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fluentmoviequoter · 1 year ago

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A New Kind of Fear

Pairing: David 'Deacon' Kay x fem!wife!reader

Summary: When 20 David completes a raid with narcotics, they stumble upon a stalker. The unknown suspect has been watching you, and now Deacon must find him while dealing with the fear you've grown used to.

Warnings: canon typical action/danger, reader has a stalker but doesn't know, angst, fluff

Word Count: 2.1k+ words

A/N: This premise is kind of similar to the one in Worried for You but hopefully this is okay! I really liked the stalker idea and approaching the story with a focus on Deacon and his emotions!

Requested Here!

Picture from Pinterest

Everyone told you that marrying a SWAT officer would not be easy. Deacon himself told you the same thing. But he has watched you take every bump, bruise, and bullet in stride. Of course, you worry about him, but you support him, which makes you perfect for him. He lives a dangerous life at work, so when he comes home to you, he gets a chance to relax, breathe, and be with someone who loves him no matter how many scars he has or gives. When things get tough in the field, Deacon imagines you safe at home, ready to pull him into your arms and hold him together.

✯✯✯✯✯

“Narcotics will be ready to come in after we clear the house,” Hondo explains. “The house has two entrances, one front and one back, so we’ll have two breach teams. Front entry has a security gate, so we’ll pull it off with Black Betty then make entry at the same time. Get the house empty so narc can do their thing. Any questions?”

“When do we leave?” Luca jokes.

The breach goes well, and there’s only one suspect in the house. Street disarms the suspect and gets him outside as the entry teams finish clearing the house.

“Left side clear,” Tan calls.

“Kitchen clear,” Luca adds.

Hondo prepares to open the last door, examining the room quickly before lowering his gun. “Deacon,” he says, far too intense for anyone’s liking.

Deacon can tell by his stiff posture and the tone of his voice that something is wrong. He’s expecting drug mules or a false wall, but those would have been far better.

With wide eyes, Deacon steps into the room with Hondo close behind him.

“Narcotics is coming in,” Luca says as he approaches the door. “Whoa.”

The room is covered in pictures. All different places, different times, different days, different angles, some close, some far, but each features the same subject. You, Deacon Kay’s wife. Thousands of pictures of you are taped to the walls of the small bedroom. What bothers Deacon the most is that he isn’t in a single picture, which means whoever held the camera knew to avoid him.

“Was he in here?” Deacon asks Street.

“No, our guy was in the living room,” Street answers nervously.

“I’m going to kill him,” Deacon seethes.

“Deacon,” Hondo begins.

“Don’t you dare tell me to calm down, Hondo,” he snaps. “That is my wife all over this lunatic’s wall. He’s been within feet of her, and I didn’t know!”

Deacon’s shoulders heave as he breathes, looking around the room with his hand on his gun.

“Deacon, we’ll find this guy. But narcotics needs to get in here,” Hondo says gently.

Deacon nods, pushing between Luca and Tan to return to Black Betty. His anger dissipates with each step. Now, he’s scared. Deacon Kay is a man who has grown unfamiliar with the sensation of fear. He desperately wants to go home, to stay glued to your side while someone else hunts this guy down and puts him in a hole where he’ll never see the light of day again. But the anger flares, and he wants to be the one to lead him to the darkness. As his emotions wage war within him, Deacon has to decide to tell you or to let you keep living until it’s over.

“He’s not okay,” Street points out.

“Imagine if it was your wife,” Luca replies. “He’s mad at himself is my guess.”

“Why?” Tan asks.

“Because he didn’t know,” Hondo answers as he walks by. “But we have to find this guy before Deacon decides to go after him alone."

✯✯✯✯✯

Deacon makes the hard decision not to tell you. He tries to convince himself it’s so that you don’t get scared, but he is dealing with enough fear for both of you. Sitting in the locker room for privacy, Deacon dials your number and waits to hear your voice. He has to force the idea of someone watching you out of his mind.

“Hey,” you answer. “I was starting to think you’d be at work all night.”

“Uh, yeah, about that. I actually do have to stay and probably won’t be home until tomorrow. I’m sorry.”

You hum before asking, “Is everything okay?”

He wants to tell you, but he’s terrified that if you know and it makes you act different, the stalker may find out that Deacon knows and go for you.

“Everything’s fine, just working with narcotics on a difficult case.” It’s not entirely a lie, at least.

“Alright, stay safe. I love you.”

Deacon closes his eyes and pictures your face, smile, hugs, and everything he can remember about you. “I love you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I’m holding you to that, Kay.”

