Chapter Text
As one would expect, Tony had invited his best friend, Rhodey, to attend the adoption hearing. Peter had met Rhodey before. On several occasions, he’d stopped by the tower for a few hours between work assignments. Once he’d stayed for an entire day, hanging out around the penthouse and accompanying them into the city for dinner. This time, he was going to stay the night. And much to Peter's combined apprehension and delight, he was going to be bringing his mother with him; someone Peter had yet to meet. Mama Rhodes, Tony had called her while explaining that the Rhodes' three bedroom house in the suburbs of Philadelphia had been his second home during college.
“When I didn’t want to spend my breaks with my family, I went home with Rhodey. I can’t say I was the best house guest, but Mama Rhodes was a saint. Even after all my shenanigans, she repeatedly invited me back. I spent quite a few Thanksgivings sitting around the Rhodes family table.”
Hung up on the ‘shenanigans’ part of the explanation, Peter had tilted his head to the side and asked, ‘What did you do?’
Tony grinned widely. Although it tilted into more of a smirk as he shrugged one shoulder. “Nothing a little bit of duct tape and a credit card couldn’t fix.”
There hadn’t been time to press for further details that day. But Peter had tucked that conversation in the back of his mind with full intent to bring it up later. There was nothing he loved more than hearing Tony tell stories about his past. It made him feel included in a way he couldn’t thoroughly explain.
The very next day, not ten minutes after Peter had arrived home from school, FRIDAY announced Rhodey and Mama Rhodes arrivals. Tony and Pepper enthusiastically met them at the door, Peter following behind. The adults were all smiles as they hugged and greeted each other. Peter, however, chose to stand back and observe. He’d always been a little wary of meeting new people. But, Mama Rhodes, he noted, seemed friendly enough and was extremely eager to meet him. He tried really hard not to clam up more than usual. Even though Tony, Pepper, and Rhodey had all assured him she would understand if he did.
“Mama Rhodes!” Tony took the woman by the hand and tugged her further into the room. He grinned proudly and placed his other hand on Peter’s shoulder. “I’d like you to meet Peter. Peter Benjamin Parker Stark.”
Rhodey stepped in, narrowed his eyes, and looked at his watch. “According to my calendar, he’s not going to be Peter Benjamin Parker Stark for another-” He paused for dramatics, his eyes rolled upward as he pretended to perform a great deal of mental math. “seventeen hours and twenty minutes.”
Mama Rhodes swatted her son’s arm and smiled. “Oh hush, you. From what I hear, this boy’s been a Stark since day one. Haven’t you, Peter?”
The question launched Peter so off guard, he didn’t know how to answer. Well, he did. He knew Mama Rhodes was right. He’d been part of the Stark-Potts family from the moment he’d moved in. The answer was yes. All he had to do was incline his head. Yet he couldn't bring himself to do it. Several silent seconds passed before a hand fell onto his shoulder. He tensed, half expecting someone to insist he answer. Apprehensive, he turned to look at Tony. His brows were up and his head was tilted towards Mama Rhodes. It was a wordless question. ‘Do you want me to take this one?’ Peter released a breath as he briskly nodded his head.
Tony nodded back and smiled at their guests. “That is one hundred percent true.” He squeezed both of Peter’s shoulders and chuckled lightly. “Wait until you get to know him. He’s a Stark through and through.”
While Rhodey cackled, Mam Rhodes looked Tony dead in the eyes. If that wasn’t enough to make Peter laugh, the words that came out of her mouth certainly did the job. “So he’s stubborn, then.”
Tony and Pepper joined in the chuckling. “Like you wouldn’t believe,” Tony agreed, then shot Peter a playful wink.
Knowing Tony was joking around wasn’t enough to prevent the small wave of embarrassment that crept up Peter’s neck. He furrowed his brow and subtly extended his hands to sign. ‘Stop. Please.’
Tony ruffled his hair and smiled apologetically. “Sorry, Buddy.” But it was Pepper who came forward to deliver him from further teasing. She narrowed her eyes at Tony and turned to Peter with an indulgent smile.
“You’ve said your hellos. If you want to go to your room until dinner, you can.”
Peter hesitated at the offer. Mama Rhodes didn’t look offended or upset. Rhodey didn’t look terribly bothered either. Neither did Tony, and Pepper looked fully at ease with her decision to give him a way out. Even so, he didn’t want to appear rude or aloof. He peered briefly down the hallway, raised his brows, and sighed, ‘Mad?’
’“Nope,” Tony unhesitatingly replied. “Perfectly acceptable. Go chill. We’ll summon you before we eat.”
