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Chapter Text

Peter shivered pulling the blanket tighter to him. It was 32 degrees outside and sleeping in an old beat up car in a Walmart parking lot didn’t allow for much warmth. He would have turned it on for some heat for a few minutes but it was broken. He had no money to fix it. Peter felt his stomach growl and took a sip from the water bottle in the cup holder. 

He knew that the way he was living wasn’t good, but he also had no idea how to do better. He would have to drop out of school and if he dropped out of school then Mr. Stark would get wind of it. He knew that Mr. Stark would try to help but Peter felt his jaw clench—No, he could figure this out on his own. He wasn’t going to let him know how bad things were. He couldn’t chance him telling anyone that he was alone. He wasn’t about to get thrown into the system, but as long as no one knew what was going on. He’d be fine.

Peter woke up to his alarm the next morning and drove a couple of blocks to the school. He knew he shouldn’t be driving without a license but he didn’t have a lot of good options right now. He went into school and Ned passed him breakfast that he had packed for him like he did every morning. Ned knew about Peter’s situation and while he didn’t like it—He had agreed to keep it quiet.

“You look thin, Peter.” Ned whispered pulling a muffin out of his bag and passing that over to him with the breakfast that Peter had just consumed in a matter of minutes.

“I’m fine, Ned. I promise.” Peter took the bottle of water Ned was handing over next, “But thanks.”

“I don’t like this Peter. You shouldn’t be alone at this young of an age.” Ned whispered.

“I thought we were done talking about this.” Peter glanced around making sure no one had overheard their conversation.

“Only because you shut down the conversation every time. I want you to be safe. Please let me ask my mom for help.” Ned begged his friend.

“No. Out of the question.” Peter shook his head as they headed toward his locker.

“Mr. Stark then?”

“No! Do not call him!” Peter said more loudly than he had intended to.

“I won’t. I won’t.” Ned promised, “But just think about it. I think he would want to help you.”

~

Peter headed to the tower after school. He left the car parked near the school because he couldn’t chance Mr. Stark figuring out about it. He would ask too many questions. Peter knew that it was wrong to abuse his access to Tony Stark’s penthouse but he wasn’t sure where else to go for simple things like showering. He would always go on a day when he knew Mr. Stark would be out of the penthouse and no one would find out. He hoped Mr. Stark didn’t notice snacks missing either. He only took a few things here or there to hold him over.

Peter scanned himself into the building with his ID badge. He then got into the elevator and told Friday to take him to the penthouse.

“Would you like me to contact Mr. Stark and let him know that you’re in the building, Peter?” Friday asked.

“Ah. No thanks. He knew I was coming. He said find a snack and do my homework.” Peter gave a nervous laugh.

Friday didn’t respond. It was as if she knew he was lying. He stuffed down that fear. It wasn’t possible that an AI knew he was lying.

Peter glanced at the time. It was 3:46pm. He knew Tony would be home close to 5pm. He needed to hurry. He made his way to the guest room and got into the shower quick. He stayed in there way too long but it felt so nice. He wrapped a towel around his waist when he got out of the shower but couldn’t make himself put on dirty clothes again. He quickly made his way to Mr. Stark’s room finding a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt and threw those on. He stuffed his other clothes into his backpack. He would need to figure out washing his clothes soon.

Peter made his way out of the tower quickly and got back on the subway to go back to his car so that he could find somewhere to park and sleep that night. He shivered with his wet hair and wished he had thought to grab a jacket from Mr. Stark’s closet. It wasn’t like he would miss one when he had several.

~

“Friday? Am I losing my mind? I could have sworn I just ordered more Veggie Straws. I also swear the bathroom mirror was fogged up like someone showered, but no one was here. I have to be losing my mind. Don’t answer that. It’s fine. It’s probably too many sleepless nights.” Tony rambled as he walked down the hallway to his bedroom.

Tony opened his drawers and searched for his favorite sweatpants but they weren’t there. He frowned and went to the laundry room but that was empty too. He sighed. He was losing it. He didn’t know where these pants had gone but they had probably gotten mixed up in one of the Avenger’s laundry somehow. They would make their way home soon enough. He was confident of this.

Tony went to the kitchen and reached into the fridge where he knew he had his last sprite waiting for him. He frowned when his hand hit air. He pinched the bridge of his nose, “Fri. Tell the Avengers to stay out of my kitchen.”

~

Peter was grateful in some ways that it was Saturday when he woke up the next morning but also he loved getting to be out of the cold for that many hours at a time. He looked at the temperature on his phone, 27 degrees. No wonder he was cold.

Peter texted Mr. Stark, “Extra lab day?”

“Sure, head on over. I am stuck in a meeting with Pepper but should be home soon enough. Steve might be there. He was supposed to get back into town today sometime.” Mr. Stark texted back.

“Okay. Thanks.” Peter clicked off his phone. He left the car parked on a side street and made his way to the subway keeping his head down watching his steps as they made marks in the snow starting to accumulate on the ground.

He sighed with relief when he finally walked into the penthouse. Steve glanced up from where he was laying on the couch with a book, “Mr. Stark said I could come over.”

“He texted me. You know it’s cold outside, right?” Steve gestured at the boy’s outfit of a t-shirt and jeans.

“Oh. Yeah. I guess. I didn’t think about it.” Peter took off his shoes not wanting to track snow into the penthouse and left them by the door. 

He went and sat next to Steve on the couch and Steve tossed him a blanket, “Next time think about it.”

Peter cuddled under the blanket on the couch feeling safer than he had in a long time and soon his eyes closed all on their own. The last thing he remember was Steve tugging him to lean against him so that he could be more comfortable.

~

Tony walked into the penthouse and found Steve reading with Peter asleep against him, “He’s sick?”

“No, but he might as well be walking around outside in jeans, a t-shirt, and tennis shoes.” Steve’s face showed his frustration at this development.

“Maybe his aunt can’t afford new clothes for winter?” Tony sat down in the living room on a chair across from Steve and Peter.

“I didn’t even think of that. How do we fix that without being offensive though?” Steve ran a hand through Peter’s curls.

“I’ll tell him I’m sick of one of my jackets. It’ll be a little too big but I can’t see him accepting a new one.” Tony looked at the time, “Should I wake him for lab time or let him sleep?”

“Let him sleep. The kid must be burning it on both ends. He’s exhausted.” Steve flipped a page in his book.

“Order dinner. Whatever you want but make sure to order enough for Peter. He looks too thin.” Tony tossed over his shoulder as he went down to the lab.

~

Peter finished his meal, “You should have woke me. I came here for lab time.”

“I tried to wake you.” Tony before taking the last bite of his pizza.

“No, you didn’t.” Peter rolled his eyes, “But thanks. I guess I was tired.”

“Oh. I was thinking of donating this coat because I don’t really like it, but thought you might want it.” Tony shrugged casually.

“Are you sure?” Peter’s eyes narrowed trying to figure out what Mr. Stark was trying to do here. He didn’t see any signs of deceit though. He didn’t think Mr. Stark was trying to do anything shady—He was just being nice.

“I’m positive, Pete. You know I have way too much stuff and Steve keeps telling me that I need to downsize.” Tony explained.

“Oh. Okay. Cool.” Peter smiled.

“You want to just crash here tonight?” Steve asked looking at the clock, “Just make sure to text May.”

Peter’s eyes filled with tears and he blinked them away before Steve could ask any questions, “Um. Yeah. That sounds nice.”

“Great. Guest room is yours then. Why don’t you go shower and get ready for bed.” Tony told Peter as he started picking up plates on the table.

“I can help clean up.” Peter protested.

“You can help clean up after breakfast.” Steve told him, “For now go find some pajamas to borrow and get ready for bed. We’ll come check on you before we go to sleep.”

Peter got up and made it almost out of the room, “Guys? Thanks.”

“Welcome, Bud.” Tony smiled.

~

“Something is wrong. You feel that too, right?” Steve asked.

“Yeah. I don’t need spidey senses in order to feel that something is amiss here.” Tony frowned.

“What are you going to do?” Steve asked as he wiped down the table.

“As of now? Nothing. If Peter’s dealing with something then he needs to trust us enough to tell us. If I dig into his life then he’s going to freak out and start avoiding us. I don’t know what’s going on but I feel like we’re his safe space right now and I don’t want him to feel like he can’t have that.”

“So we just be steady?” Steve asked.

“Yep.”

“That’s your plan? To keep things the way they are? This is a horrible plan. It’s worse than the time you told me that your plan was to attack.” Steve rolled his eyes.

“That was a great plan and it worked.” Tony argued.

“No. It did not! Now go say goodnight to the kid.” Steve laughed as he washed his hands.

Tony walked down the hall and knocked on the guest room door before walking in. Peter was already snuggled under the blankets and half asleep, “Pete, you know you can always come here, right?”

“Why do you say that?” Peter sat up.

“No reason, Bud. Just want you to know you’re always welcome here.” Tony shrugged.

“Oh. Okay.” Peter laid back down still slightly suspicious.

“Everything good with school?”

“Mr. Stark. What’s going on?” Peter asked.

“I can’t ask you about school?” Tony frowned.

“I mean you can…”

“Great, so how is school?”

“Fine.” Peter mumbled.

“Ned?”

“He’s good.” Peter yawned, “Mr. Stark, can I go to sleep? I’m really tired and this bed is so soft and warm.”

“Get some sleep, Bud.” Tony pulled the blanket tighter around him before getting up and turning off the light and closing the door softly behind him.

~

“He’s not okay, Tony.” Steve grumbled at him from bed later.

“I don’t know what you want me to do. Drag the problem out of him?” Tony asked a bit more snippy than normal.

“No, I just want to help.” Steve sighed.

“Me too. We’ll just have to trust that we have already given him a space to ask for help when he needs it.” Tony reached over to turn off the light on the night stand.

~

Peter woke up in the middle of the night and waiting for his heart rate to realize he was safe in the penthouse. Safe. Peter laughed on the inside at that. He didn’t even know what safety felt like anymore. He was constantly in survival mode. Yeah, Peter wasn’t even sure safety was a thing. Peter rolled over onto his side closing his eyes again--It'll get better he told himself. Life can always stay bad for so long.

Chapter Text

Peter’s stomach growled one night after patrol. He sighed. He didn’t have any food and he refused to beg or steal. He would need to wait until Ned brought him breakfast the next morning. He would go to the tower but he was worried that Mr. Stark was becoming too suspicious about why he was always starving and he had started to ask too many questions about May and why he hadn’t heard from her recently. Peter didn’t know what to say. He didn’t want to lie to Mr. Stark or Steve, but he also couldn’t afford to tell the truth either. He was trapped in a nightmare that he couldn’t seem to find his way out of.

“Peter, your curfew is approaching quickly.” Karen informed him softly.

Peter laughed because it was comical that he still had a curfew even though he lived on his own in a car now. He didn’t have an aunt who worried about him. He did recognized that Tony would freak out if Karen notified him of breaking curfew though and then he would want to talk to May so he quickly made his way back to the alley he had thrown his backpack and changed.

Peter slid into his car and locked the doors. He used the flashlight on his phone to read from one of his textbooks. He had a test coming up and his grades had been dropping recently. He wished he could scream at his teachers and tell them that they should try and do school while living as a homeless teen. It was more complicated than they even knew.

Peter tried to text Ned but got a failed to send notice. He groaned. He had just been cut off from his cell service. He knew it was coming. He hadn’t paid the bill, and May hadn’t either so they were bound to shut it off. He had just hoped for a little more time. A longer grace period maybe.

Peter closed the book since he couldn’t see well enough to read it. He would have to try and find somewhere to read tomorrow after school. But for now he wanted to cover up in a blanket and pretend he was somewhere warm.

~

“I’ve tried calling Peter three times. He’s late for his lab session. I’m worried.” Tony paced the lab as he talked to Dum-E.

Dum-E beeped and moved his arm around seemingly in distress.

“You think something is wrong too?” Tony paused, “And we should call May for help?”

He called the number and got the same weird disconnected message that happened when he called his kid. Just then Peter ran in out of breath, “Sorry, Mr. Stark! I got distracted studying and I didn’t pay attention to the time.”

“Oh, it’s fine. You know your phone is off, right? I tried May too but I got the same message.” Tony didn’t expect Peter’s face to drain of all of its color at this news.

“Umm—I” Peter couldn’t think of an excuse. It was like his brain had gone completely numb.

“Is it the bill, kid? Is money tight? I know you don’t like to ask for help, but you need a working phone so let me help. I’ll just give you the money to get the lines back up and running.” Tony offered easily.

Peter knew this wasn’t possible. They weren’t going to let him reinstate the lines and May wasn’t going to be able to do it obviously, “Well May got a company phone so she doesn’t have to pay for it and it was too expensive for our personal lines.”

“Well then I’ll add you to my plan.” Tony pulled out his phone to text Pepper.

“No!” Peter protested.

“Yes. It’s done. Now dinner? Why do you look like you keep losing weight even though you eat endlessly?” Tony asked him as he went to the fridge and passed Peter a soda and taking one for himself.

“Oh. I guess I should up my calories again maybe.” Peter shrugged. He didn’t tell him how many meals he had been skipping.

“Pizza?” Tony asked.

“Isn’t Steve cooking?” Peter would give just about anything for a home cooked meal.

“He probably would.” Tony nodded, “Want to go find him upstairs and ask?”

Peter grinned and ran to find the super soldier. He found Steve in the living room, “Still working on that book?”

“Peter! You had Tony beside himself running late like that.” Steve teased.

“I was studying.” Peter explained as he went to the kitchen and grabbed an apple to munch on.

“Why aren’t you elbow deep in a project then?” Steve asked coming into the kitchen studying Peter’s face. The kid looked exhausted. He also looked thin. Steve just couldn’t shake this feeling in his gut that something was wrong. He was trying to trust Tony when he said that he needed to leave it be until Peter came to them but it was hard.

“Wanted to ask what you were making for dinner?”

“I hadn’t planned anything. Tony normally orders dinner on lab days. You want me to make something instead?” Steve asked already getting up so he could look through the ingredients he had.

“Is that okay?” Peter asked.

“Stir fry?”

“Delicious!” Peter gave him a thumbs up.

~

“Mr. Parker!” Uh Oh. Peter’s head snapped up from where he had been dozing on the desk just before. It wasn’t his fault though. He had been hearing weird noises the night before so how was he supposed to feel safe enough to sleep?

“Sorry. Sorry!” He apologized amid the snickers of his classmates. He ran a nervous hand through his hair and realized that it was in a need of a wash. He also needed to wash his clothes and figure out how to eat for the next week. How the heck was he supposed to focus on school?

“Try to pretend I’m not boring you to sleep.” His teacher informed him.

Peter nodded but on the inside he was sighing. He wanted an adult in his life to see how badly he was drowning.

~

“Dude. You look exhausted.” Ned told him the next morning.

“I’m surviving.”

“Hardly. You’re starting to fail classes, and you aren’t eating. You barely sleep. This has been going on for months. You are withering away. I’m really worried. You’re my best friend.” Ned started listing off things.

“Ned! Enough! This is the best I’ve got and I’d appreciate if you don’t nag me.” Peter snapped.
“Well I think I’ve earned the right to nag you considering that I’m the only who who knows and helps since May—“ Ned paused when he saw Peter’s face drop to his feet.

“I’m going to class.” Peter pushed past him.

“Peter, wait!” Ned tried to stop him but he was already gone, “I’m sorry.”

