Chapter Text
Peter tried to calm himself on the ride back to the tower, but it was definitely clear that he had been crying. Happy wrapped an arm around him, keeping close as they rode the elevator up to the penthouse.
“Oh sweetie.” Pepper was standing just outside of the elevator when they arrived. Peter stepped out and hugged her tightly, tears bubbling out of his eyes. “I’m so sorry that happened sweetie.” Peter nodded a little and looked up at her. She wiped a few tears away and then they headed towards the living room. He could see his dad sitting on the couch. He looked up at Peter, but didn’t move. He was sure his dad would have normally rushed to comfort him, but his body was still healing and he was still moving slow.
“Oh bambino,” Tony said quietly. Peter sat down on the couch next to his dad, furiously wiping away his tears. “Listen, your mom has been on the phone with your principal and with major news outlets about how wrong that was. And we are not afraid to sue anyone who tries something horrible like that again.” Peter nodded, but Tony noticed how pale his son’s face was. “Kiddo, what’s wrong?” Peter just shook his head. He still felt overwhelmed. This was just the straw that broke the camel’s back.
“I-I can’t do this dad,” Peter said quietly, tears still brimming over his eyes. Tony scooted closer to his son, fighting back a groan as he did. “It’s too much.”
“Peter,” Tony started but Peter just shook his head. He was crying heavily now, tears streaming down his face.
“It’s t-too much d-dad,” Peter said, his hands shaking. He could feel his breath catching in his throat and his chest tightening. “F-five years passed. I-I don’t belong here anymore.”
“Peter that’s not true,” Tony said. It made him feel sick seeing how hurt his son was. He didn’t know that Peter was struggling so much. He glanced over at Pepper who had a sad look on her face as well.
“It is!” Peter shouted. “You got married, you had Morgan. You lived five years that I didn’t. I-I don’t belong in this life anymore.” Peter could feel his breath growing shorter, his vision clouding a little. Tony pulled Peter closer and hugged him, trying to calm him down and comfort him. Peter pulled away shaking his head. “I don’t belong here.” He then got up and ran out of the room. Tony, because of his physical condition but also because of the emotional toll of what just happened, sank lower into the couch.
“How did we not see this?” Tony mumbled as Pepper sat down next to him. “How did we not see how hard he was taking all of this change?”
“Because we were distracted,” Pepper said, rubbing her arm up and down his prosthetic arm. “We were focused on your health.” Tony sighed and rubbed his forehead. It was difficult seeing his son so upset. There had to be a way to fix it or make it better.
“We have to do something Pep,” Tony said. “I can’t…we can’t just let Peter feel like that.” She nodded. “What do we do?”
Peter was in his room later that evening. He had barely left it since he had run out of the living room. The only time he had was to get food and luckily the living room had been empty. He was sure his parents were taking care of Morgan, of the daughter they had while he was gone. He felt so hollow and numb thinking about all of these moments his parents had without him and how he was just supposed to be okay with that.
“Petey?” Peter looked over at the door to see Morgan standing there. She was wearing pajamas and holding Platy. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine Morgan,” Peter said, looking away from the door. He heard padded footsteps against his carpet and he sighed. Morgan pulled herself onto his bed and sat down next to him.
“You didn’t eat dinner with us,” She said. “And mommy and daddy don’t know why. What’s wrong Petey?”
“I’m just tired Morgan,” Peter said. He didn’t want to talk to anyone, especially not Morgan, who he didn’t know how to deal with the presence of. He adored her, but she was a constant reminder of what he missed.
“Will you tell me a bedtime story?” Peter sighed. “Please?”
“Not tonight Morgan,” Peter said. He looked over at her and saw a sad look on her face. “I’m sorry Morgan.”
“Morgan.” They both looked up to see their parents at their door. Peter picked Morgan up, hugging her, as he carried her over to the door. He handed her to Pepper, noticing the sad look still on her face.
