But a Number ch. 4

One of the most prominent features in Bruce that noticeably stuck with Peter was how he explained things. Topics that could run from his scientific theories to others by top named scientists featured in Time Magazine or on the Discovery Channel. With each subject in science and physics that interested him, he would pull them apart layer by layer. Cleaning out old data that was used, and replacing it with, in his words, the correct evaluations that should have been established. Scoffing at the incredulous habit that these men had of presenting themselves as so-called "brilliant minds" when they would only show off certain parts of any discovery that the public would be interested in, that is implying that the common man took interest in science aside from when it was featured on the news for less than a week. To put it simple, Bruce hated the news.

What he adored was having friends like Tony and Peter with whom he could go into vivid detail with anything, even if they disagreed. That, he loved the most of all; being able to share his intelligence, and points of view while taking in their facts at the same time. Tony was more within the field of industrial science, while Peter seemed to favor biology and organic sciences. He also had a knack for chemistry which Bruce valued.

Before they started dating, Peter would race over to Avengers Mansion nearly every day after school just to sit and converse with Bruce. Sometimes asking him for help with his homework even when he clearly didn't need it. It was only a decoy should anyone, including his parents, become suspicious. Peter knew the whole time that he didn't have to hide his desire to want to see Bruce all the time, but for some reason he felt the need to.

It wasn't until shortly after he became Spider-man (about three months after) that he started to notice simple features about Bruce that caused his stomach to rise up to his chest and perform somersaults with his heart. Like how deep his dimples would indent his face when he smiled, the glazed look in his eyes when he was in the zone with his work, hell even the way the man sat was enough to get Peter's insides going.

It was one day when Peter went over and asked Bruce to help fix his web shooters so that they wouldn't jam upon rotating the tubes. Even though he clearly knew how to fix them himself, being the inventor and all, and knowing how the mini-rotors worked he still insisted on Bruce's assistance. While Bruce claimed that he had very little knowledge in machinery and after he told Peter several times that his father, Tony would be the better of the two to approach, he gave in to Peter's request if not just for the fact that the kid would not take no for an answer. Not that Bruce minded helping Peter with his inventions or even seeing him, he just thought that he wasn't the most qualified technician. He was a genius in the field of nuclear physics, but he only specialized in technically writing out the blueprints and designs for the weapons that he studied for; not for the actual assembling.

Bruce carefully tinkered with the web shooters amazed that the boy created them from scrap metal. Peter sat across from him, inching his way closer as he walked Bruce through disassembling the contraptions. Eventually, he found himself side-by-side, as he pointed towards the tube that was jamming the rotation. Bruce retracted the tubes until the inferior one was back of the line. Handing the shooter to Peter, Bruce instructed him to operate it normally.  Peter did as he was told, and each of the tubes rotated, and contracted normally. All except for that last one. Peter glared at the apparatus as he threw it back to Bruce. The older scientist chuckled, and patted Peter on the back assuring him that they'd fix it together.

He then flashed that dimple carving grin that made Peter's head swim. He could feel himself beating red. Embarrassed, Peter averted his gaze onto the floor and swallowed a huge lump that felt like it was gathering in size in his throat. He knew that he heard Bruce ask him if he was alright, but he couldn't comprehend it quickly enough for a straight answer. Instead, his speech faltered and he mumbled out he was fine, but he knew Bruce didn't catch it. He cursed himself and felt his face flush with more shades of red when Bruce grabbed his face with both of his hands, and brought him up to eye level.

Bruce asked simple, but intense questions. No, Peter was sure that he didn't need a doctor. He sure as Hell didn't need his dads to come and pick him up and prod him with endless, annoying questions for the rest of the day. That would go just fine. Peter only just so happen to have a huge guy crush on his dad's best friend. That's totally normal, right?

"Peter!"

