Chapter 29

Peter woke up that Saturday morning feeling terrible and wanting his dad. He was about to call out to him, when he looked around his room and realised it wasn't his bedroom at his dad's house, but at May's. And then yesterday's events hit him. He groaned pushing his face into the pillow.

The shock had passed, and now Peter just felt incredibly guilty for what he said to his dad. Now he probably wouldn't want to see him, because he pushed him away.

Suddenly his phone vibrated on the bedside table. He eyed it warily for a moment, fearing who it was from. Thinking it was his dad, he quickly grabbed his phone and peered at the screen. He saw the time first. 10 in the morning. Then he saw his phone was blowing up with messages. Most of them were from Ned.

Dude! Ur all over the news!

Are you ok?

What happened?

Plse tell me ur ok?

What's happening with your dad?

Did you see the statement from your mom?

Peter stopped at that one frowning. Statement?

It was then Peter saw he was getting tonnes of news alerts. Of course like Ned said most were from last night about him. Then there was one from this morning. Pepper had made a statement on behalf of her, Tony and SI. Stating that Peter was Tony's personal intern and become his mentee. Nothing more. Peter felt a little hurt at that, he knew they were just trying to protect him from the press, but still it hurt.

Of course after that there were no more stories. The press didn't care about a kid like him. He wasn't important to them. That kinda hurt a little more, because it was just a reminder that he wasn't a Stark. He didn't fit in his parents world. They were famous. Celebrities. Rich. Owners of a company. And he was just Peter Parker. Orphan. How could he measure up to that? All he was was a secret love child, the result of a one night stand. No wonder his parents wanted to keep him a secret.

He was about to set his phone aside when another message made him stop. From his dad last night. And another this morning.

Curiosity won out and he read them.

Hey bud, I know you're upset right now and may not want to hear from me. But I need to make sure you're ok. I'm so sorry about the press. I didn't know they would find out, or be like that. It killed me when I lost you in the crowd, terrified something had happened to you. I was so glad you were ok. But you were upset, and that's my fault. I should have protected you better. That's my job as your dad. All I want is for you to be happy and safe. I'm going to make sure the press don't come near you again. Just please let me know you're ok. I understood you didn't want to be around me, but I hate not being around you. It hurts to have you mad at me. Please tell me what it will take to make it up to you and I'll do it. I love you so much spider baby. My son.

Peter's eyes watered at reading that. All his fears and doubts immediately fading. His dad loved him. His dad was worried about him. He didn't sound like he didn't care about him, and would rather shove him aside. His dad loved him.

Now Peter felt really stupid.

He paused before reading the next message.

Morning buddy. You're probably still sleeping. I hope you're feeling better. I just wanted to let you know your mom and I released a statement this morning to the press to get them to back off of you. We just want to protect you, so this should work in making sure they leave you alone. It won't make up for last night, but I hope it's a start. I love you bud. Call or text me if you want to talk. Anytime. I'll be here.

Peter smiled. How could he have doubted his dad for a second? He knew. Goddamn Flash. He got in his head. Made him doubt himself. This whole thing was probably Flash. Telling the press, causing trouble. Got he wanted to kill him!

More than that he wanted his dad.

Slinging the duvet off, Peter quickly got changed and went to head downstairs. But he stopped as he overheard May and Happy talking.

"I hope he's ok. Maybe I should go check on him." He heard May say.

"Pepper says Tony barely slept, had some nightmares about losing Peter." Happy sighed.

Peter stilled at that and his guilt escalated. He needed to talk to his dad now.

Loudly coming down the stairs, he found May and Happy sitting in the kitchen.

"Hey baby!" May said brightly hugging him; "How are you feeling?"

"Better." Peter smiled and looked between them sheepishly; "I'm sorry about last night."

"You have nothing to apologise for. We're just glad you're ok." Happy insisted.

"You want some breakfast?"

"Yes please." Peter said sitting at the table with Happy.

"Ok honey." May eagerly moved about getting it for him; "Did you happen to text or call your dad?"

"No...I was actually wondering if Happy could give me a ride in a bit. So I can see mom and dad."

May paused to look at him and smiled, before glancing at Happy, who just nodded.

"I'd be happy to."

"Thanks."

0o0oooSPIDERMAN0ooo0o0ooo0o0

Pepper was sitting in the kitchen nursing a cup of coffee and debating whether to check on Tony. He had been in the lab since 5 am. She had got back from the press conference and he was still down there.

She was about to go down there when she had a text from Happy. He was bringing Peter over.

Thank god.

It wasn't long before the doorbell went and Pepper rushed to open it. Peter was standing on the doorstep smiling shyly.

"Peter!" Pepper breathed in relief.

"Mom!" Peter lunged forward and hugged her tightly. Pepper felt tears spring to her eyes as she buried her face in his hair, so happy to have him back. He seemed ok. He seemed happy.

"I missed you." Peter murmured and it made Pepper grin.

"I missed you too honey."

