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Tony rubbed his temples, a migraine forming as he swipped through the mass amounts of information being poured in at once. Accords being fixed, Rouges are pardoned, Peter getting shot.. Wait.
Tony then flicked to the notification given by Peters AI, Karen. He still never understood why the super intelligence that he made for the kid was named Karen . He remembers Peter mentioning something about SpongeBob SquarePants, whatever.
"FRIDAY, get me the kids location." Tony called as his suit materialised around him. He left the tower immediately, following Peter to his location.
Upon arriving he saw a crumpled up shape on an abandoned building, red and blue flashed as he got closer. He landed graciously, walking over 'till he was hovering over the kid. His helmet retracted and he lowered himself to squat down. Blood drizzled out of a open hole on peters left shoulder, a steady flow.
"You know, when I said 'take the hit' I didn't mean it literally." Tony whistled out a sarcastic sentence starter, knitting his eyebrows as he waited for a reponse.
The sound of Peter sucking in a breath filled the silence. "Haha, very funny. I just.. forgot to dodge?" Peter replied, which then earned him a raised eyebrow from Tony.
"I'm kinda tired.." Peter added.
"Yeah? That's from the bloodloss, Pete." Tony sighed. "C'mon, up you go. I'm gonna have to carry you like a baby. I'll give you a bottle too if that helps complete the look."
Peter scoffed but allowed Tony to maneuver them both up. He let out small winces as he was put into a fetal position, his neck and underside of his knees being held up by strong titanium.
The fly back was short and silent. Peter opting to stay quiet, Tony guessed it was because of the pain. He was no amateur to gun-shot wounds, they hurt like a bit-.. like hell. He knew Peter was a teenager but still he watched his language around the kid and maybe it's even gotten to him mentally. Pepper laughed at him the first time he said 'heck' instead of 'fuck'. God it was embarrassing.
They arrived at the tower after a few minutes, Peters mask being ripped off right as they we're behind closed doors. Tony immediately made his way to medbay and saw a exasperated Helen Cho waiting with a bed prepped and ready. She wasn't new to Peters injuries either. It was actually uncommon that Peter got hurt like this, he was a great fighter (Tony never actually figured out why) and his senses were off the charts. Especially that 6th sense of his, Tony and May call it the Peter-tingle since it makes the kid all flustered and mad.
Peter was commonly in here more for issues related to his senses and metabolism. Helen had explained to them that Peters metabolism was just about the same as Steve's. It didn't make sense how a radioactive spider had the same effects of the super serum but it was never questioned. Anyways, OSCORP got rid of all the spiders and deleted the data. Nothing to go off of. So there were times where he had collapsed due to not eating enough. Everytime the kid tried to explain how he forgot and he didn't think he would pass out. Rinse and repeat with this kid.
Tony layed Peter onto the bed, Helen immediately checking out the wound. The suit was quickly pulled down to the kids waist to get a better look. She poked and prodded, then finally leaned back.
"Bullets lodged in nice and tight. We're gonna have to pump him with Cap's meds, and do the procedure quickly." Helen concluded quickly. Tony's mind went blank for a moment thinking about Steve, he had completely forgotten about there recent un-imprisonment. Ross has been trying to get a hold of Tony, the man simply ignoring all the calls. They still made Steve's medication for Peter since it was the only thing that worked on the poor kid.
"I'll get the medicine, stay with him and hold the rag down as hard as you can. The bleeding isn't strong but let's try to keep as much blood as we can inside of him." Helen then added, which Tony hastily nodded too and pushed down onto Peters shoulder.
The sound of Peters wheezing breaths filled the room as the doctor prepped the syringe full of medicine as well as many other tools.
"Looks like you lost a fight with a blender." Tony quipped in. Peter then gave him a glare and he surrended. "Right, sorry, not the time for jokes. I don't want an angry teenager on my back, heard they're grumpy and mean."
That put a smile on Peters face as Helen came back with her supplies prepared and ready. "Alright, we're gonna load you up with Cap's meds and then as fast and possible get the bullet out and close the wound. Okay?"
