Peter was sitting on his bed reading when there was a knock on the door frame, causing him to startle and look up. Stephen Strange stood there, looking nervous. The look seemed strangely out of place on the man’s face.
“I don’t mean to disturb you but I was wondering if we could get to know one another, as you are dating my best friend.” He sounded unsure and Peter found it endearing.
Peter closed his book and smiles. “Yeah, come on in.” He folds his good leg under his injured one and watches Stephen cross the room. “What’s on your mind?” He asks.
“Well,” Stephen takes a seat and folded his arms. “People are idiots.” He says bluntly, making Peter laugh.
“Care to expand on that?”
“There was this guy in the ER today who did body shots off of a complete stranger and got piece of glass stuck up his nose and didn’t realize until three days later and it had moved up to his eye socket.”
Peter winces. “Oh my god. Gross.”
“Gross indeed.” Stephen laughs and shakes his head. “How do you not realize you have glass up your nose?”
“Well some people are dumb.” Peter remarks, shifting and wincing a little. “Sonofabitch.” He hisses.
“Try bending your knee a few times every hour. You’re not moving it enough and it’s getting stiff. If you let it get to stiff, the work you’re doing with Natasha is only going to hurt more.” The older man suggests, standing up. “May I?”
Peter stared at him blankly for a moment, before he realized what was happening. “Uh, yeah. Okay? Sure.”
Stephen slowly wraps his hands around Peter’s leg, on either side of his knee.
“This is going to hurt.” He warns before slowly bending the leg. Peter gasped loudly and reaches to stop him but Stephen shoos his hand away. “Let me help you.”
Peter lays back and closes his eyes, tightening his jaw.
“Talk to me Peter. It may distract you.”
“About what?” Peter’s voice raises an octave when the rods touched a little.
“Sorry sorry.” Stephen releases his leg and lays it flat. “Tony?”
“What about Tony?”
“Anything. I have many stories and can answer questions if you want?”
“Okay but I do have a question for you.”
“Fire away.”
“How come you or Steve haven’t threatened me yet? You are his best friends right? I don’t get a whole ‘you hurt him and I’ll kill you and make it look natural’?”
Stephen laughs at that. “I take it Pepper hasn’t come to visit you yet.” Then his face sobers. “But do keep in mind that I am a brain surgeon, Nat is helping you learn to walk again and Pepper and Steve are trauma surgeons. You do not want to piss off a bunch of doctors.”
Peter gaped at him for a moment then breaks into a grin. “That’s what I was waiting for.”
“Also remember that both Steve and Bucky are ex military so they don’t take kindly to someone hurting one of their own.” Stephen takes his seat again. “But I’m honestly not worried because you make Tony really happy and you’re good for him.”
Peter is quiet for a few minutes after that. “I’m glad because I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. He’s amazing.”
“Yes, he really is.”
“So you said you have stories? Care to tell me some?”
“One time, during our internship, Tony swallowed a needle to prove he was a badass.”
“Why in hell?” Though, thinking about it, that does sound like something that Tony would do.
“He likes to show off a bit. He doesn’t need to though. Anyone who has met him can tell that he’s the best at what he does.”
“He really is amazing, I’m surprised that he is dating me when he can do better.”
“It’s because he’s drawn to you. He loves you so much. I’ve known him for years now. When you’re around, his smile is brighter and his eyes sparkle. You have a magical effect on him.”
Peter listens quietly and something dawns on him. He’d talk to Tony about it later.
“I haven’t felt this way about anyone in…..ever. I mean, yeah I’ve had crushes and relationships before but this….it feels real. It feels perminate.”
”Maybe it’s fate.”
“Maybe so. I hope so.”
-----.-----
Tony finished his rounds and makes his way to the cafeteria to get a coffee. He had been on his feet for over twenty four hours and honestly he just wanted a break. He gets a straight black coffee, which is nasty but does keep him awake. He sips at the bitter liquid and slowly strolled the now empty halls. He comes to a stop outside Peter’s room and smiles. The younger man was sitting up, slowly bending his leg at the knee.
He waits until Peter stops messing with his leg and then knocks on the doorframe. Peter looks at him and grins.
“Tony. I missed you.”
Tony moves forward, dropping the empty cup in the trash before approaching the bed and pressing a kiss to Peter’s forehead. Peter tilts his head up.
“Give me a real kiss.” He demands. Tony found it so adorable that he couldn’t say no and leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to Peter’s lips. Peter makes a soft noise, pulling Tony closer, so the doctor was braced with one knee up on the bed and his hands on Peter’s face. The kiss deepens, a mix of harsh breath, teeth and tongue.
