A/N: The chapter title should clue you in as to what is going to happen. This has definitely been done a multitude of times, but it feels necessary to me to further develop Peter's relationship with Tony. Many apologies in advanced to those of you who did not want this to happen.
Also, I am not a medical expert or expert in what happens to kids whose only guardian dies.
In regards to last chapter somebody mentioned it should be snowing in New York. Uh, sorry about that. I'm from Southern California so I didn't think. Secondly, sorry but I will not be tying this into infinity wars. Im a fluffy family fic writer.
Chapter 13: Death in the Family
Peter's POV:
The worst moment of my life was March 23rd at 11:12 AM. It was the day my aunt died. It was the day I lost my last living relative.
The day started like any other. I got up, showered and dressed, and then joined my aunt for breakfast. It was the weekend, and one of the few Saturdays she had off. She asked about my patrol yesterday, and I told her about stopping these guys from beating up on a kid, and how I'd stopped a car crash from occurring. She'd been happy. She'd been proud. We had plans to go bowling. It'd been a long time since we'd done that. She'd had me wash the dishes while she went to grab something from her room.
Once I finished, I thought it was weird that May hadn't appeared yet. I called out to her, and she didn't respond. I then walked into her room, freezing when I saw her sitting on her bed with her body leaning forward awkwardly.
"Aunt May?" I called out cautiously, my heart beginning to pound the closer I got and the longer she went without speaking. No, God, please no.
I reached out with a trembling hand and touched her shoulder. Nothing.
"Aunt May, please," I spoke again, my voice coming out strangled as I touched her shoulder more forcefully. She fell back against the bed. Her eyes were closed, her face white, and there was a little blood coming out of her nose. No. No, no, no, no. This couldn't be happening. Not again. Not to her.
"Aunt May, please wake up," I begged quietly, checking her wrist for a pulse. Nothing.
"Don't do this to me. Please don't do this to me," I pleaded desperately as my hands then went to her neck. No pulse.
God, no. This couldn't be happening. She couldn't be dead.
"Please wake up. Please, Aunt May, I'm begging you!" I hollered now before backing away. I ran to the phone, dialed 911 and just screamed at the operator to get an ambulance here. They just needed to get here. Once they got here, they'd be able to revive her. She was just unconscious. She was going to be okay. She was going to be okay. She was going to be okay. She had to be okay. She wouldn't leave me. She wouldn't!
I backed away from her, and when I ran into her dresser, my legs gave out and I sank to the floor. Tears blurred my vision, and my chest constricted tightly. It was becoming hard to breath. My lungs couldn't open. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't breathe!
I didn't hear the knocking and shouting. I didn't see the EMT running in. I didn't even notice the EMT placing a mask over my face to help me breathe. As oxygen began to flow through me, I blinked at the woman in front of me. She asked if I was okay, and I could only not mutely. She helped me stand up, and led me outside. There were cops, and she spoke to one of them. The officer looked to me in sympathy and said something, but my ears seemed clogged. Voices didn't make sense. I was guided into a police car, and I watched as my aunt was wheeled out on a gurney. They weren't working on her. In fact, I couldn't even see her as she was now covered with a sheet.
No.
No.
No.
I couldn't see. I couldn't hear. I couldn't think. I couldn't feel.
I was led into the hospital and sat down somewhere. Somebody tried to talk to me, but I didn't respond. Somebody else showed up and shined a light in my eye. I flinched, sight and hearing returning to me as I gave the lady in front of me a confused look.
Her eyes were kind, yet full of sympathy as she told me my aunt had passed away. Brain aneurysm. Sudden. She felt nothing. No way of knowing. Nobody's fault.
My face was wet because of the tears falling down, but I made no sound.
The same lady continued to speak, asking me if there was someone I could call. Did I have any more relatives? Was there anybody I could stay with?
My mind swam, and I found it hard to focus as the image of my aunt, my dead aunt.
The lady kept talking. Now she was telling me that if there was nobody for me to call, that I would have to go with the cops. They would take me somewhere. They would take me to child protective services.
