Ahh. It's been a hot minute hasn't it? Sorry about that guys. Good news though! I'm back with more!

Peter:

When Peter came back to his senses, (literally) the storm had calmed to just heavy showers. That he could handle. He was a bit surprised to find himself in Tony's arms however, Tony didn't seem to mind, so he wasn't too embarrassed.

After everyone cleaned up the mess of whipped cream they had left behind, they settled down for a real breakfast. This time, Peter sat next to Rhodes, Clint plopping into the seat on his left. He had to remind himself that it was okay to have one meal without Tony by his side. He had been with him all morning; he should be grateful for that.

And he was, he was grateful for every moment Tony spent with him.

When breakfast was over and everyone had stuffed an inhuman amount of food into their faces, they shuffled off to separate places around the compound. Tony informed the few who were still lingering around that he was leaving for a meeting and Peter would be staying.

As expected, Clint stayed back, along with Nat and Peter instinctively gravitated towards them as Tony left.

"Do we get the kid for the day?" Steve asked, coming back into the room looking like he'd just had a shower.

"Yep, Tony's somehow trusting us enough to be left with his most prized possession." Clint answered, ruffling Peter's hair. Peter's nose crinkled as he backed away, but he was smiling.

"Of course, he trusts you guys. Besides, it's fun hanging out with you guys."

"Oh my gosh, he likes us!" Nat squealed, teasingly.

Peter only shook his head, smile still planted on his face. He really did like them, in fact over the time he'd spent with them all at the compound, they really had started to feel more like family than anything. He felt safe with them, not as much as he did with Tony, but a lot, nonetheless.

"Alright kid just whisper in my ear, I won't tell anyone. Who do you like the most?"

"I, but that's not fair!" Peter stuttered, lowkey actually panicking. He couldn't choose between them, what if someone's feelings got hurt. They were all amazing, even Wanda, whom he'd only just met.

Clint chuckled and waved him off. "I'm kidding. Unless you wanna tell me. That may be acceptable as well."

Peter smiled, the tension easing away. "Well Tony's always gonna be my favorite, cause he's..."

"Your dad?" Natasha finished for him.

''Well, I mean he's, I've just known him... longer.'' That seemed like a logical enough explanation, right? Maybe that's why Peter was more comfortable with Tony than the others. They'd known each other longer and had much more bonding time together. Plus, Tony was now his legal guardian, meaning he was either with him or close by at all times.

Oh who was he kidding. He'd admired Tony ever since he was a little boy, and now that they were actually in each other's lives, there was no denying the bond they had. The bond Peter liked to think of as more than just a mentor, mentee thing. Especially since he'd been sick. That seemed to be the point that drew them both closer, to where now, Peter was sure Tony had to think of him as something more. Right?

''Whatever you say kid,'' Clint muttered, interrupting Peter's mind rambling.

Peter huffed, flopping onto the couch in a dramatic heap. He didn't want to think about that right now. He had a few hours until the man even got back, and he didn't plan on spending it all, fantasizing being Ironman's son. Cause that was just crazy.

A buzzing sensation whirred in the pocket of his sweatpants, and he pulled his phone out, expecting to find a text from Tony, even though he had only just left. Instead a goofy face with raised eyebrows and a twisted mouth filled the screen.

Ned.

He texted Ned here and there over the past few weeks, but he couldn't remember the last time they actually spoke. A part of him wanted to decline the call, knowing Ned would have questions, about him and Mj, what he's been up too, why he's been so distant lately. He didn't mean to be, just, a lot was going on with him, a lot that part of him didn't want to explain. But then the was the other part, the rest of him, and the rest of him missed his best friend.

''I'll be right back,'' he informed, tapping ''accept'' and heading up to his room. Ned's familiar voice filled his phone speakers before he even reached the hallway.

''Hey man! I know you're like an Avenger now, but you can't have forgotten your guy in the chair.''

''I'm not an Avenger,'' Peter laughed. It was good to hear his voice.

And just like that, they fell into conversation with ease and Peter felt a sense of normality in his upside-down life, as they discussed the quality of the newest Star Wars film.

