The Hunting Spider

by CalmIsOverrated

(Discontinued) When Peter Parker was six he was bitten by one of his father's experiments which gave him spider-like powers. Shortly after his family was killed and he was kidnapped by HYDRA. He was turned into the mercenary known as The Hunting Spider. When the Avengers catch wind of him what will happen?

12. Chapter 12

[Practically entirely unedited, forgive me]

Avengers and the Hunting Spider

Part Two

Chapter 12

(Two month after rescue, Late July)

-And did they get you to trade

Your heros for ghosts?

Hot ashes for trees?

Hot air for a cool breeze?

Cold comfort for change?

And did you exchange

A walk on part in the war

For a lead role in a cage?

How I wish, h-

"Boss, Director Fury is on the line," FRIDAY spoke suddenly, pausing the constant music in the background. Tony stopped writing and glared up, past the ceiling. He began the routine ritual of mentally cursing every deity created when the name Nick Fury was mentioned.

"M'kay, just tell him I'm not here..."

He stared down at his cold coffee. "Or dead," he muttered.

"Boss," there was a tone in the AI's voice that told him it wasn't dropping the subject- what was with this theme of his creations developing emotions? And more importantly, attitudes? Tony sighed.

"Tell whatever members are still awake to meet me in the livingoom," he announced glancing at the Starkpad clock. He sighed. The random ass time Fury had decided to contact them was 3:54 in the morning. Why was anyone even awake at this time? Even Bruce was slouched over his work, mouth open and snoring. Tony grabbed a blanket, draping it over the man's shoulders.

"FRI, put on the whale noises or something, would ya?" He asked as he walked into the elevator. As the doors slipped shut he heard the peaceful white noise replace his music, leaving his science bro to sleep soundly. If anything maybe it would block the yelling match bound to ensure whenever Fury entered the scene.

When he came downstairs he was greeted with only Bucky and Natasha. Both in pajamas. Natasha, the bastard, even looked deadly in a black nightgown. While Bucky was in light colored, old fashioned looking pajamas as well. He could've passed for regular person with an outdated fashion sense, if not for the gleaming metal arm that appeared from his sleeve.

"Okay, we're all here, so put eyepatch through," he said, taking a seat across from them both.

"Affirmative," FRIDAY said and then the large screen tv, which served well for video calls Avenger-related, fizzled to life. Then the picture of their local pirate came into focus.

"Come to check up on your favorite superhero boy band?" Tony inquired with a raised brow. Natasha simply threw him a warning glance but said nothing. Which was fine, her presence was always known, unless she didn't want to be.

"No," the man replied, avoiding Tony's bait. Must be serious, Tony thought. He threw a longing glance in the direction he knew the the mini bar was. Too early for this serious shit.

Thankfully Natasha asked for him, "So why are you calling this early?" She spoke regally like a diplomat making peace.

"Peter."

Bucky's eyes shot up immediately. "What about him?" Tony's eyes went back and forth between the two men. Bucky was always so silent Tony rarely noticed he was there during these meetings with SHIELD. But whenever it concerned Peter... It was like a whole different side. Interesting really.

The man sighed, running his temple. He shuffled a paper outside of their view. "We need to know more about him?"

"So you can experiment on him?" Bucky accused. Tony could quickly see this going south, fast. It was really too early for this. He should have followed Bruce's example and just passed out in the lab.

"No, Barnes. We don't know enough about him. We don't even know the exact origin of his powers, just that they're arachnid based and he has some foreign DNA because of it."

Bucky seemed to be combing ocer every word for the slightest sign of deception.

"So what do you recommend we do?" Natasha asked.

"I would like you and Barton to see if you can get some information out of him," he said. Sometimes Tony forgot two of his team worked for SHIELD, other times he was well aware of it. Bucky flinched at the wording. Fury wasn't known for sugar coating anything. He'd be a horrid doctor.

"Anything specific?" She asked, just to know all of her possible loopholes.

"I'll send you a list," he said, then the screen went blank. Leaving the three alone.

They all had questions, of course. How could they not? The files they recovered (though helpful) didn't answer everything. Though they gave a small window into what Peter experienced. But there a couple mysteries that even HYDRA didn't have all the answers to. It was nagging thought at the back of all their minds.

They knew almost nothing about what happened to Peter. Sure they saw some scars that clothing couldn't hide like the small white lines in the palm of his hand, a crescent scar on his cheek that looked like someone had flicked through the skin with a sharp blade. Unless you were really looking, the web-shooters were the only thing most would notice.

How did Peter get his arachnid powers? Was he an experiment during his time at HYDRA or were his powers a total accident? Well their files said nothing. Almost as if they had no clue how he got them.

