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“This is nuts,” Rhodey mumbled as his eyes run over the living room of the Avenger’s compound. To say it was a mess would be an understatement. He didn’t even want to think how bad this could get if Sam, Steve and Bucky wouldn’t live here. The three military men were probably the only reason the building remained intact in Rhodey’s absence.
Still grumbling about the mess, Rhodey began picking up discarded plates and cups, pizza boxes with half eaten pieces inside. It took him a little over 10 minutes to clean up the dinner leftovers. It was an insane amount of pizza. He was frowning at the last box – Thor wasn’t on Earth, last time he checked. And sure, the super soldiers ate a lot, but c’mon this was just ridiculous, none of the, ate this much and –
Oh.
A beat up, blue backpack caught Rhodey’s attention. It sat at the foot of the couch with many pins decorating it – a small R2-D2, that owl from Harry Potter, some cringe nerd phrases like ‘Think like a proton, be positive’, mathematical formulas and a tiny Spider-Man.
Yeah.
The kid was here.
Suddenly, the twenty-three pizza boxes made sense. The kid ate a lot. More than the super soldiers. Maybe even more than Thor. But still not this much. Tony would never outright admit it, but it wasn’t just for the ‘we have plenty of super-humans to feed Rhodes, Banner alone could eat half of it’ (no he couldn’t – contrary to popular belief, Bruce did not require half the amount of food Steve would). It was only when Peter was over when the amount of food delivered was doubled. Tony was just worried. Peter moved out of her aunt’s place last year, and was currently renting a cheap apartment with Ned near campus. He refused any type of financial help Tony tried to force upon him, but he never refused food. So, naturally, the billionaire overcompensated with enough food that could feed half the city.
Rhodey gathered the leftover pizza on the kitchen island, not even attempting to throw it away – they would all go into containers so the kid could take it home.
He reassumed tidying up the rest of the living room, and as he grabbed Peter’s books from the coffee table to put it into his backpack, a small paper fell out one of his notebooks. He picked it up and was about to tuck it back into the book when he took a glance at it. Then, his brain went blank.
It wasn’t a note.
It was a photo.
An ultrasound photo.
An ultrasound photo of a baby.
He gaped at it, heartbeat picking up a dangerous pace.
Holy shit.
Peter and MJ have been together for 2 years now. Rhodey had met the girl a couple of times and he could see they were a great fit for each other. She even knew about – and fully accepted – the whole Spider-Man thing. She was also confident, smart and young. Way too young for this, and so is Peter. Oh God they are not even 20, still in college and they both live in dorms and none of them has a stable job–
Rhodey was up on his feet before he realized, clutching the photo in his hand as he strode towards Tony’s bedroom. Pepper was away on a business trip, so Rhodey just marched in, only coming to a stop when he reached the bed, with a deeply asleep Tony Stark in it.
“Wake up grandpa,” he shook Tony awake.
“Why are you in my bedroom?” He grumbled in a rough, sleepy voice.
“We’ve got a situation. A very serious one.” Rhodey handed the photo to Tony, who squinted at it in the dark. “FRIDAY, lights please,” the ceiling lamp flickered on, making Tony groan.
“The hell is going on with you this early–”
“Just look at it!”
With a grunt, Tony finally looked at the photo. He frowned, confused, then his face slowly morphed into a shocked expression. Finally, he stared up at Rhodey, all wide eyes.
“What- Rhodes are you…? You goin’ to be a father?”
“What?! No! Not me. Your boy.”
“What?” Tony asked, face going blank. “What do you mean my boy?”
“Are you drunk or something?”
That made Tony scoff and he finally sat up properly.
“It’s fucking five in the morning, I slept no more than two hours before you barged in here–”
“I meant Peter, Tony! Peter! Peter Parker!” Rhodey could feel a headache coming in hot. “You know, the young spiderling you took under your wings a few years ago? That very one?”
Tony blinked at him, then at the photo still in his hand, then once again back at Rhodey. They stared at each other for a long moment before Tony’s brain finally caught up.
“What?!” Tony jumped out of bed, almost tripping over as his legs got tangled in the sheets. “What do you mean it’s Peter’s?!”
