Chapter 38

Tony must have fallen asleep not long after Peter, being so comfortable and happy.

He was awoken by Pepper kissing his cheek. Instantly stirring, and seeing her, he smiled sluggishly; "Hello darling."

"Hi honey." Pepper replied caressing his cheek as she then kissed him. Pulling back she looked fondly at Peter asleep in his lap; "May and Happy are upstairs. We went for a little shopping trip and had lunch. But May was worried, and so was I. FRIDAY said it was ok to come back." She dropped down, kneeling in front of Peter, studying his face as she gently brushed some hair from his face. Sending a slightly worried glance at Tony; "So is he ok?

"He's going to be just fine." Tony assured her.

She paused looking at him curiously; "He talked to you?"

Bobbing his head he glanced down at Peter's sleeping form, finding it so calming.

Gulping Pepper murmured; "Should I be worried? What did he say? Can I ask?"

"It's a long story." Tony sighed; "We all need to talk about it. But later." He didn't want to be telling Pepper for Peter to suddenly wake up, and he needed to tell May too.

"Ok that's fine of course. But...he's really ok?"

Seeing the pure concern in her eyes, it made him love her all the more. She loved Peter as her own, just as much as he did.

Taking her hand, he brushed his thumb over the back of her hand; "He's ok Pep. He's going to be just fine. We talked. A lot actually. And it kinda helped both of us. We decided we're going to talk a lot more. So that's good."

Pepper exhaled shakily; "Good I'm glad. I was pretty worried. The whole time I was gone I couldn't stop thinking about him."

"Welcome to parenthood." Tony quipped and Pepper sent him a look, before rolling her eyes. Then she just looked lovingly at Peter, leaning to kiss the top of his head.

"We brought takeout back with us." Pepper murmured rubbing Peter's arm; "Should we wake him? Or let him sleep?"

"Better wake him. He needs food. And I'm sure he'll be happy to see all of you."

"Peter? Honey?" Pepper said gently cupping his face; "Can you hear me?"

Peter's face scrunched up and he made a little whining sound.

Pepper and Tony shared amused looks, everything Peter did was adorable.

"Bud?" Tony tried combing through his hair.

"Hmm?" Peter slowly opened his eyes and then as he looked at Pepper he smiled.

"Hey honey."

"Mom." Peter breathed suddenly feeling really happy to see her, and he sat up and hugged her; "I missed you."

"Aw honey. I missed you too."

"I love you mom."

Pepper looked at Tony with wet eyes, and hugged Peter tighter; "I love you too Peter. So much baby."

"Now are you hungry?" Pepper said sitting back on her heels to brush the hair from his face; "We brought home some takeout for all of us."

"Ooo what kind?"

"Chinese." Pepper chuckled at seeing Peter's face light up.

"Yum! My favourite."

"I know come on honey." Pepper stood up and offered him her hand, overjoyed when he eagerly took it as he stood, and held on.

Tony stood and stretched. Pepper and Peter hearing some clicks, and eyed him bemused.

"What? I'm not as spry as I used to be."

Peter just chuckled, reaching for his hand too. Silently taking it, they were soon heading out of the lab. Tony hoped FRIDAY was taking pictures, because this was a wonderful moment, Peter holding both their hands. And he knew in that moment, everything really would be ok.

0o0o0oSPIDERMAN0o0o0o0o

As soon as Peter saw May, dishing the food out, he broke into a run and tackled her into a hug. He wasn't sure why, but he just felt so happy to see everyone again. He even hugged Happy, which earned a startled yelp from him and laughs from the others.

They settled down to eat. As a family. The couples holding hands, looking lovingly at Peter as he rambled away about food, and random people who usually gave him food on patrol. All of them thinking the same thing, it was nice to have Peter back.

0o0o0oSPIDERMAN0o0oo0o0

That night, Tony and Pepper put Peter to bed in their bed, which he seemed content to do. Whatever it took to help Peter. They stayed with him for a while making sure he was asleep before heading downstairs to meet up with May and Happy. Tony informed FRIDAY to let him know if Peter wakes up or needs him.

Sitting at the dining room table, because this was going to be a long serious discussion, that they needed to stay awake for, Pepper and Tony walked in with four cups of coffee. May and Happy sat one side, thanking them for the drinks, and looking anxious. As Pepper and Tony sat down opposite them, they shared a smile and held hands for comfort.

"Ok I don't think I can wait anymore." May said nervously, reaching for Happy's hand as she looked pleadingly at Tony; "Please just tell me what happened."

