Chapter 19

AN: Law school has been kicking my ass so I'm sorry about not updating. It's nearing the end of the semester so updates are going to keep being sporadic.

While Tony is working on designs at the Tower Natasha is at the compound with Steve, Wanda, Vision, and Sam. As they have just finished dinner they are all just sitting around while Sam, with the occasional help from Natasha, are trying to teach Wanda, Vision, and Steve about some aspects of popular culture.

"But that makes no sense!" Steve objects.

"That's the point," Natasha and Sam say together, and as they do Natasha's phone rings. Seeing Tony on the caller ID Natasha quickly answers. "Hey, can I…" Natasha starts to say.

"Nat," Tony says, cutting her off and the second he does Natasha knows something horrible has happened.

"What's wrong? What's happened?" Natasha asks worried as she goes from slouching to sitting up straight.

"Ben's been killed in a mugging," Tony says, his voice breaking as he speaks. "FRIDAY said the NYPD are about to make the notification to May. I'm heading to the apartment now," Tony explains.

"I'll meet you there," Natasha says, before hanging up. "I've got to go," Natasha says before basically running out of the room. Unknown to her Steve gets up and follows her.

"NATASHA!" Steve calls after Natasha, but as he realizes that she isn't going to stop he runs to catch up.

"Steve, I don't have time, I have to get to the city," Natasha explains, as Steve catches up with her.

"Are Peter and Tony okay?" Steve asks concerned, as he assumes that the only reason Natasha would be in that much of a hurry is if something happened to one of them.

"No," Natasha answers. "Peter's Uncle, one of the people he lives with when he isn't with Tony, has been killed," Natasha explains. "Tony's on his way to their apartment. I need to meet him there," Natasha explains.

"If there is anything, I can do…" Steve starts to say.

"I'll call," Natasha responds, before she continues to walk away.

After a driving a lot faster than usual, though making sure that everyone is safe, Natasha arrives outside the apartment where Peter, May, and up until tonight, Ben, lives. After checking to make sure no one is around Natasha gets out of her car and heads up to the apartment.

Getting to the door, Natasha pauses, before reaching out and knocking on the door. Honestly, she isn't at all surprised when Tony opens the door. The second Tony sees Natasha he looks relieved, and so Natasha just walks forward and once she is close enough Tony hugs her.

"I'm really glad you're here," Tony whispers to Natasha, a she can't imagine getting through this without her, before kissing her cheek.

Once they break apart Natasha and Tony both walk into the apartment where they find Peter and May on the couch, sitting together, May having an arm around her nephew.

"Nat," Peter says.

"I'm so sorry, May, Pete," Natasha says, as she walks over.

"Thank you," May says, honestly feeling a little numb. "I… I don't even know what I'm supposed to do now," May admits.

"Right now, absolutely nothing," Natasha tells her.

"Nat's right. Just stay together. I'll order some food," Tony says as he knows they tend to wait for Ben to get home to eat. "And if there are any calls that need to be made, or doors that need answering, Nat and I will do it," Tony says, feeling beyond useless.

"Thank you," May says gratefully.

"I'll make cups of tea while Tony orders food," Natasha says, heading to the kitchen, as she needs to feel like she is doing something.

Over the next few hours Natasha and Tony do their best to help May and Peter. Honestly neither are surprised when May was unable to sleep in hers and Ben's room so he is sleeping in Peter's room while Peter is asleep on the couch.

Having just checked on May in Peter's room Natasha is walking back into the living room where Tony is sitting at the table and so Natasha walks over to him.

"May asleep?" Tony asks in a quiet voice as he doesn't want to wake up Peter.

"Yeah. I think she's cried so much that she is exhausted," Natasha admits, pain in her voice.

"I'm not surprised," Tony says, and as he does Natasha reaches out and takes his hand; gently squeezing it and offering him comfort.

For a few minutes Natasha and Tony sit in silence, neither really sure what to say, but then they hear Peter starting to toss and turn, muttering to himself. Feeling worried for him Tony and Natasha exchange looks, and Tony quickly gets up and hurries over to where Peter is.

