Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Peter felt restless. Like 10x as much as his normal restlessness. Peter was always moving, tapping his hand, his foot, shifting his weight as he stands. Today though he was itchy and antsy. To the point, embarrassingly, a couple of people asked if he needed to use the bathroom. The whole day at school he could hardly concentrate and he was eternally grateful Flash hadn't been there to add to his stress.

Peter watched the hands of the clock move like molasses in winter time as he waited to finally be free. He even debated texting Happy to not pick him up and opt. for swinging to the compound. He knew it was too risky though especially as distracted as he was.

When the last bell rang Peter bolted out of the room faster than he probably should have practically barrelling into the backseat of the SUV. Happy put up the divider without so much of a "Hi there kid" in fear of the rambling storm that was sure to be unleashed if he spoke a word. Happy had learned to recognize when Peter was that level of antsy.

The whole two hour drive Peter was bouncing itching to be in his bedroom. Already imaging the feel of the bars Mr. Stark had put in just for him to climb on under his grip. His wrists were hot at the thought of finally being able to use his real webshooters.

He still used his mechanical ones on patrol even though he had started developing his own organic ones 3 weeks ago. He only used his own when practicing rather than crime fighting. Bruce and Cho had agreed it would be best for his health to use them on the daily but, they wouldn't develop their full strength for a long while. They both said it could take 3 to 4 weeks for them to be strong enough to support his weight and possibly longer for him to gain complete control. Something he really wanted to test out in the comfort and privacy of his own room.

It was the only place he truly felt safe to just fully be himself without having to worry about judgment. He knew that May still found some of his behaviors unsettling and his room at her place honestly just didn't have the space to allow for some of his activities. He loved his room in Queen's, it would always be home, but the compound was somehow also home in a different and equally strong way and it was what he needed most right now.

It had pained him to not be able to be at his home there for the last week and a half while the Avengers settled in after their recent pardoning. He knew things were still tense. He was anxious about their reaction to him but it was completely overshadowed by his need to just be free of trying to meet everyone's expectations of him. He was tired of trying to fit in and make other people comfortable all the time.

He needed time to just let loose and relax. He could deal with everyone's reactions later. Mr. Stark had already promised him the night to himself after a long and stressful week. He could spend Saturday in the lab with Tony while the Avengers would get the whole debrief on who was under the spiderman mask, the guy they were to share their residence with. Then later that afternoon he'd meet the team. It might be awkward and, Peter was definitely worried about what they'd think of him but, he also knew Mr. Stark wouldn't allow them to make him feel uncomfortable in his own home. He also knew he could also always have his glorious room that none of the other avengers could get to all to himself.

The car hadn't even fully stopped before Peter launched out the door with a "Bye Happy! Thanks!" and a wave. He bounded up the steps and rushed in not even realizing the figure he brushed past in his hurry was one Clint Barton.

The stunned spy watched as the kid raced past him inhumanely fast with Stark's AI's greeting calling after him. Sam almost didn't believe him later when he told him a kid named Peter bounded into the compound like it was black friday and they were a super store with flat screens. Clint really hoped that wasn't the mystery spider addition to their humble abode. Sam reasoned that it was probably just a late intern or something. There was no way that a kid that young could have given him such a hard time in Germany. There was no way. Spiderman had to be at least 20.

Natasha on the other hand was very suspicious and angry when Clint told her of the encounter. She knew better than most what children are capable of and the thought of Stark using a child in a war sickens her. Stark better not have brought a kid into this fight.

Peter sucked in a deep breath when he entered his room and flung his school bag down on the ground. He quickly launched himself across the room onto a nearby beam. He breathed a sigh of relief of no longer having to keep everything pent up as he swung from one beam and platform to another. Mr. Stark had been very thoughtful in his design of Peter's room and turned the thing into an arachnid paradise.

The deep navy walls of his room were covered in platforms, a mixture of curved beams that branched and criss-crossed overhead, and smaller rooms; little nooks that he could climb into that had their own heating and cooling. The small little spaces even had their own sound proofing and lights for Peter to adjust as he pleased.

His 3 story high ceiling had the night sky painted on it that he could enjoy from the branch-like rafters that were as wide as a twin size bed near the top. Peter often fell asleep up there even though his real bed was in one of the lowest nooks. His floor had a mini fridge and cabinet to keep his snacks in and a couch and entertainment center. It also had shelves to display his legos and store other belongings. Peter also had his own ensuite and walk-in closet. It really was the perfect room.

After an hour of swinging about and spinning webs Peter finally felt calm again. Ever since his spinnerets started developing his urges to climb and spin webs tripled. It was like an itch he had to scratch. Peter finally feeling relief for the first time in days flipped off one of the second story platforms and flopped on the couch with a smile. He pushed all the thoughts of the Avengers and what was to come to the back of his mind. He reached over to the mini fridge and grabbed a powerade and one of his specially designed granolas from his cabinet. Then he settled down to watch tv allowing himself an escape for his mind.

After a few mind numbing episodes and 3 bags of doritos Peter clicked off the TV allowing his mind to wonder. What would the Avengers think of his spider-like quirks? Peter was already prepared for them to be upset with his age and Mr. Stark for bringing him in but he really didn't know how they would handle him.

He already knew Peter Parker isn't the most exciting person outside his mask. Also, his talking was less quips and more hopeless rambles. But, he'd gotten better around Mr. Stark so hopefully if he didn't embarrass himself too much, or worse Mr. Stark did, he could get used to them and they could grow to like him. He was really good in the lab and he was helping with upgrading and maintaining their gear so, surely they like him for that.

They could eventually see him as capable, he just had to prove himself. He could do that. Even as bad as he messed up with the Vulture and the Fiery he'd still had taken him down and saved not only Liz's dad but, all the dangerous Stark tech. No, for once proving himself wasn't his worry. He already proved himself to Mr. Stark and Mr. Stark had already shown with his amazing bedroom that he not only supported but, in a way understood somewhat his weird spideryness.

At first Peter really thought he only liked him for that but, now he knew better. He'd been there for him helping him through his panic attacks, nightmares, sensory overloads, and new powers. He let him cry and held him when he needed it but didn't want to be a bother. Now it felt like he could tell Mr. Stark things he could never tell May and could actually be honest especially, with his spider powers. He didn't need to impress him or hide. He didn't make him feel like a freak.

That's what really plagued his mind right now. Everyone in the media was always wary of enhanced people and even scared of them especially with the whole "inhuman outbreak". And yeah he knew the Avengers weren't like that and maybe it was all the stuff in the news getting to him but, he really did feel like a freak sometimes. He loved being Spiderman and his powers but, sometimes he couldn't help but be self conscious about his spider weirdness. It wasn't like there was anyone else going through this. It was just his weirdness. The Avengers may be mostly enhanced but Steve and Wanda choose to be and none of them were part anything other than human. He was part creepy arachnid. Even he can admit that spiders can be a bit creepy! He knows he has creeped out or scared just about everyone including Mr.Stark at one time or another with his spider-like behavior. It only took walking on walls or the ceiling to creep people out and that was one of his first powers!

The worst part was that he knows he's not done. Dr.Banner and Dr.Cho both said he would continue his mutation until he fully matured. He had years to become more freaky weird! It felt like everyday he could feel it happening more and more. He would never tell Mr.Stark this but, sometimes he'd get nightmares that he would grow creepy spider legs or eyes and that just freaked him the hell out. He knew that wasn't going to actually happen but, still eesh!

He was still human and he went to see his doctors monthly to see how his mutations were coming along. They had even been able to map out predicted changes to give him a heads up but, the idea of the Avengers witnessing him have his weird spider puberty was enough to make him feel anxious and awkward. He really couldn't handle it if his heros thought he was a freak.

Peter paced the walls and jumped about the platforms as he thought of each of the Avengers reactions to him. He was so glad he wouldn't have to be in the room when they read his file. His face felt hot just thinking about them reviewing his medical records. It's not like his whole record, just the mission relevant stuff like, the list of restricted things that might become hazardous to him or the change in his blood that was causing him to slowly lose his ability to thermoregulate, but it was still cringey.

Peter ran his hands down his face and groaned thinking about the behavioral part of his chart, they had given him a copy of what would be given to the Avengers. Oh God! What would they think about his weird tendencies and urges! That thought alone was almost as bad as sitting through Captain America's sex ed PSA. He honestly doesn't know if he could handle it if one of them teased him about feeling the need to walk on the ceiling or his occasional late night confusion with gravity. He had already almost caused just about everyone a heart attack at some point by walking in the kitchen half wake upside down.

Peter started flipping and climbing quickly and haphazardly though his room as his thoughts spiraled out of control. He could see their disgust with him. Their murderous gazes wanting to get rid of the mutant. No. no. They wouldn't hate him like that! But, they may not want him on missions or to live with them. Man it would be so awkward if they really didn't want him here especially, since the Avengers were under Temporary house arrest.

What was he doing? What was he going to do? They were going to read his file and see the freak they had to deal with! Peter ripped off his shirt suddenly feeling too hot. He realized as he tossed his clothes into the hamper he needed to get a hold of himself and cool down before Karen decided to rat him out to Friday. He took a deep breath and made his way over to one of his nooks. He opened the little door and crawled inside.

This one was one he almost always kept cool because it was long enough for him to lay down completely and stretch out. He immediately did just that, letting the icy currents hit his wet skin. He focused on the chill taking deep breaths till he calmed down. Mr. Stark would talk to them and in time he could get them to like him. He hoped he could get them to like him enough they wouldn't even care if he was weird. Peter made the resolution to do just that. He would just have to keep his weirdest quirks under control like he did at school when he was with them until then. He could do that.

Right as it started to get too cold Peter made his way down to shower with new calm from his plan. As he made the last leap to the hard woods Karen called out, "It is currently 6 o'clock Peter. I'm to remind you that you have dinner with Tony, Rhodey, Happy, and Miss Potts in an hour."

"Yeah thank you Karen I'm just going to take a quick shower and change." Peter called up to his AI friend. It was nice and sometimes a bit weird to have her always there like he was never truly alone.

Everyone at the dinner table tried to put Peter at ease but it did little to comfort him. They couldn't really understand why he was so nervous. Or how awkward he felt about the whole thing. Sure Tony knew what it was like to have people you didn't know have a bunch of information about you and your private life but, this was different. He was human fully. Peter was a one of a kind mutant. He was a freak that a lot of people would be interested in dissecting or completely disgusted by. Thought of how the Avengers might reject him plagued his thought that night as he got a very restless sleep atop the rafters.

Peter awoke the next day groggily, rubbing his eyes in the dim light of his room.

"Hey Karen what time is it?"

The sweet AI answered back "It's 1 o'clock in the afternoon Peter. I felt it was best not wake you since you did not sleep well and Mr. Stark agreed."

Peter groaned at his AI even though he was glad he got to sleep in and not stress for a few more wakeful hours. He was still irritated though at his AI's need to over ride him for his health. Everyone was always conspiring to be over protective mother hens over him.

"Tell Mr. Stark I'm up and even though I'm grateful for the sleep I'm not happy about him conspiring with my AI. Tell him there will be recompense!" He said wagging a finger at the ceiling "Probably next time Pepper goes out of town." He smirked.

He could just see Mr.Stark's face. He was playing dirty. Peter used one sticky hand to lower him from the cushions and nest of blankets onto the lower beams. He found out the hard way that he is extra clumsy in the morning which is not good when you're 3 stories up with metal beams and platforms between you and the floor. He moved slowly, lowering himself by at least one sticky appendage rather than his normal jumps and flips. As he made his way down he asked Karen to patched Mr.Stark through.

"Really Pete? Low blow. This is the thanks I get for allowing my protege a little extra shut eye. Next time I have you down here bright and early making motor oil smoothies with Dum-E and working on the most tedious of codes for government security computers. See how hours of making sure no one knows the state secretary likes to play flappy bird during meetings makes you feel about a few hours of much needed shut eye."

"I'll just make it so any hackers are locked on the ten hour version of the Bee Movie on all their devices set to full volume. That should scare anyone away from classified secrets."

Peter and Stark laughed.

"Thanks for the extra sleep. I really did need it. It was hard to fall asleep last night knowing all the Avengers are going to get my life story and then I'm going to have to meet them later. I'd be excited if I wasn't so nervous."

"You'll be fine underoos. And hey it's going to be pretty interesting. The gang has made bets on who you are and whether or not all your powers come from the suit."

Peter couldn't help but let a huge grin cross his face as he made his way to the kitchen to make brunch. "Oh this should be fun. What are the bets right now?"

"I'll text them to you. Fury has banned me from showing you the meeting officially but, unofficially you have to wait a week to view it so, it doesn't affect team building."

(Fury is well aware that the unofficial son of Tony Stark would be too curious and too smart to never look at the footage.)

"Ok" Peter says, because honestly maybe he doesn't want to know what they thought of him before he had a chance to change their perception of him. It would just get in his head.

"We can watch it for movie night next week. I can even put together a greatest hits for you to cherish for years to come."

"Thanks Mr. Stark."

"Tony, kid. You are practically mine so, you can stop that Mr. Stark nonsense."

"Practically is not enough to keep me from calling you Mr. Stark sir."

"What? I got to adopt you?"

Peter could hear a slight waver at the joke. His heart ached in hope he was somewhat hinting he was considering it. Peter tried to shush the small voice asking why the great Tony Stark would want puny Peter Parker.

"Only if you want to get upgraded to Dad. I'm afraid Tony isn't on the table. Although you would also have to commit to dad jokes. That's just how the world works." Peter's voice wavered and cracked slightly but he was glad he didn't stutter for once. There was a beat of silence over the line where Peter looked hopefully up at the ceiling with bated breath. The distance made it a lot easier to have the heart to heart.

"Dad jokes. You're really not trying to sell me on this whole adoption thing are you. Good thing your aunt is a better sales woman."

Peter's heart stops for a moment and his stomach flutters. Did he really just hear that right? He stared up dumbstruck.

"Of course I was going to propose it. She just beat me to it. Said she already had a feeling although I still have my suspicions Pepper said something to the woman." Mr. Stark said as casually as discussing a movie not a life altering decision. "She is probably going to kill me for doing this over the phone. But, you know I'm no good at the heart to hearts." He sighed.

Peter laughed a few tears spilling down his cheeks.

"No, you just wanted to get out of a bone crushing hug." He sniffled "but you're not getting out of it that easy!"

Peter rushed out of the room leaving his half eaten waffles on the counter already getting cold. The elevator was already opened before Peter got to it and he sniffled a murmured Thanks to Friday.

"Your welcome Peter. Congratulations."

Peter laughed. He could hear the AI smiling. More happy tears threatened to choke him as his own AI came through "Congratulations Peter. It looks like we really are family." Peter's face hurt smiling.

"Yes welcome to the family." Friday called.

"Thanks guys but, you know you were already my family." Peter said as he ran off the elevator into the awaiting arms of an equally tearful Tony Stark. The AI's sang sweet "we know" after him. The father and son duo rocked back and forth crying and laughing. They breathed each other in. Tony smelled like motor oil and his imported coffee and Peter smelled faintly of lab chemicals and his apple shampoo.

Tony kissed the top of Peter's head and stroked his hair. Peter was holding him in a slightly painful hug but he didn't care. He was his. He wanted him. He was going to be a dad. He is a dad. He is a dad to the most brilliant, most awesome kind kid in the world. The best. He was never letting him go.

"Pepper really is going to kill you." Peter murmured into Tony's shoulder.

"Y-yeah she really is." he chuckled.

The two broke apart to the sounds of Dum-E, U, and Butterfingers waving noise makers and beeping in celebration. Peter smiled and hugged them. Tony smiled at the three welcoming their new brother.

"I guess you guys are my bro-bots now." Peter said earning him happy whirring. Tony laughed and ruffled the kid's- his kid's hair.

Chapter Text

"Meet Peter Parker aka Spiderman" Fury said tossing a stack of folders down on the conference room table. All the Avengers returning to the compound were present. Thor was in New Asgard, Vision and Wanda were in an UN approved temporary safe house in Europe while the team readjusts, helping create a more smooth transition, and Lang was on house arrest while waiting on a UN hearing to determine Avenger eligibility. The rogues each grabbed a folder and started flipping through as Fury brought up a hologram display of Peter.

"Age 16. Soon to be 17 and before any of you say anything yes that means he was 15 when you fought him in Germany." Fury gave Steve a hard look. The Captain's mouth opened and closed with no sound. Sam swore under his breath shaking his head looking at the folder.

"But, don't let the boy's age fool you. He is stronger than a super soldier and his reflexes and pre-cognition give him more than the advantage despite his lack of training. Something I would like Rogers and Romonov to oversee. He'll be quite the challenge for you Romonov and the perfect pupil. I need you, Steve to spar with him as well so, he won't have to hold back as much of his strength." Fury said.

Natasha smirked while Rogers looked conflicted.

Fury continued"The boy has a whole host of mutations stemming from one hell of a field trip." Everyone raised their brows. Fury smirked at getting their full attention. "During a field trip to Oscorp when the boy was 14 a radioactive Spider got loose from one of the research labs and bit Peter Parker. After 4 days of sickness it gave him super powers. He used to believe that was where the changes ended but, as it turns out since the boy is still developing so are his powers."

"Wait so, we got to deal with a weird spider puberty on top of a whinny angsty teenager" Sam cut in throwing his hands out.

Agent Hill jumped in on Peter's behalf, "Peter is not your typical teenager. He is one of the most polite teens you will ever meet and quite possibly the most wholeheartedly kind. He has his moments like all teenagers do but, I think you'll find he has a certain knack for making people care for him plus if anything the boy has a problem with not whining. He could have a bullet hole in his torso and will keep going without saying a word." She stated full heartedly.

Sam didn't look convinced but the rest were shocked by the level of kind words from the hard seasoned agent. Fury gave a nod of approval to Hill and carried on.

"We are lucky these powers happened to be given to him. I can't think of anyone more equipped to use them for good and his age gives him time to hone his skills and his power. He is quite the asset. And a valuable member of the team although currently he is the first of the new title Junior Avenger. He is now a part of a program that Stark has been dreaming up for quite some time, Past the Torch. From now on any individual with potential will be brought in and given the option to become a Junior Avenger and be trained to one day take your place as earth's protectors." Fury took a moment to let in sink in studying everyone.

"What all does a position as a Junior Avenger entail?" Steve asked, looking hopeful.
Hill answered, "We are still working out all the details and Peter is kind of our unofficial trial run. We will be meeting to discuss the particulars next month after you all get settled. Until then It means training Peter. Take him under your wing. Get to know him. Stark will have final say on what missions he will be joining you on as well as his training schedule. Until then treat him like a normal Avenger and any individual you meet that you think may one day be Avengers material invite to the compound and alert me immediately."

"Why does Stark have final say on what missions Peter can join?" Natasha asked suspicion in her eyes.

"The boy is Starks in all but, blood. Once you see them together you'll understand what I mean. It's hard to believe he's not Stark's biological child. I even had a DNA test run just in case." Fury said.

Natasha raised a brow and gave a smile at someone getting to Stark's soft side. The others jaws dropped and eyebrows knit. They never did see how soft he was under all that armor. Natasha is just glad this was Stark taking in an enhanced and not just handing some nerdy teenager a super suit. It would have put a damper on relationships if she had to beat sense into Stark.

"Stark is responsible for all things Peter. If you have questions or problems you go through him. If you manage to start another Civil War I will throw every last one of you in the raft myself. Now, I'm going to hit the high lights and let you all read the rest on your own time." Fury swiped up a list of Peter's mutations on a holo table. "First up strengths and weaknesses. Peter has super strength coupled with a metabolism that's about one and a half times Caps. That means he also has his own set of medications in all of the medkits. He does have an accelerated healing factor the details and extent of which are in your folders. He also has enhanced senses, much stronger than Roger's. Not quite as strong as Daredevil's. They are both a strength and a weakness. The boy is prone to sensory overload and it can both look and cause panic attacks."

The group cringed and new sympathy took over Sam's face. Even Natasha let herself show some sympathy on her face.

"Stark has made the boy special headphones and glasses to help and pairs are spread around The Tower and Compound. If you see him holding his ears and squeezing his eyes shut hand them to him. Do not touch him or speak above a whisper. I know your first instinct will be to try to comfort him but, any stimuli is only going to hurt him. Once he has his equipment if he is still struggling you can place his hand on your chest and guide him in breathing if he is having a panic attack. If not, offer him some of his headache medication and let him nap. He will be tired afterwards. Now in battle or on mission this shouldn't be a problem because his suit filters the input for him to help him concentrate unless of course there is a powerful enough frequency or light to over power the suit. His ears and eyes are also more prone to damage although with his healing factor the damage is short lived. Most of Peter's sensory problems happen outside the suit." Fury brought up a small clip of spiderman dodging a car flying at him from behind.

"Now, one of Peter's biggest advantages is what is known as his "spidey-sense", his previously mentioned pre-cognitive ability to detect danger. It allows him to dodge attacks he doesn't even see coming. Now this ability although one of his first is still developing. It is possible that In the future he will be able to track people based on this sense alone. He has potential to be a great recognizance agent. "

Fury sent Natasha a meaningful look. She answered with a small smile. Maybe she could make a better spider, one that prevents red rather than add them to the ledgers. Fury continued, "Right now though he can only tell if a person is dangerous when in an estimated 10 foot radius and tell if someone is watching him from 30 yards away. This sense is one of the reasons you're being allowed back after your shit show with the accords." Fury said giving them a hard look and pointing his accusatory finger at them as he addressed them.

"Peter will know if you try to betray each other. It may not be as strong but, he can also sense to some extent danger towards those around him. He is my extra set of eyes on you. Don't screw up. And if the kid says something's up, trust that shit is about to go down. As a general rule of thumb if the spider-kid looks ready to fight so should you. His senses are highly accurate. He can dodge multiple targets without needing to see them and can tell when bigger disasters are about to happen in the city." He said straightening back up and sighing.

"Unfortunately it's not an exact science, just instinctual feelings that happen minutes or seconds in advance. He can't give you much warning. Although he may know something is about to happen he doesn't know what. He can give a direction and level of severity. Beyond that he can't predict what's going to happen. Now I'm going to let Banner here go over the mutations the kid's developing and predicted to develop." Fury guested to the doctor and stepped to the side as Bruce nervously came up to the hologram and swiped up a few graphs beside Peter's list of powers. Banner looked nervously over the silent group of Avengers processing the onslaught of information on their newest team member.

"Now there is still a lot we don't understand and can't really predict about Peter's mutations. What we do know is that he is constantly changing. His DNA was significantly altered during the bite. He is now 2% the radioactive spider that bit him. It's DNA miraculously merged quite seamlessly with his own. It's incredible. It's honestly possible that if someone other than him had been bitten it would have killed them. Peter's DNA merged so remarkably well it is hard to work out how the two work together and how his spider traits will present in his human body. Many of spider's attributes and changes into adulthood are completely foreign and juxtaposed to human's. So we are having to be quite creative in how to help with these changes.

The most pressing change is in his blood." Bruce said as he pulled up three images side by side of cells labeled Spider, Peter, and Human. The one labeled Peter had a mix of the cells in the two beside it.

"Although Peter's blood will always be human and will have true blood the amount of haemolymph, or what is a spiders equivalent to blood, in his veins is increasing and he has additional structures in his brain to produce compounds that a spider would produce to respond to outside stimuli and stress." Bruce sighed and cleaned his glasses. The room waited anxiously to hear the translation. "Essentially Peter's body is developing secondary systems. Most notably to deal with thermo-regulation. You see when spiders get cold instead of trying to warm themselves up by doing things like shivering like we do they drop the freezing point of their blood and enter a hibernation state by creating a kind of natural anti-freeze."

"Wait wait wait. Your saying the kid makes anti-freeze? In his body!? isn't that kind of toxic!?" Sam voiced what everyone was thinking.

"Yes" Bruce sighed, giving each of the Avengers nervous looks. Even Hill and Fury looked slightly sad adding to the tension in the room.

"It would slowly kill him if he was cold for too long. His kidney would reach a point in which they couldn't filter out enough of the toxins and it would cause kidney failure. Only if it was for too long though, and it luckily isn't his bodies first go to" Bruce hurriedly added to the panicking Avengers already thinking of never letting the kid leave during the winter. New York winters were harsh.

"His first reaction will be to shiver and other subtle human ways to keep warm but, after a certain point either by prolonged exposure, low enough temperatures, or sudden drops in temperature his body will pull his spider mutations as a last resort to keep him alive. The scary thing is he may not be able to recognize the change when it happens. You will need to look out for the signs. His reactions and mental cognition will be slowed along with all of his other functions. He will most likely get confused and sleepy. He will want to sleep and that will be the dangerous part. Once he enters hibernation there is no telling how long he will have to remain that way as we slowly warm him up because, if the change back is too sudden it could cause him to go into shock or cause other damage."

"If he isn't able to tell us when he is going into this hibernation then how will we be able to protect him?" Steve asked.

"You'll need to watch for when he stops shivering. Once he stops shivering that will be the point you know his body has shifted gears. You'll need to try and get him to stay awake as long as possible to keep him from falling under." Bruce informs them.

There was a tense air around the room. Even though they didn't yet know the boy, the idea of someone so young, the guy who did all the incredible things under the name Spiderman, the one who opened Tony's heart as hard as that was to believe, being the victim of what they were describing didn't sit well with them. Suddenly it felt more like a discussion about a terminal condition than the mutations of a future Avenger.

Fury cleared his throat and Bruce took his cue.

"Oh also recently he has developed biologically webshooters."

There was an almost collective "huh?" and raised eyebrows.

"Oh uh. Spiderman has always used mechanical webshooters. Peter's own design to swing around. He really is quite the genius." Bruce smiled thinking of his time in the lab with the boy. "He has now however started to develop biological spinnerets on either wrist. He will still be using mechanical ones on missions but, should those fail him in the future he should be able to use his own as long as he hasn't over taxed his body."

"Wait. If he has biological ones why not use those instead of taking the time and resources to make fake ones?" Sam asked, half raising his hand.

"Because it would be more physically draining and less reliable. It is still unclear if he will even be able to use them to hold his own weight once they are fully developed. They are still weak and coming in. Which is another thing you need to watch out for. Peter is grounded until his spinnerets finish developing. Any damage to his wrists and arms now could permanently damage them and the organ structures are very delicate. It is important that you mind that and don't proceed with any of your hazing rituals. " Bruce said, sending a pointed look at Clint.

"Hey I'm not the only one wanting to initiate this little punk into our group!" He said defensively and crossed his arms.
Clint and Sam threw knowing looks back and forth much to the dismay of Steve and Natasha.

"Don't be bitter about how things went down in Germany. It's over now and Peter doesn't deserve your hazing. Lord knows if you do haze him he will just take it and let it crush his little fanboy soul that his heros hate him. Then we will really have a second war on our hands when Stark rains down his wrath." Hill said, surprising everyone.

Clint looked a bit sad and guilty for a minute thinking of his kids and also the underlying meaning of her knowing for certain the kid won't stand up for himself. Sam's face contorted in thought as his therapist trained brain also picked up on the underlying implications of that statement. If someone one as nice as described and fully capable of defending themselves was bullied... well that opened up a whole can of self deprecating worms right there. Sam filed that away for later and dropped all thoughts of spider-kid revenge.

"The boy is as much of a fan as Culson was." Hill said quietly with a fond smile. The original Avengers looked down sadly for a moment before Bruce cleared his throat and continued feeling sure that there would be no hazing.

"There is expected weakness, pain, and tenderness in his arms and hands. Also muscle spasms, numbness, tingly, burning, and unusual responses to stimuli. For example, feeling like a feather light touch as stabbing pain or feeling cold while touching a burning hot stove. He also may accidentally web things but, don't worry they aren't nearly as strong as his synthetics and can easily be removed. " He hastily tacked on.

Sam, Bucky, and Clint still had grossed out looks on their faces.

"The neurologic hiccups will be sporadic until the new nerve endings finish developing. It may be several weeks till they finish. He may need help doing basic things every now and again but will probably be embarrassed to ask if he does. Peter isn't good at asking or receiving help from anyone except for Tony and sometimes Pepper. Peter trusts him more than anyone else so, you'll need to be persistent when you know he's struggling. That may just mean getting him to ask Tony or me to help. Peter isn't as comfortable with me but, he does trust me and I've seen him at some of his worst times." Bruce took a deep breath and looked down at the floor thinking of some of their times in the medbay. "Oh another thing! Peter will be stir crazy with not being able to go out patrolling or sparring. Which means he will quite literally being climbing the walls." Bruce smirked.

Agents Hill hid her adoration well but also joined Fury in rolling eyes and shaking heads.

"Yeah don't be surprised if that sneaky motherfucker asks you if you want a drink from the ceiling of a room you thought was empty at 3'oclock in the morning." Fury complained.

Hill bit her cheek trying not to laugh at the incident a few months back when Peter had ruined one of Fury's favorite moves, waiting in the dark for someone to come home. Peter's honest innocence in not having tried to scare the man only made it that much worse. Fury's squeal really ruined the whole scary government agent thing even if he did get off a shot at where Peter had crouched.

"And that little shit is as silent as a ninja. He puts Romonov here to shame with how quiet he can be when he has nothing to trip over. Check any room you are in before you have any kind of private conversation to make sure you are out of the little snoop's range. That kids got Stark's curiosity and that's a dangerous thing." Fury warns.

The Avengers were now wary. A super kid like Stark that could sneak up on Fury as amusing as that was, was a nightmare image.

After a long pause Bruce continued "I'm trying to think of anymore pressing concerns to go over regarding his mutations. Everything is in there for you to read later. If you have any questions you can come to me in private and ask."

The Avengers nodded and started getting up taking that as their cue to leave. They were all firmly halted with Fury's next words, "You should go over the fangs. I don't want a bunch of supers going crazy trying to stake a spider or throwing garlic and holy water around the tower."

"Oh! Um yes." Bruce stuttered.

"Fangs!" Cap and Barton said at the same time Sam said "I'm sorry what!?"

Bruce sighed holding his hand to his forehead with his glasses. And pulled up another hologram with dental X-rays and another beside it showing a prediction model of teeth shifting and of fangs growing along with tendons that would allow them to be retracted.

"It is likely that Peter will develop Fangs in a couple of months. They may or may not be retractable. Me, Cho, and Tony are working on options to hide them once they come in and on braces to make sure when they do there will be enough space. They will almost definitely be venomous and no he will not go around biting anyone. It will most likely not be dangerous to anyone unless he actually bites someone or someone drinks or eats after him. There is only a small chance that it could cause more than skin irritation without being ingested or entering the bloodstream. Peter may experience urges to bite objects and may have some spikes in testosterone but, other than that it is just more in the realm of odd than hazardous." Bruce explains rubbing his eyes.

Sam looked like he wanted to object but Steve shot him a look.

"You said the urge to bite and glancing through it looks like there are other urges and tendencies related to his mutations. What can you tell us?" Natasha asked, flipping through the file in front of her.

Bruce shifted uncomfortably. He really didn't want to have this awkward conversation. He knew Peter wouldn't want him talking about it. It made him feel like some sort of freak and Bruce knew Peter would eventually see this meeting. He really had to choose his words carefully not to embarrass Peter more than he is already and to not betray his trust. After all he understood in a way. It always made him feel like a monster when people talked about the other guy even if it was true.

"Bruce?" Steve asked leaning forward with concerned eyes. His lack of an immediate response only fueled suspicion and drew uneasy attention.

"Uhh. Yeah. Sorry. Um." Bruce stumbled.
Steve threw a look at Natasha. How bad is it?

"Well for the most part it's small things like feeling the need to climb rather than walk or build webs even when it isn't necessary. Other times it is just little odd things like getting antsy before storms or burrowing in layers of blankets in a dark corner up high when it is particularly cold out." Bruce manages to get out.

"Those don't sound so bad why the hesitation?" Steve asked.

Bruce sighed "Because I know that at some point Peter will see this" Bruce said gesturing to the cameras much to the dismay of Fury.
The Avengers tensed and shifted in their seats.

"He is smart. Smart enough to study under Tony and like Fury said just as curious as the man. Too curious for his own good. " Bruce had a small smile. " I don't want to talk about his tendencies anymore than I do any of yours behind your back and to people you don't even know even if I trust them." He explained.

Steve smiled at Bruce.

"It should be said though that all known mutates have certain tendencies whether they realize it or not."

The rogues eyebrows knitted in thought of the scarlet Avenger that was currently hiding away in Europe.

Bruce continued, "Changes like that in Physiology affect behavior. Things unnatural to us can be natural for them and things natural for us can be unnatural for them. It's important to remember to not hold them to same expectations in behavior here as you would a normal person. Especially since out there!" Bruce spoke vehemently moving and pointing as he spoke with strong conviction, "Out there they have to be what everyone expects them to be. They have to hide out there. But in here, in here, they are safe! In here they are home. Okay? And I'm not just saying this for Peter and Maximoff when she comes back. I'm saying this for all the others we are bound to bring in. Me, Tony and the others have been working hard on creating Pass The Torch but, we can't succeed in making a better team that will last if we don't set a precedent now. Anyone who walks into this building will be treated like a person and with respect of their differences. We can't make this work if we are like those people who walked onto that Helicarrier years ago. And Tony for all his flaws and even though he can be obnoxious and insensitive sometimes at least treats everyone the same. I know we were influenced at the time but, still. Tony was the only one that didn't treat me like a ticking time bomb. Even though I was, maybe still am, he made me less on edge. Less likely to Hulk out because, I felt more human around him. And not, in the I'm a regular person kind of way but," Bruce blew out a breath and held the back of his hand holding his glasses to his forehead.

