A/N: This chapter may seem clunky and I apologize.


Peter drifted in a darkened haze. His entire being felt heavy as the darkness allowed a little sound to drift in. The muffled noise slowly brought him back into the present. Slowly, he opened his eyes only to find himself staring at a ceiling instead of the New York sky. The side of his jaw throbbed as the memory of what happened flooded back to him.

He got punched by the Winter Soldier. The metal hand connected to his face as Captain America held him in place. No, not Captain America, Steve Rogers, his father. Why did they punch him? The conversation on the roof, prior to his metal knuckle sandwich also made an appearance in front of his brain. Apparently he's in danger and they were there to protect him.

Some protection, his brain scoffed.

Peter inhaled as the musk from his mask sent a sense of familiarity down his spine. Turning his head to the side , his eyes come in contact with a stone fireplace. Definitely not the fireplace at the Avengers sound of raised voices off in the distance caused him to sit up. Just as the world started to tip, he laid back down. The voices in the distance grew louder and louder with each breath. Taking a deep breath, Peter tried again. Taking his time, he finally made it to his feet. Looking down, he was greeted with the sight of his suit. They didn't take it.

That doesn't mean they didn't look under the mask, his brain reasoned.

It was moments like this Peter wished he could shut off his brain. Nonetheless, he shook his head and looked around. Instead of the streets of New York or even the avengers compound, he was introduced to a wooden sight. Wood mixed with bricks. The sharp smell of the woods also made its way to his brain allowing for it to register. His attention to the surrounding area was very short-lived as the voices grew louder. Peter turned his attention in the direction of the voices to see the back of the Avengers standing outside. As he listened closer, the voices of Vanessa and Steve, no his mom and dad, rose to the heavens.

Placing one foot in front of the other, he allowed his body to be drawn closer to the noise. Standing just inside the door, he could see Vanessa and Steve standing in the front yard. Rage filled both of their faces as they glared at one was in the middle of a rant while Steve just stood there. Judging by the look of anger on his face, he was having enough of whatever she was saying. Silence echoed as the pair stood face to face. Neither spoke a word as they glared. Peter wasn't sure what they were arguing about but whatever it was it must have been serious.

Bucky took a deep breath before he walked down the steps and planted himself between the two. Placing a hand on Steve's chest, he attempted to push the first avenger back, but Steve remained where he was.

"Guys, I think we should call it quits and revisit this later. Maybe when you both have had a chance to calm down," he suggested. Vanessa tore her eyes away from Steve and allowed them to land on Bucky. She nodded once before stepping back. Her eyes found Steve's again and Steve just stared. His face is still blank. Steve looked at his friend, then back to Vanessa.

"Fuck you," was all he said, then he turned to his friend. "Both of you."

Without another word, Steve turned and walked off into the trees before disappearing from view. Peter's eyes grew wide behind his mask. This was the first time he ever heard Steve Rogers curse. The same man who glared and flinched every time an inappropriate word was used just cussed without a second thought.

Silence once again greeted them but it didn't stay long as a voice spoke up. "Um, guys." All eyes turned to Scott. "Do you think it's a bad time to tell them to watch their language?"

"Probably" Peter announced, also announcing his presence as well. All eyes turned to him and looks of relief slowly filled everyone's faces. Pepper walked closer as her eyes moved over him.

"Spidermen, you're awake," she announced unnecessarily.

"Yes, no thanks to any of you." Peter said while crossing his arm over the black spider on his chest.

"I heard and saw what-"

"You know, this is kidnapping," Peter pointed out as he moved one hand to point at himself.

"Tony mentioned you were in danger and this was a necessary measure to keep you safe."

Peter looked behind her to where the mentioned man was standing and watching. A scoff escaped as he shook his head. "Do you believe everything he says?"

Pepper passed for a moment before a smile graced her lips. "No, but I do believe him about this."

"Right, well like I told them before I've got things to do and I can't do them while I'm stuck here, so if you could be kind and point me in the direction of the avengers tower, then I will be on my way."

"Listen kid, you're not leaving here, unless one or two of us are with you at all time," Sam said from behind Pepper. Peter remained quiet for a moment before a chuckle escaped his lips. "Something funny."

