Chapter 26

The week flew by and Peter had never been happier. May's schedule wasn't as crazy so Peter was able to spend more time with her, and Happy which was awesome.

He and his parents were closer than ever. His dad teaching him to drive every weekend, and he had to say he was getting pretty good actually. They had been working together at SI on some projects, and all been having fun watching movies and building LEGO at the house. Ned even came over a few times, and after he got past the whole 'oh my god it's Tony Stark phase', Peter was pleased to see his dad and Ned actually getting along.

Before Peter knew it, he, his parents, May and Happy were having weekly dinners together as family. Peter loved those.

He was so happy, even Flash couldn't ruin his mood. Sure he still made the odd comment, tripped him occasionally, or threw pens or spit balls at him in class. But that was just the usual stuff. He was used to it.

But then one day as Peter got home after school, and rushed down to the lab to meet his dad, he would soon find that his perfect little family bubble was about to get shattered.

"Dad!" Peter exclaimed overjoyed as he spotted him sitting at a holotable, tools spread out around him as he worked.

"Hey bud!" Tony grinned, immediately standing and hugging him in greeting. He ruffled his hair as they pulled back; "How was school?"

Peter shrugged giving his usual answer; "Yeah it was ok. Pretty sure I aced my algebra midterms. Not so sure about my history one but..."

"There's not a doubt in my mind that you'll pass them all." Tony said proudly; "You've been studying really hard for your midterms. We have." Because of course Tony and Pepper had volunteered to help out; "You're just overthinking it bud. You could probably not study and still ace them. You're smarter than you give yourself credit for."

"Thanks dad. So what are we working on today?"

"Come on I'll show you." Tony wrapped an arm around him to lead him over as he continued; "I'm sure I'll hear nothing but praise coming from your teachers next week."

Peter instantly stilled, turning to his dad slowly as he got back to work; "I'm sorry come again?"

"Parent teacher day?" Tony murmured raising an eyebrow at Peter's face; "It's next week isn't it?"

"Yeah it is but...but how did you know about that?" Peter was panicking now. Did the school know Tony was his dad? Did everyone know?

"I got an email." Tony narrowed his eyes at Peter; "Are you ok bud? You look pale? You aren't sick again are you?"

"Why would you get an email?" Peter snapped.

"Um maybe because I'm your dad." Tony scoffed.

"Yeah but they don't know that."

Ah now he understood.

"I'm still listed as one of your guardians. Remember. May did that a while ago?" Tony said softly; "The school send me general information and updates about you."

"Oh. I didn't know that." Peter paused shuffling and staring at his feet as he murmured; "So um...you're going to go then?"

"Of course I'm going bud. Me and your mom. And May and Happy."

Peter's eyes widened. Usually it had been just May, it was going to be surreal having them all there with him for parent teacher day.

Tony suddenly wavered. He thought this was a good thing. He could be there for his son without anyone getting suspicious. But maybe he read this wrong.

"Unless...you don't want me to go?"

"What? No yes yes." Peter shook his head kicking himself; "Of course I want you there. And mom, May and Happy. I want you all there. You're my parents, my family."

Tony grinned relieved; "Good. Great. Because well I don't think anything could keep me away. I'm going to be here for you bud for everything. Whatever school stuff you have going on I'm there."

Peter rushed forward and hugged him. He knew that they couldn't really go out in public together. If they did they had to be very careful. He feared his dad would not be really able to go to any school stuff, but this was great. Maybe he could still be his dad without anyone knowing.

"I love you dad."

"I love you too bud. Now come on let's have some fun. Yeah?"

"Yeah!"

0o0oooSPIDERMAN0o0o0o0o

Peter found himself getting more nervous as parents day got closer and closer. He had no idea what was going to happen, what it would be like, and it worried him. It didn't help that Flash's digs at him were picking up in volume, especially over parent teacher day. He kept making comments at Peter being an orphan and having no parents, that May was only taking care of him out of pity and no one loved him. He knew Flash was just trying to get a rise out of him, so he tried to ignore it. Ned was a great buffer and friend, helping him make a quick exit. But it hurt. It really did.

It was times like that he wished he could do something about Flash. Teach him a lesson. But he had to be so careful with his powers. Everyone saw him as a weak kid who couldn't fight, he had to really fake it in PE to make it seem like he was a normal kid. In fact, he was very nearly failing he had gone too far, but he was sure May and his parents wouldn't be too mad about that. But the point was, he couldn't fight Flash, as much as he may secretly want to to get him to back off, as much as he could pull back he could still end up hurting Flash because of his enhanced strength. Not that he cared that much, sometimes he wish he could hurt him. But that wasn't Spider Man. Spider Man was above that. And well if he fought Flash and hurt him, it could expose him as Spider Man. So no he couldn't do anything. Which of course gave Flash permission to say and do whatever he wanted to him.