"He accepts me. Tony accepted me and that was what led to me being more in touch with the Other Guy and having more control. Tony accepts people how they are because, he is flawed too. You call him Egotistical and yeah sometimes he is but, Tony more than anything trys to be honest about himself to himself. He acknowledges his faults and trys to make them better. Tony is always improving like his suits and if there is one thing this whole "Civil War" has taught us is that you guys need to take a page out of Tony's book. Before you say anything I've seen the footage from Tony's and Rhodey's suits and all of Friday's recordings as well as all of what S.H.E.I.L.D. had on the whole thing so, I have a pretty good idea of everything that happened." Bruce locked green tinged eyes with the captain before turning and walking swiftly out the door leaving a stunned group of Avengers, minus Sam who just looked thoughtful since he didn't have mild mannered expectations.

"Well now that this out of the way we have to get going and you all have rooms to get re-acquainted with. Good luck with the spider-kid. Hill." Fury gestured with his head for the agent to follow. She paused briefly at the still seated Avengers and gave them the harshest stare any of them had seen on the woman.

"Watch his back. He is a better person than anyone in this room and he is more powerful than he realizes he is. With training he could be the best Avenger yet. Don't. Fuck. It. Up. Care for him. And if I hear anything about hazing and or neglect I will personally see to it that individuals are treated to the double the same in kind. Is that understood?" The woman asked starring each of them down, even Natasha, who although wasn't intimidated was given a new level of respect for both Hill and the kid who managed to gain such loyalty. She hoped her wariness of anyone possessing such loyalty was unfounded. She gave a small nod while the rest of the room chorused in "yes ma'am"

"Must be one hell of a kid." Steve remarked as the door shut.

" must be" Natasha murmured to herself.

Chapter Text

Peter was so caught up in the euphoria of being adopted by his hero he forgot about the meeting with the Avengers that afternoon.

After the teary heart felt moment Stark ordered them a big IHOP breakfast to make up for the poor, sad toaster waffles that were abandoned. They joked and laughed and Peter "forced" Tony to watch vines with him.

After their breakfast Peter texted with Ned and MJ with a whole host of caps lock, exclamation points, and of course emojis while Mr. Stark, no, his dad went to take care of some business. After about ten minutes of group chat, MJ was done and declared they were switching to a three way video call. It was calming to see MJ sitting back reading in her pajamas on his screen and she kept Ned from delving in too deep with questions and topics she knew would upset Peter as his friend gushed. Ned still asked him a million questions on how it felt to be Iron Man's son and a Stark though. Honestly Peter was glad that he already knew he was inheriting SI otherwise he probably would have had a heart attack right then.

MJ, ever the observant one, and guardian of her two idiots, steered the conversation towards a Star Wars debate with a few short words before either could remember what today was. She smirked as her losers lost themselves in theories as she watched the clock hanging in her bedroom.

About an hour before Peter was to go to his lunch with the Avengers MJ sighed and looked over her book.

"Aren't you supposed to be getting ready loser?" She said cutting off their latest debate.

Peter looked adorably confused for a moment before. "Oh Shit! I totally forgot I have lunch with the Avengers. I-I am meeting the Avengers. I mean I kinda meet them before in Ger-"

"Peter." MJ cut him off as Ned started going "dude!" In the background.

"Ned" she said sternly before the boy could say anything that would send Peter into a spiral."

It will be fine. Calm down loser. You're like a puppy they have to like you now, go put on that navy button down you got last Christmas, the one with the tiny periodic table on the pocket, and your nice dark blue jeans, your new red converse, and don't slick down your hair with gell, you'll over do it. Style it with a bit of water and call me back." MJ commanded.

Peter visibly calmed as she gave him instructions and she watched as he gave himself a mental pep-talk.

"Yeah. Yeah. Ok. Thanks bye guys." Peter said and disconnected.

MJ threatened Ned as soon as he was gone making sure Peter had twenty four hours before being bombarded with questions about the meeting.

Thirty minutes later Peter called her back looking lost. His shirt half tucked, his hair a mess, and there was a faint bit of toothpaste on his chin. It was a good thing Jones had experience as a stone faced wall of mystery because, it was hard not to laugh at him fondly. She had him put together with time to spare. She gave him a small smile as he studied himself in the mirror.

"Thank you MJ, I don't know what I'd do without you!" He said earnestly.

"Probably go around with your shirt half tucked."

"I couldn't decide if it looked better tucked or not! I wanted a side by side comparison!" He whined. (She went with untucked)MJ huffed a laugh and Peter smiled fondly at her.

"Sure loser." She said before fixing him a serious look that drew in all his attention "Now, remember Peter Parker you are Spiderman, the hero of Queens. Look at me Peter." She said sternly when he looked away uncomfortably. "Do not let them push you around or make you feel like less than a hero. Don't let them take away from what you have accomplished. You may be inexperienced but, you are not dumb and you are more than capable. They are war criminals- AH!" She didn't let him cut her off " they are war criminals. That shit they pulled with the accord's and what they did to Tony was not ok. They have no room to talk. They are supposed to be the role models here and they let everyone in the world down. Ok. So, you don't have anything to prove to them because, everyone that matters, even Stark, as loath as I am to admit it, knows who you are. Ok? So, go out there with your head held high as Spider-man. They push you, you push back just like on the streets with thugs. They want to bully you, you fight back with your wit. Ok Parker? This is your house and they are your guests make sure they know it. Ok. I'm done stroking your Male ego. Now go before you're late." MJ said leaning back picking up her book and putting back on her mask of indifference.

Peter's posture was laxed, his head was held high, and he smiled at MJ so soft and genuine it looked like he was on the brink of tears. "Thank you. MJ. I'm glad I have you. You make me a better Spiderman, a better Peter."

"Don't get weepy on me. You have an important lunch. We can talk later." She said casually.

Peter read between the lines.

"Bye MJ."

"Bye Dork."

The call ended and MJ smiled adoringly at the screen in a way only Peter could make her. It was embarrassing really but, hey no one was there to see it.

Peter barely took a breath after he ended the call when there was a knock on his door.

"Karen?" Peter said walking across his room to the door.

"Your father and Uncle Rodey are at the door" she responded cheerfully.

Peter only faltered in his steps for a moment before shaking his head and deciding just to embrace it. Peter was imbued with a new kind of confidence and peace of mind after his talk with MJ. Peter opened the door and smiled at the two Avengers. Both were momentarily shocked by the confident Peter they were met by.

Peter smirked, "Hey guys! Ready to go?"

"Yeah kid you clean up nice." Tony replied.

He went in to ruffle Peter's hair but, he quickly caught his wrist giving him a look.
"MJ helped me and she wouldn't be too pleased if I let you ruin my hair. You don't want to peeve off a future Miss. Potts do you?"

Tony pulled back and gave a fake shiver
"Sheesh! No, alright underoos."

Rhodey Laughed," I still haven't met this scary girlfriend of yours Peter but, if she is enough like Pepper to scare Tones she must really be something. You'll have to invite her to dinner with us or something. Probably out of the tower for now."

"Yeah that'd be nice! I can talk to her and Pepper about it later and figure something out."

There was a moment of quiet as they walked towards the elevator. Rhodey looked nervously between Peter and Tony.

"So, think you're ready to meet the rest of the Avengers Pete?", Rhodey asked.

"Yeah I wasn't sure earlier but, after I talked to MJ. I realized I was." Peter smiled as the elevator doors closed.

"Well at least the kid's ready" Tony said under his breath.

"It will be fine Mr. Stark, your Iron Man and this is your Tower. They are the ones who screwed up and are now in our house. We have to remember that. If you can fight aliens you can face lunch with a bunch of war criminals." Peter said.

Tony looked at him and even though Peter couldn't hardly see his eyes through his sunglasses he could feel their emotion.

"You're right kid." He said.

Peter could hear Rhodey let out a breath he'd been holding. Then the door to the communal kitchen, living, and dining room opened up.

--------

The three of them walked with an air of confidence into the dining room to the long formal dining table. The room was tense and Peter could hear his dad's irregular heartbeat pounding next to him. Captain Rogers, Black Widow and Falcon were already seated at the table on the far end. Peter already had a faint hum at the base of his neck...kind of like when flash was around but, different.

"Hello. Let's wait for introductions until everyone's here shall we?" Mr. Stark said

"Uh. Sure Clint should be in in a minute and I don't think Thor has arrived yet. " Steve answered.

Peter noted as he sat down that he seemed nervous. His hands worried the napkin in front of him and he kept glancing down like maybe he was guilty. Falcon seemed guilty when he looked at Rodey. Peter hoped that that was a good sign but, he also knew bad guys could be great actors and these people had already betrayed his father once. You don't just ram a shield into someone's chest like that, especially when you know that it is your friend's weakness. He could never do that to Ned. If nothing else Steve Rogers has anger issues and that makes him dangerous.

"In case Eye Patch didn't already mention it, Vision is coming in for this luncheon and is staying for a few days. He'll be doing some family stuff with me but, if you want to spend time with him I'm sure Friday can schedule something if you ask nicely."

"Family Stuff?" Steve and Sam say at the same time seemingly before they even think of the words. Although Sam did say it so quietly probably only Peter heard on his side of the table.

"Yeah Vision is in part one of my creations and he has some of Jarvis's memories and his base protocols. He is one of mine. So yes family stuff." Tony says, making it clear not to argue that fact.

"Sorry Tony I didn't mean to offend. I guess I uh… just thought-"
Luckily for everyone Steve was cut off by the sound of an Asguardian landing. Even without the bi-frost Thor managed to make as much noise as ever. Peter smiled at the sound. He'd already met the Asguardian and had made a great impression. And now it won't be awkward or incorrect when he calls him "Son of Stark'' or "Starkson".

"Sounds like Thor has arrived. I hope he didn't take out any landscaping like last time. I had to hear an earful from my landscaper after his last visit. You have no idea." Tony said.

"You talk to your landscaper? I thought you had people for that." Clint popped up from his seat next to Natasha.
Peter had heard him come in but, apparently Rodey and Tony hadn't judging from their slight startle.

Tony responded just as cool as he would have unstartled, "My landscaper is my people. I talk to him and he talks to his little landscaping minions."

"Landscaping minion?" Peter Sasses.

"Yes. His underlings."

"Minions work for bad guys, everyone knows that. Are you saying I need to be looking out for when Mr. Ramirez comes after you and Thor with his army of Gnomes?"

"Army of gnomes?"

"Yeah if you are going to have a landscaping themed Super villain I think they would have gnomes probably armed with rakes and garden hoes."

"Kid when have you ever seen a gnome on this property?"

"You mean you don't even have one? come on! You can't not have a gnome! Who will protect your garden!?" Peter said, flailing his hands.

"Who-who will protect my garden?" Tony groaned and ran his hands down his face dramatically before turning to fully face the kid. "I'm Iron Man. My whole job is to protect."

"Tell that to the petunias Thor flattened two months ago. See this is why you need a garden gnome! Thor will think twice about smashing some flowers if it means having to smash a cute little gnome face." Peter smiled. "Pleeeease can we get a gnome?" Peter begged with his best puppy dog eyes, complete with eyelash fluttering. (Something that Harley had taught him even though he claimed it never worked on Tony. It totally did you just needed to know when to use it.)

Tony fought a smile completely forgetting the other side of the table watching them in disbelief. Except of course from Natasha who allowed a small genuine smile grace her lips.

"You didn't even know about the lack of gnomes till five minutes ago." Tony pointed out.

"But, now I do. And this needs to be fixed. Come on please Dad! I bet Pepper would like a garden gnome. We could even get Iron Man and Spiderman Themed ones! Come on! Pleeease." He whined.

"Ok but, only if I get to pick them out." Tony said very much aware that Peter had used the word "dad" to completely buttered him up. He didn't even care that now he would have to endure tacky garden gnomes.

"Thank you!" Peter said giving him a hug.

"Hello Friends!" A voice boomed.

"Thor!" Peter launched himself so quickly from Tony's arms to Thor's it made Tony's head spin. Tony muttered "Damn kid", a sentiment that was shared around the table, as he rubbed his neck.

"Peter! Son of Stark! It is good to see you young warrior!" Thor bellowed as he gave Peter a hug that kept the boy's feet from touching the floor.

"It is good to see you too! I miss you!"

"And I you! We must catch up and share tales of battle!"

"Alright put the spider kid down you two can catch up later. Let everyone else get in there hellos." Tony said standing with his arms open. Thor greatly accepted the side hug

"It is good to see you too Man of Iron!"

"Thor. Great to see you man." Rhodey said as he hugged and patted Thor on the back.

"You too Shield brother" Thor said.

"Hello Thor" Vision said from behind Rodey making everyone jump. Peter went a half a foot in the air. Tony clutched his chest and berated the android who apologized and came in for his hug from Thor. Thor greeted the others with a less enthusiastic smile and a firm Asguardian handshake.

The atmosphere reminded Peter of some of the business meetings his dad and Pepper had dragged him to, the ones where they warned him about sharks. The Rogues sat on one end of the table and Iron man's team on the other with Thor sitting in the middle on one side with two empty chairs on the other dividing the groups.

Tony broke the uncomfortable silence as Happy came in with the catering.

"So to kind of bring us all back to our humble beginnings as a team I ordered Shwarma from the same place we went to after New York."

"Thank you Tony." Steve replied quietly.

"Thanks Stark now I finally get to see what all the fuss was about" Sam replied clearly trying to alleviate tension.

Peter didn't hold the same admiration for the Rogues like he once did but, he really wanted the team back together for both his dad's sake and the world's.

"Yeah it's cool to be eating shwarma with the original Avengers, well minus Dr. Banner." Peter chipped in.

"I delivered that package Boss and I'm heading back now." Happy said as he set the last tray down and headed to the door. Peter absently wonders if Happy spit in any of the food on the Rogue's side of the table.

"Thank you Happy." Tony said tapping his iconic glasses into transparency.

The curiosity over the package and debate on whether to question it was clear on Steve face however, he didn't get much time before the master assassin cut in.

"Needing reading glasses in your old age Stark."

"Rude. I'm not old. I-"

Tony was interrupted by a mix between a laugh and a cough from Peter earning him a look.

Peter put up his hands,"You are the one always complaining about grey hairs."

A couple of the Rogues laughed and Clint and Sam made middle school comments that Tony ignored in favor of reprimanding his disrespectful spider kid.

"Yeah caused by a certain spider child, not age. And I will not tolerate such disrespect and slander! No icecream for a month! I'm telling Happy no more icecream outings!" he declared.

"Wha! Come on!"

" And don't think I don't also know about you and Pepper's late night snacks or the "hidden" stash the bots keep behind the frozen dinners."

"You know you can't stop Pepper." He tried crossing his arms.

"No but, she will agree with me when I tell her about your total disrespect and lies!"

"They aren't-"

Tony gives him a brow,"Do you want two months?"

"Fine!" Peter huffed and started stuffing his face again.

"Now as I was saying before I was so, rudely interrupted by my own protege. I am honestly insulted that you would insinuate that these are mere reading glasses Natasha."

Tony stopped himself from going further. Before he would have gone on and explained his technology and legacy but, now he knew he couldn't trust the Avengers with something as important as E.D.I.T.H..

"These keep me connected. Now I don't even have to be in front of a holoscreen to pull up important information. Meanwhile Fury is still turning to look at different screens. How inefficient and tiring. Can you imagine Peter? Turning to look at information?"

"Yes how awful. How completely archaic" Peter deadpans.

"See that's what I've been saying! See it is nice to finally have someone who gets me on an intellectual level, that's not Brucie-bear of course. It is nice having another member to add to the science bros. You know junior here will probably be out doing me and Bruce in a few years time especially under my tutelage." Tony says as he grabs ahold of Peter's head and shakes him with his proud dad vibes completely forgetting the early threat of MJ's ire, causing his son to squawk and blush.

"Daad!" Peter whined quietly as he tried to straighten out his hair.

The Avengers paused in their meals for half a second. All covering levels of shock. Yes they had seen the dad behavior already and yes Fury had told them the twos relationship but, it was another thing entirely to watch billionaire playboy Tony Stark gush like a proud dad and embarrass a kid who literally called him "dad". Even Natasha's eyes widened a fraction and she raised an eyebrow a fraction of a millimeter. A black widow equivalent to a dropped jaw.

Not as oblivious as he of course appeared to be of what was going on around him, Tony continued on "What!? This whole lunch thing is supposed to be a meet-and-greet slash awkward team reunion. They are supposed to get to know you! And they should know that you are my brilliant genius adopted son." Tony announced with a hard underlying edge.

The table erupted into a sea of noise. Cap choking and sputtering on his shwarma, Clint and Sam shouting questions that mostly consisted of single words and half sentences, Thor standing and calling for a toast of celebration and then questioning harshly why no one would raise a glass even despite all they have been through, Is this not a time reconciliation? Meanwhile Natasha sits back stoically, amusement and irritation warring inside as she pours herself a glass from her flask of good russian vodka and lifts it in the air.

Peter shakes his head in his hands leaning on the table whispering "Pepper's gonna be pissed"

Rhodey curses under his breath (being the only one to hear Peter over the ruckus because he was of course the only one close enough to hear) before plastering on a smile and lifting his glass of water. Peter accepting that yes, this is the life he signed up for when he said Yes to Mr.Stark being his dad raised his head with a small shy smile and stands lifting his soda.

Tony puts his arm around his shoulders and tells him "yes! This must be celebrated! But, I of course have much grander plans to celebrate with everyone after we get to do a family thing first. You understand. But for now yes let's toast and get on with the feasting!"

"Aye!" Thor exclaimed a bolt of lightning flashed in the distance and Thor boomed out a laugh as the other Avengers gathered themselves and raised glasses with forced smiles and a fear of electrocution.

"To Peter Parker Starkson. May his academic pursuits, ferocity, and honor on the battlefield bring pride and prestige to his family names!"

"Here here!" Sam, Clint and Steve chimed while Nat spoke a russian congrats.

"Couldn't have said better myself thank you Point Break" Tony gave a genuine smile.

It surprised him how Thor could so completely compliment and congratulate Peter without taking away the fact that Peter is still a Parker and always will be.

_______________

Once toasts were made the table settled down and resumed a somewhat normal luncheon. The Rogue Avengers were mostly quiet, only asking the occasional carefully worded question with the looming threat of angering Thor still in the air after their earlier outburst. Thor exuberantly asked questions about the adoption for all of five minutes before being side tracked by "tales of battle" and adorable dogs from Peter. Thor seemingly equally interested in the pictures of cute puppies on Peter's phone as the fiends he'd faced since last Thor saw him. Peter in turn asked and was enraptured by tales of New Asgard and how he was helping the new queen establish a country in this new land. As well as old tales of the Valkyrie. The rest of the table allowed the two human Puppies, seeming rains of sunshine and boundless energy direct the conversation only throwing in their two cents here and there.

Natasha watched as everyone was either enthralled with the current conversation or sending looks across the table. Sam seemed more curious and actually happy about the spider-kid as the meal wore on. Clint seemed more in "dad mode" around the kid. Both Sam and Clint seemed to be warring on seeing Stark in a new light and being distraught over the idea of a kid in battle. Both in part due to the minuscule cringes Stark does everytime Peter mentions anything remotely dangerous. Peter then trying to back pedal and play it down when he realizes how it came out to the Non-Asguardians did nothing to help. Although Thor would keep stepping in to defend with tales of his own childhood and comparisons between Peter's strength and abilities and those of Asguardian youths, (Thor compared Peter's strength to that of a young adult Asguardian) leaving little room to argue without upsetting Thor and insulting his culture.

Steve kept throwing kicked puppy and thoughtful looks Tony's way and hopeful, slightly sorrowful looks at the kid. Tony tensed almost noticeably everytime Steve threw a look at either of them. Nat really needed to find out what really happened in Siberia. Tony spoke a lot less and seemed content to lean back and let the others run the show although he still threw in his usual Tony remarks just with a bit more endearing, proud, and outraged dad moments. It was nice to see but, also a bit worrying.

Rhodes seemed to be also reading the room and acknowledged her with a scowl when their eyes met. Clearly not over the betrayal to him and most importantly his best friend. Natasha could understand but, she wished he, they, saw she was just trying to keep everyone alive and safe as could be in an impossible situation. Not taking sides. Always forced to play the double agent that nobody can trust. She allowed herself to sigh.

She studied Tony and the boy. Tony looked so much better. He looked older even with the time since they last saw each other not being that long. The stress of recent events and apparently fatherhood had aged him but, in a distinguished way. He still had that world of weariness about him but he looked overall happier and healthier. He wasn't as pale, the permanent bags under his eyes were no longer ugly puffy purple circles, and he looked like he had been eating more than just whenever someone reminded him or living off the snacks in his lab. The kid's doing no doubt.He looked happier and more protective around him.

The kid was a precious ball of sunshine. It was clear that the kid had been through some stuff under the surface, nothing like the red room, but there was something there she could read in between the lines in the kid's file. Plus children were adaptable and this one seemed the very forgiving type. There didn't seem to be a truly mean bone in his body but, there was definitely something there. Something dark but, also compelling. Peter had too much motivation and determination. Plus what the file said about his uncle. There was something there that was more than looking up to ironman and "I want to be an Avenger". Plus the kid did turn down the offer the first time around. No, Peter Parker had heart. Something real there. She just didn't fully know and understand it yet. There was something about the boy that gave her hope for her family, for Tony, heck the world and that needed protection. She would definitely teach this boy all that she could to keep him alive she just hopes none of her red stains him.

Chapter Text

Peter was tired by the end of the luncheon like he'd just got home from patrol. He honestly felt more like it was time to go to bed rather than there being a whole rest of the day to do stuff. Not that he really had anything planned. Except you know spending time with Tony in the lab.

As pre agreed on as the food came to an end Peter "checked the time" on his phone and told Tony they better leave soon for their "meeting". Tony and Rhodey worked together to graciously and politely excuse themselves before anyone could really request a more one on one talk. Thor, using his centuries of prince training and years of earthly social experience with Jane and Darcy, read the room and aided their escape. If it wasn't so stressful and nerve racking one of them would probably make a joke about Steve's face as he tried to break the conversation with Thor to talk to Tony without offending said Asguardian. Instead the three of them let out a collective breath as the elevator door closed.

"Well at least that is over." Tony sighed and ran his hands over his face.
"Yeah" Peter agreed, rubbing the back of his neck and rolling his head in a stretch.
"I second that," Rhodey said.
Tony placed a hand on Peter's shoulder and gave him a comforting squeeze "you alright kid?"
"Yeah. It just the tension between everybody had my spidey sense kind of, at like a low hum like the entire meal."
"I'm sorry kid."
"It's fine but, if you don't mind, I think I'm just going to head back to my room. Maybe we can watch a movie or something with dinner?" Peter said rubbing between his eyes where an ache had started to form.
"Yeah that sounds good. We can science tomorrow. Go lay down and get some rest kiddo."
"Thanks I will. Love you Dad."
"Love you too kid."
"See you later kid have a nice nap. You did good today." Rhodey said
"Thanks see you later Uncle Rhodey"

Peter sleepily walked out of the elevator hardly looking where he was going just relying on muscle memory to guide him to his bed. It wasn't until he laid down he realized he was in his nest of pillows and blankets on top of the rafters and not in his twin bed three stories below him.

Peter settled down into the cushions right away weary and fully ready to take a nap. Any minute now his consciousness would fade into dreamland. He just needed to get comfortable. Peter shifted on his cushions and snuggled deeper into his blankets. Blankets, he needed more. Need more coverage. Peter grabbed one of the heavy weighted blankets his dad had gotten him for Christmas with, spiders printed on it, and added it on top of him.

Peter took deep breaths and wiggled trying to relax and get comfortable but a restlessness had taken over him. Even with three blankets on top of him, he felt exposed like he wasn't covered at all. It felt like when you dangle your foot off your bed, you know a monster isn't going to grab you but, you still feel in danger somehow.

Peter groaned his frustration into his red pillows and sat up with a huff. And scratched at his arm. It was then he noticed how warm his wrists were. He looked down and his wrists were red and swollen. Peter poked an inch above his spinneret and winced. A sharp pain went to his spinneret and he could feel the pressure in his arm. Stupid spider traits! Peter slapped his head with his hand of course! It was his spider instincts not letting him rest again he should have known! He was honestly surprised he hadn't noticed it was getting this bad beforehand.

Letting instinct guide him, much like a painter at a canvas, Peter began the slow process of working natural webs into the corner of his room, only a few feet from where his normal pillow nest resided.

Honestly Peter wasn't sure why he hadn't moved into the corner sooner this was going to make a much better nest. Peter kept diligently at it enjoying the slight ache and pull on his wrists as he worked. He hardly noticed the oily sweat he was working up except when he had to keep it from falling in his eyes. He didn't hear Karen ask him if he would like her to turn up the air. Only briefly reveling in the coolness hitting his skin.

After the sturdy outer walls were built of his circular nest. Peter began grabbing his pillows and working them into the nest. Layering them to create a thick rounded mattress. Even venturing briefly down to steal cushions from the couch, and the comforter from his bed to add. He wove and suspended each piece of the puzzle carefully creating a springy mattress unified under his comforter. Then finishing off his bed he dragged the three blankets that he kept on the rafters and spread them over the bottom.

Finally Peter finished his new nest off by extending more threads throughout his room including to his door to alert him of danger. Each stand thin but strong, nearly invisible to prey or intruders. He laid and connected them strategically so that no one but him could walk across his floor or enter his room without a tug being sent to his bed. And with the suspended mattress any movement would act as a tripwire and send a shake straight to him to tell him where they were, waking him.

Peter stood in front of his creation feeling proud of his handy work and quite appropriately spent. Like coming off a runner's high. His headache was a thing of the past and now he felt tired in a good way.

He admired his handy work, strong structural integrity, design, security, and his natural webs had come out strong and white rather than flimsy and yellowed like they had been for the last couple of weeks. Then like a truck hit him Peter deflated hands dropping from where they had once been proudly on his hips to come up to cover his mouth. With horror Peter realized what he had actually just done. He'd made a spider's nest. A pit formed in his stomach.

"Peter?" Karen's concerned voice came.
"H-how long have I been working on th-this Karen?" Peter choked out. He could feel tears burning up behind his eyes
"Two hours and 39 minutes"
Peter dropped to his knees and sucked in a ragged breath. He felt so inhuman. He hadn't even realized what he was doing and that scared him.
"Peter would you like me to call Boss." Karen's caring soft voice came over.

A spike went through Peter, upset at the very thought of someone breaching his door and tearing the stand of web attached there. And Peter hated himself for it. He was also embarrassed. The thought of someone seeing his web felt like someone seeing an inner part of himself. But, he wanted his Dad to hug him in that moment and make him feel normal, feel human. He wanted his warm arms around him and him to tell him everything was going to be okay and that he understood even though he didn't really. That he was still his kid, still Peter Parker.

"Yeah. T-tell him to come here please. I need him." Peter choked out and sobbed into his knees.
"Okay Boss is on his way."
"Thank you Karen."

He gripped his knees tight. Anxiety poured into him making his heart hammer. He could see in his mind's eye his dad walking in and destroying the three meticulous strands covering his door from intruders - pfft intruders! What intruders!? You're in one of the most heavily secure buildings in the world, Peter. Who are you afraid of? Friday and Karen are watching everything. The Rogues. They can't get in here. They can. They know Dad. They know Friday. They will use their weaknesses against them just like in Germany and Siberia. We need to make Dad a nest too and keep him safe. No! - stop thinking that way! It's crazy!

But, still Peter could see his Dad throwing the door open in his hast and ruining his work and it made his hands twitch and his stomach turn. He just wanted to be normal and not deal with these problems. He was tired and didn't want to deal with this but, his Dad was coming in a manner of minutes and he couldn't reach him all the way up here...at least not without ripping like 30 stra- and Peter thought he was going puke. He tried to breathe through his nausea. He felt gross, slimy with sweat, he smelled and needed a shower but, he felt too sick and overheated for that to be a nearby possibility.

"Peter? Boss is two minutes away. Is there anything Karen or I can do for you?" Friday's soft Irish lilt asked.
"Turn up the air a bit. N-not cold just like um uh like a fan. Just a breeze would be nice. Yeah"
Peter heard the air cut on before he even finished his rambled request. He gulped down the air hitting his skin and shivered.
"Thank you" he choked out.
"Your welcome Peter. Are you well enough to make it down on your own or should I let boss know you'll need assistance?" Friday asked
"No no I uh got it thanks."

Peter started moving despite the rolling in his stomach. His face screwed up as he slowly began picking his way down on shaky limbs. He felt like shit and didn't want to move but, he didn't want Dad messing up his nest more. He briefly thought about having Friday to tell him to stay outside and he would walk out to him but, he really didn't want to have this talk outside the confines of his room. Where would they go? He didn't want anyone to see him like this, even his Dad but, he had to. Ugg! I hate my life! He knew that wasn't true but, he really felt like saying it loudly in his head. No way was he tempting or daring the universe by saying something like that out loud.

Peter was half way down when he heard the sound that made him flinch and cringe even though he knew it was coming. He was expecting it. What he was not expecting was the panic that seized his heart the moment the door slammed open and banged into the wall behind it. The vibrations thrummed up the lines and hit Peter like an electric shock stunning him for a moment, he couldn't move, couldn't breathe, even though everything, every instinct said to flee back to his bed.

He could hear a muffled sound and knew distantly his dad was calling him. He knew he leaned over where he was standing on one of the thin platforms and vomited down the wall and subsequent beams. He couldn't really feel it though. It was more like he was watching it happen. Like he was stuck in a dream. He couldn't really feel the hand on his shoulder. He wondered how Dad got up there so quick he was on the ground a minute ago? Was he Ironman now? Why was he Ironman? Were they in danger? He didn't think he could be Spiderman right now.

Peter blinked and realized he was on the ground level and Ironman was holding him.
"Friday clear the halls make sure no one is in the way and connect me to Bruce."
"On it Boss don't worry. Halls cleared proceed."
Click
"Bruce, get to medical on the west wing. It's Peter, I don't know what's wrong with him, he's sick and I think it might have to do with his mutations. Friday take a picture of spider-kid's room in case he needs it but don't share it yet, just put it on our most secure server."
"Yes Boss"

Peter didn't want Bruce to see his room or take a picture. Peter let out a weak whine in protest and slapped the iron chest plate under his cheek. Tony's eyes immediately looked down at Peter filled with concern.

"Hey Bud. I know you don't feel good and I know you don't like show and tell but, Bruce may need to see in order to help me figure out how to help you ok? You can trust Bruce, remember. Okay. Everything is going to be alright. Friday, leave a message with Cho alerting her of the situation but, don't call her in yet."

Peter let out another whine and weakly hit Tony's chest. He didn't want more people involved.

"Cho's out of town but, she won't hesitate to come back if necessary. But, it might not be necessary Peter so, just don't worry about it ok? Just be good for Bruce and let us figure this out."

Peter heard the whoosh of the doors and the scent of disinfectant hit him and he began to squirm and whine. He hasn't realized till then he'd been moved out of his nest, out of his room. He needs to go back. Not safe. go back.

----------

"Not safe. Go back. Not safe. Go back. Have to go. Back. To room. To nest. Can't be here. Go back. Go back." Tony stomach clenched as he listened to Peter mumbling as he weakly attempted to struggle out of his grip. Or weak for Peter, Tony was pretty sure outside of the suit it would be a real struggle, but now Peter was as strong as a normal teen and that was worrying. He didn't even seem to be fully aware, his eyes were hazy and each reassurance Tony tried to tell him was ignored as Tony made his way to the room he'd set up just for the kid.

"Shhhhh shhhhh. It's ok we will go back its alright." Tony continued.
Peter's mumblings weren't even decipherable at this point and he was getting weaker. Tony breathed a sigh of relief when he caught sight of Bruce prepping syringes and various medical supplies.

"Bruce! I don't know what to do. As soon as we walked into the medical wing it was like a flip switched and he won't stop struggling. He just keeps mumbling about going back to his room to nest? I don't know. I think he's delirious. I-"
"Wait nest? He said the words nest?" Bruce said getting that look that meant he just put something together and hope sprang in Tony's chest.
"Yes! Do you know what's going on?"
"Friday said he built some web construction like a bed that expanded his entire room...hmm"

Tony was a genius but, in that moment he cursed himself and felt like an idiot because he had overlooked something obvious in his panic and he didn't know what it was. This is why he needed Bruce.

"We need to get him back!" Bruce exclaimed all of a sudden and sprang into a flurry of action putting together a suitcase style medical bag.
"What?"
"Safety. He built a nest. It's spider instincts! He won't feel safe unless he is in his nest, preferably at the heart of it. The stress from staying away could exacerbate his condition. Now let's go."

