Life changes after Peter's first flight.

It sparks something within the young boy. It feels like his destiny is on the horizon. Each thrust into the air brings a feeling of euphoria. Like he's working towards something larger than himself.

It also brings a blanket of darkness into his life. Until the point of his first flight, Peter was a good-natured boy. Not only was he never caught in a lie, but he'd never told a lie to begin with. Lying goes against the purity ingrained within an angel's soul. It feels horrible for him to keep the truth from his parents, but he feels like there's no other option.

It was one thing that his son was an angel - something that causes his father constant stress and worry. But for him to be using his wings is a different story. That means Peter is growing up, working towards his Calling. The very event that one may remove his boy from this world.

The first thing Peter does when he gets home from the sleepover is rush to his room and locks himself in his room. He puts a barrier between himself and his mom by closing his bedroom door.

The mother ruffles her feathers in confusion before lightly knocking on the door.

"Peter?"

"Yeah, mom?"

"Don't you want some help unpacking?"

"No thank you. I got it!"

"Um," Pepper mutters to herself in confusion. This has never really happened to her before. It feels like a blow to her heart after being away from her son all evening, but she knows he can be a bit distracted when something is on his mind. The mother does her best not to take it to heart. She has to let it go to prevent herself from being hurt.

"Do you still want me to groom your wings after dinner?"

Peter's wings feel exhausted, though he knows that's because he's been tossing them around all night in an attempt to fly as far as possible. His feathers must be a mess. While he can't tell her the reason for the soreness, he knows grooming will do wonders to his weary limbs.

"Sounds good! Love you, mom!"

"Love you too."

There's no need for him to hide his flight from her. They're one in the same. Both misunderstood creatures that are only trying to bring good into the world. Neither of them is perfect. They are still human beings - humans that make mistakes and get things wrong sometimes.

The only difference is the wings blessed on their back. The possibility of a world that they no longer exist in, but a world where their loved ones are safe. Humanity where people are given the chance to survive and do better. A burden that his mother understands more than anyone.

The lying doesn't get any easier as the night goes on.

Peter spends the evening laying in his bed, his wings calmed from his mother's grooming. It's the kind of thing that would usually put him straight to sleep, but there's too much anxiousness in his heart tonight. Too much worry that he's going to get caught if he accidentally flies in the house. He knows he's always being watched.

"Jarvis?"

There's a few seconds of silence as the walls listen to the words. Then the voice responds to Peter's words like this is any other request, the worry in the boy's whisper missed.

"Yes, young sir?"

"Can you keep a secret?"

"It depends on the secret. Is it life-threatening?"

Peter shakes his head. The overall idea is kind of life-threatening in the long run, but in the current moment, there's very little threat to him. Maybe some bruising and scratches at best.

"No. It's not. But it involves angel stuff. You know?"

"I'm not sure I understand the request."

"I just don't really want dad to know. Not yet."

It's clear in that moment that Peter needs someone to talk to more than anything. Because JARVIS has been specially programmed to protect Tony's family at all costs, the coding works in the favor of keeping minor secrets from his creator to keep the boy comforted in the short term.

With the verbal confirmation of the confidentiality between them, Peter spills everything that happened at his best friend's house the night before. The way his feathers felt as he dived from couch to couch, managing to keep himself in the air for a total of four seconds.

(Four seconds seems like nothing, but to Peter, it's the biggest deal in the world. It's progress. It's an achievement. And it's proof that he isn't as broken as he previously thought. He's going to do great things!)

Having JARVIS in his corner gives the boy another friend, even if this one is just a robot created to serve him. But it feels like so much more. It's someone for him to talk to in the evenings when he can't sleep. It's someone that can give him tips on his flying since he insists on practicing every chance he's alone.

Peter feels a little less guilty after confiding in JARVIS. He's still hiding his flight from a whole bunch of people - his mom, dad, teachers, classmates, and crush. But at least Ned and JARVIS know. He's not completely bad.

The Floor is Lava is played often in the Stark household. Whenever Peter gets a few moments to himself, he finds himself jumping across the furniture in an effort to improve his skills.

There are more efficient methods. Peter is aware of that. They teach him all kinds of flying techniques in his classes that are more proficient. He does his best to incorporate the techniques, but without someone there to adjust the positioning of his wings, his flight becomes more power over technique.

He still goes to his angel classes. There's no way he could possibly skip them. His mother knows how important they are for his development. And he really does love the cultural and wing care elements because there was a point in his life where he really loved his wings. He wanted to be just like his mommy.

But the flight portion becomes impossible. His stomach churns the night before every class because he's terrified that he'll slip up and accidentally fly. The instinct for him to push himself in the air during his jumps is built into his being. He gets filled with anxiety from worry about messing everything up.

