Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

At first when Tony Stark had become Iron Man it was for personal reasons, and for personal gain, he didn’t think that anyone else could do the job he’d assigned himself. It was from seeing the horror his weapons caused that he took the mantle of Hero, and with each mission he’d taken on himself, each time he wore his armour he became linked to his goal more and more. From the beginning it wasn’t truly about himself, although many commented on it and he had believed it for a time, no, he eventually realised that he was, rather than boosting himself, sacrificing himself, each injury, or each bit of damage to his suit was someone else being safe, living, surviving, Tony would admit to having issues, he’d had them for years but in the end for him Iron Man wasn’t an issue, his mission wasn’t a issue.

Until it was.

He was dying, the thing keeping him alive and the suit he made to protect others was killing him, so he decided to ensure his legacy, Tony had never run Stark Industries in reality Pepper had been his stand in and so he’d given her the company to run. Tony would go out saving people, he’d ensure his name wouldn’t be remembered in pity or disgrace but with some pride, some positivity. Then his Father saved his life from beyond the grave, Tony had never liked his father, he blamed the man for killing himself and his mother, but he’d saved Tony, and for that his respect for the man grew, he wasn’t dying, he had a chance, and so eventually came the idea for Stark Tower, a beacon of hope for the future, and a fresh start for himself a symbol of progress.

But then New York happened a battle bigger than many had seen, a fight larger than Tony had ever taken part in, he was an Avenger, part of a team, and while he’d admit to disliking teams, he’d bite his tongue, and he’d aid them, the changes to Stark Tower not only provided repair to the damaged structure but ensured that the other heroes had a place in the world. It was the least he could do.

He’d always struggled with the position held by Captain America in his life, Howard Stark had used the man as the bar Tony was set to, his ‘aunt’ Peggy had always told him the truth, that Steve Rogers was just like anyone else and the other Commandos when he saw them would give him War stories different from any other but in the end all of this boiled down to Tony seeing Rodgers as a figure above many. Something he disliked immensely as he grew up, the equations of the Captains experiment were burnt into his head at 7 it was a punishment from Howard to know them by heart, and many punishments began with ‘If Steve Rogers…’ or ‘when I was…’ but Tony bit his tongue when dealing with the real man, it was a way of showing respect, sure he’d make comments he’d be rude sometimes. However Tony truly couldn’t describe how he felt in regards to the man.

Inside Tony he knew that it was another holdover from his youngest years, raised by Nannies and sometimes his mother Howard Stark was not that present in his life, so Tony grew up isolated and worshiping his mother, truly he’d had no friends anyone in his social status wanted him for the namesake, anyone below it was considered ‘beneath the Stark name’ that was until Tony had begun to rebel, until he’d met James Rhodes, when he’d managed to find a stable friend, one he knew he could count on, and one that gave him the care and attention he needed, he had a constant companion who would let Tony in all his drama throw himself into Rhodey’s arms and demand his time, but he was still isolated inside, never really open.

Then Came Pepper the secretary who’d entered his life with loud ranting speeches about his recklessness and his stupidity and having to fix problems she wasn’t even employed to solve, so of course she became his assistant, it was a given from the moment she’d stormed into his office with threats of non-existent Pepper spray to the guards, she didn’t take his crap, and he gave up on trying to give it, sure sometimes things got out of hand but she was another one of his rocks, and he knew that she understood, that she’d figured it out, his heart didn’t reach for her for no reason and he was glad she’d accepted that line, they had each other, no matter what he’d try to keep the woman in his life.

But then he nearly lost it all, ‘the Mandarin’ he’d lost his house, his friend, his girlfriend, his life in that moment was on the brink until a young kid saved him, oh Tony understood that the boy didn’t realise how much of a helper he’d been it was why he’d refitted the boys garage as a thanks, because truly he’d needed someone to bring him back down, back to earth after New York, after everything that had made him worried, paranoid and stupid, he’d made mistakes he’s played his overconfident role and it had ruined him. When a loudmouthed kid dragged his priorities back into gear, he’d managed to get Rhodey back and save Pepper, and although she would forever have some ‘Extremis’ in her system she was safe, she was his rock still, he’d destroyed his suits as more than a symbol it was allowing himself to move passed the insecurities that had built up, he knew he needed help but he’d get better and he thought he was.

Then S.H.I.E.L.D fell, and HYDRA emerged once more, Tony had watched in horror from a distance, the emergence of Bucky Barnes wasn’t expected and Tony had retrieved every file released by Natasha, nothing was going to stop him in helping Rogers return his friend, he had begun to finally move on from his father’s treatment, until he’d found the files, Barnes had killed his parents, he’d shielded it away, he knew he couldn’t explode, he’d worked on it, slowly digesting the information, and still working on ways to reverse the procedures done to Bucky, he knew deep down it was HYDRA that had killed his parents, but all of his anger, his built resentment would come to haunt him, it always did. Tony however presented a front; he was perfectly fine… he couldn’t find any issues.

Before Wanda.

Tony knew it wasn’t her fault, he didn’t blame the woman she’d been a victim of his, another indirect casualty, but he also knew that it was the truth, and so in a unstable need to protect those he was beginning to reach out to he’d created Ultron and broke the trust that he’d been desperately hoping for. In honesty Tony should have known better, should have seen it but he didn’t and so more people became his victims a nation was torn apart from his error and he paid the price, and so he moved the Avengers Headquarters, as far from populated areas as he could, if anything attacked it’d be safer there, he could only hope that it had worked and for a time it had, things were looking good, things were steady.

The Sokovia Accords. The issue that broke the Avengers, he didn’t understand why Steve didn’t listen to him, he wasn’t signing the accords to agree to them, he was doing it for time, to change them, to force them to break under pressure but it hadn’t worked out, and he blamed himself, why wouldn’t he, it was also this time that Pepper had informed him of the position of Private Intern that was now assigned to help his workload that Tony often heaved onto himself, the first intern hadn’t worked out the 25 after didn’t either. Tony supposed he couldn’t blame them, he was their boss and anyone dealing with a sleep deprived, frustrated and capable man wouldn’t enjoy the job, eventually he grew too sick of Cap’s attitude and he’d snapped, but in that break came Tony’s second ‘Kid’ Peter Parker was a child prodigy and a teen genius of that Tony had no doubts and while he’d thrust the teen into a level of action he wasn’t ready for he was not letting the kid go unaided, and with each blow in the ‘Civil War’ as it was known after made Tony more angry from Vision paralysing Rhodey to Natasha acting alone, although he couldn’t blame her, he had snapped further, he didn’t know what that mental Russian/HYDRA ‘doctor’ wanted but in the state Tony was in it hadn’t mattered they’d won, Steve had left, with Bucky and Tony was injured and isolated again with a shield he didn’t even want he’d just let his jealousy and resentment build.

It was around this time Tony had begun secretly seeing a therapist, he needed to get his life in order, he wouldn’t deny that, and despite his setbacks he was improving, Interns still passed through his ‘care’ quickly he was up to 50 or higher, but none of them fit, they weren’t what Tony needed and Pepper eventually gave him permission to hire his own personal intern, he didn’t forget Peter Parker, no, he’d entered him into the Stark Internship program, he knew he’d be rejected on age but when Pepper told him it still stung, he made sure to listen to the reports the teen gave Happy, eventually he realised that ‘moving day’ wasn’t productive for anything apart from the Avengers tech, not if he wanted to keep stability in his life, he’d given the buyer their money back and substantially more to keep the New York tower, it was redesigned, improved and was once more ‘STARK TOWER’ it gave him a project, something to work on, something to keep his focus.

He’d happily admit his biggest failing was ‘homecoming’ the term he began to use to cover some of his biggest bungles, taking Peters suit, ‘what was he thinking’ the kid was to noble and stubborn to give up, and he hadn’t, crushed by a building, traveling on the outside of a plane, falling from said plane and managing to defeat the vulture had made Tony appoint Peter his personal intern nearly immediately, and while he’d been stunned that Peter rejected the Avengers membership he had to admit the kid had good reasons, and it had finally gotten him and Pepper engaged so he had that to thank the teen for.

The Teens work with Tony on his bad days were the best part of the day, Peter had a way of making even Tony see the bright side, of seeing the positivity in life, but he noticed the teen was shifty at times, as if he were holding back, not being himself entirely, he’d fix complex equations as if it were Childs play before anxiously shying back, he’d suggest ideas that solved issues anyone his age wouldn’t understand before looking as if he regret it, and he would leave at odd times before his suit would track patrol, or return after his suit had stopped tracking patrol, his Aunt didn’t seem to notice, unless he’d managed to lessen her suspicions over the many years he’d operated within his two or more identities, but Tony had no doubts he needed to keep an eye on the teen.

So, he did.

But what he found would change the path that had been set before hand and thus set the future into flux.

Chapter Text

(Peter Parker)

Peter Benjamin Parker born in Queens, New York August 10^th 2001 had a different early life to most his age, from what he remembered of his Parents they were always away, oh he knew that his parents loved him but he spent much of his live with his Uncle Ben Parker and his Aunt May Parker, and then the ‘accident’ happened and Peter was now permanently in his Aunt and Uncles care, although life was fairly tough for the family Peter knew a happy childhood, the three could afford various classes for young Peter and his life was a mixture of school, dance, singing, drama and other activities, some clubs some classes, it was a good life and Peter began to thrive with all the added challenges.

It was the 2010 Stark Expo that Tony and Peter first interacted, naturally they both didn’t fully grasp the situation, it was an early birthday gift to Peter to attend the years Expo as the boy had begun to admire Tony Stark for many reasons beyond the Iron Man persona that had been revealed the year prior, the 8 year old Peter on the night the Battle of the Expo occurred had stood his ground in the first of his displays of heroic traits raising his replica Iron Man repulser the boy refused to move, Tony Stark saw this and saved the kid. The comment of ‘Nice work, kid’ had rung in Peters ears for a while after that day leaving the boy awestruck and giving him new commitment to becoming like one of his idols.

It was later in life what Peter gained a scholarship to Midtown School of Science and Technology where he soon became friends with Ned Leeds unfortunately this friendship would set him onto a deadlocked rivalry with Eugene ‘Flash’ Thompson, Peter also became close acquaintances with MJ (Michelle Jones – Don’t let her hear me say that) who often teased him, in this time he developed a crush on Liz Toomes who was two years Peter’s senior.

It was his genius with tech however that gave Peter a new mission, when S.H.I.E.L.D fell Peter had also been someone who even with the limited technology (the teen had scraped together from destroyed computers) had gotten hold of the dumped files and had discovered it was not an accident that his parents had died but rather a hit performed by the ‘Winter Soldier’ by HYDRA. Peter then began to search for those involved in HYDRA in New York and remove them as targets, exposing them to the Government to be detained and processed through the work of his at that time only other identity.

While on a fieldtrip to Oscorp with the school at age Fourteen Peter was bitten by a spider the company was committing experiments on and gained superhuman abilities, his senses became heightened (and under refinement by Peter could be muted or limited to not cause to many incidents of sensory overload to the teen), he gained strength and speed proportional of that to a spider and gained the ability to adhere to near any surface, despite a time using his abilities to entertain himself Peters world changed when his Uncle Ben was shot across the street from him while searching for the teen Ben’s words ‘with great power comes great responsibility’ ringing with the words of Tony Stark from years prior Peter had his new mission, developing his own synthetic web fluid and Web-Shooters with scrap components from a tech store near his Aunts apartment he used them to battle criminals in New York city as the masked hero Spider-Man, in order to maintain his identity Peter acted much as he once did while without the mask, although some saw through parts of the rouse most did not and he maintained his life much as it was before, despite his Aunt now finding it hard to continue to support Peter, the teen withdrew from any activity that cost more money than the pair had but still enjoyed the life he’d been given.

Peter had always had talents for various fields of work and so once Spider-Man began to take on attention from various media outlets and reporters, and when videos surfaced on YouTube Parker created a blog for the hero, often reporting on his acts as Spider-Man as a way of reassuring the people he was out there to help, in total Peter had three blogs, all different parts of his life Peter Parker had a blog about his life, Spider-Man had a blog about his work and a third blog spoke to Peters intelligence while keeping the teens identity entirely a secret, it was these blogs and the footage on YouTube that set Tony Stark and Peter Parker towards their second encounter.

It was when Tony Stark had approached the teen to help him within the Avengers ‘Civil War’ and while not a fan of the Accords that resulted in the fight Peter agreed under threat of blackmail to work with his idol, and despite Stark making fun of his suits design he admitted to being impressed by the Web Fluid Peter had made, finally Peter had agreed to travel with Tony to Berlin where he gained a new suit logging his trip on camera despite not fully knowing why he was there.

Despite his awkward nature when facing Team Cap as he’d never worked outside of solo hero work in Queens and other Areas of New York it was during the fight that Peter faced Bucky Barnes and while anger had bubbled up he knew the man was only used when he’d been the one to kill Peters parents indeed Peter admired the metal arm the man had calling it ‘awesome’ to a confused Bucky who’d never had anyone stop his arm let alone enjoy seeing it, and although struggling against Falcon and Barnes he managed to subdue then he later faced Steve Rogers alone, and while he’d managed to hold his own Rogers experience held true and the teen was subdued Rogers admired the teen’s work and asked there he was from when Spider-Man said Queens the captain had smirked replying Brooklyn and leaving the teen supporting the fallen platform, eventually through various stages of the battle Peter became increasingly tired eventually agreeing with Tony Stark that he was finished laying on the floor not engaging anyone else the rest of the battle.

After the battle and returning home Peter had been allowed to keep the new suit that Tony had made for the teen on the condition that Happy Hogan be given updates onto the teens work as the hero Spider-Man, it was through this interaction Peter began feeling more secure about his future as a hero with Tony’s backing even if it meant returning to regular life for a while he knew he had a place in the future and would continue his activities as Spider-Man, while he adapted to his life returning to normal he desired to have more time to perform his duties as Spider-Man leading to his departure from the school Decathlon team.

His return to his regular hero work as Spider-Man helping those in need on the ground proved somewhat boring after the battle in Berlin but Peter knew it was needed and wasn’t to fazed despite some awkward run ins, while confronting bank robbers and others Peter discovered remnant Chitahuri tech from the Battle for New York some years earlier this night left Peter distracted enough that his close friend Ned became aware of his identity at the Spider themed hero while Peters life as Spider-Man grew increasingly interesting his life as Peter Parker was beginning to wear on the teen, who despite of being a capable individual found himself isolated, Peter became more determined to stick to hero life after that and it ended in his confrontation with the Vulture.

Peter’s confrontations with the Vulture caused a rift between himself and Tony from the way Peter was trying to be a hero, seeing this as a push to place Peter back into the role of neighbourhood hero despite being the man who’d taken Peter from that level of work, after refusing to listen the remote controlled Iron Man suit left and Peter was determined to prove Tony wrong working with Ned to investigate this issue alone as Tony wasn’t listening to him, this culminated in the hacking of Peters suit and his venting to Ned over being treated as a child despite various issues occurring in Washington D.C. Peters rescue of his friends was a highlight for him as it reminded him of why he chose to be a hero.

Peter continued his search however leading to disastrous results when his suit was taken and his life began to become hard with how thin Peter had stretched himself with a renewed commitment Peter used his once again limited resources to track the Vulture as Tony and Happy ignored the teens warnings the teen took matters into his own hands and once he finally discovered the Vultures identity as Adrian Toomes and confronting the man, and while Tony’s words had given him resolve to continue while crushed under rubble he would admit to resenting the older hero and his lack of understanding at Peters wishes and needs, with more resolve to end the conflict with the Vulture Peter eventually succeeded and decided to plan his life better than he had, re-joining the Decathlon team a top priority he managed to regain Happy’s trust and the man apologised seeing Peter as a kid more than a hero.

Meeting with Tony again he’d been given the chance to join the avengers, Peter knew he had some more to learn but that he also needed to keep his life low profile and declined the offer, unknowing that it was genuine and not a test, this spired Tony to announce his engagement to Pepper Potts and began a new relationship between Peter and Tony with the teen taking a larger role as Tony’s Personal Intern while still trying to hide the other parts of his life, one positive was that Aunt May had discovered Peters identity as Spider-Man, or the public version of Spider-Man and so he had less to hide however he was still holding back from his true nature, and while he sensed Tony understood that, he simply hoped he had time to prepare for the revelation of all of Peters life.

He did not have time.

Chapter Text

Tony watched as once again Peter left early, although today would be different as Tony placed a tracker in a juice Peter had drank when he was in the lab, the man did feel some guilt at tracking the teen but he wanted to ensure the teenager was safe, healthy and wasn’t making mistakes in life, and so after 20 minutes Tony was in an Iron Man Suit following the teen in his Spider-Man suit, ‘or at least a version of the suit’ Tony thought recalling that the tracker in Peters suit hadn’t moved in some months despite Tony seeing the teen in the suit, or at least an identical one. Seeing Peter slow down near an abandoned auto repair location made Tony feel a protective surge, older brick buildings in the same state often housed a number of various illegal acts and Tony could only hope this wasn’t the case, seeing lights activate as Peter drew closer made the man curious as did a window opening remotely allowing Peter to swing through before closing. This gave Tony one option as a remote drone entered through the closing window after the teen, only to cut off immediately and although he was keeping his distance Tony was worried, it was when his HUD went down that he panicked the blue glow was soon replaced however with a Black, Green and Yellow Graffiti looking text spelling ‘Eight-Legz’ Tony had heard of the rumoured genius hacktivist who anonymously gave companies aid in design specifications and programming matters refusing to expose their identity or age simply offering a helping hand before leaving, some companies had paid this mysterious person for their work pushing media announcements that the person had helped quicken their design schedule or fixed errors that had stopped projects entirely, other times the individual had reported companies failings to the government for review or to various groups to hold the companies to accounts, in truth seeing the logo inside his Iron Man armour scared Tony because it meant Friday was venerable the logo rearranged itself until an image of Peter Parker appeared “you aren’t the only one with tracking capabilities Mr. Stark, or did you forget my enhanced taste means I know when something isn’t right?” Peter spoke “returning suit control in a moment and opening a larger window, I suppose there’s no getting around this” Peter finished, sure enough the suits control reactivated moments later and a larger window slid apart on the structure, entering saw Tony inside the former workshop, new lights hung in rows from the tall ceiling, a display of monitors sat against one of the walls with Peter standing at the centre of the main space near a holographic table/workstation looking both annoyed and yet guilty at being caught, landing Tony left the armour he had on “Greetings Tony Stark, I have heard a lot about you” a voice spoke before Tony could

“Peter, Kid, what’s going on?” Tony asked his voice broadcasting his confusion, Peter let out a weak chuckle

“Say hello to my other hidden identity” he grumbled, it seems he didn’t like being discovered at all “and my other life within even Spider-Man” he spoke pointing to a darker suit, it was black and dark grey and held in a display as part of a row that stretched from his first suit labelled ‘Prototype Mk 1’ the next suit Tony assumed was his own labelled ‘Mk1 (Stark Tech)’ after that there were a series of suits, some had folded darker version beneath in a display ranging from ‘Mk1’ to ‘Mk10’ “I suppose this means the suit you had on earlier is the Mark 11 then” Tony spoke, his kept his voice level as Peter looked down “It is” he spoke softly “I’ve been using it for a week, although testing is a better term, it’s the latest, still a few bugs and issues to fix” he clarified,

“how long have you worked from here? where and what is here? just explain this kid” Tony instructed tiredly

“Since about the time S.H.I.E.L.D fell, maybe just after, it was a time just before I became Spider-Man, I began working to expose HYDRA members that remained hidden, I didn’t want to risk Aunt May so I began searching for a place to hide it, I found this place. When I became Spider-Man and I needed a place to rest sometimes or if I was injured in a suspicious way I’d use it, this is, well I just call it my Workshop it’s where I work on personal stuff, it’s where I work from on challenges and various things to keep my mind engaged with life”

“you mean Eight-Legz, you’re them? Him?” Peter looked sheepish as he let his gaze wonder around the room “Yes, it started as tinkering, then realising my skills with computing and tech, and with science, and just in general, it grew and eventually I found myself offering help to someone, turns out they worked for a decent tech company and I’d helped fix a three month long problem, I researched companies with public acknowledgement of failings or those reaching out to people to help in a more covert way and began helping, I ensured the companies I worked with were neutral or green energy reliant, efficient, decently liked, and while maybe not large or powerful would value some assistance. I found someone else had completed some jobs I’d taken and discovered well, you probably know of her Mr. Stark, Princess Shuri of Wakanda, we spoke and with companies already giving me the tech they threw out as ‘gifts’ for my work she agreed to help me, we work on things together or support the other, recently though we added a teen I think you might remember, Harley Keener, an-and well me and Harley got close and even if he’s a fairly long way away we’re dating now, a-and yeah, anyway, we work on different issues, Shuri has general talents with Tech, engineering and other areas, I am good with tech and Science and Harley covers engineering often so we complement the others skills, and we’re all decently good at coding and it sort of grew, Shuri and I worked on the A.I. that greeted you Elim - Eight-Legz-Intelligence-Matrix named after Garak on Star Trek Deep Space Nine, but it’s just slowly grown, I know it’s not exactly safe here, but nothing’s happened, and with my powers I can defend myself” Peter explained lightly answering the questions “and the suits all matching?” Tony spoke

“I was trying to hide the upgrades I was performing if I kept the look identical then I hoped that you wouldn’t notice or think the tracker was malfunctioning or something else, so it’d be less likely you’d catch me, but I guess I failed in hiding this place” Peter spoke getting quieter

“why would you want to hide this place? or your work as Eight-Legz? I’ve tracked it in my free time, its genius kid, and the work you do sometimes, it’s incredible, why hide smarts like this? it’s Nothing to be ashamed of” Tony spoke, Peter looked away from the man

“because I don’t like attention Mr. Stark, I don’t like people knowing who I am, maybe a bit more yeah, like if people wouldn’t pick on me but I don’t need anything else, and showing how smart I am would do the opposite, it’d draw people’s attention, and if people are watching me to closely from things like Eight-Legz then how would I live as Spider-Man alongside it, I couldn’t because someone would draw the connection eventually and it could expose me, I don’t want that, I like working knowing that I can switch off certain things, here I’m me entirely, with May I’m the Peter she knows, at school I’m who they know and expect and with you I’m Peter and Spiderman, not really the complete picture but more than anything else” Peter explained

“and yet your username is spider themed ‘Eight-Legz’ gives a hint kid”

“To those who know yeah, but if you didn’t, you’d think it was a unique username, a defunct one at that” Peter spoke grumbling the end

“Why would it be defunct?”

“Because you know about this, if I can’t keep it secret from you I have to tell May, and she’ll freak about safety and then I can’t come here anymore, I can’t use the internship as an excuse to go home later on the nights I come here anymore cause I’ll know it’s a lie I can’t sustain, and if I can’t come here to work as Eight-Legz then I can’t operate at all, and if I can’t come here I also lose my ability to use Elim and I lose my suits upgrades and I can’t work on new versions and it just keeps spiralling” Peter groaned out

“While I agree you’ll have to tell May, there is no reason that you can’t keep upgrading the suits or working as Eight-Legz, if you can’t come here than you’ll have to find a new place to work from, I don’t care that you upgraded the suit or made new versions but if you don’t tell me these things I can’t help you with them” Tony replied, Peter stopped his pacing and turned to Tony

“You’d help?” he asked shocked, Tony felt like laughing at the turn of events

“Kid you’re a personal intern at Stark Industries and you’re asking me Tony Stark if he’d help his intern to show and not be afraid to show his genius, of course I’d help, it’d be a giant waste of time, energy and logic if I allowed you to continue holding back, it doesn’t help either one of us if I allowed that to happen, I already thought you were smart and capable but this is another level entirely and it’s nothing that shouldn’t continue but it needs to work through the proper channels rather than alone”

“I’m not alone” Peter replied, “and I have plans for making this work official in a few years” Peter spoke

“then how about speeding up those plans, divisions of Stark Industries are created to be autonomous and can become independent, you trust me with this, and I’ll see the paperwork drawn up, and it would give you full backing and resources, you can’t say that wouldn’t be welcomed” Tony replied

“It would, but how would that happen properly, I have all this to move at least or recreate parts of it, I’d need space, a fair bit of it and with my already established resources, I mean this place is designed to be modular and moveable but where would I work?” Peter spoke

“you know that the Avengers levels of Stark Tower are being mostly gutted and redesigned for my use, well we’ll simply work together to create a space that’s usable for both of us” Tony spoke, Peter began pacing once more thinking over that Tony had just said, eventually he came to his conclusion and conceded

“Fine, but if this is happening I want access to the scrapped Iron Legion, for parts, and other tech, better than them being melted down, maybe an automated assistant in my workshop, oh and I have total design rights over my space, if I need help I ask but I am the one who manages this, I am Eight-Legz and I won’t be denied in my work, so we’re clear, Tony” Peter spoke, he gained a smirk at Tony’s spluttered response “n-not Mr. Stark?” he spoke

“no, you want me to be real, to not hide, this is me, I’m fairly sure I’m near your IQ at roughly 250 so if this does happen, I’m not just a kid or your personal intern, I have projects, ideas and plans in my own right, I’m my own person Tony, and I expect to be given time to do my work as you’d give anyone else” Peter spoke

“I’m roughly 270, so within 20 points, not bad for your age, or in general. I agree to those terms Peter, in truth I didn’t know what do to with the Iron Legion aside from program them for repair work, and I’d never take the design rights to your own space away, that would be pointless, but we still have to tell May about this, given it’s a Friday, tomorrow I’m bringing you and May here and we both get a full explanation, am I clear on that?” Tony agreed, Peter nodded

“Elim, tell Harley and Shuri, Open-Book is in effect” he spoke

“Of course, Peter, I did try warning you that things wouldn’t go so well, you really are a terrible liar”

“thanks, Elim, great pep-talk, maybe I’ll reprogram you soon and remove your personality while I’m at it” Peter hissed

“you can’t blame me for your mistakes” the A.I. spoke

“I used a scan of my brain as your core programs and yet you don’t show my attitude at all” Peter retorted in a grumble, Tony furrowed his eyebrows at that statement “a scan of your mind, as in you placed a version of yourself into a computer?”

“not exactly, I used a Digital replica of my brain using the same technique Shuri is using on, well, on Sargent Barnes to remove the HYDRA programming, it allowed me to code and program around a functional pattern of thought and mental impulses, Elim is as close to a human as a ‘restricted’ A.I. can get”

“Indeed, I am likely the most advanced A.I. in the western world, I cannot compare myself to the system that runs within the Wakandan Design Group’s own A.I. however I am very much aware of the weaknesses in Friday, not that anyone else could notice them naturally” the A.I. spoke, Peter shook his head “one thing he doesn’t have is your modesty” Tony snorted “Now, back to Aunt May’s before she kills me then resurrects me to do it again” Tony instructed, Peter only nodded as the pair left.

-

Parking in the parking lot of Peters apartment building Tony turned “you said you and Harley were together, so, er, well, are you Gay or?” he spoke softly, Peter shook his head

“Bisexual” he replied quietly

“alright, just curious if I’m honest, means I can know you better” Tony responded as the pair got out of the car, Peter checked his watch ‘9:10’ he was in trouble, at the door Tony knocked and when May opened it the look on her face made Peter want to find the nearest window and launch himself out of it, “Why are you late?” She hissed towards Peter

“He was with me, my workshop doesn’t have a clock, my fault entirely, Peter head on in, May I need to talk with you” Tony replied, Peter nodded rapidly squeezing past his aunt he entered his room, Tony politely entered the apartment trying not to break under May’s tough gaze “What happened Stark? And no lying” the woman near growled out, Tony sighed and indicated for the woman to sit “It’s not my story to tell, not entirely tomorrow me, you and Peter are going somewhere for it to be explained, honestly I’m not quite sure how do describe it myself, the summary would be that Peter is, he’s not entirely truthful about his life is the best way, nothing illegal, nothing to dangerous but it’s still something he kept hidden, just, if we talk now you can get your questions in tomorrow no doubt Peters tired” Tony replied

“untruthful how?” May asked

“not untruthful, pulling back, not acting entirely as himself all the time, and it’s not just with me, or unfortunately you, but in many situations, and personally I think it needs a wide and long-term solution that we can discuss after tomorrow, that way we both have the facts and know where we stand with this” Tony spoke

“tomorrow, I’m free, at what time?”

“9:30 in the morning, give us all enough time to wake up and give enough time to spend at the place I discovered, and hopefully give Peter time to get his thoughts in order himself, if you don’t mind, I’m going to get back to the tower, can I pop in to say goodnight?” Tony spoke, May nodded and Tony stood, knocking on Peter’s door the teen allowed him in “I’m going to the tower kid, I’ll see you tomorrow, have a good night”

Peter lay with his hand over his phone “Night Tony” he replied, Tony nodded and left.

-

As soon as Peter had entered his room and shut the door the buzzing of his phone began, changing into his night clothes and climbing under the covers Peter picked up “Evening’ Darlin’” the voice on the other end spoke “Evening Harls” Peter replied,

“I got the message, Open-Book is confirmed?” Harley spoke

“Yeah, Tony followed me, he knows, it may turn up better for me and us though but I’m not sure, he’s speaking to Aunt May, but I’ll be fine, how are things down with you?”

“Alright, the court decided, with mom throwing me out and the garage being in my father’s name I have rights to claim it, and I’ve been emancipated, I have control over my living location, I just didn’t want it to take being slurred in the court room to get it to pass” Harley replied softly

“what happened Love? It’ll feel better to tell me, and you know it” Peter replied

“the judge asked mom to explain why she threw me out, she yelled out that ‘I DIDN’T WANT NO FAGGOT IN MY HOME NO MORE’ I know my town isn’t the best but even the others gasped, the judge agreed, I have to check in with authorities once in a while but other than that I’m considered capable of supporting myself”

“as much as I can’t stand your mom for that Harls I can say I’m thankful for her, it means you have a place to stay, and you always have a place with me if you need it, I couldn’t turn you away country boy” Peter hummed

“despite that I’m a year younger than you Pete?”

“why should that matter? I know people with a 3 year age difference and that’s just at Midtown, a year means nothing, besides it’s not like we’re not mature enough, it’s not a problem, it just means I can use the ‘listen to your elders’ line with you” Peter replied, while he didn’t fully understand it Harley had a thing with the fact he was a year younger than Peter, something Peter didn’t mind but he supposed most people try find someone their own age, “thanks Darlin’ and I get to insult you as an older person right?” Harley teased

“Yep, I welcome the challenge, now tell me more of your week? I enjoy listening to you” Peter spoke, as the pair began talking a knock sounded at Peters door “one sec” he spoke, covering the mic he called out “Open” Tony’s head popped in “I’m going to the tower kid, I’ll see you tomorrow, have a good night”

Peter lay with his hand over his phone “Night Tony” he replied, Tony nodded and left with Peter returning to his call, speaking to Harley till the younger was falling asleep “sleep sweetheart, Love you” he yawned

“Love you too Darlin’ night” Harley yawned back, the call ended, and Peter drifted into an eventful sleep hoping tomorrow would go well.

Chapter Text

As Peter woke he stretched and checked the time ‘7:45’ he took a deep breath and got ready for the day, digging into the back of his closet he took out a nicer outfit he’d bought with some of the money he’d gained from working as Eight-Legz, it wasn’t all that different from his other clothing but it was nicer, getting a simple breakfast he ate thinking over what he would say to explain himself that would leave Aunt May allowing him to continue his Stark Internship and not grounded him for life, it was ‘8:40’ when May entered the main living area of the apartment “Morning Peter” she mumbled getting breakfast, Peter hummed continuing to plan how to explain his ‘Second? Sort of, ‘third? Iffy, fourth? No, If I was Eight-Legz and ‘Black Spider’ before Spider-Man then it would be Spider-Man thaw would be fourth but even… ugh I’ll just say secrets’ Peter thought annoyed, he’d hoped to have more time to even manage his own reveal of his other activities, and of his relationship, but he supposed having someone to aid him with it would be better than facing it alone.

It was ‘9:30’ when Peter climbed into Tony’s car with May “this will be fun” he grumbled as the car set off into traffic.

-

Arriving at the building that housed Peters workshop the teen sighed and got out of the car before May could start questioning, ‘ripping off’ a metal panel Peter revealed a biometric scanner, placing his hand on the device he spoke up for the first time that morning past ‘9:30’ “Peter Parker, Full Clearance, Big Apple” finishing he replaced the rusting metal and stood back as the metallic door beside the plate slid open “welcome back Peter” Elim spoke, May jumped but still followed Tony and Peter in, silent at the space she was seeing.

The Large screen bank that was in the space blinked on and Peter approached his workstation, signalling Tony over he pulled a file onto the surface of the station “you wanted my reasoning for this place, read this file” he spoke placing it to one side and allowing the man to read, as he did, he gasped, growled and sighed:

HYDRA Field Report: 77953 (Parker Elimination)

Case Type: Threat Removal

Status: Closed

Report:

Winter Solder 001 (James Buchanan Barnes) deployed to eliminate threat posed by CIA Agents Richard and Mary Parker. Agents discovered possible HYRDA infection within S.H.I.E.L.D and shall be dealt with imminently, assets from exposed locations shall be moved or eliminated and evidence destroyed.

Weapons used: Standard Altitude Bomb.

Threats eliminated, surviving family Peter Parker, Ben Parker, and May Parker unaware of family’s intelligence employment, and shall not be eliminated- Asset Winter Solider placed into statis until next assignment.

Peter smiled softly “it was interesting to find it out if I’m honest, one of the first reasons I began working to remove HYDRA threats, you’d be stunned at how unsecure some of them are, hiding in plain sight makes people sloppy it seems” Peter hummed

“kid, I-I had no idea, b-but Shuri she’s, you’re working to help him” Tony replied

“I’m helping Bucky Barnes, not the Winter Soldier, you and I both know there’s a difference, no matter what impulse issues tell us” Peter replied

“Peter” May spoke strictly, Peter looked and turned “You have mail” she spoke pointing to the icon on the large screens, Peter opened the new message: ‘As CEO and Owner of BioMed Research and Development I hereby offer a cash gift of an undisclosed amount of funding to help you continue your work Eight-Legz, I thank you for your assistance’ it read, “Elim, send over the normal banking details to the man” Peter spoke

“Of course, I also have a video message from Shuri”

“play it” Peter instructed

“Quite honestly, of course it would be you that had to initiate Open-Book, Spider-Boy, I’ve done my part, tell that idiot engineer of yours to get it confirmed of his end, I spoke to my brother today, I may be able to visit the United States for your summer holidays, although the way he said it was more ‘you’ll be out of my hair’ then kind so I may remain here to annoy him, I’ve got to go, projects to do, broken white-boy to fix, see you” the Message played

“Elim remind her she can’t call Bucky ‘Broken white-boy’ T’Challa doesn’t like it” Peter hummed,

“Certainly, Peter”

“what did that girl mean ‘that idiot engineer of yours’? and who even if she Peter?” May asked, Peter turned “Aunt May, that was Shuri, Princess of the nation of Wakanda, sister to King T’Challa, as for the engineer, first, I-I’m Bi, as in Bisexual a-and the engineer is my, well, my long-distance boyfriend Harley, we work together on various things, mainly complex issues or personal things we need help on, if we need help” Peter replied softly and cautiously

“y-y-you know a princess?” May spoke

“kinda, I was working on a project I’d chosen to do, and it was completed so I tracked the IP of who completed it and wound up talking with her, that was, maybe a few months ago, maybe more”

“a-and a boyfriend, Pete why didn’t you tell me?”

“I-I wasn’t comfortable with saying, he lives in Tennessee, and you’d have wanted to ensure ‘he was real’ and it would have led to how I knew him, and you know that I can’t lie, it’s a new relationship and I didn’t want to put anything more onto it” Peter replied

“speaking of Tennessee incoming communication from ‘your country boy’ Peter” Elim spoke

“put it on the big screen” Peter replied, a small pocket opened revealing a camera and all screens turned to an image of Harley “Mornin’ Darlin’” the teen spoke

“Morning Harls, when did you get up?” Peter asked, the other yawned

“5 minutes ago, I think, I saw you were online, felt like calling, and I suppose it’s faster to meet your Aunt May in this way, I’m a safe distance away” Harley ‘snorted’

“traitor” Peter muttered

“I can hear you Darlin’ have we got anything big going on? I’m bored”

“It’s like 10 AM, -“

“Incoming communication from Shuri, protocols overridden” Elim interrupted, Tony and May simply stood back as Shuri same onto the screens “Morning for you two, and may I just ask, WHAT ARE THOSE!” Shuri began indicating Harleys Iron Man Pyjama top and mug

“they are my clothes, and my mug, Shuri why hack into our call, what’s up?”

“oh, Broken White-Boy is pulling faces in cryofreeze, none of my engineers can figure how, it’s funny because I’m opening the door and making the faces” Shuri chuckled tilting the camera to a ‘deep scowling’ Bucky “SHURI” Peter exclaimed loudly “I will call T’Challa, or better yet, your mother” he hissed, Shuri frowned “you’re no fun in the mornings” she then noticed Tony and May “oh, hello older peoples, I see I interrupted something, Good Luck Spider-Boy” she smirked before her call ended, “Personally Kid, I like you have Iron Man merch, thanks for the money” Tony smiled

“oh, hey Old Man Mechanic how’s it been recently?” Harley asked

“busy, Pete’s been giving me grey hair” Tony snorted

“More than normal you mean?” Harley teased

“Harls, Tony has remote controlled suits, Tennessee isn’t far enough to hide, drink your coffee get changed and find something to fill time and call later alright?”