From his bedroom, Peter could hear everything that was being said even without his enhanced senses. The banter, laughing, and storytelling were loud. For a while, Peter lay on his bed texting Ned while zoning in and out of the conversation taking place outside his room. However, the more jovial they sounded, the more curious he became. He found himself wanting to join them. He sighed as he rolled off of his bed and crept into the hallway. Upon investigation, he could see the backs of Rhodey, Tony, and Mama Rhodes' heads on the back of the couch. He looked past them to find Pepper sitting in the chair he tended to occupy. Her face lit up as they met eyes, but she didn’t call him out. She simply scooted forward to sit on the plush ottoman instead. Peter smiled in appreciation as he approached the group and sank into the seat. It wasn’t until then, that anyone else noticed he was there. Tony looked up and smiled widely.
“Hey, Pete. You feeling good?”
Peter curled up in the cushion and shot a quick thumbs up.
“Good.” Tony nodded, then dove right back into the conversation.
In contrast, Peter sat and quietly listened. He laughed at all of the old stories. And cringed and pouted as Tony produced a few recent ones. Mostly about him. Although he didn’t actually mind as much as he let on. The inclusion was nice.
“I swear if the kid had his way, we’d have at least sixteen dogs, twelve cats, and guinea pig all crammed into the penthouse,”
Peter rolled his eyes. Guinea pigs were great. If someone offered him one, he would definitely accept it, but it would be his first choice for a small pet. ‘No. Rabbit.’ he signed. Tony rolled his eyes too.
“I’m sorry. Sixteen dogs, twelve cats, and a rabbit.”
Peter shook his head and held up two fingers. He signed ‘Family’ after just to make a point.
Tony huffed a long suffering sigh. “Right. Two rabbits because they’re happier in pairs.”
Peter grinned as Mama Rhodes went into an elaborate story about the wild rabbits that used to break into her garden. She glared playfully at Rhodey, reminding him of all the tricks and tactics he’d attempted to keep rabbits out. But apparently, no fence, gate, or contraption, could hold them back from her prize-winning tomatoes.
“Obviously, they didn’t get all of them,” Rhodey grumbled under his breath. “Or there wouldn't have been a prize.”
Everyone laughed.
Later that evening, dinner was delivered; a wild combination of Chinese food, two giant deli salads, and four completely different flavors of hot wings. Tony called it ‘good eating.’ No one disagreed.
The conversation and storytelling continued around the table. However, as everyone started to reach the limit of how much food they could consume in one sitting, the chatter died down into a comfortable silence. Pepper got up first and began to clear the plates. Peter got up to follow her. Tony offered to help in the kitchen as well. But Pepper was quick to wave him into the living room with their guests.
Shortly after everyone came back together, Mama Rhodes excused herself to the guest bedroom to read. An hour later, Rhodey followed suit. And by ten thirty, Pepper was heading to bed with instructions that Tony and Peter should get some sleep as well.
Reluctantly, Peter shuffled to his room. He gets ready for bed and flops down onto his pillows. It doesn’t take long for him to realize he won’t be able to sleep. His entire body is buzzing with anticipation. He tried counting sheep. When that didn’t work he looked at the clock and started doing math in his head.
In nine hours and thirteen minutes, he would be a Stark. Five hundred and fifty-three minutes. Thirty-three thousand one hundred and eighty seconds. But he only has six hours to sleep. Four hundred and twenty minutes. Twenty-five thousand two hundred seconds. He squeezed his eyes shut and dug the heels of his hands into his sockets. It was perplexing, how he could be so tired and so wide awake at the same time.
Suddenly, there was a light tapping on his door. Peter looked at the clock again. It was just after midnight. That’s how he knew it was Tony. There was no way Pepper would still be awake at such an hour.
He rapped his knuckles against his bedside table, permitting Tony to enter his space. The door cracked open. Pale yellow light flooded in from the hallway and Tony leaned heavily against the doorframe. “you’re awake too, huh?”
Instinctively, Peter signed, ‘Sorry.’ Although he had nothing to really be sorry about. Tony didn’t look upset, and it wasn’t like he was awake on purpose. He just- couldn’t sleep.
“Nervous?” Tony asked.
Peter shook his head and signed, ‘Happy.’ The answers didn’t feel sufficient. So, he reached for his phone and unplugged it. ‘Maybe a little nervous but mostly excited.’ He looked up as he sent the text. Tony already had his own phone in his hand waiting for the message to appear on his screen.
