A/N: Post Endgame but with a few changes (Because... obviously I need Tony Stark to live!).

- Carol is the one to snap Thanos out of existence.
- The world doesn't know about time travel because the Avengers tell them a different story (to be told throughout this fic).
- Old Man Steve Rogers is alive and well. He's like a retired old grandpa.
- The Accords still need to be fixed

CHAPTER 1: Field Trip

Field trips were always trouble.

The field trip to Oscorp led to a radioactive spider bite.

The field trip to D.C. led to his classmates nearly dying in an elevator.

The field trip before the so-called blip was the one Peter left to help Mr. Stark save the wizard from the aliens on the doughnut-like spaceship. That ended up with him in space and getting dusted. For five years!

But this field trip was bound to be the worst one yet.

Peter groaned as he listened to Mr. Harrington eagerly talk about the details of their next field trip.

"We are going to be among the first visitors to the battlefield," Mr. Harrington explained excitedly. "We will get to see the very field where Carol Danvers snapped some of us right back into existence after 5 years!"

"Captain Marvel is a true inspiration to young women," Betty explained, her voice full of admiration. "I wish she could stay with us here on Earth. I would love the chance to interview her."

"Hey, Peter Parker. Got something for me?" The memory flashed before Peter's eyes, along with all the gory details of the battle. Alien blood splashing onto his suit. The screams of battle. Fighting for his life and the lives of the people he loved most.

"Dude!" Ned whispered beside him. "Are you alright? You look like you aren't feeling so good."

"Mr. Stark… I don't feel so good." Pain. The feeling of his insides getting ready to disintegrate. Fear. His own emotions being reflected in the eyes of his mentor as reality set in. Peter wasn't going to make it.

The flashbacks were too much. Peter shot out of his chair and burst out into the hallway, giving a quick apology to his teacher on the way out.

Mr. Harrington blinked at the door Peter used to make his hasty exit before turning his attention to Ned.

"Um… I think he was feeling sick," the boy explained.

"Right. Well… hopefully he feels better by the end of the week. Our class will get to see one of the greatest battlefields in history!" the teacher exclaimed.

MJ blinked, clearly unimpressed. "Don't we, like, practically live on a battlefield? The aliens attacked the city in 2012 and the Avengers fought them here as well."

Mr. Harrington's jaw dropped and he stared at her in disbelief. "But our planet experienced loss at a whole new level! The battle upstate didn't just save our city! It saved people throughout the ENTIRE universe!" He threw up his hands. "Surely the rest of you are as excited as I am!"

A series of excited murmurs could be heard all over the classroom.

Ned looked towards the door, feeling conflicted. He was excited to go and see the battlefield and the newly built museum and memorial to the fallen heroes, like Black Widow and the Vision. There was even an exhibit for Captain America, who was apparently retired now and off-the-grid or something. But he was concerned about Peter.

His best friend wasn't the same. None of them were, really. Getting turned to dust and returning five years in the future was a whole new level of trauma. The new historical landmark and museum was meant to help bring closure and also honor those who fought to make things right again. But his friend fought in that battle. He died in the first part of the battle and could've been killed again in the second part of the battle.

Ned shuddered, thinking about just how close his friend was to having a memorial for himself at the new museum.

"Will we see the Avengers?" Brad asked, sounding hopeful. "Do they still have a headquarters there or is it just a museum now?"

"Uh…" Mr. Harington frowned a little as he seemed to ponder the question. "Actually, Tony Stark seems to have moved things back into the old tower. I'm pretty sure the site upstate is all just part of the historical landmark now."

"I'm sure it would be strange for them to return to the battlefield," Betty commented.

Ned nodded, mostly to himself. Could his friend handle going back there? Maybe Peter would find a way to get out of going on this trip. He didn't even talk about being Spider-Man any more. As a matter of fact, he hadn't even returned to patrolling the streets. He reluctantly agreed to putting on the suit for May's fundraisers and that was about it. Ned wasn't a psychologist, but he was pretty sure his friend had some form of PTSD. After everything he went though, it would make sense.

"Excuse me, Mr. Harrington?" Ned called to the teacher. "Is it okay if I go check on Peter?"