“Fine… I’ll work on my knockoff Iron Man armour then… love you Darlin’ see you” Harley smirked

“love you too Harls, talk later” Peter spoke before the call ended

“Knock off Iron Man armour?” Tony asked

“well, you left him with the Mark 42 for a few days he’s extremely good with mechanics, it’s not a bad suit from what he’s sent over for assistance, and with my recent access to your suit designs I’ve been helping you with I’ve managed to streamline his” Peter replied

“Peter, just explain what this all is, please, I-I need the facts” May spoke, Peter winced at the tone she had, he followed her gaze to the display of suits he had, “Before Spider-Man, before Uncle Ben, I had something to do, something big that if I didn’t do it correctly would have got us killed, it started when S.H.I.E.L.D fell, when HYDRA was revealed I found a file, it said, it said that mum and dad didn’t die in an accident, that their plane had a bomb onboard planted by the ‘Winter Soldier’ so given the files were open a-and that some contained hidden links to agents hidden mainly in New York I began working to expose them, and I needed a place that wouldn’t put us in danger so I ended up here, but when I got my powers, w-when Bed died, and I became Spider-Man I’d use it when I was injured enough to kick my healing factor properly but would also worry you a lot, it became my medical place and where I did a lot of operations from, my work as Eight-Legz was fairly good at that point, I just needed a way to keep myself engaged with things, so I wouldn’t get to board of school or of what I was doing anyway, it’s just grown, and it went from something I did to feel better about the plane crash to something I did to enjoy my week, I became this ‘famous’ person helping people or companies, and I was also able to act as Spider-Man helping people literally, it’s just grown over the time it’s happened, I gained popularity and companies informed me of where ‘old’ tech was and gave me access, with Shuri sending me other advanced tech from Wakanda and being able to work on more difficult and advanced issues and material I began experimenting more with my Spider-Man suits, and not much more, it’s just how I cope with school, and other parts of my life”

“But why would you need to cope with its Peter, you don’t have a bad life?” May asked

“I know, I know I do, but when I was younger, with all the classes and clubs, it kept me entertained and I was finding new things to enjoy but since Ben, and I know we can’t afford it, it’s not that at all, but even just before, I was losing interest in the clubs and stuff and I needed something new, School is just boring, I already know a lot of the science we get taught, and nearly all the computer and tech lessons are redundant, I know the machining whenever I end up there for a free period, I know so much of the stuff taught even at Midtown that I’m not engaging properly, and I know I’m not, this is how I keep my focus, I can think of solutions to Eight-Legz work when I finish questions or write full notes pages in lessons I don’t really need to sit through, and I know Midtown is the best school for teenagers around here but most of it is really boring, and I know I should be grateful I got a scholarship to attend but I honestly am thinking that it could have gone to someone else more deserving if all I manage to do is feel bored there” Peter replied, May turned and sighed before taking a shaky breath,

“I should have known” she muttered

“I’ve been keeping it hidd-“ Peter tried

“no, this, yes you’ve kept this hidden, but that you were bored at school, that you’d find it challenging to keep pace with other classmates when you’re smarter than they are, Richard was the same, Ben was too, not as advanced as his brother but he was still smarter on average, Mary, she was the smartest woman I knew, it wasn’t hard to make the leap to believe you would be too as a small child, you spoke before many did, laughed, expressed yourself, walked, you were so advanced and to keep up the mental stimulation the Richard, Mary and Ben didn’t have they placed you in the classes and clubs, always ones you wanted but enough to keep you engaged with your peers and with life, when me and Ben took you in we knew we needed to keep it going, you showed so much promise in Science, engineering and Tech that we were planning on shifting the classes and clubs to focus on them but, but when he was shot, the plans they, they just fell apart, I should have at least guessed that you’d have your own way of dealing with it, I just don’t enjoy knowing that you felt you had to hide it” May replied softly

“t-they were the same?” Peter asked quietly

“oh they had their own secrets your parents, but they were smart, sharp, brilliant, they had their own ways of coping, their own ways to not lose track of themselves and to use their intelligence rather than withdraw and not use it, but eventually they managed to do it openly and I, I don’t know it doesn’t feel right knowing you haven’t been showing how smart you are openly rather than keeping it hidden, especially now with everything going on, it’s nothing to be ashamed off Peter, I can have you pulled from certain subjects, the school has a program with those who are a step above the others, so why hide?”

“I’m not ashamed, but I don’t need attention drawn to myself, you know a lot of Midtown look down on scholarship students, but then for me to be in the advanced program, away from Ned without being able to keep Flash in line, it’d be a disaster for him, Ned isn’t one to take insults well, we both know his mum calls me the best thing that’s happened to him, I couldn’t put him back in Flash’s targets by being moved to the advanced program, and I don’t need the other advanced or older students seeing me as the ‘kid’ who knows a few more things, or as the ‘odd kid that was moved here’ because that’s why I’ll be, no one cares for those who aren’t wealthy or have social status and even if I don’t care about it, I don’t have those” Peter spoke

“you don’t yet” Tony input “you just accepted a cash donation for Eight-Legz work do you know how much you have, and on that note who’s your bank?”

“oh, the National Bank of Wakanda, given me and Shuri are close I was able to get an account, Elim check the balance for me”

“of course, Bank records show you have $27,694,719 amassed over your interactions and work as Eight-Legz” Peter nearly collapsed at that revelation, leaning onto the console to support himself he choked out “confirm that”

“it is confirmed Peter, 2-3 years of work, one or two projects a week some larger ones over a month, 12 months in a year, roughly 52 weeks in a year, that’s an average of 1-3 donations monthly since you were 13, you’ve never spent any money that wasn’t the single outfit you’re wearing currently, and so interest is fairly high and the money has built up” Elim replied

“alright, so I have some wealth, social status not so much” Peter snorted, he looked over to a somewhat pale May “I guess we can afford to fix the bathroom and upgrade the kitchen” he joked “Peter, you’re a millionaire, you’re 15, where has this come from” May asked

“Elim, pull up the list of companies I’ve worked with since I began working as Eight-Legz”

“of course,” the A.I. replied, a list nearly covering all the screens in the room became viewable on them, “highlight the ones who’ve sent money to me, the ones who’ve sent tech and the ones who’ve acknowledged my aid, the money in green, the tech in blue and the press releases in grey” Peter spoke, as soon as the money was highlighted Peter took a breath “didn’t think it was so many, that’s interesting” he muttered

“Peter, kid, there’s an easy way to gain social status, parties, the boring stuffy ones with rich and ‘businessy’ people three or four and you’re in the ‘elite’ class, look I need to speak with your Aunt, you said you had some suit work to do, if you do that, is there anywhere private here?”

“oh, yeah, sure, through that arch and up the stairs on the right the first door on the left is a ‘comfy’ room, you can talk there” Peter smiled before removing his watch and placing it on his main workbench, May remained watching with Tony long enough for the pair to see the suit emerge from the watch and Peter set to work.

-

Entering the upper space saw Tony and May both smile at the space containing beanbags and other soft furniture, collapsing onto a beanbag Tony sighed “we need to talk about this, because as much as both of us don’t enjoy Peter lying, his work, I’ve tracked Eight-Legz, I spent last night looking into it further, it’s advanced, it’s better than some of my work, most of its similar, it’s something that needs to be nurtured, but at the same time, there needs to be a fitting punishment for sneaking out, and as much as I remember sneaking to parties at his age it isn’t always a good thing, last night I proposed to offer Pete support from Stark Industries and to enable this work through proper channels, but I have a proposal to you, you’ve already expressed a wish to have someone to take Peter in if anything happened, so I’d like, if you’re willing, to split custody with you, it’ll give Peter a chance to use his smarts regularly and in a way safer than swinging into Brooklyn, and it would be a benefit to you as well, I’d gladly support if you wanted to move apartments, or return to a form of education or cut back on work, I don’t think I could let Peter waste his intelligence and I’d be more than happy to support it in any way possible” Tony began

“we do need to talk, when did you expect something?”

“Peter would complete complex equations I was stuck on before walking off as if he didn’t want to talk about why he’d known it, he’d give me solutions for issues with code or hardware before stammering about how it may not be too good, and leaving for at least an hour or more before his suit’s tacker would engage, or returning to yours an hour or more after the tracker shut off, I didn’t want it to be anything like I’d gotten into so I followed him last night.”

“I don’t think I’d saw it until after Ben, but I figured he was blowing off steam or emotions in his own way, seems I was right but, not in any way I’d thought I would be, I think for now, I want to put a pin in the custody issue, but I agree that he needs more time at the Tower and more time having the chance to show his intelligence, for now, I say a two weekends a month staying at the tower if you agree?”

“of course, it’s not a problem for me, I have already told Peter he could create a space, I’ll just expand that to a living space as well” Tony replied

“thank you, I just don’t think Peter would be comfortable going from even 20% to 100%, I think that with support, and a bit of adjusting that he’d be able to show himself fully, the school may be a bit annoyed at me requesting he be transferred to the Advanced Program, they’re a bit stuffy about a ‘Queens boy’ being there anyway, but I’ll convince them”

“If you need any help with that, I know people on the school district committee, and it isn’t hard getting High Schools to follow your requests with a chequing account as big as mine” Tony replied

“Speaking off, all that money, in a foreign account, I’m nervous about it” May spoke

“Don’t be, he’s a teenager so the taxes aren’t an issue yet, he likely created the account through the Wakanda outreach program, as long as he files the correct paperwork it’ll be alright for when he’s an adult, I’ll have SI’s legal team prepare the papers for him to sign as an adult, as for the amount, the A.I. was right, two years of working and accepting funds adds up, I know many of the businesses and companies on the list, they don’t do anything off book so it’s not unknown that ‘Eight-Legz’ has money, as I said I’ll get my legal team on it, and I’ll have my design programs ready for when Peter wants to get his space at the Tower done, I understand placing the Pin in custody and I’ll be ready whenever you want to bring it up”

“Thank you, Tony, I don’t think I’d have discovered this, or realised that Peter needed the extra push to show himself, I think, if possible, that this afternoon, if you return me back to my Apartment so I can think this over privately if Peter could spend time at the tower with you?”

“Of course, that’d be fine May, I’m sure Peter would enjoy a chance for more internship work, he’s fairly good at it” Tony replied, the Adults drifted into other conversation for a time, but both were thinking over how to react to the discovery of Peters ‘hidden’ life.

-

It was later in the day that Peter sat reviewing the designs for the Avengers Levels of Stark Tower and the plans to return them to a private residence “Nope, nope, absolutely not, you cannot be serious about removing a pool room, or about removing the Private Gym or the training room, are you stupid” Peter spoke, Tony looked up from his work

“is this you with total design rights? Or just passive aggressive?” he replied

“Both” Peter uttered “but really, you’re converting this space into a penthouse with like 5 floors and you’re removing the Pool, and a private gym, and a training room, there is no reason to, at all, these plans from your hired design group just don’t make any sense for what you need, or what you’ll want, they move the labs to floor 5 of the penthouse, 5, it’s impractical, it’s as if they’re taking a traditional Penthouse and adding what you need and want to the extra space left over, as of this moment I’m creating a new design profile for the entire project” Peter managed to growl, grumble and sigh at the same time, Tony simply nodded “I’ll look it over, and if you’re right let’s say it’ll be a fun day to yell at some professional designers” he replied, Peter nodded before setting to work,

“oh, if you want to add outer walkways, a balcony, and trim some of the wall above the flight deck you can, I don’t see the point in having the large gaps with no reason”

“alright” Peter hummed

Given much of the Avengers support tech was removed from the tower Peter knew he had space to work with “Lab’s below Penthouse floors, in the middle or above? Depends on where you want the rooms to go”

“it’s up to you, it’s a large floor level so there’s space for sleeping and labs on the same floor, you pick” Tony replied, Peter nodded

Given the now redundancy of the flight deck Peter pulled the schematics of the level open and modified the supports to house a new indented window when compared to the sleek upper levels, the large space was then sectioned off and with the hight already needed for the old Avengers Quinjet was easily given what amounted to a second level, the design was labelled as the new party deck given the old one doubled as the Avengers Living area, with the design mostly finished from a structural standpoint Peter moved up to the current Party Deck/ living area, the three tiered level wasn’t practical for everyday use so adding extra flooring a few steps above the current seating meant the under level remained with a decent floor hight but Peter labelled it off as a games room or a quieter space, the existing upper level where the conference rooms were was cleared of all official purpose Peter paused for a moment, the current floorplan had a catered kitchen and Peter thought back to his enjoyment of cooking and Tony commenting it was something he’d enjoyed as a child and so replaced the immediate space with a kitchen and dining area using most of the current design features to his advantage the space didn’t feel interrupted, with other offices removed Peter set that area alone for the time being and moved to the floor he was currently sat on, the current labs for Tony and Bruce worked so Peter chose to keep them only creating an easier way of moving about the space and making them more efficient and functional rather than the large now empty spaces with the Avengers resources removed, with the added space Peter thought of his own Lab but set the idea aside for now moving up saw the primary facilities used for Avengers gear and training, while many rooms could be converted to guest suites Peter decided to keep the gym/pool facility using the added space to slightly enlarge the pool adding ‘wishfully’ a waterslide from the upper level to the pool, he also added a sauna, hot tub and a few other more personal amenities, the gym was fine to leave how it was as was the single remaining training suite Peter kept he divided the other spaces into rooms before moving to the Avengers former sleeping quarters, they were mostly a case of refining for guest rooms or leaving the same for Tony and Pepper with Bruce’s not changing just in case he returned, Peter had personal Bias for that, with the general plan complete and refinement needed Peter set to finalising the new Party Deck while he wasn’t perfect with interior design, the space he created he thought worked, moving to the former offices Peter knew the space was suitable for a lab for himself and with the space above a decent chunk off the former offices Peter had an idea “so, if I say wanted to create a large mixed function Lab/Workshop/Garage/a form of HQ, I could?” he asked

“I don’t see why not, if the space exists there isn’t a point in wasting it, and if you’re tinkering with the Legion, you’ll need some room” Tony replied, Peter smirked before setting extra supports and opening the two spaces, taking both floors into a 3d holo image he began working when he noticed something “you have a car elevator in the tower?” he asked

“oh, I forgot, from when it was Stark Tower originally” Tony mumbled

Peter began creating a space that would work for himself along with placing a room for himself.

It was Later that he placed the new set of plans in front of Tony “here’s my ideas for this place, now it’s like 8:50 I’ve got to be heading to May’s bye Mr. Stark” he smiled

“bye Kid” Tony spoke, Peter was soon swinging back home while Tony could only read the plans in shock.

Chapter Text

Peter knew he’d be facing some form of punishment from May when he got home, so he paced himself and took the time to focus before he entered the apartment through his window, knocking on his bedroom door he passed into the main area of the small apartment “I’m home” he declared

“I did hear the knocking” May replied with a snort

“so, what am I facing in my imminent future? Grounding? No lab time with Mr. Stark? No Spider-Man? No Eight-Legz? Donating my riches to charity? No talking with Harley? The ‘I’m disappointed with you but can’t do anything look’ that lasts a month? Can I get a hint on the board?” Peter uttered, May took a breath and Peter sat hard at the act,

“I-I don’t know, I can honestly not think of anything to do about this Peter, you’re not doing anything Illegal, and all you did was lie over what time you were back, and while traditionally all I’d have to do is ground you I don’t think it’d be effective, it wouldn’t be the first time, I suppose, your punishment if you could even call it that is being entirely yourself, no lying about who you are, and being placed in the ‘Advanced Program’ as of the start of the next school year, you’ll have the tests this coming week, maybe the week later” May replied weakly

“May I- “

“don’t, please Peter, just don’t, I’m ordering in from that Chinese place you like, then I’m going to sleep” May replied, Peter only nodded and stood, placing his hand on her shoulder he simply muttered “I’m sorry” before returning to his room.

-

It was Later that Peter was at least somewhat upset talking to Harley on the fire escape that he described his feeling through soft tears and tremors “I-I just don’t want to isolate her, y-you know w-what I-I’m like, h-how I-I am, s-s-she already seems t-to be s-seperating he-herself from m-me, y-you k-know”

“shh Darlin’ I understand, for now let’s not jump to conclusions alright? She’s had a lot thrown at her today your Aunt, give her time, if it gets relatively worse than the most you can do is accept it Pete, just be yourself like she said, let her see you, we both know Tony will be there if something goes wrong, it’ll be alright Peter”

“t-thanks H-Harls, I-I needed that” Peter replied softly

“anytime Darlin, anytime, now you’re telling me you demanded and were allowed to create an entire set of plans for Tony’s penthouse, please tell me they’re good?” Harley responded

“I think they are, but I-I’m biased” Peter chuckled wetly

“tell me about them” Harley spoke, and so Peter did, failing to notice Aunt May leaving his dinner on his desk as he passionately spoke to Harley of the designs and the reasoning behind them.

-

Later once more Peter was eating the now cold Chinese food planning over what he’d do tomorrow with his homework, he knew much of it was fairly simple from his point of view and would be complete likely by lunch if Peter was awake at a good time, after that he didn’t know, usually weekends were homework, spending time with Aunt May and working on Eight-Legz projects, resigning himself to one of those not being available Peter chose to isolate himself.

In the morning Peter quickly got ready and grabbed a breakfast before working on his homework, he started on the lessons he found harder and set to working.

As he moved to the work he found easier May opened his door “Ned’s here” she spoke before retreating, Ned entered the room to see Peter breezing through an assignment he was stuck on “woah, how are you not stuck on that” Ned gasped, Peter remained silent until he finished his work turning he flicked his wrist a web closing his door “I think you already know that Ned, or you know someone who is ‘that good’” Peter replied

“dude, I know no one that’s not like a rumoured genius that can work that fast on work like that” Ned replied breathily

“oh, rumoured genius?” Peter replied, internally smirking

“there’s this legend in the computing community of a person called ‘Eight-Legz’ they like work with different companies or people to help them with issues, apparently he’s really moral and ethical about stuff”

“I wouldn’t call someone like that a legend” Peter pressed, Ned’s mouth dropped open, and Peter was tempted to begin laughing

“Dude do you have any idea of what you’re talking about, quite frankly I’d happily cut off my arm if it meant working even once with ‘Eight-Legz’ he’s not just someone you meet randomly, honestly Peter I’m surprised you haven’t heard of him” Ned uttered

“I haven’t heard of him, that’d be a bit odd, I mean, why would I need to hear about myself” Peter smirked, “and there’s no need to cut off your arm Ned, that’d just be weird” he commented, Ned’s face blanked for a moment before his mouth began to move similar to a fish, no sound emanated from the teen who stared at Peter blankly “you’re Eight-Legz” Ned mumbled at first, “You’re Eight-Legz!” Ned repeated louder

“Yeah, so there’s a lot you don’t really know about me” Peter replied with a sigh “and I honestly don’t know where to begin” Peter stated with annoyance rubbing his forehead

“er, from the beginning Dude, I want to know it all, and I do mean it all Peter, come on I’m not gonna stop being friends with you over not knowing something, you can talk to me” Ned replied, Peter smiled “budge up then, It’s long and I feel like lying down to explain it all” Ned moved and Peter moved beside the other teen “it started two years ago, maybe a bit more than, so…” Peter began, explaining to Ned his intelligence, and how he had various ‘personas’ that he’d use that sometimes his smarts made him feel numb or cold to people but it wasn’t often about his work as Eight-Legz and with taking down HYDRA, explaining Harley and how they met, and Shuri too giving most of the details he felt comfortable saying and even when he didn’t Peter sensed that Ned understood the unspoken words, getting it all off his chest Peter would admit felt better but he didn’t find having to explain it the best activity of the ‘month, no year, no decade, nope Century’ Peter thought, when he finished it was darker outside and Ned was lying beside Peter frozen for a time, Peter leaned his head onto Neds shoulder as he had done when they were younger Ned leaned his own head down and hummed “that is a lot, but it’s not like I didn’t expect some of it Pete, you were always smarter but one day began pulling back and seeming less, well, less you, I’m glad you don’t have to do that anymore, I may be a bit slow to catch up but I’m not leaving, besides Harley sounds like the type to fight me if I left and my large ass isn’t good in a fight” Ned spoke, Peters head snapped sideways

“Oy, don’t ever, Ever, EVER insult yourself near me Edward, you’ll be full named whenever you do, and you won’t stop me” Peter hissed

“alright, please don’t use my full name” Ned replied, Peter hummed slightly

“only if you disappoint my child”

“you’re only older by 3/4 months dude, how would that work?”

“I was a sexy baby, and I could time travel” Peter replied stiffly, Ned snorted

“you’re a millionaire” Ned realised

“Yes, bow before me poor person I have da riches” Peter chuckled quietly, a knock came at the door, “Yas” the door opened showing May

“Ned has to head home, he’s grounded and late” May spoke, Ned groaned

“I forgot about that, see you Pete, if I die you get my Lego sets” Ned spoke

“Ooh, sweet, may I also plan the funeral?”

“sure, all you can eat and a bouncy house, I may come back for it” Ned snorted leaving, Peter smiled softly before sitting up and setting back to finish his final 3 homework assignments.

Chapter Text

As Peter awoke that morning, he found a note by his bed ‘you’ll be at the tower today, long day of work, see you later – May’ Peter got up and got ready before heading off for his day.

-

After school Peter headed to the Tower, he greeted the receptionist Tilly who had a young son who Peter managed to become close to in the few meetings the two males had “so how is Cooper?”

“not too bad, he’s got a cold however, he isn’t enjoying it, it’s hard seeing him distressed with it” Tilly replied, Peter nodded “tell him ‘Uncle Peter’ hopes he gets better, I’d recommend drinks with one or two small bits of ice or something, it’s usually the back of the throat that feels worse at younger ages, cooling it can help, a fan at night and white noise for sleep”

“you sound like you’ve read a parenting book” Tilly giggled

“I did, I’m not gonna be ‘Uncle Peter’ and be unprepared, and I just know what helps me when I’m not too good” Peter replied

“I may call you to babysit soon by the way, I need a date night soon, if you’re available?”

“for you and Cooper, any night you need” Peter replied before pulling his badge from his bag and heading off “You’re an Angel Peter” was heard as the elevator doors closed.

-

Reaching the Lab levels Peter scanned into the lab when the doors didn’t open “Friday?”

“Boss is in the main living space Peter” Friday announced, Peter shrugged and headed to the stairs, when he reached the balcony, he saw two full models of the Penthouse designs and people he assumed were the designers “Mr. Stark you hired us to create a penthouse, we aren’t specialised in needs as unique as yours” one woman stated, Peter winced

“you did hear me, the kid who did this other is 15. He is 15, you’re the elites of the best design firm in this city, and a 15-year-old managed to create a better design then you, tell me why I should keep you employed on this task”

An older man scoffed “a child isn’t as good as the finest design firm in the nation, the space we created is far superior why wouldn’t it be?” before Tony could speak Peter did

“Easy, your design would require to gut all 5 existing level and refill them placing the most critical pieces of space for Tony Stark and others to the top of the building in order to prevent it ‘cluttering the space’ you took a standard type of penthouse without customising it for the customer, not only that but the space you designed would require large spaces of current windows to be replaced with wall inserts, it entirely removed a swimming pool, a gym and a training space, you were hired by Tony Stark to create a space for him and you didn’t, it isn’t superior, it’s fitting maybe for the playboy image Mr. Stark had nearly a decade ago but for the currently engaged hero who is moving forward the space created by your firm does not work nor does it function, there is no space for cooking as you assumed Mr. Stark wouldn’t cook, there is no space for exercise nor swimming because you assumed it wouldn’t be used, moving the labs, workshops and other areas Mr. Stark frequents out of the way makes them seem like something not wanted, despite the fact those who know Tony understand it’s a central part of him, and shouldn’t be tucked away, not to mention you disregard practically two floors or space and remove the under later of the space you’re sitting in because you couldn’t find rooms that would fit” Peter spoke

“and who are you” a second man bristled

“the 15-year-old that you’re being lectured about, I did those designs yesterday, and while they need refining, polishing and a bit of extra work I’m proud of them” Peter replied walking down and placing his bag on the ground beside the other chair beside Tony “you called me Tony, kid” Tony whispered “so what? It’s your name” Peter replied, Tony smirked proudly before turning back to the stunned designers “I designed the first Stark Tower, I designed Avengers Tower, I was convinced to have someone else work on the refitted Stark Tower, but I’m regretting that entirely, you shall be paid for your services and work completed but I am no longer employing you for the Tower’s refit” Tony announced before standing “Pete, let’s go to the lab, I think this lot can find their way out” he said, Peter silently grabbed his bag and followed Tony out, as they entered the lab Peter took out his homework and began silently working as Tony waited a response, as the teen finished he took a breath “why do that with me coming over?” Peter asked

“in all fairness I wasn’t, May only called as they arrived to tell me you were coming today”

“I thought she was at work” Peter said confused

“I wouldn’t know, but I didn’t really have time to reschedule so I made my points, that small rant was good Pete, not holding back” Tony snorted

“there’s no point, so what’re we working on?” Peter said, Tony smirked and pulled up Peters plans

“refining this, together we can get it done tonight and I can get my normal contractors and workers in to get it created”

“alright then, important thing first, the waterslide, yes or no to keeping it?” Peter replied

“Oh, its staying, I told Pepper about its last night, she agreed it would be fun, you’ve made Pepper agree with me, it’s the best week I’ve had for a while” Tony replied jokingly, Peter smiled and once the large interactive projection was active the pair got to work.

-

Pepper Potts entered Tony’s lab to see the man and Peter Parker working on a design to the tower “why did I get the news you fired the TOP design group in this CITY if not the COUNTRY from working on this tower?” she asked frustrated

“Did you see their design?” Tony asked

“I did, I enjoyed it, it was modern and functional” Pepper spoke, Peter snorted before chuckling silently “Pep, moving my labs to the top floor, removing the swimming pool I didn’t even know we had one in this tower, it would have entirely removed any chance of me emerging from the top two floors of this building” Tony spoke, Peter laughed louder before pulling up the other design

“in all fairness, it would also mean moving this entire lab structure two floors up, and it would move your bedroom, private office and make an entire subfloor nothing but an empty shell” he spoke, Pepper approached the twin designs “A new Party Deck, honestly” she asked Tony

“That was all Me, I didn’t see why you’re private house should have its living room double as the Party deck, It makes the space feel to purposeful to live in, you can’t relax when you can see 20-30 spaces for party guests around you, this is a penthouse and a home, and besides the conversion to of the flight deck saves the entire floor being left abandoned and means a large living area, a new kitchen dining space and a games/hangout/relaxed space on the current sublevel so it isn’t abandoned too, it also means that the Labs don’t need moving only adapting and gives a larger space to have as future rooms, and the new Party deck is two floors with a balcony for any large displays of fireworks on the river or in the city or any event similar, it’s more efficient and separates living and event spaces from each other making a cleaner divide of home and party life” Peter spoke “phew that was a lot of TV salesperson speak, that was odd” he commented with furrowed brows before shrugging and heading back to his version “Tony, can I put Harley in a room near mine for when he visits in summer save him having to go to a hotel? And it gives him a space anyway”

“Sure Kid” Tony called, Pepper and he were soon standing further away muttering over the designs, “Tony, I know the kids got talent but the premier design group in New York told me you hired them for the kids work”

“Pep, they moved my lab to the top floor like it’s something to hide away”

“I know it isn’t but there’s barely any time to get this work done and if I have to find a different group to get to speed”

“then me and Pete will work on it, we already are, and most of his design only modifies the existing space rather than gutting it to rebuild, its time saving, and if we work to convert the hanger to a Party deck before anything else then it’ll be fine for the parties we have scheduled, I promise, besides do you think Peter could ever go overboard with this sort of thing?”

“no, I trust you both, but I’m telling Peter to physically restrain you if it gets to fancy and rich”

“I agree to those terms, love you Pep”

“I love you too Tony” Pepper replied before talking the Peter and leaving, Tony then returned to the work he and Peter were doing.

Chapter Text

-- (2 Months Later) –

As the time had passed and construction on Peters projects had begun May signed the split custody agreement, and while she tried to use the same reasoning Tony had Peter could see through it, she’d been leaving before he awoke often and wouldn’t engage Peter beyond small matters when the pair did interact, she was pulling back, for what reasons Peter couldn’t tell but he knew she was, with his lab and room at the tower complete Peter spent at least two nights a week with Tony and Pepper along with one weekend a month, he was starting to finally find it within himself to not shy away from showing his smarts or talents, in truth if May wasn’t comfortable with Peter adapting to be himself in public then the time spent with Tony was an antithesis to this given it was around Tony Peter was truly himself. Peter and Ned had remained close if not returning to the closer and more outwardly familiar relationship they’d one had, for Peter school was fairly boring, he would have to admit that, but given it was getting closer to the end of term Peter knew he’d be taking the advancement test to show he deserved to be placed in the advanced program, so when his homeroom teacher had kept him back one day he knew why “I understand your Aunt believes you qualify for the Advanced Program here at Midtown, you understand that to qualify you shall sit one of 7 tests on random topics and you must get at least 60% of the questions correct to be allowed into the advanced course?”

“Yes Sir, I also know that no version of the test exists outside the school’s copies and that I can be called to do the test randomly so as to not have time to prepare” Peter replied

“you shall be having your test today Peter, I understand you’ll be given the final month of school to adapt to the advanced program should you succeed, good look Peter” his teacher replied giving Peter a note to explain his late arrival to class.

-

It was Peters 3^rd period that he was collected for the test, alone in a room Principal Morita was present and outlined the event “Sitting this test isn’t standard for a sophomore but given your academic prowess an exemption has been made, you have 2 hours to complete this test” the Principal spoke before handing Peter the test and starting the clock on his computer and getting to his own work, Peter was soon steadily working through the test skipping the work he’d find easy until the end he made decent progress, he was focused on the test however not Morita who was looking shocked at Peters relatively fast work given the difficulty the test usually gave, the man was even more stunned when only 1 hour and 15 minutes in Peter began speeding though the questions the man assumed he left as he found them to hard it was 1 hour 30 minutes Pete began adding extra to his responses and checking his answers and the teen had looked up and finished 15 minutes early “Mr. Parker, these tests have been known to not be completed, they have been known to have large sections skipped, and yet you have managed to complete the test under the time limit, this shall be marked with you present in the room, you’re excused from the afternoon periods today however as I am in search of answers” the man spoke

“Of course, Sir” Peter replied, “If I may get my bag from beside your desk and do some work while you’re making the test, I would appreciate it” Peter spoke

“you may” Morita replied, Peter was soon into his personal accounts and was working on a project he’d been intrigued by of shrinking wind turbines, he’d already had a theory regarding the projects and was working on models to simulate the possible results and set to create more possible designs, as Morita graded his paper, it was at the whisper of “that’s not possible” did Peter look up

“Do you have anything at all Mr. Parker that could aid you in cheating on this test?” the man asked

“No sir, that wouldn’t be moral, correct nor would it help me to cheat my way into harder lessons if I couldn’t do the work, it would be the antithesis to wishing to seek a place in the advanced course, that and as I do not require and aid with hearing or seeing glasses or devices within my ear would be suspicious, my laptop was in my bag and my Phone is currently in the item too, I had nothing on me that could supply information” Peter replied honestly

“Mr. Parker this test has you earning 100%, these tests are near Collage graduate level in some areas, you will have to take another test, and I shall be closely monitoring you” the Principal replied, Peter simply nodded before placing his laptop away removing his jumper and turning out his pockets before proving he had nothing else capable of giving the teen answers, sure enough Morita was eagle eyed when watching Peter take a second of the 7 tests within 1 hour and 45 minutes, while this test scored lower it was still within the 80% tile, and so another test was given, 95% Tile, and another 85% tile, and a fifth leaving to a second 100%, and a sixth leading to a low of 75% before the final test was placed in front of Peter the teen knew it was after school at this point but the look if distress, shock and admiration on Morita’s face was enough for him to set to work, as soon as it was graded Tony walked through the door “Another 85% Mr. Parker” the Principal spoke, clearing his throat Tony drew attention “Hey Tony, you didn’t have to come down here, I would have made it to the Tower” Peter spoke

“Kid, I worry, especially when you’re nearly 5 hours late on the night you’re staying with me this week, of course I’d come down here to see what was happening” Tony replied, picking up Peter’s bag “but what I want to know is why you’re late?” Tony directed to Morita

“Mr. Parker had his placement test today, to determine whether he should earn a spot in the advanced program in this school, he earnt 100% a typically impossible feat, I have since given him all 7 tests and his results range from 75% to 100% twice, Mr. Stark, I didn’t know he was with you today I can assure you of that, however these scores are highly unusual as you can imagine” the man explained, Tony turned to Peter raised eyebrows “I knew you were smart Kid, but this takes it a level higher, we’re getting Pizza from that place you like tonight to celebrate, what did you do best in?”

“Computing, but that’s obvious” Peter returned

“I’m sorry, why would it be obvious?” Morita asked, Peter smirked and took out his phone 40 second later the rooms projector was projecting ‘EIGHT-LEGZ IS YOUR STUDENT’ onto the white board “because I’m good at it” Peter said with a hum, Tony snorted and Morita looked between the board and Peter “you’re him, y-you’re Eight-Legz?”

“Yeah, oh and you’ve had people trying to poke around the school system illegally, I’ve reenforced the firewall and ensured if it happens again it’s reported properly” Peter commented before shutting off the projector and turning to Tony “I’ll take my usual if it’s a reward”

“Not Pizza?”

“nope, my usual”

“Fine Five Guys it is, you’re so basic” Tony mock groaned

“it’s cheaper than that pizza place, and you enjoy it, so does Pepper” Peter smiled, Tony returned his attention to Morita “can I assume Peter here will be placed in the Advance Program starting next year?”

“I have to discuss this with the other teachers, but I’d say yes, but it won’t be next year, we have an adjustment period of the last month of school so as to ease new student into the unique group that the advanced program contains” Morita replied, Tony nodded before turning to Peter

“your Aunt called today, she said she has a work related ‘thing’ next week and as of this Friday you’ll be with me until the Monday after next if that’s alright?” Peter felt torn but enjoyed the chance to stay in Stark Tower for a longer period

“Sure, Can I have Ned over for a night or two?”

“sure thing, Kid, Principal Morita, we’ll be heading off, oh and I’ve seen some of the tech you have here, SI may be contacting you soon” Tony spoke

“Yes, Yes of course, enjoy your evening, and I look forward to that” the man replied.

As Peter and Tony left through the halls Tony began laughing over the situation Peter simply grumbled and commented he was glad no one could see them. No one accept Flash Thompson who was walking near the school.

Chapter Text

It was Thursday and Peter was walking with Ned to Stark Tower “I can’t believe I’m going to stay at Stark Tower” Ned repeated, Peter just smiled at his friend as they reached the lobby, most of the rooms was under various stages of construction as new security procedures Peter had recommended and Happy had backed were being installed, along with (due to Peters love for the chain) a Five Guys beside the already present Starbucks, Ned gasped as he looked around and Peter simply dragged him over to the temporary reception desk “Tilly, how’s Cooper?”

“Better, or as good as a Toddler can be most of the time, this your friend? Ned wasn’t it?”

“Y-Yes ma’am” Ned replied, Tilly giggled

“No need to call me ma’am Ned, Tilly’s fine, I have instructions to give you a secondary level pass, it’s tied to Peters here and as such you can be in almost any area Peter has access too, the badge won’t work if Peter isn’t in the tower but you can be on separate floors for them to work if Peter was say called away but you needed to gain entry somewhere, I’ve logged you both onto the system, have a good night boys” Tilly informed the pair before passing the badge, Peter nodded as Ned kept staring at his badge “you too Tilly, tell Cooper ‘Uncle Peter’ says Hi” Peter spoke dragging Ned towards the private elevator.

Peter first showed the now completed Party Deck to the other “you designed this?” Ned breathed

“I had a bit of help” Peter replied smiling, Ned just smiled back, and the pair headed up to the main penthouse floors “you know we have a swimming pool here” Peter spoke as the pair ended into the main living area “We? Peter” Ned teased; Peter froze slightly but a warm voice soon spoke

“We” Tony declared from above the boys “Peter lives here part time, his home too, you must be Ned” Tony spoke, Peter turned away with a blush and Ned stammered a greeting, Tony just smiled warmly “Ned, how about you go set sorted in Peters room and then he can give you the tour” Tony spoke, Peter nodded and led Ned through the space and into the set of rooms he had, Ned gasped at the large space Peter had at the tower it was at least two or three times his other room “I had made this spaller originally but Tony just looked at me said no and made this, I filled the room, he made it” Peter replied swinging his bag under his desk “This room is so cool dude” Ned spoke, Peter smiled opening his wardrobe he changed his t-shirt throwing his other one in the laundry “and you get to stay in it for tonight, I’ll be here all weekend, again, if May thinks she’s being sneaky in her pulling away from me she is deluding herself, anyway, what do you want to see first for this tour” Peter said

“Pete, you sure you’re doing ok with May. I mean she’s your aunt” Ned asked softly

“I’m not the one with the issue, I admit it doesn’t feel good but I’m being myself, I can’t go back anymore, if May doesn’t like it then I can’t help it, now what do you want to see?” Peter replied,

“your lab, we can see the pool last” Ned replied, Peter smiled and led Ned out and began the tour of the penthouse.

-

Finishing the tour saw Ned sigh while looking towards the Swimming Pool “what’s up?” Peter asked

“I-I can’t swim, never learnt, you know the whole topless thing” Ned admitted quietly

“oh, you know you can get swim tops, right? They may get skin-tight, but they cover you up, I’m sure if you wanted Tony could get you one and some trunks, I wouldn’t mind teaching you to swim, if you wanted?” Peter replied

“I-I don’t know, if, if it were just you, I wouldn’t mind being topless but given where we are, I-I’m not sure” Ned replied

“Ned, if we tell Tony not to enter, he won’t, and I know for a fact he wouldn’t care if he saw you topless, he’s not cruel, he won’t even comment on it, do you want to ask if we can get you some Swim Trunks and a Swim Top?” Peter asked, Ned paused, and Peter leant into his side eventually Ned turned to Peter “if you’ll help me?”

“Ned, why the hell wouldn’t I help you, Swimming’s fun, I’d gladly teach you, besides this pool isn’t too deep so you can still stand if needed, if it doesn’t go to well, we can just have a splash fight or something” Peter replied, Ned nodded

“c-can you ask?” he spoke

“Sure” Peter stated, “Friday where is Tony?”

“Boss is in his lab Peter” the A.I. replied, Peter stood squeezing Ned’s shoulder he left to the lab.

Entering Tony looked up “How can I help you Kid?” the man asked

“so, well, Ned, he has this thing with the way he looks, he doesn’t like being topless or uncovered past a certain point and so he never learnt to swim, I offered to teach him in the pool we have here if you can arrange for him to get Swimming Trunks and a Swim Top?” Peter spoke

“Sure, do you want to go to a shop? or shall I send Happy to get a selection and bring them here?”

“I think getting a selection is better, Ned is comfortable being topless with me, so he’d likely prefer trying them here, I can give Happy Ned’s clothing size so he can get the right sort, although I’d recommend getting a few in the size up, you know what shops are like with clothing” Peter replied

“Alright, if you go to the elevator Happy will meet you there so you can tell him what he needs” Tony replied, Peter smiled and left.

-

It was a time later that Happy knocked on Peter’s door with Ned watching as Peter took the bags from clothing shops from the man “Thanks Happy” Peter smiled

“anytime kid” the man replied, Peter turned to face Ned and placed the bags beside the other teen “Trunks and Tops, you just have to choose what you think best for you” Peter informed the other, Ned nodded, and the pair set out the selection that Happy had gotten for the teen it was when Peter was describing the way to wear Trunks that Ned froze “naked” he muttered softly

“not really, but kinda, typically people strip before wearing Trunks, but some wear boxers, they’ll just get wet and heavy, so most don’t, it’s your choice, this is all your choice Ned, now, you pick what you want I’m gonna change into my Trunks” Peter said

“c-can, um, er-“ Ned tried,

“Take it easy Ned, I can’t know what to respond to if you don’t ask?”

