Author's Note: Hello, hello, my readers! I have returned with Raise Me Up! We are finally on Chapter 10! We get some Pepper/Peter interactions in this chapter, and the three of them have to take care of the arrangements for May. Needless to say, neither of them are looking forward to it! I hope you all enjoy it! But before we get to that, REVIEW REPLIES!

Poohbear123: Heck yeah, he does!

Guest: Well, you'll have to wait and see what happens! For now, Peter has Tony, Rhodey, Vision, Happy, Pepper, and his friends in his corner!

Nerdywriter07: Lol yes all the bonding! I know, I know! I really appreciate it and thank you for your patience and your kind words!

CaptainMarvel123875: Ahh, thank you so so much! I'm so glad you do! Lol, yes, I do, too! I saw other authors on here do it, and I think it's really sweet…and easier to reply. You're welcome, thank you for reading!

xSapphireRosesxFanx: You'll have to wait and see as far as the Rogues are concerned. As for the adoption, wait and see what happens! Peter only has one day of school left, so not much will happen at this point. His head is okay, as I stated in the last chapter he only has a guaze on it and it heals quickly.

Grace713555: Yes, all the fluff! Nothing better than fluff! Hope you like what's next!

Konoewpl: Thank you so much! I hope you like what comes next!

Disclaimer: I do NOT own anything related to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.


Chapter 10

Peter fluttered his eyes open as the sunlight peaked into the blinds over the bed. He suddenly froze when he realized where he was. He was in a bed, and confusion ran through his head. The last thing he remembered was watching a movie with Tony and Tony telling him about…May…and how they needed to make the arrangements tomorrow, so that was today…unless…it was a dream? The teen looked around the room only to sadly realize that it wasn't a dream. May was dead…killed in that car accident…just two days ago, and he couldn't save her. That harsh realization dawned on him as he remembered that last moment before that car plowed into them.

"Let me know if I need to pull over when it gets worse."

"MAY!"

"CRASH!"

The teen jolted at the memory of the car ramming into theirs. He briefly remembered hearing May's scream at the moment of impact before he was knocked out. It felt like something out of his worst nightmare. That was the second time he failed to save a loved one. He failed to save Ben when he got shot, and now, he failed to save May in the accident. How could he let that happen? How could he not react in time? He could only sigh in utter sadness and defeat.

"Peter, boss would like me to inform you that breakfast is ready."

"Thanks, FRIDAY," Peter muttered. "Tell him I'll be there in a minute."

Peter then mustered whatever strength he had and got up out of bed. His stomach growled, and I provided some motivation to get him out of bed. His body felt like lead, and he immediately wanted to stay in bed. However, he continued, despite it, and left his bedroom to join Tony in the kitchen. He walked out into the hallway and made his way into the kitchen, but he quickly stopped in his tracks when he saw that his mentor wasn't alone. Pepper Potts was sitting at the counter as Tony placed food on each of the plates.

"Morning, kid," Tony said looking up at Peter.

Pepper turned to look at Peter and quickly stood up walking over to him. "Hey, sweetie," she said gathering him into her arms.

"Hi, Ms. Potts," Peter said hugging her back and feeling the tears well up again.

"I'm so…so sorry, Peter," she said softly rubbing his back while they embraced.

"T-Thank you…M-Ms. Potts," Peter said as he sobbed not really caring if he ruined her white shirt. He felt bad, but not enough to stop crying. He and Pepper had seen each other often over the course of the past 10 months. "I-I'm sorry…"

"Ah-ah! No sorry, kid," Tony said quickly before Pepper could respond.

"He's right, you know," Pepper quickly added rubbing Peter's back.

Peter gave a soft chuckle through his little sobs. "Okay," he said.

"Aw, sweetheart," Pepper whispered into his curls, "there are no words."

As much as Tony wanted nothing more than to join the hug with Peter and Pepper…his…ward…charge…and his fiancée, he stood back allowing them to share a moment. Over the past 10 months and the two days since the accident, Peter knew he was able to seek comfort from Tony and was given it no questions asked. However, given that he and Pepper were going to be married in the near future, Peter needed to know that Pepper would be there to help him through this ordeal as well.

It was a minute before Pepper finally pulled away to look at Peter allowing her to see his bloodshot eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't see you yesterday," Pepper finally said after a moment.