"Yeah," Peter started as he attempted a fake cough to cover up his laugh. "You guys are supposed to be Earth's mightiest heroes, instead you turn out to be earth's mightiest kidnappers. What happened to all that moral walk the line nonsense? Did you know that when you offer protection and someone refuses it, you are supposed to say okay and follow them from a distance. You're not supposed to kidnap them. Is the seriousness of this conversation clicking yet?"

Everyone exchanged looks but none of them responded. Peter shook his head before starting down the steps only for a light hand on his shoulder to stop him. His entire frame stiffened as he looked down at the hand. He followed the delicate limb up to Pepper's face. The kind eyes that first greeted him, during their first meeting made an appearance. As if reading his mind, she dropped her hand.

"Sorry, I forgot you don't like-"

"No I don't."

She nodded once before looking around the area until her eyes landed on him again. "Why don't we go inside and talk where it's comfortable."

"Why?" Peter asked with a shake of his head. "The moment I walk through those doors, I'm not coming back out."

"You got that right," Tony said.

Pepper sent him a look that sent the man into silence. She turned back to Peter. "I can understand not trusting them. They did hit you unconscious and you're right, they did kidnap you. Knowing them, they wouldn't do that without a good reason. So, I'm asking you to come back inside and just listen to what they have to say. If at the end you don't believe it's a good reason, then I will personally make sure you are taken back to where they took you."

"Now hold on," Scott announced as he stepped forward. "How is that fair? He's going to think any valid reason we give him is not a good enough reason."

"Lang's got a point," Natasha added.

"You're right, because there is no good reason to hit and kidnap a teenager," Peter scoffed from behind his mask. Behind all of them, Peter saw Vanessa nodding in agreement.

"Hate to break it to you guys, but the kid's got a point," Happy agreed. All eyes turned to him. Happy shifted under their gaze, but remained where he was.

"Who's side are you on?" Clint asked as he narrowed his eyes at the bodyguard.

Happy lifted his hands in the form of a surrender. "Hey, I'm just calling it like I see it."

"At any rate," Pepper called out, commanding the attention she saw slipping away. "Spiderman, just come inside and listen to what they have to say. You also did wake up moments ago, the least we can do is make sure you're okay."

Peter looked around the porch, or rather the fact that he was surrounded. The odds of his escape were minimal at best. His eyes traveled around to every person, who watched him waiting for his response. His eyes eventually landed on Vanessa. She stood in the yard near Bucky. Her arms were wrapped around her stomach as she stared at him. A look passed over her face, but it was gone before Peter had a chance to decipher it. His eyes turned to Pepper who stood waiting patiently.

"Fine, I'll listen, but the agreement still stands. If I don't think it's a good reason, I can leave. No stopping me."

"Deal," Pepper said with a nod.

"Now hold on," Tony said as he came to stand by her side. "Are you-"

Pepper turned to him and glared. "If you are about to ask me if I'm serious, then yes I am. It's the least we can do. You did take him against his will. Have you seen the headlines? The public are calling all of you child abusers and kidnappers. Why is it so difficult for all of you to sit down and have a conversion like adults is beyond me, but we're going to give it a try. Any questions?"

Tony didn't respond, so Pepper's eyes traveled around to the rest of the Avengers. "None? Good, then let's all make our way back inside."

"What about Steve?" Clint asked as he pointed a thumb in the direction the avenger disappeared.

Pepper looked towards the woods as if she were expecting the man to appear but when he didn't, she shook her head and gave Clint a tiny smile. "I think we should give him some space."

Clint looked like he wanted to object but decided not to, instead he opted to stare at the trees where his friend disappeared.

Pepper looked at Spiderman and motioned with her hand. "After you."

Peter hesitated before he walked back into the building. One by one, the rest of the Avengers filed inside. Bucky stood by and waited for Vanessa to enter. Once she did, he too cast a glance at the spot where Steve disappeared. He stood in the same spot for a moment before he started walking.

"Where are you going?" Tony called out.

"To find Steve."

"And what about the kid inside?"