"Pete," Tony says, kneeling on the ground next to his son, and Peter makes a sound almost like he is in pain. "Pete, wake up," Tony says as he places his hand on Peter's arm.

The second Tony puts his hand on Peter's arm Peter quickly wakes up and he grabs Tony's arm.

"It's just me, Bud," Tony says, and Peter let's go of him. "You've got a strong grip," Tony says, and Peter just hopes he didn't grab his father had enough for him to be worried.

"Yeah," Peter says. "Is this really happening, Dad?" Peter asks, his voice breaking.

"I'm sorry Bud, but it is," Tony tells his son sadly.

"How does this just happen?" Peter asks, sounding shocked, and hurt.

"It's just one of those random things, Pete," Tony tells his son. "I know it doesn't help, and it's beyond horrible, but I don't have an explanation for this," Tony explains to his son.

"It's not fair," Peter says, sitting up as he starts to cry.

"No, it's not," Tony says, moving so that he is next to his son, and hugging him.

For a while Peter and Tony just sit together, and Tony holds his son, as Peter cries.

"Is Nat still here?" Peter asks curious.

"Yeah, I'm right here, маленький," Natasha says, walking over and sitting next to Peter.

"Does getting shot hurt?" Peter asks, looking at her. "Would Uncle Ben have been in a lot of pain?" Peter asks, and as he does Tony looks worriedly at Natasha, as Natasha quickly figures out how to answer that question as while she doesn't want to lie to Peter she knows the truth can be extremely painful.

"Not at first," Natasha says, trying to think of the most delicate way to explain. "It takes the body a few moments to catch up with what happened, but then yes, маленький, Uncle Ben would have felt pain," Natasha admits, as she puts an arm around her son. "But with a chest wound there wouldn't have been pain for very long," Natasha explains.

"Really?" Peter asks, as while Natasha has never lied to him he also knows she wants to protect him.

"Really," Natasha says, as she kisses his head. "Pete, thinking about what happened at the end will do no good you need to just focus on how much your uncle loved you," Natasha explains.

"I'm going to miss him so much," Peter says, his voice breaking.

"I know," Tony says, as he and Natasha both sit with arms around Peter, as he cries.

January 15th 2016

For the days that follow Ben's death everything seems to be kind of like a blur for Peter, finally the day of Ben's funeral has come. As she didn't want a repeat of what happened when they visited Mary and Richard's graves Natasha ahs been in contact with Sharon, Happy, and Rhodey to make sure there won't be a repeat of pictures finding their way online.

As they have been most of the last few days Natasha and Tony are at the Parker apartment with May, and Peter; the four of them are getting ready to go to the funeral.

"I don't know if I can do this," May admits, as they go to leave.

"You can," Tony assures her. "You've been to too many funerals. We all have, but you won't forgive yourself if you don't come today," Tony explains, trying to be as gentle as possible.

"Aunt May," Peter says, walking over to her. "We need to do this, we need to say goodbye to Uncle Ben," Peter says to his aunt. "I'll be with you," Peter explains, as May puts her arm around him.

"We all will," Natasha adds, honestly she isn't really good at dealing with this kind of thing but she wants to help May, and Peter.

"Thank you," May says as she looks between Peter, Natasha and Tony, feeling incredible grateful for them despite everything that is going on. "It's time, isn't it?" May asks, looking at Tony.

"Yeah, but only if you're ready," Tony assures her as he knows that pushing May to go if she isn't ready isn't fair, or right.

"I don't think I'll ever be ready," May admits. "But Peter's right, I have to do this," May admits, and once she does they head out of the apartment together.

A while after they left the Parker apartment Natasha, Tony, Peter and May get out of the car at the cemetery. When they get there they find Sharon, Hope, Pepper, Rhodey, and Happy. Even though Ben has other friends May decided that she wanted a private funeral for Peter's sake.

As they get out of the car Natasha purposely walks over to where Sharon, Rhodey, and Happy are standing together.

"Is everything clear?" Natasha asks.

"Yeah," Sharon confirms. "We triple checked, and the three of us and Hope are going to be on the lookout," Sharon explains.