"Oh, you don't have to apologize, Ms. Potts," Peter said wiping the tears from his eyes. Tony had told him that Pepper couldn't be around yesterday as she was busy with work, which he understood, of course. While both Ben and May worked, after Ben died, it was always hard for May to be in two places at once, and since Pepper was the CEO of Stark Industries, that was even more understandable.

"First of all if you're finally on first-name basis with Tony and Rhodey—" Pepper began gripping onto Peter's arms.

"Still working on it," Tony interjected as he placed the food on the plates for the three of them.

"It's Pepper," Pepper continued without missing a beat. "Second of all, I know, but I still promise you that today is just going to be the three of us, okay?"

Peter couldn't help but give a small smile at the CEO of Stark Industries, and he nodded. "Okay…Pepper," he said in a whisper. Tony, Pepper, and Rhodey were all attempting to get him to use their names, and they had been trying for a long time. However, they were adamant now since Peter was living with one of them.

"Good, now, come on," she said guiding Peter to the counter. "You need something in your stomach."

The teenaged vigilante chuckled as he sat down at the counter with Pepper and Tony. "So…uh…what are we supposed to do today?" he asked as he began to pick at his food.

"Well, I figured that we could stop by the apartment first," Tony replied. "We can sort through what you want to keep and…you know…see what you want to do with…" He trailed off not exactly wanting to say what he needed to say out loud.

"And we don't have to do everything today," Pepper quickly added. "We can just focus on your things and the things we need and go back whenever you want for the rest."

"That's right," Tony added. "I can talk to the superintendent and pull some strings to pay for rent for another month or two. It's up to you." Tony felt his heart break seeing Peter ponder over this. It was expected that the child worry about their parent or guardian's funeral. That was how the natural order of things was supposed to be, but…not at the age of 15 going on 16. It was too young. Peter was too young to deal with this, but that only made Tony want to make this as quick as possible. It was going to be painful. That was what came with losing a beloved family member, but May also deserved to be honored and cherished by those she loved.

"Umm…yeah, I-I think we should just get what I need and deal with what May will be…" he took a shaky breath, "buried with." He took another shaky breath as he ran a hand through his hair as he felt the grief increase a little within him.

"Kid, listen to me," Tony said taking Peter's hand in his, "if anything at any point gets to be too much…at the apartment or the funeral home, you just say the word, okay?"

"That's right," Pepper added rubbing Peter's back. "Tony and I will be there every step of the way. If you need us to take care of something, you tell us."

Peter managed to look at Pepper and Tony smiling at them. "Thanks, guys, really," he said quietly. "You really don't—"

"Ah-ah! Nope, we want to, kid, end of story."

Pepper couldn't help but notice Peter's smile widen just a little bit at Tony.


After breakfast, Peter quickly showered and dressed for the day, and just as Pepper promised, the three of them began to spend the day together. Normally, Peter would be excited to spend the entire day with his mentor and his fiancée, but knowing that he had to go to his and May's apartment and move out…forever…formed a tight knot in his stomach. Thankfully, Pepper and Tony planned this process so that it didn't happen all in one day. Today, they were just focusing on moving Peter's clothes and other things out of the apartment and to go through May's things for the wake and funeral. Tony told him that his furniture would be taken care of on Monday while he would be at school, and the rest of May's things would come later when Peter was ready.

Pepper didn't say anything to either Peter or Tony, but Pepper had to wonder if this came from Tony wishing that someone had done this for him when his parents died. Ever since Tony became Peter's mentor, she noticed they'd gotten closer…started trusting each other as more than mentor and protégé…more like father and son, and it was something both she and May noticed more and more over time. They both cared about each other and looked out for each other.

Whether it was divine intervention, fate, destiny, the Accords, or an Internet video, it was pretty clear that Peter and Tony belonged together and needed each other. Tony needed Peter to bring in some light after the civil war with the Rogue Avengers…after Natasha betrayed him and Rhodey was paralyzed, and Peter needed Tony to guide him in his life as a superhero…and now as a guardian to help him grieve the loss of a loved one…something Obidiah didn't do for Tony.

Soon enough, Tony pulled into a space right in front of the apartment building in Queens.

