It was snowing when Clint and Scott arrived at the tower. Soft, light flurries that quickly turned into a full out snow storm.
If Tony had been superstitious, he would've taken the abrupt change in weather as an omen. An omen of bad things to come. But he was a man of science; and he knew the weather change was a result of moist air rising within an area of low pressure causing the moist air particles to freeze. The billionaire looked out the floor to ceiling windows of the communal living room, quietly sipping his eight a.m coffee.
"Dad." Peter trotted up to stand beside the older hero.
Tony pulled his eyes away from the white landscape, a broad smile pulling at his features when he looked down at his son. Peter's thin frame was swimming in the MIT sweatshirt that smelled of the mechanic's cologne. The jeans he wore were an early Christmas gift, along with the fluffy socks that encased heating technology much like his spider suit. His cheeks were rosy and his eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Hey bud," he ruffled his son's curls before pulling him into a side hug, the teen's slender fingers wrapping around the billionaire's sleeve, "are you ready?"
The teen looked up at him with his big Bambi eyes. "Only if you are."
God, his heart was melting. "You're really adorable. You know that?"
"Wha- nuh uh." His cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Pft. Whatever you say Underoos. But yeah, I'm ready. So long as you and Bruce are here."
"Always will be."
Peter's answer was short but Tony believed him with his entire being.
The rest of the team meandered onto the communal floor minutes later. Bruce went over to stand beside his husband and son while the others situated themselves around the living room. Tony internally scuffed when he saw Loki was wearing his helmet but did a double take when he saw the two red Christmas ornaments hanging from each curved horn.
The god winked at Peter who shuffled happily upon seeing his uncle's attire. Tony smiled broadly; even the cunning and devilish god of mischief was wrapped around Peter's little finger.
Friday then announced the rogues arrival. "Mr Barton and Mr Lang are on their way up."
Tony's grip on Bruce's hand tightened when the elevator doors in the hall opened with a quiet ding , and the two ex-avengers entered the room.
The two men stood under the archway connecting the hallway and the living room, duffel bags in hand. The silence that settled over the group was awkward, bordering on uncomfortable. But leave it to Happy to break the tension.
"Here's your luggage." Unceremoniously, Happy dropped four laden bags he'd been carrying beside the two men. Looking to his boss, he muttered, "I'll be in my office."
"Thanks Hap. We'll see you and Pepper at the Christmas Eve party."
Happy waved his hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah. See you in a couple of days."
"Don't sound so excited." Tony called after the man, sarcasm coming full force. One of his go to coping mechanism. "So, Barton, Lang… since you're going to be living here there's some rules-"
"More rules. Like the accords?" Clint cut in, voice hard.
"Clint." Natasha growled.
It was clear the archer's response upset her, which in turn upset Peter. No one was allowed to mess with his dad or aunt Tasha. So far, it seemed that Clint wasn't much for first impressions.
But like the suave businessman he was, Tony continued, seemingly unfazed. "The accords have been abolished. So there's no need to dwell on past mistakes." He smiled devilishly when Steve shifted uncomfortably. "But yes, there are more rules that Bruce and I have put into place. I don't like repeating myself so I'm only going to say this once." He counted the rules on his fingers as he spoke. "One, the penthouse is off limits. Two, Bruce's, Peter's and my private labs are off limits. Three, communal floor, gym and your apartments, are fair game. Going anywhere else in the tower will require a chaperone." He gestured to Rhodey, Bruce, Natasha and himself. "Four, you are not to leave this tower without Natasha or myself knowing. Friday will notify either Bruce or myself if you go anywhere without permission. Campeche?"
Scott pursed his lips and shrugged. "Sounds fair."
"What?" Clint scuffed and smacked Scott on the arm. "You're just gonna roll over? Just like that?"
"I mean… yeah. This isn't our house." He shrugged again. "I've been to prison like, lots of times. Being limited to a few levels in an awesome tower owned by a billionaire isn't bad at all. I mean," he made a wide gestured around the room, then pointed to Tony, "this place is really cool Stark. Like, being a billionaire must be awesome!" Then a bit quieter, "thanks for letting us stay here."
Tony crossed his arms, smirking. "It's got some definite perks. And no problem." His voice and gaze hardened as he turned to Clint. "Anything else you need to bitch about even though you have no right to?"
"No just… who the hell is Peter?"
"I'm Peter." Peter waved shyly. "Peter Stark-Banner."
"You?" The archer asked incredulously. "You're the runt those two adopted."
"Oh I'm sorry Legolas, did I stutter?"