Though it did state he'd had them before, but for only a short period of time. In fact their scientists had estimated less than a week due to his ongoing reactions to the radioactive changes taking place in his body. So it was correctly assumed that it was Mr. Parker's- Peter's father, who was an expert in cross-gene mutations- experiments that caused it. Which raised a lot of questions and eyebrows.

HYDRA hadn't had much luck recreating Mr. Parker's experiments. But before Tony and his team came and rescued Peter HYDRA had enough samples hidden away and in other cells. Hell, Peter's tissue was probably at multiple locations across the globe. They all just hoped that wouldn't come back to bite them in the ass later.

The problem came back to, they needed answers. But there was a few problems with simply just asking the teenager himself. Peter was practically a professional liar (though he didn't look it) and he would clam up or avoid it. He hardly spoke if he wasn't promoted in some way. Which is why having two super spies and two geniuses as teammates was really useful.

Peter had never talked about his life before HYDRA, hell he never talked about his life, period. It was something none of them questioned. They'd all had their pasts and they were kept hidden for reason. And as much as they hated it, Fury was their boss (Tony would say otherwise) but he also had the ability to interrogate the teenager himself if he wasn't satisfied with his answers. Either Fury would hurt Peter, and though it was very unlikely Peter would fight anymore than just denying it wasn't a risk they could take.

So now they had to 'question' the kid. Their decision was already made for them. Now they had to tell the rest of the team and the kid in question (no pun intended).

Bucky stood, marching towards the stairs, likely to the gym to get some energy and rage out before heading to bed. Natasha walked after him, probably to make sure he didn't beat his human knuckles bloody. The gym was therapy for a few of them, and paid it's weight in triple. At least he wasn't replacing walls daily.

Tony laid back against the pillows, exhausted. Before he talked with Fury he could pull of an all-nighter, now he was just tired. Like talking with him drained all his energy that even coffee couldn't replace.

He groaned as he got up. Why couldn't they be normal for once? And have normal problems like what kind of soap for laundry and not have government organizations constantly breathing down their backs? He had no fucking clue.

.oO0Oo.

Bucky wasn't happy, which was a huge understatement. Peter was finally adjusting to being here. Doing fine here. Getting better. Progress.

He took a deep breath, centering himself and his weight then slammed his fist right into the middle of the punching bag. It flew backwards from the force, chain rattling.

Then Fury waltz in- calls- and demands they *question* Peter. Something like *this* would halt or maybe even setback his trust in them.

He repeated the action. And again.

So yeah, 'not happy' wasn't accurate. It was infuriating because he didn't know what to do. Did he refuse? Fury could- he would because he could- take Peter away from him and question him.

Or did he explain the situation and possibly throw Peter into a panic?

He slammed his fist again and again. Until there was a loud snap, and the punching bag flew off its chain and into the wall.

"Good thing he's a billionaire," a feminine voice said.

Bucky turned around, his eyes not leaving the fallen equipment, and nodded with a huff. Natasha walked forwards and Bucky thought he'd be getting another lecture tonight. Instead she put a single hand on his shoulder. It was surprisingly comforting.

"We have to do this," she said, her voice smaller than usual.

"I know," was all he said. "Doesn't mean I have to like it." There was a silent pause. "When do we have to do it? You know Fury's impatient," he said. "He won't wait long before he does something himself."

Natasha nodded. "Tomorrow?"

Bucky looked at her as if deciding. Then he said, "Yeah, I'll tell Steve to let Peter sleep in while we tell the rest of the team."

"Good-night," she said, standing up and stretching.

"Night." But the redhead was already long gone. Like a phantom.

As went back to his room to salvage a few hours of sleep, he stopped at Peter's door. It was open wide (he hated enclosed spaces and if it was a bad night he only slept with his door open) so he looked in.

Peter was curled up, snoring softly in his sleep. His face was smoothed out and peaceful. In his arms, pressed against his chest was a red and blue notebook.

There was a small spark of hope that maybe this wouldn't ruin all their progress. At least he didn't think he wasn't allowed to use things around the Tower anymore.

He backed out and dimmed the hallway light. Then he went to his own room.

.oO0Oo.

Morning came too early in Bucky's opinion. The sun was barely even shining through his binds when his alarm, that would wake him up before Steve got back from his morning run, sounded. It was sometime in the fives, he'd only three hours of sleep on top of his already shitty sleep schedule. Not that he was keeping track.

He forced himself into a sitting position and waited for his groggy mind to clear. He listened in the hallway for silent steps, hearing none he managed to get dressed and headed downstairs to wait. He grabbed a banana muffin and a glass of orange juice to wait.

Within ten minutes he heard steps from the stairwell and then Steve appeared. Only a light sheen of sweat coated his brow. When he saw Bucky he held up a finger and grabbed a bottle of water. He opened it and took a drink while collapsing in the seat.

"So," he took a sip, "what's up?"