“Me too, Bud.” Tony slipped his phone into his pajama pants pocket and took another few steps into the room. He gestured towards the unoccupied half of the bed and curled a brow. “Mind if I lay here?” When Peter nodded, he lowered himself onto the mattress and tucked both of his hands behind his head.
The next few minutes passed in relative silence. The sheets rustled and the air conditioner hummed in the background but nothing was said. Peter rolled to his side and scooched a little closer to Tony. There was something warm and comforting about having him so close. Exhaustion was starting to creep in, when whispered words met his ears.
“You know, I think the part I’m most excited about is having that feeling of- completion once everything is signed off on.” Tony looked to the side, his head still nestled in his palms. “Don’t get me wrong, you’ve been my kid from the beginning. Even without all the pomp and circumstance, you would still be my kid until the end of time.” He flourished one hand and brought it down to rest on his stomach. “I can’t explain it, but there’s something exceptionally satisfying about making it official.”
Peter leaned in until his body was pressed against Tony’s. He breathed him in and smiled. He knew everything that had been said was true. Adoption or no adoption, he would have always had a home with Tony and Pepper. The paper didn’t matter. But there was something to be said about going through the formalities. The idea of walking into the courthouse as a Parker and departing as a Stark was fulfilling in a way he couldn't quite pinpoint.
“I’m also looking forward to introducing you to the world as my son-” Tony smiled softly as his gaze drifted to the ceiling. “My pride and joy. My protege. My legacy.” There was a brief pause. Tony sighed profoundly. “I don’t want to do that too soon, though. As much as I want to shout it all from the mountain tops, I also want to maintain some amount of privacy. Boundaries, at minimum. My family, my private life- it’s sacred. I don’t want anyone getting any hare-brained ideas about how much information I owe them.”
Peter nodded his head against Tony's shoulder. He understood that notoriety was part of the Stark package. He’d already gotten a small taste of it. Tony and Pepper had been quick to shut it down. But there was no denying that his status as a foster child had aided in their relative success. Once the news of his adoption made it, out into the open, people weren’t going to feel any kind of compelled to hold back. He sighed too. Although it turned into more of a wide yawn part-way through. He could hear Tony quietly chuckling beside him.
“Tired, Buddy?”
Slowly, Peter nodded his head. He was tired. There was no denying that. And the prickling awareness of what was to come had calmed. The anticipation was still there, niggling at the back of his head but it was so faint he was persuaded he could sleep through it.
“I should probably leave you alone and allow you to go to sleep. We have to be up in.” Tony lifted his arm to look at his watch and cringed. “Four and a half-hours.”
Two hundred and seventy minutes, Peter thought to himself. Then he whispered, “Sixteen thousand two hundred seconds.”
“Not helping, Bud.” Tony chuckled, then started to sit up. He didn’t get far before Peter linked their arms together and employed his stickiness to hold on tight. ”Oh,” Tony outright laughed. “Are we considering a sleepover now?”
Peter grinned and nodded. Tony settled back down and Peter curled into him. “G’night. Love you,” he whispered.
“You too, Buddy,” Tony replied and within minutes Peter was sound asleep.
Early the next morning, Peter’s alarm went off, and he woke up to an empty bed. He wondered how long Tony stayed before sneaking out. He’d scarcely started to really stretch himself out when a knock came at his door. There was no time to react before Pepper was calling him.
“Peter? Sweetheart, are you up?”
Rather than knock in reply, Peter scrambled out of bed and cracked the door open. He was certain he looked a mess with his rumpled pajamas and sleep-mussed hair. He ran both hands through his hair and down his face as Pepper looked him over.
“Tony said you didn’t sleep well last night.”
Peter shrugged, a noncommittal reply. It was like he could deny it. But still, he didn’t want her to worry.
Pepper smiled and rested her warm palm on Peter’s cheek. “Well, Tony’s in the kitchen with Rhodey consuming an alarming amount of coffee. You should get out there and grab some breakfast. When you’re done, Tony will help you get dressed.”
At the last remark, Peter pulled a face. Even when he’d sprained his ankle and had been punched in the eye, he didn’t require help getting dressed. His thoughts waffled between confusion, mild embarrassment and some level of disgust. It must have sown clearly on his face because Pepper started to giggle.
“Your suit is in our closet,” she explained. “He’ll help you get it together and knot your tie if you need him to.”
That sounded much more reasonable. Peter bobbed his head, and Pepper wafted him toward the kitchen. The first thing he heard when he rounded the corner was Tony’s gleeful shout “Peter Stark!”
Rhodey used his chin to point out the digital clock glowing above the stove. “Not, yet he’s not.” He smiled. “We’re not even at the courthouse yet.”