Ned had encouraged him many times to tell May or his dad about Flash. That his dad could probably get Flash to back off in no time. But Peter was embarrassed to. He knew his dad said to come to him with any issue, and sure his dad would probably want to know about Flash and would happily get him out of Peter's life if he asked. But Peter was hesitant to...it was just...how could he? He was Spider Man after all, Spider Man faced dangerous criminals, and yet he couldn't even handle a school bully by himself? More than that, he didn't want his dad to think of him as weak. He told him he was so proud of him for being strong and brave. Well if he learnt Peter was being bullied, he wouldn't anymore. All he wanted was to make his dad proud of him. He could handle Flash. He just had to get through parent teacher day...

0o0ooSPIDERMAN0o0o0oo0o

As that Friday finally rolled around, Peter was a buddle of nerves. He paced his bedroom that morning, having barely slept. They were leaving soon to pick up May and Happy before heading to Midtown.

"Peter?" FRIDAY suddenly spoke making him jump; "I am detecting a rise in your heart rate. You seem anxious. Is everything alright?"

"Oh y-yeah fine fine. Just a little nervous about today." He chuckled dryly.

"Do you have reason to be nervous Peter? I thought you were doing well in all your subjects."

"I am, it's not that I'm worried about."

"Then what is it?"

"It's nothing."

"It's clearly something. Is it Flash?"

"What?" Peter stilled looking up at the ceiling panicked; "Why? Why would you think that?"

"As part of your vital monitoring from your wristbands, I also record audio and visual for boss' records."

"Youu do?" Peter was spiralling now; "He never said that. Does that mean...you know about Flash?"

"He is bullying you."

Grimacing, Peter paled looking towards the door.

"I have not told anyone Peter if that is your concern."

"Thanks FRIDAY." He gulped; "But...why? I thought dad instructed you to inform him what I'm up to."

"Boss has created many protocols where I inform him of your location or status following a certain period of events of situations. For example if your life was in peril, you are injured, or you are disobeying his instructions. I have searched all the protocols in my database none reference bullying. I was uncertain as to what course of action to take. However, given his other protocols and the fact he is your father. I would conclude boss would prefer to know. Why have you not told anyone yourself?"

"It's not a big deal." Peter shrugged flopping onto the bed.

"I must disagree. Bullying is a very serious issue. Flash must be punished and urged to stop. He is hurting you emotionally, mentally and sometimes physically. That cannot continue."

"Are you worried about me FRIDAY?"

"Yes."

Her answer caught Peter by surprise, and he smiled a little touched.

"FRIDAY..." He started but trailed off unsure how to continue.

"Boss and Mrs Stark contribute to a couple of schools and charities that strictly disavow bullying and enforce measures to stop it everywhere. They would be very displeased to hear about your situation. You must tell them."

"I will..." Peter lied; "Just another time. Not now. It's not the time for it. Please FRIDAY don't tell them."

There was silence and Peter feared she had already called them to warn them.

Then as if she was speaking with a sigh and frown she replied; "Very well Peter. I will not reveal the information. But I must insist you do. If it continues I may ascertain that your life is in danger and I will be forced to tell boss."

"I understand FRIDAY. But it won't come to that."

"Boss is on his way to you now."

Peter instantly stilled and jumped up straightening his clothes. He paused looking at the ceiling; "Thanks for listening FRIDAY. And for your concern. You're a good friend."

"Thank you Peter. As are you."

"Hey bud you ready?!" Tony called as he knocked on the door before entering with a smile.

"Yeah dad." Peter smiled nodding; "All set."

"Great come on we need to get going or we'll be late. Don't want to be late for school now do we?" He winked as he slung an arm around Peter to lead him out; "I would hate to get detention."

Peter just rolled his eyes scoffing; "I hear you loved detention. Spent most of your school time there."

Tony narrowed his eyes at Peter; "And who has been ratting me out huh? Your mom? Happy?"

Peter just smiled slyly and shook his head; "Sorry I've been sworn to secrecy."

"Hmm we'll see about that." Tony murmured ruffling his hair fondly as they met Pepper downstairs.

"Ready to go honey?" Pepper said holding him by the shoulders and cupping his cheek. She must have sensed his hesitation because she softened; "Don't be worried sweetie. I'm sure everything will be fine."

He hoped she was right.