Moving on from Star Wars, Ned asked if Peter had tried the newest Delmar's combo. He realized, with a pang of guilt, it had been over a month at least since he'd eaten a Delmar's sandwich. He would usually scarf one down as an after-school snack before slipping on his suit for the day's patrol. He had been purposefully neglecting any thoughts of Spiderman for a while now. He felt horrible about it, but he couldn't imagine putting on the suit and swinging around Queens like he used to.

''So uh,'' Ned started, bringing the conversation's simplicity to a halt as his voice switched to a low cautious tone. Peter knew what was coming before he had a chance to spit it out. ''I heard.'' There was a distinct pause before an, ''I'm so sorry,'' sputtered out of the device.

Peter sat on his bed, allowing Ned's words to hang empty for a moment. There were a few things of which Ned could be referring too, all of which only one person could have told him about. ''What uh, what did Mj tell you exactly?'' He asked, scratching the back of his head and shuffling his socked feet around each other.

''A lot,'' Ned admitted. ''But apparently not everything. She said I should let you tell me if you want too, and to say that it's totally okay if you don't, which I gue-''

''What did she say,'' Peter interrupted, wanting to explain as little as possible and quickly as he could.

''Well, you know, she uh, the building, the shooter...''

Ah. So she did her research. Or figured it out on her own, neither would be a stretch for Mj.

''She said to just act normal though. Something about it being easier that way?''

Peter blinked. ''Dude, I don't think you were supposed to tell me that part.''

''Oh.''

Peter couldn't help it. Despite the extremely inappropriate situation, he let out a small snicker, shaking his head at his friend's complete and utter cluelessness. 'Yeah. I guess she is right though. I mean it's hard for sure, but I've got enough people feeling sorry for me right now, I could use one person everything's normal with.'' He realized the truth behind the words as he spoke them and it kind of made sense. A lot had changed since that morning, if just one more thing changed, he was sure he'd go nuts.

''I-I mean, I could be that person.'' Ned offered.

Peter smiled. ''Thanks man. Oh hey, don't freak out, but I'm staying with Tony and the team.'' Way to drop it lightly Peter.

There was a strange noise on the other end that sounded like gasping, then a loud thud of something hitting the ground could be heard.

''Ned? Are you, are you good man?''

''Sorry, I'm fine. Did you say you're living with the Avengers? Like, under the same roof?"

''Yep,'' he replied shortly, making an effort to place his phone as far away on the bed as he could, knowing Ned could only get louder.

''Woah! Like in the same place?''

''I'm pretty sure under the same roof covers that...''

''Like, sharing the same plumbing system?''

''Getting weirder, but yes... technically yes.''

''I literally have the coolest best friend in the world.''

Peter ran a hand through his hair, thinking over his reactions to everything that happened that Summer. Ned definitely wouldn't think so much of him if he saw the way he acted at the restaurant. He guessed that was probably one of the things Mj left for him to explain.

The silence on the other end reminded him that he still had yet to reply. ''Yeah, they're pretty great. Tony's been amazing.''

''Dude, you're on first name basis with Tony Stark? When did this happen?'' Ned's voice came out a bit strangled, as if he were trying to keep it quiet, but was unable to contain the amount of excitement bursting through it.

Peter paused, trying to remember exactly when did that happen? He was still calling him Mr. Stark when he came to pick him up, but eventually he dropped it. Then it struck him. The first time he called the man by his first name, was just moments after Tony said the magic three words. He would probably never forget that day in his life. He could remember exactly the way it was said, with a laugh as he held him in his arms, 'God, I love you Peter.'

''It's a recent thing.''

''So, is Tony like your Dad now?''

There it was. That stupid question again. Peter managed to huff out a laugh. ''No, he's definitely not my Dad.''

…...

Tony:

Tony came back around two as promised, finding Peter listening to Rhodey talk, his lips pulled into a relaxed and attentive smile as the man made exaggerated hand gestures to go with whatever story he was telling. Wanda sat next to him, ready to take over whenever the still blowing storm got to loud.

Something about this sight made Tony beam inside. Rhodey had been there for Tony through his toughest times and while he may never have actually said the words aloud, he knew somewhere inside they both knew, that he did love him, in a brotherly sort of way. So, him getting along with Peter was important. He wasn't sure what he would do if he didn't have all their help.

