Don't Leave Me Here - Starker

21

Tony was bored, to say the least. And annoying-according to Pepper. He'd been in bed only a week, already going stir crazy. Peter had done his best to keep him entertained, and Pepper gave more work than necessary, however the responsibility had mostly fallen on Roo- who was more than happy to lie around with him all day.

When Tony had told Peter he'd wanted a break, this was not what he had meant. Their had been more work than ever, and the younger was gone during the day due to school. Nothing about this healing process was a 'break.'

And Peter, the poor thing. He'd had nightmares almost every night since the accident. And nothing Tony did was helpful. Nights were spent with restless sleep, apologies and some tears. This had truly been the longest week of their lives.

But with boredom and nothing to do other than work, that left Tony with plenty of time to think. He'd worked on his newest suit ideas with Friday, and when he was bored with that he would call Rhodey- who didn't entertain his antics for long. Leaving him to think about Peter.

Everything he thought of always came back to Peter.

Who would be graduating soon, in less than a month, and had yet to discuss any plans for his future. College? He'd never mentioned it. Work? Tony would hire him without a second thought, but would Peter want to do that? He didn't know. While they'd had plenty of things going on in recent months, Tony knew they would need to discuss it eventually.

He was sure Peter could get into any college. The younger was brilliant, more than likely too smart for any school, but Tony wanted him to have the opportunity to go if he wished.

And if it happened to be half way across the country, well- Tony hated the idea, but he wouldn't be able to leave New York now. Not with the company, the Compound, and the team working to restore itself. It wasn't feasible right now. However, if that's what Peter wanted, they would make it work.

As for their own future- together, well Tony was sure, but he wanted to talk with someone else about it too. And Pepper -whether she wanted to or not- was the lucky person he'd chosen to discuss it with.

Tony decided he'd been in bed long enough.

"Roo, let's get a snack, yeah?" He asked the puppy, pushing his work away. "Your dad will be home soon!"

The pup huffed, clearly not wanting to leave the bed, but stretched, following Tony out the door. But the pair had made it barely two steps into the living room, before Peter had arrived home.

"Anthony Edward Stark."

"Busted." Tony snorted, looking at Roo.

"You are not supposed to be out of bed unless it is absolutely necessary!" He huffed, a pointed look on his face. "Dr. Banner specifically said to-"

"Yes, love. I know. I am okay. I just need to move around some."

Peter's frown didn't deter, but he let it go for the time being. He knew the older was bored and restless. But he was so terrified of something else happening to Tony, he couldn't help but worry relentlessly over him.

"I don't think lifting some cashews will cause too much stress on my body." Tony laughed, making his way to the couch.

Peter followed close behind, unamused.

"Jokes aren't cutting it today?" Tony asked, smiling sadly at the younger.

"I'm sorry." Peter sighed, settling next to Tony on the couch. "Just worried."

"I know you are, and I appreciate it. But I feel much better, and I've got a check up tomorrow." Tony reassured. "Friday says everything is healing well. Their isn't anything to worry about now."