The comment led the two adults into a playful argument about ‘semantics’ and ‘legalities.’ Peter rolled his eyes and stood in front of them. After standing there for several seconds, Tony finally noticed and used his hand to cover his friend's mouth.
“What is it, Bud?”
Peter looked around the kitchen. There were a bazillion and three different food options but he wasn’t sure what he had time for. Pepper had made it sound like they were in a rush. Even if Tony and Rhodey's laid-back exterior said otherwise. He twisted his mouth to the side, raised his brows, and signed, ‘Hungry’ ‘eat’ and ‘what?’
Tony nodded his head and took a sip of coffee. “Mama Rhodes and Pepper were up early making muffins.” He set his mug down and pointed across the kitchen. They’re in the oven.”
With a skip in his step, Peter retrieved not one, not two, but three giant banana nut muffins from inside the warm oven. He broke them apart, and smeared peanut butter between the halves dug in. He didn’t spare so much as a crumb before dusting off his hands and carrying his plate to the dishwasher.
He met Tony in his bedroom after. The hanging bag that contained his suit was draped across the bed. He unzipped it to give it a look. The pants and jacket were deep dark blue and the tie was a fiery shade of red. There was a brown leather belt as well. And apparently a pair of shoes to match, but the box was still in the master bedroom closet. “Dark socks, Buddy. I’ll take your shoes to the living room, okay?”
Peter lifted a thumb and traversed the room to enter the ensuite. He showered, and pulled on the pants and an undershirt before tackling his hair. His previous foster parents had liked it when he tampered his curls. There was no denying the clean slicked-back look provided a more mature feel to it. But Tony and Pepper liked the way his hair curled. Tousling his hair to make it as wild as possible had become one of Tony’s favorite pastimes. It was both annoying and endearing at the same time. He picked up his comb and contemplated the conundrum. Curled or tamed? Messy or sleek? He sighed and opted to attempt some middle ground. He used just enough gel to transform his errant curls into semi-uniform waves. Once he was reasonably satisfied with his appearance, he carried himself into his room and threw the tie around his neck. He didn’t know how to fasten it. He’d never had a reason to learn. So, he grabbed his phone and flipped through a few video tutorials. He huffed and growled his way through three different videos. None of them did any good. Even when he did manage to tie the stupid thing, it wasn’t presentable. It looked more like a noose than a tie.
Feeling frustrated, he squeezed the cloth in his hand and went in search of Tony. He’d hoped to find him alone so he wouldn’t have to face the embarrassment of making it to fourteen without ever needing to wear a tie. Of course, it couldn’t be that easy. He discovered all of the adults standing around the living room, more than likely, waiting for him. They were all fully dressed and appeared ready to go. He grimaced slightly before approaching the group.
“Need some help with that?” Tony asked.
Rather than nod, Peter glared at the tie and relinquished it into Tony’s outstretched hand. Less than thirty seconds later, the tie was snuggly seated below his collar. Without thought, he reached up to tug at it.
Tony took a half step back and arched a brow. “Too tight?”
It was too tight. Or maybe it wasn’t. He had nothing to compare it to. But it was uncomfortable. He gnawed at his lip and brought his fingers so close together that they practically touched.
Promptly, Tony loosened it a little. “Better?”
After some self-scrutiny, Peter crinkled his nose and swayed his head. It was strange. The Spider-Suit constricted around his body like a tightly fitted glove. But it was three thousand times more comfortable than having a rigid tie around his neck. Probably because the suit was breathable, flexible and light in a way formal clothing could never be. He pulled at his collar and sighed, ‘bad.’
Tony barked a laugh. “Here. Let’s try this.” He loosened the tie as much as possible without unknotting it. “We’ll tighten it back up before we go in, yeah?”
They all made their way to the underground garage. Mama Rhodes and Rhodey loaded into one car. Tony and Pepper climbed into another. Happy was behind the wheel, wearing a suit. It was charcoal gray instead of the solid black one Peter was used to seeing. He canted his head to the side, wondering what had prompted Happy into the wardrobe change.
“Happy’s coming with us,” Tony announced as if he’d read Peter’s mind.
The vague comment didn’t completely clear up Peter’s confusion. Obviously, Happy was coming with them. The question was, why? He furrowed his brow and fingerspelled ‘security.’
“Nah, we have other people lined up for security.” Tony smiled and reached to pat Happy on the shoulder. “Today, Happy’s family.”