Tony considered showing them the footage from the lab, but felt the need to explain to May himself. Besides, he felt the talk in the lab was more a moment for just the two of them.

"Ok."

Tony then set off to retell them everything Peter has talked about, all the fears and worries he had.

As he was finishing up, he looked at Pepper seeing the shocked look on her face, that mirrored May's and Happy's. He stayed silent for a moment allowing it all to sink in. The reaction he most feared was May's.

Sighing, Tony leant forward; "First off, I just want to make it clear. I have no intention of taking Peter from you. You are his parent just as much as we are, maybe more so for raising him. And he loves you so much. I told Peter I'm going to fix it so he's not a secret anymore, because that's what he wants, and I want to. But I need you on board. I won't do anything unless you agree. I just want to say though that I would never let him get hurt. I wouldn't let the press hurt him. I will protect him. And we can work out the living situation between us. If you don't want him to move out, and in here," He looked at Pepper briefly for support; "It's ok. I understand. I just want us to work out a solution together here that will help Peter. Because this isn't working either."

"I know." May sighed covering her face; "I thought this would work out for all of us, but it's just too much for Peter. I see that now. It's not fair to him. I told myself I was protecting him, by insisting he remain a secret, and I am. But after seeing you two together in the med lab, I think maybe a small part of me was trying to hold onto Peter. Because if he became your son, and moved out, I might lose him. Silly I know." She chuckled dryly.

Tony reached over to take her free hand, and was relieved when she clasped it.

"I know we didn't get off to the best start, and that's partly my fault. Maybe all my fault."

"What for secretly stealing my nephew and taking him to Germany, and giving him a superhero suit?" May said seriously before breaking into a smile. And it cleared the air a little.

"Yeah that. But," Tony said more serious; "We're co-parents here. And we want the best for Peter, so we need to decide this together. Ok?"

May just sighed as she looked at him, smiling broadly.

"What?" Tony said self consciously.

"You're not the man I thought you were when we first met. You've changed."

"For the better I hope."

"Yeah it is."

"Well that's all Peter. He made me better."

"He belongs with you." May suddenly declared making Tony still, resisting from breaking into a smile; "I realised that when I saw the way you comforted him in the med lab, and how much he needs you. I shouldn't have kept him from you, you've missed so much time together, you both shouldn't miss anymore. He belongs here with you."

"May he needs you too." Pepper reasoned leaning forward.

"I know and I'll still be here." May said bobbing her head; "Just down the road when he wants to visit. And I, we, can always come here if that's ok?"

"Of course yes yeah." Tony said quickly; "But...are you saying Peter can move in here? You're happy for us to make him my son officially?" He needed to be sure.

"Yes." May replied without hesitation or doubt; "I told you we have to put Peter first, and do what's best for him, and what's best for him is to be with you. I've never seen him happier than when he's with you. When he's home he talks about you non stop. It's just...it's been just the two of us for so long, I guess it's hard for me to think of not living with him. But it's time for me to let go a little."

"May you were just protecting him. You love him." Tony reasoned, and smiled broadly. It was happening. Peter could move in! He was going to be his son to the world!; "But thank you. I don't know how to repay you for agreeing to this."

"Just take care of Peter. Keep him safe and happy."

"That I can do." Tony replied instantly.

"So how are we going to do this?" Happy was the first to ask; "Once the press find out it will be a frenzy. How do we protect Peter?"

"A press conference would be the best way." Pepper said looking between Tony and May; "Get the story out the way we want it, and make the point of asking the press to kindly stay away from Peter."

Tony snorted rolling his eyes.

"Yes, it's not likely." Pepper admitted sending him a look; "But we can try."

"That's one thing we need to talk about." May said biting her lip; "How are we going to explain Peter suddenly being your son? Are you going to say he's the product of a one night stand?"

"He's more than that!" Tony snapped before reigning himself in, and he went to apologise, when he saw some real respect and understanding in May's eyes.

"Yes he is." May agreed softly.

"You're talking about if we want to put out a cover story to protect Peter?" Happy clarified, because it wasn't going to look good that Tony was only announcing Peter now when he was already 16. That was going to raise some questions.

Tony made a face; "That's more lying, and as much as I may want to protect Peter. I don't think that's what Peter wants. He's tired of the lies and being a secret. I think we are going to have to tell the truth. But, I'm not doing anything without checking with him first. Making sure he's ok with it. Seeing as it's going to affect him the most. Does that sound fair?"