Shaking himself out of his thoughts, Peter focused his vision on the worrying face of his crush. Oh God, he looks even cuter when his eyebrows are arched like that. Wait, no, self, stop! This is totally the most inopportune moment ever! Even though he's pretty much caressing my face, and it feels so nice, and we're like five inches apart- OH GOD AM I GETTING A BONER??

"Peter, are you okay?" Bruce called once again to him. "That's it, I'm calling Tony."

"NO! DON'T!" Peter practically jumped forward. "I mean, I'm fine. Really, Bruce. Sorry, I just spaced out for a minute."

"More like five minutes," Bruce jeered. "Your face is all red. Peter, are you sure that everything is okay? Is there something that you wanted to talk to me about other than the web shooters?"

Bruce stared intently at the teenager awaiting an answer. He still held his phone in his hand, just in case he needed to speed-dial Tony to tell him that his son had just fainted on the floor. Which by the look on Peter's face, he was about to. He took his left hand, and brushed away stray hairs that hung over Peter's eyes. His hair wasn't particularly long; just a bit shaggy, but it felt particularly smooth. Bruce was minimally jealous of Peter's features. He was already sixteen, but looked a few years younger, save for the sculpture of his face. The most protruding attributes to Peter's face were his eyes which Bruce had to admit were brimming. They were what lead to his nickname, Bambi, courtesy of his dads. Even today, they will never let him live that name down.

He noticed Peter's head tilting down once more. He lifted his chin up, and asked him gently, "Peter, are you okay?"

"I – I, uh…"Peter bit his lip and envisioned every possible solution that this situation could end horribly. Deciding that he was trapped, he fessed up. "I like you."

Bruce stared incredulously at him. Was that it? He got himself all worked up just for that? Was Peter so afraid that Bruce no longer liked him? Hell, screw like, he loved the fuck out of this kid. He couldn't believe that Peter would even consider that his own uncle Bruce no longer wanted anything to do with him. Maybe that's why he was stripped from his uncle title not too long ago? He called everyone else uncle: Clint, Thor, even Fury was an uncle! So, why wasn't Bruce anymore? He didn't want to pressure Peter into explaining, and look like an asshole to the kid. Or even worse, lose his cool and accidentally hulk out on him. He would never be able to forgive himself if he did. So, he let it go.

Seeing the look on Peter's face – was that disappointment? Bruce answered quickly, "I like you too, kiddo."

Peter's face brightened up a bit. Wait, he added 'kiddo' at the end. It was still platonic. Damn! Well, maybe this is a good thing? That means I don't have to put myself on the spotlight anymore. Come on, Peter, ease your way out of this like nothing ever happened. Just go along with it.

"No, I mean…" Damn it. Peter sighed, "I mean, I really like you. A lot, actually."

"So, so are you saying that… you're in love with me?" analyzed Bruce carefully to make sure that he was on the right track with Peter.

Ducking his head to avoid eye-contact with the scientist, Peter stated that he was correct. "Yes."

Aside from the whir of the air conditioner, and the flapping from loose sheets of paper caught underneath it, the room was completely silent. Neither of the two men made a sound – not a shuffle of their feet nor an echo of a cough.

Bruce was completely floored by Peter's confession. He had instead expected the teenager to – well, honestly, he had no idea what he expected. Maybe there were some family issues that he needed help working out, such as tension between Tony and Steve, or maybe Peter had gotten into a huge fight with them over his vigilante business. He could also have started to complain about his bad luck with girls at school and not getting any dates. Though, that one obviously would be fruitless. All of those seemed more plausible than this.

The worst part for him was that he wasn't sure that he wanted to decline Peter. Any other responsible adult would calmly explain why such a relationship would never pan out between the two, but Bruce was never the type to hide his feelings for another person. He desperately looked for a way out. Any excuse that he could lie on Peter to forget him, and move on. Inwardly and truly, Bruce did not want that. He loved spending his time with Peter, even if it was just for a short time. Bruce admired how the young intern acted whenever he created a new gadget. Instantly storming into Bruce's private laboratory to show it off, and go into detail with the specs. Indeed his work was impressive. Bruce saw much potential within him for his future – superhero or scientist or even inventor maybe. However, he hadn't thought up the possibility of himself being an addition to it. It made Bruce feel special in a way.