It's a very difficult task: flying enough to show that he's trying, but pushing so little that he doesn't make any progress. If he does fly the littlest bit, the last thing Peter needs is the teacher to mention something to his mother after class.

(Which happens every single week. Peter doesn't understand why mothers always have to talk. It happens whenever his mom sees one of her friends too. What could women possibly have to talk about for so long? Why do they stand blocking the grocery store aisles for like thirty minutes?)

He spends the day acting like he has a tummy ache. It's a desperate attempt to get out of his classes, but he has to at least try something. He's pretty sure his mother's instincts will see right through it anyway, but what other choice does he have?

It works. Kind of. He's home for an hour to eat his after-school snack before class, but he can barely stomach a bite. He's too stressed about the plan and his body ejects the little food he manages to get down. Pepper quickly informs the teacher of his absence and spends the night caring for him instead.

Ned's backyard is the perfect place for little Peter to practice his flying.

The Stark household works a bit. There's a good amount of furniture that's spaced out pretty evenly, but now that his father returns and builds Iron Angel, the boy finds it impossible to get any time alone. He loves his parents, but he just wants to be alone to practice his flying. It doesn't feel like too much to ask.

But at Ned's place, he doesn't have to worry about hiding his newfound ability. Ned has promised not to tell. Plus Ned's mom is always busy with something, so she hasn't spotted the quick flights happening. Only hears the cheering and giggling.

It's not a large backyard, but there's enough for them to run around like toddlers with a sugar rush. There's a tree that has most of its branches cut, but it's enough for Peter to hold onto and harshly push his wings to give him lift off. It isn't long until the boy has enough stamina that he can push himself into the tree with mostly his wings, using very little strength in his arms to pull.

Ned cheers his best friend on the entire time. He even borrows his mother's cell phone - without asking - to use as a stopwatch for Peter's hovering. His record is thirty-two seconds, but that was only one time. And he needed a lot of rest afterward.

It's after that very large hover that the boys find themselves laying in Ned's basement. It's a few hours until he's going to be picked up, but he's too tired to practice any longer. Peter has to chug nearly three glasses of Gatorade until he's feeling somewhat normal again.

Peter rests his head on his friend's lap while they watch Finding Nemo on a small projector and a sheet hung on the wall, the boy's wings spread out tiredly behind him. He doesn't feel like he can do anything else, but he did promise to watch this movie eventually. He can't imagine any way to make this any better.

Except his wings are so tired that he can barely focus on the movie. The muscles that connect to them all along his back - the ones most humans don't usually have - are panging from all the work they've been through. It feels like he's done a thousand of his mother's Zumba classes without any cool down.

He's not even sure he'll be able to get up when his mother arrives. Which is very bad for his "Hide his Flying from his Father" plan. His mother is also angel. She'll recognize what's going on right away.

And then she'll tell Peter's father. He can't allow that.

Maybe that's why he's allowing this. He generally doesn't allow people to touch his wings. Only his mother and the occasional physician. Mostly only other angels.

"Ned?"

"Yeah?"

They're already cuddling on the couch. It would take nothing for Ned to massage his wings. The only thing preventing the exchange is the little boy's anxiety. He's so used to hiding that side of himself away. Even from the people he should fully trust.

But Ned is good. He knows about his secret. Peter knows he can trust him. He feels it in every fiber of his being. Maybe even his soul.

"Would you mind grooming my wings? I can teach you how."

There's a part of Peter that worries he's asking for too much. All this time spent hiding from his father has left cracks in the boy's heart. He tends to not ask for things - especially when it comes to his wings - because he's unsure how most people will respond.

Will they act in fear and anger as his own father does…

But the seven-year-olds have no bias. Despite being very different people, there's only love in their hearts for each other. And Ned Leeds would do anything to help his best friend.

Peter feels entirely better by the time his mother arrives.

Peter hates parent-teacher interview night.

He's not a big fan of school in general. He likes learning. And he loves seeing his best friend Ned. But there are things about school that suck too.

Physical Education. He hates gym class with a passion. Mostly because his body is built for the air. He doesn't do so well on the ground. His wings can throw him off balance, making the young boy quite clumsy at times. Something that the class bully never lets him forget.

Flash always teases if he uses his wings too much. Like using them as a shield that one time in dodgeball. Ned thought it was insanely badass. But Flash sees it as cheating.

These parent-teacher nights aren't much better. There are a few kids here playing on the playground after school hours, but not his best friend. And there's nothing for him to learn as he waits for his mother to finish with the teacher. It's like all the sucky parts of school rolled into a single night. How exciting for Peter…

It isn't much better for Peter's mom. She knows this meeting is something that has to happen with the way her little boy has been acting lately - quiet and insecure - but she's scared. There's a part of her that's blaming herself. The way she mothers her boy.