May nodded firmly with a smile; "I agree."

"Ok so we're really doing this." Pepper said feeling a little giddy. Because it wasn't just about Peter becoming Tony's son, but he'll become hers as well. It was going to change all their lives. Peter especially.

"We are." Tony agreed grinning, taking her hand and interlocking their fingers.

"Well I guess we should all get some sleep." May sighed and smiled; "It's going to be a big day tomorrow."

They stayed up for a little while longer just ironing out some things, then they parted ways and headed up to bed.

Tony closed their bedroom door, moving to stand beside Pepper as they watched Peter sleeping. He was laying on his front, hugging a pillow with a sloppy tiny smile on his face.

Crossing one arm and putting the other hand to her chin, Pepper just sighed contentedly; "I can't believe this is really happening."

Tony wrapped an arm around her, kissing her cheek. He couldn't stop grinning; "I know. It's like a dream come true. Literally."

Peter shifted in his sleep, letting out a little moan as his face scrunched up. As if having a bad dream.

Immediately, Pepper and Tony climbed into bed and wrapped their arms around him. Sensing their presence he instinctively snuggled into them, and smiled again.

Their son.

Pepper and Tony couldn't be happier.

0o0oo0SPIDERMAN0o0o0o0o

The next morning, they all decided to let Peter sleep in for a while because he needed it. They were in the middle of making breakfast when Peter shuffled into the room, around mid morning.

"Hey guys." Peter greeted ruffling his messy hair, as he let out a big yawn.

Tony just smirked at him, finding he looked a lot like a cute little tired puppy.

"Morning honey." May replied moving to hug him briefly; "You hungry?"

In response, Peter's stomach just growled loudly. He blushed sheepishly but they just laughed.

"Well that answers that." Tony quipped; "Come on bud. Plenty of food."

They sat down to eat, and Peter was overjoyed that no one was treating him any differently. He was sure that his dad had already told them what he said, and he feared May would be mad, but she seemed happy enough. Maybe his dad hadn't said anything...

Waiting to speak to Peter after breakfast. May, Happy, Tony and Pepper were waiting in the living room when Peter bounded down the stairs freshly dressed. Sitting on the sofa, Tony and Pepper looked apprehensively at May and Happy as they were sitting on a couple of chairs side by side, facing the sofa.

"Hey dad where...oh there you guys are." Peter grinned as he rushed over, but froze upon seeing them all sitting together so serious; "What's going on?"

"Come sit down baby." Pepper said holding out a hand to him, with a calming smile.

Peter took a step forward and then stopped taking one back. Narrowing his eyes he asked; "Am I in trouble? Because whatever you think I did I didn't do.."

Tony snorted; "You're not in trouble bud. Just come sit down. We need to talk."

"It's nothing bad we promise." Happy offered.

"Okay..." Peter drawled, moving to flop down on the end of the sofa, beside his dad, and facing May and Happy too; "So what are we talking about?"

"I told them about what we talked about buddy." Tony started reaching for Peter's hand in case he tried to bolt.

"Oh." Peter immediately ducked his head, scared to see their faces and their reactions.

"Honey it's ok." May said quickly reaching for his other hand; "I know what you might be thinking, but we're not mad."

"You're not?" Peter looked at her dubiously and hopefully.

"Of course not sweetie. I understand, and I only want you to be happy."

"That's what dad said." Peter looked at his dad, who smiled wrapping an arm around him.

"I usually am kid." Pepper snorted and he corrected; "Ok usually right."

It made Peter chuckle.

"Listen bud, I told you I was going to fix it, and that's why we wanted to talk to you." Tony continued.

Freezing, Peter tried not to get his hopes up, but he looked between them all expectantly.

"If it's what you want Peter, then we'll make it happen." May said simply; "So if you want to move in with your dad, if you don't want to be a secret. Then it's fine sweetie." She smiled broadly, reaching to caress his face; "If it makes you happy, then I'm happy."

"But..." Peter wavered; "What about you? I'll be moving out. I'll miss you."

"Oh honey. It's not like we'll never see each other. You can come and visit me anytime, you better in fact. And I can come here, we can come stay here anytime actually." May pulled back and smiled at Tony and Pepper gratefully; "We'll make it work honey." She looked at Peter tenderly; "But I know now this is where you belong. I'm happy for you really."

Peter lunged forward to hug her; "You really are the best May."

