The nightmares from Infinity War were beginning to eat away at Peter. Tony watched sadly as his kid lost his hope, lost his spark and become dull. He couldn’t sleep and had a hard time keeping whatever he ate from throwing it back up. Peter didn’t eat, he cut himself and was living miserably. Tony suggested one day that they should go to a therapist. Peter quickly shut down the idea, not feeling comfortable to be open with someone like that. Tony nodded, assuring the boy that he wouldn’t.

That night Peter screamed from his nightmares. He screamed and begged. Tony ran his fingers through his hair, assuring him that he was going to be okay. Peter had only leaned back into Tony’s side, letting his Dad keep him safe.

That night, Tony decided to call up the therapist, the same one that he went too, the same one that all the Avengers went to. Peter needed help and Tony, as much as he hated to admit it, couldn’t help him as much as he wanted to.

The next morning, Tony made Peter a small amount of breakfast, it was small but it was all that Peter would eat. He wanted to give Peter some confidence, some hope that he was doing better. Thing was, how was he going to tell Peter?

At some point during the afternoon, Tony decided to break the ice. He spoke gently, “Bud, I was thinking. I know you didn’t want to go to a therapist. I completely understand that you don’t want to go, but I can’t help as much as I wished I could. Can you try for me? Just once? I’ll sit with you the entire time.” Peter nodded his head, he would try only because Dad looked so hopeful. He then asked in a scared tone, “Is it, is it because I’m broken?” Tony looked at the boy who looked scared. He shook his head, cupping his boy’s face, “No Peter, you are not broken. I promise you, you aren’t. You just need some help. That’s all. Want to hear a secret? I go to the therapist too.” Peter looked up curiously, “Really?” Tony nodded, “Yeah, sometimes me and the others need to go.”

Peter nodded as he leaned into Tony’s chest, “I’ll try.” Tony nodded smiling fondly, “Thank you Peter. That’s all I ask.” Peter nodded into Tony’s chest, trying to keep his worries at bay.

The appointment was scheduled for the day next at two pm. Tony could tell Peter was nervous from the way he wasn’t eating his food. Tony gave him a gentle smile, “C’mon bud, we gotta get some energy in you.” Reluctantly, Peter took a few more bites.

And soon enough it was that dreadful hour of two pm. Tony drove to the therapist, holding Peter’s trembling hand. He spoke gently, like a kid nervous for a shot, “I’ll be right with you the entire time. You know that if I didn’t think she could help you I wouldn’t do this right?” Peter nodded, “‘m just nervous, that’s all.” Tony nodded, “Alright bud. Alright.” He let Peter close his eyes as the drive continued.

Peter continued to grip Tony’s hand tightly. Tony returned with a squeeze. After a few minutes, the kind lady spoke towards Tony, “Dr. Heathrow will see you now.” Tony thanked the lady and led Peter in. He whispered to Peter, “You’ll be fine alright. Just think of it as a normal conversation with me alright? I’ll be here the entire time.” Peter nodded.

Tony opened the door, letting Peter walk in first. Tony cheerily called out, “Good afternoon Dr. Heathrow!” Dr. Heathrow kindly replied, “Good afternoon Tony and Peter. I understand that we are here today for Peter correct.” Tony nodded. Dr. Heathrow invited them to sit on the couch in front of the coffee table, “Please, have a seat.” Peter looked a bit unsure as he sat down. Dr. Heathrow gently held out her hand to Peter seeming to understand that the kid was beyond nervous, “Hello Peter, how are you today?” Peter took her hand shrugging his shoulders, “Nervous.” Dr. Heathrow kindly nodded, “It’s very normal to be nervous at the first time.” She sounded very professional but at the same time as if she was poking fun at him. He likes her.

Dr. Heathrow asks, “So Peter, what is your favorite color?” Peter contemplates, “Red.” Dr. Heathrow asks, “And you Tony?” “Red.” Dr. Heathrow nods, “My favorite color is purple. The exact shade would be lilac.” That was interesting. She asked another question, “So what do you like to do in your spare time?”

Peter contemplates for a second, “I like to read books. Or do math problems.” Dr. Heathrow nodded, “I take it you like science?” Peter instantly brightened. Tony gave her a “you’re-doing-great” look. “Yeah, I like biology the best. Physics and chemistry tie for seconds. It’s just so cool to figure out how and why things work.” Dr. Heathrow nodded, “I agree. So, what ticks your anxiety?”

Ah, distracting me. I like her. He shrugged, “It’s different. Usually it comes from, that day. It was terrifying.” He paused to swallow. Dr. Heathrow passed him a box of tissues. Tony gently took Peter’s hand. Peter gratefully accepted both.

By the time Peter’s done, he is diagnosed with a long list of words. A very long list of words. The top of the list consists of Severe PTSD, Correlation anxiety and a lot of other synonyms.

Tony doesn’t take his hand off of Peter’s knee as they listen to the diagnosis. Dr. Heathrow kindly explains, “I’m going to put him on some medicine. Come back in two weeks and I’ll check your progress.” Tony hugged Dr. Heathrow, “Thank you so much.” Dr. Heathrow  whispered, “The medicine, it has side effects. Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. Watch over him.” Tony nodded, “I will.” Dr. Heathrow replied, “He’s a good kid Tony, he needs to heal.” Tony nodded, taking Peter’s hand in his.

Tony let Peter cuddle with him. Tony spoke, “You gotta take the medicine Petey.” Peter reluctantly took it. Within minutes he made a mad dash to the bathroom and threw up. Tony followed him, making sure he was alright. He spoke gently, “Alright, change of plans no more medicine. How about some good old sleep?” Peter gratefully nodded. He let his father carry him to the bed where he curled up against his father’s arc reactor. He used the dulling light to lure him into a peaceful sleep.

He wasn’t alright now, but soon, he would be. They all would be.

A/N: more fluff on da way

NUH NA NA AND ILL NEED YOU

AND ILL MISS YOU

YEET