“c-can you change o-out here, i-if you don’t mind m-me seeing you, er, I-I know it’s w-weird b-but I think i-it’ll help” Ned got out

“Ned, I wasn’t going to change in the bathroom, I was going to change here, I was going to be behind a divider beside my wardrobe, but I don’t have to”

“please?” Ned asked flustered

Peter simply nodded and stripped his T-shirt, he pulled out his Avengers Swim Trunks and turned to Ned “it’s perfectly fine, see?” he said stripping off his lower clothing, Ned took a breath his eyes focused on the floor near Peters feet as the teen pulled up his trunks, “I’m decent” Peter nudged, Ned looked up to see Peter tying the trunks “y-your still t-technically naked though, u-under the fabric”

“and you’re naked beneath the fabric of your clothes, so is everyone, I’m just wearing less currently, and netting, but that’s just a fact in all trunks” Peter replied with a snort, he walked over to his friend and placed a hand on his shoulder “if you don’t want to, you can just come sit in the pool room and I’ll have a swim and we can talk, you don’t have to change” Peter spoke softly, Ned shook his head before reaching for his top and pulling it off, Peter smiled and placed his hand softly on Neds shoulder “there is nothing to be ashamed of, or scared of, just be you, if you want I’ll look away when you put the trunks on”

“I-I don’t know how to even put them on” Ned whispered,

“like anything else, if the netting is uncomfortable just sort it out as if you would with underwear, it shouldn’t be that bad,” Peter hummed

“c-can you turn?” Ned asked, Peter nodded and turned, hearing the rustle of clothing and then of swim trunks Ned tapped his shoulder and the teen turned, “may I?” Peter asked, Ned looked confused but nodded, Peter reached to tie the strings in a decently tight bow “so if you go to fast, they won’t come off, now Swim Top or be confident?”

“can I take one just in case?” Ned asked shyly

“Of course, let’s get two towels so we can sit after swimming to dry off” Peter spoke.

Soon Peter was in the water and Ned was sitting at the edge of the pool “it’s fine in here, you won’t drown, and if you forgot I have superstrength so you won’t be in danger” Peter coaxed, Ned nodded and slipped into the water standing near Peter soon after “OY KIDS” Tony yelled by beside the waterslide “I think you need more help” he declared as he leapt into the slide exiting near the teens splashing them both, as Tony stood he was in a Major Iron Man themed Swimming set “this suits designed to protect my Arc Reactor so I can swim, I also was a swim coach for a while as a teenager, so let’s begin” he spoke calmly, Ned had frozen slightly but Peter had managed to offset the nerves at being Topless and the trio soon began.

-

It was later that Ned, Peter and Tony sat eating what Ned was calling ‘the best Pizza in my life’ and commenting the penthouse and the tower, eventually Tony sent the pair to do their homework and to sleep with them ending up in Peters room “this has been the best night of my life, I can die happy at this point” Ned spoke as the pair finished their work

“I’ll find a knife” Peter snorted

“um where am I sleeping?” Ned asked

“there’s guest rooms if you want, or there’s a murphy bed in the room” Peter spoke indicating the desk between the bookcases

“the murphy bed please, I-I don’t think I’d be comfortable in Stark Tower alone, it’s still a bit of a shock” Ned replied

“sure, it’s not a problem, I’ll get the bed sorted if you want to get ready for bed” Peter said, Ned nodded,

Eventually the pair headed to sleep.

Chapter Text

It was the start of May when an older teen entered Peter’s homeroom, “I’m here for Peter Parker”

“may I ask why Mr Ryan?”

“Principal decided that given Peters ranking on the Advanced Program tests that he’d suit a two-month period over the traditional one to become part of our class, Mr Jones requested I come to get him” the teen spoke, Peter gathered his things waiting, his homeroom teacher looked to the boy

“That’s fine, Peter, follow Mr. Ryan here and enjoy the new place in the school” his teacher spoke, Peter sent Ned a look of assurance and Flash a look of warning before following the other teen, “my names Taylor, Taylor Ryan, it’s nice to meet the newest member of our interesting little group, I heard Morita say you were Eight-Legz, so are you?” the teen spoke

“I am, I take it that was one of the reasons I’m being transferred a month early?”

“one reason, Mr Jones is more of a supervisor than a teacher, all of us in the program have out areas of focus, we have lessons but as you’ll discover we have a large chunk of free time to work on our specific areas, now, are you ready?” Taylor asked standing by the door to the advanced programs space within the school Peter simply smirked, the door opened revealing 10 other students “over in the corner is Jake Cutler, he’s good with mechanics and engineering, over near the windows and the guitar is Jason Harper, William Jones and Lils Freedman, full name Lillian but she hates it, by the computer is likely more your crowd, Everett (Bred) Todd, Evan Wood and Kate Jones Williams twin, and at the back of the room is Amelia Williams and Oliver Kane they’re specialty is more science related, but I take it you’re all the above, personally I’m better with tech development than the software side, we all have the wider set of skills and we all can work on the same projects but we have out areas we’re better at” Taylor informed Peter

“OY Everyone” Taylor called gaining the rooms attention “this here’s Peter Parker, the new kid in the group, you know what to do over the next two months, make sure he’s welcome and not scared off, Evan”

“Nah Man, if he’s Eight-Legz I don’t wanna even try mess with him” the teen spoke, Peter silently took out his phone, a few minutes later the screens in front of Evan held his logo “I went easy on you, call it a test, see if you can get round my programs” he spoke with a smile

“It’s nice to meet you Peter, I’m Mr. Jones although everyone in here tends to ignore that and call me Robert, welcome to the Advanced Program, and hell” the teacher spoke

“it’s good to be here” Peter replied

“most lessons are with myself given the talents of those in the room, so we’ll be spending a fair amount of time together, I understand you managed to get two 100% scores on the tests, and that principal Morita made you take all 7” Robert said, the room froze and all attention turned to Peter who flushed at the attention “it’s true, first test was 100%, Principal Morita thought I’d cheated and

made me take a second, by the time I’d finished all 7 the lowest score was 75%, if I’m honest I wish I hadn’t held myself back until recently”

“Held Back, Peter why on earth would you hold back” Oliver asked

“My Aunt, others my own age, I knew I was different, smarter but I had outlets when my Uncle was alive, classes, clubs, but when he died or just before he did I started finding my own ways to challenge myself that was when Eight-Legz began but I never really showed anyone even Tony my smarts till he followed me and I had to explain why I had a high tech operation and my own A.I. since then I haven’t hidden” Peter explained

“Tony?” Robert asked

“Stark, I’m his private intern at SI, and recently my Aunt agreed to split custody with him, so I spend nights and weekends with him at Stark Tower, more so recently however” Peter spoke

“Why more?” Amelia asked softly

“My Aunt, I don’t know fully but since she found out about Eight-Legz and about my boyfriend and other things about my life she’s been pulling away from me, going to work earlier than she needs staying later, sending me to SI on more weekends, having ‘work things’ that mean I’m at SI for a full week, I don’t really mind it, it’s not fun but if she can’t cope I don’t hold it against her there’s no point” Peter explained, many in the room nodded or smiled sadly, but Peter politely ignored the looks, he didn’t need them, not really, it was with a groan that Evan turned “this things constantly changing, care to fix it?” the teen grumbled, Peter furrowed his eyebrows before taking the mic connected to the PC and speaking “Elim, stop messing about with the code shift, it’s not a test if an A.I. is messing about” he scolded

“I’m bored, I need something to do Peter, honestly you haven’t been over to the Brooklyn place and the move to the new Lab isn’t until the end of this week, I NEED something to do” the A.I. replied

“Fine, I’ll give you a task and you leave this code alone, alright?”

“Yes”

“I want a complete diagnostic ready for transport day, I mean an entire series from the microprocessors across the building to your primary server, all of it” Peter instructed, reluctantly (for an A.I.) Elim agreed, Peter simple smiled “there, try it now” he spoke to Evan fairly soon the first bell of the day sounded and the students in the room sat at varying desks, there unfortunately was no spare seat “Sorry Peter, these are desks this lot brought in themselves, it’s a sort of tradition to bring your own desk, you’ll have to acquire a desk soon, ideally one that you’re use to using, it’s more for you to be comfortable working” Robert spoke,

“It’s alright, may I make a phone call quickly?”

“Of course,” Robert spoke, Peter dialled Tony

“Tony quickly before you yell, I am at school, and before you yell at that I have permission to call, so it turns out there’s a tradition with the Advanced Program that Students bring desks or setups they’re comfortable with so you know the desk I was working on can I finish that tonight, and can you help bring it tomorrow?... I can just made do today it’s fine, … if you want… see you at lunch then.” Peter spoke before ending the call “seems the schools getting a visitor at lunch” Peter hummed before placing his laptop in his lap sitting on the counter on the outer edge of the room “I can work here for now” Peter replied, Robert smiled, and the lesson began.

-

When the lunch bell rang many students crowded the front of the school rather than travel to lunch, classes that were in session were disrupted by students crowding the windows, this included the former class of one Peter Parker who watched as Tony Stark himself was out front of the school, they watched as Principal Morita escorting the Advanced Program class and Peter Parker approached the man, one student opened the windows so they could listen to the conversation “Mr Stark, this is a fairly sudden arrival, although I must admit the desk tradition has been around for a while, Mr. Parker you may do what you must but please remain in sight, I believe that is all” Morita stated before returning into the school, Peter turned to Tony

“I assume you have the desk?” he asked

“about that” Tony began with a chuckle “I didn’t know which Desk you meant, there was three being worked on, so I got all 4” Tony spoke

“there was only one finished desk, I want compensation for your mess” Peter taunted

“I bought Five Guys for you” Peter hummed

“I’ll let this one go, now where are the desks?” Peter replied, Tony opened the side door to the SI truck behind him revealing 4 desks, some were clearly not finished Peter sighed and pointed out the one he meant, the desk soon being moved from the truck with aid of Taylor and Jason, Peter was handed the food and Tony took 11 slips of paper out of his suit pocket “Since I felt nice and given you’re all in Peters new class, and given Stark Industries is sponsoring an entire refit of Midtown over summer these slips grant you one free Stark Device at any retailer that provides them, or you can give them to a receptionist at Stark Tower and be allowed into the stock room to select one item” Tony announced giving each student a slip, he stopped at Peter “You live Part time in the tower, I’m shocked you haven’t already taken anything from the stock room to mess with, not as if you’re not authorised” Tony smirked, Peter sighed

“yeah well, you know, lunch, Five Guys getting cold, so you leave, I’ll be at the tower tonight, annoy me then Tony” Peter replied giving the man a slight push, Tony placed his hand on his heart in mock pain “you hurt me so much Peter, I’m telling on you” he whined

“I am trembling, I’ll see you later”

“Yep, see you kid, behave, and be nice, and make new friends” Tony kept teasing until Peter literally pushed him towards the truck turning and ignoring the man, he picked up his food and asked if Taylor and Jason would place the desk in the Advanced Program classroom given, he’d be needing to get it fully functional over lunch “I can help if you need it?” Evan offered

“Sure, I always enjoy having a second set of eyes” Peter replied as the students soon crowded the windows looking into the school, while some rooms, older rooms had more windows others only had the door but as Peter walked, he saw the faces, sighing he rolled his eyes as he and his new classmates walked to the classroom, “Thanks guys, there isn’t anything against eating in here right? Just hungry and with this needing some extra attention I can’t really leave”

“there isn’t, and assuming it isn’t messy or to large I don’t mind people eating in lessons either, this course is to help people who have knowledge in advanced fields organise the information and learn in areas they need to, so eating is fine” Robert replied, Peter nodded opening the bag of food he took out his meal “Woah, dude you’re tiny how can you eat that much for lunch?” Jake laughed out

“fast metabolism, like freakishly so” Peter hummed, the others simply went along with it and Peter set to work on the desk, first was getting it powered up and Peter knew that the miniature Arc Reactor had a bit of a spiking issue occasionally crouching Peter began tinkering slightly before he clicked the centre of the Arc Reactor into place, it was a small design feature that him and Tony had worked on to toggle the reaction if a shutdown was the only possible fix to an issue, as soon as most of the start-up passed properly Peter sat at the desk chair and while eating began setting up what he’d need for school over anything else, humming ‘Goodbye Mr A.’ he began singing the song as he set up not realised that Oliver had entered until the other teen cleared his throat Peter jumped breathing deeply he pulled his chair back to his desk “Hey, er, you mind if I have some fries? I well don’t have any lunch” the teen spoke quietly

“sure, take a burger and a cookie too, I don’t mind, what’s up?” Peter replied, Oliver sent a grateful smile and turned a chair to sit opposite Peter “not much, until today I was the youngest here, it’s only your birthday that makes you the youngest though, figured I’d stay back, keep things interesting”

“that would make you 16” Peter replied

“Yeah, me Jake and Lils, they have birthdays before mine, so I was the youngest, now please tell me about this awesome looking desk, I honestly feel so hot and heavy even seeing it”

“ew man, just, no, nope, don’t need that image in my head when I only met you this morning, Don’t need it” Peter squirmed exaggerated “and now that’s out the way, this is a smart desk, it’s fairly straight forward, but…” Peter soon began describing the desk while finishing his work and sharing his food by the time the bell rang Peter had closed the side cover and organised the draws finishing off the food as the other students entered Oliver took the bag to the bin, Peter smiled grateful “Alright, this hour is projects hour, given we have a new student I’ll remind you that this is between a free period and a class session, you may work on your projects alone or your group projects, I’m here for any aid or as a sounding board” Robert announced, Peter smiled and took a moment to take a look at the others work silently before turning his system on, the surface of the desk tilted to an angle so Peter could use it comfortably, the glass cover slid from where Peter had used some of Shuri’s Wakanda black sand technology the area it was stored raising, the Holo projection bar came from the back of the desk by half an inch and the two stabilising rods extended from the desk corners before the holo screens activated “Peter Parker Biometric ID confirmed, Hello Peter” Friday spoke from the device “Hello Friday, if you could create a separate user interface for my school projects compared to my SI and personal work, and enable editing control so I can build it up now” Peter spoke “of course, I can also integrate into the schools local network in order to integrate your already established computer profile under the schools banner if you wish?”

“Please Friday, but not something to invasive, I don’t need to be arrested for hacking a school server” Peter hummed,

“Of course, I shall remain mostly dormant for your lessons, however, should you need me simply ask”

“I will Fri, thank you” Peter replied, the once full overlapping and hard for the other students to understand holos turned so a flat blue, Peter blinked a few times before managing to change the screen colour to a grey “I hate Blue” he murmured fiercely “stupid holo frequency shift” he finished, while they were meant to work the other students of the Advanced Program watched as Peter quickly acted to create his ‘school interface’ various times when Peter was annoyed he’d open a command prompt and modify the displays if they weren’t ‘correct’ for his needs with a sigh Peter

finished “that is the coolest thing I think I’ve ever seen” Gree spoke, Peter smirked in response, he’d be talking to his teacher before the day was out.

-

As the final bell rang Peter stayed back “Mr. Jones, I was wondering, I know I’m new to the class and I’m not really in the loop with school news, but I haven’t heard of the Advanced Program having any field trips anywhere since I came to the school”

“That has a simple answer Peter, all our field trips get cancelled, the schools trip budget is normally low and so if the school promises another class a trip as a prize for something then our trips get cancelled, I honestly stopped planning them” the man replied

“If there were a trip when would it take place?”

“usually, the end of this month or next, it’s usually an end of year event why ask?”

“I’m Tony Starks personal intern, if I ask for a trip, I’m fairly certain he’ll set one up, if you could convince Morita to allow it, Tony would happily pay for the expenses if he had to, and what better end of year event than to see Stark Tower” Peter spoke smiling

“Honestly Peter, if you can manage that I’d be impressed, I hope you have a good evening” Robert replied, Peter hummed happily and left for the tower.

Chapter Text

-- (1 Month Later) –

Peter had managed to carve out a new group of friends for himself with those in the Advanced Program, given that the class was timed largely for older students Peter also became popular with much to his own shock the more athletic section of the year, Ned and Peter remained close with Ned being added into those who Peter knew wouldn’t betray his trust, May had drifted further and if Peter was honest he felt like a guest in her home rather than another resident but Peter didn’t mind he was happy with his new friends and his life, Tony had confirmed that the school was open to a trip to Stark Tower and he and Mr. Jones had decided to keep it from the class to make it proper reward (But what Peter didn’t know was he and his class weren’t the only class from Midtown for a field trip, nor was his school the only one) Peter and Harley managed to get closer and thanks to Stark Tech they mostly spoke over holo rather than phone as it meant seeing the other properly, Peter couldn’t wait for summer however at Stark Tower, Shuri was staying at Stark Tower, so was Harley and he was able to drive legally, he had also proposed a project for SI that Tony had granted him permission to work on independently, currently he was sat in class on Monday when Robert nodded to him “Class, I have an extra special announcement for this Friday as you know this Friday marks the middle of the last month for Kate, William, Bret and Amelia, this is their final year with us here at Midtown, and so as a treat for not only them but the entire class Peter managed to get us a School Trip to Stark Tower” he smiled out, Peter shrugged as the class turned to him

“I wanted to prove my desk wasn’t the coolest thing ever, besides school trips are fun” he smiled.

--

On Friday the Peters class was stood by one of two school busses when a second class emerged from the school Peters former class was shocked to see Peter there “Mr Jones, may I ask why you’re out here?”

“We’re on a trip to Stark Tower Mr. Kole Mr. Parker used his internship connections to confirm a trip for us with Tony Stark” Peter saw Mr. Kole’s’ face firm up

“I have heard the rumours of Mr. Parkers supposed internship, I just never believed he’d go so far” the man spoke, Peter wanted to, he didn’t know, scream, shout, scoff, laugh, but he didn’t, with recent press training from Tony and Pepper in the wake of reporters seeing a pattern of Peter being at Stark Tower, “Right, well, Class let’s head off to Stark Tower” Robert announced as the other class scoffed bar a few students.

-

When the students arrived there was already another bus waiting, but not from Midtown, that was when Peter gasped and rushed to his phone calling Harley “Darlin, I’m on- “

“school trip to Stark Towers, look to your right” Peter interrupted, Harley did and saw the smiling face of Peter, the call ended, and Robert allowed the students off the bus and to interact with the fellow students from the other school, Peters first move was to pull Harley into a hug one which the other melted into “I’ve wanted this for a while” Peter hummed

“Same Darlin’ same, but what are you doing here?”

“school trip, I asked Tony and he agreed, you?”

“reward for the multistate competition, we drew with- “

“Midtown, my old class is on their way”

“that’s mental, three classes on the same day” Harley hummed as the pair pulled back, Peter turned to his class “this is Harley” he spoke proudly, many chimed happily about the pair with Harleys class only looking at the older students from another school in some shock, soon the third bus pulled up and out clambered Peters old class, Ned and MJ approached “Guys, Harley, Harley this is Ned and MJ” Peter introduced

“Always Knew Penis was a QUEER” Flash shouted out, Peter rolled his eyes and sighed before letting go of Harley hand “Tour procedure, we’ll be on separate floors, but we can see each other at lunch” Peter spoke as the three classes entered the SI lobby, “Yo Pete, you have a Five Guys and a Starbucks downstairs, I am so jealous” Jake bubbled approaching the teen,

“is it bad if I say that the only reason the Five Guys is there is because I like it so much?” Peter asked with a snort

“I’d say no but yes” Lils replied, soon the three teachers had instructed the classes to line up to get their ID badges when a small voice chirped up “Uncle Peter!” it spoke, “Down here” it prompted, Peter crouched and looked towards the desk Tilly was at only to see a small section of now transparent glass with a face filling it “Cooper, hands and face off the glass, you know it leaves marks little man” Peter spoke,

“Peter!?” Tilly called out, his classmates parted “Oh thank god, I know you’re on a tour and all but Cooper’s with me all day and given how boring it is down here and given he’s a ball of energy can you please take him for the day or at least until the end of the tour, I’ll pay you?” the young woman plead, Peter simply walked to the front “log me in and I’ll take him for the day” Peter hummed “For free, I enjoy spending time with the smart people of the future, means I can know who will fire me when I’m old and grey” Peter smiled

“Mr. Parker, if we have to wait, so do you” Mr Kole spoke

“Sir, Peter works here, he’s Mr. Starks personal intern, and he regularly stays the night” Mandy, the woman working on Peters old class spoke “Ned Leeds, you have a pass, log in with Peter and Tilly please” she called, Ned crossed the lines and stood with Peter

“I haven’t been here since the new security” Ned commented

“no problem, I’ll enter then you copy” Peter replied, he placed his hand under a scanner at the desk, when the light turned green he spoke into the microphone that faced him “Peter Parker” he spoke, a small ding sounded “alright you’re ready to use your pass on the security gates, if you haven’t lost it” Tilly spoke, Ned went next and at a nod from Peter spoke “Ned Leeds” the ding sounded again and with a nod the pair walked around the large mass of students scanning their passes “Peter Parker, Access Level 10, Identity confirmed, Hello Peter I hope you enjoy your trip today, Boss has asked me to inform you that the tour shall conclude for your group with Project 13C, and that he hopes you enjoy your day” Friday spoke

“Thanks Fri. Tell Tony if he needs me to grab me”

“Ned Leeds, Access Level 10 (restricted: conditional), Identity confirmed, it’s nice to see you again Ned, it has been a while since you were here last, Boss also send you a message to enjoy the day” Friday spoke

“Thank you, Friday” Ned replied quietly, Peter nodded and soon found a small bundle wrapped in his arms “Uncle Peter, good to see you” Cooper smiled

“It’s good to see you to little man, so ready to spend a day with me?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah” the toddler giggled, Peter took the bag Tilly provided with supplies for Cooper, given he had his bag already he paused to think fortunately Happy walked by right on time “Happy” Peter called, “Yeah kid?”

“Real quick, can you take this to my room, I can’t carry two bags with me, and I need one for Cooper, blame me if you need” Peter asked

“Sure Kid, just doing rounds so it’s no bother, enjoy your day” Happy replied

“Thanks, Happy” Peter smiled returning to Ned “Cooper this is by friend Ned, Ned this is Cooper he’s a big boy aren’t you Coop?” the boy nodded

“oh, and how old is this big boy?” Ned asked, Cooper proudly stuck three finger in the air

“that is big, you going to enjoy today with Uncle Peter?” the boy nodded again

“he’s fun” he smiled; Ned looked to Peter smiling himself

“he is Fun” Ned confirmed, as Peter waited on one of the benches Harley was waved through sitting beside Peter he sighed “now and then lunch, I can only see you twice, then back to Tennessee”

“and then in two weeks you have two months with me Harls, don’t complain, now Cooper this is my Boyfriend Harley, do you know what that means?” the boy shook his head “you know how mommy and daddy love each other?” the boy nodded

“well, me and Harley love each other too, when someone loves someone but they’re not married they call that girlfriend, boyfriend or partner is that clear?” the boy nodded

“you love Harley like Mommy loves Daddy, and Harley loves you like Daddy loves Mommy” the boy replied, Harley smiled “I do” he murmured happily “I love you Darlin’” Harley hummed, Peter didn’t know why, maybe it was because it was truly face to face but he felt warmer “I love you too Harls” their small moment broke as a frantic tour arranger hurried to Peter “Charlottes off with the stomach flu, I only have Davis in today, I know you’re part of one class so can you please, please take that tour yourself, you know it all and besides I’m certain you know what would make them more interested than the others” they spoke

“Relax Richie, I’ll do the tour, I don’t mind, I also know where the tour gear is, take a minute get a drink and breath before taking the tour you’re on alright?” Peter replied, the man nodded before walking off, Peter stood “sorry love, see you at lunch” Peter spoke, Harley smiled as Peter took Cooper to the supply cupboard taking a vest for himself and a smaller one for Cooper he also got a guide pass to show what he was doing, just before Peter could go for the tour his sleeve was pulled from Cooper who was by his side “need Potty” the boy spoke, Peter nodded and picked the up before sorting his business, Peter returned and stood between the two other guides “Midtown Advanced Class with Mr Jones, I am taking you for today’s tour” he spoke when the class looked confused, Cooper giggled at his place in Peters arms “formal is funny” he giggled out, Peter couldn’t help but smile “First is the rules of the Tower for a tour, they’re simple, no touching, but also, and I’m serious it’s in the rules, no sniffing, headbutting, licking or general messing with any items within the Tower, if allowed you many interact and touch certain items but if in a room where you’re granted permission and you’re unsure please ask, we’ve had issues before, no messing about, no bullying, no insulting behaviour, no smoking or drinking and lastly this is a fully working facility with various projects and possible accidents so please listen to anything I or another member of staff instruct if something goes wrong, some staff can be rude or irritating if you accidentally interrupt them you’ll have to excuse this, many people work here on 3 hours sleep, now the first part of the tour, because everyone asks at some point is badge types” Peter smiled

“There are 10 levels of authority within Stark Tower, Level 1 White is for visitors from Local schools as you can see they feature your name current access photo ID and when the pass expires, which will be when this tour concludes keep these badges on display at all times or risk being thrown out of the tower by security, you may keep the passes as a souvenir but remember they will not work after today, Level 2 are white with a light blue right angle triangle taking half the badge these are for Private tours and the Press, both Level 1 and 2 badges have the same access that being wherever a tour guide can go, the next badges are levels 3 and 4 teal and green respectively these badges are for low level office employees and janitors although it is noted that within the janitorial staff their access ranges depending on their trust with SI, next is levels 5 through 7, Yellow, Orange and Red respectively most interns and company employees maintain a badge at this level, now Level 8 is Purple and is for senior interns and employees who have access to higher levels of information, Tour Guides such as Richie and Davis here are granted Level 8 when on tours with School Students such as, well, ourselves, Level 9 is traditionally the same red as seen in the Avengers Logo and is reserved exclusively for the Avengers, Level 10 is the highest level of access within Stark Industries, these badges are customised per user, and I may or may not have a draw full because I’m terrible at not only keeping my badges but keeping the same design, anyway, these badges are reserved for Pepper Potts soon to be Stark who currently has a flower design in Grey and Silver, her staff also use similar badges, Tony Stark, who when he uses his badge has one themed in an Iron Man style, Myself and I don’t really know which one I’m using currently, Dr Bruce Banner who maintains an Obsidian badge for whenever he returns to earth and select Avengers, who I cannot inform you of” Peter explained

“you have to remember all that” Taylor chuckled, Peter noticed the other guides and classes watching him “I don’t run the tours I’ve just snuck onto like 13 of them” Peter replied, he turned to Richie “do you have the Advanced Class schedule?”

“Didn’t have time to make one, make it up, as long as it doesn’t clash with the other tours its fine” Richie replied, Peter nodded and pulled out his tour map quickly taking a look at what order the other tours were in, given Tony was giving an exclusive Internship test at the end of the tour Peter had to schedule that in, ‘Science Labs, R&D, Museums and then the questionnaire, no that left an hour his personal labs!’

‘Science, R&D, break, Museum 1 Lunch Museum 2, break, his lab then the questionnaire’ Peter firmed handing the schedule to Richie who confirmed he led his class away.

-

Arriving on the floor Peter kept the class back “Alright this is one of the Science floors, these labs handle the Biology research SI is conducting into various medical issues that affect sectors of the population, we’ll be having a speech from Dr Lloyd about the current progress made” he spoke before scanning his pass and entering “Peter, I didn’t know you were here today, what can I help you with?” Dr Lloyd spoke

“I’m here with the Midtown Advanced Class tour, I’m stuck as their guide while also being a student, if I may allow Cooper to see some of the fun work in here while you speak?”

“Certainly” Dr Lloyd spoke before giving the class the speech, Peter took Cooper and smiled when he saw a containment chamber free “wanna see Elephant toothpaste?” he asked the smiling toddler, the boy nodded enthusiastically and Peter sitting Cooper down got the needed components, setting the stool Cooper was on near the chamber Peter poured the initial vials together before adding a rainbow of food colouring and tipping the active agent in “WHOAW” was what directed the room to a beaming Cooper and a large amount of Elephant toothpaste, Peter as smiled in enjoyment of Coopers entertainment.

-

As the group arrived on the R&D floors Peter commented “This is one of the main R&D labs in the Tower, the interns in this Lab are facing a deadline of the week after next to finish their projects for an annual competition within SI so if they seem out of it and disorientated ignore it, this is also where most of the bulkier prototypes get evaluated for miniaturisation, “again please remember the rules, oh and also after this we’re taking a 15 minute break from the tour in a staff common area to break up the day for a certain someone” Peter hummed before allowing the group entry, there was no doubts Peter enjoyed spending time with Cooper, some in the class upon seeing the technology that Peter had regular access to were left both jealous and proud that he didn’t let any of this shape him, he wasn’t boastful or distant he was just ‘Peter’ it was mid-way through the speech about the work in R&D when Friday spoke “Peter, Visitor ID Eugene Thompson has taken Ned Leeds pass and is taunting him, the tour guide is being distracted by Visitor Jean Kole, your presence is needed” the A.I. spoke, Peter gave Coopers bag to Taylor “do you guys mind keeping an eye on Cooper for a bit, if I’m too long ask Friday where the nearest Staff common area is and I’ll meet you there” Peter asked “Sure thing Pete, it’s not a problem”

“Cooper please do what Taylor says alright buddy, I’ll be back soon, I need to deal with a meanie on a different floor alright?”

“Ok Uncle Peter, I be good”

“I’m sure you will, remember to ask if you need anything, see you soon” Peter spoke softly before heading to the express Elevator, arriving at the scene saw Peter supress a growl “Come on Fatty, just try it, I’d like to see you try” Flash taunted

“Eugene Thompson” Peter bit out, ‘oh it’s good to have authority’ Flash looked to Peter noticing the hard venom in his gaze “Stark Industries has a strict no Bullying policy, one you are currently violating by taking Ned’s ID Badge subsequently violating at least 13 security regulations, should you not return the badge within a minute I am calling security and you shall be removed from the building, am I clear” Peter snarled, the group had frozen to watch the interaction

“MR. PARKER, YOU WILL REFRAIN FROM THREATENING ANOTHER STUDENT” Mr Kole shouted

“YOU, SHALL REMAIN SILENT” Peter returned louder “This is a Stark Industries matter relating to tour violation and as such it falls to my jurisdiction, now Flash return Ned’s badge or I shall call to have you removed, and that goes for the rest of the class given Midtown policy on tour group safety, the only reason I can leave is because I work here and am currently on tour duty” Peter spoke, he recognised that Mr Kole was angry but also knew Richie was watching, Flash huffed and returned the badge “Another infraction and you shall be removed, may I remind you Friday watches everything, and even without cameras she can tell when something is wrong so I recommend you don’t try anything, Richie please keep an eye on Ned and MJ for me, I don’t enjoy my friends being harassed especially not here” Peter spoke

“Of course, Peter, that’s no issue at all” the man spoke, Peter nodded and turned opening the elevator, as the doors closed, he sighed “Friday take me to my group please”

“Certainly, Peter”

As Peter entered the Staff Common Area, he entered giggling as Taylor and Cooper played, Peter smiled softy watching the pair “Was the issue sorted?” Robert asked

“Yes, sir, I managed to get Ned his badge back and threatened the group with being thrown out of the tower”

“Ah, I must say you and young Cooper have a fairly close relationship”, Peter smiled and let out a small breathy laugh “he began calling me Uncle Peter the third time we met, he’s just open to knowing others, I admit since I was young I wanted a younger sibling then later cousin and so when I get to interact with people like Cooper, I don’t know, something in me clicks on or something, just instincts”

“I know how you feel, I was much the same at your age, I am glad we have a small break in this tour, may I ask what is next?”

“the Avengers Museum before lunch, after is the Stark Industries museum a break and a short stop at my labs before a surprise” Peter replied, Friday soon declared it was time for the tour to continue and Peter lead the class down to the Avengers Museum, despite the conflict within the Avengers none of the museum had changed and it still retained its displays, Cooper however, exited to see Peters ‘first’ suit dragged the teen over, the Toddler knew Peter was Spider-Man after the teen had wanted to see how the ill boy had been a time ago “IT’S YOU, IT’S YOU” he shouted excitedly pointing at the Spider-Man suit, Peter crouched by the boy, “What does mommy say about shouting indoors Coop?”

“it bad” the boy replied quietly, a few tears welled in his eyes

“oh Coop, I’m not telling you off, just don’t shout for me alright?”

“ye, hold?” the boy spoke, Peter smiled and picked the boy up “It’s you” he whispered, Peter smiled and winked, his class was watching and was confused at the statement but brushed it aside for now they all filed it away for later though, Peter simply hummed a tune as he showed Cooper around the floor “Lunch Peter” Friday chimed

“Thank you, Friday, why the museum doesn’t have a clock always bothered me”

“Boss would like you to know the tours are having lunch on the Party Deck opposed to the Cafeteria” the A.I. spoke, Peter groaned but took the group to the floor, Cooper let out an exited “Uncle Harley” when the group got there making Harley freeze Peter began chuckling before a classmate of Harleys asked, “How is he Uncle Harley?”

“Because he and Uncle Peter love each other” the boy beamed, Harley flushed but Peter just smiled at the boy “Cooper, where do you want to sit? Near the windows or upstairs?”

“Windows please Uncle Peter” the boy giggled, Peter smiled and proceeded to drag Harley with him at a glance “PEETTTEERRRR” came the loud whine of Tony Stark himself

“TTTTTOOOONNNNYYYY” Peter returned as the man sat beside the teen “Yes Rusted Man?”

“Rude, anyway, I wondered what this little one is doing with you?”

“Tilly wanted Cooper to not suffer the boredom of reception duty likely due to his day care being closed after a water leak, anyway I accepted the post of living entertainment, now what’re you doing here at lunch and not in the lab?”

“Wanted to see how people are enjoying their tours, and how you and lovey dovey are doing”

“You set up his trip, so we’d meet in person before summer, didn’t you?” Harley asked, Tony smirked “I don’t know what you’re saying Kid, me do something manipulative and sneaky just to make Peter happy, why I’d never” Tony ‘gasped’

“So charitable, now Coop what do you want for lunch?” Peter asked showing the boy a menu

“Chicken and fries please” the boy replied

“if you have a small portion of Peas? Not many but you know what mommy says”

“ok” the boy replied, Tony left to order for the group when Mr Kole approached, many at the table from the Advanced class levelled discrete glares at the man “Mr. Parker when we return to school, you’re facing detention over your actions with Mr. Thompson” he growled, Peter nodded

“Yes sir” he spoke, the man growled and left “he’s an idiot” Peter grumbled

“Why not fight it Darlin’ I heard from Ned you didn’t do anything but help him”

“because Mr Kole works more for Thompson Sr than the school, he’s in Flash’ pocket, besides officially it’s not a school matter all I have to do is give Morita the security footage and it’s overridden, or I serve one hour detention does not like it’s that bad, trust me Harls I know my school, but thanks for the defence really, how’s Davis tour?”

“interesting, I know I have some of this stuff at the Garage, well, at home but seeing so much, I’m almost jealous” the teen replied

“Garage is Home?” Gree asked

“I live alone, my mom didn’t really like I was with Peter, kicked me out”

“and I’m definitely making that change during summer” Peter smirked, soon two chairs were dragged over as Ned and MJ joined the group, Tony returning with waiters and food setting the food down he sat in the chair beside Harley while Peter remained between Harley and Cooper.

Many students watched as the group laughed talked freely and showed no disputes of varying opinions even when heated discussions began over tech and work Tony kept smiling as Peter, Ned and a few others heatedly debated an issue he’d brought up, Peter was also shown to have decently good negotiation skills as Cooper earnt a treat later after eating his peas but the punishment for it taking so long was that the treat would be later not now when the Toddler had gotten upset Peter pulled him into his arms and gently bounced the boy “Coop, we both know if you had a treat now it would mean mommy would tell Uncle Peter off for giving you sugar before your afternoon nap so if you wait it means we’re not in trouble and it won’t make you ill after eating the big meal because being ill is no fun, and if you’re an extra good boy for me you’ll get to mess about with something in my lab later, maybe make a huge mess I’ll have to clean up, for now though let’s take a small walk outside ok? Get some air?” the boy nodded, and Peter whipped the boy’s tears and snotty nose before carrying him out onto the balcony, while no one knew what was said the gestures at the sky likely meant clouds or planes, Peter was still on time however when Lunch ended, he took his group to the Stark Industries Museum.

-

It was nearer the time that the next short break was approaching that Cooper began yawning and drifting to a nap, Peter just ensured the boy as comfy before turning to the group “so this break will be in Tony’s penthouse so I can know where this one is, it’s also where my Lab is and given, I’m nice that’s out next stop anyway” Peter whispered

“Friday tell Boss that if he’s in the penthouse he’ll see me and my group shortly, but that it’s nothing to worry about” Peter whispered as the group entered the Elevator.

Exiting into the personal home of Tony Stark was something many in the tour did never expect, Peter simply lead them through into the main living space where Tony looked up from a magazine “ah, I see why you decided to come here, I know the lab was one the tour so how about I take the little one off you for now, I’ll make sure to tell Tilly, and to bring him to his Uncle Peter if he wakes early” Tony whispered, Peter nodded and gently handed the sleeping boy over to the man who nodded, as Tony left with Cooper and the bag Peter turned to his classmates “now you can see where I’m currently working, it’s a bit of a mess with new furnishings and other components in so ignore anything that seems off, oh and if you see any Spider-Man related items it’s because he works with Tony and I’m the one who usually works on the suits and equipment for him” Peter spoke leading the group to his lab.

As the doors opened and the group entered Peter simply threw himself towards a stool and pulled himself up to a project “feel free to look, some stuff is safe to touch but again if you don’t know, ask” Peter smiled as the group began searching, Oliver sat near Peter humming “I honestly feel jealous right now, you get to interact with this frequently, do you know how purely amazing this space it” he spoke, Peter laughed “Yes, Oliver just over three months ago this didn’t exist, nor did that Party Deck

it was a hanger, I was working on my projects in Tony’s lab on a single workstation, and I know that even that is bloody fortunate but I was operating Eight-Legz from an abandoned Brooklyn garage, I started Eight-Legz with a computer made with the remains of destroyed computers that a tech store had thrown away, that’s how I began, seeing this, staying in the tower, practically living here parttime still gives me shocks at times, I have to be the luckiest kid from Queens my age, or at least one of them” Peter replied

“Er Peter, why are there like 16 Spider-Man Suits here?” Taylor asked, Peter crossed the space

“I did say I worked with him, he likes Tony and wanted to display his suits how Tony did with the armours, we worked on a display”

“Pete this has a note saying moved from Brooklyn”

“Spider-Man wanted me to upgrade his suits, but he didn’t want Tony to know so we did it in secret hoping it wasn’t found out, but it was, so we moved it all here” Peter spoke

“er Peter, I knocked this table, and this thing is blinking, what should I do?” Evan spoke, Peter turned sharply, it was a web grenade he was working on “Don’t move, it’s a prototype web grenade for Spider-Man, it’s motion reliant, I’ll try think of something” Peter spoke, Even shuddered minutely, and the device went off, given the angle it had, it sent Evan flying into a wall sticking fairly high up “ooww” he groaned, “Pete you know how long these last?” Peter did mental calculations

“If I remember I used the 30-minute web fluid” Peter paused and groaned “Friday get Tony in here Now” Peter called out, he was thankful the man was close by

“you called kid … oh, got dissolving fluid?” Peter rushed to a desk and threw it to a now suited Iron Man who flew up to Evans hight “you alright kid?”