The line beeps, and Deacon sees the room of pictures again. His anger swells, and he has to do something, or the emotions will eat him alive. He changes into gym clothes and walks to one of the punching bags. His knuckles are pink and beginning to crack after a few minutes of intense anger management. Something in him wants to cry, but he forces it down, preferring to stick with the emotion that makes revenge seem so appealing.

“Deac,” Hondo calls. “We need to talk.”

Deacon begins punching again. “Then talk,” he says between an uppercut and a cross.

“You need to go home.”

“Not happening. Not tonight.”

“She can help.”

Deacon freezes, his hands in the guarding position as he turns to face Hondo. His hands drop to his sides as he cocks his head to the right.

“What?”

“She can help,” Hondo repeats slowly.

“How? You think she knows she’s being stalked and didn’t tell me?”

“Not like that, Deac. You need help in something that she’s an expert in.”

“Which is?” Deacon presses, his patience already worn thin.

“Dealing with fear and worry. Being scared and desperate for answers that aren’t available to you right now. She’s a cop’s wife, Deac, she understands what you’re going through more than anyone else ever could.”

“It’s not the same, Hondo.”

“She sits at home, worried that you’re never coming home, so she calls the station. And you know what they tell her? Nothing; they say they don’t have information right now. Which is exactly the situation you’re in.”

“Someone has been watching my wife and I didn’t know, Hondo. I want to kill him, but I also want to see him rot in jail. He’s been within feet of my wife, and we don’t even know what he looks like. I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but it won’t work.”

“I get it, you’re scared, you’re-“

“Pissed?”

Hondo raises a hand to stop Deacon. “The emotions don’t help us if you take them out here, Deac. So, if you want to do something, find something for us to do. Don’t sit here in your own anger until something worse happens.”

Deacon looks down at his bruising knuckles and nods. “You’re right. I’ll see what I can find.”

✯✯✯✯✯

“The entire house is barricaded. Doors, windows, vents. This was meant to be in impenetrable fortress,” Deacon says. “But it’s not. There’s a weak spot. Right here, this red spot on the blueprint is a corner that hasn’t been reinforced. As far as we know, at least.”

“So, a single pull?” someone asks.

“Technically yes. But we’re going to try to distract him and do a triple pull. If we get lucky and one of the other pulls gets us in, we’ll make entry. But the plan is to send alpha team into this pull and get our guy.”

“Weapons?”

“None confirmed, no registered guns, but we don’t know, so operate under the assumption of yes.”

As the room clears and officers prepare to complete the breach operation and bring in a suspect, Hondo stops Deacon.

“Are you up for this?”

Deacon nods as he answers, “I won’t lie, I’m still angry and I’m a little scared about what we’ll find, but I need to be there Hondo.”

“That’s what I was hoping you’d say. If you want to rough him up a little, I won’t see anything.”

“If I could get away with it,” Deacon says, trailing off.

✯✯✯✯✯

Deacon is scared, angry, anxious, and confused, but also merciful and a good SWAT officer. When the window is pulled from the wall, bringing several stud posts down, Deacon leads the team into the house, clearing each room until they reach the living room. The man kneels in the middle of the room, his hands up in surrender.

“LAPD SWAT,” Deacon announces.

“I surrender.”

An officer reads him his rights as he’s handcuffed, staring directly ahead.

“Do you know who this woman is?” Hondo asks, showing him a picture.

The man glances at Deacon, which is all the answer he needs. Deacon hoists him to his feet, pushing him into the hallway and toward the front door. He pulls to the side slightly, steering the man into a corner.

“Oh, sorry ‘bout that, let’s watch those corners on the way through,” he says.

Deacon pushes the man into the back of a cruiser, glad he’s off the street but disappointed in the lack of immediate answers.

“Leverage,” the man whispers. “He wanted leverage. We were never gonna hurt her or nothing.”

“Leverage for what?” Deacon asks, bending into the open door. “And who is we, who are you working with?”

“Working for. He’ll kill me if I tell.”

“We can protect you if you tell us what you know and tell a jury what you know.”

The man whispers a name, and Deacon nods once before closing the door.

“We got one more,” he tells Hondo.

✯✯✯✯✯

“It’s political?” the DA clarifies.

“We all know that gentrification mumbo jumbo was a load of absolutely nothin’ meant to butter us up before the next election.”

“And what did the images have to do with this?”

“Oh, yeah, Mrs. Kay. Pretty lady. We needed her husband on our side or it would never work.”

“How long have you been stalking her?”

“’Bout nine months. Needed lots of leverage before a big voting year like this.”

“Why so many photos?”