"Okay, here we are," Tony said solemnly as he turned the car off. He turned to Peter, who was sitting in the backseat. As much as he wished that he could be there in the back with him, he knew that it was better for Peter if it was just the three of them. Plus, Happy, Vision, and Rhodey said they would help with the furniture. "You ready, kiddo?"

Peter nodded. "Well…not ready…but…I have to be," he replied.

Tony and Pepper snuck a glance at each other before turning back to Peter, and Tony reached out and took Peter's hand into his. "We're right there with you," he said. "You call the shots today, okay?"

"Okay," Peter said in barely a whisper. He couldn't help but notice Tony telling him that over the past 24…48 hours…? He had been so overwhelmed with grief that he tended to lose track of time, and he appreciated it. He was glad that Tony and Pepper were letting him make some decisions. He was probably going to need them to take over in some parts, but it was nice that his mentor…guardian and his fiancée were initially letting him take some control of the current circumstances. He couldn't control the events regarding the accident…or May's death, but he was allowed to have some control here. It kept him distracted…grounded. Peter then took a deep breath and looked at Tony and Pepper. "I'm ready."

With that said, the three of them got out of the Audi, and Peter led Tony and Pepper up to his and May's apartment with keys in hand. Thankfully, like two nights ago, the building was quiet, so no one was around to ask questions. He was nowhere near ready for that part, and as soon as he got to the door to the apartment with the two adults behind him, he took out the keys and unlocked the door. The door opened, and at first, Peter forgot that he was at the apartment only a few nights ago. It felt like a lifetime ago, and knowing that it was only a matter of time before it was completely empty with no trace of the Parkers living here…made his stomach twist. The boy was jolted out of his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"You okay, kid?" Tony asked.

Peter quickly looked at him and nodded frantically.

"Okay, umm…how about you and I pack up your stuff?" Tony suggested.

"And I can get all the perishables out of the fridge?" Pepper added. "After that, you can pick out a few things for May."

Peter looked to Pepper and nodded.

Tony gently guided Peter toward his room. When the two of them were here after the accident, the kid broke down in the room by himself, and Tony refused to let that happen again. He and Pepper agreed to let Peter have his alone time if he asked, but if not, then they agreed to try to be there for him if possible.

The three of them quickly got to work. Tony and Peter packed the latter's clothes and other belongings in the cardboard boxes they brought while Pepper threw out anything that was or already expired while taking notes as to what kind of food Peter liked. She had a feeling that Tony had some idea given how often Peter stayed over at the tower and the compound, but it couldn't hurt to be extra sure.

"Okay," Tony said as he duck-taped a box of Peter's pants, "that's another box to go down to the car."

"This one, too," Peter said as he duck-taped a box of his shirts and slid it toward the door. "Can I have another one?"

"Here you go, kiddo," Tony replied as he grabbed another box for Peter to take.

Peter smiled as he took the box and turned to grab a few things from his night table and stopped in his tracks when his brown eyes rested on the picture that stood there. The smile vanished from the boy's face as a lump formed in his throat. It was a picture of him, May, and Ben… The three of them were in a restaurant in the city; May and Ben were standing behind him smiling proudly while he sat down wearing a blue graduation cap.

Peter knew immediately what day it was taken…it was his eighth grade graduation ceremony…on a warm June night…just about a week or so before Ben was killed in front of him. Peter remembered framing the picture right after the funeral and the tears in May's eyes when he told her that this would help him remember his uncle and help Ben watch over him. He was only 13 going on 14 years old…grasping the finality of death and the concept of losing a loved one. He took the picture into his hands staring at it.

"Hey, kid, I—" Tony stopped when he saw his charge kneeling on the floor with the picture frame. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what the picture was. He had caught mere glimpses of the picture whenever he came to visit the Parkers' apartment after meeting Peter. He slowly stood up and sat down on Peter's bed looking over the boy's shoulder at the picture and placing his hand on Peter's shoulder.

"This was taken only a few weeks before…" Peter stopped. It was bad enough to mourn May, but he didn't feel like remembering Ben's death. "We went out to dinner…just the three of us…" Like how it was him, Tony, and Pepper now…Peter sniffled as tears fell from his eyes before wiping them away. "You know…I never told you this, but…" Peter looked up at Tony with a sad smile, "take a wild guess as to who got me into Star Wars."

"Your uncle was a fan of Star Wars?"