Bucky twisted his fingers. "It's Peter."

Steve's expression went serious and he sat up strighter. "What happened?"

So Bucky filled him in on the situation and what they had to do.

"That's... Horrible," Steve breathed, dread settling in his stomach. Within the next hour and a half four more people appeared. Natasha and Clint were last, both looking troubled. The redhead held a packet of papers in her hands, the SHIELD eagle stamp marking the front.

"What are the questions," Steve asked.

"Easy ones. If he doesn't have a panic attack this shouldn't take long," she stated.

"I'll go wake him up," Bucky said, standing and walking off. He was determined to get this over with as soon as possible.

When he came back he was dragging along a drowsy Peter along. The boy blinked at the ensemble at the table before rubbing his eyes again.

"Please sit," Natasha said, opening a folder filled with papers. Her glossy black pen tapped the table in a never faltering rhythm.

Peter's brow furrowed suspiciously, but he complied. "What's with all," he waved around, "this?"

"We need to ask a few questions," Natasha said.

"What kind?" His heartrate was rising quickly, he was suddenly very awake. Adrenaline does that.

"A few things Director Fury-" The moment she mentioned the Director's name his eyes got huge and a slight fear began creeping up the tired teenager's spine.

"What is this then? An interrogation?" Peter accused. He would love to say it said it with an immeasurable amount of confidence, but that would be lying. Instead his voice was small and had a quiver to it. He was tensed up like a coil, like at any moment he was about to jump out of his seat and through a window to escape.

Thankfully Bucky- who was still right behind him resting his normal arm on Peter's shoulder in an attempt for comfort- noticed and gave the teen a small squeeze.

"It's not an interrogation, we need to know some things about you and your powers," Natasha said using her calming yet authoritative 'de-Hulk' voice.

Peter studied the redhead with those intelligent doe eyes of his, looking for any lies or deceiving intent. Once again finding nothing malicious in the woman's eyes he sat down further in his seat to show he wasn't about to make a break for it. "Can't you just read the r-reports?"

Natasha noticed the stutter and tensing when it was mentioned. "Unfortunately they did not write all of their findings down... "

Peter was trying to inch away from Bucky but he adjusted his hold on Peter and held him closer within his reach. To make sure he didn't somehow hurt himself in a panicked haze. "So you're going to e-experiment on m-me?" The quiver in his words were back.

"N-" natasha tried but she was plowed over by the teen's panicky rambles, "I-I won't!"

He shook his head as if trying to shake away a memory. He started trying to push Bucky away but the man turned him until he was facing him and kneeled in front of the teenager.

"Peter," Bucky said, grabbing his lower arms and shaking him gently. Trying to get him out of his mind before this got too bad. "You're going to be okay."

"I d-don't -" he faltered, trying to find words, instead he sat. Mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, not in his element. At this point there were tears welling up in his eyes as his mind fought instinct over trust.

Bucky watched and hesitated for half a second before pulling Peter into his arms. Peter stiffened and tentatively wrapped his lanky arms around the man, burying his tear soaked face in Bucky's shirt.

They sat there like that for who knows how long before Peter's shaky voice said, "Do I have to?"

The others didn't falter as much (visibly at least) at his small voice. But Bucky's resolve nearly did as he sat down next to the teen. But then he remembered that this would actually help Peter in the long run. But that point didn't stop the urge to protect Peter and take him away from Fury and his questions.

It briefly reminded him of when he was a teenager and he'd try and protect Steve. That was different. This was parental. He could never understand how quickly he'd become attached to Peter Parker.

It probably had something to do with their similar pasts, that will do it. They were both taken by HYDRA and used like weapons. But Peter was for some reason immune to the brainwashing, probably the difference in his genetic makeup helped. And he was forced to do everything or die, Bucky knew he had heightened senses and exquisite memory as well which permanently burned everything experience in his mind. Neither were normal, so maybe that's why Bucky wanted to look out for this teenager.

But at least once the brainwashing was wiped from Bucky's mind and his memories began returning, good and bad, he had a team to help. They'd even pieced together a shaky image of what happened on some of the missions.

But Peter had no one around for the majority of his life. And then all of a sudden he did. So of course he had trust issues. Except with Bucky.

Bucky didn't want to do this 'investigation' to begin with but Fury wanted them to continue to learn about what happened to him. To help understand who the teenager is, he'd claimed. But the team could use the information they'd gathered to set in place a recovery plan specifically for Peter.

"Unfortunately," he answered. "We need to know how to help you, Peter. You don't have to tell up anything you don't feel comfortable with. Okay?"

Peter looked up at him, doe eyes filled with tears and swirling emotions. He gave a minute nod and straightened back up in his seat, staring down at his hands.