Maybe she's been too reliant on the small child. They do spend a lot of time together: between their angel heritage and Tony's lack of involvement. Maybe he is just tired of spending time with his mother and would prefer a male father figure?

It doesn't make complete sense in her mind.

And yet she can't stop herself from worrying. She misses her little boy so much. Yet there's only so much that she can do when he refuses to talk, telling her that everything is okay and that she doesn't need to worry about him. That's not normal for a seven-year-old.

She has to keep coming up with alternative reasons for her son's behavior. Because there's a very real chance that this is a sign of Peter's Calling. Something she can't bear this early in his life. Pepper refuses to accept that.

"What about bullies? Is Peter being bullied?"

The teacher isn't intimidated by the strong woman as her wings stand tall behind her. The angel has been pacing for the last five minutes as they talk about what's been going on with the young boy. There's been no definite conclusion from either end.

"There's a boy that teases him sometimes. But nothing serious."

Nothing serious? Pepper wants to flare up in anger over those simple two words. Who is she to judge how serious the treatment against her son is. She's no one.

But she stays calm. Years of dealing with Tony at his worst have prepared her for dealing with entitled shitheads. Pepper's become quite the expert for holding her tongue and forcing the feathers on her wings to lay flat. It assists her now.

A child's cry from outside draws the angel's attention before she can respond.

She takes a look out the window. Her first instinct as a mother - and an angel - is to go help the crying child and tell them everything will be okay. Maybe even kiss a booboo or two.

Before she even gets a chance to mention the child - who the teacher barely seems to care for - her son runs over and starts comforting the little boy instead. The mom's lips stretch into a loving smile as she watches her little boy be so kind and caring.

Maybe nothing has changed at all. Maybe this is just Peter being more independent.

Peter wipes a tear from the little boy's cheek and watches carefully as the child points to his stuffed animal stuck in the branches of a nearby tree. Maybe in a world where her boy would fly, there would be something that could be done.

The teacher's talking behind Pepper, but she's enthralled in the scene playing through the small classroom window. Too busy watching to pay attention to anything else.

Pepper furrows her eyebrows as her son says something to the little boy. There's a bit of distance between the two family members, but it almost seemed as if he was nodding. Possibly promising something. She wishes she could hear the exact words.

It's not more than a few seconds later that she watches Peter glance around him suspiciously before crouching his legs and launching himself into the air.

"Are you even listening to me, Mrs. Stark?"

Pepper isn't. She's too busy experiencing a miracle.

The aura in the classroom shifts as she watches in awe. Pepper can feel herself drawn to her child, but the closet she can get is the window. Her hand settles against the glass as she watches Peter's wings beating just hard enough to take him into the air.

His form needs work. But she can see the power in his beating wings. It's like nothing she's ever seen before. The mom's heart swells with pride as her boy flies into the upper branches of the tree, grabs the stuffed toy, and returns it with a reassuring smile.

And Peter doesn't regret it. He doesn't know that his mother saw what happened, but helping others feels so good on his conscience. It's similar to the draw he feels to his Calling, but this little thing made a difference despite requiring little effort on his part.

"Just remember. Stuffed birds can't fly the same way real ones do."

"Fly like an angel! Like you!"

The angel nods in response. It feels so weird when someone mentions the wings on his back, but maybe for once, it's okay to puff them out proudly. He was just a superhero and sometimes superheroes - mostly Iron Angel - are a little too proud.

Peter accepts a hug from the boy before watching him run off towards his parents.

It feels good. It feels right.

That's what he wants to do for a living. This little angel wants to help people.

Pepper runs out of that classroom as fast as her legs can carry her.

"Mom?"

There's a concern in the boy's voice, but before Pepper has a chance to respond, she's kneeling onto the ground and pulling her son into her arms. She wraps her arms around him as she holds him as close as possible, her wings forming a protective bubble around them. It keeps them separated from the outside world as she celebrates this very special moment with him. Tears form in her eyes as she processes everything this means.

Peter doesn't like it. Not that he would ever refuse his mother's affections, but he spends an enormous amount of time trying to downplay the wings on his back. Especially when he's at school. Her wings being on such a display makes him uncomfortable.

They pull apart just enough that they're face to face, though the wings still cut off most of the world around them. It's just mother and son.

"You okay mom?"

"Yes. I'm okay. More than okay. My baby is flying..."

"Oh….."

Pepper can see the exact moment her little boy closes in on himself. His eyes go down towards the ground and his arms fold in on himself. His wings tighten into his body.

Their bubble breaks, but Pepper adjusts her wings accordingly to keep them hidden. This moment seems more personal. Not otherworldly like most of her instincts. This is just a little boy needing the support of his mother.

"Peter?"

"Yeah?"

Peter doesn't look up from his hands that he continues to fidget with. It's like his eyes are glued to them. Anything to keep him from looking up toward his mother.