She pulled back cupping his cheek, before nodding gratefully at Happy for bringing him.

"Come on honey." Pepper guided him inside, and watched as he looked around hesitantly.

"Your dad's down in the lab. I haven't told him you're here yet. Thought it might be a nice surprise for him. He's really missed you too." Pepper said just staring at him for a moment and combed through his hair.

"That's why I'm here. I'm really sorry about last night. About wanting to go to May's and not here..." Peter rambled tears starting to form in his eyes.

"Oh no sweetie. You don't have to explain." She squeezed his hands; "We understand. Last night had to be quite a shock for you. And very overwhelming. We understand. I hope you know we would do anything to keep you safe."

"I know." Peter smiled; "I saw your press statement." He kept to himself how he felt about it, seeing in her eyes she was just doing it for him. She hadn't meant anything bad by it; "Thank you."

"I love you Peter. We both do."

"I love you too mom."

She kissed his forehead before tilting her head; "You better go see your dad. I think he needs you right now. And I think you need him too."

Peter nodded in awe, Pepper always seemed to know what he needed. His dad was right, she knew everything.

"Go on." Pepper chuckled ruffling his hair and giving him a gentle push towards the stairs.

Peter just rushed off down to the lab.

He stopped for a moment outside, unsure what he was going to be walking into.

"You may enter Peter." FRIDAY offered making him jump; "Boss is quite sad. I believe he will be happy to see you."

"Thanks FRIDAY."

Taking a deep breath he waited for the door to slide open before he entered. Music was blaring from the lab, it made him wince. But FRIDAY nicely turned it down for him.

"Hey FRI! I didn't say turn it down!" Tony shouted as he lifted the metal mask he was wearing, and turned off the torch for welding his suit.

"I am following baby proofing protocol for Peter."

"Peter?"

"Hi dad."

Tony stilled, afraid to move for a second. He had to be hearing things. Slowly he turned and was met with Peter standing by the door. Shuffling on the spot, with a hesitant smile on his face. Tony was pulling his helmet and gloves off quickly as Peter rambled.

"Pepper said to come down. That I could surprise you. But you seem busy, am I interrupting something? I can always come back later. Unless you would rather I call your or text you that is. I wasn't sure..." By now Tony had reached Peter, and cut off his rambling by pulling him into a hug.

"Oh."

"I'm so happy you're here." Tony murmured closing his eyes, and kissing the top of Peter's head.

Peter grinned, burying his head in his dad's shoulder; "Me too dad."

As they pulled back Peter watched his dad stare at him for a moment with a smile on his face. Then it became pained; "God Pete I can't tell you how sorry I am for what happened yesterday..."

It was then Peter knew without a doubt that what Flash said was completely wrong. His dad loved him, he would do anything to protect him. And it made his heart swell.

Peter just tilted his head smiling; "Now whose apologising."

Tony paused before grinning and ruffling Peter's hair.

"It's ok dad. It's not your fault. Besides I should be apologising for what I said last night."

"No bud..."

"I need to say this dad."

"Ok sure go ahead." Tony was surprised but eagerly shut up, pleased that Peter was opening up to him.

Peter paused biting his lip, and Tony quickly guided him to the sofa and they both sat down.

"I was upset but not at you. I was scared when the press swarmed, and when I lost you. Then when Happy and May found me and said you were luring the press away. It made me realise this is your life. The press. I mean I knew, but it doesn't really register until you see for yourself."

Tony didn't like where this was going.

"I heard what they were saying about me..."

"Peter..."

"I was trying to protect you."

Tony froze, blinked at Peter; "I...I don't understand."

Peter looked away playing with his hands; "I thought it might be better if you got some distance from me. For your image. Because I'm just a poor orphan kid to the world and your Tony Stark and well..."

"No! You stop that right now!" Tony snapped making Peter gulp and look at him fearfully.

Instantly Tony softened and reached to squeeze his shoulder before pulling him into a hug. And then silently tugged him into his lap. Just hugging him. Peter happily went along with it, clinging to his dad as long as he possibly could.

As Tony was brushing his hands through Peter's hair (now his most favourite thing to do. He found it calming), he spoke; "Don't you ever talk bad about yourself like that buddy. You are not a poor orphan. You are amazing. Smart. Kind. Selfless, and so many other things. I could go on all day. I really could. I told you already you are the best thing in my life, and you are. Don't let anyone tell you differently. I don't care what the press says about me, I've heard worse. Believe me, I really have. I'm used to it. I'm used to the press invading my life. I don't care about my image. All I care about is you."

Peter felt himself tearing up again. So happy to hear those words.

"The press can say what they want about me, but I won't let them hurt you. I won't let anyone hurt you. I love you spider baby. With all my heart."

Tony rubbed his back, letting the words sink on for a moment. Peter remained silent, but huddled closer to Tony, which he took as a good sign.

But Tony knew that this was going to keep happening unless they cleared the air.

Taking a deep breath, Tony took a chance and carried on.

