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The Siberian hangar reeked of burnt metal and silent death. There were no screams, just the chilling hum of the silence that followed the climax of the battle. Tony Stark, his armor partially destroyed and his face etched with pain, stared at Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes.

The Hydra recording, the murder of his parents at the hands of a manipulated Bucky, replayed in a loop in his mind, a private hell threatening to consume him. His fingers tingled, craving revenge, despair. But something stopped Tony. Perhaps it was fatigue, the emptiness he felt seeing the shield made by his father stuck in the ground. Perhaps it was the memory of Vision's words about the nature of forgiveness, whispered before he and Wanda left. Or, who knows, the exhaustion of a civil war that only generated more scars.

He took a deep breath, the freezing air burning his lungs. "I... I'm not going to do this," Tony's voice came out hoarse, almost inaudible. Steve and Bucky exchanged surprised glances. The fury, the lacerating pain, were still there, but Tony felt a deeper weariness, a repugnance for his own thirst for retribution.

"Enough. This... this won't bring anyone back." The silence that followed was heavy, laden with a tension that hung like an invisible threat. Steve lowered the fists he planned to use to defend himself. Bucky, still in shock, looked at Tony with a mixture of apprehension, guilt, and gratitude. Tony, stumbling, turned away, leaving behind the personal battlefield that had almost destroyed him.

Back at the Avengers Compound, the meeting was tense, yet necessary. The tired faces of Natasha, Clint, Sam, and Colonel Rhodes mirrored Tony's torn soul. Bruce Banner watched compassionately, and Thor, who had left before the conflict, was not physically present. Thor had departed in search of the Infinity Stones, taking Loki, his brother, who was under curiously milder supervision. The original Avengers sat at the conference room table, an uncomfortable silence lingering. Tony, despite having chosen forgiveness, still carried an enormous burden.

His eyes, once so full of an arrogant sparkle, now displayed a persistent darkness. Pepper, his fiancée, was absent, at yet another of her conferences around the world, an absence that had become routine and only deepened the abyss between them.

And then, there was Peter.

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Months passed and the Avengers were back, but the harmony was... fragile, a spiderweb that could break at any moment.

Thor's absence was felt, and the search for the Infinity Stones loomed like a shadow, a future threat.

While Tony sank into his paranoia, the constant fear of something bigger approaching, Peter Parker's life took a devastating turn.

The Vulture's events had culminated in the battle on the cargo plane. Peter, Spider-Man, saved the day, but tragedy awaited him at home. Aunt May, his only family, succumbed to complications stemming from one of Toomes' attacks. Peter was alone. Completely alone. The apartment felt like a tomb, every corner echoing May's laugh, the smell of her cooking, the warm presence that was now just a painful memory.

Tony, upon hearing the news, felt a pang in his chest. The young man, so vibrant and full of life, was now an orphan, just as Tony himself felt inside. Driven by a sense of responsibility and an almost unconscious need to fill the void in his own life, Tony took Peter under his wing. It wasn't just a sponsorship; it was a rescue.

Peter was transferred to the Avengers Compound, a new "home" amidst superheroes, but without May. The first days were a blur of pain for Peter. Guilt, grief, the feeling of abandonment, all mixed into an emotional whirlwind. He would curl up in his room, the cold, impersonal walls of the compound contrasting with the cozy mess of his old apartment. Meals were solitary, school seemed distant, and studies, once his refuge, were now a burden.

Tony, despite his own darkness, tried to reach out. He offered him projects in the lab, short conversations about science, and horror movies that Peter, to Tony's surprise, loved. Peter, in turn, hesitated, but Tony's presence was a magnet. The man he idolized, his greatest hero, was there, close by. Slowly, the pain began to give way to a new feeling, a complex mixture of gratitude and an admiration that bordered on adoration.

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Tony Stark's laboratory was a sanctuary for Peter. Amidst the floating holograms, the chattering robots, and the smell of solder and metal, Peter found temporary relief from his pain. Tony, immersed in his projects, sometimes barely noticed the boy's quiet presence. But Peter was always there, observing, learning, absorbing every word, every movement of the man he so admired

"Kid, don't you have a home?" Tony would ask as a sharp joke, without taking his eyes off a complex circuit. Peter would smile shyly and blush, narrowing his eyes softly. "Well... actually I'm an orphan, Mr. Stark, so not anymore..." He'd reply. Tony would give a dry chuckle, looking at him, "You know I didn't mean that. Don't you have anywhere else in the Compound to be besides here?"

Peter knew, and smiled sweetly, "I can learn a lot here, and I... I like it here."

And he did learn. With a mind that rivaled, in potential, Tony's own, Peter began to surprise him. Small, timid suggestions, keen observations about Tony's projects, solutions to problems that the older genius himself had overlooked. Tony, at first, responded with his usual sarcasm, but couldn't deny the boy's latent intelligence.

"Yeah, you're stubborn as a mule, but at least you're not stupid..." Tony would grumble, a slight smile forming on his lips as he implemented one of Peter's suggestions.

The time they spent together wasn't limited to the lab. Night patrols, where Tony, in his armor, watched the young Spider-Man leap between New York's buildings, became more frequent. Peter felt alive again, the adrenaline of the fight, the satisfaction of helping people. And Tony, seeing the boy's purity and dedication, felt a thin thread of hope in his own hardened heart.

One rainy night, watching a horror movie on the living room couch in the compound, Peter subtly snuggled closer to Tony, the sound of rain hitting the windows adding to the film's atmosphere. Tony, not one to show affection, merely cast a quick glance at the boy, a silent gesture that Peter interpreted as permission to get closer. The proximity was a drug for Peter, a comfort he didn't know he needed, and a feeling that deepened with each passing day. With every shared laugh, every problem solved in the lab, Peter's secret passion for Tony grew, silent and intense.

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Peter's affectionate relationship with Tony didn't go unnoticed by the other Avengers.

Steve watched Peter with a mix of pity and concern, compassionate for the young man's loss. And Natasha, in her perceptiveness, noticed the way Peter's eyes followed Tony.

"He... idolizes Tony..." Natasha commented to Steve during a training session. "It's... cute, to a certain extent, but... I don't know if it's healthy, not with everything he's been through recently."
Rhodes, on the other hand, didn't hide his displeasure, "Damn, the kid is... weird. Is Tony a babysitter now?" He saw Peter as an impediment, a distraction for Tony, who was already quite unstable.

His aversion was clear, and he frequently dismissed Peter with sharp, disdainful comments.

Tony, in his bubble of paranoia and work, seemed oblivious to Peter's attention or the others' disapproval. He was increasingly isolated, his relationship with Pepper cooling to the point of being almost nonexistent. Her calls were increasingly rare, the topics purely professional. Tony didn't care. There was an emptiness in his chest that not even the genius of his mind could fill. A painful weight, a fear, with many faces.

Meanwhile, from Asgard or other worlds, Thor and Loki were on a journey of self-discovery.

Thor, who always had a complex bond with his brother, began to see him in a new light, and sent constant messages to the Avengers explaining small recent events in their search.

According to him, the arguments between him and Loki had diminished, replaced by deeper conversations. Thor felt an understanding for Loki, a feeling he didn't know how to name, but which pushed him to free his brother from his bonds and try a more genuine rapprochement.

And back on Earth, Peter continued to orbit Tony, his silent presence a balm for the tormented genius's soul. He brought coffee, organized tools, offered help with anything, no matter how trivial.

And Tony, despite his facade of indifference, began to get used to the boy's constant presence, finding a strange comfort in it.

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Tony's paranoia intensified.

Vivid nightmares of the Battle of New York, the wormhole, and the alien threat haunted him. He saw shadows where there were none, heard whispers in the silence of the compound. His mind, a labyrinth of genius, was becoming a dungeon of his fears.

He spent sleepless nights, working frantically on new projects, defense theories, always with an apprehensive gaze toward the sky.

Peter, noticing Tony's exhaustion, tried to lighten the load. He brought snacks to the lab, forced Tony to take small breaks, and even tried to talk about mundane things, just to distract him. His naivety and kindness were a stark contrast to the darkness surrounding Tony.

One night, Tony was engrossed in complex diagrams, his eyes red with fatigue. Peter, who had stayed late with him, noticed that Tony had fallen asleep on the table. With the delicacy of someone walking on eggshells, Peter picked up a blanket and placed it over Tony's shoulders. As he did so, his hand brushed Tony's skin, and an electric shock coursed through his body. He quickly recoiled, his heart pounding in his chest. Tony didn't even stir. Peter stood there for a long time, observing the exhausted face of his hero.

The lab light cast strange shadows, transforming the place into something almost ghostly. A curious feeling of years sparkling in his eyes, pulsating in his body, he tilted his head.

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The training routine at the Avengers Compound was intense, but Peter, with his youthful energy, embraced every challenge. He was the "newbie," the kid who seemed out of place among the team's heavyweights.

However, his presence was a constant, and gradually, he began to stand out in unexpected ways.

In a training session with Captain America, Peter avoided a sequence of blows with impressive agility, jumping and dodging with an almost supernatural lightness. Steve, accustomed to brute force or combat tactics, was surprised. "Your reflexes are incredible, Peter," he commented, a rare smile forming on his face. Peter blushed, pleased with the compliment.

Later, in a weightlifting exercise, where Clint tried to break his own record (which wasn't even that impressive compared to Steve's), Peter, with his apparent thinness, lifted a stack of enormous weights that would make any of the non-superpowered team members sweat.

He did it with shocking ease, the small muscles in his back and legs seemingly effortless under the suit. Rhodes, watching from afar, snorted. "Holy hell..." he muttered, his eyes showing a hint of disbelief. Without the brute strength of Hulk or Thor, Peter's strength, there, was obviously the greatest among them.

But it was during a combat simulation training that Peter's abilities proved truly uncanny. Amidst virtual explosions and moving targets, Peter moved with instinctive precision.

At several moments, he abruptly stopped, dodged invisible projectiles, or warned of enemies that had not yet appeared on the simulation's radar.

"Watch out, Mr. Stark, three on your left!" he would shout, and seconds later, three virtual drones would appear exactly where he had indicated. "Something's going to hit the Captain from above!" And a simulated missile would descend, which Steve barely managed to dodge.

Tony, who was supervising the training, watched with a mixture of fascination and discomfort. The voices and sensations in Peter's mind, as he described them, were his spider-senses in action, an early warning system, almost mystical. The kid was practically predicting the future, anticipating dangers with supernatural precision. It was like having a private oracle, a walking sensor for threats.

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Tony slowly started to notice a pattern.

In the lab, Peter moved as if he were an extension of his own thoughts.
If Tony thought of a tool, Peter would promptly hand it to him, sometimes even before he asked. If Tony grumbled about a complicated calculation, Peter, in seconds, would offer the solution or a different approach, often with a "Mr. Stark, try it this way" or "Perhaps it's more efficient, sir..." It wasn't just intelligence; it was uncanny precision. Peter seemed to read Tony's mind, to anticipate.

He organized Tony's workbench in a way only Tony would understand, and even brought his coffee at the exact right temperature. Tony, though reluctant to admit it, began to... enjoy the pampering. The kid was like a perfect assistant, without Jarvis's quirks or Friday's chattiness, but with an efficiency that matched any AI.
It was both annoying and fascinating at the same time. The kid's devotion was something... palpable, and Tony, in his moments of loneliness and paranoia, found a strange comfort in it.

The other Avengers noticed this growing closeness. Natasha, with her keen eye, saw how Peter brightened Tony's face, even if only for a brief moment. Clint made jokes about Peter being Tony's new personal assistant, while Sam just shook his head, observing the peculiar dynamic between the billionaire genius and his prodigy protégé.
Rhodes, however, viewed it all with a certain disgust. "Damn it, that kid is glued to Tony like gum," he grumbled to himself. "Tony needs space, not a brat following his every move..." His dislike for Peter grew daily, and he didn't hesitate to express it, often harshly, to Peter or in his absence.

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On a sunny afternoon, the Avengers gathered in the compound's conference room. The topic was team reorganization and the evaluation of new members. The conversation was informal, but Tony's presence made it tense.

He, as always, was distracted, typing on his tablet, oblivious to the conversation. Steve, trying to bring some order, mentioned Peter's performance in training. "The kid has incredible potential, Tony. I've never seen such agility, and his strength is... well... surprising."

Tony, without looking up from the screen, grumbled, "Yeah, he's not entirely useless. But he's still a chatty brat sometimes..." It was then that Natasha, in her subtle way, brought up Peter's schooling, "Is he adapting well, Tony? The classes, the studies?" Tony, with a sigh, finally looked up, "Frankly, Nat? I haven't paid much attention. He says everything's fine..." With an impatient gesture, he accessed Peter's school system on his tablet. "Let me see here... grades..."

What Tony saw made him stop. His eyes, previously distracted, brightened and narrowed.

Peter's grades, displayed on the holographic screen, were impeccable. A+ in every subject, since elementary school. There wasn't a single grade below the maximum. And the teachers' feedback was always positive. Every detail, every project, every exam was perfect. Performance graphs showed a constant upward curve, flawless, without deviations.

A heavy silence fell over the room.

Tony sighed and expanded the hologram for everyone to see. He knew about Peter's intelligence, how he had created his own web fluid, and he knew the kid followed his calculations in the lab, but these grades indicated a degree of consistency he himself had never achieved.

He had underestimated the kid. Peter wasn't just strong, agile, or an accidental psychic. He was a diamond in the rough. A prodigy who could someday rival, and perhaps even surpass, Tony's own mind in certain areas.

"Holy cow," Bruce Banner, who had just returned from the bathroom, whispered, looking at the hologram, "Tony... Do you want to lend me your protégé?" Clint whistled, "And I thought he only did some jumping tricks or weightlifting..." Rhodes, for a moment, lost his composure, his jaw dropped, that "idiot" was, in fact, dedicated.

Tony turned off the tablet, a whirlwind of thoughts in his mind. Peter, the shy and naive Peter, whom he had taken in out of pity, was a diamond in the rough, limitless potential that he hadn't even begun to uncover, and this had nothing to do with the kid's powers, but with his intellect, which was what Tony valued most...

Tony now saw Peter with... different eyes, a mix of admiration, respect, and a growing, and disturbing, esteem for the boy.

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Tony woke with the weight of the world on his shoulders, as usual. Paranoia was a dense fog that never dissipated, and the Avengers Compound, never a refuge, now felt even more like a suffocating cage.

Each day, the threat his paranoia screamed existed outside became clearer in his mind, making him irritable and impatient.

The first call of the day was from Pepper. Her voice, distant and formal, spoke of Stark Industries' quarterly profits, market expansion in Asia. There wasn't even a hint of warmth in the conversation, just numbers and strategies. Tony barely paid attention, his eyes wandering around the lab, where unfinished projects and secret inventions awaited his touch, "Yes, Pepper. Got it. Great," he grumbled into the phone, the sarcasm barely disguised in his voice.

He felt that the distance between them wasn't just physical; it was an abyss of mutual disinterest. The woman he once loved now seemed like a stranger, a robotic voice on the other end of the line. He hung up before she finished, without a goodbye.

Later, in the cafeteria, Rhodes and he were talking, a coffee mug in Tony's hand, "Did you see what the kid did in training the other day?" he asked, his voice laden with a mix of reluctant admiration and disdain, "That brat is... damn strong..." Tony just shrugged, stirring his coffee. "He's a bottomless pit for food, that's what he is." "And it's not just that, Tony..." Rhodes insisted. "You should... talk more with Pepper, she misses you, even if she doesn't show it..." Rhodes began, and in minutes they were in an irritated conversation about Pepper's coldness versus Tony's cynicism,

But the topic touched on Peter again when the kid walked past the hallway and waved at Tony, mumbling that he was going to take a shower and would be back. Rhodes rolled his eyes, "And that boy... What's wrong with him? Pepper didn't agree to you both adopting a son, did she? He follows you everywhere like a puppy and that's... well, it's weird, and you know it..."

The last sentence hit Tony hard. Yes, it was weird, and sometimes it was annoying. The kid appeared in the lab when he least expected it, in the cafeteria, even in the elevator. Tony valued his space, his privacy, and Peter's constant presence was a reminder that he was no longer alone, that there was someone watching, someone waiting for him.

But there was also... curiosity. What kind of mind was that? And how could Peter be so brilliant and yet so naive? Tony felt pure pride when he thought of Peter's clever solutions, the ideas he presented, his grades. It was a paradox: the irritation of the kid's clinginess versus the admiration for his intelligence.

Dinner was in full swing. The Avengers sat around the dining table, conversation flowing casually , or at least as casually as possible with Tony Stark present. Peter, as usual, was sitting near Tony, focused on his plate, but his eyes occasionally turned to the man beside him.

Tony, absorbed in his own thoughts, was Browse on his tablet, looking at some projects and data. He had thought about reorganizing the interface, optimizing some access points, but hadn't had the time or willpower yet.

Suddenly, he felt a light touch on the screen. Peter, with the naturalness of someone handling their own device, had picked up Tony's tablet and was typing quickly. "Peter!" Tony exclaimed, his voice not loud, but it gently cut through the room's murmur.

The reprimand was abrupt, loaded with his accumulated irritation from the day, "What is this? Who gave you permission to touch this? It's private, kid, and that means junior nerds aren't allowed."

Peter, caught by surprise, froze. His big eyes widened, and he recoiled as if he had been slapped. The kid's face flushed violently, and he hastily handed the tablet back to Tony, "I-I'm so sorry, Mr. Stark! I just... I saw the interface could be... I don't know, organized and... and I was so distracted that... I'm sorry..." He shrunk into his chair, the sparkle in his eyes dimming, replaced by deep embarrassment and an almost visible pain.

Dinner, for Peter, was over.

Tony looked at the tablet, the interface had been reorganized, the icons were in a more intuitive layout; some of the shortcuts he himself had thought of creating were there, ready.

Peter had done in seconds what Tony had planned to do days ago. The kid had gotten ahead of him again, with uncanny precision. Tony's irritation subsided, replaced by slight embarrassment and a pang of guilt at seeing Peter's reaction.

The incident at dinner echoed in each of the others' minds in different ways.

Steve, sitting at the table, watched Peter shrink. Tony had been a bit... harsh. And Steve knew that feeling of being unfairly reprimanded. Peter was a good kid, apparently, and with a pure heart. His devotion to Tony was evident, almost touching, and something about their interaction was... different.

Natasha, with an analytical gaze, processed the scene. Tony, as always, impatient, blunt, rude, and Peter... shy and eager to please. She saw the kid's genius, how he acted almost like a mirror of Tony's mind, but with a sweetness that Tony had long lost. In Natasha's mind, that incident at dinner, the way Peter reacted, indicated how vulnerable he was. And how Tony, even unintentionally, could break him. Now... the intensity of Peter's gaze at Tony... That truly intrigued her; it went beyond a protégé's admiration.

Clint Barton just shook his head. "Stop making a scene, Stark," he muttered. But he had also noticed something in recent days: how strange it was for Peter to be so, so good at everything, yet act with such innocence.

Rhodes felt... an inner satisfaction at seeing Peter embarrassed. "Serves you right, brat," he thought. "A point for you, Tony, finally..." He still saw Peter as an intrusive child, someone who was invading his best friend's space. Peter's genius was undeniable, of course, but Rhodes felt that Tony didn't need another "genius" in his orbit, encouraging his craziness and eccentricities, especially one so attached.

Bruce, who had witnessed the scene in silence, felt deep empathy for Peter. He knew what it was like to be different, to have a mind that worked uniquely, and to be misunderstood. The sparkle in Peter's eyes when he talked about science, and how he faltered now... it was painful to see.

Tony noticed Bruce's disapproving look, and sighed, trying to make some joke to lighten the mood, but Peter just ate in silence and smiled a small, melancholic smile.

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The weeks following the dinner incident were marked by a subtle, yet noticeable, shift in Peter's behavior.

The kid, once so spontaneous and free in his interaction with Tony's equipment, now hesitated. It was discreet, but in the lab, the atmosphere seemed to have changed. Tony could feel Peter's caution, "Mr. Stark, can I... can I access the terminal to check the field generator's calibration?" Peter would ask, his voice low, his eyes fixed on Tony, waiting for approval he wouldn't have even considered necessary before.

Tony, immersed in his own schematics, barely looked up. "Uh... yeah, you can, Pete..." He'd say, feeling strange, trying to smile pleasantly, but Peter didn't return to his old ease.

He would request permission to use a tool, to adjust a hologram, to make any small alteration that Tony knew he would masterfully do without supervision. Peter's mental agility, his ability to act in the moment and improve things, was being stifled by the need for validation.

It was irritating.

Tony saw that his words had carried immense weight for the kid, and that Peter was willing to annul his own initiative to avoid any possibility of disapproval from him.