Peter gave her a weak nod and they got to work. The procedure was quick and easy, get the bullet out, stitch up the wound, and cover it with gauze. Peter had held onto Tonys hand the whole time, his eyes we're far away. The older man had guessed it was the meds doing its work.
"All done. Now, I don't want you doing anything tomorrow," Peter began to open his mouth to protest. "Absolutely zero Spider-Manning and I don't want you going to school tomorrow."
"-But I have this project!-"
"Uh-uh! I want you eating and sleeping. We don't need your stitches opening because you decided to play catch in gym class." Helen then concluded, clicking the pen as she started writing off on medical forms. "I know you're healing is fast which is why you'll come right here after breakfast tomorrow and we'll see how it looks."
She spun to the same cabient Tony went to before and pulled out a bottle of pills. "You know the drill, take every 4 to 6 hours. If you feel any pain before the 4 hour mark hits I want you in medbay right away. Also have something to eat before taking a pill, treat it like you would advil."
Tony took the bottle, tapping Peter on the head with it before sliding it into his pocket. "Thanks, Helen! Owe you one." She gave him a small smile and returned back to her desk. Tony then turned to Peter "You ready, underoos? I'll text aunt-hottie that you're staying here tonight."
"Yes, I'm ready.. And stop calling her that, ew!"
The elevator ride was quiet as Peter leaned onto Tony. He felt faint as they flew up the floors in seconds. They arrived at the penthouse and stepped out.
"You want a snack? You and your freaky metabolism could use it." Tony peered at Peter who was tucked into his side. He saw the silent shake of the boys head and only nodded in return.
Before either of them could move a exasperated Pepper stepped into the room. They could all tell she had just woken up. Her outfit consisted of ironman pajama pants (that we're probably a gag gift from Tony), and a faded black sabbath graphic t-shirt (that was definitely Tony's). Her hair is slicked back into a smooth braid, laying nicely on her shoulder. She looked at Tony, her face beating with so many emotions he didn't know wether to apologize or defend himself.
"And where have you been, Tony?" She questioned and then her gaze fell to Tony. "Oh, Peter. I thought you weren't here on Thursday nights.. or now Friday mornings. What happened?"
"Funny story-" Peter started before getting interrupted by Tony.
"He was Spider-Manning at 2am on a school night , got some led in him, and now gets a free pass to stay home tomorrow." Tony finished. Peter squirmed as he tried to hide himself under Tonys arm.
Pepper stood there for a moment before her expression softened as she walked over to Peter, promptly taking him away from Tony. She started attempting to fix the messy curls before Peter pushed her hands away jokingly. "Stay still, your hair is a mess."
Tony watched the two interact like a movie, each movement sinking into his bones and sloshing around in his gut. Tears burned the back of his eyes as the scene around him soaked in. He never expected to be any type of father figure, having a kid with Pepper. He knows that Pepper always wanted a kid but with Ironman and the constant new threats being pushed around the world it wasn't a possibility at the time, until Peter swung into there lives.
He originally wanted Peter to join Civil War to surprise Steve with a random kid that's spry and energetic. Has no clue what's truly happening and just wants to fight with his childhood heroes. Upon seeing the footage from Peters suit he watched as Steve tried to explain to the kid what was truly happening, not just what Tony told him to ignore from them. Guilt had swirled in his glass of whiskey that night, nursing the friendships lost.
They never talked about Germany or the Rouges. He knew Peter was aware of Siberia but it was never discussed, not a peep about the Rouges. Tony was some-what grateful for that, he still didn't know if he wanted to dive deep into the feeling of something his own father created slicing into the only thing keeping him alive.
He stared as Pepper fussed over Peter, like a mother would . Asking him if he was getting enough sleep, eating enough, and if his grades are good. He reassured her he was okay and had medicine in him, gaining a warm and inviting hug from her.
"How about I make you tea? We'll all go to sleep after, god forbid some of us need it." Pepper gave Tony a look and he simply shrugged, going over to the counter and slumping on a stool. Peter joined him and watched as Pepper made her herbal green tea. Family recipe she had explained and both boys loved it.
