Broken

chapter four

TW - sexual assault

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After his shower, he watched TV on his bed for a bit before someone knocked on the door. He said come in absentmindedly and was surprised to see Tony walk in. He was the last person he was expecting.

After the fight they got in earlier, Peter thought about it and realized how he'd overreacted. Tony was just trying to make sure he was okay because he cared. He'd blown up at Tony just because he wanted to help.

Tony went to sit at his desk chair across from him. He paused for a second and sighed before starting, "Look, Pete, about earlier I–"

He was cut off by Peter. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell and get mad and stuff earlier. I know you were just making sure I was okay," Peter quickly explained.

"It's okay. I'm sorry for pushing you." Tony looked somewhat uncomfortable, probably at the fact that he was apologizing. Or that it was getting somewhat emotional and he wasn't the best with feelings. Most likely both.

"If something goes wrong though, or I guess gets worse, you can tell me," Tony added, looking at Peter softly.

"Alright. Thanks."

"I'm serious, kid. I don't know what you're afraid of telling me, or why you won't, but you can always tell me. Or if I can't, at least let someone else help you."

Peter just nodded. He didn't know how else he could reply. Truthfully, he didn't know why but he didn't want to tell anyone. Keeping it a secret forever–burying it in an air-tight box where no one could find it didn't sound too bad.

They sat for a few minutes in silence until Tony spoke once again. "I guess I should go get back to work," Tony said, standing up. "Call me if you need anything, kid." Tony gave him what looked to be a sincere look and left the room, closing the door on his way out.

After Tony left, Peter continued watching some random show on TV, trying to keep his mind occupied. Once the show was done, he checked the time it was about eight o'clock, meaning Harley would be done working. In theory, at least. He didn't usually work until eight, but Tony didn't really care. He lived with him, after all.

As if summoned by his thoughts, Harley knocked on the door. Peter felt bad for not letting him in last night, but it felt weird after having been with Skip. He felt guilty. Somewhere in his mind, he knew it wasn't truly his fault, but he couldn't help it.

So tonight, Peter let him in. He brought some food for Peter too, since he hadn't eaten dinner.

They stayed up for a few hours. Peter ate the food, not realizing how hungry he was. They talked and cuddled for a bit. It felt nice being back in Harley's arms. It felt safe.

There was no school tomorrow, so he'd have a three day weekend. It was one of those staff only days. But he wished he'd had school. Skip told him to come over earlier than normal.

They cuddled together and watched a movie. It was nice to get to spend time with Harley after the past few days.

Once they laid down to go to bed though, he couldn't help but think of what Flash and Skip had said about Harley not liking him. Part of him knew that they were just saying that to get to him, but a bigger part, the part that was insecure, wondered about it.

He was laying next to him, his head on Harley's warm chest while Harley played with his hair. He moved back a bit so that he could look at Harley. "Harley?"

Harley turned on his side to face Peter too. "Yeah?" Peter's eyes flicked down to Harley's shirt, and he focused on tracing the pattern with his finger while he spoke.