I stared at her blankly, my heart seizing as I realized I didn't want that. I had to call someone. I took in a deep breath and forced my mind to think. I didn't want them to take me.
Tony, I suddenly thought. I wanted Tony. He'd come for me. He wouldn't leave me. Where was he? Why wasn't he here already?
My silence caused a cop to come up and place a gentle hand on my shoulder. He told me to come with him, but I shook my head. I needed to speak, but it felt like my mouth was shut with cement.
Tony, where are you? I wanted him right now. I needed him right now!
But, he didn't know. He didn't know I was here.
"Tony Stark," I blurted out as the cop forcefully pulled me up. His face was full of sympathy and regret as he looked at me. "Call Tony Stark," I demanded, and all the eyes looked confused, concerned, and sympathetic.
"Like the Tony Stark," the lady nurse asked, and I nodded my head. "Please call him."
"Son," the officer holding me sighed. "Tony Stark is a billionaire and a super hero and I don't think he'd appreciate a call like this. It's not something he can help you with." He tried to say that kindly, but the words still came out as harsh.
"I work for him," I snapped, feeling a spark of anger. "Call him." I turned to look at the nurse once more. "Please."
Thankfully, she nodded her head. "Do you have his number?" she asked, and my stomach sank as I realized I didn't have my phone and that I hadn't memorized his, Pepper's, or Happy's numbers. The nurse frowned, giving me a helpless look.
"Kid, come on," the officer said with a sigh, but I yanked my arm out of his hold and yelled, "Don't call me kid!" It was a stupid thing to yell, but I was feeling rather stupid right now.
"Call my friend, Ned Leeds," I then stated, knowing he had Tony's number. The nurse gave a sigh of relief, probably glad I was dropping the notion of calling a famous man I could have no hope of knowing. I had memorized Ned's home number years ago, so I gave it to her, and asked if I could speak to him. I guess I must've looked too hysterical or something because she just shook her head. Anger and desperation coursed through me, but I held it down, not wanting to give the police any other reason to take me away.
Please, Ned, I thought in distress, hoping he'd understand the need to call Tony. When the nurse came back, she gave me a sad shake before saying nobody answered. She'd left a message, though. I wanted to break down in tears, my last bit of hope dwindling.
"Please, just wait a bit before calling again," I pleaded, not wanting to be taken away. The nurse and officer shared a look, before the officer sighed and took a seat.
"20 minutes," he said to me, "and then you're coming with me, Peter. If you don't have any other family, then I have no choice but to leave you with child services. I'm sorry, but that's the way it has to be." I only stared ahead blankly not acknowledging what he'd said. If twenty minutes came up, I wouldn't allow myself to be taken. I'd run. I'd run and find Tony myself.
I buried my head in my hands, heart hammering in my chest. The momentary panic of where I would be going had woken me up; and with that, the full pain of my aunt's death began to hit me. The realization that May was gone, and that I'd never see her again. The realization that the last image I had of her was of her dead on her bed.
Tears filled my eyes, once more blinding me, and I pressed my hands into my eyes to help stem them. I couldn't break down yet. Not here.
Tony. I wanted Tony. Where was he?! I needed him here. Please, Tony, come get me.
The twenty minutes came and went. The nurse went to call Ned's house again, but there was no answer. My voice caught in my throat, my heart picking up in speed. No, no, no, no! I didn't want to go with them! I didn't want to! I wanted Tony!
The officer nodded to the nurse and laid a hand on my shoulder. "Come on, Peter," he said kindly.
"No," I choked out, fighting him as he pulled me up. "I don't want to go."
"Please don't make this difficult," the officer pleaded as another officer came up. The nurse looked on in concern, and she too asked that I just go.
"It's going to be alright, sweetheart," she said, and my heart seized as it'd only ever been my aunt who'd called me, sweetheart.
"Call Tony Stark!" I yelled now. "You have to call him! He knows me, I swear! Please! Please, just call him! Google his number if you have to, but I swear if you call and give them my name he'll answer!"
"Son, that's enough. Come on now, I don't want to have to force you," the man said, now sounding stern.
