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Beep.
Beep.
Beep.
Beeping was all that seemed to be heard. He was sore. And his head hurt, a lot.
Wait...who was he?
Who am I?
"It's okay, Pete...I'm right here. You're okay." He heard a distance voice say. He suddenly felt a hand in his hair and jolted away.
"Peter? Are you awake?" The hand in his hair stilled. He slowly opened his eyes and took in his surroundings. Where was he? What happened? Who was this man beside him? And most importantly, who was he?
The man smiled at him. "Thank God." He said, leaning back in his chair. "You gave us a scare, kid. How are you feeling?"
He sat in bed, mouth agape before speaking with a hoarse voice. "Wh...wha-"
Tony handed him a glass of water. "Do you remember what happened?" The strange man asked, thinking that was the problem. He took his time drinking the water, trying to gather his thoughts, but it was all just too overwhelming. He decided he should just shake his head and place his water down.
"That's fine. Helen said you might not. It's totally normal." The man replied, grabbing the empty plastic cup to throw it away.
"Who...who are you?" He finally spoke. The man immediately froze, hand still reaching for the cup.
He may not know who he is, or where he is, or what happened, but he did know that the expression on the strange man's face was panic.
"What?" The man asked, voice quiet and low.
"I...I don't understand." He stuttered, starting to frantically look around the room, then winced. "My head hurts." He whimpered.
"It's alright, Peter, just calm down. Everything will be okay. FRIDAY, get Helen in here!" The man said with a panicked voice.
"I-Is that my name? Peter?" He asked. He noticed tears starting to build up in the man's eyes and instantly felt a wave of guilt wash over him, but he didn't know why. He didn't know this person...did he?
"Y-Yes...your name is Peter." He answered, voice shaking.
"He doesn't know anything, Helen! He - He has no memories! What the fuck is going on?" Tony whisper-shouted to Helen in the corridor, once he finally recovered from his anxiety attack.
"Tony, calm down. I know that this is stressful, and that you're worried, but this is normal. He suffered a lot of trauma to his head in the accident. This memory loss is only temporary, I can assure you that."
"Jesus." Tony said, rubbing a hand down his face and glancing back at Peter's room.
"He'll be okay, Tony. Just make sure you don't overwhelm him. Just be by his side, alright?"
Tony turned back to Helen and nodded. "Of course."
Helen gave Tony a comforting smile before turning away. "Call me if you need me." She said, before turning around the corner. Tony sighed, trying to gather himself before walking back into the room. He couldn't be a mess in front of Peter, not right now. The poor boy is probably scared out of his mind, he needs a strong and sturdy shoulder to lean on until he gets his memories back.
Tony finally took a deep breath, then walked back into the room.
He wanted to cry at the sight of Peter, curled into himself in a hospital bed, looking so much younger than he is.
"Hey, Pete. You doing okay?" Tony asked softly, pulling up a chair. "Sorry, stupid question. I just need to ask."
Peter didn't respond, only looked at him with a scared expression. It shattered Tony's heart. He just wanted to hold his kid, comfort him, and never let go. But he couldn't. Not until Pete felt comfortable with him.
"I know you're scared, kid, but it's going to be okay. I'll fix this, I promise." He assured his kid.
"Are you my Dad?"
The question took Tony so off guard. He had to think to himself for a moment, figuring out how to answer. It was no secret that Tony thought of Peter as his son, and Peter thought of Tony as his Dad, but still...this was a tricky question. Helen said not to overwhelm him, wouldn't telling him about his dead parents do exactly that?
"Yeah, bud. I'm your Dad." He was saying this for Peter, not him. Yeah. Totally.
Tony smiled fondly at the kid, hoping it would provide some sort of comfort. He noticed Peter start to relax at Tony's words and nodded at his 'Dad'.
"I'm sorry." The kid said after a few seconds of silence. Tony turned to him with a raised eyebrow.
"What are you apologizing for, kid?" He asked, shuffling closer to the bed and only touching the boy if he said that it was okay.