The team exchanged glances, they'd become very good at silent conversations. Bucky nodded and Natasha put on a small smile and spoke, "Okay Peter, do you think we can start with a question?"

Peter flinched and nodded.

"What's your full name?" Natasha asked.

Peter looked confused, thinking they would just jump right in. "Peter Benjamin Parker."

"What is your current age?"

"Fourteen, almost fifteen," he replied. Peter knew what she was doing by now.

"Birthdate?"

"It's October the eighteenth*."

"What age were you taken?" Natasha continued, writing down the answers.

"Six," he said with a grimace. Six was a sucky year for him.

"How did you get your powers?" Finally, a real question, Bucky thought. He felt bad for awaiting this one, but it would answer if he was experimented on as a child.

"The day before-... Before it all happened I was, dumb and went down into my..." He seemed to have to steel himself before speaking again. "My father's lab. There were some s-spiders that got out of their containers."

"And they bit you," Bruce guessed, deadpan.

Peter nodded. Tony looked shocked. "Wait, so actual spiders gave you powers? How the-?"

"They weren't normal spiders, Mr. Stark," he said, emphasizing on his point. He ignored Tony mouthing the words 'of course they aren't' His brow was furrowed as he tried to think back. "Radioactive, I think."

If they weren't surprised before they definitely were now. "Why?" Bucky asked first.

Peter shrugged. "I don't really know. They didn't figure it out either if that helps."

"It does," Natasha said, another sweet smile on her face. Peter remembered when they were trying to duplicate the experiment they had tried to ask for any information he had, 'nicely'. Women with faked smiles would ask him things but he just wanted his mom back. It got worse shortly after he had no answers. The red head's smile wasn't faked maliciously.

"They tried to duplicate it," Peter added. They needed to know that there were others. "With other animals. But... But it never turned out r-right." They once threw him into a cage filled with 'failed' experiments. To let him see what he'd caused, they claimed.

"What other animals?" Natasha asked, writing as she spoke, her eyes were on Peter.

"A lot of them. They were trying deadlier animals than spiders. Like scorpions and snakes... I-it didn't turn out well," he was twirling his thumbs like he was guilty.

"It wasn't your fault," Natasha stated, her voice was asking anyone to say otherwise. Peter's head shot up at the tone but his eyes were looking anywhere but Natasha's.

She continued with a sigh, the sooner they got this over with the better. "Do you know who this man is?" She brought out a mugshot, the name was Preston Baines. The man who'd been in charge of the experiments done on Peter.

Peter numbly nodded.

"Can you tell us anything about him?"

Peter squinted. "H-he was in ch-charge of the experiments done on me."

That they already knew. "I never knew his name before now," Peter admitted.

"What all did he do to you?"

Peter pointed to the crescent divit in his cheek. "Did that the first d-day. He's also the one who ordered the w-web-shooters to be put-t in." His left hand had begun rubbing the metal lightly. A nervous habit.

"How do they work?" Natasha asked.

"The chemicals to make the webs inside me. I was able to shoot webs through my wrists before, but not as strongly. They put them in as both a way to control and strengthen me."

"How many people have you killed?" Natasha asked.

"One hundred and thirty-eight," he answered immediately. A few of them blinked, surprised.

"Why didn't you kill Ms. Stacy?"

Peter met her eyes, his own owlish and confused. "Who?"

"The girl who was inside Oscorp," Tony said, and Natasha glared at him.

"Oh, her. I-I don't know," he didn't. "I was supposed to kill her... But they didn't notice." Natasha nodded, accepting the answer.

"Ya know, that's the only reason we were able to track you down," Tony added. "If she hadn't called the police and mentioned a possible mutant, SHIELD would have never gotten involved."

Peter shuddered to think about where he'd be now. Peter guessed he owed that girl his life. He looked to Natasha. "Any more?" He wanted this over with.

She flipped through the papers and Peter caught a glimpse of fancy handwriting. She pursed her lips and asked, "Are you happy here?"

"Yes," he answered while nodding. He glanced to Bucky who was staring back, almost in surprise.

"Alright," she closed it with an annoyed look. "I'll take this up to Director Fury. Save me some breakfast would you?"

They all nodded and Steve stood and lumbered into the kitchen. Peter shifted uncomfortably before a plate of apple slices was placed in front of him by Clint. Peter smiled thankfully and took a bite. He saw both Bucky and Tony steal a slice from his plate, but he found he didn't mind.

.oO0Oo.

(Three months, early August)

"Mr. Rogers, Mr. Barnes, Peter, I believe Nick Fury is in the Avengers floor. And he's requesting your presence," the AI said. Nick Fury was there in person... Did Fury ever bring good news? Not often.

The teenager had seen and heard of Fury constantly through a TV screen and phone calls the entire three months he'd been here. He'd been the one who'd ordered the near traumatizing interrogation on him.