“Like I said, lots of leverage.”

“Were you working with anyone else?”

“We’re a two-man show.”

“Last question for now. Did you ever intend to harm the woman in the photographs?”

“Not if everything went according to plan.”

Hondo lays a hand on Deacon’s shoulder as they watch through the two-way glass.

“I need to go home,” Deacon mutters.

“Good idea, man. Take a few days if you need to. But we got him so you can both rest easy tonight.”

“Should I tell her?”

“That, brother, is up to you.”

✯✯✯✯✯

You hear Deacon’s car and run to the front door, opening it with a big smile. Deacon pulls you against him, hugging you tightly as he closes the door.

“I’m sorry,” he says, pulling you impossibly closer as he sits with you in his arms.

“For what?”

“Worrying you all the time. Not realizing just how many emotions are involved with seeing someone you love in danger and not having answers,” Deacon lists off.

You pull back quickly, your wide eyes searching Deacon’s deep brown ones. ��What happened? Is everyone okay?”

Deacon nods, his hands wandering around your waist and back. “Someone- uh, we raided a house with narcotics yesterday and found a room full of pictures.”

“A stalker?”

“Yeah, but the pictures were of you,” Deacon adds quietly.

“Oh,” you reply, pressing your hands gently against Deacon’s shoulders. “And what happened?”

“I got so mad and scared and anxious that I couldn’t think straight. I wanted to kill the guy but I also wanted to come home and never leave your side. It was confusing and there were no answers. Hondo talked to me last night and pointed out that’s exactly what you deal with all the time.”

You nod, encouraging Deacon to continue.

“We found the guy who took the pictures and the guy he was working for. It was a political scheme to get me to back their position.”

“And they were going to hurt me if you didn’t,” you deduce.

Deacon nods, pulling you closer again.

“Deac, I know how scary it can be to not know, and how easy it is to get angry when someone hurts or threatens to hurt the people closest to you. I’m not mad at you for not coming home, but I need you to talk to me about this stuff. I love you, Deac, and I’m here for you, stalker or not.”

“Too soon,” Deacon says, chuckling despite himself.

You push your fingers through his hair and lean your forehead against his. “Did you rough him up?”

“Pushed him into a corner.”

You smile knowingly and kiss him quickly. “Thank you, Deacon.”

“I love you,” he says, gripping your waist as he tips you back to kiss you.

“I love you,” you reply, meeting him halfway.

#david deacon kay x reader #david kay x reader #deacon kay x reader #deacon kay fluff #david deacon kay #deacon kay #swat cbs #requests

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bellenossunfire · 3 days ago

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Whoa, Black Betty

#tes #the elder scrolls #morrowind

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ladylooch · 3 days ago

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Oh please for a flashback day- David and Felix scene as he learns Mack is in labour and races back

“God damn, this one’s an asshole.” David mutters as he tries to maneuver the big dairy cow back through the Hoffman farm gates.

“Yeah, that’s Betty. She’s an old, batty bitch.” One of the hands, Randy, tells David.

“Pasture time?”

“Bob is fond of her.”

“Rule number 1 of being a farmer…” David trails off.

“Dude, no shit.” Randy laughs.

“How many more we got?”

“About 15 further down the road I think. But if you need to take off, you can head out. The rest of the team should be here in five minutes or so.” Bob split David and Randy off to head West while the rest of the group headed South because they are the most experienced farmers and can work the smaller herd faster.

Headlights baring down on the two of them stop David’s response. This must be them. David rolls his shoulders back and lifts his hat off his head to push his black locks off his forehead. As the truck comes ripping up, David scowls.

What the fuck is someone doing driving like that on these dark, country roads at night, especially after a big storm? Idiot.

It takes another few seconds for David to recognize the truck as one of his own. This gets him more pissed thinking one of his employees is fucking around until Felix leans out of the driver’s side window.

“Get in the truck!” He yells. David can’t help but chuckle at the wild way Felix leans out the window.

“Jesus, old man. Haven’t seen you hauling ass like that since you were trying to prove to me Fords are better then Chevys.”

“David, get the fuck in the truck.” The seriousness in Felix’s voice startles David. Whoa… David looks at Randy, who shrugs his shoulders.

“What the hell crawled up your ass and died?” David mumbles, tossing his hands onto hips and popping one out for an inquisitive stance.

“David, I’m not asking you again. Get in the god damn truck!” Felix’s voice tightens further.

“Can I know why I’m getting in the god damn truck?” David asks. “You can be a little dramatic.” More chuckles between David and Randy ensure. Felix pauses for a moment, uttering something under his breath while he looks towards the sky, as if he is cursing God for his current predicament.