The clock now read 3:16am and Peter grinned. "It's 3am! That means it's the spooky hour, maybe we could summon a ghost or something."
"Yeah I think we already have a ghost in the house, my clothes keep going missing." Tony poked a suspicious glance at Pepper and then one at Peter.
"Well, I just think your MIT sweatshirt is very comfortable." Peter quipped back.
"Do you know how much throw up is probably soaked into that sweatshirt?"
"Gives it character, Mr. Stark."
Tony rolled his eyes.
Peter grinned back at him.
"Boys, tea's ready." Pepper finally spoke, three mugs being displayed. Spider-man, Ironman, and a simple Stark Industries logo. Peter leaped first and grabbed the Ironman mug, Tony taking the Spider-man one. Pepper let out a chuckle as she grabbed the last one, taking a small sip.
Peter sniffled it wearily then took a sip as well. He's always been cautious about food and drinks ever since Tony accidently put peppermint in hot chocolate and had to take an emergency trip to medbay. He felt horrible so he made Peter another 20 different webshooter options, made him the best spaghetti Imaginable, and took him to get ice cream. He smiled warmly at the thoughts of Peter ordering a large sundae and only letting Tony have 3 bites out of the whole thing. Not a single scoop of ice cream was left in that bowl, the workers were horrified to say the least. 'What can I say? He's a growing boy.' Tony had said.
"'s good! Thanks, Pepper!" Peter beamed, drinking slowly.
The night went on smoothly, Pepper promised to wake him up at 6:30am for his medication due to her early work schedule. Tony guided the boy to his room, letting him change, and helping to get into his bed. "Now, you heard the doctor. If you start to feel pain before Pep comes to give you your medicine I want you to either get me or go down to medbay. Either way I'll know so don't think you can slip through the cracks."
"I know!" Peter exaggerated the 'o' as he layed on his right side. The cover were tucked to his chin as he held onto a small baby blanket. It had Ironman flying with the words 'I will save you!' in bold red and gold letters. It was worn and probably needed a wash but it was Peters baby blanket and he was sure the kid would rather die then wash it.
"Does the blanket make your dreams better, hm? Maybe I should try it."
Peter gave him a worried look.
"Kidding, Pete. I'm fine."
Peter gave him a suspicious look but dropped it as Tony pushed some curls out of his face.
"Night, kid. Maybe if Helen says it looks better we can do some tinkering in the lab." Tony proposed, earning a nod and grin from the boy. He looked exhausted.
Tony then moved to the door, slipping through and closing it slowly like you would a little kid. Even though Peter was 16 now he was still a 14 year old swinging around in his PJ's to the man.
Tony let out an exhausted sigh and walked over to his and Pepper's shared bedroom. She was laying up right, deep in thought. She was roused as Tony stepped in and gave him a worried look.
"Tony, Ross tells me you keep ignoring his messages and calls." Pepper spoke up, breaking the uneasy silence. "You have to say something! The Rouges are being pardoned, Tony. Steve will be back and you'll have to see him eventually."
A shield as sharp as ice was being stabbed into his heart as he swallowed down the saliva pooling in his mouth. The feeling of The Winter Soldiers metal claws being pierced into his heart as he screamed right in Tonys face. Spit flying wildly. The sight of the man breaking his father’s skull with only a few punches before suffocating his mother in the safety of her own car. Sitting next to her husband whom was bleeding out onto the steering wheel.
"I know you don't want to see him or.. Barnes, but-" Pepper stopped herself for a moment, staring deeply into her boyfriend’s eyes. Unfocused, somewhere else. "We'll talk about this tomorrow."
Tony took in a few shallow breaths before nodding and going to change into nighttime clothes.
Peter waddled into the kitchen, medicine already swimming through his body as he spotted Tony swiping through a starkpad. The kid had a blanket wrapped around his shoulders as he sat down but it quickly dropped and layed on the seat. A steaming mug of coffee sat with him as he aimlessly tapped. Peter slowly sat next to him, snatching the mug of coffee and taking a gulp.