~

“He’s going to kill me.” Ned told himself as he paced his bedroom that evening. But he needed to send out a distress signal. He couldn’t keep this a secret anymore. It had been six months of Peter living homeless and Peter wasn’t going to ask for help himself. Peter would never speak to him again though, but Peter would be safe and Ned was willing to lose a friend for that.

The phone rang on the other line for a while. He thought the person would ignore the call which is weird since he was told to call in an emergency only. He was pretty sure this situation fell in line with that.

“Ned?” Tony Stark answered on the other line, “What’s the emergency? He better not be bleeding again.”

“I think Peter’s in over his head.” Ned explained.

“What do you mean?” Tony sat down on the couch next to Steve putting the phone on speaker phone.

“I’m not supposed to say this. He’ll never forgive me.” Ned said and Tony could tell from the distressed sound of his voice that this was tearing the kid apart.

“You and I both know that Peter would never stay mad at you.” Tony reminded, “Plus if he’s in trouble—May or I should know.”

“That’s part of the problem.” Ned gave a nervous laugh.

“What is? May and I knowing? Look, he may not want us to know but sometimes the kid needs to remember that he isn’t an adult…” Tony sighed.

“No. It’s a problem because May’s gone. She just got up and left one day leaving Peter alone.” Ned whispered as if he thought that saying it quiet would make it okay to break his friend’s trust.

“Wait. Peter’s been living in the apartment alone?” Tony stood up and Steve followed suit.

“No.” Ned shook his head with this even though they couldn’t see him.

“But you said May left.”

“Peter doesn’t have money to pay rent.” Ned rolled his eyes. Adults were dumb sometimes.

“So where has he been staying?” Steve asked interrupting.

“Well he stays with you when he can, but he doesn’t want to be a burden or have you ask why he doesn’t want to go home so then he sleeps in this run down car.” Ned finished and in his heart he was already apologizing to Peter.

“Ned? You did the right thing.” Steve told him.

“I hope so because I’m almost positive Peter will never speak to me again.” Ned sighed.

"Ned, sometimes it's better to beg forgiveness." Tony told him.

~

“I’ll kill him. He knows to come to me when he’s in trouble. DAMMIT!” Tony threw the phone he had just hung up against the wall not caring that the screen was probably cracked.

“Tony, calm down.” Steve tried to reason with him.

“NO! My kid is in trouble and I knew it—You knew it. I ignored it though. I gave him space. I just assumed it was girl stuff or school stuff or bills were tight and I should have known. I’ve noticed things! Things of mine going missing. The guest bath looking like someone showered even though the penthouse should have been empty. I should have known and I should have helped.” Tony explained as he headed to the garage.

“Where are you going?” Steve asked.

“To commit a felony or pick up Peter. I’ll decide on the way.” Tony threw over his shoulder.

Chapter Text

Peter’s phone pinged and he read the message from Tony, “Where are you?”

Peter didn’t know why his Spider sense warned him that something was wrong. It had never happened with Tony ever before. The only thing he knew is that he ignored the message and got out of the car grabbing his backpack. If Tony had the sense that something was wrong the first person he would go to would be Ned and Ned cared too much—He would tell him about the car. Thankfully Peter hadn’t told Ned about his plan B.

Peter was planning to disappear.

~

“He’s not answering.” Tony told Steve as they drove through Queens looking for Peter.

“He knows something is wrong. You should have texted him something else.” Steve pulled out his own phone and texted Peter, “Call me. You aren’t in trouble.”

“I’m sure if we keep texting him then he’ll feel less of a sense of being in trouble.” Tony flipped his turn signal on.

“Where would he go?” Steve ignored Tony’s sarcasm. He knew it came from his worry about Peter.

“I don’t know. Apartment isn’t an option anymore. If he knows we’re looking for him and he has a car then he could be anywhere. He doesn’t have any money though.”

“So we’re looking for a scared teenager with no money and a car but not a license. What could go wrong?”

~

Peter knew that his plan B had some flaws, but he was going off the fact that he knew Tony Stark just about as well as everyone else. He knew that Tony was looking for him which meant that he wasn’t at home which gave Peter free access to the tower to find somewhere to hunker down and hide. It was a big building after all and chances of Tony asking Friday if he was in the building were slim.

Peter made quick work of grabbing food, and some blankets and pillows as well as a charger for his phone. He had the battery removed currently because he worried that Tony would track it, but just in case for emergencies.

He then went to the floor in the tower that Tony used for storage. He would tell Peter that he was going to fix it up but he never followed through. Peter was using this to his advantaged because Tony Stark never came on this floor.

Peter settled into his make shift bed from the two chairs he had shoved together and closed his tired eyes. He felt safe here and it was warm. Maybe plan B wasn’t so bad after all.

~

Tony climbed into bed that night after Steve convinced him that they weren’t going to find Peter and it was time go home and get some rest. They’d have to continue their search in the morning.

“I don’t understand why we couldn’t find him. How many places are there for a teenager to hide in Queens?”

Steve’s head hit the pillow and he sighed in relief. He was exhausted, “He isn’t an average teenager.”

“It shouldn’t be this hard to locate him though. I’m calling Nat for help tomorrow.”

“Good plan, Babe.” Steve mumbled as his eyes were already closed.

“I’m going to make a list of all of the places we searched so we start fresh tomorrow.” Tony threw the covers off him and heading to the lab.

Steve didn’t even respond. He had this gut feeling that Peter was safe somewhere. He was sure they’d find him but for now he needed to sleep. He wasn’t sure how Tony went so long without letting his body rest.

~

Nat listened to all of the places Tony listed off that they had looked for Peter. She listened to him explain why they needed to find him, and what was going on. She waited until he paused, “I’m not going to find Peter.”

“You aren’t going to what now?” Tony set the mug of coffee had been sipping from on the counter before he dropped it suddenly from shock.

“I won’t because Peter trusts me. If he’s in danger or trouble he knows to come to me for help so I have to assume that since he hasn’t that he’s somewhere safe.” Natasha ate some of the blueberries from the bowl in front of her.

“He’s a kid!” Tony yelled.

“And a superhero.” Steve pointed out again.

“He can’t just live alone. What do you suggest?” Tony looked at Nat.

“Let him come to you. He’s only running because he’s scared. He’ll come home soon. Mark my words. This is a safe space for him. You never know. He may be closer than you even know.”

~

“How did you find me?” Peter whispered yelled.

“Look it doesn’t take a genius to know that this is where you would go when you’re scared.” Nat rolled her eyes.

“Did you tell?” Peter crossed his arms over his chest.

“What do you think?”

“Well can you bring me some more food then?” Peter peered over at Nat from where he was sitting reading a book.

“Nope. I’m not helping you either. You need to go face Tony and Steve. They aren’t mad. They are just worried about you.” Nat reached over a ruffled his hair.

“That’s what you say but Tony’s going to be pissed. I am fine.” Peter pouted.

“Yeah, you look like you’re thriving there, buddy.” Nat teased gesturing at the make shift bed.

“I’m doing just fine.” Peter raised his chin a bit.

“Come find us in the penthouse when you get hungry.” Nat told him before leaving the way she had come in.
~

“You know where he is, don’t you?” Steve asked Nat quietly later.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Nat shrugged.

“But he’s safe?” Steve kept questioning.

“If I knew where he was then I’d assume he was somewhere safe.”

“Good. I thought so too. Now if you’ll excuse me. I have to go get this idiot of mine to get some sleep before he falls over.” Steve rolled his eyes.

“You love him.” Nat smiled.

“I do.” Steve confirmed before walking away.

~

Peter read the text from Steve, “Tony’s worried sick. He hasn’t slept. He refuses to eat. Please come home. We miss you and love you.”

Peter’s eyes pricked with tears. He missed them too and they were right upstairs. He could easily make his way up there, but what if they sent him into the foster care system and he lost even more than he already had? What then?

And what if the universe just didn’t want him to have parental figures? Nope, the risk wasn’t worth it. He couldn’t chance them not being safe. He needed to stay in hiding. Tony would be fine. He would move on after a while, but Peter was going to need to come up with a plan C now that Nat knew he was here. She wouldn’t be able to keep it a secret forever.

He had no idea where he’d go, but he was confident that he’d figure it out. He had learned a lot of survival skills at a young age. What’s one more at this point?

Chapter Text

Peter sat on the couch holding a cup of hot cocoa in his hands. He was trying to think of the words to explain the mess he was now in. He was trying to think of what to say to convince the other person to offer him aid and shelter until he came up with a better plan or Tony and Steve gave up on finding him, “So Aunt May left. I’m not sure what happened if I’m honest. I didn’t want anyone to know because I didn’t want to go in the system. I also had another reason that I don’t want to get into right now. Tony and Steve found out and they are looking for me now. I don’t know what they’ll do but I just—Umm—Need your help hiding for a while. They won’t look for me forever.”

“Peter, I don’t know why you wouldn’t have come to me sooner. When did May leave? Where have you been staying?” Mr. Delmar asked gently from where he sat across from him.

“It’s not that big of a deal.” Peter wanted to avoid those questions because he knew Mr. Delmar cared about him and would feel bad that he had spent that long in a run down car.

“Peter—“ Mr. Delmar interrupted.

“—Can I stay for a bit?” Peter looked up from where he had been staring at a spot on the couch that had a small stain on it.

“You know you’re always welcome here.” Mr. Delmar confirmed, “I don’t have much but anything I have is yours as well.”

Peter’s eyes teared up, “I’ll make it up to you someday.”

“You’ll make it up to me by continuing to go to school and get good grades.” Mr. Delmar told the teenager.

“I can’t! They’ll find me there!” Peter jumped to his feet prepared to bolt.

“You let me handle all of that, alright?” Mr. Delmar told him.

“You promise not to tell them where I am?” Peter pleaded.

“I promise, Peter.” The man nodded.

~

“I don’t understand, May. He’s a child.” Mr. Delmar said into the phone, “You left him to fend for himself.”

“I don’t have to explain myself to you.” May’s tone was defensive, “You don’t know what I was dealing with when I left.”

“I’m not looking for an explanation. There isn’t one that would be good enough for abandoning family. I am asking you to sign over temporary guardianship so that I can care for Peter.”

“I’ll send the papers in the mail.” The phone line went dead.

~

Mr. Delmar signed the papers in front of a notary days later taking on the responsibility of Peter Parker. He did not tell Peter of the clause in the contract that May had added. The clause that stated that Mr. Delmar had guardianship until the day in which Tony Stark requested to take over the responsibility of parenting Peter Parker. He had just sent his youngest daughter off to college and had started to hate the quiet of the apartment anyway. He would enjoy having another person to converse and share life with until Peter and Tony were ready. He was confident that they would both get there. He knew Peter was just scared. He had watched the boy lose parent after parent and Mr. Delmar couldn’t blame the kid for not wanting to risk it again.

~

“Mr. Stark’s going to be mad at you.” Peter told him that evening over dinner.

“I can handle his anger.” Mr. Delmar passed over the salad bowl encouraging Peter to take some.

“He’ll try to fight this.” Peter warned, “He won’t be nice about it.”

“Let me worry about that. I’m the adult here, Pete.”

“You didn’t have to sign the papers, you know? I never meant to be a burden to anyone.” Peter’s eyes welled up with tears.

Mr. Delmar cleared his throat past the emotion, “You could never be a burden.”

“May might disagree with you.”

“May’s dealing with her own stuff and it has nothing to do with you. You’re a great kid. You deserve to be safe and loved.” Mr. Delmar gestured to the food, “I can hear your stomach over here. Better get another serving.”

“Yeah. Okay.”

~

“He has to go to school today.” Tony told Steve grabbing his car keys.

“You’re just going to push him away if you keep hunting him down. If Peter wanted our help then he would know where to come. He hasn’t and that makes me believe that he’s chosen to avoid us.” Steve pulled a sweater over his head.

“He doesn’t know what he wants. He’s a kid and he’s scared.” Tony pointed out.

“I’m just warning you—If you want to keep any type of relationship with the kid—Stop this. Shut it down. Text him one more time and let him know we love him and he’s always welcome here and then let him come to us.” Steve tried to reason with his husband.

“I can’t walk away, Steve. My gut tells me that I need to keep looking for him.” Tony glanced at the keys in his hand, “I know you think your way is best, but I’ve know him longer. I can’t walk away.”

“I was thinking you would say that. I can’t convince you otherwise so I just want to remind you that there is one other place Peter consistently goes in his life that isn’t here or to Ned’s.” Steve hoped this was the right decision. He didn’t want to push Peter further away, “Mr. Delmar’s. He goes to get a sandwich every day after school.”

~

“Mr. Stark! To what do I owe the pleasure?” Mr. Delmar greeted him with a kind smile when he walked inside the sandwich shop.

“Where’s my kid?” Tony pulled his sunglasses down just a bit.

“Kid?” Mr. Delmar played dumb.

“Don’t do that. Where’s Peter?” Tony crossed his arms over his chest.

“I’d assume at school.” Mr. Delmar shrugged.

“You’re telling me you have no knowledge as to where Peter’s been staying?” Tony raised a brow.

“Now that I won’t be answering. Can I make you a sandwich though? Best in Queens.”

“It’s not enough bread for me.” Tony turned on his heel and walk out.

~

“He came to the shop? Okay, okay. Here’s what we’re going to do. I’m going to leave. I’ll find somewhere else to go that’s safe.” Peter paced the small living room.

“Calm down. You aren’t going anywhere except to your room to do your homework.” Mr. Delmar passed Peter his backpack from where it sat on the living room table.

“I can’t do my homework. I need to come up with plan C!” Peter argued.

“Or here’s a crazy thought? Let the adult be the adult and handle this crisis. No more lettered plans, Peter. You need to stop running. Aren’t you exhausted?”

Peter looked at his feet, “You don’t even know.”

“Then trust me when I say I’ve got a handle on this. Homework, eh?”

“I don’t like it, but I’ll give it a try I guess.” Peter took his backpack and walked toward the guest room he had been staying in.

~

“I really don’t know where he is. I see him at school but he has not told me where he’s staying. He just tells me that he is safe and I don’t need to worry. He isn’t talking to me much past that because he’s mad at me.” Ned told Tony over the phone.

“You would’t lie to me?”

“I’m the one that told you he was in trouble! That’s why he’s mad!” Ned reminded.

“That’s true. I’m just worried.”

“Join the club. We really should have monthly meetings.” Ned joked.

“Ned? Tell him I love him, and that I just want to see him. No strings attached. I’m not going to force him to come home. I just want to see that he’s safe with my own eyes.” Tony’s voice caught with emotion. He missed his kid.

“I’ll pass it along.” Ned promised.

Chapter Text

“Peter, this is killing him.” MJ told him at school the next day, “He loves you. He wants to see you to know that you’re safe for himself. He’s harassing Ned at this point.”

“I am safe!” Peter argued causing a few glances to come his and MJ’s way as they made their way down the hallway at school, “And if I go see him then I’ll cave and I’ll tell him everything. I can’t, MJ.”

“Peter, I don’t know what’s going on. I know something happened with May and you’re staying with a friend but that’s it. I don’t know what Ned knows. I ALSO know that you are a self-sacrificing idiot and you will put yourself in harms way to avoid someone else being hurt or feeling pain, so if this is one of those times then you need to go to Stark.“

“MJ! Enough. If you love Tony so much then you go to him for help or whatever. I’m not going there. I’m not pushing my mess on any more people.” Peter walked ahead of his friend leaving him behind but he had super hearing and he heard what MJ whispered.

“I know you miss him.”

Peter’s heart clenched. He did miss him. He missed him more than words could say. He had lost more than just May in this situation. Peter shook it off. He needed to be grateful for everything Mr. Delmar had done for him instead of reflecting no everything he had lost.