“yeah, just get me down please, being trapped like a fly really isn’t fun” Peter couldn’t help but laugh as Tony dissolved the webs and aided the teen down, turning to Peter he spoke “Maybe deactivate the sensitive stuff next time, we don’t need bad press kid” he chuckled before leaving

“Sorry Evan” Peter said

“Nah, you said some stuff wasn’t good for touching and stuff, could have been worse this place is too cool to be annoyed a web went off” the teen smiled back

“In compensation you can all get a drink from my minifridge, and a snack before the test you’ll be taking, hope you were paying attention” Peter smiled, the others glanced around and soon had their food and drink as Peter escorted them to the Conference room all other students resided in “Peter, you’re the top Intern here, you’re the one announcing this” Richie spoke, Peter nodded and removed his tour guide vest taking the podium, he was glad for his ‘press conference lessons’ he’d been given “Alright Midtown High and Tennessee Technical, while I only discovered this would occur this morning, I may add it’s because Tony loves annoying surprises and he can’t argue with me currently, anyway, you are all about to take the Stark Industries Standard Intern entry exam, now given your ages range from 14 to 18 some of you won’t get a place here for a few years, some may enter into the program soon, this test is the benchmark we use to determine if you qualify for internship status here at Stark Industries and if you do what department would you best suit in what role, this test is fairly complex given it was created for College level students however Tony has determined that you’re all capable of completing the task given you earnt a trip to the Tower, the large conference hall on this floor I’m told is already established for this test to occur if you’d please follow your guides into the room to begin, for my class take the seats not taken by the others as I’ll

be judging you all and boy do I enjoy that Idea” Peter spoke plainly, a few of his classmates laughed but Flash ever the slow learner decided to yell two questions “WHO’S 14 OUT OF THEM LOT? AND WHY ARENT YOU DOING THE TEST LOSER?” he called,

“I’d also like to know” Mr Kole spoke

“I wrote improved version of this test and as a Personal Intern here at SI I’ve already completed the test once before doing it again would be pointless, as for your first question Flash that is none of your business” Peter answered before the guides guided them out of the room, Peter clenched his jaw as Tony entered that was until he saw Cooper looking mildly distressed “Uncle Peter” the boy cried approaching him quickly “told you Bud he didn’t go far, thanks for covering kid” Tony spoke, Peter was quickly making Cooper feel better and waved of the comment, Tony just smiled as Peter picked Cooper up and the two entered the exam room “time for marking fun in a bit” Peter hummed, Tony smirked and the two sat in slight discussion with most of the time taken by Peter playing with Cooper.

-

As the test began to filter back Tony and Peter began marking them often commenting between the two, they agreed Peters Class so far fully qualified, and Tony had wanted a few extra hands recently, Harley of course was another, Ned and MJ were fairly capable as was Flash although his rush to finish was evidenced “he’s a capable kid if he had some guidance to not always be first or to just manage his time properly, he’d be so much better” Peter whispered

“he bullies you” Tony retorted

“I can ignore stupid names and a few knocks, I know Flash isn’t as bad as he seems, entitled, prideful and maybe shaped into a mould that doesn’t help but he’s not that bad really” Peter replied as the pair moved on, Abe was another successful candidate as was a few other kids from Harleys class, in truth all the students were talented but SI typically had high standards for interns or employees, Tony and Peter soon had the stamps that marked the results back and began handing back the tests to it wasn’t announced loudly who got what with the teachers receiving the final result lists to know what their students were capable, Peter stood by Flash “congratulations” he whispered placing the paper (Possible consideration) was marked, Flash just stated at Peter stunned he was near certain he was going to be removed from the interactions he and Peter had had over the years, as the final part of the day finished Tony gestured to Peter “I can’t be bothered, and you did good before, consider it practice for anything big in Summer, parties, public engagements you’ll be there for all” Tony spoke, Peter just stood “Alright Everyone, on behalf of the clearly lazy Tony Stark and of Stark Industries we hope you’ve had an informational and entertaining day here at Stark Tower, as said at the beginning of the day you may retain your badges as souvenirs or hand them back at Reception to be destroyed, assuming your teachers agree the Lobby of the tower has a small shop offering Stark Branded items for you to purchase, we do hope to see some of you here within these walls again one day and we wish all of you the best with whatever comes in your futures, I do believe that concludes the tour if you would like to follow your assigned tour guides back to the Lobby, once again we at SI hope you had a good day and personally I wish you all a good evening, oh and Ned, MJ anything at the gift shop you get is placed on my Tab, meaning Tony is paying for it, so do me a favour and get a few things” Peter spoke, smirking at the end Tony spluttered

“That’s it sees if I’m nice to you again, you can only do paperwork tonight mister” Tony ‘scolded’ the teen shrugged “Sure, I don’t mind paperwork, it’s you who doesn’t”

“oh, right, then no milkshakes for a month”

“done” Peter replied, Tony just sagged, and the groups left.

-

Arriving in the Lobby Mr Jones allowed his class to get a few items while Mr Kole was near shouting at Ned and MJ for taking stuff “QUIT THAT RIGHT NOW”

“No shouting in the Lobby, SI policy Mr Kole continue and you shall be removed” Mandy declared, Peter smiled at the woman as he took Cooper into the shop “Uncle Peter’s getting you a few things bud, let’s see shall we” he hummed as Ned and MJ left with two full bags each, Peter began laughing as Tony glared from the elevators, Cooper was soon treated to a fitting and two large hoodies to be comfy in, Peter acquired a few new hoodies and a t-shirt, he also got some stuffed items for himself and for Cooper and got the generic shop items he also got a beanie and a sweater along with some SI stationary for use at school, in truth he didn’t mind leaving only to return, he needed to contest a detention after all, he waved to Tony before heading with Cooper to the reception “Mommy!” the boy smiled as Tilly pulled her son close, Peter gave over his items and commented a few times as Cooper babbled about his day, “Cooper, Peter has to go for a while but he’ll be back a bit later how about you tell me more then?” Tilly asked

“Okay, Bye Uncle Peter” the boy soon spotted Harley “Bye UNCLE HARLEY” he called louder, Harley smiled and waved “Uncle Peter and Uncle Harley love each other like you and daddy do” Cooper proudly told Tilly who smiled “do they” she ‘gasped’ Peter smiled and left with a soft goodbye.

-

Returning to School saw Peter met with Principal Morita and Mr Kole, Peter knew Kole would lie and spin to try save Flash, he was in the teens pocket “Mr. Parker, please follow me to my office” Morita spoke, Jones stepped forward “I’ll be joining you” he spoke, others of Peter former and current stepped forth also “You’ll have to have us there to” the spoke in various forms, Peter smiled as he looked at them all “with respect Sir with my word against Mr Kole it is harder to form an opinion, I’d ask only for Mr Jones, Ned Leeds and Flash Thompson along with Taylor Ryan that means it’s two students from each tour, both school teachers and witnesses to the events” Peter spoke softly, Morita paused but eventually nodded leading Kole to splutter a “What” Morita turned to the man “Mr. Parker is correct, I cannot form an opinion on this matter solely on your words, not when you want Mr. Parker suspended, you claim Mr. Thompson and Mr. Leeds were involved I need to hear from them, Mr. Ryan was with Peters group and Mr. Jones is his teacher, all their inputs are valuable” Morita spoke, Peter nodded in thanks to the man and the group headed to Morita’s office.

-

Entering the office Kole and Flash sat smugly whereas Ned sat with Peter and his group “I find it odd Mr Kole that you only have one witness to call, Mr. Thompson himself” Morita spoke

“Well, it is known Peter enjoys having people willing to lie for him” the man replied, Peter maintained a calm presence after all he had public appearance training an insult like that wouldn’t shake him, “Mr. Parker I feel it prudent you know what Mr Kole is alleging against you before you can give your side of the events, Mr. Kole is claiming that you approximately halfway through the morning portion of the tour entered the section of the building his group was in and promptly threatened to have Mr. Thompson removed simply as you could, seeing as I have had various other complaints from Mr. Kole I have little reason to entirely trust his accounts given your general

attitude that I have witnessed, he also claims you had a Toddler with you the entirety of the day and that you were acting as the guide for your group apparently forcing an employee of Stark Industries to remove themselves from the tour” Morita spoke, Peter sighed

“I believe it’s best to start chronologically, starting with the toddler a three year old boy named Cooper, he is the son of one of the regular receptionists, we’ve met a few times and from the second or third encounter I was ‘Uncle Peter’ given I take my role seriously and given Tilly enjoys Cooper having someone to get along with I had ensured I’d know if something was wrong with the boy, this simply amounted to a news alert to tell me if for example as with today his Day-care had a water leak and had to be closed for today and the weekend, Tilly had to bring Cooper to work and as she knew being in the Lobby of the tower with her performing receptionist work would be boring asked if I would take him for the day, given I’m a trusted friend, I agreed and only for the time I had to deal with the incident I’ll get to did I leave the boys side, SI has policies in place for children in the workplace and I kept true to those ensuring that Cooper would be safe, now with two tours from Midtown High and one from Tennessee Technical three guides were needed on duty, given Stark Industries policy of having more tour guides in the summer period where more regular private tours are given, Richie the head of the tours department only had Davis himself and Charlotte on duty that day Davis took the Tennessee school and Richie was taking Mr. Kole’s class, Richie, after I had passed through security before my class per company policy of employees having entry priority and as I’d need to be entered into the system as active any way, approached me in a panic explaining that Charlotte was off ill and had only just called meaning no one was available for the tour, he knew I was one of the students but given my knowledge asked if I would take the tour, I agreed given at the time I was logged as an employee not as a touring student, it was as you said mid-way through the morning as my tour group had reached the R&D labs that Friday the A.I. Ton- Mr. Stark created to manage his affairs and Stark Industries matters informed me that Fla, Mr. Thompson here had taken the badge Mr. Leeds possessed, a badge given to him as my close friend to grant him conditional access to anywhere I can go within the tower, Mr Thompson was apparently taunting Mr Leeds a fact I’m sure the security cameras caught, Friday informed me that to her view Mr Kole was aiding Mr Thompson by distracting Richie who was running their tour, as such my presence as not only a tour guide and intern but as the individual responsible for Mr Leeds conduct and safety within the tower was needed, I took the express Elevator down to the Museum level the second Midtown group was on leaving Cooper with Mr Ryan, I then informed Mr Thompson pursuant to Stark Industries general and tour policies that Bullying, harassment and any other form of confrontation is not allowed and that should he not return the badge I would call security to have him removed from the building immediately, seeing this Mr Kole accused me of threatening his student rather than deal with Mr Thompson bullying Mr Leeds, upon my argument that under SI and Midtown policy the entire tour group would be removed and my silent support from Richie Mr Thompson returned the badge and I returned to my tour group who at the time were having a small break as to allow for Cooper to rest of if needed use the bathroom, at lunch Mr Kole approached the table myself, my class, Harley Keener my boyfriend from Tennessee Tech and Cooper were sat at after Mr Stark had left to organise our food orders in order so see how the day was progressing, when Mr. Kole arrived I was told I was to face a detention for my threats against Mr Thompson, that was the last of the matter as far as I am aware however Friday constantly monitors the building so I can easily get security footage if any more details are needed from after lunch sir” Peter spoke, Morita nodded and turned to Ned “your side Mr Leeds?” he asked

“from before we got on the bus this morning Flash was taunting me about Peter lying about his internship and that we’d discover it because he would find a way to ensure it was, when I was announced to having a different badge Flashes taunts got worse, when we reached the Stark

Industries museum he knocked into me and took my badge sir, threatening to snap it or report me for faking an ID badge, after a few more of the same threats and taunts Peter entered the room from the elevator as he said, he informed Flash of the tour and company policies and said he could have Flash removed, Mr Kole nearly yelled something about threatening a student to Peter and Peter returned about the entire tour being removed from the Tower, Flash gave me back my badge, after that I don’t know entirely, Flash kept talking with Mr. Kole before and after lunch but I stuck to myself and didn’t try listen” Ned explained

“I see, Mr Ryan?”

“As Peter said Sir, at the R&D labs Friday notified him he was needed and he asked if I could keep an eye on Cooper for a time, he returned when we were having a break in a Staff Common Area, and at lunch Mr Kole approached and told Peter he’d face detention, there’s not really more to my side apart from the view that Peter didn’t allow anything unsafe happen to Cooper or our class if he could help it sir”

“If he could help it? Mr Parker?”

“Oh, well Sir, given it was my class and given one tour block wasn’t available for us I decided to take the group into my private lab within the penthouse, I work with Mr. Stark for hero’s such as Spider-Man including a prototype for a new web grenade, unfortunately Evan Wood knocked the table the device was on, the device activated and as it is highly motion sensitive it activated fully sending Mr Wood to be stuck to one of the labs walls just under mid-way up, I contacted Friday and Mr. Stark got Mr Wood down, I apologised and he told me that it was an accident, that since I’d informed them some things in the Lab were sensitive and to not touch certain items that it was no issue, I did give the entire class cans of soda and snacks as compensation in my own way and SI and myself would have happily paid a bill or faced other consequences if they had resulted from the accident sir” Peter replied, Morita sighed

“very well, I suppose that isn’t anything that concerns this current matter, and you did provide warning and acted immediately per I’m guessing Stark Industries policy?”

“of course, sir being within the Tower I’d never violate SI policy” Peter returned

“And Lastly Mr. Jones?” Morita asked

“I’d like to point out that before the two classes even left the school when I informed Mr Kole that Peter had arranged our tour he said and I quote ‘I have heard the rumours of Mr. Parkers supposed internship, I just never believed he’d go so far’ directing me to believe he never once thought the internship was indeed real, after that I can only verify as much as Peters story as Mr Ryan can however I do know that Peter acted in his role with as much maturity and capability as anyone in the role and that he wouldn’t act outside the already set limits, nor would he allow personal bias to influence him, knowing him he would have acted within all policy required” Jones spoke

“I see, given the number of witnesses and the free offer of security footage I am inclined to agree with Mr. Parker, especially with the comment before the day even began, if you would allow us to see the security footage Mr. Parker?” Peter nodded

“My desk in the Advanced Program’s classroom has access to Friday, we can view it there” Peter explained, despite the protest of Kole and Flash the group was soon watching the security feed which matched Peters events, “I believe I have another fact that may be useful Peter” Friday spoke

“Play it” Peter instructed, what appeared as a staircase within the Tower with Flash and Kole inside it

*” A Detention, a single little detention for making me look stupid, No, No I want Parker gone, suspended, expelled you name it, I want him gone” Flash hissed, Kole nodded and the pair left the stairwell*

Taylor let out a low whistle “that’s fairly incriminating” he hummed; Morita couldn’t help but agree

“Mr Kole, you shall go to my office and wait for me there” he spoke, the man didn’t even protest but left, “Mr. Thompson, it is yourself rather than Mr. Parker who shall be suspended, the suspension shall last the two weeks until the end of the school year, you have summer and that time to rethink your approach to treating fellow students, if a marked improvement isn’t made you shall be expelled from this school given the likely dozens of times you’ve had behaviour covered up or ignored, a full investigation into your conduct shall be conducted, this is your current warning and punishment, clear your locker and pack your belongings your school year has ended today” Morita instructed before near dragging Flash from the room as he tried to protest and attack Peter.

Chapter Text

As the teen arrived back at Stark Tower, he saw May, he hadn’t seen his Aunt more than an hour for a fairly long time, he took a breath when Cooper ran over “YAY” he exclaimed, Peter chuckled and took the boy into his arms “Uncle Peter” he smiled

“I’ve only been gone for 30 minutes Coop, did you miss me that much?” he chuckled, Tilly nodded

“All he’s been asking is where you were and how long would it be, it think he enjoyed today a lot”

“an’ Uncle Peter needs give me a treat” Cooper informed

“oh?” Tilly asked

“I had to bribe him to eat his veggies, is it alright if I give him a small Five Guys shake, I’ll even take him for the night if you don’t want to deal with him?”

“I’ll allow it, for tomorrow night of babysitting, it’s date night?”

“Done, Come one Coop let’s get you a tasty drink” Peter smiled, he gestured to the Five Guys for Aunt May to join, as she says Peter approached the counter “what do you want little man? Point them to me on this sheet” he said pointing to the milkshake menu, Cooper paused to think before pointing what he wanted “alright, I’ll take a vanilla, Salted caramel, Oreo and chocolate milkshake in large and one in small please, oh and some Cajun style fries” Peter turned to his aunt “Do you want anything?”

“Just a normal drink”

“and a freestyle drink please” Peter finished, the employee nodded, and Peter used his SI badge to pay through Tony’s accounts, getting the order and a highchair Peter sat passing May the cup, she left to get a drink and Peter monitored how much Cooper drank while eating his fried “Can I try?” Cooper asked, Peter turned “they’re hot, really warm and hot, you can try one but if you don’t like it it’s alright to spit it out on the chair and take a big sip of your drink ok?” Peter warned, the boy nodded, and Peter got a fry that had the least coating he could find giving it to the boy who happily ate it “mmm, that’s good” he smiled, Tilly had wondered over and kissed the top of Coopers head

“Is uncle Peter spoiling you?” she asked, the boy nodded as May returned

“when did that begin?”

“Oh, about the third time they met, this little one didn’t want to leave when he was visiting mommy and chose Peter to cling do didn’t you rascal?” the boy nodded again as Peter took a selection of less coated fries for the toddler “who’re you?” the boy asked May

“This Cooper is my Aunt May, she’s the one who I live with”

“Like a mommy?”

“in a way yeah bud”

“ok, did you know Uncle Peter and Uncle Harley love each other like mommies and daddies do?” the boy asked, May smiled softly “I did, when did you meet Uncle Harley Cooper?”

“Today, he had a, a tor” the boy frowned, and Peter ruffled his hair

“Almost little man, Tour, it’s the or sound but a bit longer, want to try it again?”

“On the toor” he spoke while he didn’t quite get it, he was proud he was close,

“oh” May replied

“turns out Midtown and Tennessee Tech drew for a competition, so my old class and Harleys were both here as well” Peter informed

“Pete, can we talk privately for a small bit?” May asked, Peter nodded and glanced to Tilly

“I’ll keep an eye on Cooper for a bit, I think his Uncle Peter time can wait a small bit longer” she spoke, Peter nodded and him and May walked of a short way “I can’t do this anymore” May began, Peter had to admit he was set back “I can’t even try to pretend to try, Peter you’ve changed, you’ve changed so much that I can’t ignore it, I can’t keep trying to ignore it, I don’t like it Peter, you’re not you and I can’t stand it”

“May? You’re the one who told me I had to be wholly myself, that I shouldn’t hide who I am, my smarts my true nature, I haven’t changed, this is who I am, this is exactly who I am, and this, this is why I held back, why I hid myself, I am myself more than I have been since I was 12”

“No, you’re not, you don’t tell me anything anymore, you don’t talk about Ned or MJ or anything about school, you hide things” May protested

“I changed Class, you got me into the Advanced Program, I don’t see Ned and MJ every day I have new friends, a lot of new friends, I only talk to Ned and MJ online now, I don’t talk about school because we barely talk, you leave before I wake up, you spend longer hours at work and I’m usually asleep when you’re back, you send me to stay here at the tower regularly on days I wouldn’t have, I’m not the one who’s making this happen, I am myself, I’d enjoy talking about my day but it’s complicated, my life has changed, I haven’t, not really, I am fully myself and if you think otherwise it’s not me with the issue”

“How dare, you, I’ve taken extra shifts for you” May hissed

“Why? For what reason, Tony has offered to pay for parts of my life, he buys my meals in this lobby, I don’t pay for any equipment or any of my items here, Tony even allowed Ned and MJ to practically take what they wanted from the Stark Tower giftshop because they’re my friends, and in case you forgot I’m a millionaire there is no reason for you to take extra work other than to have a reason to avoid me, none, as much as I’d like to lie I’ve noticed each time you pulled away it may have been small to you, but you stopped being there in the morning, then the evening, then it was sending me to the tower at night, it was in the fact I was making breakfast, I was making dinner, I was doing my homework and staying up till 11 before sleeping in hopes to even ask how you were May, It’s been three months since you told me to be myself and in the past one I’ve barely seen or heard from you, and it hurt, it still hurts, this is the longest we’ve talked for a week, A Week May, and it’s you, you what, telling me that after summer I’m living with Tony permanently, that maybe I’ll only have a weekend with you or is it that you want me back to where I was three months ago, hiding my intelligence, hiding myself, barely focussing in class or here because it was too easy for me, because I’m not doing that, not ever, I’m me, I’m happy, I’m not going back, and if it means you telling me I’m better off here than at the apartment frankly May, I’d agree with that” Peter returned

“I guess there’s no point in saying it then, you’re right, as always, I can’t keep going with you like this, I think it’s better you remain with Tony, I’ve already left him a message, goodbye Peter” May spoke before walking off, Peter was standing looking at her retreating back stunned, he took a breath however and returned to Cooper and Tilly, he’d deal with the fury that filled him when it wouldn’t affect a child, for the time Peter ate and finished his drink and ‘snuck’ Cooper fries while the pair explained their day to Tilly he was happier, but he still felt hurt.

--

Tony knew something was wrong when Peter passed without a word, he approached to find what was up with the teen when a sound of fury and the sound of breaking objects was all he heard, the doors to Peters lab opened and Tony saw that Peter had trashed part of the space, “I’m going out on Patrol, don’t wait up, I don’t want to talk” Peter spoke equipping his suit, he took a hoodie too and swung from the room leaving Tony in the door, he was going to find out what happened.

He didn’t have to wait a while as when he returned to his lab Friday spoke “May Parker has left an audio message should you wish to hear it Boss, I believe it’s the reason for Boss Juniors distress”

“Yes, Play it” Tony spoke

* “Tony, it’s May Parker, I-I’m leaving this message as I cannot do this in person, I can’t look after Peter anymore, I though, I hoped that when I told him to be himself I could bare it, but I can’t, I can’t stand it, I’m going to try tell him in person but I’m moving to sign my custody over to you entirely before the end of summer, Peter can stay with me for the last two seeks of school naturally, and I know you’re willing to take him, I know Peter will be cared for, and I know I can’t provide that anymore, this may seem, quite frankly a disgusting and despicable act but it’s true, Peter deserves more than I can give, more than I can understand, what you choose to do it your own action, but I know what I’m doing, please care for Peter, that’s all I have to say, goodbye Tony” *

Tony felt like smashing something himself, how dare she make Peter feel bad about this, he’d told Tony of his struggles with May and now this, “I also have footage from an interaction the pair had in the Lobby sir” Friday spoke

“Play it

* “Pete, can we talk privately for a small bit?” May asked, Peter nodded and glanced to Tilly

“I’ll keep an eye on Cooper for a bit, I think his Uncle Peter time can wait a small bit longer” she spoke, Peter nodded and him and May walked of a short way “I can’t do this anymore” May began, Peter had to admit he was set back “I can’t even try to pretend to try, Peter you’ve changed, you’ve changed so much that I can’t ignore it, I can’t keep trying to ignore it, I don’t like it Peter, you’re not you and I can’t stand it”

“May? You’re the one who told me I had to be wholly myself, that I shouldn’t hide who I am, my smarts my true nature, I haven’t changed, this is who I am, this is exactly who I am, and this, this is why I held back, why I hid myself, I am myself more than I have been since I was 12”

“No, you’re not, you don’t tell me anything anymore, you don’t talk about Ned or MJ or anything about school, you hide things” May protested

“I changed Class, you got me into the Advanced Program, I don’t see Ned and MJ every day I have new friends, a lot of new friends, I only talk to Ned and MJ online now, I don’t talk about school because we barely talk, you leave before I wake up, you spend longer hours at work and I’m usually asleep when you’re back, you send me to stay here at the tower regularly on days I wouldn’t have, I’m not the one who’s making this happen, I am myself, I’d enjoy talking about my day but it’s complicated, my life has changed, I haven’t, not really, I am fully myself and if you think otherwise it’s not me with the issue”

“How dare, you, I’ve taken extra shifts for you” May hissed

“Why? For what reason, Tony has offered to pay for parts of my life, he buys my meals in this lobby, I don’t pay for any equipment or any of my items here, Tony even allowed Ned and MJ to practically take what they wanted from the Stark Tower giftshop because they’re my friends, and in case you forgot I’m a millionaire there is no reason for you to take extra work other than to have a reason to avoid me, none, as much as I’d like to lie I’ve noticed each time you pulled away it may have been small to you, but you stopped being there in the morning, then the evening, then it was sending me to the tower at night, it was in the fact I was making breakfast, I was making dinner, I was doing my homework and staying up till 11 before sleeping in hopes to even ask how you were May, It’s been three months since you told me to be myself and in the past one I’ve barely seen or heard from you, and it hurt, it still hurts, this is the longest we’ve talked for a week, A Week May, and it’s you, you what, telling me that after summer I’m living with Tony permanently, that maybe I’ll only have a weekend with you or is it that you want me back to where I was three months ago, hiding my intelligence, hiding myself, barely focussing in class or here because it was too easy for me, because I’m not doing that, not ever, I’m me, I’m happy, I’m not going back, and if it means you telling me I’m better off here than at the apartment frankly May, I’d agree with that” Peter returned

“I guess there’s no point in saying it then, you’re right, as always, I can’t keep going with you like this, I think it’s better you remain with Tony, I’ve already left him a message, goodbye Peter” May spoke before walking off, Peter was standing looking at her retreating back stunned, he took a breath however and returned to Cooper and Tilly *

Tony was practically shaking with anger at the end of that “Friday send that to Pepper, she needs to see it too, track Peters suit I want to know if anything happens that would endanger him given his current state, and I want the Mark 49 ready for deployment, I’m having a word with May” Tony growled

“Normally Boss I’d disagree with you so angry but this time I believe I’ll make an exception for you” Friday spoke, Tony was soon flying straight for Queens.

-

Landing Tony had to take a breath as he waited for May to return from the Tower given when she’d been there, it was clear she wasn’t expecting him when she jumped leaving the cab she’d taken “whatever you’re here to do, don’t, I’ve had it with you, with all the people who think they’re smarter than others, it’s sickening and now Peter’s joined you” she sneered, Tony was too angry to be

taken aback “you’re the one who’s sickening, who leaves their nephew at the care of someone else not even bothering to ask if they’d take him in before leaving, telling a teenage boy that because he wasn’t bothering to hide who he is he’s someone you cant stand to be near, Peter’s already spoken to me about his issues, Number one is that you’ve been ignoring him, his own AUNT told him to be himself and to not hide then you go and IGNORE HIM, I’ve seen the footage from my Lobby, you rant that he changed, how, because you allowed him to be in the Advanced Program at school? Because he has new friends for the first time in a few years, that he’s maturing faster than many his age, that he’s capable and intelligent, how has he changed, because to me he hasn’t, he’s exactly the same, he’s just more open and better for it, you, you have literally just thrown him out, ‘you can stay until summer’ and then what, if I didn’t take him he’d be in a group home, CPS would get involved, you’re lucky I like Peter and you’re lucky I’d never let that kid suffer because if this was even 4 years ago Peter would be homeless at your fault” Tony continued red faced, neighbours stared, filmed at one point he was sure the news had begun reporting it but Tony continued digging into May’s tried arguments drilling the point that Peter was simply being himself, something she had told him he should be, reminding her of all the events that counted as neglect of a minor and lastly commenting “You’re right Peters being signed over to me, and you will definitely hear from my lawyers regarding this because kicking out a 15 year old boy for being himself, that is fucked up” he ended before stepping back into his suit and flying into the now dark raining sky “Friday, where’s Peter?”

“It seems Mr. Parker is involved in a 7 on one confrontation, he appears to be losing, the police are near the scene directing you now” the A.I. replied, Tony cursed before launching off:

-

When Tony landed the criminals were being arrested and Peter was stood alone in the rain at some point he’d placed jeans and boots over his costume and had an older backpack on, landing Tony removed the suit already wet from his previous argument he approached Peter “do I want to see what bruises you have under that mask?” he asked, Peter shook his head silently when a cry emitted from behind the mask “I know Kid, I know” Tony whispered reaching the teen who pulled the mask off but hid under his hood, it seemed Tony’s presence was all that was needed for Peter to finally break tears flowed down his cheeks as Tony pulled the boy into an embrace lowering them towards the ground “I know what she did, I saw the security footage, I know Kid, I know it hurts, it’s alright for it to hurt, just let it out” he murmured “there was only one thing May had right, I’m definitely taking you in, you’re not being homeless nor are you ever going to not have me to listen to you, I’m here if you need, I’m here, and you’ll be alright, it’ll be ok but it will hurt” Tony spoke, it was only a short time later when a horn sounded “TONY, PETER COME ON IT’S POURING IT” Happy yelled, Tony looked and took Peter into his arms and carried him to the car sending his suit back automatically, climbing in the back Happy simply commented that Friday sent an alert and set off back to Stark Tower.

-

Peter knew something would happen and he was going to face it “Happy, pull up out front please, I’d rather face the press now then have rumours spread” Peter asked softly, with a nod from a proud

Tony Happy indeed pulled up at the main entrance, Peter zipped his hoodie up fully to hide his costume and felt relief when he saw Pepper just inside the doors sending a soft smile to the teen, exiting the car was a transition from muffled cries to reporters yelling for answers, Peter didn’t talk, didn’t show anything more than his already present emotions and calmly walked with Tony to the doors as Happy blocked the path behind them, entering saw Peter pulled into a hug by Pepper “I am so sorry this happened, I managed to get some Five Guys employees to kindly stay and get you some comfort food, let’s get some shall we?” she soothed, Peter nodded and walked with Pepper thanking the employees politely and passionately as he collected a rather late dinner before the trio went up to the penthouse for the night.

Chapter Text

When Peter awoke on Saturday he knew it was later than he would have normally on a weekend “I took the choice to turn your alarm off Peter, I figured a longer sleep would be better for you” Friday spoke, Peter thanked the A.I. before getting ready to face the day, he’d happily admit to being shaken after the events of the day prior, when he finished he paused to breath before exiting his room and traveling down to the living area, as he arrived the TV was on:

“Once again one of our top stories today is the media sensation that is Tony Stark, he was seen last night in Queens in a heated argument with May Parker, neighbours at the scene describe the beginnings of the argument with Stark laying into the woman over the ‘kicking out’ of her Nephew one Peter Parker, a teen who neighbours describe as kind, polite, helpful and always ready to give aid to those who need it, they say that while the teen appeared closed off in recent years he had recently begin opening up and many say this caused a rift within the familial bond the Parkers shared, it is known to this network that Peter Parker was orphaned at a young age and has since been…”

The presented then delved into a version of Peters history, Friday lowered the volume at that “I guess I’m a public figure now” Peter snorted dryly, Tony and Pepper jumped where they were sat and turned to see the teen looking at the TV “I understand why you hate the Media Tony, they’re annoying” he grumbled descending the few steps to get to the couches and sit “oh fu-dge” Peter stated “I’m babysitting Cooper tonight, and the Media will swarm me if I leave the tower” Peter groaned “A. Language B. just ask Tilly to bring the boy here, I don’t mind it and I’m sure she wont either you can still babysit” Pepper spoke, Peter sagged slightly and nodded, he’d never try and miss a chance to entertain and interact with Cooper if he could help it “Kid with the media on this, SI needs to put out a statement and so do I, me and Pepper were wondering what that should include, we’d like you input” Tony said softly

“I’m not a child Tony” Peter hissed “I can handle something like this without being coddled, I knew something like this would happen” Peter commented

“You did?” Pepper asked

“It was easy to guess, with so much distance May placed it was clear she was uncomfortable, and with her allowing me to stay here all summer I figured it’d be mid-summer she’d come over or call and say after summer I didn’t have a place to return to and force a decision, I didn’t expect it this early, but I expected something, as for the press, the truth, I was a smart kid who impressed you and with the search for a personal intern you liked that I’d stand up to you and I got the placement, you suspected I was smarter than I showed and through tracking my coding signature you found Eight-Legz, found I was him and that I was hiding my intelligence so you encouraged me to show it as did Aunt May and that I was placed into the Advanced class at Midtown, that over the past three months I’ve moved from just a personal intern to an odd friend who you agreed to take in with split

custody at May’s request as I needed ‘to be in a space that could aid my intelligence’ that I have a Lab my own projects, that stuff, and that May was becoming distant leading to this, I don’t need my life turned into a media circus because they’re trying to dig into my past of my life in general that would risk Spider-Man and I cant have that, so we go as truthful as we can, but I’m not being there, say I’m still upset and couldn’t face it, I feel like being in my lab, oh, but I can guarantee some of my friends will try visit, if they’re allowed?”

“Of course Kid, I don’t see an issue with having friends over” Tony replied, Peter smiled and stood, he’d get breakfast in his lab and work on projects.

-

Peter had attempted to work but his phone and computer had blown up with messages from his friends and others, he was glad he had a system to filter messages hostile from not, most of his morning was spent on various calls Peter knew he was definitely known when Harley said that he was on the news where he was meaning most of America likely knew, Peter found that unbearably  uncomfortable but knew given Tony’s fame and recognition it was not surprising “Guess we both don’t really have a place with family Darlin’”

“Don’t say that, you have me Harls, screw conventional relationships, I love you, you are my family and my boyfriend, and you cant take it back, I am a non-refundable subscription, besides we’re both staying at the Tower for summer, and if I manage to manipulate you, both living here after, Tony wouldn’t care, I’ll manage, and it’s not as if I didn’t expect this”

“I know, I know, but it still isn’t nice is it?”

“Not one bit, but I’ve got you, I have Ned, MJ my ‘new’ friends, I know I have people I can rely on, I’ll be fine”

“eventually” Harley prompted

“Eventually Harls, speaking of alright, how are you?”

“ok, the local news knows about us given the media’s digging of dirt so I can’t leave the garage but I’m alright”

“Harley” Peter hissed gently

“Pete there’s nothing you can do, it’s alright I promise, I can handle it, eventually” Harley spoke

“fine, but if anything of it gets worse call Tony, he’ll sort it, and don’t you dare think I won’t know if you cant handle it and try too, Elim works for me remember”

“He’s still offline and you know it” Harley returned

“I’ll find a way Harls, just… for me, if you can’t handle it call Tony, please” Peter spoke softy

“alright Darlin’ I’ll call if I need to, I’ll let you get back to frantically replying to others, I love you Peter”

“I love you too Harley” Peter replied, the call ended, and Peter found himself wrapped in an embrace “Taylor, most people speak of their presence when entering a room, not sneak up on people” Peter sighed

“How did you know it was me?” the teen asked

“I didn’t, but my closer friends don’t hug so quickly, Ned would rather sit across from me and MJ would shout loser when entering the room, the ‘jocks and cheerleaders’ wouldn’t come to the tower unless invited and they wouldn’t know the way to my lab and I’ve already gotten a ton of ‘I really want to see you but I can’t’ messages, so you were left” Peter explained, as the teen pulled up a stool beside him “you alright?” he asked

“I’ll be alright, now, now I just feel like sleeping all day or maybe doing something numbing but Cooper is coming over early evening to be babysat by me so I cant really, I was trying to work but I cant focus, my next thing was simply to play videogames or something simple if you’ll join me?”

“why wouldn’t I, I didn’t manage to talk my way into visiting after passing a wall of press not to join you, what are you thinking?”

“I managed to puppy dog eyes Tony into buying a duo Star Wars pod racing arcade game, it’s in the lower living are, It’s basically an arcade, movie room and hangout, Pepper only likes it because Stark Tech means it’s muted to the outside but I’ve seen her sneak down on occasion to play some combat cabinets”

“Wait, you mean full arcade cabinets, the real deal?”

“Yeah, the entire space is fairly large, some cabinets are older, Pac-Man and that era of games other are more modern, air hockey and things like that too, it’s basically a games room, so want to join?” Peter spoke

“Yes, I’d be insane not to” Taylor replied, Peter and the teen stood and left the room, Peter saw the Press conference was beginning and sat down “can we watch this first?”

“sure, do you know what’s being said?”

“the truth, I said I didn’t want anything to be hidden” Peter replied as the two settled into watching the conference, by the end and after a slight bit of hesitation Peter was leaning into Taylors side “that was something, I didn’t know some of that about you Pete” the teen spoke

“well America and further does now, it’s official, I’m at least somewhat famous now” Peter breathed

“how about I trash you at Pod Racing to distract you?”

“Trash me? Oh you’re going down” Peter smirked as the pair headed into the room.

-

A while later an exited call of “NOW THIS IS POD RACING” ended the round as Peter won, Taylor sighed “overall we draw, and I’m fairly certain I have to head home soon, do you know what time it is?”

“the time is currently 5:30 PM Mr Ryan, Peter Tilly is here with Cooper for your babysitting services” Friday spoke

“Oh, I’m late, well, I’m heading off, see you at school Pete and have a fun night with Cooper, you deserve it” Taylor spoke as the pair reached the lift in time for a happy call of “Uncle Peter” to sound, Peter chuckled as he took the bouncing Toddler into his arms, Tilly and her husband Sean who entered the room as Taylor left, “Thank you for this Peter, even with the drama thanks” Tilly spoke giving Peter a small hug “it’s not a problem, I enjoy spending time with this little monster, besides I need some normal” Peter smiled

“you were on Telly” Cooper chirped

“yes I was, was I funny on telly?”

“yeah” the boy smiled,

“alright I have his larger bag, it’s got what you’ll need, his bedtime is 7:30 but you can stretch it to 7:40 if he’s fussy about it, I don’t really know for sure when we’ll be back to pick him up as a certain man isn’t telling me about tonight, have a good evening both of you, and thanks again Peter” Tilly spoke, she kissed Coopers forehead “be a good boy for uncle Peter and we’ll be back later alright?”

“I will mommy, bye”

“Bye bud, have fun” Sean spoke, the pair left, and Cooper hugged into Peter, as the elevator doors closed Coopers breath shook “what’s up bud?” Peter asked rubbing the boys back

“no know where they go” the boy got out 

“oh Coop, they’re having a date night, it’s when people who love each other have a night together because they love each other, they do love you Coop but sometimes mommies and daddies like time together, they’ll be back later but until then me and you get to hang out together, we can have fun can’t we?”

“yeah” the boy said, Peter smiled and began to tickle Coopers stomach causing the boy to giggle

“what do you want to do little mister?”

“games?”

“what sort of games?”

“good ones” Cooper replied, Peter smiled gently,

“I have one I think you’ll like, but we can’t do it for too long, because you mister need dinner and a calmer night, and, if you’re extra good I’ll give you a really nice bath” Peter replied softly, Peter took Cooper down into the games room and over to the TV and to the Nintendo Wii U that Tony had put on Scribblenauts Unlimited “how about we make some things” Peter spoke, Cooper nodded and the two began playing.

-

It was a time later that Tony left his workshop and Pepper was up early from work that they found Peter settling Cooper into the highchair that had been acquired for the evening “Cooper, we both know mommies rules on eating one healthy thing so I have a treat for you, it’s healthy, and its tasty, can I make that for you?”

“ok” Cooper replied quietly

“you’ll like it, I promise” Peter hummed kissing the boys forehead, silently Tony and Pepper watched as Peter took already made pasta sheets and other ingredients and began cooking on the island counter allowing Cooper to watch as the teen made a fairly large batch of Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli and mixed a fair sized batch of tomato sauce for the meal setting them to cook “why make it now?” Cooper asked, Peter hummed and turned

“it always tastes yummier when fresh, and making it is fun, maybe another time we can both make the pasta and the inside together?”

