FIC: Only Human (spideyslash)

[transemacabre]

Post Civil War goings-on. Tony/Peter.



Tony Stark is only human.

He's traded blows with gods, immortals, gamma-irradiated monsters. A founding Avenger, one of the most high-profile superheroes on the planet. There is much he can rightly be proud of. But Tony Stark is still human, with all the foibles, biases, and weaknesses that brings. His power is not absolute. At the end of the day, he's just a man in a high-tech armored suit, with a bum heart and a thirst that never ever quite fades away.

Sometimes Peter looks at him and asks, "Why me? When you could've had anyone you wanted?" and searches his face for answers. Tony tells him something that sounds good, about love catching you off guard and compatibility and lots of other words that always made his women happy. But then Peter's eyes grow dark and Tony is quick to say, "When I went to you... I never wanted anyone else." That satisfies Peter, because it's the truth. Arms tighten around his waist, and every time Tony trembles, just a little, at the sheer strength of those arms. He's seen Spider-man heft cars aloft. In the bedroom, where Peter is so soft and gentle and trusting, Tony forgets and thinks to himself, be careful, don't hurt him. Absurd, because those arms tighten around him again, and Tony remembers their power. He's always a little afraid to fall aleep in Peter's embrace, wrapped in that coiled tension.

Tony usually wakes to Peter kissing his neck and smiling at him in the dim light of dawn. Peter's brown eyes are liquid, and his lips move, I gave up my life for you. In those moments, Tony knows he has never been loved like this before. But sometimes Tony wakes to fists clenched in the sheets. Peter's eyes cut right through him, and his lips move, I gave up my life for you. Tony feels bruises on his neck and wonders -- if Peter really died that time, then who has he been sleeping with?

Tony Stark is only human.

Peter Parker...?

Comments

[skalja.livejournal.com]

I'm amazed and impressed that you packed so much into so little space! Really beautiful.

[transemacabre.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much, rabican.

[liliaeth]

I just love this, beautiful look at Tony and Peter.

[transemacabre.livejournal.com]

Thanks a lot, liliaeth!

[hyperactivator.livejournal.com]

Flawless. What a gem. Also the first fic of such pairing that I have ever seen. Thank you for breaking my Tony/Peter hymen. ^_^

[transemacabre.livejournal.com]

*puffs cigarette* I hope it was good for you.

[sinisterf.livejournal.com]

Wonderful. So much fit into so little. I love reading a fic where the simplicity gets more across than pages of writing ever could. Great story!

[transemacabre.livejournal.com]

Thanks, sinisterf!

[neuroticsquirrl.livejournal.com]

Oh dear. I think I'm into a new ship. Beautiful, beautiful little fic.

[transemacabre.livejournal.com]

Hee! It can't be a 'ship if there's only one fic. Hint, hint!

[noshootingstars.livejournal.com]

Oh, this is really lovely. I love Tony's perspective and all that you manage to convey here about their relationship, both broad dynamics as well as detailed moments.

[transemacabre.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much!