“Night Morgan.” She frowned, realizing he wasn’t going to tell her a story. She leaned her head on her mom’s shoulder as Pepper carried her down the hallway. Peter sighed and went back to his bed and sat down.
“Can I come in?” Tony asked. Peter sighed but nodded. Tony walked in slowly before gently lowering himself down to the bed. “We need to talk kiddo.”
“Dad I’m not sure what you can say,” Peter said quietly. Tony looked at his son, sad to see how hurt and upset his son was. He needed to make Peter’s happiness just as much a priority as anything else. He tugged Peter close to him and kissed the side of his head.
“We’re going to figure this out Peter,” Tony said. “This is your family too. You do belong here. I love you more than anything, okay?” Peter tipped his head down, feeling tears fall down his face.
“I just want to go to bed,” Peter whispered. Tony sighed and kissed his head again before slowly pulling himself up. He walked over to the door, feeling like nothing had improved.
“I love you, kiddo.” Peter just looked at him with sad eyes and nodded. Tony fought back a frown and then closed the door. Tony used the cane to help him get down to his room. And then he simply collapsed down on the bed, not sure if he was tired from physical therapy or emotionally drained.
“Tony?” He groaned a little, moving so that he was lying on the bed. Pepper laid down next to him, pulling herself close to him. “It’s okay.”
“There’s got to be something we can do Pep,” Tony said, his head hitting back against the pillow. “Our kid, he’s miserable because of all of this. And I don’t know how to make it better.” Pepper just wrapped her arms around him as Tony closed his eyes, fighting down the overwhelming feeling of pain and sadness. He had to figure out a way to keep Peter from feeling so left out and miserable.
He had to come up with something.
“Dude!” Peter was standing at his locker the next day, trying to ignore the amount of people pointing and him and whispering. It wasn’t like his classmates didn’t know who his dad was, his last name was Stark. But having reporters bombard him at school seemed to change the way they all acted. Peter closed his locker as Ned ran up to him.
“Hi Ned,” Peter said, a quiet exhaustion to his voice. He hadn’t slept much the night before. Every time he tried to sleep, he just thought of how much of an outsider he felt like with his own family.
“Are you okay?” Ned asked, concern on his face. “I barely got to talk to you yesterday.”
“I’m fine,” Peter said. “Principal Morita spoke to me this morning, to assure me that what happened yesterday wouldn’t happen again.”
“And what about your parents?” Ned asked. “What did they say?” Peter’s face paled. “Are you okay?” Peter sighed, feeling his chest tighten a little.
“Can we talk about something else?” Peter asked quietly. Ned nodded as he shut his locker. He barely listened as Ned began rambling about something, still feeling numb and hollow. He didn’t know how to not feel that way, but he felt like he was being swallowed up by it. He sighed to himself and they headed to class, Peter hoping that school could at least distract him from feeling like he didn’t belong in his family.
It took a day and a half before Tony came up with an idea to help Peter. And when he suggested it to Pepper, she loved it. So their plan was set in motion for the weekend. It was still hard, seeing Peter acting so quiet and not spending a lot of time with them. He’d eat dinner with them and then retreat to his room. Morgan asked every night why Peter was acting so weird and Tony didn’t have a good answer. So he just told her that her big brother needed some time and hopefully that was enough.
Tony was sitting on the porch of the cabin, waiting for Peter. He, Pepper, and Morgan had driven back to the cabin that morning, but Peter had stayed at May’s Friday night so he could go be Spider-Man. He was surprised that Peter wanted to put on the suit, but maybe it was his way of feeling like he did belong, by doing some good. The car pulled up and Tony smiled. Peter got out of the car, looking a little sleepy.
“Why’d you make me get here so early?” Peter asked, yawning a little. Tony just chuckled and stood up, using the cane to help himself.
“Big day,” Tony said. “Come on inside.” They went inside and to the living room. Pepper was sitting on the couch reading and Morgan was watching TV.