"I have to go."

Bruce's heart sank as he looked up at Peter. He reached over with hands stumbling to gather his web shooters, and let out a sharp curse as one fell out of his hands and onto the ground. After picking it up, he finally showed his face and it just killed Bruce. His eyes were red and swollen, lips quivering as he struggled to force words out of his throat.

"I'm sorry," he added. "I-I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have even…"

"Peter…" Bruce stood up, and reached out for him, but Peter recoiled.

"I'm sorry," Peter repeated before retreating from the room. Bruce ran after him.

"Peter, wait," he called out while struggling to catch up to him. If there was any moment that Bruce cursed Peter for having mutated spider powers, now was it. Since when did increased speed in running take place in spiders? Ok, he could name off a FEW species that specialized in their speed for survival, but did it have to rub off on Peter? "Peter, please stop! We can talk about this! Peter!"

Finally, Bruce was able to grab onto his arm and stop them both by nearly slamming into a wall. "Ow, dammit!" he rubbed his bruised arm. Peter almost got away from him again by sneaking around Bruce's left, but the scientist caught him. "Ah-ah! Not so fast, Peter."

He pushed Peter back, until the teenager was against a corner. Sighing in defeat, Peter hugged himself and refused to even look at Bruce. He really did not want to be in this position right now. Why couldn't he have listened to his conscience and not say what he did? He felt like such an idiot who was about to get shot down by the man who he developed a crush for. This was nothing like those teenage-love story movies showed. This was clearly false advertising, and he looked forward to getting his dad to sue all the big named movie companies. Paramount goes down first that much he knew.

He had no idea what he was going on about in his head at the moment, all he knew is that it distracted from having to face Bruce who was still standing in front of him, blocking every possible exit that Peter could try to make with his body. He made the mistake of making eye contact with Bruce, and immediately knew that he wouldn't be able to ease his way out of this one. His intense gaze burned through Peter as if the older man was trying to read his thoughts. It scared Peter to think that he possibly could. Even though he was incredibly intelligent for his age, he was still a teenager who had dull and cliché thoughts and fantasies every now and then.

Bruce reeled back a bit, closing his eyes as he exhaled. He moved his arms which were planted against the wall to prevent Peter from escaping. As he did, he noticed that Peter relaxed some which made him feel better. He hated feeling like the bad guy in any situation. He got that enough from everyone else, he didn't need one of the few people who looked past his alter ego to feel like they couldn't approach him without worrying about angering him anymore.

"Peter," Bruce cleared his throat. "What you said back there. Did you… did you mean it?"

Peter was struck dumbfounded. Bruce actually thought that he was joking? He curled his fingers around his chest, as he felt his heart drop. He literally felt like he was going to be sick. Losing his balance as his knees caved in, he fell to the floor.

"Peter!" Bruce instantly fell to his side. "Peter, are you okay? Why are you crying?"

"I'm-I-I just… you know what? Just forget it. Please disregard everything that I said today. We can pretend that it never happened, just please…" Peter curled himself up into a ball, and hid his face in his knees. All he wanted to do is disappear forever. Maybe he could invent a time machine and redo this entire day.

"Peter…" Bruce rubbed his back. "Are you saying that you didn't mean it then? You were just pulling my leg?"

Peter shot his head up and glared at Bruce who jumped back a bit. "No. I did mean it; all of it! I-I really do like you – love you, whatever. It wasn't a joke; I wasn't trying to get a reaction out of you! Jesus, Bruce what do you take me for?" he then slammed his head back down on his knees with a dull "ow" following.

Bruce chuckled, then moved his hand that was currently traveling Peter's back up to his head. "I'm sorry," he began to brush Peter's hair with his fingers. "It wasn't fair of me to assume that of you. I know you know better than that, I'm just… I was just taken aback, is all. Flattered, really."

