Chapter Text
“What do you mean Peter’s not on the Raft?”
“The only people who have accessed the Raft in the past month are security staff. After analysing CCTV footage of the van that likely took Peter, they weren’t heading for any airport or offshore facilities.” Friday explained, sounding almost regretful.
“Then where were they heading?”
“I cannot confirm, boss, but it looked like upstate. I was unable to track them further.”
“You lost them?!”
“Sir, I have access to almost all CCTV in the world, it will take me around 4.7 hours to scan their data against Peter Parker, Senator Ross and the vehicle they were in.”
“Well, do it!” Tony seethed, rubbing a hand down his face before turning to May. “We’re gonna get him back. I promise.”
May nodded, wiping her tears away and trying to avoid looking at the blood trail that stained the floor.
“Come to the tower with me,” Tony said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder, “you can’t stay here.”
“I can’t- I”
“I’m not going to let you be alone right now, let alone here. I’m gonna get some people to clean the pace up, and we’re gonna’ find Peter, okay?”
May nodded, leaving the flat without any more protest or collecting any belongings.
Tony didn’t mention it, he’d buy her anything and everything she needed. It was the least he could do, after all he was the reason her nephew had been taken.
“What if he’s already dead?” May finally spoke after an eerily silent car journey back to the tower. The only noises that were heard in the car were Mays sniffs as she quietly cried.
Now, they were sitting in Tony’s personal conference room with holograms of information surrounding them.
Tony shook his head. “He’s not dead. You can’t think like that.”
“They shot him, Tony! M-my boy!”
“I know, May, but he’s strong... Do you remember where it hit him?”
“S-shoulder.”
Tony nodded, feeling some slight relief. “He’ll be just fine.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“You think I get all these grey hairs from age?” Tony joked lightly.
May blinked, confused.
“I hate to break it to you, but your kid is bullet prone. Sometimes he doesn’t even mention he’s been hurt until he’s passing out in my lab. I’m gonna have to start investing in hair dye because of your nephew. I promise he’ll be fine.”
“He’s been shot before? And you didn’t tell me?”
Tony held up his hands in a silent apology. “I didn’t see the need to worry you, he’s always okay by the next day with the right medical help. I promise if he ever wasn’t I’d tell you.”
“Is there anything else I don’t know about?”
The billionaire hummed in thought, leaning back on the desk. “He’s a certifiable genius.”
“I said things I don’t know.”
Tony laughed. “Trust me, not even I know the extent of it. He just gets things. Math problems I’m stuck on for days he solves in ten minutes, that stuff he uses to swing around the city? Has the strongest tensile force I’ve ever seen in a liquid and he made it from scraps in a chemistry lab.”
May smiled, looking deep in thought. “He’s really something.”
“He is.”
“I need him back, Tony.” His aunt whispered after a pregnant pause.
“I’ll get him back. I promise I won’t stop until we find him.”
Ironically, that’s when Friday came in with the bad news. “Sir, I've been unable to find any matches.”
“Friday you said it yourself, you can see almost the whole world! They can’t just be gone!”
“I’m sorry sir.”
“Where can’t Friday see?” May asked, looking at the surveillance map.
“Sorry?”
“Have you ever seen Sherlock?”
“May, if this is some pop culture thing I’m gonna have a fit.”
“The science of deduction, Tony. Think about it. When you’ve eliminated the impossible, whatever’s left, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”
Tony frowned, moving to get a better view of what she was looking at.
“If They aren’t on the cameras, they have to be somewhere your computer can’t reach. What cameras can’t Friday hack into?”
“Top secret bases mostly, that and presidential buildings. There’s areas all over the country... He won’t have taken him anywhere the President would come sniffing so that’s them out, which leaves the bases.”
“How are we meant to find him in a top secret base?”
Tony swallowed. “We’re going to assemble the team.”
Tony could count the amount of times he’d considered calling Steve on one hand. Since Siberia, communication between the two had been non-existent and although something in his chest felt unsettled by the fact, he couldn’t bring himself to change it.
