Throwing Caution to the Wind

Chapter 29

He woke up the next day in his bed at the tower. It took him a minute to remember how he got there and when he did, he was thoroughly embarrassed.

He changes into his cloths intending to go home.

He quickly shoved a few of his things into his backpack before quietly making his way down the hall.

He took a quick look up and down the hall making sure there wasn't anyone there before calling the elevator.

A few excruciating seconds later the elevator opened up.

"Going somewhere," came a voice from behind him as he was about to step in.

It was over.

"No where in particular," he said.

"Mhm, why don't you take a seat on the couch then," Mr Stark said.

Defeated Peter went to the living room. He took a seat on the edge of the couch to make room for his backpack.

Mr Stark walked into the kitchen.

"Care to explain where you were going," he said.

Peter heard him pulling out pans and open the fridge.

"I was just heading up to the roof for some fresh air," Peter said as nonchalantly as he could be.

"With a backpack," Mr Stark said flatly.

"I've got some snacks in here," Peter said weakly.

"Wanna try again," Mr Stark said. There were now sizzling sounds coming from the kitchen.

He debated. How would Mr Stark react. He really didn't want him to know.

"I was going home," Peter admitted a few minutes later.

Mr Stark walked out of the kitchen and put a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of him. He walked back into the kitchen and brought out a glass of orange juice.

He took a seat on the couch in front of him.

"I think we should talk about yesterday. Or rather you should talk. If you don't feel comfortable with me, go to you're aunt or a guidance counselor at school," he said looking at Peter.

"Do I have to," Peter asked with a small whine.

"It's for the better kid," Mr Stark said gently.

Peter sighed in defeat. He understood where Mr Stark was coming from. But it was easier to pretend it didn't exist. He never even told May the whole story. Bits and pieces of it sure, but the whole thing start to finish had been carefully locked up. He kept quiet about it. Anytime the topic would go there he changed it. Even Ned only knew a toner down version.

He felt dirty that he had been lying for so long about it. Especially to May, it was her husband afterall. But it got too hard to even think about it, let alone talk about it.

He looked around the room wondering when his life has gotten to the point where he was telling Tony Stark, Ironman, the truth about his uncle while eating a breakfast prepared for him by the man himself.

"It was a pretty normal Friday. Ned was out of town visiting some family out of state. Me May and Ben were getting ready for a scrabble game," he started. He was quiet enough that Mr Stark had to lean in to hear him, but he didn't bother trying to talk louder.

"Ben was trying to get me to do something, I forget what at this point, but I didn't want to. We ended up fighting and I ran out of the appartment," Peter continued his voice lowering.