Chapter 12

They stayed in the blanket fort most of the day, binge watching movies, snacking and talking. Peter loved that bit the most, learning more about his dad and mom, their families, how they met, growing up. It made him realise they were more alike than Peter thought, and not so intimidating. Just because they were rich, famous, and well superheroes, didn't mean they weren't just like everyone else. They were normal people, just like him. And they were his. His parents.

That sound alone made him the happiest kid in the world.

Sometime in the afternoon FRIDAY said aloud; "May Parker is at the door boss."

"MAY!" Peter said excitedly already pushing himself up and rushing downstairs before Tony could blink. He felt instantly cold, and sad as Peter left. A little hurt at how the kid had just left his side without a second glance to go to his aunt. This must be a little like what a divorce couple must go through, sharing custody of their kid. Tony knew he was being unfair, he couldn't be with Peter 24/7, he didn't want to be one of those helicopter parents who obsessed over them all the time. But this fatherhood thing was still so new to him, every day he feared he would somehow screw this up, or lose Peter. May seemed to have gotten a hang of being a parent, and she had been all alone to figure out. With baby Peter, that had to be terrifying. And she had a good relationship with Peter. Giving him space to be his own person. Maybe Tony had to let go a little. Remember that Peter did love him, and his relationship with May was important. He'd always be here for Peter whenever he wanted or needed him. That's all that mattered.

Pepper grabbed his hand and kissing his cheek, as if reading his mind.

"Come on honey." Pepper said standing up.

Sighing, Tony soon followed.

It sucked though, feeling like their perfect little bubble of the three of them had just burst. He knew it was unrealistic and unfair, but he wanted Peter all for himself. He hated having to share him with the world, where he might get hurt. He'd been tempted with the idea to wrap the kid in bubble wrap before sending him off to school and into the world, but as Pepper continued to remind him, that would just end badly. Man, being a dad was tough.

As they headed downstairs and followed the sound of voices, they found Peter and May in the kitchen. Peter talking like a mile a minute as he gestured at the cupcakes on the island.

"...so much fun! See there's me, and my webs, and oh look there's dad! They came out so amazing. Mom is so good at icing. You should try one. Please try one!"

"Alright honey." May said chuckling as she picked up an iron man cake grinning.

"And you have to see dad's blanket fort that he made upstairs! It's like the coolest thing! We even watched Star Wars, he's the greatest. Oh man it's been like the best day ever!"

Tony felt instantly better at hearing Peter so happy, reassured that maybe he was doing the right thing.

"I'm glad you're having a nice time Peter." May said pulling him into a hug, and then checked his forehead and cheek; "And it looks like you're feeling better."

Bobbing his head Peter then sniffled; "Yeah I am. It's just a bit of a cold now. All thanks to my super metabolism."

Chuckling May nodded squeezing his shoulder; "I missed you."

"I missed you too." Peter said hugging her again.

Tony felt a pang of jealousy, and a little like a third wheel but tried to push those feelings aside.

"DAD!" Suddenly, Tony blinked and found a 16 year old barrelling towards him. He barely had time to prepare himself when Peter tackled him into a hug. He should have been used to this by now, it seemed to be a quirk of Peter's. He quite loved it though.

Grinning, Tony steadied Peter; "Woah what's up bud?"

"Can we show May the blanket fort?"

"Yeah of course buddy." Tony instantly brightened as Peter surprisingly moved to take his hand, tugging him towards the stairs.

"Come on May!"

Peter led them back upstairs into the fort, and described it all so enthusiastically. They were all soon sitting back inside the fort watching Harry Potter. May huddled up beside Peter, who was also hugging Tony's side, as Pepper held Tony's hand.

Tony soon relaxed again, enjoying spending time with Peter. Trying not to think about the fact he was leaving again soon.

0o0o0oSPIDERMAN0o0o0oo

That night as Peter was getting ready for bed, Tony was tucking him in, and Peter tried to hand him the MIT hoodie.

"What's this?" Tony tilted his head at him curiously.

"I'm returning it to you." Peter blushed a little looking down as he laid down on the pillow; "Thanks for letting me borrow it. I...washed it so you...you know you don't get sick."

Tony perched on the edge of the bed, looking down at the hoodie and then at Peter smiling. He leant over to gently card through his hair; "You keep it." He set it down beside Peter.

Peter blinked at him; "Wha? But it's yours."

"Now its yours. I want you to have it."

"Why?"

"Well I don't really wear it anymore, and it made you feel better. I can see you like it, and I like seeing you in it. My son." He smiled; "Besides, it might temp you into picking my alma Mata when you pick a college."