He leaned against the doorway, just watching for a minute before finally clearing his throat and walking in. Peter's head jerked his way instantly, eyes lighting up. ''Hey!'' He greeted, grinning back at the kid. He stepped closer until he was able to reach out and ruffle his hair from behind the couch, then placing a hand on Peter's shoulder he looked to Rhodey. ''Everything go okay?'' He asked, knowing already it went fine, but there was some part of him that still wanted to know what they did.

''Everything went fine,'' Rhodes confirmed, holding Tony's gaze with the slightest rise of the corner of his mouth, as if he could tell exactly what was going through Stark's mind. ''I was just telling Peter about my time in college.''

Tony froze, his eyebrows greatly raised. ''I don't-'' He was cut off by a round of chuckling and Rhode's hand waving him off.

''Relax Stark, I said my time, not yours. I have a much cleaner record, at least the parts that didn't involve you.'' Tony shot a quick glare at him, unsure why he needed to bring that up. It wasn't like Peter didn't already know this, though right? He wasn't exactly secretive about his messy past, seeing as you could still pull up an article about it within seconds. Sometimes he wondered why the kid liked him so much. Sure, he was rich and famous and smart and all that, but why not geek out over someone more... principled. Like Steve.

But thoughts aside, Peter was looking up at him with a smile and he had only a couple hours before he had to leave again. ''You guys eat already?'' He asked, voice almost testing. If they were going to be watching him a lot they had to know to make sure he ate at decent times.

''Yeah, Steve said something about a blood sugar thing and Clint just wanted spaghetti.''

Tony nodded.

''You know your kid here has some weird obsession with pasta?''

''Hey! It's not weird, I just like it.''

''Admit it,'' Rhodes pressed. ''You've got a noodle fascination and it's going to bite you in the butt one day. You know what too many carbs will do for you.''

This time Tony laughed, reaching over the couch to tug Peter's shirt up. ''I think he'll be okay.''

Peter was quick to yank his shirt back down, cheeks growing red. ''D-Tony!'' Tony heard the stumble, his heart still leapt with a strange feeling of hope, but this time he was quick to recover. The kid had been close to saying it several times, Tony was ready for him to just spit it out on accident so he could tell him that it was okay. That he wanted him to call him Dad.

Rhodey's eyes were still wide, as he failed to hide his impression. ''Okay, I've never even seen this kid workout. What's up with the casual twelve pack?''

''I-'' Peter blushed harder, grunting when the words wouldn't come. ''It's just a spiderman thing.''

''Ah,'' Tony interrupted. ''Don't pretend like you don't work your spider-but off swinging around New York every day. You don't give yourself enough credit kiddo.''

Tony watched as Peter bit his lower lip, sitting up straighter as he thought for a minute. He almost asked if he was okay, assuming he said something wrong, or the kid had one of his weird spacing out things again. But he realized quickly that he was probably really thinking about what he said.

Did he never tell the kid he was proud of him? He was pretty sure he said it once in a while, or at least a few times. Tony made a quick mental note to say it more often.

''I haven't really done patrol in a while have I.''

Tony leaned forward again, shooting a glance at Rhodey who shrugged, then looked back to his kid, trying to decide if this was a sensitive topic. He guessed, by the casual way he announced it, in front of both of them, it was just an observation. ''Yeah, it has been a bit. You needed this break though bud. In fact, I know it's your thing and all, but I would like you to wait a little bit before you head out again.''

Peter turned all the way around to stare at Tony. He eyebrows were raised in surprise, though Tony didn't blame him. Was that the first order he'd given him since he arrived there? Was that one of those 'official dad things'' he wasn't technically allowed to do? Or was it just one of those things the others were going to make fun of him for later.

''I think,'' Peter said, forming his words slowly, thinking carefully as he spoke. ''I think I should wait a bit too.''

