(First, thank you so much for the comments and support for this story I'm so glad you like it! Secondly, lol I'm sorry this took so long. I've started a new role at work and I have a lot of shifts so ye. Also this chapter is focussed a lot on Tony but doesn't really have Tony in it? So, I promise there will be more Tony and Peter together in the next chapter. I hope you like it!)

Unfortunately, as much as Ned would have liked to, he couldn't protect Peter from everything.

MJ turned in her seat, their third-period English teacher too focussed on the board to notice. Her concerned face met Peters and she kept her voice low, making Ned lean over to hear.

"Peter, have you seen this?"

She handed him her phone, her voice lost to him as Peters entire world disappeared in an instant. "I'm so sorry."

He couldn't breathe, couldn't move or think. The news report playing on the screen taking all of his attention in a blinding panic. 'Tony Stark, notorious billionaire, genius and hero, has suffered a heart attack in his home this morning. He was reported to have collapsed in his lab where he was found by his friend and fellow Avenger, Dr Banner and taken to emergency surgery. Our sources tell us that while he is being given the best care possible he is in critical condition. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the man who has saved so many.'

Peter seemed to be frozen and Ned leaned over to see the screen, anxiety skyrocketing at the words rolling across the screen. He didn't hesitate, grabbing Peter from his chair and dragging him from the room, ignoring the call from his teacher to come back.

Peter was floppy in his arms, nothing but deadweight as he tried to process the information given to him but Ned knew he didn't have time and bolted from the room. Making his way down the hall, he felt Peters' arms wrap around him as he began to panic.

"Ned, he's-!"

Ned didn't stop running, looking for anywhere to hide the teenager when he inevitably poofed into a child. Peter was mumbling against his neck as they moved, barely even registering that he was speaking at all.

"He's dead-he's dead-he's gone- I can't-"

Ned wasn't sure why it took so long, maybe it had been the sudden realisation that there was no place he'd rather be than with Tony but suddenly smoke enveloped them both and Ned's feet skidded to a stop.

"WAHHHHHHH!"

The now tiny Peter in Ned's arms started screaming, balling his eyes out in his best friends arms and Ned let out a curse, eyes darting around, looking for somewhere to hide.

The classrooms were all full, toilets weren't secure and if Ned didn't get the kid somewhere soon he'd be asked questions he couldn't answer.

He held Peter tight and tried to soothe him, with the little babysitting experience he had. "Shh, Peter please stop crying."

Janitor's closet? Cliche but necessary. He ran for it, pulling the door open and darting inside, closing the door behind him.

Peter's cries turned into screams in the dark and Ned scrambled for the lights, hugging his best friend close as he rocked from side to side. "I know, I know. Just calm down, little dude."

Switching from pitch blackness to bright lights in an instant wasn't easy on spider senses and Peter shoved his face into Ned's neck, little cries turning into words.

"Want Tomy!"

Ned couldn't even imagine the amount of pain being held inside such a small body, the news of Tony's heart attack hit him hard too and he cupped a hand at the back of Peters' head, still rocking. "I know, buddy. I'm so sorry. We'll call someone to come get us, okay? We'll be okay."

Living the life he did, Peter knew he wouldn't always be able to call for help when he needed it, and he knew Ned was put in danger because of his proximity to all the Spider-man craziness. Which was why Ned had a list of emergency numbers a mile long.

Ned shifted Peters weight to one arm and used his other hand to dig around for his phone, squinting at his contact list as he scrolled for the right number.

Tony's name rolled up and he paused, heart aching for his friend and the worry that he knew was trapping Peter in his small new frame. Peter whimpered against him and he scrolled on until the right name popped up.

He'd never had an emergency great enough to call it and although he'd met the person before he still felt nervous. Ned held his breath and dialled all the same.

"Ned. Has Peter seen-?" Steve's voice was heavy and wet, no doubt from the mess of panic going on around Tony and he sniffed through his words.

The teenager ignored the mind-blowing revelation that one of earth's greatest hero had his number saved to focus on the matter at hand. He'd freak out later.

"Yeah. He's...he's little now and he won't calm down. I don't know what to do."

Ned could hear the captain take a shaky breath through the phone, voice coming back stronger now that he had something to do. "I'll come to get you. He won't be able to turn back until...until Tony calms him down. I'll be there soon, just hang tight."