Every time he thought of Steve, the feeling of betrayal was never far behind. Of a lost ally. A friend. And unfortunately for the team, Tony’s pride was too great to try and reconcile.
But now, there was something more important than his pride on the line.
He hated how relieved he felt when Steve told him he’d have Sam, Natasha and himself begin scouting the bases in the morning.
May could tell he felt conflicted. The whole world had heard what happened to the Avengers so he guessed she was right to worry.
“Thank you for doing this.”
Tony nodded solemnly. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for Peter.”
“I know… He knows too.”
Somehow that made the situation more bearable.
It had now been two days without Peter and night was closing in whilst Tony and May sat waiting for a report back from the team.
“I’m sorry, Tony. They’re not here.” Cap’s voice came as they travelled back from the last base.
“What do you mean they’re not there?!”
“We’ve gone through twelve bases in a day and found nothing. Not even hints that Ross and Peter have been to any.”
“How do we even know they’ll be in one of the bases?”
“It’s the only place he could go - legally anyways. Not that kidnapping a minor is legal, but, there we go.”
“Why don’t we try-“
“Boss, you have an incoming call from Senator Ross.”
“Track the call and put him through.”
“Senator.” Tony ground out as neutrally as he could muster.
“Tony! Glad I could catch you, how are things?”
“Just peachy.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I’m very well myself too, thanks for asking. I’ve recently managed to sort out this insect problem that’s been bugging me for a while - pardon the pun. I’ve never had much of a liking for spiders, have you?”
“What do you want, Ross?” Tony bit back, losing the battle to keep his emotions in check.
“I need you to pay me a visit tomorrow afternoon, shall we say four o’clock, to discuss a rather important matter.”
“What matter?”
“It needs to be discussed in person, Tony. Have a little patience.”
“Where is he?” Tony suddenly demanded, slamming a fist on the table. He knew this call was just a taunt, and he’d hate himself if he didn’t at least try to get something from Ross.
“Where’s who?”
“Don’t play dumb with me! I swear to god if you harm a hair on his head you’ll regret it.”
“I assure you, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ll send you the address midday tomorrow.”
The call died, along with most of Tony’s hope.
“Friday, could you track the call?”
“No, boss.”
“Figures.” Tony muttered despondently.
“Tony, the likelihood is Peter will be with him tomorrow or at least in the same facility. Once he sends you the location we’ll figure out a plan to get him back, okay?” Steve explained over the comms.
“And what if you’re wrong and Peter’s not there? What then?”
“Then we regroup and make another plan together.”
The billionaire huffed. “Together. I’ve heard that before.”
“I’m sorry, Tony. I know you’re in a difficult situation right now, but I promise I’ll do all I can to help and after we get your son back, we can have a real talk.”
“He’s not my… yeah, maybe a talk is needed.”
“You’ll have him back by tomorrow. Hang tight.”
At 2pm, the location was received.
At 3pm, Steve’s plan was set.
By 4pm, Tony was a shaking mess.
Too much depended on this going smoothly. There was security around almost every corner, not enough to pose a challenge to the Rogues, but enough to put Peter at risk if Tony lost his cool in front of Ross.
Who knows what would happen to the kid if he stepped out of line, what orders they could have if things went south.
No, he couldn’t risk anything until he got the all clear that Peter was safe.
Tony wasn’t sure what he was going to be greeted by when he stepped through the door to Ross’s office, but what he found made his heart sink and his blood boil.
Ross was sitting, smug and relaxed in his chair, elbows resting on the arm rests with his fingers interlocked under his chin looking like some half whit villain.
But it wasn’t that that Tony could pull his eyes from. It was the boy, sitting chained in the corner of the room like a dog, muzzle over his mouth and eyes closed.
“Peter!”
Peter’s head shot up, seeing Tony and immediately trying to reach for him, but he fell back from the chains on his wrists, eliciting a muffled yelp.
The billionaire held a hand out, trying to calm him. “It’s okay, Pete, I’m here, you’re okay.”
“Not a step closer, Stark. It’s just there for decoration.”
“ It ?” Tony seethed, glaring daggers at Ross.