The sudden loud beeping of Peter’s heart monitor scared the hell out of Tony and he jerked back. Peter looks sheepish and the two locked eyes before bursting out with laughter.
“So” Tony says, once he got himself under control. “Is that going to be a norm for us?”
“Hopefully not while I’m hooked up to machines. That’s very unsexy.”
“I think you always look sexy.”
Peter blushes and grins doopily.
“I think you look sexy always too. Even now with messy hair and a five o’clock shadow.” He says fondly, reaching up to rubs his thumb across Tony’s cheekbone. Tony nuzzles the hand and kisses the thumb.
“Anything interesting happen today?”
“I talked to Stephen today. A guy got glass up his nose from body shots.” Peter shudders.
“That’s nasty.”
“Well I think it was a college student. If not, then that’s just sad.”
Tony laughs. “You were a collage student once.”
“I wasn’t dumb enough to do body shots off a stranger.”
“Did you do anything dumb in college?”
Peter blushes and looks away, mumbling a little.
“I didn’t catch that. Care to repeat it louder?”
“Iwasastripperforayearandahalftopayforschool.”
Tony blinks as he deciphers what was just word vomited at him.
“Wait really?”
Peter nods, looking as if he wanted to disappear.
“I think that’s hot as hell. I wish I could have seen it.”
“”Well I was quite popular.”
“Did you have a stripper name?” Tony raises an eyebrow and leans forward on his hands.
“I was….SpiderMan. Because of the way I could climb the entire pole easily and hang upside down. And I could dance with ropes.”
Tony is quiet as he ponders this. “I wonder if anyone has videos….”
“Please don’t go looking. It was cringy!”
“All the more reason to look for it.” Tony teases.
“Tony!” Peter whines.
“Alright, alright fine. I won’t go looking.” He was interrupted mid sentence with a yawn.
“Come lay with me.” Peter says suddenly.
“You sure?”
“You look dead on your feet and I wanna snuggle.”
Tony looked as if he wanted to argue but thought better and climbs up onto the bed. Once he was settled, Peter was snuggled into his side and closes his eyes with a content smile. As happy as he looked, something nagged in the back of his mind.
Stephen Strange is in love with Tony. How was Peter supposed to compete with that?
Finally Peter was able to start PT and he could feel that it was going to be a long day. Getting out of the bed was one thing, standing upright was another. Walking was an entirely different beast all together. Dr. Romanova was pretty patient with him. He asked her multiple times if she thought he could actually walk again. Every time, she calmly told him that he was doing great. The woman honestly had the patience of a saint. Walking wouldn’t come yet, as he was still having trouble staying upright by himself. He was sore and just wanted to sleep. He glances over to the door, distracted. He wanted to see Tony, but also didn’t want to see Tony. He wanted Tony to be proud of him for something. He feels the back of his head being lightly slapped and he snapped out of his thoughts.
“If you don’t stop staring into space, I’m going to let you fall on your face.”
“You wouldn’t!” Peter pouts a little. She raises an eyebrow and loosens her grip. Peter stumbles and flails his arms. She catches him easily and smirks.
“Believe me now?”
“That was mean.” Peter pouts.
“What’s on your mind, Spiderling?” She asked, sitting him down slowly in a chair.
“Spiderling?”
“That’s not answering the question.”
Peter sighs a little. “I don’t…..I don’t know if Tony and I are the right thing.”
Something flashed in the woman’s eyes but her speech remained calm. “Explain?”
“Tony is amazing, you know that. But am I really good enough for him? I mean, he’s a brain surgeon for god’s sake. One of the best.in the world. And I’m just an ex-dancer. He saves lives for a living.”
Dr. Romanova nods a little. “Tony is a special person. He’s a man with a broken past. I have never seen him smile as much as he does since he met you. He is legitimately happy. He hasn’t lost a case since you two became a thing. You’re like his saving grace or something. His good luck charm. Never doubt your self worth Peter.”
Peter looks down. “Yeah. You’re right. It was dumb.”
Did Tony really believe he was good luck? He didn’t feel like he deserved it but he wasn’t going to argue with Tony. Or Dr. Romanova because she kinda scared him.
“Peter I don’t blame you for questioning yourself, but maybe you should talk to him about all this.”
“No.” Peter shakes his head. “No. I can’t. I don’t want to worry him.”