Tony gave him a side-eyed glance and took the mug back. "I can't believe you just took a gulp of plain black coffee. Aren't kids your age supposed to love iced coffee with twenty pumps of something something?"
Peter stuck his tongue out and started scrolling through his phone. Tony looked over and noticed the mountain of texts from Peters friends. Mostly from Ned. Peter was frantically typing a reassuring message.
webhead: Heyy sorry I kinda got shot but I'm ok now I'm at the tower :))
guy in the chair: SHIT okay I'm glad your good!! But something CRAZY happened..
webhead: wait what happened???
guy in the chair: ok uhm
guy in the chair: the rouges or whatever got pardoned??? Are they gonna live with mr stark again??? Omg will u meet them?!?!
webhead: wait
webhead: HUH
Peter looked from the corner of his eye to Tony who was not so subtly looking at his phone. He turned back and continued typing.
webhead: first im hearing abt this..
webhead: ill talk to mr stark
guy in the chair: kk! lmk if were still on for sunday tho cus im dying to build this thing
webhead:👍!! I should be okay to have plans
guy in the chair: YAY okay! gotta go!! cya pete
webhead: byeeee nedddddd
Peter closed his phone, refusing to meet Tony's eyes. The tension was thick was the man took a small sip from his mug, placing it down on the counter with a small clink.
"You knew, yeah?" Peter finally asked, finally looking up to meet the mand eyes. The spiders eyes were filled with worried, for Tony specifically. He never understood why Peter stuck with him even after learning about what the accords actually stood for, it confused him. He appreciated it nonetheless, he loved the kid and he knew the kid loved him as well
"Kind of- it's-.." Tony stopped, taking a moment to breath before continuing. "I kind of know.. Rhodey has been working to get them pardoned which you knew about. Ross has been trying to get ahold of me but I haven't been answering. I know that he probably wants them to move back in here, become the Avengers again."
There was a long pause, bambi eyes full of worry stared into dull ones.
"You live here too, y'know. What do you think?"
Peter just shook his head. "It's what you want. I don't mind either way."
"Kid, I don't know what I want, and I'm sure Rogers will bring Barnes along with him I just-.." Tony bit his lip. "With Barnes its very-"
"Complicated." Peter finished for him.
"Yeah, complicated."
Silence once again.
"Can I make us pancakes? I'm hungry." Peter asked, tension breaking instantly at the carefree words.
"Jeez, kid, I'm the adult shouldn't I be making them?" Tony poked fun, taking another sip of coffee.
Peter rolled his eyes. "You'll probably just burn the kitchen down, I'll do it."
A comforting silence followed, Tony replying to random work emails and Peter mixing the batter. Tony and Peter have always been able to get into a simple rhythm with one another, being in the same room but not needing to say anything. Small glances we're hours of conversation, and small comforting touches were much more appreciated then either of them let on.
When Peter first met Bruce and Vision, the doctor had asked if Peter was Tony's biological child. Vision had helpfully added that they were biologically related but just as quickly unhelpfully added they were so similar they could pass as father and son. Peter completely forgot how to function for a second.
"Hey everyone." Tony jumped as Bruce slipped into the seat next to him. "Smells good, Pete."
"Thanks! Do you want some?"
"Sure."
The day went as usual, Peter checked in with medbay and they said the wound was all good, nothing to worry about. Basically healed at this rate but no Spider-manning until monday after school. Tony emphasized the after school part heavily, claiming he didn't want Peter to skip like he did in his one year of high school.
They worked in the lab and layed around doing absolutely nothing. Peter had looked over his shoulder and saw the accords being pulled up over and over again and Ross' contact glowing on the screen. He didn't say anything but god did he want to know. The clock struck 3:15 and his phone dinged about 3 times in a matter of seconds. He rolled his eyes affectionately and clicked it on silent for now. Definitely Ned texting. His webshooters we're currently being disassembled for the billionth time.