"So, will I. I'm not have a repeat of last year, not today," Natasha says, with an edge to her voice.

"Even with everything we have to deal with we've got to focus on May and Peter; they're who matter today," Rhodey says.

"Yeah, they are," Natasha says, and they all start to walk everyone towards the gravestone where the burial is going to take place.

Over the next couple of hours everyone stands together as they say goodbye to Ben Parker.

Hours later the funeral is over and everyone is back at the Parker Apartment taking place in a makeshift wake. As Peter is sitting alone Sharon walks over to him.

"Hey Pete," Sharon says, as she sits down next to him.

"Hey Aunt Sharon," Peter says, though he doesn't sound that enthusiastic.

"I'm really sorry about your Uncle, I really liked him," Sharon explains.

"He was the best," Peter admits. "I know bad things happen, but this, being shot over money, is just so random; there's no reason," Peter says, pain in his voice, as while he can make sense of a lot of things he cannot make sense of this.

"You're right; there's not," Sharon admits, as she reaches out and takes Peter's hand. "There are so many heroes in this world Pete, but there are also bad people. Or people who are scared, or desperate, or in pain, and that can lead to horrible things," Sharon explains to her nephew.

"Maybe there needs to be more heroes," Peter mutters. "People who can do incredible things to stop the horrible ones," Peter comments, as he can't help but think of what he can do.

"Maybe," Sharon admits, and the two of them drift into silence.

Across the apartment Natasha and Tony are in the kitchen, both trying to get snacks, and drinks, ready.

"I'm glad Pete is talking to someone," Tony says, seeing that Peter is talking to Sharon.

"Me too," Natasha admits. "How are you really doing?" Natasha asks Tony concerned as she knows he has been extremely focused on Peter lately.

"I don't know," Tony admits. "Ben has been a really good friend, and I know Peter and May are in pain, I just want to help them…. And I miss my friend," Tony admits.

"Me too," Natasha admits, there being a level of pain in her voice, and so Tony stops what he is doing, to hug, and kiss her.

Hours later everyone but Natasha, Tony, May and Peter have left the Parker apartment. While Tony and Peter are in Peter's room, as there is stuff that Peter wants to show his father, Natasha and May are in the living room.

"We don't have to do this this weekend. Peter can stay here, or you can come to the tower. Tony and I both understand," Natasha explains.

"It's better to keep the routine," May comments. "Thank you, Nat, but I think I need to try to do something normal," May admits.

"Okay," Natasha says. "If you change your mind, we're just a call away," Natasha reminds May.

"I know, thank you," May says, honestly feeling very grateful for the support she has gotten from Natasha and Tony, and just as she finishes talking Peter and Tony walk out into the living room. As they do May gets up and walks over to Peter.

"I want you to just enjoy yourself with Dad and Nat, okay. Don't worry about me, okay?" May says to Peter.

"I don't think I can make that promise; but I'll do my best," Peter says, before hugging his aunt. "I love you May," Peter says, as he hugs May.

"I love you too," May responds, before they break apart.

After breaking apart form Peter May hugs Tony.

"Thank you," May says, her voice full of sincerity.

"You never have to thank me," Tony assures her, as they break apart.

Once May and Tony break apart the two of them, and Natasha head out of the apartment. As they go both Natasha and Tony are worried about May, but neither let it show as they don't want Peter to worry even more than he should.

January 25th 2016

Almost two weeks have passed since Ben was killed and ever since Tony, Peter, and Natasha have been going between the tower and the Parker apartment. It is beyond clear that Peter and May have been struggling in their grief, while Tony and Natasha have been doing their best to help.

It is Monday morning, and it is the day that Peter is going to go back to school, and so like they do most, if not every, Monday morning Peter, Natasha, and Tony are sitting around the table in the kitchen of their floor.

"If you're not ready, Bud. You don't have to go back to school today," Tony tells his son.

"No, it's okay. I think it's time," Peter says.

"If it gets too much for you…" Natasha starts to say.

"I know, I can call you or Dad," Peter says. "Are you going back to the compound?" Peter asks curious.

"Yeah, but I'm going to be around as much as possible," Natasha explains.