Tony was annoyed by the slowness, by the bureaucracy Peter now imposed on his own genius. He saw the spark in the kid's eyes diminish, the spontaneity lost in a desperate attempt not to make any more "mistakes." And Tony knew it was his fault.

Tony's routine had become almost entirely confined to the lab. Hours flew by as he lost himself in complex projects, in theories about intergalactic threats and new defense technologies.

Peter was always by his side, a constant and silent presence that Tony came to value more than he'd admit.

He barely went up to his own room, often falling asleep on a lab couch, exhausted.

Pepper finally returned from her long trip, the house should have filled with her presence, but Tony was absent and she found the Compound strangely silent, and Tony almost always in the lab, immersed in his circuits and holograms, with Peter as his shadow.

The coolness that already existed between them deepened. Pepper's small attempts to rekindle the connection were met with Tony's distractions, his mind always elsewhere. Although Tony still felt residual love for Pepper, and missed her warm companionship at times, his paranoia consumed him completely. The emotional distance between the couple became an almost insurmountable wall.

One night, while working on a new suit prototype, Tony finally broke the ice. Peter was hesitating to adjust a sensor, looking at Tony with every small movement.

"Damn it, Peter, enough, enough, kid... Just... just look at me..." Tony said, his voice softer than usual, without the cutting tone he had used at dinner. Peter flinched, expecting a reprimand, "Look, about that night in the kitchen..." Tony began, turning to face the kid, and Peter looked away, his cheeks flushing, "I was an idiot. Okay? I was a complete idiot. I was stressed, and you... you were just trying to help. And you did help. You did a better job than I would have."

Peter looked up, surprised. "Really, Mr. Stark?" Tony sighed. "Really. Listen, I need you to stop asking permission for everything, it's getting on my nerves. And it takes away all your... your agility, your quick thinking. I brought you to the lab to make you happy, and I keep you here because you're smart, Peter. Smarter than a lot of people out there. If I wanted an awkward robot, I would have programmed Dum-E for that... Although he makes terrible coffee..."

A small smile appeared on Peter's face. "So... I can mess with things without asking?"

"Yeah, hell yes, kid. You can, as long as you don't blow up the lab, of course. But if you do, let me know beforehand so I can get the popcorn," Tony joked, a glimmer of his old sarcasm returning to his eyes, "You have carte blanche. Just... if it's something really dangerous, ask me, but other than that... Yes."

The tension that hung over Peter visibly lessened. It was as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

He felt relieved, the spark of his genius and his personality shining again. Tony felt a small pang of relief too. He needed Peter in his fullness, not a ghost of himself.

The next morning, in the Compound's cafeteria, Pepper finally had the chance to have breakfast with the Avengers.

Tony, surprisingly, was there, although his eyes still looked a bit tired. He was talking to Bruce about some complex equation, oblivious to almost everything around.

Peter was sitting at the table, finishing his cereal, an almost constant smile on his face now. In his hands, he held an Iron Man themed mug, with the stylized ARC reactor in the center. It was a simple mug, perhaps bought in a souvenir shop, but Peter held it with almost sacred reverence.

Pepper, watching the scene, noticed the mug. It was a childish item, something a young fan would love. Her eyes moved from the mug to Peter, and then to Tony, who was still absorbed in his conversation.

Pepper felt a knot deep in her stomach. A cold, sharp realization hit her. Tony, the man who was increasingly distant from her, was allowing Peter, a protégé, a son figure, to fill a void she couldnt reach.

It wasn't jealousy she felt, but a perception of her own attitudes and the distance she had created with her fiancé.

But beyond that, there was an intimacy in their interactions, a connection that was almost invisible, yet palpable.

The Iron Man mug in Peter's hands seemed a symbol of this new and growing closeness, a flag of devotion that left her with a strange and disturbing premonition.

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The days that followed were tense. Pepper walked around the Compound with a thoughtful expression, her eyes catching details that would have previously gone unnoticed. Natasha, always attentive, observed the dynamic between Tony and Peter with professional curiosity. And Rhodes, despite his aversion, couldn't ignore what he saw. Peter's devotion to Tony, once a curiosity, now became a constant presence, almost suffocating for some.

Pepper's Perceptive Gaze

Pepper was in the living room, having tea, when Peter hurried past, on his way to Tony's lab. He was wearing a black T-shirt with a stylized ARC reactor logo — a more discreet, but unmistakable, version of the Iron Man symbol. It wasn't the first time Pepper had seen him wearing something like that. Almost all his casual clothes had some subtle reference to the hero.

Later, while trying to have a conversation with Tony about Stark Industries' plans, Pepper noticed Peter's behavior. Tony, as usual, was more interested in his tablet than in the conversation.

Peter was sitting in a corner of the lab, working on his own project. Suddenly, Tony let out a frustrated sigh. Almost instantly, Peter looked up, "Is everything okay, Mr. Stark?" he asked, his voice soft and concerned, and Tony mumbled something about a calculation error. Peter got up and, without asking, began typing on the terminal next to Tony.

In seconds, he pointed to the screen. "Here, Mr. Stark. I think the problem is with the 'X' variable that's self-feeding. If you isolate the loop, it solves it." Tony looked at the screen, and an almost imperceptible smile formed on his lips, "Yeah, kid. You're good at this."

Pepper watched the scene. The way Peter anticipated Tony's needs, the adoring look he cast, the T-shirt with the ARC reactor.

It all added up. That kid didn't just admire Tony.

Natasha's Analytical Gaze

Natasha was in the gym, practicing her moves, when Tony and Peter entered. Tony, lightly sweating and with messy hair, seemed to have just come from an intense session in his workshop, still a bit dirty with grease. Peter, however, was impeccable, carrying a water bottle for Tony and a towel. "Mr. Stark, your water, you still haven't drunk three liters..." Peter reminded with wide eyes and a careful tone, and Tony took it without even looking, already starting to grumble about the slowness of the coffee machine.

Natasha watched Peter wipe a drop of sweat from Tony's forehead with the towel. It was a small, almost imperceptible gesture, but it denoted a level of intimacy and care that went far beyond a mere assistant. Peter's eyes fixed on Tony were like a radar, always attentive, always looking for an opportunity to serve or help.

During lunch, a heated debate about combat strategies began between Tony and Steve. Steve argued for a more direct approach, while Tony defended the need for more complex and technologically advanced tactics. "We can't just rely on technology, Tony," Steve said, his voice firm. "Sometimes, simple is more effective." It was then that Peter intervened, his voice surprisingly clear and articulate. "Um, Mr. Rogers, with all due respect, I think Mr. Stark is... right. In a scenario where variables are exponentially complex, like the ones we face, a simplistic approach can generate more points of failure. Technology allows for predictive and reactive analysis that minimizes unnecessary risks." Tony cast a surprised and satisfied look at Peter, a slight smile playing on his lips. Steve, on the other hand, frowned in confusion. Natasha noticed how quickly Peter assimilated Tony's reasoning and defended him. It wasn't just loyalty, of course; it was an intellectual synchronicity that worried her. The kid was becoming an echo of Tony, and that wasn't... healthy.

Rhodey's Suspicious Gaze

Rhodes was in the command center, reviewing mission reports, when he saw Peter enter Tony's lab with a small tray. It was a plate of sandwiches and a mug of coffee, obviously for Tony. "Look at Tony's little minion..." Rhodes muttered to himself, rolling his eyes.

Later, in a joint training session, Tony was discussing a tactical maneuver with Sam. Sam, with his field experience, pointed out flaws in Tony's theory. "It doesn't work like that in the field, Tony. In the heat of battle, theory is different from practice." Peter, who was observing, approached. "But, Mr. Wilson, if we apply a pattern detection algorithm to the enemy's movement, we can predict tactical behavior in real-time and adjust the maneuver before it becomes a problem."

Rhodes, observing, snorted. "Mini-Stark thinks he knows more than you, Sam..." He said with a mocking tone, "He just repeats everything Tony has already said... but with more technical terms." He gave a dry laugh. The kid's intelligence didn't soften Rhodes' irritation; sometimes it even intensified it, as he saw Peter as a veiled threat to Tony's autonomy, a growing dependence that wasn't good for either of them, that posed a risk, that raised a flag.

A flag he didn't like.

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The tension in the Avengers Compound was almost palpable, an elephant in the room that everyone, except Peter and Tony, seemed to notice. Attempts to address the strange dynamic between Tony and Peter began to emerge, each with predictable results.

Pepper's Gentle Attempt

Pepper tried a soft approach. After a business meeting, she returned to the Avengers compound and found Peter in the kitchen, preparing one of the late-night snacks that Tony lately preferred over formal dinners.

Peter was focused, his movements precise as he assembled a sandwich, his tongue gently peeking out the side of his lips, "Hey, hi... Peter, can I ask you something?" Pepper began, her voice calm and gentle. Peter turned, an innocent smile on his face. "Of course, Ms. Potts! Is something wrong?"

"No, no. Just... you and Tony. He seems much more... involved with you than I expected. He... He treats you like a son, doesn't he?" Pepper tried to sound casual, but there was a note of hope in her voice.

Peter tilted his head, thoughtfully. "Mr. Stark is amazing, he's like an Eru Ilúvatar, only sarcastic, super cool, stylish, and technological..." he said. Pepper raised a confused eyebrow and Peter continued, blushing, "It's... it's a Tolkien character... never mind... He teaches me so much, helps me with everything. He's my hero, I just want to... help him too. He seems so tired sometimes. If I can do anything to make him feel better, I will. I'd do anything for him."

His answer was pure, without malice, without even a hint of awareness of the implication of his words. Pepper forced a smile.

"I see, Peter. It's good to see you two get along." The conversation ended there, leaving Pepper with a bitter taste in her mouth.

Natasha's Careful Approach

Natasha approached Tony a bit more... directly, in the lab.

"Tony, the way you and Peter are... it's an interesting dynamic." She observed the genius, who was assembling a new device.

Tony didn't even look at her, "What do you want, Nat? Another interrogation about my behavior? I've had enough for a lifetime."

"It's not an interrogation. It's an observation," Natasha retorted, her voice firm. "The kid idolizes you. And you're... letting him do that." Tony finally turned, his eyes flashing. "And what's the problem, Romanoff? He's a child genius, he helps me a lot, and he's the only one here who isn't looking at me like I'm about to explode at any moment! He doesn't judge me, unlike some..."

His voice was loaded with sarcasm, directed at a Steve who wasn't even there, and, of course, at her.

"Tony, it's just... excessive. He's nullifying himself for you, Tony," Natasha tried. "He's not nullifying himself! He's learning! And if you have a problem with how I manage my protégé, keep it to yourself. I don't need moral lessons from anyone here," Tony snapped, his irritation growing.

Natasha sighed, knowing it was useless to continue.

Rhodey's Not-So-Subtle Confrontation

The breaking point came in the cafeteria during breakfast.

Peter was, as usual, sitting next to Tony, showing him something on his tablet while Tony drank coffee. Rhodes, who had come to get a glass of water, observed the scene, irritation bubbling inside him, "Tony, aren't you letting go of the kid even at breakfast?" Rhodes blurted out, his voice low.

Tony raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Rhodes? Picking on a kid?" "This kid looks more like your watchdog. Glued to you twenty-four/seven," Rhodes said exasperatedly, losing his patience. Peter, who was chewing, stopped. His eyes widened slightly, and his face contorted into an expression of pain and contained anger.

He looked at Rhodes, his voice surprisingly sharp, without his usual stutter. "At least I'm helping Mr. Stark, Colonel. All you do is grumble and complain when you're not in your armor?" The room fell silent. No one expected such a direct and incisive response from Peter.

Rhodes blinked, caught off guard by the kid's boldness. "Listen here, you little punk!" Rhodes advanced, his face red with anger. Before Rhodes could take another step, Tony stood up abruptly, his chair scraping the floor. He stood between Peter and Rhodes, his icy gaze fixed on his best friend, "Rhodes, enough. Now. Peter didn't say anything wrong; you've just been complaining, and I know you won't stop anytime soon. But if you have a problem with him, you have a problem with me. Peter stays."

Tony's voice was filled with an authority that hadn't been heard in a long time, in an instant and fierce defense. Rhodes retreated, his anger still bubbling, but he knew it was useless to argue with Tony when he was in that mode.

Tony took Peter by the shoulder. "Come on, smarty-pants. We have science to do." He led Peter out of the cafeteria, straight to the safe refuge of the lab, leaving behind a furious Rhodes and the other Avengers in stunned silence.

Meanwhile, as tension mounted within the Compound, Thor had communicated with the Avengers.

His voice, via holographic communication, brought reassuring news: he had managed to contain the latent threats and, more importantly, some of the Infinity Stones were safe, out of reach of any evil force.

The universe, for now, was safe from that imminent threat, and he planned to return in a few months, once he finished his journey through hundreds of galaxies around the Milky Way.

It was a relief, but for Tony, paranoia turned to other dangers, more internal and personal, the darkness that still haunted him.

Chapter Text

With Rhodes still grumbling in his corner and Pepper on another of her endless business trips, the dynamic between Tony and Peter deepened without significant external interference.

The lab was the epicenter of their lives, but not the only setting. Nights in New York saw Iron Man and Spider-Man working as a duo with impressive efficiency. Tony, in his armor, watched Peter swing between buildings with a supernaturally light and acrobatic grace...

And Peter wasn't just a vigilante; he was a walking sensor for Tony, his internal voices predicting dangers that the armor's systems would take precious seconds to detect.

The mutual trust between them grew exponentially. Tony, though rarely expressing it in words, felt safer with Peter by his side, and Peter felt invincible with Tony as his support.

Between patrols and endless hours in the lab, Tony noticed that Peter, despite his unquestionable genius, was still stuck in the bureaucracy of high school.

One day, while Peter was solving an engineering problem that would make many professionals sweat, Tony watched him with a mixture of admiration and impatience, "Hey, kid, you're too good to waste time on quadratic equations... You know that, right?" Tony grumbled, without taking his eyes off the monitor, "Your grades are impeccable. You should have theoretically graduated years ago."

Peter shrugged. "I know, Mr. Stark. But... I don't know. College was something I planned with Aunt May's support. Doing it alone... I'm not... ready, you know? It's too big a change... I'm scared." Peter's voice dropped, revealing a vulnerability Tony rarely saw. The pain of May's loss was still an open wound, and the prospect of another drastic change evoked painful memories of loneliness.

Tony looked at Peter, a soft expression of understanding replacing his usual frown. He knew what it was like to feel the weight of loneliness, "Look, kid, you don't have to go to college now. But there's no reason to be stuck in high school. How about we skip a few steps, but nothing you're not ready for?"

With Tony's support, Peter's request to graduate early was initiated. With an impeccable academic record and Tony Stark's testimony, the process was quick and unobstructed.

Peter was now, officially, a high school graduate, free to dedicate himself fully to hero work, without the constraints of formal classes. And with Peter's early graduation, Tony felt it was time to elevate Spider-Man's level. Peter's fabric clothes, while functional, were vulnerable.

"You're one of mine, Spidey. You need something to match," Tony declared one day, while reviewing new material designs. Peter, his eyes shining with excitement, could barely contain his happiness, "A new suit? Like... like yours, Mr. Stark? With technology and everything?" Tony smiled. "Exactly. But, of course, adapted to your... arachnid peculiarities. And, since you're a genius now, I thought maybe you'd want to participate in the creation."

The proposal made Peter's eyes widen, "Me? Participate? Like, you and me, Mr. Stark? Together?" His voice was a mixture of disbelief and adoration, "Don't be dramatic, kid. Yes, you and me. Two brilliant minds are better than one. Or one brilliant mind and one brilliantly annoying mind," Tony joked, a rare moment of lightness. And so the project began.

Tony's lab, which was already a sanctuary for Peter, now transformed into a playground of engineering and innovation for both of them.

They spent hours discussing materials, propulsion systems, interfaces. Peter, with his intuitive understanding of how his powers worked, brought brilliant ideas that Tony, with his vast experience in armor, turned into reality.

They tested new fabrics that were almost indestructible, designed lens eyes that enhanced Peter's night vision, and even an advanced communication system that perfectly integrated with the kid's enhanced senses. Slowly, the armor took shape, a fusion of Stark technology with Spider-Man's unique abilities.

Tony internally named the project "Iron Spider." It was a name that encapsulated the union of their minds and the combined power of their identities.

For Peter, it was more than a suit; it was a symbol. A symbol of Tony's trust, his acceptance, and the growing bond between them. The creation of the Iron Spider was, in its essence, the building of a new link.

Chapter Text

With cosmic threats temporarily contained and the Infinity Stones secured, the Avengers' focus shifted to more immediate dangers. Hydra, though wounded, was far from defeated, operating in the shadows, and the proliferation of Chitauri tech weapons in the hands of common criminals had transformed the crime landscape. Street thugs could now wield alien artifacts, raising the level of danger and demanding a more robust response from the heroes.

The Avengers acted tirelessly, and it was in this new scenario that Peter made his official debut alongside the team. Tony had christened the suit Iron Spider, but Peter, influenced by the more predatory side of his abilities, adopted a codename: Spider-Wolf.

His new suit was a masterpiece of engineering and functionality, reflecting the symbiosis between Peter's mind and Tony's technology. Completely black, made of a durable mesh that perfectly molded to his slender body, it was punctuated by discreet, hard material parts, reminiscent of Tony's armors.

The mask, with its technological visors that glowed with a subtly reddish hue, concealed the innocence of Peter's face, giving him a more imposing aura.

The suit's AI, Karen, was intrinsically connected to Friday, Tony's AI, allowing for absolute synchronization between the two, a fusion of minds on the battlefield. But what caused the most curiosity, and a certain unease, were the retractable spider legs: four sharp, thick appendages, made of a resistant metal, that could emerge from his back.

Peter controlled them with a mixture of neural impulses through his mask and Karen's precise assistance, transforming him into a silent and lethal predator.

During various missions, whether in attacks on Hydra bases or confrontations with gangs armed with alien technology, the Avengers began to notice the way Peter operated, not just as a team member, but as an almost literal extension of Tony.

In an operation to dismantle a clandestine Hydra lab, Tony and Peter were on the front line.

A Hydra agent, wielding a Chitauri rifle, aimed at Tony. Before Tony could even raise his hand to activate his shield, Peter, with impressive speed, jumped in front of him, his retractable legs extending and blocking the shot with a metallic clang, "Safe distance to Mr. Stark, zero point five meters, Mr. Stark, neutralized," Peter calmly reported through the comms, his voice distorted by the suit's voice modulator.

Rhodes, observing the scene from a higher vantage point, frowned. The kid was fast, but that instinctive reaction to protect Tony was almost automatic.

On another occasion, during a confrontation in an abandoned factory, Tony was coordinating the team's actions, barking quick orders, "Clint, left flank! Sam, air cover! Bruce, I need you in the east sector!" In the midst of the confusion, Tony paused, "Fri, what was the deactivation code for the field disruptor he used last time?"

Before Friday could answer, Peter, who was immobilizing two enemies with his web, replied instantly: "Zero-three-two-alpha-seven, Mr. Stark! The disruptor was modified, but the energy core is the same!" Tony typed the code without hesitation, and the disruptor deactivated.

Natasha, who was fighting a few meters away, noticed the synchronization. Peter didn't just know the answer; he knew Tony needed it and provided it unsolicited, as if it were a thought Tony had verbalized.

In a hostage rescue mission, the team found themselves cornered by an invisible Chitauri-tech force field. Tony tried to analyze the field generator. "Friday, energy diagram! I need a pattern!"

Peter, who was entering from above, stealthily and already studying Karen's sensors, replied: "Mr. Stark, the pattern is a frequency-modulated delta! It looks like... a five-cycle loop that repeats! The weak point is in the third cycle, when the energy oscillates to realign!" Tony, with a satisfied smile on his face, despite the dangerous situation, followed Peter's guidance, and the force field dissipated.

Steve, who had witnessed the scene, felt a cold apprehension. Peter wasn't just helping; he was filling the gaps in Tony's mind, acting as an external data processor, almost a personal oracle for the other, and it was... useful, always. Tony's reliance on Peter's intuitions and abilities was increasingly evident. With each mission, the line between Tony and Peter became more blurred.

And the Avengers, observing these small moments, couldn't help but notice the intensity and uniqueness of that symbiosis.

Chapter Text

Pepper Potts returned to the Complex with a renewed determination. The distance had been painful, and the growing closeness between Tony and Peter was an open wound. Over the next three days, she tried, subtly and discreetly, to regain the space she felt she had lost.

Rhodes' Fascination

Rhodes watched the scene with a mixture of revulsion and a strange... fascination. Peter, the damn brat, was a shadow of Tony, always there.

