Sinking low in his chair, Peter fought the overwhelming urge to flail on the ground in despair. When did his Dads sign up for the field-trip chaperone? Tony was always busy and Steve had better things to do than watch over a half dozen teenagers who could care less about new technological advances in radiation. It was bad enough that Uncle Bruce already gave a lecture to his peers earlier in the week but this was the last straw.
"Peter, aren't those your Dads?" Gwen whispered to him. On the bus seat they were able to press close together and Peter was almost able to forget his Dads were there. Honestly, what was Tony doing on a bus? He owned forty-something million dollar cars. There he was with Steve and three other chaperones (and his teacher), chatting it up like he wasn't one of the wealthiest men in the world. Steve's influence, Peter decided.
"Shh," Peter hissed but it was too late. Tony flicked his eyes back at the two at the end of the bus and waved. All the other students saw the exchange and giggled (even Flash, because he was a jerk and a weirdo like that). "I swear, his smile is like the Grinch." Peter pulled his beanie over his forehead.
"Maybe it won't be as bad as you think."
"Oh no, it'll be much worse."
Much worse turned out to be Steve having a meltdown after Peter was bitten by an irradiated spider. He tried to insist that he was just a little woozy but when the medical team hoistsed Peter onto a stretcher and wheeled him past a window, Peter startled at his own reflection. Gaunt faced and pale, Peter looked like victims of the temporary paralisis Tony invented years ago. Tony himself wouldn't stop barking orders, voice edged with so much panic Peter was surprised no one had gotten cut yet. Gwen shouted his name as he was taken into the ambulance. All Peter could think about was how ridiculous he must look to the other kids. If he didn't die the embarrassment would kill him off.
There wasn't enough room for Fathers so Steve pulled out with a quick, "I'll run there. Clear my head."
Without an objection Tony climbed in as one the medical team gave Steve quick directions. Tony brushed a hand over Peter's forehead and moved some of this sticky hair to the side. One of the staff wove around the pair to insert and IV. After the spider, the IV's bite was like cotton candy.
"You'll be fine, Pete."
"I know."
"I promise you'll be fine."
"I know Dad." There was a snarl in Peter's tone but it was mostly from the pain. "Otherwise, who'll look after you and Pops? JARVIS wouldn't be happy to go back to babysitting."
Laughing, Tony dropped his head into his hands. When he came away his eyes were misty. Peter swallowed and tried not to look at him. This was embarrassing all around.
"I love you, Pete. I don't say it enough but –"
"Crap Dad, don't go sentimental on me now."
Tony shook his head and allowed the medical team to work without interruption. Over the years Peter had gotten quite snarky from listening to both Tony and JARVIS.
Almost sixteen hours later, Peter made a complete recovery that baffled the nursing staff (aside from a purpled welt from the bite). More than just a recovery, Peter's eye sight improved and his muscle tone bulked. Tony and Steve arranged for their boy to be moved a soon as possible to Hank McCoy and away from the prying eyes of public doctors. Weeks later after discovering Peter had been sneaking out as SPIDER-MAN the two tossed him to the Young Avengers for training.