“The mutant.”
Tony's jaw dropped, resentment building so quickly he almost activated the gauntlet from his watch before remembering the objective.
He couldn’t risk Peter getting hurt.
Scanning the kid quickly he was relieved to see he didn’t seem injured. His hair was all over the place and his skin was pale but he couldn’t see any laceration, only-
“What the fuck is that around his neck?”
“Just some preventative measures so he can’t be a threat.” Ross explained coolly.
Tony saw red, moving toward the senator. “A threat?! He’s a child! I swear to god Ross-“
“Sit, Stark. Or I’ll give you a lovely demonstration on how it’s collar works.”
“You sick fucking asshole.” Tony spat.
“I’d be careful how you address me.”
“Hold him off for five minutes.” Steve’s voice came through the comms unit planted in his ear.
Tony allowed himself to breathe for a second and regain the last of his composure. They knew Peter was here with him.
“Why have you brought me here, Ross?” He asked as calmly as he could, crossing his arms.
“You lost me something. Now it’s time you give them back.”
“Quit with the fucking riddles. Tell me what you want.”
Ross smiled, reaching for something on his desk.
Before Tony could even ask what he was doing a pained gasp came from Peter who started convulsing on the floor from his shock collar.
“Stop! What the hell are you doing?!”
“I told you to watch your tone.”
“Jesus- fuck I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Just stop it!”
Ross’ grin only widened when he finally took his thumb off the remote.
Tony was breathing heavily, eyes wide at Peter who was groaning on the floor, curling himself into a small ball.
“Where were we?”
Tony bit his cheek until he tasted iron to stop himself from lashing out at the man in front. He wanted to. God he wanted nothing more than to rip his throat out, but that would put Peter at risk. There was a plan and they needed to stick to it.
“I know you let the Rogues escape. I also know you’re the one that can get them back.” Ross continued, leaning back in his chair.
“I can’t. I don’t know where they are.”
“Don’t lie to me, Tony. You know what the punishment for lying is.” He said cunningly, sparing a glance at Peter.
“I haven’t seen or heard from them since Siberia.”
“Wrong answer.” Ross cut in, raising a finger to the remote.
“I'm not lying! Why would I lie?”
“Because in reality, you don’t care about the mutant.”
“If that were true, I wouldn’t be here.”
Ross shrugged, looking all too much like he was enjoying himself. “Perhaps… So tell me, why do you keep him around? A party trick? Free labour? A little toy?”
Tony slammed his hands on the table, jumping up. “Don’t talk about him like that.”
“Tell me where the Rogues are.”
“I don’t know!”
“Wrong answer.”
Peter seized again with a cry of pain, shaking uncontrollably as electricity coursed through him.
“Stop it! You’ll kill him!”
“Where. Are. the Rogues.”
“They’re here!”
That got the senators attention, finally putting an end to Peter’s torture.
“What?”
Just on cue, the door behind Tony was kicked in and Steve’s cold voice filtered through the room “We’re right here, asshole.”
Before Tony even had a chance to turn around, a whir of red and blue shot past, hitting Ross in the chest and sending him into the wall behind.
The sound of vibranium slicing through the air followed and the shield snapped back to Rodgers.
Tony didn’t waste any time, hurdling over the desk and crushing the remote lying next to Ross with his foot.
Rage coursed through his veins as he grabbed Ross by his collar, lifting him slightly off the ground before planting a hard fist in his face. “You. Took my kid.” Another punch, snapping his head to the other side. “You hurt him.” Another. “You hurt my kid .” Another. “ You hurt my kid !”
“Tony!”
Blinking, he stopped his onslaught, staring down at Ross’ bloody face and his abraded knuckles, feeling a sick satisfaction.
“Tony.” Steve repeated.
He turned, finding the soldier kneeling by Peter and his stomach dropped.
Stumbling to his feet he ran towards the boy, collapsing to his knees once he reached him.
Peter was lying unconscious on the floor, breath ragged as if filtered through the muzzle.
“It needs keys.” Cap explained, pointing at the lock on the contraption.