~

Tony, “I hope you sleep good tonight, kiddo. Love you.”

Peter Parker, “…”

Tony sighed when the typing dots moved away with no response. He felt like his whole world had been turned upside down.

“Tony, I think—“ Steve came closer before finishing, “That this isn’t good for your mental health. You need to do something besides focus on Peter not being here.”

“I’m not moving on.” Tony snapped sharply.

“Tony, I’m worried he’s never coming home.”

“He will! He just needs time. This is a phase.” Tony crossed his arms over his chest.

“How do you know?” Steve sat down on the stool next to where Tony was standing near the work bench.

“He’s my kid so I just know.” Tony shrugged. He couldn’t explain it. He just knew that his gut said everything would be fine.

~

Two weeks later.*

“Mr. Delmar.” Tony said coming into the shop, “I hired a private investigator to locate Peter. You’ll never believe where they found him.”

“Mr. Stark! Welcome back!” Mr. Delmar turned to smile at him, “Can I get you a sandwich?”

“You aren’t going to own up to the fact that you’ve been hiding my kid from me for weeks? You’re just going to keep pretending that you don’t know anything even though I have pictures of him entering your apartment building. Listen, I’ve been going out of my mind with worry and yet you don’t care.”

“Mr. Stark. How about you take a seat at the table over there. I’ll make us a couple of sandwiches and we can talk.” Mr. Delmar didn’t want an answer just walked to get the sandwiches expecting Tony to adhere to what he had said.

Mr. Delmar passed him a sandwich and a water a few minutes later before sliding into the small booth across from Tony, “I understand your concern. I want you to know that I’m not keeping Peter from you.”

“Then why hasn’t he come home?” Tony took a bite of the sandwich not realizing how hungry he was until he swallowed that first bite. When was the last time he ate?

“My observation is that Peter doesn’t want to overwhelm you with what’s going on in his life.” Mr. Delmar shrugged, “Kid never stops thinking of other people.”

“I’m never going to be overwhelmed by his stuff. I love him. I want to see that he’s safe for myself.”

“He’s not ready. I’m not keeping him from you but I’m also not going to shove him into your arms either. This has to be Peter’s decision.” Mr. Delmar’s face showed he meant business.

“I’ll take you to court. I have the best lawyers money can buy. You won’t win.”

“No need when Peter is ready, we’ll make the transition but not a second sooner.” Mr. Delmar stood up, “Nice talking with you, Mr. Stark.”

Tony didn’t know what had just happened. Is this how people felt with him? Dismissed? Tony stood up still confused on the conversation and it’s ending. Mr. Delmar wasn’t keeping Peter from him so Peter just didn’t want Tony.

Why did that thought break his heart? Why had he let himself care so much? Loving people hurts so fucking bad.

~

Mr. Delmar knocked on Peter’s open door that evening, “He misses you and he’s worried.”

“He’ll move on.” Peter wrote down another math problem in his notebook.

“Is that what you think? That you’re something people leave behind or move on from? Do you think that you’re easily replaced?”

Peter stopped moving his pencil but he didn’t respond right away, “People die or leave. I shouldn’t even be here. Peter Luck could kick in and you could lose something or—“

“—You could.” Mr. Delmar finished sitting down on Peter’s bed.

“I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Can I finish my homework?”

“You can, but I want to say one thing. You aren’t a burden or replaceable. For every ounce that I love you—Tony and Steve love you more. They aren’t going anywhere.”
Mr. Delmar was in the hallway when he heard Peter mumble, “I wish that were true.”

~

Steve, “Your room is ready when you are.”

Peter Parker, “You both need to stop. This isn’t what I want. Stop texting. Stop calling. Don’t call Ned or corner Mr. Delmar. I’m trying to be happy. Let me do that.”

Steve, “I don’t think you actually know what you want. You’ve been in survival mode for too long. Can we please talk in person. I won’t bring Tony if that’s too much for you.”

Peter Parker, “Five minutes. You can drive me home from school tomorrow. No Tony. No nagging. No tricks.”

Steve, “I swear.”

~

“It’s good to see you, kid.” Steve said as Peter got into his car the next day.

“Thanks.” Peter put on his seatbelt.

“How’s Spider-manning going?” Steve asked when the car got quiet. He wasn’t sure what topics were allowed and what topics would push this kid away.

“Haven’t been going. Don’t want to blow my secret identity with Mr. Delmar.”

“Hungry?” Steve asked.

“You don’t have to pretend to care.” Peter crossed his arms over his chest.

Steve pulled over and put his hazard lights on, “Look I was going to keep the conversation light, but you went too far there. Tony and I aren’t pretending. We love you, Kid. It doesn’t matter if you love us back even. We just love you.”

Peter blinked back tears, “Just drive me home.”

Chapter Text

Peter laid in bed listening to the sounds of the TV in the living room while he read over messages from a time that felt like a different life at this point. He had been so happy and he had taken it for granted. He had no idea what life would look like later on.

Peter hugged the blanket to him as tears pricked his eyes. He suddenly had no idea why he had pushed Tony and Steve away. They were the most consistent parents he had left and he just shoved them out because he didn’t want his mess to touch them.

Peter just wanted Tony to hug him and Steve to tease him while he cooked dinner and Peter did his homework. He missed his people. It wasn’t that Mr. Delmar wasn’t apart of his circle, but he wasn’t his parental figure. That’s why he had come to him. Peter hadn’t seen him as a risk—A potential loss.

Peter pulled out his phone and opened his messages to Tony. He typed out a message asking if he was awake and his finger hovered over the button to send it. Maybe Tony wouldn’t want anything to do with him anymore. He had been asking him to leave him alone for quite some time. He might be out of luck at this point. May didn’t want him so why would Tony and Steve?

Peter switched contacts to Nat’s name, “You still think they are just waiting for me to come home?”

Nat, “We all are.”

“I’m scared.” Peter admitted.

“I know.” Nat responded quickly, “What’s the alternative though? Do you want to live without us forever?”

“She left me.” Peter wiped at a tear that leaked out.

“She’s a coward.” Nat sent.

“What if they are mad at me?” Peter asked still aware of Mr. Delmar laughing at the TV in the background.

“People get mad. It doesn’t mean that they will always leave though. Just send the message. They love you.” Nat told him.

“How’d you know I have a message typed out?”

“Keeping an eye on you.” Nat responded.

“Creepy.”

“Just send it.”

So he sent it.

~

Tony felt his phone vibrate and he pulled it out. He saw that it was from Peter and his hands started to shake as he opened it up to read. He typed back, “I’m always awake.”

“Steve would hate that.” Peter texted, “Can I call you?”

“Kid, I’ve been dying for you to ask that.” Tony told the teenager.

Peter dialed his number and Tony picked up right away with a simple, “Kid.”

“She’s gone.” Peter quietly.

“I know, I know. I’m so sorry.” Tony said while moving to sit down on the couch in the lab, “Her loss though. She doesn’t deserve you.”

“I begged her not to go. It was like she didn’t have any life in her eyes when she left that last day. She just dropped her key on the counter and said I should figure out a way to take care of myself. I was alone. I’m alone.” Peter started to hyperventilate, “I’ve got no parents. No one wants me.”

“Nope. 100% not true. You are not alone.” Tony stood up grabbing his keys, “Tell me you’re ready to come home? I could really use a hug from my favorite kid.”

“No! I don’t want to lose you too.” Peter stopped Tony in his tracks.

Tony finally got it. It hit him like a train at full speed. Peter was terrified to lose another parent. He had already lost too many. It’s why he had probably kept Tony and Steve at arms length. The world couldn’t take them from him if he removed them from his life first, “You can keep me in sight until you feel safe that life isn’t going to take me from you.”

He heard the pause for Peter to inhale and exhale. He knew the kid was conflicted. He knew he wanted to come home. He also knew that he was scared, “Peter, no matter what you decide. If you want to stay with Mr. Delmar a while longer even—I’ll be here. I’m not going to leave or keep you out of the tower because you don’t want to live here.”

“I don’t know what to do. I’m just a kid.” Peter cried.

“Go home, Pete.” Mr. Delmar stood in his doorway, “You miss your dad.”

“He’s not—“

“It’s okay. You were right. You are a kid. You are a kid whose had to make very adult decisions for too long and while you’ll always have a home with me, I can’t replace Tony’s place in your heart.” Mr. Delmar sat on the edge of Peter’s bed, “You need him.”

“Okay. You’re right. Of course, you’re right. I’ll go home.” Peter hugged Mr. Delmar.

“You hear that, Stark? I assume you’re on your way to get your kid—No lawyers needed?” Mr. Delmar teased.

“I’m already in the car.” Tony confirmed, “Be there soon.”

The line went dead.

~

Tony got Peter settled in bed when they got home and looked over the paperwork Mr. Delmar had given him. He hadn’t known Mr. Delmar had a clause that he could take over primary custody. He didn’t hesitate before signing and sending it to his lawyer to finalize the details.

“Tony?” Peter came into the living room where he was sitting on his phone trying to wind down, “I’m scared.”

“Come here, Bubba.” Tony spread one arm over the back of the couch and Peter settled in, “I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

“Where is everyone?”

“Mission.” Tony ran a hand through Peter’s curls.

“Hmm. Why didn’t you go?” Peter forced his eyes to stay open. He needed to be apart of this conversation.

“I had more important things to do.”

“Why did she leave?” Peter whispered after a few minutes of quiet. He heard Tony’s heart rate pick up pace. Tony was anxious about his question, “It’s fine. You don’t have to answer.”

“I just don’t know what to say. I don’t know why she left.” Tony admitted.

“You’re planning to find out though.” Peter knew Tony. He knew he wouldn’t be able to let this rest.

“I’m going to do some quiet digging.” Tony agreed.

“You’ll make sure she’s happy and safe?” Peter lifted his head to look at Tony.

Tony’s heart cracked a bit at this. Peter was the one who had been abandoned but he still wanted to know his aunt was okay, “You’ve got it.”

“Can I just sleep out here for a bit?”

“Close your eyes. I’ve got you.” Tony reached for a blanket and tossed it over the teenager.

~

Peter walked into the penthouse behind Tony after they had run to SI the next morning for something from Pepper. She had also told Peter to keep Tony on top of paperwork he was supposed to complete this week. This felt weird. The tower had felt like a second home at one point and time but now he felt like he had that first day he had walked inside behind Tony—Timid.

“Kid?” Tony turned around when he realized Peter was standing directly behind him.

“Is Steve mad at me?” Peter asked quietly.

“Steve loves you.”

“People who love you can also be mad at you.” Peter pointed out.

“He’s not mad.” Tony rolled his eyes, “Let’s go find everyone and then you’ll know that for sure.”

Peter and Tony went to the training gym where some of the Avengers were working.

“Peter! Get in here! Nat’s cheating! We need a spider on our side.” Rhodey yelled when they walked in.

Tony was glad. He had warned the team to treat Peter like he had never left and to let him take the lead on the tough stuff.

“Why are you guys playing Twister?” Peter frowned still standing close to Tony.

“Steve told us we couldn’t.” Nat yelled out trying not to fall on top of anyone.

“And I meant it until they started making fun of me for ruining their lives.” Steve frowned where he sat with the spinner to call out the color and body part.

“Are you going to stay?” Peter asked Tony.

“I might go work on some things Pepper left me in the office.”

“I’ll go with you then.” Peter stated.

“Peter—“

“—You said I could stay close until I felt safe.” Peter reminded.

“I did. Okay. Let’s go. Sorry, guys.” Tony told the group, “Peter ins’t feeling up to a game right now.”

Everyone called out their goodbyes and Boo’s as Peter and Tony walked out of the training room.

~

Peter felt his chin falling toward his chin later that night while he sat in the chair across from Tony. He couldn’t help it. He was exhausted. He was always exhausted.

“Pete, how about you go get ready for bed?” Tony suggested not missing a beat, “You look exhausted.”

“I’m fine.” Peter lifted his chin higher.

“Peter—“

“—You said…” Peter paused when he saw Tony hold up a hand.

“How about you get ready for bed and we can both go find Steve and figure out a late dinner?” Tony fixed the error in conversation that had caused Peter’s anxiety to spike.
“Okay. You won’t leave?” Peter stood up slowly.
“Promise. You can always ask Friday where I am, Bub. You know that.” Tony signed one of the documents in front of him.

“Okay. I’ll only be gone a few minutes.” Peter headed to the door.

“Love you, Pete.” Tony called.

He felt warm and fuzzy at that. He had missed having parents.

Chapter Text

“I’m just going to watch a movie, alright?” Peter told his aunt where she laid on the couch. This was normal at this point. She laid on the couch or in her room. Peter didn’t know what to do or how to help bring back his aunt that he knew and loved because she had suddenly quit her job and basically became a shell of who she had been.

No response. No surprise there.

Peter turned on a movie to have some background noise while he worked on homework. He kept on eye on his aunt while he worked. He was worried about her. He hated leaving her to go to school because he wasn’t sure she’d be safe. He had read that if you believed that a person was a harm to themselves or others that you could call what they call the crisis line but he didn’t know if they were there yet. Maybe she was just sad? Maybe she would feel better after some time? Yeah, that’s it. They just needed more time.

~

“Peter! Let’s go to Target and redo the living room! I’m tired of all of the furniture and stuff we’ve had for years! OH! Let’s go into the city and stay at a nice hotel and order room service too!” May told him when he came home from school one day.

Peter frowned. He was excited his aunt seemed better but could they afford this? “Oh, do you think that’s a good idea?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” May frowned.

“Oh. You know what? My bad. No reason.” Peter smiled and walked by, “Let me change and umm Pack a bag I guess.”

“Great! This is going to be the best time ever!” May clapped her hands together.

It had been great—The shopping trip, the hotel stay, the room service…Until it had all gone so wrong.

~

“Peter! Wake up! It’s a dream!” Steve told the teenager who was stuck in a world Steve wasn’t privy to.

Peter shot up in bed inhaling and exhaling shallowly and fast, “Umm. Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“Peter, is this a listening problem or a solution problem?” Steve said gently.

Peter looked at the blanket he still had clenched in his hand, “Neither. I’m fine.”

“That’s what fine looks like, huh? Guess I’ve been fine at some of the worst times in my life then.” Steve teased the teen who settled back into bed.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Peter mumbled as he laid back down.

“Okay, Bud. I’m here if you change your mind.” Steve promised as he got up to leave.

“WAIT!” Peter sat back up causing Steve to stop, “Don’t go.”

Steve nodded and sat back down on the kid’s bed, “Go to sleep. I’m not leaving. You’re safe.”

~

“How long have you been in here?” Tony whispered from the doorway.

“Since about 4am.” Steve shrugged, “No big deal. He had a nightmare again.”

“Sorry, I normally wake up to it. I must have been really out of it.” Tony apologized.

“I don’t mind. We’re a team.” Steve brushed Peter’s curls out of his eyes, “And you needed sleep. You’ve been awake with him nearly every night since he moved in about a week ago.”

“He never talks about it. I can’t help because I don’t even know what’s causing the nightmares.” Tony sat down on the foot of the bed.

“Maybe he’s not ready? Maybe speaking it out loud puts him through whatever trauma he lived that his brain is making him remember all over again?”

“I just want to fix it.” Tony admitted.

“This might not be an easy fix, Babe.” Steve reached over and squeezed his hand, “I’m going to shower if you’ve got our kid.”