The teacher simply nodded, and Ned quickly stood up from his desk to go in search of his friend. He doubted Peter would go to the nurse's office. Instead, he knew his friend would seek out somewhere quiet. He turned and entered the library. Their old librarian was practically deaf and incredibly near-sighted. Students could easily sneak by her during the day. It wasn't long before Ned found Peter in the reference section, sitting in front of the dusty encyclopedias. No one ever used this section anymore, so it was a great place to get away and be alone.

Peter was sitting with his back resting against the bookshelf and his knees pulled up to his chest. He was resting his elbows on top of knees and holding his head in his hands.

Ned carefully lowered himself down so that he was sitting next to him. "Peter?" he said softly. "You okay, dude?"

Peter shrugged. "Yeah…" He turned to look at Ned, who was giving him a look full of doubt. "No," he sighed, amending his original answer. "I don't know if I want to go back there, Ned. I know we won, but…" He didn't finish the thought. He wasn't sure how to explain it anyway.

To Peter's surprise, Ned said, "I get it. I mean… I can't fully understand what it was like for you, but I'm sure the memories of a battle like that are overwhelming. I don't blame you for not wanting to go."

Peter shook his head. "But what will everyone think? You're the only one who knows about… you know."

Of course Ned knew. Peter told him everything, well almost everything. Ned knew that Peter was Spider-Man. Ned knew about Titan. And he knew that Peter helped get the infinity gauntlet to Captain Marvel. He wasn't really allowed to tell anyone about the time travel part. People only knew about the Infinity Stones and that they were destroyed.

"You know that you're a real hero, right?" Ned said suddenly. "I don't even know if I would be here right now if it weren't for what you did." Ned sighed. "I wish everyone could know what a hero you truly are."

Peter scoffed. "I don't feel like a hero, Ned. A hero wouldn't be freaked out by a little field trip."

"If a veteran was afraid to return to Omaha Beach in Normandy, would you consider them to be less of a hero?" Ned challenged.

Peter frowned. "Of course not! But that's different!"

"Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Both are sites of difficult battles. You're allowed to feel apprehensive about going back there, Peter." Ned insisted. "And you are a hero!"

Peter just shrugged, looking unconvinced.

"Have you talked to May about this? Or Mr. Stark?" Ned asked.

"No way!" Peter answered quickly. "I don't want them to worry. They have enough to worry about. May is busy with her charity foundation and Mr. Stark is trying to wrap up negotiations with the Accords. They don't need to worry about me."

Ned shook his head. "I can't believe they are still worrying with the Accords. The Avengers literally saved the entire Universe!"

"Yeah, well. Ross doesn't think they should be so forgiven for the destruction they've caused in the past. Mr. Stark just wants to make sure that all of the surviving Avengers can live their lives again. After a few amendments, it should all work out." Peter explained.

"Still… you all proved that we need the Avengers. You guys need the freedom to fight the big fights!"

"I'm sure we will," Peter said, not seeming too worried about it.

"You haven't been on patrol lately, Peter. Are you sure you're okay? You are still an Avenger, right?" Ned asked in concern.

Peter shrugged. "I guess. I just… need a little break. That's all."

"You're my best friend, Peter. I'm not trying to be a pain in your ass or anything. It's just that I don't really think you're okay."

Peter turned his tired eyes to look at his friend. "Are any of us really okay, dude? They're calling this the "Blip" now, but it was so much more than that!" He rubbed a hand through his hair. "5 years, Ned. We lost 5 years!"

Ned shuddered, wrapping his arms around his middle as if hugging himself. "I know." He sighed, "I think that's why the school is taking us on this trip. I think they see it as something that will help bring closure or something. Or to help us come to terms with what happened and appreciate the second chance that we've been given." He turned to study his friend. "Not everyone has a best friend who was there. I can thank you in person and tell you how grateful I am. The others don't have that chance. This trip gives some of them the chance to really appreciate how hard you guys fought."

"But I lost, Ned! I didn't fight during those five years! I was gone like so many others. Mr. Stark and the others are the real heroes."