Ned nodded and called out for the hero before he could hang up, needing to know. "Mr Rogers...How is he?"

Steve sighed, quiet and sad and it only made Ned more afraid. "Not good. I'll see you soon."

He hung up and Ned put his phone back in his pocket, hugging Peter against him and asking Odin not to let Peter lose another dad.

:::::::::::::::::::::

Steve swiped his knuckles across his cheeks, ridding himself of tears as he climbed into Clint's car and raced to Peter's school.

Happy would have usually taken on the task but he was so worried over his boss and Pepper was a mess. Rhodey was taking care of the press and Bruce was taking care of Tony's treatment and if Steve didn't have something to do he would lose it.

Bucky placed a hand on his shoulder, sitting in the passenger seat beside him, voice smooth and quiet. "Steve, slow down. Peters not in any danger."

The car noticeably slowed and Steve sighed, catching Bucky's hand across the centre console when it pulled away from his shoulder.

"I'm sorry, you're right. Thanks for coming with me."

Bucky nodded, thinking of the day he'd stood beside his best friend in the snow as Steve buried his father. "I know how hard this is on you. You've known Stark a long time and now with Peter-"

Steve's words lost their steady beat, coming as shaky, trembling things. "Losing my dad was so hard, I barely got Mom through it. Peter lost two fathers already, I don't know how to tell him he could lose a third."

Bucky squeezed the hand in his, thumb sweeping across the back of Steve's hand. "Hey, we don't know that. Bruce said he's bringing in a specialist and that Starks already showing signs of improvement. It'll be okay."

Steve wasn't sure he believed it until he looked over and saw Bucky watching him. His eyes were clear and bright and his gaze was steady. Steve nodded. "Yeah. It'll be okay."

They found Ned in the janitor's closet the phone trace took them to, Peter still crying into his shoulder.

Ned sighed when he saw them, relief slipping off his shoulders like physical weight and he quickly handed Peter over to Steve's waiting hands. "Thank god, you're here. He won't stop. I can't calm him down."

Peter wasn't screaming like he had been, having tired himself out too much to make any bigger fuss than a small sniffle and a quiet sigh. Steve held him to his chest, Peters legs curling up as his hands folded into fists in the older man's shirt. He laid his curly hair down on Steve's shoulder, face wet with tears that wouldn't stop.

Bucky nodded as he shook out the small baby blanket he'd brought, draping it across Steve's chest and over Peter, to hide him from view and block out the light. "It's okay. We'll take care of him."

Ned peered up at the two vets, forehead crumpling at the slightly puffy cheeks of the first Avenger. "He'll be okay, right?"

It wasn't clear whether he was asking about Peter or Tony but Steve looked to Bucky before answering, chin rising a little at Bucky's unwavering gaze. "Yeah, they'll be okay. We'll make sure of it. You go back to class and we'll keep you updated."

Ned didn't want to leave his best friend but there wasn't much he could do to help and he definitely wasn't prepared to refuse Captain America. So, he simply nodded and excused himself, promising to drop Peters school bag off after school.

Peter was quiet under the blanket, falling asleep against Steve's warm chest and Bucky tugged his cap down to hide his face as much as he could. "We should get going before kids start coming out of classes."

Steve nodded and followed him out to the car.

::::::::::

Peter was almost asleep when Steve lowered him into the car seat. Thank god for good timing, Clint having visited from home just that week, bringing his car and baby's seat with him.

Bucky got into the driver's seat as Steve buckled Peter in, watching his face scrunch as he woke up.

"Shh, Shh."

Peter scrubbed his little fists over his eyes and started to whimper, getting himself worked up again and Steve sighed. "Come on, Peter. We all feel like crying but we have to get through it, okay? Come on, little buddy."

He took the seat next to the boy and shut the door, urging Bucky on. "Let's go, I'll sit back here with him."

The engine started and the car rumbled, and Peters red face started scrunching again as he cried. "Waaahhhhhh!"

Steve took one of the boy's hands in his fingers and shushed him, kissing his fist. "Shhh, Petey. Go back to sleep."

The ride didn't take long but Peter just wouldn't stop crying. Steve wanted to give up and cry too but Bucky's eyes in the rear view mirror kept him steady and he remained dry-eyed when they arrived back at the compound.