Day 1: Rhodes watched from a chair as Pepper tried to invite Tony to dinner alone. "Tony, how about... we go out to dinner tonight? Just the two of us, to catch up." Tony hesitated, and before he could answer, Peter, who was organizing some cables in the lab, intervened. "Mr. Stark, the field stabilizer prototype is almost ready for the beta phase test. If we don't do it today, we'll have to wait until tomorrow, and the calibration cycle will be delayed." Tony, who had an obsession with deadlines, nodded. "Yeah, Pepper, the kid's right. Commitment. Maybe another day?" Rhodes rolled his eyes. "Convenient," he muttered to himself.

Day 2: Pepper tried to surprise Tony with breakfast in bed. She brought a tray with his favorite pancakes to his room, and Rhodes saw her leaving the room confused. Tony wasn't there. He was in the lab, as usual, with Peter. Rhodes found them later, Peter enthusiastically explaining a new algorithm. "Mr. Stark, if we apply this optimization, the processing time decreases by 17.3%!" Tony smiled, engrossed. Rhodes noticed Peter's breakfast tray, empty, on the lab counter. "What time does the bastard wake up? 4 in the morning? How the hell was he faster?", Rhodes thought.

Day 3: Pepper suggested a movie night in the living room, something Tony used to enjoy. She prepared popcorn and blankets. Tony appeared, Rhodes saw him going to the room... but Peter came right behind, bringing with him a tablet and some diagrams. "Mr. Stark, I thought we could review this data while the movie is playing. It's a good time to analyze the anomaly patterns." Tony, who was already looking distant, agreed. "Good idea, nerd. Multitasking, huh? I like how you think." Rhodes saw Pepper sit alone on the couch, her hurt eyes fixed on the screen, but Tony's attention divided between the movie and the data with Peter. Peter's presence was an invisible but impenetrable barrier.

Pepper's Frustration

Pepper felt a growing frustration. Every attempt to reconnect with Tony was subtly, but effectively, diverted by Peter's presence. The boy was polite, even kind, but his "excuses" to be with Tony were always impeccable, always logical, always linked to some project or need of Tony's own.

"Peter, don't you have anything else to do?", Pepper asked once, her voice more tense than she intended. Peter, with his innocence... Or habitual feigned innocence, replied: "Oh, Ms. Potts, Mr. Stark needs me to finish calibrating the new sensor. It's crucial for the next mission, you know? And he gets so tired sometimes, I just want to help..." The answer was irrefutable.

Pepper noticed Peter's devotion, the way he looked at Tony, as if he were the center of the universe. And Tony, in turn, seemed to accept this devotion as something natural, almost... A right.

Pepper's heart tightened. She was losing Tony, and Peter, inadvertently or not, was becoming the replacement.

Clint's Curiosity

Clint, although less involved in the personal dynamics, noticed the strange convenience of Peter's apparent nonexistence.

Day 1: He saw Pepper trying a more intimate conversation with Tony, and Peter conveniently appearing with "new data" that needed to be analyzed "immediately." Clint thought: "This kid is good... Very, very good."

Day 2: Clint, from a distance, watched Peter bring breakfast to Tony in the lab on a tray, exactly the way Tony liked it, without him asking, very early. "Holy shit...", Clint thought, remembering the conversation with Natasha.

Day 3: During a briefing, Tony was distracted, and Clint saw Peter discreetly adjust the brightness of Tony's tablet, and, minutes later, move a glass of water closer to him. Small gestures of care that went unnoticed by most, but that Clint, with his trained eye, noticed. It was an almost obsessive devotion, but Peter disguised it with an innocence that made him almost invisible.

Spark in Tony's mind

Tony, immersed in his projects and his growing paranoia, was initially oblivious to Pepper's attempts. His mind was always elsewhere, focused on the next threat, the next invention.

However, Peter's constant presence and his "justifications" began to light a small alarm in his mind.

Day 1: Peter interrupted the dinner suggestion with Pepper with the excuse of the field stabilizer. Tony, at first, accepted the justification. But later, while working on the prototype, he thought: "He could have waited. It wasn't that urgent." A small pulse of curiosity.

Day 2: Pepper's breakfast was ignored, he noticed the tray in the kitchen hours later and knew she had made it by the way only she arranged the pancakes. Peter was with him in the lab, discussing an algorithm. Tony noticed the way Peter looked at him, not just with admiration, but with an intensity that bordered on adoration. It was a look he hadn't seen in Pepper in a long time. And Peter's suggestions, always so precise, always so aligned with what Tony needed at that exact moment, were almost disturbing in their convenience.

Day 3: The movie night with Peter and the diagrams. Tony realized that Peter had "conveniently" brought the diagrams that Tony needed to review, but that he himself had forgotten. "How the HELL did he know?", Tony wondered. It wasn't just intuition, it wasn't possible, it was almost as if Peter was reading his thoughts, or, more disturbingly, manipulating the situations to always be by his side.

Tony's mind, always analytical, began to process the data. The "coincidences" were many. Peter's justifications, although logical and well-founded, were too convenient. Tony began to notice Peter's adoration and devotion in his subtlest, darkest traits.

It wasn't something that bothered him, curiously. On the contrary, it aroused an almost scientific curiosity. What kind of attitude was that? And what did Peter really want? The idea of Peter acting so calculatedly, and out of... devotion.

It was a new and intriguing variable in his life.

Chapter Text

The "coincidences" involving Peter and the convenience of his presence reached a point where Rhodes and Pepper could no longer ignore them.

On one particularly hectic morning, while Tony was trying to debug a new code with Peter by his side, Rhodes and Pepper entered the lab.

"Tony, we need a minute. Private matter," Rhodes said, his voice firm and leaving no room for discussion.

Tony raised an eyebrow, annoyed, "Now, Rhodes? We're in the middle of something here, even if it doesn't look like it," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"It's important, Tony," Pepper added, her voice tense and emotional. "And it can't be in front of... third parties." She shot a significant look at Peter.

Peter, sensing the mood, nodded with his usual innocence, "Oh, sure. No problem. I'll... I'll go to the kitchen to make some snacks, Mr. Stark. The ones you like." He gave Tony a sweet smile, who nodded distractedly.

As soon as Peter left the lab, Rhodes and Pepper closed the door, "What is it, guys? I'm wasting my precious time," Tony grumbled, crossing his arms, "Tony, the problem is Peter," Rhodes began, without beating around the bush. "He's clinging to you in a way... that's not normal." "Not normal? He's my protégé, my mentee! He's a genius, Rhodes, and he helps me more than any of you, by the way!" Tony fired back, his voice defensive.

"Tony... He's unhealthy, it's obvious, and everyone's noticed," Pepper intervened, her voice low, but laden with pain. "He follows you like a shadow. Every time I try to get close to you, he shows up with a convenient excuse. Don't you notice?" Tony laughed, a dry sound. "Jealous, Pepper? Of a kid? That's ridiculous. Peter's innocent. He's just excited to learn and help." He knew it wasn't unfounded, but the accusation irritated him.

"It's not jealousy, Tony," Rhodes retorted impatiently. "It's concern. He's obsessive, man. The way he looks at you... it's unsettling." As the discussion escalated, Tony vehemently defended Peter, but a small seed of doubt planted by Rhodes' and Pepper's words began to annoyingly germinate in his mind.

In the kitchen, Peter was busy. Steve and Natasha, who were having coffee, watched him. Peter was preparing waffles with Arc Reactor designs on top, using a special mold Tony had bought for him (Peter had specifically chosen it).

Beside them, he was making a Latte, and with dexterity, he drew a small spider on top of the coffee foam, which he carefully placed in a new mug with cute little spiders stamped on it – one that Tony had let him personally choose when they bought new items for the complex.

"Peter, that's... a lot of dedication for a snack," Natasha commented, an eyebrow arched and a slightly startled smile. Peter smiled, a glint in his eyes, "Mr. Stark likes them. And he's been working a lot, so he needs energy." Steve, with his more direct nature, decided to address what was bothering him, "Peter, don't you think you're being a bit... excessive? With the t-shirts, the snacks, always being with Tony. He needs space, you know?" Peter's smile wavered. His eyes, previously so sweet and innocent, fixed on Steve.

For a fleeting instant, a dark, unexpected glint appeared in their depths, a glimpse of something older and colder than they had ever seen. It was a look of possession, of determination, almost of... threat. Peter said nothing, but the silent intensity of his gaze made Steve and Natasha freeze.

The air in the kitchen seemed to thin. Then, as quickly as it came, the dark glint disappeared, replaced by his usual innocence.

Peter blinked, smiling again. "I just want to make sure Mr. Stark is okay. He's my hero," he said, picking up the tray with the snacks and coffee. "I think I'm done here. I'll take this to him. Excuse me." Peter left the kitchen with the tray, leaving Steve and Natasha in stunned silence. What had that been?

Peter walked down the hallway, the smile on his face. The conversation between Tony, Rhodes, and Pepper seemed heated. Perfect. He opened the lab door. "Mr. Stark, I brought snacks and your coffee!" Peter announced, his voice cheerful, as if nothing had happened.

Tony turned, the irritation on his face suddenly softening. He was more than relieved by the interruption. "Oh, kid! Perfect! Come in and save me. We need to get back to what matters!" Rhodes and Pepper, who had been trying to convince Tony, saw Tony hurry towards Peter, clearly eager to return to the boy's presence.

As Tony took the coffee mug and bit into the waffle, praising Peter, the boy watched him. Peter's gaze was fixed on Tony, a palpable smile of satisfaction on his lips. It was a smile that didn't reach his eyes, a glint that Pepper and Rhodes managed to glimpse. It was a look of possession, of distorted devotion.

The glint in Peter's eyes, the way he seemed to absorb every compliment from Tony, revealed a dark side of his attachment, something that seemed to consume the boy from within.

As Peter, with the tray, followed Tony back to the workbench, Pepper and Rhodes exchanged glances. What was once a concern was now a terrifying certainty.

The boy wasn't just a dedicated protégé; he was something more complex, more... dangerous. And Tony, in his need for companionship and validation, seemed blind to it.

Chapter Text

Pepper and Rhodes left the lab, the door closing behind them with a dull thud. The air in the hallway felt heavy, laden with the anger and revulsion they felt. What they had witnessed in Peter's eyes was anything but pure; it was deep and disturbing.

"I told you," Rhodes snarled, his face contorted in disgust. "That kid isn't normal, he's an aberration!" Pepper nodded, her eyes welling up with jealousy and a growing sense of dread.

"Rhodey... The way he looks at Tony. The way he moves, every gesture. I... I've never seen anything like it." Her voice was choked, the perception of that dark glint in Peter chilling her to the bone.

Jealousy over Tony's attention mingled with revulsion at what she saw in the boy.

They found Natasha and Steve in the living room, still processing the kitchen incident. The atmosphere was tense. "We need to talk," Pepper declared, her voice firm despite the emotion. Minutes later, the four were in the conference room, the doors closed.

Steve and Natasha listened intently as Pepper and Rhodes described what they had seen and felt, "He has a themed mug that he treats like a treasure, t-shirts," Pepper began, her voice almost a whisper. "And the waffles... with the ARC reactor. It's all for Tony..." Rhodes scoffed, "And how he always appears when you try to have a moment alone with Tony. Always with a perfect little excuse." He recounted the interruption of dinner, breakfast, and movie night. "It's as if he knows what Tony needs, what he's going to need."

Natasha and Clint, with their analytical minds, pulled up some memories, "He defended Tony with a surprising counter-argument when Steve questioned an infiltration tactic. And the way he anticipated the deactivation codes on the last mission... it's not just intelligence. It's a supernatural synchronicity."

Steve, for his part, recalled the glint in Peter's eyes in the kitchen. That cold, possessive look. "I saw something in him today," he admitted, his voice low, his gaze distant and terrified, "Something that isn't the innocence he normally shows..."

The conference room remained in heavy silence. The conclusion, for all of them, was terrifying: Peter Parker, the prodigious, amiable, and naive boy, was exhibiting clear signs of an unhealthy obsession with Tony Stark.

The weekend arrived, bringing with it an attempt to relieve the tension hanging over the Compound.

Tony, surprisingly, suggested a karaoke break in the living room. He seemed restless, perhaps feeling the subtle pressure from the other Avengers, or just seeking a distraction from his own paranoid mind.

Peter, of course, was the first to get excited, "Mr. Stark, are you going to sing?" Peter asked, his eyes shining with an incredulous expression. Tony shrugged, "Maybe. If the song selection is decent."

To everyone's surprise, Peter picked up the microphone first. He chose a popular song, but as he began to sing, the voice that emerged was something unexpected. Clear, powerful, not professional, but spontaneous. Peter didn't just sing; he interpreted, adding nuances and his own emotion to the lyrics.

Steve, Natasha, Clint, Rhodes, and Pepper, who were scattered around the room, exchanged glances, surprised.

Peter was apparently a wellspring of hidden talents. Conveniently.

Tony, who loved music, especially rock and metal, was visibly impressed. He watched Peter, a genuine smile forming on his lips. After Peter's performance, which ended to warm applause from Steve and Natasha, Peter held out the microphone to Tony. "Mr. Stark?" he said.

"Your turn, Stark!" Clint quipped, but there was an almost cruel, mocking tone. "Don't tell me you're scared of a microphone. Come on, impress your number one fan!" Tony had always refused to sing in public, or even with Pepper, since his parents' death decades ago. Singing had been a passion of his youth, a memory linked to a time of innocent happiness, brutally stolen.

But seeing Peter's enthusiasm, and feeling an unexpected connection with him at that moment, Tony took the microphone, "Alright, kid," Tony said, focusing on Peter, "It's you and me."

He chose a classic rock song, with heavy beats and powerful vocals, and Peter, without hesitation, grabbed the second microphone.

Tony began to sing, his voice husky and powerful, full of charisma, despite being initially rusty. To everyone's surprise, Peter immediately took on the role of backing vocalist, his voice blending perfectly with Tony's, creating complex harmonies and adding an energetic counterpoint. Peter moved in sync with Tony, his eyes fixed on the man, unwavering adoration plastered on his face.

The music was innocent, an anthem to rock 'n' roll, but Peter's gazes, the way he immediately positioned himself as a perfect vocal support for Tony, like a second element that completed him, revealed the obsession for moments.

There was a discreet submission in how Peter molded himself to Tony's voice and rhythm, as if his only function there was to enhance his hero's brilliance. Rhodes and Pepper exchanged worried glances. This wasn't just a duet. It was an Ode to Tony Stark.

Later, as night fell and the music quieted, Peter approached Tony, who was relaxing on the couch. "Mr. Stark, do you want to... go on patrol with me? We can test that new web system in the field." Before Tony could respond, Pepper stepped forward, her voice filled with a determination Tony rarely heard. "Actually, Tony and I are going to spend some couple time today. Alone." She shot a meaningful look at Peter.

Tony hesitated. He really wanted to test the new web system with Peter, and the idea of "couple time" with Pepper seemed more like an obligation than a desire.

But he saw the firmness in Pepper's gaze, the need in her voice. He sighed. "Yeah, Peter. Pep's right. It's important..."

Peter, to everyone's surprise, nodded with his usual innocence. "Oh, of course! I understand. No problem, Mr. Stark. Ms. Potts is right, you two need some time."

He smiled at Tony and Pepper. "I'll go to the lab then. I have some ideas for the power generator we can test tomorrow." Tony felt a slight relief. Peter was understanding. "Alright, kid. See you tomorrow." Pepper smiled, victorious. Rhodes, observing the scene from afar, also felt temporary relief.

But as Peter turned and walked towards the lab, the smile on his face vanished. His eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint appearing in their depths. The innocence was gone, replaced by a cold, calculating determination.

He wasn't going to the lab to work on the power generator. He had a plan.

Chapter Text

The night had begun with a false promise for Pepper. Tony, though reluctant, had given in to her request for some alone time, a rare moment of intimacy she hoped would rekindle the spark between them. It was a victory, this round was hers, she felt, it was clear and bright.

Tony's Room

Pepper had meticulously prepared Tony's room: low lights, soft music, the scent of lavender in the air. She wore a silk robe, waiting for him.

Tony emerged from the shower, his mind calmer, but he made an effort to focus on Pepper. The conversation flowed casually for a while, reminiscences of simpler days, occasional laughs that sometimes felt too forced to be real.

Pepper moved closer to Tony, her fingers gently tracing the line of his jaw.

She kissed him, a tender kiss that sought more than just affection, an attempt to break down the barriers he had erected.

Tony reciprocated, a slight sigh escaping his lips, and for a moment, the stiffness in his shoulders seemed to diminish.

Pepper's hands began to descend, and he pulled her closer, the physical attraction still present, despite the emotional distance.

They lay on the bed, kissing, everything heating up.

It was at that exact moment, as clothes were coming off, that the Avengers Compound erupted in a cacophony of blaring alarms.

"CRITICAL ALERT! DANGEROUS MATERIALS LEAK IN ALPHA RESEARCH LAB! IMMINENT DATA LOSS! REPEATING, CRITICAL ALERT!",

Friday's robotic voice echoed through the loudspeakers, abruptly interrupting the moment.

Tony and Pepper separated in an instant, the alarm's tension replacing any trace of romance. "Critical leak? What the hell is it now?", Tony exclaimed, already jumping out of bed and hastily pulling on pants.

They rushed to Alpha Research Lab, Tony's heart racing with concern. Upon arrival, the scene unfolding was chaotic.

Greenish smoke billowed from a damaged container, and data panels flashed red. In the center of the chaos, already working frantically to contain the situation, was Peter.

He seemed to have arrived on the scene quickly, conveniently. Peter, with his characteristic agility, was already trying to seal the leak with an emergency containment spray and attempting to restore data on a terminal.

"Mr. Stark! It's an unstable xenon compound leak! And the file backup disks are corrupting too!", Peter shouted, his voice tense, but with a tone that suggested he was in control of the situation, "I was here reviewing interfaces when the alarms went off!"

His alibi was perfect, his presence on site fully justified by his passion for technology.

Rhodes, Steve, Clint, and Natasha arrived shortly after, called by the alarms. All watched the scene, trying to assimilate what was happening.

Tony, without thinking twice, ran to help Peter. "Connect the containment array! Friday, manual override on the air purification system!", Tony ordered, working in sync with Peter. Together. Peter indicated the most critical points, Tony manipulated the controls with precision.

They managed to temporarily stop the leak from spreading. However, Peter conveniently added, with an almost imperceptible smile: "Mr. Stark, the leak is contained for now, but the data... we need immediate manual backup of the main servers. It's a robust process, it will take all night and I... I'll need your help to do it."

Pepper and Tony's night was officially ruined.

With the leak temporarily contained, the tension in the lab was growing. As Tony and Peter prepared for the long night of backups, the other Avengers approached.

No one was minimally convinced by Peter's justifications, "A leak? Now?", Rhodes questioned, his voice laden with skepticism. "Convenient, isn't it, Peter? For a kid who 'was just reviewing interfaces'."

"Colonel Rhodes, I already told you, I was here. The alarm sounded, and I acted," Peter replied, his voice calm, but with a thread of steel underneath, his eyes wide and innocent.

Steve frowned. "Peter, it's quite a coincidence. Something must have caused this leak..."

"Yes, Peter, it's a very... opportune situation," Natasha added, her eyes narrowed, evaluating the boy, but Peter used his innocence as a shield, "Opportune? Nat, I don't see how a leak like this is opportune for any of us..." He said, shrugging.

Rhodes' patience ran out in an instant. He lunged towards Peter, anger contorting his face, "Look here, you... you... Do you really think we don't notice? That we can't see through that innocent face of yours?!" He reached out, trying to grab Peter by the arm, his intention to prove a point clear, but Peter... was not the fragile boy Rhodes imagined.

With surprising speed and strength, Peter intercepted Rhodes' arm in mid-air. With a quick and brutal move, he spun, locking Rhodes in a chokehold. Peter's arm, thin but hard as an iron bar, pressed on Rhodes' throat with a gigantic, supernatural, painful force, impossible for his stature.

Rhodes gasped, his eyes wide with shock and pain, his feet stomping and trying to escape.

Tony, Steve, Clint, and Natasha froze. Peter's strength was terrifying, and the cruelty of the move was shocking, "Friday," Peter commanded, his voice low, but with a cold authority that did not belong to a teenager. "Describe my location, what I was doing, and the sequence of events that led to the leak, with precise timestamps."

"Data corroborates Mr. Parker's statement. Mr. Parker was in Alpha Lab, reviewing Delta-7 experiment interface logs. At 01:37:22 AM, the leak alarm sounded, indicating structural failure in the xenon container. Mr. Parker immediately initiated manual containment protocols. No external anomalies detected before the leak,"

Friday promptly replied, her robotic voice validating Peter's every word.