"For forgetting...I know you're probably freaking our right now. I'm sorry."
"Peter, this wasn't your fault. I'll...I'll explain everything when you're more yourself, okay?"
Peter let out a deep breath, then nodded. "Okay."
Tony shifted nervously before asking, "Peter, can...is it okay if I hug you?" The man knew that Peter always expressed his feelings with physical touch. It was his love language. Tony was never the touchy type, and he still isn't. It's just...different with Peter. And he needed it right now.
But Peter started shifting uncomfortably and stuttered out a small, "I-I don't know."
Tony felt his heart drop. "I understand buddy, it's okay." He swallowed, trying not to let tears build up in his eyes. "I need to go sort something out. Tell FRIDAY to come get me if you need anything, okay?" The man said, standing up from the chair.
"FRIDAY? Isn't that a day of the week? Or is my brain scrambled more than I thought it was?" Peter asked, making Tony chuckle. At least his kid still had his sense of humor.
"Don't worry, Pete. I named my AI FRIDAY." Tony explained.
"AI? As in...artificial intelligence?"
"Yep. Little invention of my own." A little harmful bragging never hurts anyone.
Peter stared at Tony, mouth agape, causing the man to laugh.
"Alright, I'll be right back, bud. Don't forget that you can talk to FRIDAY if you need to."
Peter nodded, then watched his Dad walk out the room.
It had been two days, and Peter still remembered nothing.
You could say that Tony was freaking out, even after the countless of times that Helen and Pepper told him that everything would be okay and that he would remember soon.
"This isn't something we can measure in time, Tony. You just have to be patient." Helen would say.
"He'll be okay. He's a strong boy. He's your strong boy." Pepper would say.
He knew they were both right, but nothing would stop him from worrying for his poor boy in the hospital bed. Especially because of how he ended up there.
And now, he was worrying even more ever since he walked in on Peter sobbing in said hospital bed, clutching his ears.
"Pete? What's wrong?" He asked as he rushed to the boy's side. Peter didn't answer, he just continued to hysterically sob. Tony knew he could hear him, though.
"Hey, Peter? Talk to me, what's wrong?" Tony tried again, holding Peter's arms in a somewhat comforting way.
"I-I don't...I don't u-understand." The boy sobbed, eyes still squeezed shut. "It hurts!"
Tony instantly panicked at Peter's words and looked around frantically. "What hurts, Roo? Look at me."
To the man's surprise, Peter opened his eyes and looked up at Tony. He poured so much of Please, Dad. Please help me. Please fix me into the expression on his face.
"What hurts?" Tony repeated, thinking it was his drugs wearing off.
"I-I don't...e-everything is so loud."
Tony's eyes widened the moment it hit him. It had been a few days since the accident, he forgot that Peter's enhancements would start to come back as he healed.
"Fuck, FRIDAY, sensory overload protocol!" Tony wasn’t even sure if he was actually having one, of if he was just overwhelmed and trying to adjust to change of his hearing, but the protocol would help regardless.
The room soon turned dark and soundproofed. He felt Peter significantly relax in his arms and let out a sigh.
Peter was still sobbing as he said, “I-I don’t understand. I-I was hearing voices everywhere but no one was in here! A-Am I going insane?”
Tony’s heart broke and couldn’t help but wonder if this is what Peter experienced when he first discovered his powers. Was he sobbing because of the loud noise? Clutching his ears in pain and with no one to comfort him because he couldn’t tell anyone?
”I promise you’re not going insane, Peter. You…” Tony cursed, trying to find a way to explain this without overwhelming him. “You…just have better hearing than the average person.” Great. That was absolutely perfect, Tony. A big round of applause to you.
”That wasn’t just good hearing, Dad! I-It…God, I can’t even explain it!” Peter sobbed even more. Tony felt something rush over him. He always does every time Peter calls him Dad. The man instantly wrapped his arms around the boy, relieved that, finally, Peter leaned into the touch.