"NO!" I shouted, giving him a stronger shove than I'd intended. He stumbled back several feet, and gave me a look of shock. The second officer made to grab at me, but I shoved him away as well.
"Peter, please calm down," the nurse begged, two other nurses coming up to join her. I noticed one had a shot in her hand, and I realized they were going to try and sedate me. "You're upset, we understand that. Just relax, sweetheart."
"You relax!" I screamed childishly. "I'm not leaving here until Tony shows up!" I hollered.
"Peter! Peter!" I heard Ned scream as he suddenly burst into the waiting room. I looked at him in relief before looking behind him to see if Tony was there. He wasn't. "I came as soon as I heard the message," he stated, huffing as he stood in front of me. He looked at me, tears in his own eyes before pulling me into a hug.
I appreciated the gesture, but all I really wanted at this moment was Tony, so I when I pulled apart, I asked, "Did you call him? Please tell me you called him!"
He thankfully knew who I was talking about, but at his crest fallen expression, I knew the answer wasn't going to be something I liked. "I did, over and over, but he didn't answer. I left voicemails, and I texted him, but I haven't heard back."
"He'll come, he'll come, I know it!" I cried out, glaring at everyone around me. "Give me your phone," I demanded, and he quickly took it out of his pocket and made to hand it to me, but the officer grabbed hold of it and pulled Ned away from me.
"Who're are you?" he asked, and Ned looked at him in surprise before nervously answering, "N-Ned Leeds, sir, I'm Peter's best friend."
"Who is it you called?" was the next question asked, and Ned told him that he'd called Tony.
"Tony Stark?" the officer asked in bewilderment, and when Ned and I both nodded, he let out a sigh of exasperation.
"Look, I'm tired of this. Peter, I know you just lost your aunt and that you're really upset, but whatever this is that you're doing, it's not helping anything. It's not what you want, I get it, but you've got to come with me." He informed me. I got that he was trying to be kind, and trying to be understanding, but I didn't care. "Now, you've got three options: The first is that you come with us calmly while the second is that we forcefully take you. Third, if you get hysterical, I'm sorry, but these kind nurses will sedate you. So, what's it going to be?"
I felt awful. I was terrified and hurting, and I just wanted Tony to be here. Why wasn't he answering his phone? Why wasn't he here for me when I needed him most?! I was overwhelmed, and I didn't know what to do. What would fighting these guys achieve anyways? But I didn't want to go with them!
"Let's go," the officer repeated for the umpteenth time, grabbing my arm tightly and pulling me along with him.
"Hey, uh, Officer, sir," Ned spoke up, standing in front of him, "Just please wait. Mr. Stark really does know him, and when we get hold of him he'll come right away, I swear."
"Look kid," the officer snapped, "I'm tired of this Tony Stark nonsense! You're coming with me, and that's final!" He dragged me down the hallway, Ned pleading with him to just wait and to let me go. I struggled a little, but I was afraid of hurting the guy if I struggled too much. The other officer walked right next to me, keeping Ned out of the way while a couple nurses followed closely behind.
"You don't get it, just let me use that phone," I pleaded with the officers. "Give me that damn phone and let me call Tony!" They blatantly ignored me as we walked outside, and I was about to just screw being nice and shove these guys away before making a run for it when I heard what sounded like a jet pack followed by the sound of something heavy and metal landing on the ground. My heart lifted as I knew what that sound meant.
"You better get your hands off my kid this second, or I will slap you with a lawsuit so quickly you won't even have the chance to say, 'my bad'!" Iron Man ordered, standing directly in front of us in all his glory. Everybody froze as they looked at him in shock.
"Holy shit," I heard somebody mutter in shock.
"Tony," I cried out in desperation, and the man promptly stepped out of his suit, his face a mask of concern as he walked towards me. The hand holding me let go, and I launched myself towards the man, wrapping my arms around him tightly.