But the man hadn't shown his physical face since the first visit. Peter had a feeling of dread settling in his stomach now that one of his fears were coming true.

Fear that Fury would made due on his promise to send him away so his heroes could go back to their jobs, not being worried if he was doing okay. He didn't need all that attention if it would lead to him having to leave. He was perfectly content to just be here.

Here was in the main 'family' room that he, Bucky, and Steve now shared, watching tv with them. Being curled up under a number of pillows and blankets.

"C'mon," Bucky said, standing and helping Steve up. Then he wrapped his arm around Peter's shoulders. He took a deep breath as if preparing for this task mentally. Peter latched onto the bottom of his t-shirt (a habit that had begun when he got nervous) while Steve led the way towards the elevator and they followed.

When they exited, Fury leveled his glare onto them. "Glad you could finally join us."

Tony was in sitting on his couch, looking relatively pleased with himself. Of course he had to go and piss of Fury, Bucky sighed. Sometimes he swore a few of his teammates were actual children.

"What do you need this time, Director Fury?" Steve asked.

"I'm here to take your project off your hands," he said motioning towards Peter who looked on in shock. The others had stages of surprise as well, Natasha was the first to recover.

"Fury I really don't think that's necessary-"

"We've found a safehouse and a family willing to take Peter in. It's not even in our data base and it's otherwise nonexistent," he interrupted. His way of saying the decision was final.

If Fury was here to take him away he would go kicking and screaming. He wanted and needed to be here, at Avenger's Tower with Bucky and Steve. It took him a while to realize it but now he did. The teenager was staring as he began to edge closer to the shaggy haired man.

"Wait," Bucky said. Did he want to get rid of Peter too? "Why can't he stay with us?"

"This is Stark tower. The media's eye is on here 24/7. There are thousands of employees and visitors coming through every day. All armed with phone cameras, waiting to get a picture of anything suspicious. If they find out who he is HYDRA could try and kidnap him. We've managed to line up a family that could take care of him and report only to me," Fury explained. "The longer he's here and not under legal protection the more danger he and you are all in."

"Couldn't one of us adopt him?" Steve asked while Peter stared at him, confusion written clearly on his face. Why did this man want to keep him here? Peter pondered. All he did was put people in danger. He put hi-this fami- no, these heroes in danger as well.

"Who could do it?" Fury put his hands on his hips like he was about to give a lecture. "Natasha couldn't do it, Clint's got kids, Bruce would probably forget to feed him. Steve and Tony are too famous to adopt, the public would find out so fast-"

"What about me?" Bucky said suddenly, not even flinching at all the eyes turned to him. Peter wasn't even blinking as he stared at Bucky in disbelief. The teenager's mind a steady stream of 'whatwhatwhat'.

Fury opened his mouth to argue but Tony interrupted. "That's actually a good idea. I'm sure Fury could pull some strings to make it happen. Including getting Pete a new identity."

The African American man simply sighed in defeat. "I guess that would work. I still want updates on the kid. Hell I even want to know what his favorite movie is." They all nodded, that * was* a fairly simple compromise.

"Do I not get any say in this?" Peter asked incredulously, annoyed they'd just make this decision without him.

"No," they all responded, some in varying degrees of amusement or annoyance (Fury).

Peter must have had a dejected look on his face because Tony faltered for just a moment. Quickly, but long enough for Peter to see the genius' hidden emotions. "Pete, I know you want to be involved but you're just a kid but you try to hold the weight of the world on your shoulders and you deserve to let us handle some of the responsibility. Just let us do this. Besides we all know how attached you are to Bucky and viaversa."

Peter closed his mouth then moved and moved back to Bucky's side. He was far from satisfied but fine with allowing them to take some of the work. Plus as much as he still hated to admit it, he wanted to stay here with this strange, albeit dysfunctional, family. They continued talking about the technicalities of adopting Peter like the teen wasn't even there.

They decided it would work out for the best since James 'Bucky' Buchanan Barnes was a pretty much forgotten name in the shadow of Steve's. They could easily go under the radar with their combined tech to give them new or altered identities that made Bucky Peter's father.

As that was settled, Fury left saying he'd be getting into contact with Tony to work things out. Nick Fury left making a list of what he'd need to do to make this a reality. In truth he was busy and wanted this to be over as quickly as possible.

Excitement (and Fury) gone Peter released all the built up tension in his body. He was wound up in flight or fight mode the entire time and hardly breathing either. He breathed a sigh of relief and stepped away from where he was, wedged into Bucky's side. But the man just wrapped an arm loosely around the young's shoulders.

"Now that that's over, who wants shwarma?" Tony gave a sly smile at the team's nods of approval and the twin bewildered expressions of Peter and Bucky.

.oO0Oo.