Peter ducked his head, touched and amused. He reached over to grab the hoodie and tugged it closer to rest his head on it grinning. Pleased his dad said he could have it. He did secretly loved it, but mostly because it was his dad's.

He yawned loudly making Tony chuckle.

"Night spider baby. I hope you sleep well." He leant over to kiss Peter's forehead and then standing to leave.

"It smells like you." Peter murmured as he closed his eyes.

Tony turned in the doorway to him.

"That's why I like it." Peter finished; "Makes me feel happy and safe."

Tony just grinned broadly, silently turning the light off as he left. Pulling the door closed a little, but leaving a gap so some light could seep in and so Peter could easily leave if he needed the bathroom or to come see him. He stopped outside the doorway his heart swelling with love for his son.

0o0oo0oSPIDERMAN0o0o0oo0o

The next day, Peter was completely back to normal. A small part of Tony was saddened only in that it meant he had to leave, but he was so so relieved. He never wanted to see Peter sick or hurt again.

When it came time for Peter to head for school, Tony decided to drive him. After school, Peter would be heading back home to May's for a few days. Tony could still see him, at the tower now and then even though he was staying with May. But it wasn't quite the same.

As Tony pulled up outside the school he spotted Ned waiting outside for Peter, and some other kids walking in. He realised now he had to say goodbye.

"Thanks for the ride dad." Peter grinned at him, he liked Happy driving him back and forth to school, now that they were closer, but he loved his dad driving him. Like a normal dad would do. He had been doing it a lot lately, and picking him up more. It was great.

"Of course bud." Tony ruffled his hair fondly; "Well I hope school goes ok. You know you can call me anytime, to talk or catch up. Whatever."

Peter smiled, but it wavered slightly as he realised he had to get out. This was the part he hated, saying goodbye on days he was staying with May. Knowing he wouldn't see his dad for a few days; "I know dad. I'll um see you later. Tell mom I said bye ok?" With that Peter jumped out the car with his bag and was already walking away.

Peter had to resist looking back. He gripped tighter onto his backpack. He couldn't stand it when he had to say goodbye to him after their few days together. As much as he loved to be able to see May again, it always stung leaving mom and dad. Especially dad. It kinda sucked having to travel back and forth. But for now, the situation worked. Peter knew it couldn't forever, but he didn't want to think about the future, just the present. Less stress that way.

0o0oo0oSPIDERMAN00o0o0oo0o

School was ok, the usual, Peter entered the apartment humming to himself. He paused as he saw May sitting on the sofa reading a book.

"Hey honey. How was school?" She pulled off her glasses, resting her head on her hand as she looked at him happily.

"Good actually." Peter shrugged moving to the kitchen, slipping off his backpack as he opened the fridge; "Had a pop quiz in Chemistry which wasn't too hard. Think I got most of them right."

"Never doubt for you a second. You're so smart."

Peter blushed, opening a can of soda, moving to join her on the sofa.

"So how was your day off?"

"Ah the usual. Sleeping. Doing dishing, laundry..."

"Seeing Happy."

May paused tilting her head; "How did you...?"

"There's always a glow about you after you've spent time with him. You're happier."

Flushing, May chuckled; "Oh. I guess I am. I never thought about it. He's a good man. We have a lot of fun. He makes me feel young again."

Peter nodded pleased.

"I invited him over for dinner later, if that's ok?"

"Sure yeah. I like Happy." He shrugged not having a problem with it. Happy was cool. He had been spending a lot more time at the apartment anyway with them. Because of that, Peter had gotten to know the man better. He was far more interesting than first assumed. And once you got to know the man, a lot of fun. Peter liked most the way Happy would tell Peter stories of what his dad was like years ago. Knowing that Happy had been friends with Tony even before he became Iron Man, it was nice to know that his dad's employees were his close loyal friends too.

"He's even teaching me some boxing moves." Peter added smirking.

"He is?" May narrowed her eyes suspiciously; "I'll have to speak to him about that."

"May don't." Peter said wide eyed hating for her to embarrass him; "I asked him to. It's to help me with being Spider Man." That was partly true, he knew it was a low blow using that to convince her, but mostly Peter just enjoyed bonding with Happy. He was a hard man to get to open up, which Peter saw as a challenge. Now he was pleased to say Happy had finally given in to him. They were becoming friends.

Sighing, May looked at him exasperated before nodding; "Alright. As long as you don't get hurt."

"I'll be fine May. Besides, I super heal remember."

May just chuckled reaching out to take Peter's hand; "I'm really glad you two are getting along. It means a lot you're making the effort to get to know him."

"Hey it's no effort. Like I said I like him. Don't screw it up." Peter jibed, and May gasped, smiling darkly at him.

