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Tony Stark doesn't usually get sick, and when he does, he doesn't handle it very well. He usually just shoves a few pills in his mouth, work for hours straight in the lab pretending he's fine and ignores the worried protests from everyone.
That's why, on a Wednesday morning when he woke up with a pounding headache, a sore throat and a runny nose, he did the exact same thing.
He rolled out of bed with a wince and went to go get himself some coffee.
"Sir, you seem to be showing symptoms of the common cold." FRIDAY told him.
"Yeah, no shit." Tony said and then groaned. Talking just made his throat hurt more.
"I advice you to take a few pills and get some rest-" FRIDAY said before being cut off.
"Mute." Tony said and the AI fell silent.
He refused to admit to himself that he felt like he was dying, and went down to his lab. He completely forgot what day of the week it was and that Peter was supposed to be coming over as he blasted his music, trying to ignore the way it made his head throb in the worst way possible.
"Thanks, Happy!" The boy said through the window as he jumped out the car. The man drove away without a word and Peter shrugged. He walked through the building and into the elevator, pressing the button to Tony's floor.
The doors slid open and Peter walked out. He immediately heard blasting music coming from the lab, which was...strange. Tony always played music but he never had it that loud before.
"Mr. Stark?" The boy had to yell over the music for Tony to hear him. The man jumped and turned his head, surprised to see Peter. He instantly turned down the music.
"Sorry, kid. Forgot you were coming today." He said, desperately trying to make sure his voice didn't sound like he had been stabbed a thousand times in the throat. He internally panicked. He didn't want the kid to know he was sick. It was lab day after all, and Peter deserves it after the stressful weeks at school he's had. Besides, he doesn't need the boy worrying over him. He hates it when people try and coddle him when he's sick.
No, he's not sick. He's completely and utterly fine.
But of course, Peter sees right through him. "Are you okay, Mr. Stark?" He asks. He doesn't usually forget what days he comes over because he's always looking forward to seeing Peter, which is why the boy knew something was wrong.
"'I'm fine, Pete. Why don't you just...sit down and do whatever school work you have to do before we get to the lab stuff? You have tests coming up after all." Tony grumbled. Peter furrowed his eyebrows but didn't argue as he flung his backpack down and sat at his usual bench.
Peter got to working on his math problems. Tony prayed that he wouldn't ask him for help because he wasn't sure that he was able to, given the state he was in. Thankfully, Peter never asked the man for help because of how smart he was. The thought put a smile on Tony's face. That was until he started having a coughing fit, which was annoying considering how well he was hiding his sickness.
"Mr. Stark!" Peter exclaimed when the coughing went on for a little too long. He sprung up from his sit, about to rush over to his mentor, but he put a hand up to stop the boy.
He managed to stop his coughing for a moment to wheeze out his sentence. "I'm - I'm fine, kid."
"You don't look or sound good." Peter replied once he got a better look at the man's face.
"Peter, just get back to your math questions." Tony said, turning around to do his own work.
"Not until you tell me what's wrong." Peter folded his arms. Tony rolled his eyes.
"I'm just...feeling a little under the weather. That's all."
"A little? I'm sorry, Mr. Stark, but you look like you're on death's door. You sound like it, too."
"Well, that's very nice of you." Tony mumbled.
"You need rest. And something warm to drink, like tea or hot chocolate." Peter said, walking over to Tony, ready to help him up and move him to the couch.
"No, Peter. I don't need anything. Look, maybe you should just go home, okay?" Tony finally said, waving Peter off. The boy stood still for a moment, looking like he had been defeated, but then straightened back up.
"No."
Tony blinked. "No?"
"No. You always take care of me when I'm ill or hurt. Why won't you let me take care of you?"
Tony was about to argue, but that went out the window when he finally looked up at Peter. He just looked so sad. Like taking care of Tony would actually make him happy.
Tony sighed in defeat. "Alright, kid."
Peter smiled and helped Tony up from his seat and lead him towards the couch, after turning the music off.
"Be right back." He said and rushed out the room. Tony sighed and laid down on the couch, getting himself comfortable.
Peter soon came back with a cup of tea and a fluffy blanket. He gave Tony the mug and sat down next to him.
"Tea is disgusting." Tony groaned, sipping the liquid.
"I didn't make it for you because it tastes nice. It's meant to warm up your insides."
"Gross." Tony chuckled as he drank more of the tea. Once he finished his drink, his eyes started to droop. Peter took the mug from his hands and placed it on the table nearest to them. He tugged the blanket around the man, sensing that he was tired. Tony smiled and sighed in content, not bothering to argue or protest because he was so damn comfortable.
Peter wiggled himself next to Tony, allowing the man to wrap his arms around him.
"Peter, I'm gonna get you sick." Tony mumbled, tiredly.
"It takes a lot to get me sick 'cuz of my spider DNA. Besides, you need the love." The boy said, curling closer to his mentor. "You're really warm." He mumbled.
"That's because I'm sick." Tony chuckled before yawning. He knew this was helping Peter feel better more than himself, so he didn't shove the boy off or send him away. He just simply held him tighter.
"Are you feeling better?" The boy asked in a hopeful voice.
Tony smiled and looked down at Peter. "Much better. Thank you, buddy." He said, in his half asleep haze.
Soon, Peter fell asleep with him with a smile on his face, happy that he was able to help Tony.