"Look I know this situation is confusing. Keeping us a secret from the world. I hate it. I know it's not fair to you. If I had my way I'd say screw them and just shout it from the rooftop that you're my son."

Peter paused lifted his head to look at his dad surprised; "Really?"

Seeing his face, it broke Tony's heart. He seemed so shocked that Tony would want to announce Peter was his son.

"Of course spider baby. You see me as the great Tony Stark. But that's just the press creating that image of me. I'm just a normal guy. Really it's actually the other way round. I see you as the great Peter Parker. You amaze me every day bud. And I wake up and think god, how could you be my son? You are extraordinary and I sometimes think I'm not good enough to be your dad."

"What no dad..."

"I mean every word buddy. And I wish things were different. I wish you could live here with me, permanently. I wish I could go out with you and not worry about the press suddenly popping up and wondering what we're doing. I want everyone to know I'm your dad, but I can't be selfish bud. If I do that you'll get hurt. And I can't hurt you. I'd never forgive myself if you got hurt because of me. I know what it's like to grow up with the press reporting your every move, every stupid thing you do, having people say horrible things about you. It's probably part of why I did such stupid things, and rebelled. It kind of made me who I am today, but I don't want that for you. You're too good to be corrupted like that."

"But who you are today is good. You're amazing dad." Peter was blown away by what he was hearing. He had no idea his dad felt this way. It was both a joy and a kick in the gut to hear. It wasn't fair. If they were just a normal family, if his dad wasn't famous this wouldn't be an issue, and they could do whatever they wanted.

Tony chuckled; "Yeah now I am. Because of Pepper. And you. But I wasn't before. I just want you to know that this situation won't go on forever. I promise. The only reason we haven't told the world is to keep you safe. May and I talked. We decided to keep this just between us until you were 18. Then you would be an adult and you could decide for yourself what you wanted to do."

Peter's eyes widened. 18. That was two years away. He was expected to remain a secret for another two years! Peter felt his heart breaking at that. He wasn't sure he could do that. It was bad enough now. But his dad seemed to be struggling so much with this issue. Saying he didn't want that would be unfair. His dad said he didn't want to be selfish. Well neither could Peter. Peter just wanted to be with his dad, but maybe that just wasn't possible...

"I hate that your famous." Peter didn't realise he said it aloud until he did. And he froze, looking sheepishly at his dad.

Tony just burst out laughing; "Me too bud. Sometimes I wish the same thing." He softened seeing the pained look on Peter's face. He felt some relief that Peter wanted to be with him too and didn't want to be a secret. He hated to have to ask that of Peter. He was just a kid, it wasn't fair to ask such a mature decision of him. But what else could Tony do? God if they were normal people this would be so simple. Yep this sucked.

Peter collapsed into Tony's chest, fisting his shirt. Tony hugged him and rocked him, making soothing sounds as he combed through his hair.

"We'll figure it out buddy. I promise. But no matter what happens. This will never change. I'll always be your dad. And you'll always be my son. And I'll always love you spider baby."

"I love you too dad." A small tear escaped. Peter's heart breaking. He wished he could go back in time to when it was just him, and his parents. So happy. The outside world didn't exist. But they were, and now they all knew it. And Peter had to remain a secret. Like there was something wrong with him, and he had to stay hidden. It hurt so much. But Peter had to remain strong. Show his dad support, because it was clear he hated it just as much as Peter. There was that familiar feeling of powerless again. And this time it wouldn't go away.

"Peter..." Tony said again after a moment, choosing his words carefully; "Pepper told me about the incident at the school last night." He paused as he felt Peter stiffen; "Is there anything you want to tell me?"

"Um no..."

Tony closed his eyes disappointed; "Peter that kid who followed you into the bathroom. Did he say something to you? Did he hurt you?" Tony needed to know.

Peter was silent for a moment, his thoughts racing. He heard the edge to his dad's voice, if Peter admitted the truth, his dad would be so ashamed, so disappointed that he couldn't take care of himself.

"No dad. It was nothing..."

Narrowing his eyes, Tony was dubious to believe him.

"Your mom said you were crying and pretty shaken."

"I was just splashing some water on my face and I must have gotten some soap in my eyes, which made them sting. It just looked like I was crying." Man that even sounded good to Peter.

He waited for his dad to question him further. Terrified and pleading his dad to just accept it. He couldn't bare it to keep lying to his dad. And he knew if his dad kept asking Peter would eventually crumble.

Tony considered Peter's response. He couldn't squash the feeling of worry that made him feel Peter was lying, that there was something going on. He trusted Pepper's judgement. But well he knew Peter didn't have the best luck, it did sound like something that would happen to Peter. And surely, Peter wouldn't outright lie to him right?

"Ok bud. If you're sure?"

"I'm sure."

"Just know if there is anything like that you want to talk about. Anything at all. I'm here buddy. I'm always here for you."

"I know..." Peter wished he could tell his dad, but he just...couldn't get the words out. And now it was too late.