Chapter Text
“Web ‘em up, kid.” Tony commanded, eyes trained on the jet flying off with his best friend’s unconscious form inside.
“Yes, sir.” Peter responded, immediately shooting webs at the superheroes that they had just fought, none putting up much of a fight after seeing Rhodey crash from the sky as a result of their battle.
As the jet faded from view, Tony breathed out a long sigh, turning to take in the situation. Clint, Sam, and whoever that new size-changing guy was were webbed to the ground, unable to move. Wanda was also webbed up, though they all knew she could probably get out if she wanted, but he could see the fight had left her eyes after having to fight Vision and watch their friend fall from the sky.
Quickly, several heavily armored vehicles pulled up in the field, armed guards filing out. Tony turned his gaze away with a twinge of guilt as the guards arrested his former friends (though the use of “former” made his heart ache). He kept his distance, staying by the side of the kid who had landed next to him. Natasha and Vision had gone with Rhodey and T’Challa had disappeared somewhere at some point after Steve and Barnes escaped, so it just left Tony and Peter to watch everything wrap up before he checked on his friend and went after the two super soldiers.
Ross stepped out of one of the vehicles, which was oddly a fifth armored transport vehicle, even though they knew Steve and Barnes had escaped. Tony grimaced at the man, still not fond of him despite technically acting for him in this fight. They may both disagree with Steve’s actions, but that didn’t mean Tony liked the man who was arresting his friends, even if they had just fought and betrayed him.
“Ross.” He addressed the man with a terse nod.
“Stark,” he returned.
Tony noticed Peter tense slightly as Ross came closer out of the corner of his eye, taking a slight step back. He couldn’t blame the kid, the man was slimy, he wished he could keep his distance too.
“I’ll go after Rogers and Barnes as soon as I know Rhodey is fine.”
“You better. We still have that deal.”
“Yeah yeah. Everything set here? I’d like to go check up on my friend.”
Tony narrowed his eyes when Ross paused before responding, eyes scraping over the kid, who stepped further back with a sharp inhale.
“Mr. Stark-” Peter breathed, but he was cut off by Ross.
“I’m afraid not quite yet. We still have one more thing to sort out.”
“Oh?” Tony asked, stepping forward, shifting slightly in front of the kid. He wasn’t sure what Ross was referring to but the kid was clearly uncomfortable with something.
“Well, as you know the Accords are meant to be signed by every superhero, and those who don’t are breaking the law.”
Tony took in a sharp breath, realizing what Ross was implying.
“Well, there’s still quite a bit to figure out with the Accords, I’m sure we can take some time to figure that specific requirement out to align with the goals of other heroes.”
“That’s not how the law works and you know it, Tony.” Ross said, leveling Tony with a stern gaze that flicked back to the kid, which made Tony clench his fists.
“Well you’ll have to make an exception for a hero that helped bring in three others who broke the law. I’m sure you can overlook it this one time.”
“No can do, Stark. Now,” Ross said, finally turning towards the young vigilante. “Spider-Man, correct.”
Tony watched as Peter gave a sharp nod and stepped back, chest rising and falling with rapid breaths.
Shit, what did he get this kid into?
“I will give you the chance to sign the Accords now and follow our laws.”
Peter was silent for a moment, trying to think. “And if I sign them? What happens with my identity?”
“Your identity will be revealed to the world. It must be public information. Secret identities are dangerous. We can’t afford not knowing how to hold someone accountable and it is a public document. Your identity will be public information.”
“And if I don’t?” Peter asked, voice wavering in fear.
“You will be arrested.”
“But my identity?”
“Will only be known to us and those in the prison.”
Tony watched as Peter’s head shifted, looking for a way out. They were in the middle of a field, surrounded with nowhere to swing to. Tony desperately wanted to grab him and fly him far away from this slimy, weasily man who was targeting a good-hearted vigilante, a kid — not that Ross knew that, but still, he had a feeling it wouldn’t change the man’s opinion — who was just trying to help. But he knew that, now that he was on Ross’s radar, he would never be left alone again and Ross would stop at nothing to find the boy’s identity and capture him. There was no way out of this.
Tony’s heart broke when Peter’s shoulders slumped, head hanging low. He knew what the kid chose, knew how important keeping his family and friends safe was.
“I can’t sign, Mr. Secretary Ross, sir. I can’t put my people in danger.”
“Very well.” Ross waved a hand and several armed guards started approaching, guns raised.
“Mr. Stark?” Peter squeaked, fear edging back into his voice.
Tony’s heart ached as he knew there was nothing he could do to help the kid. He wracked his mind for something, anything — he was a genius after all — but he came up blank. Guilt clawing at his chest, he did the only thing he could think to offer the slightest comfort in that moment and brought the kid into a tight hug.
“Oh, this is nice.” Peter whispered, wrapping his arms around Tony in return.
“I’m so sorry, Underoos. I never should have brought you into this. I promise I’ll find a way to get you out.” he whispered in the kid’s ear. And he’d be damned if he didn’t keep his promise after getting this poor kid into this mess.
“It’s okay, Mr. Stark. You didn’t know.” He mumbled back, arms tightening around the man as he tried to hide a sniffle that had Tony’s eyes watering. God, he never should have done this. He ruined this kid’s life over a stupid squabble with his friends.
The armed men got closer and he felt Peter’s arms loosen before dropping from Tony completely, stepping away from the man. He watched hopelessly as the kid raised his hands in surrender before the men forced them behind his back and into vibranium cuffs, leading him into the back of the transport vehicle.
“I’m so sorry, ‘Roos” he whispered as the doors closed, guilt stabbing through his chest at the dejected slump of his shoulders as he was chained to the seat and the doors closed behind him with a heavy thud.
“Where are you taking him?” Tony growled as Ross climbed back into the front with an infuriatingly satisfied smirk.
“The Raft.” he said simply, shutting the door behind him.
Tony’s heart dropped.
What had he done?