Peter wasn't any happier to get out of the car and he wailed against Steve's neck as he was carried inside.

"Peter, I need you to quieten down now, okay? We need to see how Tony's doing and we can't go near the infirmary if you're crying."

Peter didn't seem to hear anything but the name and he looked up, eyes bright, his words wet and sniffly. "Petey see Tomy?"

Steve made his way down the hall, Bucky at his side as he shook his head. "Not just yet. We need to talk to the doctor first."

Peter shook his head, eyes huge and filling with tears again as his bottom lip wobbled. It was the most adorable sad face Steve had ever seen and he was powerless against it.

"No Tomy?"

Bucky tapped a gentle finger under Peters' chin, trying for a smile. "You can see him when he's ready but right now you just stay with Uncle Steve, okay?"

Peter squeezed his eyes shut and sunk his head back, opening his mouth as he cried all over again, even louder than last time.

Steve groaned, slowing his footsteps. They couldn't disrupt everyone else's grieving with a crying child.

"Peter just-"

"I WANT TOMY!"

"I know but you can't-"

"DON' WANT UNCA STEEB!"

Steve rose his voice just enough to be heard over the kids crying.

"We can go see Tony. Just take a deep breath, buddy."

Peter blinked his tear-filled eyes open as he hiccuped, watching Steve lift a hand toward him.

"Now, put that in there." Steve knew it was silly and not a great habit to introduce but if it kept Peter quiet it was good enough for him. He gently pushed Peters thumb to that little mouth and watched the boy immediately latch on.

As soon as the thumb was in his mouth Peter gave up, dropping forward and pressing the side of his face to Steve's shoulder. His breaths still came as hiccuped, jumpy gasps but he was settling and that's all Steve could ask for.

Steve closed his eyes in relief and rocked the boy gently as they made their way to the infirmary.

Rhodey found them first, sitting out in the lounge/waiting room, head in his hands. He looked up as they entered and got up to meet them.

"Hey, how is he?" Steve couldn't help but ask, though he knew the answer already.

Rhodey sighed, looking wrecked as he rubbed a hand over his head like he needed something to do with his hands to ground himself. "Bruce and Helen are with him now, they said he's responding to the medication but…"

Steve nodded, rocking quietly as Peter watched Rhodey with wide brown eyes as he continued. "He knew he was at risk of a heart attack and he didn't tell anyone. He kept telling me he was fine."

He blinked, taking a deep breath and settling on a different topic before he started crying again. "How's Peter?"

Bucky rubbed the boys back as he frowned. "He wouldn't stop crying. He just wants to see Tony."

Peter sat up again at the name, thumb popping out of his mouth long enough to ask the same question he'd been stuck on for the last twenty minutes. "Petey see Tomy?"

Steve shook his head again. "Not yet. The doctors are with him."

Peter frowned, sadness evidently turning to anger. "He's mine!"

Rhodey stepped in, voice more gentle than Steve had ever heard it. "Tony's not feeling very well, Peter. He needs a little time to take some medicine before you can see him."

Peter seemed to understand that a little better and laid back down on Steve's chest, thumb going right back to his mouth.

Bucky rubbed a hand on Steve's back this time, soothing the former soldier as he spoke. "How about we get everyone something to eat? How are Pepper and Happy?"

Rhodey nodded at the suggestion, leading the three to the kitchen. "Shaken up. Pepper got there right after Bruce did and it wasn't easy to see. Happy is going crazy with his security thing and won't leave Tony's side even during treatment. It's driving Bruce mad. Natasha's with Pepper now."

They made their way into the kitchen and Rhodey busied himself with protein bars and fruit.

Steve watched him carefully, hand on the back of Peters' head as he swayed, voice soft in the quiet room. "How are you doing?"

Rhodes' hands faltered on their task and he sighed. "For as much trouble he gets me in...I can't imagine my life without him. I don't want to."

Steve nodded, hand leaving Peters curls to grip the other man's shoulders in comfort. "You don't have to. He'll be okay."

"Wodie sad?"

The little voice pulled Rhodes attention up to the small boy and he saw two wide eyes staring back at him, grabby hands reaching for him.

Steve handed him over and Rhodey took Peter in his arms, unsure what to do or what Peter wanted. But the toddler just lay his head on his shoulder and reached a hand as far as he could get to Rhodey's back and started patting as Steve had done to him.