"Can you give me a lift to school?" Peter asks curious.

"Of course," Natasha answers.

"I'm going to go get my stuff," Peter says, before heading out of the room.

"Do you think it's too soon for him to be going back?" Tony asks worried.

"I don't know," Natasha admits. "I think the only one who can answer that is Peter; maybe going back to his routine will help him," Natasha says, hoping that that is the case.

"Hopefully," Tony says, otherwise he knows it could make things so much worse for Peter. "I'm just worried about him, Nat, he's been through so much; lost so much," Tony says, pain in his voice.

"I know," Natasha says, feeling just as pained. "We've just go to help him as much as he can," Natasha says, getting up and walking over to Tony. "That's all we can do," Natasha says, feeling pretty helpless which is something she doesn't like.

"Yeah," Tony says, leaning up and kissing her.

"I'm ready to go, Nat," Peter says, walking into the room, and he walks over to his father. "Bye Dad," Peter says, before hugging his father.

"Bye Kid," Tony says as he hugs him. "I love you," Tony says.

"Love you too," Peter responds and once he and Tony head out he leaves with Natasha.

A little while later Peter and Natasha have parked around the corner form Peter's school. As she parks the car Natasha notices that Peter looks extremely hesitant.

"You don't have to do this Pete. I can take you home, or to your aunts or anywhere else," Natasha offers.

"I want to go to school," Peter admits. "I'm just…. Scared," Peter admits.

"What exactly scares you?" Natasha asks curious.

"If I get out of this car, and go to school it's going back to normal," Peter says. "And isn't that the same as forgetting Uncle Ben?" Peter asks. "When Mom and Richard died I was too young to remember what life was like right after, and a lot of the time I have a really hard time remembering them; I don't want to forget Uncle Ben," Peter admits, looking upset.

"You never will, маленький," Natasha tells him. "Pete, you're older now. You've had time to make memories, and you will never forget him," Natasha admits. "Living, continuing on with your life, isn't forgetting your Uncle Pete; it's honouring him," Natasha explains. "Uncle Ben loved you, deeply, and he would want you to have the incredible life you're going to have; okay?" Natasha asks.

"Okay," Peter says with a nod. "I really love you, Nat," Peter tells her.

"I love you too, Bud," Natasha says, before hugging him, and as they hug Natasha kisses her son's head.

Once Natasha and Peter break apart Peter looks out the door, and puts his hand on the door.

"I'll see you this weekend," Peter tells her.

"Yep, and you can call or video call me whenever you want," Natasha reminds him.

"Thanks Nat," Peter says, before getting out of the car, and heading to school.

A while after Natasha dropped Peter at school she has arrived back at the compound. As nice as the place is and all the places where she sees Tony in the building she designs, Natasha knows that no where will fill like home if Tony and Peter aren't there.

Figuring it is where she will find Steve, and he's the one she needs to check in with, Natasha heads to the room that Steve has set up as his office.

"Hey," Natasha greats, as she stands in the doorway.

"Hey," Steve responds. "How's Peter? And Tony?" Steve asks.

"They're doing as well as they can be," Natasha admits. "Pete went back to school today, but we're going to see how things go," Natasha explains. "I back here, but I don't know for how long. For the next few months I might have to go between The Tower and here a bit more," Natasha explains.

"I understand," Steve admits. "Is there anything I can do to help?" Steve asks curious.

"Not right now," Natasha admits, "But I'll let you know," Natasha explains, and Steve nods. "I'll going to head to the gym," Natasha reveals. "If we want to do some great training in an about an hour, I think that will be good," Natasha explains.

"Okay," Steve says, with a nod, and Natasha heads out of the office.

After a day at school where he was constantly looked at, and asked if he is okay, Peter was beyond glad when the final bell rang. After leaving school leaping over a fence in the process, Peter makes his way to an alley. Once in the alley Peter opens his backpack and pulls out a hoddie, which acts like a mask, sweats, and a pair of googles. Looking around to make sure he is alone; Peter quickly gets changed. Once he is changed Peter uses his web shooters to stick his bag to a wall, and then he swings out of the alley, knowing exactly what he has to do now.