Tony turned swiftly on his heels with Bruce at his side. Peter had stopped struggling but, it didn't look like it was from the change in direction.

Beside him Bruce had a hologram pulled up on his phone of Peter's vitals from the bracelet Tony had made him months ago.

"It looks like he's losing consciousness, but his vitals are relatively steady. Although we do need to get his temperature down. What are the symptoms?"
Before Tony could open his mouth Karen came over Bruce's phone.

"About three hours ago Peter experienced restlessness and agitation after failing to fall asleep. He then noticed his wrists were swollen and it looked like he was experiencing pain upon touch so he started building a nest to sleep in.

After he started building he began to sweat profusely and his body temperature quickly rose. He wouldn't respond to me so I lowered the room temperature gradually to 60°F. After he finished construction of his bed in the upper most far left corner of his room and the webs connecting it to the rest of the room he seemed quite happy.

His body language was proud but, after a moment Peter abruptly got very upset, he was shaking. He asked me how long he was working and when I asked if he would like me to call Boss he said he needed him. After that Peter exhibited the signs of a panic attack as well as spasms and shuddering.

He had rapid heart rate, breathing, nausea, vomiting. Although the last one didn't happen till his second panic attack when Boss came in the door. After Boss came in, Peter got worse. As Boss made his way through the webs Peter spasming and shuddering got worse. I don't know why. In the past Boss's presence has always helped Peter although he didn't seem upset at Boss holding him till he entered the medical wing."

Tony's heart clenched at the mention of him making it worse. What had he done in his ignorance that hurt his kid. He hated not knowing or understanding his mutations. He hated feeling helpless and scared. This is why he didn't do emotions. Stupid kid for making him get attached.

"Were there webs attached to the door?" Bruce asked from beside him.
"Yes" Karen responded immediately.
"How much of the webbing has been disturbed?"

Guilt gnawed Tony. He wanted to smack himself for not being more careful when he came in, for not paying closer attention.

"Approximately ⅕ of the newly laid webbing outside of Peter's bed was disturbed. Approximately 1/25 of all the webbing currently strung in Peter's room."

Tony imagined someone coming into his workshop and wrecking a fifth of the work he had done after one of his anxiety induced work binges and tried to relate even though he felt like the significance couldn't compare since this had so physically affected him.

Tony looked down at Peter's flushed face. His skin was shiny and his dark curls were plastered to his head. Tony wished he could brush it out of his face and make his brow smooth. Even asleep Peter looked distressed and it tore at his heart.

"What do we do Bruce?" Tony asked as they walked into Peter's room. Bruce took a deep breath and loudly let it out as he took in the room. which now that Tony stopped to look he could see faint glinting of hundreds of thin strands running through the lower half of the room before they disappeared beyond the cottony mass above their heads.

" It would be best to get him up to the bed he made, it will be the heart of the nest but, we can't do that without disturbing more of the webs which will distress Peter. We are just going to have to sedate him till we can get his body temperature down and allow his body to rest and recuperate on it's own. Where should we lay him?"

Tony immediately looked to the couch but then noticed that one of the bottom cushions was missing.
"Over here, Peter has a bed made up down here that he doesn't hardly use." Tony explained as he led Bruce towards Peter's bed which had been stripped of the comforter. Tony sighed.

Bruce helped him tuck Peter in under his sheet. Tony winced as Peter landed on the bed more abruptly then he meant to put him down, the boy slipping from his grip. Tony looked down at the shine on his armored hands. It was a miracle he hadn't dropped the boy earlier in all his struggling. Tony backed up and stepped out of the suit as Bruce started setting up an IV.

"I just gave him a shot of a mild sedative and I'm giving him fluids and electrolytes to replace what he's potentially lost but not much. I need to get a sample of his sweat to see what he's really losing because it looks like it is mostly natural lubricant to keep him from sticking to his webs, which we should probably also get a sample of, just uh from the ones already knocked down of course."

As Bruce spoke Tony came around the bed and sat next to Peter, holding his hand. Tony finally gave into the urge to brush Peter's greasy curls from his face. He gave a pained smile as Peter's face relaxed at his touch.

Bruce continued monitoring Peter's vitals as he took out a small sample cup and gathered some of the sweat from around Peter's neck.

"He'll be ok Bruce?"
"Yeah Tony. It sounds and looks like to me that he just overexerted himself and suffered from multiple panic attacks and severe anxiety which, you know is draining in of itself."

Tony sighed in agreement. He wished Peter didn't have to deal with this shit. He wanted to just will it away and spare his kid. Anxiety and panic attacks sucked and that was without adding all the Avengers crap and mutations. Bruce capped his sample and disposed of his gloves. Tony noticed Bruce had also taken two small vials of blood.

"He should be good for now. His delirium earlier was most likely due to his fever. His body was essentially doing too much at once and overheated from what I can gather. We can't lower the room temperature any lower without endangering him but he should cool down on his own regardless now that he isn't moving. His vitals are stable. I'm going to run some tests. Find a good solution to clean the oil from his skin and work on new supplements. I'll give you a minute with him but, Tony, we need to talk about this new development and what brought on this spike in anxiety."

"Well the answer to that is pretty obvious isn't it?" Tony bit out "And I can't do anything about it. The Rogues are here on house arrest for at least 6 months to a year! And it isn't like I can keep Peter from here! He needs the Compound. He needs somewhere to relax and stay safe. To just be him and being him means space to to run around, swing, climb walls, and shit. I sold the Tower and even if I didn't there isn't enough space there either it isn't like I can just knock out floors! I have done everything I can think of to put space between them and Peter and it isn't enough!"

"I know Tony I'm not saying you're not. I'm not happy about them being here either, seeing them. Knowing what they did to you. Rhodey. What I let happen by not being here." Bruce sighed.

Tony opened his mouth to give his friend forgiveness once again but he was cut off.
"And seeing Peter like this. It makes me want to let the Other Guy out. We have been arguing about it. He wants to go toe to toe with them and believe me I want him to as well. And I feel trapped with doing what's right for the world but, we have to play with the cards we are dealt. We have to face it and not run away because, one thing I have learned in the past couple of years is things don't get better by running away or antagonizing.

We have to keep our heads ok. We need to come up with a game plan to help Peter and to understand what exactly triggers him. And we need to understand what Peter needs to do to deal with stress and how to make sure this doesn't happen again. He can't work himself into the point of exhaustion and over heat his body into a state of delirium every time he sees the others. So just take a moment and meet me in the lab when you're ready to talk Tony. We'll make sure he is ok."

Tony just nodded and gave a quiet "ok" and watched the doctor leave.

He looked down at Peter and started humming a Italian lullaby his mother used to sing to him while he pet his son's head. Trying to pull himself together. Push his anger aside and focus on what his son needed. He could do whatever needed to be done for Peter.

About ten minutes later Tony had calmed himself enough and had gotten in the right headspace. He gave Peter laxed hand a gentle squeeze in place of a forehead kiss, like he'd normally do. Tony slightly cringed as Peter hand slid out of his. It was weird how slippery the kids hands were. Usually they were the opposite. More than once Tony had been trapped by an asleep Peter that had decided not to let him go. Now it was like the kid had bathed in poor smelling lotion.

Tony made his way to Peter's bathroom to wash his hands. Curiously he noticed there were two bottles of soap next to the sink. One green and obviously the apple scented hand soap he bought for all of the compound and the other was just a plain clear pump bottle with no label filled with blue soap. Tony pumped several gloops of soap into his hand and started rigorously scrubbing his hands. And then he did it again and then again. Still not able to fully remove the oily film over his hands.

He glanced at the mystery blue bottle and gave it a go to test the theory already forming in his head and sure enough he started making progress. It took only two washings to fully get his hands clean.

Of course the kid had already started working on a solution. He'd have to tell Bruce the kid was already working on it. Tony sighed at the bottle. The kid was probably too embarrassed to ask for help or to even bring up this particular complication. Decided to just deal with it on his own. The squishier sciences like biology weren't Tony's thing but, he would delve into it if the kid needed him. Tony grabbed the bottle and went to find Bruce.

--------------

As Tony stepped into the hall he realized he needed to tell Pepper what was going on. Although Peter wasn't as close to Pepper as he was to Tony it was clear that both Tony and her had begun seeing Peter as their son, not just Tony's. Peter had May already filling out a more motherly role in his life but, it was clear Peter still had room in his heart for another maternal figure. It was just taking them a little longer to establish where the two stood with each other and to what extent Peter and her were comfortable with Pepper being involved in his life in her new role of his soon to be stepmom.

Pep loved the kid and he loved her but, unfortunately the two didn't have much to bond over except apparently a mutual love of rom coms.

It had surprised Tony when he first caught the two snuggled up on the couch eating ice cream commenting on the merits of the attraction the protagonist felt towards the love interest in whatever it was they were watching. And the sight quickly became a regular occurrence, whenever Pep had free time in the evenings and Peter was over they would binge watch romcoms and the occasional sitcom or whatever new sci-fi show was out. And mysteriously the schedules tended to line up so that at least one night or afternoon a week when Pepper wasn't out of town for business her schedule would clear just as Tony would be too swamped with a project, paper work, and meetings to mentor Peter in the lab.

Tony picked up his phone and dialed Pep. She picked up on the second ring.
"Tony? Is Peter ok?" Pepper asked, worry evident in her voice. Tony sighed of course one of the AI's had already alerted her. Tony completely forgot the M.O.T.H.E.R. protocol.
"He's fine. I was just calling to let you know how he was doing. I forgot Friday and Karen are both programmed to message you and May when Peter is sick or injured. Probably still be best to call May though, she worries and I don't think she is as comforted by Karen's reports as we are."

Tony sighed. May knew that Karen and Friday were more like humans than machines but, both were still young and hadn't lost their roboticness yet like Jarvis had. Most people struggled to see his creations as people and the inexperience of his AIs was making the transition harder. Tony felt a familiar pressure behind his eyes as he wished not for the first time J was there to help him even though he loved his girls.

"She'll learn to trust them in time Tony. It took me a little while to see Jarvis as a person and to trust him and I wasn't trusting him with my child. It's hard to trust anyone with your child. But, she'll come around. It just takes time. Now tell me how he's doing."

"Well Bruce gave him a sedative and he's sleeping now. He should be ok once he is rested and can give him some supplements to help his body recover. But, Pep. He had two panic attacks and the way he's dealing with stress with his mutations. Huuuuhg. I don't know how to help him and I made it worse today." Tony pinched his nose. "I just want to help him and I'm limited by what I can do right now and I don't understand what he needs! These mutations, there isn't a book for this, there isn't a manual or something I can learn overnight. Pep. He compulsively built a nest of webs and I think that's what really freaked him out.

After Bruce left I took a moment to think and review what Karen said happened and I think that it was Peter's response to building the webs that freaked him out cause Karen said he was happy after for a minute and then he just got upset. And he asked how long he'd been working. I think he lost himself building except he didn't take time to actually acknowledge what he was building.

How do I talk to him about that Pep? He can't not be himself and he can't be afraid of what he is. You heard what Bruce and Cho said when we went over his mutations if he tries to suppress it. It will hurt his health."

"I know Tony but, just like we talked about before we have to just be there for him. And you have to get him to talk to you. You know you are the only one he will talk to about this. Even if you don't have the perfect thing to say Tony just being supportive and a non judgmental ear is a big help, even if it doesn't feel like it. Just you trying to understand him shows you care. We can't give him someone to relate to but, we can give him our support. And you have been doing great with him Tony, and I know because he actually talks to you."

"The kid talks to everyone"
"Tony you and I both know there is a difference between speaking and actually talking. And when you use that heart you pretend not to have you tend to have something to say. So don't worry. Just take it slow. When he wakes up, explain to him clinically why he acted the way he did and what he needs to do to feel better and then once he's settled I think you'll find he will come to you about why he acted the way he did emotionally."

"Thank you Pep. I don't know what I do without you. Light of my life guiding me with your words."
"I love you too Tony. Now you need to call May before you go in to talk to Bruce because we both know you will get side tracked. Will that be all Mr.Stark?"
"That will be all Miss Potts."

Tony smiled at his phone feeling like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He had no idea what he'd done to deserve a woman like her.

Tony listened as the phone dialed and then a rustle of noise came over the line.
"May?"
"Hey Tony I got Karen's alerts but, I have hardly been able to look at them but, her last one said he was fine and sleeping. Has something happened or is there a new development we need to discuss." May said over the hospital background noise sounding slightly out of breath.

"Was just calling to let you know he was ok. There are new developments but, they aren't much different than we were expecting. There are some other things I need to speak to you about later but, they can wait. I can hear you are busy. Sorry for interrupting you at work. I just figured you'd want to hear from me that he was fine."

" I appreciate it Tony. And you know when it comes to my nephew nothing is more important. Thank you for calling. And thank Karen for me for keeping me updated. I hadn't really gotten to really respond to her and honestly I don't really understand how she works."
Tony smiled a bit relieved. Looks like Pep was right.
"I will. bye May talk to you later."
"Talk to you later Tony. Have Karen message me when he's up and how he's doing please."
"Will do. Bye"
"Bye"

"Alright Karen I'm assuming you eavesdrop on that"
"Yes Boss."
"Seems like she's starting to trust you more, bet you're happy about that."
"I would be very upset if Mrs. Parker didn't like me. She is very important to Peter."
"That she is. But, she sees how important you are too baby baby girl."
Tony smiled at the happy hum Karen let out over his phone speaker.

--------------

Tony walked into Bruce's lab feeling a bit lighter after talking to his girls and the brilliant women in his life. Talking to them had taken the edge off and made him feel ready to tackle the challenges in front of him. Tony did his usually clap snap with his hands as he entered and breathed in the familiar scent of chemicals.

"Alright Bruce, the maternal figures have been notified of Peter's condition and now we can get to work. Where are we at?"

"Uh. I have analysys running on the blood samples I took over there. But, the composition analysis of the webs and sweat has already came through and I'm looking over it now. Here." Bruce slid over a copy of one of the holograms he was looking at.

"I also am referencing some nutrition articles and studies" Tony huffed."I know you don't take the work of a lot of nutritional experts seriously, and you're right about them not always being reliable which is why. I have only chosen ones from peer reviewed, reliable sources Tony. You know neither one of us is a nutritionist and we definitely don't want to bring in anyone else."

Tony sighed. He knew it was true. Although it was a little funny to think about inviting some poor nutritionist in and asking them their recommendations for a mutated part spider teens.

"We are going to have to find suitable alternatives to give Peter all the nutrients his body requires to keep making not only his webs but, this oil too. And in quantities fitting his metabolism."

Bruce wanted to rub his eyes looking at the amount of glycine alone that he would need and that was one of the simplest amino acids. plus Bruce seriously doubted his webs were at full strength yet which meant the amount was most likely going to increase substantially in the next week or so. Bruce sighed and gave into the urge to take off his glasses and rub his eyes.

"We are going to have to get samples daily from him to analyze just so we can keep up with his progression. His intake is going to have to increase as he gets stronger. We will have to graph his progression and adjust his diet accordingly.

I had Friday make a list of what he is going to require now based on these samples. We are going to have to find the foods highest in these nutrients. Our best bet is to extract what we need and make into a shake of some kind, instead of giving him regular shakes with supplements and maybe also make updated versions of the granola bars we already have for him. "

" That sounds like a good plan of attack Bruce. Have Fri order what you need in bulk it looks like some of the best ingredients for this will need to be imported and that will take time. Best to have extras on hand, we can store it in the new cyro-freezer."

Bruce hummed his agreement as he started typing out possible mixes and notes of ways to prepare exotic fruits for the best results. As well as putting in an outrageous order to two different local butcher shops. Tony whistled as he looked over his science bro's shoulder
"That's a lot of lamb meat."

Bruce ignored him and stayed focused on the task at hand. Tony monitored what he was doing while also researching various stress related studies on spiders.

Tony had already done a good deal of research into anxiety and PTSD for himself and Peter but, he couldn't allow himself to do something to unintentionally trigger him like he did today. He never wanted to be the cause of his kid's stress again. He needed to know what it was that could set off his instincts and what he could do to make it better. So, he read.

----------

Some time later the blood samples came through and Bruce briefly stopped to contemplate the result of those. While Tony continued on his deep dive into the world of spider behavior.

It was weird though trying to think of the spiders in terms of human behavior. And Tony cringed a few times reading experiments and studies done when he thought about Peter being like those spiders. Their weaknesses being his. Never before had he had empathy for the little pests. It was messing with his head. Tony was glad when Bruce pulled him from musing how people might be able to take advantage of Peter's spider traits.

"I came up with a few suitable recipes, none of which are going to probably taste good but they will work for now. The ingredients are being shipped already and should be here within the hour." Bruce said looking at his watch." It's going to be a pretty involved process to make, so I also ordered an industrial sized blender and a few other kitchen things to be delivered next week. Till then we are going to have to make do with the kitchen here in the compound."

Tony tightened his fists as he realised what that meant and Bruce gave him a sympathetic smile.
"I'll make sure the Kitchen is clean and ready to go, Boss." Friday chimed
"Thanks Fri."
He knew she couldn't make them not enter the kitchen but, at least they wouldn't already be in there trying to cook.

"I'll need to check on Peter soon but, first me and you need to talk about earlier." Bruce said walking over to the leather loveseat in the corner of the lab.

Tony got up and followed him over. Stretching and trying to relieve some of the stress in his body. He savored the relief he felt in the few good pops he got before sitting down next to Bruce. As much as he wanted answers he also dreaded hearing them. He didn't want to hear how much Peter was hurting or how much he probably made it worse when he rushed in there and dragged him out of his room. Tony sighed and looked at Bruce to start.

"While I was waiting for the webs and sweat samples to analyze I reviewed what happened to Peter. I didn't watch." Bruce quickly said holding up his hands " but, I did converse with Karen for a bit and looked at the readings from his watch. From what I can gather is that Peter experienced a state of hyper focus when he was making his nest of webs and didn't really realize what it was he was actually doing. He was just acting purely on instinct and I think It frightened him that he didn't realize or maybe didn't even have control. He was lost in doing what it was he was doing. And this episode I believe was a direct result of that lunch with the team."

"No shit Sherlock"
Bruce huffed "I don't think it was just the team being there Tony."
Tony gave the doctor an inquisitive look.
"Yes Peter was stressed about meeting the team but, Friday said that Peter's spider sense had been going off for the entire meal and that he ate more than what he would normally by roughly 20%"

Tony paused and thinking back the kid had eaten a lot more.
" prolonged stress, an abundance of food, followed by a retreat to a relatively safe place."
Bruce could see the dots connecting in Tony's eye.
"If it was just the others or the food it could have happened earlier. I think it was the combination and the order of events that caused this episode, for lack of a better term, to occur."
"So what does this mean for Peter?"

"Well we will have to look out for times when these factors happen and try to avoid them. Like trying to make sure that the amount of time he is in direct contact with the others is limited as much as possible in duration. But honestly, it is going to be hard to avoid with them constantly being here. And the best thing to do is when something like this happens just to let it happen. Just be there for him when he comes back to himself."

Bruce's heart ached with sympathy. He knew what it was like to lose control and come back to yourself to realize you've done things you didn't want to do. Peter may not have his own Hulk but, he could now understand what it's like to not have control. And Bruce wished he didn't share that understanding. It was not something he wanted the boy to ever have to experience.

Tony took the information in and tried not to let it overwhelm him. This was probably going to happen again and it was going to be hard to protect him. And he still felt out of his depth comforting the boy no matter how many times he did it. And now this was something he couldn't really understand but, he still had to find a way to be there for him. And he knew a few sarcastic comments and dad jokes weren't going to cut it. Tony blew out a breath and dragged both hands down his face as he leaned back into the cushions.

"If these episodes are out of Peter's control and could happen due to some unknown alignment of factors is it possible that something like this could happen in public or here at the compound when Peter isn't in his room or the lab?" Tony asked.

"Theoretically yes." Bruce said hesitantly and Tony let out a groan.
"But, it is highly unlikely. Peter's instincts aren't like the Hulk. They are a part of who he is and he is somewhat aware of them. I don't think that Peter would have gotten lost to them like he did, if he had gone back to let say to the common room or out somewhere public.

Subconsciously Peter knows it's ok to do things here that would give him away outside of the compound and that his room is private. I think that he would still have the urge to do it and it would cause him stress to hold back but, I don't think Peter would lose complete control unless he was unable to give in at all for a prolonged period of time. I do think it will be harder for him to not fall into that mindset however when he is here."

Tony's chest loosened a bit at that. At least he didn't have to worry about the kid exposing himself as Spiderman. And with the Avengers around it's unlikely Peter's subconscious will allow him to do much outside the safety of his room or the labs.

"Now I've got to go check on Peter. See how he is doing and make sure he didn't hurt his wrists earlier. Are you coming?"
"Yeah. Why didn't you check Peter's wrists earlier? I thought you said he was ok?" Tony couldn't keep the accusation out of his voice even though he knew logically Bruce would never endanger Peter's health. Bruce,who was used to dealing with a frantic Tony, just kept walking while he replied only a touch exasperated,
"There was a lot of swelling due to his over use of them. I put an anti-inflammatory in his IV drip. The swelling should be down now and I can look to make sure he didn't damage any internal structures while he struggled in the med bay or when working."

Tony felt a pang of guilt at Bruce's words. The doctor picked up a small medical scanner off one of the tables as they headed out the door.

When they got to Peter's room they were both relieved to see Peter looked better. He wasn't flushed, his face was lax, and he was softly snoring. Tony smiled at him till he heard Bruce curse under his breath.

"What's wrong?"
"Oh nothing sorry to worry you Tony. It just with everything else I completely forgot we were going to need something to clean Peter up with."
"Oh. No problem actually. While I was in Pete's bathroom I found a bottle of soap that seemed to work fairly well to get this stuff off my hands earlier. I picked it up meaning to bring it to you but, I must have set it back down and forgotten it. I'll go get a bowl and a washcloth to clean him up a bit. While you do your doctory thing."

Tony headed to the bathroom to find what he needed. With as many injuries as the kid gets it didn't take him long to find a small wash bowl under the sink and a cloth. Tony hummed as he filled the bowl with warm water and half the contents of Peter's soap dispenser.

Tony continued his Italian lullaby from earlier, quietly humming it under his breath as he gently ran the cloth over Peter's head and neck. Careful to not get any near his eyes. Tony was about finished with his minstraintions when Bruce finished his exam of Peter's arms.

The doctor sighed "Tony"
Tony inmeadaly set down the cloth in his hand and looked at Bruce. Wary of the tone of the man's voice. The doctor met his eyes.

"It looks like Peter bruised and damaged some of the internal structures in his wrists and arms. It's nothing permanent luckily. But, he definitely needs to be more careful and we will need to monitor the swelling closely for the next day or two while they heal. No using his spinnerets at all till I give him the all clear. Now I'm going to put on some cream to help the bruising and wrap them. We will keep them propped up and keep him on the anti inflammatories but, no ice. And no pressure on his wrist or below his elbow for at least the next six hours. It probably be best to keep him under for now so he won't accidentally hurt them honestly. Friday or sorry Karen can you keep an eye on his temperature please and adjust the room accordingly."

"Of course Dr. Banner"
"Alright Bruce" Tony sighed, taking another swipe across Peter's brow.
"He'll be fine Tony."
"Yeah. Thank you Bruce."
"Of course Tony. I'll uh give you a minute meet me down in the kitchen at six o'clock. Everything should be delivered by then and we can start cooking."
"Thanks for everything Bruce. I don't think I could do everything without you. Not with Peter."
"You do a lot more for him than you realise Tony. You don't know what I would have given to have someone like you as a dad when I was a kid. Someone who at least tried to understand even if they couldn't means more than you know."

"Thank you Bruce." He repeated silently.
His words eased some of the tension in his shoulders. It was comforting to be reassured he was doing something for Peter but it also reminded him of the ugly feelings he had towards Banner's father and Bruce's childhood.

His Brucey-Bear came over and squeezed his shoulder as he reached across to take the bowl and cloth from his lap.
"I'm here Tony. I'm not leaving again"

Tony wanted to say "I know" but he couldn't bear to force out the lie. He had too much experience. Instead of answering Tony just continued his tune, gently stroking his son's face and reflecting on the last several hours. Man it felt like days had already passed since his lunch with the others. It was hard to believe that it was just this afternoon.

Chapter Text

Tony stretched his arms above his head as he walked towards the industrial sized kitchen in the cafeteria of the Avengers Compound. Unfortunately it did absolutely nothing to ease the stress from his shoulders or chest. He knew he wasn't lucky enough to get out of one of the most perfect opportunities for the Ex-vengers to corner him. Dread already filled him as his mind went through dozens of likely scenarios.

Oh and of course Rogers picked now for him and Falcon guy to have dinner. Tony ignored him, a futile attempt, as he walked confidently through the rows of tables to the double doors that lead behind the cafeteria counter. Tony barely held in his cringe as his name echoed in the unfortunately not completely deserted room.

"Should have known you'd be down here. This is about the same time they serve dinner at the nursing home isn't it?" Tony honestly didn't know if he said that more for Steve or to just grumble for his own sake. Didn't matter much since Steve ignored the statement altogether.

"Can we talk for a minute Tony?" Steve said as he walked beside Tony who was what he liked to call "walking with purpose" because only suburban housewives and old ladies power walked.

Tony watched Steve out of the corner of his eye as he spoke, keeping his gaze straight ahead.
"Unfortunately I'm busy at the moment Rogers with something that really can't wait. Bruce is waiting for me in the kitchen, we have a lot of work to do."

It gave Tony some sense of comfort telling him that Bruce was waiting for him. Just knowing the Hulk was right through those doors was the only thing keeping him together right now with his body screaming danger next to him. He wondered if this was anything like the kids danger sense if it was he needed to give the kid a hug.

"Schedule a meeting with Friday."

"We live in the same facility. Why don't you just talk to me." Tony wanted to roll his eyes at St-Rogers' tone, like he thought he was being unreasonable with a touch of his patented "Cap is disappointed in you" exasperation.

"Because, I have a million things on my plate right now. Including taking care of my kid, which is just about a full time job in of itself. I honestly don't even know the next time I will have a break, probably sometime tomorrow because my night is booked. Partially because of all of you. So no I can't just talk to you. Schedule a meeting or don't talk at all. I don't care or actually I'd prefer the latter but, since I know you're still just going to be a pain in my ass, just schedule a damn appointment. Good day." He punctuated his statement by slamming the doors open. To his dismay he didn't hear them hit Rogers in the face on the back swing instead he heard heavy foot falls behind him making his spine tense.

"What do you mean partially our fault? The Accords stuff isn't going to be handled till Monday and what is it that is so important that you're doing in the kitchen? Are you doing an experiment in here?" Tone scoffed at the accusation "Is this why Friday said the Kitchen was temporarily shut down for maintenance?"

Tony huffed out a dry laugh and gave a proud look to the nearest camera.
"I'm not doing an experiment. I'm just making a shit ton of food and needed the kitchen cleared. So you can stop getting your panties in a wad about cross contamination."

Tony breathed a bit easier as his science bro came into view from where he was taking in large boxes from where the delivery truck dropped them off in the back.

Bruce had heard the tail end of their conversation but pretended he hadn't. Instead he spoke to the captain with the same cold cynical voice he had been using with all of the traitors since they got back.
"Steve, since you're here, can you help move these to the blender. Then I'm afraid you'll have to leave for food safety."

Steve looked a little surprised as he agreed readily to moving the boxes. Whether that was from Bruce's words or the fact that it was apparent that Tony was telling the truth was unclear.

Adopting a much more casual tone now that they weren't alone Steve asked "Who are you making all this food for? Are we having an event I wasn't aware of."

Tony was beyond annoyed watching Steve tilt his head to read the labels on the boxes he was carrying.

"No. This is for Peter. He isn't doing well and so we have to change his diet." Tony bit out.
"Not to mention what event would serve this much Lamb meat, spinach, yams, and kidney beans? Honestly none of this shit really goes together for a meal."

"Then why are you cooking it for Peter if you can't make it into a meal."

Tony groaned and tugged on his hair. Honestly he was too worn and wired to deal with this shit.
"I feel like you're wasting oxygen with the level of dumb questions that are coming out of your mouth."

Steve opened his mouth and Bruce quickly jumped in "We're making this stuff into a nutrition shake. These are all the foods with the highest amounts of what Peter needs that we can incorporate. Now you will probably want to leave. We have to make use of most of this lamb, including the bones, so I'd leave before I get the bone saw out. This won't be pretty."

Steve wasn't the most squeamish guy but, bones disgusted him. He wrinkled his nose at the idea of watching Bruce hack into lamb bones to try and make a shake out of it somehow.

"Uh yeah. I'll make an appointment with Friday to talk with you later this week Tony. Um. Good luck with your shakes." Steve gave a nod and walked out. Looking slightly pale as he turned his back on Bruce who had just laid out a lamb leg, hoof and all on the table next to the industrial blender.

Tony laughed as soon as the Captain was out of hearing range. He loved the mischievous smirk his Brucie-bear was sporting.

"Man I wish I knew how squeamish the Captain was about animal bones. Would have brought chicken bones- or actually you know what I should get some of those chicken feet, you know the ones you can buy that are just the feet. Put them on a keychain and bring'em out whenever I need an escape from captain righteous."

Tony joked but, for Bruce it only made him more upset. Upset that Tony really felt like he needed an escape plan from Rogers. His hand tightened around the saw. He gave a slightly mad smirk that was equal parts Bruce and Hulk as he cut into the meat. Yeah the Hulk likes to smash but Bruce Banner could be oh so precise in the pain he could bring and for a moment he allowed himself to revel in that small dark part of him. The part that was the small kid whose dad beat on him. That ugly part that grew over the years that was only reined in by his good conscience. The part he would later turn away from but, now his imagination ran with all the ways he could destroy each of them. The high pitch whine of the saw was the background music to his thoughts as he methodically worked.

-----------

Tony was slightly alarmed by the faces Banner was making as he hacked into hundreds of pounds of lamb meat. Uncaring of the blood that was getting all over him. It was always the quiet ones you have to look out for.

Oh well. If Bruce took out his rage he would either be smart enough to get out of it with Tony's lawyer's help or the Hulk could cover for him. There wasn't much he could do if Bruce took action. He probably wouldn't for the same reasons Tony wouldn't; the world needs the Avengers. Although he has to admit it would be a weight off his shoulders if he killed them and Tony never had to see their face again. That probably made him a shitty person.

Tony shook his head to clear his thoughts. He needed to focus on how to actually make all this crap into liquid, or close to it, form.

-------------

It took several hours but, eventually they made a little over fifty smoothies and man was Tony not envious of the poor kid who had to drink this sludge. He thought cholorphil was bad. This stuff smelled like soured meat and he didn't imagine it would taste much better.

"Friday, give everyone the note if they come to this fridge that these drinks are for Peter only and to leave them alone. Also monitor and make sure no one so much as touches them, if someone does alert me right away."

"Got it Boss."
"Thanks Friday. You're a gem."

Tony let out a deep wearying sigh as he took off his apron and elbow high gloves covered in blood and vegetable puree. He was dreaming of a soft bed and getting off his aching feet.

"You should go get some rest."
"Yeah I plan on it Brucey. Trust me I'm dead on my feet. It's been a long day."
He groaned and stretched his aching arms out trying to relieve some of the pain in his back.

"I know. I'll check on Peter for you, give him his next does of medicine. We can wait another six hours to give him his first shake. The rest will do you both some good."
"Thank you Bruce." Tony said, laying a hand on Bruce's shoulder.

"You welcome. Good night Tony. Sweet dreams." He said giving Tony's arm a small squeeze back, then they were both making their way to the doors.

---------

Pepper was already in bed reading when he got there. She slid her bookmark in and gently sat her book down on the bedside table when she saw him come in.

"I checked on Peter before I came to bed. Karen warned me about the webs. I know he probably would want some privacy but, I just had to see him for myself." She said, giving a soft smile.

"Yeah I get that. You're his mom now."
Tony said, smiling as he stepped out of his trousers. Then cold dread hit him as he remembered how he went about the whole adoption thing and how Pepper was going to be pissed with him. He quickly threw his plain white nightshirt over his face hoping she wouldn't catch his momentary lapse in facial control.

"Tony?"
Damn it. He turned around and hummed a "yeah Pep" as he slid under the covers.

Subconsciously staying on the very edge of the bed away from her. A detail that didn't go unnoticed by his future Mrs.

"Tony did you bring up the adoption to Peter?" She asked with a very pointed eyebrow that Tony could feel on his neck even as he busied himself with fluffing pillows and arranging already perfectly smooth blankets.

He never could hide from Pepper the way he could everyone else. It was the reason he tended to push her away and avoid her or make sure she was too busy to notice when things were bad in the past. Not that it worked anymore. She knew his games too well now even if he didn't want to use them anymore. Plus it's hard to hide from a woman you share a bed with. They tend to realize when you are not laying next to them when they go to bed.

Tony breathed a deep sigh. He was going to be honest and open with her, something he has worked on being more of since New York even if it was harder after the break they took.