Bucky threw a quick glance at the former playboy before turning back to the trees and continuing on his course. "You got this, right?" he called over his shoulder before he disappeared into the trees.

"Right," Tony mumbled.


Steve stared at the blue sky from his perch on a tree stump. He watched as the blue was occasionally interrupted by the white from the clouds. Silence surrounded him until it was disturbed by the sound of twigs snapping. He turned his head to see Bucky walking through the trees, looking around rapidly. It wasn't until the Winter Soldier laid eyes on his friend that relief washed over his face.

"Hey."

Steve shook his head before turning back to the sky.

"Silent treatment, huh? Honestly Stevie, how old are you?" Bucky grunted as he came to stand in front of the man. "I know you're pissed at me, so why don't you go ahead and tell me why. I know it has something to do with Vanessa. So spill."

Steve remained silent.

"Okay, is it because I slept with her at the same time you did? Because if it is, you can't be mad at me for that. I didn't know."

Steve looked at him before shaking his head again and looking away.

"Oh, I got something of a response. You know, I can do this all day."

The corner of Steve's mouth lifted slightly. "I got a reaction. For a second, I thought you were sleeping with your eyes open."

Steve again remained silent but this time he stood. He started to walk away, but Bucky grabbed his arm, pulling him to a stop. "Not a chance kid. You're going to tell me what I did to piss you off."

"Not now, I have a kid to go find."

"That can wait."

Steve whirled around and set a glare on Bucky causing the man to take a step back. "No James, no it cannot."

"James. So you're back to calling me James now. Jesus Steve what the hell did I do?!" Bucky asked as he threw his hands in the air.

"You want to know what you did; what you did to me?! Huh?!" Steve shouted, causing the birds in the trees to take flight.

"Yes!"

"Really?"

"Yeah Steve. What the hell did I do that was so horrible for you to hate me?!"

"You gave up!"

It was Bucky's turn to go silent. He stared at Steve as he chest rose and fell in acceleration. His breath came out in uneven spurts. "I was looking for you. I thought you were dead. You were taken by Hydra, sure. I'll give you that. Sure, you may have fought to try and escape. I'll give you that as well. But eventually you gave up! I kept looking, I knew you couldn't be dead. Old maybe, but dead no."

Bucky licked his lips as he opened his mouth to respond, but Steve continued, shutting him off. "While I looked for you, you could have been fighting. You could have been trying to escape; instead you decided to give up!"

Bucky stared at Steve in silence as the words fell over him. Steve's chest continued to rise and fall as he breathed and glared at the man across from him. Taking a deep breath, Steve lowered his eyes. Licking his dry lips, he lifted his head once more and looked at the man who he fought alongside in the war. "That James, is why I'm mad. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a son to find, because that is the only thing that matters to me right now."

Without another word, Steve walked off towards the cabin, leaving a shocked Bucky in his wake.


Pepper sat in an armchair while Tony's hand rested on her shoulder. She listened to the explanations of all the Avengers and waited for Spiderman to respond. He sat for a moment before he lifted a finger.

"So, let me get this straight," Spiderman started from behind his mask as he looked around the room at all the adults. "This group, Hydro-"

"Hydra," Natasha corrected.

"Right, Hydra. This group, Hydra, kidnapped and killed a man and now they're after me because I have a location on Peter?"

Everyone nodded.

"And Vanessa here, who is Peter's biological mother, is a member of this same group?"

"Former member," Vanessa corrected.

"Yes," Tony announced with a side glare at the woman.

"And you want me to give you Peter's location so you can bring him here?"

"Yep," Clint agreed.

"To a secluded location where you have a member of the 'enemy' staying?"

"Uh huh." Sam replied.

"And your bright idea was to kidnap me and bring me here?"

"For your protection," Rhodes added.

"While Peter, who is their primary target, is still in New York alone and defenseless?"

"It would appear so," Happy said as he shook his head.

Spiderman sat there and stared at everyone as he absorbed the information. He opened his mouth a couple times but the words seemed lost to him. Pepper looked around the room as the adults waited for the boy to say something, but the face of the mask remained motionless.