“Petey!” Morgan said excitedly. She ran over to him. He picked her up, even though he seemed to look a little off when he did.
“Hey Mor,” He said quietly.
“Mommy and daddy have a big surprise today but they wouldn’t tell me until you got here.” Peter looked at his dad, who was leaning on the arm of the couch by where Pepper was sitting. “But you’re here now!”
“What’s going on?” He asked, eyeing them.
“We invited some people over tonight,” Tony said. “We’re doing a vow renewal.” Peter raised his eyebrows in surprise. A vow renewal? Was that like a second wedding?
“I had always promised Maria that she could be at the wedding,” Pepper said with a small smile. “Speaking of Maria, she, Nat, and Wanda should be here soon.” She stood up and walked over to Peter and Morgan. She took the small child out of the wordless teens’ arms and walked out of the room. Tony walked over to Peter.
“Dad,” Peter started. “Are…are you guys doing this for me?” He looked at his dad with teary eyes. Tony just smiled and nodded. And then Peter was hugging him tightly, letting his tears bleed into Tony’s shirt. Tony hugged him back, a sense of relief flooding through him.
“Before I ever realized the kind of family I had,” Tony said, pulling away just slightly to look at his son. “I had you. You belong here because you always have. You are my son, my first-born and the most precious thing in my life. Got it?” Peter nodded and Tony kissed the top of his head. “Now come on, we’ve got a lot to do. Think we can put that super strength of yours to good use?” Peter nodded and pulled away from his dad.
“Dad,” Peter started. “I know I haven’t said this much in the last week, but I love you.” Tony just smiled, feeling like this was the right choice to help Peter.
“Love you too bambino.” Peter smiled and then they headed outside to get things set up.
Tony stood outside, dressed in his tuxedo, admiring the work he and Peter, and eventually Rhodey when he had shown up, had done. There were white chairs set out on the lawn, with an aisle in the middle, leading to a simple white canopy. Peter had suggested hanging up some lights they had for Christmas, but just the white and yellow ones to add to the ambience. As it got darker out, Tony couldn’t help but agree with his son.
“Tony,” He turned and saw Steve approaching. He could see Sam and Bucky walking towards the seats.
“So you came this time,” Tony said, reaching out to shake Steve’s hand.
“Felt more welcomed this time,” Steve said. “I’m glad things are finally okay, you know, between us.” Tony nodded and smiled a little. It had taken some time, but he was glad he and Steve were okay.
“Just as long as you don’t drag me back into battle.”
“Nah, I’m done with that,” Steve said, tucking his hands into his pockets. Tony looked a little surprised by his response. “I made the choice to stay here, not because I wanted to keep fighting, but because I wanted to try living. In a time with my friends and family.” Tony nodded and smirked.
“Well I don’t want the shield back,” Tony said. “Morgan and Peter will just use it as a toy.” Steve chuckled and shook his head.
“I passed it on,” Steve said. “I hope you’ll find him a worthy successor.” He followed Steve’s gaze until he spotted Sam. Sam, as if on cue, turned his head and nodded to the two. “Besides, Bucky will keep him in line.”
“He’ll do good,” Tony said, looking back over at Steve. “They both will.” Steve nodded and smiled. “Thanks again for coming.” Steve shook Tony’s hand again before heading over to his two friends. He then looked around, taking in everyone who was there. Steve, Sam, and Bucky were now chatting with Bruce. Thor and the Guardians, who Tony had contacted through Nebula were all sitting, Rocket chatting loudly. Scott was sitting with Hope Van Dyne, who Tony hadn’t really had a chance to meet, but felt it was only right to invite her because she and Scott had been so helpful during the battle. They had brought Scott’s teenage daughter Cassie, who was chatting with Harley. Tony chuckled to himself, seeing Harley trying to flirt with Cassie, who was just smirking at his attempts. Fury and Carol were standing in the back, keeping an eye on everything. The whole Barton clan was sitting together with Wanda, who had come down from helping Pepper get ready. Lila was happily chatting with Shuri, who was sitting with her brother.