The teen's smart remark caught everyone off guard. Even Clint was taken aback. But the archer had to admit, with his arms crossed and similar physique, that kid looked just like Tony.
"N-no." He deflated. "I guess you didn't."
Scott just laughed, "he's definitely a Stark."
Later that night, Peter found himself curled up next to his aunt, a planet earth episode playing on tv. Ironically enough the episode was about spiders.
"Are you warm enough мой ребенок паук?" (My baby spider.) Natasha asked as she pulled a blanket over her nephew's small body.
"Thank you мама." (momma) Came Peter's soft reply. He rested his head against his aunt's shoulder as she played with his hair, her other arm holding him in place beside her. He would've fallen asleep had it not been for the screaming match going on between Steve and his dad.
"I can't believe this!" Steve yelled as he stomped into the room. "How could you let him do this? He's only fourteen."
Oh shit , Peter thought, they're fighting because of me.
"I am protecting him." Tony shouted right back. "That kid is ten times as powerful as you and a hell of a lot smarter."
"That's no excuse to encourage him."
"Now hold it right there. I am not encouraging him. I literally can't stop him from going out. He could whoop Thor's ass for cryin' out loud. So, I'm trying to give him tech that will help protect him."
Having heard the screaming match, the rest of the team had gathered around to see what was going on. Even Loki had emerged from his and Thor's room and was standing back, watching the two heroes fight.
When Peter pushed his way forward Tony met him with sorrowful eyes. "I'm sorry bud. I finished the updates in your spider suit but I ran into Rogers before I could put it back in your room."
"It wasn't hard to put two and two together," growled Steve. "I just can't believe you Tony. You're so irresponsible and-"
Peter was in between Steve and Tony in a second, using his body as a barrier to protect his dad. "Think twice before you finish that sentence."
No one dared to say anything. Tony and Steve were locked into a staring contest. Clint opened his mouth to presumably yell at Tony and Peter was ready to throw hands. Surprisingly, it was Loki who silenced the dispute.
"This tiny child held up the Daily Bugle building with his bare hands. He is quick in step and mind. And his physical strength can only be paralleled to the purity of his heart." The god paused, watching the rogues carefully. "I would definitely think twice before starting a fight with Spider-Man. Or any of us," he nodded to the avengers, "his family."
Clint's mouth snapped shut. Despite how horrified he was to learn that the famous vigilante was a scrawny fourteen year old boy, he couldn't argue with the facts. Because Loki was right. And he had to admit, he admired Peter's moxie.
"We are not done talking about this." Steve warned, before stomping off.
"Well," Tony sighed, "that went well. Who wants to watch some tv?"
The following day was Christmas Eve and everyone seemed to be in a good mood. Despite the heated argument only days prior, the rogues - Steve in particular - were actively trying to get along with the avengers. There were no more fights or harsh warning glares; just civil conversations and tight smiles.
Today was the avengers annual Christmas Eve party. Unlike the grandiose parties and magnificent galas Tony was used to, the avengers party was small and private. Only close friends and family could attend.
Just before the party was to start, Clint took a break from the party preparations. His wife and children wouldn't be joining them tonight since he would be visiting the farm for New Years. With Friday's and Natasha's consent he travelled down to the spy's shared floor. The black widow was waiting for him, seated comfortably in the lounge area.
"Hey bird brain." She greeted with a smile.
"Hey Nat." Clint returned the smile and brought his arms around her when she stood up for a hug. "As hard as this is… I'm really glad to be back."
"We're all glad you guys are here. Even though it might be hard to show it." She laughed.
"That's good to hear." They sat down across from each other on the plush chairs. "I wasn't so sure about how Peter felt."
Her voice softened. "He's just protective of his dads."
"And you." At the spy's confused look he continued. "Don't give me that look. Peter's got everyone, including you, wrapped around his little finger."
"What can I say." Her lips turned upwards into a large grin. "He's my baby spider."
"Miss Potts and Mr. Hogan has arrived," Friday informed, "Ned and MJ are with them."
"Who's Ned and MJ?"
Natasha set her tea aside and stood. They headed for the elevator. "MJ is Peter's girlfriend and Ned is his best friend. They're staying for the party."
"Happy picks them up?"
"Normally."
Clint huffed a laugh. "I bet he loves that."
"Like you said," her smile returned, "Peter's got everyone wrapped around his little finger."
"MJ! Ned!" Peter yelled once his friend's arrived. He hugged Ned - nearly lifting him off the ground - before pulling MJ into a tight embrace; placing a soft kiss on her lips.