Hearing the information out loud, Pepper Potts could see where the Avengers thought it was a good idea, but hearing Spiderman say the words out loud, she found herself shaking her head. Sure she was confident the Avengers could protect Peter while they were here, but given the measures at which they had to get Spiderman here, if Peter was her child, she would not want him anywhere near them. Her eyes fell to Vanessa. The woman who mothered the boy. After their first encounter and the lengths at which she tried to go to in order to get Peter, all forms of trust went out the window.

Spiderman speaking brought her out of her thoughts. "I'm sorry, I know you guys are just getting back into the groove of things after being separated or whatever, but you guys are seriously wacked out of your minds."

"Are you saying that you don't agree with the reason?" Pepper asked.

Spiderman scoffed and shook his head. "No, I don't agree with the reason. Do you not realize that by taking me and Peter knowing you all took me against my will, he isn't going to trust you? And all of this is for my protection?"

Vanessa stepped forward. "Listen, I don't agree with the actions of the Avengers, trust me. Apparently, I'm also still their prisoner, but what I do care about is making sure that Peter is safe. That's all I care about."

Spiderman stared at her in silence before shaking his head. "Look, I get that, but-"

"So then you'll stay and tell us where Peter is?" Sam asked.

"No."

All Avengers went silent as they stared at him. It was Scott who broke it. "I'm sorry, do you not understand the seriousness of this?"

"I do, it's just I don't want Peter any place where I can't get to him quickly. I'm the only one he trusts right now."

"You'll be here with him," Natasha announced while shaking her head in confusion.

Spiderman shook his head. "No I won't. I'm not staying."

"Excuse me?"

"Look, I can kinda see where you guys are coming from but let me explain something. If I'm here then New York doesn't have anyone to look out for it. When you guys are out and about trying to save the world from aliens and ugly monsters, nobody is looking out for the little guy. That's my job. I help New York while you guys are off doing whatever. I'm the one saving kids from burning buildings and people from getting mugged. I'm the one stopping bank robbers. You guys are Earth's mighty defenders and all and that's cool, like really cool, but I'm New York's defender. Someone has to look out for the little guy."

Everyone remained quiet.

"So sure, some wacky organization with a bad name is after me, and that scares me, but that's not going to stop me from saving people who need help. Like do you know what it's like to help the little guys? It's not easy but someone has to do it."

Pepper stared at the boy she only met a couple of times and found herself swelling with pride. The corner of her mouth started to lift slightly. Spider Man stood to his feet when nobody said a word. "So, if someone can point me in the direction of the Avengers Tower, I'll be on my way."

The hand on her shoulder squeezed tight causing Pepper to look at Tony who remained stone faced. When nobody said a word, Spiderman looked at her as if she were the only sensible one in the room. "I thought we had a deal. If I didn't think their reason was good enough, then I could leave. I don't think It's good enough."

Pepper looked to the Avengers who stared at her expectantly as if they expected her to side with them. "Uh-"

For the first time in her life Virginia "Pepper '' Potts was at a loss for what to do. If she agreed with Spiderman, the Avengers would no doubt go to extreme measures to ensure that he remained here as they already demonstrated. If she agreed with the Avengers, then she too would be an accomplice in kidnapping a child, not to mention, she would lose the trust she noticed she gained with him.

Spiderman shifted her weight as he waited. Pepper's eyes looked around once more but stopped when the front door opened. All eyes turned to it as Steve walked through. The blue eyes traveled around the room lingering a heated gaze on Vanessa before they landed on Spiderman.

"Can I talk to you?" Steve asked the kid in red, black and blue.

"Uh..um, maybe some other time. They were just about to tell me how to get back to the Avenger's tower."

"No, we weren't," Tony announced.

Steve looked between the two before shaking his head. "Okay, um, it will be quick then."

Spiderman looked back at Tony and then Pepper. His eyes went back to Steve when the Avenger spoke again. "Please?"

"O…Okay."

Spiderman followed Steve outside as the room was once again engulfed in silence. All eyes turned to the red-headed woman. "What the hell Pepper?" Tony asked as he removed his hand from her shoulder.