After getting food and eating their fills they one by one filed into the living room. Tony near immediately left the room to his labs, probably to prepare any paperwork he'd need. Bruce followed, leaving the four of them alone. Clint, noticing the impatient and anxious look asked FRIDAY to put on Star Wars. Clint felt an internal victory as Peter gave a hint of a smile as one of his favorite movies started.

Peter was too jittery with anxiety to sit still without moving in *some* way. Whether it was stretching to tap his toes on the ground to drumming or how he silently clicked his tongue when he liked the background music. When Bucky's arm wrapped around him and brushed his fingers through the teen's hair he stopped. Not wanting to disturb the man with his droning movements.

He relaxed into Bucky's comforting warmth on his side and the fact it was just there. It wasn't leaving, at least for a while. They all sat in silence, the only words were to make popcorn and to lower the lights. Sometime into the second movie Peter, seemingly against his will, yawned. He stiffled it quickly hoping no one would notice. But Bucky did, as did Natasha and Steve.

"Time to get to bed, Pete," he said nudging the teen's shoulder in the direction of the elevator.

Peter looked appalled at the fact he was being sent to bed. "I don't want to." Too much had gone on for him to sleep somewhat peacefully tonight, no matter how weary he was.

"Kid, you look exhausted. Get some sleep. If I know Fury, which unfortunately I do, the papers will be drawn up by morning," Tony said as he walked past and ruffled the teen's hair.

Peter whined but the looks on their faces stopped his further protests. He was exhausted and could work on finishing a few extra finishing touches to his suit idea. So Peter made his way to the elevator, surprised when Bucky tagged along for the ride.

After a few minutes of silence and seeing that the man obviously wanted to ask something Peter finally broke it with a small "What's up?"

"You on the ceiling half the time," Bucky responded automatically with a small smirk.

Peter looked at him with an annoyed, regular teenage expression. "And just how long did it take you you to come up with that?" Peter snipped back.

"You've been spending too much time with Stark, you know that right?"

Peter snorted, back to his regular self once again. Suddenly Bucky paused, he did a 180 (literally) and turned to the teenager. The shaggy haired man crouched slightly to be eye level with the shorter teen.

He didn't want to be tall and intimidatingly looking down on him and to influence the answer to his question. "Do you actually want me to take care of you? Adopt you. I'd like for this decision to be permanent and you should have a say in this part the process. If you want one of the others, or to leave just-"

"No! I mean yes?" Peter continued stumbling on his words, trying to get his meaning across while a pink began dusting his cheeks. "No, I mean yes, I want you to adopt me. Not anyone else." He tapped his fingers together and gave a sheepish smile while looking down.

Bucky returned a more confident smile and no more words were said or needed until the end of the elevator ride. The two got off and went their separate ways with a 'good-night'. Peter closed the door behind him and instead of immediately jumping into bed and falling asleep he said, "FRIDAY, don't allow anyone into my room."

"Yes Peter. As long as your actions cause no harm I will not allow anyone in," the AI responded and there was an almost unnoticeable 'click'. Peter nodded, satisfied with the arrangement.

He brought out his notebook and began adding a few finishing touches and details for the inside of the suit. His sketching and handwriting had improved greatly since he started this two months ago.

Another yawn forced its way out of his mouth against his will. He sighed and he made a resenting noise and put away his notebook. Since the nightmares had begun and Bucky and Steve had started comforting him he had the fear of one of them finding the sketches. He used to hide it under his pillow but he'd begun putting it between the mattress of his bed.

He had no clue as to why he did this, perhaps because he thought they, his now family, would think he was ridiculous for wanting to do this. To be like them. His hands were too red to call himself a hero.

He'd killed so many people, he lived with the actual Avengers now. Could he avenge his victim's deaths? Prevent those like him from destroying lives? Prevent people like HYDRA from taking advantage of creatures like him...

He had no further thoughts because as his mind was occupied in his internal turmoil he didn't realize he was falling asleep already. And it wasn't even past two in the morning yet.

His rest didn't last very long before the nightmares began.

.oO0Oo.

FRIDAY had quietly informed Bucky that Steve had already gone to bed. The man tried but had found that sleep had abandoned him. Every time he closed his eyes they would immediately open some nagging feeling ate at his resolve to sleep.

"FRI?" Bucky asked even though he knew the AI would respond.

"Yes, sir?"

"How's Peter doing?" Any nightmares?

"He is currently in deep sleep. No signs of anything abnormal," the AI responded.

Bucky let out a silent sigh of relief that his soon to be kid was peacefully asleep. He didn't know how other adults handled being responsible for another human's life.

"Sir, Mr. Stark would like to speak with you," she said.

"Thank you, FRI," he said. Nervousness was eating away at him as he made his was towards the elevator.