"Aw man, he loved them! Whenever I was sick or feeling sad, we used to always curl up on the couch and watch them all night long stuffing our faces with popcorn. One Halloween…back when I was—I don't know—7, we both dressed up as Luke and Anakin Skywalker. I should actually try to find that picture."

Tony couldn't help but laugh. "Well, it's pretty clear his love for Star Wars made an impression," he said as he ruffled Peter's hair. He thought back on all the times Peter came for a movie night or stayed over the weekend. Usually, they tried to watch as many old movies as possible, but Star Wars was sometimes the one franchise to fall back on. Now, he understood why.

"Yeah, I guess it did," Peter said chuckling, "but now it's something else you and I have enjoyed doing together. I get to cherish the memories with Uncle Ben and make new ones with you…at least that's what Aunt May told me."

"Well, she's right," Tony said. "Just because your aunt and uncle are gone now doesn't mean you can't cherish the memories and make new ones with others, you know?"

"Yeah, but…I still miss him…both of them…"

"And that's perfectly normal, Pete," Tony rubbed his back. "Now, you have the memories to comfort you. You, Pepper, and I will make new ones."

"If it all goes well, of course…" Tony added mentally.

"You're right, Tony," Peter finally said.

"Of course, I am," Tony said smirking, "and don't you forget it. Your aunt always knew what she was talking about, and so do I."

Peter chuckled as he wrapped the frame in bubble wrap before placing it in the box. He sniffled again as Tony moved from the bed to the floor to sit next to Peter wrapping his arm around the boy so that Peter was resting his head on his shoulder. He closed his eyes feeling the warmth and comfort Tony provided him with one simple gesture. Ever since Tony became his mentor all those months ago, there was always warmth…a comfort he slowly found with the billionaire himself…a comfort that offered safety, affection, and…care.

"They both care very deeply about you…"

"And just so you know, kid," Tony finally whispered into his brown hair, "you can talk to us about May…Ben…your parents anytime. I want to hear more about them."

"Really?" Peter asked not lifting his head.

"Yep," Tony said, "I mean…I'm not the best point of reference when it comes to grief, but…sharing memories…talking about them…it's helpful. It keeps them alive…" he pointed to Peter's chest, "in here," and then moved his finger to Peter's forehead, "and here."

Peter gave a small smile as tears came into his eyes. "Thanks, Tony," he said quietly.

"You're welcome, buddy," the billionaire said.

"You guys doing okay in here?" a voice suddenly said jolting Tony and Peter out of their thoughts. They looked up from where they were sitting on the floor and found Pepper standing in the doorway smiling. "I just finished cleaning the fridge and figured I'd come check on you two."

"Umm…sorry, Pepper," Peter said wiping his eyes, "it was my fault." He watched as the blonde woman walked in and sat down in front of them. "I got caught up in…reminiscing."

"It's okay, Peter," she said patting him on the knee. "You know, I would love to hear more about your uncle, if that's okay. You can tell us more about it while we finish packing."

"Yeah, that'd be great," Peter said smiling.


Sharing the memories…reliving the nostalgia seemed to give Peter some strength as they finished packing up the things in his bedroom. While there was moments where he felt the grief wash over him, Pepper and Tony…his guardian were quick to rush in and comfort him. However, he still tried his best to hide it knowing that they had a lot to get done today, despite his guardian and said guardian's fiancée trying to tell him that there was no rush. Although, there was a part of him that wanted to slow down the packing. It was getting harder and harder knowing that the time to leave the very apartment he and May shared…the last place May was in…

However…within two hours…his things were packed away in boxes in the trunk of Tony's car and the U-Haul they rented. With the exception of the furniture and the bare mattress, his room was completely barren…almost as if he never lived in it in the first place. After grabbing a few things for May…her jewelry…a dress for her…a few other trinkets Peter picked out, it was finally time to go. Tony told him that they could come back to take care of the furniture another day, and that he would work things out with the superintendent of the building. Trusting Tony like always, Peter accepted it and nodded as the tears brimmed in his eyes. Thankfully, Peter didn't have to necessarily ask for a moment alone when Tony and Pepper told him to make sure he didn't forget anything and that they would wait for him in the car downstairs.