“You wanna see your baby born?” Felix finally says. All joking snaps out of David’s body as he stands up to his full height. Mack.

“What?” David stutters.

“Mrs. Mackenzie is in labor.”

“What the fu…” David runs around the truck immediately, hopping into the passenger seat. “Go! Go! Go!” David yells out as Felix turns the truck then leaves Randy behind in a cloud of dust.

“You sure you don’t want to bust my nuts some more with Randy?” Felix sasses back as he cranks the steering wheel to turn back to the Carlson Farm.

“What the hell do you mean she’s in labor?”

“I mean, she was keeled over in the driveway, very obviously in labor.”

“Holy… why didn’t she call me!?” David asks, patting at his pockets. “Oh fuck.”

“Fucking dumbass.” Felix snaps, slapping David upside the head. It’s hard enough that David’s Coors hat pops off.

“Ow! Fuck!”

“You still don’t learn a god damn thing.” Felix shake this head.

“Is she okay? Did you leave her alone!?

“Lo is with her. She is…” Felix trails off, looking over in the cab at David. The pure terror must be on David’s face because Felix is calmer when he speaks. “She’s getting through it. She’s tough, but you gotta get her and go.” Felix shakes his head slightly.

David goes quiet, hearing everything Felix isn’t saying. The seriousness in his tone is unmistakable. It’s like the time when he asked Felix if his mama was going to be okay and Felix has said “nothing is guaranteed. Enjoy the time you get.” The sinking feeling in David’s stomach mirrors that now.

“Wha… um. What was she like? Was she talking? Walking? How far apart is everything?”

“She was talking… loudly. And not comfortable.”

“She hasn’t been comfortable all day.” David swallows hard. Why didn’t he see this coming? All the signs were there. “Can I have your phone to call her?”

“I don’t have it on me.”

David tosses his hands up in the air like ‘you’ve got to be kidding me’.

“Just be ready.” Felix repeats. David can feel the truck accelerate harder forward.

David begins to fidget in the passenger seat. He’s running his fingers through his hair. He’s bouncing his knees up and down. He scratches at his forearms and rubs at his stubble.

“This thing go any faster?” David asks with an angry sigh.

“No! It’s a piece of shit Chevy! Think about that next time you think Chevy is the right truck for the farm.”

“Okay.” David rolls his eyes, starting to breathe heavier now. He puts a hand to his forehead, pushing the brim of his hat up as the realization hits him.“Holy shit, I’m gonna be a dad. Holy shit. He’s coming. Fuck, I’m not ready.”

“You gotta be. The second you get out of this truck, you have got to be ready, David.” Felix tells him as he turns onto the long gravel driveway leading into the property. “That kid needs you to be, but more than that Mrs. Mackenzie is going to need that.”

David nods again, more forcefully this time as he swallows hard. The house comes into view. He can see through the front door to the living room where Mack’s back is turned away from him. Lorena is in front of her, crouched down and David doesn’t think about anything else.

He just rips open the truck door and runs to her.

#mackdavid au #flashback days

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babybatscreationsv2 · 1 year ago

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Graduation

Marvel | Starker

High school is finally over! Peter can't wait to spend the day celebrating with Tony and May after the ceremony, but he's surprised to find that the two of them have made other plans. Plans involve spending more money than Peter has ever seen in his life and finally picking up on a connection he hadn't realize was there.

Rating: Teen+

For H <3

"Congratulations to the class of 2023! You made it!" Betty declared from the stage above the others. She took off her cap and tossed it into the air. The rest of the class followed suit, erupting into cheers that could be heard across the city. Peter turned and grabbed Ned in a hug.

"I can't believe we survived," Ned said in awe.

Peter laughed. "High school or everything else?"

"You name it," he scoffed. "Name one thing that didn't try to kill us."

They pushed through the crowd to get to the guests standing at the back. "Oh I dunno, smallpox," Peter joked.

"Smallpox?" May laughed in bewilderment as she reached them. She grabbed Peter in a hug that probably hurt her more than it did him. Ned was swept away by his Nona and a flock of his cousins.

"I'm so proud of you, Peter," she said. Her eyes were teary when she let him go. Peter didn't mind that he teared up with her.

"Thanks, May." Behind them someone cleared their throat and Peter turned around. An excited heat burned his cheeks. "Mr. Stark!"

"Hey, kid!" the man said with a grin. He looked sharp as ever and in his hands was a bouquet of roses. Tony held out his arms and Peter felt his heart flutter as he stepped into him. His arms were snug and warm. Their bodies pressed together without tension. Tony's head rested against his. "I'm proud of you, too, you know."