Peter turned his head towards Bruce. His face became flustered as Bruce wiped away his tears. His eyes widened when he felt his forehead being kissed followed by an apology from the older man. Both men adjusted themselves until they were cuddled in each other's grasp; with Peter in Bruce's lap, and his head tucked underneath his chin. Bruce rocked them both and showered Peter's head in plenty of butterfly kisses.

Peter still had his head buried in Bruce's neck when he asked, "Bruce, are we going to work this out? Like… do you want to, or…?"
He felt Bruce readjust his position. "Peter," he doesn't respond. "Peter, please look at me."

This time is successful, as he's graced with the sight of the child who has the hots for him. Of all the people in the world who'd even attempt to want to develop a relationship with him. Not even Betty got this far with him. Taking his hand, he cupped Peter's face, and stroked his cheek with his thumb. He watched as his eyes widened, and then looked away; his face becoming redder. Truth be told, he didn't know if he'd be the best influence on Peter. Bruce had enough trouble creating friendships with people much less romantic relationships. He was seriously starting to doubt himself in his own abilities to make Peter happy. Sure, the kid was easily entertained, and it seemed lately that anything Bruce did would have his attention. No matter how mundane.

He swallowed hard as he studied Peter's features. He wanted to make sure that this was definitely something he could do. To make sure that he wouldn't fuck up another companionship. Could he do that?

Peter brought his eyes back up to level with Bruce's, and a small smile formed on the scientist's face. There was only one way to find out. He leaned down and caught Peter by surprise as he locked lips with him. His hand curled to the back of Peter's neck and held his head firm. He released himself after only a few seconds, not wanting to overwhelm the boy. Peter's breath hitched, and he was certain he felt his heart leap out of his body. Bruce touched foreheads with him, and gazed over him with a small smile.

"I do," he responded. Peter smiled widely and raised his head in for another kiss. He snaked his arms around Bruce's neck; Bruce around Peter's waist. He pulled Peter closer as he deepened the kiss which had an immediate effect on the boy. Peter moaned when Bruce began nibbling on his bottom lip; pulling it back made Peter gasp, and he tangled his fingers in Bruce's hair. When Bruce let go of Peter's lower lip, he backed his head up to gaze at his newfound lover completely overwhelmed with pleasure and ecstasy.

He caught Peter by surprised when he dived back in, this time gaining access into Peter's mouth with his tongue. Peter lifted up his body with his knees, and wrapped himself around Bruce's waist. Both men engorged themselves on the other's tongue; the rough and wet texture drove them wild with the need to be closer. Peter pulled on Bruce's hair, and at one point took off his glasses so that they'd stop poking him in the eye.

He removed his fingers from Bruce's scalp, and trailed down to the hem of his shirt. Peter started to sneak his fingers underneath for more skin to cover when Bruce grabbed him, and gently moved his hands away. They broke off their kiss and Peter looked at Bruce expectantly.

"Let's take this slow," Bruce insisted. "I haven't even gotten to take you out on a date yet."

Peter smiled with a blush forming on his face. He took Bruce's face in his hands, and brought him down for another kiss. "I'm okay with that."

Bruce nodded at him. "Let's hope everyone else will be, too."

"We don't have to tell them. Not yet, anyway," Peter offered. "I'd rather enjoy my time with you right now, rather than worry about what dad, pops, and everyone else thinks."

"I would too, Pete," Bruce sighed. "But, you know that we can't keep this secret forever."

"I know that," Peter kissed his face several times before adding, "We will tell them eventually."

Bruce took his word to heart and helped them both up. "Still need help with these shooters?" He eyed Peter suspiciously.

"Ah, no… I got them." Peter looked away, embarrassed at his previous actions. Bruce laughed grabbing him into a hug, and kissed the top of his head. Taking Peter by the hand, they went back to Bruce's lab.