Author's Note: Holy schnikes. Fourteen reviews. *insert happy robot dance* And the chapters will just keep on coming. Also, for PhoenixGirl, I love your reviews, so no worries, m'kay? Awesomesauceness. So on with the glorious chapter, then. This chapter features *drumroll* THE FLU! Make sure to stay healthy during flu season, folks!

Also, as a side note, Ninja Rings are plastic rings with ninja faces on them. Popular with kids, especially boys.

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Chapter Three

5 Months Post-Adoption

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It all started with the sniffles. It was the middle of September, so Steve and Tony weren't worried. It could easily mean that Peter had allergies to pollen or pet dander (from his three month old kitten, Snugglemuffin).

But then the cough started: a dry, rasping cough that couldn't be helped with water or tea or suckers (occasionally cough drops). Tony and Steve became inquisitive then. It wasn't until Peter developed a 102.5 degree fever that they came to their final conclusion.

"He has to have the flu," Tony said. "I mean, look at him. The mucous is so bad he can hardly swallow food anymore."

Steve looked down at Peter, who was sleeping on the couch in the living room. The coffee table was stocked with flu essentials: bottles of water and Kleenex and some cough drops. There was also a pile of books and Peter's drawing pad and the TV remote. The small boy was even paler than usual, and the tip of his nose was red. Blankie was wrapped around him.

"But it isn't even flu season!" Steve proclaimed. "Poor baby. What're we supposed to do for food?"

It ended up being Darcy who saved the day. She waddled out of the elevator (she was at that time nearly eight months pregnant and very much showing) carrying a thermos and two Tupperware containers, along with a box of Saltines.

"Broth and crackers for little Peter. It really helps with Loki and Bruce when they're sick, so I thought you might wanna try it." Darcy set everything down on the kitchen counter and took a deep breath. "Man, my stomach just keeps on growing."

"And how is little Chloe doing today?" Steve asked.

"She's wearing out her Mommy, that's for sure. We're gonna have to put her in soccer or something, with the way she kicks my bladder." Darcy gave both men a hug. "Call me when Peter's feeling better, okay? Loki hasn't smiled in days. We're getting worried." And with that said, she left.

"Daddy," Peter called out softly when he woke up. After a violent set of coughing, he tried again. "Daddy? Papa?"

Steve was the first to react, walking over to kneel beside Peter. "Hey baby! How're you feeling?"

"Ma fwoat hurts, Papa." Peter coughed again. "Kiss an make aw better?"

"I'm sorry, baby, this really isn't one of those situations." Steve kissed the baby's forehead as Tony walked in with a sippy cup of warm brother and a bowl of crackers. "Oh look, there's Daddy."

"Hello little bird," Tony said. "Auntie Darcy brought you some broth. You wanna try some?"

Peter happily accepted the cup and snuggled back against the cozy pillows. "Daddy, can I watch Bwave pwease?"

And so, Brave was put on, and Peter snuggled between the two men, drinking his broth and occasionally nibbling on one of the crackers.

"Papa, Daddy... I don't wanna be sick no moh," Peter mumbled against his pillow.

"Why don't you just close your eyes and try to get some more sleep, okay honey?" Steve said.

Peter drifted off in a flu-induced haze not long after, dreaming of Snugglemuffin, Blankie, and his very best friend Loki.

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About a week later, Peter came home from the Banners with a Ninja Ring on his ring finger. Loki had a matching one on his. But the story behind these Ninja Rings was what most interested Tony and Steve.

"So Loki an I gots mawwied," Peter announced at dinner that night. "See? We gots wings an evewything! Maffew wah da pwiest."

Tony stopped eating, his spoon halfway between his bowl of soup and his mouth. "Oh, really? And why did you decide to marry Loki, baby boy? Why not Tasia? Or Markus?"

Peter smiled. "Loki is ma best fwiend, Daddy. I loves him. Duh. Besides, girws awe gwoss. An Mawk is a dweeb."

"You shouldn't call Markus a dweeb, baby," Steve replied, wiping the little boy's chin. "But congratulations on your marriage to Loki, although I do wish you had invited us to the wedding."

"No pawents awwowed, Papa." Peter said matter-of-factly. "We 'woped."

Tony coughed, splattering soup everywhere. "Did you just say you eloped?!" he asked.

"Uh-huh," the boy responded.

"Our baby, the hipster-genius," Tony grinned at his boyfriend and their son. "I hope that will to learn new things lasts through your teenage years, young man. Your Papa and I both want you to go to college one day."

Peter nodded. "Of couwse, Daddy. Cowwege is impowtant!"

Tony's phone beeped, so he pulled it out of his pocket. The message made his grin even larger.

Bruce: Loki has just informed us that he and Peter eloped.

Tony: I know, Peter said the same thing.

Bruce: The ninja rings are a nice touch.

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Chloe Theresa Banner was born three weeks early, in early October. It was raining steadily that day. Darcy had gone into labor at two in the morning, so Bruce dropped off Loki with Tony and Steve, who put him in with Peter. The birth didn't occur until seven. The whole family was down to the hospital by eight.

"Auntie Dawcy had da baby?" Peter asked sleepily in the car. Loki was sitting beside him, holding his hand.

"Yup. Loki has a baby sister now!" Steve said excitedly. He loved babies.

Peter squeezed Loki's hand and smiled. "Wait... Why don't I get to have a baby sister?"

Tony snorted. "Because one little kid is enough for your Papa and I, thank you very much. Maybe one day, honey."

When they got up to the fifth floor of the hospital, Bruce was waiting for them outside in the waiting area. He looked even more tired than usual, but a huge smile graced his tanned face. Loki immediately ran over and jumped into his open arms.

"Hey guys. Loki, you ready to meet your baby sister?" he asked. Loki nodded happily.

She was small, with a tuft of black hair and a cute little nose. Loki got to sit next to his Mommy as she held the baby, and stroked his sister's cheek. Peter sat on her other side but just looked.

"She's beautiful, Darce," Jane said.

Darcy simply nodded, too caught up in the baby to really notice anything else.

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Peter's six month anniversary was a week after Chloe was born. The whole family had a party in the penthouse, with Peter being showered with love and presents. But finally, after everyone had left, Steve, Tony, and Peter had their own celebration.

Peter went to sleep with a smile on his face.

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Author's Note: So yeah. Wasn't really feeling this chapter. Not sure why. I appreciate all the reviews, though. :3 Make me very happy. Reviews are much appreciated! They keep me motivated! :) -RinntheRobot-