"Yeah, but… all of their work would've been for nothing if the returning Avengers hadn't helped to finish the fight! You helped to finish that fight, Peter. And in the end, you won." Ned insisted.

They sat in silence for a time, each one lost to their own thoughts. Peter suddenly gave his friend a crooked smile. "Dude, when did we get so sappy?"

Ned returned the smile with one of his own. "We've always been a little sappy. We're just really good at hiding it."

The friends laughed quietly before Peter spoke again. "We should probably get back to class."

"Probably," Ned agreed. "You know I'm always here for you, right?"

"Thanks, man," Peter smiled. He stood to his feet, extending a hand to his best friend to help him up.

Ned was easily lifted to his feet thanks to Peter's strength, and then extended his own hand to Peter to do their handshake. The gesture was a way of showing their brotherly love for one another. It was a silent way to promise that they would always look out for each other.

And with that in mind, they quietly passed the old librarian and made their way back to class.

They could worry about the field trip later

Tony was exhausted. He thought for sure he would get the chance to take a break after helping to save the universe, but that sadly was not the case. His whole day was spent preparing for the meeting with the UN about the Accords. After saving everyone, he felt it was only fair to sort things out for all of the Avengers. They deserved to go back to living their lives without the fear of being arrested again.

The Iron Man sighed as he entered his old lab in the Tower. Everything had been reset once they moved back in. It felt odd to be back in the city after moving to the compound years before. It felt like he was living in the past, which gave him a strange sense of deja vu thanks to the whole time travel thing. He found himself carefully checking the date on his phone sometimes, needing to be sure that he was in the right year.

"Tony," an older man gently spoke his name as he entered the room.

He looked up to see the elderly version of Steve Rogers step inside to greet him. Tony couldn't help but to shake his head a little. An old Captain America walking around did nothing to help him feel that he was, in fact, living in the correct time and place.

The older man gingerly made his way around some of the lab tables to get to Tony. His blue eyes looked worn out, but they still held the same warmth and intelligence. "How'd everything go today? Did you finish what you were hoping to finish?" Steve asked.

Tony sighed, "It was all fine and dandy, Mr. Rogers. What makes you ask?"

Steve chuckled. "You know, I'm aware now that you use that particular version of my name to make a dig at my age. But Fred Rogers was a good man, so I can't really take it as an insult."

"Whatever you say, old timer. It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood," Tony shrugged.

"Is it?" Steve asked carefully.

"It will be," Tony told him. They were of course talking cryptically about whether or not things would be sorted with the Accords.

"Ross sure likes to make things difficult," Steve commented, knowing exactly who was responsible for slowing down Tony's progress towards passing the newest amendments.

"That he does, neighbor," Tony quipped.

Steve let out a chuckle, but it held no real mirth. "When we first went back to the compound after… well, after you were lost in space, Ross made a point to tell us we weren't forgiven just because the world was on fire."

It was Tony's turn to let out a humorless laugh. "Yeah, but that was before you wielded Thor's magic hammer and helped to bring back the people who turned to dust, including Ross' own daughter."

It was true. Secretary Ross was one of the many who lost family after Thanos' first snap. But it was also likely the reason why he still had a problem with the Avengers who never signed in the first place. Ross didn't understand how they could let it happen in the first place. He felt they deserved to be held responsible for 'letting' Thanos' snap half of the universe out of existence. Which only proved to Tony that the man was truly an asshole.

"Well, the President has already issued the pardon. Once the amendments go through, the team should be able to get back to business. It helps that we have President Nielson on our side. She's a welcome ally in our fight to get the Avengers the freedom they need to fight the battles they need to fight." Steve's voice wavered with age, but it still held the same conviction.

Tony nodded. "It will help, but Ross has powerful friends."

"So do we," Steve insisted, a mischievous twinkle in his old eyes.

"Take it easy, Grandcappy. It's best if we keep our powerful friends amiable at the moment." Despite his words, Tony had the same twinkle in his own eyes. He would love nothing more than to blast Ross into outer space and make him Carol's problem. But Rhodey's common sense was finally rubbing off. Tony knew they needed to play their cards right with this one. This wasn't just about Sam, Wanda, Clint, Scott, or Bucky Barnes. Peter never signed. Tony needed to make sure the young hero could continue to fight his battles without fear of imprisonment.