"Yeah," Peter sighed. "Thanks."

They separated and Peter looked up at his mentor. The man looked so adoring.

"I have a present for you."

"Yeah, I saw. They're beautiful, Mr. Stark!" Peter happily took the roses from him.

"Oh, I have more than that."

"You didn't have to do that, sir.

"Well actually, Peter," May joined in. "Tony and I were talking and we agreed that you shouldn't be going off to college without everything you might need. Which is to say, he talked me into it." She laughed.

"Talk you into what?" He looked between the two of them, forehead creased with worry. "What did you two do?"

"Let's grab a few pictures and I'll show you," Tony said.

Peter eyed them both with suspicion. "What's going on?" May just laughed and pulled out her phone. They took turns getting pictures with Peter in and out of his gown while Peter's classmates all grew increasingly curious about Iron Man standing among them. He could hear the gossiping spreading through the crowd. A few moms snapped some not so subtle pictures.

"Can we wrap this up?" Peter asked.

"Yeah, I think we've got enough," May agreed. She steered Peter away from the crowd and toward the parking lot.

"This way," Tony turned away with a little wave. They only made it a few steps before a boy came bounding out of the crowd to interrupt.

"Whoa, Mr. Stark- I'm honored, sir. You must be here to award me my internship!" Flash leaned back on his heels, a smug hand smoothing down his jacket.

"Uh..." Tony looked at Peter then back at him. "Who are you? Nice to meet you, kid." He patted the boy on the shoulder and kept walking.

"Maybe next time, Flash," Peter offered as he passed. For once the guy was left speechless.

They carried on to the parking lot. A few families were inching their way across the pavement while groups lingered for hugs. They walked past them all, going straight up to the front. Tony seemed on a mission as he led the way.

At the front of the lot, sitting by itself, parked crooked to ensure no one else could park nearby in fact, was a brand new car with a massive red bow on top. Peter was wondering which lucky kid it was for right up until Tony stopped next to and gestured as if they were in a showroom.

An Audi R8. Brand new, this year's model. It was silver and black and it probably wasn't shinier than any other car, but it felt like it was. The rims looked custom. The windows were blacked out. He was half convinced Tony had gone through his search history and noticed how many times he'd look at the thing.

"What do you think?" he asked.

Peter's jaw dropped. He couldn't be serious. May put her hands on his shoulders and gave him a squeeze. "It was Tony's idea," she reminded him.

"Mr. Stark, I can't-"

Tony held up his hand. "What happened to calling me Tony? Remember that?"

"Tony," Peter corrected. "I can't accept this. I'm so sorry, but that car costs more than my college tuition." Even as he said he stood gaping in absolute awe. He couldn't resist walking over to touch the hood.

Tony waved his words away. "Forget the price tag, kid. You wanna drive it?"

"I uh-" That threw him for a loop. He was supposed to say no and keep saying no until Tony accepted his no. But he really wanted to climb inside. And to drive it? Him? He had wondered why Tony had been so adamant about teaching for the past year. No one has a car in New York unless it's to show off. In fact, Peter was pretty sure if he parked that in front of their apartment it would be stolen within ten minutes.

"Come on," Tony said, coaxing him like a stray cat. He walked around the car and opened the driver's side door. "Let's test it out."

Peter found himself bounding over to the car. He stuck his head inside and the new car smell struck him almost as hard as the custom leather seats embossed with the Spiderman emblem.

"I did the seats myself. Do you like it?"

"It's perfect, Tony! Thank you!" He threw his arms around the man, enjoying the rumble in his chest as he chuckled.

"You deserve the best, Pete. You really do." Tony's smile was twinkling when Peter finally let him go. He slid into the driver's seat and Tony shut the door for him before walking around to the other side. He looked at him. Then he looked at the push start. One foot on the brake, he started the ignition. Thrill burned up from his toes as the engine started and he couldn't help but laugh. May waved from the other side of the glass.

Peter rolled the window down. "You're not coming, May?"

"I'll see you at dinner. I've had my share of sports cars and besides I don't think Tony would appreciate me sitting on his lap."

"I wouldn't mind," Tony leaned across the center to flirt.

May rolled her eyes. "Have fun. I'll see you both at dinner." She leaned in through the window to kiss Peter's cheek. They traded enthusiastic 'love you's before Peter rolled the window back up.

"Where should we go?" Peter wrapped his hands around the steering wheel.

"Anywhere," Tony said. "So long as we make our eight o'clock reservation. That was May's only condition. I did have a few ideas though."