He tucked his kid’s head under his chin and on his chest, running a hand through his hair just like he always liked. He knew it would work, and it did. He seemed to calm down when he felt the soothing touches.
”Shh, everything will be okay, Pete. I promise. Everything will be explained soon.”
Peter sniffled. “I’m scared.”
Now Tony’s heart was being stomped on and broken into a million little pieces. “I know you are, bambino, I’m so sorry.”
”I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know anything. And it’s really scary.”
”You never have to be scared when I’m with you, kid. I’ll always protect you.” And I’m so sorry that I failed to this time.
”I-I know. I mean - I don’t know but…I know.”
Tony breathed in the strawberry shampoo scent on his son’s hair and it comforted him instantly. He missed holding Peter in his arms. It had been a long time since he had, and they both really needed it. Peter just didn't know that yet.
Tony let a tear escape his eye and fall onto the kid's hair. It had been a long few weeks, he was pretty sure he could cry a little. He squeezed Peter tighter, never wanting to let go.
Peter knew he wasn't allowed to get out of bed on his own unless it was to use the bathroom. But he was so bored that FRIDAY wasn't entertaining him anymore. He was still amazed at her existence. He had no idea how his Dad managed to make an AI. He must be incredibly smart.
Peter loved his Dad. Even though he didn't know him, he already knew he loved him.
He would've called Tony in the room to keep him company, but he felt bad for continuing to drag him out of whatever he was doing so he would sit with him. Besides, he wanted to explore. The place he was in was most definitely not a normal hospital. He just wanted to know where he was and become familiar with his surroundings.
As he swung his legs off the bed and stood up, he quickly realised why he shouldn't be up and about. He instantly felt so dizzy that he thought he might pass out right then and there. It soon faded, and he sighed in relief. That didn't last that long unfortunately, because he soon felt a blinding pain all up his arm, reaching his neck. He probably shouldn't have ripped out his IV either, but oh well.
He slowly made his way out of the room and slipped out into a hall.
Oh.
Okay, this was definitely not a hospital. The corridor looked so fancy and decorated. There were plants everywhere and frames all over the wall. He made his way over to look at the framed pictures, wincing at every step he took.
He first saw a picture of his Dad with another man. The other man was dark skinned and in, what looked like, a pilot uniform. Peter had never seen the man visit him before, so maybe they weren't very close.
Peter continued down the hall, looking at every picture he passed. Most of them were full of people he didn’t even know or had seen before. Or maybe he had, he just couldn’t remember.
There was a tall, muscular blonde man that appeared many times. Usually stood next to a man with a metal arm (which Peter almost fangirled over) and another dark skinned man. Sometimes he would also be stood with a red haired woman.
Who were all these people? Did Peter know them? Were they his family? If they are, why haven’t they visited him?
Peter felt a twinge of sadness at that thought and kept on walking.
Then, another thought popped in his head. There were no pictures of him. Anywhere.
That made him a little more than sad.
He was Tony’s son. Surely there should be at least some pictures of him?
Peter kept on walking until he found one of him, even when he could feel the energy and strength draining from him with every step.
It was all worth it, however, when he stumbled (quite literally) upon two pictures of him and his Dad together. He smiled and looked at them closely, hoping that somehow they could bring back some memories.
They were stood side by side, smiling at the camera and wearing suits. Peter almost cried at the picture, wishing he could remember taking it, when he noticed some sort of frame that he was holding. He looked closer and read what it said.
Most of the words were too small to read, but their were two that stood out extremely well.
Peter Parker.
….
Parker?
That doesn’t make any sense. Isn’t his Dad’s last name Stark?
Peter winced, his head starting to hurt badly, then suddenly, an image flashed in his head. An apartment. A couch in a living room. A woman with long brunette hair sitting down, his Dad sitting beside her.
Peter gasped, realizing that it was a memory.
Was it the picture that caused it? Who was that woman?
And why is his last name Parker and not Stark?
Tony rushed out of the hospital room, panic raising drastically. Peter was gone. He wasn’t in his bed.