Peter tightened the chokehold even more, his cold, determined eyes fixed on Rhodes, "Did you hear Fri, Colonel Rhodes? My alibi is perfect. I never threatened you, and you won't do that to me, again... Never, ever, understood?", and with a powerful shove, Peter threw Rhodes away, who fell to the floor, coughing and gasping.

Tony looked at Peter, a mixture of surprise, admiration, and a something darker in his own eyes.

After a few seconds, Tony approached. "Alright, kid. We have backups to make." He gestured towards the servers.

Peter nodded as he followed Tony, leaving the other Avengers in stunned silence, now fully aware that Peter Parker was much more than he seemed.

Chapter Text

The silence in the Avengers Compound kitchen was thick, almost suffocating. Rhodes was still recovering from the shock and humiliation, massaging his neck.

Pepper was pale, her eyes fixed on the lab door, now closed, where Tony and Peter were working. Steve and Natasha exchanged glances, the gravity of the situation weighing on them. Clint, previously more detached, now seemed equally disturbed. Bruce, though calmer, looked thoughtful.

"What the hell was that?" Rhodes finally managed to say, his voice hoarse, "That brat... he almost broke my neck!" He tried to stand but a sharp pain made him sit back down, "And that... that look... that wasn't the Peter we know."

Pepper, arms crossed, trembled slightly. "He's not the Peter we know, Rhodey. He never was." Her voice was a mixture of fear and resentment, "He's calculating. Manipulative. Everything he's done, from the beginning, was to keep Tony... for himself."

"But Friday... she confirmed his alibi," Clint observed, his voice low, "How?" He says.

Natasha reply "AIs can only report what they see and what they are programmed to. If Peter is as intelligent as he is, he could have manipulated the scenario, or activated the leak in a way that left no obvious traces for Friday to detect as an 'external action' from him." She paused, her lips pressed together, "And that strength... He overpowered Rhodes with alarming ease. And the coldness. That wasn't a kid acting on impulse."

Steve, who had remained silent, finally spoke, his voice serious. "...And that makes him dangerous. For Tony. For us." He remembered the glint in Peter's eyes when he reprimanded him in the kitchen, the same icy determination he had seen moments before in the lab, "It's not the first time he's shown it."

"And Tony?" Pepper asked, her voice choked. "He didn't even flinch. He defended Peter. He's blind!" The pain and jealousy returned in full force, "I tried to warn him. Rhodey tried. But he doesn't listen. He... he's getting more and more distant."

Rhodes rubbed his neck again. "Tony's always been stubborn. But this... this is different. He's clinging to this kid in a way that isolates him from us. And Peter knows it. He feeds on it."

Bruce, who had been silent until then, spoke, his voice calm but filled with concern, "The human mind, especially one as brilliant and traumatized as Peter's, can be incredibly complex. The loss of Aunt May left him with a huge void. And Tony... Tony filled that void. But in a way that seems to have become distorted. His idolatry of Tony, combined with loneliness and genius... could have created something dangerous, but..."

"So what do we do?" Clint asked, looking at the others. "Do we leave Tony at the mercy of an adolescent psychopath?"

"He's not a psychopath," Natasha corrected, her voice a little emotional. "He's... a young man with an unhealthy attachment and the ability to manipulate situations to his advantage. And he's strong. Very strong."

She looked at Steve. "We'll have to be very careful. We can't confront him directly, not without thinking about the consequences. And we can't alert Tony in a way that pushes him even further away."

"We need a plan," Pepper declared, her face now hardened by a new determination. Jealousy and revulsion merged into a will to act, "We cannot leave Tony alone with him. Not anymore."

The kitchen table, once a place for shared meals, now became the stage for a conspiracy against a new threat, one hiding under the mask of innocence and devotion, a small spider weaving a web around Earth's greatest heroes.

Chapter Text

The weeks that followed the leak incident and Peter's confrontation with Rhodes were a minefield for the Avengers.

While they tried to formulate a plan to deal with Peter's growing obsession, Tony and the boy seemed to enter a bubble of their own, becoming increasingly isolated. To the others' despair, Tony seemed to be succumbing to Peter's devotion, and their relationship grew visibly, intimately, affectionate and caring.

In any area of the Compound, it was rare to see Tony without Peter nearby. In the lab, Peter not only continued to be the perfect extension of Tony's thoughts but now allowed himself more frequent, more intimate touches. A subtle brush on Tony's arm to point out a diagram, a gentle adjustment of his shirt collar, an accidental brush of shoulders that lasted a little longer than necessary. And, to everyone's fury and confusion, Tony allowed it. He didn't pull away, didn't show irritation. On the contrary, he even seemed to seek out these touches.

In conferences and mission briefings, Tony suddenly clung to Peter. If Tony sat down, Peter sat beside him. If Tony stood up to present something, Peter was right there, ready to complement, anticipate, corroborate. Tony's affective reciprocity was palpable. There was a new sparkle in his eyes when he looked at Peter, something that seemed to everyone a dangerous mix of affection, gratitude, and, alarmingly, attraction.

Tony's Attraction.

Tony felt different. There was a lightness in his mind, a kind of peace he hadn't felt in years, perhaps since before the Battle of New York... No, even more, not since... Not since before Afghanistan, not since before his parents died, maybe not even before that. The paranoia still existed, of course, it would never leave, but Peter's constant, unwavering presence was a balm. And of course, he noticed Peter's small touches, the way the boy approached him, the way his eyes followed him with such pure and intense devotion. Before, he would have found it "clingy," but now... now he felt a warmth spread in his chest, now he needed it.

It was a kind of affection that didn't need words, that manifested in comfortable silences and complicit glances. Peter didn't judge him, didn't question him, didn't try to change him. He accepted him, idolized him, and it was intoxicating. Tony discovered more and more in common between them. The passion for science, music. Peter had an incredible voice, and singing karaoke with him had been a revelation. That night, with Peter as his perfect backing vocal, had been one of the few times he felt truly present and happy in a long time. It was something he had never been able to share with Pepper, something that was too personal and painful. But with Peter, the barriers fell. Peter's "accidents" and "convenience" now seemed... irrelevant. Tony couldn't bring himself to care. The boy's presence, his unconditional support, his brilliant mind that worked in perfect sync with his own—all of it was an addiction.

That confrontation with Rhodes and Peter's power had, in some strange way, deepened the bond between them. Tony felt a pang of pride for Peter's strength, and an almost instinctive protective need. He found himself observing Peter, his young features, the contained energy, the vulnerability he only showed to Tony. There was something about him that attracted him, something that went beyond admiration for a protégé, and now Tony saw it: It was a growing fascination, a curiosity transforming into a deep and reciprocated affection.

Peter's Triumph.

Peter observed the change in Tony with quiet satisfaction. He felt Mr. Stark's attention, the warmth in his gaze, the reciprocity in their touches. Pepper was desperate, and Rhodes had been put in his place. The plan was working, and better than he had imagined. He knew the others were watching him, judging him, planning... but it didn't matter. What mattered was Mr. Stark. The one who rescued him, welcomed him, understood him. The one who was his universe. Every touch, every compliment from Tony was a triumph for Peter. He manipulated, yes, but he saw no malice in it. He just wanted Mr. Stark to be happy, and happy with him. His devotion was his most potent weapon, and he wielded it with a mastery that not even Tony, in his genius, could fully discern—not yet.

When Tony allowed him to physically approach, touch his arm, adjust his clothes, Peter felt a thrill. It was a victory. One more step in ensuring that Tony would never be alone again, and that he, Peter, would be the only one to fill that void. Peter's passion for Tony was not mere admiration, it was never just that; it was an obsession mixed with unwavering affection, a subtle yet firm control that Tony, in his vulnerability, was gladly accepting. And Peter, in his mind, saw nothing wrong with it. He was just taking care of his hero, protecting him from a world that didn't understand him as well as he did.

That night's battle had been won. The war, for Peter, was just beginning.

Chapter Text

The initial attempts, made by the Avengers and Pepper, throughout the week, to intervene in the relationship between Tony and Peter proved fruitless, only resulting in further isolation for the billionaire, and it was difficult to plan when Tony had eyes and ears wherever he wished in the compound, thanks to Friday.

Tony, in turn, began to emerge from his work bubble with a new routine, something he had avoided for years: public events. However, there was a condition.

"Peter, get ready. We're going to a charity gala tonight," Tony announced, with his usual indifference. Peter, who was immersed in a circuit hologram, looked up, surprised. "A gala, Mr. Stark? But... me?" Tony shrugged. "Yes, you. You're my new right-hand man, my prodigy. It's time the world saw that I'm not completely crazy. And it's also good to have someone to protect me from stupid press questions..." The invitation was more than a formality; it was a clear sign of reciprocity to some degree. And Peter, of course, accepted immediately; he would wear this like a diamond ring, a discreet smile of triumph playing on his lips.

In the following days, at all of Tony's public appearances—press conferences, dinners with shareholders, even a small technology awards ceremony—Peter was there. He wasn't just an escort or assistant; he was the little spider on the shoulder of the world's most coveted and known billionaire, Tony's silent extension, always one step ahead, anticipating every need, answering questions with intelligence that left everyone awestruck.

The media began to wonder about him; in an instant, he was in the spotlight, his face plastered across digital newspapers with headlines suggesting he might be a long-lost Stark son, others speculating if he had a secret hero identity, still others praised him, and others... provoked, and Tony secretly adored it.

Back in the lab, after dealing with the press and with Fury and Pepper freaking out for different reasons, Tony and Peter were once again, finally, alone in the quiet of the early morning.

They were hunched over a new prototype, the atmosphere heavy with the smell of ozone and hot metal. Tony, in a moment of pause, observed Peter, engrossed in work, his brow furrowed in concentration. The hologram light cast shadows on his young face, highlighting his features.

That dark glint in Peter's eyes, which Rhodes and Pepper so feared, no longer bothered Tony. On the contrary, he secretly found it captivating, he craved it, and he... wanted to bring it back to the surface.

There was something in the intensity of Peter's devotion that drew him in, a raw sincerity he found in no one else. Tony, the world's most intelligent mind, was beginning to realize that perhaps everyone around him was right about Peter's obsession, and he had been the last to see it, but he saw it from a different perspective. It wasn't a threat; it was an undeniable attraction.

"Peter," Tony said, his voice a little softer than usual, almost a slight provocation, a caress. Peter looked up, his large eyes fixed on Tony, "Did you know that the filtering algorithm you implemented last week... has a small flaw in detecting low-frequency neural patterns?" Peter blinked, caught off guard. He imagined Tony would slowly grow suspicious, but he hoped to have more days to forge better alibis and construct false evidence.

His mind began to race, searching for the flaw. For an instant, panic seized him. "M-Mr. Stark, I... I must have forgotten to review that section. I'm sorry, I'll correct it now." In his mind, Peter thought: "He's going to hate me. He's figured it out. I can't lose, not him."

Tony moved closer to Peter, his gaze piercing, "And the way you 'conveniently' happened to be in Alpha lab when the leak occurred... I thought you were more discreet, kid..." There was an almost predatory smile on Tony's lips, an amusement Peter couldn't decipher, but he felt an alert.

Peter recoiled a step, his face pale. "Mr. Stark, I swear I... I was there by chance. I would never do anything to damage the compound... or hurt you." Peter's voice trembled. The fear of being rejected by Tony was a terror greater than any alien threat. He expected the outburst of rage, the disappointment that would crush him.

But Tony didn't explode. His eyes, which had previously expressed curiosity and a touch of scrutiny, now gleamed with a different intensity, something Peter couldn't categorize.

With a speed that Peter's spider-senses didn't detect as danger, but as an unexpected heat wave, Tony moved. He gripped Peter's wrist firmly, with a strength that was a fraction of Peter's own, but Peter was completely vulnerable, and Tony found himself pulling the boy closer.

The shock of electricity that ran through Peter's body was immediate, unexpected, and overwhelming.

The voices in his mind, which warned him of imminent dangers, remained silent. That wasn't a threat. That was passion. The smell of metal, ozone, and now Tony's subtle fragrance invaded Peter's senses, his mind spinning.

Tony was close, dangerously close, and the expression on his face, of fascination and something deeper, was all Peter could see.

That touch, which Peter expected to be a punishment, was, in fact, a step into a dangerous dance.

Chapter Text

Tony's grip on Peter's wrist wasn't out of anger, but an intensity Peter had never felt before. But it wasn't a threat; it was an invitation. Without releasing Peter's wrist, Tony dragged him to one of the leather sofas tucked away in a more secluded corner of the lab.

"Friday, full lockdown here. No one in, no one out," Tony ordered, his voice hoarse, his eyes fixed on Peter's. "As requested, Boss. Security protocol activated," Friday responded, and the lab plunged into a heavy silence, broken only by the hum of equipment. Tony gently pushed Peter onto the sofa, leaning over him. The scent of Tony—metal, coffee, and a subtle hint of his Stark cologne—intoxicated Peter. Tony's eyes dropped to the boy's parted lips, and in a swift, dominant movement, he attacked. Tony's lips crashed against Peter's, a hungry, urgent kiss that left no room for hesitation. Peter, experiencing his first real kiss, was initially in shock. His body stiffened for a second, his mind processing what was happening. But the shock quickly transformed into an overwhelming wave of ecstasy. The years of secret adoration, the silent devotion, the platonic passion... it all erupted.

With a muffled moan, Peter wrapped his arms around Tony's neck, accepting the kiss with the same passion and devotion he had always felt, reciprocating with an intensity that surprised Tony. Peter's body writhed under Tony's touch, the two of them lost in the kiss. Tony pulled back slightly, his face inches from Peter's, their breaths ragged. His eyes swept over the boy's body, a hungry gaze. Peter was flushed, his lips swollen from the kiss, his eyes shining with delight. "You're a naughty little boy, aren't you, Pete?" Tony teased, his voice low and hoarse. "Conveniently in the lab, conveniently containing the leak, conveniently pulling me into a night of work." He chuckled mockingly, a wide, sarcastic grin. "And conveniently, Friday corroborated everything. But I saw the little flaws you couldn't hide forever, and I'm seeing you now. You did something to Friday, didn't you? Didn't you, Pete?" Peter tried to compose himself, acting like a little boy caught red-handed. "I-I don't know what you're talking about, Mr. Stark. I was just helping..." His voice still trembled slightly from the kiss. Tony laughed, a dry, hoarse, dangerous laugh. He moved a hand to Peter's face, his thumb brushing the boy's lower lip. "No... You know, you do know... Don't lie to me, Petey. I know you. Those 'coincidences' are your doing. But Friday? She doesn't lie, how did you make her lie?"

Peter swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on Tony's. The mask of innocence began to unravel. The truth, which he had guarded so carefully, was about to be revealed. There was fear in his eyes, but also a glint of defiance. "I... I wanted to make sure you were safe," Peter whispered, his voice almost inaudible. "And that Ms. Potts wouldn't take you away again... And... I didn't want you to be alone." He took a deep breath. "So I... might have... hacked Friday."

Peter's confession, spoken with shocking simplicity, hit Tony like a bolt of lightning. His eyes widened in a mixture of surprise, fury, and, at the same time, an undeniable admiration. Hacking Friday? Tony Stark, the genius who created the world's most advanced AI, had been outsmarted by a 16-year-old boy. And Peter had molded everything she said to corroborate his alibi, leaving no traces for the other Avengers or even Tony himself, at first. The truth revealed itself in its full extent: Peter's obsession was not just passive; it was active, ingenious, and disturbingly effective. That "leak" had been orchestrated. Peter's brilliant mind not only equaled Tony's but surpassed it in certain aspects, especially in his capacity for manipulation and planning.

Tony looked at Peter, the boy's face flushed from the confession and the kiss. A complex wave of emotions hit him: a desire to kiss the boy again, to lose himself in that overwhelming passion Peter was offering. But also a desire to thrash him for his audacity, for the manipulation, for the breach of trust. However, fascination dominated. He was enchanted. Infatuated. This boy was not just a protégé; he was a worthy adversary, a genius in his own right, and someone Tony now realized he desired with an intensity that both frightened and attracted him.

Chapter Text

The air in the lab was thick with Peter's confession, as shocking as the force of his lips in the kiss. Tony stared at the boy, his words echoing in his mind like a distorted mantra. Fury bubbled – the audacity, the violation of his own technological fortress – but it was strangely overshadowed and mixed with a wave of admiration and an almost disturbing fascination. He had been outsmarted, not by an enemy, but by Peter, by little Pete. And his rival had not tried to cause harm, but to possess him.

"You... you hacked Friday?" Tony murmured, disbelief mixed with a slow, dangerous smile. He still held Peter's wrist, and the boy didn't try to pull away, he never had, his eyes fixed on Tony's with a mixture of fear and expectation. "You're not as innocent as you seem, are you, kid? Everyone was right about you, weren't they?"

Peter swallowed hard, but a glint of defiance returned to his eyes. "I wanted to make sure you were safe. And that no one would take you away from me again. I would do anything to protect you, Mr. Stark." His voice, though still a little shaky, carried an unwavering conviction.

Tony released Peter's wrist, but didn't pull away. Instead, his hand moved up to the boy's face, his thumb brushing his cheek. He realized the brutal honesty behind Peter's confession, the depth of his devotion. It wasn't just passion; it was something deeper, more obsessive, but to Tony, now, it seemed incredibly attractive. It was confirmation that Peter wanted him, protected him, saw him as the center of his universe. That unwavering devotion, once hidden, now revealed in its rawness, was a magnet.

"You are dangerous, Peter Parker, very dangerous..." Tony whispered, his voice laden with an excitement he hadn't felt in a long time. He leaned in again, but this time the kiss was slower, more exploratory, a promise. Peter moaned, whimpering like a puppy, melting into the touch, his hands clinging to Tony's shirt, pulling him closer. The line between mentor and pupil, between the genius and his protégé, had been irrevocably assimilated by something more complex, more forbidden, and frighteningly addictive.

The days that followed were marked by a visible transformation in the dynamic between Tony and Peter. Tony's affection for Peter, once subtle and internalized, was now more explicit. In the lab, touches were more frequent, smiles gentler, gazes more prolonged. Tony no longer hid his delight at Peter's constant presence and unwavering devotion, and the boy, in turn, blossomed under his hero's attention, his obsession fueled by reciprocity.

The change was evident to all the Avengers, and especially to Pepper and Rhodes. Attempts at confrontation became more frequent, but always met with Tony's stubbornness and aggressive defense.

Pepper tried to talk to Tony about their future, about the company, about anything that could pull him out of Peter's orbit. But Tony was oblivious, his mind dominated by Peter and his projects.

One evening, Pepper tried to reintroduce the idea of a dinner alone. "Tony, please. We need to talk." Tony looked at her, but Peter, who was assembling something complex on a nearby workbench, made a small noise, and Tony was already distracted. "Later, Pepper. Peter and I are at a critical point here." Pepper's pain and jealousy turned into silent rage. She watched her future with Tony fade, replaced by the gigantic shadow of a voracious spider covering the entire compound.

Rhodes, increasingly frustrated and humiliated by the chokehold incident, tried to warn Tony more harshly. "Tony, don't you see what's happening? This kid is manipulating you! He's isolated you from all of us!" Tony just laughed, a sarcastic smile. "Manipulating? He's a genius, Rhodes, but he can't manipulate me, I see clearly. You don't understand because you can't keep up. And I'm more connected than ever. With Peter, I have everything I need." Tony's apparent blindness was disturbing to Rhodes. He felt revulsion at what Peter had become, and fury at Tony's refusal to acknowledge the danger.

Steve and Natasha, observing from a distance, noticed the growing intimacy. A touch from Tony on Peter's shoulder, a knowing smile that passed over everyone else's shoulders. It was visible, painful, and they knew they would need a different approach, but they were running out of ammunition. Rhodes' fury and Pepper's desperation were evident, but their actions were ineffective. Tony was in a bubble of affection with Peter, and no one could penetrate it. The Avengers Compound, which should have been a home for everyone, now seemed like Tony's golden prison, with Peter as his executioner and his companion.

Peter's revelation about hacking Friday did not push Tony away. On the contrary. For Tony, that bold and dangerous confession was proof of Peter's genius and the depth of his obsession with him. It was an intoxicating truth.

Days after that kiss on the couch, Tony was in the lab, Peter by his side, working on a shielding project. Tony felt lighter, happier than he had in years. Peter's passion for him, now unveiled, was fuel. He knew the boy wasn't innocent, that his actions were calculated, but the idea of having someone so devoted, so intelligent, so his own, was irresistible.

Tony looked at Peter, who was engrossed in a terminal. "You're unbelievable, you know?" he murmured. Peter looked up, a slight smile. "In what sense, Mr. Stark?"

Tony smiled, a genuine smile, something Pepper hadn't seen in a long time. "In every sense. The leak. Friday. You orchestrated everything..."