"I'm up for anything!"

"Great! I'll show you the way."

There wasn't a lot of room to open her up and that felt like a shame when he could just feel how powerful the engine was. Still it was far from disappointing to roll through New York in probably the coolest car ever and with probably the coolest person ever. Tony directed him to some fancy looking shops with their own dedicated parking garage. They said goodbye to Peter's new car to hit Tony's first stop.

"We're buying clothes?" Peter looked around at the racks. A saleswoman hurried over to assist them, but Tony brushed her off.

"I thought you'd like to have something nice to wear to dinner."

"What's wrong with this?" Peter gestured to the suit he wore. He was originally Ben's, but Tony had taken him to have it tailored for graduation.

"Nothing. Maybe I just want to see you try on a few things," Tony said, already skimming through a rack.

Peter blushed. He couldn't imagine what he meant by that, but it almost sounded like flirting. He was in a pleasantly overstimulated haze as he followed Tony around the shop. He helped pick out a few things, but he didn't really know what he was doing.

They made it to the dressing room almost too quickly. As if Tony knew exactly what he wanted. He set the clothes on the hooks for him then left him to it. Peter wasn't sure where to start so he grabbed the first thing he saw and put it on.

He felt a bit nervous as he stepped out of the dressing room. He felt like the jacket was wearing him more than he was wearing it. Tony was seated just outside the door. Peter did a little turn while he waited for his approval.

"No, that doesn't suit you, does it?" he commented.

"I hate it," Peter laughed with relief. Tony laughed with him.

"Try the jeans. I have a good feeling about them."

Peter went back to the dressing room and found the outfit Tony recommended. It was definitely better than the last one.

"Okay, how's this?" He modeled the outfit in front of Tony again.

Tony clapped his head together. "I'm a genius. Keep the Levi's, ditch the sweater. In fact, I have a better idea. Let's hit the next one."

"The next one? I thought we were shopping here."

Tony shrugged. "Sometimes you gotta mix and match. This place just isn't doing you justice."

Peter hurried back to his room, blushing again. Why did Tony care so much what he looked like? He probably just didn't want to be embarrassed at one of his fancy restaurants. He changed back into his graduation suit and carried everything back out. Tony helped set the extras on the return rack.

Peter carried the jeans up to the front, but he stopped as he spotted the shoes along the wall.

"See something you like?" Tony asked. Peter nodded. "Well, go on. We're celebrating you today. Whatever you want. Just ask."

Peter walked over to shoes and found a box labeled with his size. He slid it out from the shelf.

"Doc Martin's? Let's see 'em on," Tony encouraged. He took the jeans from his hands and followed him over to the bench. Peter kicked off his shoes and slipped his feet into the boots instead.

Tony knelt down, without hesitating, to do up the laces for him. Peter stared at the top of his salt and pepper head, grateful that Tony couldn't see how much he was blushing. He felt like a princess and not in a bad way.

"How do they fit?" Tony stood, then he pulled Peter up to his feet.

Peter swallowed. "They're great." He looked down at the shoes. He'd never owned real Doc's before. Just some gently used knockoffs he'd been lucky to find at the thrift store.

"Perfect. We'd better move if we don't want to be late. Unless you see something else you want?"

Peter shook his head, already overwhelmed. He followed Tony to the register. Then they were two bags heavier as they walked down the street.

"Dior?" Tony mused as they passed more shops. "Channel. No..." Tony looked at him. He smiled. "I know where. Come on."

Tony grabbed Peter's hand. They walked faster now. Fast enough, that they both ended up laughing at Tony's enthusiasm. Then Peter saw the sign above the door and planted his feet.

"Tony, come on... Saint Laurent?" He chewed his lip.

Tony leaned towards him conspiratorially. "Peter. I'm a millionaire. This is like Kmart to me."

"I'm gonna barf." Just the exterior of the shop looked expensive.

"Well, do it now before you're in your new Saint Laurent's."

Peter took a breath. Maybe the idea of buying clothes brand new gave him a mild panic attack, but he did really like what he saw in the window. "Okay."

This time Peter pulled Tony along as they went inside. He let the man lead him around again, ignoring the overly helpful staff seemingly only to notice Peter and the pile of clothes he intended to put him in. It all blurred together until Peter was once again in a dressing room.

"Let's try the vest with the jeans," Tony called through the doors. He could see his shadow under the door where he leaned against the wall.

Peter put the outfit together hoping this was the last time he had to get in and out of that suit. It was a soft brown vest over a comfortable white T. Tony was right as always, it looked really good with the jeans. He stepped out of the stall.