“I’ve always got him.” Tony settled in to watch over his kid while he slept. He pulled out his phone and started researching trauma and how it presented itself in kids.

~

“Umm. Where’s Tony?” Peter asked Steve later that evening when he came into the kitchen.

“He ran to SI. He’ll be right back.” Steve said as he strained some noodles he was making for pasta.

“He what?” Peter felt his whole body start to shake, “But umm what if something happens and he doesn’t come back?”

Steve didn’t see this panic attack coming. He didn’t know what to do, “Pete—Everything is okay.”

“IT’S NOT!” Peter yelled, “HE LEFT. HE SAID HE WOULDN’T AND HE DID AND I’M ALONE.”

Steve knew Peter wasn’t really alone but he felt like telling him that wouldn’t be helpful in this moment.

“Just gotta make a p-p-lan. I gotta be safe. Can’t be alone again.” Peter started to pace the living room area.

“Peter, stop. You’re safe. Tony is safe. Everything is fine.” Steve told the kid gently, “We can call him.”

“Need my suit. I need my suit.” Peter started walking to the lab.

“Fri. Lock the lab. He’s in no frame of mind to be Spider-Man.” Steve told the AI following Peter.

Peter pulled on the door but it remained closed, “Oh. No. Oh no no no.”

“Hey. Hey. Nope. We’re not doing that thing where breathing is optional.” Steve sat down in front of the teenager and pulled him into a hug. Peter squirmed at the contact at first but finally did let out a longer exhale and relax into the hold. They sat like that for a few minutes until it seemed Peter had calmed down.

“Sorry. I’m a mess. I’m okay. I promise.” Peter pushed away, “I don’t know why that happened.”

“It’s alright. I think we should go figure out dinner though because the noodles found their way to the kitchen floor during this.” Steve ruffled Peter’s hair.

~

“Tony?” Peter came into his room later that night, “I kind of freaked out earlier and I don’t know why I do that. It’s just such bullshit. I’m a teenager. I shouldn’t lose my mind because you left to go to work for something.”

Tony patted the bed beside him, “How about we reframe that, Bubba.”

Peter laid against his chest, “What’d you mean?”

“How about instead of calling your reaction that we accept it for what it is? A trauma response. You went through some shit and this is how you learned to survive. You don’t have to feel bad about that.”

“I did go through some shit.” Peter agreed, “I’m exhausted from being in survival mode. I think you’re exhausted from me being in survival mode.”

“I decided to walk this journey with you, Pete. That’s what a parent does and I’m the closest thing you’ve got. I’m not overwhelmed or going to leave. I can handle sleep deprivation, nightmares, and panic attacks. They won’t phase me.”

“I made Steve drop dinner.” Peter felt a tear leak down his cheek, “Because of my dumb reaction.”

“How about Steve dropped dinner because he was worried about you because he loves you and he knew you were feeling some panic?” Tony corrected.

“You could be right.”

“Peter?” Tony asked after a couple minutes of quiet.

No response. Just the rise and fall of his chest while his breathing evened out into a sleeping pattern.

~

“Peter!” Pepper hugged the teenager one afternoon, “How are you?”

“Pass.” Peter mumbled hugging her back.

“Huh?” Pepper looked between Peter and Tony and Steve.

“He gets the right to skip over that question.” Tony and Steve responded.

“Oh. Okay. How’s school?”

“Errrr…We’re not going there either.” Tony told his friend.

“What’s a safe question?” Pepper looked at the couple in front of her.

“Do you want to watch a movie?” Steve shrugged, “We’re learning as we go basically.”

“Hmm. Well I need to talk to Tony. After that I’m game for a movie day.” Pepper promised.

Peter searched her face, “Something is wrong. Your heart rate got faster when you said that.”

“Pete…” Tony paused him.

“—That’s fact. It’s not a response to my trauma. I can hear it.” Peter snapped.

“I wasn’t going to say that. I was going to tell you that it’s probably about May so she’s trying to protect you.” Tony pulled Peter in for a side hug, “How about you go pick a movie and if it’s important then we’ll talk about it and I promise you can ask any and all questions.”

“Fine.”

~

“It’s so odd, Tony. It’s like she’s started a new life.” Pepper pulled out the packet from the investigator they had hired, “Like she’s forgotten about the nephew she left behind.”

Tony looked through pictures of May with a man and frowned—She looked, happy?

“This will hurt him. It’ll make Peter think she left because of him.” Pepper sat down on the chair in front of Tony’s desk, “I hate that. Do we have to tell him?”

“It’s his life and his aunt. He deserves to know what we do.” Tony said firmly, “I hate that she did this. I want to hear her side before I talk to him. We know where she is?”

“We do.” Pepper nodded, “I already told them to get the jet ready.”

“You’ll tell Pete and Steve I’ll be back tomorrow?” Tony asked.

“Umm. No. You need to talk to Peter. He’s going to freak out if you just leave.” Pepper shook her head.

“You’re right.” Tony went to find his family to explain that he wanted to look into this a bit further himself. Peter had looked unsure but had curled up next to Steve and given a slight nod of permission.

~

Tony knocked on the door in front of him. He waited for someone to come. This felt so similar yet so different to the time he had come looking for Spider-Man. 

A man answered the door, “Can I help you?”

“I’m looking for May Parker.” Tony responded.

“Oh. Sure. One moment. She goes by May Frederick now though.”

“Oh. Of course. My apologies.”

May came to the door and started to back up shaking her head, “No, Tony. I’m in a good place.”

“What about Peter? What about your nephew you abandoned?” Tony threw at her, “The one you had custody of? He was homeless. Do you even care about him?”

“You don’t understand, Tony.” May pulled her sweater tighter around herself.

“Then explain yourself because I’m the one who comforts the child you agreed to care for to sleep.” Tony snapped.

“May—“ Her husband stepped forward but she held up a hand to stop him.

“Does he know? Does he know about Peter Parker?” Tony demanded.

“He knows.” May nodded as a couple of tears tracked down her cheeks, “He knows everything about my past life.”

“So that’s just it? Peter’s in your past? You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. You don’t deserve that kid.” Tony’s hand shook with anger as he handed over a paper, “Just sign this so we can be done with you.”

“What is this?” May took the document.

“I’m asking you to give up your rights to him so I can adopt him and be the parent he needs and deserves.”

“I was hurting him, Tony. I left to keep him safe.” May cried.

“No, you don’t get to comfort yourself with that lie.” Tony’s jaw was set in a hard line, “Sign the document.”

“No, you don’t understand. I wasn’t in a good head space. I’m on meds now and I’m doing better but I can’t chance going back to that place.” May squeezed her husband’s hand in support, “I had to leave it all behind.”

“You could have asked me to take him in. You could have gone to get help and then come back. You could have talked to me. I will never give you a free pass for what you did to him. That kid is sunshine and you chipped away at that.”

May wiped at the tears now freely falling, “Honey, grab me a pen, please.” May signed the form and passed it back.

“You’ll never see him again. I hope starting over was worth that. Don’t call him. Don’t text him. Don’t even say his name. I’m not letting you hurt my kid ever again.” Tony started to walk away but turned back, “But he wanted me to make sure you’re happy and healthy so I’ll pass it on that you are. I don’t know why he cares but he’s just a good kid.”

“You don’t get to convince him I’m the bad guy in this, Tony.” May defended herself.

“No, you don’t get to judge what I do or say to that kid—MY KID. You don’t get to judge how I help repair what you broke.” Tony kept walking this time in spite of her protests.

Chapter Text

“I’m livid.” Tony paced their bedroom when he got home late that night. He had opted out of the hotel room in order to get home sooner, “She just left him and started over. She said she wasn’t doing well and now she is. How can that be? How can she be okay living without that teenager who is full of sunshine and goodness in her life? Explain it to me, Steve!”

“So I don’t know if you’re mad at me and May or just May…” Steve held up his hands in defense.

Tony deflated sitting down on the bed, “I’m mad at May and myself. I should have known something was wrong.”

“You make Peter reframe comments like that.” Steve smirked.

“Because I read that—“

“—I know why you do it. Reframe it.”

“I’m angry at May because she made some selfish choices and I wish I would have known what was going on. I would have helped them both.” Tony finally reframed it.

“Now we pick up the pieces and help that teenager in the other room whose counting on us.”

“I’m going to adopt him. You don’t have to…” Tony stood up again and Steve stood up pulling him into a hug to stop his pacing.

“That’s our kid. I’m all in.”

~

Peter shot up in bed with his heart racing. It was just a dream. It wasn’t real. He frowned. That was a lie. It had all been real. Peter whimpered pulling the blanket tighter around him. He was surprised Tony and Steve hadn’t woken to his nightmare. They normally came in before he even woke up fully.

“Peter, would you like me to contact Steve or Tony?” Friday asked him.

“Umm.” Peter didn’t know. He didn’t want them to lose sleep because of him but he also didn’t want to be alone, “I don’t know.”

“Are you in pain?” Friday asked.

“Not physical pain.”

“Emotional distress?” Friday asked.

Peter stayed quiet for a minute before saying, “Maybe.”

Friday didn’t respond and Peter assumed she had decided he was okay. He was wrong. The bedroom door opened and Tony walked in still looking like he had when he left.

“Sorry, Bubs. I was talking to Steve and we missed the nightmare.” Tony sat down on the bed, “Want to talk about it?”

“She left.” Peter leaned forward resting his forehead against Tony’s chest who wrapped his arms around him in a hug.

“She did.” Tony wasn’t going to sugarcoat that. There wasn’t a way to even if he wanted to.

“Can you tell me about that time Rhodey got stuck in the work bench in the lab again?” Peter asked quietly moving to lay back down.

“He’s going to kill me.” Tony settled in beside Peter, “So I went downstairs to the lab one day. I was thinking I would get to work so I put my music on and started pulling up information I needed on my screens. I hear a thumping all of a sudden so I ask Friday to cut the music.”

“Because it was odd, right? You knew something was wrong.” Peter added.

“Hush now. This is my story.” Tony rolled his eyes, “But yes. I waited but when nothing else happened then I turned the music back up.”

“Then you heard it again.”

“Do you want to finish this story?” Tony teased.

“Sorry.” Peter got quiet but did scoot closer to his father figure, “I’ll be quiet.”

“So I heard it again and turned the music off. At this point I think the lab is haunted. I’m about to bring in a priest with some holy water to cleanse the place—“

“—You were scared.” Peter added.

“Sure. Okay. Maybe.” Tony leaned his head back against the wall behind him feeling the day hit him and exhaustion starting to settle in, “Then I heard a muffled voice though.”

“You ran out of the lab, up the stairs, and told Friday to burn that shit to the ground.” Peter laughed.

“My story.”

“I can’t help it.” Peter admitted.

“She said and I quote, “I can’t destroy the lab right now, Boss. Coronal Rhodes is inside of it.”

“I nearly lost my mind. I went back down there and found him locked in the work bench which he had snuck in to scare me not realizing that it only opens with a code from the outside because I had left it open when he came down originally by mistake.” Tony finished.

Peter laughed.

It was 100% worth his friends upcoming embarrassment when he found out Peter knew about this.

~

“Are you going to talk to me about what happened with May yet?” Peter asked one day in the lab while they worked together.

“I can. I just don’t want to hurt you, Bub.” Tony put down the tablet in his hands.

“Is it going to hurt?” Peter looked at his hands.

“I think so.” Tony came over and lifted Peter’s chin to look him in the eye, “But I want you to remember that May’s decision was never about you. If she had been thinking about you then she would have stayed.”

“Which means that you think I’ll blame myself.” Peter rolled his eyes.

“You want me to tell you about my talk with May?”

“I don’t think I do—Not right now if that’s alright.”

“Whenever you want or never. I’ll follow your lead, Pete.” Tony pulled him in for a hug, “Steve and I love you, Kid.”

Peter hugged him back but didn’t say anything.

~

“Ned misses you.” Tony tossed out while they got settled in for a movie night, "You have to go back to school next week. How do you plan to keep up with this silence treatment?”

“I’m not ignoring Ned.” Peter frowned, “I’m just done with him.”

“Peter, you can’t—“ Steve interrupted.

“No. It’s my choice who I’m friends with.” Peter crossed his arms over his chest, “And I’m not going back to school on Monday. I’m not ready.”

“We talked about school,” Tony paused the movie Friday had just put on the screen in front of them, “You need to start going back to school. We have to work toward an idea of normal.”

“I can’t go. I don’t feel safe.” Peter got up from the couch, “I’m going to bed.”

“Peter—“ Steve stood up, “Hang on a second. We don’t go to bed angry in this family.”

“You both must be really sleep deprived then.” Peter paused where he stood.

“How about you drop the humor. We know you hide behind it.” Tony stood up and walked to the kitchen grabbing a bowl of popcorn, “And you can tell us why you’re anxious about school instead.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Great, then you’re going to school on Monday.” Tony told the teen.

“Tony—“ Steve’s tone held a hint of warning.

“I’m gong to bed.” Peter said again and continued walking down the hall this time.

“That wasn’t my fault.” Tony held up his hands in defense at Steve’s look.

“We talked about this. We were going to talk about Ned and school in separate conversations and we were going to do it in a way that made Peter feel safe.” Steve grabbed some popcorn from Tony’s bowl.

“Well he can’t skip school forever and Ned’s his best friend.”

“Did you think that’s part of the problem? Maybe he’s not avoiding Ned because of him talking to us but because Ned is his best friend and that teenager has suffered the loss of numerous people in his life. I can’t imagine how crushing that weight must feel at times.”

“Way to lay on the guilt.” Tony put the bowl down, “I hate when you’re right.”

“Or anyone besides you.” Steve teased, “Going to talk to our kid?”

“Do I have a choice?”

“No.”

“Then I’m going.” Tony walked down the hallway and knocked on Peter’s door, “Pete, buddy. Can we talk. I’m waiving the white flag. I promise.”

Peter opened the door and went and sat back on his bed, “I’m not going to school on Monday.”

Tony sighed and sat down on the bed beside him, “How about we talk about going back to school next week?”

“I don’t have to go on Monday?” Peter’s eyebrows shot up.

“No. You can’t avoid it forever though. We will be talking about this next week and coming up with a return plan that everyone in this family feels good about.”

“That sounds fair.” Peter agreed.

“So Ned—“

“—You can’t choose my friends.” Peter snapped.

“I actually didn’t choose Ned. You did.” Tony reminded gently.

Peter closed his eyes as memories hit him:

Peter walked up to the school holding his uncle’s hand and his other arm clutched his favorite stuffed bear. He was trying to be brave, but Peter didn’t want to be brave. He wanted to be sad. 

He wanted to lay in bed and have his mom brush him curls away from his eyes and smell her perfume. He wanted his dad to cuddle with him on the couch after a tough day at school. Peter felt his lip wobble. That would never happen again. The eight year old whimpered.

“Peter, we can go home.” Ben got down to his eye level, “It’s only been two weeks. We can take some more time off from school.”

“No. I’m going to school. It’s the first day.” Peter was determined.

“If you want to come home though…You call. No questions asked.” Ben assured his nephew.

“I’ll be fine.”

~

Hours later the third grader was anything but fine. The boys in his grade had been teasing him about his stuffed bear all day. His teacher had told them to be kind but they hadn’t listened like they should to Ms. K. He sat at lunch alone wondering if he should call Uncle Ben to go home when another boy sat down next to him.

“Hi. I’m Ned.” The boy said.

“Hi.” Peter said shyly.

“I like your bear. It looks really soft.” Ned smiled.

“It is.” Peter agreed.

“You look sad.” Ned said honestly.

