unsuccessful as his head only throbbed even more. The Stark-Rogers decided to ignore the pain as he resumed working on his calculations.

After some time, the pain had become so unbearable that Peter couldn’t focus at all. He set his pen down as he closed his books, deciding that he’d take a break and finish the math work later with his dad when the man would be back from handling some Stark Industries stuff. 

Peter stood up slowly, not wanting to aggravate his nerves even more as he walked to the living room to find his papa seated on the living room watching some TV. The boy plopped next to his papa, resting his head against Steve’s sturdy shoulder and his arms around the man’s chest. 

Steve kissed Peter’s forehead as he spoke, “Hey little bear, what’s up?”

Peter spoke softly as his eyes fluttered shut, “Head hurts a lot.”

Steve brought Peter’s head to his thighs to use as a makeshift pillow, using the same hand to card his baby’s hair as he spoke, “Awe kiddo, let’s take a break. You’ve been working all day, you’re going to burn yourself out honey.”

Peter replied as he sank deeper into the plush of the sofa, “But all the work has to be done, papa. I don’t want to fall behind.” 

Steve began to rub his shoulders, frowning at how tight Peter’s back muscles were. “I know bud,” said the father as he reached for a blanket to drape over Peter’s form, tucking it under the boy’s feet, knowing how much his boy liked that, “But there’s nothing wrong in taking a break every now and then, everyone needs a break once in a while. Is the TV bothering you? No more studying for the rest of the day.” He told the fourteen year old, “Me and Dad will help you with the rest of your work over the weekend.”

Peter let out a hum of approval as he burrowed himself closer to his papa while the TV played in the background. He curled up around Steve, who began to play with his chocolate-tainted locks, both of them knowing how much Peter enjoyed whenever someone did exactly that. 

After some point, Peter asked, “Papa, can you please read our book?” Both father and son shared a passionate interest in reading, and at least once a week they would read a few chapters out of a novel Tony would always get for them all the time. Peter loved those moments, cuddling with his dads while one of them read, it created a blissful sense of easiness and comfort, two things that besides being held, the boy could really use at the moment. 

Steve replied kindly as he reached for the glossy red and blue cover of Renegades, written by Marissa Meyer. The veteran kept a hand rubbing soft circles on Peter’s back while the other opened the book to the bookmarked page that Peter had bought. The bookmark was a graphic image of their three alter-egos fighting crime, which Steve had found quite adorable. He cleared his throat as he started reading aloud, “In the midst of her cries, he squeezed her tight, aimed the gun at the sleeping man, and fired.” 

Peter listened contently as Steve continued to talk about Nova’s mission with The Anarchists, and the ever so smitten Adrian Everheart who really resonated with the Stark-Rogers. All Adrian wanted was to be just like his dads, a beacon of hope and a stander-upper for the greater good, despite any and all availing costs. 

Steve had been reading for about an hour when Peter began to yawn and his eyes fluttered shut. Steve chuckled softly as he neatly tucked in the bookmark and placed it on the side table, “Sleepy, buddy?”

Peter nodded, “Mhm. I like when you read.”

Steve smiled as he kissed Peter’s cheek, “And I love spending time with my best boy.” He picked up Peter and carried him to his bedroom. He set Peter down on his bed, pulling the covers over the teenager when he felt Peter grab his wrist. 

“Don’t go,” Peter slurred, “Wanna cuddle.”

Steve chuckled at Peter’s messy curls that never failed to look adorable at any time or moment, “Alright then, scooch.” 

Peter smiled as he moved over, weakly pulling his father onto the bed. The Stark-Rogers then moved against Steve’s chest, sandwiched between the warmth of his papa’s arms. Steve planted a soft kiss to the top of Peter’s head, “Get some sleep buddy, Papa’s here. Love you.”

Peter replied as his eyes fell shut again, “Love you more.”

Steve raised a brow, amused, “Nuh uh, I love you more.”

“Nah, I love you more.”

“Oh yeah?”, quirked Steve, “Well I love you tons.”

Peter defended, popping an eye open, “I love you 3000.”

“Wow,” said Steve, “3000? That’s a pretty big number there, bear.”

Peter replied as he drifted off to sleep, “That’s right. I love you and dad so much.”

Okay but like s w o r d s