"How do I look?"

"Gorgeous," Tony said, almost sighing. "You look gorgeous."

"Yeah? It looks good right?" Peter smoothed down the vest.

"You look good," Tony agreed.

Peter's face felt hot. He stared down at his shoes for a while and when he looked back up, Tony was staring at him strangely.

"Are you okay?"

Tony sniffed. He turned his head away quickly. "I'm great, kid. Why don't you wear that out? Well have them cut the tags off." He walked away from the dressing room leaving Peter deeply confused. He turned around and looked in the mirror again. He did look really good.

Peter threw his new shoes on and followed Tony back out to the front. Sinking into the passenger seat of his new Audi, he finally relaxed.

"Thank you, Tony," Peter said. "And I'm sorry I made a fuss about all the shopping."

"Don't mention it, Pete. Did you have a good time?"

"I really did!" Peter smiled. "You had fun right?"

"Yeah. We should do this again," Tony agreed. "And I mean we really should do this again, not like we just say we'll do it again and then we don't."

Peter laughed. "Definitely."

Something felt different. Something felt... different. They'd spent a lot of time together in the lab. But it was different like this. Tony wasn't teaching him things, instructing him. Which, when he thought about it, Tony hadn't needed to teach him much lately anyway. Things were different. Warmer somehow. Tony was like family, but that was different too. That wasn't quite it. It was...

Oh.

But that wasn't right was it? Or maybe he was right to think Tony was flirting with him. Or maybe it didn't matter anyway. Maybe it was okay to love Tony even if he didn't love him back in that way.

Peter rubbed his palms against his jeans. Yeah... it was okay.

They found a parking spot on the street. The idea of leaving the car there made Peter nervous, but he supposed he'd have to get used to that. Besides, Tony had probably put a tracking device in it. It wouldn't get far. Tony turned the car off. For a moment, they sat in silence.

"Peter..." Tony started. "I've been thinking."

Peter looked at him. He had that strange look on his face again.

"We should spend more time together. If you want to. Before you leave for school. Not that I won't come visit because I will if you want me to it's just-"

Peter blinked. Tony was rambling. Rambling. Tony Stark. Peter reached across the car and put his hand on his arm. Tony stopped talking. They stared at each other. When Tony leaned towards, just a half an inch, Peter took it all the way.

Tony's hand slid over his ribs to pull him closer, just a hair, as they kissed. Then he so very gently, Tony pushed him back. His smile was soft.

"You want to uh... I mean maybe tomorrow night. We could do dinner. Just us?"

Peter laughed softly. "Yeah, of course."

"Well then. Let's not keep May waiting." Tony jumped out of the car and ran around to get Peter's door. He laughed as Tony helped him out. They walked arm in arm down the street to the restaurant where May was waiting.

The host led them to their table. May stood as they approached and pulled Peter into a hug.

"You look so handsome!" she squealed. She held his face in her hands and her eyes went teary once more.

Peter pulled her back into his arms. "I'm not leaving forever, you know. I'll come home. I promise."

"That's why I let Tony get you the car." She gave him a sly smile as he let her go. Laughing, Peter pulled out her chair for her and they all sat down. Tony's hand brushed against his and Peter took it. He seemed almost silly, holding hands under the table when Tony was probably too old for sneaking touches. May's eyes flicked between them and he saw the moment it clicked for her. Peter's stomach knotted.

"May-"

"So," she interrupted. "You two had fun today?"

"We did. We had a great time," Tony answered.

Peter jumped up from the table as her eyes narrowed. "May, can I talk to you?" He pulled her chair out and half dragged her away. They found a quiet spot near the bathrooms.

"What is going on?" she asked firmly. She wasn't mad yet, but Peter weighed his words.

"Nothing. We just really like each other. It only just happened today."

"What exactly happened?"

"I uh..." Peter stared at the fake plant tucked into the corner. He babbled all the words out before panic could set in. "I realized that I love him. And maybe I'm in love with him. And that he seemed to like me, too. And then I kissed him. And he said maybe tomorrow we could have a date."

May took a breath. Peter looked at her face again. "See, nothing."

She nodded. "And you love him?"

"I really do, May."

"What if this is like your hero worship thing?"

"Then it'll end awkwardly and I'll be super embarrassed, but don't you think it's worth taking that chance?"

May put her hands on his shoulders. She looked into his eyes, searching in that way she always does. "Okay. But no funny business for three dates at least. Maybe even for." She held up her hand. "Not because I'm against sex, but because this is an unusual situation and I'm only hesitantly agreeing to allow it."