“I am.” Peter admitted.

“That’s okay. Sad doesn't scare me. I can help you find happy again.” Ned promised.

“I’m Peter.” 

“Wanna be friends?” Ned asked.

“Okay.”

~

“I didn’t choose Ned. Ned chose me.” Peter corrected.

“I like Ned. I’d be sad to see you lose his friendship.”

Peter felt his lip wobble like it had way back in third grade, “I’m scared.”

“I know.” Tony pulled Peter in for a hug, “But Ned isn’t going to leave you.”

“How do you know?”

“Because he texts me every day to check on you even thought you don’t respond to his texts or calls.” Tony teased.

“He’s pretty great like that.” Peter sniffled.

“Might be worth a second chance.”

“You could be right.”

“Oh! Tell Steve that!” Tony grinned.

“Peter! Don’t feed his ego!” Steve yelled.

“My bad.” Peter yelled back, “Don’t worry. Pepper comes over tomorrow. I’m sure she’ll knock him down a bit from this.”

“Betrayed. I feel betrayed.” Tony feigned pain.

“Somehow I think you’ll survive.” Peter teased.

“We both will.” Tony said seriously.

“Yeah. Okay.” Peter wasn’t 100% sure that he would. Some days the pain felt like it would swallow him—And somedays, Peter wished it would.

Chapter Text

Steve walked into the penthouse after his workout and went to the fridge for a bottle of water. He was about to head to the kitchen but stopped short because he saw Peter sitting on the couch just staring ahead at the wall. He debated giving the teen some space to feel whatever he was going through but then wasn’t sure when Tony had left to go into SI and that meant Peter could have been like that for a while already.

“Peter?”

The teen didn’t even flinch.

“Peter, you okay?”

Peter finally glanced his way and shrugged.

“You want to talk?” Steve asked coming closer to where the teen sat.

“Something is wrong.” Peter finally told him.

“Something? Like what?”

“I asked Friday to call Tony to come home but he didn’t answer. I’m worried he’s dead.” Peter’s voice cracked, “And I don’t think I can survive that.”

Steve nodded, “I’m sure Tony’s just working on something with Pepper.”

“Maybe.” Peter didn’t sound convinced though.

“You’re going to be okay if I shower?” Steve asked the teenager knowing he wasn’t going to be able to talk him out of this feeling.

“Don’t worry about me.”

Steve sighed, “I’ll be back in thirty minutes. Maybe find something to watch or read to distract yourself.”

~

Steve came back to Peter hyperventilating on the couch. He got down to his eye level, “PETE! Look at me. You’re safe. Tony is safe.”

Peter pointed at the screen in front of him.

The headline read, “Live Report of Active Shooter at Midtown High.”

Steve felt his breath catch. There were hundreds of kids in that building. This was not an Avengers level threat. Steve tried to force his thoughts back to logical processing but he knew—In his heart he knew—He was about to call a red level alert to the team. Peter’s friends were in there, and not just that, he couldn’t imagine wondering if his child would come home safely. They had almost sent Peter into that building today too.

“I’m going to fix it. I’m calling the team.” Steve squeezed Peter’s knee, “I promise.”

“Ned. I have to come!” Peter stood up.

“Peter, you’re too close to this.”

“I’m coming.” Peter’s voice showed no room for argument.

“Suit up. You step even an inch out of line and I’ll send Bucky to remove you. You hear me?”

~

Tony felt his phone beep an alert. He frowned and his heart picked up. Red level alert meant all hands on deck. Tony stood up gaining attention, “I’m being called away. Pepper can fill me in later.”

He wasted no time getting out of there and calling a suit to him. He read the details and wasted no time at take off. The threat wasn’t red worthy except it was—It had become a level red the minute Peter Parker walked into their lives. All of the Avengers would feel that way.

Tony landed outside the school ready to assess the situations. Kids were screaming, and crying. Cars were parked illegally as parents tried to get close enough to school to get to their kids. Police had formed barriers to keep them out. They were trying to get a handle on the situation.

He spotted Sam helping a teenager to safety and flew that way, “Where can I help?”

“Steve hasn’t identified the shooter or the initial target. We have numerous injuries that require assistance out of the school.”

“Casualties?”

Sam nodded slowly, “It’s bad in there.”

Tony’s breath caught. He had almost sent Peter into that building this morning. He was glad he was safe at home.

Tony got inside the building and saw Bucky who motioned him to be quiet. He heard a familiar voice. A voice he thought was safe at home.

“Life sucks. I know it does! Please though—Put the gun down.” Spider-Man pleaded with the teenager with the gun in his hand.
Tony took a step but got a firm head shake from Bucky. A message appeared on his display in his helmet, “No sudden moves.”

Tony sighed. He knew why Bucky was saying that. Don’t spook the kid with a gun to his head but he was more concerned about the kid talking him down and he didn’t feel bad about that.

“You don’t even know how awful life can be!” The kid yelled, “I just want the pain to end.”

“Because you’ve been bullied? Me too. You’ve been through loss? ME too. Scared of what comes next? Me too.” Spider-Man took a careful step toward the shooter in the gym, “But you know what else there is? There is this hope that it gets better.”

“Maybe for you.” The kid yelled, “It’s done for me. I’m done.”

Tony and Bucky flinched at the sound of the trigger. Both adults were in the gym in a matter of minutes to start assessing the scene. He knew Peter was in shock because he wasn’t moving to help anyone. He just stood in shock.

“Get him out of here.” Bucky yelled.

“No!” Spider-Man yelled, “I’m fine.”

Tony wasn’t going to argue with Peter because the damage was done. He couldn’t unsee what had happened. If helping with picking up the pieces could help him heal at all then he needed to let it happen.

Peter found Ned later. Ned was laying on a blanket in the grass shivering under the weight of the blanket on him. Peter didn’t remove his mask but he didn’t need to. He ran over, “I’m getting you out of here.”

“You can’t. They said I’m not an urgent transport for medical. I just tripped running out. It’s probably broken.” Ned explained.

Spider-Man pressed his com, “Bringing a medical back to the tower. I’ll be there for debriefing. Someone find MJ and report back in to me.”

“Affirmative.” Nat said.

“You’ve got it, Queens.”

“We’ll find your girl.” Bucky teased.

“This isn’t the time, Bucky.” Peter responded as he picked up Ned carefully, “I’m going to do my best not to hurt you.”

“I trust you.” NO doubt filled Ned’s voice.

~

“I can’t believe you let him in there!” Tony told Steve as they made their way to the conference room with the team, “Now how do we ever get him to go back to school? The kid has trauma on trauma and now he just watched—“

“—There was no convincing him to sit it out. He’s just like you. He only hears what he wants and ignores everything else. He also thinks with his heart and not his head.” Steve snapped back, “You wouldn’t have been able to stop him either. His friends—His people were in there.”

“How about we table this fight because we have bigger problems. Whose going to tell the kid about MJ?” Nat asked.

“Don’t say that like she’s dead!” Tony snapped, “You definitely can’t be the one to talk to him. You’ll scare him.”

“Can we get some food? I’m freaking starving over here.” Bucky grumbled.

“Kids just died in front of you and you’re thinking about food?” Sam rolled his eyes.

“I still have to eat! I’m a super solider!” Bucky snapped, “That doesn’t make me heartless!”

Wanda sat quietly in the back of the conference room observing the interaction of her team.

“Do we believe that this situation required the Avengers?” Vision asked from his seat next to Wanda, “I was under the impression that the police would handle a situation like that.”

“It’s Peter’s school.” Everyone said suddenly.

“Excuse me, Boss.” Friday interrupted, “We have visitors at the front door.”

“Now?” Tony raised a brow, “Nope. We’re busy.”

“They are rather insistent.” Friday added, “I think you should go talk to them.”

Tony rolled his eyes, “Pause the fighting until I get back and someone go talk to Peter now; not Nat.”

“I don’t understand. I’m so good with sensitive situations.” Nat looked at Bucky.

“Why does it have to be me?” Bucky sighed.

“You can handle this.” Nat told him.

“Steve?” Bucky shrugged.

“I’ll do it. No one do anything.” Steve told the team as he walked out of the room to make his way to the MedBay.

Bucky waited until Steve left the room, “Whose going to tell Sam he looked stupid today?”

“I hate you.” Sam said, “And I’m ordering pizza and I’m not getting you any.”

“I thought you couldn’t eat.”

“Shut up.”

“I want to go home.” Rhodey sighed.

~

“Peter, can I borrow you a second?” Steve pulled the boy out of his thoughts from where he paced in the waiting area of the MedBay.

“What’s wrong? Where’s Tony? Is he hurt?” Peter could read something in Steve’s expression but not what.

“Tony’s safe. It’s about MJ.” Steve motioned Peter to sit down.

“I don’t want to sit down. Where is she?” Peter crossed his arms over his chest.

“She was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. She is doing alright last we heard from her mom. The bullet didn’t hit anything major.” Steve explained.

Peter felt the blood drain from his face. His friends had both been hurt because of him, “This is all my fault.”

“Peter, it’s not. You couldn’t have changed this.”

“Yes, I could have! It’s my fault. I have bad luck. It takes everyone I care about. They got hurt because of me.”

“No—“

“Look who came to visit.” Tony said coming in with Betty and Flash behind him, “The mean ones on a short leash.”

“No, everyone needs to leave. Get away from me.” Peter walked toward the other side of the lobby.

“What did I miss?” Tony asked Steve.

“Just some guilt over what happened. You want to try and convince him he isn’t to blame?” Steve frowned.

“I can’t. He’s already decided how he feels.” Tony walked toward Peter even though he said this, “Hey bubba. Do you want me to send your friends home?”

“They aren’t my friends.”

“Do you want me to send those random teenagers who know your name home?” Tony reframed his question.

“I’m not safe. No one’s safe.” Peter sat down because he felt like the world was spinning.

Tony sat down next to him, “Of course you are. I’ll never let anything bad happen to you.”

“MJ and Ned. They got hurt.”

“They did. You’re right. Both are getting the help they need though.” Tony reassured.

“I want MJ here.” Peter crossed his arms over his chest.

“It’s really up to her parents, Bud. They chose to send her to the hospital. I offered the MedBay. They’ve updated me every step of the way. MJ is safe. I promise.” Tony explained.

Peter laid his head against Tony’s shoulder, “Today was a lot.”

“I know it was, Bubba.”

“I don’t want to ever do this again.”

“I know.”

“Make them leave. I don’t want my Peter Luck to touch them.” Peter mumbled, “Then I need you and Steve to figure out somewhere for me to go. I can’t let anything bad happen to you.”

“No. Absolutely not. We talked about this.”

“I’ll leave, Tony. I’ll leave and I’ll go so far off the grid you’ll never find me.” Peter warned.

“Peter, this is crazy!” Tony told him, “You’re a kid.”

“I’m going to leave.”

“No. You aren’t. You know why? The paper I signed say I’m in charge of that choice. You aren’t leaving this tower. I’m sorry. I’m calling the grown up card. You hear that Friday? Peter is not to leave this building.” Tony said.

“Got it, Boss.” Friday confirmed.

“I’ll never speak to you again.” Peter got up and walked toward the elevator stopping only to tell a nurse to let him know about Ned. He wasn’t heartless after all.

Chapter Text

Peter had kept his word. He was not speaking to Tony. He had asked Friday to ask him about Ned and MJ but that was it. No other forms of communication had been used. Tony walked into the living room and found Peter on the couch with his eyes closed and his knees drawn to his chest. He was resting his face against his knees.

“Bub?” Tony moved closer to the teenager, “You’re safe. Deep breaths.”

Peter exhaled a shaky breath, “Friday, get Steve.”

“Peter—“ Tony sighed.

“I want Steve.” Peter snapped.

Steve came into the living room, “Tony, it’s not the time for a fight.”

Tony threw his hands up and walked out of the room without another word.

Steve sat down next to Peter and hugged him tight before releasing him, “What caused it?”

“Nothing.” Peter mumbled while focusing on his breathing.

“Wouldn’t be because you’re avoiding Tony and that’s making you anxious? Or possibly the school shooting?” Steve raised a brow.

“Crazy talk. I already talked with the school counselor and I’m not avoiding someone if they aren’t allowed in my life.”

“When are you going to cave in and just realize he loves you?” Steve rolled his eyes, “Also if you’re mad at him then you should be mad at me. I’m not helping you out the door either.”

Peter got quiet, “You didn’t lock me in.”

“Didn’t what?” Steve frowned, “He did what?”

“Lock me in? He told Friday I couldn’t leave.” Peter picked at the skin by his nails.

“Stop that.” Steve stilled his fingers, “You’ll break them open. I need to talk to Tony. Are you okay?”

Peter shrugged, “Sure. Are you going to fight because of me?”

“Crazy talk.” Steve gave him a quick hug before going to search for his husband. They were going to have words.

~

“You can’t just TRAP HIM HERE! THAT ISN’T THE ANSWER.” Steve snapped.

“I CAN’T LET HIM LEAVE. HE IS A SELF-SACRIFICING IDIOT!” Tony wheeled out from under the car he was working on.

“This isn’t the answer. This isn’t how we do things in this family. We communicate. We work through disagreements.” Steve pulled a stool over closer to Tony.

“So Peter and I didn’t get that memo…” Tony shrugged.

“Tony.”

“Steve.” He rose to the challenge in the voice.

“If Peter wants to leave then we have to let him. He’ll never feel safe if he’s locked in.”

“I’m not doing that. The paper I signed says that I’m responsible for him now and that means I have to make the best choice for him even if he hates me because of it. I’d rather he hate me then be out in that beat up car with no parents.” Tony rolled back under the car but keep the conversation going, “You remember that, right? That Peter was homeless? I can’t forget it.”

“No, I haven’t forgotten. I just know that Peter has a right to be mad. He got scared because of a really tough situation and reacted in a way that makes sense for a teenager but instead of pausing and handling it like an adult you locked things down instead of working through those feelings.”

“I don’t care how he feels. He’s not leaving. I’m not going through that again.”

“Oh, so this is about you, huh? You should chew on that for a while.” Steve started to walk out of the lab, “And take off the lock down for Peter. If he wants to leave the tower he can. You hear that, Fri?”

“I heard it.” Friday confirmed.

~

Dinner was quiet that night. Peter was going to lose it if the silence persisted. He pushed his plate forward and stood up, “I’m going out.”

“No—“ Tony stood up.

“Where are you going and when will you be back?” Steve also stood up.

“I’m going to patrol for a bit. I’ll be back by 10pm. That was always curfew.” Peter looked at Steve.

“Be safe. Call for help if you need it.” Steve squeezed Peter’s shoulder in support.

Tony waited for Peter to leave before saying, “I’m sleeping in the guest room.”

“Don’t come crying to me when Peter wants nothing to do with you.” Steve walked out of the dining room straight into the elevator. He needed a break.

~

“So let me see if I’m understanding this correctly—You told your parents you’re out patrolling and really came here because you wanted a break from the tension? Why didn’t you just tell them that you were coming here?” Bucky asked from where he was stirring the starts of hot chocolate on the stove.

“Well I could have said that I was going to yours and Sam’s place but I just didn’t, okay? And they aren’t my parents. Don’t say that.” Peter took a mug of hot chocolate from Bucky when he passed it over.

“Yeah. Okay. My bad. They just feed you, clothe you, and put a roof over your head. Totally not your parents.” Bucky rolled his eyes.

“Can you just help me?” Peter snapped.

“I did help you. I made you hot chocolate.”

“No, I need to disappear.”

“Well here’s what you need to do for that—“ Bucky’s eyes lit up.