-----.-----
Tony makes his way across the lobby area to look at the surgical board. It looked like he was clipping an aneurysm in a bit and he had to check on Aaron. He would like to spend some time in the ER today. Maybe he could catch Peter for lunch and he could finally meet Steve. He’d ask Nat. Turning on his heel, Tony makes his way towards Aaron’s room. As he walked, he sings softly to himself. ‘Sweet Caroline’ typically comes to mind when he had moments like this. They were rare before he met Peter, but they did happen.
“Sweeet Carolineeee, bum bum bum, good times never seemed so good-”
“My god, you’re smitten.” A voice behind him interrupted.
Tony stops and turns. Stephen stood there with an amused look on his face.
“I can’t help it!” He grins. “It’s a good feeling, to have someone want you for more than your brain. Pun intended.”
Stephen’s face fell a little but he recovered quickly. Tony still caught it and felt bad.
“Well I’m happy for you. It’s about time you started smiling more.”
“Stephen I didn’t mean-”
“Don’t worry about it.” Stephen waves his hand. “On your way to go see Aaron?”
Grateful for the subject change, Tony nods. “He’s doing great from what I’ve heard. Oh hey, what are you doing for lunch?”
“I’m not sure. Why?”
“I was gonna see if Steve and Bucky and Nat and Peter wanted to do lunch. You wanna come? A real lunch not hospital food.”
“I’ll see what I can do. Go see your future FBI agent.”
Tony gives a mock salute and smiles. “See ya at lunch.”
“Maybe.”
“Nah. I’ll see you then.”
Tony laughs as he makes his way into Aaron’s room. Only Hayley was there.
“No Spencer today?”
“He had class. At the university.” Aaron smiles a little. “Going for his first PhD.”
“His first?” Tony raises an eyebrow.
“He’s a genius.” Hayley says proudly. “Graduated highschool at thirteen.”
“Wow, he really is a genius.” Tony whistles. “Well it all looks good. Ready to get out of here?”
“I’d love nothing more.” Aaron answers, sitting up.
“I’ll get you the papers, one moment.” Tony leaves the room to go get the papers and returns a moment later. “Just fill the paper and then take it to the desk and you’re free to go.”
“Thanks Dr. Stark. You’re the best.”
Tony laughs a little. “Yeah that is what I’ve been told.”
“Yeah well it’s true.” Aaron replies, filling out the paperwork.
It was nice to hear that. He felt the smile growing across his face. It was cases like this that reminded him why he does what he does. To help people. To see their smiles and happy tears as they hug each other in relief. It was unlike anything he’s ever seen. Tony bids them goodbye and decided to go find Steve to ask about lunch. He makes his way upstairs to Steve’s office and knocked on the door that was usually open, but was closed now. Tony heard a gasp and then a thump, laughter and then
“One moment!”
A few minutes later the door was opened to reveal Steve with messy hair and a red face. Looking over his shoulder, Tony spots Bucky sitting in Steve’s desk chair looking smug as hell. The drawings on his arm were smudged. Tony smirks a little.
“In the office? You have balls Rogers. Or a kink. Either way,” Tony gives a two fingered salute. Bucky laughs loudly behind them. Steve turns and shoots him what Tony assumes is a dirty look.
“Can I help you with something Tony?” He forces out. Tony barely held back the laughter building up in his throat, earning himself the ‘Steve Rogers Stare of Disappointment’.
“Yeah I was wondering if you and Bucky wanted to join me, Peter and Stephen for lunch. You are the only one who hasn’t met him yet.”
Steve instantly brightens up. “Yeah. That sounds great. Bucky?”
“As long as it’s not hospital food I’m in.” Bucky calls with a wave.
“Awesome. We’re meeting at noon. Make sure you have pants on.” He teases.
Steve shot him daggers at him in the form of his bright blues. Tony just cracks up.
“Okay you two carry o. I’m gonna go find Peter.”
‘You haven’t told him about lunch yet.”
Tony bites his lip.
“....No?”
“You set up a group lunch date and didn’t think to ask your boyfriend yet?”
“I’m going I’m going.” He turns to walk away but looks back. “Stay safe you two.”
The response was a pen flying at Tony’s head.
Tony made his way to the ortho PT area but it was empty. So next he tried Peter’s room. As he got closer, he hears soft singing. It was Peter.
“...One dance, just you and me, beneath the moon, beside the sea. One dance and it’s happily ever after...One dance and you will see, we’re not so different, you and me. Just us two, me and you. One dance…”
The song had a sad feeling to it and Peter’s voice was like a siren, strong and beautiful, but also sad and sorrowful. Tony feels himself being drawn in and moving forward.
“What song is that?” He hears himself asking.
Peter gasped, startled. He flushes and looks away.