He didn't go through all of that trouble to bring Peter back just have the kid fall right back into danger.

As if on cue, Peter entered the lab with his backpack slung over his shoulder. Tony looked up at the clock, surprised to see that it was already time for Peter to arrive. "Hey, kid!" He greeted warmly. "How was school?"

Peter tossed his bag on a lab table. "Uh… fine, I guess." He nodded at Steve, "Hey, Cap!"

"Good to see you, Queens," Steve smiled.

Peter stared at the man for a moment. "I'm not sure I'll ever get used to seeing you like…" He waved his hands out in front of him, gesturing towards Steve's form. "...well, you're so old." Peter's eyes went wide. "Sorry! That was rude! I mean… you are old. Sorry! I mean… I just meant that as a statement. Not as an insult or anything." Peter snapped his mouth shut. He looked towards his mentor. "I think I'll just stop talking now."

Tony chuckled, his eyes filled with fondness and affection for the young man in front of him. "Please! Keep going. You were on a roll! Capcicle is definitely ancient."

Steve just shrugged good-naturedly. "You're not wrong, son. I've literally lived two lifetimes now." He shook his head and smiled a little. "I honestly don't even know how to answer it when people ask me how old I am."

"You're well over a hundred, that's for damn sure," Tony told him.

Peter cocked his head and studied Steve again. "Still… you don't look like the typical guy over a hundred."

"I suppose that's just a side effect of the serum," Steve shrugged again. Despite the wrinkles, he still had the same broad shoulders. There was an innate strength that remained.

"At this rate, the old man will outlive me," Tony joked.

That had been the wrong thing to say. Peter immediately grew pale at the thought.

Tony noticed and moved forward to wrap an arm around Peter. "Which won't be for a long time, Pete. No worries. Pepper has me grounded. Cap may be the ancient one, but we are both retired from active duty. I intend to see both of my kids graduate college, get married, and maybe even have kids of their own before I finally decide to kick it."

"Both kids?" Peter frowned in confusion. "Are you and Pepper expecting again, Mr. Stark?"

"Ha! God, no. Pepper made it very clear that one was enough," Tony answered.

Cap smiled at Peter, noticing he still seemed confused. "He's talking about you, Peter."

A blush appeared on Peter's previously pale cheeks. "Oh," he said simply.

Tony gently ruffled the brown waves on Peter's head. "Sorry, kid. Like it or not, I'm keeping my eyes on you from here on out."

Peter smiled. "It's fine, Mr. Stark. It's really nice, actually."

They were all quiet for a moment. Steve wondered if he should make his exit and let Tony and Peter have a moment, but then Tony was speaking again.

Seriously, though, Pete. Was there nothing exciting about school today?" Tony prompted, looking at Peter expectantly.

Peter's eyebrows shot up. "You know, don't you?! How do you already know?"

"Is this about your school's field trip to the battlefield upstate?" Steve asked.

Peter's jaw dropped. "And you? How do you know?" He felt mildly betrayed by this turn of events. "How am I the only one who didn't know about this?"

Tony shrugged, feigning innocence. "I'm sure I have no idea."

"Why didn't you just tell me?" Peter asked. "It's so weird."

"Come on, kid! I think it will be great. It'll be good for you to go back there, and I want people to understand all that we went through." Tony explained.

"Wait!" Peter said, still trying to put the pieces together. "Did you… did you intentionally invite my school?"

"I may have donated the tickets and paid for the transportation," Tony confessed, looking rather pleased with himself.

"Why would you do that?" He turned to Steve. "And you approve of this?"

Steve looked mildly guilty before admitting, "I'm going to be your tour guide."

"WHAT?!" Peter looked horrified. "Why?" He continued to stare at Steve in particular. "How? What if someone recognizes you? I thought the whole time travel part of our victory was a secret!"

"No one is going to recognize, Cap!" Tony argued. "Look at him! He has more wrinkles than a Shar Pei puppy!"