Tony moved quickly back to Ross who was out cold on the floor, going through his pockets but coming up empty.
Thinking fast, he went to the drawer that the Senator had kept the remote in and sure enough he found a set of keys.
He watched as the muzzle fell from Peter’s face, leaving behind bruises and red lines from how tightly it had been attached.
Gently, Tony cupped his kids face in his hands as Steve unlocked his cuffs. “We’ve got you Peter. You’re okay.”
Peter whimpered, moving towards Tony instinctively as he slowly regained consciousness.
“Steve, get that thing off his neck.” The billionaire growled.
“Hold him still.”
Tony nodded, keeping the boy's head in his hands. “Keep still, kiddo.”
Steve tore it off in one sudden movement, making Peter jump.
“Peter! Hey, you’re okay. You’re safe, I’ve got you kid. I’ve got you.” He whispered, carding a hand through his hair in a familiar motion.
“Msr S’rk?”
“Yeah, Pete. Told you I’d always find you, didn’t I?”
Peter smiled tiredly. “Home?”
“That’s right, baby. I’m gonna take you home.” Tony murmured, trying not to look at the ring of irritated burnt skin around his neck. He wondered how many times Ross had used that on him before Tony rescued him. He assumed enough to make him compliant and that alone scared him. Peter never had been one to take orders, so to find him sitting quietly in the corner of a room making no fuss terrified him.
“Hurts.” Peter whispered, confirming Tony’s fears.
“I’m sorry, bud. I'm gonna get you help as soon as I can, okay? I'm gonna pick you up now.”
Peter nodded, curling himself into Tony once he lifted him from the ground.
Usually he’d give the kid an option if he wanted to try walking but Tony couldn’t bring himself to let the kid go after being without him for so long.
“How you doing, kiddo?” He murmured into the teens curls as he carried him as gently as he could towards the quinjet.
“Throat hurts. ‘M hungry.”
“What do you fancy? I’ll get you anything you want.”
“Want mac’n’cheese an’ pizza.”
“Together?” Tony gasped dramatically, getting a small laugh from Peter.
“Bes’ pizza toppin’.”
“Better than pineapple?”
“Mac ‘n pineapple.”
“Okay, kiddo. I’ll get you Mac ‘n pineapple. How about you get some sleep whilst we head home?”
“Don’ wanna.” He protested even though his eyelids drooped.
“You need to, baby. You’re tired and you know it helps your healing.”
Peter shook his head, burying his face into Tony’s shirt.
“You’re safe now, kid. I’ve got you, I won’t let anyone hurt you. Never again, okay? You can rest now.”
Peter looked up to Tony with so much love and gratitude it made the older man stutter, watching as the kid finally succumbed to sleep.
Dropping his head, he placed a kiss into his curls, holding him a bit tighter. “I love you, Pete.”
May was waiting for them when the quinjet landed and Tony appeared carrying Peter.
He stepped back to allow the two some privacy as they shared tears, holding each other so tightly it made Peter wince.
May instantly moved away, looking in horror.“Your shoulder, Peter! God I’m so sorry, is it sore?”
Peter gave a one-sided shrug. “It’s fine as long as I don’t move it too much.”
“It’s not fixed itself?” Tony asked with concerned surprise.
“Oh it has! It’s just uh - fixed itself around the bullet?”
“It’s still in you?! And you didn’t think to mention this before?” Tony exclaimed, gaping at the teen.
“It didn’t hurt much before.”
“See what I mean about the grey hairs? Come on. Medbay right now.”
Before Peter could protest, he picked him back up so his legs dangled either side of his hip like an overgrown toddler. “Mr Stark, I can walk!”
“I don’t wanna hear it Pete.”
“Do I still get Mac ‘n pineapple?” He asked quietly.
Tony sighed. “Of course you do, kiddo. Just need to get you fixed up first, okay?”
“Wait, what are you feeding our kid?” May asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Nothing!” The two quickly replied, grinning at each other.
Tony smiled, pressing a kiss into the kid’s temple before they reached the medbay. “Good to have you back, Pete.”