They pulled out of the garage onto the street. The ride wasn’t going to be long but there was still plenty of time for Peter to retreat into his head. He thought about how Tony had his best friends with him. Pepper’s best friend was present but she’d been talking to them non-stop for the past few days. When he looked to the side he could see her giddily typing into her phone. He leaned against the window and watched all the numerous trees and buildings pass by in a blur. He wished Mrs. Braswell had been able to come to the courthouse. Or Ned. He considered texting both of them but stopped himself. Mrs. Braswell had already said she would be busy with work and Ned- Well, it was a Thursday morning. Ned was already at school. He sighed heavily.
“You okay?” Tony asked.
Peter sat up and nodded his head. He looked at the back of Happy’s head and glanced over his shoulder to see if Rhodey was still behind them. He felt Tony’s hand fall to his shoulder. When he looked up, there was a concerned look spreading across Tony’s face. He gave in and fingerspelled Ned’s name.
“Ah.” Tony smirked and looked out the front window. The large municipal building was right in front of them. “Well, do we ever have a surprise for you?”
As they pulled into the parking lot, Peter looked quizzically between Tony and Pepper. Peter held up a hand to hide a smile and Tony gestured out the window, towards the steps that lead into the building. In the middle of them was Ned, surrounded by his parents and his lola. Peter’s heart filled with delight.
“Can’t have a big day without your brother.”
Peter shouldn’t have been surprised that Tony had not only remembered but also taken into consideration his history with Ned. But he was all the same. It was nice to know that his- his parents cared about him so much. The moment he was out of the car, he gave them both a tight hug.
There were hugs all around as everyone came together on the stairs. Peter and Ned went through their usual handshake as the adults all got to know either other. Tony Introduced Rhodey and Happy to the Leeds as ‘his Neds.’ Mister and Missus Leeds smiled knowingly while Ned grinned like a lunatic. He’d clearly taken the declaration as the complement of the century. Peter was sure he’d be hearing about it for, approximately, the next thirty years. Or more.
After the initial greetings had died down, Tony, Happy, and several members of their security team urged everyone to go inside. Thus far, no one had made much notice of Tony Stark or Pepper Potts presence on the property and they all wanted to keep it that way.
One by one, they emptied their pockets and went through the metal detectors. They were led down several long hallways, through a food court and up a flight of stairs that led to more hallways. Eventually, they came to a stop outside of a pair of heavy wooden doors. Above it, in brass letters, were the words, ‘Courtroom G.’ Someone from their security pushed through and held one door open for everyone to enter.
Slowly, Peter looked around. For the most part, the room wasn’t nearly as grand as he’d had expected. The atmosphere was strict and intimidating but the space was small, no bigger than a classroom. There was a tall bench where the judge would sit. Across from that, on the floor were two tables and two podiums. A clerk sat at a desk and a bailiff stood guard. Between all of that and the general seating was a low wall with an open gate.
Peter followed closely behind Tony as they walked down the aisle between three rows of pews and slid into one at the front. Happy, the Rhodes’, the Leeds’ and their two man security team all pile in behind them. Shortly after, a couple of Tony’s lawyers and Peter’s court-appointed advocate sat down as well. Peter released a slow breath and shifted in his seat. Even though they were only taking up half of the seating, the room was starting to feel really crowded. Tony leaning in to tighten his tie didn’t help. He had to actively stop himself from immediately loosening it.
At nine o’clock on the dot, the judge entered the room. All of the quiet chattering died down as the bailiff announced her arrival. They all stood as she ascended the bench and called things to order. After that, there was some shuffling as everyone took their places. The clerk handed the judge a small stack of papers while Peter, Pepper, Tony and one of the lawyers went through the gate to stand behind a podium.
The room was silent, save for the rustling of papers as the judge flipped through them. Tony straightened up and went into a level of business mode Peter had never witnessed. He placed his hands on the podium and cleared his throat. “I would like to start by thanking the court for accepting my petition to make this a private hearing.”
The judge lifted her eyes, looking above the rims of her square glasses. “Your lawyers were quite insistent that it would be in the child’s best interest.”
“His privacy and personal safety are paramount.”
“That’s good to hear, Mr. Stark.” the judge said while returning her gaze to the paperwork. “I’ll be asking more about that once we have you all sworn in.”
The first part of the process is really boring. The judge reads off a bunch of legal mumbo jumbo and a few adoption laws are recited. Most of it Peter understands. What he doesn’t, he flies away for later. He saw the way Tony and Pepper were seriously nodding their heads and looked over his shoulder. Ned is directly within his line of sight, a beaming smile overtaking his entire face. A renewed frisson of excitement crawled up Peer’s spine. He smiled too.