“It fell out of his book.”
“Okay, okay,” Tony sounded a little breathless as he began pacing in the room. “Jesus, what the fuck are we gonna do? What the fuck is he gonna do? He’s just a kid himself!”
“Tony? Is everything alright?” Steve appeared in the doorway, looking at his friend worriedly. “We heard yelling.”
“Rogers! What are we gonna do?” Tony was suddenly in front of Steve, gripping his shoulders.
“Uh…” Steve casted a confused glance at Rhodey, but before he could give any explanation, Tony continued.
“I’m so not ready for a child. A baby. Oh my God.”
“A baby?” Sam appeared behind Steve in sweaty clothes, the two of them clearly just coming home from their morning jog.
“Is Pepper pregnant?” Steve’s eyes widened for a second, then with a fond expression, “That’s great, congrats Tony!”
“What? No! No, no, God no. I’m so not ready for that.”
“Then who’s pregnant?” Sam asked with a frown.
“MJ” Rhodey answered with a deep sigh.
“Peter’s girlfriend?”
“The very one.”
“Aren’t they–”
“Way too young for this? Yep,” Tony popped the ‘p’, then let go of Steve’s shirt and continued his pacing. “They just started college, they can’t drop out. MJ is way too smart for that. I mean sure, she’s responsible and though, but she’s still too young! And Peter- oh my God, Peter! His life is already a mess, how is he going to deal with fatherhood too?” The three men silently watched as Tony’s face got paler with every word he’d said. He finally came to a stop and collapsed on his bed, mumbling into his palms.
“When did he tell you about it?” Sam asked.
“He didn’t. Not yet, at least.” Rhodey handed him the ultrasound photo. “But I found this in one of his books.”
“Well, shit.” Sam mumbled as he handed it over to Steve.
“So what happens now? Are they going to get married?”
“This isn’t the 40s anymore Rogers!” Tony yelled. “They are too young for marriage!”
“They’re too young for a baby too, and yet…” muttered Sam.
“Hey, what’s going on?” A fifth voice joined the conversation, and all eyes flew to Bucky standing near the doorway, holding a sleepy Alpine in his hands.
“Peter’s going to be a father,” Steve held up the photo for Bucky to see.
“The kid is having a kid?” He stepped into the room to inspect the photo up closer. Alpine jumped out if his hands to go and rub up at Tony’s legs, purring.
“I don’t want you in my room,” he grumbled but still bent down to pet his head. Alpine’s purring intensified at the attention.
“So what now? Stark’s going to buy them a whole ass house and start up a trust fund for the baby?” At Bucky’s question, everybody looked toward Tony.
‘Not a bad idea’ Tony thought, his mind already deep in planning. First, he would have FRIDAY look up doctors and private clinics for MJ – they should get the best service no matter what. Then, he’d look into houses and apartments – somewhere safe and in a nice neighbourhood, but not too far from campus. Right, he’d also have to speak with the board at ESU about MJ’s studies. He’d have Pepper set up the trust fund. Oh, he also needed to look up kindergartens. And spoke with the Bartons. They have three children, they should know what else needs to be taken care of–
“I think I see smoke coming from his ears” Sam whispered to Rhodey as they watched Tony lost in his thoughts.
“Okay, I think that’s enough for now Tones.” Rhodey stepped up to his friend, squeezing his shoulder to get Tony’s attention. “We should speak with Peter first. He’s probably freaked out too, so we should remind him that we’re here for him. For them. Okay?”
“Yeah, okay,” Tony breathed, and once he’d collected himself, he stood with determination in his eyes. “Let’s call the others and we’ll go over it over breakfast.”
* * *
Peter awoke slowly and well rested. He always did when he stayed over at the Avengers’ Compound. His room in the Tower had complete soundproofing that blocked out all the sounds of the city. No sirens, no car horns, no shouting neighbours. Nothing. Just the blissful quiet that let him sleep through the whole night.
He’d have enjoy sleeping in a few more hours if it wasn’t for his rumbling stomach. He didn’t mind it thou. Another big benefit of the Tower was the food. He could eat all he wanted and there was always such a big variety of food. He really hoped Sam made his God-tier waffles for breakfast.