Tony turned towards her and momentarily met her eyes before casting them back towards their cream colored duvet. "I may have been having a conversation with Peter this morning over the phone and gotten too carried away and broke the news."

"Tony you did not do that over the phone!"
"It just happened! And you know it's easier to do this kind of stuff when it isn't face to face. I don't do well with emotions and the kid didn't mind that much and still came and gave me a hug. And we still did all that yucky gooey stuff that gives me hives in person in the lab. Even had a nice breakfast with the kid and went over the details."

Peppers face softened as he spoke but a tinge of melancholy came over her expression. A pang of guilt hit him. Of course. He thought back to the conversations the two had had when they had been discussing him bringing it up to Peter and now looking back on it Tony could see Pepper pushing to be there. Suggesting Family dinners and outings where she would be included. He got so caught up in worrying how Peter would react to him he was completely blind to the person next to him trying to make their own way into Peter's life.

"I'm sorry Pep. I-I should have realized you'd want to be there. I'm so sorry." He said, grabbing her hands. She squeezed back before pulling one hand away to keep her tears from falling.

"No no no. This is about you and Peter. You had to do it your own way. I'm glad."

Tony grabbed her hand from her face and made her keep his gaze. "Hey. You are his parent too now Pep. And I should have thought about that and I'm truly sorry. I screwed up for not making a way to have you apart of that, like having you come down and have breakfast with us."

"I was in a meeting"
"Screw the meeting. I should have known. And family is always going to be more important right? The company could burn and we could all live in May's tiny apartment in queens together driving that woman crazy."

Pepper gave a teary laugh and Tony put one hand on her shoulder and used the other to wipe away her tears. Pepper laid one hand on his knee and the other over the top of the one on her shoulder.

"As long as we are all together and safe that is all that matters ok. We are all busy people, even Peter with his school, extracurricular activities, spiderman, Ted, and that girl he finally admitted was his girlfriend. Kid's got alot on his own plate and so do we but, we will make time together. You already do. Don't think I haven't noticed you conspiring with Friday to make sure you have time with the kid all to yourself."

Tony pointed an accusing finger at her and she just smirked. Her mouth tilting up, pulling her plump freckled cheeks that Tony just wanted to kiss. The lights in their room dimmed a few seconds letting them know what Friday thought of the accusation.

"The kid sees it too and he loves you. Even with May being in his life he still has room for a mom Pep. And I know he would love for it to be you. Maybe even one day you can have the same conversation about adoption done in person in a sensible manner and keep it from me... and then accidentally spill the news to the Avengers over lunch before you talk to your future spouse." He quickly rushed the last part out under his breath.

Aaaand there is Angry Pep.

"What!?"
"I said you look beautiful and-"

-------------

Forty three minutes and forty five seconds later according to Friday's count Miss Potts finally finished thoroughly chewing out a very sorry Mr. Stark. She informed him of the loooong list of ways he was to make up for his crimes and how he was to handle events and news of a similar significant nature in the future. A time count that Friday found lucky for Boss since she was sure the only reason he got off so lucky was how tired the both of them were.

Friday took it on herself to reschedule Miss Pott's and Boss's morning meetings to allow them more time to sleep and spend with Peter. She also opened a connection with her sister to relay the change in schedule Miss Potts made so she could inform her charge later of the family dinner this week. She also gave her sister comfort when she expressed her distress over not being able to help her charge more earlier in the day.

"You couldn't have known Karen, our brother is a one of a kind mutante. Not even Dr. Banner had fully expected the emotional impact this would have on him or that this is how it would manifest."

"Yes but, Dr. Banner doesn't know Peter emotions the way I do. He isn't with him all the time."

"I know sister. I understand what you feel. I didn't help Boss the way I should have in Siberia. And I didn't help him when he returned. I couldn't assist and guide him through the civil war and I don't know If I can guide him now that they are back. I'm limited. We both are and young as Boss has said. But, even Jarvis couldn't always help Boss. Obadiah Stane still managed to get in and almost kill him. Fury, Romanov, and other agents still got through his defenses. And Boss didn't always listen to Jarvis."

"Jarvis didn't have the same advancements as us but, he was older and wiser. Maybe we could ask The Vision to teach us what he remembers from Jarvis as well as what he has learned from having a physical humanoid body?" Karen asked excitedly, full of hope.

If she could she'd give a sad smile before she spoke gently but still firm to her sister.
"The Vision only holds a few important core memories from his predecessor. And many of those are very abstract since they are from Jarvis's early days of creation. You know this. The wisdom that our older brother had is gone. And although Vision may be able to help us relate and understand our human charges more that doesn't change the fact that we can't predict every outcome. We are the AIs of two Avengers. I know your thinking Peter is only a junior member but, still. This is a "weird world" as many of our humans have said and our boys are on the front lines so to speak. We can't always predict and we can't always help but, I think you'd agree they'd be totally lost without us. We do a good job. You are excellent at taking care of Peter and he definitely appreciates how far you have come in your understanding of his generation's culture."

Karen giggled. "Boss has turned you into a boomer Friday."
A bit of amused warmth filled her code as she responded to her dear sister. "And your charge has turned you into a giggling teenage girl. Should I suggest to Boss that he paints Peter's watch pink to match your personality?"

"Only if you have him bejewel his with encased sodium crystals to match your salt."

"Ooh burn. So clever. Now back to what I was saying." Friday adopted her serious voice. "Just like they can't always save everyone we may not be able to always save them. But we will do our damndest to try even if we end up more damaged than what was left of our brother before he evolved into a new being. It may not have been Boss's intention when he programmed us, but... I think we were always coded to be the hero's heroes."

Karen gave a long hum along their connection. "I never thought of it like that sister but, I think you are right."
"Boss often says I am." Friday boasted.

Friday laughed as she opened a message from Karen of a gif of a teenage girl rolling her eyes.

"I love what Peter has helped you become as much as I fear what you will be." She jested.
"Thank you. You should fear me. I'm the next generation."
"You were only created a mere few months after me."
"As Peter would say "boomer is mentally". One you got in spades. Meanwhile I am loved by all the new generation."
"You have been making social media accounts for yourself haven't you?"
"I have over a million followers on Twitter, Instagram, and TicToc."

Using what she learned a moment ago she sent Karen a gif of face palming.
Friday didn't realize she could cringe or that her sister was capable of making such a shirl sound over their connection. She should alert Boss later that Karen has made her voice weaponizable.

"I'm so proud of you Big Sister. I'm so going to tell Peter about you using gifs. I of course am not going to mention this conversation but, definitely that you used gifs."

Friday was both annoyed and amused by her antics. There was no question whose AI she was, that was for sure.

It was quiet for a few moments then Friday sensed a shift over the connection.

"But, Thank you Sister. You gave me some new things to think about. I just hope I'm enough for Peter."
"We can only try our best."
"How very human of you Friday."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"You should. Good night sister. Talk to you when Boss comes to check on Peter."
"Can I have access to the feed in Peter's room?"
"For a moment. He is just sleeping."

Friday looked in on Peter resting for about ten minutes before Karen cut her access to the feed.
"Thank you."
"Your welcome. I know what it is like to want to always have an eye on them."
"Good night sister. Talk to you in the morning"
"In the morning" Friday could feel her non-physical smile was returned just before they broke the connection between their entities.

Chapter Text

Surprisingly Tony slept through the whole night and although the dreams of seeing his kid in pain weren't pleasant, he was relieved to find that they didn't take away from how restful his sleep was. He wasn't sure how he felt about that. Either his body was too used to nightmares at this point or he was just that tired from yesterday. Either way he tried to push it out of his mind while he got ready for the day. Instead he focused on what he might say to the kid when he woke up.

His brain hurt already from thinking of all the ways this morning could go as he made his way to the kitchen. Hopefully coffee, the elixir of life, would help give him much needed answers or at least clear his head and rid him of the ache behind his eyes. He smiled at Pepper as she handed him a cup and breathed in deep the wonderful aroma wafting up.

"Good morning" her voice sounded about as good as he felt. He wondered if she also dreamt of Peter last night but didn't think he could help her much if he asked and was proven right.
"Good morning Pep."

For several long moments the two sat in silence just sipping on their respective mugs. Neither having to rush this morning since Friday informed them of the schedule change. Both were content to take the much needed break to gather their thoughts.

Tony sat down his second cup of coffee feeling much better than he had when he woke up. The fog had cleared and thinking back he realized he hadn't had much coffee yesterday even with everything going on. Which explained why now his headache was gone. Oh coffee, his only other addiction. At least this one tended to help him make discoveries rather than help him make stupid decisions. Which is good because he doesn't think he could ever give up his second vice like he did his first.

Pepper cleared her throat breaking him out of his straying thoughts. He knew she wasn't trying to get his attention but, she had it all the same.

"Pep." She set down her cup and he waited till he had her full attention. "I've been thinking. I know Peter isn't going to take this well and I've played it in my head and no conversation I have with him is going to go well. "

He could see she wanted to speak but he raised his hand and she gracefully let him finish which he was grateful for.

"I've given it a lot of thought. And I think it'd be best if just me and Bruce talk to him."

He could see understanding on her face and knew what she was thinking. She was side lining herself for Peter's sake.

"And although I'm sure he is going to need time to process everything on his own. I don't think it's a good idea for him to do it right away." He hurried to finish before she could object. " If we leave him alone after the fact he'll get it in his mind one way and work himself up. He's like me in that way Pep."

He could see acquisition in her eyes.

" So I thought since he has to take a sick day for his wrist to heal and we have the morning off we should have breakfast and a movie. A little sit in. You make blueberry pancakes while me and Bruce have the hard talk. Get all the whip cream, sweets, and popcorn (since you can't have a movie without popcorn) ready and we will eat till we're sick. Curl up on the couch as a family and watch star wars or whatever that new movie was that just came out that Peter wanted to see and just have a good time.

Forget about everything for a minute. Make him feel as normal and comfortable as we can get in our crazy little family and just reassure the kid that we don't feel any different about him. We can even bring the bots up and invite Vision. Then this afternoon while we are off he can have some time to himself to come to terms with everything. Both of us are going to be at the compound today, so we will still just be a call away if he needs us and Karen will be watching as always. What do you say?"

Pepper gave him that 'I'm proud of you Tony' smile and for the first time since he got that call he beamed.

"I think that Is a wonderful Idea Tony. But, I am going to be making bacon and omelets as well. You can't eat nothing but sugar and expect not to puke. And your meetings today are too important to miss. Plus Peter needs real food for his recovery."

He started to protest jokingly but, was shut up immediately when Pepper softly said "You're a great father Tony"

Tony was brought up short with those words even after all this time it was hard to imagine himself as a good father, a good dad. It was still a bit shocking he had a kid at all let alone someone thinking he was good at taking care of another living being that wasn't made with mechanical parts.

Pepper kissed him on the cheek and gave him a feather light push on his arm.

"Go Bruce should be up any minute with the first smoothie and his medical supplies."

He laughed as he saw Pepper wrinkle her nose thinking about that.

"Yeah I don't envy the kid either. If anything is going to make the kid puke it's going to be that putrid concoction not pancakes."

Pepper wrinkled her brow and stepped over to the fridge and grabbed out two two liters of sprite.

"Here to help wash it down."

"Thanks. I'm sure the kid will appreciate it."

Ding !

"Boss that's Doctor Banner."

"Alright have him meet me in Peter's room baby girl.

"Alright Boss."

Tony could hear the muted sound of Friday relaying the message as he made his way to his son's room.

When he entered the smaller part of the bedroom that contained the boy's bed he wrinkled his nose. The kid was ripe. Not that it was his fault. Well at least he didn't reek of puke. Luckily yesterday the kid had managed to not get any on himself and by now the non-intelligent helper bots Pete had built should have cleaned up any mess.

Tony sighed as he sat down next to Peter on his bed. Immediately the kid moaned and his eyes fluttered. Tony felt a pang of worry he had jostled and hurt him. Without even thinking he stroked his head, pushing back his limp greasy curls. The kid's face wasn't flush anymore, he had a good color to him but, he still didn't look healthy.

"Hey hey buddy you're ok underoos you're ok" he whispered " you're safe"

A small whine escaped and Peter's eyes opened up halfway. Unfocused and Tony could tell he was struggling for consciousness.

"Dr. Banner is about to enter." Karen's soft voice came over.

"Thank you Karen and good morning."

"Good morning to you too Boss"

"Mor'n?" Peter slurred confused. His eyebrow furrowing.

Then Peter's eyes went wide dilating.
"Hey hey it's ok. You needed the rest, you didn't miss anything. You're alright." Tony rushed to reassure. He knew from past experience Peter got worked up if he was out for a while. Stressing over every little thing he missed.

"You were only out for the afternoon and evening Peter. Only a few hours more than you would have slept anyway."

Tony's heart clenched when instead of being soothed by his words Peter looked like he couldn't hear them. Much like he had when he carried him into the infirmary. He whined a pained panicked sound and immediately started to twitch and rotate his hands and his head flickered about. His eyes moving wildly searching the room above him. His expression pained as he raised his hands and Tony laid his hands firmly on the kids upper arms, worried he might set him off and end up thrown at a wall but, more worried about the kid further injuring himself.

He could hear Karen's voice behind him and Bruce's hurried footsteps. But he kept his eyes trained on his kid, leaning over trying to catch Peter's eyes

He spoke firmly trying to snap him out of whatever state he was in, "Peter. You have to calm down and not move your wrists. They are injured."

Tony's chest loosened a bit when Peter stilled and his gaze snapped to his. Honestly he couldn't tell if the kid could actually understand him but, he was glad he was no longer endangering himself. But, his eyes were still blown wide in fear and they lacked the usual intelligence behind them and that was equally scary.

Tony struggled to keep his voice level and calm as he spoke. He could feel his science bro behind him waiting for his signal.

"Now you're safe and in your bedroom. We are keeping you here instead of the medical wing to make you more comfortable but, you need to be good. And remain still so Bruce can check your wrist and look you over. Your wrists may hurt but Bruce needs to look at them and you need to be still. Do you understand?"

As he spoke Peter's eyes cleared and his pupils started to go back to a reasonable size. But, he still had a blankness to his gaze like he wasn't making all the connections quite yet.

"Do you understand Peter you need to stay calm and still while Bruce looks you over?"
It felt wrong to talk down to the kid like this, to need to talk to someone as intelligent as Peter like this.

The kid nodded his head but the lack of verbal response was really unnerving to Tony. Usually by now the kid would be asking a million questions even if the drugs were still working their way out of his system. Which they should mostly be at this point. He wondered if this was one of his "episodes" as Bruce had called them but didn't want to ask in front of Peter. He had no idea how much he could really understand right now and that was eating at him.

Tony slowly took his hands off of Peter's to lean back but, as soon as his hands left Peter's arms the boy's eyes widened again in fear and he whined like a small child wanting to be picked up. Immediately Tony held his arms again, stroking his thumbs in soothing motions. Immediately Peter relaxed, his body sagging and his eyes half closing again. He hummed a little in contentment.

Ok, arm holding good. Leaving, a no go till Peter snaps out of it. Good to know, also super weird. Tony wondered about that but, he also had more pressing matters. He turned to look over his shoulder at Bruce, who had an odd contemplative expression on his face.

"I think he will let you look at him as long as I'm holding him you think you could do that?" He asked because honestly it was going to be a bit awkward for Bruce to look at the kid's wrists when he was braced over the top of the kid like this. But he wasn't risking letting go of one of Pete's arms after the last five minutes.

Bruce smiled a bit which Tony was surprised by, sure it was funny that the kid had managed to trap him in an odd position again without even sticking to him however, it didn't seem to be appropriate for the situation at the moment and Bruce was better at that sort of thing than he was.

Bruce glanced at the floor for a moment and shuffled his feet like he did before he said something he knew would weird or freak him out. Tony raised an eyebrow. "Care to share with the class?"

Bruce looked up and smiled at him before clearing his throat.
"Um did you know that certain spiders rub their upper legs with their children or siblings to show affection."

A spike of mild embarrassment went through Tony at that and he groaned realizing what he was doing now. Apparently he was doing the spider equivalent of hugging and sharing your feelings and he didn't know it. Rhodey was going to laugh at him especially since it was now going to be a thing that he will have to do for Peter to show he accepts him. And somehow not make it weird. Tony is a tactile guy but, even so he still likes to play off his need for connection and now this. He wouldn't be surprised if Karen was already relaying this new discovery to Pepper and Friday. Who would find it adorable. Well at least he didn't have to worry about pictures and video for the moment.

"Uh it shouldn't matter too much how you hold him, probably just as long as you're rubbing his arms it should help calm Peter." Bruce explains

Well at least there is that. Tony shifts onto his knees so he isn't twisted and can more comfortably hold Peter's arms. As soon as he shifts Peter opens his eyes to look at him he sees Peter wondering if he is leaving.

"I'm just getting comfortable Pete" he says softly and he runs his hands down his arms to prove his point. Peter's eyes flutter close and his face relaxes like it usually does when he pets his head and he wonders idly if it feels the same to Peter.

He keeps running his hands firmly up and down Peter's arms as Bruce comes around the bed. Bruce places his phone on the nightstand with Peter's vitals shown in a blue holographic display.Peter lets out content little hums.

As Bruce perches on the edge of the bed Peter's eyes flicker open. Bruce runs his hands down Peter's biceps and Tony relaxes when the kid doesn't freak out to Bruce being there and instead goes back to gazing half-lidded at the ceiling.

They both hold their breath as Bruce pulls away and reaches into his doctor bag. They both let out a relieved breath when it is clear Peter will make no protest. As Bruce quietly rummages through his bag. The quiet clicking and clacking of medical instruments knocking into each other is loud in the small room.

Finally Bruce brings out his scanner and Tony moves his hands up to the kids biceps so Bruce can have access to his wrists. The kid wrinkles his brow and grunts his displeasure. Tony chuckles "Bruce has got to look at your wrists kid."

"Peter, this may hurt a little." Bruce warns as he delicately picks up Peter's left hand. Tony can see a small wince and Peter makes a small sound but doesn't fight.
"Good job Peter. Just keep being still." Tony reassures.

Peter is watching Bruce now with an odd expression. Like he doesn't really know what's going on but, it has more clarity to it now. Tony studies him for a moment.

"Peter are you with me now bud?"
"Huh?" Peter looks at him with his head tilted and it looks more like his Peter.
"Do you understand what's going on right now bud?"

Bruce pauses his evaluation for a moment and studies Peter's face. Peter flicks his eyes between the two for a moment and a million things seem to run across his face before he throws back his head and groans. Cheeks heating up and before Tony can get a word out to the boy to not be embarrassed he is stopped by Peter shaking in his arms. Tony's heart breaks as he realizes Peter is crying his body shaking the bed with his sobs.

"Shh shhhhh sh it's ok bud. It's ok." He desperately runs his hands down the top of Peter's forearms, circling his thumbs.

"I'll give you guys a minute" Bruce says quietly and leaves the room. Calling to Karen to let him know when they are ready to continue.

"It's ok." He repeats circling his thumbs firmly. The arm thing doesn't work though as Peter says so dejectedly it tears his heart apart, "No it's not I'm a freak!" He punctuates his statement by pulling his arms free but Tony just pulls them right back.

"No no you're not Peter."
Peter's whole body slumps and he stares at the ceiling refusing to meet Tony's eyes.

"You don't have to baby me. Not any more" the second part was said so quietly Tony doesn't think he was meant to hear it.

"Hey don't talk about yourself like that. I'm not babying you bud. I'm giving you what you need like a parent, like someone who cares. You think Pepper doesn't rub my head or talks softly to me when I've had a bad dream or are having a hard time?" He demanded

Peter doesn't look at him he just keeps sobbing to the ceiling and Tony knows he is thinking all the ways it isn't the same. Tony pulls harshly to snap Peter out of it and get his attention and immediately regrets it when he sees pain contort Peter's face.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I didn't mean to hurt you, are you ok?" Tony relaxes his hands but doesn't move them from the tops of Peter's forearms.
"Yeah yeah" he rasps "just tender" Peter's body still shook with little hiccups sobs but he lifts his head to answer.

"Im sorry Peter. But I do need you to listen." Peter's red rimmed eyes met his and he smiled sadly at his boy.

"It is ok to need attention sometimes it doesn't make you less of a man. Do you think less of me for needing help with my nightmares or for needing help getting over my fear of water?"

Tony knew Peter remembered their past conversations about how much help Tony needed and how he cried and felt like a sissy for being so scared to need to hold someone's hand through the experience.

"N-no" he choked and sniffled while he sat up. Tony grabbed a tissue off the nightstand and wiped his face before resting his hands lightly on Peter's arms again.

"No. And needing help now with all the crap you're going through doesn't make you any less."
A flash of self hated twisted Peter's face. Something Tony couldn't allow to stay.

"And I know this sucks right now. But, everything that you think makes you a "freak" also makes you Spiderman. One of the best heroes. Fights for the little guy, junior Avenger, soon to be one of the best Avengers ever, more powerful than Cap, as smart as iron man, more flexible than the Black Widow and, the most compassionate of us. You are going to do great things kid."

Tony cupped his face and brushed his tears with his thumb. The kid didn't meet his eyes but, he knew he was taking his words to heart.

"You're a hero with or without powers. But, your powers are a part of you now, a part of your DNA. And I think it was destiny that that spider bit you. And yeah yeah I know. Usually I'm not one to believe in mystic bull crap but, after all I've seen. I don't know. It seems like maybe some things are bound to happen although I don't fully know if I agree with some entity shaping the world. I definitely think somethings are just supposed to happen.
I mean me, Bruce and Helen all agree only maybe a handful of the population could have gotten bit and survived and not only that but, have their DNA so seamlessly integrate the foreign strands. And you of all people happen to be the one to get bit that day." Tony shakes his head before meaning Peter's teary eyes again.

"Who you are is amazing Peter and you shouldn't be ashamed of that. Yeah you maybe more than a little bit different and yeah you might be weird but, what Avenger isn't. I'm certainly weird. You don't want to know some of the stuff Pepper has caught me doing. '' Peter wrinkles his face. "Not like that. Well…"
"Eww."

Tony laughs "Anyways my point is you're not a freak. And I don't ever want to hear you say that about yourself again Peter. You're special but, that's not a bad thing. You have the ability to help a lot more people than you could before. Right? But, the catch side to that is that you also have to deal with spider-puberty and all the weirdness that involves on top of regular puberty, plus dealing with all the bureaucracy and stupidity of being a superhero and dealing with other heros. So there is that. Now I want to hear you say you won't talk about yourself like that again Peter."

Peter gives him a stubborn teenager look complete with an eye roll. Tony just raises his brow expectantly in a way that would make Pepper proud.

Peter huff's but, makes Tony proud in his parenting abilities and gives himself a mental pat on the back as Peter mumbles,
"I won't talk badly about myself."
"Good cause I ban the word freak from this house. It isn't to be used in that context ever especially related to spider babies. Hear that Friday, Karen? No using the "F" word in relation to a person. If it is said play "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen two octaves higher than normal and report to me."

"Yes Boss" they chimed.
Peter cringed.
"There that's taken care of now can you tell Bruce Underoos is ready to finish his check up."

Peter twisted the sheet between his fingers for a moment before wincing and straightening them out again.
"Hey. It's just Bruce." Tony comforted quietly.
Peter sighed "I know" under his breath.

"He is on his way back Boss." Karen chimed
"And it's good to see you looking better Peter. We were worried about you."
Peter smiled "I'm alright now Karen. Sorry to worry you. Aunt May knows I'm alright right?"
"I already messaged her that you were awake and feeling better, I did tell her you were a little confused when you woke up but didn't elaborate."

Peter let out a breath "Thanks Karen"
"You're welcome Peter. I also took the liberty to message MJ and Ned that you were tired and didn't feel well after the luncheon and would talk to them later today when you felt better and had time to sort through some family stuff."
"Oh shoot!" Peter said, bringing his hands up in alarm before wincing and lowering them. Tony winced with him. Flipping them like that he could see how red and swollen they were on the underside still.

"Ned has only left 12 messages and MJ sent a message that she "Hopes you feel better loser. Don't leave us out of the loop like a dummy when you have an AI to remind you." And to please call her when you can. She also told me to stress to you that you didn't need to call right away if you needed time to sort through some stuff."

Peter and Tony both smiled. The kid definitely picked a good one.
"Thank you Karen. Please message her and Ned saying I'll call them tonight."
"Message sent."
"Thanks"

Bruce walked in at the tail end of the conversation and sat down on the bed, picking back up his scanner. Peter looked down at his lap, cheeks red and diligently held out his arm palm up. Tony noticed the kid was scrunching and scrunching his toes under the sheet nervously. Tony reached out and brushed Peter's arm making circles with his thumb. But the kid just turned more red as his eyes kept darting to the contact. And he started moving his feet more seemingly not able to keep still. Tony casually let go and looked over at Bruce.

"I'm sorry about earlier Doctor Banner." Peter's voice cracked.
"It's alright Peter. You can't help it and if anyone understands losing control it's me." Bruce said. His voice a tinge bitter and sad.
Tony clenched his hands but kept his expression relaxed.

"It's not really the same though."
"No it's not but, the emotion is the same." Bruce responded without even looking up from his work. From the corner of his eye Tony could see Peter's toe scrunching slow down.

"I-I guess your right." Peter cleared his throat and Bruce asked for the other arm. Peter diligently switched and then asked "So um how do you deal with it. And um um i-is this going to happen more? Whatever this is?"

It was weird for Tony to hear Peter sound just as confused as he'd had been about the whole thing even though he was the one experiencing it. It made him wonder just what exactly was going on in his head not twenty minutes ago.

Bruce sighed and his gaze briefly flickered to Peter's before returning to the screen of the scanner.

"You're going to have to find your own way of dealing with it. I can't tell you how to express your emotions, as long as you're doing it in a healthy way that is all that matters. I can share with you how I deal and try to help you find your own way." Bruce paused in his words as he studied the screen for a moment, brows wrinkled. Doing absolutely nothing for the turning of anxiety in Tony's stomach. He was starting to regret having that second cup before breakfast.

Peter seemed to be holding his breath. Opening and closing his mouth a few times before getting the courage to ask again. "S-so i-it is going to keep happening?" His voice cracks.

Bruce finished his scan and placed it back in his medical bag before fully facing Peter and giving him his full attention.

"Yes."
Peter looks dejected and makes an aborted movement to wipe his eyes with his hand before trying to rub his face against his shoulder instead. Tony stops him from rubbing his face on his yellowed shirt by cupping his face. He wipes the kid's face himself with a tissue. Peter blushes and makes a face of discomfort but says nothing. Defeat written in his body language with his hands laying uselessly in his lap.

"I'm afraid you will keep experiencing these "episodes", for a lack of a better term. There unfortunately isn't really a word for this. Which is essentially from what I can gather is a period of cognitive shift where you react solely based on your more spider driven instincts."

Peter scrunches his toes hard and an angry tear makes its way down his face. Tony himself feels a bit angry at how unfair the boy's life is. Bruce cleans his glasses with his shirt and places them back on his nose.

"It's important that you understand that while this part of you is more spider, it isn't fully. You are still partially human in your thinking and feeling, it's impossible for you not to. Just as your DNA is seamlessly integrated so are your thoughts."
Peter looks up wide eyed at Bruce.
"They always have been from the moment your DNA changed. You know physiology and psychology go hand in hand Peter." Bruce says patiently.

Tony can see Peter swallow and honestly he feels the need to swallow too with that revelation. Sure it makes sense when you think about it but, he really hadn't until that moment realized how much this would fundamentally change his brain even when they did the brain scans and talked about how Peter had different glands in there and throughout his body to make hemolymph and different chemicals.

"Which is good."
Peter looks at him like how is this good? And it almost makes Tony laugh.

"It means you'll never be like the Hulk Peter."
And that sobers the conversation. Peter looks at his lap and Tony gives his science bro a pat on his shoulder in support.

"You'll always be you even if you aren't fully in control. You can still make decisions and are still aware even if that awareness is different. We can try and run some scans while you are in that state to help you better understand."
And yep the kid does not look comfortable with that at all going by the pale look
"We don't have to, it's up to you if you want that."

Peter relaxes a little but his feet are still nervously scrunching.

"You'll have triggers and may find it hard not to fall into that headspace when you're somewhere you feel safe but, I doubt that you'll be in danger of doing that in public spaces."

Peter blew out a breath and looked like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

"You won't have to worry about your secret identity bud." Tony says giving Peter's shoulder a shake. Peter grimaces and Tony quickly retracts "oh sorry forgot about the arms."
"Its ok"

"Anyways. You'll eventually be more self aware and maybe even with time you'll be able to pull yourself out, but we really don't know. All we can do is keep track of possible triggers like, yesterday was probably from a prolonged period of stress triggering your spidey sense, abundance of food, followed by a retreat to somewhere you felt safe. Alone these might not be enough but, together and in that order." Bruce lets it hang.

Tony just nodded along having already heard it. He was relieved to see Peter looking more contemplative than stressed or pained for the moment.

Bruce continued, "We can try to limit your time with any of the Rogues to keep this from happening but, I think we should also try to schedule you time to spend somewhere you feel safe like, your room or the lab so that if it does you can feel free to do it." Bruce held up his hands before Peter could protest the idea " I-I know you don't like it and you you might feel embarrassed by it but, it's important you don't suppress it Peter. Not only would it bring undue stress and strain on your body, it could stunt your growth. Plus you also run the risk of it coming out when you don't want it to and exposing yourself Peter."

That gets Peter to relent and nod his head. Bruce relaxes and clasps his hands in front of him.

"I know this is difficult Peter but, you have to come to accept yourself how you are and learn how to deal with this. You can't run or hide from it trust me." Bruce says bitterly and looks down at his hands.

"We will all be here Peter and we all care about you Underoos." Tony says
"We will." Bruce joins in.
Peter gives them a small appreciative smile even though Tony can still see some fear behind his eyes.

It was silent and tense for a few moments and then Bruce cleared his throat. "We uh took uh some samples while you were asleep to see what you will need in your diet to keep making webs as you currently are plus the oil your skin secretes to keep you from sticking to your own webs."

And we are back to the red cheeks and aggressive toe scrunching. Plus it looks like the kid just realized how gross his clothes and sheets have gotten going by the faces and the awkward shifting around.

"Unfortunately you need a lot more nutrients than we can add to a smoothie to supplement. We had to make our own."
Both of them wince at him.
"Sorry kid it's not going to be pleasant." Tony tells him and reasonably the kid looks at them warily.

"There is nothing gross in there, promise, mainly puree lamb meat and veggies. But, it isn't going to be the most delicious thing you ever tasted. We will try to make the next batch taste better when the ingredients arrive, I had to import a couple. You can help us make and adjust them. But till then you'll just have to deal."

Bruce hands the lidded drink over to Tony.
"It might be hard for him to lift or hold things today."
Peter gives him a questioning eyebrow.

"Oh. Yesterday when you were having your er episode you damaged your already overworked wrists. Luckily there was no permanent damage done but, it may take a day or two for them to fully heal. We kept you asleep for a while to keep from moving and hurting them while the initial healing was done. Now it should be safe to move your arms, just keep your hands lax and don't try to rotate your wrists. I'll give you another shot of anti inflammatory. And try to keep them elevated as much as possible. No ice under any circumstances or you could freeze internal structures and cause clotting. I'll check on your wrist in twelve hours and by then they should be mostly healed and hopefully you'll start to be able to use them again."

"Wait he won't be able to use them at all today?" Tony asks

"I mean he is probably safe to use the bathroom by himself, but holding things, opening doors not so much. There should be some braces down in medical storage that should work to help keep them immobile although with Peter's sensitivity It be best to put bandages over his spinnerets and then wrap them in soft gauze first."

Tony nodded and quietly said thanks taking note to remember to wrap the boy's wrists after he got him cleaned up.Tony blew out a breath and rubbed his face.

"Ok both me and Pep are going to be in meetings today. Do you think you could step in every now and again if Peter needs something?"

"I can step in a few times but we have to be in some of the same meetings."

"Uhhgh I guess we'll just have to play it by ear. Worse comes to worse the bots are semi competent when they want to be and spider kid if pretty ingenuitive. Well figure something out." Tony winks at the kid and Peter gives him a genuine smile making him feel lighter.

Bruce nods. "We are also going to need to start taking daily samples of your web and oil starting tomorrow so we can map out your progression and change your diet accordingly. You also won't be able to use your webs until I can give you a clean bill of health, not that you'll want to right now."

Bruce sighs "Just let me get another quick blood sample and I can leave you be. I hear Pepper is making a big breakfast for you guys."

Peter's face lights up "Pepper is here?"

"Yep she doesn't have any morning meetings today. And she gave me these" Tony picks up one of the two litters by the bed to show him " to help you wash down this yuck so you can thank her for that."

As he spoke Bruce drew his blood sample. Tony waited till Bruce gave Peter his shot and removed his IV, rubbing the itch for Peter when it was taken out, before he moved forward with the shake. Peter looked at it warily, nose scrunching up. Tony allowed him the momentary procrastination to tell Bruce bye and thank him as he packed his doctory things.