“Yeah” Cooper smiled,

“Tony, Pepper please sit, this food is for all of us not just Cooper” Peter spoke turning to Cooper “Tony needs his greens too” he smiled teasing the man, Cooper giggled towards Tony who pouted, Peter simply continued the cooking until he was ready to serve the meal, as he dished it out he ensured he had a large portion but naturally he’d made much more than he’d need for extras or to use a different day, placing the dishes Peter took a seat beside Cooper and made sure the food was cooler for the Toddler “looks odd” the toddler squirmed

“but it’s yummy Coop, and you wont know until you try it, one nice big bite for me?” Peter coaxed, the boy reluctantly agreed and Peter took a smaller piece with sauce and offered it to the boy who ate “warm and yummy” he giggled, Peter nodded and took to eating his own portion aiding Cooper eat occasionally, but he knew the boy was getting a bath no matter his ‘protests’ Tilly had revealed Cooper hadn’t had a bath in some time and Peter was determined to give the boy one tonight, after all he had a few tricks, Cooper had made Peter proud when he asked for extra but Peter ensured he didn’t over do it before he finished and stored the extra in the fridge for another time, he used a warm and wet cloth to gently clean Coopers face of the sauce and decided as it was now 6:50 that Cooper could have 15 minutes on a game like Colour Zen Kids before he’d have a bath and time to wind down for bed.

It was a short time later that Peter and Cooper were in the bathroom of Peters room “I no want a bath” the boy protested

“I could give you a shower but they’re less fun, but, I do have something that can make a bath fun, not just bubbles” Peter coaxed, when he’d designed the bathroom the contractors had found Peter odd for his custom bath and shower designs but carried out the order never the less, the shower was wider and could fit two people if needed but had various different modes as any shower in the tower did but the bath, the bath was more of its own room with a glass dividing wall keeping it separate to avoid large puddles of water, it was also placed into the floor slightly making it easier to climb into it, and given Peter knew A. how fun certain things were in general, B. he’d likely have Cooper in the bath at some point while babysitting and C. there were certain things he found pleasing he’d had the roof over the bath turned into a rain shower head, he’d had various buttons levers and other controls fitted to the wall to turn on jets, waterfall openings and differing water nozzles and had it child friendly, he’d even taken the chance to research environmentally safe and child safe shower gels soaps and shampoos if Cooper needed use of them, he’d even got them in fun smells, and while the boy didn’t need them yet he also had acquired ‘child’s deodorant and antiperspirant’ and of course bath foam, a lot of bath foam (Peter is a child at heart) “No” Cooper denied “not even if it makes you feel really clean, and I have your towel and clothes warming up, it’ll feel really nice Coop, I promise, I’ll be in the bath too, it won’t be you alone” Peter reasoned

“I-I no like bath, to hot” Peter then understood the issue

“did someone make a bath to hot and make you get in?”

“Daddy” Cooper mumbled

“well this bath will be warm, not hot and you decide how warm it is, not me, not anyone, alright, I promise it’ll be good”

“ok” the boy conceded, Peter pulled the boy into a hug

“I’ll be fine Coop, I promise it’ll be fine” he whispered to the nervous boy, Peter began to draw the bath making it deep enough for both to be happy and ensuring Cooper chose how warm the bath was, he was glad that the system he’d made for the bath would use that temperature for the extra water features as he and Cooper got into the tub, with bubbles, foam and the added features Cooper was distracted enough that Peter could ensure the boy was cleaned properly but waited for the hair until Cooper was more tired, it was a time later after Peter had washed also including his own hair that Cooper began to tire, slowly Peter massaged the boys head clean and finished the toddlers hair as he yawned and became sleepy, Peter had the two out and dried with warm towels before dressing them both in warmed pyjamas and carrying the nearly asleep Toddler to Peters bed humming and rocking gently he got the boy fully asleep in his bed before leaving his room to talk to Tony and Pepper yawning himself.

-

Arriving in the living space saw Peter flop down yawning “it’s not even half seven how are you so tired?”

“Bath, warm clothes, Cooper hadn’t had one in a few weeks, managed to convince him, tiring” Peter mumbled

“Back to your room kid, you need rest too, have a longer sleep”

“kk, night” Peter mumbled

“night Pete” Pepper hummed

“Night kid” Tony spoke, Peter made he way to his room and gently climbed beside Cooper, he could be awoken if needed later, but for now sleep was calling him, both teen and Toddler were soon asleep with Cooper unconsciously cuddling into Peter and both smiling.

Chapter Text

It was the next morning when Tilly and Sean came back for Cooper, “What if we over imposed Sean, Peter’s practically my boss, Tony and Pepper are my bosses”

“Tilly, Peter said it was fine that we didn’t know when we’d be back just relax, he loves Cooper, we wouldn’t be asking him to be Godfather if he wasn’t good with him would we?” Sean replied

“I know, I do it’s just that Peter is that good and it always makes me twitchy, he’s almost too good with, well, everyone” Tilly sighed, what the pair didn’t expect was to smell extremely good food as they exited the elevator, walking towards the kitchen that Tilly knew off saw Peter serving what seemed to be savoury pancakes to a happily munching Cooper, Peter had a stack spare and had pushed to plates to Tony and Pepper “did you have breakfast?” Peter asked

“We did, thank you Peter” Sean said

“but, I think one or two of those sounds manageable” Tilly added, Peter smiled and placed a few on a plate and placed two empty plates in front of the adults before placing the cooking utensils aside and sat himself “I have a gift, well more a treat for Cooper for you” he hummed a time later

“oh, and what would that be?”

“well it’s multipronged, I managed to get Cooper a bath last night, and with that I have a thermometer that will allow you to get the perfect temperature for him, because he’s picky, I have a stock of bath foam and I have some of last night’s left overs” Cooper nodded enthusiastically at that

“and what was last nights meal?” Tilly asked

“Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli with tomato sauce and this little one had extras didn’t you?”

“yeah, this yummy uncle Peter” Cooper smiled

“I’m glad you like it” Peter replied

“we’re sorry we’re fairly late back it’s just when we finished last night it was 2 am and we didn’t think you’d be up” Tilly coughed

“that’s no problem” Pepper replied “I don’t think you’d have separated these two anyway” she finished gesturing to Peter and Cooper, “Friday pull up the image for Tilly and Sean”

“Of course” the A.I. replied, Peter looked down blushing as an image of him and Cooper cuddled together in near matching pyjamas floated in front of the pair, “so I have the same weaknesses as a Toddler, it’s rude to spread that news” Peter ‘whined’ Tilly giggled behind her hand at the view and Sean coughed to try prevent himself from chuckling, “Well, Peter, we were talking last night, about you and Cooper” Tilly began, Peter looked up at this, he couldn’t help but swallow with some nerve “given we didn’t have anyone supporting us when Cooper was born and we didn’t really have any friends in the city we never appointed a Godfather, and given how good you are with him we wanted to know if you’d take that position” Sean finished, Peter face lit up like, frankly to the parents like Cooper on Christmas as he simply nodded vigorously at the idea finally choking out a “I’d be honoured” Cooper just giggled at Peters actions before stealing a pancake from the plate between his parents, the adults who could taste the spinach and other ‘greens’ in the items were stunned, Peter simply winked “it’s a trick my parents and Aunt May and Uncle Ben used with me, and it’s in and on a lot of parenting guides and websites, if you hide it in something that disguises the taste then kids will eat it happily, or if it’s cooked a certain way that helps”

“again, it’s like you read parenting guides” Tilly smiled

“he did, 37 in total, along with 43 reference websites, 25 books for recipes in general specified for hiding healthy foods with 12 deep analytics programs on his results, he recently took a total of 4 hours researching children’s bath products and 3 on toddler friendly videogames, that is only what is on my system and not physical documents, books of other digital platforms I cannot view” Friday replied, Peter was violently red faced at the gazes focused on him “I didn’t want to screw something up” he mumbled “besides it’s interesting when you get into it”

Sean just smiled “I don’t think anyone not related to a child would to that, I now can’t think of anyone more qualified to be godfather, although I would like a word, in your room perhaps?” he spoke, Peter nodded and stood.

As the entered Sean sighed “the thermometer wasn’t without reason was it?” he asked

“no” Peter replied “he said you’d made a bath too hot for him, my bath records water temperatures for a system that heats other water for it’s entertainment systems, I can show you if you like?” the man nodded as they entered the bathroom, Peter pulled back the divider revealing the ‘complex’ objects “it probably wasn’t your fault, I know how houses and apartments can be with hot water, it goes cold, warm, perfect, straight to near scalding sometimes in seconds, but Toddlers are chaotic like that, they’re specific to what they like, fortunately the tower has perfect water control”

“why do I feel like most of these makes a toddlers bath more fun?”

“they do, I have proof, but it’s also for me, some make it a type of spa bath, one makes the rain ceiling activate others are just funny, my shower has a similar thing but for standing, maybe a bit less full but still there, I wont lie and say Cooper played no part of it, but he wasn’t all the reason, I must admit I forgot how much Bath foam is fun to fight with” Peter smiled

“Fight?”

“Cooper wouldn’t trust the bath unless I was in with him, it played to my advantage, the foam I got is a foam soap so it was perfectly safe and I managed to sneakily get him cleaned without him knowing, I saved his hair till he was already tiring and it sent him drifting off, by the time we were dressed in warmed clothes he was out and I was dead on my feet, bit embarrassing to have the same endurance as a 3 year old when it comes to a warm bath and warm clothes but I don’t mind” Peter hummed

“I think you’ve looked into more parenting things than I have” Sean joked

“Parenting is always stumbling and making errors, no one can be prepared, I just prefer to have a large foundation to slam my head back into when I’m knocked down again” Peter snorted in return “besides one day I’ll be a dad, if I know more now then I’ll be better then, and if it makes me be a good ‘Uncle Peter’ now all the better” he hummed

“thanks for not blaming me for the bath thing”

“like I said it was likely an accident, now let’s return to the others” Peter reminded

“can you send me some of the stuff you found with that research, maybe some recipes or games, just some help? And that feels weird, I’m his dad asking his new Godfather for help raising my son” Sean spoke

“it’s a bit odd but it’s not to bad and of course I’ll send stuff like I said if you get into it it’s interesting, although half of it has contradicting opinions that I entirely disagree with and laughed at so there’s that also” Peter replied as the pair reached the kitchen once more, Pepper was doing the dishes and Tony had disappeared likely to his lab Tilly and Cooper were happily talking about the night before with Cooper rambling about it “an the bath was fun” he exclaimed, Peter smiled

“I think it’s probably best we head home now Coop, let Uncle peter do his homework and get sorted for the week, but you’ll see him soon” Tilly prompted

“ok” Cooper replied quietly, Peter approached and ruffled the toddler’s hair

“I’ll see you soon bud, promise” he soothed, the boy nodded and accepted being taken into Tilly’s arms “thank you Peter, have a good day, all of you” the spoke

“anytime” Peter hummed, Tilly nodded and left with Cooper and Sean.

Chapter Text

It was Wednesday evening when Peter entered the Penthouse of Stark Tower that things were different, two armed men pointed their weapons at Peter “Who Are You?” one barked

“Peter Parker, I live here, what’s going on?” Peter replied, he’s already set his bad down if he needed to act “We got a kid here claims he lives here sir” one spoke into a radio, Peter eyed the guns pointed to him along with the vent above him “Friday what’s happening?” he asked

“I am Sorry Boss Junior I cannot relay that information you do not have clearance”

“Override S.H.I.E.L.D Identity check, Peter B. Parker, Operation Specialist Level 9 Clearance authorisation Bravo Alpha Charlie 55731” Peter spoke automatically, the guns were raised, ‘oh right, terrorists’ he groaned internally

“Identity check confirmed, authorisation approved, Boss is currently meeting with Former Lieutenant General Thaddeus Ross, current Secretary of State in the Living Space regarding top secret information, I cannot reveal more under current circumstances”

“Sir this kid has a S.H.I.E.L.D authorisation, permission to detain or eliminate”

“Negative, send him through” a voice returned, Peter picked his bag up and passed the guards and into the living area “Son, I want to know how you have a S.H.I.E.L.D. clearance before I say anything else” Ross spoke

“I worked one mission for them, last year just after I became Spider-Man sir” Peter replied

“You’re Spider-Man” Ross replied stunned, Peter nodded once

“Yes Mr Secretary, I worked undercover at HYDRA over a three week Period for S.H.I.E.L.D managing to eliminate 4 cells and expose multiple members, some I believe were juniors in your own office sir, I was given Level 9 Clearance as compensation for my work and official internal pardoning for having all HYDRA and S.H.I.E.L.D files from the Fall, sir” Peter replied

“You did what?” Tony spluttered

“Worked undercover, I told you when I was 13, I began working against HYDRA as Eight-Legz, this was more of a way to continue that mission, a total of 69 individuals were detained or dealt with as a result of my three week mission” Peter replied sitting in one of the rooms chairs

“How old are you son?”

“15 sir, and don’t call me son, I may be young in years, but I am no child” Peter replied, “now with respect, what the hell are you doing here? why was I placed at gunpoint? and what is going on?” Peter uttered

“I could detain you for your S.H.I.E.L.D work you know”

“And face questions in the coming election cycle towards Ellis as to why you detained a 15-year-old minor on charges of international and domestic terrorism when I stopped 69 HYDRA agents an organisation that was within all branches of government and is likely from all evidence still within positions of power in the US intelligence services and that the public views as more of a threat than S.H.I.E.L.D remnants which I already know are working with the ATCU or at least partly, I also know that you have had to have been briefed on all S.H.I.E.L.D resources, you know it’s much larger than even you’d like to admit to yourself, there are many things you wouldn’t enjoy me knowing that I do so lets cut to the, most likely argument you were having before I arrived, Tony please tell me what’s happening, this wouldn’t be tense unless you were resisting it” Peter returned

“The Accords are being legally nullified by the UN, but for the acts committed the President and Secretary Ross want Cap, Barnes and Nat here as opposed to the compound where the others are if they don’t have a home like Lang and Clint” Tony growled

“In other words you don’t want them here despite the fact I’m working with Shuri with the trio anyway and have as much knowledge on Barnes condition as Shuri does, and the fact she’s staying here this summer anyway, you don’t want to face the fact that you have a layered relationship with Rogers that he doesn’t fully understand so you don’t want to face the backlash from him due to the unfounded anger you have resulting from your father and in some part Peggy Carter from their bias stories of Rogers in your youth, you don’t want to face Barnes also because you understand he wasn’t to blame for your parents deaths or my parents deaths and it would mean having to confront the two sides of the argument and you’re not fully comfortable taking his and Rogers relationship at face values from the stories you were raised with, now Nat you don’t want because she ‘betrayed’ the group we fought with, understanding that both you and Rogers are too stubborn to backdown, because it means facing the fact she was correct while trying to repair the Avengers slowly given the large gaping wound left between you and Rogers, oh and because me, Shuri and Harls are here this summer you’ve gotten it into your mind we can’t handle ourselves should the others have a negative reaction despite the fact you know we can hold our own if needed and the fact they know at least that Shuri is working to help the three of them, am I anywhere close to correct?”

Tony began grumbling as Peter sat waiting for a response “Maybe” Tony replied after a while

“Tony, I’ve literally fought and beat Barnes before, I nearly beat Cap and I have Harley and Shuri to help me, I don’t thing it’ll be that bad, we have enough guest rooms for all the avengers so take a note that the government only wants to send three, it’s the three that you need to ensure the Avengers can work together anyway, this is a twisted way of them trying to repair the damage, you have all the time in the world while they’re here to rebuild relationships and to find common ground, you have me, Harley and Shuri helping you and you have other support, not only that but this place is fairly large you can avoid them if you wanted, we have some time to prepare I assume so we can get this sorted, if I can set rooms for them and Shuri, and for Harley, I’ll happily help take some of the weight, and I have a form of super strength so I can take more than you think” Peter replied, Tony paused standing he left down into the games area, Peter turned to Ross “with all due respect Mr Secretary I really don’t see the logic in bringing this up a week or two before this is happening”

“Its’ happening next Friday” Ross replied

“and you’re telling him now”

“in case you forgot Government can be fairly busy” Ross hissed

“and infringing on a citizens home to tell him he’s caring for people who literally fought him is a good use of taxpayers money” Peter scoffed back “I can see the view from the outside but with respect sir looking in isn’t always the best view to handle situations, what time are the three coming to the tower?”

“Why?”

“I was going to ask Tony if me and my friends could have a party as it’s the last day of school next Friday and some of my newer friends are graduating” Peter replied

“I’m sure we can make time Pete, I’ll do it Ross, but I have absolute right to kick them to the Compound if they become too much, I am not having them try insult me or control my life in my own home is that clear” Tony replied

“Understood Stark, next Friday 6PM, have a nice week” Ross spoke before leaving the room, Tony sagged into a couch and Peter curled into his side “is this a hug?” Tony whispered

“why not? It’ll be alright Tony” Peter replied.

Chapter Text

It was the last Friday of the year and Peter was happily sat in the middle of his older friends before school some were leaving and they were having a fairly relaxed last day, Peter was laughing and joking, occasionally some of his former classmates would approach and thank him, being nice and kind Peter had allowed them and their parents to join his current friends and their parents at the party they were having that night at Stark Towers, it was more to fill the space but Peter figured it was a good outreach, he didn’t hate his old class and he figured it would be a good time for them, his conversation paused when he saw a smug Flash Thompson however, his parents at his side, his mind shot through his school knowledge “Damn” he muttered

“what Pete?”

“Flash gets to attend today, recent school board amendment that the final day of school is compulsory to those enrolled even if suspended, it doesn’t matter, just makes things annoying”

“You have all of us, and besides those of us leaving today, we can’t be punished” Peter grinned but that soon faded as Principal Morita and Mrs Thompson were approaching “Mr. Parker, as head of the PTA I am appalled that you were allowed special treatment on a school field trip and in terms of timetabling, you are hereby issued notice of the return to a standard Sophomore timetable and are banned from all future fieldtrips” the soman sneered before stalking off

“Sir?”

“I have little option but enforce this Mr. Parker, the PTA has control over trip controls and by school bi-laws timetables are set per year, just because your class is largely older doesn’t mean you’re not a Sophomore still, unfortunately I cannot change that” he spoke “although I also cannot punish anyone who wishes to disobey school rules and join Mr. Parkers lunch session, it is a shame that is” he says walking away.

-

It was lunch that Peter entered into a silent room with all eyes on him “I said he wasn’t above the rules” Flash shouted

“No, but we are” came a louder voice, Peter smiled turning

“Hey Lee, who’s we?”

“Me, the Team, the girls, your class, a few others, why leave you to face your year with only Ned and MJ seems a dick move” the ‘jock’ replied Peter smiled as he collected food and sat across from Ned and MJ with Lee and the others joining the extended table after a less occupied table had been kicked off and dragged over, Flash openly gaped as Peter was surrounded by an entire team of older athletes, the cheerleaders and his new classmates along with others, “YOU’LL PAY FOR BREAKING THE RULES” he roared, Peter surrounded by the others stood confidently

“Shut It Eugene, you’re dad’s rich and your mom’s a bully, you use them to make people scared of you, I live in Stark Tower and work at the cutting edge of innovation, if this were a pissing contest I’d win purely on morals alone, loudly shouting and drawing attention is a Toddlers tactic I would know as of last week I became a godfather of one, so I’ll use the same tactic I use on him, be quiet for me and you’ll get ice cream, is that good enough, because in case you didn’t notice no one cared you weren’t here for nearly two weeks, you aren’t special Eugene you’re like everyone else in here, a student so sit down, shut up and enjoy the last day of school before summer because if you keep trying to intimidate me you’ll find another thing coming, I’m not scared of you Eugene, not of your father, not your mother either, you don’t affect my life anymore, so quit trying” he spoke before sitting and turning to Lee “’ you drawn up plans for next season?”

“Peter is the sky blue” Lee replied before holding up a finger “Don’t you dare reply all smart on me, you know what I was saying” he added, Peter laughed in reply

“as blue as you see it Lee, as blue as you see it” he hummed, Ned and MJ noticed the others placing more food onto Peters plate before he snorted “the cafeteria workers change for these lot, give me extra usually” he explained, the others hummed and in the otherwise silent space the table descended into conversation.

-

“Boss Junior” Friday spoke as Mr Jones announce the afternoon was left to the students wishes

“Yes Fri?” Peter hummed

“Boss is requesting a video call, I understand you’re in lesson but he seems distressed”

“Sent it through Friday” Peter replied, one screen transitioned into a clearly panicked Tony Stark who was breathing deeply but shakily “Tony, are you ok? … And don’t bull me” Peter asked

“No, nope, nopity nope no, nu-uh, not good at all, Ross just messaged me, the others will be here mid party, oh and I just remembered that three months ago I spontaneously commented about upgrading Midtown this summer, and forgot about it until Friday informed me it was in Peppers calendar and the companies investors and board know and that’s before the mountain of paperwork that goes along with that and preparing for summer in general and this party, so I am Shitting myself, and I don’t care you’re in lesson, I can’t be told off” Tony rambled clearly pacing he rambled on muttering to himself “Tony, Tony, Oy Stark” Peter spoke, Tony froze “there’s a document in the mountain of digital paperwork, sift through, Pepper created it to allow my signature as your personal intern to act as stand in for yours, I’ll go through the paperwork and sign everything I am allowed to and send the rest to you, most of what I can sign is the countersignature but it’s a lot off your plate, now as for the school I’ll begin plans for a refit and upgrade, we can work on it for part of summer together, and I have Harley and Shuri to help, as for summer, Tony, listen closely to me, We Are Fully Prepared, I repeat we’re prepared, nothing will happen, you’re just spiralling, the party will be fine, focus on something else for a while, work with Friday, work on a car or a suit then later this afternoon check on the party organisers, let them do the job you’re paying them for, take it block by block, it’ll be fine Tony, you’ve got this under control, I was going to work on some design work anyway, I’ll get this paperwork done now and work on stuff for the school tech got it?”

“Yeah, I’ll find that paperwork authorisation or whatever, thanks” Tony mumbled before the call ended “Fri call Pepper” Peter asked

“Calling”

“Peter? Aren’t you in class?”

“Mr Jones has given the class permission to work on our own stuff this afternoon, Tony just called, he’s panicking, that paperwork, when you said my signature could stand in, did you actually do that?”

“I did, I figured if you had permission for countersigning it would take work off both me and Tony, let me guess he has too much?”

“You know him, I’ll get everything I need to sign back to you for filing later, for now it’s paperwork and school designs”

“He forgot he offered and either figured the comment would be brushed off or pushed away, didn’t he?” Pepper sighed

“he did, I’ve already assured him we’ve got it under control, and I’ve managed to get him calmer but we both know what he’s like”

“we do, I’ll see what I can do to help, thank you Peter for helping him, and good luck with the amount of paperwork” Pepper spoke ending the call

“It can’t be that bad” Taylor spoke, that was until Peters system began pinging, and pinging and pinging with each document received “oh” was all the teen spoke

“Friday, is this sorted to stuff I can sign?”

“it is, Boss told me to only send the documents you were eligible to sign on his behalf”

“oh, how much I want a barrel of slushie right now” Peter groaned mockingly

“Arranging the Mark 49 to retrieve a large slushie in compensation, I hope that’s enough?” Friday returned

“Thank you, my digital angel,” Peter replied softly, Friday hummed robotically, sure enough a short time later an Iron Man armour landed outside Peters class, Peter opened the external door and accepted the drink and a bag the suit was holding “I figured you’d enjoy some frozen yogurt too Peter, given the amount of work you have” Fridays voice rang

“Thank you, Friday, send Mark 49 back to the tower” the suit nodded and took off, Peter sat and opened the bag to a large pot of frozen yogurt and a spoon ripping the bag open and having his food he set to signing.

-

Despite the bell ringing Peter continued to sign, even when Ned entered the room “this is cool, yo Peter it’s break, are you coming or?”

“Paperwork, Tony’s left paperwork, I’m nearly done, need to finish before school, most have a deadline, sorry Ned” Peter hummed, Friday had given Peter one or two refills and Peter was midway through his fourth slushie and third yogurt “haven’t you had brain freeze yet?”

“Oh, like for 10 minutes now, I’m only reading and signing, not a lot of work, I’ll be fine, enjoy your break” Peter hummed, Ned just moved a chair and sat as Peter kept signing.

-

Peter didn’t really know what time it was when he’d finished but he knew school wasn’t over, and so he switched to school designs just as the bell went “I spent an entire afternoon signing, how much work was compiled” Peter groaned

“3 months Peter, you did a good job, I am recommending though that you rest your hand and enjoy the party with more an aim to rest than to much activity” Friday replied, Peter stretched and clicked his joints standing “I honestly can’t wait to go to Stark Tower for a second time in like 3 weeks” Oliver enthused, Peter grinned and left to collect what was remaining in his lockers when an announcement sounded “Students, this summer the school is experiencing renovations, please remove anything personal in your lockers, this is to avoid losing the possession permanently” the voice said, Peter had slowly cleaned the space out over the last week and so last few items.

-

Exiting the building saw students marvelling at the three Limos waiting outside the school “WHO THE FUCK NEEDS THREE LIMOS OUTSIDE SCHOOL”, Peter simply passed Flash turning and replying

“Me and the guests of my party starting right now, sorry Eugene, no invite for you” he smiled turning back and entering the first limo, this was him, his class, Ned, MJ, Lee and Jenny, Lee’s cheerleading girlfriend, “Hiya Happy” Peter smiled through the division

“Kid, I have word the Limos are packed with the people invited, shall I drive?”

“Yes” Peter hummed as the car set off

“and you said it wouldn’t be fancy” Lee spoke

“Oh, it isn’t, Tony wouldn’t accept any other form of transport to the tower, honestly I said normal clothing or a tad more, I mean I’m in a science pun t-shirt, I’m not changing” Peter replied.

Chapter Text

As the teens hung about and partied and their parents enjoyed the event other events were happening in the Lobby of Stark Tower, under Government observation Steve Rogers, James Barnes and Natasha Romanov entered the building, followed by agents and a stressed father “Mommy” Cooper exclaimed as he hurried to the reception desk “Cooper? Sean what’s up?”

“it’s the last day of school, no sitter is available, I got a call to head to a state over and work over night, I figured I’d bring him here, I know Peter has that party upstairs, but he would happily add Coop to the mix”

“Party?” Steve asked

“Yeah, last day of school, it’s why there’s no babysitters” Sean replied without turning, he placed Coopers bag on the desk “please?”

“I’m his mom I’ll take him, and I’ll take him to Peter”

“Uncle Peter?” Cooper asked smiling

“Yes, we’re going to see uncle Peter” Tilly smiled

“Excuse me ma’am, we need to be permitted access before you leave, Government agents escorting Captain America, the Winter Soldier and Black Widow upstairs” an agent near barked, Tilly glared from behind the desk “There are two other receptionists, I have a child to consider, and before you

try and scare me into doing my job, I’ve worked here since 2012, I didn’t leave my desk then with the invasion happening and I was nine months Pregnant with this wonderful little boy, so your attitude problem won’t bother me” Tilly replied before leaving to the elevators, Cooper was practically bouncing beside her as they climbed the building.

-

When the elevator doors opened Peter turned and smiled as Cooper bounced over to the teen who swooped him up and around, “Hello Buddy, what’re you doing here?” he asked softly

“Sean had a notice to work a state over tonight, and with school ending and everyone having parties like this no one can sit for him, I’ve got to go back to work, if you’ll take him, I’ll be back about 7” Tilly spoke, Peter nodded “I’ll cook you both a decent meal at 7 then, I’d gladly take him”

“Thanks Pete, you’re a lifesaver” Tilly sighed passing over the bag she gave a goodbye to Cooper before leaving to return downstairs only for the elevator to open to avengers, “Move It” she bit out “I need to get downstairs and you aren’t stopping me” she commanded, Peter smirked as the trio and the government agents left the space and Tilly left “Your mommies impressive kid” Lee chuckled to Cooper the boy nodded “My Mommies the best” he replied

“What is all this” Steve growled into the room; Tony went to move but Peter turned

“You sit” he spoke, Tony lowered again, Peter turned to Steve “It’s a party, one for the 7 who are graduating from my school today and for the others it’s a party to enjoy the start of summer, I’d say welcome to the new Party Deck but I figure you’ll get a tour tomorrow, if you’re staying feel free to join conversations but don’t get defensive or aggressive, if you don’t want to stay I’m sure you’ll be able to get around the penthouse enough for it to be fine” he felt compelled to add the next work “Brooklyn” he spoke with a smirk, he soon turned and retreated into the crowd with Cooper.

Steve stood still as it clicked ‘that teen is Spider-Man’ he realised, it was now that Tony had stood and approached the trio “this is a party, like Peter said, if you want to stay, be polite and respectful, if you don’t, the penthouse is a few floors up, any questions will be answered when Cooper isn’t here, I don’t think a toddler is needed for that, oh and I don’t know where your rooms are, Peter handled that so I couldn’t help you with finding them, any comments about the new designs of not only this room but the others shall not occur until later, this is firstly my home and I will not have you disrespect it or its occupants” he spoke before leaving Nat shrugged and entered the crowed, she wasn’t bothered that the adults shied away from her, no she enjoyed the relaxed setting, the teens simply ignored her and she was fine, she soon found the centre of the party, Peter and his friends, the eyes the space open beside Peter “Please, feel free to sit, this space isn’t taken” Peter hummed

“Until Harley’s here” a teen coughed, Nat raised an eyebrow

“My boyfriend, he’s staying in summer, he’ll be here tomorrow” Peter explained before turning his attention back to Cooper who was yawning “Did you get your afternoon nap, buddy?” he asked softly, the boy shook his head, Peter shifted and reclined on the couch he was on “alright then, let’s try get some sleep for you bud, we’ll all be quieter” he coaxed, after a while he began softly humming until and a time after the boy fell asleep, much of the conversation was quieter or non-existent until Ned spoke “Pete, I can definitely say you are overqualified for being Coop’s godfather” he joked, Peter flushed “I wanted to have knowledge in case anything happened, I didn’t do it to be made godfather” he defended

“you were already ‘Uncle Peter’ I don’t think anyone else would have been able to be godfather, I mean you bought Toddler clothes for Cooper that sit in your room just in case they’re needed” Ned replied,

“and soon you’ll be ‘Uncle Ned’ but I think I’ll focus on getting him to call Tony ‘Grandpa’ first” Peter chuckled, the others snickered and Tony leaned beside Peter “Try it, you’ll lose your lab kiddo” he hissed, Peter simply smirked “oh but then I’ll just invade yours and annoy you until I get it back, we both know I’m capable” he hummed, Tony sighed

“this little get together is going to end soon Pete, then it’s upstairs and homework so you don’t have anything to distract you in summer”

“well if someone hadn’t left 3 months of paperwork leading me to do it all in like 2/3 hours half of my homework would have been done” Peter replied

“You’re going to chase me for paperwork, now aren’t you?”

“If I’d known me not sharing the same lab meant you weren’t doing it, I’d have moved back in, seriously, don’t make me lock you in a room with nothing but paperwork so you complete it because we both know I will and Pepper will support me with it” Peter replied

“fine, I’ll be off, see you later kid” Tony spoke ruffling Peter and Coopers hair before leaving, soon it was goodbyes and promises of meetings and calls passing between the friends as the party ended, Peter gently moved Cooper who was still sleeping and stood, Nat took the baby bag and Peter nodded his thanks as he, Cooper, Nat and Tony went up to the penthouse.

Chapter Text

Steve stood when the others appeared and Bucky dragged him down “Toddler Steve, you don’t raise your voice or do something stupid near toddlers” the man hissed, Peter nodded his thanks before resting Cooper on the smaller couch and taking a blanket from his bag to place over the sleeping boy, Peter gently lifted the boys head and sat resting the boy’s head back onto Peters leg “You’re Spider-Man” Steve stated, Peter nodded

“I am, have been for about a year” he replied, Bucky mumbled about the fact a kid stopped his arm and Peter snorted, “Why are you here?” Steve continued to Peter

“I live here, as of recently, I was already going to stay for the summer anyway” Peter replied, “I’m Tony’s personal intern, have been since Berlin, or just after, although I have a larger job than most” Tony snorted at that “the New Party Deck and the redesign for the entire Penthouse was Peters work, he’s a modest kid, genius, definitely worth the headaches” he replied

“ah yes, the headaches that come with promising to refit a school and then forgetting for 3 months, those headaches?” Peter retorted

“Shut it” Tony ‘hissed’ back, Peter smirked and directed his intention to Cooper rather than the adults in the room, the boy was waking and stretching “enjoy the nap bud?” Peter murmured; the boy blinked tiredly “let’s get something to wake you up properly bud” Peter coaxed taking the boy into his arms he left up to the kitchen.

-

As Peter leaves Steve turns to Tony “Who is that kid? Some hook-up went wrong and now you’re stuck with the results as normal?” he glared, Tony clenched his jaw

“That Kid is my intern, he’s a goddamn genius, with enhanced hearing, he’s here because his Aunt couldn’t accept he was intelligent and threw him out, if she hadn’t had split custody with me at his aunts request he’d be in the system, he’s not some one night stand child Rogers, in case you forgot, he’s the one who designed your new rooms, so enjoy them, now I actually have business to conduct, but first, I’d like to talk to Barnes, in my lab if you would?” Tony replied, Bucky paused before nodding, as Steve stood Bucky turned “Alone Punk” he spoke, following Tony.

-

As they entered the lab Tony sighed hard and sat gesturing for Bucky to do the same “I’m sorry” Tony spoke “I let my anger and my emotions get the better of me when I saw the video, I want to tell you I don’t blame you at all, I already knew, I found out in 2013 when S.H.I.E.L.D fell but I have an unhealthy relationship with grief and anger, as much as I knew it was HYDRA, and as much as I worked on ways to help you if I could the anger and resentment built, in truth it was my dads fault, he may have been a good man, but a good father he was not, I was raised with the examples of you, Capsicle out there, the commandos, and Peggy god rest her, she was a great ‘aunt’ but she was bias too, I never found a way to get my lingering emotions out, and by the time I discovered the files, by the time I had a small reason to hate my dad less the anger, the frustration all of it kept growing, that day in Siberia, with Cap not listening over the accords with everything else actually seeing the video made me snap and I am sorry, you didn’t deserve that anger, not in anyway or form, if there is one thing my shrink had got me to admit it’s that I’m too damn stubborn sometimes when it comes to needing help and I’m not good at dealing with stress its no excuse, but it is an explanation at the very least” Tony stated, he turned rubbed his eyes and nose before turning back, Bucky was conflicted and confused that much was clear to Tony “I don’t understand” Bucky mumbled, “I don’t deserve that” he spoke softly, almost broken

“You deserve it, you may not think you do, God knows you have your reasons to believe you don’t, but you deserve my apology for attacking you, it wasn’t justified, not with how far I took it” Tony replied “take it from a guy who sees a shrink, they’re good, if you need I can schedule a meeting with mine or another one for you, they’re all experts in their field, it’ll help with the scars, the ones you don’t see at first glance, I would also recommend you spend time with Pete, not just because he wants to make you a new arm but because he’s a decent distraction” Tony said softly, he stood and smiled to the other before leaving the lab, Bucky followed a short time after still confused at Tony’s actions.

-

As Tony left Peter had returned to the couches with Cooper who squired slightly “what’s up Coop?” the boy just looked to Steve, “it’s alright Coop, he’s harmless”

“hurt you” the boy stated

“you mean that fight a while ago?” Peter asked, the boy nodded

“oh Coop, it was just a black eye, it’s fine, besides I’m here now still” Peter soothed

“What exactly is your deal Kid, apart from the spider thing, Stark doesn’t just let anyone stay here” Steve effectively grunted

“as I said, I’m Tony’s personal intern, I had a side business that I used to hide how smart I am while not dumbing myself down, I must have acted odd because he put a tracker in my drink one day forgetting I have enhanced taste and followed me, after that I didn’t hide my intelligence and was

given more free control over what I worked on with my internship, my aunt in her first bigger move of not accepting my smarts split my custody with Tony and I stayed for weekends and a few weekdays once or twice a month for like two months, I was then sent here move often and two weeks ago my aunt kicked me out saying ‘I’d changed too much for her’ so Tony offered to make my stay here permanent, I’ve lived here for two weeks, I have my own lab as a condition for not hiding my intelligence, if you want more on the redesign call it ‘high power’ idiots tried to remove the gym, pool and training rooms and move the labs to the top floor so I made my own version, that’s the one Tony picked, I don’t know why Tony does all he does I just learnt to go with it when he needs you to over fighting” Peter hummed

“what side business” Nat asked

“I’m Eight-Legz” Peter hummed in response; Cooper giggled returning Peters attention to the boy.

-

It was later in a tense silence that Friday spoke “the time it 6:45 Peter, I believe its time to start cooking Boss Junior” Peter stood with Cooper in his arms

“what’re you wanting to eat Coop?”

“Pasta”

“that filled one?”

“Yeah, I Love it” Cooper enthused

“I’ll make three batches then” Peter hummed setting to the kitchen once more.

As he left Steve turned to Tony “he cooks” he growled

“If he wants to cook, I let him, First he lives here, second he volunteers and third he’s Coopers Godfather, if the boy wants food Peter will make him food” Tony growled back

“NO FIGHTING” Peter called from the Kitchen, giggles heard after, soon the adults were sat at the table with Tilly the other side of Cooper “this pasta is so good, I honestly cant believe it’s this nice, thank you Peter” she spoke, Peter smiled as he swallowed a mouthful

“not a problem, I have a batch for you to take and reheat by the way” he hummed, Cooper had grown tired and fussy, Peter reacted at the first signs making Tilly pause as Peter calmly rocked and bounced the boy enough to calm him down “bath and bed Coop?” he asked softly, the boy nodded sleepily, Peter looked to Tilly “I’ll get him sorted, he’ll probably end up asleep in my bed again” he spoke quietly but jokingly, Tilly shook here head “Pete” she tried

“Nope, not hearing it, even if he settles in my bed before you take him home it’s better than trying to get to yours with a fussy toddler” he replied

“I was going to say you don’t have a chance of clothes for him”

“actually I do, I’ll tell you later” he replied standing with Cooper the pair left the room.

-

Tilly was waiting in Peters room as he left the bathroom with a sleeping Cooper, quietly Peter placed the boy under his covers and approached the seating area he had “just come look” he whispered, Tilly nodded and Peter opened his wardrobe before pulling two draws open revealing Toddler clothes “I saw his clothes tag last time, I figured if he needed a bath or a proper sleep or something while I was sitting for you or if he was at the tower then I’d be prepared, those Pyjamas have been sitting on my towel warmer for two weeks” Peter spoke “and no, I’m not accepting any form of payment, godparents are meant to spoil godchildren” he finished, Tilly then set her eyes around the room, Peter had toddler proofed it, even then it maintained the feel of his room, she even spotted toys and stuffed animals and “is that a Spider-Man stuffed toy” the asked softly, Peter nodded

“I had time and I felt like testing my new lab tech on something simple, I may have made more than one” Peter replied Tilly giggled as she saw Cooper pull a larger one from under the duvet of Peters bed “you sleep with yourself” she giggled

“I also made pillows, and I made an extra ‘toddler proof’ set, completely not stainable, call it my gift of toys” Peter replied taking a seat on one of his couches Tilly joined him

“we both know what Coopers like when he’s woken, I cleared it with Tony and Pepper, but can you take him for the night? And maybe tomorrow?”