With that hopeful thought in mind, Peter jumped out of the bed and made his way towards the kitchen. Most of the Avengers were early risers – with the exception of Mr. Stark who usually went to bed when others woke – but they hardly ever ate breakfast together since everyone had their own schedule and daily routine. So Peter was very surprised when he found most of them scattered around in the kitchen. Even Mr. Stark.
“Uh good morning? Did someone die?” Peter tried – and failed – to dissolve the tension in the air. Everyone was looking way to serious for a Sunday morning and to be honest – he felt small under the scrutinizing gaze of the Avengers.
“Take a sit, son,” Steve said, sitting at the dining table with his arms crossed.
“Okay,” Peter sat, tense and stiff. He casted a glance over the room, quickly scanning all of the men. Steve was sitting directly in front of him across the table, looking more serious then Peter’s ever seen. Bucky was sitting next to him, a steaming cup of tea in front of him with Alpine in his lap. He seemed to be the least intense in the room, not even looking at Peter just softly petting his cat. Sam was sitting on a barstool, slowly sipping coffee, watching Peter over the mug’s brim. Doctor Banner stood next to Sam, avoiding looking at him – but while Bucky seemed a bit careless in doing so, Doctor Banner was radiating anxiousness. In front of him was a tablet propped up facing Peter and Clint Barton was looking at him from the screen. He was sitting in his own kitchen, and Peter’s mind was running a mile per hour thinking what must had gone wrong to even he was called up on his day off.
Rhodey was here too. He was leaning to the fridge with his shoulder, holding his War Machine mug. His eyes were on Peter, but every once in a while he casted a quick glance towards Mr. Stark.
Mr. Stark was… well… he was leaning on the kitchen counter, eyes strictly focused on his streaming cup of coffee. Peter could tell he was trying to appear nonchalant but his posture was tense and he was gripping his mug so hard his fingertips were white.
What the hell had happed?
“So, Peter,” Steve started, drawing Peter’s attention back to him. “How’s everything going? School, work? All is well?”
“Uhm, yes…” Peter shrugged, a little uncertain. “Everything is okay.”
“And MJ? She’s good?” Asked Sam.
“Yeah?” Peter’s confusion was growing second by second. He’d never felt this lost in his entire life. “She’s doing great, a little stressed for an upcoming presentation but that’s all. Nothing she can’t handle.”
“That’s good,” nodded Sam, taking a sip from his coffee.
The silence that followed was so thick Peter could practically see it.
“Uhm, is everything alright?” He asked, casting a quick glance over each men in the room. “I don’t understand what’s going on here–”
“Just asking,” Rhodey interrupted. “You know, checking in. Balancing between university, work and being a superhero must be quite a challenge. And on top of it you need to manage your family life too. ”
“I mean, yeah but I’ve managed it okay for many years now.” Peter was so confused.
“Yeah you did kid. But you know, there are times when a person’s life… suddenly takes a big turn.”
“Okaaayy,” he frowned when a sudden thought came to Peter.
Oh my God. He was getting kicked out of the Avengers!
Technically, he wasn’t really part of them. Like not officially. But still. He could call them anytime he felt like it. Or they called him when they needed help.
Shoot.
What did he do?!
He was going through all the possible reasons that could have made them angry, but he couldn’t think of any.
Steve opened his mouth to speak and Peter braced for the worst.
Here comes the part where they’ll be like ‘Son, you aren’t a high schooler anymore. You’ve grown up. So, it’s time for you to go on your merry way and manage your own stuff. You’re a superhero. You need to handle it on your own. We’re thankful for the last couple of years. Now, bye.’
Before Steve could say anything, Peter turned towards Tony. With frightened, yet hopeful eyes asked, “Mr. Stark?”
With a sigh, Tony set his mug down on the kitchen counter. “Listen Peter.” Oh God. No. Mr. Stark wasn’t coming to the rescue. It really was happening. “Believe me, this isn’t easy to any of us” Oh no, no, no! They were kicking him out! “We know you since you were a kid- God, you still are just a kid -” Oh man, this gonna hurt. Should he beg? Would he go that low? “-and none of are good at this, only maybe Barton–”
“Hey!” said man interjected.