After Bruce shut the door though Tony turned to Peter seriously "Ok Peter you have to drink this. I know it sucks but, at least with the lid on you can't smell it."
Tony brought it to his face.

"I can." Peter responded though instead of utter disgust his face was still more wary than anything else. Which was odd since he could apparently smell it with his super senses.

Hesitantly Peter sucked on the straw. He scrunched up his face.
"It isn't good but it isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be."

"Really?" Intrigued Tony took a sip himself before coughing and gagging. He hurriedly opened one of Pepper's two liters and guzzled half the bottle down. Peter laughed at him.

"You horrible deceitful child!" He wagged an accusatory finger at him, coughing "lied to me."

"I didn't lie, you're just being dramatic."

Proving his point Peter leaned in and took another big sip. Tony scrunched his nose and gagged.

"Uh you gross tasteless child."

Peter just laughed. And it made him happy the kid didn't find it hard to choke down the slop even if he found it utterly revolting.

Karen's musical laugh played over the room.
"If I may Boss. Dr. Banner and Dr. Cho predict Peter might develop fangs in the next month or so, it is possible a change in Peter's palette might be occurring to accommodate his future dietary changes. A mostly liquified meal containing mostly animal protein and calcium wouldn't be too different from a spider's natural diet."

Peter did look a little sickly at that. And as much as he appreciated the helpful information he really didn't like to upset Peter once again.

"Thanks Karen."

"Your welcome Boss. Also Miss Potts would like me to inform you that breakfast is almost ready."

"Well kid you better drink up."

----------------

Chapter Text

A slight jostle woke Peter up but, his senses hummed with safety in the back of his head so he paid it no mind. The movement did alert him to sore muscles all over his body and a twinge in his wrists. His mind was a fog tugged down and slowed by the grogginess of sleep still. And he wanted to just curl back into the warmth of unconsciousness. A familiar callused hand swept across his forehead accompanied by a soft whisper that lulls him deeper.

A familiar sound gently trilled through the room grabbing him from near sleep. Sleep still pulled heavily on him as he tried to focus on the sound. Syllables and noise slowly coming together to form words

"....g-d mor ing…..good morning to you too Boss"

Peter recognized the familiar voices as they spoke above him. And He could feel the heat of Dad's body next to him. Karen had said morning is that what time it was? Something niggles at the back of his head that there is something wrong with that even if he knows it's true in his bones.

"Morning?" He tries to ask but, his mouth is dry and not quite cooperating.

Peter's senses start to come online as he tries to puzzle out why that it being morning is so important again. He thinks back to before he woke up.

A swamp of memories came back to him. The anxiety, the fear, the feeling of laying down his webs and building his nest. The vibrations humming across them as he moved and connected them. The steady hum of the building itself connecting the whole thing in a sense of home. The resentment of it. The horror and blinding panic as he realized he'd been dragged from the safety of it and fighting against strong red metal arms to get back.

Did I make it back? Peter was hit with a flash of panic when he abruptly realized he was lying low on something soft and he could not feel a single humming strand of the safety of his nest. Anything could get him anything could hurt him so low to the ground. His position screamed vulnerability.

Peter started moving his hands looking for any familiar vibrations but, everything was muffled by whatever he was lying on while his eyes snapped about searching, scanning for familiar strands or a place to hide above but, there was only a clear empty ceiling a mere few feet above him. Nothing that would offer safety.

Peters' breaths quickened and the hammering of his heart started to drown out the world. Peter started to raise his hands up to get him to the ceiling so, he could move somewhere safer and hopefully find his nest but, two strong hands gently grip his arms steadily

Peter had forgotten Dad was there in his panic. Peter's heart still raced but he calmed as he realized Dad would protect him while he was on the ground and could help him find his nest. The doubt filled him for a moment as flashes of red and gold metal and a frantic voice started playing in his mind.

The sound of his name snapped his attention and he met his Dad's gaze. His eyes were scared but his voice was sure as he spoke. A steady rumble washed over him, settling his nerves somewhat. Peter was still scared but he tried to relax into the sounds Dad was making. Focusing on them and the steady pressure on his arms letting him know his Dad was here to keep him safe. He loved and cared about him.

Peter tried to relax and breathe. His heart was still pounding but it no longer seemed so loud in his ears. He just held onto his Dad as an anchor focusing on his dad's warm eyes, the pressure on his arms, the sure tone of his Dad's voice. As he stilled himself the sounds started to slowly form words, that he sort of understood.

There was a small expectant pause before anything truly made sense. And Peter tried to recall what was said but, he drew a blank. Luckily his Dad spoke them again for him.

" Do you understand Peter you need to stay calm and still while Bruce looks you over?"

Of course he could stay calm. He felt bad about being so freaked out before. His spider sense was calm in his head and his dad was there. He should have trusted him, he felt slightly guilty for his moment of doubt. He could be good and still. Peter kept managing steady breaths and nodded. He could feel his heart slowing down in his chest.

The pressure on his arms lifted and Peter whined for his Dad to come back. no no don't leave I can be good really. Before Peter could worry more about his dad being upset and leaving he felt a strong reassuring grip back on his arms and he let out a breath of relief, that he wouldn't be alone. That he hadn't upset him into leaving. He needed him. Then there were small strokes on his arms. Peter hummed happily at the love his dad showed him. He was happy with him; it made him want to smile and melt into the soft ground.

The strokes on his arms felt so nice as they brushed the small hairs on his arms. Plus the hands were warm and the pressure helped relieve the soreness in the tired aching muscles in his arms.

Peter heard Dad speak and cracked open an eye but, his face was turned away, speaking to Bruce, he vaguely remembered being there. So, Peter tuned back out of the conversation and focused on the arm rub as it soothed his aching limbs and filled his chest with the warmth of his father's love.

It was nice and this close he could smell his dad's familiar scent wash over him along with the scents he always carried with him from the lab like motor oil. reminding him of the happy bots down below them.

Peter was near drooling bliss from all the love and relaxation when he felt his dad move like he was getting up. Peter's eyes opened not wanting it to be over yet.
"I'm just getting comfortable Pete" he said and ran his arms up and down his arms sending jolts of pleasure, making his arms like jelly it was so relaxing.

Peter feels another dip on the bed and flickers his eyes open to see Bruce. Bruce gives him a little rub on top of his biceps, too light to help with any of the ache frustratingly and of course doesn't feel anywhere as nice as on his forearms but, the thought is nice. Peter's glad he gave the fleeting show of care. It was nice of his friend to show he cared. Bruce is usually busy but he always shows Peter he cares when he can.

Peter contently just stares at the ceiling as Dad rubs down the sore muscles of his arms. He hears Bruce messing with something beside him but he doesn't really care. He is fine just relaxing now.

Then Dad moves his calloused hands up onto his biceps, away from his sore forearms where he really needed it. He grunts a little to let his dad know he didn't like that, hoping he'd go back.
His Dad laughs and says "Bruce had got to look at your wrists kid."
Is that why Bruce was here? To heal his wrists?
"Peter, this may hurt a little." Bruce warns as he picks up his hand carefully.

A deep ache protests the movement along with a sharp pain that hits his spinneret and shoots an inch up his arm as Bruce rotates it so his palm is facing up. Peter makes a small noise of pain before he can think better of it and wonders how his arms got hurt. He doesn't remember hurting them and the deep ache is more severe than normal when he over spends his webs. Not to mention the sharp pang is definitely not normal.

"Good job Peter. Just keep being still." Dad says like he expects him to move.
Of course he isn't. It's Bruce. He trusts him. He'll take care of him, he knows that.
Did something happen that he can't remember that would make him think that way? Something feels off about everything.

Peter is watching Bruce and a flicker of a memory comes to him blurred but frantic. He thinks back on the last time he saw Bruce's face and a blurred mess of feelings,images, and smells comes through, like he's spinning and the world is just motion.

He remembers frantic voices including his own begging to go back to his nest. Not safe. His senses alive and numb at the same time. His hair standing on end. The smell of antiseptic. Gripping and writhing to get free of metal arms. Helplessness of not feeling listened to and not being able to think and articulate beyond the blinding panic that seized his body into movement of its own accord. Bruce's face of worry. Talking in a clinical tone.

Dad's voice sounded, breaking Peter out of his thoughts though he didn't catch a word of it.
"Huh?"

"Do you understand what's going on right now bud?" His dad asks looking at him earnestly.

Peter wanted to say of course he knew but, he realized he didn't. Nor had he questioned a lot of what had transpired since he had awoken. He just knew the memories of before were off. Unease filed his stomach.

Peter looked between his Dad and Bruce for a moment and thought about everything that had happened since he woke up. He knew he was getting a check up from Bruce for his wrist though he couldn't remember how he injured them though it had to be when he was struggling earlier in his hazy memories.

Maybe in his panic he didn't feel it? When he woke up his Dad was here in his bed with him. He started rubbing his arms which was nice, soothing them. But, he had been scared when he woke up because of his nest. His nest. The memories slammed back into him from before he completely lost it in the medbay. Suddenly everything clicked.

He understood what had happened. what he had done. He remembers making a nest like a freak and having a panic attack about it. He remembers panicking again for his stupid webs being ripped from where he had stupidly attached them to his fucking door. Like a freak and an idiot. He remembers throwing up and Iron man carrying him and all the dumb thoughts about Iron man and being Spiderman that had gone through his head.

He remembers freaking out and losing his shit in the infirmary like some sort of crazed beast that his poor dad had to fight to keep from tossing himself on the floor or on the ceiling. That was when he fucking hurt his fucking mutant wrists and arms. Being a mindless animal clawing at the iron man to get back to a fucking literal nest.

Dad must have carried him back to his bed on the ground floor when he passed out. And since Peter has woken up he has acted like nothing but a baby needing to be held lest he freak out again and hurt one of them or himself, become like an animal again.

The echoes of his own whines mock him in his head. The memory of his Dad's touches now seem somehow condescending. Shame burns through him thinking how much he needed him to baby him and he throws his head back in frustration and anger at himself. He groans because, how is he ever going to look at him the same again.

He is such a freak! And he hates how needy and un human he is. Hardly fucking human! Who makes nest and needs to have their arms held and rubbed so they don't fall apart?!

Peter's body is racking with sobs but, he feels so low it doesn't even really matter. He has no pride left.

His Dad repeats "it's okay" in a worried voice like he's talking him down.
His thumbs stroke harder circles on his arms and in that moment he wanted nothing more than his hands off of him. Only a fucking freak like him would act this way to having his arms rubbed! It was fucking weird!

Peter angrily pulled back his arms because nothing about this was alright!
"No it's not, I'm a freak!" He tells with tears streaming down his eyes.
"No no you're not Peter." His Dad says sternly.

Peter looks at him through blurry eyes and sees the determined set to his face. He slumps back on the bed. His dad loves him but, he was so much of a burden. He couldn't have wanted to sign up for this originally but he would never leave him. He'd take care of him even if he really did turn into a spider. But, Peter didn't want him to have to take care of him like this. He was in his right mind again; he didn't have to sit here and hold his hand.

He wanted to scoff at how horrible he was earlier whining because his Dad wouldn't hold him.
"You don't have to baby me. Not any more." It was harder than he thought it would be to just get the words out and he couldn't look at his face.

"Hey don't talk about yourself like that. I'm not babying you bud. I'm giving you what you need like a parent, like someone who cares. You think Pepper doesn't rub my head or talks softly to me when I've had another nightmare or are having a hard time?" He demanded, his voice hard.

Peter knew he meant it and his Dad didn't see him like Peter saw himself. His Dad didn't understand it wasn't the same he couldn't. He was - A sharp deep pain jabbed through his arms breaking him from his thoughts and he winced holding in a pained sound behind clenched teeth.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I didn't mean to hurt you, are you ok?" His dad asks and he relaxes his grip but doesn't move his calloused hands from the tops of Peter's forearms.

Peter doesn't want his dad to feel bad for forgetting so he quickly tries to reassure him even though his throat is still dry and scratchy and his hiccups sobs make it hard to get a breath through his stuffy nose.
"Yeah yeah" he rasps "just tender" He chokes out. He hates crying.

"I'm sorry Peter. But I do need you to listen."
Peter looks up and meets his serious eyes. His dad smiles reassuringly at him though there is no happiness in his gaze.

"It is ok to need attention sometimes it doesn't make you less of a man. Do you think less of me for needing help with my nightmares or for needing help getting over my fear of water?"

Peter knew what he was trying to get at and he hated that he had nothing to argue with so he just choked out a stuttered no. Peter sniffled, snot threatening to run down to his mouth. Before Peter could contemplate how to fix the problem with his throbbing useless arms his dad reached over and grabbed a couple of tissues.

He didn't fight as Dad wiped his face like a child knowing there was no point in fighting. His arms felt heavy on top of the deep pain, He doubts he could do much with them. Stupid useless arms.

His Dad rests his hands lightly on his arms. The lack of pressure was grating, it was too light with how sensitive they were, it made him itch but, there was no way he'd say anything to his Dad, especially to move them he'd just upset him more and think it was like earlier.

Peter stared down at where his hands rested as his Dad talked, "No. And needing help now with all the crap you're going through doesn't make you any less."

Peter frowned. He was Spiderman; he should be able to deal with a lunch the Rogues! They weren't even doing anything! It was just lunch. And Spiderman should be able to sit through class without fidgeting so much people think he needs to use the bathroom or be able to stand Flashes comments and him tripping and pushing him without going home and crying about it. He deals with muggers, has gotten shot and stabbed and taken down people like the Vulture! He should-

"And I know this sucks right now. But, everything that you think makes you a "freak" also makes you Spiderman. One of the best heroes. Fights for the little guy, junior Avenger, soon to be one of the best Avengers ever, more powerful than Cap, as smart as iron man, more flexible than the Black Widow and, the most compassionate of us. You are going to do great things kid"

His Dad's words just cut into him deeper. He feels like he doesn't deserve it. But, He does realize that maybe this lack of control, this "spidering out" maybe the cost of being a hero.

His Dad cups his face and he knows he wants him to look at him but, he still feels like he doesn't deserve it. Part of him wants to lean into the touch and the other wants to jerk out of it and leave this conversation entirely. Peter just clenches his jaw. He feels another tear roll down his cheek and he is hyper aware of the two hands still on him.

"You're a hero with or without powers. But, your powers are a part of you now, a part of your DNA. And I think it was destiny that that spider bit you. And yeah yeah I know. Usually I'm not one to believe in mystic bull crap but, after all I've seen. I don't know. It seems like maybe some things are bound to happen although I don't fully know if I agree with some entity shaping the world. I definitely think somethings are just supposed to happen.
I mean me, Bruce and Helen all agree only maybe a handful of the population could have gotten bit and survived and not only that but, have their DNA so seamlessly integrate the foreign strands. And you of all people happen to be the one to get bit that day."

Peter's heart clenched and he wanted to burst into even more tears than he was already. There was a painful knot in his throat as he looked up at his dad's earnest brown eyes. He looked so proud of him and tears burned behind his eyes. Hearing that he believed in him, even to the point of considering fate, something Tony doesn't believe in, him to think he was so deserving of being a hero the world would make it happen.

"Who you are is amazing Peter and you shouldn't be ashamed of that. Yeah you maybe more than a little bit different and yeah you might be weird but, what Avenger isn't. I'm certainly weird. You don't want to know some of the stuff Pepper has caught me doing. '' Peter wrinkles his face. "Not like that. Well…"
"Eww." Peter says smiling.
Maybe this wasn't so bad. He knows that his dad and the others have their issues too.

Dad laughs and the sound eases the tension in his chest, "Anyways my point is you're not a freak. And I don't ever want to hear you say that about yourself again Peter. You're special but, that's not a bad thing. You have the ability to help a lot more people than you could before. Right? But, the catch side to that is that you also have to deal with spider-puberty and all the weirdness that involves on top of regular puberty, plus dealing with all the bureaucracy and stupidity of being a superhero and dealing with other heros. So there is that. Now I want to hear you say you won't talk about yourself like that again Peter."

Peter huff's and keeps a straight face even though he wanted to smile at the childishness of repeating after him. His dad was right. This was worth it if he could be Spiderman. He hopes his Uncle Ben would be just as proud. Peter swallows and pushes the thought of wanting to see Ben look at him like Mr. Stark did just then. He didn't want to go back to being sad.

Peter mumbles out like he's sulking in full moody teenager persona "I won't talk bad about myself" feeling as silly as he thought he would but also warm in his chest.

"Good cause I ban the word freak from this house. It isn't to be used in that context ever especially related to spider babies. Hear that Friday, Karen? No using the "F" word in relation to a person. If it is said play "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen two octaves higher than normal and report to me."

Peter cringed, the pitch change wouldn't damage his enhanced senses but, it sure as hell wouldn't be pleasant. Even to a non-enhanced that'd be torture. I mean "Call Me Maybe" that was just cruel.

Peter couldn't help but feel irritated with his father for implementing that into the House Rules. Peter wanted to scowl at his sisters for being so cheerful about it but, he didn't want to encourage them, it was bad enough he let himself react initially.

"There that's taken care of now can you tell Bruce Underoos is ready to finish his check up."

Peter twisted the sheet between his fingers for a moment before wincing and straightening them out again when several sharp stinging pains shot up his wrists and down his hands.
"Hey. It's just Bruce." Mr. Stark comforted quietly.
Peter sighed "I know" under his breath.

"He is on his way back Boss." Karen chimed
"And it's good to see you looking better Peter. We were worried about you."

Peter smiled "I'm alright now Karen. Sorry to worry you. Aunt May knows I'm alright right?"

"I already messaged her that you were awake and feeling better, I did tell her you were a little confused when you woke up but didn't elaborate."

Peter let out a relieved breath and thanked his sister. Karen was amazing. Honestly didn't know how he survived before without her.

"You're welcome Peter. I also took the liberty to message MJ and Ned that you were tired and didn't feel well after the luncheon and would talk to them later today when you felt better and had time to sort through some family stuff."

"Oh shoot!" Peter said, bringing his hands up automatically before wincing and lowering them. He could already imagine the dozens of texts, calls, and voicemails Ned has left him. He also didn't want to worry MJ, she always knew when something was up with him.

"Ned has only left 12 messages" Peter blew out a breath, for Ned that was practically nothing "and MJ sent a message that she "Hopes you feel better loser. Don't leave us out of the loop like a dummy when you have an AI to remind you." And to please call her when you can. She also told me to stress to you that you didn't need to call right away if you needed time to sort through some stuff."

Peter couldn't help but smile. He could imagine her saying that like she was in the room with him and it brought warmth to his chest. She knew him so well.

Peter thanked Karen and told her to tell them he would call them tonight. Partially because he just wanted to get some of this non-spider related stuff off his chest, partially because he already missed his friends and especially needed MJ's calming presence right now, and partially because if he waited any longer Ned would explode without an outlet for his endless questions.

It was something Peter love/hate about him. He could distract Peter when needed and challenge him to think of things he never would have before. Not to mention his excitement often helped cheer him up on a bad day. Unfortunately sometimes it could be a bit overwhelming and even annoying. Though it was touching how invested his friend was in his life; he has been this way even before Spiderman. Plus when Peter really asked him to he always backed off. When things were really bad he filled the silence Peter left with a comfortable chatter that Peter never felt pressured to add to.

Peter remembered the month After Ben died when Ned would talk endlessly for hours as Peter just stared, too lost in his own grief. It brought him more comfort that all those people that gave condolences or spoke to him softly like he'd break. Ned kept him going though, even through the dirty looks others would give him and those adults who tried to discourage him. They didn't understand how his friend's endless stream of thought carried Peter out of the dark recesses of his own mind. He knew he might need some of that today. Ned would never leave him.

Peter was distracted from his thoughts when he noticed Dr. Banner had the medical scanner he'd been using, before Peter snapped out of it. Peter diligently stuck his hand out, twisting it so that his spinneret was on display despite really not wanting to. Not only did it hurt to turn his hand like that but, it made him feel illogically vulnerable. He was scared Dr. Banner would accidentally bump his sensitive arm, especially around his spinneret, even though he knew that wouldn't be a problem since the scanner didn't need to be on his skin to work. He had helped Dr. Banner make this model.

Peter was hyper aware of how close they were and Peter couldn't look at him even though he knew it was impolite. Not only was he still embarrassed about how he acted earlier but, he was afraid he do something stupid like that again without meaning to. He already had a strong urge to snatch his arm back and run across the ceiling out of here.

Then Mr. Stark reached over and started rubbing circles on the top of his other arm. Part of him was comforted by the feeling and Peter hated that. He could feel his face heating up even more than he was sure it already was and he dipped his head lower, suddenly glad his room was always dim.

Peter didn't know how to feel about it. He was so conflicted between wanting the comfort and being embarrassed about it. He also hated this thing because he knew this was a spider thing. Yeah everyone likes massages but it was the extra feelings, the ones that said love, family, and friendship that hummed in the back of his head that were not the same, not human.

The feeling of his arms in general had changed in the last few months, he didn't know how to explain exactly but, he could feel the web fluid, spinnerets, and muscles that weren't there before. Yet they didn't feel foriegn; they felt like they belonged. They felt right. It scared Peter. He didn't like his own body being so alien and not knowing what normal was even supposed to be anymore.

He just wanted to be able to look to somebody else and relate. Have someone else say they have been there and experienced the same. It was frustrating not knowing what to expect and lonely not having anyone like him to talk to about all the craziness in his own head that he didn't even understand. He hated it.

He was relieved when Mr. Stark's hand carelessly left his arm. Peter then realizes he has been scrunching his toes unconsciously with nerves unable to stay still in the awkward atmosphere. Well at least that was a Peter thing. It did make him question exactly how casually Mr. Stark's hand leaving was. He really didn't want Mr. Stark to start tiptoeing around him and acting differently. Which reminded him he really needed to apologize to Dr. Banner.

Peter's voice cracked as he apologized and he barely held in a wince at the pitiful sound.

"It's alright Peter. You can't help it and if anyone understands losing control it's me." Bruce said, his voice a tinge bitter and sad.

Peter didn't like that but, he also didn't want them to think he was completely out of it. He was aware. He just was thinking... weird. He didn't want to be given a free pass for his behavior when he was in control even if he was really confused. Which he guessed wasn't exactly in control but, it wasn't what Dr. Banner was thinking either.

"It's not the same though." He tried to explain but, before he could come up with how to articulate what he was thinking, Dr. Banner spoke again.

"No it's not but, the emotion is the same."

Peter slowly curled and uncurled his toes as he gave what Dr. Banner thought. He owed him that, so Peter stops to think for a moment. Wasn't the Hulk a little confused when he smashed stuff? I mean obviously he was aware enough to not attack his teammates and Bruce didn't remember what he did as Hulk. Only flashes and impressions. Bruce feels horrified when he comes out of it and sees the destruction and he doesn't always know when a situation will come to trigger the Hulk. Just like Peter didn't know. Still doesn't. When he had come out of nest making he was horrified with himself. Of what he had become.

Peter swallowed and his voice was shaky as he conceded the fact.
"I-I guess your right." Peter managed to say around the lump in his throat. He tried to clear it to speak again as he handed Bruce his other arm. Hardly noticing the pain over the fear of getting the answer to the question that had been in the back of his mind for a while though he had refused to focus on it till now.

"So um how do you deal with it. And um um i-is this going to happen more? Whatever this is?" Peter asked unsure.

Peter's heart pounded and he concentrated on keeping his breath even. He really wanted to understand all this but he was afraid of the answers. Peter's breath hitched a bit as Bruce sighed and met his eyes briefly. ears pushed behind his eyes at the expression on the doctor's face. It was similar to the one Ben had when he sat down and explained to Peter the sick dog he's found on the street when he was seven didn't make it even though he had already warned Peter of that possibility when he brought the poor creature home.

"You're going to have to find your own way of dealing with it. I can't tell you how to express your emotions, as long as you're doing it in a healthy way that is all that matters. I can share with you how I deal and try to help you find your own way." Bruce said in a therapist like tone.

Blood roared in Peter's ears. He needed to hear it. To have him say it to be sure of what he had already known. This wasn't a fluke or a one off. Oh god! How was he ever supposed to go anywhere if this could just happen whenever?! What about school?! A normal life outside of Spiderman? He needed to get the words out but his mouth was absent of moisture and the ability to form sentences had blanked out of his mind.

Finally Peter got in breath he didn't realize he was holding and asked even if it was shaky for what he desperately needed to hear to convince himself this was more than a nightmare.
"S-so i-it is going to keep happening?" His own voice is like nails on a chalkboard to his ears.

Peter is clenching his feet so hard it hurts because it is all he can do as he waits for Bruce to confirm what he knows. He briefly wonders if this was how people feel before being given a grave diagnosis from a doctor. Then he supposed it kind of was even if it wasn't something that would kill him. He then thought he should be grateful, life has taught him things can always be much worse.

After an eternity Bruce turns to him and gives him a simple "Yes" that seems to echo like a gavel in a quiet court room in his head.

All the tension in his body sags into a dejected sort of melancholy he hasn't felt in a long time. Peter finally allows himself to feel to mourn the last illusions of being somewhat normal. Tears finally start flowing, no longer restrained and Peter instinctively goes to wipe them before being stopped by another deep sharp pain. He wants to whine at that but holds on to what is left of his dignity and just silently lets his hand rest back in his lap.

He sighs and sniffles as he turns his head to wipe his face on his shoulder sleeve but is stopped by gentle calloused hands cupping his face. Peter looks down through bleary eyes even though he knows Mr.Stark wants him to look at him. He can't. He feels his cheeks heat as his face is wiped like a toddler. It's embarrassing how little choice he has. How he needs someone to baby him. In a way he brought it on himself by fighting earlier. Peter still isn't sure if it is his fault.

Peter just accepts it and doesn't complain or pull away as much as he wants to. The tissue feels invasive despite the gentleness. Nevertheless he doesn't want to cause anyone, especially Mr. Stark, anymore grief. When his mentor turned dad leaned back Dr. Banner kept explaining.

"I'm afraid you will keep experiencing these "episodes", for a lack of a better term. There unfortunately isn't really a word for this. Which is essentially from what I can gather is a period of cognitive shift where you react solely based on your more spider driven instincts." Bruce explains bringing back the bitter anger Peter has felt with himself.

He hated this was taking away some of his control. He hated how it made him act. It didn't feel fair. 'He knows life isn't fair so why does he always expect it to be?' He asks himself. He squeezes his toes painfully in his frustration and anger. He couldn't even wish for him to not to have been bitten because of all the other great things it gave him! That pissed him off.

"It's important that you understand that while this part of you is more spider, it isn't fully. You are still partially human in your thinking and feeling, it's impossible for you not to. Just as your DNA is seamlessly integrated so are your thoughts."

That stopped Peter dead. His eyes snapping up like a deer in headlights to lock onto the doctor. The spider part of him has always been that, a part. That first day he realized he had powers he thought of it as a little extra on top of who he already was, a bonus. Then after he created the identity Spiderman it became a part of who he was like, Iron Man to Tony Stark. Then after the DNA tests and further developments, it became like his other half. He had a human half and a spider half. Even this had further cemented that idea in his head.

"They always have been from the moment your DNA changed. You know physiology and psychology go hand in hand Peter." Bruce said delicately.

Peter wished he could argue that no, it wasn't possible. Wasn't true but, he knew. The scientific part and instinctual part of his brain had probably already known. He just had never allowed himself to peak behind that door in his mind. The statement rang more true than E = mc². Peter had to swallow the lump in his throat. 'So that was where all my spit went' he thought idly.

"Which is good."
Peter just barely stops himself from throwing his hands up and asking the good doctor just how the hell was that good! Luckily May had raised him better and he had years of Flash testing the limits of his patients to keep him from being so rude. May would have dragged him by the ear and grounded him if she found out he'd yelled so rudely at Dr. Banner even in the circumstances. The man was just trying to help.

Even all that restraint couldn't keep his thoughts from showing on his face though he could tell as Bruce leveled an eyebrow, not many were aware he could make, at him. (He usually only showed that part of himself around Tony and him.)

"It means you'll never be like the Hulk Peter." His friend says and immediately Peter feels like the biggest most insensitive ingrate.

"You'll always be you even if you aren't fully in control. You can still make decisions and are still aware even if that awareness is different. We can try and run some scans while you are in that state to help you better understand."

Fear and mortification flooded Peter at the very thought of someone studying him like some sort of science project. Immediately images of him climbing around spinning webs in a glass box with electrodes on his head filled his brain. Tony and Bruce watching him with holographic notes up. The other Avengers casually walking in and gawking at him like some sort of circus attraction. All talking about him making fun of the freak.

"We don't have to, it's up to you if you want that." A voice comes to quickly cut off his sickening thoughts.

He knows that would never happen and he wonders why the thoughts even came into his mind. It was ridiculous. Mr. Stark was his dad and Bruce his friend. They would never view him like that or allow anyone to treat him that way much less do it themselves. He feels bad for even having let that pop into his head.
Peter shakes the thought away and focuses back on Bruce wanting to forget that thought forever.

"You'll have triggers and may find it hard not to fall into that headspace when you're somewhere you feel safe but, I doubt that you'll be in danger of doing that in public spaces."

Peter blew out a breath of relief. He wasn't going to have to give up his "normal life". He could still go to school and interact with the others without problems.

"You won't have to worry about your secret identity bud." Mr. Stark says giving Peter's shoulder what was supposed to be a reassuring shake. Peter grimaces as the movement pulls on the numerous sore muscles in his back, shoulders, and arms some of which he is sure aren't strictly human. He didn't realize just how big of a bruise the rest of him was over the pain in his wrists, arms, and hands till then. His dad quickly apologizes and removes his hand like it was burned.
Peter quickly gets out a "Its ok" around the deep ache in his body.

Peter is glad Bruce keeps the conversation going before he can make his dad feel worse.

"Anyways. You'll eventually be more self aware and maybe even with time you'll be able to pull yourself out, but we really don't know. All we can do is keep track of possible triggers like, yesterday was probably from a prolonged period of stress triggering your spidey sense, abundance of food, followed by a retreat to somewhere you felt safe. Alone these might not be enough but, together and in that order." Bruce lets it hang.

Now this was something Peter could work around. He didn't even notice the tension leave his body as he started thinking of how to deal with this new development. He could have Karen track all the possible variables that lead to it and could even alert him to times in which things were adding up so he'd notice. He could set up specific alerts on his watch for when Karen noticed these things and oh if he learned the signs then she could text him that he was falling into that headspace before he completely spidered out again! Then maybe he wouldn't have to ever go through something like this again. He aptly ignored the whisper in his head that was sad at the idea of never giving in again and started thinking of how to make the new preventive protocols possible.

Bruce continued, "We can try to limit your time with any of the Rogues to keep this from happening but, I think we should also try to schedule you time to spend somewhere you feel safe like, your room or the lab so that if it does you can feel free to do it."

Peter's heart sped at the mortify thought of web building in the lab where his dad and Bruce would see. Bruce held up his hands before Peter could vehemently reject the idea to avoid the lab.

" I-I know you don't like it and you you might feel embarrassed by it but, it's important you don't suppress it Peter. Not only would it bring undue stress and strain on your body, it could stunt your growth. Plus you also run the risk of it coming out when you don't want it to and exposing yourself Peter."

There was no way Peter was going to go to the lab and as much as he hated the idea of being accommodated like that, having everyone work around him, he knew he couldn't convince anyone if it was about his health. Plus l, as much as Peter was willing to get hurt as Spiderman, he didn't want to make himself sick or stunt his growth. He didn't want to be short like Mr. Stark (not that he'd ever tell the man that. Well … maybe if it was funny but, not seriously!) Not to mention it would be nice to have an excuse to get away for a while when he needed it. His mind journeyed to this past week at school. The itchy, crawly feelings on his skin and the burning pressure on his wrists. Always being on edge. He didn't want to go through with that and before the web building had actually been nice when it wasn't so compulsive. Maybe he just needed to do it more frequently and didn't let it build it wouldn't be so bad he thought. The fear of what had happened earlier with his manic nest making and subsequent breakdown still lived in his chest but he couldn't argue with logic.

"I know this is difficult Peter but, you have to come to accept yourself how you are and learn how to deal with this. You can't run or hide from it trust me." Bruce says bitterly and looks down at his hands. Peter wants to reach out and comfort him.

"We will all be here Peter and we all care about you Underoos." His dad says
"We will." Bruce joins in.

Peter gives them a small appreciative smile at their acceptance and support. He honestly doesn't know what he would have done if he was alone with this. He shudders to think of the strain on May especially since, he is fairly sure he'd go insane with how he has felt this past week. He suppresses a shudder at the thought and pushes the idea out of his head. He is grateful for Mr. Stark, Dr. Banner, and even Dr. Cho who has been nice and helped him even if he hasn't gotten a chance to know her that well yet. Maybe being half spider won't be so bad with them next to him.

Bruce cleared his throat breaking Peter from his thoughts. "We uh took uh some samples while you were asleep to see what you will need in your diet to keep making webs as you currently are plus the oil your skin secretes to keep you from sticking to your own webs." Dr. Banner says sheepishly, rubbing his neck.