He got dusted again. He’s been taken. He won’t get him back this time. He’s been dusted, he’s been dusted, he’s been dusted-
The man turned the corner, and there he was. The boy was stood facing the wall, staring at two frames.
Tony let out a huge breath of relief and rushed over to him.
”Peter!” He yelled. Peter jumped and turned around. Shock and worry were evidence in his expression and Tony winced. Maybe he shouldn’t have shouted.
”Peter.” He said, much more calmly as he finally reached his boy and immediately wrapped him in his arms.
He heard Peter whimper in pain and instantly pulled back. “What? What’s wrong?”
”My…my arm really hurts. And my head. I-I feel like I’m going to pass out.” He whined, clinging onto Tony’s shirt.
The man cursed to himself, wrapping an arm around Peter’s shoulders carefully and leading him back to the hospital room.
”This is why you shouldn’t get out of bed on your own, Peter. Did you take your IV out?” He asked, already knowing the answer.
”Yes..” Peter whispered, head hung low. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to…” his voice trailed off. “I don’t know.” He finished with a squeak.
Tony sighed and pulled him in closer. “It’s okay, I’m not mad. I just got a little worried. Don't do that again, okay?"
They soon got to the hospital room, and Tony helped Peter back into bed before putting his IV back in.
”I don’t like it in here.” Peter mumbled.
Tony gave him a reassuring smile. “I know, bud. You didn’t like it much before, either. You’ll be out of here in no time.”
Peter sucked in a breath, and decided to bite the bullet. “Is my last name Parker?”
Tony stilled, looking at the kid. “How did you find that out?”
”It said my name on a frame. So it’s true? My name is Peter Parker?” He asked again for some validation.
Tony sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Yeah. Peter Benjamin Parker.”
”But your last name isn’t Parker.”
”No, it isn’t.”
”Your last name is Stark.”
”Yes.”
”But that doesn’t make any sense. My last name should be Stark, shouldn’t it?” There was a pause, then a sad, quiet voice said, “you’re not my Dad, are you?”
Tony looked down, a sad expression across his face. This was it. He had to tell him. Not only would it break Peter’s heart, but it would break Tony’s too. He loved having Peter has his son. Now it was over.
”Peter…it’s a little complicated.” Tony replied, looking up and noticing the tears running down Peter’s face.
”You - You said you were! Why did you lie? Where’s my real Dad? Where’s my Mom?” He asked in a panic.
Jesus. Now Tony had to tell him that his real parents are dead.
“Peter, in every sense other than biological, you are my son.” There. He finally said what he had been wanting to say for years.
Peter immediately stopped his panicking and looked at Tony. “Oh…you’re - you adopted me?”
”I’ve been planning to, yeah.” Tony said softly.
“But…what about my parents?”
Tony swallowed. “Your parents died when you were four.”
”Oh.” Tony wanted to cry. Peter just looked so defeated. He wiped the tears on his face, just as more came streaming down.
Screw Helen and her “don’t overwhelm him” rule. Tony was going to tell Peter everything.
”We met when you were fourteen." Tony begun to tell their story. He wasn't sure how exactly to tell it as he wasn't planning on telling him about Spider-Man or Iron Man just yet. "I...you became my intern. At my company."
"Fourteen? So...who - who was I living with before then?" Peter asked, voice hoarse with heart break.
Great. Now Tony had to tell Peter about yet another family member of his who died. Man, can't this kid catch a break?
"Your Aunt May and Uncle Ben. Ben died a few months before we met and...May, uh..." Tony wasn't sure on what to do in this situation. Peter didn't know that May died when he was dusted. Tony didn't want to tell him when he had no memories, he wanted to tell him when he was fully aware of everything again.
Thankfully, Peter spoke before he had to finish the sentence. "Aunt May? Is that who that woman was?"
"What? What woman?"
"I...I think I had a flash of a memory when I was stood in the hall. There was a woman with long brunette hair sitting on a couch. And you were sat next to her." Peter explained. Tony felt a glimmer of hope appear. He was starting to remember.