“–but we all agree on one thing.” Yes. Yes, he would. He’d beg on his knees if he must. “We’re going to try our best to help you through all the hardships of parenthood.”
…
What?
“What?”
“It’s okay Peter. We know. And there’s nothing you need to worry about. We’ll support you no matter what.” Steve smiled at him, the previous heavy seriousness now completely gone.
“It won’t be easy,” came Clint’s voice from the video call. “But being a father is the greatest gift you could ever experience.”
Peter’s brain short-circuited. What the hell were they talking about?
Before anyone could continue, Peter held up his hand with a frown.
“Okay, wait.” He shook his head, then looked at each man in the room. Was this a prank? “I have no idea what you guys are talking about. Who’s going to be a father?”
The answer came in unison.
“You.”
Peter blinked.
“Me.”
He looked at Tony, an awkward smile on his face. “This is a really lame prank, Mr. Stark.”
Now, it was time for the men in the room to look confused.
“Look, Peter,” Tony started, a little uncertain. “I guess this isn’t how you wanted to tell us, but it’s alright. No need to keep it a secret from us.”
“But I’m not–”
“Son, we know MJ is pregnant. You two are going to be great parents. No need to stress.” Steve stood and came to stand next to Peter, patting his shoulder while looking down at him with a smile. “Congratulations.”
“Now hold on,” Peter stood from his chair, taking a step back from Steve. A nervous laugh escaped him. “What are you– Why would MJ be pregnant?!”
“Oh kid, I know our education system ain’t the best, but surely you know that when a man and a woman love each other–”
“No! God, please don’t!” Peter yelled, horrified with the idea of getting the birds and bees talk with the fricking Winter Soldier. “Why do you think MJ is pregnant?”
“I found this in your book,” Rhodey handed him a picture.
An ultrasound picture.
Peter frowned, not recognizing it at first, but then it hit him in the head. And he laughed.
The men in the room were looking at him confused.
What was so funny about it?
Misinterpreting the genuine laughter as a nervous one, Steve began, “Peter, I know this must be a lot–”
“Wait, wait, wait,” the boy shook his hands, trying to suppress the laughing. “I appreciate the crisis council but this,” he waved the photo in question, “isn’t mine.”
“It isn’t?” Bruce asked, speaking for the first time since this whole meeting began.
“No. It’s Jessica’s” at the flat stares he received, he clarified, “My neighbour’s. Who’s son I tutor. She’s pregnant and showed me the picture last Monday. I must have accidentally grabbed it with my stuff.”
His words were followed by silence.
“I appreciate your support, really I do, but we’re definitely not ready for that. And you know, we uh… we use, uhm, protection” his voice faded as he cringed at his own words.
“So… there’s no baby?” Tony finally asked.
“No. I mean, there is, but it’s not mine.”
“Are you sure?”
“100%” said Peter with a roll of his eyes.
There was a beat of a silence before Clint spoke up.
“Well, thank God this talk happened before Tony could order a whole store of baby products.”
“Yeah…” Tony cleared his throat. “FRIDAY, cancel all shipmen orders.” His words were followed by laughter.
The kitchen slowly began to empty, everybody going on with their day.
“Sorry for the misunderstanding,” Rhodey patted Peter’s shoulder with an apologetic smile.
“It’s alright. It’s good to know I’ve got this much support from you guys.”
“Of course Peter. You’re one of us. But for Tony’s sanity, don’t make him a grandpa just yet” he winked as he left, leaving Peter and Tony alone.
“Not gonna lie, I’m glad it turned out this way,” Tony sighed. “You are still young. Barely just out of high school.”
“I know. Neither of us is ready to start a family. And to be honest, I think MJ wants to conquer the world before motherhood,” Peter chuckled, thinking about his girlfriend’s many ambitious future plans.
“Oh I bet she does,” Tony smiled, draping his arm over Peter’s shoulder as the two began walking out. “But for the record,” started Tony quietly, “if it ever does happen, we’ll be with you.“
Peter smiled, “I know.”