Peter growled in frustration and began pacing back and forth. "But why my school? Why should I go back there? I don't even want to go back there!"

The room was quiet as Steve and Tony shared a look. Tony cleared his throat a little and shifted, looking uncomfortable. "I know, kid. May told me that she thought you were having a hard time."

"As a soldier who's seen my fair share of battlefields, Peter, I can tell you that it can help to see it again. It makes you look at the space differently. You'll see that it can't hurt you." Steve's eyes were soft, and Peter could see the genuine concern.

Tony took a step towards him, trying to use proximity for reassurance. "It's just a place on a map now, Pete. The battle is over. We won."

Peter shook his head. "It doesn't feel like it's over. I didn't have five years…" he looked at Steve. "... or even a lifetime to adjust." He sighed in frustration. "It's still fresh for me, okay? I don't want to go!"

The room was quiet again as no one seemed to know what to say next.

Finally, Tony sighed. He looked disappointed. "I won't force you, kid. It's your choice."

Peter sighed in relief. "Thank you."

"BUT… I want you to really consider going. You won't be alone. Cap will be there, and you'll be there for something totally harmless."

"You won't be there?" Peter asked, mildly confused.

"Unfortunately, we have a meeting with the Security Council that day. It's why I asked the old man to act as your tour guide," Tony explained.

"I still don't understand why you think this is a good idea!" Peter complained.

"For all the reasons Cap already explained," Tony insisted gently. "Plus… I may have some things in the new museum that I want you to see."

"Just think about it, Queens. If it gets to be too much, I'll call Grumpy Hogan to get you out of there," Cap added.

Peter rolled his eyes. "He's Happy Hogan, Cap."

Steve shrugged. "If you say so."

"I'll think about it," Peter agreed.

Tony beamed, as if victorious. "Great! That's all I'm asking for right now, kid."

Steve stretched, his older bones creaking as he did so. "I'll leave you boys to it." He nodded towards the lab space. "Just don't blow anything up, will ya? I'd like to take a nap, so I'd appreciate it if you kept things down."

"My god… you really are an old geezer. You know that, right?" Tony teased.

"It's nice. I highly suggest living to old age, Tony. It's worth it."

"If you say so. FRIDAY! Be a dear and blast my AC/DC playlist, will you?"

The music quickly filled up the lab space, loud enough to make the windows rattle. Steve scowled. "I may be old, Tony, but I can still kick your ass. You really want to mess with this old man's rest?"

Tony studied him for a moment. "Fine," he conceded. "FRIDAY! Music at 50% volume!"

The sounds died down, but the music continued to play. Steve smiled. "Wise choice." He turned to Peter and gave him a small wave of farewell as he turned and left the lab.

Peter watched him leave before turning amused eyes to look at his mentor. "You know… I think he's going to be like Tom Hanks' character in that really old movie. It's that one where he's healed by that big guy who was wrongfully put on death row. He just keeps living after he;s healed… long past his friends."

Tony shook his head. "Green Mile isn't that old, kid." He looked in the direction that Steve left. "But Cap definitely is. I'm not even sure it's the serum. Personally, I think he's just too damn stubborn to die of old age."

Peter chuckled. "Maybe he just sticks around to bother you, Mr. Stark."

His mentor nodded and chuckled. "No argument there, Pete."

And with that, Tony and Peter let themselves fall into their old routine in the workshop. They worked together on some new leg braces for Rhodes. The routine was comfortable and familiar. It was exactly what each one needed to heal.

And while Peter didn't realize it, Tony thought seeing the battlefield would help as well. The museum next to it was set up with exhibits to honor everyone who helped win that battle, including Spider-Man.

Tony knew that Peter hadn't been out as Spider-Man since the battle. Aside from talking with Peter's aunt, FRIDAY had no activity reported from Karen. Tony also had a good idea of why Peter was reluctant to return to his patrols. He just hoped that if Peter could see himself as a hero again, one who was appreciated and loved, that it would be enough encouragement for him to get back out there.

If Tony knew that things were about to go so wrong, he never would've encouraged Peter to go on the field trip.

He should've known.

Parker luck never let things turn out as planned.