“Sure, it’s the start of summer, I don’t mind, I have his bag, I have other stuff, it’s fine, and you can stop by to see him on your breaks and just before work”

“thank you, Peter, you’re honestly the best person I know” Tilly replied, she gave Cooper a goodnight before heading off.

-

Peter headed downstairs with Friday to alert him if anything was wrong with Cooper, as he sat with the others Nat spoke “I assume Cooper is staying, given Tilly left?” she asked, Peter nodded

“he’s a nightmare if you wake him early, and given he just got to sleep it’s better to leave him be, as for your rooms, the third floor up on the right is Ms Romanov and across the hall in a slightly larger suite is Captain Rogers and Sargent Barnes” Peter replied

“you don’t have to use my rank kid, Bucky’s fine” Bucky hummed

“alright, now if I’m needed, I’ll be in my room so please contact me or knock quietly given the toddler sleeping there” Peter spoke

“Stay, you need to be involved in this” Steve uttered, Peter sighed

“alright, but first I have something to say for personal reasons, ones that are a bit tough on both sides” Peter replied

“Spill it then kid” Steve spoke, Peter turned to Bucky and held the man’s gaze

“I forgive you” Peter spoke softly

“For the airport? Because-“

“no” Peter cut in “July 25^th, 2007, Richard and Mary Parker, assassinated, I know it wasn’t you directly, but I forgive you” Peter spoke

“w-wait, I, I killed your parents?” Bucky got out

“No, HYDRA killed my parents, they had discovered the infiltration of S.H.I.E.L.D and were set to report it, ‘all threats to the greater cause must be removed’-“

“’as no one can know where we hide’ directive 037 that’s a HYDRA order” Bucky finished

“I downloaded all the files releases then S.H.I.E.L.D fell, and last year I operated for three weeks undercover at a HYDRA facility for the remnants of S.H.I.E.L.D” Peter spoke

“You worked with HYDRA?” Steve growled

“NO” Peter growled back “I took down 4 HYDRA cells, 69 members eliminated or detained, I would never work with the people that had my parents murdered, if they weren’t already dead or in deep hiding, I’d happily gut them all” Peter commented, Tony glared at the teen

“No Tony, they’re HYDRA, a militaristic cult filled with zealots or extremists the amount of people they had killed deserves an equal response, that or a life detained and suffering, but I know one is more satisfying” Peter uttered “I have a moral and ethical code, you know I’d never actually go through with it, but the thought can be nice if I’m having a bad day” he huffed

“Kid I- I’m sorry” Bucky whispered

“Nope, not accepting it, it’s worthless, and not because I don’t like you because it was ‘Him’ not you, if you didn’t know I’m one of the ones working with Shuri, I’ve seen your brain, and the programming, and the HYDRA procedural notes from the files I got two years ago, I’ve seen it all, I know it wasn’t you, I know what you’ve been through, all of it, if anything I’m sorry for that, but as for my parents, I forgive any part of you that takes the blame, I wouldn’t have helped Shuri if I didn’t like you or if I meant you harm or meant to get revenge, if I wanted that I’d simply had activated the ‘self-threat removal’ command”

“that was in my head?” Bucky asked panicked

“it’s why before you were treated you placed weapons on tables or gave them to people, to remove your threat if you became one, it’s gone, and if you want reassurance, we can run a scan of your brain tomorrow in my lab”

“please, Shuri gave me some information but I’d prefer the whole picture” Bucky replied

“Buck” Steve spoke

“No, I want to know, I’m not a child, I’m nearly 100 and or over 100 damn it, I can make my own choices” Bucky hissed

“you are currently aged 99 Sargent Barnes, records indicate you were born March 10^th 1917 your 100^th birthday is in 283 days from now or little over 9 months, whereas Captain Rogers is 98 in four days” Friday replied

“and it’s the Stark Annual Fourth of July party, well that’s a fun day for you Cap, there’s even red, white and blue fireworks” Tony smirked

“Don’t start” Steve hissed

“in all fairness the fact Captain America is truly born on July 4^th is decently funny, it’s as if fate got drunk and said, ‘I have the best Idea for a person’s life’ and set to work” Nat replied

“Oh, but a quick side note, and Tony may I please swear?”

“this about ‘them’?”

“Yes”

“then yes, you may”

“there is one thing I can’t stand about you Rogers, those Fucking ‘educational’ videos, every month we have the Fitness challenge, every detention is that video, half of health class, they’re played in the corridors sometimes, quite frankly I want to smash that stupid rubber covered head of your past self into a concrete wall repeatedly, that’s all I have to say on those” Peter growled,

“Peter, Cooper is in slight distress, most likely the beginnings of a nightmare” Friday chimed, Peter stood and left the room quickly, not returning.

Chapter Text

It was the next day that Steve entered the Kitchen to Peter serving Cooper breakfast “Pancakes on a regular Saturday” he scoffed

“Savoury Pancakes with greens in them” Peter replied, Cooper giggled as Peter finished cooking and serving stealing a pancake of Peters own stack as the teen washed up “sneaky little monster” Peter grinned as he set the used items to dry and sat beside the boy “So Coop, it’s time to go over Lab rules ok buddy?”

“Yeah” the boy replied

“I’m going to give you a space to do stuff, play games, doodle, make things but, and this is the important bit, you can’t touch anything that isn’t in your area, it’s not safe and it’s not nice to do it, do you understand”, Peter heard Steve scoff but ignored the man

“I, not touch, what not in my area” Cooper repeated to Peter

“Good, now I know you’re a good boy so if you follow the rules all morning, I’ll treat you at lunch and if you’re extra good in the afternoon I’ll tell mommy to let you have some ice cream today” Peter hummed,

“Thank you, Uncle Peter,” the boy giggled in response, Peter smiled softy as he ate his meal and then took Cooper into his arms leaving Steve in the kitchen.

-

It was a while later as Cooper doodled, and Peter did some minor work that Bucky entered Peters lab “you said you’d do the scan of my head” he stated

“Sure just stand on that round platform there please” Peter spoke, Bucky moved and stood and Peter crossed over to the controls of the device, he decided a full body scan beginning at the head would be better and set the machine to scan Bucky’s body and pull up the brain readings as they completed, activating it the sensor ring of the unit activated and the tracking guides turned on “this will only take a few minutes” Peter commented soothingly as he saw the swell of panic in Bucky’s eyes, Bucky nodded silently and stood still as the action completed, as it finished Peter indicated a chair Bucky could take as he brought up the scan results at his workstation, “You’re in pain” Peter commented flatly, Bucky clenched his jaw but nodded “how can you tell” he asked

“the scan, and I’m good at perceiving peoples actions, you’re show pain, if you wouldn’t mind removing your shirt, I have something that may help”, Bucky moved and winced as the fabric tan over his scared skin, Cooper looked over curiously before making a noise and returning to his doodling, Peter retrieved two items and magnetically attached one to the shoulder of Bucky’s prosthetic “this will heat the metal to skin temperature or at least close to it so the flesh beneath

your chest won’t suffer as much cold shock for now, I’m in talks with Helen Cho an expert in tissue damage and reconstruction I have some basic ideas for a new arm and a new connection type for it, I just need her medical opinion on if it’s possible, it should if successful repair all the currently metal that isn’t directly needed for the arm to exist and the new arm should be able to attach and detach at your wishes, if my work is good enough and Doctor Cho believes it’s successful the new arm will have synthetic nerves attached to your natural ones giving back sensation to that arm along with sadly pain response if anything does injure it, as for the existing scaring that’s Doctor Cho’s area however I’m good with my sciences so I created this” Peter explained before holding up a pot of cream “it’s designed specifically to work with your biology to help, may I?” Peter said indicating the injuries, Bucky nodded stiffly and physically stiffened, Peter hummed softy as he ran the tub in his palms briefly before beginning to apply the cream “I also took measurements from Shuri’s scans of your body to create a special t-shirt that while just covering the scars shouldn’t give you any pain on days such as today if they act up, I’m currently working on a fabric weave that should work the same for all items of clothing to use as a vest but that’s hit a snag on it remaining together, current versions have been like wet toilet paper it just falls apart, but it’s close” Peter spoke

“you didn’t have to do so much” Bucky spoke quietly

“I wanted to, and with Cho’s advanced medical research and consultants from Wakanda we’ve got a better chance at reducing the pain associated with the current prosthesis, and I enjoy a challenge and working on a new arm for you, and the rest, it’s a good one, it’s pushing my knowledge and my creativity to work on it, I never had to think so closely about mechanics and biology as one before, It’s a unique perspective, not to mention as capable as you are with one arm, two is better” Peter hummed

“I don’t deserve it” Bucky commented

“Uncle Peter wants help you, you let him, he nice, if he helps you, you nice” Cooper uttered from his seat

“See, you have to allow it now, the Toddler has spoken” Peter joked, “but really Bucky, you’re not the ‘soldier’ you deserve to be able to live free from the pain of HYDRA and from ‘his’ life, you are your own person and one that has my respect and my aid whether you think you deserve it or not”

“respect?” Bucky asked as Peter got onto a nastier area of scars on his back

“most people wouldn’t have broken the brainwashing you went through, not as fast as you did, if they did they wouldn’t have as much memory as you do, and they certainly wouldn’t be able to function as capably as you do, it takes a tough, resilient and strong person to manage what you did, that’s worth respect, like I said last night, what happened to my parents wasn’t you, I don’t blame you, nor do I hold you accountable, and I may not really know you but I know enough” Peter spoke,

“Now, I know it’ll look odd, but I’d recommend keeping that heating device on all day, and if it gets to bad, come back for more cream, it’s not something that is set for a time limit it’s based on need” Peter commented

“about my brain?” Bucky asked, Peter indicated the scan

“all clear, it lines exactly with your last few scans, in fact from this I can tell you your brain is starting to repair itself, slowly but it’s beginning” Peter hummed

“what will happen with that, if it’s repairing?”

“memory flashes likely, older, newer, all between, some may not be clear or even longer than a second some may be a full event or day, the minds a curious thing, it’s never entirely regular so I can’t predict it, but it’s just your brain having a chance to restore it’s pathways and recover from the way your memory was supressed”

“um, how exactly did that happen, no one told me?”

“electrocution, is the simplest way to describe it, they targeted the pathways that lead to the memory centres of the brain and pumped them with electricity until they broke down” Peter replied softly, Bucky nodded “Can you tell be about this place, the tower and such, and the lab, it’s impressive” Bucky asked, Peter’s face lit up

“Sure” He chirped.

-

It was lunch when Peter and Bucky returned with Cooper to the kitchen, the others watched as the pair spoke freely, it was when a crackling came over the rooms speakers that Tony reacted “Hello, Can someone open a goddamn window, my suit’s not to decent with it’s power supply, and I flew from Tennessee I’m on fumes” Harleys voice came through

“you really chose your suit over any other transport” Peter spoke

“Yes, Please open a window, I’m about to fall” Harley pleaded

“Land outside the Party Deck and walk up, Friday will let you, don’t you Friday?”

“I will” Friday replied, the audio cut off and a dull thud was heard, soon the elevator doors opened to reveal, a smaller and rougher version of an iron man armour, similar in looks to the Mark 42:

As Harley reached the dining table the faceplate slid up with a catching sound as metal rubbed against metal “Afternoon” Harley spoke

“if I wasn’t impressed that that suit works, I’d happily sue you for patent infringement” Tony spoke

“in my defence I only had the Mark 42 to work from and only like 2-3 days even then” Harley protested

“Uncle Harley is like Tony” Cooper giggled

“Hi bud, you having a fun day?” Harley spoke

“Yeah” Cooper replied, Peter sat the boy into his highchair before approaching Harley in his armour

“can you leave that suit? I’d like to have my boyfriend away from a metal suit” Peter spoke

“oh, this isn’t charged enough for the release to trigger, there is a manual one, but I can’t reach it, so some help?” Harley replied, Peter hummed before reaching for the manual release and nudging the lever to open the suit, Harley stepped out as he opened before hugging Peter “it’s good to be able to touch you again” he hummed, Peter replied the sound before shutting Harleys suit once more snorting as the eyes and chest lights blinked off

“how the hell is that thing powered?” Tony asked

“a month of stored energy” Harley replied, “it’s been charging since I finished the build, I aint got no fancy Arc Reactor for my suit” he commented, Peter snorted and pulled out a chair for Harley “what’re we eating?”

“depends on what you order, I’m heading to the lobby to get me you and Cooper Five Guys” Peter hummed

“just order a selection and what you normally have along with something for Cooper and I’ll just take some food”

“Done, I’ll be back in a bit, enjoy finding food you lot” Peter chuckled.

-

As Peter returned it was to a frustrated Steve, a bored Nat a humming Bucky who with Harley was entertaining Cooper and a missing Tony “Let me guess ‘I’ll eat in my lab’?” Peter spoke placing the bag down

“Yeah, like father like son I’d say” Bucky replied, Peter winced

“not really, Howard, from what Tony told me and from what I’ve gotten through various means was cold and calculating when it came to Tony, despite the fact that it was Howard that found the element that ran Tony’s second Arc Reactor the video commenting on it called Tony ‘his greatest creation’ and that ‘you’ll be able to complete my work’ it wasn’t filled with affection it was a wish for his work to continue and finish, that Tony was a tool to continue his plans, work was the one thing Howard pressed Tony into, a way of proving his genius to the man, it’s more coincidence than relationship” he revealed he tore open the bag and divided out the food between himself Cooper and Harley “Why do you need more, greedy?” Steve asked

“Enhanced metabolism, I’d say it rivals yours and Bucky’s, if I don’t eat more at meals or more frequently my powers shut off just before I waste away” Peter explained, he handed a burger to Bucky as a friendly gesture the man hummed, Nat stood and made her way to the kitchen an act that seemingly annoyed Steve more, she took out the dish with spare pasta and brought it out “if I wanted to heat it, what would you recommend?”

“depends how soon you want it?”

“I can stand a few minutes” she replied

“Sauté, saucepan on medium hear and drizzle it with olive oil add a serving of the pasta add some sauce and fresh garlic and leave it two or three minutes” Peter replied while helping Cooper squish then eat his burger, Peter chuckled as Cooper managed to make a mess of himself with one burger and some fries “It’s a good thing I bought you clothes and other necessities, you little one are facing bath time for this”

“Ok, can Uncle Harley join?” the boy asked

“only if he wants to” Peter replied glancing to Harley

“what would it mean?”

“Having a bath” Cooper giggled

“literally, he doesn’t like being alone, but I have swim trunks you can use if you’d prefer that” Peter added

“n-no, I-I don’t mind it, if you don’t?”

“no, it’s just a simple bath, so you’ll join bath time?”

“No, he won’t” Steve growled

“I will, and it means I can see your room for the first time” Harley replied, Peter smiled

“Friday inform Stark that the boys will be naked together” Steve uttered smugly, Tony’s voice soon spoke over the speakers “Peter I assume it has something to do with the Cooper?” he asked

“he asked if Harley wanted to join ‘bath time’” Peter replied

“alright, I trust you Pete, enjoy the bath, Rogers don’t try harass the boys or hope to get me to distrust them again, it’s extremely poor character” Tony replied, Peter smiled and took Cooper from his chair the trio leaving.

-

It was later that Tilly came to collect Cooper “Mommy!” the boy cried from his place beside Peter, jumping up and heading over to the woman and reaching his arms out “how’s your day been Coop, I missed you” she spoke

“Missed you, but Uncle Peter and Uncle Harley are fun” he replied smiling Peter smiled up softly

“it was a fun day, and a good stary of summer” he smiled

“thank you for this Peter, really” Tilly spoke, Peter shook his head

“no thanks are needed, I enjoy looking after him, especially when it means I got a chance to embarrass Harley here”

“oh” Tilly replied glancing at the red faced teen beside Peter “how so?”

“he has a birthmark, It’s amazing” Peter replied

“Uncle Harley joined bath time” Cooper chimed, Tilly made a realising huff and chuckled a tad

“well since it’s been over a day, I think I’ll take our leave, enjoy your evening boys” Tilly spoke taking Coopers bag from by the couch, “thanks, enjoy your evening too” Peter hummed.

Across the room Bucky hit Steve’s shoulder “see that, that’s what you don’t try mess with” he grunted leaving the man to sit.

Chapter Text

It was the Monday that Shuri was supposed to be arriving when a call came through in Peter’s lab where Harley had greatly appreciated when he discovered the mechanics area Peter had installed for him, “Hello” Peter hummed

“It’s me” Shuri spoke

“and ‘me’ are you on your way?” Harley snorted

“nope, there’s a few issues on a project here, but I’ll be here on Friday, Tony Stark’s start of summer parties are known even here, I’m not missing that, sorry boys, but you’ll have to wait for my pure genius” Shuri replied, an explosion went off behind her “got to go” she uttered hanging up, Harley looked over to Peter “we’ll be made to go to that party, won’t we?” he asked, Peter nodded

“I’ll be a fancy, we’re all rich let’s be egotistical and boast about our money parties, but yes, I can guarantee Tony will get us tailored clothing for it”

“Oh Goodie you found out” Tony spoke, the teens jumped and turned to the door

“firstly, its lunch, come get food, secondly, you’re meeting my Tailor this afternoon, and don’t worry, I’m ensuring invites go to some of your friends Pete, a few attendants have kids anyway, you’ll both have people to talk to” Tony spoke, Peter huffed and nodded placing down his tools he and Harley left for Lunch.

-

It was later that day that Peter and Harley flopped onto the sofa “you too” Bucky grumbled

“there’s a reason I don’t spend my money, I’d never want a Tailored suit” Peter groaned

“your money?” Steve asked, Peter sighed

“I’m a millionaire, being Eight-Legz and working dozens of jobs has made me relatively wealthy, I would check how much it us but my A.I. is broken, he can’t work on Stark Tech and I can’t get him online on anything else anyway, I’m thinking of scrapping him into a new system” Peter explained

“I’ll help with the physical side, you’re better with tech” Harley spoke, Peter nodded

“cheers, my legs feel like jello and I have a healing factor” he grumbled, Harley snorted, the evening was slow after that.

--

It was Friday, Peter had gone through Elim’s code and discovered it was entirely scrambled, he manually saved all information and data but deleted the program, he and Harley had worked on a number of projects and Peter had managed to finish his homework, the pair had agreed that they would pace their summer, work would happen around having fun and being together and although they both mostly did predictable things the start of Summer truly would begin with the party, Peter sighed as he finished tying his tie and putting on his suit jacket, he exited to see Harley “you’re

looking good” he spoke sharing a kiss with the other, the pair’s first kiss was truly unlike either had expected, it had started as a fight and ended with Peter pulling the younger teen closer and demanding he ‘let me kiss you, my idiotic country boy’ “you’re not so bad yourself” Harley smiled as the pair headed to the elevator to travel and meet guests, Steve, Bucky and Nat were already in their own party attire sticking to the edges of the room as Tony stood with Pepper on his arm and Peter and Harley besides them “this is a lot of smiling and shaking hands, be polite, I ensured the creeps weren’t invited this time” Tony said just before the doors opened to the firsts guests.

-

It was a while later Peter was sick of being polite and smiley even with his typically outgoing and upbeat nature he found the looks of scrutiny and judgement from the adults challenging, he enjoyed whenever one of his friends left the elevator as he could take a moment, soon it was the last guests, ‘fashionably late’ as Friday had ‘chimed’ Peter could read the sarcasm the A.I. was programmed with, as the doors opened Peter bit back a groan there stood Eugene Thompson Sr. his wife Maria Thompson, Eugene ‘Flash’ Jr and surprisingly Rebecca Thompson the sister Peter had only heard about “Tony” Sr greeted with a wide smile “I’m glad we were invited” he smiled ‘oh boy’ Peter thought, “after all my son and your ward know each other so well” he transitioned into a smirk directed at Peter who was shaking Flash’s hand “good to be at the start of Summer Flash?” he asked calmly the other teen grunted, swapping to Harley, Peter accepted Rebecca’s hand and kissed her knuckles making the girl giggle “lovely to meet you Rebecca, I’ve only heard of you in passing so this is a brilliant opportunity” he smiled

“thanks, I’m glad there’s others here near your age, usually I’m left with Eugene” she smiled

“oh, I’m sure it’s not that bad” Peter spoke resisting the wince that wanted to emerge, the girl smiled back “Mr. Parker, I was not aware you could afford such lovely clothing” Maria spoke with a slight sneer “I am a millionaire ma’am but this was a gift from Tony, myself and Harley both got our suits recently” Peter returned, Harley nodded silently, Maria sniffed, Peter had a perfect mask over his features “you best run off to the second floor, I think your friends have claimed it Pete, enjoy your night” Tony spoke, Peter nodded gratefully before heading off with Harley and Rebecca, Flash choosing to remain with the adults for now.

-

It was later that Peter and his friends were talking openly with the teens of the business people below, conversation passing easily “you’re saying you were ‘attacked’ by Spider-Man’s web grenade” one girl questioned Evan nodded and Peter groaned

“It’s not as if it was Spider-Man’s at the time, I looked at it after, the wiring and the internals were completely botched, I think I was too tired when building it, and I said sorry” he spoke

“I know, but it’s a good story” Evan protested

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck” Rebecca spoke in a cry, Peter turned as a patch of Red formed on her dress “It wasn’t meant to be soon” she spoke, the girls acted instantly, and Peter passed over his jacket to cover the stain

“Friday direct the girls to a properly equipped bathroom please” he spoke, lights soon directed the girls across the balcony and out, Peter with Lee’s help moved the couch the girl was on to lower suspicion into a storage space he had Friday mark the teen headed down to Tony “I’ll be right back” he murmured heading to the elevator, Flash however followed “what happened with my sister?” he questioned as the doors closed, Peter took a breath “her period began Flash, she’s with the girls currently, but I doubt her dress is suitable anymore, I’m getting some stuff” fortunately Peter always had a small supply of Stark Industries clothing and knowing some preteens, he had younger sizes, exiting into the Penthouse Flash’s mouth dropped, Peter dragged him through to his lab where the boxes were “she, have a favourite colour?” he asked

“not really, anything’ll do” Flash murmured looking at the advanced space

“Friday ask Rebecca if she has a select few favourite colours please and bring the paint cannons online” Peter replied,

“Of course, Peter” she spoke “Rebecca replies she likes the colours of Pink, Purple, Red, Blue and Magenta. Red, Pink and Blue dyes loaded into the cannons Peter” the A.I hummed, Peter took out items of clothing in the nearest size he could think would fit “Friday scan the Item Id for these clothes and deduct them from my accounts, also provide the sizes to the girls to see if they would work, no physical scans just give the size and ask please” Peter instructed,

“funds deducted, and Rebecca has said those sizes are perfectly fine, she adds the likes you got a larger hoodie” Friday chimed, Peter snored and turned to Flash who had taken to carrying the clothes, he took the white hoodie and T-shirt “you’ll enjoy this” he smiled, Flash looked confused until Peter placed the clothing onto mannequins and loaded them into the refurbished Iron Legion paint room, Flash put the clothing down and took the station next to Peter “why let me do this, or even in here?” he asked firing a pellet

“she’s your sister, you have a right to ask what happened, besides, who doesn’t like firing dye at clothing” Peter replied shooting two pellets to create a mixed colour, “remember not to fire wrong colours together, we don’t need brown” he hummed, Flash nodded, it wasn’t long until the stained items were heat dried and ready after a misting to soak the dyes in the colour was confirmed not to leak.

Entering the Party with the clothes had Tony approach the boys raising an eyebrow “there was an incident” Peter spoke, Tony nodded and left, heading to the bathroom Peter knocked “clothing delivery, Its no fashion runway but it’ll work, I grabbed an item of everything” he spoke, the door was cracked open and Peter and Flash left after handing them over “everything?” Flash asked, Peter hummed “do I need to spell it out to her brother, ‘cause that’ll be awkward” Peter hummed, Flash took a moment and shuddered “you knew she’d need them, you didn’t even flinch, but I, er, didn’t see any” he spoke

“why should I, it’s a biological process and I’m no creep, it’s just a bitch to clothing, and they’re in ‘discrete’ packages, all SI underclothing is, we sell boxers in boxes, I’d know, I have like 15 pairs” he snorted, Flash turned, “What” Peter protested “I get them for free, I may have gained money working as Eight-Legz but I ain’t passing on free boxers or in fairness a decent chunk of clothing, it helps that with so much I can use them when I’m working on messy stuff” he spoke

“thanks” Flash mumbled; Peter smiled

“not a problem, now you’re joining the others and me” he returned

“I’ve been a dick to you” Flash muttered

“you were, are, maybe you still will be, I don’t really care, the suspension and summer are to rethink your attitude, take your time, but for now, I’m willing to be smiley and nice as your sister returns, she’ll need her brother, even if she won’t admit it and you won’t act like it” Peter spoke dragging Flash to the group of teens.

As the girls and Rebecca returned Lee passed the girl a drink and a chocolate “always have a stash on me, it’s fine” he smiled softly

“that ain’t the end of it, Lee once ran, literally ran to a shop to buy me some pads and tampons with chocolate ice-cream and other goodies, in the rain, in winter, because I was at his when one hit badly” Jenny giggled,

Peter Chuckled “that’s not the best bit” he spoke to Rebecca “after that night, Lee insisted the other guys carry products to help any girl in the school that needs, so the entire team now has extras, the cheerleaders always have extras and the Advanced Class at Midtown even myself carry some, it also means you have no reason to act sheepish or shy, any of the guys here to uncomfortable can leave, cause all us from Midtown are staying put” Peter spoke, three of the others stayed, with 5 leaving, Harley shrugged when Rebecca turned to him “I got a sister, I’m use to things like this” he smiled, Rebecca nodded and settled beside Flash who wrapped an arm around her when she leaned closer, it seemed Maria Thomson had noticed her daughters change of clothing and marched upstairs “WHY ARE YOU NOT IN THAT DRESS?” She screeched, turning nearly all attention to her and the upstairs “something happened” Rebecca replied red faced

“I PAID $300 FOR THAT DRESS, YOU WILL WEAR IT, CHANGE BACK NOW” the woman shrieked

“I can’t” Rebecca replied

“AND WHY NOT, YOU DARE DISOBEY ME YOUNG LADY, HOW DARE YOU TAKE THAT DRESS OFF, YOU WILL GET IT AND YOU WI-“ Rebecca seemed to have enough and screamed back

“MY PERIOD STARTED” she yelled, before blazing Red and hiding in Flash’s chest, Peter stood as murmuring began below “OY” he called “ANYONE DOWN THERE TALKING NEGATIVELY ABOUT THAT COMMENT CAN SHUT THE HELL UP, IF NOT YOU CAN LEAVE, I DON’T CARE IF YOUR TONY’S GUESTS, FRIENDS OR ANYTHING, THAT IS A YOUNG GIRL YOU’RE COMMENTING ON, REMEMBER THAT” he shouted down Maria was still red with rage “AND YOU DIDN’T THINK ABOUT THE FACT IT WAS SOON BEFORE YOU RUINED A $300 DRESS” she screamed, Peter simply approached Rebecca who was near tears with Flash “want to get some air milady?” he asked with a ‘goofy’ smile, Rebecca nodded and Peter took her hand, “joining us Flash?” he asked, the teen shook his head, Peter nodded and with the room watching took the girl onto what was a landing pad into the night “it’s always better to get some air” Peter hummed

“thanks, she’s a lot” Rebecca hummed

“it’s not a problem, when I was still with her my Aunt was never shy of explaining things like Periods to me at a young age, she said the more I knew the more I could help if it was needed, besides no one deserves to be yelled at like that, not over a dress” Peter spoke softly, the girl nodded,

“Attention White boy” came a voice, Peter groaned as a Wakandan craft appeared from it’s cloak “Stay at the edge of the platform and you won’t be crushed or blown away”

“SHURI” he called out “YOU’RE LATE” he spoke

“I am a princess, I’m meant to be late” she spoke as she landed in front of the pair, Rebecca gasped at the craft in front of her “if you want to know the salute, it’s this” he spoke crossing his arms in the Wakandan Salute, Rebecca copied him “technically her title is her highness but using ‘my princess’ contains more honour” Peter explained as the two headed to the boarding ramp, as the door opened and Shuri was seen Peter crossed his arms as did Rebecca “My Princess” they spoke, Shuri snorted and shook her head “I hate formality” she spoke, Peter held his salute until Shuri responded “although you do honour yourself by doing it” she smiled before hugging the teen, she turned to Rebecca “you alright?” she asked, the girl nodded, Shuri nodded back and took the girl under her arm “let’s show these people how to party” she smiled as the two entered, Peter groaned following.

-

It was as the Party ended Peter asked for Flash’s phone “why?”

“funnies, now pass” Peter replied, Flash passed the device and Peter tapped in his number placing it under ‘Penis ;)’ passing it back “if you need me. and it doesn’t have to mean we’re friends” Peter smirked, Flash nodded, it was an olive branch to being a better person and if Flash wanted to reach for it he could, as the doors closed Peter turned to Tony “there’s a couch that needs cleaning” he spoke

“Friday informed me through my earpiece, you did a great thing Pete” Tony replied pulling the teen into a hug “and I’m stealing that splattered/graffiti look for my products now, you know that right?” he snorted, Peter chuckled as the embrace ended “that’s fine, I do work for you, technically anything I do is under SI’s legal claim unless it’s on my ‘personal’ servers” Peter hummed, Tony winked before heading off to speak to Pepper “I heard the girls talking, good job Peter” Nat hummed leaving, Peter turned to Harley and Shuri “it’s definitely time for sleeping, Shuri you’re in the suite next to mine, Harley’s across from me, now I say we sleep, and sleep and forget Saturday exists” Peter groaned, Shuri nodded and the trio left.

Chapter Text

Bucky had a sharp pain in his shoulder and side “Steve” he groaned, “Steven” he groaned louder

“Buck?” the man asked, Bucky groaned in pain

“Get Peter, Don’t care how, Get me Peter” Bucky groaned, Steve rushed from the room and headed over to find Peter.

Entering Peter stretched “Friday, body scan” Peter instructed

“it seems a standard pulling on the scaring causing Pain, I’d recommend a warmer temperature for the entire day and the increase of the heating device to level two, along with your scar crème every 2 hours, I am already synthesizing more” Friday chimed, Peter opened Bucky’s side draw and took out the heating unit ignoring anything else there placing it to level 2 he attached the device and held the trigger until Bucky grunted “holding it makes it heat faster, at least a bit” Peter explained helping the man sit up, “Peter, I believe the material of Mr. Barnes vest is aggravating his scars, I’d recommend use of your created material only today, I apologise for the uncomfortable nature of that act Mr. Barnes” Friday spoke, Peter turned to Bucky

“I think ripping it will be better than dragging it over the scars if I may?” Bucky nodded silently, Peter tore the clothing and pulled it away “Friday, name chance from Mr. Barnes to Bucky” he commented as he opened the pot of crème, he could feel Steve watching him but didn’t really care as he began gently applying the crème “I haven’t managed to get a t-shirt stable with the fabric I designed so all you’ll have it the vest I made, but I know Shuri and Harley wouldn’t comment on the scars if you chose to come into the Lab, I’m sure Fri has already increased the temperature in the penthouse by a few degrees and my Lab is always warmer than most rooms anyway if you do” Peter spoke, Bucky

grunted and nodded as Peter calmly rubbed the crème in properly and retrieving the specialist vest before leaving “if it hurts more before 2 hours find me, and I’ll move the ‘find a pain relief that will work with Bucky’s biology’ to this morning with Shuri so if it’s that bad we’ll have something that works” he hummed exiting the room.

--

Thankfully Bucky hadn’t needed more than the crème and had been better for the rest of the ‘first’ week of summer allowing Shuri, Peter and Harley to work on other projects or relax, it was the Friday later that Peter could hear angered yelling from one of the room’s he soon followed the sound to see Pepper repeatedly punching a bag in the Gym “Everything alright?” he asked, Pepper jabbed again “relatively I mean” Peter added

“everything’s perfect” Pepper huffed sarcastically

“anything I can do to help?”

“I don’t know, I haven’t really thought about it” Pepper grunted punching the bag “I’ve been getting my anger out first” she spoke, Peter headed in

“in that case” he spoke taking her wrists softly “adjust your stance, you’re facing the bag entirely, if it were an opponent one move to push you back and you’d fall” he spoke nudging the woman’s feat slightly “hands here” he spoke before stepping to the side “now punch” Pepper did and took a breath “feels easier doesn’t it” he hummed

“how do you know this stuff, I figured you mostly use your webs”

“I do, but before Ben died I was in dozens of clubs, martials arts and Boxing included, I may have and use my powers but I’m not in trouble if I didn’t, now what’s wrong?”

“the board, they want to reinstate the weapons division and they’re planning a vote of no confidence after I vetoed the decision” Pepper growled throwing another punch

“can they even remove you, doesn’t Tony control a Majority of the stock?”

“yes, but it’s the implications, the press, the media, I’d be shown to be unpopular”

“Who’s leading the weapon push?”

“Fred Hopton, his father Richard was a friend of Howard and was given a place on the board, all the board are ‘legacy’ members because Howard gave stock away”

“why push for weapons, the company has stable financials?”

“that’s not the point” Pepper replied “they’re using the ‘foundations of the company’ line to sell it, that it isn’t what ‘Howard would want’ as if they, their fathers or anyone would truly know what that man wants” Pepper growled

“what about buying them out, or at least a chunk of them” Peter spoke

“it’d be called malicious and power mad after they ‘stated different opinions’ Pepper returned

“when is the vote happening?”

“next Wednesday” Pepper replied, Peter smiled ‘sweetly’ “what?”

“think, you’ve given me 5 days to think, Tony has outright control of the company, PR can be dealt with, I’ve had a wider idea for SI for a while, and I mean a company reshuffle and diversification, if you’ll hear me out in the morning?” he asked, Pepper nodded, Peter smiled “enjoy your workout, although if you want to get anger out I’d recommend asking Nat to teach you to shoot in the targeting range” Peter hummed.

--

It was the next morning that Peter, and Pepper were in Peppers office of Stark Tower, Peter took a breath “ok this is more daunting than I first thought” he spoke

“Peter you know me” Pepper smiled

“as Pepper, not as Ms. Potts CEO of Stark Industries, even when you’re sitting behind that desk, your posture chances, it’s intimidating” Peter breathed, Pepper smiled softly “I’ve had ideas like this from when I started working with Tony, or more realistically since I became aware of corporate power in America compared to Governmental action and the influence it has on politicians, anyway, It’s a plan to not quite decentralise but to splinter areas of Stark Industries production and development into sperate entities under the SI corporate umbrella, I’ll start with basic’s Stark Tech, the primary civilian product line sold by SI, and yet the official ranking on public sources makes this area of development indistinguishable from our non-weapon military sales, the simple thing would be to separate the public definitions of civilian and military hardware to give a better PR, further divisions such as the Medical Research departments, clean energy divisions and energy improvement departments, the software side of Stark Tech, the Security product division our work on biometrics, cybernetic research, all of these areas exist with few exceptions of sub contracts or one or two separate labs currently under the corporate umbrella solely under the title of Stark Industries, I know it’s a large expense but going back into Arc Reactor tech to provide power to sectors of cities, diversifying the public perception of the company and the products we sell in those areas, it would also mean that each company under the umbrella would be able to focus resources more accurately and start new approaches to age old issues like a cure for cancer, this company is the most advanced the world, surely we can manage to find ways to improve lives if we can manage ourselves more efficiently and with greater impact, I’d propose doing it gradually, one division at a time, and if we can manage to get the brand name into a company such as the practical medical services the company produces becoming something along the lines of ‘Stark Heath’ if the insurance division becomes ‘Stark Insurance’ various sub companies, it would mean not only opening currently exclusive and desperately needed services to the public but provide people with aid, SI gives large sums to charity and to helping struggling communities, and even a small fraction of that amount, even a sliver of that work being handled or aided and improved by SI would help hundreds, thousands maybe even millions across the globe, this Company is successful, stable financially secure we can afford to give aid to places the world ignores if we wanted, creating companies under the corporate umbrella or even simply allocating divisions and departments more independence would allow for advancement, improvement and better quality of living for employees, civilians outside the company and more, in my opinion if Governments like the US won’t provide national healthcare in favour of allowing companies to gouge the poor for medical services than companies like SI, we should say ‘we’ll take a moral stand and help those who need it’ not to mention the government funds we’d gain by supporting hospitals or opening local clinics, anyone who works for SI, even me as an intern works with Technology many look at and can only dream of even seeing once, I believe it’s our duty to enable those people to get to see this tech, more than once, Tony created the September fund for Collage tuition, I say we take that premise and we restructure SI to create chances for people, we’re not a Charity, and these chances are going to cost money, but creating a healthcare system through

SI, at a reasonable rate, it not only expands those receiving needed care but means they return the investment spent on their care, if we create a communal attitude that SI is a go to brand for reliability, trust and an opportunity they’ll reach out, they’ll buy our products, trust us to care for them when sick, create a network that can boost communities while keeping the company stable for the future because even with out current advancement, major works and projects it’s the people on the ground, my neighbourhood that make this company able to stand so tall, giving back even a little shows we see them, I don’t think it’ll take one summer, or even happen quickly but if it can, well let’s just say if this is passed and this idea isn’t just my pipe dream then it will provide corporate policy for years to come, and I will admit freely that I’ve already had ideas for a company based on the model I’d like to see SI adapt to if it can’t or wont happen. I even have a flagship idea for the shift of SI policy if my plan is even partially put into place, I’ve already sent you the files and the statistics for my arguments and for my ideas, Honestly, thanks for listening, I know I’m a kid, so it means a lot” Peter spoke passionately, Pepper hummed and took on a look of thought, she smiled, more like she beamed at the teen “I think something like that would be an excellent Idea” she spoke, Peter smiled “and you’re right that it’d be daunting and more long term, but I’d enjoy if you walked me through why purchase a large dock abandoned dock land” she smiled turning her screen, Peter smirked “well the building I noted as a ‘personal’ office for me may or may not be the building I began Eight-Legz in, this is the area I was working in, it’s entirely abandoned, and it’s the perfect place to redevelop only with the previous work only a company like SI with our deep clean ground chemical cleaning could be eligible to purchase the land, the reason I say we do it here is…” Peter spoke before launching into his plans and ideas for the project to show the people that SI knows that there’s problems at local levels and to provide some aid, he spoke that if they managed to ‘clear’ and hire local contractor and professionals that may not have had jobs recently or were struggling that it would give a boon to the local economy and give benefits to the people while giving SI a good PR campaign and a second New York location to operate from, and that if the area was sustainably powered with clean energy production it would show a ‘first phase’ of the larger plans he had for the company, by the end Pepper was impressed and Peter left with a wide smile.