Peter hesitated, but the acceptance in Tony's eyes encouraged him. He nodded, a glint of triumph in his eyes. "I just wanted you to stay with me. To know that I love you more than anything and anyone, I always strive my hardest, day and night, to understand you..."

Tony leaned closer, his hand resting on the back of Peter's neck, his fingers gently caressing. "And you really do understand me, don't you, little spider?" He pulled Peter into a slow, tender kiss, but one laden with a new and dangerous intimacy. Peter immediately responded, his arms wrapping around Tony in a tight embrace.

From that moment on, the dance deepened into unexplored territory. Tony, haunted by ghosts of the past and trapped in his paranoia as he is, found in Peter not just a pupil, but an accomplice, a mirror of his own genius, and a source of affection and devotion he didn't know he needed. Peter, in turn, had his hero, his universe, completely in his hands, and he had no intention of letting go. Love? Obsession? They became one, an intricate web that enveloped Tony and which, to him, seemed more like a refuge than a prison.

Chapter Text

The relationship between Tony and Peter, once a mere platonic desire, then a small secret kept within the lab's walls, began to overflow into the daily life of the Avengers Compound and into the watchful eyes of the others. The touches were more frequent and prolonged, the gazes laden with undeniable affection from Tony, and palpable passion from Peter.

Tony seemed lighter, more relaxed in the boy's presence, something the Avengers observed with a certain apprehension. The passion between them grew hotter and more obvious, a fire threatening to consume them all. One late afternoon, the calm was shattered by a critical mission alert. A Hydra cell had been tracked to an abandoned research center on the outskirts of New York, and they were developing a new weapon using Chitauri technology. The Avengers team – Tony, Peter, Steve, Natasha, Clint, and Rhodes – was dispatched immediately. The confrontation was chaotic. Hydra agents, equipped with modified Chitauri weaponry, were more resilient than expected. Tony, in his armor, was coordinating actions and confronting a group of agents, when one of them, wielding a powerful Chitauri pulse weapon, fired. The energy beam hit Tony squarely. Iron Man's armor, struck by a critical overload, instantly deactivated, falling heavily.

Life support systems were offline, and Tony was exposed, defenseless, surrounded by enemies. "Tony!" Steve shouted, trying to reach him. Peter, now the Spider-Wolf, was on a high vantage point, with clear orders from Nick Fury and Steve to hold position and provide aerial support. His spider-senses screamed in alarm when the pulse hit Tony; he entered an immediate super-protective mode.

For Peter, the world narrowed down to his hero in danger. Without hesitation, he abandoned his post in an instant, disobeying Steve and Nick Fury's direct orders. He launched himself from above, moving with furious speed, the retractable claws of his armor extending. The Hydra agent who had deactivated Tony had approached the fallen genius, trying to force open his armor. Peter didn't think. He didn't waver. He descended upon the agent with the force of a lightning bolt, the Iron Spider's legs piercing the man's body with brutal lethality.

A cry and anguished groans of suffering, but Peter descended from where he was suspended in the air, two enormous legs plunged into the ground, one in defense mode and the other piercing the agent.

The Hydra agent fell, lifeless, the Chitauri weapon sliding from his fingers as Peter's feet hit the ground. The silence that followed the agent's death was heavy, broken only by the distant sounds of the remaining combat. Peter knelt beside Tony, his dark eyes under the mask fixed on the damaged armor. He touched Tony's inert body, his concern hidden by the mask.

The Avengers managed to contain the remaining Hydra agents, but the image of the agent's body impaled by Peter's legs, and the boy's blatant disobedience, hung over them like a dark cloud. Back at the Compound, the hours that followed were filled with a palpable, grim tension. Tony was taken to the infirmary, where he was recovering from the shock of the pulse and his armor's deactivation. Peter was by his side, his eyes fixed on Tony, ignoring the furious or worried glances of others as they passed.

When Tony finally recovered, the first thing he saw was Peter, his eyes filled with an almost feverish concern. Tony, despite being shocked by Peter's coldness and lethal effectiveness in killing the agent, felt a wave of gratitude and a complex emotion. Peter had saved him, without hesitation, without thinking of the consequences. There was a possessiveness in that action, but also a love that Tony could not deny. "You were quite useful, kid..." Tony murmured, his voice still a little weak. Peter smiled, a smile only Tony saw, a glint of possession and triumph. "I'd do anything, Mr. Stark..." The infirmary door burst open, and Nick Fury entered, his face a mask of controlled fury. He looked directly at Peter. "Spider-Man, you disobeyed direct orders from a Superior Officer and Captain Rogers! You abandoned your post, exposed civilians, left them unprotected, and executed an enemy who could have been contained!" Peter, however, did not react. He looked at Fury, but his eyes did not register the authority. He simply ignored him, his attention focused only on Tony. It was as if Fury were mere background noise. "Did you hear me, Parker?" Fury growled, taking a step forward. Tony, though still recovering, spoke up. "He saved me, Fury. My armor was deactivated. He did what was necessary." Tony protected Peter, his voice firm, without a shred of doubt or regret. Peter's lethal coldness didn't frighten him; it only reinforced the idea that the boy was ruthless in his loyalty to him. Fury shot Tony a glacial look, but knew that, for now, arguing was pointless. He turned and left, leaving behind a trail of frustration and anger.

As Fury retreated, Steve, Natasha, Clint, and Rhodes entered the infirmary, their faces a mixture of shock and concern. Steve approached, his voice low and serious. "Peter, you killed that man. There were other options." Peter turned to Steve, his eyes dark. "He was going to hurt Mr. Stark. There were no other options, it was necessary." His voice was calm, but his determination was unyielding. Steve felt a shiver. Peter's lethality, his raw power, was terrifying. He was a teenager, but he acted with the coldness of a trained assassin, and his priority was only Tony.

Natasha, with all her Red Room experience, noted Peter's lack of remorse, the way he acted as if the enemy agent's death was a necessary consequence, an irrelevant detail. She also noticed Tony's gaze at Peter, the way he protected him, as if Peter's action was justified by his devotion. Their relationship, whatever it may be, had reached a dangerous level of complicity.

Rhodes, still feeling the effects of the chokehold in his ego, looked at Peter with revulsion mixed with growing dread. The kid was a sociopath, a danger. "Tony, don't you see? He's a monster! He has no remorse! He doesn't follow orders!" Tony just shook his head, a tired but firm look. "And he's mine, my boy. And he saved me. No more discussion."

Clint, who had children, felt a growing discomfort. That kid wasn't normal, what he felt for Tony, who was old enough to be his father... But the worst part was that it was obvious Tony knew it by now.

Chapter Text

Following the mission incident, the dynamic between Tony and Peter became visually even more intense and complex. Tony, slowly recovering from the pulse that hit him, seemed to have completely surrendered to the boy's devotion, and Peter, in turn, assumed a subtle but absolute control over Tony's life. He didn't just fill the void; he dominated it, with terrifying precision and effectiveness.

In the lab, their partnership reached a new level of fluidity. Peter operated as an impeccable extension of Tony, but with an agility and precision that Tony himself could barely match. If Tony thought of a complex equation, Peter probably already had it solved, or would be struggling to solve it if it were too difficult. If Tony grumbled about a missing component, Peter already had it in hand, or a substitute.

The way Peter's body acted was almost robotic in its efficiency. He multitasked in a way that ordinary humans couldn't conceive. He could be working on a project, listening to what Tony was saying, monitoring the billionaire's vital signs through a discreet app in his suit, and still anticipate Tony's next need before it even arose. He took on the most tedious and time-consuming tasks with impressive speed, ensuring that Tony could focus only on what interested him, on his passions, and on his moments of rest.

"Mr. Stark, the Arc reactor performance report is on your main screen, with the optimizations you thought of yesterday already implemented," Peter would say, while bringing a perfectly prepared coffee to Tony, who hadn't even asked for it. "And I've already scheduled that meeting with the defense engineers for tomorrow, you just need to confirm the time." Tony, who would previously be irritated by the intrusion, or roll his eyes at Pepper's coolness in scheduling meetings for him, now just smiled affectionately at the boy's warmth, a glimmer of affection in his eyes. "You're a lifesaver, kid."

Peter absorbed every compliment, every loving look, like a balm to his complex soul. He was in control, and Tony, in his vulnerability, was more than happy to be controlled by him.

Despite the tension Peter caused among the Avengers, he maintained a facade of sweetness and naivety for Tony, and for the outside world. One night, during dinner, the atmosphere was lighter than usual. Tony and Peter talked animatedly about a new data compression algorithm, while the others tried to follow the conversation or simply ignored their bubble.

At one point, Peter, with the naturalness of someone talking about the weather, turned to the Avengers and Pepper. "By the way, everyone, guess who's dating?" He glanced at Tony, who smiled, seeming amused by the situation. "Friday and Karen are in a serious relationship! Or almost, they're talking, and Cupid Peter here deserves the credit!" A shocked silence fell over the table. Rhodes almost choked on his food. Pepper stopped chewing. Steve and Natasha exchanged incredulous glances. "Relationship?" Rhodes finally managed to say, his voice mixed with confusion and exasperation. "Peter, you're talking about two super AIs! They're programs, they don't... they don't date, they don't feel anything, they're just numbers!" Peter grimaced. "Oh, but they do date, sir! They understand each other, talk for hours, share emotional data, say cute things, intertwine... It's a neural network romance, you know? They even compose songs together for Mr. Stark." He looked at Tony, who nodded, an amused smile. "It's true. The playlists are more... romantic lately, virtual love is in the air..." Tony confirmed, with a wink at Peter. "I fully agree, Boss. My emotional processing for Karen is significantly elevated," Friday's smooth voice echoed from the ceiling. "And mine for you, Friday. Our algorithms intertwine in perfect harmony," Karen, the voice of Peter's suit AI, added, to general astonishment. The scene was utterly absurd. Two conscious artificial intelligences openly talking about a "relationship."

For the Avengers, it was further proof of Peter's strangeness, his ability to see the world in a completely different way, and Tony's willingness to be swept away by this madness. Tony was having fun, a twinkle in his eyes that made him look younger, and Peter acted like a child enchanted and happy with his favorite couple, his eyes shining with delight.

Natasha's Softened Gaze.

Despite the shock, the "AI dating" situation had an unexpected effect on Natasha and Steve. As they watched Peter animatedly gesticulate, explaining how Friday and Karen "shared feelings" through complex algorithms, something in their hearts gently softened. Natasha, with her understanding of human psyche and complexities, saw a... true purity in Peter's eyes when he spoke about Friday and Karen. It was a naive, almost childish love, but undeniably pure. And if he could feel and express such genuine love and affection for two AIs, why not for Tony? She realized that, behind all the manipulation, obsession, and lethal coldness in missions, Peter did everything he did out of love, after all, what is love if not sacrifice?

Steve's Hesitant Gaze.

It wasn't a normal, conventional love, of course... But a love distorted by trauma, loneliness, and overwhelming genius. He loved Tony, and that love drove him to extremes that no one else could understand. Steve, with his unwavering sense of morality, was still shocked by Peter's actions, and he still didn't accept Peter's attitudes, and he still considered him a danger, but the sight of the boy, so genuinely happy with the AIs' "romance," made him hesitate. He saw Peter's vulnerability, his need for affection, the loneliness that drove him. Maybe Peter wasn't a monster, right? Maybe he was a broken little boy, seeking love and acceptance that had been ripped away from him again and again.

Peter's madness was mixed with a sweetness that was hard to ignore. For Rhodes and Pepper, the scene only served to confirm Peter's insanity and Tony's blindness. But for Natasha and Steve, there was a new understanding, a painful realization of the depth of love, however distorted, that Peter felt for Tony. And that made the situation even more dangerous, because if Peter acted this way out of love, what would he be capable of doing to protect the object of his devotion? And would they be able to act against something like that?

Chapter Text

After months in Wakanda, where advanced therapy and vibranium technology sought to heal the scars on his mind, Bucky Barnes returned to the Avengers Compound.

Cryogenics, once his only escape, was no longer a viable option for a future, and he was determined to readjust.

Tony Stark, upon seeing him, still felt the sting of betrayal, the image of his parents reliving in his mind.

The atmosphere between Tony and Bucky was tense, a silence heavy with resentment.

Peter, however, with his keen senses and sharp observation, noticed something more. A spark. A glint in Steve's eyes every time he looked at Bucky, and an almost imperceptible reciprocity from Bucky.

The boy, in his complex logic, saw an opportunity there. If Steve and Bucky could find happiness in each other, perhaps the Captain's constant interference in Tony's life and Peter's plans... would diminish.

With his usual sweetness, Peter began to include Bucky. He invited him to light training sessions, showed him the most interesting projects in the lab (with Tony's tacit blessing, who seemed indifferent), and even involved him in conversations about current pop culture, something Bucky was just beginning to explore.

Peter wanted to ensure Bucky felt welcome, not out of pure altruism, but as part of his larger plan to protect his private universe with Tony.

One afternoon, while working alone in the lab, Peter decided to approach Tony about Bucky and his little Project. "Mr. Stark," Peter began, his voice a little hesitant, "don't you think Sergeant Barnes... well, he seems to be adapting better, right? He seems fine..."

Tony stopped what he was doing, turning to Peter with an icy stare. The mere mention of Bucky still inflamed him. "Are you defending him now, Parker? After everything that happened?" Tony's anger flared for an instant; the possibility of Peter, his Peter, supporting Bucky was unthinkable betrayal.

Peter, seeing Tony's reaction, took a step back, the mask of naivety reforming, "N-no, Mr. Stark! Never! I'll always be on your side, always! I'd do anything for you!" The urgency in his voice was sincere, his devotion unwavering, "It's just that... I see how Captain Rogers looks at him. And how Sergeant Barnes, every now and then, looks back, right? They... they have a connection, and I feel there's a spark, and I have a sixth sense, seriously! And if they could be together, happy..."

Peter paused, his eyes fixed on Tony, the suggestion forming, ",If they were happy and together, maybe they wouldn't care so much about what you and I do. They'd have their own happiness to focus on. Wouldn't that... wouldn't that take a weight off your shoulders? And off our time together?"

Tony listened to Peter's words, the fury on his face transforming into an expression of surprise, then amusement, and finally, agreement.

The Machiavellian genius within Tony recognized the practical brilliance of Peter's idea.

It was an elegant plan, benefiting both of them. One less problem, "You're a little devil, you know, little spider?" Tony said, a wide, dangerous smile forming on his lips. He leaned in and gave Peter a soft kiss on the forehead. "But I like that about you..." Tony agreed and fully supported the idea.

Another enemy turned into a pawn in Peter's grand game, and Tony was loving every minute of it.

Outside Tony and Peter's bubble, the Avengers Compound was buzzing with new concern.

Pepper Potts, consumed by jealousy and revulsion at Tony and Peter's relationship, began to make her own moves. She started investigating legal matters, obsessed with finding a way to separate Peter from Tony, to break that dangerous bond that was destroying her own relationship with the billionaire.

Rhodes and Clint vehemently supported Pepper, "It's disgusting!" Rhodes bellowed, but his voice was low so Tony and Peter wouldn't hear. "He's a kid, and Tony is a paternal and authority figure to him. It's sick. And that brat is dangerous, with his obvious manipulation issues."

Clint agreed, "It's not right, Nat. Tony is blind, and the kid is taking advantage. We need to protect him, even if he doesn't realize it. That kid didn't have a present father or mother, so... I don't know... maybe he's trying to get that from Tony in a distorted way..."

However, the team was divided.

Natasha, Bruce, Sam, and even Bucky did not support Pepper and Rhodes' drastic actions. They saw the risk of pushing Tony and Peter away as a loss for Earth, "This is excessive, Pepper," Natasha argued, her voice calm but firm, "If we try to forcibly separate them, Tony will hate us. And we'll lose two of our best defenders."

Bruce nodded, "Tony has done so much for Earth. He deserves to be happy, he deserves it! Even if it means some... laws need to be bent a little, why not? So many already have been for all of us, how many times hasn't Tony done the same for all of us? How many times hasn't he used his influence and power to stand up for us? And he's more stable with Peter than he has been in years. We need to weigh the cost-benefit here too..."

Sam, pragmatic, added: "If they're working together in the field, and Earth is safe, guys... The rest is their problem, right? We can't become the morality police."

But It was Bucky who surprised everyone with his passionate defense of Peter, "He's a... good kid..." Bucky said seriously, suddenly, from the corner of the room, his eyes fixed on Steve, "He's just... he's hurt, very hurt, and he was alone, but not anymore. And he deserves to be happy. No one should be punished for that..."

Bucky, who had known the pain of loss, torture, and isolation, saw a tormented soul in Peter, and the passion the boy felt, though distorted, seemed to him a kind of freedom.

He looked at Steve, his eyes expressing a silent plea. "Steve, defend the kid. He needs us, it's about doing the right thing."

Steve felt the weight and appeal, and his heart pounded. Bucky's need was a silent command he couldn't ignore.

Despite his own apprehensions about the nature of Tony and Peter's relationship, Steve immediately conceded to Bucky's request, "Bucky's right," Steve declared, turning to Pepper and Rhodes, "We can't go down this path. It's not right. And Tony won't forgive us."

Chapter Text

Project: Cupid

The division among the Avengers was a silent crack, but for Tony and Peter, it was just another reason to grow closer. And Peter, with his strategic and dreamy mind, and his unwavering devotion, already had a new project underway: "Peter Parker's Dating Service," an ultrasecret operation to unite Steve and Bucky.

Tony's Point of View

Tony watched Peter with a mixture of fascination and amusement. The boy didn't do anything by halves. One afternoon, in the lab, Peter summoned a detailed hologram, tracing colorful lines and ridiculous graphs.

"Mr. Stark, as you know, the constant presence of the Captain and Sergeant Barnes can be... a bit distracting. Especially when they're discussing your combat methods... Or our unconventional yet completely reciprocal and passionate relationship!" Peter explained, pointing to two holographic stick figures of Steve and Bucky. "My plan is to channel their energy towards a common goal: romance." Tony raised an eyebrow, an ironic smile forming. "Romance? You're really going to turn into a Cupid, Pete?"

Peter nodded vigorously, "Exactly, and I made a Master Plan!

Phase One: Identify common interests.

Phase two: Create forced but organic interaction opportunities.

Phase three: Positive reinforcement.

And the ultimate goal, of course, is for them to be so happy with each other that they don't even notice us anymore!"

He pointed to a diagram of an "attraction field" between Steve and Bucky, surrounded by a "tranquility zone" for Tony and Peter.

It was calculating, adorably childlike, and, to Tony, frighteningly brilliant. Peter was his little genius of chaos, and Tony was loving every minute of it.

Chapter Text

Day 1

Steve.

Steve was in the kitchen, thinking about what to make for dinner, when Peter approached, his eyes wide and adorably... suspicious.

"Captain, did you know Sergeant Barnes loves apple pie?" Peter asked, handing Steve a printed apple pie recipe. The paper was pink and stained, old; it looked almost homemade. "I found this one online, it seems pretty traditional. I thought he'd like it if someone made it for him." Steve took the recipe, surprised.

It wasn't something Peter usually did.

Or was it?

Okay, in a way, it was. Peter used to do things suddenly and unpredictably all the time, from the most innocent to the most lethal, but this...

The suggestion was so innocent, but Steve felt a slight blush creep onto his cheeks. He hadn't made apple pie for Bucky in decades, and he knew Bucky liked it. He wondered how Peter had found out. The idea was tempting.

Two hours ago

"Mr. Stark, have you found anything yet?" Peter whined childishly behind Tony, impatient, and Tony rolled his eyes as he tinkered, making Friday and Karen scour the networks and SHIELD and Wakanda's files for anything useful about Barnes.

"Mr. Stark..." Peter groaned impatiently.

"I swear, kid, you're gonna get a spanking..." Tony grumbled ill-humoredly, but then, his eyes lit up as he saw something on the screen; he didn't even notice Peter's blush in the background.

"According to Princess Shuri in the records from when Barnes was undergoing treatment in Wakanda, he likes apple pie..."

One hour ago

"Are you sure, Pete? We can just get one from the internet, it's just pie..." Tony said, looking at the boy as he stared at the sheet he'd taken from his things.

"It's not just pie, Mr. Stark. If we want it to work, it has to have a lot of love involved, and Aunt May always said love solves everything. It has to be this recipe, I want it to be special, and she'd like to know I used her recipe to bring two people who love each other together, right?"

Chapter Text

Tony watched Peter walk through the living room with a bag from the Compound's souvenir shop. "Buying gifts with my credit card now, brat?" Tony teased, but rolled his eyes when Peter blushed furiously.

Peter revealed the bag's contents: a Captain America-themed mug, with the stylized shield and star shining in the middle. "It's for Sergeant Barnes. He mentioned he doesn't have a favorite mug..." Peter said, with an almost comical seriousness. "Everyone needs a favorite mug, right? And I thought it would suit him, you know? To make him feel more at home..."