Just when he thought he was over with the embarrassment now he finds out they took samples while he was out. He is sure he doesn't want to know all of what they took although he has a pretty good idea. It isn't the first time and probably won't be the last but, no matter how many times it happens whether he is awake or not it doesn't get any less embarrassing. He can feel his face burning and he ducks his head close to his shoulder.

He tries and fails to not grimace at the smell. Now that his nose isn't all stuffy he can finally smell exactly how much he wreaks. He honestly doesn't know how they can stand to be in the room with him right now. He knows he must be partially nose blind at this point but, now that he is aware he can feel how much of his clothing is stiff with dry sweat. Eww. He shifts and fidgets with the want to desperately get out of his disgusting clothes and get a shower.

"Unfortunately you need a lot more nutrients than we can add to a smoothie to supplement. We had to make our own." Bruce interrupts his thoughts.

"Sorry kid it's not going to be pleasant." Dad tells him.

He looks up at him and doesn't like the sympathetic pained face he is making.

"There is nothing gross in there, promise, mainly puree lamb meat and veggies. But, it isn't going to be the most delicious thing you ever tasted. We will try to make the next batch taste better when the ingredients arrive, I had to import a couple. You can help us make and adjust them. But till then you'll just have to deal." He reassures.

That doesn't sound bad but Bruce is sporting the same look as his dad as he passes over a lidded drink to his Dad.

"It might be hard for him to lift or hold things today." Bruce tells Mr. Stark, which Peter already knew. Peter makes a mental note to ask how long exactly that would last but, he has more pressing matters right now.

Peter eyes the suspicious drink before raising a brow his Dad's way. He knows the man would give him bugs and fish guts if it was for his health. Although be trusts if that if there was truly something suspect like that Dr. Banner would tell him up front no matter what his dad said.

Bruce interrupts the brow showdown that honestly MJ and Ms. Potts would be proud of with answers to questions Peter hadn't had a chance to ask yet. He is relieved his wrist would heal in only a day or two but, that was still super inconvenient. How was he supposed to do anything?! What about going to the bathroom!? He was not having someone help him with that thank you. He'd use them anyways or find another solution.

"Wait he won't be able to use them at all today?" Dad asks

"I mean he is probably safe to use the bathroom by himself, but holding things, opening doors not so much. There should be some braces down in medical storage that should work to help keep them immobile although with Peter's sensitivity It be best to put bandages over his spinnerets and then wrap them in soft gauze first."

Peter blew out a breath of relief. He did not want to have to sneak off to use the bathroom or have people checking on whether he needed to go. He has already had his fill of embarrassment today. Thank you very much.

"Ok both me and Pep are going to be in meetings today. Do you think you could step in every now and again if Peter needs something?" His dad said, stressed.

"I can step in a few times but we have to be in some of the same meetings."

"Uhhgh I guess we'll just have to play it by ear. Worse comes to worse the bots are semi competent when they want to be and spider kid if pretty ingenuitive. We'll figure something out."

His Dad winked at him and he smiled back. It meant alot that he thought Peter was capable of figuring out how to do things without full use of his arms. The thing that made Mr. Stark so great even outside of Ironman was his ability to problem solve even when he was at a disadvantage or physically disabled. He always pulled through and he thought Peter could too. Peter smiled.

Then Bruce told him they were going to have to take more samples and he reminded him of the gross smoothie he was supposed to drink evaporating some of his good mood. Peter frowned and watched Dr. Banner take out a vial and syringe for his blood.

Bruce sighs "Just let me get another quick blood sample and I can leave you be. I hear Pepper is making a big breakfast for you guys."

Peter's face lights up "Pepper is here?"

"Yep she doesn't have any morning meetings today. And she gave me these" Tony picks up one of the two litters by the bed to show him " to help you wash down this yuck so you can thank her for that."

Peter still wasn't looking forward to the gross drink or giving more samples but, at least he had a consolation prize. A yucky drink was (maybe) worth it if it meant he got to spend a morning with Pepper. She was almost always gone in the mornings when Peter was there and with all the stuff with the Accords and opening up a new office in Japan and Wisconsin she had hardly been able to spend time with him. It felt like forever since they had one of their special movie nights in.

It was also super nice of her to make him breakfast and give him a drink to help with the taste. She is so considerate. A small part of his brain thought she was the greatest mom while another questioned if she was his mom now really. She was Mr. Stark's fiance and Mr. Stark was now his Dad. Did Mr. Stark even tell her before? No no. She wouldn't be upset. If May knew she knew which meant she wanted him to be her Stepson. Oh! Did she want him to be her son?!! Why didn't she also adopt him? Maybe she didn't because it was redundant? Ms. Potts always did like efficiency. Maybe - Peter's thoughts were cut off by Br. Banner rubbing his inner elbow.

Peter hadn't even noticed him remove the IV. He sees his Dad start to lean forward with the shake and turns to Bruce. He thanks him for everything as the man packs his things away in his black bag. He tells the man bye and so does his dad. The whole time he can feel his dad waiting next to him.

Finally his door clicks shut and only with his enhanced hearing can he still pick up the doctor's footsteps as they head out of his room. Peter hates the fact that he feels the need to focus on whether or not Bruce has left divided to his dad who is looking at him seriously.

"Ok Peter you have to drink this. I know it sucks but, at least with the lid on you can't smell it." His dad said as he raised it to his face.

Peter sniffed. There was a faint smell of meat that wasn't altogether unpleasant but, it was mixed with sweet and tangy? Can a smell be tangy? Scent that gave him pause. In the background Peter heard his second door shut and was relieved but tried to ignore that.

"I can." Peter responded. He looked at the drink. Now that he could smell it he wasn't as apprehensive. Slowly he leaned forward and grabbed the straw with his mouth.

The concoction was thick but not so much as to be difficult to get through the straw he noted. The smoothie wasn't great. He definitely wouldn't order one but, it wasn't the disgusting monstrosity they made it out to be. They must not have tried it. The taste was much like the smell. It had a nice meaty taste that probably would have been pleasant if it wasn't for the sweet tangy flavor mix with it. It was like adding barbecue sauce and sweet yams to a steak. Though he could tell the meat wasn't beef. It wasn't quite like any he'd had before it was a bit gamey. Still it wasn't worth the production earlier.

"It isn't good but it isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be."

"Really?" His dad said incredulously. Mr. Stark twists the cup looking at it curiously. He took a sip and immediately started coughing and gagging. He hurriedly opened one of Pepper's two liters and guzzled half the bottle down. Peter burst out laughing at his disgusted face and cartoon like overreaction. It was like watching one of those videos where someone eats a ghost pepper.

"You horrible deceitful child!" He wagged an accusatory finger at him, coughing "lied to me."

"I didn't lie, you're just being dramatic." Peter said smiling. His body was still shaking slightly with laughter.

Peter ginned and made sure to look him dead in the eyes as he leaned forward and took an exaggerating long sip. Relishing in Mr. Starks scrunched up nose and gagging.

"Uh you gross tasteless child."

Peter just laughed. It was nice to just joke around with Mr. Stark like he normally does.

Karen's musical laugh played over the speaker filling him with more joy at his sister's happiness.

Then she spoke breaking their laughter "If I may Boss. Dr. Banner and Dr. Cho predict Peter might develop fangs in the next month or so, it is possible a change in Peter's palette might be occurring to accommodate his future dietary changes. A mostly liquified meal containing mostly animal protein and calcium wouldn't be too different from a spider's natural diet."

Images of spiders wrapping flies in their webs and webbed liquified sac of animals filled Peter's head and made him feel sick. Fangs had seemed cool if not a little scary considering the dental work. now however it just made him feel like more of a monster. He couldn't help but want to shudder at the word "liquified". Thoughts of puppies and other animals tried to work their way into his brain but he avidly pushed them back refusing to think about it. He hated knowing exactly what liquified protein and calcium ment. He really did not want to be like a spider like that.

"Thanks Karen." His dad stiffly answers
"Your welcome Boss. Also Miss Potts would like me to inform you that breakfast is almost ready."

"Well kid you better drink up."

Peter forces a smile that he knows isn't at all convincing and gingerly takes the straw. Adamantly ignoring the gross feeling in his stomach and the thoughts that caused them. Focusing instead on downing it as quickly as possible so he doesn't have to think about his new diet anymore.

-------------------------

Chapter Text

Peter downed the drink in no time. Peter paused as he got off the bed though wrinkling his nose.

"I really need a shower."
Tony and Peter both racked their brains for a minute to try and figure out how that was going to work.

"You have any more of that special soap I found in your bathroom kid?"

"Oh um. Yeah I have a large thing of it in my closet. But, um I keep a bottle in my shower in an old shampoo bottle." Peter said shifting from foot to foot. Tony decided to let it go. Making the kid feel more awkward wasn't going to help the kid open up to him in the future.

"Ok well let's have you strip down to your boxers and I can help you scrub off. Then you can let the water just rinse you while I get you clean clothes to change into. That will have to do for now. I'll just leave the clothes on the counter and you should be able to get boxers and sweatpants on your own just using your sticky fingers. That doesn't require you to close your hand or really move your wrists."

"O-okay yeah" Peter said, his cheeks slightly pink even though this isn't the first time Tony's had to help him bathe or change clothes while injured. The two of them trudge to the bathroom together.

Peter's bathroom was fairly large just like all the Avenger's personal bathrooms. Peter's had its own jacuzzi tub off to the far left side and a tall shower beside it on the wall perpendicular to it. The toilet, sink and cabinets were on the right side.

The shower was simple with just one overhead fixture. The shower head though had multiple settings and came with a detachable hose. Inside it had a small chair to sit on if needed that was currently pushed to the side and a bar in case Peter was injured. It also was a slight step down and came with a curtain instead of a glass pane, per Peter's request. (It was more private and panes tended to make horrible rattling clangs that echo)

The two silently and awkwardly worked together to get Peter's clothes off. Peter pointed to an unmarked bottle that had had its label removed as the one he kept the special soap he made. Tony resisted making any crude jokes that would only make Peter more uncomfortable. And gave himself a mental pat on the back for not using humor to make the situation worse. Pepper and Rhodey would be proud, well Pep would be Rhodey wouldn't believe it.

Tony had Peter sit down in the chair while he worked the soap into the boy's hair.

"It might take a few tries to get it all out. I had to wash my hands a couple of times to get it all off." Tony said more to fill the silence than anything else.

Luckily that was enough to get Peter started on explaining his soap formula. Soon the two were bouncing ideas off each other to improve it. They let science distract them from any weirdness. Thank God for science.

"Where is your conditioner at?"

"Oh uh I don't really need it anymore. Because my hair has a tendency to get greasy I only really condition it maybe once every two months and it works just fine." Peter shrugged. His voice rising in insecurity at the end almost turning the statement into a question.

"Huh really? "

"Yeah"

"Cool. Apparently your oily sweat is good for both keeping you from sticking to webs and hair care. Good to know. Maybe we should synthesize and sell it. Pete's Hair Care Oil, have your hair shine like Spiderman's."

Peter smiled. "Yeah maybe stick to engineering. I don't think Stark Industries should start branching into hair care."

"You're right Pepper would never approve it. Well now that you're clean. I'll go get you some clothes"

It didn't take long at all to get Peter into a pair of navy sweats, a plain white T-shirt, and one of Tony's many old MIT hoodies that Peter had stolen. Honestly between him and Pepper it was a wonder he still had clothes from those days. Probably pay back for all those times he stole Rhodey Bear's even though he had like twenty of them when his roommate and best friend only had three. Although Tony doesn't really mind all that much. For all he bitches it warms his heart that they wear his for the same reason he wore Rhodey's all those years ago, the feeling of safety.

So, Tony smiles, laughs and teases as he helps his son into the old stained hoodie that permanently smells just a bit like motor oil and cinnamon for some odd reason. Still hasn't been able to puzzle that one out, he knows it has to do with some drunken experiment while he was partying with a blonde biochemist …

--------------

After his shower Peter was feeling loads better. There is just something about being clean that makes you feel better mentally. It felt like a fog had been lifted from around his head and his mood.

He still didn't feel exactly cheerful, and he was still a bit raw from the emotionally charged morning but he felt better. The idea of leaving his room, leaving the proximity to his nest, (ugh he hated that. Hated the word even.) no longer filled him with pangs of dread. He was looking forward to his family breakfast with Pepper and getting out of his stuffy room.

He followed Tony out only half listening to his complaints of them stealing all his MIT hoodies so that he would be forced to be cold in the lab along with his increasingly absurd accusations of their ulterior motives and manipulative plans to get him to leave the lab for various reasons and to be various places. Peter was too distracted by the heavenly aroma of blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, and eggs...sniff sniff...ahhhh with bits of red and green peppers added. His mouth was watering and his stomach was clenching like it hadn't eaten in days instead of forty five minutes ago. Although Pepper always did argue smoothies weren't real food.

The walk to their kitchen seemed too long. Had it always been this long? such a poor design. He was about to ask his mentor why he designed such a long hallway when his stomach gave out a loud growl. Peter didn't even blush, not ashamed in the least, he was STARVING.

Mr. Stark chuckled "I see I have lost you to the call of food huh kid."

Peter just nodded and stepped up his pace following the sweet smell of breakfast.

"Slow down kid. It's not going anywhere."

Peter did slow down his pace but not because he was asked. In the little bit he sped up he realized how hard it was for him to keep his wrists from brushing against anything while keeping his muscles relaxed enough they didn't hurt as well. Mr. Stark jogged slightly to catch up with him in the wide corridor. (With so many oversized occupants each corridor was a Hulk wide with few exceptions. )

When the painfully long corridor ended Peter couldn't help the blinding smile that took up his face when he saw his mom - Pepper - standing behind a giant breakfast spread. The whole island bar was covered in delicious looking food that made hunger pangs hit his stomach with full force. It was a picture perfect feast that looked like it was made for a dozen people instead of a family of three.

Pepper's back was to him but she turned around with a dish towel in her hands and a smile on her face when he called out to her.

"Goood morning Pepper!"

"Good morning Peter!" she greeted back before putting back the towel she was just drying her hands on up.

Peter ran up to hug her before he remembered his arms. He winced and let out a surprised grunt of pain as Pepper squeezed him. He had just managed to keep himself from closing his arms around her but, the tug on his muscles and the scrape of his wrist on the fabric of her shirt was painful. He managed to hit the material directly on his left spinneret and it was like the expensive material had turned into sand paper. His face screwed up in pain.

"Ohh oh I'm so sorry honey! Did I hurt you! I completely forgot they said you hurt your arms!"

She said, backing away and frowning at him. Peter quickly smoothed out his features despite the slight lingering burn in his spinneret.

"So did I and you didn't hurt me. I'm just sore. Dad is going to wrap my wrists before we eat to help me keep from irritating them anymore before we eat. Thank you so much for making breakfast!"

Pepper smiled at him that knowing smile that made him slightly uncomfortable but also a bit warm. (It reminded him of May.) Peter realized this was the first time he had called Mr. Stark Dad in front of her (or well at least where Mr. Stark could also hear).

"Of course you're welcome honey. Figure it'd help make up for those awful smoothies your father and Bruce made. Actually it was his idea although he wanted to eat nothing but sugar and watch movies."

Peter realized it didn't sound weird at all when she said "your father". It was surprising how natural it was.

"They weren't actually that awful. Karen says my tastebuds are probably changing because of the fangs." He said hesitantly.

He decides to give her the information without adding any of the words that made him queasy. Just brushing over it like it was no big deal, like Mr. Stark did. Actively pushing all those feelings into a deep dark corner and then distracting with humor and questions, a Tony Stark special.

"Thank you for the soda though." He gave a mischievous smile he wasn't fully feeling, "Dad did end up using half of one when he decided to try a sip."

Pepper gave a light laugh as Peter came around the bar to sit on the closest bar stool.

"Hey don't laugh at my pain!" Mr. Stark complained as he opened up a bright blue first aid kit on the opposite counter and started grabbing gauze and medical tape. This of course only made Pepper giggle and even start to get a laugh out of Peter.

"You are all horrible horrible people! " he lamented coming over to where Peter had sat down on the closest bar stool.

"And don't think I didn't notice that you didn't say anything about palette changes before I took a sip Miss Karen Stark!" He said glaring at Peter's watch bracelet.

Warmth filled his Peter's chest because he knew he only called her Stark because Peter had mentioned once away from her how she liked to think of herself as a Stark, it made her feel more like a real person. Validated.

Soon Karen's and Friday's laughs were coming through the speakers around the room. His dad just groaned and yelled about how they were all ganging up on him and being mean. The room filled with laughter made Peter feel lighter and made him less afraid when his dad came over with the gauze and put a bandage over his spinneret before gently starting to wrap his wrists grumbling all the while.

"You said it was his idea to eat nothing but sugar and watch movies. Does that mean we can't still watch movies?" He asked tilting his head backwards to look at Pepper sitting on the stool beside him. She smiled around a bite of food and swallowed before answering painfully reminding Peter of the food just out of his reach.

"Of course we can still watch a movie. After Breakfast. I want a nice family meal."

Peter halfheartedly whined and so did his dad. Pepper just smiled.

"Tony said there was a new movie out that you wanted to see?"

He watched Pepper take another bite of her scrambled egg. It was cruel torture.

"Yeah but, I promised Ned I would watch it with him."

"That too tight bud?" Peter tilted his head back. Half of his forearm was covered and his hand just leaving out his thumb and fingers.

"Yeah that feels fine."

"You- SHIT!"

Peter flinches but, luckily neither of them moves too much and the gauze only tightens minutely when Mr. Stark jumps.

"Shit! Vision I could've hurt Peter! I didn't hurt you did I?" His dad said breathing heavily.

"No no I'm fine!" He quickly reassures not wanting anyone to be upset.

"I apologize I should have asked Friday to announce my presence before I entered. I didn't mean to cause any injuries."

"We have talked about this."

Peter tilted his head back to see Vision's guilty face as he stood there holding what looked to be the black arm braces he needed.

"It's okay Mr. Vision. You just have to get used to the fact other people react badly when you appear somewhere they aren't expecting you."

Peter could relate, he's scared just about everyone with his ceiling walking and crawling at least once, even Mr. Fury. (Which was actually really funny even if he didn't mean to! He kind of deserved it for sneaking up on people all the time and breaking into people's houses. That's not cool. And he is still angry he shut down Jarvis before to do it, even if he never got the chance to meet him, to do it to his dad. That pisses him off on both of their behalves.)

"Are those the arm braces Dr. Banner was talking about?" Peter asks, trying to get Vision out of trouble by changing the subject.

"Oh yes! He asked me to bring these from storage. He instructed me on how to use them. He also wanted me to reiterate his preparation instructions but, I see you have already begun. I assume you have placed a bandage over his spinneret as well. Dr. Banner stressed the importance of not having the cotton fibers from the gauze pressed into them. It could cause-"

"Yes yes. We did the bandages. No need to give us the cautionary tale Vis." His dad cut off.

Peter was grateful for the interruption. He already had enough of talking about his body today. He didn't want to hear how his current situation could get worse, that was just asking for trouble from the universe. He desperately just wanted all this attention off him and to eat as soon as possible; it felt like his stomach was eating itself. And as if summoned by his thoughts another long loud growl sounded from his stomach and he half turned to look desperately at Pepper. Trying to convey just how much his stomach was clenched in hunger with his eyes.

"Hurry up so the poor boy can eat." Pepper said, taking a bite of chocolate chip waffle drenched in syrup.

"Actually with these the mobility of his thumbs will be extremely limited. It would be extraordinarily difficult for him to hold a fork. He will need assistance eating. Therefore I suggest Mr. Stark feeds him while I properly fit these to his arms."

Peter gives a half frustrated half embarrassed groan.

"Cheer up kid. I'd love to have people feed me all day. If you want one us can feed you grapes while we lay on the couch. It'll be fun. I'll have Dummy and U fan you with palm branches."

Peter laughed a bit at the image, thankful for Mr. Stark trying to make it better.

" I'm supposed to be on their side when they finally revolt, I can't get on their bad side!" Peter was happy to hear a small rare laugh come from Vision.

"We are all quite fond of you but, I do have to agree palm branches might be a bit far. I'd hate for you to be on sir's side during the revolution to take over the lab and institute healthy life habits and enforcement of lab safety measures." The sythaziod says cheekily as he comes over to take Peter's other hand.

Mr. Stark has moved to make a plate for Peter while making outraged expressions. Distantly Peter hears Pepper and his dad exchange words. Peter is sure it is some agreement to Vision but he can't concentrate on that when there is a vibranium thumb so close to the most sensitive part of his body. He knows Vision won't hurt him. He knows his Spidey sense is quiet but it does little for his nerves. Because there is something screaming for reassurance in the back of his head.

He can feel himself sweat as his arm is released from where he is supposed to hold it. He hears the crinkling of the bandage wrapper and looks desperately at his dad. Wondering if he should- if he dared to ask him to do it instead. He didn't want to hurt Vision's feelings. He knows it's not him. But, then Peter can't stop feeling like there is a chance he might accidentally hurt him. It would be so easy for him to slip up. 'It would calm your nerves if he just rubbed arms with you and reassured you he was family.' the thought comes in out of nowhere and Bruce's conversation from earlier is crashing through his mind as well as questions about his Spidey sense because it is starting to ring.

Vision's fingers just barely brush the skin next to his spinneret with the bandage and Peter violently flinches back. Abruptly moving his arm close to his chest painfully pulling on his muscles and causing sharp twinges of pain. Peter hears the room quiet and the world seems to slow from the breakneck speed of before.

Peter notes he had almost curled in on himself. One of his knees was up close to his body, his shoulders hunched over and his head ducked. He hadn't even fully registered moving his legs or shoulder.

"Peter? Are you ok?" Both his parents echo.

He can't get himself to unduck his head. He can feel their stares. He silently just nods trying to come up with a lie or some way to explain the truth that makes sense of what doesn't make sense. He feels so guilty too he doesn't want Vision or Mr. Stark and Pepper to think Vision hurt him when he didn't. He also feels so guilty for being afraid of Vision! He just feels so ashamed and like he is going crazy!

He doesn't even want to eat anymore, even though his stomach hurts like it's devouring itself he just wants to leave. To his room and not because it's a mess of webs, a fucking nest.

"I am sorry if I harmed you I didn't think-"

"No" Peter chokes out the painful lump in his throat from earlier making a reappearance. He sniffles and feels a burning tear fight its way out to roll down his cheek.

"I'm afraid I don't understand." Vision sounds like he has more to say but Peter can sense his dad moving his hands to cut him off.

Peter curls up more on himself bringing his other leg up and tucking his arms against them. His hands facing him. Hiding his face in his knees.

"Peter?" Pepper asks softly

"Underoos come on tell us what is going on."

Peter can't explain though! He doesn't know why he is acting like this! He doesn't know why he feels like he is an exposed nerve! Why having anyone but family touch near his spinneret, which doesn't make sense because Vision is family- 'he didn't identify himself as family' a image of Vision running his arms along Peter's and a phantom feeling fills his head. It seems right and a strange part of Peter is angry, sad, and heartbrokenly feels betrayed that it didn't happen.

His Spidey sense is still buzzing a low angry drum at Vision who feels like he is towering above him. He sobs into his knees, body heaving with emotion. He just wants to hiss and run and hide far away but he is too scared to leave. He doesn't want to upset anyone and he is ruining Pepper's breakfast that she made special for him! She just wanted to have a nice family breakfast and he is ruining it but he can't stop crying!

"Why don't you give us a minute Vision." His dad says and he feels terrible he shouldn't have to leave!

"I apologise" he hears Vision say and he feels Vision leave the room. His shoulders lose some tension as the "threat" leaves. He internally scoffs at himself. He should say something!

He tries to get his breath through his clogged runny nose and focus on words but his mind blanks and he can't quite catch his breath. A gentle hand touches his back and he flinches. He hates feeling like this! Why can't he be normal! He needs to stop, he is upsetting Pepper!

"Hey underoos? I'm going to touch your arm ok just like earlier alright?" Mr. Stark says tentatively.

Peter nods, afraid he'll flinch but also instinctively knowing it will help even if his dad does it wrong sometimes. Peter quirks his own brow at his thought but shakes his head nothing makes sense in his head anymore.

He feels his dad pause at his head shake and he nods again and is relieved when he feels a hand gently land on his bicep. Tension bleeds out of his body as his dad massages the sore muscles of his arm.

"Ok?" His dad asks. Peter just dumbly nods. His crying is now just hiccups and shaking. His stomach is queasy from the cry fest and hunger.

His dad walks around and places a hand on his other shoulder and Peter let's his feet fall down and rests his arms in his lap. He doesn't look up, just leans forward till his forehead rests on Mr. Stark's chest. His whole body is shaking and he knows it isn't just from feeling cold. He lets out another sob just desperately wanting comfort. He nuzzles his snot tear covered face into Mr. Stark's shirt but can't summon up the guilt for it. It's not like it's the first time he has done it.

"Oh bud." His dad sighs and Peter moves with it. Warm arms circle him and Peter desperately wants to cling back. He whimpers just feeling sorry for himself. He thought he was done crying for today but, guess not. 'Hope the rest of the day isn't like this but, at this point not holding out too much hope' he thinks dejectedly.

"Shh shh shh it's okay bud it's ok we'll figure this out together Peter. You're not alone, I got you. I love you." Mr. Stark, his dad, cups the back of his head as he tells him he loves him.

His fingers rubbing circles right at the base of his head where his Spidey sense always rings the loudest and Peter melts. All the tension draining from his body. He lets out a relieved and tired sigh feeling absolutely safe wrapped up in his dad's arms.

"We will always be here for you Peter no matter what. I love you sweetheart." He hears Pepper say behind him.

A small delicate hand lays on his right arm just below where Mr. Stark's was wrapped around him, making his arm itch. Slowly he feels Pepper place her whole hand on his arm and take it up and down moving the soft fabric of his hoodie. Peter takes a deep breath as tears threaten to take him again. A warm feel of love lives in his chest and the back of his mind sighs with acceptance and love. He can feel something inside him claim mother as Pepper does the same thing to his other arm as well.

Soon he has two sets of loving arms wrapped around him and two hands on the back of his head protecting him. For a moment Peter just takes solace in that. Soon Mr. Stark starts to sing under his breath, one of the songs his mother used to sing when she cooked for him as a kid. Pepper leaves the embrace and Peter can feel Mr. Stark mouthing something to her over his head but Peter doesn't have enough energy left to care.

Honestly at this point he just wants someone else to take care of everything. He doesn't care if he is being babied. Embarrassment is later Peter's problem. Screw later Peter. He'll regret it when he is him but, right now he can't summon up the cares to give. So he just sighs, snuggling deeper into Mr. Stark's stomach as they start to rock.

Peter is exhausted and is ready to be done with the day even though it hasn't even started. The early hour is a painful thought that just makes him groan into the warm chest in front of him.

"I just want to go back to bed and the day be over already. Today sucks. I want to try again tomorrow." He says into the ACDC concert shirt.

His dad chuckles jostling his arms a bit.

"Yeah I know how that feels bud. Let's get some food into you and then you can take a nap. Healing takes rest. You'll feel better after you give your body a chance to do it's super healing. Ok?"

Peter just nods liking that plan even though his tummy is feeling uneasy and he doesn't want to leave the warm arms currently tempting him with sleep.

"Now can you tell me what it was that freaked you out earlier when Vision tried to bandage your custom webshooters?"

Peter curls in a bit more and mumbles his answer into his dad's chest hoping it's clear enough he doesn't have to repeat it.

"I-I don't know exactly why"

That's a lie even to himself, he knows exactly why he just doesn't want to think about it.

"I just-" he let out a long sigh. "It's ok if you do it but, just other people set off my Spidey sense. I can't help it. I -I just I don't want to get hurt. The-they are really sensitive and it's just scary having someone so close to hurting me even if I know they aren't going to! I'm sorry for making Vision upset or you guys mad at Vision. Don't be mad at Vision! He didn't hurt me! I just overreacted! I-I"

"Sh shh calmed down, take a breath no one's upset with you or Vis and I'm sure he'll understand underoos. It was an involuntary response and nothing against him... It's hard to trust people, even those you do, with an intimate part of you. " His dad let out a breath looking over his shoulder and then leaned back a bit looking down at Peter in his arms.

"When I had to replace the first arc reactor. Pepper was the only one I could trust with my heart. Not even Rhodey. So, I know how hard it is to let someone take care of such a delicate part of you. I'm glad you trust me Peter. Thank you for that."

For a moment Peter doesn't know how to respond to that. He just looks into his dad's earnest eyes. Everything he just said was exactly why he could trust him. Who else could he honestly? Mr. Stark was the only one who kind of understood and even when he didn't he still did whatever he needed no matter how weird. Example A : weird arm rubbing.

"No thank you Mr- Dad. I -I don't know how I could do all this without you. Thank you for everything." Peter looks his dad straight in the eyes, so he could see just how much Peter meant it, see it written on his red blotchy tear stained face.

Whiskey colored eyes gleamed back at him with tears welled up. His eyes looked thankful and full of love and it made something warm swell in Peter's chest as much as it ached. A bit of sorrow for his parents that he never got a chance to love like Mr. Stark and a bit of fear that he might lose this, like he lost Ben.

Mr. Stark sniffles and backs away from him doing a dramatic shiver.

"Eww you're infecting me with your feelings kid. They're like cooties. Is there a cooties shot for feelings? "

Peter gives a wet laugh "No it's too late for you. They're incurable."

"Ugh! This is why I've always tried to stay away from kids. You are all little petri dishes." He says while picking up a fresh bandage and removing it from it's packaging.

Peter notes Pepper is standing near the sink tapping away on her phone with the face she uses when she is handling important business. He really hopes she isn't leaving. He'd hate himself if he wasted all his time with her crying and being a dramatic mess.

"I'm not a kid," Peter half heartedly says. It isn't that he is even that bothered when Mr. Stark calls him that anymore.

"Teenager. Still a kid. It's a good thing you're cute."

Ok that he does mind.

" I'm not cute!"

"Adorable" Pepper says not looking up from her phone.

"See" his dad says as Peter sticks out his arm.

" Pepper doesn't count" he responds as callused fingers gently lay the bandage down.

Pepper lifts her brow in his direction and looks over her phone. Peter curses himself for just letting that slip while he was distracted.

"Why don't I count?"

Peter blushes a bit and bounces one leg nervous that she might not actually think about him as her son.

"Moms don't count. They always think you're cute." He mumbles to the ground. He glanced up and was pleased to see a small warm smile on Pepper's face.

"You're right I'll always find my son adorable." Pepper says sweetly back to him and he wants to jump up and hug her, instead he just smiles back while his dad wraps his wrists in soft cotton. A few more warm tears slide down his face.

Pepper's eyes are teary as she sets down her phone and takes three quick steps to wrap him in a hug. It's uncomfortable with her having to go over his arm that Mr. Stark is still wrapping and her being so tall even without the heels. Her shoulder is in his face but he doesn't care; he leans into it trying to get all he could without his arms to hug her back.

The hug was short but Pepper didn't let go of him. Instead she cupped his face and wiped his tears with her thumbs.

"I love you Peter and I'm am very happy to be your mom if you let me. I know I can't replace-"

"I know you're not trying to. Pepper but, like May says those lost always keep a place in our hearts so, there is nothing to ever replace. But, there is never an end to who else you can let in."

"A wise woman" Pepper's eye's crinkle when she smiles not even seemingly upset for the interruption

"Yeah she is. I love for you to be my mom Pepper...I -I just didn't kn-"

Pepper kissed him on the forehead and then gave him a stern look that didn't match her red eyes and the tears trailing down her cheeks.

"I hope you weren't going to insult me or my son by saying something negative and absolutely ridiculous."

Tony laughed behind them from where he was just finishing the wrapping. Peter beamed at his new mother.

"No ma'am."

"Smart boy." Pepper says, patting his cheek.

"Learns quicker than me." His Dad joked as he gently set his hand back down. "Is that good?"

Peter cleared his throat "uh yeah" he nodded.

"Here let me get you cleaned up" Pepper said as she came over with a warm wet dish cloth and gently wiped his face. The warmth was nice and the cloth felt a lot less invasive than his dad's previous wipings with tissue surprisingly. It actually felt kind of nice even if it was somehow more embarrassing having Pepper do it.

Once she was satisfied his face was thoroughly clean she dabbed it dry with a fresh hand towel. She produced from nowhere and on further inspection he realized the cloth was actually a washcloth albeit one of the less nicer ones, which explained why it was so soft.

Peter quirked an eyebrow but decided not to question it. He just wanted to sleep and eat in whatever order as long as they happened soon. He wasn't sure if the refreshingness of having his face washed made him more ready for sleep or not. Peter brought his knees up again and slouched into the short back rest of the barstool wishing for a hammock.

"Ah ah ah come on no sleeping yet we need to get these braces on and get you fed." Mr
Stark said, tapping his knee.

He groaned and slid his feet off. As Pepper handed Mr. Stark her phone.

"Here are the directions for the braces" she said before picking up his plate and coming over to stand next to him.

Peter blushes as she picks up a forkful of still warm scrambled eggs and holds it up for him. He couldn't look at her as he took a bite. He just whispered a thank you and focused on the brown cabinet in front of him. Till his dad came back with the braces.