"Oh I know." May chuckled.

"I love you so much. I know I wouldn't be who I am without you. I don't know how to thank you."

"Oh honey I should be thanking you for being in my life. I wouldn't be who I am without you either." She sat back and ran a hand over the top of his head; "We'll be ok sweetie."

Peter was overjoyed, clasping her hand tightly he just smiled gratefully at her. Then he turned to his dad, and hugged him.

Tony just wrapped his arms around Peter's head and back, hugging him back eagerly.

"So...I can move in here?" Peter looked at his mom and dad hopefully, and full of love.

"We'd love to have you here." Pepper replied warmly.

Grinning giddily, Peter nodded; "So um how does this work? When..?"

"Today if you want." Tony said aloud before he shut his mouth, looking at May sheepishly, wondering if maybe that was too quick; "Or tomorrow." He corrected.

Peter didn't really want to wait anymore, but he didn't like the idea of just leaving May like that. After all they'd been through.

"It's up to you baby." May offered kindly, and Happy took her hand squeezing it.

"Maybe...tomorrow?" Peter said hesitantly to his dad, feeling guilty but he had to do it this way; "I'd like to spend one more night at May's."

May looked at him lovingly, and Tony felt terrible.

"Of course." Tony said quickly, kicking himself for trying to force Peter to do it so quick; "Bud I only said that because I want you to move in so bad. I got ahead of myself. But really there's no rush. We can do it tomorrow, the weekend, next week. There is no rush I promise. And I know how much May means to you. It's ok."

Peter nodded gratefully.

"I have an idea." May offered; "Thanksgiving is the end of this week. And if we're going to announce Peter to the press, maybe it would be better if we were all together. So Peter can spend one more night at the house with me, we can move him in here, and if it's ok with you two, maybe we could stay for a little while. To get Peter settled in, spend some time together as a family over thanksgiving, and until the press dies down."

"You are always welcome here." Pepper said quickly and firmly; "I think that is a wonderful idea."

"I agree." Tony bobbed his head before looking at Peter carding through his hair; "What do you think bud? That sound ok?"

"I like that idea. Yeah." Peter really did. He wanted to be with his dad, but he wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to May yet.

"Ok good so we don't have to do anything until tomorrow." Tony clarified.

"I can call a press conference for tomorrow." Pepper explained; "For our press statement."

"That's sounds good." Happy agreed.

"I need to ask you bud." Tony directed to Peter; "How do you want to handle this?"

"How do you mean?"

"The press statement. What do you want it to say? How do you want us to tell the world about you?"

Peter was still confused.

"Do you want to tell the truth, or you want a cover story?" Happy explained.

"A...cover story." Peter was really at a loss; "What's wrong with the truth?"

"Nothing of course." Tony said quickly, not wanting Peter to get the wrong idea; "If that's what you want we will do that. But..."

"But you need to know it will incite some more attention from the press, some questions." Pepper offered, trying to see if Peter understood what she was trying to say.

It took a moment for it to register for Peter. Right. He was the product of a one night stand, his mom had been married at the time. That wasn't going to look good for his dad, and the press would surely drag him and his dad through the mud for it.

He looked hesitantly at his dad, remembering what his dad said that he didn't care what the press said about his image, but he had to be sure.

"Would it bother you telling the truth?"

"I don't care how we tell them bud." Tony shrugged; "As long as we tell them you're my son. I really don't mind. It's up to you. You're the one whose going to be most affected by this, it's your choice."

Peter considered it for a moment. There were serious consequences for however the news came out. How were they going to explain Peter only being revealed now? Whatever they said would bring questions. A cover story might lessen the scrutiny for all of them. Including May. May! She would be affected by this too, and maybe Ned. But...Peter just couldn't lie anymore. In his gut he knew, he couldn't take anymore lies.

"The truth. I want us to tell the truth. I don't want any more lies. I'm sorry if that makes things worse."

"No honey don't apologise." May insisted; "I agree with you. Lying doesn't solve anything, you're making the right choice."

"We'll be ok bud I promise." Tony pulled Peter to his side, kissing the top of his head; "Just know whatever the press may say it doesn't change what we have here and now. We're all a family, and they can't ever take that away. Ok?"

"Yeah dad." Peter smiled snuggling against him, never feeling more loved than he did in that moment; "I love you. All of you."

"We love you too honey."

Tony and Pepper shared a glance, this was going well but there was still some stuff they had to iron out.