“NO! STOP! YOU ARE HORRIBLE WITH CHILDREN!” Sam sat up from where he had been laying on the couch, “You are not allowed to do that, Peter. Your parents or Tony and Steve or whatever you want us to call them love you!”

“I know that! I do! Okay? I KNOW THAT.” Peter crushed the handle of the mug in his hand and it shattered.

Bucky got up and grabbed a towel and carefully picked up glass shards, “See what you did.”

“I’m sorry—“ Peter’s face flushed red.

“Not you. Him. You stressed him out.” Bucky told Sam.

“I’m not sorry about what I said. He can’t keep running when life gets scary. We’ve all got crap. We’ve all lost people.” Sam shrugged.

“Have you lost every parental figure you’ve ever had. Have you woken up from nightmares of your classmates dying? Been told your best friend is in surgery for a gunshot wound? Had to listen to your other best friend talk about the same demons that keep you from sleep. I haven’t just lost people. I’ve lost everything and re-built time and time again and I’m done.” Peter asked.

Sam got quiet.

“Didn’t think so. You have no idea.” Peter thought about his parents, about aunt May and uncle Ben. He thought about the shooting, living in his car, going hungry, and being cold—So cold night after night. He thought about how he had just wanted home so badly, “I’m so sick and tired of being a burden to everyone in my life. I’m sick of ruining everything.”

Sam walked over, “What did you do though?”

“It’s all my fault—The bad stuff. I have bad luck.” Peter didn’t lift his gaze from the table.

“Hmm. If that’s the case then I’m surprised you haven’t taken out the Avengers. You must be the most powerful human being in the universe.” Sam shrugged.

“That’s true. Because if the universe goes after your parental figures then it’s going to have to go after all of us. If Tony and Steve ever couldn’t care for you then there would be a long line waiting. You know why? We all care about you.” Bucky said softly.

Peter felt tears press against his eyes, “No, you can’t.”

“You can’t control how we feel. You just have to trust that we can take care of ourselves.” Sam put a hand over Peter’s where it was balled into a tight fist.

“I can’t do it again.” Peter felt a tear leak down his cheeks.

“I know.” Sam didn’t move his hand.

“I can’t start all over again. First it was my parents, then Uncle Ben and Aunt May, then Aunt May, and now Tony and Steve. If I have to start over again then the weight will crush me and the scarier thing is that I’ll let it. I won’t pick myself up again.” Peter admitted.

“Let me ask you this then—Is there any Avenger wouldn’t pick you back up if you couldn’t do it yourself?” Bucky asked casually, “Because I know I’d dig you out from under a building if I had to.”

“It’s so heavy.’ Peter cried.

Bucky pulled Peter in for a hug, “I know. We’ve got you.”

~

“Special delivery.” Sam called out when he and Peter walked back into the penthouse, “Anyone home?”

“Steve and Tony are fighting.” Peter explained, “Are they here, Fri?”

“The boss is in the lab. Captain Rogers is not in the tower.” Friday informed them.

“You’ve got this or you want me to stay?” Sam asked.

“No, I need to go talk to him.”

“Peter, we love you.” Sam hugged him, “Don’t forget that. Every time it’s too heavy remember that we love you.”

~

“Tony?” Peter walked into the lab, “I’m sorry that I’ve been ignoring you. I know you were just trying to keep me safe and my brain just told me that I needed to push you away because you would leave or die and I forget that we have a whole team of superheroes on our side.”

Tony turned around and pulled out an ear bud, “Bubba, how long have you been standing there?”

“Not long but good to know you didn’t hear anything I just said.” Peter rolled his eyes.

“Well how was I supposed to know you had started talking to me again?” Tony teased.

“I’m sorry.” Peter sat down on a stool.

“Me too.”

“You think we should go find Steve?” Peter asked.

“He’s probably still mad at me.” Tony sighed.

“I mean you are infuriating.”

“No one has ever excused me of that before.”

Peter laughed, “Yeah, okay.”

“Let’s go. I bet I know where he’s hiding.” Tony grabbed his keys.

“Well he’s not at Bucky and Sam’s.”

“How do you know?”

“It’s where I came from.”

“Good thing I was thinking—“

“—The gym!” Peter finished smiling.

~

“I’m sorry. Stop taking it out of the punching bag.” Tony grabbed the bag before Steve could decimate it.”

“Sorry? You’re sorry?” Steve huffed with his hands on his hips.

“We both are.” Peter explained.

“You are forgiven for anything you think you did, Peter.” Steve turned his attention to his husband, “I’m not sure about you.”

“What can I do?” Tony sighed.

“I don’t know. You tried to lock Peter in the tower, refused to communicate properly, and withdrew when things got messy.”

“Did you expect anything less for our first big fight? We’ve never raised a kid together, Steve. I’ve also had to learn healthy communication skills on the fly and I am learning but it’s hard to undo years of survival skills from growing up in an abusive household.”

Steve’s anger deflated, “You’re right.”

“So we can all start over? Yay.” Peter grinned.

“I don’t expect less than that. I actually know how you’re going to react to most situations but a very important political figure never told us how many times we have to go high when someone else goes low. She just said we have to go high. I’m exhausted from going high.” Steve took a sip of his water.

“So we’re not good? Boo.” Peter felt bad that Tony and Steve were fighting

“I said I’m sorry.” Tony didn’t know what else to do.

“Yeah, I’m not sure that’s good enough.” Steve walked out of the gym.

“You know what uncle Ben used to say? Sorry means nothing without changed behavior.” Peter watched Tony’s face and he knew. Peter knew Tony almost as well as he knew himself. Tony was feeling that same fear of loss that Peter felt every day.

“I’ve got to fix this.”
~
“You want me to stay on the phone with you again tonight?” Peter asked MJ who was on bed rest until she started to heal more. Thankfully the physical damage had been minor but the mental damage every student was feeling was real.

“I don’t want to keep you awake again. I’ll be fine.” MJ said softly.

“Maybe we should add Ned into this call? That way we’re all on the phone already for whoever has a nightmare first.” Peter worked on adding Ned to the call.

“Does this get better?” MJ asked.

“It does. We just have to get our brains to accept were safe again.”

“I’m never walking into that building again.” Ned responded joining in, “It doesn’t feel safe at all.”

“Let’s just take it one step at a time, guys. They aren’t having students come back just yet.” Tony said joining in as he came into the room to say goodnight, “Now everyone say goodnight. You can stay on the phone but all of you need sleep.”

“Goodnight.” The three teenagers said promptly.

Chapter Text

It had been two weeks since Steve had walked out. Two weeks of limited contact only pertaining to Peter or his care. Steve was 100% holding up his word that he was all in to raise Peter Parker. Tony wished that he was as in for the commitment he had made to their marriage. Tony had apologized again and again. He had tried to show he was going to do better in the future, but that’s hard to do unless he was faced with a similar situation in the future.

Peter grabbed his backpack, “He’s going to get past this but you may need to do something more drastic.”

“Like what? I sent a huge stuffed animal to his hotel room.” Tony raised a brow.

“So I don’t think a giant bunny was necessarily the answer to this problem but it was a good effort.” Peter headed toward the elevator, “Happy’s driving me and Steve’s picking me up?”

“If a bunny isn’t the answer then what is, O’ wise one?” Tony said as the elevator opened and Peter stepped inside.

“Therapy.” Peter responded right before the doors closed.

~

“Therapy? Really, Pete.” Steve told him as Peter got into the car later that afternoon.

“You both need to talk about this. You aren’t wiling to do that in a healthy way together so yes therapy.” Peter nodded sliding his seatbelt into place.

“I don’t know that I want to fix this.”

“Yes, you do.” Peter rolled his eyes.

Steve sighed and pulled out into traffic, “You irritate with me how right you are all of the time.”

~

The therapist sat in front of them waiting for someone to talk about what had brought them in. Steve and Tony sat in silence. The therapist cleared his throat after a few minutes of silence following his question, “This is going to be a long hour if no one speaks.”

Tony looked at Steve, “Why don’t you explain how you feel?”

“Or you could but you won’t because you’re not one to talk about your emotions or how you feel.” Steve rolled his eyes.

Tony opened his mouth to respond but closed it again. He crossed his arms over his chest.

“I’m hearing a lot of tension. Does someone want to tell me what brought this on?” The therapist asked.

“He did.” They both said.

“Great.” The therapist said, “It sounds like we’re ready to make some changes to our behaviors to benefit your relationship.”

“Is that what you heard?” Tony laughed.

“He’s trying to help us. We’re here for a reason.” Steve told his husband.

“Because you refuse to come home.” Tony pointed out, “I apologized!”

“And sent a giant bunny but somehow that doesn’t make up for the fact that you take care of yourself and yourself only.”

“That’s not even fair!” Tony stood up, “You and I both know I love Peter and prioritize his needs.”

“What about my needs, Tony? Where do I fall in your priorities?” Steve asked quietly.

 Tony sat back down and sighed, “I’m trying. I don’t know how to give everyone what they need when I’ve struggled enough with just taking care of myself for years. I’m trying to make Peter feel safe in his new environment and I guess in that I dropped the ball on what being a good husband looks like.”

“That was a really healthy way of communicating, Tony.” The therapist praised.

“I guess I just felt like you were making decision on Peter without caring about what I thought and we’re supposed to be parenting him together so my input should matter too.” Steve admitted.

“Whose Peter?” The therapist asked.

“Our son.” They both said.

The therapist nodded, “So don’t take this the wrong way, but I don’t know that you actually need me.You were able to talk through your feelings just now. You can keep seeing me but this seems like a hiccup rather than a huge problem. It’s clear that you not only care about each other but also your son. My best suggestion to be more open to listening to each other. Don’t tip toe around things but be kind and use I statements rather than you statements. You statements put the other person on the defense.”

“So we’re not that messed up?” Tony asked surprised.

“I think you’re a normal married couple.”

~

Peter heard Tony and Steve enter the apartment from where he sat on the couch cross legged watching a movie with Rhodey. He smiled because if they were talking and coming home together it meant that they were in a better place.

“Thank God you both are home. Peter’s been non stop trouble.” Rhodey teased.

“We both know that Rhodey is the trouble maker in this family.” Peter defended himself.

Rhodey’s heart warmed that Peter had just implied that he was family, “I mean if we really get down to it then the trouble maker is Tony.”

“Hey!” Tony laughed, “I didn’t do anything.”

“Yet.” Peter and Rhodey said at the same time.

“Steve! They are being mean.” Tony pouted.

“How about we talk about what we want for dinner tonight instead?” Steve switched the subject easily.

“Burgers.” Tony suggested.

“Pasta!” Peter said.

“I could go for a good steak.” Rhodey shrugged.

“So I’m not a short order cook.” Steve pulled out his phone, “We’ll order in tonight.”

“Then we can finish our movie together!” Peter grinned.

“I don’t know anything that sounds better.” Steve agreed.

That is how the super family ended up on the couch watching not just the remaining movie but also another movie after Rhodey had gone home for the night. They spent the evening laughing, joking with each other, and cuddled under blankets.

~

“Tony?” Peter asked coming into his room the night before he went back to school.

“What’s up, Bub?” Tony paused the show he had been watching on the TV in front of him.

“I’m feeling a bit anxious about going back to school tomorrow. I know you gave me some extra time off but I’m just worried that if I go then I can’t—“ Peter stopped himself, “You know what? Never mind. It’s dumb.”

“Nope. Don’t do that. Your feelings are valid.” Tony raised a brow, “Finish what you started.”

“Promise not to make fun of me or tease me then?” Peter sat down on the bed next to him.

“Not about something like this. Never.”

“If I go to school then I can’t be around you. I don’t feel safe. What if something happens to you? What if something happens to me? How will I get help?” Peter admitted.

“Remember that I’ve been out of your sight before and nothing bad happened? You’re also a superhero and more than capable, Pete. You also wear a Stark watch with a panic button and if you press it Avengers respond.” Tony understood the anxiety but Peter couldn’t continue to miss school because of it. The school had decided it was time and that they had worked on a plan to aid students in the transition back.

“Yeah, you’re right.” Peter didn’t sound less anxious though.

“How about we have a check in process. If you’re feeling anxious then you let me know and I’ll confirm where I am and what I’m doing if you need. If you’re worried about you or your friends then you can text me and one of us will swing by the school if needed.”

“How long do I give you to respond before I get anxious?”

“Thirty minutes?” Tony wanted it to be a reasonable amount of time and something they could keep extending the safer that Peter felt as time went on.

“Deal.”

~

Peter had been in his first class for almost twenty minutes when his anxiety spiked and started to cause thoughts that told him his family wasn’t safe. He tried to breathe deeper and fight it until class ended but he couldn’t. He pulled out his phone and sent a quick message to Tony and Steve asking if they were safe.

“Mr. Parker. You know I don’t allow phones in class. I’m going to need you to turn that in for the remainder of the school day.” His teacher walked in front of him and held out his hand.

“I’m sorry Mr. Jacob but I cannot give this phone to you.” Peter kept a tight hold on his phone. It was his only way to contact his family.

“Mr. Parker—“

“I’m not giving it to you.” Peter’s jaw tightened with frustration, “I’m sorry for texting in class but I’m not going to do what you asked.”

“Then you can see your way to the principle’s office.” Mr. Jacobs informed him, “Because you are a child and I’m the adult. I wasn’t asking for your opinion on the subject.”

“I’ll go to the principle’s office then. Again, I apologize for texting in class.” Peter gathered his stuff and exited the class room.

One day in and he was already in trouble and Tony or Steve were about to get a phone call about it.

~

Steve walked into the school and made his way to the principle’s office. He took a seat next to Peter giving his shoulder a supportive squeeze.

“Do you want to tell your guardian why you’re in trouble?” Principle Morita asked.

“Insubordination.” Peter mumbled.

“That’s not like you, Pete.” Steve frowned, “You are nothing less than respectful.”

“I texted while in class because I needed to talk to you and Tony to ask you an important question and it couldn’t wait. Mr. Jacobs got upset and asked me to turn in my phone for the day and I refused.” Peter told the truth. He didn’t hate Mr. Jacobs for what he had done. Peter had been in the wrong.

“Is this about what you and Tony talked about last night?”

Peter nodded.

“I understand.” Steve told the teenager. He knew why Peter hadn’t given up his phone. If he had then the teen would have felt cut off from his only connection to make sure the adults responsible for his care were safe. He would have his Stark watch but it wouldn’t provide the same sense of security.

“I; however, do not.” Principle Morita said softly.

“Peter, will you go to the car and give me a minute?” Steve passed him the keys.

“I’m actually not finished with Peter—“

“Oh, but you are.” Steve jerked his head to the door and Peter took that as a good enough reason to leave.

“Mr. Rogers. I know you are new to this guardianship, but—“

“No. Hold on a second. I’m not new to caring for Peter Parker. We were co-parenting with May long before we took over his care in official terms. We also don’t like to use the term guardian around Peter. We want him to think of us as his family and his parents. He typically refers to us as his family. Guardian seems too cold and Peter has had to deal with a lot of harsh conditions and situations. We aren’t adding to that by making him feel more different. Our family may have a different make-up but it’s family nonetheless.” Steve listed things off that he wanted to say, “I also understand where Peter went wrong today but what you don’t understand is that I will never give a teacher in this building permission to confiscate his phone and I support his refusal to do so. I won’t tell you why he needs it, but it’s what makes him feel safe.”

“He can’t text during class. If he avoids that then he can hold onto his phone.” Principle Morita tried to compromise.