"She's dead. She's dead, she's dead, she's dead, Tony, she's dead!" I told him, openly sobbing into his shoulder. His arms tightened around me, and for the first time I felt no hesitation or tenseness from him. He hugged me just as tightly as I did him before telling the people behind me, "The kids coming with me, so I suggest you cops go on home. Oh, and if he repeatedly told you he knew me, then you should have believed him! His aunt just died, so have some fucking sympathy!" he snapped, angry on my behalf.
"Tony, stop," I whined. "I just wanna leave. Please, let's go." His hand immediately went to the back of my neck, giving me a comforting squeeze.
"Alright, alright," he murmured quietly into my ear. "I don't have a car, but," and he pulled away slightly to look at his suit. "Yeah, I should be able to take you in"—
"Absolutely not!" the nurse from earlier shouted sternly. "You can't just fly away with him, Mr. Stark, that's absolutely dangerous!"
I turned to look back at her as she berated Tony.
"Besides that, you have to sign papers to get him out of here," she continued, hands on her hips now. "I don't care who you are, but you can't just walk out of here with a minor!"
Tony stiffened, and I could feel his anger growing. I didn't want this to turn into a bigger show than it already was; and besides, with Tony being who he was, the longer we were here the more likely the media were to get involved.
"Listen here," Tony began, his tone so menacing, even I felt a spark of fear. I pushed it away though as I told him, "Don't, please."
He shut his mouth immediately and looked down at me, all anger completely evaporating from him. He swallowed before looking back at the nurse and then the officers. His common sense seemed to catch up with him for he gave a nod, and wrapped an arm around me. He then sent his suit home before walking us inside. "I'll take care of this, Peter, I promise," he informed me, his voice firm. I didn't argue as I completely believed him. Just having him here, things suddenly didn't seem so bleak. I knew I was repressing my feelings concerning my aunt, but I didn't want to have a breakdown here in front of all these strangers.
The nurse walked inside briskly, and led us into a small room. "I take it you don't want an audience," she remarked before letting us know she'd be right back with the paperwork. Ned was with us, and he placed a hesitant hand on my arm.
"Thank you, Ned," Tony told him, his voice full of gratitude. "I'm sorry I didn't respond, but I rushed here as soon as I got your voice mail."
Ned just nodded, blushing at the praise. "I'm so sorry, Peter," he said to me, his voice sounding broken, and I gave him a watery smile.
"I-I guess I should go," he then said. "You're good now that Mr. Stark is here."
"Stay, Ned," Tony called out before he walked out. "Happy is on his way, and we'll drive you home."
"Er, no, sir, that's not necessary," he protested in embarrassment.
"Not taking no for an answer," Tony replied firmly. "And call me, Tony. I think we've moved pass formalities by this point."
Ned's eyes widened dramatically before he just nodded his head more times than was strictly necessary.
The nurse, whose name turned out to be Julie, arrived, and handed Tony a bunch of paperwork. He sighed before sitting himself down at the table. I whimpered at the loss of physical contact, and he immediately stood back up, pulled a second chair next to me, and sat me down in it. He wrapped his left arm around me before beginning to fill out all the papers.
I tuned out the conversation, just leaning into Tony's comforting touch. It took longer than I thought it would, but eventually the last paper was filled out and signed. Julie looked at me sympathetically before saying something to Tony. They shook hands, and then we all stood up. When we left the room, Happy was standing right outside, worry written all over his face, especially when he looked at me. He looked like he wanted to say something, but didn't know what, so he settled with just saying, "Let's get you home."
We walked out to his car, and I was placed in between Ned and Tony. Ned was dropped off after a few minutes, but I barely noticed as my senses were once more fogging up. I was detaching myself from the environment.
I did feel as Tony laid me down in the car. He bundled up Happy's jacket, putting it in his lap before setting my head down there. A blanket appeared from nowhere, and he placed it over me. He was speaking, but I understood nothing. I just felt as he rubbed my back in a soothing manner. I felt as he ran a hand through my hair. My eyes closed slowly, and I fell asleep before I knew it.
Tony's POV:
I stared down at the sleeping teenager, feeling at a complete loss. His aunt had died, suddenly and tragically. Peter had been there. Peter had found her. Peter had been in shock when they'd arrived.