0o0o0oSPIDERMAN00o0oooo

After picking up May and Happy, with Pepper sitting up front with Happy, Peter was wedged between Tony and May in the backseat. Both of them chatting animatedly. About him. It was kind of surreal to think how they had become such close friends. And he had been a little frightened to learn they had frequent conversations about him. He had no idea what they talked about, but it was clear that they were taking this co-parenting thing very seriously.

They pulled up to the school, and Peter instantly felt sick. This was going to be the first time his fellows students saw him with his dad. Most of them were all still under the assumption that he had lied about the internship. They were going to flip out when they saw his dad and mom.

A hand suddenly covered his bouncing knee, he had no idea he was doing that. He looked up at his dad's worried and compassionate face.

"It's ok bud. Take a breath. It's going to be fine. I'm here. We're here. I'll be right beside you in there. I'm not letting you out of my sight ok?" Tony knew this was going to be hard on him, and for Peter. No one knew they were father and son here, he'd had an in depth conversation with Pepper and May. Agreeing they were going to have to go with the illusion he was just a family friend. It felt like a kick in the gut repeatedly, but he had no choice. He just had to remind himself he was doing this for Peter. The kid seemed apprehensive too now, and for a moment Tony wondered if Peter was having trouble with this too. Being a secret. He wished he had talked to Peter about this before, but he had been scared to bring it up. Scared that Peter might say he wanted to stay a secret because he didn't want to be seen as the son of Tony Stark. It was silly he knew that, Peter loved him. But he supposed he was scared to upset the balance of their relationship right now.

To Tony's relief, Peter smiled at him and nodded; "Thanks dad."

"We're really proud of you honey." May added setting a hand on his head lovingly; "Just remember that. And we love you."

"We'll wait until you're ready." Pepper murmured followed by an agreement from Happy.

"We got your back kid. I promise." Happy nodded at Peter, relaying the silent message that he was going to protect him from anyone and everything.

Peter looked around the car at all the loving faces looking at him, and he instantly felt better. No matter what happened, he would always have them.

"Ok I'm ready." Peter said and they all climbed out the car.

Tony kept an arm around Peter's shoulder as Pepper squeezed his hand briefly, staying at his other side. May and Happy holding hands beside Tony. As they all headed towards the front entrance, there were some other kids heading in with their parents and most didn't look their way. But a few did, and did a double take.

They tried to keep this under wraps, but Tony accepted he was going to be recognised. They had debated whether to go incognito, but the last thing Tony wanted Peter to think was that they didn't want to be seen in public with him. Like they were trying to hide their relationship. The press would probably soon find out. Pepper had prepared a statement to release at a later date if so to insist he was just a family friend. He just hoped Peter didn't suffer because of this.

Quickly, they made their way inside. Tony tightening his hold on Peter, when he felt him tense.

"Peter! There you are!" Ned's voice rang out as he rushed over, his parents following; "Hey man."

"Hey Ned." Peter smiled, relieved to see a familiar face.

"Hey Mr Stark. Mrs Stark." Ned said politely to them; "And May and Happy. It's good to see you all again."

"You too Ned." May said pulling him into a hug.

"Hello Mr and Mrs Leeds." Pepper greeted Ned's parents politely; "An honour to meet you."

Peter watched as they all shook hands. Seeing the look of shock and awe on their faces. Much like Ned's had been.

"Oh no the honour is all ours." Ned's dad insisted rambling slightly.

"It's nice to see you taking an interest in Peter's life." Ned's mom added; "He's a good boy."

Peter furrowed his brow a little at that comment. Taking an interest in his life? What did that mean? Like he was some charity that his dad contributed to.

Ned sent Peter an apologetic look. It was all a little strange being Tony Stark's son and no one else knowing right now. He was just Peter Parker to everyone else, an orphan who may or may not have an internship with Tony Stark according to them.

"What's your first class honey?" May swept in, smiling reassuring at him.

"Um physics I think." Peter replied a little numbly.

"Great. Well maybe we'll see you again later." Pepper said politely as Tony steered Peter down the hall following May's lead. He ruffled Peter's hair murmuring; "It's ok bud."

Peter already wanted to go home.

As they arrived at his physics classroom, the waited outside for only a few moments. Then the door opened, a couple and a fellow classmate stepped out and Peter's teacher greeted them.

"Hello Peter." She greeted warmly smiling at them, and then at the four adults; "Hello I'm Peter's physics teacher. Mrs Randall." She ushered them in shaking their hands, and Tony was pleased to see she barely spared him a second glance, and just treated him normally.