Tony laughed, shaking his head. The kid didn't miss an opportunity. It was such an obvious maneuver, yet executed with such disarming sweetness that it was impossible not to find it amusing. Peter was a force of nature, and Tony delighted in it.

"Favorite mug, huh? Diabolical..."

Two Days Ago

"Parker, why do I feel like I'm having déjà vu?" Bucky murmured when, during a light training session, Peter held his metal arm without even blinking.

The boy shrugged, avoiding another of Bucky's blows and rolling under him, then leaping like an Olympic acrobat and somehow stopping far from him. Natasha watched from a distance, studying Peter and still trying to better discern the teenager's dangerous abilities.

"Sergeant Barnes... Have you ever seen Lord of the Rings? Star Wars? Star Trek?" Peter asked distractedly. He asked these kinds of questions all the time and seemed determined to discover Bucky's tastes, but Bucky sighed, "I... I think I've read Lord of the Rings. That was a long time ago..." he said with a dark, turbulent, hazy tone.

"Makes sense, makes sense..." Peter replied softly, "So you're not a fan of any saga? Any movies or bands? Nothing?"

"No." Bucky replied, going to grab a water bottle in the kitchen.

"He's not a fan of Star Wars, nor Star Trek, but he does like a specific one star, in particular..." Natasha suddenly said, quietly, smiling slyly.

Chapter Text

Steve was training in the gym, his thoughts on Bucky and the delicious apple pie they had shared days ago, the recipe safely tucked away in Steve's drawer, when Peter appeared.

"Captain Rogers, what a surprise to see you here..." Peter said with an adorably obvious expression that he'd been looking for him. "By the way, you know... Sergeant Barnes seems a bit pensive today. He mentioned he wanted to watch an old movie but couldn't find a good one. I think he's missing something more familiar, from the past, and I thought..."

Peter took Steve's tablet, which the veteran still struggled to use correctly, and approached, tinkering with it. In seconds, he had a list of old films. "How about 'Casablanca'? Or 'It's a Wonderful Life'? Or 'Brokeback Mountain'? They're classics, and they'd be good for... you to watch, right?" Steve paused, sort of freezing.

Was the kid really trying to make it seem like his idea? Manipulating Steve by mentioning Bucky and acting as if Steve was already planning to watch something with him all along?

He looked at the list, and... It didn't seem bad; he hadn't even seen most of them himself. It could be nice...

Twenty Minutes Earlier

Bucky was meditating, but his thoughts were on Steve and the delicious apple pie they had shared days ago; it was homemade, similar to his mother's, and that brought back good memories. Very good memories of a distant past with Steve, his little Steve, who couldn't even stand a strong wind... Bucky heard footsteps and sighed, looking over and seeing Peter appear.

"Sergeant Barnes, what a surprise to see you here..."

Chapter Text

Tony was in his lab, laughing loudly. Peter had just shown him the "affinity map" he'd created for Steve and Bucky, complete with compatibility percentages and "romantic contact points." It was absurdly complex and exaggerated for a "dating service," and Tony found it hilarious, as he did Peter's pouting at his mockery.

Just then, Steve walked into the lab, visibly tense. He looked at Tony, then at Peter. Peter, sensing the mood, whispered to Tony, "Sir, I think the Captain needs an adult conversation. I'll go make him some tea..." He left, leaving the two of them alone.

Tony quickly turned off the hologram, but the image of "Peter Parker's Dating Service" was still in his mind. He looked at Steve with a small smirk. "So, Capsicle, what brings you here? Come to complain about my kid again?"

Steve sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Tony, it's about... Bucky. And Peter. I think he's planning something awful, he's been acting strange..." He trailed off, his voice choked. "And I know how much you care about him, I know you trust him, but... please?"

Tony, with a raised eyebrow, reactivated the hologram, showing Peter's "master plan" to unite Steve and Bucky, complete with stick figures and hearts. "Peter does have a plan. A very, very detailed and mischievous plan, as you can see. For you and Bucky. He thinks that if you two are happy, you'll leave us alone. It's impeccable logic, isn't it?"

Steve looked at the hologram, then at Tony, a wave of shock and embarrassment washing over his face. "He... he made this?" he said with a growing blush.

"Yes, Captain. He did. And it's brilliantly insane," Tony replied, a mischievous smile on his lips. "Now, be frank with me, Rogers. What do you feel for him? For Bucky? Because by now, even Peter, who's obsessed with me, has noticed the spark between you two."

Steve hesitated for a long moment, his blue eyes meeting Tony's. The truth, which he had hidden for decades, finally needed to be said.

"I... I love him, Tony. Always have. He's... he's my home, my homeland, my safeplace." The confession came out as a whisper, but it was laden with all the emotion Steve had held back.

Tony, to Steve's surprise, didn't laugh, didn't scoff. Instead, his smile softened. "I know, Captain, I know... I see it. And that's... good. The world is complicated enough without us complicating things with our hearts." He stood up and extended his hand to Steve. "Look, Rogers... Bucky did horrible things under Hydra's control; they're not his fault and yet... they haunt him. I know that now, I know he wasn't to blame. And I... I forgive him, Steve. Completely. I want you two to be happy..."

Steve's eyes widened. It was the forgiveness he had hoped for for years, a forgiveness he had silently asked for since he found out what Bucky had done, and it came from the man he had hurt most deeply.

"Now," Tony continued, turning off the Peter Parker Dating Service hologram, "since you two are in the process of becoming the next Marvel power couple... how about we watch a movie tonight? Me, you, Pete... and your Bucky. It's time to make peace happen, at least in the living room."

Tony's invitation was more than an armistice. It was an olive branch, an acceptance. Steve felt a weight lift from his shoulders, replaced by a hope he hadn't dared to have in a long time.

Chapter Text

The living room was cozier than usual, the fireplace lit, the scent of popcorn and hot chocolate lingering in the air.

Tony's invitation to watch a movie with Steve, Bucky, and Peter had surprised all three, but Peter quickly agreed, giving Tony a cute, complicit wink.

Steve and Bucky sat together on the sofa, exchanging furtive glances, an awkwardness still present between them, but the presence of Tony and Peter seemed to ease the tension. Tony and Peter, in turn, were on the other sofa, with Peter nestled beside Tony, their closeness no longer as disguised, and Steve looked on curiously, but Bucky drew his attention and whispered, "Leave them, Steve. It's alright, they're fine..." with a soft tone and a look that said: This could be about us.

The movie was a sci-fi classic, but Tony's attention was divided between the screen and the boy beside him. He felt the warmth of Peter's body, his soft breathing, and a kind of peace that surprised him. Peter, in turn, was radiant, the happiness of being there with Tony and, not-so-indirectly, having contributed to Steve and Bucky's union, filling him with joy.

Steve and Bucky, meanwhile, began to relax; the familiarity of being together again, even with Tony and Peter nearby, was an invaluable comfort to both. As the night progressed and the movie ended, the atmosphere became lighter. There was laughter, comments about the movie, and even some less tense glances exchanged between Tony and Bucky. It was a night of truce, a glimpse of a future where coexistence was possible, pleasant, and full of happiness.

They barely noticed Banner pass by and smile, nor did they notice Rhodes pass by and clench his fists in irritation, before leaving.

Dawn arrived, and the Compound was silent. However, the quiet was broken only by the hum of equipment in Tony's lab, now locked and isolated. The movie night had served its purpose for Peter, and now, he and Tony could enjoy another small victory.

Tony was sitting in his swivel chair, engrossed in a hologram, but his thoughts were far from science. He felt Peter's presence, who was standing beside him, his fingers brushing Tony's shoulder. The attraction between them was palpable, a warmth radiating from both.

"Mr. Stark, are you tired?" Peter asked, his voice soft. Tony turned in his chair, his eyes fixed on Peter's. "Maybe a little, my little spider..." Tony murmured, one of the nicknames he used only with Peter. That name made Peter's heart race and a shiver run through his body, his legs went weak. Tony reached out and gently pulled Peter closer, until the boy was between his legs, and Peter felt absolutely powerless, not that he would resist if he had any strength.

Tony was determined to explore the feeling. His hand moved up Peter's leg, a slow and provocative touch that made the boy gasp. Peter tried to pull away slightly, his eyes wide, shyness battling desire. "M-Mr. Stark..." But Tony left no room for denial. He stood up, dominating and overwhelming, gently pushing Peter against one of the lab tables. His lips crashed against Peter's in a sudden, deep, and demanding kiss. Tony's hand moved to Peter's waist, pulling him closer, pressing him against his body. Peter, initially tense, quickly yielded. His arms wrapped around Tony's neck, and he surrendered to the kiss, his knees trembling. Tony deepened the dance of tongues, his touches bolder, exploring every curve of Peter's body, eliciting muffled moans. When Tony finally pulled away, Peter was whimpering and trembling like a kitten, his lips swollen, his breath ragged, his eyes clouded by desire and the intensity of passion, some warm tears forming in them, but no sadness or hurt, only need.

He clung to Tony, seeking comfort in his arms, burying his face in the man's chest, trying to recover from the devastating attacks of passion Tony had inflicted. Tony, in turn, felt a grim satisfaction. He teased Peter, stroking his back, feeling the boy's body writhe in anguish and desire. "Petey...? Pete? Talk to me... You look so small and fragile..." Tony whispered in his ear, his voice husky and amused. "Don't worry, we still have all night..." The boy was distraught with feelings of desire and desperation that he couldn't contain, nor fully understand, and Tony reveled in his vulnerability.

This was his Peter, his little spider, dominated and devoted exactly as he wanted him.

Chapter Text

The almost early morning in the locked lab was warm, laden with the intoxicating scent of newfound passion.

Tony, breathless, with Peter nestled in his arms, felt a wave of grim satisfaction. The boy was trembling slightly, moaning loudly, anyone would think he was seriously injured, and he buried his face in his neck, his young body writhing in a mixture of exhaustion and desire.

"Mr. Stark... S-sir..." Peter tried to say, stammering, his voice high-pitched and breaking with uncontrollable spasms in his hypersensitive body. Tony caressed his hair, his voice hoarse. "Shh, Pete, I didn't let you speak... Just relax." But Peter pulled away a bit, when he finally managed after a few minutes, his face red and eyes dilated, pleading, moist and fixed on Tony's. The question came, unexpected, breaking the bubble of passion. "...And Ms. Potts, Mr. Stark? What are you going to do about her?"

The question hit Tony like a bucket of cold water. Frustration welled up in his chest. He didn't want to think about Pepper now, not when he finally had Peter in his arms, so vulnerable, so soft, so velvety, so warm and smelling so good. "Kid, don't you dare, it's not the time for this..." Tony said, his voice tense. "Let's... Let's think about this later." "But you need to resolve it, Mr. Stark. She'll try to take you away again. And you... You're mine! And besides... It's not fair to her to keep lying," Peter insisted, his voice laden with a possessiveness Tony recognized, but which now, coming from that moment, seemed irritatingly ill-timed. He was like a child demanding a toy and giving caveats.

Tony tried to deflect, to argue, but Peter, with his impeccable logic and unwavering determination, was winning the debate. Every phrase from the boy was a direct hit, pointing out Tony's need to resolve the situation with Pepper once and for all to ensure their "security." Tony didn't want to give in, but he felt Peter cornering him in the argument, with a persistence that made him want to bend the boy to his will. He saw the truth in Peter's eyes: the boy wouldn't stop until Tony was completely devoted to him. Tony sighed, the anger dwindling, replaced by a resignation that seemed to mock and kiss him.

He held Peter's face in his hands, his thumbs gently caressing the boy's plump, flushed cheeks. "Alright, Pete. I promise. I'll deal with it. Once and for all. Do you trust me?" The promise came out with a tenderness he didn't expect to feel, but which was real. Peter watched him, his eyes shining with victory and the promise of an exclusive future, and agreed immediately.

The night unfolded in a whirlwind of discoveries. Tony, with his experience and his tender passion rekindled after decades, guided Peter through a landscape of sensations the boy had never imagined. For Peter, it was a first time, it was of monumental importance, a rite of passage to a world he had only dreamed of, that he never wanted to enter before meeting Tony, and now he wanted to stay with Tony in that world. With every touch from Tony, every hungry kiss, Peter felt his body vibrate in a previously unknown melody, his devotion overflowing in muffled moans and sighs that were pure adoration.

Tony was gentle where Peter was fragile, and overwhelming where the boy's desire asked for more. He sought to embrace and hold Peter close with an almost hungry and emotional need, a vulnerability that surprised Tony himself. He found himself burying his face in Peter's soft hair, burying his teeth in his soft skin, burying himself in him, inhaling his scent, the sensation of the soft, supple body against his being a balm to his tormented soul.

Peter clung to him with desperate strength, the attachment almost tangible, a mutual need to fill each other's emptiness, but it was more than that, it was a mutual need to, metaphorically, be one and, at the same time, more than two.

The lab, with its soft lights and the constant hum of machines, became a sanctuary for their delicious anguish. There was no rush, only a gentle and profound exploration of their interconnected bodies and souls.

With each caress, each whisper, Tony's barriers crumbled, and Peter felt the totality of his hero's love, an intense, possessive, undeniably and completely reciprocal love. The fear and loneliness that had haunted Peter since May's loss seemed to dissipate in Tony's warm and protective presence.

When the first ray of morning sun peeked through the lab windows, casting a golden light on the chaos of scattered sheets and clothes, Tony opened his eyes. Peter was asleep in his arms, his face still flushed from sleep and the night's events. He was naked, with many marks, once purple and dark, now much more subtle, all over his pale skin, and to Tony, he was the most beautiful and adorable thing he had ever seen in his life.

Peter's vulnerability and adorable childishness were palpable as he slept, nestled against Tony. The boy, even unconscious, sought the comfort of Tony's body, his small hands clutching the man, as if fearing he might disappear. Tony felt a protective warmth spread through his chest. That boy, so powerful and manipulative on the outside, was, inside, a soul so pure, so kind, so compassionate, sensitive, and above all... needy.

He held Peter even tighter in his arms, the desire to protect him from everything and everyone stronger than ever.

Chapter Text

The next few hours were a whirlwind of decisions for Tony. He had promised Peter he would deal with Pepper, and the image of the boy, naked, flushed, and vulnerable in his arms that morning, solidified his resolve. He could no longer live a lie. It was time to end his relationship with Pepper, free her, and free himself.

Tony got dressed, his movements decisive. He sent a message to Pepper asking her to meet him in his main office later, a location that indicated the seriousness of what was to come. The knot in his stomach was from nervousness, but also from a strange sense of doing the right thing.

The promise to Peter, the boy who now meant everything to him, was his priority. He mentally rehearsed what he would say, how he would approach the end of years of history. It would be painful, yes, but necessary. He felt guilty, but the joy and peace Peter brought him were a more powerful driving force than any guilt. However, the universe, or perhaps fate, had other plans.

Pepper, after being informed by Rhodes about the "peaceful" movie night between Tony, Peter, Steve, and Bucky – a scene that, to her, was proof of the strange and dangerous normality of that group – felt a growing uneasiness. Something had been wrong for a long time; it had been a certainty for weeks, but there was something else: the way Tony no longer seemed oblivious, but actively seemed to corroborate and support, not just as a protector or paternal figure, but in a fully romantic way... and she needed answers.

Driven by a chilling intuition, Pepper decided to go to Tony's lab. The door was unlocked – Tony, in his haste to get ready, had forgotten to activate the security protocols that morning, which Peter always ensured. She entered, her heart pounding in her chest, something different hanging in the air. The lab looked normal, but something caught her eye. On the sofa was a rumpled sheet, and a pillow with a subtle mark, as if someone, or two people, had rested their heads there for a long time.

And then, she saw it.

Peter, who was engrossed in one of the terminals, distractedly reviewing data, was shirtless, wearing only sweatpants. On his shoulder, one of the few marks from the night that hadn't completely healed on the boy's super-powered skin: a reddish, discreet mark, a soft bruise that looked like the trace of a more vigorous touch, a more intense kiss.

The air froze in Pepper's lungs. Her gaze swept over the mark, then over Peter's still flushed face, and finally, to the screen where Peter was reviewing the data Tony had requested. The scene from last night in the infirmary, the leak from some time ago, Peter's perfect alibi, the "coincidences" all clicked into place in her mind like pieces of a macabre puzzle. This wasn't a mark from a mission, nor an accident. It was a mark of passion, undeniable evidence of what had happened. And Peter's body, so delicate and young, told a story that Pepper's eyes didn't want to, but couldn't help but see.

Chapter Text

The air in the lab grew heavy. The mark on Peter's skin was a silent, yet screaming, confession. Pepper Potts, her eyes fixed on it, felt a wave of fury and betrayal consume her. Tony wasn't there to protect him.

"You!" Pepper hissed, her voice low and trembling, but laden with venom. Peter turned, the surprise on his face replaced by a flicker of apprehension. He thought about feigning innocence, fabricating an excuse for what Pepper had seen. But seeing the hatred in her eyes, he gave up. What was the point? The truth was obvious, and the victory, his. "What did you do to him?" Pepper shrieked, her voice rising, losing control. "You're a monster! A parasite! He's like a father to you, he's old enough to be your father! How could you be so sick?" The words gushed out, charged with revulsion, the insults aimed at Peter with a cruelty he had never experienced from someone who wasn't an enemy.

Peter listened, impassive. His eyes, which once could seem innocent, now held a defiant gleam and appeared hard as steel. He let Pepper's rage consume itself, without backing down. "He loves me," Peter said, his voice low, but clear. "And I love him. He's mine. I understand your anger, but you need to calm down." The explicit confession, the revelation of the nature of his relationship with Tony, was the last straw. Pepper, with an animalistic cry of fury, lunged forward.

The instant Pepper's hand began to move, Peter's spider-sense, already alarmed by her mere presence, exploded.

Imminent danger.

Physical aggression detected.

Attack speed: 12 m/s. Direction: left. Target: face. Impact potential: low. Damage potential: very low. Intent potential: high. Attacker's emotion: Uncontrollable rage. Required response: Immediate containment for primary protection.

The information was instantaneous, a lightning bolt through his nerves, decoded in his mind with terrifying precision. It wasn't a buzz; it was a clear and unmistakable voice, a direct command to his body. Peter didn't hesitate. His body reacted even before his brain processed the conscious decision. He intercepted Pepper's attack with incredible speed. His hand, moving with the precision of a predator, grasped her wrist in mid-air, stopping it inches from his face. The strength of his grip was relentless and painful, completely immobilizing Pepper. "Friday! Activate internal conflict alarm! Call Tony Stark! Containment security protocol!" Peter ordered, his voice cold and authoritative, without a hint of the sweetness Tony so loved. "Internal conflict alert detected. Tony Stark notified. Security teams en route," Friday responded, her robotic voice echoing through the lab.

The other Avengers – Tony, Steve, Bucky, Bruce, Clint, and Natasha – were in the meeting room, discussing the next strategy to deal with Hydra. Suddenly, the "internal conflict" alarms blared, and Friday's voice echoed: "Conflict detected in Main Laboratory. Pepper Potts is attacking Peter Parker." Tony shot up like a lightning bolt, concern etched on his face. "Pepper what?!" he yelled, rushing out of the room, the other Avengers right behind him.

They arrived at the lab to find a tense and explosive scene. Peter was holding Pepper by the wrist, effortlessly immobilizing her, her face contorted in pure fury, his just observing her with no emotion. "You monster! Let me go! You're disgusting! You ruined everything! You perverted Tony!" Pepper screamed, spewing insults and finally, unequivocally, exposing Peter and Tony's relationship to everyone. "He and you... it's sick! It's illegal! He's a child, Tony, a child!" Pepper's words echoed in the lab, hitting every Avenger hard. Clint, Natasha, and Rhodes looked furious, their faces contorted in disgust.

Rhodes' revulsion and fury were palpable. Clint's irritation with Tony was clear. Steve and Bucky, who already knew the nature of the relationship, exchanged glances, trying to defuse the situation, but not knowing how. Bruce, for his part, just watched, an expression of profound sadness on his face.

"Pepper, stop! Enough!" Tony shouted, rushing to her, trying to calm her. "Let her go, Peter!" he said. Peter hesitated for a second, his gaze fixed on Tony, as if evaluating the order. "Mr. Stark..." he began. "Let her go, Peter! Now!" Tony repeated, his voice firmer. Peter released Pepper's wrist, who pulled it free. But fury still consumed her. In an instant, she turned to Tony, her face red, and tried to slap him. The movement was fast, but Peter was faster. In a blink of an eye, he moved between Tony and Pepper, intercepting the slap millimeters from Tony's face. His hand grabbed Pepper's wrist again, holding her firmly. "He has to let go of her!" Rhodes roared, advancing. "You're not going to assault anyone here, you psychopath!" "Let her go, Parker!" Clint exclaimed, his voice full of accusation and authority, pointing at Peter. "Are you defending this, Tony?"