"Hey, Peter?" Tonys voice rang out and Peter snapped his head up. He clicked one last piece out of the shooter and titled his head like saying what ? "Well, I talked with Ross and.. Steve."
Peter perked at that. He went to Bruce's lab for a little bit to hangout with him, maybe thats when Tony called them.
"There is a chance they'll come back." Tony paused, looking at Peters face for anything to go off of. The kid had no expression as he spoke. "What do you think, kid?"
"Well," Peter fiddled with his thumbs. "I don't mind as long as they arent assholes to you or something.."
Tony nodded.
"They'll be on house arrest for awhile here, though. So you'll see them plently. That okay with you?"
"Yeah, I've always wanted to meet Black Widow. She's MJ's favorite, Mays too." Peter nodded enthusiastically. Sometimes Tony forgot that his- the kid was a major Avengers fan. Of course the kid would want to meet them.
"Alright, Ross wants them here next week." Peter could only nod in response, going to put the pieces back together again.
"Are you really taking those apart again?" Tony asked, exasperated. His eyebrows were cocked in suspicion as he looked at Peter.
"..uhh," Peter gave Tony a sheepish grin. "Maybe?"
The week went by faster than ever and Peter happily wobbled on his feet as the elevator went up. It was the weekend which meant he got to be with Tony up until monday (and whenever he swung by for a little during patrol).
The elevator doors opened and he almost choked as he saw almost all of the Rouges sitting on the couch. There heads snapped up to the direction of the elevator, giving Peter strange looks as he walked out. The kid slipped his shoes off and gave everyone a small wave.
"Uh, hi!" Peter awkwardly started. "I'm Peter, and uh I know all of you.. already.."
He licked his lips nervously before Steve spoke up. "Hello, son, Tony told us someone else lives here but.."
"We definitely didn't expect a teenager." Sam finished for him. "No offense, by the way."
"Oh! None taken." Peter shrugged, deciding that the conversation was finished and moved to the kitchen. He riffled through the cabinets before taking out a specialised protein bar. Tony had explained how it was made for Steve and it tasted awful, a day later it was chocolate and caramel flavored just for Peter.
"Uh, do you know where Mr. Stark is?" Peter asked, taking a bite out of the sweet gooey bar.
"Meeting." Natasha spoke from her spot on the couch. A book rested on her lap, she slipped the bookmark in and closed it.
"Oh, wow! It's nice to meet you Ms. Romanoff." Peter beamed, taking another bite of the bar. "If it wouldn't be a bother I would love to see your widow bites some time. I had a few ideas about them.."
Natasha tilted her head ever so slightly, analyzing Peter. Her eyes scanned him, picking up on every detail. Peter chuckled nervously under her gaze before she responded. "Sure, you can have a look."
Peter made a little whoop sound before sitting at the counter.
"Well, I have some homework to do. I would go in the lab but I'm mad at Dum-E. Can I stay here?" The, I'm gonna stay here no matter what you say , was left unsaid.
A silence filted through the room afterwards besides the TV playing a the news. The sound of Peter scribbling in answers with a chewed pencil and typing on his computer was combined with it.
About an hour later the elevator door opened to reveal an exasperated Tony. His eyes flicked to each occupant before landing on Peter and beelining for him. He immediately ruffled the kids hair, earning a playful swat on the hand and glare.
"Sorry, didn't mean to ruffle your angsty teenage feathers." Tony laughed.
"That doesn't even make sense!" Peter quipped back, a banter immediately taking place.
Everyone watched, there conversation flowing freely as Tony asked Peter about his day, how his quiz went, complimenting his homework.
"Holy shit, is he your son?!" Clint gasped, gawking at him. "I mean I have a secret family but—“
"Clint they're not—gosh..” Natasha let out an exasperated sigh. Before anyone could say anything more Tony and Peter started laughing hysterically, amplifying the giggles when Tony let out a snort.
"H-Hey dad—can you play catch with me?" Peter laughed, accidentally mirroring Tonys snort from before which caused the older man to loose his shit again.
"See, now you started something." Steve groaned.