Poor kid. This wasn't fair. He was too young to have this much tragedy in his life! His parents died in a plane accident. His uncle was shot by a mugger, and now his aunt died suddenly and unexpectedly of a brain aneurysm.
I didn't know what to do. I didn't know how to comfort the kid. All I knew was that he wanted me. Me, of all people!
I'd been on a solo mission in Sudan the past day or so. I'd lost track of time. Stark weapons had been found, so I'd gone right away. Old memories had haunted me as I saw the destruction left behind by my own creations. All the lifeless bodies. All the blood.
When all the weapons had been destroyed I'd headed home. Once over the Atlantic, I'd allowed myself to fall asleep, knowing Friday would be able to get me home, and that she'd be able to notify me if there were any emergencies. I didn't anticipate how deeply I'd fallen asleep though. I awoke to alarm bells and Friday's frantic voice repeatedly asking me to wake up because Peter needed help.
As soon as my eyes opened she played the message from Ned. Putting in the location of the hospital he'd given me I flew as quickly as I could, arriving just in time to keep the kid from being dragged off to who knows where.
He'd been calling for me. He'd been begging them to let him call me. I felt angry at the people for not listening to him, but I felt angrier with myself for not being there earlier. I should've been there for him from the get-go. Logic let me know that I'd gotten there as soon as I could, but my heart said I should've been there sooner. After losing his last remaining relative, Peter shouldn't have had to deal with the stress of wondering who would pick him up, or where he would be living.
I didn't know how I was going to take care of this kid. What I did know, though, was that I was taking him in. If that meant I needed to adopt him, then so be it; but this boy was now my responsibility. He needed me, and I wasn't going to let him down. He wouldn't be alone. I knew I needed to discuss this with Pepper, but I honestly didn't anticipate her putting up a fight.
"How's he looking?" Happy spoke up, for the first time, and I just sighed deeply.
"He's sleeping," I informed him. "She was his last living relative, Hap. He's fifteen. This isn't fair, and shouldn't have happened to him. I have no idea how he is, but I sure as hell know that he isn't well."
Happy frowned sadly, before asking, "Do you want me to call Pepper and let her know what's going on?"
I knew I should be the one to do it, but I didn't think I could get the words out. I nodded my head, and he put up the screen between our seats, to no doubt keep the conversation from Peter.
I felt older now that I ever had before. It wasn't just weariness from fighting, stress, or lack of sleep and food. It was bone weary exhaustion. This world was cold, cruel, and unfair. Bad things happened to good people, and it grated on me. Peter deserved the best. He was everything a hero should be, and he was only fifteen! He was good and pure, and I was terrified about what May's death would do to him.
My parent's death changed me, and not for the better. I'd thrown myself completely into the party life. I'd used alcohol, drugs, and women to stop feeling, and to forget. I pushed people away, Rhodey being the only one who stuck around from my old life.
I didn't want Peter to turn out like I did. I couldn't-I wouldn't let that happen. I'd be there for him even if he didn't want me to be. I hoped he wouldn't try to push me away as I would have, but if he did, I was prepared to fight. I wouldn't let him go through this all on his own.
The partition between dividing Happy from us lowered, and he informed me that Pepper had been told. Understandably, she'd been very upset, but she was also glad that we were already on our way with Peter. Natasha and Vision were both at home, and had been informed as well. Everyone was ready to do whatever was needed to help the kid out. I felt immensely grateful to these people. As well intentioned as I was, I was no expert in dealing with a grieving kid. I would need their help, and so would Peter, of course.
We arrived at HQ, and the teen was dead asleep. I gave him a small shake to see if he'd wake up, but he just groaned before trying to burrow his head into my stomach. I couldn't help but feel some awe at seeing him seek comfort from me. I'd thought about it before, but I still marveled at the fact that this kid wanted me and needed me.