The judge finally sat up and looked around the room before her eyes settled on Tony and Pepper. “Your paperwork is all in order, and upon request, I have a statement of recommendation from Peter’s case worker. But before I grant this adoption, I would like to ask Mr. Stark and Ms. Potts a few questions.” She glanced at Peter. “Since Peter is above the age of thirteen, I would like to talk to him as well.”
Peter was a little surprised to hear the judge say she had questions but he wasn’t panicked. Mrs. Braswell had prepared them for that possibility. Typically speaking, adoption proceedings happened without much scrutiny. They were happy occasions; a pleasant change in pace from the judge’s usual docket. But they had been warned their case would likely raise some suspicions. It wasn’t every day an extremely high-profile couple applied for joint custody of a seemingly random teenager. He sucked in a deep breath through his mouth and released it through his nose. Together, they had reviewed some potential questions. It would be fine.
“Mr. Stark, can you state Peter Benjamin Parker's date of birth?”
“August tenth,” Tony replied without missing so much as a beat. “He’ll turn fifteen this summer.”
More mundane questions followed. Some were directed at Tony. Others were directed at Pepper. Sporadically they were both asked the same questions one after the other. ‘Do you understand the adoption process?’ ‘Have you been made aware of all the resources at your disposal post-adoption?’ And, ‘Do you possess an adequate understanding of the legal permanency of this petition should it be approved?’ Then she came out with one big, giant bombshell.
“You’re a high-profile man, Mr. Stark. Because of that, I need to ask: What is the motivation behind your desire to adopt Peter Benjamin Parker?”
Apprehensive, Peter looked at Tony. He knew some variety of that question had been on the list Mrs. Braswell had provided. But he’d never heard the answer.
“I met Peter by chance. I agreed to work with the Rewrite the Stars Foundation to grant a foster child a wish. I wasn’t anticipating anything to come of it, other than a happy CEO and some positive PR.” Tony chuckled lightly at his own joke. “I was surprised when I connected with Peter so easily. I found myself inviting him back again and again. At his social worker's suggestion, myself and Pepper became certified caregivers. Our relationship with Peter deepened after that and we started to get to know him on a personal level. He became more than just the intelligent kid who came to hang out in my lab and eat my food a couple of times a week. We grew familiar in a way I never expected.” He paused to take a breath. He licked his lips and smiled tightly. “Then one night he came to us, injured and in distress. His current foster parents just- they asked for him to be removed from their home. It was at that time that I- that we-” He reached over to clutch Pepper’s hand. “We decided that we were more than ready to take the next steps to make Peter a permanent part of our lives. We applied to foster him with the intent to adopt.”
As Tony spoke the clerk typed away at her laptop. When the click-clacking of keys ceased, the judge looked at Pepper. “Ms. Potts, do you agree with your partner's testimony?”
Pepper smiled at Peter before addressing the question. “Yes, I do. The only thing I would add is- well, I’d like to point out the trust it required for Peter to come to us that night. To Tony, really. My bond with Peter is strong and special, but it's nothing compared to what he shares with Tony. It’s like they’ve known each other for a lifetime. And I love that for them- for all of us.”
“Thank you for that addition, Mrs. Potts.” The judge smiled for only a second before returning her expression to one of neutrality. She looked at Tony, her eyes calm and assessing. “Mr. Stark, do you understand this adoption would impact not only your life but your legacy as well? If this adoption is granted, Peter will become your son and your heir.”
That was a question Peter did know the answer to. He, Tony, and Pepper had talked about it at length. As a result, he was terribly surprised when Tony wrapped an arm around his shoulders and smirked. “Even without the formality of an adoption, Peter is my son and my heir. I couldn’t imagine anyone else being more fit to take over for me than him.”
The judge bobbed her head and turned to Pepper. “And you Ms. Potts?”
“I feel confident that, when the time comes, Peter will make the right decision for himself. Even if that means selling every single one of his Stark Industries shares. Tony and I are both more concerned with his happiness than the company.”
“Can you attest to that, Mr. Stark?”
There was no hesitation in Tony’s voice as he replied, “Absolutely.”
The room grew quiet again as the judge read through something on her computer. If Peter had to guess, he'd say she was likely regarding the minutes the clerk had taken. His suspicion was confirmed when the judge called her over to engage in a whispered conversation. He could have used his enhanced hearing to find out what they were saying, but he chose to look over his shoulder instead. Mama Rhodes, Rhodey, Happy, Ned, and his family were still there. He smiled hesitantly. They all smiled back.
Another minute or two passed before the judge looked up again. “I had a few more questions written down, but I believe I’ve already obtained everything I require from your perspective. As such, I would like to direct my attention to Peter.”