The sight he was greeted with was Tony flicking through some pages before he looked up in greeting before he announced, "Congrats Buck, it's a boy." The man had a smile on his face as he handed the last of the papers to the shaggy haired man. Bucky had a mirrored look on his face as he held out his hand which Tony took.

"Make sure you sign everything, and read the print, and he's yours," Tony whispered then he left with a backwards wave as he turned and went the way he came, opening the door silently. He was a billionaire after all, he could afford soundless doors.

Before he left Bucky's voice spoke up. "Thanks Tones... I know you didn't really want to bring in another of..." the man struggled for a word to describe himself and the teenager. Mistakes, experiments, weapons. They were all, in a harsh way, correct. "Us. But I want to say thank you. He deserves a second chance more than I ever did."

"That's a lie Bucky."

The shaggy haired man's expression was sorrowful, lost somewhere in his own memories. Thankfully Tony understood and knew to read between the and waved off the his previous statement. "And it's nothing, I promise. You both deserve second chances and if I can help I'll do everything I can... And, if it's any consolation, I think you'll be a great dad."

Bucky nodded, not entirely convinced but it felt like a load had been lifted from his shoulders. He gave a small wave good-bye as Tony closed the door to go retreat to wherever haggard, sleep deprived geniuses go.

I hope so, he thought as he turned to go back to his own room. Peeking in on Peter on his way.

Signing was easy, he read through them and followed the instructions that would seal the deal. they changed his name only slightly, Buchanan J. Barnes. Peter's wasn't changed a lot, but it made unease grow in his stomach at the thought of taking care of another human being. Peter B. Barnes. Peter B. Barnes. Who's idea was It to leave someone like him in charge of Peter...?

Oh right, it was him... Again.

When he finished the last of it he laid back against the headrest of the wooden frame of his bed. All that was left was for Peter to sign his name. He let his cool metal arm drape over his eyes. And eventually started drifting off, no doubt to a responsibility plagued dream until FRIDAY spoke up. "Sir, Peter appears to be having a nightmare and is asking for your presence."

Bucky, thankful to have something to do but not the approving of the circumstances, got up quick. "Don't wake up Steve," he ordered. Since Peter had got here he'd been having horrific nightmares nightly. He'd often lash out unconsciously with super-strength. It often took them both by surprise with just how strong the teenager was.

He was 84 pounds and looked like any wind above 10mph would blow his away. Thankfully, as he became more use to them stopping and comforting him during the nightmares he became less physical. Enough so, just one could handle the fits. They, including the infamous AI herself, FRIDAY, eventually come up with an unofficial shift schedule.

Both knew Peter would find someway to disable FRIDAY if he knew she was alerting them, he was smart enough. He would push them away if he found out about their schedule as well so it was a pretty well kept secret between them all though.

He hurried towards Peter's room. The whole floor was technically originally made for Steve but by now it had been deemed the guest floor. The occupied rooms were arranged like a crooked triangle with Steve across from him and Peter's new room down from Bucky's. He opened the door and entered. Tony Stark had not spared any expenses when making the entire tower and their individual rooms. Peter's had remained rather plain as he hadn't cared much about how it looked. He had a bathroom, closet, and them the bed itself. Each floor had a sitting room and small kitchen with an island and chairs for dining.

Bucky made his way over to Peter. The teenager's head was twisting and his expression was pained. He kicked off the blankets sometime during the night. The man reached out and gave Peter's shoulder a light shake to try and wake him up enough. It had the opposite effect and the moment Bucky touched him to try and shake the teen awake, his panic increased and he twisted blindly to get away but Bucky held on through the flailing limbs.

He moved Peter up to his chest, effectively pinning him down while rubbing circles in Peter's curls with his hand. "Peter, just calm down," he mumbled into the teen's hair.

Slowly, dreadfully slow, Peter finally began to stop struggling and like many nights he didn't fall back to sleep. And instead Peter forced one of his eyes open, taking a moment to take in his surroundings. "Bucky?" He asked, obviously still confused. After nightmares his mind muddled the line between reality and his subconscious.

Bucky frowned but wiped it away before Peter could notice. "I'm here buddy," Bucky said and resumed trying to comfort Peter, not realizing he'd stopped while thinking.

He blinked slowly, obviously still tired but it was doubtful he'd try to fall back asleep for at least a few hours. Instead he stayed, quietly staring up at the ceiling with his large brown eyes. At that moment he seemed even younger than fourteen, his features weren't guarded. They were scared and young.

It took a little but Peter eventually calmed down. To probably both of their surprises he didn't try and get away and just allowed himself to be held. But now he was wide awake, but for now he was content where he was.

They probably would have stayed like that if Bucky didn't suddenly shift to get up, dragging Peter along as well. He took them to their floor's common room. It was kept relatively clean since Steve was sometimes a compulsive cleaner.