Once Pepper and Tony made their way downstairs, Peter stood in the doorway of the apartment looking around…taking in as much as he could before the apartment was completely empty. The knowledge that he would never come back to sleep in there…never see May walk in through the front door…cook in the kitchen…tidy it up for someone coming over… In just a matter of seconds, on one night, all of that he and May shared and knew…changed, and it was never going back to how it was ever again. Tears streamed down his face as he took a shaky breath forcing himself to prepare to leave.

"I won't ever forget this place, Aunt May," he whispered. "I will keep you alive in my memories like we did for Uncle Ben, I promise." He took a deep breath and closed the door behind him locking it before slowly releasing the knob and walking down the hall to meet Tony and Pepper at the car.


The rest of the day didn't do all that much to ease his grief, and it wasn't that he expected it to…seeing as how he had to make arrangements for his aunt. Pepper and Tony of course kept their word and helped him out as much as they could. If Tony or Pepper sensed that he was struggling, one of them stepped in, made a suggestion, and did most of the talking with the funeral director. After a couple of hours, they were finally finished with the arrangements. The wake was set for Wednesday, and the funeral was set for Thursday morning.

"That was…the hardest thing to do in my life," Peter said aloud looking out the window of the car watching complete strangers pass by on the sidewalks. They were completely unaware of a great person dying. He couldn't help but marvel how one was caught up in his or her personal bubble. He could feel Tony looking at him in the rearview mirror. "And the funeral hasn't even happened yet."

"I know, Peter," Pepper said reaching back and taking his hand into hers. She wanted to tell him that it was going to be okay, but how could she?

"You're not alone in this, kiddo," Tony said looking him in the eyes from the rearview mirror. "We're right there with you."

Peter nodded. "I know," he said. "Believe me, I do." He gripped Pepper's hand careful not to hurt her with his super-strength. "Listen, I-I know I didn't say it a lot today, but…I really want to thank you for all your help today. I'm…I'm sorry…I was…"

"Ah-ah…no apologies, kid," Tony quickly said. "I'm going to start charging you for every apology you don't need to make, and I'm a billionaire. I can make it happen."

Peter chuckled through his tears.

"Kid…I'm telling you…we want to do this," Tony said smiling.

"Okay," Peter said quietly leaning back in his seat.

"You know what I think?" Tony finally said after a moment of silence.

"What?" Pepper said chuckling. Peter couldn't help but notice that she seemed to know exactly what he was going to say.

"I think we should get some Schwarma's," Tony replied with a knowing smile, "and head back to the tower and have a movie night. Thoughts?"

"I think I like that idea," Peter said with a small smile. "What about you, Pepper?"

"I think I like that idea, too," Pepper replied.


The two superheroes and Pepper enjoyed a late lunch at Schwarma's before finally heading back to the tower, where they enjoyed a marathon of Star Wars movies. It had been a few weeks since Tony and Peter had their last one…before May died, and it was now the first official movie night Pepper had the opportunity to join in on the fun. Soon enough, dinner arrived as they continued the marathon eating Thai food-Peter's idea to honor May, which Tony and Pepper had no problem with. The Star Wars movie marathon continued until around 11:00 PM when Peter began to nod off, and the three of them agreed to continue the marathon tomorrow night after dinner with Happy and Rhodey.

"He wasn't kidding when he said that today was hard," Tony mused aloud as soon as he was sure Peter was in his bedroom out of earshot. The kid exchanged his good nights with them and dragged his feet to get ready for bed.

"Nobody said it would be easy," Pepper said quietly.

"If someone ever did, they're crazy," Tony retorted as he wrapped an arm around Pepper kissing the top of her head. "Thank you though."

"For…?"

"Being there today…you didn't have to, and I know this isn't what you—"

"Tony, Peter is a part of your life now. He has been for a while," she interjected looking at him. "That means that he's a part of mine too. I'm standing by you two through thick and thin. It's what couples do…what married couples do."

The billionaire smiled. "For better or for worse," he said taking her left hand with the engagement right…the very same ring Happy had been holding onto since 2008. "I think you and Rhodey were right. It's not going to be easy, and there will be some bumps, but we'll get through it…as a family…"


Author's Note: Annnnnnd that's all for Chapter 10, folks! Hooo man, that was a long one, but that's totally okay, lol! Be on the look out for Chapter 11! I hope you all enjoyed it, and I'll see you in Chapter 11! Also, come find me on Tumblr lbigreyhound13 if you would like to talk more about the story!