-

When Peter entered Tony’s lab later that night, he saw Pepper there talking to the man “You needed me?” he asked

“Kid, when you said you had ideas, I didn’t think it meant this” Tony spoke signalling him over, Peter recognised his proposals on the workstation “it’s more, more of a-a, er, possibility and a-a wish list th-than anything” Peter stuttered out

“Pete, this isn’t anything to get worried about, it’s genius, Pure, I’m screwing over my dad’s memory of weapons sales to help people who need it Genius, this isn’t just a small thing, it’s huge and clear and brilliant” Tony replied smiling “this is exactly what I’ve hired people to try work on before, they never did it right, focused on the brand and the history of the company, this is perfect, I gave up on changing the company in a dramatic way just before I gave it over to Pepper, this is perfect Pete, don’t shy away from this, it’s huge” Tony assured bringing the teen into a hug
“thanks” Peter mumbled into the mans shoulder

“I have one condition for this though, you get to give your opinion on their actions to the board themselves, and what qualifies you to make this plan because I told them in broad strokes about it and they flipped” Pepper spoke softly, Peter seemingly perked up at the news

“I get to face rich, entitled jackasses and tell them to go screw themselves as a Queens native because I had a better idea?” he smirked

“I mean, I would say yes, but Ms. Buzzkills here so how about you refine that and then tell them it to their face” Tony chuckled, Peter nodded

“I’m going to spend some time digging to the board then, I want to find some fun stuff to pin on them, if I can?” Peter smiled
“you can” Pepper spoke, Tony turned “for what they’re trying it’s clear they have a more personal motive to this, I can’t dig into it without ‘hostile’ intent, you however are Tony’s personal intern, you have cover, besides I’m fairly certain your idea will get Tony to attend his first board meeting in years” Pepper smiled

“I’ll be there, now it’s dinner time, let’s get moving” Tony announced, the trio leaving.

Chapter Text

It was Wednesday, Peter, Tony and Pepper had worked on his ideas and the renovation of Midtown and the docks, and now Peter was stood in front of a group of men gazing at him as if he wasn’t worth their time “Pepper why is this boy here?” One asked

“Firstly Mr. Poltier I’ve already asked you refer to me as Ms. Potts considering I am this companies CEO, secondly Mr. Parker here is Tony’s personal intern, and the originator of the proposal we are going over today” Pepper spoke from the side, nodding to Peter

“a Kid” another scoffed “Christ you’re incompetent”

“Says the man who’s income from his Stark Stock share has increased 15% since Pepper took over as Company CEO” Peter retorted “and before any of you try interject that that information isn’t worth anything I’ll remind you that you all file legal work available for public consumption and that that 15% is a direct increase over the profit margin your business that is subcontracted by Stark Industries also has meaning in total you’ve received a 29% profit increase since 2010, if you all doubt my capabilities allow me to reveal that I am Eight-Legz, if I wasn’t capable would I have such a reputation that’s had your engineers reaching out to me?” he spoke

“as if you are Eight-Legz kid, don’t waste our time, just leave” one man sneered, Peter turned to Pepper “he’s still rusty, but you mind if I?” he asked

“Sure” Pepper hummed

“Otis, you online?” Peter asked

“Confirmed, awaiting user instruction Peter” the A.I. replied

“Access Project subgroup Midas please Otis” Peter hummed

“Midas is nonresponsive Peter” Otis spoke
“return to sleep mode then” Peter replied

“of course,”

“Otis, or Operational-Temporary-Intelligence-System is the foundational building blocks for all of my own A.I. creations, Midas even in his current and glitchy base form is the A.I. being designed to work with the tech upgrade done at Midtown school of Science and technology and stands for Midtown-Intelligence-Database-Analytic-System, but that’s not relevant to the current project being discussed, given I’m here not as the primary individual explaining this plan but as it’s originator I’m the one explaining why this project is superior to the return to weapons production” Peter spoke

“Kid just leave” another man sneered “this room has no time for people like you”

“People like me?” Peter asked ‘clueless’ “I mean I am young and a tad inclined to ramble” he spoke

“oh please, it’s clear you have more ‘talents’ then that, how else could you have gotten the job here, you’re what 12, anyway, I doubt you even understand what it’s like above the poverty line” he sneered, Peter let our a puff of air ‘he just accused me of ‘whoring’ myself to get this job’ he thought, he turned to Tony “Sit” he growled, “Permission to give these fucks what they deserve?” he asked “Granted, entirely granted” Tony replied glaring at the other men, Peter turned

“I’ll work backwards, firstly, Friday how much is in my bank accounts?”

“Your current bank statement ready $69,968,700 Peter” Friday chimed

“so I’m definitely above the poverty line, second I’m nearly 16 not 12 although thanks for saying I look younger, I do enjoy complements, as for the last factor, I’m so glad you just got yourself removed from the board, section 3B subsection 6 of the Stark Industries guidelines for senior members of the company ‘any member accusing a subordinate of being open to sexual favours to obtain work, promotion or any other benefit within Stark Industries shall be removed’ this is now officially your last day as a member of this board for those comments, and as for the accusation, I’d never resort to that sort of work to obtain anything in my life, no, I got my position here after even when holding back my intelligence it proved enough to get a position, so since you went personal and below the belt, allow me to respond in kind” Peter smiled ‘sweetly’ “you all sitting at the fancy table in this fancy tower are entirely disconnected from reality, top to bottom none of you understand anything of the real world, and don’t you even try denying it, your families taxes are public record, as are your business filings, I had a few days before I was meant to be speaking to you and so I dug into it, all of you have summer homes in the Hamptons, on the same small section of land, you all summered together as children, all those homes have private staff, all of your houses do, you have vacation homes, trips abroad annually, you have since you were all young, you grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth and a nanny to clean your messes, so you have zero clue what struggling it, now even I’ll admit I had a comfortable life when I was really young, my parents before they were killed worked for the government and were paid well, I had a summer in a nice holiday location, I was in clubs, I knew some of the more privileged kids, then my parents died, my uncle and Aunt did the best they could, I managed to stay in some of the more privileged classes, stayed in some of the upper circles of people, but it didn’t last, I became an average middle class kid and preteen, then at 13 my uncle was killed in a mugging I witnessed, he died in my arms, and as much as I love my Aunt we struggled, we moved to an apartment from our home, I dropped out of nearly all the classes and clubs I was in, for half of Middle school I didn’t have books half the time because we couldn’t afford them, it got a bit better at the expense of long work hours, but that’s the thing, what I experienced, you never have, anything you wanted was fully paid, no questions, anything illegal was swept under the rug, anything was green lit, you didn’t bother seeing outside your expensive little bubble, Tony did, and it’s fortunate he isn’t sitting with you, because he left the bubble, he got a reputation, experiences with struggle, he found friends with people who worked to get where they did, you didn’t, your fathers didn’t, the only reason this board exists is because Howard Stark gave out stocks to your fathers who passed them to you, you inherited this, I worked to ger a scholarship at the school I attend, I worked at a high enough level for Tony to notice me, I wasn’t just given the chances I have, I mean sure Tony and Ms. Potts took time to listen to me, but

it’s because I made my way to the position I have, that I was granted that, I’ve proven myself with work, not money.

Speaking of money however, there’s a key reason you’re all pushing the reinstatement of the weapons division, money, each of your companies has some contract in one form or another with the military, or with private arms suppliers or with militia groups, and with the current supply of SI weaponry remaining dwindling or in the hands of terrorists you all want production back to what it was to maintain your wealth, and I do mean maintain, all those investigations, insider trading, corruption, oh and those pesky lawsuits, see when daddy died all of the crap he kept at back slid straight into your backs and you’re not keeping up, so you chose to do the ‘reasonable’ thing, you shat the bed once more, first it was Stain, you were all placed onto this board in the tale end of his time dealing with terrorists, if gave you money, and you got use to having the privilege again, you got comfortable, didn’t save for a rainy day, and now, with the shit-slide still hurtling towards you and your bank accounts not build enough to stop it you resort to the one thing you’ve always done, ‘get your way’ see you wont sell anything, no business, no house, nothing, because your use to having them, you wouldn’t dare do anything that makes you struggle even a fraction and so you get together, you say to each other that SI is still stable, they don’t have the issues we have, if we can increase income from that company well, we’ll all return to the black and our problems can go away again, only the reason SI is stable is that this companies Legal department has been ensuring none of your shit came splatting over us at SI, I ensured to check with them when investigating you, perks of being Tony’s intern is one flash of the name Stark and I get access to nearly anything I want, but aside from perks of the job do you all want to know what I found, what little secrets I know, you see it turns out that Legal have kept a track record of all of your mistakes, ones we’re kept from by their amazing work, it also turns out the only reason that the Board stakes contracts haven’t been triggered to remove the board is that your fathers all bribed the ‘old guard’ at the Legal department, another thing they saved us from by having them forced out a while back, see Legal wanted to wait, because while all your dealings are shady, they’re just on the line of the law, but in trying to pressure Ms. Potts to reinstate weapons production and then formally challenging her position as CEO means that you’ve just all committed insider trading to keep your companies and personal wealth in the black, I’ll direct your attention now to the suited individuals giving you large packs of paperwork, they’re from Legal, and they say ‘Hi’” Peter explained as people entered presented the documents and left “I had them draft something for me, this is a release, one that voluntarily lets you out of the stocks agreement with the Stark family and returns the stock given out to Tony, sign this and you can walk away, have some time to prepare before Legal acts on your now criminal behaviour, resist however and you get expelled from the board and Legal and PR release the dam on their giant reservoir of shit they’ve kept from adding to the avalanche already heading your ways, now baring in mind this was the initial digging I did into you all, not what I could do if I really wanted to burry you all, see given Daddy always protected you all, you’re incompetent to protect yourselves, now I recommend you all be good little boys and read and sign these releases you Rich, elitist, entitled, privileged, egomaniac, corrupt, criminal, incompetent, idiotic, reckless, terrible and all round disgusting and despicable pieces of human fucking garbage, I’m from Queens yes, but at least I have intelligence and a moral compass” Peter then spoke before turning to a stunned and outraged Tony and Pepper “that felt really, really good, if you need anyone else eviscerating I’ll be available, oh and since their stock goes back to you anyway Tony, what’s the price for a small time millionaire to get some? 5 mil? 10? 20 is my highest offer” Peter smiled

“as much as I enjoyed that, Pete can you leave, I don’t want you hearing what’s going to be said by me and Tony here” Pepper spoke, Peter nodded

“Enjoy yourselves” he called as he left.

-

Peter was smiling broadly as he flopped on the couch in the penthouse “what happened?” Steve asked

“I just told a bunch of middle-aged ‘billionaires’ that they’re ‘Rich, elitist, entitled, privileged, egomaniac, corrupt, criminal, incompetent, idiotic, reckless, terrible and all round disgusting and despicable pieces of human fucking garbage’ and exposed all their crap and illegal acts to Tony and Pepper who are currently delivering their own likely colourful response to the news, not to mention the pure joy I felt at seeing all those entitled faces pale and grow terrified” Peter hummed happily, Steve let out a low whistle “I’d probably enjoy that too” he spoke, Peter snorted

“Stark Industries will soon be a private company again, unless Tony decides to grant me stock privileges, he’ll outright own and control the company with Pepper working day to day, hopefully with the new program actually being implemented a lot should change” he hummed

“Bucky’s in your lab with your boyfriend by the way, something about a bike” Steve spoke

“oh, thanks for telling me, yeah Harley wanted to fix up an early Harley for the irony, he’s got a few ‘older’ vehicles in there he likes working on, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve lost Bucky to the alure of mechanics and technology”

Steve snorted “corruption at such an old age”

“since I’m on a tad of a power high, here’s a truth you need to hear” Peter uttered, Steve hummed

“I’ll humour you” he spoke

“you’re self-obsessed in one of the weirdest ways I can think off Steve, but here’s the kicker you’re obsessed with your image as Captain America, and you don’t see it because you don’t know you are, you emerged from the ice 70 years after you went in, you tried to find what you were in the modern day and you found a symbol, Captain America, the perfect government propaganda tool, Missing in action, a war hero, known to many who knew Steve Rogers to be righteous, true, honourable and capable, but you lost yourself in the wartime and post war propaganda just as much as the nation, you applied 6 times to enter the army, a federal offence, you protested for unions and for better pay, for women’s rights and for different causes, and I know because a certain Bucky Barnes received warnings and arrests for being there too, attached to the hip, till the end of the line, but when you got out, you went from war to peace, clear oppression and difference to a society taught to see you as an idol, as a hero and as a symbol, one you lost yourself in to maintain, this nation has improved on the surface only, scratch it and it’s not so different than pre-war, woman still get less pay, minorities are still discriminated against systematically, LGBTQ+ rights are there but they’re easy to restrict, you use to fight for those causes, so give up the status as a national face and take back control of your image, fight for the little guys, because it’s the right thing to fucking do, forget about Captain America ‘historical and modern hero’ and fight as Steve Rogers, shout from your platform until they drag you off it, create the image you want, not the symbol, not what the government wants, you Steven Grant Rogers, that’s who’s needed today, you need to take back your identity, stop obsessing about the image you have, and create the image you want, people will love or hate you either way, and with the accords gone you have a chance to ensure nothing like them reappears, nothing will be the same, personally I’d recommend cornering Tony and getting all your shit with him out the way first, and even if you don’t yet, you’ll still have his legal and PR team

helping with your mess, I wont lie and say you weren’t a dick to me and the others recently, but I can say, I’ve faced people acting like that a lot over my life, even if it’s been relatively short, so I can easily move past it, as long as you stop being an ass, and if there’s something we can agree on, is that neither of us like bullies, so let’s find some out side these walls and let’s kick their asses” Peter spoke, Steve hummed but said nothing Peter let out a puff of air “Friday, do I have permission to see into the board room?” he hummed

“Confirmed, shall I stream it to the TV?” the A.I. replied practically laughing

“Yes please Fri” Peter hummed, soon the footage emerged and Peter was beaming at the footage beside Steve.

-

It was later Pepper and Tony returned to the Penthouse to find all others turning towards them smiling, “Nice use of Italian Tony, fairly accurate too” Peter hummed

“You saw that?” Tony asked,

“you didn’t block the security cameras, I had Friday pull the footage up after eviscerating Steve here, let’s just say I get power mad” the teen hummed, Tony placed a hand to his head

“if I’m being honest I was and am too angry to care about that, why didn’t it come out beforehand” he growled

“Like I said in the room earlier, Legal couldn’t act, they all stayed on the letter of the law the exact line of it, once they tried to use force to reinstate weapons production by calling no confidence in Pepper it crossed that line into illegal territory, as for the rest of it, no one took time to look into their public filings, most companies and people don’t look into those records, when I started Eight-Legz part of what made me choose a company is how honest were they with public information requests, so I knew to do that to see if they had anything to hide” Peter replied “now, let’s go get you calmed down before you get angry at something and use a repulser to blast it to pieces” Peter  encouraged Pepper turned to Nat who stood and the group left to calm the couple down.

Chapter Text

Elsewhere while Peter and the others at Stark Tower were sleeping one man was mumbling and reviewing his plan to himself, he’d seen Spider-Man on the news, he knew it was connected to the ‘failed’ experiment he was running at Oscorp the one that got him fired, but he’d spent his time working alone, he’d built his research again, and he had a specimen that would hopefully recreate Spider-Mans powers “He’s my son, but he’ll thank me, I’ll make him a greater hero than Spider-Man that pathetic brat, whatever caused him ruined my life, I’ll make him pay, and Taylor always liked being special, so let’s make him more so” he mumbled to himself, traveling from his basement to his Sons room he took in the sleeping form of Taylor Ryan and dropped his spider onto  his sons neck, placing a cup he waited, the spider bit, the boy groaned and the scientist left with the dead creation, the sound proofed room of his son blocked the screams as the genetically modified spider bite sent the teen through the ‘Spider-Man’ transformation overnight, he’d remain asleep, and wake up a hero, the man thought as he set to continue his plans.

-

Taylor Ryan knew something was wrong, he’d felt wrong since he’d been asleep, as he awoke to his alarm he slammed his hand down to stop the item, but he smashed it, he stared between his hand

and his alarm clock, ‘everything seems clearer’ he thought, ‘and what’s that noise?’ he questioned himself, it sounded as if it was the purr of a cat, but the nearest cat was three doors down and his room was sound proofed, he stood and felt a wave of nausea, ‘why does it seem so different’ he thought looking around his room, his door was unlocked and he soon moved to lock it ‘somethings happened’ he thought as he entered the bathroom connected to his room, ‘why does my wrist hurt?’ he questioned, he flicked his wrist up and out shot a web ‘what!’ he screamed internally, he flicked his other wrist, ‘a web, a fucking web, like a spider’ he thought, pulling his sleep shirt’s sleeves up he squinted, two small slits now resided on his wrist ‘no fucking way, nope, what the fuck is happening’ he questioned, ‘Call Peter, he works with Spider-Man, ask him’ a second voice in his head chimed, the teen entered his room and eyes his phone ‘try it’ he thought, flicking his wrist a string of webbing connected to his phone, and with a flick was in his hand ‘Dialling, Dialling, pick up Peter’ he thought

“Hello?” a sleepy voice spoke

“Pete, I need help, I am Freaking out, like badly freaking” Taylor spoke rushed

“Woah, Taylor, deep breaths and walk me through it, alright, what’s happening?” Taylor took some breaths “I think I have Spider-Man powers” he spoke, he heard a panicked breath on the other end “Pete, dude my dad was working at Oscorp, that fucking spider thing and because of Spider-Man he was fired right, he kept going with his research, nothing would stop him, I-I think he had a spider bite me in my sleep, because I woke up, smashed my alarm clock in one hit, and everything was sharper, my hearing seems heightened man, I don’t know, I went into my bathroom and flicked my wrist, a web came out, an actual, goddamn web, from my wrist, there’s these tiny holes there now dude, I don’t know, you work with him, please tell me it isn’t what I think it is?”

“Taylor are you sitting?”

“yeah, why, Pete please, straight up did my dad give my Spider-Man loke powers?”

“Yes, that sounds almost exactly like what he has, and I think your dad changed the Spider DNA because Spider-Man got really sick for a week before his powers emerged, like near deadly flu like symptoms, and a seizure, are you ok?”

“I think so, but I slept without powers and gained them this morning so dad could have made it speed up”

“Taylor, You need to eat soon, Spider-Man has an enhanced metabolism he needs 6000 calories a day, and now if you have the powers so will you, what I want you to do is come to the tower, don’t try swinging, natural webbing isn’t strong enough to support anything larger than a phone, they’re weak, if you’re going to try sticking to a wall or something before you get ready for the day then ensure you’re relaxed, it takes at least some manner of calm to stick when not flooded with adrenaline, get ready for the day, get breakfast as normal and get driven or a cab to the tower, I’ll meet you in the lobby, we’ll get a large meal and head upstairs to run scans and tests to see what you’re capable off, don’t let your dad escort you anywhere, if he’s so obsessed over these powers it wont be good, I know it’s not fun to hear but it wont be, I’ll speak to Tony about getting you access here, and considering the fact your dad illegally modified your DNA you may need to stay at the tower for a time, to see if your body has adapted properly, please be safe and make it here, I’ll get everything set up here, it’ll be alright though, I promise”

“ok, I’ll meet you at 8:30 if that’s alright, sooner I can the better”

“that’s fine, I’ll see you then” Peter spoke hanging up, Taylor stood and began getting ready packing a bag with some of his belongings but not enough to be suspicious he prepared for the day.

-

Peter in the meantime rushed into the dining space and wolfed down a small portion of food “Woah, what’s wrong kid?” Tony asked

“Taylor has Spider-Man powers, it’s a long story, he’ll be here at 8:30 I figured we’d get Five-Guys, since well, metabolism, anyway, I need to get my lab, the training deck and other stuff ready for when he arrives, oh and I’m going to reveal my Identity to him since if he does have the powers I’ll know through my Spidey sense and he’ll need mentoring through them, I don’t have time, I’ll explain later, or you can come help me test Taylor for the powers, Harls can you and Shuri avoid my lab for today, it’s easier if it’s less people” Peter rushed out, Harley nodded and Tony spluttered a ‘what’ as Peter rushed from the room to prepare.

-

It was 8:20 that Taylor Ryan was pacing outside of Stark Tower, his worry had built as his dad had scrutinised him in the morning before he left, now he’d have to face Peter, when 8:30 hit he entered to Peter chatting to Tilly about Cooper, he could hear it across the lobby, ‘it’s true’ he thought, “and so… he’s here” Peter spoke he turned to Taylor who had a rush through his body ‘weird’ he thought, Peter signalled him over with a smile “Hey, I would ask how’s summer been but I think there’s a more pressing thing, Tilly here will be logging you into the SI System, then we’ll head to Five Guys” Peter hummed.

As soon as the pair sat with a bag of fries and burgers Peter spoke “are you ok? Honestly, what’s going through your mind?” he asked

“a lot, literally I don’t think I can separate a thought, I’m on autopilot man, I don’t know, would you?”

“not in this situation, I don’t think anyone could, let’s get these tests and shit done alright, then we can go from there, Tony will be joining us by the way, since he’s good with this sort of thing, unless you don’t want him there” Peter spoke

“no, that’s fine, I do think there’s only one benefit I’ve had so far”

“oh?”

“eating tons of shit and remaining muscly, I gained muscle, I have a 6-pack” Taylor smirked, Peter hummed

“oh, just because of my scanners tech I’ll need a minute to set it up, if I take you to my room to dump your stuff can I trust you to find the lab?”

“sure” Taylor hummed as the pair ate.

-

Peter paced inside his lab in his suit, the doors opened, and Taylor looked stunned “Spider-Man, you’re here?” he spoke entering, Tony wasn’t in the room yet, but he’d told Peter that his identity was his to reveal “Taylor I’ve always been here, I’ve known you since I joined the Advanced class, we just spoke” Peter snorted, Taylor looked confused till it seemed to click

“Peter?” he asked, the teen removed the mask and smiled

“surprise, I know it’s a lot given what’s happening with you, but I figured if you do have ‘my’ powers it’s easier to teach you if we didn’t have to constantly swap between names and speech, but naturally you’ll need to keep this to yourself, if needed I will make you sign an NDA to keep it private” Peter spoke

“No-no, I get it, does that mean you have the holes in your wrists?” Taylor replied

“I do” Peter hummed deactivating his suit into his watch and walking over displaying his wrist “mine are more closed though, I don’t use my natural webbing that much, oh I think that NDA will be needed because I recently patented my web formula and it’s variations meaning I cant share it without the agreement” Peter replied as Taylor studied his wrist

“so, scanner?” he asked, Peter nodded

“It’ll compare your DNA change to mine so we know what’s different and should be able to outline powers” Peter hummed, Tony then entered with Pepper as Taylor stood on the scanning platform, Peter shrugged “Hey Pepper” he smiled

“Hi Pete, if you’re wondering why were here Mr. Ryan-“

“Taylor, please”

“Taylor, well, Tony understands probably as much about Peter as he does himself, maybe less given he doesn’t have all the facts over Peters abilities, I decided to join for the legal issues you having powers now causes, and yes the accords were scrapped, but DNA modification with intent is still illegal” Pepper explained, the teen nodded as Peter performed the scan, once it was over and the results were boing compared Taylor headed over to the display of suits “so these are actually yours?”

“Yep, Friday store the Mark 11 and allow Taylor to take it from the stand please” Peter replied, the furthest displayed suit collapsed into its watch and Taylor clicked it off “what shall I do with this?” he asked

“put it on” Peter smirked, Taylor stared at the watch as he clasped it on his wrist

“it’s my model from before my current one, although I’m working on a newer one currently with help of Shuri, but all my recent ones were designed to be modified with different physical attributes, place your thumb on the watch face and when it beeps click the side button and say deploy” Peter hummed, Taylor did as instructed and looked down at his body as the suit formed “this feels amazing, but, it’s so not my style” he spoke

“yeah, I’ve grown tired of it, you can only make so many suits that look similar before you get sick of it, my new one should be different, and naturally if you chose to use your powers like I do as a hero you can design your own suit look, but the tech side is more modifications on my suits, given I know how to design them, oh and to turn it off you just say suit off”

“Suit off” Taylor hummed; the suit collapsed into the watch

“Keep that on for now, I’ll need to walk you through some of the powers and it’s better having a suit on” Peter hummed, Tony nodded, Taylor sat across from Peter

“what’s going to happen to me?” he asked

“depending on what we find here, what you know your father did and everything else we’ll have our teamwork with Law Enforcement to evaluate the situation, most likely your father will be arrested, and you’ll be placed with family” Pepper replied

“I don’t have family, I was adopted at a young age, dad’s all I have, he doesn’t have family either” Taylor spoke softly

“then I’ll get my team to create a custody agreement that your dad can sign if he wanted or one that goes through the courts meaning you can stay here” Tony spoke

“you don’t have to do that” Taylor spoke

“let him, there’s a room free on my corridor, you’ll need help with your abilities, and besides, a summer at Stark Tower with access to all this stuff, you really want to pass that chance?” Peter hummed, “comparison completed” Friday chimed before Taylor could reply

“pull it up above the scanning pad Friday, and place my Bio scans from my last tests beside it” Peter hummed, the two images were displayed as were the DNA helix’s “It seems your suspicion about speeding the genetic adaptation were correct Peter, Mr. Ryan shows complete integration after a single night, it also seems he has an advantage over yourself as it looks as if his DNA has been modified in a way to maintain human thermoregulation, I have already began to analyse the possibly of recreating this effect within your own body, further chances appear to be minimal and may impact what abilities are produced as you both mature, projections indicate you shall both have identical abilities as you grow older, I have already implemented ‘Overload’ protocol on the guest room on your floor Peter, and am in the process of constructing the required items to sustain Mr. Ryan as you sustain yourself” Friday spoke, Taylor approached the DNA comparison

“what does Friday mean about thermoregulation?” he asked

“like Spiders I can’t thermoregulate, if I get to cold, I go into a form of Hibernation, it seems your dad worked around that issue meaning you maintain body temperature as a normal person does, something I am honestly a bit jealous of” Peter hummed

“that’s why it’s warmer in here?” he asked, Tony nodded

“Peter maintains a near normal body temperature at all times but it’s enough below to make him colder constantly, if you’d be willing to give some blood for testing, I’ll work with Friday to see if I can recreate the Gene sequence to modify Peters, it’s up to you” Tony replied

“I’ll happily give some blood for that; besides don’t I have some sort of healing factor now?” the teen replied

“Yeah, something major is still major but smaller things even ‘lesser’ knife or bullet wounds heal faster, depending of course on where and how the bullet or knife injured you, oh and you have something I can Spidey sense, it’s a danger signal, or rather a ‘somethings happening’ signal, you probably felt it when we interacted in the Lobby, it’s fine, it’s a part of the heightened reflexes” Peter explained, Taylor nodded as he observed the DNA strands “so I’m like half spider now?” he asked, Peter stood beside him “you and me both, welcome to the club, we’re a small group” he snorted, “and these tests?” Taylor asked

“oh, simple stuff, agility, stickiness, strength, that sort of thing, I’m just glad you have records showing you did gymnastics and MMA, I really didn’t have to teach you to deal with your powers and how to fight with them, and I mean without being and with being a hero, you have no idea how

hard it is to resist using your abilities in fights, or you don’t yet, today will be fun, and a lot, but distraction is better for now” Peter spoke, Taylor nodded as the pair left to deal with Taylors powers.

Chapter Text

It was the Friday after Taylor gained his powers and the simultaneous announcements of his dads arrest and the restructuring of Stark Industries along with the crimes of their stock holders now being able to be exposed was playing on the news, “These revelations are the work of Personal Intern to Tony Stark one Peter Parker aged 15 and a student at Midtown School of Science and Technology in New York, a comment released from victim Taylor Ryan say that ‘Peter’s a close friend, I know that he and Tony work with Spider-Man so when something seemed different I went to him’, now PR staff from the now former members of the SI Stock Holding board say that-“ the TV was cut off as Eugene Thompson Sr threw a metal ball into the unit, Flash who was watching the report turned “WITH ME NOW” Sr growled grabbing Flash by the hair and pulling him up, being dragged through the house wasn’t something Flash enjoyed but he couldn’t risk his dads wrath and so he went along until they reached a sealed room in the basement, Sr opened the room and flung Flash inside “What’s happening Dad?” Flash asked

“I’m fixing a problem, one you haven’t had the balls to, removing Peter Parker from his positions on this planet” Sr growled

“I spent a fortune on you, and you’ve done nothing right, neither you nor your sister have, well now you’ll do something for a change” Sr growled, he indicated a pale black blob

“the ‘Venom’ symbiote, I had it tracked and the host eliminated, I’ve spent thousands on this, and you’re going to be the one to merge with it, and until you do, you’ll be in this room, you’ll be kept alive, barely, because for once you’ll accomplish something” Sr Growled, turning he left with screams of ‘DAD’ passing over his head.

-

In Stark Tower the news was greeted with mixed reaction “I take it I’m getting well known in the news and now as an SI employee” Peter snorted as he wrapped an arm around Harley who was cuddled into his side “as long as you’re comfortable with it, if not we can get a statement out” Tony assured, Peter shook his head “I don’t mind, I always knew being in the public spotlight would occur eventually, if it wasn’t for this it would be being seen with Shuri if we went out in public, it’s not as if being your personal intern wouldn’t raise attention anyway, I don’t mind though” Peter replied “Otis, is Allison online?” Peter asked

“Confirmed Peter” Otis replied

“Allison?” Tony asked

“Artificial-Legion-logistics-inteligence-service-operations-network, It’s the A.I. I’ve been making since you gave me control over the former Iron Legion, I just wondered if she was operational” Peter replied “Jesus, how many A.I.’s have you created?” Tony spoke

“I’m working on Midas, I had to create one to retrieve Elim’s memory because I couldn’t do it alone, Cameron, I created Dale to reenforce Otis as a building block, Connie is a A.I. to infiltrate hostile computers if I get a big mission, Cass is currently being finalised to be a lab assistant and uploaded into helper units, and Andie is to create a fully capable smart GPS system for cars, specifically the one I eventually get, I want to make one to fully co-ordinate them all and to run as the A.I. behind Harleys suit, my suit and any other tech that runs for the younger avengers given most of us are more tech savvy then the others” Peter hummed “so 7 without counting Elim” he finished, Tony’s jaw dropped “all functional” he choked out
“pretty much, a few glitches here and there, most are designed for specific tasks but as soon as I get a framework capable of handling most of them they’ll become sub components for the larger A.I. assuming I can get it structured properly and can create a proper acronym, because I do not do butchered names” Peter gummed

“I agree with Mr. Parker, as much as I don’t mind my Title Boss Female-Replacement-Intelligent-Digital-Assistant-Youth is fairly butchered” Friday chimed

“what is this dump on Tony month?” Tony smirked

“Nope, that’s March, this is National insult your boss week” Taylor hummed

“Pepper, is it me or do you think we should create a youth division of SI and shove this group there to remove my headache?” Tony spoke, he paused “actually, having a younger level program to help people and to provide cover for this lot while officially making them paid employees would create a good number of opportunities” he spoke, Pepper sighed

“I’ll look into it on Monday, as of right now, it’s late evening, you lot all to bed” she replied, the teenagers all nodded and left.

-

It was when Peter was settling to bed that Harley knocked and slowly entered his room “Hey, what’s up?” Pete asked softly

“I-I wanted to, er, cuddle tonight, i-if you don’t mind me sleeping with you?”

“not at all Harls, I love you, why would cuddling change that, why would spending nights together change that, I’ve wanted this too, I just didn’t want to impose” Peter spoke

“I didn’t either”

“come on in then, close the door and get over here” Peter encouraged, Harley smiled and entered climbing beside Peter who shared a slower and soft kiss with the younger wrapping him in an embrace, Harley and Peter snuggled together and drifted off to sleep together.

--

It was Sunday afternoon when Shuri gasped, groaned and rushed from Peters lab returning a small time later with three boxes “I’m glad I packed extra” she spoke, Peter glanced at the boxes

“are they what I think they are, oh, please tell me they are?” he asked, Shuri nodded and opened the boxes revealing three sets of Kimoyo Beads “I had these modified to work with the Vibranium in your watches Peter and Taylor and for your ring Harley, there’s just enough connectivity to allow them to function, to be given these as an outsider is a great honour, my brother allowed me the ability to grant you these and by their symbolism citizenship of Wakanda, they’re diplomatic gifts, you can’t refuse them” Shuri explained, Peter raised an eyebrow at Harley

“I wanted a custom ring for a while an Shuri and me spoke about it, I found it waiting one day after school, I’ve worn it since” he explained, Taylor’s hand went to his watch

“this is one of Peter’s suits though” he spoke, Peter smiled

“we’re working on a suit for you remember, even if you don’t use it, having the watch and the suit on you is handy if you need to use it one day, besides as Shuri said you cant refuse, and these are of great symbolism to the Wakandan people, they’re given at birth to show membership of the nation, that we’re allowed to have them means we’re at the same status as any citizen of Wakanda, so take them” Peter replied clasping his on his right wrist, the beads lit up and activated “the beads?” he asked “Specialised for your target needs, and adaptable, the main group are the primary bead now synced to your biology, AV, Communication, medical, I may or may not have integrated them into all Stark tech, they’re while specialised near identical to mine given we all have talents in tech, engineering and sciences” Shuri explained, Peter hummed

“oh, Taylor, I could use your opinion as a fellow Midtown student, Friday pull up the locker sim” Peter spoked, Taylor nodded and took a look at the simulated item, “Clear doors?”

“for safety, no one will think of bringing a gun in if the doors can be made transparent to show it, they’ll start clear, but I’m created a program to allow the user to make it more translucent with colours, images and designs, they also use biometric locks using thumbprints” Peter explained, the teen nodded “and with Midas?” he asked

“what is it you need Mr. Ryan?” a voice spoke

“um, nothing for now” Taylor spoke

“he’s running first trial, but yes he’ll be helping to run the lockers, there’s going to be a number pad if you want a more standard passcode to open them, the Biometric supports the new security gates, like Stark Tower Midtown will gain the lower detectors that still comply with government guidelines of metal detectors but scan for any form of weapon not allowed within school rules, a knife for cooking will be allowed a knife in general won’t that sort of thing, so what do you thing?”

“I think it’s a good idea, it gives the students a place to express themselves and makes security easier, it’s an all-round improvement” Taylor hummed

“thanks, Tony hasn’t gone to a school in to long to get his opinion, Shuri was privately educated and Harley can only speak to his schools ideas, Midtowns unique though” Peter replied

“I’d love a chance to work on this stuff with you Pete, I think the others would too” Taylor spoke

“Did I hear my name called distantly?” Tony asked from the door

“nope, but since you ventured to the wild side of the labs why not speak anyway” Harley called over,

“so me and Pep were talking over what I said Friday Night about an official Stark Industries program regarding a cover for you and the ability to make you actual employees, however with the current amount of work you do, combined with the laws of the state having you transition to employees before 18 would limit what you could do, however, we agreed that a mentoring program would be a brilliant idea and so given the Docks project you recommended Peter we figured that that would be placed as a project that will take time anyway given the work but for now you’d be placed as the intern supervisors for a group of interns like yourselves but lower down and yes Taylor this is offering you a position, as is if for you Harley” Tony spoke, Harley blinked and hurried from the room “I think it’s a great Idea, would support, Taylor this ones to you, I gotta see if my boyfriends ok” Peter rushed out before leaving.

-

When Peter reached the corridor his room was on he heard Harleys cries coming from his room over Harleys own, he entered slowly to see Harley curled in Peter’s bed, although they had begun sharing the bed recently, clinging to the Spider-Man toy Peter had made “if you want Spider-Man, the bigger versions better” he quipped resting beside the younger teen, Harley clung to Peter’s t-shirt “Shh, love, why don’t we take a moment and you can tell me what’s up can’t you?” he soothed, the younger nodded as Peter bought him into a proper embrace “how about we play a yes or no game, save you trying to get it out” Peter asked, Harley nodded

“you don’t want to leave” Peter spoke, a nod

“you want to stay here, want to join me at midtown, want to take Tony’s offer and want to leave your old life behind, but you care for your sister, you either have got bad or good news about your garage and you haven’t told me yet because you’re trying to plan how” Peter rattled off a series of nods “oh Harls, love, if something was wrong you could have told me, I’m here for you, no matter what it is, I know some things are private but if you need help you can tell me”

“S-S-S-She’s d-d-dead” Harley cried out, Peters arms tightened

“who?” he asked softly running his hands through Harleys hair

“L-L-Liz-z-zzy” Harley sobbed, Peters brain fired at once, ‘Harleys sister is dead’ he thought, he held the younger closer and did his best to sooth the distressed teen, eventually Harley cried himself out and Peter tucked him in with a kiss before sitting at his desk “Friday” he whispered “get me anything news related regarding Harley’s sister and his garage and get it me as soon as collecting possible, override 33596 Parker” he spoke, Friday chimed and the projectors on Peters desk pulled the files, Friday ensured the screen was dimmed, ‘news report’ Peter hummed internally:

It seems the fire that claimed a single victim a local girl called Lizzy Keener was started by a local group of homophobic individuals believed to be aware of young Harley Keeners summer plans in New York, the attack that cost the garage home of Keener and that of his sister’s life…

Peter already felt ill, he moved through the files and reports that Friday had gathered and sent them to Tony as a priority message before joining Harley in bed and trying his best to keep the teen calm.

Chapter Text

The next day Peter bought Harley breakfast in bed “you didn’t have too” he tried to protest weakly

“I did, I had no idea, you’re my Boyfriend, I should have at least been able to tell something was wrong, and I’m so sorry for Lizzy, she didn’t deserve anything like that, I hope those scum get exactly what they deserve for what they did” Peter assured with a kiss, the teen climbed beside the younger who cuddled into his side “mom didn’t tell me what happened to here, just said ‘she’s dead because of you faggot’ and hung up” he admitted softly

“your mother’s a bitch, even with the circumstances, you are definitely not at fault, and Lizzy wrote that”

“what?”

“she was on your system when she died, or before, she was writing you a letter, I skimmed it last night, she was saying she was sorry for avoiding you and that you were still her favourite, and that she loved and missed you, that you were never at fault for most things that happened and that she was happy that you were happy” Peter admitted “it’s private and more detailed, you should read it when you’re ready, but I also had Friday tap into the police and ME reports, I have something better, but it’s about her death”

“please, if it’s something better than her burning to death I want to hear it, I don’t want her to have suffered” Harley spoke

“she didn’t, the ME said there was blunt force trauma, caused by when the building began collapsing, it was weak, it would have knocker her out before anything happened, she wouldn’t have felt a thing, how about this, how about you tell me about her, everything, and if you think I’m not using my money to honour her memory you’re an idiot, we have all day, the others will understand, talk.” Peter spoke, Harley took a stuttered breath before nodding

“I’d like that, honouring her, s-she de-deserves it” he spoke, Peter hummed

“eat, we’ll get comfy clothes, and we’ll talk, all day, nothing else, maybe some ice cream” he spoke.

-

It was later when Harley was having a nap after a draining talk that Tony entered quietly and sat beside Peter “he ok?”

“no, he kept it to himself for a week, he’s only started processing it, I know this pain, we both do, it takes time, and I plan to be there the entirety of it” Peter replied

“yeah, I’m glad he has you Pete, really, take all the time you need together” Tony spoke patting the teens knee and leaving.

