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After being told that if he doesn’t attend at least one of his meetings, there will be consequences, Tony let out a deep sigh, as he leaves the bathroom dressed in a tuxedo.
He hasn’t attended to any of the meetings since- quite forever. It was either Pepper going for him or even Friday collecting the data so he could analyze it in the office, while he worked on upgrading his suit. Although this time, which it had to finally happen, Tony had to go.
„Did you get the files?” Pepper points out, fixing any imperfections. Her thumb rubs on her husband’s cheek, trying to get some leftovers from the dinner. „Yes, don’t worry hubby” Fingers go through the stack of paper, checking the papers. He gently kisses the top of his wife’s head.
„I am just checking” She says, giving him a kiss on the lips „Now go do some business, that you barely ever do” Tony chuckles at the comment, leaving the tower.
~
Although he used to be in meetings all the time before the Avengers were a thing, they have never been so boring. Especially when he has to sit in an uncomfortable chair and listen to an 80 year old man, whose vocal cords were so rusty, he thought they would break any second.
While Friday was collecting all the data from the meeting, Stark decided to play games on his Apple Watch, since using his phone would be too unprofessional. At the same time, somewhere in Queens, a kid was laying on his bed, all sick and miserable.
~
A voice echoed across the hall, Peter was laying on the floor with a bunch of used up tissues laying all around the bedroom floor. „Think of me once in a while, take care” was currently playing on repeat and in the mean time, the teenager was curled up in his own little world, trying to forget about the pain in his head.
“Peter, you have a high temperature of 103 Fahrenheit. You are also showing signs of a flu. Would you like me to call Tony or medical-“ Karen was cut mid sentence by the moody teen.
“Karen, how many times do I have to tell you this afternoon. I am alright! I just need to get some more painkillers, brew some tea and I’ll be as healthy as a fish by tommorow. I promise!” He answers, clearly being fed up with Karen continuously telling Peter he is sick, like he isn’t aware of it.
May was out of town for two days, and she doesn’t plan on coming back till Monday. But he’s able to take care of himself.
It’s not like he hasn’t done it before.
Although this sick season came back stronger then ever, making him weep on the floor, clutching onto his forehead, somehow trying to make it stop hurting so bad. But we all know that it doesn’t work that way
“Due to the safety protocol, I am assigned to contact Mr Stark after your temperature is higher then 105” The robot announces and before the boy could react to the unexpected action, the massage was already send
“Shit”
~
At this point, Tony didn’t care anymore. His eyes were looking down at his phone under the table, his fingers scrolling through instagram. Was he aware that everyone in the room knew he wasn’t paying attention? Yes. Did he care? Not at all. Besides, what could they possibly do about it? He was a genius, billionaire, playboy and a philanthropist. And the people in the room were just some middle aged men.
“Boss?” An AI voice spoke out of the speakers in the room “Friday, I told you not to interrupt, unless it’s an emergency” He responded, looking away from his phone, after 2 hours. The whole room looked directly at Stark.
“The safety protocol from Karen told me to inform you that Peter has currently a fever higher than 105 Fahrenheit’s.” For a second, Tony’s blood pressure started to rise. Especially that Peter never got sick before (at least to his knowledge).
“I am terribly sorry, but I am afraid I have to go” The man fixes his tie, stepping away from his chair. He shortly after leaves the meeting room, leaving the rest of the table quiet.
“Friday, ask Karen for vitals” Tony commanded, as his suit clings onto his body. “Peter isn’t currently wearing his suit sir, she can’t take his vitals otherwise” Of course. Why didn’t he think about upgrading the safety protocol. “Whatever” he said to himself. He will be there in 5 minuets anyways. After the last part of the suit grabs onto his leg, he finally takes off towards Queens.
~
“Karen, I will genuinely re-program you after this whole thing ends” Peter threats the AI, cleaning his apartment, making it seem that everything is fine before his guardian flies in.
“I am sorry Peter, but that’s the way I am programmed” Karen apologizes to the boy. He is mostly focused on making himself look healthy. He made himself some tea, as an excuse for the high temperature. He also wore a sweater and he set up his homework on the table. “It’s fine. Mr. Stark won’t even notice”
As he clears his nose and inserts some more nose spray, so he wouldn’t have a runny nose, a loud knocking fills up the house. “Hey kid, are you home?” Mr. Stark was here
Peter clears his throat one last time and he opens the door “Hello Mr.Stark!” He says in an exciting voice, obviously faking it. “Why are you here? Did I forget something?”
His mentor looked at him all confused, since he didn’t expect the boy to look healthy. “Uhm, Karen told me that you have a fever” A hand is put on his forehead, checking the boys temperature.
Lucky for him, he splashed his face with cold water and later applied some light make up from Aunt May’s toiletry bag. He was practically looking healthy. Starks brow lifted with confusion
“Well, it might have been a false alarm. I made some hot tea for myself. Karen could have mistaken my forehead for the tea, since I was doing my homework” The kid explains as he lets Tony into his apartment.