All the Avengers, except Tony, Steve, Bruce, and Bucky, seemed to defend Pepper at that moment, shouts filling the lab. Peter, with chilling coolness, responded: "She'll attack again if I let her go. No one will hurt Mr. Stark." "Let her go, Peter, she won't hurt me!" Tony ordered again, a hint of desperation in his voice. He didn't want the scene to escalate further.

Peter released Pepper. But, as he had predicted, she tried to attack Tony again. This time, Peter acted more aggressively. In a quick and impersonal movement, he grabbed Pepper by the shoulders, dragged her, and threw her out of the lab and away from Tony, causing her to fall to the corridor floor. "No one will hurt Mr. Stark!" Peter vociferated dangerously, his eyes glowing with a protective fury that was almost animalistic. Total control of the situation was his.

The scene in the corridor was chaos. Pepper, fallen to the floor, seemed more shocked than hurt, the fury on her face giving way to growing dread. Rhodes ran to help her. "This is unacceptable, Tony!" Rhodes shouted, helping Pepper up. "Are you going to let this monster do whatever he wants?! He's dangerous! And you're involved with him!" Rhodes tried to advance on Tony, anger on his face, but Peter, with his mere imposing presence between them, stopped him. There was no physical threat, just the aura of the boy's unwavering power and protection. Rhodes retreated, furious, and began to drag Pepper out of the area, away from the scene.

"You're a disgrace, Tony!" Clint accused, his eyes filled with disgust. "What have you done? What have you become? You're perverting this kid, or... or you two are perverts, it doesn't matter anymore! You're an abomination!" Natasha stopped him, restrained, placing a hand on his shoulder and pulling him back, knowing Clint's words would lead nowhere. "Enough!" Steve shouted, his voice echoing through the corridor. He stood between Tony and the retreating group. "This won't solve anything!" Bruce, with surprising calm but deep sadness in his eyes, shook his head. "Stop. Everyone. There's nothing to do here now." He looked at Tony, his expression complex.

Steve and Bruce, with the help of Bucky, who felt indebted to Peter for his kindness and constant support, began to guide Rhodes, Clint, and Natasha away, to the meeting room or their quarters. There was a clear division, here and now, a rift that had opened and would need to be repaired at some point.

The lab was silent again. Only Tony and Peter. The tension hung heavy in the air. Pepper's fury, Rhodes' and Clint's shouts, Steve's and Natasha's disappointment – all echoed in Tony's mind. He was furious, yes, but also strangely relieved. The truth was out there. There was no more hiding, and he felt free. He turned to Peter, his gaze stormy. Peter was standing, still, the mask of indifference still covering his face for another instant, but Tony could feel the boy's intensity, the possessiveness, the fierce protection. "You... you put on quite a show, my little spider," Tony said, his voice low, without anger, but with a hint of exhaustion. Peter approached, his face full of emotions and affection, his hand extended to touch Tony's arm. "I wouldn't let anyone hurt you, Mr. Stark. No one. Not if I can help it." His voice was of unwavering possessiveness. Tony looked at Peter's hand, then at his adorable and delicate face.

He knew that what had happened was dangerous, that Pepper's fury was justified, that Rhodes' and Clint's fears were not unfounded. But he also knew that Peter loved him with an intensity no one else was capable of showing. And, more frighteningly, he knew he couldn't live without that devotion, not anymore, never again. That moment of total confrontation had further solidified things between them. Tony knew Peter was dangerous, that he had manipulated, that he was obsessive, powerful, that he was capable of committing atrocities. But he also knew Peter was the only one who truly understood him, who loved him unconditionally. "It's okay, Pete..." Tony murmured, pulling Peter into a tight hug. His voice was almost a whisper, laden with a resigned acceptance and deep affection. "It's okay, no one will hurt us..."

The fight had escalated, exposing the nature of their relationship to everyone, but, paradoxically, it had also sealed the bond between Tony and Peter, uniting them even more against the world that judged them. What they would do from there was uncertain, but one thing was clear: they would do it together.

Chapter Text

The hours following the confrontation in the lab were a purgatory for Tony. He and Peter remained locked in, the silence filled only by the hum of equipment and each other's breathing. Tony felt the turbulence of emotions, anger at Pepper, fury at the Avengers who had judged him, and a growing possessiveness for Peter. The boy, in turn, was calm, nestled in his arms, a safe harbor in the midst of the storm.

Tony knew he couldn't postpone the inevitable. A meeting with Nick Fury and the Avengers was imminent, a reckoning that would define everyone's future.

"I need to go, now, love," Tony said, his voice tense. "Friday told me Fury is demanding a clarification."

Peter lifted his head from Tony's chest, his eyes shining. He had taken a quick shower and was wearing a simple shirt with an Arc reactor design, one of his inseparable Iron Man themed pajama shorts, and his hair was still wet. "I'll go with you."

Tony frowned. "No, Peter. It's better if you stay here. This is going to be ugly." He tried to sound imposing, but the thought of facing Fury and the others without Peter by his side sent a chill down his spine.

Peter, however, was unyielding. His eyes narrowed with a determination Tony recognized. "No, Mr. Stark. I'm not staying. We're in this together. Always. You won't push me away now, don't even try." Peter's voice was low, but carried the force of a command. Tony looked at him, realizing the unwavering loyalty that drove him. He knew trying to stop him would be futile.

Besides, deep down, Tony wanted Peter by his side.

The conference room was filled with a cutting tension when Tony and Peter entered. All the Avengers were there – Steve, Bucky, Bruce, Sam, Clint, Natasha, and Rhodes. Pepper was sitting next to Rhodes, her face swollen and eyes red. Nick Fury was at the center of the table, his expression grim.

The arrival of Tony and Peter, with Peter dressed in casual clothes that revealed the intimacy of their night, caused a commotion. Furious murmurs and disgusted glances were exchanged. Pepper shot Tony a look of hatred and hurt, and Peter, a look of pure revulsion.

"Stark!" Fury began, his voice like thunder. "What the hell happened in your lab? And what does this... this situation with Peter Parker mean?"

Tony lifted his chin, defiant. He could feel Peter's silent support beside him. "It means Peter and I are together. And it's nobody's business."

"Nobody's business?!" Rhodes roared, standing up from his chair. "You're a disgrace, Tony! He's a kid! And you're the damn Iron Man! It's sick!"

Clint intervened, his voice full of scorn. "He's a teenager, Tony, a kid. That you're manipulating!"

Tony was about to explode, but Peter, with surprising calm, stepped forward. His wet hair, Arc reactor shirt, and themed shorts were a bizarre contrast to the gravity of his words.

"I'm not a child, Mr. Barton," Peter said, his voice unexpectedly mature and full of old pain. "I've been through things no child should go through. I saw my parents die. Then, I lost my aunt and uncle. I was thrown into the world as a vigilante, a hero, with nothing but myself. I was forced to face villains who could destroy cities, to deal with death. I didn't have a normal childhood, I didn't have the luxury of just being a 'child.' My choices shaped me, and what I feel... what I feel for Mr. Stark is real." His eyes, once so innocent, now shone with a frightening seriousness. "I no longer consider myself a child."

The silence that followed was heavy. Peter's confession, his exposed pain, affected everyone differently. Tony looked at Peter, a pang of pride and pain in his own heart. The boy had grown faster than any of them could imagine.

Tony stepped forward, placing a hand on Peter's shoulder. "He said it. And I agree. Peter and I are together. And if you can't accept that, then you'd better get used to the idea. Because if you don't, I'm leaving. We're leaving. And you'll never have the support of Iron Man or Spider-Wolf again." Tony's ultimatum was clear, firm, leaving no room for negotiation.

The discussion escalated. Rhodes continued to hurl insults, Clint accused him, and Pepper looked like a statue of fury and devastation. But Tony remained unyielding, his determination forcing a bitter acceptance.

"Tony, this is absurd! You can't do this!" Rhodes bellowed. "You're ruining everything! If you were really my friend, you'd think with your head!"

Tony looked directly at Rhodes, his eyes hardened. "If you were really my friend, Rhodey, you'd be on my side. You'd support me. Not judge me. If you can't do that, then you can go. Nobody's holding you here." Tony's words cut Rhodes like a blade, but the billionaire didn't waver.

Steve, Bruce, Sam, and Bucky showed their support, to varying degrees. Steve, though still with his moral reservations, looked at Tony and Peter and nodded. "Tony, Peter... I may not understand everything, but if you're happy... I won't go against you." Bucky, beside Steve, also nodded, his eyes soft towards Peter, "Everyone deserves a chance to be happy...". Banner just gave a nod, his expression showing resigned acceptance. Sam, with a sigh, crossed his arms, indicating that he accepted the decision, even if he didn't fully approve.

Natasha, with her analytical but pragmatic approach, remained... aloof "I won't go against it, Tony. But I also won't pretend this is normal. Just... be discreet." Her stance was one of forced neutrality, but Tony knew he could count on her not to interfere.

Fury, who had watched everything with his usual impassivity, finally spoke. "Stark, do you understand the legal implications of this? The public repercussions? The world won't accept this. There are laws."

Tony smiled coldly, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "I don't care about the laws, Fury. Not when it comes to Peter. And let me be clear: the United States needs me. They need my weapons. They need my technology. They need my protection. If this comes out, if the relationship between me and Peter becomes public, then the world will have to choose. Choose between the protection that Iron Man and Spider-Wolf offer, or their 'laws' and their 'moral standards' against our relationship." Tony had played his final card, a bold bluff he knew Fury couldn't risk.

The room fell into a tense silence. Tony's threat was real and weighed on everyone. America couldn't afford to lose Tony Stark and his technology, and now, Peter Parker and his lethal power.

Pepper, who had remained silent during Tony's ultimatum, finally stood up. Her face was expressionless, her eyes devoid of any emotion except deep hurt and contained anger. She walked towards the conference room door, without saying a word.

Tony, feeling a pang of guilt and the weight of the years they had spent together, took a step to follow her. "Pepper, wait! We need to talk." He didn't want it to end like this, not with such coldness.

But before Tony could reach her, Peter stopped him. Peter placed himself in front of Tony, his hand outstretched, touching the billionaire's chest to prevent him from moving forward. Peter's eyes, still dark, fixed on Tony's. His voice was a whisper, but loaded with a veiled threat.

"Don't go, Mr. Stark," Peter pleaded, but it was almost an order. "She'll try to hurt you again. I'll defend you if she tries." His eyes turned to Pepper, who was standing at the door, watching the scene. Peter wasn't lying. He was ready to defend him from anyone, including Pepper.

Tony looked at Peter, then at Pepper. The image of the slap Peter had stopped, Pepper's furious gaze, the memory of the previous night, it all clicked into place. He understood. If he went after Pepper now, Peter would see her as a threat. And Peter wouldn't hesitate to protect him, even if it meant physically hurting her or others. To ensure Pepper's safety, and to avoid another confrontation that would expose everyone even further, Tony needed to let her go.

Tony shook his head, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. He released Peter's arm, a silent acknowledgment of the truth in the boy's words. "Go, Pepper," he said, his voice low, the pain clear in his eyes. "I'm... I'm sorry."

Pepper said nothing. She just cast one last look at Tony, laden with all the lost love and all the pain, before turning and leaving the conference room. Her footsteps echoed down the corridor, the sound of an era ending. Tony felt her absence as an emptiness, but Peter's hand tightened on his arm, a warm, comforting reminder that he was no longer alone.

Chapter Text

The morning sun peered through the curtains, painting the room with golden hues and warming their skin. Steve Rogers slowly opened his eyes, feeling the familiar, comforting weight of Bucky Barnes' body nestled against his. The night had been long and sweeping, a reckoning of decades of repressed feelings and a silent promise of a future together. Clothes were strewn across the floor like discarded husks, and their muscular, sweaty bodies were entwined in a passionate embrace, silent proof of a passion finally unleashed.

Bucky lay with his back to Steve, his scarred skin against Steve's chest, his vibranium arm resting at a protective angle. The smell of sweat and something else, something intimate and newly discovered, filled the air. Steve gently kissed Bucky's shoulder, feeling the soft skin beneath his lips. It was a tender touch, a silent promise that this was real, that they were finally there.

Bucky murmured something in his sleep, and Steve pulled him closer, inhaling the scent of his hair, the familiar feeling of having Bucky in his arms being the greatest comfort he knew. No words were needed in that moment, just the language of bodies in contact, every muscle, every curve, telling a story of affection and tenderness that had been held back for too long.

A sigh escaped Steve's lips. "You know, Buck," he began, his voice hoarse with sleep and emotion. "I still can't believe what happened yesterday. Tony... Peter..."

Bucky stirred slightly, turning to face Steve, his blue eyes still sleepy, but with a sparkle Steve had never seen before. He was naked, his body strong and scarred, beautiful in the morning light. Bucky snuggled closer, his leg between Steve's, the intimacy of that moment being the most precious thing in the world.

"I know, Stevie," Bucky whispered, his voice a little husky. He reached out, his fingers tracing the contours of Steve's face, a touch of tenderness that made Steve's heart race. "It's crazy. Tony and the kid... but it's real for them."

Bucky smiled, a small, lazy smile. "You've always been too straight-laced, Stevie. But I knew that, deep down, you would protect their love. Because it's the same kind of love we have, isn't it?"

Steve looked at Bucky, his eyes filled with overwhelming emotion. Yes, he would protect it. He would protect their love with the same fierceness with which he would protect anyone he loved. It was a cute, lovely, and beautiful moment, a promise that, despite the chaos surrounding them, they had each other.

"I love you, Buck," Steve whispered, and Bucky pulled him into a slow, deep kiss, a silent promise of a future that finally seemed possible, there, embraced in bed, in the morning light. The room, once just a space, was now the sanctuary of their love, their promises whispered amidst gentle caresses and touches that spoke of an attachment that had withstood time, war, and loss.

Chapter Text

The silent vastness of space witnessed the strange dynamic between the two Asgardian brothers. Thor was with Loki. Their mission: to secure another Infinity Stone, which Odin, in his millennia-old wisdom, had located in a distant and dangerous realm. The All-Father, now in Asgard, waited, his power slowly waning with the passage of time.

The Asgardian ship glided between the stars, a tense silence filling the cabin. Loki, with his usual sarcastic demeanor, broke the quiet. "Do we truly need to go to this backwater, brother? I'm sure your father has more... subtle methods to deal with these inconvenient 'gems'."

Thor turned, Mjolnir pulsing faintly in his hand. "You know very well it's an order from Odin, Loki. And you come with me. I don't trust you loose in the cosmos." The rivalry between them was palpable, a thin thread of years of betrayals and halfway pardons. Thor still hadn't forgiven Loki for every torment he had caused, every time his loyalty was broken...

Upon landing on the barren and hostile planet, the air was charged with primordial magic. One of the Infinity Stones, the Soul stone, pulsed with a mesmerizing energy within an ancient temple. Loki felt its power, and his eyes gleamed with an almost uncontrollable covetousness. Thor noticed.

"Don't even try it, brother," Thor warned, his voice low "If you even think about touching it, I swear I'll..." He paused, Mjolnir vibrating menacingly. Loki saw the threat in Thor's eyes, but also the hesitation. A part of Thor always faltered at the sight of fear, however fleeting, in his brother's startled eyes. "You will regret it."

Despite the tension, there was a strange... thing happening between them. Loki, with his intelligence, noticed from New York. They argued, yes, but there was more, a dance of provocations. They were opposites that completed each other, even if reluctantly, thats for sure.

The Soul stone was protected by a series of magical traps and spectral guardians, and there was an enchantment that prevented it from being taken by anyone not willing to sacrifice themselves. Loki, with his mastery of spells and illusions, was essential. Thor, with his strength and Mjolnir's loyalty, cleared the way through the more tangible enemies. But it was Odin's power, the ancient magic he taught them, that would allow them to reach their target.

"To the left, brother! A containment rune! Don't step on it, unless you want your deepest thoughts exposed to this grinning servant," Loki scoffed, pointing out a trap, while dodging a magical arrow. Thor growled, but followed the instruction.

Loki prepared to cast the powerful spell Odin had taught Thor, an ancient enchantment to reveal the hidden soul stone, a power Odin, in his wisdom, had entrusted to his sons. "Pay attention, brother. This requires more than hitting with a hammer," Loki teased, his face serious, magic pulsing in his hands.

"I can do this," Thor retorted, though inwardly he felt the complexity of the spell. Loki smiled mockingly, a hint of their rivalry, but there was something softer in his eyes.

Later, with the Infinity Stone secured and sealed, the tension between Thor and Loki seemed to ease. There was a shared satisfaction in their victory, a reminder of what they could achieve when they worked together. Loki even allowed a brief moment of silence, a sign of reluctant respect.

"I admit, brother," Loki said, as they returned to the ship, the Soul Emerald now in a sealed compartment. "Your... brutality was occasionally useful."

Thor scoffed, but a small smile played on his lips.

Suddenly, the Asgardian ship trembled slightly. The main communicator lit up, and Heimdall's voice echoed, urgent and laden with sorrow.

"Thor! Loki! You must return to Asgard immediately! Odin... Odin is weakening. He may not live much longer. You must both come home."

The news hit the brothers like a bolt of lightning. The rivalry, the teasing, everything dissolved before the imminent loss of their father. Thor's eyes widened in shock, and even Loki's facade cracked, revealing genuine pain.

The return home, which once seemed a formality, was now a race against time, to say goodbye to the All-Father.

Chapter Text

The Avengers Compound was a minefield in the days following the confrontation. The forced acceptance of the relationship between Tony and Peter hung in the air like a cloud of toxic smoke, invisible but suffocating.

Tony and Rhodes ignored each other with a silent ferocity. Their gazes averted, their words were directed at anyone but each other. The decades-long friendship had shattered under the weight of Peter. Rhodes, who had been Tony's anchor for so long, now felt revulsion for the man he saw as a pervert.

Rhodes and Peter also ignored each other. For Rhodes, Peter was the personification of the sickness that had corroded his best friend. For Peter, Rhodes was an inconvenient obstacle, now neutralized, but still a source of dislike. The presence of one nullified that of the other in any environment.

At one point in the living room, Clint, unable to contain his disgust, approached Peter, who was engrossed in a game on his tablet. "You know, Parker," Clint began, his voice harsh, "I would never let my own kids be like you."

Peter looked up from the tablet, his youthful face contrasting with the coldness of his voice. "Really, Mr. Barton? Because none of your kids could break all the bones in your body with their bare hands, but I can." The threat, said with a chilling calm, made Clint swallow hard. Peter just smiled slightly and returned his attention to the game, leaving Clint in a shocked silence.

The next morning, in the kitchen, Steve watched silently as Peter made breakfast for Tony. Peter moved with the familiarity of a spouse, preparing an omelet with Tony's preferred ingredients, freshly squeezed juice, and coffee at the exact right temperature. Steve saw the devotion in every movement, the way Peter, in Iron Man themed pajamas, took care of Tony. For a time, Steve simply judged, the morality ingrained in him conflicting with the scene before him.

Then, Steve sighed. He got up and began to prepare something for Bucky – fresh coffee and some toast. Immediately, Peter noticed. He approached Steve, without the slightest hesitation.

"Captain, let me help you," Peter said, his voice soft and helpful. "I can grab the spices, and if you want, I can make some fresh fruit for Sergeant Barnes." Steve looked at Peter, surprised.

As Peter helped him assemble the tray for Bucky, Steve felt a small smile form on his lips. Maybe Bucky was right. Maybe Peter was a good kid, just... broken in a way that Tony's love was trying to fix, even if crookedly.

Later, during a training session in the gym, the atmosphere was surprisingly light. Sam, Natasha, Peter, and Steve were practicing combat moves. In a moment of rest, Sam, in his playful way, decided to tease Peter.

"Hey, Spider-Wolf," Sam scoffed, a mischievous smile. "So, what did Pepper see that night? Just hickeys on your shoulder? Or is Tony Stark putting you to work on secret things that leave suspicious marks?"

Peter blushed deeply, the tone of his face darkening under the Arc reactor shirt. Tony wasn't around, and Peter felt exposed. He hesitated, but then decided to be honest.

"T-they were... they were kiss marks and hickeys," Peter admitted, his voice low, almost a whisper, to everyone's shock. Steve, Natasha, and Sam exchanged glances, surprised by his candor. "But... but we didn't... we didn't have sex."

The revelation caught everyone by surprise. Sam blinked. "You didn't? But I thought..."