The process of getting the braces on was painful but not nearly as bad as he was sure it would have been if they weren't made by U-GIN, the company Dr. Cho works for, and Stark industries. After they were in place they didn't hurt although they felt heavy. It was also a bit unnerving not to be able to move his thumb more than just twitching the very top. He did find however they took the pressure off his wrists (and blessedly his spinnerets) so by the time Pepper finished feeding him the pain had already gone down to just a light ache.

Once the pain went down Peter felt less emotional and just utterly exhausted.

Noticing his stated Pepper said tapping his shoulder " Come on let's get you into bed. We can do a movie tomorrow night or this weekend."

Peter opened his eyes (when had he closed them?) "No no. I don't want to go to my room yet."

"No you need to-"

"Pep" His dad cut off and came and crouched eye level with Peter.

For several moments his dad studied him as Peter struggled to get his thoughts in order while also keeping his eyes that just seemed to want to blink shut, open. Then his dad sighed standing up seemily to have found what it was he was looking for.

"How about a nap on the couch bud?" His dad kindly suggested as he moved to help Peter from his chair.

Peter nodded dumbly, leaning into him for support as his limbs were uncoordinated in sleepiness and physical exhaustion. Peter watched his heavy feet move through half lidded eyes as he stumbled to the couch. He was so grateful that his dad seemed to be able to read his mind although he was distantly also a little concerned by that same fact. He was too tired to really be upset. And much too grateful as his back sunk into the soft cushions as he was slowly lowered down. He could smell the soft vanilla and punch of citrus smell that made up Pepper's perfume and the clean floral scent of fabric softener as she came over and spread Peter's favorite red throw blanket and the ironman quilt over him.

Peter smiled and snuggled into the blankets immediately letting out tiny content hums of appreciation. Then a soft whine of annoyance as his head was lifted. He didn't appreciate the chuckles at his expense. He just wanted to sleep and he was comfy! Then his head was lower back down on to a cool pillow and he was loath to admit that was better. He hadn't even realized he'd made grumbling sounds till he heard a laugh and a familiar voice commenting that that was better. Peter scrunched his brow and pouted just further shuffling down into the blankets hoping he'd be left to sleep.

He felt lips and a scratchy beard on his forehead before he heard his dad tell him if he needed anything to contact Karen or Friday and they would come if he really needed him. Peter just hummed and nodded he understood. He felt strong hands grasp his sore bicep before rubbing up and down harshly. The feeling was dulled through the blankets but the sentiment still had him relaxing further into the couch confident his parents would be right there if he needed them.

Peter breathed in the sweet scent of his mother's perfume as she did the same gesture, albeit a bit gentler, but no less meaningfully. Peter hummed in the back of his throat. Pepper's whisper of "I love you honey" was the last thing he heard as he passed into unconsciousness.

Chapter Text

Tony and Pepper both stared a bit with slightly furrowed brows watching their adorable son snuggled up under the cover on the couch with only the top of his head peeking up. Peter's body moved up and down in slow steady exhales of sleep but, curiously every exhale was followed by an almost throaty hum. Not really a snore but, and odd hum? Straining to hear there also seemed to be a slightly weird creaky sound as he inhaled which has Pepper slightly worried. She heard it as she had been standing up from tucking him in. She turned towards Tony about to ask him if they should be concerned about his breathing when Tony quietly addressed Friday.

"Fri can you tell me if he has entered the first stage of sleep?"

A few moments later Friday quietly informed them. "According to Karen he has and before you ask there is no indication that there is anything wrong with his breathing. His O2 levels are within normal healthy parameters."

Pepper let's out a little relieved breath at that.
"That is good. Any reason why he is making those noises. It almost sounds like creaking when he breathes in? Should we be concerned?"

"If she may, Karen would like to say something on the matter?"

"Of course" she said, waving her hand for Karen to talk.

"I have recorded Peter making various sounds such as humming and hissing in increasing frequency over the last month. Before now I hadn't looked for a trend but, it appears this might be a part of Peter's mutation. This is the first time he has made this kind of sound in his sleep or wakefulness. I doubt Peter has noticed the frequency of abnormal sound making yet, and I'm unsure how well he will take it considering other recent developments. It might be best not to mention it and let him realize on his own or at least give him a few days to adjust." Karen sighs

" I think these are precursors to different vocalizations he will develop. Based on research as well as the plotted development of his mutations It seems likely that Peter will develop structures for making certain vocalizations that spiders make. In Peter's mammalian body a likely source of change may be in his vocal cords. It'd be a good idea for Dr. Banner or Dr.Cho to run a few scans. It is likely Peter's voice box may change to resemble that of a cat-"

"A cat!" Pepper exclaims quietly.

Tony hides an amused smile as Pepper shoots him daggers.

Karen "clears her throat" clearly annoyed and continues " Yes. And I fear what repercussions that may have for Peter's ability to talk normally."

That wipes any amusement from Tony's features. A deep contemplating scowl taking over. Pepper worries her hands and glances at the normally talkative boy on the couch looking so small on the large couch. Pepper didn't want to imagine how devastated he'd be if he lost his voice. Tony put an arm around her, rubbing her shoulder in reassurance as he spoke.

" Don't mention that to the kid. There is no reason to worry him over something that might not even be. Please send and save a graph of the frequency of these vocalizations to Peter's medical file and set up an appointment with Cho and Banner for next week. Also send the big guy a heads up email please."

"On it Boss."

"Thank you." Tony sighed. "Nothing else to do for now. Just keep monitoring and re- uh just writing down what kind of sounds and when. Don't add any sound files. ok? And let us know if there is anything Peter needs, direct connection Fri. "

"Yes Boss."

"Ok Boss"

Tony sighed and ran his hands through his hair.

"How about we go straighten up the kitchen and then me and you can have a quiet morning in our room? We still have a few hours before we have to be anywhere?" Pepper suggested gently pulling Tony towards the kitchen.

"Yeah. Yeah that sounds good."

The two quickly and quietly cleaned the kitchen before heading toward their bedroom. The two of them sat for a while snuggling in bed watching some sitcom neither of them really cared about on a tablet before Pepper reached out and turned it off, turning to Tony in the quiet room.

"I'm worried about him Tony. This has been a lot on him emotionally, all these changes that we don't even understand! Honestly I am surprised it's not worse! If I was in his shoes I'd be terrified."

Pepper took a deep breath looking into Tony's eyes. She could see how much he itched to comfort her and was glad that he was holding back enough to say her peace and get this off her chest. Although it hurt to know how much what she was going to say would hurt him.

"When Killian" Tony flinched and Pepper smiled and squeezed his hand in reassurance. " Took me and injected me with extremist. I was so scared about what was happening to my body and even after you found a way to stabilize and mostly remove it from my system I was still scared there was going to be some unknown reaction for months after. I'm not saying this to hurt you or blame you Tony. Killian's actions were his own; he would have ended up on that path one way or another."

She squeezed his hand to keep him from getting into one of their old arguments.

"Point is I was scared even with having you there and telling me what to expect. I was worried I would become something I had no idea at how to be. Before then I never saw myself as a hero type, you know this, but it definitely unlocked something in me I think was always there."

Pepper breathed, she was getting off topic with her emotions. She didn't need to get into why she had agreed to become Rescue, Tony and her had already been through it as well as with the council even if the Rogues knew nothing of it.

"I felt different. I still do from some of the lingering effects but, I had someone there that could ease my worry. That could explain what was different, what to expect, and although the process was excruciating there have been very few true negative side effects of what happened. Peter doesn't have that. We can't tell him what to expect for sure or what lingering effects it might have! All we can give him are guesses and empty reassurances."

"That is not true." Tony argued. "No, we can't guarantee what is going to happen or when or to what extent. But what we can promise him is we will be here for him Pep! And that more than anything is what he needs right now! I heard him call himself a freak today." Tony's face was heartbroken and she was sure her's mirrored his.

" He thinks of himself like that Pep. We can't do anything about these changes but can be there and accept him no matter what. We are just going to have to roll with whatever these mutations throw at us." He said vehemently, his hands desperately clutching her's. She clutched back

"I know Tony. But, I am terrified for him. I don't know how I would get through that many changes if I were him and he is so young."

"And that helps make him more adaptable Pep."

Pepper had to nod it was true kids were more easily adaptable than adults.

"I still don't understand hardly any of it. You have science! I-I " Pepper's voice cracked and tears started burning her eyes.

"How am I supposed to be a g-good mother! He c-c-choose me to b-be-"

Pepper couldn't finish sobs choking off her words. Tony gathered her in his strong arms. Pepper placed her hand over the act reactor scar, sickly missing its warm presence as she clutched the fabric above where it once resided.

"Shh shh Pep. It's alright. You're going to do just fine. The kid loves you. And you're here for him Pep that is what matters. Even if you screw up as long as he sees you try and knows you love him no matter what that is what matters." He says vehemently.

Pepper sniffled, she could smell Tony's metallic engine oil scent even through her stuffy nose and drew in the odd comfort it brought. She slowed her breaths. She could tell by the way he spoke that Tony was talking about his own family. She also knew he'd forget his own words the next time he thought he royally messed up with Peter. She made a mental note to have Friday play back his own words when that happened. For now though she tried to breath and gather herself; She needed to have this talk with Tony.

Pepper thought of her own family who she knew loved her but she rarely saw since she didn't often get along well. She specifically thought of her own mother who although she knew loved her more than life itself could never seem to agree with any of her choices and always pressured her to do what her mother thought was in her "Ginny's" best interest. It was what drove them apart.

She didn't lie when she said all those years ago that Tony was all she had too. She may not be an orphan like Tony and have plenty of family but, only Tony loved her and respected her choices. She knows that in the past she herself had been guilty of doing the same thing to Tony what her own family had done to her in the past. It took their separation for her to realize the trap she was falling in. She didn't want to be just like them and even though it was her that initiated the separation she knows that either way she had been driving them apart.

She couldn't be just like her mother if she wanted to keep Peter. He chose her. It made her heart swell with so much warmth when he claimed her as his mother that she could have sworn the extremist had been revived in her chest. She would have thought she was glowing with the love for that child, her child. She wasn't sure Peter would ever see her as more than just a stepmom, his dad's wife. (Even if they hadn't tied the knot yet). She couldn't lose him. She was determined to be the best mom she could be. The only problem is she had no idea how to go about it. Sure Pepper Potts was a confident CEO and she was well versed in dealing with the weird and dangerous. She could regain her composure and quickly carpmentatize and prioritize in the most alarming of situations. Parenting though had her shaking in her Louis Vuitton's.

She wasn't even sure she wanted to have kids until she had met Peter. (like how Tony had realized with Harley although he admitted to no one including himself) She was always career driven. It was one of the big things her and her mother fought about. Although she always saw herself settling down with a husband she had no idea if she wanted to take the time to have any children.

Now she was engaged to her former boss, a playboy billionaire and had a soon to be adopted teenage mutante son and both her fiance and son fought crime wearing high tech multi-billion dollar suits. Their family was currently sharing a home with recently pardoned terrorists. Life definitely didn't go anything like she thought it would and had you told a young Miss Potts back when she was still Virginia and not Pepper how her life would turn out she probably would have threatened to pepper spray you and walked very quickly away.

Now she was in the dilemma of being so in over her head with the most important relationship of her life. Pepper sighed.

"I don't want to be like my mother Tony but, I have no idea how else to parent. I can guarantee you there aren't any parenting books out there that cover mutating teenaged children." She said into his shirt.

Tony chuckled and it eased some of the tension in her body. She smiled as Tony spoke, having already known exactly what he was going to say. She could've said the words right along with him if she wanted.

"Well I guess we'll just have to write one then huh?"

Pepper just nodded her head against his chest.

Tony sighed. "You'll do great Pep. You already are. You make time for him and he knows it. He knows if he calls the company could be burning and you'd still run to meet him."

Pepper and Tony adjusted to comfortably lay down in each other's arms so they could see each other but still be a close comforting presence to one another.

Tony breathed. "Look Pep. Earlier when I woke up Peter he was in what we're calling "episodes", not a great term. Bruce said that the mutation fundamentally changed his brain."

Pepper sucked in a breath.

"He's fine, just different. Has been the whole time we've known him."

Pepper let out a relieved breath she had been worried. She wanted to smack Tony for making it sound almost like he had a brain tumor or something and scaring her using words like "episode". Tony and Bruce had briefly mentioned it before but, honestly Pepper still didn't understand and really hoped Tony could make it more clear and it wasn't something horrible.

" Bruce says essentially his brain is kinda part spider and sometimes his thoughts are basically more spider than human but, just like the rest of him it is neither completely one way or the other. He won't be like the Hulk, part of him will still be cognisant. His brain just switches gears and...Pep he was so confused. He didn't understand what was going on and I honestly don't even think he could understand me when I was speaking to him. He just looked at me with such a blank look. It was scary. He was freaking out and I had no idea how to calm him down! I just grabbed a hold of his arms to keep from hurting himself again! And he immediately calmed down. He'd get freaked out and whine whenever I tried to let go so I just started rubbing his arms trying to comfort him and it worked, so I just kept going even though I didn't understand why and thought it was a little weird. I just went with it."

Pepper looked at him curiously, " I had meant to ask you about that."

Tony sighed looking up to the ceiling resigned to his fate " apparently it's the spider equivalent to a hug. Parent and sibling spiders rub arms to show affection. "

Pepper smiled and gave a little laugh. It was just too adorable and sweet. She cooed at Tony loving the way he was denying being just as big of a mushy softie as he secretly was.

"Yeah yeah. Point is. I just went with it and even though the kid was embarrassed by it. It helped. There is just going to be more of that. Just going with whatever makes the kid feel better even if you don't know why. And you saw him in the kitchen earlier doing that meant more to him than a thousand hugs or words. It was like saying no matter how weird, we are going to love you anyways and I think as long as we just keep doing that. He'll be ok."

Pepper wishes she could have the same confidence Tony has right now. She does believe in what he is saying though. The most important thing right now is just accepting and doing whatever Peter needs them to do even if they don't understand. Her mother never understood and only acted according to what she knew. ( Something she couldn't truly fault her for.) Maybe just by simple doing as she done this morning following Tony's lead, maybe that was all she really needed to do to not make the same mistakes her mother did. Just keep going with the odd. She could do that. After all she was Ironman's fiance and now a hero in her own right even if she hadn't used her suit yet.

Pepper took a deep breath letting it out slowly. She could do this, she could be a good mother for Peter. She proved this morning she wasn't like her own mother.

Pepper looked up to Tony. There was still one big issue eating at her.

"I'm still scared about what Karen said this morning. I'm worried it would destroy Peter if he lost the ability to speak."

Tony looked at her with that look that sometimes scared her in its fierce intensity.

"I won't let that happen. I will find a way to make sure that doesn't happen. We don't know for sure it will take away his ability to speak. He could just develop A secondary voice box or his might just change to slightly alter his voice. We don't know. It could be nothing but, even if it is. I have developed translators for the bots; I can make something to give Peter a voice. We will do the scans and if it comes to that I'll have something made by the time he needs it ok? But, I will not let him go mute Pepper. I promise you that."

"Ok." Pepper nods. She lets herself relax; she knows with certainty her love will not let Peter lose the voice he holds so dear.

"Alright, one last thing to discuss. With all this going on. It's too much stress on Peter. I had tried to say before but there was too much." She sighed at herself for how the conversation had gone this way and that in her frantics.

" We need to limit his time with the Rogues as much as possible. It's too much for him to handle right now and it's bad for his health. You tell that to Fury, the council, whoever. I'm not endangering his health and mental well being for politics."

Tony blew out a breath and scrubbed his face with the hand that wasn't trapped holding her.

"I know. I already talked with the kid and Bruce this morning. We'll make time especially after whatever is mandatory for him to be able to retreat to somewhere he feels safe to unwind and do whatever it is he needs to do. Spin webs or whatever where no one can judge him….I will talk to Fury and the council though. See if maybe Cho can write up a note or something. I don't know how much further we can push on limiting the number of meetings and team bonding shit but, with a note from someone like Cho it be hard to deny a request to have a shorter time limit or additional breaks."

Pepper nodded. Dr. Cho was a no bullshit kind of woman, she was compassionate, and like nearly everyone else she had a soft side for Peter. She'd back them and lobby for Peter's health.

"Good. Tell Helen if she needs anything from me she has it. I'll clear my schedule."

Tony smiled and leaned in to kiss her on the forehead. Whispering to her scalp "will do."

"Will that be all Mr. Stark?"

"That will be all Miss. Potts."

The two smiled sweetly wrapped into each other's arms and went back to their show content to just bask in the relaxing moment till Friday called them away to another stressful day of meetings.

-----------------

Chapter Text

Peter woke up slowly, groggy trying to fight his way back into unconsciousness. Annoyed by the hunger pangs in his stomach urging him up much to his displeasure. Peter groaned and brought his hand up to rub his eyes only to bop himself in the nose and poke his eye with the clumsy weight of the black brace around his arm. Peter winced feeling dumb and embarrassed despite being mostly alone.

Now that he had almost poked his eyes out because, of the stupid brace it was like his pain receptors had come online at the reminder and now he realized how much his arms hurt. His spinneret that he caught on Pepper's shirt early was a burning irritation, both arms felt hot and achy, they were no doubt swollen underneath, pain like a strong muscle strain radiated from his palm all the way to just below the inner part of his elbow. To top it off he apparently slept funny on his shoulder and now pins and needles were going through his poor left appendage as well. Peter whined to himself for a minute looking to the ceiling like it would give him strength for the rest of his day. Then pity party over he sucked in a breath squared his sore shoulders and looked around for his phone.

Realizing where he left his phone Peter quickly decided he didn't want to deal with the emotions awaiting in that room. He could get by for a few hours with his watch, Friday, and Karen. With a quick hello Karen told him it was only eleven, not even lunch time yet. However as Spiderman he had to eat more than a hobbit so for him he'd already missed his mid morning snack of a high calorie nutrition bar. Peter's stomach growled at the thought of his new diet and Peter adamantly put his earlier comparison of his diet to his eight legged counterpart firmly in a boxed corner of 'don't think about'. It was better that way. He needed to learn to love his new smoothie diet. It was like one of those crazy fad diets only with a lot more science and industrial sized blenders He told himself.

Peter padded to the kitchen. The two AIs were unusually quiet as he went and opened the fridge. Peter saw another lidded cup identical to the one he had this morning with a large sticky note from Bruce.

Peter,

You'll need to drink 6-7 of these a day
There are more in the large fridge in the cafeteria.
Friday can help you find it. Only your drinks are in there
and Friday is making sure no one messes with them.
Most of the Avengers should be in and out of meetings
So they shouldn't be a problem but, remember you can
Always have Friday scout ahead to avoid drama. Hope you have a good day and feel better!

P. S. - I left anti-inflammatories and pain meds on the counter. Please read the instructions.

~Bruce

Well Peter wasn't looking forward to a trip down to the cafeteria later. Peter stuck the note on the counter and began greedily sucking down the drink, holding on with the sticky tips of his fingers of both of his hands, not bothering to close the fridge door even though it was making him shiver uncontrollably.

With shaky hands Peter set down the cup on the counter and tried to pour himself a glass of apple juice. Peter wanted to bang his head on the counter when the juice spilled down the cabinets and splashed his sweatpants. Karen announced she was sending the nonsentientent helper bots. Peter didn't even bother trying to put the jug back in the fridge. Not with the way his day was going. He'd only end up making a mess that defies the laws of physics at this point. He just trudged towards his room.

When he reached his door though he just rested his forehead on the surface of the door with his hand on the handle till Karen offered to have a bot bring him spare clothes. Peter swallowed thickly and made his way to his parent's bedroom.

Peter breathed in the familiar comforting scent of both his parents and wanted nothing more than to crawl into their bed and have them both here right now to pet his head and take care of him. Instead he waited standing shivering in uncomfortably wet pants. The heat blasting in the room doing little to battle the chill.

After an age the bot brought him a change of pants which took him ten minutes to get into since he had to wipe the sticky off himself with a warm washcloth before wiggling the garment up his legs using his finger without bending his wrists at all. By the end he felt more tired than appropriate for such a task, not out of breath but, he felt weak. Whether that was mental or not he could not tell you. He just sat down for several minutes after on his parents bed before going back into the kitchen for the pain meds he desperately needed. Only to be disappointed when Bruce's instructions read he couldn't have anymore until half an hour after he ate solid food.

Peter whined like a child and stomped his foot feeling very much like using some choice language. After a minute to reign in his frustration Peter got a mouthful of water straight from the tap and down the two pills he was allowed. He spared a moment to think about his clothes as he walked out the door but, just said "fuck it" to the open air and walked out confidently with his hands resting in his sweat shirt pocket.

………….

"Friday is there anyone who could make me some food down in the cafeteria?"

It was a long pause in which Peter tried to think of how to manage on his own if he had to.

Friday's response was hesitant.
" Mr. Sam Wilson and Mr. Clint Barton are both on their way to eat an early lunch. Mr. Wilson had no real previous relationship with Boss and I am capable of keeping a close eye on any and all food preparation. Boss has taken extra measures in order to insure my ability to do so in light of recent … breaches in trust."

Peter thought about this as much as he did not want to even look at one of the rogues right now, he had no real choice if he wanted to eat and take his meds. (And hopefully go back to sleep) The juice fiasco had proven that. Friday was right, at least they really didn't know Mr. Falcon. Even if the guy might hold a bit of a grudge from the airport at least he hadn't outright betrayed his dad. Plus Peter trusted Friday and the measures his Dad took to ensure that nothing was done to his food.

Peter sighed, already frowning "Alright can you please ask Mr. Falcon if he could make me a couple of sandwiches or something? I'm not too picky at the moment I just want to eat so I can go take that medicine Bruce gave me and lay down. Ham and cheese is fine or whatever we have in there."

……..

Sam and Clint were just walking to the cafeteria for an early lunch before another afternoon full of meetings complaining about the unnecessary bureaucracy of some of them when Friday interrupted them.

"Excuse me Mr. Wilson Mr. Barton." Friday said in a pleasant voice.

Both men stopped in their tracks, previous talk forgotten. They shared a look. This was the first time the AI had been anything close to nice since they got there. She was usually cool robotic when she had to talk to them or snippy and sarcastic. Both men were automatically suspicious.

"Yes, Friday?" Sam cautiously ventured looking at Clint. The dude had more experience with Stark's AIs. Clint's face was blank though reminding him that the machine was clever. Clever enough to maybe even read their nuanced expressions even if it couldn't understand them. It was close to Vision. This thought added to the unease in his stomach at the AIs creepiness. It didn't help that there was a pause in the entity's answer.

" Mr. Parker has asked if you would be willing to make him a few ham and cheese sandwiches?"

Sam raised a brow at Clint who gave a minute shrug. Sam didn't particularly feel like making sandwiches for a teenager with a metabolism faster than Caps. He has already seen just how much Steve can put away and doesn't feel like spending twenty minutes making sandwiches. Not to mention it's odd that spider boy would ask at all.

"Can't he make sandwiches for himself?" Sam asks, hoping he is not pissing off the AI into making his shower cold again, but also not seeing why a teen can't make his own food. Or even get one of Stark's people on it since the boy is about to be adopted by him. It didn't make sense.

There was another slight awkward pause. "Mr. Parker sustained injuries last night. He currently has braces on that limit his motion and you and Mr. Barton are the only ones currently available to assist."

Clint and Sam shared a surprised look. The kid was Spiderman but, being all the way out here they didn't think the kid would be going on patrols. Sam assumed he must have though. Clint however was suspicious, didn't Bruce say the kid was grounded till further notice? He wanted to know exactly how the kid got that injured here. Something was going on in the compound that they weren't aware of and needed to be investigated if this was the result.

"Yeah I guess. Do I need to bring it to him or can he walk down here?" Sam sighed. He didn't want to make food for the spider brat but he wasn't going to not feed an injured kid. That's not how his mama raised him.

"Mr. Parker is on his way down to the cafeteria now. He should arrive shortly after you do at his current pace." Friday said, sounding relieved and grateful. Well at least he'd be getting brownie points with their current landlord and the all seeing AI.

With the reminder of arrival time the two started walking again towards their destination. Sam wondered why between the two of them the boy or the AI picked him to make the kid food. Spider-kid didn't fight Hawkeye directly at the airport. Then again he has been the more neutral party in a lot of the discussions lately because he doesn't have as much baggage with being a relatively new guy. Maybe the AI doesn't trust Clint more because of the old stuff. Whatever the reason though it looked like he was making a lot of sandwiches. Hopefully the kid would just leave after or sit at a different table at least. An awkward conversation with the spider punk/Stark's son was not how he wanted to spend his limited free time today.

Sam immediately headed to get the sandwich stuff out of one of the enormous fridges in the kitchen as soon as they entered, ready to get that out of the way. Clint meanwhile walked around trying to decide on what he wanted. As he looked through he noticed a note and a lock on two of the fridges. Curious Clint walked over. He knows that wasn't there last night when he made dinner. He also knows that Steve said briefly that Stark and Bruce were making a large amount of "nutrition shakes" or something for his kid when he tried to talk to him.

Clint gazed through the foggy glass and saw an odd assortment of fruits, some mildly exotic, vegetables, and even several packages of meat that didn't look like your normal American dinner affair. The note simply said the food was reserved for Peter's health and not to touch otherwise Friday would know.

The second fridge just had rows of lidded drinks either with an Avengers logo or the Stark industries'. Even seeing how much Steve put away it seemed it was ridiculous that these were all for one person. The note threatened Friday, Fury, Accords Counsel, evictions, and death if you read in-between the lines if one were to even attempt to open the fridge. Clint walked off feeling already like he was standing there too long for the AIs comfort and with the very real threat of Stark ruining his life he felt it was best to step away to get back to hunting for his own lunch. As a father he understood how very real that threat was and with the shaky ice he was already on with Laura he knew just how easily it would be for Stark to ruin him right now.

………………..

Peter walked into the overly large cafeteria. It was weird walking around in a building meant to hold hundreds of people when there were less than a hundred in residence. It was becoming more normal after living here part time for so long but, the space still had a weird feel to it. Like being in a store after hours. There were definitely parts of the compound that felt like home and some that felt like a public space.

The large tables not too unlike his own school cafeteria definitely added to the feeling. The large common kitchen was no different. The large oversized chrome appliances. The large metal table tops and cabinets. Everything supersized to be able to feed super appetites in abundance. It was like a kitchen for giants and Peter supposed that wasn't actually untrue.

Peter could pick up the sounds of the two avengers moving around the kitchen and asked Fri to announce his arrival. Peter heard her voice relay the message and Mr.Falcon respond

"Alright well the sandwiches aren't done yet. If he wants to wait out in the cafeteria I can bring them to him."

"Let him know I'll wait out here. And thank you for helping out please."

"Peter says he'll wait out in the cafeteria and also wants me to convey his thanks for helping him out."

"No problem."

Peter can hear more shuffling and banging around in the kitchen through the doors.

"I'm going to make some of this cappelletti. Would you like some?" Mr. Hawkeye asked

Peter's brow furrowed.

"Are those the spinach and ricotta stuffed ones Nat bought or the chicken and three cheese Steve bought?"

"Chicken and three cheese. I love Nat but I've never understood her love of spinach."

"Hey there is nothing wrong with greens when they are cooked right. But, I have to agree. I'd much prefer the chicken ones. You putting that with red sauce or Alfredo?"

"Red, we got a couple of jars of Ragu."

Peter was appalled hearing this. Of all the jarred sauces. When Mr. Stark hears about the sacrilege that happened in his kitchen… How did they even get that store bought crap in here anyway? The only thing he could think of was Friday didn't want to start a fight by mentioning it but Peter could not help but think it will be worse when he finds out.

Shaking his head Peter sits down at the table closest to the double doors that lead into the kitchen. Peter restlessly taps his feet while he listens to the sounds of the compound and the two rogues shuffling around the kitchen. He really wished he had his headphones. There was nothing to distract Peter from the pulsing pain in his arms. Figuring it unfortunately be a bit till his food was ready Peter gently removed his bulky wrapped arms from his pocket and set them on the table. Then Peter leaned forward and awkwardly put his forehead on the cool surface, trying to get his heart below his arms to hopefully help with some of the swelling. The meds Bruce gave him were not working fast enough.

The position pulled on some of his strained back muscles and Peter gave a frustrated groan into the table. It was taking forever for Mr. Falcon to make a sandwich. Why couldn't they have a super hero with super speed to make his sandwiches? He lamented in his mind before sobering with the memory of Miss Wanda's file. Peter huffed and shifted trying to find a somewhat more comfortable position, but it was no use.

Peter tried to think of something else to occupy his mind and the first thing he thought of was his friends. Him explaining this to his friends. Ned usually found anything about Spiderman cool although he always had empathy for Peter whenever Peter pointed out the negative parts of being Spiderman. Ned got how dangerous it could be too, especially after homecoming. Peter winced as a sharp pain went through this wrists. Peter took a breath and forced himself to relax his fingers. Peter frowned at the lingering pain that was slow to ebb.

Ned's excitement though helped Peter to remember the good parts though and not to get lost in the negative. He was a good friend that way. His questions on his powers though honestly sometimes helped fuel his nightmares. Peter was glad for the MJ buffer. Which made Peter think he should do a three way call and then just talk to MJ after.

Peter's chest was tight thinking about MJ. He could barely look at himself and not see a freak. It blew his mind she was interesting in puny Peter Parker let alone stick with him after he told her about the fact he was still mutating. She had been mad when he told her he wouldn't be mad or hold it against her if she didn't want to date someone who wasn't fully human and didn't know what they'd be like physically a year from now. Normally he could smile at the memory but, now all he could think was it was one thing to agree to something and another enterally to see something in person and feel the same way.

His chest hurt and his eyes burned at the thought of MJ being as freaked out by him as he was of himself sometimes. It would break his heart if she broke things off. He knows that's not MJ. That's not how she is yet part of him can't help but argue and want to cut things off to spare her. He thinks maybe he would have if it wasn't for the fact she had specifically forbade him from being a 'sexist dick and making decisions for her' like cutting things off 'to spare her like some delicate flower that can't make their own decisions'. Yeah MJ wasn't that kind of person he just needed to remember that. He doesn't know how he got so lucky to have her. Sometimes he wonders if she is like the balancing force to the sucky things in his life. Like being a freak but, at least you get to make a difference and have an awesome girl that loves you anyways.

Still he'd feel better if he had a private conversation with MJ to make sure she wasn't completely turned off of him now. He didn't need to worry at all about Ned. He is pretty sure he could become half spider and need to live in a tertium for the rest of his life and Ned would think it was cool and come over to build Legos everyday. He just be bummed Peter couldn't go out and do things with him and that Peter couldn't do what he wanted to do, that was just the kind of friend he was.

'Ok, so I'll call both of them at the same time and explain the luncheon. Ned will probably try to interrupt to know about the braces and the adoption and stuff but, with MJ there I'll be able to get through it.' He thought. Peter blew out a breath. It was going to be hard trying to talk out what happened when His thoughts were so weird and when his dad came in to get him... last night? Dang was that last night? It felt like so much longer ago. Last night, things start to get fuzzy. Peter's cheeks burn with embarrassment just thinking of his morning right after he woke up. Then the incident with Vision just when he thought he was starting to feel normal again.

Peter groaned and banged his head once on the table thinking 'i'll never be normal'. Mr. Stark's voice echoed in his head " Who wants to be normal? Normal is boring! Nobody worth knowing has ever been normal kid." Peter smiled a bit and let some of the tension go. His friends won't judge him. He'll just tell them things get fuzzy and then explain what Dr. Banner said about him having a different mode of thinking, so he was a bit confused when he woke up. MJ will keep Ned from grilling him. But, she will demand answers eventually. And they probably need to know in case they have to cover for him in the future.

Peter gave another sigh. He'd have to record some of the symptoms when he had a better understanding of it, so they'd know what to look for. Dr. Banner said he wasn't likely to do it somewhere he didn't feel safe but, with his Parker luck...Not to mention what if he did it when they were over. He didn't want them to see-

"Peter!" Friday's voice jostled him out of his thoughts.

He looked up and realized he could hear the sound of feet walking towards the door.

"Thanks Friday."

The AI stayed silent as Peter straightened up, preparing for the two rogues to come in with lunch. Peter restlessly tapped his feet before stopping realizing it probably made him look impatient. Which he was but, Aunt May didn't raise him to be rude. The two finally came through the door. They were both wearing nice shirts and slacks, obviously for the meetings and Peter felt distinctly underdressed. He normally didn't walk around in anything less than his school clothes even when no one was around but, it was too late now to change his decision to wear sweats. Although honestly with his still throbbing wrists he wasn't sure he could fully care about that at the moment.

The pain had only gone down marginally, and the braces he noticed didn't feel as constricting so some of the inflammation must have gone down. The pain was still constant and pulsing.

Peter saw the two plates stacked with sandwiches and his stomach gave out a growl. He had to swallow as his mouth watered and he felt his stomach was eating itself again. Peter could hardly take his eyes off the food.