Peter’s head snapped back around. Knowing she was going to want to talk to him at some point was, apparently, not enough to soothe his nerves. Butterflies formed in his stomach, hundreds of them all flitting around and making him feel nauseous. He licked his lips and ran his suddenly sweaty palms down the front of his pants.
“Don’t worry. I only have two questions for you.” The judge crossed her arms on top of her papers and smiled gently. “You’re welcome to nod or shake your head, but if you have anything else to say, you may write it down and your advocate will share it with me.”
Peter swallowed hard and bobbed his head.
“Do you possess an adequate understanding of the legal permanency of this petition, should it be approved?”
Peter blinked. For some reason, he’d been expecting a much more in-depth question. He was equally baffled and relieved. Naturally, he understood the permanence of adoption. That was the main appeal. Vigorously, he nodded his head.
“Perfect.” the judge chuckled lightly. “Question number two: Do you, Peter Benjamin Parker, want to be adopted into the Stark-Potts family?”
Peter nodded again. He looked between Tony and Pepper and signed the word, ‘family.’
The judge leaned forward, her eyes passing over everyone in the room. “I don’t know much ASL,” she admitted. “But I do know that sign. Family. Which delivers me to my last two questions for this hearing.” A beat passed. “Do you, Anthony Edward Stark and Virginia Anne Potts, wish to adopt Peter Benjamin Parker, making him a permanent part of your family?”
In perfect unison, Tony and Pepper said, “We do.”
There was another brief pause as the judge glanced at her papers. “And everyone is in favor of altering Peter Benjamin Parker’s name to Peter Benjamin Parker Stark?”
Once more, Tony and Pepper answered in tandem. Different words were spoken, but they both replied positively. Tony with slightly more passion than Pepper. It made sense. While Peter was being adopted into the Stark-Potts family. He was only taking on Tony’s surname. He wondered if Pepper would be doing the same once she and Tony were inevitably married.
“Peter?” the judge asked, pulling Peter from his thoughts. “Is this name change something you want?”
Peter happily nodded his head and lifted his thumb.
“In that case, it’s my pleasure to sign off on the adoption of Peter Benjamin Parker Stark. I wish you all the best of luck in the future.” She stood up and smoothed out her skirt. “Would you like to all come up front for a picture? I’m certain our lovely Bailiff would be happy to snap one for you.”
Eagerly, everyone poured through the tiny gate and filed to the front of the room. They crossed together in front of the bench with Peter and the judge in the middle. Tony opened up the camera on his phone and handed it over to the bailiff before joining the group. No one really needed to be asked to smile. Bus as the bailiff held up the phone, he shouted for them to say ‘cheese.’
A second picture was taken with just Tony, Pepper, Peter, and the judge. A third was taken of Ned and Peter, their arms slung over each other's shoulders. By the time they were done, the clerk had the adoption certificate and name change court order printed and signed. Tony took a picture of those too.
It was barely eleven o’clock when they walked out of the courthouse. It was too early to eat lunch. But according to Tony, immediate celebrations were in order. That’s how they ended up sitting around several round glass tables at a small, family-owned cafe. Tony acted like the decision to go out had been spontaneous. Peter had believed him until it became obvious the restaurant was open for no one but them. In retrospect, he probably should have caught on to the lack of actual impulsivity. Pepper, Happy, nor the security team put up any kind of argument as Tony passed around the address.
Peter had just finished the best bagel sandwich he’d ever eaten when Tony approached him.
“Hey, Bud. Having fun?”
He nodded and held up a half-empty fountain shop glass. He took a dramatic drink from the bright pink straw and grinned. ‘Thank you.'
Tony leveled his eyes, but there was a twitch of a smile on his lips. “Of course. What’s a celebratory brunch without a giant chocolate marshmallow creme milkshake?”
Ned practically jumped out of his seat, almost knocking over his own frozen treat in the process. “Right? That’s what I’m saying!” he shouted. Peter directed him an unimpressed look.
“Anyway.” Tony swayed his head and pulled his phone out of his pocket. “I was about to send Mrs. Braswell some pictures from today. Then I thought you might like to do it yourself. So I’m going to forward them to you, and you can send them to- Well, whomever you’d like, really. They’re your pictures. What do you think?”
Seconds later a series of photographs appeared on Peter’s phone. He flipped through them, taking a few seconds to admire each one. He couldn’t wait to see them printed. He hoped the group picture would end up on the mantel and he couldn’t wait to add a few others to his scrapbook. He really liked the one of himself and Ned together. It reminded him of the one they had taken shortly after they had met.
“Looks good?” Tony asked.