“Sorry, I got a little bored.”
“Don’t apologize. It was beautiful.” He settles on the bed.
“It’s called ‘One Dance’. It was a deleted song from the movie, replaced by ‘Part of Your World’. It is on some soundtracks but wasn’t included in the movie due to not being catchy enough. It’s when Ariel is human and has deep feelings for Eric. It’s a beautiful song, one of my favorites.”
“It sounded beautiful. I love it.” Tony smiles. “So how was PT?”
“Dr. Romanova almost dropped me but other than that, I’m almost ready to stand on my own.”
“You’ll be walking in no time.”
“I hope so. I’d hate to take up a bunch of room being in a wheelchair for your friend’s wedding.”
Tony laughs softly. “That is true. But i won’t have you walking before you can. I care that you heal fully, no matter how long it takes.”
Peter nods a little. “Yeah I know. I'm just a bit stubborn.”
“Just like me. I can match you stubborn for stubborn.”
Peter laughs. “Is that so?”
“Yes it is. Oh!” Tony clasps his hands together. “We have a lunch date.”
“We do?”
“Well, you, me, Stephen, Bucky and Steve do. Non hospital food.”
“Oh? So I finally get to meet this Steve everyone keeps talking about.”
“Yes you do and he’s excited to meet you too.” Tony laughs a little at the memory of interrupting Steve and Bucky earlier.
“What’s so funny?”
“Earlier I interrupted Steve and Bucky in his office.”
“Interrupted…?” Then realization dawned on the younger man’s soft face. “Oh. Oh .”
“Yep. He threw a pen at my head.” He pulls the pen from the pocket of his coat. “This one.” It was blue and had ‘MARVEL HOSPITAL. Saving lives is what we do’. Peter looks at the pen and laughs.
“It is a nice pen.”
“Yeah. I guess it is.” Tony smiles.
“Maybe it can be a good luck charm.”
“Nah. I already have one.” Tony grins and kisses Peter’s forehead.
Peter blushes at the compliment. Tony found it endearing.
-----.-----
Steve leaves his jacket in his office and heads down to peds to pick up Bucky for lunch. He pushes through the door and greets the group of interns. He finds Bucky in the NICU, feeding one of the smaller babies. Steve waits until the bottle is empty before going forward. Bucky looks up at him and smiles. After getting caught that morning, Steve redid the drawing on Bucky’s arm. Today’s there was Disney.
“Hey Stevie.”
“Hey Buck. Is he eating now?” Steve asked, peeking over the bed. This little boy had been refusing to eat since he had surgery repairing his stomach.
“Yeah, a whole eight ounces today.” Bucky grins. He holds the empty bottle up proudly.
“That’s wonderful.” Steve kisses him softly. “Come on, we have to meet the others. Tony decided we’re doing Mexican, so we’re meeting the others there.”
“Mexican sounds amazing. I haven’t had a good taco in a while.”
“Well let’s get going then.”
Bucky laces their fingers together and pulls him to the door.
“I’m driving.”
Once they arrived, were seated and orders were placed, Steve looks around at the faces at the table.
“Where’s Stephen?”
“He had an emergency surgery come up. An FBI agent came in with a bullet wound to the neck.” Tony explains.
Steve winces. Getting shot suckes. Getting shot in the neck was probably hell. He finally looks at the new face and smiles.
“So you’re the Peter Parker Tony is so crazy about?”
Peter nods, obviously nervous.
“Yes sir, that’s me.”
Steve couldn't help but smile.
“No sir. Makes me feel a hundred years old. Just Steve. It’s okay, I don’t bite.”
“Bullshit.” Bucky says, tugging at his collar. Purple spots littered his neck.
“Damn Steve! I thought I was possessive.” Tony snorts.
Steve rolls his eyes and turned his attention back to Peter.
“Any way, if you didn’t know, Tony is nuts about you.”
“Yeah. I think I got really lucky.” Peter laughs.
“Nah you just have amazing tastes.” Tony says, leaning over and stealing a bite of the young man’s taco salad.
“Oi!” Peter smacks him away. “Mine!”
“It’s rude to smack the man you love.” Tony says before a panicked look crosses his face. “Shit, sorry. It slipped out and-”
“Yeah.” Peter interrupts him. “My bad.” His face has a smile so bright the room seems dim. He presses a smile kiss to Tony’s cheek and whispers in his ear. Steve has never seen Tony blush that much.
Steve looks over at Bucky, who’s expression was soft. Steve leans on his fiance's shoulder.
“That’s forever right there.”
“It sure as hell is.”