It was a kind enough gesture that Rhodey let out a small huff of laughter and hugged the spider tight. "Thanks, Pete."

Bucky watched, a small smile growing on his face because he knew what Tony had relayed about Magic Man and his motives. Peter was little because he needed someone to comfort him, but now it was just the opposite. The toddler was comforting everyone else. But that wasn't Magic man's magic. That was just Peter.

Rhodey looked down at the curly head pressed to him and ran a hand through Peters' hair, voice brighter than before.

"How about we get this little guy some food, huh? You hungry?"

:::::::::::::

Peter was sitting on Bucky's knee eating his fruit cubes when Bruce finally came out with some news.

Rhodey and Steve stood so fast Peter jumped a little, dropping his piece of apple into his bowl. Bucky patted his tummy to settle him as they all waited for Bruce to say the words they were waiting for.

"He'll be okay."

A collective sigh of relief sounded through the room and it felt as if gravity had been weighing heavier than normal all that time and was only now being corrected. Bruce looked shaky and Steve quickly pulled him over to sit down.

"What happened? He was fine yesterday and then-"

Bruce shook his head, lifting a hand to wipe at his forehead. "No, he wasn't. He's had heart issues for years; mini heart attacks that he ignored, complications from that shrapnel and...god, I should have noticed."

Rhodey looked nauseous. "This isn't on you."

Bruce took a deep breath in and seemed to shake off whatever thought was weighing him down. He sat up straighter and gestured towards the door. "Pepper and Happy are with him now but you can see him if you want. Just keep it calm in there."

Bruce seemed to be content to have some time alone and Rhodey left without another word. Steve waited for Bucky to stand before taking his hand and making their way out but Peter made grabby hands at his left behind fruit and Bucky bounced him in his hold. "We're going to see Tony now, kid. You can have more fruit later."

Peters wide eyes snapped to Buckys and he stilled. "Tomy?"

Steve nodded, leading them down the hall to Tony's room. "Yeah, buddy. But he's really tired so you need to stay quiet, okay?"

Peter nodded vigorously, grabbing hold of Buckys collar as they moved. Rhodey went in ahead, closing the door behind him and Steve and Bucky stopped in front of the door.

Peter tugged on Buckys collar, whining. "Tomy."

Steve ruffled his hair but it didn't make Peter feel any better. "I know, bud but Happy, Pepper and Rhodey are already in there. We just have to wait our turn."

"No! Tomy, now!"

Peter wiggled out of Bucky's arms, forcing the soldier to put him down before he dropped him and Peter slapped his palms on the door. "Tomy!"

"Peter, stop!"

Steve reached for him, tugging him back in time to miss the door swinging out with Pepper on the other side. Her face was red, eyes puffy but she looked immaculate as always and smoothed her hands down her dress as she nodded at the two trying to explain.

"I'm sorry, I told him to-"

"Pepper, I'm so sorry he's-"

She waved a hand and they both shut their mouths, Peter still wriggling in Steves grasp.

"It's okay. I know about the magic thing...whatever. You can bring him in. I know Tony would want Peter with him."

She opened the door and Steve carried Peter inside, till finally there he was, buried beneath monitors and blankets, asleep.

"Tomy!" Peter reached for Tony and Steve put him down on the edge of the bed, holding him back as he whispered to him.

"Be gentle, okay?"

Peter pushed his hands away but did as he was told, making sure to be gentle as he scooted closer to Tony until he could lay his head down on his shoulder. Finally, where he wanted to be, he sighed and curled his fist into the gown Tony was wearing, content to just feel his mentors chest rise and fall under his ear.

The poor boy was exhausted and closed his eyes, quiet words stilling everyone in the room.

"Night night, Daddy."

Steve looked up from the two to find everyone else's expressions matched his. Pepper had a hand over her mouth, eyes wet with tears, Rhodey looked as if he'd stopped breathing and Happy looked absolutely wrecked. Peter had never called Tony 'Dad' before. At least not in front of them. Even as a child.

Suddenly, Steve couldn't stop the thought from growing in his mind like a weed he'd very much like to cut out. If Tony didn't wake up; if he...Peter wouldn't come back and Steve couldn't help but wonder if they'd be losing two heroes in one night.

(Let me know what you think?!)