Peter smiled. "Thanks, May. You wanna go read him the riot act?"

"I think it would be a little bit ineffective on Iron Man." She snorted a laugh. "My kid's dating Tony Stark, who knew?"

Peter laughed. "Dating is a strong word. We should go before he thinks we snuck out the back."

They made their way back to the table and sat down again. Tony started to speak, but May held up her hand.

"Don't. You have my tentative permission to be an extreme gentleman with my Peter," she said. "Who I love very much and would do anything for including life in prison."

Tony nodded. "I completely understand."

Peter rolled his eyes. "Did someone order an appetizer? I'm starving. We've been running around for hours."

He took Tony's hand again, under the table. He gave him a reassuring squeeze. They ate one handed, refusing to let go. Dinner went as it always did. Tony made everyone laugh, while May made bad jokes of her own, and Peter chatted excitedly about his future. Then afterward, they all stood outside under twinkling city lights.

"I'll call an Uber home," Tony said.

"What? No," Peter argued.

Tony gave him a soft smile. His hand rested gently on Peter's arm. "Why don't you give May a ride home? I'll see you tomorrow."

"But..." Peter chewed his lip.

"You two go. I'll call a cab," May said.

"Are you sure? I could call Happy-"

"No, that's okay," May laughed. She gave Peter a hug and a look that said she was excited for him. Peter squeezed her extra tight. They waited until May's car arrived. Hands tucked together, they waved her off. Peter's stomach fluttered with butterflies as he realized it was just the two of them.

"I've probably got, what, a week left to live?" Tony said.

"What?" Peter looked at him stunned, but Tony just smiled.

"She didn't seem too pleased with me."

Peter shrugged. "Guess you'd better watch your back, Iron Man."

"I'd rather watch yours," he said, raising an eyebrow.

"I think you did plenty of that already today."

Tony started to lead the way back to Peter's car. His very own car. "What you have to understand, Mr. Parker, is that I am insatiable."

Peter blushed. His mind wandered to what other areas might make Tony so "insatiable". They found the car and Peter slid in behind the wheel. He looked at Tony sitting beside him. Then he took a deep breath.

"Everything okay?" Tony frowned at him, but his forehead wasn't quite creased with his deeply worried lines.

"Yeah. I'm great." Peter started the car and pulled out into the road. They were quiet for a while as they moved through traffic. Peter felt himself buzzing with all of the excitement of the day. Graduation, a new car, Tony. It was overwhelming really.

"This isn't the way to your apartment," Tony noted as they moved along.

"Don't get any ideas," Peter teased. "I'm just dropping you off."

"I could fly home. I've got my suit."

"I think we're going to have enough rumors circulating by the end of the day. We haven't been in public together that much before and people definitely noticed."

"Really? I didn't even see them."

"Yeah right," Peter laughed.

"No, I mean it. I was a bit preoccupied."

Peter's skin warmed. "Do you mean that?" he said quietly.

"Of course I do."

Tony's garage opened up like it knew Peter's car. In fact, it probably did. He must have stored it here while he was customizing things. Putting all of his love into every little part. Peter turned the car off. He turned in the seat and looked at Tony. He still looked so worried.

"Tony?" He paused as they looked into each other's eyes. "I love you. I don't know if what you feel for me is like that-"

"It is. Of course it is." Almost looked pained by the confession. "I've loved enough people to know what it feels like. I've been pretty privileged there. I also know when love is different. When it's something special."

Peter's eyes welled with tears. "Yeah?" He cracked a wet smile.

"Yeah," Tony smiled back as emotion overcame him, too.

Peter looked away, unsure of what to do now. He knew it wasn't the right time to stay the night. He wasn't ready. This whole thing felt a little bit terrifying, but he also felt like words just weren't enough. And it was funny, because they had already kissed once. It shouldn't be so hard to do it again. But it was different now with those words in the air between them. Only when he looked back at Tony, he felt sure.

He grabbed him. Two fists in his clothes and pulled him across the car. He pressed their mouths together, too hard at first, until he relaxed his hold a bit. Tony laughed and Peter did, too. He struggled for a moment to just let the moment happen, let their kisses be tender. All of that pent up excitement was burning through him. Then it was sweet and Tony's hands were warm on his face and it was exactly what words just couldn't say.

They stopped and Peter looked at those wide brown eyes. "Goodnight, Tony," he whispered.

"Goodnight, Peter." Tony gave him a last quick kiss before he stepped out of the car.

Peter headed back out onto the street, eager to see what tomorrow would bring.

#starker #marvel #graduation #fluff

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