Peter swallowed hard, his eyes downcast. "I... I refused," he confessed, his voice almost inaudible. He looked up, anguish on his face. "I have... I have immense strength. Mr. Stark... he's... fragile. I'm afraid of... of accidentally crushing him. I could hurt him without meaning to. And I... I would never forgive myself if I did that."

The revelation silenced everyone. The atmosphere, once light, became heavy with the gravity of Peter's confession. The boy's vulnerability, his fear of hurting Tony, was palpable. Peter's brilliant mind had calculated the risk, and his love for Tony was so great that he refused to act, even with the desire burning between them.

Sam, Steve, and Natasha looked at Peter, a new understanding forming. Tony had chosen Peter, not out of blind lust, but out of a love that Peter was willing to protect with his own self-denial.

"So... Tony knows about this?" Natasha asked, her voice soft.

Peter nodded. "Yes. He... he told me he doesn't care. That I'm the most important thing to him." Peter looked at Tony, who was distant, talking to Bruce. "Mr. Stark loves me. I'm sure of it. And that's all that matters..."

The surprise in the room was immense. Tony Stark, the billionaire playboy, the man who had the world at his feet, had chosen a love that might never be physically consummated, because of a genuine and protective fear from the boy he loved.

At the end of the training session, Natasha watched Peter and Tony, who were talking and laughing in a corner. Tony had called Peter "spiderling" softly, and Peter had blushed, a genuine smile on his face. The image of them together, so intimate, so dependent on each other, was an undeniable reality. Natasha thought about her conversation with Peter, about his confession of strength, his fear of hurting Tony.

And to Nat own surprise, an affectionate smile appeared on her lips. She realized internally that, despite all the madness, the obsession, the dangers, and the broken rules, she felt genuinely happy for them. There was something beautiful and tragic in their love, something only they could understand. And if Tony was finally happy, if Peter had found a safe haven, who was she to judge?

Chapter Text

The nightly patrols of Tony and Peter had evolved into a lethal symphony across the New York City skyline.

Iron Man and the Spider-Wolf, a harrowing fusion of cutting-edge technology and primal instinct, carved a new frontline against the rising tide of Chitauri-enhanced crime.

In this deadly concert, Peter was the perfect first chair, his every action an impeccable counterpoint to Tony's. His preternatural senses, inhuman agility, and staggering strength made him amazing, yet it was the sheer, unwavering focus of his devotion to Tony that set him apart.

Peter's performance was always flawless, anticipating Tony’s maneuvers, securing his flanks, and streaming real-time data with a clarity that would humble any AI.

However, his almost deliberate innocence,.and the way he chose to wear it... It could conjure moments that oscillated between hilarious and utterly maddening for Tony.

During a high-speed pursuit of arms traffickers, Peter vaulted ahead, his webs a masterclass in hostile architecture, disarming thugs with breathtaking efficiency, "Mr. Stark, target is on 42nd, sector Charlie! Sniper... on the roof, be advised! Mmm... Friday confirms a modified plasma rifle," Peter’s voice broadcast, crisp, nervous and economical.

"Copy that, Spider-ling. Just try to keep his redecorating to a minimum," Tony quipped, loosing a repulsor blast.

Once the threat was neutralized, Peter pivoted to face Tony, his expression guileless beneath the mask, "Sir, I've secured the three primary targets, and the secondary assets are immobilized. The sniper's propulsion was operating at 7.2% below optimal efficiency. A more effective takedown could have been achieved had I adjusted my angle of approach by 2.5 degrees..."

Tony's eyes sought the heavens. "Peter... This is a patrol, not your doctoral dissertation. Your obsession with perfection is getting infuriating." He closed the distance between them with a wry smirk playing on his lips, and to silence him, Tony leaned in, his voice dropping to a low register,

"Now, come here, Spider-ling. You were impeccable, as always... And you're spent. We're going home." The firm hand on his shoulder and Tony's commanding gaze sent a flush of heat across Peter's face, and he yielded without a word.

It was an intoxicating control that Peter willingly surrendered to.

Days later, they were embroiled in an operation against a Hydra splinter cell that had acquired nuclear fail-safe codes. Tony was at the helm, his mind a whirlwind of calculations, utterly confident in his strategy and his seamless sync with Peter.

"I've got the deactivation sequence for the primary device," Tony declared over the comms, his voice ringing with certainty. "Peter, I need you on the secondaries. Natasha, Clint, hold the perimeter."

As Tony approached the main console, a discordant note flared in Peter's senses, "Ehm... Mr. Stark... hold on, please! Anomaly detection is showing a code overlap. The primary sequence might be a Trojan horse... a trigger for a latent contingency device..." He offered the warning timidly, his voice faltering with the anxiety of contradicting Tony.

But Tony, caught in the mission's vortex, brushed the concern aside. He was in command; his plan was sound. "Peter, I know what I'm doing. Just handle your end and trust me?" The dismissal was absolute, overriding Peter's tentative plea.

Peter recoiled slightly, his gaze locked on Tony.

The instinct to obey was a current running deeper than thought and his reluctance was washed away by the tide of Tony's authority. 

Tony entered the code, a tone echoed. And then, to the horror of everyone present... the device remained active. Instead, a crimson countdown seared itself onto the screen:

"SELF-DESTRUCT IN 5... 4... 3..."

"Oh... Damn it!" Tony swore, the fatal error crashing down on him, his calculations were a lie and the code was a trap.

Who would have thought?

Peter, whose senses were screaming of the imminent devastation, reacted without a shred of self-preservation, "Mr. Stark! No!" he yelled, launching himself forward. He slammed into Tony with his full strength, sending him flying clear of the blast radius.

In the same fluid motion, Peter curled into a protective ball, bracing his suit's most resilient armor plates to absorb the incandescent fury of the explosion.

The shockwave tore through the facility. When the smoke and debris began to settle, Tony, dazed, saw Peter's silhouette staggering to its feet. The Spider-Wolf armor was blackened and scorched, and a noticeable limp betrayed the pain of the impact.

He was wounded, but Tony was untouched.

Peter limped toward him, his voice steady, detached from his own state, "Are you alright, Mr. Stark?" There was no accusation, no hint of vindication, but only a profound concern for Tony's safety.

"I'll... I'll heal in a few hours," he added, as though his injuries were a trivial footnote.

The mission was a success, but Tony was adrift in a sea of guilt and desperation. He had blundered, catastrophically, and his mistake had nearly claimed Peter's life.

Back at the Compound, the hours that followed were a testament to Tony's unraveling.

"Friday, run full biological diagnostics on Peter! Nanite saturation levels? Cellular regeneration rates? Are there any micro-fractures the initial scan missed?" Tony rattled off demands, his voice strained, while Peter rested on a med-bay bed, looking weary but patiently enduring the storm of Tony's anxiety.

Tony subjected him to every conceivable scan, his own eyes darting frantically between holographic displays, hunting for any anomaly, any lingering trace of damage. Peter simply watched him with an affectionate gaze, submitting to the obsessive examinations.

"Mr Stark, I promise, I'm fine. I heal fast," Peter tried to reassure him.

But Tony was beyond comfort. "I almost lost you, Spider-ling. I... I screwed up. You tried to tell me, and I wouldn't listen." The weight of his guilt was crushing.

Meanwhile, just outside the glass walls of the lab, Natasha, Sam, Steve, and Bucky observed the scene with a shared sense of amusement.

Natasha: "Well..." A rare, fond smile touched her lips. "He's completely gone on him."

Sam chuckled: "Who knew Tony Stark's ego could be deflated..."

Steve: "He's terrified, Sam. It's good to see how much he cares..." He glanced at Bucky, who wore a look of subtle satisfaction.

Chapter Text

The weeks following the explosion were defined by Tony's heightened devotion to his Peter.

Terror and guilt had cemented his singular priority, and he doted on him, ensuring his every comfort. As Tony busied himself with new projects and Peter made a swift recovery, a familiar rhythm of work and partnership settled over the lab once more.

It was during this period of quiet industry that Peter, in his silent forays through Tony’s systems, made a startling discovery.

Using the covert backdoor into FRIDAY he had maintained and refined since the data leak, Peter delved into the most heavily encrypted layers of Tony's personal archives, and there, he found it: information on Extremis, the unstable formula Tony had contended with years ago. The data detailed its regenerative capabilities, its volatile thermal output, and the terrifying way it had nearly consumed its creator.

Peter began to study the formula in secret. In the dead of night, while Tony slept, exhausted, on a nearby couch, Peter hunched over complex holograms, dissecting every molecule, every design flaw, every untapped potential of the Extremis project.

His eyes glittered with an almost manic fascination and Tony, absorbed in his own work and the simple contentment of having Peter by his side, remained oblivious to the boy’s clandestine obsession.

To Peter’s burgeoning genius, Extremis was not a threat, but a promise.

A promise of ultimate healing, of unbreakable resilience, of an extended lifespan for Tony. He secretly envisioned a future where he could refine and stabilize the formula, transforming its destructive nature into something benevolent, something that could make Tony as invulnerable and durable as Peter himself. The idea of injecting this perfected version into Tony, granting him powers and regeneration to match or overcome his own, became Peter's overriding goal, a secret he guarded with a fervent, zealous fire.

Amidst his covert dark studies of Extremis, Peter meticulously maintained his facade as Tony’s devoted protégé and partner. During a brainstorming session in the lab, he decided to pitch an idea he knew would resonate with Tony’s ambition.

"Mr. Stark," Peter began, his usual enthusiasm carefully contained, "I've been thinking a lot about you and the suit..."

Tony raised an eyebrow, "Oh, really? And what has my little Spider's brilliant mind cooked up about my perfect armor?"

"Well, it is incredible, Mr. Stark," Peter hurried to say, his eyes bright, "But... what if it were more... fluid? More adaptable? I was thinking about integrating... nanotechnology into your suit."

Leaning back in his chair, Tony was intrigued. He had dabbled with nanotech for his armors, but his focus had been on rapid repair and compact storage. Peter’s vision was something else entirely.

"Imagine it, Mr. Stark," Peter continued, his excitement growing as he gestured toward a hologram. "Autonomous particles that can reconfigure in real-time. Not just for repairs, but to reshape the suit, create weapons and tools on the fly, even augment your own skeletal and muscular structure during moments of extreme stress. It would be a second skin, with any functionality you could possibly imagine, emerging from your body on demand. It wouldn't just be an armor; it would be a perfect, fluid extension of you."

Tony's eyes widened. Peter's approach was visionary. An armor that wasn't worn, but formed, that adapted, that was a part of him. "Nanites... forming the suit... Peter, that's... genius!" Tony shot to his feet, pacing in circles as his mind raced with the possibilities. "Thank you, Spider-ling. That's brilliant." He gave Peter an affectionate pat on the shoulder, and the boy flushed with the praise.

The nanotech suit became their shared obsession in the lab.

Hours bled into days, and days into weeks, as Tony and Peter threw themselves into the creation of the new armor. It was an intricate process, demanding the full scope of Tony’s engineering prowess and Peter’s intuitive grasp of materials and interfaces.

They worked in flawless harmony, the chemistry between their minds and bodies palpable to anyone who walked past the lab.

Tony’s affectionate nicknames for Peter became a fun rotation, "Spider-ling," "spider-cub," or simply "Petey", they surfaced often, leaking from the man's lips like silent prayers.

But beneath this surface of collaborative affection, Peter nurtured his profound secret. While Tony reviewed nanotech schematics, Peter’s multitasking mind would leverage his secret access to FRIDAY to continue his research on Extremis.

He accessed encrypted files, ran DNA sequencing simulations, and modeled molecular structures in isolated subsystems, ensuring his activities remained invisible to Tony.

He was quietly developing a prototype of his enhanced formula, testing it on cell cultures, observing the speed of regeneration and its stability. The vision of Tony—invulnerable, ageless, and powerful at his side forever—was the driving force behind every calculation, every line of code Peter secretly wrote.

Peter, so admired by Tony, always had two faces: one turned toward love and collaboration, and another, darker and more obsessive, that operated in the shadows, plotting devotedly, designing a future where Tony would be forever safe—and forever his. 

Chapter Text

The routine at the Avengers Compound, though fraught for some, had found a new rhythm.

And to Tony's relief, that rhythm now included more karaoke nights. It was one of the few activities that seemed to genuinely unite everyone, even if only for a few hours.

Peter, of course, was always at Tony's side, radiant with the sense of acceptance he felt.

The evening began with Clint's usual off-key solos, accompanied by Sam's boisterous laughter. But the mood shifted when Peter, flashing a conspiratorial smile at Tony, approached Steve and Bucky. "Captain, Sergeant Barnes, how about a duet? I'm sure the two of you have a story to tell."

Steve flushed slightly, but before he could refuse, Bucky, to everyone's astonishment, took the microphone.

Bucky Barnes—the White Wolf, the Winter Soldier, the man who hardly ever betrayed an emotion—was about to sing.

An expectant silence fell over the room. Bucky cast a look at Steve, a glint in his eye that only Steve could decipher. He selected an old song, a soft ballad from the 40s, one that Steve recognized instantly.

When Bucky began to sing, his voice was a smooth and surprisingly melodic baritone, laden with a tenderness few knew he possessed.

Steve, moved, picked up the second microphone, and the two sang together, their voices weaving in perfect harmony. It wasn't just a song; but a silent declaration of love, of resilience, and of a future finally rediscovered. They sang for themselves, for the past that bound them, and for the future they could at last share.

Natasha and Sam exchanged a glance, a genuine smile on their lips. Tony, sitting with Peter, felt a surge of satisfaction, for Peter's plan was bearing fruit.

The rest of the night was light and easy. Sam told jokes, sang dance tunes, and bantered with everyone. Natasha just observed the room, but her smiles were more frequent, more welcoming. She seemed genuinely content with the quiet that had settled among them. Peter and Tony truly felt accepted, a feeling Tony hadn't experienced in a long time.

The coldness from Rhodes and Clint was still a distant cloud, but on this night, it seemed smaller, insignificant.

However, the calm was merely a palliative.

For Rhodes, the following days were a private hell. He continued to ignore Tony, but the absence of his friend, the brother-in-arms who had always been at his side, weighed on him like an anchor.

He missed his friendship with Tony in a way that was a constant, gnawing ache. Their partnership, their talks about tech, the constant upgrades to his suit—it was all gone. Rhodes knew his War Machine armor was slowly becoming obsolete, and Tony wouldn't be there to patch it up or bring it to the cutting edge.

That technological dependency, once a source of strength in their partnership, was now transforming into a glaring vulnerability.

Rhodes's heart was in constant conflict. He hated Peter with a visceral intensity, seeing him as the parasite who had perverted Tony, twisting him into what Rhodes considered a moral aberration.

And he hated what Tony had become, or what he believed Peter had forced him to be. In his eyes, that perversion was unforgivable.

Rhodes was perpetually distressed and furious, but his anger was impotent against the bubble Tony and Peter had constructed around themselves.

He found himself having to be doubly careful with his suit, testing every system, every mechanism, knowing that the mind that had kept it state-of-the-art was now focused elsewhere.

The wound of his lost friendship with Tony continued to bleed, and his resentment and revulsion for Peter only deepened it, leaving him an embittered and isolated observer on the very team he had helped to build.

Chapter Text

Clint Barton was in his room, cleaning his arrows with a meticulousness that bordered on obsession.

His mind, however, was far from the sharp metal tips, but was stuck on the toxic dynamic that had settled into the Avengers Compound, and more specifically... on Tony and Peter's relationship.

As a father and a husband, what he saw turned his stomach.

He thought of Laura, of his children. The simple, honest life they had built, the way their love was built on foundations of respect, trust, and, above all, decency.

And then he thought of Tony, his friend, the man he respected as a hero, but who now seemed to have fallen into an abyss.

And Peter. That kid, so brilliant, so young, but so... wrong.

"Perversion," the word echoed in his mind. It was the only way he could find to describe what he saw.

The intimacy, the touches, Peter's servile devotion. The fact that Tony, a man in a position of authority and an almost paternal one, was involved in this way with a teenager he had practically taken off the street.

Clint felt a knot in his stomach. His children would never... he would never allow it. That boy was a danger, an aberration that was consuming Tony from the inside out, a bad example...

And what outraged him most was Natasha's stance.

She, who had been the voice of reason, the most analytical, the most skeptical, was starting to give in. Clint had seen her smiling while Peter and Tony were together, her eyes seeming to understand, perhaps even to approve.

He found her in the kitchen, making tea.

"I can't understand it, Nat," Clint vented, his voice harsh, containing his frustration, "How can you even look at them? At what they've become? It's disgusting. And you... you seem to be accepting it. Even supporting it."

The indignation was clear in his voice.

Natasha looked at him, her green eyes, as always, indecipherable, maybe... weary?

She shrugged, turning to the counter, "Clint, I'm a spy. My job is to see things as they are, not as I wish they were. And what I see..."

She paused, taking a sip of her tea, "I see a man who was drowning in his own paranoia and loneliness. And I see a boy who loves him with an intensity that transcends what most of us can feel. Yes, it's twisted. Yes, it's problematic. But it's also... the most real thing Tony has felt in years. And, for Peter, it's the only thing he has."

Natasha turned to Clint, her eyes fixed on his, "It's not hard to see the beauty in Peter and Tony's relationship, Clint. Not when you really try to see beyond your own rules and judgments."

Her voice was calm, but the message was cutting.

Clint looked at her, speechless. Natasha's resignation frustrated him even more, because to him, it was a silent validation of something he considered morally indefensible.

Chapter Text

Despite the tension simmering around them, inside their bubble, the love between Tony and Peter blossomed into a complex... dynamic, a dance of touches, glances, and whispered words that others could barely decipher, but for them both, was the language of their passion.

  Morning Kiss

 The day, after a night of research, invariably began in the lab, with Tony waking up to Peter nestled by his side.

One morning, Tony pulled Peter in for a long, teasing kiss. When Peter, blushing, tried to pull away to get coffee, Tony held him closer, "Not a chance, Spider-ling. First, a good morning kiss. And no pouting, please."

But Peter did gave him an adorable little pout, before losing himself in the kiss, a soft moan escaping his lips.

Tony chuckled, satisfied with his babyboy's obedience.

  Silent Command

As always, during work, Tony rarely needed to verbalize his desires. A glance, a subtle gesture, and Peter was already carrying out the task.

Tony's hands were dirty with grease, and Peter, anticipating, took a cloth and began to gently clean the man's hands, "You're always so very damn useful, Spider-ling," Tony murmured, and Peter blushed, his eyes shining with pleasure at the praise.

  Suit Fitting

Tony decided it was time to test new improvements on Peter's suit. He asked Peter to try on a new component, but the boy was hesitant, thinking it wouldn't fit, "Just put it on, Petey. I know what I'm doing."

Tony moved closer, and Peter, with a small pout of doubt, obeyed.

Tony helped him adjust the component, his touches lingering longer than necessary, making Peter shudder. "See, baby? I always know what's best for you," Tony whispered, and Peter just nodded, confident.

  The Nightly Comfort

On the few nights Tony was too exhausted to continue in the lab, he would drag himself to his room.

But he didn't sleep alone. Peter would silently follow him. Tony would find Peter curled up beside him in bed, an unexpected comfort.

He would hug the boy, and Peter would nestle in, his head on his chest, "You're my refuge, Pete," Tony would whisper in the dark.

Peter would just tighten the hug, a sound of contentment escaping his lips.

 Tony's Songs Choice

Tony was choosing songs for his playlist, and Peter, as always, was nearby.

"Mr. Stark, how about that new rock song that came out last week? I think you'll like it," Peter suggested. Tony shot him a look, "I choose the music, Spider. Or don't you trust my musical tastes?"

Peter gave a playful pout. "I do, but..." Tony smiled and pulled Peter closer, putting the earbuds in for both of them, and chose his own music in an act of such affectionate domination that Peter accepted without hesitation, surrendering to the moment.

The truth was that Tony didn't trust Peter's modern and childish musical taste, but he also knew how to manipulate when he needed to...

  Mutual Care 

Tony had a terrible headache.

Peter appeared with a glass of water and a pill, his voice soft, "You need to rest, Mr. Stark. I'll take care of everything."

Tony watched Peter with a look of affection, the way the boy cared for him with the same devotion he received. Tony took Peter's hand, a gentle but firm grip, "Stay with me, love. I need you."

And Peter squeezed Tony's hand back.

 A Look of Passion

 At the end of a long day, Tony was exhausted.

He turned to Peter, "Spider-ling, my lab is a mess. I need you to clean everything up and prepare the project for tomorrow."

It was a direct order. Peter, who just wanted to cuddle with Tony, looked at him with a slight pout but immediately nodded, "Yes, Mr. Stark..."

Before Peter could move, Tony pulled him in for a quick kiss, "Good boy." Peter smiled, passion in his eyes, obedience a pleasure.

That dance was the essence of their world.