"Ok so we'll write the statement, and run it by you first?" Pepper reasoned to Peter; "Make sure you are ok with it."

"Ok yeah that's fine."

"There is something else you should know." Tony glanced at May and Pepper as he tried to gain some courage for what he was going to say; "It's going to come out once we do this, and I'd prefer it if you heard this from me."

"That sounds a bit scary. Should I be worried?" Peter chuckled.

"Well..." Tony tilted his head and Peter gulped, his smile dropping; "It's more I don't want you to freak out. That's why I didn't tell you before, because I knew you would."

"What is it?"

"Right well please just don't overreact." Tony pleaded, keeping Peter tight against him just in case; "As you know we are pretty well off money wise."

"Er yeah...?"

"Well what you may not is that I'm worth around $100 billion."

Peter whistled his eyes widening; "No...I didn't..." That was pretty intimidating. He was sure for a little while he wouldn't look at his dad the same way.

"Right well as my wife, it means Pepper is worth about the same. And as my son..."

"Wait stop!" Peter held up a hand leaning back to stare at his dad shocked as it clicked. He knew his dad bought him stuff, and that he might be left to inherit SI, but...; "Are you saying I am now worth billions?"

Tony sheepishly smiled; "Surprise!"

"That's not funny." Peter pouted; "Why didn't you tell me? How can you not tell me this? Oh my god Ned's going to freak. No no I can't tell Ned...I can't tell anyone...what if I don't want it...? I don't know what to do with that much money...please dad.."

"Ok ok slow down spider baby. Breathe." Tony gripped Peter's hands forcing him to look at him; "That's good bud. In and out. This is why I didn't want to tell you. But it's not a big deal."

"Not a big deal!" Peter shot a pleadingly look at May as she would understand. But then seeing her face he faltered; "You knew?"

"We agreed it would be better to tell you when you were ready to handle it."

"But I have an allowance?" Peter murmured confused; "You pay me for the internship. What is that pity money?"

"No it's your money." Tony insisted firmly frowning at him, not liking the way he said that; "Atleast part of it. I've been setting up a trust for you, with the rest. You can't access it until your 21 anyway. So you don't have to worry about what to do with so much money." He said smiling; "Relax bud. I'm not stupid enough to just had you billions of dollars just like that. I know you're not ready."

"Oh ok good." Peter said exhaling heavily and then; "Wait...how much money is in the trust?"

"I'm still paying money in, and I'll continue paying money in." Tony said vaguely.

"Dad." Peter narrowed his eyes at him.

Tony just looked away mumbling under his breath.

"Dad!"

"50 billion dollars." Tony replied snapped looking at him fearfully.

Peter just gaped at him, and looked between the others for confirmation. Then he started laughing; "No. You're joking right. Please tell me you're joking."

"Well that's not even technically all of it." Tony reasoned and then closed his mouth at Peter's look.

"Wow ok." Peter covered his face feeling like his brain was overloading.

"Look honey I know it's a lot to take in." Pepper softened; "Believe me. I've been there. But it's not like we're expecting you spend that money. You don't even have to touch any of it if you don't want to. It's just to protect you. Security for you growing up."

"So you don't ever have to worry about paying for anything again."

"Oh...ok...that doesn't sound so scary then." Peter nodded, because knowing he didn't have to use the money was a relief. Having it there like a security blanket just in case was good to know; "Thanks dad."

Tony just smiled pleased that Peter wasn't freaking out.

"Anything for you spider baby."

May cleared her throat, sending Tony a look and he paused; "Oh right. Um one last thing. Once we tell the world about you, Happy will be your bodyguard for a while. Just to make sure you're safe. You know from the press." It was true. But it was also more than that. Tony wasn't going to say it was also going to be a permanent thing now, because as his son he might also be in danger from people coming after them. He was going to keep his son safe, but he didn't want to worry him. May and Tony were unanimous in that.

"Oh...right ok." Peter said nodding as he smiled at Happy.

Tony blinked, not the reaction he was expecting. He thought Peter might put up more of a fight.

"You're ok with that?"

"Yeah sure I get it. After what happened with the press at the school last time," Peter grimaced; "It would be nice to have some backup. And Happy's cool."

"I'm cool." Happy repeated smirking.

"Is there anything else I should know?" Peter would prefer to know now.

"I think that's everything for now bud. But if there's anything else you'll be the first to know. We'll prepare for the press conference tomorrow. But for now what do you say we just have some fun? As a family."

"That sounds perfect."