"Yeah, bud. That's Aunt May." Tony smiled, tears building up in his eyes. He needed to get Helen in here.
Tony hated having to leave Peter. But he had another kid to see. Morgan.
She got very fussy when Tony left for a long time to go sit with Peter. She wanted the attention from her father, which was understandable since she was only four.
"Daddy, when can I see Petey?" She would ask.
"Soon, hun. He needs to rest, remember?" He would reply.
Is was the day that Morgan asked to see Peter when things started to go uphill. He was sat with Peter, just making small talk with him, when Peter winced in pain.
"You okay?" Tony asked, watching the boy hold a hand to his head.
"Yeah, it's just...who's Thanos?"
Tony stiffened. He felt as if he had just been taken back to five years ago, and all his hair stood on end.
One good thing, however, Peter was remembering more and more every day that passed.
"I remember the name. And I remember this...huge man? I don't know. I don't think I liked him very much."
Tony sighed, knowing this conversation would come eventually. "He's not a good guy, Pete, you're right."
"Oh. Who is he?"
"He's the reason you're lying in this hospital bed right now, not remembering a thing."
It had been three weeks since Peter had arrived in MedBay when it happened. Tony had woken up to FRIDAY telling him that Peter is asking for him. The man didn't hesitate to jump out of bed and rush to MedBay.
He flung the door open and Peter jumped to get out of bed.
"No, no, Peter. Stay there. Get back in." Tony said frantically, ushering Peter back in bed.
"No, Mr. Stark, wait!" Peter exclaimed, looking right into Tony's eyes, expression full of love and understanding.
Tony stopped moving. He called him Mr. Stark. He hadn't called him that since....
Oh my God.
"Peter? Do - Do you remember?" Tony asked, crossing his fingers.
A tear rolled down Peter's face, then he nodded.
Tony almost cried out as he instantly wrapped Peter in his arms with a crushing hug, sitting on the bed with him. Peter sobbed into Tony's shoulder as the man shushed him, running a hand through his hair as they slowly rocked back and forth.
"I missed you. I missed you so damn much, kid." Tony cried, tightening his hold on the boy. "God, it's been five years. Five fucking years too long."
Peter choked on a sob, then laughed a little. "You...you brought me back. You revived me, didn't you."
Tony smiled, then also let out a wet laugh. "Yeah...does that sound too crazy and protective?"
Peter sniffed. "I love you."
"I love you so much, bambino."
There was silence for a few minutes. They just wanted to hold each other and forget about everything else for a moment.
But Peter had to ask.
"May is...May is dead, isn't she?" The kid asked, voice breaking. "She would've visited otherwise."
Tony squeezed his eyes shut. "I'm so sorry." He whispered.
Peter let out another sob. "H-How long ago?"
"A year."
Tony let Peter cry into his chest as they lay down in the bed, one arm wrapped around his shoulders and his other hand in his hair.
"I-I just wanted to see her. At least one last time." He cried.
"She knew I was figuring out a way to get you back. I promised her that when I did, I would do everything in my power to protect you. And I will, Peter. I promise."
"I-I know. D-Did you mean what you said a few days ago? That you're planning on adopting me?"
"Yeah, if you want to."
Peter didn't even hesitate before answering. "Yes. Please."
Then, the silence fell again. They stayed wrapped in each other's arms. Not only was Tony comforting Peter, but Peter was comforting Tony too. Just by living and breathing. And remembering.
Then, Tony spoke. Needing to say what he had to say. "You saved me, kid. You saved everyone."
Peter sniffed, glancing at his scarred arm. "I thought I was going to die."
"You didn't." Tony instantly answered, arms stiffening around him. "You didn't die, you're safe. You're here with me."
Silence again.
"You're my hero, Peter. You know that?"
Peter let his eyes close, a smile forming on his face. That's what he wanted to hear. That's all he ever wanted to hear, ever since he met Tony. He was good enough.
He finally had some closure.
Tony held Peter just a little bit closer.