Work Text:
Peter 1, trudged through the door, tossing his backpack onto the couch with a sigh. He didn't even acknowledge Peter 2, who was sitting in his favorite chair.
Peter 2 couldn't help but notice Peter 1’s demeanor, and it didn't sit well with him. As a “father” (which Peter 1 and Peter 3 have been calling him ever since the Green Goblin incident), Peter 2 was always on the lookout for anything that could be causing his son distress. He got up from his chair and approached Peter 1, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Peter, what's going on? You seem upset," Peter 2 said.
Peter 1 shrugged his hand off and scowled. "It's nothing. Just a bad day at school."
Peter 2 wasn't having it. He knew there was more to the story. He had been through enough himself to recognize the signs. "Tell me what happened," he said, his tone brooking no argument.
Peter 1 sighed and slumped onto the couch next to his backpack. "It's just some stupid kids at school," he muttered. "They've been picking on me for weeks."
Peter 2's eyes narrowed as he listened. "Why didn't you tell me about this before?"
"I didn't want to bother you," Peter 1 said, looking down at his hands.
Peter 2 shook his head. "Peter, you could never bother me. You're my friend, and I want to know when something like this is happening. Who's been picking on you?"
Peter 1 hesitated before finally spilling the names of the kids who had been bullying him. Peter 2 took note of the names and promised to take care of it. He wasn't about to let anyone hurt his son.
Over the next few days, Peter 2 investigated the situation, talking to school administrators and parents. He made it clear that he wouldn't tolerate his son being bullied, and he would take any necessary action to ensure Peter 1's safety.
Meanwhile, Peter 1 couldn't help but feel grateful for Peter 2’s protection. He had been feeling so alone and helpless, but knowing that Peter 2 was on his side gave him a newfound sense of confidence.
Finally, the bullying stopped. Peter 2 had made it clear that he wasn't to be messed with when it came to Peter 1. Peter 1 felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, and he couldn't help but thank Peter 2 for his unwavering support.
"Thanks," Peter 1 said one night as they sat together watching TV.
Peter 2 smiled and ruffled Tom's hair. "I'll always have your back, kiddo."