Chapter Text
Peter’s aware that Tony is talking to him softer than usual, his voice quiet and gentle and careful. He’s aware that Tony’s arm is around his shoulders, and it has been since Peter woke up screaming, and he hasn’t let go once yet. A part of him is aware that there are other people hovering outside of his room, and down the hall in the living room, waiting to see what’s happening. Waiting to hear from Tony. Waiting to hear what’s wrong with Peter.
When his eyes are closed, he can see everything again. When they’re open, he can see everything on Tony’s face, the worry and the fear and the pity. He keeps his eyes fixed on the floor in front of him. Tony’s giving him time. Tony is talking to him, but not expecting any answers. He’s holding him, but not expecting any movement.
It’s become a sort of routine in the past week, this night time comfort session, after Peter has the same nightmare again and wakes up the same way, screaming, and Tony comes in like he’s been sitting in the hallway just waiting for it.
Peter has enhanced hearing. Someone has been sitting in the hallway every night just waiting for it.
Tony stays. He’s so soft and so steady and Peter appreciates it a lot.
Soft and steady doesn’t stop the nightmares, though.
Soft and steady doesn’t stop any of those innocent people from dying. That’s already happened, and it can’t be undone.
Tonight, things go a little differently. Tony reaches over and takes his chin, gently turning his head until he’s looking up into Tony’s eyes. Tony asks a question, and Peter realizes he’s waiting for an answer. He doesn’t trust himself to answer with words without bursting back into tears, so he nods his head instead. Tony gives him a soft smile, and then waits for Peter to lie back down. Then, he gets into the bed next to Peter, pulling the covers over them both. He puts his arm back around Peter’s shoulders. He starts talking softly again, quiet and gentle and careful.
Soft and steady makes Peter feel like the night time won’t be bad forever.