Peter had made up his mind, he didn't want to go into the system, to be sent to random foster homes with random families. He didn't want to go to some orphanage, and he knew he would lose if he asked for independence. So he didn't go anywhere near the police, knowing that if he did, they would take him away, maybe even away from Queens. No, Peter could take care of himself.

So, he lived on the street, he had no money, no food, no clothes, no bed, the only thing he could count on was drinkable water from the fountains in the parks. Everything else, was luck. Peter kept a close eye on the ground, picking up any old change people dropped. He got all he had from dustbins. Things that people with better lives than him no longer wanted.

He didn't go to school, he didn't go to the doctor, if he was ever attacked or hurt, he never went to the police, instead, he lived alone, he took care of himself, he taught himself, healed himself and defended himself. And he didn't only defend himself, he defended everyone, anybody and everyone he could.

He had made a small costume, it was red, it had some random old goggles, a hoodie, it was really bad, but it did the trick, kept his identity hidden, it helped him concentrate, and allowed him to fight. Since he had been living alone he had helped so many people, stopped so many thieves, separated guns from criminals, helped immobilize those who ran from the police, helped cats down from trees and old women cross the road, sometimes they bought him random street food for it and he felt so grateful, after all, it was the best food he got.

Peter worked hard to help everyone, except himself, he knew he was working too hard. He was severely under weight, not having access to food was a big problem in Peter's life, the fact he slept very rarely, the fact that the nights were cold and he had no blanket to cover him. It rains, Peter would be wet. Living on the street, if Peter didn't find a system, would kill the fifteen year old but... he couldn't care less, he wanted to help others, but not himself. Helping himself was not a priority.

One day, Peter was working, as Spiderman, he was on a building, watching the city from up high. The city was beautiful, and today, nothing was happening, nobody was misbehaving, which made for a quiet day for Peter, something he appreciated, cause he honestly didn't feel to well.

"So, the great Spiderman."

Peter turned quick, he saw, a man standing there, wearing a suit, looking bored, "T-Tony S-Stark?"

The man nodded, "I've seen videos of you on YouTube... but for as much as I have investigated, can't find our who you are, impressive."

Peter stood up straight, "thanks... can I help you with anything?"

Tony nodded, "so, have you by any chance got a passport?"

Peter shook his head, frowned, "and even if I did, I wouldn't let you see it... my identity."

"I want you to come to Germany with me, for a fight, world saving avenger stuff, you know?" Tony moved his hands around as if to give more context.

This was Peter's dream, his eyes glowed, "to help save the world?"

Tony frowned, "well, that may be s slight exaggeration, sorry, look, you watch the news right?"

Peter tilted his head and then shook it, "not really."

Tony raised an eyebrow but just shook his head, "basically, Captain America, he broke a criminal out of jail, he doesn't agree with the law, thinks his right, his dangerous."

Peter looked at his feet, "dangerous how?"

Tony looked away, "there are these new agreements, by United Nations, basically leaving the government in charge of superheroes, leavings the decisions to many people rather than a single person, to avoid corruption, to avoid mistakes... it's meant to help, he disagrees with it. An old friends of his caused an explosion, at United Nations, after he was arrested, Steve went and rescued him."

It wasn't perfect, but Tony didn't have time for this, and besides, this was just a kid, probably wouldn't understand anyway.

Peter nodded, "if I can maintain my identity, and you place some people protecting this city while I am gone."

The conditions were simple and fair, Tony nodded in agreement, "sure, so, what excuse will you be telling your parents?" it was meant to be a joke, pointing out Tony could tell he was s kid.

Peter looked down, "I can go now, there is nobody to tell."

Slightly surprised, "how old are you?"

Peter glared, "none of your business," he immediately regretted it, it was not like Peter to use such a tone, and much less to Iron Man, his hero.

Tony took a step back raising his hands, "sorry, your voice just sounds a little on the young side. As long as I don't hear about any kidnapping in Queens later this week," another joke and a hand gesture, "come on."

Tony handed Peter over to Happy, the private jet was impressive, Peter didn't remove his suit at all, Happy found it strange, when he ordered food for the kid he ate it really fast, so Happy ordered more, Peter continued to eat fast. Happy decided it was probably a super human thing. He didn't think too much about it.

Once in Germany in the hotel Happy informed the kid the fridge was full, informed him of the bed and the shower, the clothes he was free to use while here, seeing as he had bough none of his own, and the new suit. Once Happy was gone Peter was way excited, eating a sandwich before heading into the bathroom, checking for cameras before taking a shower, throwing on some random clothes and a mask, he went out, ate even more food, slept for an hour, ate some more, then finally slept for the rest of the night before trying on his new suit, it was soooooooo cool.

The fight went down well, Peter proved he was strong and not only that but smart, even so when he was thrown to the ground, Tony insisted he stay down. And Peter didn't feel up to arguing, much less with Iron Man.

Happy took him back to the hotel room.

"You did good kid," the man praised, "Tony was impressed,"

Peter smiled, "really?"

Happy nodded, "you must be starving, I'll prepare you some spaghetti bolognaise," Happy offered.

Peter nodded, "I'll go shower."

Happy nodded, Peter came back with some of the normal clothes and a mask on.

"So, what's up with the identity?" Happy asked as he served the pasta.

Peter took a bite, it was delicious, "oh... well... guess I just need my alone time..."

Happy nodded, "you know, I ain't going to follow you around with a camera or anything in civilian form."

Peter didn't answer.

Happy sighed, "look, Tony told me that, after this fight, I need to keep an eye on you."

Peter looked up, "why?"

"For protection, all though there was a full evacuation it wouldn't be unusual for rumours to start going around about Spiderman fighting with the avengers, and then you will become a target."

Peter looked down, "I understand."

"And, it would make my job significantly easier..."

Peter looked further down, "I don't need watching over, I can take care of myself."

Happy frowned, "I'm not going to force you kid, but like it or not, I will be keeping an eye on you, for your sake."

"I really, don't need help."

"I know, but you are the youngest superhero I have ever seen and-"

"I am not, you just don't know my age."

Happy sighed, adding more pasta to the kids plate, "you sure are hungry," changing the subject.

Peter froze, "no, I'm not..." he began to slow down.

"No need to be embarrassed, it's a normal super human thing."

"Oh, yeah, that's it..."

Happy looked at the kid, he was quiet, eating, mask on.

Happy sighed, protecting this kid may be more difficult than any other job Mr Stark had given him. But he would do his best.