“Dad!” Peter came running up to him, Rhodey and Happy following after him. “Ready?” Tony smiled and patted his shoulder.
“Sure am kiddo,” Tony said. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
Tony stood at the end of the aisle, all his friends sitting and staring at him. Happy was standing next to him, ready to officiate again. Nat and Maria came in and sat down at their seats, Nat giving Tony a nod. Tony looked down at the end of the aisle and smiled, a little tearfully. Peter was holding Morgan’s hand, walking with her. Morgan was throwing flowers from a white basket, a big smile on her face. When they got to the end of the aisle, Tony scooped Morgan up and kissed her cheek.
“Good job,” Tony whispered to both of them. He used his other arm to pull Peter closer, also leaning against him. He wanted his kids to be with him for this moment.
And then Pepper was walking down the aisle.
“Mommy looks so pretty,” Morgan whispered. Tony smiled. He couldn’t help but agree. Pepper looked gorgeous. She reached the end of the aisle and smiled at the three of them.
“This is a nice surprise,” Pepper said, before kissing Morgan’s head.
“Family,” Tony said as Peter took Morgan out of his arms. “That’s what it’s all about.” He looked at his two kids and smiled. Peter beamed back at him, looking happier than Tony could remember. “Alright, go sit so we can do this thing.” Peter nodded and sat down in the front row with Rhodey and May.
“We are all gathered here today,” Happy said, smiling at his two friends. “To watch Tony and Pepper renew their vows. I lucked out this time that I don’t really have to do much.” Everyone there laughed at his comment. “So if you two want to take it away? Tony?”
“Hey Ms. Potts,” Pepper smiled at him, making his stomach twist into wonderful knots. “There are four days in my life that I count as the best days of my life. Obviously, the birth of our kids are two of them. But meeting you, that’s on their too. I was such a pompous jerk back then and you put up with that crap for years.” Pepper laughed lightly. “You stood by me during some of the toughest moments of my life and supported me through everything. I thank every day that you loved me enough to stick around through all of that and I plan on spending the rest of my life showing you how much I love you. It’s always been you Pep.”
“Tony,” Pepper started, a little teary eyed. “You’re right, you were a handful back then.” Tony shrugged and everyone laughed again. “People used to ask when I knew you were becoming a better man. I think a lot of people believed it was when you came back from Afghanistan. But it wasn’t. It was the day Peter was born. The day you became a father, you became a different person. A better person. And I was lucky enough to see that person long before anyone else. And I was even luckier to fall in love with that person. You are an amazing man, a wonderful father, and the only person I want to spend the rest of my life with. You amaze me every day with your wonderful and kind heart and I love you for that.”
Peter smiled watching the two of them. Pepper had been a mother to him his whole life. And after everything they had all been through, he had thought he would never get to see the moment when his parents got married. But there they were, renewing their vows to include him in this big life moment. He smiled happy tears as Morgan pulled herself into his lap. He kissed her on the top of the head, finally feeling grateful for the family he had and not lost that he had missed out on it.
“Well now that everyone in this room has laughed and cried,” Happy said, earning a chuckle from the couple. “How about you two kiss and I call you husband and wife again?”
“Thanks Hap,” Tony said, before capturing Pepper’s lips in a kiss. The whole gathering of people cheered, Peter and Morgan the loudest. Tony pulled away from Pepper and leaned his forehead against hers for a moment before turning to their kids. He nodded his head and Morgan ran over, Peter following after her. Pepper picked Morgan up and Tony wrapped an arm around his son. He looked at his family and smiled, feeling a sort of relaxed happiness. Everything seemed to be looking up.
“White boy you have to tell me the chemical compound!” Peter was sitting at a table with Lila, Shuri, Cassie Lang, and Harley Keener. He had met Harley a few times and liked him well enough. It was just strange to know that both Harley and Cassie had once been younger than him.