~
“Something was off.” Tony thought to himself. The kid was weirdly awkward, Especially that he knew he was a bad liar. Only then the man noticed the clumpy foundation on his cheeks, and dark circles under his sleepy eyes. For now, he brushed the details off, seeing how he will explain himself.
His foot stepped inside of the apartment.
„I see” He says in a subtle voice. “Well, since I am already here, I guess I will stay for a while. See how’s everything going.”
Peter’s eyes widen, but he quickly goes back to normal. „Yes, of course! I’ve got plenty of time” Peter says, staring at the person scanning the living room, looking like he is trying to find some hidden treasure.
They both decide to sit on the couch, Tony looking all around the apartment and feeling very suspicious, towards how quiet it is in here. “Where is your Aunt May?” He asks, clearly not seeing the relative.
„Oh, she is on a little trip. She is back on the whole dating thing” He answers truthfully.
„Why would she leave him all alone in the house? She could have called me” Tony thought to himself, being worried for the teenager. Besides, he was only 16, with a superhero suit and no one looking out for him.
“And when does she come back?” He asks curiously waiting for his answer.
He could see Peter’s face sweating, clearly not able to make out a sentence.
“Oh, I think maybe Monday… perhaps” Peter comes back with some leftover chips and soda, laying them on the coffee table
“Monday? That’s in like- 2 days” A concerned look appears on his face.
Not only the fact that Peter is definitely sick, he has to go to school and Tony was certain that he wouldn’t pass on the spider-man patrols.
He looks at the young man, noticing even more imperfections, like for example the quiet sniffling when he wasn’t looking.
“Well, as long as May is happy I am happy” He dives into the bag with chips, after noticing his mentors gaze, stuffing his mouth with the snacks.
“Well how about you stay at the tower for a few days”
Peter chokes on his food
~
Nononono No- He can’t go with Tony. He is not feeling well and he will definitely notice it!
“Woah, you ok?” Mr.Stark rubs his back, seeing him choke on some food.
He lets out some small coughs “Yeah I am fine” his eyes watering in the meantime.
Peter didn’t really know what to say. He kind of always wanted to stay a few night in the Avengers tower, but he never knew he would get the opportunity. The only thing stopping him was his sickness.
Although he really wanted to give in, he knew he had to make an excuse
“Uhm- well I do have a really important test coming up. I really need to study” he says, as he drinks some water.
“Well, you can study at the tower, there is no problem with that” Tony assured him that it’s fine, hoping he will agree.
„And if it is a chemistry test, you can definitely ask Bruce to help you”
Parker was really stressed now. Suddenly, his runny nose came back from the dead and the makeup no longer covered up his red face
“Nah Mr.Stark, I will be just fine!” The boy holds in a cough, not to make it obvious that he has the flu.
Little did he know, it made it even worse.
Tony narrows his eyes, looking at the barely breathing kid. “Underoos, are you hiding something from me?” The man looks at him and opens his mouth to say something but he is rudely interrupted by a loud and rasp cough coming from the 16 year old kid.
Peter looks at his father figure, sniffling caused by the runny nose. he fucked up.
“I knew you were sick from the second I saw your face. I shouldn’t have doubted Karen”he lets out a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose and closing his eyes.
“Mr.Stark, it’s just a little cold! Nothing I can’t handle. I’ve been through worse”
“I don’t care if you have been through worse! I am currently worrying about you being sick right now, in the presence!”
There is an awkward silence between the two. Tony looks at the pale boy. He didn’t have the heart to leave him here all alone.
He was a kid.
His kid
“Cmon. Get in your suit, put on something warm and let’s go” Stark gets up from the couch, fixing his suit.
“But Mr.Stark- I need to study-“
“Happy will take everything you need later. Right now you are coming with me” The man explains, making himself clear.
He stares at the boy for his confirmation. Not long after he nods And goes to his room to change.
After a 5 minutes wait, Peter leaves his room in the Spider-Man disguise. Tony was already leaning on the exit door, waiting for him to get woaf. He grabs a hat lying on the shelf, and puts it on Peter’s head, covering his spider eyes. He smirks, looking at him trying to put the beanie in the right position.
They leave the place, locking the door and putting the key under the doormat. They get out of the building, being hit by a sudden wave of cold.
“Ready?” Tony looks down at the kid
“For what?”
He picks him up and the engines in the suit go off, getting them both flying into the air. Spider man clings onto Iron man’s body, webbing himself to the metalic suit.
“You will be cleaning those webs when we get back” Tony points it out in annoyance, but also in awe.
“Oh- I am sorry Mr.Stark” Peter awkwardly apologizes to his mentor. Although, he wouldn’t mind cleaning the suit from his webs, as long as he doesn’t fall down.