Deciding to carry him, I lifted him into my arms, one arm underneath his back while the other was underneath his legs. We used the private elevator to avoid being seen, and when we arrived on our floor, Pepper, Natasha, and Vision were all there. I gave them all a look of appreciation before walking to the boy's room. I set him down on his bed and took off his shoes. I was moving to pull the comforter over him when he let out a whimper, curling into a ball.
"Tony," he moaned pitifully, a blind arm reaching out. He was still sleeping, and I froze, not knowing what to do. Somebody not so gently nudged me, so I reached out, grasping onto the kid's outstretched hand. Mechanically, I found myself sitting onto the bed, Peter wrapping an arm around my waist and laying his head against my stomach again. I held one of his hands in my own while I laid the other one on his back.
"Guess you have first watch," Natasha said, a small smile gracing her features before she turned and left, Vision and Happy trailing behind. Pepper approached us and leaned down to place a kiss on the boy's forehead before placing a kiss on my forehead as well.
"I'll start making funeral arrangements," she whispered, her eyes filling with tears. She and May had formed a great friendship, I recalled. "Something small and simple, I presume," she said, and I nodded. She put her hand to her mouth now, looking distraught for just a moment before she pulled herself together. My heart ached to comfort her as well, but the kid was latched onto me tight.
"He's living with us," she now declared, "so I'll look into the adoption process." I smiled for the first time since I'd heard that voicemail. Pepper wasn't even asking, but telling me what we were going to do. It wasn't her taking charge, but her already knowing what I wanted without me saying anything. She graced us both with a loving look before walking out.
I leaned my head against the headboard, feeling exhaustion take over. Now that Peter was here at home, I felt like I could take a breath. I settled myself into a more comfortable position as I kicked off my own shoes. I was still in my tight flight suit, sweaty from battle, but I didn't think the kid minded.
"Friday, you know what to do," I murmured tiredly, content with the knowledge that she would keep an eye on us both.
"Of course, sir," she responded quietly, and I finally allowed my eyes to close. Things were bad, but they would get better. For Peter's sake, I would make sure of it.
ONE WEEK LATER
Peter's POV:
The week since my aunt's death had been a whirlwind. Thankfully, I hadn't been alone. Tony, Pepper, Happy, Natasha, Vision, and Rhodey had all been there for me every single step of the way. They hadn't left me to deal with anything by myself.
The funeral took place yesterday. She'd been buried right next to Uncle Ben, in the same cemetery as my parents. They were all together now.
I was at HQ now, sitting in my room and staring blankly at the television. Something was on, but I couldn't remember anymore. I was still in my PJs even though it was nearing 4PM. Today had been the first day the others had left me to my own devices. I'd been checked in on, but they realized how suffocating it could be to be constantly hovered over. I also knew that they had Friday watching over me like the omniscient present she was, but I didn't mind.
I looked down at the picture in my hand of me, my uncle, and my aunt. It'd been taken right before I'd gotten my powers. My heart ached as I looked at how happy we all were. How oblivious we were that less than two years later they'd both be dead, and I would be the vigilante superhero, Spider Man.
My eyes burned, but no tears came. All the tears had been spent already.
I was alone now. I was the last Parker.
What now? What was I going to do now? What was going to happen to our apartment? To all our stuff? To her stuff? What would I do with it? Could I even go back there? No, no, no. NO.
What about school? Where was I going to live? What about Ned?
There was a soft knock on my door, and I gave a quiet, "Come in."
Tony's head poked in, a hesitant smile on his face. It was so uncharacteristic of his normal, bright smile that I couldn't help but feel guilty. I'd put a strain on the current Avengers. Every night this last week someone had been in this room with me as I'd gone to sleep, or they'd come in after I'd fallen asleep. Tony, Pepper, Natasha, Happy, Vision, Rhodey, all of them. Nobody had forced me to talk. Nobody had told me they were sorry about what happened. I guess they'd all experienced enough death to know better than to just apologize and tell me everything was going to be alright.
"Pepper and I would like to talk with you, if that's okay?" he asked, and I nodded my head, clearing my throat as I stood up and turned the TV off. Tony walked in, Pepper's hand in his as they walked over towards me.