"You little..." Grabbing a pillow she swung it at Peter.

His spider sensing already detected it coming but ignored it, allowing her to hit him. He chuckled, grabbing his own to hit hers.

After their mini pillow fight, they watched TV for a bit together, as May read her book.

"So are you going patrolling today?" May asked turning a page.

Looking at the time Peter nodded; "Yeah got some homework to do first, then I'll head out. What time's dinner?"

"Happy's getting here 8 ish so around then?"

"I can be back by then. Still get a couple of hours in." Peter smiled pleased, he loved to be able to go out on patrol. Relieved that May had come to accept that. In fact, now May was actually more relaxed about it than his dad, who tended to overact and track Peter the whole time, sometimes even monitoring his feed to see what he was up to. Peter hated to think of all the secret protocols that his dad had installed in his suit. Deep down he knew it was because he was trying to protect him, and Peter was touched by that. That he cared so much. But sometimes, it could be a bit much. Peter worried it was all secretly because his dad still didn't trust him. After the ferry incident, and hacking the suit. Peter was worried his dad only saw was him a silly kid playing dress up, not that he was actually helping people at Spider Man. It just made him want to prove to his dad more than ever what Spider Man could do.

0o0o0o0oSPIDERMAN00o0o0o0o0o

"Be careful please." May called after Peter later when he was crawling out his window.

"Always am." Peter replied smiling as he slipped his mask on. He crawled the rest of the way up to the roof. Perching on the ledge for a moment, taking a deep breath in of fresh air and looked out over the city. His city. The sun was just started to set, sounds were going on all around him, the city that never sleeps

"Hello Peter." Karen, his suits AI's friendly voice greeted him.

"Hi Karen." Peter grinned, he loved Karen, much like FRIDAY she was a nice AI to talk to, but Karen felt like more to him atleast. They'd gone through stuff together, she looked out for him, and he could confide in her, things he couldn't tell anyone else. She was a friend.

"Would you like to be informed of the latest criminal activity in the area?"

"Sure what's up?"

"Currently there is a robbery in progress at Mid Central Bank at West 73rd street."

"Perfect." Peter grinned, standing and running to the end of the building and he jumped.

Enjoying the feeling of the wind rushing at him for a moment, and then he raised his hand out shooting a web to another building. It stuck, and he swung his body to get some forward motion, and as he rose into the air he made another jump. Using his webs he jumped and swung through the city. This is what he loved the most. He felt so free.

"What's the laydown Karen? How many we looking at?" Peter said as they approached, looking at his suit's HUD as he approached. Noticing how Karen offered him a layout of the area, including where the police were as they approached, and the layout of the building with the dots of people inside.

"Using thermal readings and footage from inside the bank. I detect 8 hostages and 2 robbers inside. They appear to be armed with large callibre shotguns. One hostage appears to be wounded with a gunshot to the leg. I would advise extreme caution with how you proceed Peter."

"Yeah I hear you." Peter gulped taking a shaky breath as he reached the bank. Landing on a roof opposite and high up. Getting a good look at his surroundings. He had learnt a lot from his dad and the protocols he set up. Yes he was naïve and reckless before, but he was careful now. Learnt to survey the area, and think of a plan before just jumping straight in.

"The robbers appear to be exiting now Peter. What is your plan?"

"I do have one idea..." Peter said smiling under his mask.

A few minutes later as the robbers were running out the bank, with black ski masks on. They missed seeing a long white strip of web stuck across the two pillars in front of the bank at leg level. And as they were running tripped right over it. Letting out yells they fell on their faces. Grunting and groaning as they struggled to get up.

Swinging to a lamppost above them, Peter chuckled. And then shot out two webs from each arm to lock onto their guns that they dropped, yanking them away from them.

"HEY!" Bad guy number one yelled standing up to glare at Spider Man; "Hey spider freak! You messed with the wrong guys!" He reached behind his back pulling out another small gun, and fired at Peter.

Thanks to his quick spider sense, and reflexes. He jumped and flipped, shooting out a web to land onto the side of another building to the side of them. Before they could react, he said to Karen to modify his webs to shoot out mini webs in rapid fire. And he shot them out with both arms at both men, hitting them in the face first. Then all over their bodies, forcing them to get stuck to the pillars outside the bank. They grunted and struggled, but the webbing was just too strong.

When the police cars showed up five minutes later, and the officers rushed out the cars guns drawn, they stopped outside stunned. The robbers were webbed to the pillars, and the money and guns webbed beside them.

In the distance, Peter was already swinging through the city away from the scene. As cool as it was to stay around for the glory, it wasn't why he did it. He did it to help people.