“No. Peter cannot text continuously or talk to his friends at all during class. He can text Tony and I if he needs to. He won’t do this unless there is no other way. The kids have all been through a trauma but Peter’s been through a lot too. I would assume all of the students will need some wiggle room at this time. I would also assume that you would be in support of what makes students feel safe and secure.” Steve stood firm.

“Mr. Rogers—“

“You don’t want to fight this.” Steve said softly, “Right now I’m the calm before the storm. If I send Tony in then you will meet a brick wall. He will not only tell you how this will go but he will also get whoever involved that he needs to in order for this to stick.”

“The rules stand as they are. We are not going to make a special exception.” Principle Morita called his bluff.

“I appreciate your feedback then. I’ll make sure Tony is in contact.” Steve got up and walked out of the school. He got into the car and Peter glanced over, “Everything is okay, Pete.”

“Then why are you bending the steering wheel?” Peter pointed out.

“Damn. I’m going to have ask Tony to fix that now.” Steve loosened his grip, “Sorry, I’m a little upset.”

“Because of me?” Peter looked at his lap.

“Because of the lack of compassion I just saw.” Steve relaxed his jaw with his next exhale, “And Pete? You are not allowed to be sorry right now.”

“I should have just waited.”

“No.”

“But—“

“—No.” Steve’s car screen lit up with an incoming call from Tony, “Hey. I’m heading home with Peter. We can talk then.”

“Okay.” Tony heard it in Steve’s voice. Something was wrong but he was trying to avoid talking about it in front of Peter, “I’ll see you both soon.”

Chapter Text

“Steve broke the steering wheel.” Peter kicked his shoes off as he entered the penthouse.

“Thanks, Pete.” Steve followed behind him.

“I’ll fix it.” Tony hugged the two men in his life, “What happened though?”

Steve glanced at Peter and shook his head.

“You can just tell him. You don’t have to tip toe around me. I’m fine.” Peter flopped down on the couch, “I already know that the school isn’t in agreement with my decision today.”

“You pulled your car into the garage so I can look at it?” Tony asked switching the subject for Steve’s sake. He would follow his lead for now.

“I did. I’m sorry. I got frustrated and didn’t notice how tightly I was gripping it.” Steve followed him to the garage.

“I live with two people with super strength. I can handle accidents.” Tony teased as he made his way to exam the car in question, “You weren’t just frustrated by the looks of this. You were angry.”

“They said Peter couldn’t contact us during class if he needs us.” Steve told him.

Tony paused what he was doing in the car, “No, our plan is that he can contact us at any point that he feels unsafe.”

“I know. They weren’t willing to budge.”

“What did you do?”

“I told them that they would have to deal with you next.” Steve shrugged.

Tony nodded and started to remove the broken steering wheel, “I’ll call in the morning.”

“I’m just not good at being forceful in situations like that.” Steve’s voice held an apology.

“Hey. No big deal. We all have our strengths. I just happen to be really good at not taking anyone’s nonsense.” Tony winked, “Pete! Come help me fix what Steve broke.”

Peter grinned and went to help Tony with the car in question.

~

Tony listened to the phone on the other end, “No. You listen to me—“

“Mr. Stark, I’ve already explained to your husband that I will not be bending the rules for your—“ There was a pause in conversation as principle Morita tried to figure out what term to use, “Ward.”

“You aren’t making an exception for Peter, Peter Parker.” Tony corrected.

“Maybe if we could discuss titles then this wouldn’t be confusing.” Principle Morita explained.

“Why do we need titles? Why can’t he just be Peter? He’s our family. He is not a ward because that implies displaced from his family.” Tony felt his jaw clench, “He is anything but displaced here.”

“Yes, but he is not your child.” Principle Morita stated.

“You know you talked to Steve and I think you got the wrong impression. Steve is polite and kind even when the situation doesn’t deserve it. I am not that way. See talk to me—I talk back. Peter will be keeping his phone on him. He will be allowed to contact myself or Steve or Pepper as needed—IN FACT— HE CAN CONTACT ANY OF HIS FAMILY. PERIOD. If you refer to him as anything other than our family member I will take it to the board. It’s time we start being a bit more accepting of non traditional families.”

“But—“

“That will be all. Thank you.” Tony hung up the phone before the principle could get another word in.

“He doesn’t think I’m your family, does he?” Peter was standing in the doorway where he had probably just overheard the whole conversation.

Tony stood up and moved around the desk in his office, “It doesn’t matter what he thinks. You are my family. You’ve been my family for a long time—Long before May left. He’s just ignorant.”

Peter nodded, “Yeah. Right.”

“See you don’t sound convinced.” Tony frowned.

“It’s fine. I came to find you to tell you that brunch is ready and Pepper is here.”

“Peter—“

“—I’m fine. Let’s just go eat.”

~

“Mr. Parker. No phones in class.” Principle Morita said as he walked into his first class on the day. The class hadn’t even started. Peter frowned but did pocket his phone.

“Dude, is he being extra weird? Why is he sitting in on our class?” Ned whispered.

“I think he’s trying to prove a point to Tony and Steve.” Peter whispered back.

“What are you going to do?”

Peter shrugged. He didn’t know but class was starting and he already had a target on his back.

~

Ned glanced Peter’s way and noticed his breathing had changed. He nudged Peter but got no response. Ned knew this was bad. His friend was having a panic attack. He was positive. He had seen them happen numerous times. He raised his hand, “I think Peter should go to the nurse.”

The teacher paused and glanced at the principle who shook his head. She frowned but did explain, “He seems to be alright, Ned. Thank you though.”

Ned frowned. He was going to get in so much trouble. Ned grabbed his backpack and pulled on Peter’s arm to get him to stand, “I’m sorry. I respectfully disagree.”

“Mr. Leeds. If you walk out of this classroom you will be seeing me in my office.” Principle Morita stood up.

“I’ll come after I take care of Peter.” Ned agreed.

“He’s fine, Mr. Leeds.”

“No! You don’t get to say that. I’ve known him forever. You’ve known him a minute.” Ned walked with Peter to the hallway and pulled out his phone to text Tony an SOS message as they headed to the nurse.

“I’ve you, Pete. I’ve always got you.” Ned told his best friend.

~

Tony walked into the nurse office and found Ned and Peter. Peter looked pale but he seemed to be through the worst of the panic attack that Ned had texted him about, “How are you, Bubba?”

Peter glanced his way and shrugged, “Okay.”

Ned stood up, “While I’ve gotta go face the music I guess.”

Tony stepped in front of him, “What music?”

“I wasn’t supposed to take Peter to the nurse. Principle Morita told me he was fine, but I knew he wasn’t. I have been helping him through panic attacks since his parents died.” Ned crossed his arms over his chest, “I wasn’t going to ignore my gut because someone would be upset.”

“Hang on. I’m texting Steve to come in and take Peter to the car. I’m not letting you go alone. You shouldn’t be in trouble for this.” Tony rapid fired a text off to his husband.

“You really don’t have to do this, Mr. Stark. I’ll be fine. I ignored what two staff members said. I should just take my punishment and be quiet about it.”

“Yeah, we’re not doing that.” Tony rolled his eyes and they walked down the hall, “And you’re not going to get any type of punishment. Keep in mind, no one has ever accused me of being quiet.”

“But—“

“No.” Tony’s jaw was set in a hard line.

“Oh boy.” Ned was worried for Principle Morita. He had made a giant error in judgement.

Chapter Text

“Mr. Stark this doesn’t concern you.” Principle Morita stood up behind his desk, “And Mr. Leeds I hope you don’t think he’s going to get you out of this. I gave you directions and you disregarded them.”

“I did and I would do it again. I’m not even sorry.” Ned shrugged, “So I didn’t ask Mr. Stark to come down here with me but he said that we’re not taking a punishment and we’re not going to be quiet. So there.”

Tony raised a brow but didn’t say anything. He would’t normally open with that, but he was going to let Ned run the show. Tony pulled over a chair and sat down on it.

“Mr. STARK!” Principle Morita seemed to be getting more than a bit frustrated at this point, “I told you this doesn’t concern you.”

“Oh. I heard you.” Tony rolled his eyes, “I’ve just never been accused of listening well.”

“So I’m going to ask you to leave.” Principle Morita explained.

“Yeah. I’m not going to do that. I’ve already texted Ned’s mom and she’s heading this way but she asked me to stay with Ned until she gets here. Ned shouldn’t be in trouble anyway. He helped another student in need when the faculty at this school failed to do so.” Tony kept his tone even and firm, “I’m grateful that Peter has Ned. See the thing is Peter had Ned before he had me in his life. Peter has had one consistent person over the years and that is Ned Leeds. If you think I’m going to let you walk all over Ned then you have another thing coming. I’d walk through fire for Peter and I’d do the same for Ned because they come as a pair.”

Ned looked over in shock, “We’re just best friends—I don’t do anything special.”

“You’re wrong. When everyone left Peter—You stayed. You always stay.” Tony crossed his arms over his chest, “So I’m staying.”

“I can’t wait for Peter’s graduation.” Principle Morita muttered under his breath, “This is too much. You think you run the show.”

“I’m just asking for compassion and basic human decency.” Tony shrugged.

“And more chocolate milk at lunch.” Ned whispered.

“Yeah. That. We demand more chocolate milk.” Tony nodded.

“This isn’t a meeting. You are in trouble Mr. Leeds.”

“Yeah. I don’t think so. Here is the thing if you punish Ned for this—I’ll be forced to take the punishment with him. How will you ever find peace then?” Tony shrugged.

“Go home—Both of you.” Principle Morita sighed, “Don’t cause anymore trouble Mr. Leeds. Mr. Stark won’t be able to talk you out of every punishment—In fact this is your only chance to do better.”

~
“So you didn’t get in trouble?” Peter asked his best friend.

Ned shook his head bewildered still, “No. I think your dad just talked him in circles until he said he would give me a pass this time but never again.”
“You mean Tony.” Peter frowned.

“Oh, what did I say?” Ned asked.

“You called him my dad.” Peter flopped down on his bed while they talked.

“Isn’t he though?”

Peter sat up straight again, “Is he? Oh damn.”

“You’re not going to have a panic attack, right? We already did that today. I would prefer to avoid another if possible.”

“No, I’m not. I don’t think. I’m confused though.” Peter stood up and started to pace the length of his room, “If Tony is my dad than Steve is?”

“Your other dad?” Ned laughed, “Gosh, you’re supposed to be a genius or something.”

~

“Hang on.” Peter walked out of his room. Ned trailed behind trying to see what was going on in his friend’s mind.

“Umm. Guys.” Peter cleared his throat interrupting Steve and Tony’s conversation in the living room.

“What’s wrong, Bub?” Tony asked the teenager.

“Both of you are raising me.” Peter stated.

“Okay.” Tony nodded.

“Both of you are male.” Peter added.

“This is brand new information.” Steve teased.

“What do I call you then?” Peter sat down in the middle of them causing Tony and Steve to shift to add space.

“I’m confused, Pete.” Steve admitted, “You’ve never had problems with what to call us. I hope we’re not going back to Captain Rogers and Mr. Stark.”

“I think this is my fault.” Ned said coming into the room further.

“No, no. It’s not.” Peter shook his head, “I’m trying to understand.”

“Okay. So am I.” Ned said sitting down in the chair across from the family.

“You just call us our names, Pete. What’s going on behind that question?” Tony asked knowing that this wasn’t a simple question but also knowing he and Steve had missed something that brought the question on.

“Umm. Ned called you my dad and then I wondered what that made Steve.” Peter explained.

“What do you want that to make me, Pete?” Steve asked casually.

“My dad.” Peter picked at his fingernails and avoided eye contact.

“Hmm.” Steve nodded, “How about Papa then?”

Peter looked over, “You aren’t mad?”

“That you think of us as your parents?”

“No, Pete. We love that.” Tony squeezed his hand.

“Oh. Okay. Cool.” Peter stood up, “We’re going to build legos then. Love you both!”

Tony and Steve waited for Peter and Ned to exit the room. Tony smiled, “We must have some damn good karma to deserve that kid.”

~

Peter was laying in bed thinking about how he had gained two parental figures. He couldn’t stop thinking about the one he had lost—The one who had just walked out on him though. He wanted to be able to just forget about her, to move on. Out of sight, out of mind. It wasn’t that easy though.

Peter swung his legs out of bed and got dressed. He glanced at the time 4:26AM. He needed to hurry. Papa would be up soon and then he would never let Peter go through with his plan. He just knew that this was something he had to do before he could feel secure in his new family.

Peter made his way to the garage and opened one of the Iron Man suits. His dad was going to kill him. He’d better hurry or he’d die before he even had a chance to mess up. Peter got into the suit and asked Friday to take him to May based on the location from Tony’s jet and Friday didn’t question it. Tony had given him access to the suits because he never would have thought Peter would abuse that. Peter had never intended to. Desperate times though…
Hours later.*

Peter landed and released the suit to his watch. He stared at the house in front of him. He could see May and someone in the living room watching TV. She looked happy—Peter’s heart clenched at this. He wanted her to be happy, but why did her happiness only come in his absence?

~

“I don’t understand, Friday. You just let him leave? You let him take the suit? Have you lost your mind? He is a child!” Tony yelled at the AI knowing full well Friday didn’t have a mind to lose.

“Sir, protocol states—“ Friday started to explain again.

“I know! Okay, I know. I didn’t expect Peter to do something like this though.” Tony called Peter’s phone for what felt like the millionth time. He waited for the voicemail to pick up, “Peter Parker—This is your father. I swear to Thor and Loki if you don’t come home then I’ll—I’ll, well there will be consequences to be decided later! WAIT UNTIL I TELL YOUR OTHER FATHER ABOUT THIS! YOU THINK I’M MAD. HE’S GOING TO BE LIVIDI! LIVID!”

“Friday alerted me.” Steve came in out of breath from his run, “What do we know?”

“He went to see May. I know because of the location from the suit. He should have just come to talk to me. I would have explained what happened in a way that didn’t hurt him.” Tony sighed.

“Is there a way to do that?” Steve asked, “Because I think he’s going to be in pain no matter what.”

“So what do we do?” Tony found his husband’s gaze, “How do we keep him safe?”

“We get ready to meet him there. He’s going to need us more than he even understands. I’m going to shower and change. Let’s plan to head to the jet in an hour. Call Happy.” Steve walked away still wrapping his mind around the situation, “If she hurts him though—“

“I know…” Tony agreed.

Chapter Text

Peter was in big trouble. He was confident of this based on the number of missed calls on his phone and the amount of text messages that he had left on read. He wasn’t even planning on listening to his voicemails; Tony and Steve had left a plethora. He had to do this though. 

He would face whatever consequence came from this decision later. He followed the walkway to the house slowly. He raised his hand to knock but paused just short. Had he made a mistake? Maybe he should just go home. Maybe he should call his dads and tell them he needed them to do this with him. Maybe he should—

While he was debating the door opened and a man stepped out onto the porch closing the door behind him, “hello—“

“—Oh.” Peter cleared his throat, “I’m—“

“Peter Parker. I know who you are. I’ve seen pictures.” The man nodded, “What I don’t know is why you’re here.”

Peter shrugged, “I’m here to see May.” He wasn’t going to call May his aunt. He wasn’t sure she had earned that title any longer.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Don’t you have that man looking out for you now? Shouldn’t you just go home to him?” May’s husband questioned.

“You mean my dad?” Peter frowned.

“Sure, if that’s what you call him.”

“It’s not what I call him—It’s who he is.” Peter felt his jaw clench. How dare this man imply anything other than what was the truth. Tony and Steve were his parents and they loved him.