"Please take a seat." She said as she closed the door, and the five of them grabbed some chairs to sit down in in front of her desk, Peter in the middle and the two pairs of adults on either side of him.

As she sat down at her desk, she sighed looking down at her notes; "Well I'm just going to start off by easing any concerns you may have about what I'm going to say. Peter is an absolutely wonderful student to teach."

Tony couldn't help but grin proudly turning to ruffle Peter's hair.

"He's a hard worker, his assignments are always on time and very impressive. He always gets straight A's. I find little faults or areas of improvement at all. He's always fully attentive in class, participating frequently, and very polite. All I can say is keep up the good work Peter."

Peter blushed feeling all their smiling gazes on him.

"Well that is very good to hear." May murmured reaching to take Peter's hand.

"I had no doubt." Tony murmured.

"Do you have any questions and concerns for me? Anything you would like to discuss?"

"Is there anything more we can be doing to help Peter reach his best potential?" Tony asked surprising Peter, he snapped his head to him slightly stunned. Usually May just listened and nodded and thanked them.

Mrs Randall looked at Tony in intrigue leaning forward; "You know I am really glad you asked that question. Most parents I speak to are only here to learn what their kids are doing wrong, it's nice to actually see a parent taking an interest in their child's studies, and want to help them."

Peter stilled at the word parent, as did the others, but Mrs Randall was unfazed. He assumed maybe she didn't actually mean it the way they thought.

"We just want the best for Peter." Pepper replied kindly.

"Well that is great to hear. Peter is on the right path so that's the main thing. Now there are some extra credit projects you can work on at home with Peter if you like. It's more advanced work, college work, but I believe Peter is perfectly capable if he would like a new challenge."

"Yeah. Yes I would like that." Peter said eagerly.

"Us too." Tony agreed.

Smiling, Mrs Randall nodded pleased; "Very well. I will email you the information. Of course you can always contact me if you have anymore questions and concerns."

"Yes thank you. We'll be in touch."

They said goodbye, and as they left the classroom he was met with proud smiles all round.

"What do you know bud. You're a real chip of the old block huh?" Tony murmured and it made Peter really happy to hear.

Most of the classes went pretty much the same way. All saying glowing remarks about Peter, not pointing out any concerns or worries. He was a good student. Tony couldn't be more in awe of Peter. He knew he was smart, and a good kid, but to hear all his teachers say nothing but good things about him, it made his heart swell. And this was his son.

At one point, they crossed paths with Flash and his parents when they were heading to Peter's maths teacher's classroom. Flash was just coming out. Peter saw his parents first. A tall man in what looked like an expensive suit, looking down at his phone, and a woman in a fancy dress, with lots of jewellery, a large handbag dangling over her arm. Then Peter saw Flash, their eyes locked, and Flash's face darkened as he glared at Peter.

"Hey it's Pen..." Flash immediately froze as his eyes fell on Tony beside Peter, and then Pepper, Happy and May. And quickly rephrased; "Peter." He trailed off looking at Tony in shock before back at Peter glaring daggers. Peter could just see what was going on in his mind. He was itching to make some rude comments, but was smart enough not to.

"Friend of yours bud?" Tony murmured, and Peter had to resist scoffing and being sick at the idea of Flash as a friend.

"No." Both Peter and Flash said at the same time, as his dad looked up suddenly startled seeing who was in front of him. Distaste on his face before his eyes landed on Tony, and interest set in.

Tony raised an eyebrow at Peter.

"Classmate." Peter corrected.

"Tony Stark! Wow I can't believe it!" Mrs Thompson gushed, fluttering her eyeslashes as she shot forward, sticking her chest out, and reaching for Tony's hand, practically shoving Pepper and Peter aside.

Pepper raised an eyebrow, grabbing Peter protectively. Tony had to hide a smirk as he took a step back. This woman was playing with fire, Tony knew that Pepper was a force to be reckoned with. If this woman was going to flirt with him, he wasn't sure what Pepper might do. And to do it right in front of his husband was shameless. As for the husband, he was oblivious or didn't care, sizing Tony up.

"Karl Thompson. Attorney from Patterson, Redson and Klein." He said it as if Tony should know who that is. Tony for one couldn't care less. Especially for this man. He was clearly a jerk and a snob, and his wife was clearly a gold-digger. Ugh. He already didn't like them, and he could tell Peter didn't like this kid whoever he was.

"Right ok Kyle. Well excuse us we need to get past you. " Tony said briskly avoiding his hand and moving to go into the classroom. He could feel the outrage from Mr Thompson's face, and glares from the wife and son. Tony just smirked as they all walked into the classroom, and the teacher shut the door. Damn he hoped this kid wasn't a problem for Peter. He would have to ask him about it later.

