Arachnid Empire

13

The soft hum of the television filled the living room of the tower as Tony Stark sat on the couch with Peter nestled into his side. It had been a few days since Peter's rescue, and while the physical wounds were starting to heal, the emotional scars lingered. Tony had taken time off work to be with Peter, and he had no plans of leaving his side anytime soon. "You know, kid," Tony began, running his hand gently through Peter's hair, "we never really got to celebrate your birthday." Peter looked up at Tony, his wide brown eyes still holding a trace of the sadness that had weighed them down since his ordeal. "That's okay, Mr. Stark," he said softly. "I'm just happy to be home." Tony's chest tightened, and he pulled Peter closer, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "It's not okay," Tony said firmly. "You deserve to be celebrated, kid. And I have an idea."

+

Peter's head tilted curiously. "An idea?" "How about a week in Rome?" Tony suggested, his lips curving into a small smile. "Just the two of us. I'll make it all about you. Sightseeing, food, anything you want." Peter's eyes lit up for the first time in days. "Rome? Really?" "Really," Tony confirmed. "I talked to May about it already. She thinks it's a great idea, but she's tied up with the café and can't come along. So, it'll just be you and me, kiddo." Peter's smile faltered slightly. "You're sure you don't have to work?"

+

Tony's heart clenched at the uncertainty in Peter's voice. He cupped Peter's face gently, looking him in the eye. "I'm absolutely sure. You're my priority, Pete. Nothing else matters right now." Peter's smile returned, brighter this time, and he leaned into Tony's touch. "Okay," he said softly. "Rome sounds amazing." 

+

The flight to Rome was smooth, with Tony's private jet ensuring they had all the comforts they could need. Peter spent most of the flight curled up next to Tony, the older man's arm draped protectively around him. Every so often, Tony would glance down at Peter, his heart swelling with relief and gratitude that the boy was safe.

+

When they landed, a car was waiting to take them to the luxury villa Tony had rented. The property was breathtaking, with sprawling gardens, a sparkling pool, and a view of the Roman skyline that seemed almost too perfect to be real. "Wow," Peter breathed as they stepped inside. "This is incredible, Mr. Stark." "It's just us for the week, kiddo," Tony said, ruffling Peter's hair. "Think of it as your own personal palace." Peter laughed softly, the sound like music to Tony's ears. "Thanks, Dad." Tony froze for a split second, his heart skipping a beat at the word. He hadn't expected Peter to say it, but hearing it filled him with a warmth he couldn't put into words. Smiling, he pulled Peter into a hug. "You don't have to thank me, kiddo. I'd do anything for you." 

+

Their days in Rome were filled with adventure and bonding. They explored the Colosseum, walked through the Vatican, and tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain. Tony couldn't help but notice how Peter stayed close to him, often clutching his hand or leaning into him. It was as if Peter needed the physical contact to reassure himself that Tony was really there. "You're sticking to me like glue, huh?" Tony teased one afternoon as they sat at a café overlooking the Piazza Navona. Peter blushed, but he didn't move away. "I just... I like being close to you." Tony's teasing smile softened, and he reached over to ruffle Peter's hair. "I like it too, kiddo. Don't ever think otherwise."

+

That night, after a long day of sightseeing, Tony woke to the sound of soft whimpers. Sitting up, he saw Peter standing hesitantly at the doorway to his room, his eyes wide and filled with tears. "Pete?" Tony called gently, switching on the bedside lamp. "What's wrong, baby?" Peter sniffled, rubbing at his eyes. "I had a nightmare," he admitted in a small voice. "Can I stay with you?" "Of course," Tony said without hesitation, holding out his arms. Peter shuffled over and climbed into bed, curling up against Tony's side. Tony wrapped his arms around the boy, holding him close. "You're safe, Pete. I've got you." Peter's sobs quieted as Tony rubbed soothing circles on his back. "I thought they took me again," Peter whispered. "I thought I was back there." Tony's heart ached, and he pressed a kiss to Peter's hair. "That's never going to happen, baby. I promise you. You're safe with me, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe." Peter nodded, his breathing evening out as Tony continued to hold him. Eventually, he drifted off to sleep, his small hand clutching Tony's shirt. Tony stayed awake for a while longer, watching over Peter and silently vowing to protect him at all costs.

+

The rest of the week passed in a blur of laughter, exploration, and quiet moments of comfort. Tony took Peter to see the Sistine Chapel, where Peter's awe at the art made Tony smile. They tried gelato from every little shop they passed, and Peter declared pistachio his favorite. At night, they would sit on the villa's balcony, watching the city lights and talking about everything and nothing. On their last night in Rome, Peter looked up at Tony as they sat by the pool. "Thank you for this trip," he said softly. "It's been the best week ever." Tony pulled Peter into his lap, wrapping his arms around him. "You don't have to thank me, Pete. You're my kid. I'd do anything for you." Peter rested his head against Tony's chest, his eyes closing as a content smile spread across his face. "I love you, Dad." Tony's throat tightened, and he pressed a kiss to Peter's forehead. "I love you too, baby boy. More than anything in the world."

+

As they sat there, with the stars above and the gentle sound of the pool water below, Tony felt a sense of peace he hadn't experienced in a long time. For the first time since the ordeal, everything felt right. Peter was safe, happy, and in Tony's arms. And that was all that mattered.

+