Epilogue

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Peter was sleeping at the lake house tonight.

Tony claimed that he didn't want Peter to be alone at the apartment, and had practically begged him to come to his place. After many reassurances that Peter would not be 'a bother' or 'in the way', the two of them had hopped in the car and driven to the lake house in comfortable silence.

It feels weird being there, and he almost expects Morgan to rush over and latch onto his leg when he opens the front door, the way she always used to.

Instead, he sees Pepper walking up to him. Fear courses through Peter's veins and he thinks she might kick out of the house. Tony seems to read his thoughts as he places a hand on his shoulder and gives it a tight squeeze, offering silent support.

Much to his surprise, Pepper hugs him and kisses his cheek.

"It's really good to see you sweetheart, how are you doing?"

Peter takes a moment to fully process her question, and he lets Tony's hand ground him to reality.

He decides to answer honestly.

"I've been better."

Pepper offers him a tight lipped smile, and seems to hear the unspoken apology on the tip of his tongue.

"It's okay."

Peter hears her unspoken words as well.

'I forgive you'

That night, Peter sleeps in the guest bedroom that was built specifically for him long before he was brought back from the snap.

Grief was still prominent in his heart and soul, but for the first time since Morgan Stark has died, Peter feels hopeful.

He was aware the the pain will never truly go away, never fully heal, but he'll learn how to carry it as he continues to live his life. Just how he had when he said goodbye to his parents, just how he had when he lost Ben.

When he wakes up the next morning, he gets out of bed all on his own.

It's not much, and a lot of work still needs to be done before Peter can say he's okay, but it was a start.

Survivor's Guilt || Peter ParkerWhere stories live. Discover now