“I still can’t believe your dad lets you be a superhero,” Harley said. Peter shrugged as he glanced down at Morgan, who was dozing in and out of sleep on his lap.
“I didn’t give him much of a choice,” Peter said. He looked at Lila and Cassie. “Don’t follow my lead.”
“We also didn’t get bit by a radioactive spider,” Lila pointed out.
“Though it would be kind of cool,” Cassie said with a smirk. “I tried to convince my dad once to let me be his sidekick. He went with Hope instead. Probably a better a choice.” The group laughed at her comment.
“Are we interrupting the children and siblings of superheroes annual meeting?” Scott asked as he approached the table. “Peanut, it’s time to go.”
“Dad!” Cassie said, her cheeks heating up in embarrassment. Scott shrugged and walked away. “Oh my god.”
“Peanut, that’s cute,” Harley said. Cassie was still blushing, but she smile at Harley and he smirked. “I can, uh, walk you out.” Cassie nodded and stood up. “I probably have to go anyways. I think Mr. Hogan is trying to flag me down to give me a ride back into the city.”
“Good seeing you Harley,” Peter said nodding to the older boy. Harley nodded and waved to the group.
“Bye guys,” Cassie said. “And check your phones when you have a chance. I started a group chat.” Then she and Harley walked away.
“I should find my brother,” Shuri said as she stood up. “But I will get that compound out of you.”
“I told you,” Peter said. “I can only be bribed with vibranium web shooters.” Shuri rolled her eyes before smirking and walking away. Peter sighed and leaned back in his chair, glancing down at his sister.
“So how are you really doing?” Lila asked, turning to face Peter. “I know you were having a rough time at the hospital and then things got crazy with Nat coming back and we didn’t really talk about it.” Peter sighed. A week ago, his answer would have been different.
“I’m okay now,” Peter said. “It was hard, adjusting to coming back when the world kept on going for five years. I felt so lost and numb and like I didn’t belong anymore. Like I didn’t even feel like I belonged with my own family. But today, all of this, I realized I was wrong. And I think I’m going to be okay.”
“And if not you can always call me,” Lila said. “Because before Spider-Man had a billion-dollar suit and a suit made from nanotechnology, he had a Lila Barton original.” Peter chuckled and smiled.
“I know,” He said. “Thanks Lila.” He glanced down at Morgan who was definitely asleep. “I should go put my sister to bed.” He stood up, holding Morgan carefully as to not wake her.
“I think my family is leaving anyways,” Lila said. “See you around Stark.”
“Don’t be a stranger Barton.” Lila smiled before heading off to find her family. Peter carried Morgan towards the porch, seeing his parents.
“Well if this isn’t the sweetest thing I’ve seen,” Pepper said with a smile upon seeing the two of them.
“She hasn’t left my side the whole night I think,” Peter said. Tony smiled at the two of them. “I was going to bring her upstairs.”
“She shouldn’t sleep in her dress,” Pepper said, taking Morgan from Peter’s arms. “I can do it.” She then kissed Peter’s head. “Thank you, sweetie.”
“Anytime mom.” Pepper smiled and then went inside with Morgan. Peter moved to stand next to his dad, who was watching as everyone was leaving. Tony sighed and Peter looked at him. “Everything okay dad?” Tony looked over at Peter and nodded.
“Everything is great bambino,” Tony said. He wrapped the arm that wasn’t holding his cane around Peter’s shoulder and pulled his son closer to him. It had been a wonderful day. Tony didn’t know if it was possible to feel any happier than how he felt in that moment.
Peter glanced up at his dad and smiled. Yesterday, he had felt like garbage. But now, now he felt good. He felt like he belonged. Sure, he had missed time. But his dad was doing everything he could to not let that affect him. He hugged his dad, resting his head on his shoulder. Tony kissed the top of his head and Peter smiled.
He finally felt like he was home.