She can see the guilt from here. The way his two brown eyes gather tears with every word he speaks. Pepper knows it won't take many more for him to break into sobs.

"What's wrong my little angel?"

"Don't call me that!"

That's all it takes. Just enough words to tip over the little boy's emotions. He starts to break down and Pepper's heart tightens at the sight.

His words did hurt. There's nothing more painful than seeing your own child reject your love for them. Little angel was never just a nickname for him. It's something they share. A blessing they were both given. He's going to do great things.

It's her most important contribution to his future. Little Peter - just like his mother - has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Pepper knows that burden well. She thought she could help him prepare. Having an angel in his life might lessen that burden.

Pepper feels like she's failed her son.

The house is quiet. The exact opposite of the long car drive home.

Peter spends a good amount of time crying in the back of the car. His mother tries to talk to him a few times, letting him know that everything is okay. She speaks reassuring words as she keeps her eyes focused on the road, but nothing works. It only serves in upsetting him more.

The only course of action is to bring Peter home. The school is too overstimulating. The car still suffers from the bright lights and honking cars of the city.

Maybe some time in a safe space will help him to heal.

There's a slight improvement as she carries her boy into the suite. He may just be running low on batteries, but Pepper is thankful either way. She lets out a sigh of relief as she tucks him in and he falls asleep within seconds.

This doesn't feel good. Knowing her child is suffering hurts more than anything else ever could. More than fighting with her husband. More than him almost being lost in a war-torn country. Even more than Peter's hurtful words earlier that day.

Her family is falling apart. She can feel this lingering darkness over them. It's been here ever since her little boy's wings started to peak.

But Pepper isn't to blame for the hole in their family. And neither is her son.

This all comes down to one man. The very stubborn man she fell in love with all those years ago. He's the only one that can fix this mess he's created.

Peter's eyes are crusted with dried tears when he awakens.

It feels like he's been asleep for a long time, but he can't be sure. The stars shining through his bedroom window are his only indication of the time of day. It's nighttime.

It would explain why his body is so sore. He's not used to sleeping so long without stretching his wings. And he's still in his uncomfortable daytime clothes.

A voice interrupts him as he stretches his body.

"Petey?"

Not his mom's voice. His father.

He can feel his instinct to hide himself take over. The way his wings tuck behind him so they become hidden. An impossible task with how they grow bigger each day.

"You don't have to hide them, Peter. You don't ever need to hide who you are."

His mother. Good advice. But she has no idea what it's like. She loves her wings. Always has. She has no idea what Peter has been through. How alone he's felt. How his dad doesn't love him. How his classmates only want to be his friend to take advantage of him.

All because of his wings.

He only ever feels right when he's helping someone. It felt good today when he helped the little boy at his school. Like he was doing something right for a change.

Peter looks towards his mother. Her wings are large. There's no way she could ever hide them as they frame her body, creating an all-new silhouette of a person. There will come a time where his wings are like that too. And he can no longer hide from his family.

But it's his mother's eyes that push the realization inside him. Tears are gathering in the corner of her eyes and he can see how she puts every effort into not letting them fall. How badly she's trying to keep it together for her son.

Peter feels horrible. His mother gave him these wings. It's the thing that binds them together - the most ultimate form of love. An upcoming sacrifice that they'll both risk everything for. And he's been hiding them away. Masking who he really is.

Not only has he been hurting himself. He's been hurting his mother. The woman who loves him more than anything in this entire world.

He thinks back to all the times that he had to hide his wings and it just didn't feel right. The way they ached as he tried to hide them underneath loose clothing and backpacks. He never wanted to change himself. Only unstrange himself a bit.

And then the opposite. The complete euphoria as he would run around Stark Tower with his wings behind him, the air running through his feathers. It's something he could only do in the safety of his father's kidnapping.

The secret he shares with Ned.

Peter can fly. He can do the one thing his wings were designed for.

"Peter?"

"Hmmm?"

"What are you thinking?"

What is he thinking?

Peter can't be sure. His head is a mess right now. Thousands of ideas spinning like tangled rip currents. It feels like there's no way for him to read them. Like he'll be drifting endlessly as he tries to find his way to shore.

But there's one thing he knows for sure. Gold flashes in his eyes as he responds.

"One day I'm going to save the universe."

Little Peter doesn't stay little for long.

But he still follows his rules. A faithful code that he ends up creating the day his parents discover he could fly, after all the breakdowns, wiped tears, apologies, and hugs. The boy scribbles it down in the back of his notebook with his favorite red crayon.

Let your heart guide you.

Share all the joy that you have hidden inside.

Peter has no idea of what's coming, of the prophesied words that flowed from his mouth that day. All he knows is that he needs to be the best person (angel?) that he can be.

The world needs more people like him. Good people.

Peter walks into his first day at Midtown High with his wings lifted proudly behind him.