Irondad and Penny Parker

Spooktober Mark X

✨Concrete✨

TW panic attacks.

"Group therapy is really beneficial guys. I know it's not exactly your cup of tea but it helps us all get familiar with each other, especially our newer recruits." Steve explained with a nod towards Penny at the end, a warm smile accompanying it.

Tony however was NOT amused.

With an iconic eye roll, he spoke his thoughts from the corner he was sulking in, annoyed that he had been dragged from the lab for this.

"Nice concept Capsicle but I lived through my trauma once, I don't need to live through it again."

Penny shared roughly the same opinion however she was making an attempt to mask it. Also a part of her thought that maybe Cap had a valid argument.

"That's a fair point Tones but it really does help people sympathise with each other if we know what we've been through."

"I don't need their pity either." The billionaire muttered, clearly uncomfortable with sharing his deepest, darkest thoughts.

Steve just subtly rolled his eyes and carried on, knowing that getting Tony to be enthusiastic about partaking in the exercise would be about as easy as teaching a fish to walk.

Sam pulled out a hat at Steve's command, offering it to the super soldier.

Inside were little slips of paper.

Steve drew out a small note, opened it and loudly read out the contents.

"Panic attacks."

Tony's entire demeanour changed ever so slightly.

So slightly that only those who knew him best would notice.

However everyone was looking at him. They all knew about his struggle with panic and anxiety attacks.

Penny could see the anxiety building in his eyes.

Steve cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the group back to him and thankfully off of Tony. 

"Who would like to go first?"

Penny's eyes jumped from Tony to the expectant soldier, seeing his look of absolute refusal to Steve's infuriatingly encouraging smile.

Steve was going to pick on Tony.

Just as he opened his mouth to ask Tony, Penny's hand shot up.

Steve's face switched to surprise and quickly recovered to a happy smile.

"Okay Pen, take it away. Do you have panic attacks regularly?"

Tony stood up defiantly, ready to butt in.

"No we're not doing this-"

"Tony. She volunteered. Maybe you should try having a bit of her attitude."

Tony looked at Penny, face displaying a look of, You do not have to do this under any circumstances, let me handle it.

Penny returned a look of reassurance, after all, how bad could it be?

The billionaire sat back down, crossing his arms and firing death stare after death stare at Steve.

Now Steve couldn't exactly read minds but he happened to speak fluent Stark.

This death stare in particular translated roughly as,

Do anything to my kid and I'll fucking kill you.