"Please sit," Pepper said to me, and I sat back down in my chair. Pepper took the other lounge chair while Ton dragged over the desk chair to sit on.
"What's up?" I asked nervously, wondering what they could want to talk about. They both exchanged looks before Pepper took in a breath and began to speak. The barest of smiles graced my lips as I knew Tony didn't feel comfortable talking about emotional things. He was great at it, I felt, but he still didn't feel comfortable doing it; hence, Pepper starting the talk.
"We know it's only been a week since your aunt passed," she began, "and I wish I could give you all the time in the world to deal with it, but there are decisions that need to be made. Before we start, though, I need you to know that whatever decisions you make, know that we will support you in any way we can."
I gave her a single nod, understanding now what this conversation was going to be about.
"This is about where I'm going to live," I stated, and she gave me a sad smile. I looked back down at the photograph in my hands, my heart hurting more than it ever had. This was too big of a decision for me to make on my own. I didn't know what to do. I had nowhere to go. Fifteen years old. An orphan once again with no place to call home. Even if I went back to the apartment, it wasn't like I could afford the rent. I had no job. I doubted they'd let a fifteen-year-old live alone anyways.
I flicked my eyes towards the unnaturally silent Tony and remembered how he'd told me he'd been emancipated when he'd been orphaned at sixteen. He also inherited billions of dollars, I reminded myself morosely. Not to mention he had a home. And he was a genius. So…I guess our situations weren't quite similar.
What options did that leave me with? Going into an orphanage who knows where? Foster care? That sounded horrid.
What else? Live as a homeless kid, I supposed. It's not like I'd be afraid. Nobody could take me on. I could probably convince someone to hire me, and save up some money to get myself a place. Hell, if I asked nicely enough Tony would probably let me stay here until I had enough money to get my own place.
I finally lifted my head, looking from one concerned face to the next. Tony's eyes narrowed when we locked eyes, and I could instantly tell he was analyzing me. Being the genius who he was, he probably already knew what my options were.
"I don't want to go to an orphanage," I admitted right off the bat. "I don't have money, but if I could just live here for a little while, I could get a job somewhere"—
"Oh god, please just shut up," Tony interjected firmly, throwing me with a look of fond exasperation before turning to Pepper who looked even sadder than before. "I told you he'd be like this."
"The decision has to be his," she countered, "if we'd just outright asked him, I was worried he'd feel obligated."
"He's fifteen, Pep," Tony argued, and I figured it was time I cut in.
"Yeah, fifteen and sitting right here with perfectly good hearing," I informed them with an unhappy frown. "Don't treat me like a kid."
Tony's eyebrows rose before he simply said, "You are a kid."
I wanted to argue, but before I said anything, he asked a question that left me completely stunned. "We want to adopt you. You cool with that?" I barely noticed Pepper letting out a groan as she slapped a hand at her face.
"That's not how you ask him, Tony Stark!" she snapped heatedly, looking ready to strangle him.
Tony responded with an innocent look before zeroing in on me. "You don't have to answer now, but at least think about it. I've known you long enough, spiderling, to know what you're thinking. I'm not asking out of obligation. I'm asking because I want you." He frowned suddenly, murmuring, "That came out a little weird. I don't want your body, I want you as part of my family. That sounds better, right?" he said, looking at Pepper for approval. Pepper just rolled her eyes looking completely appalled and exasperated as she graced Tony with a glare.
For my part, my eyes were already filling with tears as I finally registered what I'd just been asked. They wanted to adopt me. They wanted me as part of their family. This was completely surreal. Never in a million years would I have imagined my life turning out this way.
I didn't think I had anymore tears in me, but they now trailed down my face as I suddenly said, "Yes."
Their married-couple argument ended, both their faces looking at me. Pepper looked relieved while Tony just gave me a real smile. He then turned towards Pepper, stood up, and with a grand gesture, pointed at me and announced, "Congratulations Pepper, it's a boy!"
Laughter escaped me. The first laugh since all of this had happened, and then the laughter turned to crying. I stood up and literally ran to Tony, accidentally tackling him to the floor as I hugged him.