''Yeah?'' Tony asked, running a hand through Peter's hair as he sat back against the couch. Peter nodded, letting his eyes close for a minute. Tony smiled, wondering how he got so lucky. There was no better kid in the world, he was willing to bet. It still seemed odd at times, that he was even capable of viewing a kid as ''cute,'' but Peter really was. Who couldn't love this curly headed genius with the biggest heart ever?

''Mhm.'' He confirmed.

''Well, I'm glad we can agree on that. We'll talk more about it later if you want.''

Another nod.

…

Peter:

The rest of the day went well, which Peter was happy about, as it seemed a lot of his days that Summer were only going downhill. Tony hung out with him in between meetings, they reheated pasta for dinner-another thing Peter was happy about. Maybe Rhodey was right...

By eleven Pepper ushered Tony up to bed, claiming that there was work to be done tomorrow and she wasn't having it with a sleep deprived Tony.

''I worked today,'' he argued pathetically.

''And you'll work again tomorrow. What do you expect when you throw your name into a company?''

''It's his Dad's name.'' Peter said quietly, earning a small smile from Tony.

''Kid's got a point. It's mine simply by inheritance.''

Pepper shook her head, though her expression softened at the mention of Howard. ''I think it's quite clear you wouldn't have it any other way. Go tuck the kid in or whatever it is you do and get your butt in bed.''

That left Pete stuttering in objection, that Tony definitely did not tuck him in, avoiding eye contact with the man, because he was pretty sure that actually did happen once or twice. Not like Pepper was saying though, for sure. For sure.

Tony had simply raised his eyebrows, insisting he had no idea what she was talking about.

Just as Pepper said, Tony spent the next day working away, alternating between a stack of papers, laptop and his StarkPad. Sometime in the afternoon he heard a muffled conversation between him and Pepper, coming from the lab. He strained to listen closer, but Tony must've remembered his super hearing because he found the lab to be suddenly sound proofed.

That was weird. Sitting back against the couch, where he'd been reading a book over Steve's shoulder, he let his mind wander through all the possibilities of this conversation. His first thought was, maybe Tony didn't want to have him there anymore, now that Pepper was back, and he had work to do. Peter was probably just an inconvenience, getting in the way of his real job. The job that didn't involve watching over a grieving teenager who could barely keep his emotions under control.

But undeniable closeness between the two lately was enough to knock that one out of the park. Besides, had Tony not just said he wanted the kid to take a break from Spiderman? He was pretty sure he still had the physical ability to go out, it was more of an in-his-head kind-of-thing that kept him from going. Didn't that mean he kept him around for more than his powers?

Steve, who had been well aware of Peter's not so sneaky reading of his book, looked up for some kind of indication that he was ready for him to turn the page. When he noticed that Peter's attention was now elsewhere, he shoved a bookmark in and closed it.

''You want to go do something?'' He asked kindly.

Peter only shrugged. He knew he wouldn't be able to hear any more of the conversation, so staying put was pointless.

Before Steve could suggest anything, a door was pushed open and Tony soon made an appearance in the sitting room. He gave a short smile in Peter's direction, before walking on, as Pepper came into view. Instead of trotting up the steps like Tony, she came closer and sat beside him.

''Peter,'' she started, allowing his nerves to grow. ''Tony and I were just talking, and we think it's best, well, I think it's best that we take a trip to your old apartment today.''

''Oh.'' He whispered. He couldn't explain the feeling of betrayal settling in his chest. Tony knew he didn't want to go back there, he said himself it was okay if he wasn't ready! Now he was leaving him alone with Pepper to discuss it? It was like some sort of trap. He couldn't say no to Pepper, that was different.

She smiled warmly at him, but for once it didn't seem to help.

''It's just, the funeral is happening in a few days, and there's still a lot to plan. Including an outfit for May.''

His throat went dry. Really dry. It took him several attempts to actually swallow. This wasn't fair.

''We can go out and buy whatever we need too, I just figured there were some things from the apartment that were a little more, personal.''

Personal. This conversation was personal. Another hard swallow, as he tried to wrap his head around why on earth Tony would leave him to discuss this with Pepper, when he was one who he had been with him, through all of it from the start.

''We can leave whenever you're ready,'' she offered, her voice kind and gentle.

''Okay,'' he mustered, standing to his feet and running up the stairs without another word.