The rest of his patrol wasn't so dangerous.

He helped a retrieve a kitten from a tree, and return it to the child owner. (Man his dad was going to joke about that one for weeks).

He stopped a bike thief.

He helped return an purse to an old lady when it was stolen. Peter had descended upside down from his web right in front of the thief as they ran away, and right up to Peter.

"That's not very nice you know, you're meant to respect your elders not steal from them." Peter scolded.

The thief jumped and stumbled backwards. Peter just shot a large web at them sticking them to the wall, and took the purse to return it. He helped her cross a road as well. As a kind thank you the old lady bought him a sandwich.

All in all a good patrol.

Sitting on the ledge of a tall building, swinging his legs he snacked on his sandwich he said; "Karen. Can you call dad please?"

"Calling dad."

"Hey kid. You're not calling because you're in trouble are you?" Tony's worried voice rang out. He was sitting in his lab at the tower, but stopped what he was working on immediately.

Peter just smiled warmly rolling his eyes; "Dad. I'm fine! You can check with Karen. I'm unharmed. Not even a scratch or bruise ok?"

Tony made a grunting sound and muttered something under his breath about bratty teenagers, and it made Peter grin, continuing to swing his legs.

"So what's up buddy?" Tony said happier, leaning back in his chair just happy to hear Peter's voice. It had been pretty lonely working his lab without the kid rambling away at anything and everything.

Feeling a little self conscious, Peter shrugged and then remembered he couldn't see him; "Just wanted to talk to you. I miss you dad."

Oh kid.

"I miss you too spider baby. And whenever you want to talk I'm here. Day or night."

"Thanks dad." Peter was relieved at that, he still felt he was bothering his dad sometimes when he called.

"So how was patrol Underoos?" Tony murmured swinging his chair to the screen looking at the news article. He had FRIDAY notify him the second Spider Man is mentioned on the news; "I heard about the bank robbery."

"Oh yeah." Peter brightened instantly, eagerly telling him the story of how he stopped them.

"Well that's a good job there kid. I'm proud of you." Tony had to remind himself, that Peter needed a lot of praise. He could tell Peter wanted to make him proud, so as much as it terrified him that his son was out there facing dangerous criminals, he knew it meant a lot to Peter.

"Thanks dad it was amazing!"

"Hmmm although you failed to mention the fact you got shot at." Tony mentioned cautiously, and there was silence the other end of the phone.

"They missed." Peter then said quickly gulping, he hoped his dad would never find out. He knew how overprotective he was; "I'm fine. I swear. I jumped out the way."

"This time they missed, what about next time buddy?"

Hearing the fear in his dad's voice, it gave Peter pause.

"Karen. Can you do a video call?" He asked in a small voice. A moment later his dad's worried but smiling face appeared.

"Hey bud." Tony had to hide how happy he was just to see his face.

"Hey dad." Peter looked down; "I wanted you to see I'm ok. I know you worry. But the only reason I am ok is because of you. You were right. About me needing to train, the protocol to keep me safe. I need them. I need you. Because of you teaching me, I can be safe out here. I know there's still stuff I need to learn, and I'm going to need you to teach me that stuff. But I know I'm safe out here because of what you taught me, and knowing you are just a phone call away if I get in trouble. I'm ok because of you. Spider Man is a hero because of you. So try not to worry ok?"

Tony's eyes were watering by the time Peter finished, and he feared maybe he had said the wrong thing, or overstepped.

"Damn kid. I wish I could hug you right now." Tony said chuckling, blinking to furiously get rid of the tears. Peter had made him such a softie.

Peter tilted his head for a moment contemplatively; "Hold that thought dad."

"Wha...?"

The call suddenly cut out.

Tony stiffened instantly panicked; "Peter? Kid? FRIDAY call him back."

"Sorry boss I cannot connect the call. It appears Peter has taken of his mask."

"Dammit." Tony stood rubbing a hand over his face. What happened? Was he hurt? Where did he go?

"FRIDAY can you track him? Is he hurt? What happened?"

"Dad. I'm ok."

Tony stilled and whipped around.

Crawling into an open window onto the ceiling was Peter. He landed on the ground, sheepishly twisting the mask in his hand; "Sorry I just came over without saying anything. I thought it would be a nice surprise. I never meant to worry you, or hang up on you. I swear I just..."

Tony cut off his rambling as he rushed forward, and pulled Peter into a hug; "Best surprise ever spider baby."

Peter smiled eagerly hugging him back; "I was actually close to the tower, and when I saw on the call you were in the lab I thought..." Peter shrugged; "Why not pay you a visit?"