Bucky wrapped Peter in a blanket. The teen hardly acknowledged the gesture as he was still exhaustedly staring off. He was still shivering, but not from the cold but the fading images of his nightmare.

Bucky returned and sat himself down next to Peter and turned on the TV. Peter finally moved as he looked up at the bright light in the rest of the dark floor. He was here, he reminded himself. Not there. He was safe here.

So why wouldn't the nagging feeling of danger leave him? He was ready, with or without him realizing it, to take off. His body was ready to carry out his original mission. To escape. To escape from who? HYDRA? Done. But he was satisfied at where he was.

But his body stubbornly refused to accept this fact though. And when his mind was vulnerable it was filled with terrors of the Avengers doing the things HYDRA used to do to him. It was all just too much for the exhausted boy, he always felt like no matter how much sleep he got he would always be this emotionally drained.

For now he just didn't want to think. He wanted to stay here, safe, where there wasn't any danger. Sitting next to Bucky who's experiences were alike his own.

So they stayed there. Into the early morning hours that even Steve wasn't awake. They'd done this so many times before as well. Sometimes Bucky or Steve would take him to the roof and let him admire the stars. He'd also watch planes and helicopters fly overhead, or marvel over the blinking lights of the city.

But tonight Bucky and Peter stayed on the couch next to each other, the TV was on but neither were paying attention. Both off in their own worlds until Bucky broke the silence. "Hey Pete?"

Peter turned his head towards the man, his blinks were slow and calm. "Yeah?"

Bucky decided the last thing he needed to do at this moment was stall. But he was so far out of his element. Taking care of a kid! He took a breath, he was responsible for a child now- granted said child was a teen. Still, no going back. "Tony was able to get all the papers finalized tonight. It's all signed and ready."

The teenager was so quiet the man had thought he'd fallen asleep, it didn't help that he was turned away from him. Till a quiet mummer rose over the drone of the TV. "Can I see it?"

Bucky nodded and went to go grab them. By the time he got back Peter had wrapped himself entirely in the blankets. When he heard Bucky coming he popped his head out of it.

Bucky suppressed a laugh at the display and instead handed Peter the official looking folder then sat down next to the teen. Peter shrugged off the cocoon and started flipping through the pages, skimming the legal stuff and signatures until he got to one that had his name on it.

"I need you to sign it as well," Bucky said handing Peter a pen. "You don't have to do it ye-" He was surprised at how the teenager immediately put his name down, not a minute of hesitation on his face. The bags under his eyes showed more in the scarce light. He'd probably been debating this decision for a while, Bucky realized.

Finished, he put it down in his lap. There was the smallest of smiles on his face as he turned to face the man who was now his guardian (dad?).

He paused. Was Bucky even comfortable being his parent? His face fell slightly in thought. The look must have been noticed because Bucky looked at him questioningly.

"So, Bucky... You're, like, my parent now?" He paused for a moment, a small frown on his generally happy face. "Do I..."

He paused and cleared his throat uncertainly, "Do I, uh, have to call you dad?" By the end of his question his voice had become quieter and he was staring at the TV as if it was suddenly very interesting.

Bucky paused, it could be weird for a while if Peter decided to start calling him dad after only three months. But he found himself not really minding either way. Whatever made Peter more comfortable was more important, his own feelings were put aside. The words Peter had used ('do I have to call you dad?'), settled whatever internal debate that had started. "Only if you want to call me that. Otherwise you can call me whatever you want, Pete."

Peter gave a small, but true, smile. "Maybe... In time." Truthfully the teenager had never had the time to properly grieve his blood family while being tortured by them. He felt horrible for that fact, but there wasn't much he could do now except mourn properly.

"I'm new to this comforting thing, so if you need anything, from any of us... " Bucky let his words trail off with their own meanings and promises. "Just ask..."

Peter gave weary smile to Bucky as he turned back to the forgotten show mutely playing on the custom made flatscreen TV. The actors were standing around the gravestone of a loved one a feeling of melancholy feeling settled over the scene. "There is one thing I need to do."

.oO0Oo.

* It's said his birthday is October 18th, but August 10th is his 'birthdate' of his comic.

The story kept changing the status to 'complete', but it isn't, so tell me if it does that again. Also, this is the final conclusion of the split up giant chapter I made.

The music is Pink Floyd, Wish you were here. In case you were wondering. Chose that song because I've been a salty little bitch after IW and I wanted to.

Word: 7,700

Thank you to all who Followed, Favorited, or Reviewed! I'm trying to get better at writing. Idk if it's working yet.

~Reviews~

MagicWarriorDragon: I'm actually afraid it's moving too fast, maybe it's because of the time skips. It probably has a ton of plot holes as well. Maybe when I get to chance to extensively edit, I'll clear it up a bit. :)

CelinaB: Np