Peter nodded his head, but his concentration was primarily directed at what to write in his message to Mrs. Braswell. He typed out several sentences, deleting and re-wording them several times. Ultimately, he settled on something short and sweet. ‘I’m officially a Stark. Thanks for helping me find my place.’ He attached the picture of everyone together with the judge before sending it off.
He got back to his food and conversation. Ned was talking incessantly about an online game he was hoping to get for his birthday. Periodically one of the adults would walk over to ask him how he was feeling, offer their best wishes or simply call him ‘Peter Stark’ purely for the novelty of it. All the while Peter continuously checked his phone, eagerly awaiting a message from Mrs. Braswell. Almost an hour passed. There was still no reply.
Things at the restaurant started to wind down. Rhodey and Mama Rhodes left first, claiming they had a long drive ahead of them. The Leeds promptly followed. Pepper kindly helped stack the dirty dishes at the end of the table while Tony paid the bill. After that, they all drove home.
During the ride back, Peter’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He hastily pulled it out, fumbling as he tried to unlock it. At the top of the screen was a text notification. Mrs. Braswell had finally gotten back to him.
‘What a wonderful picture. I’m so proud of you. Tell your mom and dad I said congratulations.’
He read the message at least three times, smiling broadly as he did so. Mom and Dad. Those weren’t words he was prepared to employ readily, but the idea was intriguing. The moment the adoption had been processed, that’s what Tony and Pepper had become; his mother and his father. Not his fosters. Not his temporary guardians. They were officially his parents. He had parents, real parents. That was something he never thought he’d get to say again. He was still grinning as got out of the car.
“Hey,” he whispered, once the three of them had reached the penthouse. Pepper and Tony directly offered him their undivided attention. For a few seconds, he chewed his thumbnail and weighed his words. Once he had them in order, he licked his lips and smiled. “We’re a family.”
Pepper and Tony’s faces both melted into soft expressions. “Oh, Honey,” Tony said. “We’ve been a family.”
Peter tilted his head to the side. Tony had called him a lot of things. Honey was new. And even though it made him blush, he also kind of liked it. He ducked his head and forced himself to tuck those thoughts away for later. He still needed to find a way to explain what he’d been attempting to convey. He considered taking out his phone. Typing was always easier than talking. Typing allowed him time to read, review, and revise. But he really, desperately wanted these thoughts in particular to come out of his mouth.
He sucked in a deep breath and momentarily squeezed his eyes closed. “I know we’ve been- But now-” He paused for thought. Tony and Pepper continued to look at him with nothing but patience.
“You’re not my fosters anymore,” he stupidly pointed out. Obviously, they weren’t his fosters anymore. That’s what the whole day had been about. He grunted in mild frustration. He had so many things to say and no idea how to proceed. “It’s more- it’s more real. you’re my family. Like- like, my mom and dad, and my aunt and uncle. We’re all- we’re all family now. I became a Stark but- but you also became a parker and-” It suddenly occurred to him exactly how stupid he sounded. He clamped his mouth shut tight and started to sign instead. ‘Sorry. Stupid.’
Pepper stepped forward, arms outstretched. “Come here, Sweetheart.”
Peter leans forward until his head falls on her collarbone. He felt a little defeated and completely embarrassed by his inability to coherently express himself. But he had to admit, Pepper’s embrace made him feel a lot better. He sighed and melted on the spot when Tony joined in, his strong arms gathering all of them closer together.
“That’s not stupid at all,” Pepper murmured. “Everything you said makes perfect sense. You joined our family, and we joined yours. We came together, combined and molded ourselves into one big family unit.”
“Welcome to the Stark-Potts-Parker Household.” Tony chuckled deeply, the sound vibrating pleasantly in Peter’s ears. “We should get a sign for the front door.”
Pepper gave Peter one last squeeze and stepped back. She looked at Tony and shook her head. “We don’t have a front door.”
“For the inside of the elevator, then.” Tony flourished his hand, a wide grin spreading across his face.” Maybe another at the top of the emergency evac stairs for good measure.”
Peter laughed. He Stark-Potts-Parker Household. He really liked the sound of that. The way Tony and Pepper so easily embraced the whole concept made him feel so incredibly loved and accepted. Before he could stop himself, his body moved forward colliding with Tony’s. “I love you,” he whispered. He peeked at Pepper, repeating the words in her direction.
“We love you too, Buddy,” Tony gently replied. He rubbed Peter back and kissed the very side of his head.
Not to be left out, Pepper spanned the distance between them. She placed a hand on Peter’s cheek and blinked back a few joyful tears. “You’re our baby.”