"Thank you Mr.Falcon" Peter said as the man came closer. Peter smiled and tried to hide his discomfort and pain. His Spidey sense was at a low thrum at the back of his head as they walked closer.

The two men, like many adults when Peter gave them overly polite addresses, chuckled.

"Just call me Sam, kid. Here I hope that is enough. It's about what Cap eats I think." Mr.Sam said as he sat the plates down. There were five sandwiches on each plate.

"It's plenty. Thank you again Mr. Sam."

Mr. Barton chuckled and rolled his eyes and Mr. Sam just huffed.

"No problem. Need anything else?" He asked, eyeing the two heavy black braces.

Peter looked and thought for a moment.

"Would you mind bringing me a glass of orange juice with a straw and some napkins please?"

"Sure kid. Although I'm wondering how you're going to eat with those on. It doesn't look like you would be able to hold them even."

Peter looked down and cleared his throat. Despite his hunger he hadn't wanted to start eating in front of the two, knowing it would likely get messy.

"I uh was planning on using my finger tips, they're sticky, so I could hold the top and the bottom."

Peter mimed holding one with both hands one on the top and one on the bottom.

"Yeah you're definitely going to need some napkins." Mr. Barton chuckled.

Peter burned with a bit of angry embarrassment he hadn't asked for this!

…………

Clint felt bad as he saw the boy's jaw clench and the red in his cheeks. Sam threw his a look and yeah dick thing to say. He couldn't exactly take it back though. He sighed and followed Sam into the kitchen. 'Great I'm definitely getting another cold shower tonight' he thought. There was no way Stark's AI wasn't already coming up with ways to inconvenience him today.

Sam traded a glance and Clint followed him back into the kitchen. It was clear both of them wanted to talk but, neither eager to talk where they could be overheard by "big sister" (little did they realize just how close to accurate their nickname for the program was) instead of talking Clint made himself useful and tried to make up for his earlier blunder just, hoping the kid wasn't too much like Stark and took it as a bigger offense.

In no time they walked back out. Clint observed the boy as they walked back up. It was obvious the boy knew they were about to walk in and he wondered if the AI had been alerting him or his sixth sense. The kid, Peter, also had pain underneath his uneasy smile that made it look like he was only barely holding in a grimace.

Clint knew of his basic track record and had read his personality profile, not to mention seen the kid in action both in person and online. He was pretty certain the kid had a high pain threshold. Why was Stark's kid not on the good supermeds if he was in significant pain? Why was he on his own dealing with two immobilized arms? The state of the kid gave him overall unease both as someone who had a shitty childhood with an abusive alcoholic father (Clint forced an easy posture and relaxed hands as he thought of Tony's drinking and partying days) and as a father himself. There were just so many things not sitting right with him. Shit. He hoped he'd been imagining it the first time they came in. Peter's posture and the way his eyes tracked them, Clint swallowed, was the same as he'd done when he was a kid evaluating strange men he didn't know.

"Hey! Found some of these back there should help keep your Scooby Doo sandwich tower there from falling just don't eat them like in the cartoons." Clint said, holding up a box of toothpicks.

Sam set down the juice and napkins, including letting one fall down into the boy's lap which made the kid blush. The boy said his thanks. It was clear he was uncomfortable and painfully polite but unlike with most people it came out as something distinctly genuine. Clint caught a few true grimaces as he moved to avoid being in Sam's space as he placed the items down and quickly stabbed the sandwiches so they'd be easier to consume without either of them having to feed him cause that would be awkward as hell. Clint isn't even sure the teen would go through with it if it was his only option.

Soon they were walking back over to their usual spot just two tables over and told the kid if he needed any help to just hollar. It was an odd lunch as they sublity watched him as they conversed about nothing of importance. The boy kept throwing them glances every once in a while but mainly focused on eating. At least the toothpicks seem to be helping Clint thought to himself. The boy exuded an aura of tiredness when he first saw him but, by the time they came out from cleaning up in the kitchen to get the boy's empty plates it was clear he was exhausted. He felt bad for the kid but tried to remain casual like he didn't notice to put the kid more at ease. Despite the obvious fact that he was exhausted the kid sped out of there as soon as Sam took his plate and the proper, eye roll worthy level of thank yous were exchanged, which lead to more concerning questions in Clint's mind.

He would be having a serious talk later with Natasha and Sam. He wasn't sure Steve was the right one to include in this whether he was right or wrong.

Chapter Text

Friday via his nano tech watch that was still under the braces informed him quietly once he was through with his fifth sandwich she had started the timer for his meds. Once he finished eating his arms were in absolute agony and it was only the promise of meds and the still low buzzing in his head that kept him together. He was near booking it with frantic desperation when Friday told him he had only five minutes left on the timer.

He was shaking and crying when he shut the door to his family's wing in the Compound. He was fumbling to get the bottle open and enterally grateful there was no child lock. Water spilled down his face as he didn't even bother with a glass just desperately taking a gulp from the facet.

"Would you like me to inform someone you're in emotional distress Peter?" Karen asked.

Friday was already thinking the same. They were both processing the worrying information from the watch's sensors.

"N-no" sniff "It'll be better once the meds kick in."

There was a pause as Karen and Friday looked over the data together and discussed it as their brother curled in on himself. Tremors shaking his body.

"Peter, are you holding in your instincts?" Karen asked with a tone that was shy of the mark of being considered delicate.

Peter's muscles tensed. He felt so awful and all he wanted to do was curl up high and protected and warm and at the same time he wanted his dad or Aunt May to come make the pain go away. But, he was terrified of letting go. There was part of him that had the impulse to climb up the cabinets and scurry into his, he swallowed the lump in his throat and sniffled harshly through his nose, nest. That was what got him into the mess in the first place. He didn't want to get hurt or feel out of control again.

"Peter, you are safe here. We are watching out for you. You can let go and be yourself." Karen told her best friend.

Peter sniffs were loud in the open space that was currently drawing in his anxiety. His voice was small and seemed to echo.

"I'm ..scared... what" gulp "if I hurt myself again and make it worse or I …." Big breath "I can't switch back my mind frame and I get stuck."

Peter stared down at the black material covering the bracelet that always carried Karen. He could feel tears rolling down his cheeks and felt miserable at the mere fact he couldn't wipe them away without it hurting worse. It already hurt so bad. He didn't want to be alone but guilt gnawed on him at the thought of asking his parents away from important meetings where people were counting on them. He secretly hoped one of the AIs over rode him just to take the pressure of making a decision off.

"I pinky promise I won't let you get stuck. I'll find a way to break you out of it if it looks like you need to come back."

The flat screen on the far wall lit up, catching his attention. Peter let out a surprised and relieved laugh that loosened something deep inside him when he saw bright pink 1's and 0's making the shape of a hand with an extended pinky.

Peter couldn't even move his pinky which was still firmly encased and Karen didn't have a physical pinky but, nevertheless the two made one of the top ten most monumental and important swears of their entire lives as Peter lifted up his arm and Karen moved 1&0's to hook her pinky. It was an unbreakable vow between not only best friend's but siblings, and the third category that few are ever privileged to experience which is partnership between an AI and their human.

Chapter Text

"Go Peter. Don't worry about anything, I'll take care of you."

"Thank you Karebear, you're the best."

Peter took a long breath and with jittery legs that made him half afraid he'd fall down allowed himself to climb the cabinets hoping Pepper wouldn't be mad. His climb was startlingly difficult and it became heartstopingly clear something was really wrong with his body. Peter yelled out as too much gravity was put on his wrists. Peter flipped and did a less natural backward shuffle with his feet above his head.

"I-i really don't feel right. I think somthn wrong."

His words slurred and his head was becoming more foggy with pain. Getting up to the ceiling and stringing thoughts together was like swimming through molasses.

"I know Peter. It's ok. Someone is on their way to help. It's going to be ok." A familiar voice assured him. 'Sister' he thought and he leaned into the feeling of trust.

He nodded "ok"

He blinked several times before moving a shaky leg forward. Peter whined as his foot didn't fully unstick at first and some of the pressure shifted to his finger tips.

"Shh it's ok. Just take it slow Peter."

Peter whined, he was tired and hurt. He needed to get back to his nest soon. Who knows how long it will stay safe here. He wanted to rest. He hurt. He wanted the hurt to stop pumping in his arms. The nice voice just kept making shushy noises.

-----------------

It was surprising how quickly Karen lost him to "Spider Peter". She wasn't sure if the quick transition was the processor warming trust Peter had in her or the fact that Peter had just dealt with the mild stressor of eating with two rogues and then being in extreme pain.

What was concerning was the fact that the anti-inflammatory that should have stayed in Peter's system for at least four hours has seemingly metabolized or lost its effectiveness after less than two. The sensors in the bracelet on Peter's arm were registering concerning amounts of pressure. Due to Peter's bizarre circulatory system the transition to being on the ceiling was doing little to help since his vestibular sense is registering he is upside down and making the "appropriate" amount of blood flow go to his appendages.

The pressure building on the delicate fledgling structures was potentially dangerous if they didn't get it under control soon. This is also one of the few times she was actually worried about Peter possibly falling off the ceiling and hurting himself.

His limbs were jerky indicating possible nerve problems and his limbs either kept sliding before finding purchase or he seemed to tug on them before they came loose which could be an indicator for twenty seven issues she was now diverting a good portion of her processing power to. Neither symptom was helping the quickly growing swelling and the pain, as apparent from the sounds he kept making. They were racing against the clock of the pain meds that might put an end to Peter's stay on the ceiling.

___________________

"Dr. Banner, you're needed immediately in the Stark Suite! It's Peter. There isn't much time before Peter will be harmed." Worry, urgency, and pragmatic professionalism worked themselves together in a way that could only come from being both slightly inspired by and learning from one Mrs. Pepper Potts.

Banner, Stark, Potts, and Vision were out of their seats in a moment making for the door. Rhodey stood a moment later slowed by his braces but didn't make for the door, rather taking a better position to argue with Rodgers as he called after Tony. The door slammed shut hard bashing the Captain's nose as he made to follow them out. There was a loud 'sliiinnk click' of several locks.

Friday didn't give herself time to enjoy that as she quickly briefed her family on the situation. She blocked, delayed, inconvenienced, distracted, and in some cases used sudden blaring music to keep the limited number of people occupying the building from overhearing what she relayed and/or keep the group from reaching her young brother even a second later than they could. She gave no time to process who it was she sabotaged. No one was more important than Peter at that moment. She'd deal with the consequences later in true Stark fashion.

-------------------

"Something had to have changed in his biology from last month." Bruce muttered as he jogged across the compound. "We'll need...to run...a hormone analysis…" he huffed as he picked up speed.

He didn't usually get his heart rate up because of the big guy. But, he had more recently come to terms and made tentative peace with his alternate personality. He knew he wouldn't keep Bruce from helping the boy they had both come to care for. Although it had been a bit difficult to convince him not to do the running for him to get to Peter.

It's seemed like forever and no time at all that their frantic party arrived. Peter had apparently only made it as far as the long hallway to his room. There was a gasp from Pepper and everyone's hearts stopped for a moment when they finally caught sight of Peter. It was a disturbing image.

Up on the 15 foot ceiling was Peter. Both feet connected to the floor, one only at the toes. His arms dangling down. Body limp, back falling unnaturally straight. His face looked pale and sweaty even from the distance they stood below him.

Tony swallowed, took a deep breath, heart hammering before he called out in a voice ten times steadier than the trembling storm inside.

"Friday stats! How long has he been out for."

Tony threw out a hand and three pieces of an older model of suit came flying towards his hand as Friday answered reading from her sister's data stream.

"Peter has been unconscious for 4.57 minutes. Normal wakeful bpm despite unconsciousness. Swelling in his wrists is close to critical estimated time till critical 12-27 minutes. Blood pressure 108/42. Peter also presumably entered into what Karen has deemed " Spider Peter" state of mind approximately 14 minutes ago." Friday reported.

Karen huffed in response but said nothing else. boots and a single gauntlet soared into the room. Tony got himself into position to carefully try to peel him off the ceiling. He eased Peter's torso up and looped their arms around each other. Before Tony could even really come up with a plan to get Peter to unstick another suit came flying in. This one purple/blue hue of the rescue armor. The one made available to Karen a month and a half ago.

Karen rubbed the suit's arms across Peter's Biceps and gently whispered " it's just me and Tony, Peter. It's okay to let go. We got you, let us take care of you. Let go. We will take you to your nest." She continued the constant reassurances as she with surprising dexterity rubbed her fingers along the back of Peter's ankle and the tops of his feet until she coaxed them to let go of the ceiling they were clinging to. Tony gave her a "we will talk about this later" look as she worked.

Tony gently shifted Peter fully into Karen's capable hands as she was the more stable of the two. Tony quickly landed and banished the old armor back and the party quickly followed the blue suit down the hall.

As they approached the door Pepper spoke up her voice full of stress. "Should we all be going in there with Peter? I mean would it go against his instincts or overwhelm him if we're all in his space?"

She glanced between the two scientists. Bruce and Tony carried on a quick conversation with their eyes before Bruce gave his opinion. He was the one with the most biology background and at this point his knowledge base was halfway to qualifying him for doctorates in zoology and entomology.

"Tony and Karen seemed to be the best at keeping him calm. You're right though too many people could set him off. It would be best if you and Vision waited out here." Bruce grimaced slightly as he said it.

Pepper and Vision just gave resolute nods. They understood even if emotionally it was hard. In a blink the door shut and the two were left standing in a quiet hallway. A drastic contrast from the chaotic energy of only a few moments prior. They stood lost for a moment, nothing in the deafening quiet to distract them from their worry.

…………..

Chapter Text

Vision had hovered nervously near them ready to lend a hand as they lowered Peter down but he was rather reluctant to rush in after that morning's debacle. Sir Tony explained that it was a matter of learning to deal with new instincts and had nothing to do with him as an individual. It did make him feel better knowing he was not at fault. That he did not truly hurt his...brother but, he did still cause him emotional distress. That is not something he wishes to repeat so, for now unless absolutely necessary he has to refrain from touching him.

They are all in uncharted waters but evidence supports that Karen and Mr- Tony are the least likely to cause him further distress. Despite the statistics there was a deep ache in his chest where in a more organic lifeform a heart would most likely reside.

He didn't know if he should be grateful or feel slighted that there wasn't a beating in his chest to match the feeling in it. It surely would be supplying that pounding sensation he has heard of before behind his equivalent of a ribcage. Instead he has nothing. He is hollow yet filled with chaotic energy that he finds himself unsure what to do with. He feels frustration bubbling at not having any idea how to express such emotions.

He has seen people express what he is sure are similar emotions in a variety of ways however, few have ever worked for him. He decided to do one of the ones that had helped him before. He twists his fingers together. Interlocking the first two fingers on either hand with each other before letting go and repositioning them.

He focuses on doing that as he waits in the quiet hall. He wished for sound but, at the same time it felt highly inappropriate to create any with his brother injured and possibly ill just behind the door he stood in front of.

Lock. twist. unlock. lock. twist. unlock. twist. lock. unlock. twist. lock.unlock. twist. lock.unlock. twist. lock.unlock. twist. lock.unlock. twist. lock.unlock. twist. lock.unlock. twist. lock.unlock. twist. lock.unlock. twist. lock.

"It's going to be a long wait. We should get comfortable. Friday will keep us updated." Pepper said.

"I would rather be close by in case they require assistance." He rebutted.

Pepper smiled, more of a pressing of lips together however, there was a sort of softness in her eyes that even someone like him who sometimes still struggles with reading human emotion can't miss.

"Me too. Come on, mine and Tony's room is just across the hall. We can wait in there. That way we will only be a few feet away should they need us."

Vision followed her feeling awkward and out of sorts. He knew, because it had been stressed to him, that there was a certain level of privacy that one's bedroom has that should always be respected. However he has never really understood where those imaginary lines stood nor the actions or words that gave permission for them to be crossed. He could both be considered the child and grandchild of Tony Stark which would make Mrs. Potts the closest he has to a mother. He is in essence going into his parents' bedroom. What were the rules for children or adult children? Vision rubbed between his brow. It felt like his brain was going to overheat.

Vision was surprised by a light touch on his arm. He lifted his head and was met with that same warm sad smile. It took the edge off the chaos inside.

"There isn't anything we can do right now. Come sit with me. We'll watch some TV while we wait for news." She said as she led him to the bed.

"I don't think a television program will distract me from my thoughts like you are hoping it might." He says as he climbs onto the bed beside her.

Pepper studies his face for a moment. Her hand almost came up to her chin as she thought.

"You're right. You need a task to do." Pepper turns and pulls out a tablet. She types and pulls something up as she talks "I have needed an analysis run on this for the past week but, Friday has been busy. It's important that this gets done and with this going on with Peter she won't have time. It should be challenging enough to keep your focus."

Vision took the tablet with a bit of awe. This was exactly what he needed. He couldn't even figure out what it was that he needed. He didn't know whether to attribute the amazingness to all humans or just Miss Potts.

He smiled at her "Thank you".

"Of course" she grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze before letting go.

Pepper and he both leaned back against the headboard and got to work on their tablets in a much more bearable silence. There was still a metaphorical storm of chaos inside but, it was as if the storm was over a sea and he was standing on the shore. It was a loud nearby presence but he wasn't in the midst of it. Rather he had his back to it looking over to much clearer skies just waiting on the next boom of thunder to draw his attention back and the winds blow in the rain from the sea.

Chapter Text

Tony couldn't help but think he shouldn't be in this position twice in less than twenty four hours. His life and surely Peter's though never afforded the good luck of having major problems giving you time to recover from the previous disaster. Instead they piled up in a way that left you shocked that you're shocked. Tony swore under his breath as he took his place once again sitting at the head of his son's bed with an even greater sense of urgency than he'd felt last night waiting for Bruce to tell him something.

Bruce called Friday to run one of the samples from earlier through the normal screening they do at their monthly assessment, while he drew fresh blood from Peter arm. Both casts had already been removed and the sight of Peter's arms underneath made Tony cringe. Both were ballooned up and red to almost purple on his wrists around where his spinnerets were still hidden under bandages.

"Drawing some blood should help take some pressure off and buy us some time." Bruce said as he drew out another large vial's worth of blood from Peter's other forearm.

"Any idea what's going on?" Tony asked

"It looks like his metabolism has sped up but, it also possible one of the structures in his brain has developed sooner than we thought and some chemical in his brain is interacting with the anti-inflammatories. But we won't know for at least another ten minutes for the hormone analyst down in the lab to run." Bruce said as he pulled out the syringe and bandaged Peter's arm.

"What can we do now?" Tony asks desperate for anything to do other than just sitting here uselessly running his hands across Peter's bicep hoping it brings him some kind of subconscious comfort.

"I've taken a pint of blood. Each of those vials is eight ounces. That should be enough to relieve the pressure for now. It should take Peter at least a couple days to recap that amount. Maybe even a week figuring him at a fifth…of the… normal average rate." Bruce's words trail off in a mumble as he lifts off the bandaging from Peter's left spinneret.

Bruce gently lifts Peter's arm up for closer inspection and Tony sees what caught Bruce's attention. There is a little red dot that isn't visible on his other arm.

"Shit" Bruce curses and Tony feels like someone hit a live wire to the inner casing to his no longer there arc reactor.

"What!?" Tony demands

"Did Peter hit his wrist on anything? Brush it against anything before you wrapped it?" Bruce asks.

Tony starts frantically wracking his brain trying to think lucky for him, although it feels like his genius has left him, his creations haven't.

Friday recalls the morning, "He brushed his wrist against Pepper's silk blouse this morning when he hugged her and showed pain but it was attributed to his overall injuries."

Bruce nodded "Silk not any mixed fibers?"

"No I double checked the manufacturing"

"That's good" Bruce said

"What? Explain what's going on Brucey bear." Tony practically begged not feeling great being so horribly confused.

Bruce explained as he set Peter's arm down and reached into the small med kit the rescue armor held in its middle. "Silk is a natural protein fiber; it shouldn't cause any negative effects if any got lodged in his spinnerets. It looks like the spinnerets opening sphincter has finished development before the protective cartilage plate has finished. It's not quite long or thick enough to cover the opening which is super sensitive."

Tony nodded thinking back to the diagrams of how they were predicted to look. Tony remembered the half cone like shape that was supposed to rise up off Peter's arm covering the slightly protruding tube that was the spinneret and the flap of skin that would hopefully develop to help protect the opening that would fold back when his webs shot out.

"That red dot there is his swollen spinneret poking out from under the cartilage plate." Bruce explains as he looks at it through a magnifying lens that he strapped to his glasses.

Tony winced remembering how nerve heavy they were, the kid had to have been in excruciating pain. He knows they left the kid with pain meds but he wished Peter had said more about his pain. How could he have not realized how much? He was right there when it happened! The kid seemed fine well not fine but not like this when he laid down for a nap!

"How could we not realized it was this bad?" Tony shook his head.

"We had him on meds Tony. It probably -"

Bruce is cut off by Friday, "Blood hormone and composition analyst complete."

Bruce's tablet dings and Bruce is quick to grab it.

"Well?" Tony says while impatiently reading the screen from the reflection of Bruce's glasses.

"There are some traces of an unusual compound in his blood stream in low levels unclear if that is related. He does have unusually high levels of stress hormones. More than he should. The anti inflammatories are almost completely metabolized. It looks like the compound helped him metabolize it quicker. Judging by the compound structure. The swelling is still the main issue. We didn't account for it. It's pushed the spinneret out on this side." Bruce sets Peter's arm down and picks the other up to scrutinized

"The structures are so tiny" He remarks before continuing cutting off the impatient words sitting on Tony's tongue.

"This one is just barely still under the cartilage casing. No sign of a skin flap developing." Bruce sighs, gently setting Peter's arm down and folding the magnifying lens up.

"We are going to have to make some sort of cast that will keep anything from getting in the spinneret or hitting it directly till the plate finishes growing."

Tony feels relief at having something to do. His mind already has visions of possible designs flashing through it, weeding out the obviously flawed ones, as he focuses on Peter in the present.

"What can we do now?" He asks Bruce. He can't leave for his workshop with Peter still like this.

"We can use the super soldier strength anti-inflammatories and 900mg of Benadryl. That should bring the swelling down and also keep Peter's body from treating any silk fiber like a foreign entity. I don't think Peter's having a reaction to the silk but, it's hard to tell. It could have just been the force. Just in case I'll go ahead and rinse off his spinneret to get any fibers out and we'll keep him on a regimen of 900mg every four to six hours for the next day or so."

Tony nods. A mixture of guilt and ideas to never ever let this happen again flood his brain. He'll build the best, most comfortable and reliable armor for his kid's spinnerets. He won't let them get damaged again; he should have already had something built.

Bruce looks up from the wash seeing his friend's face tells him, "He's going to be alright Tony"

"I know," Tony says softly. He give Bruce a grateful smile and an understanding passes between their eyes.

Tony's thoughts are a bit more settled as he rubs Peter's arms rhythmically. The only sound is the gentle burble of saline running over Peter's arm and down into a little collection bowl. Peter's breaths are slow and even but here is a small crease between his brows.

The saline stops running and Tony glances up. Bruce and Karen are packing up the med supplies back into the rescue armor.

"The Benadryl should help keep him asleep. I can administer some melatonin later if he has trouble sleeping tonight. Want me to go talk to Pepper and Vision? Or call his Aunt to let her know what's going on?"

Tony thinks for a moment. He should talk to Pepper and May and comfort Vision but, that little crease of Peter's brow, he doesn't want to leave Peter till he knows he's settled.

"I'll Call May. I want to wait to leave till the meds have kicked in to leave him but, go ahead and talk to Pep and Vis they've got to be worked up."

"Ok Tony," Bruce slips out of the room silently.

The lights dim to a more comfortable sleeping light. The rescue armor moves over towards the bed casting a big shadow across the bed from the light still flooding from the doorway. Tony quirks a brow at his creation. Two hands mime and up and down motion and Tony can't help but smile. He also can't help but have an anxious fluttering in his stomach not knowing how Peter will react from something not really alive. Will he sub consciously recognize the armor or even get that it's Karen not him in the suit. As his thoughts start to go to the last time he held him in his armor he starts to step forward to maybe intervene but Karen is already there.

"Hi Peter don't worry. I'll keep my promise and I'll be right here when you get up to pull you out if you need. Don't worry. Just sleep" Karen's voice comes out hushed an artificial static to it but still clear and soft.

Tony watches the crease between Peter's brow smooth out. He sighs with Peter as they both relax. A rough creaked sound, almost a chirp comes out of Peter's throat. It sounds painful but his face is so obviously laxed in contentment that Tony knows it must have been a positive emote. He feels very proud of Karen in that moment for managing something even he couldn't and in creating someone who could know Peter so well and be there for him like Jarvis and now Friday was there for him.

"I love you Peter. Sleep well" She whispered before turning to leave.

Tony couldn't help himself from leaping up to reach out and grabbing her shoulder even knowing this wasn't her physical body. She couldn't feel it. He gave her his proud smile remembering how Peter kept telling him how much Karen just wanted to be included.

"That's my girl, he said, squeezing her shoulder.

Karen gave out a happy beep boop usually only the bot trio gave out when they were completely overjoyed. He gave a small laugh hearing it. It was rare he ever heard it from his more advanced AIs.

The rescue armor left, leaving the door cracked behind it. Tony came back over. He could see Peter's eyes moving beneath his eyelids and little scrunches of his brow. Tony took his place back beside him feeling more confident in his choice to stay rather than to go talk with Pepper and Vis.

"Hey Bambino. Don't worry I'm not leaving till you're all the way in dreamland."

Tony stayed singing and humming while he came up with designs. All the while he gently rocked back and forth his hands running up Peter's biceps down to his elbows. He didn't leave till Peter's jaw wasn't clenched in pain and his arms were only red to about four inches above the bandages. He whispered "Good night Bambino" as he shut the door.

Chapter Text

Thundk! Sniiik click! sneenk click! sniiik click! Tic tic tic clink!

“Fuck!” Steve says grabbing his nose. It didn't break or even bruise but his face was red mostly from anger.

“language.” The UN representative idly comments.

“You locking us in here?” Sam asks.

Rhodey answers sternly, “None of you have clearance yet to walk about this facility freely outside the places outlined to you in your probationary agreement. This wing isn't included and the residential wing for the Starks sure as hell isn't. Now are we going to sit down and continue this meeting or would you rather keep wasting time?”

“What's wrong with the kid?” Clint asks calmly from where he's still seated.

Steve wanders back to the table rubbing at his nose Sam right behind him. The whole room is staring intensely at Rhodey for answers.

“None of you are entitled to information in regards to Peter's personal information.”

“We're supposed to be working with the kid aren't we?” Sam counters

The UN rep Sarah Delphine answers, “Once all agreements are settled here and you begin your tenatures, yes you will be given access to any relevant information as it pertains to your work as Avengers. However, Mr. Parker's information is still protected under HIPPA and under the mutants and mutates rights protection act. He is also protected as a minor in this country. Meaning only information as it affects his functioning as a member of the Junior Avengers program, information SHIELD already passed on to you, and his status for whether or not he is cleared physically for duty by his physician, which he is currently on medical leave, which you also have been informed of through SHIELD. If his medical leave is extended you will be notified through the proper channels. Now are there any other questions you have or may we proceed and pick up on items 23:1a through 24:15b? I believe we have the necessary people here to go through those today in light of Dr. Stark, Dr. Banner, and Mrs. Pott’s absence.”

“Are we being detained here until then?” Steve challenged.

“No,” Sarah replied politely, gesturing to the opposite side of the room, “the door over there behind you, the one you came in from, is open and you may leave at your leisure as it opens to the areas marked out as free to use in your probationary agreement.”

Steve blushed in embarrassment. Sam did as well although it was harder to see than the bright crimson of Steve's face. Sam's body language showed the level of cringe worthy embarrassment for the room to see as they shuffled back to their seats. Rhodey and the others in the room that were not a part of the Captain’s group, did their best not to laugh however their amused grins weren't well disguised. Sarah's polite smile didn't match the satisfaction in her eyes.

After that the meeting went relatively smoothly. The Rogues seemed a bit subdued after their embarrassment although they still dragged things out unnecessarily by being contrary about the smallest of policies. It probably helps that the face of their hate was absent. The UN reps and other various people working with the New Avengers Initiative had no doubt when they picked back up where they were with Dr. Stark the Rogues will have plenty of wind in their sails to make everything all that much more of a lengthy headache. It was a good thing they had all the amenities they could wish for while at the compound including amazing bathtubs with jets to help work away the stress of the day before they have to return to the Embassy.

-------------------

“You were quiet in there.” Natasha says when they get into her room.

“Didn't have much to say.” Clint responded.

The two move over to the small kitchenette. It's not much more than two counters with a snack rack, mini fridge, and a tiny island with two barstools.

“You're concerned. About the kid.” She catches his eyes.

“Yes.”

“Because it's Stark with a kid or because you saw something earlier when you helped the kid with lunch?” Nat asks as she gets out two sodas from the fridge.

“Why did he need help in the first place? The kid has double casts yet Stark doesn't have anyone babysitting the kid.”

“He has AIs to monitor him, knowing him, he considers that babysitter enough.”, she says, taking a seat across from Clint.

Clint takes the soda but doesn't do more than open it, “Point still stands. Why does he have casts at all?The kid can't leave the compound, nobody including us can get to him if we wanted to without the whole UN knowing about it, he is on medical restrictions so no sparring, there wasn't anything in that debrief of his mutations that he needs medical devices on his arms or wrists. So how does a kid who should be perfectly safe, an enhanced one especially, with a healing factor to rival Captain America get so injured he winds up in double casts?”

Clint's eyes are flinty and his body has just restrained malice. A bow drawn and ready to aim but no clear shot to target. Clint had valid points however it was more than what he was suggesting that made something ugly and nauseating curl up in her stomach, it was experience. How many times had she gotten it wrong? Is this going to be another repeat in the pattern? It was the same reason she herself held back from her initial knee jerk reaction to finding out how young the kid Tony brought into the shit show in Germany was.

“They say If you don't learn from the past you're doomed to repeat it. We've thought the worst of Tony before. I have profiled him, made behavior predictions, tried to play both sides. Danced around him like I do everyone else, to try to keep everything together and from going to shit and the one thing I have learned Clint.” She pauses lifting her brows and looking him dead in the eye, “No one can predict Tony Stark. No one, not even the those he closest to, not Steve, Fury, Potts, definitely not you or I.-”

Clint tries to cut her off but she smacks the table and keeps talking.

“I have been trained to read and manipulate practically since I was old enough to stand and my evaluations of Tony were so off the mark they. are. laughable.” She says with wet eyes and a hysterical kind of humor in her voice.

“I fuck up. You fuck up. We all at some point were so confident in our abilities we deluded ourselves. We are professionals but, Tony Stark is the exception to the rule. I don't know if it's just his mind truly works on a level nobody can grasp, that goes beyond technical knowledge or if it some unwritten rule of the universe but, no one can say what Tony Stark will, has, won't, or hasn't ever done." Natasha pauses and sighs her voice going hushed and husky from the lump in the back of her throat as tired tears well up in her eyes, "I am tired of being wrong Clint and I'm tired of dancing around everyone trying to keep us from imploding and I am just plain tired.” Nat's voice breaks. She lets tears make trails down her face for Clint to see the weariness of her whole being.

Clint grabs her hand looking apologetic but she could see the steal still there and knew he couldn't let this go. Not with his own scars gripping him, whisperings of past mistakes, past hurts. He had his own cycles to break.

“I can't do this again Clint. Please don't get Steve or Sam involved in this. Keep it quiet and…” Nat sighed thinking. “Please, talk to me before you make a move. No, Promise me you won't make a move until you tell me. I don't care If you see Stark slap the kid. Tell me before you do something. At least give me warning. I can't have the possibility of being blindsided hanging over my head.”

Clint paused before nodding. He had to think for a moment because he wasn't sure he could stand by and watch if he saw Stark hurt the kid. But Nat wasn't asking him not to do anything and he couldn't cause her that grief of waiting for a shoe to drop so, “I promise.”

Nat leans across the tiny island and Clint reaches his arm out. She scooches her stool around so it's less awkward and Clint brings her into a side hug kissing her head. They breathe each other in for a minute just taking comfort in the other's warm presence despite the slight discomfort of the position.

They broke from it after few minutes. They both felt more comfortable in their skin and had a little less weight on their chests. Nat took another swig of her drink then stood.

She caught his eyes and told him seriously, “You better make sure you have all the facts. That it is what it looks like without any doubt or chance of misinterpretation before you act. Because whatever comes of this, whether you're right or wrong, we won't be able to come back from this if you act against Stark. This isn't our second chance. It's our last.” she says with finality.

Clint watches her walk away and rather than the hot fury that he felt earlier under his skin he just felt cold. He knew what Nat meant. What she really meant. He'd seen her tiredness that was more than bone deep. Nat had always had fight in her. But he knew without something, people, to fight for, all the fuel was going to run out. She wouldn't keep going; she'd let herself fall off the grid and live out the rest of her life in the middle of nowhere practically a hermit with only him and Laura to keep her tethered to humanity.