He let out a groan before chuckling softly and returning the hug, one hand wrapped around my back while the other cradled my head. "Welcome to the family," he said. "It's a crazy one, but somehow I feel you'll fit in just fine."
"By the grins on your faces I assume he said yes," Vision stated casually as he looked at us with a smile. I looked at him in surprise, not knowing when he'd come in. Nat and Rhodes were with him.
"What a sickeningly, revolting sight," Natasha commented drily, but I knew she didn't mean it as her eyes were lit up and she had a genuine smile on her face.
"Awesome!" Rhodey exclaimed, as he rested his arm on Vision's shoulder. "I'm finally an uncle! So, have you proposed to Pepper yet?" he then asked, looking at Tony with a smirk. I released my hold on Tony, wiping at my face as I sat up. I couldn't keep the grin off my face as Tony looked at his oldest friend with a disgruntled look.
"I was getting around to that, Platypus," he grumbled before putting his hand in a pocket and pulling out a ring.
He got himself up, walked to Pepper and then got down on bended knee. We all watched with bated breath as he took her hands in his. Holy shit. He was actually doing it here and now.
"Pepper, you know me," he began. "You know me better than I know myself. You've been with me through a lot of bad years, and you've stuck by me as I've screwed up time after time. I love you, and I honestly don't know how I'd survive without you. I really wanted to do this right, and get married before even thinking about kids, but now that we've got a bouncing baby spider, I almost feel like we gotta get hitched. So, my darling, beautiful Pepper Potts, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"
Rhodes let out a low whistle as we watched Pepper go from shocked to tearful in a matter of seconds. "Yes," she finally said. "Yes, yes, yes!" she shouted before launched herself into his arms. He once more ended up on the floor, but he didn't seem to mind as he just wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her in for a passionate kiss.
Rhodey laughed before rushing over to me, faster than I thought possible when using crutches, and covering my eyes. "Cool it in front of the kid, Starks!" he berated in amusement. Tony just treated him to one of his signature, cocky grins before picking himself and Pepper off the floor.
"Congratulations, you two, I'm very happy for the both of you," Vision said, his features lit up more happily than I'd ever seen before. "And congratulations on the adoption, Peter," he said, looking at me now. I grinned widely, feeling overwhelmed with happiness. Never did I think I would be able to feel like this after Aunt May's death.
The newly engaged couple now walked to me, both pulling me onto my feet before enveloping me in a hug. When we broke apart, I was surprised but pleased to feel Natasha's arms wrapped around me. "You're going to need help with Tony as a father, so if he ever gives you trouble, you come to me and I'll straighten him out." She kissed my cheek then before breaking apart.
"Really, Nat?" Tony complained. "Already trying to prejudice my kid against me?" Nat just shrugged unapologetically before hugging Tony.
More hugs were exchanged as Rhodey went around and embraced each one of us; and while he clearly felt awkward, even Vision managed to hug each one of us. I was wondering where Happy was when he popped into the room, looking quite bewildered.
"What the hell did I miss?" he questioned with wide eyes.
"Pep and I are engaged and Peter's agreed to being adopted by us. Congrats, Uncle Happy!" Tony announced with all his Tony Stark charm, his arms spread wide.
Happy's eyes bugged out as his mouth fell open in surprise. He quickly overcame that though, and yelled, "It's about freakin time, Boss!" He rushed the happy couple, wrapping his arms around the both of them. Turning to me, he smiled warmly as he said, "And welcome to this crazy family. You need help dealing with Tony, you let me know." He hugged me, and I laughed as Tony complained, "Why is everybody saying that?"
Things weren't perfect. They never would be, but I suddenly was filled with hope that I would be okay. I had a new family. A crazy family, apparently, but one that I already knew cared a great deal for me; and that's all I could ask for.
A/N: Once again, sorry for the killing off May. The method in which she died, tragically happened to one of my coworkers last year. I didn't personally know her, but she left behind a family. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the ending at least! I wanted to add some happiness and levity to an otherwise tragic chapter.