~
When they arrive to the tower, Peter shakily gets down on his feet. Tony chuckled a bit, looking at the scared teenager. „Don’t worry kiddo, you’ll get used to it” he then wrapped his arm around the boys shoulders, leading him to the entrance.
Whenever Peter visited the tower, at any time of the day, each room is always squeaky clean. He could bet that there wasn’t a single undusted shelf in this building. But each time he is here, Peter is always amazed by the big couch in the middle of the room. Not only was it really comfy, as it should be, but it also had features like warmed up seats, massaging machine, and the best of all, the snack drawer next to the each one of the seats.
His trembling body immediately touched the couch, forming into a small ball. It was the most comfortable position, even if it wasnt the best for his spine.
In the meantime, Tony started to brew some water and prepping up the two mugs with some of the best tea he had. Once in a while, he glanced at the teenager, checking his condition.
„Do you want to watch something? I can turn the tv on” The man points out the sick kid just laying on the couch.
Pete looks up at his mentor, with his big doe eyes
„Can I?” Peter says, clearly not expecting such a question. The TV screen was larger than most of the cinemas in his city. The idea of being able to watch a movie on one of these was astonishing.
„Of course. What movie do you want to watch?” The boiling water is introduced to the tea, immediately changing the color into a dark brown. He also adds honey and a squeeze of lemon into the cups, making them perfectly matched.
“Uhm, you should choose sir. I’ll watch anything and I don’t wanna be a bother”
“Kid you are not a bother” Tony walks up the couch with the two mugs, handing one of them to the boy.
“If you would be a bother, I wouldn’t be crashing into your house, leaving a meeting just because Friday informed me you have a high temperature”
Parker looks at him flabbergasted, unable to make out a sentence. “Listen Pete, you are important to me. Don’t ever say you are a bother, got it?” Then the man gives him a reassuring smile, gesturing that it’s alright. Peter really wanted to cry, tears desperately wanting to get out. He find the strength to hold them in.
“Ok Mr.Stark” The boy gives him a weak smile, making Tony’s heart melt. He gives him a tight hug, patting him on the back.
“It’s Tony by the way” the man whispers, and gets comfortable on the couch.
“Now what movie do you want to watch? You’re taking forever!”
Peter chuckles at his boss, taking a sip of the absolutely delicious tea. The beverage was truly something out of this world.
“Maybe Up?” He gave a silent proposition
“Friday, play Up on the screen” He commands, which makes the big led square go down, covering the wall behind it.
A big “Disney+” text appears on the tv and not shortly after the movie starts to play. His amazed face was so bright, Tony thought he’d go blind.
A warm blanket is put on both of them, covering their body’s. His eyes immediately get heavy. Before they even reach the one hour mark, Peter’s head flopped on his bosses side. Tony gently moved the teens sleeping body, leaving the kids head on his lap, stroking his soft curls. His other hand, was holding the remote, dimming the lights.
Someone enters through the front door, making a loud echoing noise filling the room. “Tony, sorry we are late! We had to-“
Bruce yells out, being cut by the death glare coming from Tony. The Avengers quickly analyze the situation, entering the building as quiet as possible. Steve puts down the bags on the kitchen counter, and quickly joins Tony on the couch.
“What’s all that for?” Cap whispers, clearly being confused about the whole situation. They were supposed to have a party tonight after all, so the sudden appearance of the young Avenger sleeping peacefully was not on any of their bingo cards for today.
“Sorry, there was an emergency” The man apologizes, still brushing his fingers through the teenagers hair. “We gotta cancel for tonight”
“Well not exactly” Wanda leans on the couch, with a bowl of fresh popcorn. Clint brought another stack of blankets for everyone and the whole team sat on the large couch, rambling about different topics.
“Ok guys, what movie are we watching? Cuz’ I am definitely not watching some animated kid movie” Sam mentions, wanting to watch something more interesting for the rest of the night.
“Star wars?” Bucky suggests and everyone gives a nod. The first Star Wars movie is shown on the screen, drawings everyone’s attention.
Thor and Wanda talk about the recent mission, while Clint shows pictures of his youngest to Natasha, telling her all the details. Bruce and Bucky mention the topic about making a lighter prosthetic arm for the soldier, joking in the meantime. Although the room was thriving, it didn’t bother Tony nor his kid.
“You are so protective over the spider-baby” Bruce says, taking Tony’s attention.
“Well, someone has to” He looks down at the resting teenager, sleeping peacefully. He is actually surprised that the kid hasn’t woken up by now, after all the noise in the room. But he is glad that the boy’s taking some rest.
“I am betting 5$ that the kid will call Stark his dad in less than 24 hours” Sam yells out an offer.
Everyone knew how much he liked to tease Peter for being the baby Avenger of the team. And this only proved it more.
„No one is going to bet on something that will 100% happen” Bucky add to the conversation.
They all knew he will always be the avengers kid, even when he gets older. Everyone quickly found out, how much of a danger magnet Peter is. While they were discussing about some serious topics, Peter was getting his desired sleep.