“Right. Okay.” The man sighed, “I don’t know what else to say. I’m not going to tell May you’re here. It will only hurt her.”

“What about me? What about what hurts me?”

“That’s not my concern.” The man opened the door, “Go home. Don’t come back here.”

The door closed.

Peter exhaled out a shaky breath. He grabbed out his phone and dialed a number he would always know, “Dad?”

“Pete. I’m almost to you.” Tony told his teenager.

“Dad, I can’t breathe.” Peter sat down on the porch and started to cry, “I should not have come here.”

“I’m on the jet but I’m about to get into the suit to speed up my ETA. I promise we’re coming. We would never leave you alone to handle all of this. We’ve got you.”

“He doesn’t believe that you’re my dad.” Peter said finally.

Tony frowned. He could only assume May’s new husband, “Peter. Sit tight. I’m coming.”

~

Tony walked up the walk way to Peter. He tugged him forward into a hug, “I’m sorry, Bub.”

“This was a mistake.” Peter cried.

Probably, but Tony didn’t feel like this was the time. He gave Peter one last squeeze, “You think you can follow me in the suit you took without permission—Yeah we still have to talk about that, but later…?”

Peter nodded, “I know and yeah because Friday can do the work..”

“Let’s go to the hotel then.”

~

“Bubba.” Steve hugged the kid who still looked like he was grieving. People always forgot about this kind of loss—Abandonment. It wasn’t any easier to cope with than death; both hurt.

“Papa.” Peter rested his forehead against Steve’s chest.

“You’ve got him?” Tony asked grabbing his keys.

“Tony—“ Steve cautioned.

“No. Don’t talk me out of this. He picked this fight—Not me.”

Steve sighed, “Yeah. I’ve got him. Come back to us though. I don’t want to be calling Pepper about posting bail later.”

Tony gave a jerky nod, “I’ll always come home to you.”

~

May’s husband sighed while opening the door, “Look I already told the kid—“

“MY kid…I know what you said or what you implied to MY KID—NOT THE KID. I came here because I wanted to remind you of something. I wanted to remind you that I am Peter’s father. I get to say what’s best for him. I am responsible for putting him back together when the world starts to tear him to pieces. We don’t need you or May. He came here for closure and didn’t even get that. I’m passing you this letter to give to May. It’s the least you can do. Don’t worry you’ll never hear from me or my son ever again.” Tony gave him the letter Peter had written to May and walked away.

The man took the letter and said to Tony’s retreating back, “He was the reason she left, you know. He pushed her into a mental health break down. She was constantly worried.”

Tony paused. The old him would have turned around and given him a black eye but the more mature him—The parent knew that wasn’t the answer, “Is that how she is able to fall asleep at night? With that lie?”

Tony left after those words and did not look back.

~

Tony was at the hotel counter the next day checking out while Peter and Steve finished up in the restaurant. He turned when he heard his name spoken softly, “May, go home. I just talked him down.”

“I didn’t know he came by. I want the chance to explain—“

“—Explain what? How you left him to fend for himself with no skills or income to do so? Explain why another parent left him? Explain why you don’t want him now? Explain why your husband said horrible things to him? What are you explaining exactly? May, go home. You’ll only bring him pain.”

Peter chose that moment to walk with Steve into the lobby. Peter grabbed onto Steve’s arm and stepped behind him. Tony sighed. The kid had been hurt enough times. Peter was using his parent as a shield.

“Peter—“ May started walking toward him and Peter moved further behind Steve.

“May—I told you. Go home. He doesn’t want you here.” Tony said softly but his tone held a warning.

“Tony, he’s my nephew.” May snapped loudly.

“Well that’s true technically, but you have no rights to him any longer. I’ve already started the adoption process.” Tony explained.

“Tony—“ Steve got his attention, “We have a situation.” Peter was no longer behind Steve.

Peter had started to walk away and his hands were covering his ears.

“Peter.” Tony walked toward him, “We’re done fighting. I promise.”

Peter lowered his hands, “I’ll talk to her, okay? Then we can leave and never come back.”

Tony wanted to argue but this wasn’t May asking. It was Peter and Peter deserved closure. Tony was going to keep a close eye on the situation though, “Five minutes.”

Peter hugged him, “Thanks, Dad.”

~

Peter sat across from May. He was surprised that she no longer felt like his family or like a safe adult in his life. He had come to realize that it’s something that has to be earned and can be taken away—And once trust is gone it’s almost impossible to earn back, “What do you want?”

“Peter, that isn’t respectful.” May reprimanded.

“And my parents will address that later I’m sure.” Peter knew he should tone down but he couldn’t. He was angry, “Just tell me—Why did you do it?”

“I wasn’t in a healthy place. I was suffering from something they call Bipolar disorder. It was hard to manage.” May finally answered.

“So you just left?”

“I was sick.” May defended herself.

“Even so when a parent is sick they are still responsible for their child. Tony and Steve always put me first because it’s their job. You don’t get to use that excuse.” Peter stood up, “I just want you to know I don’t need you. I’m happy with my parents. They love me and take care of me. GO home to your husband and forget about me because I will not be thinking about you.”

Peter didn’t want for a response. It was very much a drop the mic type of moment and he didn’t want to ruin it. He walked to Tony and Steve who both hugged him.

“Home?” Steve asked.

“Home.” Tony and Peter agreed.

Nobody glanced back—They were closing a door on that chapter of Peter’s life.

~

“So she just said she wasn’t healthy?” Ned asked sitting cross legged on Peter’s bed with him once they had gotten home.

“Yeah.”

“I’m sorry.” Ned finally said.

“She doesn’t even feel like family anymore, Ned. I don’t know if that’s wrong or if I’m a horrible human being for feeling that way but she left and I had to rebuild my whole life and I have and now I can’t imagine anything other than living with Steve and Tony. I come here and it feels like home. What if she decides to come back later and take me away from all of this?” Peter voiced his fear.

“Can she?” Ned frowned.

“I don’t know.” Peter wiped at tears on his cheeks, “I can’t handle more loss, Ned.”

“Maybe we should talk to your parents.” Ned suggested, “Friday?”

“I’ve already asked them to join you.” Friday confirmed.

Tony opened the door and Steve followed him in, “Bubba, what’s wrong?”

Peter shrugged, “It’s no big deal.”

Ned snorted, “Yeah. Okay.”

“Ned!” Peter hissed, “Cut it out. I’m fine.”

“Just like I was fine that one time in third grade when I broke my arm and I didn’t want you to get an adult.”

“You can just tell us, Pete. We can handle whatever it is.” Steve sat down on Peter desk chair. Tony leaned against the wall casually.

Peter looked at the bed for a few minutes avoiding eye contact, “I’m afraid to lose this. I’m afraid May will come back and ruin it. I’m afraid that somehow I’ll end up living out of my car again. I just don’t know how to make that fear go away.”

“Well I guess we should have talked to you sooner.” Tony said, “We already started the adoption paperwork because May signed over her rights. She can’t come back and claim you. We also already started paperwork for who would take over your care if something happened to us. You are never going to end up on the streets ever again.”

“Well don’t die!” Peter’s face looked horrified, “That’s not cool at all.”

“Not planning on it but we asked Rhodey as a just in case type of deal and then if something happened to Rhodey we asked Bucky.” Steve explained gently, “In our line of work—We just want to be prepared.”

Peter nodded, “So I’m safe here? I’m not leaving, and you’re staying?”

“Always, Kid. You are officially stuck with the most overprotective family on the planet. I hope you can tolerate us.” Tony walked over and hugged him, “Because we aren’t going anywhere and neither are you.”

“Love you both so much.” Peter told his parents.

“We love you!” Steve said coming to join the hug.

“I feel like I’m invading on a moment…” Ned gave a nervous laugh.

“Just get in on this group hug!” Steve teased, “You’re family to Peter so you’re family to us!”

Ned squished himself in, “I love this. We should do this more often.”

Chapter Text

*A couple of weeks earlier.*

Peter sat down at his desk and pulled out a pen and a paper. He didn’t know if he would ever give this item to the recipient but he also knew that he wasn’t writing it for their sake. He was writing it for his own, 

“May, 

I know what it feels like to make a decision in the moment because we as people are wired to survive. We make choices and people deem that as selfish. I don’t know how I would describe what you did. I know that it upsets Tony because if your name comes up he gets this odd look on his face before he puts a happy face back on. So yeah, maybe what you did was selfish. Maybe leaving a teenager to fend for themselves was a horrible, rotten, no good thing to do. I’m conflicted though because it also led me home to my forever family. It brought me home.

I can currently listening to Steve teasing Tony about how Dum-E loves me more than Tony and Tony’s laughing but I know I’ll have to go reassure him that Dum-E still loves him the most of anyone. I can also hear Rhodey on the phone cackling about all of this. I also know that it’s family dinner tonight which means that the team should be coming any minute now.  All of the Avengers hug me a bit more often since you left—They are picking up the pieces. It’s what family does.

If I had to put a finger to what I feel about what happened to me I would say—Flabbergasted. I don’t know how I went from no parents to two amazing dads who love me three thousand. I have dads who come to check on me when I’m having a bad day. I have dads to hug me when life gets rough. I have dads who put my needs first again and again and again. I don’t know what I did to deserve them except that I think karma had to cut me a break somewhere finally.

So maybe I should be angry at you. I think just want peace though. I want to come to a day where I don’t think about why you left. I want to feel 100% secure in this family that I gained.

I know you didn’t mean to hurt me. I know you were going through it even if I didn’t know what it was. I watched you become a shell of who you were. I wanted to be the reason you pulled through that and I’m sorry I couldn’t be. The problem is—No one could make you be happy. I do hope that you’ve found peace and happiness though. 

Don’t worry about me. I’m better than I’ve ever been. I’m well loved and cared for. 

-Peter Parker.

“Peter! Family dinner!” Steve yelled.

“Coming!” Peter yelled back sliding the letter into his desk drawer. He wondered if a day would come when he would give that letter to May. He shook his head. He wasn’t sure but right now he just wanted to spend time with those he loved most.

~

“Pete—“ Tony sat down on the jet next to the teenager.

“—I’m fine.” Peter didn’t take his gaze away from the window of the jet.

“You’re a teenager.” Tony explained, “You get the right to be a mess after something like that.”

Peter stayed quiet for a minute, “I was homeless. She left me alone. I had no one to tuck me in. I didn’t know where I would get meals from. I was alone. She just left.”

Tony lifted the arm rest in between them and Peter took that as a sign and scooted closer laying his head against his dad’s chest, “She did. That all happened.”

“I was so scared.” Peter cried, “And I was too scared to go to you for help even. I didn’t want to lose you or burden you. I was trying to be okay. I’m so exhausted from being okay.”

“Then permission to grieve and feel the pain you’ve bottled up way too long.” Tony ran a hand through Peter’s curls. He spent the rest of the plane ride home holding this sweet teenager who had been through way too much as a child. He would do whatever it took to keep him from more trauma. Peter’s cries finally turned to silence. Tony sighed in relief as his son’s breathing evened out.

After landing Steve made his way to Peter, “I can wake him or carry him. He’s a teenager but I am super strong.”

“Just take him in. I don’t think I can listen to more cries. My heart hurts.” Tony told his husband who easily lifted their teenager to bring into the house.

Steve soothed the teenager back to sleep after he started to wake up when Steve laid him in bed. Steve took off his tennis shoes and covered him with his blanket. He kissed the top of Peter’s head and whispered, “Love you, Bub.” Before walking out of the room.

Tony was in the living laying on the couch with his eyes closed, “He’s still asleep?”

“Yeah.” Steve sat down on the chair and laid his head back closing his own eyes, “I hate her.”

“Me too.”

~

“Papa?” Peter found Steve in the gym a couple of weeks later, “Can we talk for a minute? Dad’s not home.”

Steve frowned, “So I’m your second choice?”

“Well…” Peter pulled out his math book, “Here’s the problem.”

Steve laughed, “Yeah. I don’t know that one, bud.”

“See. Can you please make dad come home?” Peter groaned.

“You know how to make that happen?” Steve winked.

Peter grinned and pulled out his phone, “Aunt Pepper? I need your help.”

~

“Don’t even think about it.” Tony laughed as Peter tried to steal a cookie from the plate on the counter.

“BUT—“

“Papa will kill you dead. Bucky made those for his birthday.” Tony raised a brow.

“Fine. I’m just going to go ask Papa.”

“He already told me no.” Tony warned.

“Well I am not you.” Peter winked. He found Steve reading in the living room, “Papa? Can I have one of your cookies?”

“Sure thing, but only one and make sure to get something to drink. I don’t want you to get dehydrated and we trained hard earlier.” Steve flipped a page.

“Love you, Papa.”

“Love you most.” Steve yelled.

“NO YOU DON’T!” Tony yelled, “I DO!”

~

Tony’s tires screeched to a stop in front of the school. He ran inside, “Everything good?”

“Just one of those days.” Ned explained, “We haven’t had a bad day in a while. He’s shut down pretty tight.”

Tony sat down on the bathroom floor next to Peter, “How about we go home to Papa and we all cuddled and watch a movie?”

Peter glanced over, “It was my fault.”

“Nope. 100% inaccurate information. I’m prepared to fight you on it too.” Tony teased.

“I’d win.” Peter shrugged, “I’m really strong.”

“I’ll bring Papa on my team to even the odds.”

Peter glanced at Ned, “I’ve got my guy in the chair.”

“That you do. You’ve got a good team.” Tony agreed, “So home or back to class?”

“Home please.”

~

“NO! STOP!” Peter laughed as Rhodey picked the next song for Just Dance.

“What? I’m a cool uncle!” Rhodey heard the opening to WAP and started to follow the dance moves to the best of his ability.

“This is horrifying.” Peter said but he couldn’t help the joy that bubbled up in his chest.

“YOU LOVE IT!” Rhodey was trying to figure out how to twerk.

“I don’t think you’re doing that right.” Peter wiped tears from laughing so hard off his cheeks.

“Oh, I bet you think you can do it so much better.” Rhodey dared

“Fine! Watch me!” Peter laughed.

That is how Tony and Steve found them.

“We leave for two hours…” Steve laughed.

“He started it.” Peter accused.

“I did. I did do that.” Rhodey nodded.

“He’s a cool uncle.” Peter shrugged and Rhodey pushed him onto the couch.

“Don’t joke about that. It’s true. I am.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night.” Peter teased.

“COME ON! Clean up! Family dinner in ten. We brought pizza home. Everyone else should be here soon.” Tony  watched Peter continue to tease Rhodey as they picked up the living room.

“He’s happy.” Steve said glancing at Peter.

“Yeah. He is.” Tony smiled.

“We’re like a normal family.” Steve smiled, “Somehow we made it all work.”

“I don’t think we’ll ever be normal. I don’t think Peter needs normal though. I think he just needs love and safety. The rest will fall in place.” Tony hugged Steve from behind resting his forehead against his back.

“No more just surviving.” Steve said as he grabbed down plates from the cupboard.

“We don’t even like that word in this household any longer.” Tony teased.

~

“You ready for this?” Tony asked Peter.

“Yeah. I want to make something beautiful from that pain.” Peter nodded and pulled the tarp off the beat up car.

“You lived in this?” Tony frowned.

“It was okay.” Peter shrugged, “But let’s make it better.”

“Only room for improvement I suppose.” Tony rolled up his sleeves, “Let’s go to work.”

“Friday? You know the drill.” Peter told the AI.

ACDC blared over the speakers.