--

It was Thursday when Peter and Harley resumed tower life entirely normal, although seeing Harley at Peters side was still a regular sight over the morning “I was thinking about the reuse of the Iron Legion, if a group were given for use in any missions the younger hero’s fought then with permission I’d add a link to your suit to allow them to have two command points, giving you reinforcements if you needed” Peter stated

“possibly, but Tony wants to speak to me about my suit, so it may be a new one you’re installing it in” Harley hummed

“sure thing, at least you’ll have exactly what you want in a new suit” Peter returned
“yeah, can we take a break for a bit?” Harley replied

“sure, what’d you fancy?”

“swimming sounds fun” Harley replied, Peter nodded

“just us or the others to?”

“us?”

“sure, let’s go” Peter replied as the pair headed off.

-

It was later that Tony entered Peter’s lab to see the teen working alone “where’s the others?”

“Taylor is with his friends off somewhere, Shuri is dealing with official business at the outreach centre and Harley’s taking a break from spending tons of time working, I’m just fiddling with some things, I’m taking you wanted to talk” he spoke, Tony nodded and pulled up a stool

“I just got the notice from the courts, May signed her custody over this morning, it’s official, I’m your guardian” Tony spoke, Peter nodded and sighed

“It’s done” he spoke “technically this really does make me an orphan, it’s an odd thought” Peter replied

“what you fiddling with?”

“oh, just bits, I’m not really doing anything at the moment, I just like this space, don’t really know what to do, bit odd for me in summer, I think I’ve done so much recently that doing something smaller seems odd” Peter hummed

“take a break, have a few days off working, see your friends, enjoy summer” Tony replied, Peter nodded and stood, leaving he settled to relax with documentaries.

--

It was a few days later and Peter had talked to the athletes he knew and was currently hosting a ‘hight tech gym’ and relax day currently the teens were shirtless in the Gym “looking good Lee” Peter whistled “easy Pete, we both have better halves” Lee chuckled

“what doesn’t mean he cant enjoy the view” Harley spoke from the door

“Hey Harls, come on in, meet the team” Peter hummed sharing a kiss with the teen,

“you sure Gym first was a good idea?” Mitchell said

“there’s a group shower in here, it’s like the school ones, besides if were tired and sore now then we can relax better when we’re collapsed into the couches” Peter smiled.

-

It was later that Bucky and Steve entered to a large group of teens watching movies “I don’t think I’ll be walking tomorrow, why did I try use that equipment so long” one groaned, Peter snorted

“I told you all, it’s the gym the Avengers used when they lived here, varying what you use is required, not my fault you’re all egotistical” he chuckled

“Oy, given that you and your boyfriend enjoyed the views you got pipe down pipsqueak” Ryan uttered

“not my fault you’re all muscly guys, besides me and Harley have a rule, looking’s fine, appropriate touching’s fine but nothing further, and you all didn’t bring exercise shirts, so it was shirtless or sweat stains” Peter hummed, Harley nodded, the two man simply sat to the side and watched the movie too.

Chapter Text

It was Friday, two weeks since he’d been shut in the basement room, kept alive by the tiniest margins Flash Thompson was sat tiredly hoping he’d be freed when he felt it, the black symbiont climbed onto his hand “we cannot live apart” it managed to groan softly

“what do you recommend?” Flash replied weakly

“we cannot merge, we are weak, we can adapt to you, as can help you escape, you must take us to Peter Parker, we need help” the creature managed

“we are Venom, and we are dying” it spoke, Flash accepted the creature as it melted into his arm, the door suddenly unlocked, ‘the house is empty, they’re not here’ Flash remembered, his fathers taunting face from the day prior explaining they would be having a weekend away, he scrambled as best he could, he got a drink and a small amount of food before collecting clothes and money he immediately used his phone to get a car to take him to Stark Tower.

-

Arriving he entered and approached the desk “help me, please, I need Peter Parker, I’m a classmate, please” he spoke

“Flash Thompson?” one receptionist asked

“Yes, can I please be let up, please” he begged, the woman picked up a phone

“Peter, it’s me, Flash Thompson is here, he’s in bad shape, he says he needs your help, urgent” she spoke, Flash recognised the doors of an elevator opening and Peter barking an order, he didn’t know what was happening until an arm stabilised him, he turned to see Peter “Easy Flash, easy, let’s get you upstairs alright, to the med bay” he spoke helping the teen walk as they headed to Flash’s safety.

-

When Flash awoke later Peter was sat beside him “I wouldn’t recommend much right now, you’re extremely malnourished and dehydrated, you’ve got IV liked to some stuff to help, what happened?”

“we failed” a voice spoke

“Vee?” Peter asked, the creature left Flash’s hand and travelled to Peter “Oh, Vee, look at you, you need a host”

“we cannot merge, Eddie was killed, we failed”

“I know he’s dead, I was investigating it, but you didn’t fail Vee, I know you’d have tried to save him, what’s wrong?”

“we are dying, a host would not save us, only symbiosis, only one compatible, this human” the creature spoke

“Vee, you’re saying the only way for you to live is to merge genetically with Flash?”

“we are dying” the creature confirmed, Peter looked to Flash

“I know we’re not exactly best buddies, but what are your thoughts on this, would you be willing, Venom is a rare alien individual, his race, his unique strain of his species is dying in its entirety”

“what would happen?”

“that depends on Vee here, what he wants you to have or become, you’d look the same, you’d be you, you’d just gain abilities, do you consent?”

“Yes” Flash replied, he’d spoken to Venom over the two weeks he’d be captured, he’d grown fond of the creature, the creature again melted into his skin only this time he began to drift “It’s alright Flash, sleep, I’m not going anywhere soon, I promise, I’ll be here” Peter spoke as the world faded.

-

When Flash regained consciousness once more Peter was still by his side, this time working on a project “welcome back, it’s Saturday, you were out for most of the afternoon and the night, it’s 9 AM, how are you feeling?”

“weak, tired, same as the past two weeks” Flash spoke

“What happened Flash? I looked when you came here, you dropped of the planet for 2 weeks, nothing, your friends didn’t do nothing your parents didn’t act odd, but something happened” Peter spoke

“I was locked in a sealed room in my basement” Flash replied quietly

“fuck, sorry Flash, really, no one should experience that, for any amount of time” Peter spoke softly “I’m sure Tony will let you stay here, he did for Taylor and Harley’s moving into my room soon so there’s a room opening near mine, I’m sure Tony will help too, given the situation”

Flash snorted, “I was a jackass when I was here, and for so, so long, to you, I, fuck, I’m sorry” Flash spoke, Peter placed his hand on Flash’s forearm “take it from me, thinking over the past does nothing, and Tony wont place your entire life on you being a jackass at our age, it’s pointless, just don’t be one from now and Tony will happily give you a chance and the support to move past it, and besides you were more of an annoyance than a jackass, I don’t mind mutual insults if they’re not too far, I don’t mind if you need someone to get anger out but cross a line and I will put an end to it” Peter assured “Why give me a chance?” Flash asked quietly

“because that’s who I am, and you just merged with an Alien and I’m the only expert on that Alien in this tower, all that’s left is figuring out your new abilities, Friday full body scan” Peter spoke, the A.I. ‘hummed’

“shall I use your and Taylor’s ability profiles to compare?” Friday asked, Flash turned to Peter

“Yes, if Flash stays here he’ll need to know the truth” he hummed, Friday pulled up the data

“It appears Subject Venom transferred abilities nearly matching your own and Taylor’s it also seems the unique ability to form a structure outside his body was passed to Flash to create a similar item as your and Taylor’s suits Peter, the only difference my scan can detect is with the additional awareness, it seems to be lessened with Flash due to the presentation of his abilities” Friday chimed

“abilities?” Flash asked, Peter sighed and launched a web at the opposite wall

“I’m Spider-Man, which is why I wince whenever I see your ‘me’ boxers, tad weird, anyway since I’m training Taylor with his abilities, I’ll train you when yours fully begin, but first, your recovery, that’s priority one, understood?”

“yeah” Flash replied, Peter nodded and the two began to speak.

--

It was a day later and Flash was walking with Peters assistance, it was then that Government Agents entered “Wade” Peter smiled

“Petey-Pie, how’s it going?” the older teen smiled “can you loosen these pretty little bracelets officer, I’ve been such a good little slut” he purred to an officer, Peter snorted in the stunned silent room “Wadey, be a good merc and zip it” he hummed, the teen smiled and nodded

“why is he here?” Tony spoke, a tablet with Ross’ face was presented

“because the government’s calling in it’s favour for being part of scrapping the accords, Mr. Wilson here’s in a government rehabilitation program to prevent him killing, you help with that then the bill’s cleared, oh and this isn’t a choice” the man said, the officers undid the cuffs and left the room, Wade leapt into Peters lap “speak” Peter smirked

“what’s for breakfast, I’m hungry?”

“it starts with get your own chair” Peter snorted

“fine, but you still owe me some fun times after I saved you that one time”

“I know Wade, you remind me whenever you see me” Peter grumbled

“Pete?” Tony asked

“he saved me from being roped above a table saw once, I later discovered he’d been the one to turn the device on while fighting but it was too late to call the favour back, and if you’re asking for my opinion on this, I don’t mind, at this point what’s one more into this circus, besides who doesn’t love the monkey acts” Peter spoke, Wade scowled, and a device beeped

“what’s that?” Harley asked

“my nifty government issue anger tracker, green for never angry, yellow for annoyed, orange for frustrated, Red for angry and crimson for blood bath” Wade chirped

“How are Bold and Line?” Peter asked, at the looks he clarified “personality splinters, voices in his head”

“they’re currently under some government sanctioned mute buttons, but they’re better, not as bad as they were, I have a supply of mutes if I need” Wade hummed

“I’ll be sure to take and keep them for when you forget which medical or general drugs don’t mix or are wrong, in fact I’ll just take over your drug schedule” Peter hummed back

“he does drugs?” Tony hissed

“I only do anything if Bold and Line get to much, or if I need to kill the pain, although I have a medical weed card, for the pain, a body constantly fighting cancer with it’s extensive healing factor is apparently painful when it comes to some days, and some scars that didn’t heal can hurt, I’ve been off the hard stuff for a few months now, and I know baby-boy will help, Pete?”

“I’ll keep you sober Wade, and tone down the nicknames my boyfriend’s here” Peter scolded

“sorry, slips out, besides you’re too young, although the super strength, big turn on” Wade smiled, Peter shook his head fondly before heading off to go about his day.

-

It was later that Tony approached Peter as he was reviewing the Iron Legion construction track “What do you have on Wilson, nothings coming up in my searches” he asked

“born to a abusive and poor family who sold him at age 12 due to his cancer he spent a year being experimented on until his healing factor emerged, that’s really his only ability, he became a merc at nearly 14 after a year homeless, went to school until they expelled him at 16 for attaching a rape ring in the school of older students and teachers attaching the youngest school students at a middle/high school, moved from place to place as a merc to avoid the government until 18 where he settled in Queens and took jobs mainly near here, not much else exists he ensured he purged himself form records to not be discovered” Peter hummed,

“also why are you evaluating this for return to performance?” Tony spoke

“part of me not hiding my intelligence was working with the Legion, the 8 units left aren’t enough for my plans, I’m being safe about it, and it’ll cut Stark expenses by a bit, not replacing tons of needed jobs but swapping those that don’t need doing by humans, I was going to ask when I’d completed my ideas and plans and the review of this area, so I’m not finished yet, you’ll get the files when I am” Peter replied, Tony nodded and headed out, already hoping no one else would come to the Tower.

Chapter Text

Naturally Tony would be disappointed, as Wanda visited hours later “Can I sit?” she asked at Lunch

“sure, it’s an open table”

“thank you, the others don’t usually let me join them” Wanda spoke

“what?” Nat asked

“the other Avengers, they do not enjoy me joining them, they see me as the one responsible for the Accords, I am treated differently than before” she replied, Peter took a breath and let out a weak growl he turned to Tony “Really Pete?” he sighed

“if they’re not treating her fairly then two things need to happen, the others need to be dealt with and an offer of space needs to be made, Tony, we have the space” Peter replied, the man sighed

“I’ll organise it, and we can deal with the others at another moment, in other words, Wanda, if you want to move your stuff into suite here, we have the space”

“I don’t want to impose” Wanda replied

“honestly, you won’t be, it just seems this went from my penthouse to a group home in a month so I’m a tad off about it” Tony replied

“oh please, it was three months Tony, do your math properly” Peter snorted, Pepper chuckled

“he has you there” she hummed “oh, Pete, I’m announcing the shift of SI policy in a press conference tomorrow and wondered if you’d be willing to join, given this is your idea after all, you don’t have to, it’s your choice”

“sure, I think it’d be fun, I was hoping to organise a similar thing for the sign over of Midtown if PR could handle that”

“I think that would be a brilliant opening item for this new agenda, if you’d be the one performing it” Pepper replied

“I designed most of the bloody thing, I’m definitely the one signing it over” Peter smirked, Tony nodded, “the day after tomorrow then” Pepper hummed

“tomorrow?” Peter asked

“your birthday” Tony hummed, Peter blinked a few times

“oh, I’d forgot” he mumbled “excuse me” he spoke leaving the table, the room shared a glance and sat in silence.

--

When Peter awoke on August 10^th he took a breath ‘I’m 16’ he thought to himself, he smiled slightly, but he couldn’t help feel slightly sad over the date ‘two years, Pete, three years till you can drive, I can’t wait to teach you’ Bens words echoed in his head, Peter had ensured to take his theory tests and he’d even opted into extra drivers Ed lessons the year prior as a special exemption to aid him in driving, he got dressed and only wondered where Harley was in the back of his mind as he left to his lab over the living space, he made a small meal with what he had in the kitchenette and sat at his desk “Happy Birthday Peter” he hummed to himself, it wasn’t long after a small hand tugged at his side “Uncle Peter” Coopers voice chimed, Peter turned and picked the boy up sitting him on his desk “Hey, Cooper, what’re you going here?”

“your birthday” the boy giggled back; Peter smiled softly

“your guests will be here soon” Tony spoke from the door Peter turned

“I didn’t ask for guests, or anything” he spoke

“I know, but me and the others were going to throw a surprise party, changed the plans when you said you’d forgotten, so are you going to sit about the lab all day or not?”

“I don’t want something big Tony, my birthday’s usually quiet” Peter replied “it’s usually just me and Ned with a cake at dinner” he hummed, Tony frowned and headed over

“for all those years?”

“since I can remember, my parents couldn’t have people over, we didn’t want to celebrate after they passed and before Ben it would have been a day we spent together, after, May wasn’t around, so it was me and Ned, cake ingredients and a day of absurd baking monstrosities to eat for dinner” Peter spoke

“well, you have more friends this year, a party deck to use, and gifts and food aplenty, and I’ll even allow Ned and you to make a mess of my kitchen if you two want” Tony spoke, Peter nodded

“this was the year he was going to teach me to drive, I even got exemption forms before he passed to take my theory and early drivers ed, all I’m missing is the licenses” Peter spoke as he placed Cooper at his hip and the three walked out of the lab

“after the party, we’ll go to the garage, then the DMV and you’ll take your test because I can guarantee you’ll pass it, I’ll even buy you a car if you pass today” Tony hummed, Peter turned

“thanks” he mumbled shortly; Tony nodded.

-

As Peter reached the Party deck with Cooper a cheer passed through the space, he had to physically stop himself from saying ‘please don’t’ as he entered and say on one of the couches “you alright Pete?” Evan asked

“Yea, my birthdays are usually quieter though, Never had a party, not use to them” Peter replied

“it’s a good thing it’s only your friends then” Lee commented, Peter smiled

“true, I’ll be better in a few minutes, don’t let me bring it down” Peter smiled.

-

It was later during the party that Friday chimed “May Parker is here” she chimed, Peter sighed

“one last birthday” he spoke, “allow her up” he hummed, as the doors opened May stepped out, Peter sighed as he made himself known out of the groups, “Aunt May” he spoke

“Don’t call me that” the woman hissed

“I’m only here for one of Bens last wishes” she spoke slapping and envelope in his hands she turned and left, Peter just watched hollow, it was over, he didn’t notice what he did until he felt Coopers arms wrap around his neck, he blinked and realised he was sat in a corner of the room away from the others “are you Ok Uncle Peter?”

“I’ll be fine buddy, I’m just upset is all” Peter assured, he could recognise the handwriting on the envelope as if it were one of the goofy notes Ben would leave when Peter felt down, “do you know what dead means Coop? or dying?” Peter asked softly, the boy nodded

“nana died when I was little, it’s when someone isn’t with us anymore, when they leave” Cooper smiled at himself, Peter hummed “that’s right, well my Uncle Ben left. This was written by him, you want me to read it, so you know what is says too?” Peter asked, Cooper nodded and settled in Peter’s lap “let’s see what he wrote shall we?” Peter hummed

“Dear Peter,

I hope it is many years after I am writing this that you are reading it, but as I assume you understand life is never what we hope.

As I write this you are by my side, a restful sleep is all I can hope for the boy who just lost his parents. I know for you this tragedy is in the past, but that pain never goes away does it? This Envelope and this letter serve as your access to your parents, our family’s legacy. The Parker family is older than you may think, and I promise not to spoil the discovery here, I have ensured with everything I can that this letter is kept from May once I finish it. I love the woman I married, just as I love you and as I loved my brother and sister-in-law, but I do not trust her. Greed can be a vile motivator and it’s one I pray you do not fall into; one I hope to keep you away from. In this envelope is the key, or more accurately a key to a safety deposit box that contains the keys and other items you’ll need to inherit the family legacy, I would have claimed it once Dickie died but I didn’t feel it right, being the younger brother, the inheritance belongs to you as the Heir, I have my cut of your parents’ wills and that is enough for me. I have had a Will drawn for years, and I have guaranteed that if I should die before you turn 16 this letter finds you, I hope it is many years after your 16^th birthday that you discover this letter, however if it is, a very happy birthday from me, I hope it’s a special one.

I shall finish this off with a word of advice, one I hope you’ve learnt yourself after many years… anyway, if you find a second family, someone you want to call dad or mum, grab that chance, don’t let me or May or the memory of your parents hold you back because I promise you, we’re watching with smiles.

If I ever told you the story of the bright future, well, here’s the map buddy, I hope you use it well, and I hope you find someone to give it to yourself.

All the Love I can give.

Your Uncle Ben.

P.S. I know your smart Kid, don’t let anyone hold you back and if it means someone like May will give up on you, then she doesn’t deserve to know you Pete, I promise you that.” By the end Peters voice was tighter and he could feel the tears rolling down his cheeks, he let a soft laugh free as he tightened his arm around Cooper slightly “he sounds nice” Cooper spoke, Peter nodded

“he was, he’d have liked you Coop” Peter hummed, sure enough reaching into the envelope pulled out a safety deposit box key “it seems I have some investigating to do soon” he hummed placing the key and letter back and placing the envelope into his pocket he kissed Coopers forehead, the boy giggling in return “you’re the best person I know Coop” he hummed, Cooper smiled and the two returned to the Party, Peter glad that no one had come over to try see if he was fine.

-

Peter was sat after the Party ended with Ned the two opening his presents as they often did together on his birthdays “and you have no clue about any family legacy?” Ned asked

“Nope, I understand the map reference but beyond that I don’t have any idea of what this means” Peter hummed

“recon he’d have told you eventually?”

“probably, anyone called an heir to something usually gets told at 18 or 20 maybe a bit after, I don’t think he’d have hidden it forever, I suspect I’ll just have to discover it myself”

“and that bit about family?” Ned asked

Tony who had entered wasn’t noticed by the boys “I don’t know, I nearly called Tony dad this morning, I had to pin my mouth together to prevent myself, I like how things currently are and I don’t want to make it weird or somehow mess it up by changing it, and it’s not as if I’ve been completely close to Tony for long in the grand scheme of things, I don’t know, but with May, with what happened, I don’t really have anyone else” Peter spoke, Tony approached silently until he wrapped his arms around Peter startling the teen who jumped in place “how much did you here?”

“dad, how much did you hear Dad, Pete, I wouldn’t mind if you called me that, I’d be honoured, I am honoured you see me that way, and legally all it would take to adopt you would be a transfer of the title from legal guardian to adopted parent, if that’s what you wanted? It’s all up to you Pete” Tony hummed in response; Peter grumbled quietly “can we go to this bank before the DMV?” he asked

“sure, collecting whatever’s there then take the test would be easier” Tony spoke, Peter nodded, and Ned left to go home.

-

Entering the bank with Tony Peter headed over to a teller “I’d like to visit this safety deposit box please” he spoke passing over the key

“Name?”

“Peter Benjamin Parker” Peter replied

“follow me please” the teller hummed, Peter nodded and the trio headed to the box’s location, the teller inserted the keys and the box was open, he returned the key “as much time as you need” he spoke leaving, Peter sat the box on one of the tables “legacy, let’s see this legacy” he hummed opening the box, what he didn’t expect was stacks of Paperwork and groups of keys and the a top document saying “Never been digitised” scrawled in Bens writing

“so, I have to digitise this all if I want to be able to go through what could be rooms of paper” Peter groaned

“it seems your family was really a grandee family, only old families would keep everything physical once tech began advancing, fortunately you have us to help you digitise this, but it seems this box it the summary of your assets, fortunately I brought this briefcase” Tony spoke placing the items within the case “you set the code, it’s your belongings” Tony spoke, Peter nodded and used his locker combination to lock the case, closing the box he returned it to its draw and the two left.

-

When Peter headed into the DMV to take his ‘road test’ the woman at the line sneered “if you’re 16 you won’t have a learners permit so come back when you’re not an idiot” the spoke “brat’ she added in a huff, Peter pulled his learner permit, his correct paperwork and his permission documents along with a copy of his already completed certificates “I’d like to take my Road test please” he spoke again, the woman looked about to challenge him when Tony cleared his throat “that paperwork is all legitimate and correct” he spoke with a growl, the woman sneered but began filing the needed paperwork and soon Peter had a time slot.

-

When Peter returned to Tony, he was grinning madly the test official soon approached “this young man is the most capable young driver I have ever given this test too, I have to admit I’m impressed” he spoke, Peter turned to Tony “so, Car?” he hummed

“We’ll go soon, I think it’s to late today, but you can drive us back to the Tower” Tony hummed, Peter nodded as the two then went to collect Peters full licence early compared to anyone his age.

-

Happy was fairly impressed as Peter drove him and Tony to Stark Tower efficiently and with no issues, naturally he reigned in his comments to Peters’ wide grin.

Chapter Text

The next day Peter stood behind Pepper as the cameras flashed “and so to launch this proposal we hear from the young voice behind the idea itself Peter Parker, Tony’s personal intern” Pepper announced, Peter approached and took a breath, he looked down to his speech and tossed them aside “I don’t think preparing would help anyone with their first press conference” he joked, the reporters let out a mumbled laugh “When I first had this idea, I wasn’t Tony Stark’s personal intern, I wasn’t even close to being who I am currently able to stand here without shaking like a leaf, I had the first parts of this idea at 13 when the politician who promised to help healthcare for my district in Queens slashed the budget just after my Uncle had been killed leaving me and my aunt struggling more than we had been, I saw then what greed did to politicians and what power corporations truly had, when I first became Tony’s intern I was hiding my intelligence I had been all my life, I didn’t think I could change that, recently Tony helped me realise that hiding my intelligence was wrong, helped me grow into who I actually am, with that I can stand here today, I didn’t think this idea would ever be more than concept, but I still drew plans for if Stark Industries adopted the proposal, when Pepper, sorry, Ms Potts said that the now former shareholder board was trying to return weapons production under threat of a no confidence vote I first though of my idea as a distraction, a way to clear Ms Potts head before fighting the board, I’ll boil down my argument to her now, in this nation there exists two types of leadership, Corporate and corrupt, I am not opposed to the government but I am opposed to how Government runs, this nation was founded on wanting representation over Taxes, and yet now our tax dollars are spent on corporate tax breaks, the military, nothing the voters truly want is passed, healthcare is a human right, and yet this nation has no federal healthcare system for all American’s, this nation was founded on immigration, because we certainly weren’t the first inhabitants here, and yet we still oppress the native peoples of this nation, we adopt harsher and harsher immigration policies because the richest nation on earth ‘can’t afford the new people’ this nation was built on slavery but has never tried to end the racism and the oppression of minority groups that still affect people long after the institution ended, this nation who promises freedoms and liberty still does not mandate women get equal pay for equal work, who will not mandate protections for LGBTQ+ individuals like myself, this nation founded in diversity won’t accept the changing tides of population, corporate interests run this nation, doners are listened to over constituents, those who have the money are those with power, and I was sick off it, and so I planned a way for corporations who can see this struggle, who see the issues in our society to change them, to create the opportunities the Government will not, I do speak for myself when I comment on my reasons for proposing this initiative, and I will not be silenced over my opinions, this proposal was never something I thought would be accepted, I can only hope it proves successful to reverse and end the issues in this nation for even one area of the country, and hope it is an example for other companies who agree with SI in its new policy, let us lead the way to change and progress, let us use the system built for the elite and help whose far from it, I want it clear my reasons, my speech today are my own, I am grateful for Tony, Mr Potts and SI for allowing me to address you over my proposal, and accept any repercussions from my speech today, I’m not too good in public so I can only hope I did my best, thank you” Peter spoke before retreating from the room ‘FUCK, FUCK, FUCK’ he screamed internally, ‘that didn’t go well’ he though, he snuck to his room and didn’t leave for the rest of the morning.

-

Tony entered Peters room at lunch to see the teen resting on his couch “why coop yourself up, you did great” he spoke sitting by the teen

“did I though?” Peter asked

“Yes, you were clear, concise, you presented your reasoning and even separated yourself from the company to indicate if anything was uncomfortable for the news or those in power that that was your opinion, you did what you were asked in presenting why you wanted this policy, kid, you didn’t do a damn thing wrong” Tony assured, Peter smiled weakly

“I felt like I did” he whispered, Tony pulled the teen into his side

“I know, I could sense it when I was watching the Tv, I’m guessing you don’t feel like much?”

“not really, nor tomorrow, I’m a bit burnt out I think, a few relaxed days sounds good” Peter hummed, Tony nodded “that’s fine, you’ve been working near all summer a break is fine” he hummed as the two sat together.

--

Although Peter didn’t have much planned, he was still sat with Tony, “the Young Avengers?” Tony asked

“Taylor has spoken about using his powers for good, like I do, and with Harley and his ‘Iron Lad’ Suit, Shuri, Flash’s new abilities, Wade needing a way to stay stable and active away from the Merc life, Wanda not fitting in with the over Avengers, me, we all want to be able to help a younger team of Avengers, dealing with issues such as attacks on New York, smaller issues, it’d be better for us over being disorganised or added into the full Avengers roster, and I have become better with a team supporting me when it comes to my lab work, patrolling would be easier with a group” Peter explained

“I’ll think it over, anything else?”

“Taylor, Harley and Flash are worried about the end of summer, I know you plan on allowing them to stay, with Taylor in your custody now and with Harley being independent, with Flash’s father being an ass, they all know deep down nothing will change, and with Flash’s father facing legal challenges by you on Flash’s behalf it’s clear but I think you need to tell them yourself, oh and Cooper is staying from this Thursday until the end of summer, maybe a bit later, Sean’s been called for a job and Tilly’s at an SI training workshop some forested place, I’ll leave you to paperwork” Peter spoke, Tony hummed

“I’ll talk to them and set things straight, anything on a personal note?”

“I’m still thinking it over, it’s a big thing to become a Stark you know” Peter snorted

“take all the time you need” Tony spoke as Peter left the office.

Chapter Text

Cooper was giggly and exited as Peter carried him on Midtown ground at the transfer of Midas authorisation to Principal Morita for a week’s worth of adapting on the teacher’s part “Hello sir” Peter smiled to the man
“Hello Peter, who is this little one?”
“this is Cooper, my godson, his mother is a receptionist at Stark Tower, he’s staying with me this next week, although it may extend into the next week, but it won’t interfere with schoolwork” Peter replied, Morita nodded.
As Peter stood at the Podium with Cooper in his arms he made his address “Today, Stark Industries is happy to transfer back access and control of Midtown School of Science and Technology to Principal Morita after the renovation and upgrades installed by us at SI, today will be a tour of the upgraded facilities and an explanation of the reasoning and practicality of the new items before the teachers have a week to get use to the new facilities, we at SI are thankful that we could improve the lives of the students of Midtown, and on a personal note I will enjoy those improvements very much, I thank you for coming today and allowing me to address you all regarding this first step towards the new SI community projects we hope to start in the future, good day” as Peter stepped back the Mayors car pulled up at the entrance of the school, Peter turned to Morita who shrugged, as the portly man reached the podium he gave a wide smile “I thank you for waiting” he began, Peter just shook his head in silent contempt “today marks the end of a renovation performed at the request of my administration-“ the man spoke with a shark like grin
A loud childlike cry of “NO” was heard from Cooper “You did nothing, It was Uncle Peter and SI” he spoke, Peter smiled “Mr Mayor, with respect, your administration had nothing to do with the initial proposal nor the actual implementation of the upgrades to Midtown facilities, SI was entirely responsible, as a matter of fact I would like to ask Mr Mayor as the cities infrastructure falls under your jurisdiction why was the Midtown wiring and plumbing outdated, SI had to entirely rewire and plumb the campus of the school to ensure it was up to code” Peter spoke
“and you are?” the mayor sneered
“Peter Parker, Tony Starks Intern and lead designer of the schools refit, and a student of Midtown myself” Peter hummed
“Well I’m the mayor” the man sneered ‘lightly’ pushing the teen aside, however Peter was on the edge of the platform and despite its medium hight took a fall cradling Cooper he took the impact and groaned “Mr Parker, are you alright?” Morita asked climbing down, Peter was shushing Cooper and stiffly got up “I’ve had worse falls sir, one in Gym if I remember, I’m glad we replaced the floor mats” Peter smiled “Midas will scan me when we enter and report any issues if there are any, I’m just sore and stiff now, probably bruises and scrapes, nothing more” he spoke
“Speaking of enter” the mayor spoke turning to the doors, the man ignored the glaring and clearly negative media and tried opening the doors, “OPEN DAMN IT” he yelled as they didn’t move
“Mr Mayor, only currently authorised personnel may access the building, that cannot change until I ‘sign’ authority to Principal Morita here, Midas will keep the school locked” Peter announced, the Mayor turned, a harsh look over his face as he stalked forwards, Morita stood in front of Peter
“You are on school property and despite it being Summer I am still Principal if you harm this student any more than you have, I shall call the police” he spoke
“I’m Mayor, I don’t answer to you”
“you answer to the people, I’m a person” Peter chimed, Cooper giggled, it was then the Mayor’s security escort approached, and in front of live TV Cameras arrested Peter, Cooper and Morita for disrupting the Mayor’s actions.
-
When Tony and his lawyers barged into the City Hall it was clear he was furious “I want Peter, Cooper and Morita released NOW, Illegal Arrest with no cause, arrest of two Minors one being a Toddler” he barked, the woman at the desk smiled
“I am afraid I cannot do that my orders are quite clear” she spoke
“then get me your manager” Tony hissed
“he has his orders” the officer spoke
“Get me the DA” Tony hissed
“he has his orders” the woman spoke again, Tony slammed his fist on the desk before taking out his phone, “Mr President, I trust you saw what happened with Peter in New York, the woman at the desk at city hall where he’s being held is refusing to release the three” Tony hissed, he passed the phone and watched as the woman paled before passing the phone back and escorting the group to the cells “Tony” Peter sighed
“Grandpa” Cooper giggled out, Tony’s face turned to shock, Peter smiled broadly
“I Win” he smiled as the cell door opened “let’s go Coop” he spoke stiffly standing “My back needs checking” he spoke, Tony took Cooper and indicated the teen turn, he lifted up the boy’s t-shirt and gasped at the large black bruise filling it, he took a picture instantly, “Bed rest until school Pete, nothing less” he growled, Peter nodded, and the group left.
--
It was on the news as Peter was curled with Cooper and a large body pillow, his healing wasn’t working with his back given the nature of the injury “You really ok?” Cooper asked for another time
“Yes, I am, I’m fine Coop alright, see I’m here, I’m fine, I’m ok, I bet you’re not tho, it was scary wasn’t it, and I know you’re a big boy but letting it out helps Coop, come ‘ere” Peter soothed pulling the boy in as he became teary, it was the first time he’d showed that the incident affected him a day and a bit after and so Peter just wrapped the boy in a warm hug as he began sobbing “Tony?” Peter asked
“Hmm” the man hummed
“in my room there’s a blanket warmer, can you bring the large-large one, next to it is a pillow cooler, can you get the pillow from that and possibly send someone for some warm chocolate milk times 2 please” Peter asked, the man nodded
“I won’t even ask why cold pillows with warm blankets” he spoke passing, Peter focused on soothing Cooper as Wanda entered “sorry for any overly emotional energy, Coop is a toddler though” Peter hummed, Wanda sat beside the teen and toddler “it’s fine” she spoke
“I know you don’t trust yourself entirely, but would you be willing to enter Cooper’s mind, nothing too much, just see what fear is causing this reaction, so I can assure him it’s fine”
“I don’t know if I could manage to not make the fear worse” Wanda spoke
“you don’t need to know it, trust that you won’t he’s already distressed anyway, and I know how to calm him but I want to know what will truly calm him so it doesn’t become a clear issue with him, I trust you with him Wanda, if I didn’t I wouldn’t ask” Peter replied, Wanda nodded and reached into the toddler mind before gasping softly and retreating “this is a part of his greatest fear, loosing you, his parents and those who he, well, loves, being arrested and seeing you in cuffs away from him made it become ‘reality’” she spoke as Tony entered, with a comically large blanket and pillow
“this could reach from armrest to armrest on that couch” he spoke, Peter nodded
“Blanket over the entire thing and Pillow behind my head” Peter hummed, as Wanda went to leave Peter took her wrist softly “you don’t need to leave, I was going to put a movie on, join me?” he spoke
“I’d like that” Wanda replied sitting again, Tony placed the items were requested and sat to one side.
Slowly Harley joined leaning into Peter and helping keep Cooper as calm as possible until he fell asleep from the emotional drain, after Harley was Taylor and Wade who curled on Harley’s right, then Shuri dragged Flash who went on Wanda’s left until when Steve and Bucky returned from a date and Nat returned from a workout, they were faced with a wall of sleeping teens and young adults, “How’s Peter?” Steve asked
“it’s still early to tell completely, but he’s tough” Tony hummed, dear gods he hoped nothing dramatic would happen next week.

Chapter Text

Naturally the Gods heard Tony’s request and ignored it they had their own drama to sort.

-

It was Tuesday and Peter was slowly shifting up, his back still throbbing he crossed his room to the toddler bed he’d bought for Cooper and kissed the boys forehead gently as Harley woke and entered the bathroom “Coop, bud, time to get up” the boy snuggled deeper into the duvet and Peter sighed “a lie in then, but you cant sleep all day” Peter hummed moving to his couch he sat with a groan, once Harley was dressed and had left the room with a brief kiss Peter stood again “Cooper, come on, wakey, wakey” he hummed stroking the boys cheek and forehead until he stirred, Cooper opened his eyes slowly “good morning sleepy head, let’s get ourselves ready for the day huh?” Peter spoke softly, Cooper held his arms out and Peter picked him up and the pair got ready.

-

Cooper was still sleepy as Peter set him into his booster seat, what would have been a quiet breakfast was ended when the sound of the Bifrost roared over the room “Oh for the love of Odin himself, what do the Asgardians want now” Tony groaned as the elevator chimed, out stepped Thor a seemingly de-aged Loki and a third person, a woman looking at least partially similar to the others “Pointbreak, Reindeer-games what are you doing back on earth?” Tony sighed

“that has to do with myself, and our father” the woman spoke instead

“tis true, it is my sister’s tale” Thor boomed, Cooper whined at the volume

“Thor, if you’re not quieter I will web your mouth shut” Peter growled as his shifted and groaned

“I apologise for him, as I was saying it has to do with myself, I am Hela Goddess of Conquest and Odin’s firstborn child, my story is bloody and is over the conquests of Asgard, for my thirst for more conquest Father banished me and had Thor, recently however Odin has learnt he is dying and I suspect to prevent me from killing these two idiots I was allowed from my exile to prepare for his death, apart of this change Father is grounding Loki to Midgard in the form that matches his age on this world, that of a 16 year old male, I understand that it isn’t convenient Stark however Odin’s rules are clear, you are the one to take him in” Hela spoke

“more conquest how?” Peter asked

“Battle and blood, the only kind” Hela sneered

“not really, Conquest by definition is the control of something typically with force, but as it goes someone can have ‘Conquests’ as the number of people they have had intimate relations with, and Goddess of Conquest would include all variations on the word not all are forceful, technically a heated argument past a certain level if won could be a conquest, you’ve forced the other to surrender” Peter replied, Hela paused

“an interesting outlook” she conceded, Loki huffed as he sat at the table

“I am not eager for this Stark, but it is decreed, and I’d rather be here than in a cell for a century, so, shall you house me?”

“at this point I’ve lost track of how many people are living here, so sure, one more isn’t to much” Tony replied with a grumble, Loki nodded “who here is the sorcerer” he spoke, Peter smiled softly

“I wouldn’t say sorcerer, I only used a modification spell to improve Pym Particles” he hummed

“Pete?” Tony asked

“the same order Doctor Strange works for has had various documents lost and in regular hands before, I found samples online, it wasn’t hard to learn how to use them”

“on the contrary child, I’d say you have more potential then just the ‘small’ spell you used, self-teaching is fairly impressive” Loki hummed, Peter smiled,

“Father is recalling us, Thor is in training to use his full potential and I’m in charge of improving Asgards legions, I am sorry again we couldn’t explain this properly, come along Thor, don’t keep me waiting” Hela spoke turning and heading off, Thor just gave a large grin and left, Loki sighed

“being in this form again is not enjoyable” he grumbled

“I’d say” Peter returned wincing

“are you hurt child?”

“the city mayor pushed him of a platform, his entire back is one bruise” Tony replied

“an elected official harmed a minor, what is happening?” Loki replied

“he’s under investigation and I’m suing him” Tony replied, Loki nodded

“that is the only issue in democracy, if any Asgardian official did that to a child they’d be looked away for a century or executed” Loki replied Tony sighed and nodded

“what do you require for a room?”

“anything will suffice, Odin has allowed me to retain access to my magics, I am aware I’ll need Midgardian records and to attend school given my age however I refuse to use Odinson, I am Friggason nothing else” Loki replied, Tony nodded, the last week of summer was already interesting.

--

It was the last Friday of Summer and Peter received a phone call from Tilly “Hey Peter, listen I know I said I’d be back tomorrow, but they’ve extended the program, so It’ll be next week, I know it’s rushed notice, but I also know you have the resources” Tilly spoke

“Tilly, it’s not a problem, did you hear what happened with the mayor?”

“I did, I think if I was in the city, he’d be sporting a black eye” Tilly growled

“well I had Wanda check Cooper’s biggest fear, as you can imagine for a toddler it’s losing us, you me, Sean, those he loves, so I think an extra week may be better, and he’s worried about my back being injured still so it’ll help with that, shall I put him on the phone, he’s a bit insistent right now” Peter hummed, Tilly replied yes so Peter handed the device over, when the call ended Cooper snuggled into Peters side between him and Harley and the trio had an afternoon nap before a weekend to get ready for school.