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Wind whistled by Peter’s ear as he stared at the roads below the overpass.
He wasn’t afraid of heights and probably never would be again, but that didn’t stop his heart from beating overtime.
The air was crisp and had been steadily becoming colder as the sun was about to set. It was pretty where he was sitting, and even though the spot was unremarkable the view was something he wouldn't forget.
He took a deep breath as he swung his legs back and forth from where they were hanging off the bridge. The cars speeding by him were loud, but not louder than the thoughts invading his brain.
He let go of a shaky breath he had been holding. It would be better like this, for everyone. He knew that, so why was he suddenly so afraid?
Nothing could mask the unmistakable sound of repulsers behind him. He sighed and turned around. Nobody would care after this was over, so why couldn’t he have just jumped sooner?
Keeping his eyes to the ground he planted his feet on the cement. “Hey, Mr. Stark. Pretty night tonight.”
“Sure is bud.” He said as he walked closer to Peter. “What are you doing out here?”
Peter shrugged. “Just thinking.”
Tony nodded as he carefully moved even closer. Close enough, Peter thought, to catch him if he fell. He felt so stupid. If he hadn’t waited an extra five minutes-
He was thrown from his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Well, now he had no chance.
“How about we get off this bridge and go somewhere warmer? We can head back to the tower if you want.”
Peter shook his head. “It's pretty out here. I can meet you back there if I just have a few minutes.”
“You know I can’t do that.”
He had suspected that. Mr. Stark wasn’t stupid, but it was worth a try anyways.
"I'll be fine, you know." Peter said, his eyes still not lifted from the concrete.
All Tony did was give him a small, sad smile, his eyes betraying his stoned features with a window into just how worried he was.
He kept thinking, would it be worth it to give it a try? He might not succeed, but he still might. If he didn't do something then who knows what would be waiting for him in the next few weeks.
He laughed a bit, not knowing why. Was it really this difficult? Even now, with somebody right beside him, he couldn't escape his brain. Who says that he'll ever be able to?
He watched as his tears fell against the concrete, staining a dark puddle.
Taking a deep breath, he brought his head up to meet the other man's eyes. "I'm sorry. I just-" He stopped to take a shaky inhale. "I just want it to stop, Mr. Stark. It hurts so much, it hurts all the time, and I don't know what to do anymore."
“I know Peter. Let’s go back to the tower for a minute, yeah?”
Peter sniffed and nodded his head, slowly slipping off the ledge and into Tony's embrace.
With his head against Tony's chest, his voice muffled when he spoke again. "I don't know what to do. It hurts so much."
"We'll figure it out. This isn't all there is, I promise. Now, let's get back home."
"I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault, okay? You didn't choose to feel all the pain you're feeling. It's not your fault, Peter." Tony reassured as he began steering Peter away from the overpass.
"I'm sorry."