"I'm glad you did bud." Tony ruffled his hair beaming.

"Me too."

"So you got time to hang out? Or is this a pit stop?"

"I can stay for a little while. I'd love to hang out." Peter's eyes instantly lit up; "I'll just go get changed."

When Peter came back, Tony showed him what he was working on. He helped out his dad eagerly, whilst he rambled on about what else happened on his patrol. Tony happily listened, truly in awe at how much Peter loved being Spider Man. He seemed so happy just simply helping out an old lady, and saving a cat from a tree. It was sweet, and so Peter.

"So go on say it..." Peter said after a moment of finishing his rambling.

Tony paused turning to him with a frown; "Say what?"

Sighing, Peter rolled his eyes; "Whatever joke you want to say about Spider Man saving cats from trees."

He felt a little hurt by that, whilst he did find it amusing to picture Peter helping a cat out of a tree, he wasn't going to turn into a joke. It was clearly important to Peter.

Turning to him fully, he set down his screwdriver to give Peter his full attention; "I'm proud of you buddy."

Peter blinked at him, swearing he had to have misheard; "Really? You don't think it's silly?"

"It's sweet. I'll give you that. But no not silly. I reckon that you probably made those people's days. That little girl got to go home safely with her cat, and that old lady didn't have to worry about cancelling her credit cars, or losing money. I think that's pretty great. Hell if you hadn't been there who knows what would have happened to them. Then there's the lives of the hostages of that bank robbery you stopped. You did good today kid. And I am really proud of you that you turned down the Avengers job I offered you. What you are doing here is so much better than anything we could do."

Stunned, Peter had no idea what to say for a moment. He didn't think his dad actually thought that much about what he did on patrol, so he felt quite honoured of his dad's approval. He was proud of him. That meant more than anything. His dad got it. He understood what he was doing as Spider Man.

"I like helping the little guys." Peter finally murmured in response; "I've been them. Before becoming Spider Man. I had bad days, days that truly sucked, leaving you to feel alone, and like no one cares. Because you're nobody." Peter managed to stop himself from admitting everything, like how he got mugged a few times, beat up, had his bike and backpack stolen, he and May had even gone through some money troubles a few times where they had no heating and struggled with food for a while. He knew his dad worried about their money troubles, and their safety in their apartment, so Peter was not going to tell him any of it. He would just flip out.

"But the point is," Peter continued before his dad could interrupt and press him on that; "I like being a friendly neighbourhood Spider Man because I don't just save people, but help people. I like to give them hope. That they aren't alone, and there is someone who cares about them. So they know everything will be ok."

"Beacon of hope." Tony murmured with a smile; "Got a nice ring to it kid." He reached over to ruffle Peter's hair; "But this is why you are already a better hero than I or the other Avengers will ever be."

"You really mean that?"

"There's not a doubt in my mind spider baby."

Merely grinning, Peter and Tony got back to work. Peter much happier, and reassured about his dad's support of him being Spider Man.

They were heading upstairs to the kitchen when Tony asked him; "So can you stay for dinner or is May waiting for you?"

Peter's shoulders slumped a little as he looked at the time seeing it was nearly 8; "I actually have to get going soon. Happy's coming over for dinner and May wouldn't be too pleased if I didn't show up. Besides of the two of us, I'm the better cook so..." He finished chuckling.

"Oh well that's ok." Tony tried to hide his own disappointment; "We can make a rain check for another time."

"Yeah sounds good."

"So how's that going? Your aunt and Happy?" Tony asked curiously raising an eyebrow at Peter, studying his face to determine how Peter felt about the relationship.

Tilting his head Peter shrugged with a wry smile; "Good I guess. May seems to really like him, and he's seems good for her too. I've never seen her so happy. If she's happy, then I'm happy. And well Happy's kinda cool too."

"Yeah he is." Tony agreed. Happy had always been a good friend to Tony over the years. When he was partying, and sleeping with loads of women, Happy didn't judge him. He supported him. He was there when Tony had no one. Apart from Rhodey. Happy was more like family than anything else now. Plus he was secretly glad that it was Happy dating May and not some random stranger, because he knew Happy would never hurt Peter, and he could secretly keep tabs on Peter this way. If he had to chose anyone to be Peter's uncle, it would be Happy. Not that he was assuming May and Happy to get married or anything. But well he wasn't exactly against it.

"Well I guess I better get going." Peter murmured grabbing his backpack; "I'll change into my suit before heading back." He paused looking at his dad; "This was really fun. I'm glad I came over."

"I am too bud. You are always welcome here." He hugged Peter again.

Then Peter was off. Climbing back out the window in his suit with a cheery wave.