They took a small break between classes to head to the cafeteria to get a drink. Peter caught up with Ned.

Some couples and kids came up to Tony gushing and fawning all over him, and to Peter's relief his dad just humoured them before excusing himself for Peter's sake. He stayed true to his word and stayed by Peter's side the whole time.

Peter really appreciated that, especially when he started to feel almost all the eyes in the room on him and his dad. It was making him uncomfortable, his spider sense going wild. His hearing was escalated, he could hear everyone whispering about them. And it wasn't good. They were all wondering why Tony was standing with him, pathetic Peter Parker. He stiffened and could feel himself getting hot, and a little claustrophobic. He really wished he could escape right now.

"Hey bud you ok?" Tony eyed Peter concerned noticing how the kid suddenly went very quiet.

"Fine da...Mr Stark." Peter said forcing a strained smile, a sick feeling at having to pretend to be nothing more than an intern around his own dad. Tony flinched a little at the name, and saw straight through Peter's smile. Something was going on.

"Okkayy." He drawled; "Well come on kid. Let's go see the rest of your teachers and head home to watch a movie? Yeah?"

Peter nodded vigorously. That sounded perfect.

"Good come on." He ushered Peter out quickly, sharing a look with May and Pepper. Then he subtly checked his wrist watch bringing up Peter's vitals from FRIDAY. Yep, Peter was anxious, on the edge of a Sensory Overload. The faster they got this over with the better.

Peter's last teacher was his history teacher, and the one and only that Peter was worried about. It was the one class that he struggled with a little. He supposed it was partly because it was the end of the day and he was running low on fumes, needing food, and eager to get out and patrol. There was also the fact that this was the only class Ned wasn't with him in, and Flash was. It sucked, it was like Flash knew he was weak prey. The teacher would mostly have his back turned, so Flash used that to lob pens, spit balls and scrunched up paper at him. The one time the teacher did notice and asked Peter about it, Peter babbled that he didn't know and it was nothing. The whole class had been staring at him, and the last thing he was going to be was a rat. Everyone already didn't like him, but atleast they avoided him. If he came a rat, things would escalate and they might end up all being like Flash and pick on him.

As they entered the teacher, Mr Grosman smiled warmly at them; "Mr Stark. A true honour. I've heard all about Peter's internship, and it's good to see Peter getting a jumpstart on his career options. Most kids prefer to drink and party. Peter is a breath of fresh air in comparison."

Tony wasn't surprised, all the teachers said pretty much the same thing. He couldn't be prouder of Peter.

"His school work is exemplary. The only thing I will say is perhaps he can try to pay more attention in class sometimes. I understand it's the last class of the day, and most kids have pretty much had enough and just want to go home," He chuckled lightly causing the others to join in on the joke; "Perhaps eating and sleeping more will help. It's not all about studying."

Tony was surprised at that, but took it on board. It wasn't studying though it was patrolling that had Peter staying up light. And he did need more food and sleep, so Tony was going to make sure of that.

As they were leaving Tony pulled Peter to his side grinning; "Well that wasn't so bad was it bud? Now we can go home and have some ice cream and watch a movie. You deserve a treat from all your hard work."

"Thanks dad." Peter whispered, making sure no one could hear him.

"Alright let's head out."

"I just need the bathroom first." Peter murmured sheepishly. All that water and soda was finally hitting him, and he wasn't sure he could wait until they got home.

Tony just chuckled and ruffled his hair; "Ok kid. Sure. We'll meet you back here ok?"

"Sure dad." Peter headed off quickly, wanting to get out of there as fast as possible.

Tony watched him fondly before turning to May and Happy as Happy said he was going to pull the car around for them.

As Pepper was turning, she suddenly spotted that kid from earlier watching Peter from further down the hallway with his parents. An evil smile crossed his face and soon he was following Peter. Narrowing her eyes, Pepper suddenly found herself getting a bad vibe from that kid. Her motherly instincts kicked in and she suddenly feared Peter was in trouble.

"Hey honey I'm just going to make a few phone calls ok?" Pepper said touching Tony's arm and kissed his cheek; "I'll be right back." She considered telling Tony, but she had no justification for her concern, and knowing Tony he would flip out and she could be wrong.

Tony raised an eyebrow that said he didn't quite believe her but nodded, silently conveying he trusted her.

"Ok Pep."

Gratefully, Pepper squeezed his hand and followed in the direction Peter and the kid went. Just hoping and praying she was wrong and Peter was ok. But her gut she knew she wasn't.