"No hug for me?" Pepper pouted, feigning hurt.
"Hi aunt Pepper." He hugged his aunt, resting his chin on her shoulder. "I'm glad you could come."
"It's good to see you honey." She kissed his forehead. "I'm glad we could be here too."
"Happy, Pep!" Tony greeted his friends excitedly - much like how Peter did. "How was the drive?" He asked, after the couple's coats had been collected and everyone was seated.
"Not bad." Pepper smiled. "It's snowing but the roads are clear."
"I have a question uncle Happy." Peter jumped up from his seat between his friends; a sly smile shared upon all three of their faces. He pointed at Happy's dress shoes and yelled, "what are those?"
The teen's bust up laughing, tears leaking from Ned's eyes because he was laughing so hard. Happy was unimpressed.
"What? He looked to his Boss - who appeared equally confused - then down to his shoes. "They're Salvatore Ferragamo dress shoes."
Peter shook his head. "I know uncle Happy. It was just a vine reference."
"I don't know what those are."
"I don't know what they are either." Tony reassured. "He tries to explain 'em but I don't get it. Bruce doesn't either."
Bruce nodded in agreement and chuckled when Peter exasperatedly groaned, "mom, whose side are you on?"
The next few hours, filled with stories and genuine laughter, passed by quickly and before everyone knew it Steve and Rhodey announced that dinner was ready. The heavenly smell of ham and mashed potatoes wafted in from the kitchen.
Thor and Peter - having the biggest appetites out of anyone they knew - were practically starving, having not eaten for over two hours. But being the gentleman he was, Peter volunteered to set the table.
"I'll take care of it son." Steve took the bundle of silverware Peter had been holding and nodded towards the doorway where Tony was standing. "I think your dad needs to talk to you." Peter looked up at Steve who nodded encouragingly. "I'll make sure everyone gets settled."
With a nod Peter stepped away from the group and back into the living room where his dad was waiting. He immediately noticed how fast the man's heart was beating
"Hey bud. I uh… I need to talk to you about something."
"In my defense MJ was the one who dared me to eat the Tide Pod."
"I've done some- what! When did this happen?"
"Oh um." Peter wanted to kick himself for blurting that out. "A while ago."
Tony pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'll address that later. Right now I gotta talk to you about your mom."
"Oh."
"Yeah. Um, years ago, like almost fifteen years ago I met your mom, Mary. We spent a night- ah some time together and… I'm… I'm your dad. Biologically I mean. I ran DNA tests through Friday, just to be sure. Each one came back positive."
"I know."
"You do? How-"
"It was a secret." Peter didn't bother to mince words. It was about time he came clean. "My mom told my uncle Ben and he told me. I've always known."
Tony didn't know what to say. After all this time Peter knew and suffered in silence. And what were the odds of someone fostering their own kid?
"Does- does this bother you?" He sounded so young and innocent and it made Tony's heart clench.
"No! Oh god no." Without a second thought he pulled Peter against him, holding him tightly against his chest. "I love you Peter. So much. You're the best thing to ever happen to Bruce and I." He took a few deep breaths before continuing. He didn't want to break down; not yet. "I'm so, so, so sorry I couldn't be there for you. I promise I didn't know. Please believe me kiddo."
"I know you didn't. It's okay dad."
His shoulders slumped in relief but his grip on Peter never loosened. "It's not okay. Everything you had to go through… it's-"
"It's not your fault. You couldn't control May or anything else. I don't blame you." He peeked up to look his dad in the eyes. "You're here now and that's what counts."
At that, Tony did start crying. He held onto his son and slowly rocked back and forth. After placing a kiss atop the fluffy curls tickling his chin he asked the question he and Bruce had been dying to ask. "Bruce and I are your guardians but… Would it be okay if we adopt you?"
"Yes!" Peter's smile could be heard through his voice. "That would totally be okay."
"Good. That's so good." He smiled through the tears. "Now let's go ea-" Peter's stomach growled loudly, cutting Tony off and making him laugh. "Let's go eat." He led Peter into the dining room, arm slung across his shoulders.
The food was lined down the center of the large oak table where everyone was seated. Both gods were taking playful jabs at each other, Happy and Pepper were holding hands under the table and the rest of the team were actually laughing and having fun with each other. MJ and Ned were cackling as they tried to explain to Scott what free shavacado was. The sight brought a smile to Peter's face.
Peter couldn't believe how much his life had changed in less than half a year. He had escaped May's clutches, gotten an amazing spider suit, was basically an avenger and somehow… throughout everything... he'd gained a family.