Chapter Text
Tony did the whole introduce the kid to Peter thing. It went well. For the most part. Naruto was nice enough when he wasn't being loud and touching everything he could get his hands on. He was so curious and excitable. Had tons of charisma. Peter had the task of keeping an eye on him during his stay. It was a hard task as Naruto wasn't one to stay still for longer than a few minutes at a time.
"Don't touch that, " and "wait a minute, " Were tossed around a lot. But as the days passed Tony figured the kid was kinesthetic learner and he learned that trying to contain Naruto's curiosity was like holding a tsunami at bay with a stick.
Naruto didn't know what to think of the world he decided to stay in(for a while. Or so he said. He was definitely not running away!). Or the people in it, who have never heard of the Leaf Village. But one thing was certain, it was like one of his comic books. The Spider Kid was nice, almost too nice. But who was he to look a gift horse in the mouth?
Tony was a cool grown up. He didn't jeer or sneer or smear his name. Didn't look at him like he was dirt under his foot and got to fly in a suit of armor sometimes. Again just like his comics. Strange was also nice. He guessed. The guy had a real sour attitude about keeping order in the multiverse blah blah blah. Tony got him to chill though. As well as the other adults who Naruto had a hard time naming. They were barely around. Tony sent them away almost as soon as they got back. The one with the shield voiced his discontent.
"Tony, I get the impression that you're avoiding us, "
To which Tony replied, "The world needs the avengers to keep their presence out there. Busting AIM and Hydra is part of it cap. Good PR, "
Anyway they were away a lot.
What really intrigued the blonde though, was that children didn't fight. Back home you could have chosen the path of a ninja or civilian. Unless you were born to some stuck up clan like the Hyuuga or Uchiha(Rip).
Naruto enjoyed it. More than he did living in Konoha. But even after a week he couldn't shake the guilt and shame of leaving Iruka behind to face Mizuki alone. So he did what he did best. And roped Spiderman into it. Bonus.
"Are you sure about this?" Peter asked, sticking to the side of the empire state building. Naruto on his back.
Naruto shook the spray can and proceed to draw more faces on the wall. Spider kept them as hidden as possible.
"It's just a bit if fun, " Naruto grinned, "relax-"
"Fun eh?" Both teens froze at the sound of repulsive and a very annoyed Tony Stark.
"Mr. Stark!" Peter eeped.
Ironman grabbed the blonde and tossed a scrubbing brush at Spidey.
"Clean this up, I expect it shining by morning, "
Peter sputtered, "but I-he-"
"You're the hero Pete, " Tony scolded, "you set an example. Friendly Neighbourhood Spiderman remember?"
Spiderman hung his head, "Yeah, I get it, "
Luckily the brush had self producing soap. Tony wasn't totally merciless.
………………
"Alright kiddo, " Tony sad as he landed on the compound entrance, "You're gonna tell me why you corrupted my kid to take a bus to New York City with you, just to ruin the empire state building, "
Naruto rolled his eyes, "It's not like you'd care. We just met like a week ago old man!"
Tony crossed his arms and herded him back inside the compound and into the living room. He knew the kid just wanted to piss him off to avoid the subject.
"Sit, talk, " Stark commanded.
It was pretty obvious to Naruto that Tony wasn't going to let it go. So he told.
"12 years ago…"
He told him everything. From the fox attack to his years of mental and emotional abuse by the entire village, and finally to finding out about the fox in the worst way possible. By the time he was done Naruto hung his head to hide the tears. The weakness.
He expected Tony to laugh at his dreams. To dismiss his pain like everyone else. But the man didn't.
"Screw them, " was all he had said.
Naruto looked up, eyes wide.
"You should be a hero kid, " Stark continued, "you saved their asses as far as I'm concerned."
"But-"
"So what? you have a big monster inside you. Join the club fox-boy. I knew a guy who turned into a big green rage monster, he was chased and experimented on, but he was a hero. And he didn't let the haters get to him. Mostly, " Tony smiled, thinking about Banner, may he rest in peace.
Naruto was unable to reply. All his life, he was never validated by the people around him. Except Iruka and the Third. And here was a near stranger-who was quickly becoming a friend- telling him his life mattered. That he was a hero, that he wasn't alone.
"Take it from a guy who was hated by the entire world kid, " Tony put a hand on Naruto's shoulder, "their opinions mean nothing. Surround yourself with people who matter. If you don't have any, find some. Let people get to know you. Don't become the monster they think you are. And know that people screw up. Be considerate, "
It dawned on Tony that he should probably take his own advice. Hypocrite much? Forgiveness wasn't easy though. Neither was living apart from corrosive opinion and years of neglect resulting in self-hate. He supposed he should call cap back.
"If the world hated you so much why do you save it?" Naruto asked.
"Because despite it all humans are capable of some good. If I went and destroyed everything I would dump the good bits too, " Tony shrugged.
…..
"So is our guest ready to go?"
Naruto nodded. No more running. He would be Hokage and prove he wasn't a monster.
Peter and Tony watched Doctor Strange begin the process again. Telling Naruto to close his eyes and breathe.
"Picture your world as specifically as possible, "
But the portal didn't open this time.
"Hey what gives?" Naruto shouted
"The being inside you is interfering, " Strange said, "He does not wish to return to your world. He is far too powerful for me to overpower on my own,"