A/N: In case you're wondering... Marvel still owns all the amazing characters.

Chapter 9: The Hero's Journey

His hearing was the first thing to return.

Beep... beep... beep...

He was floating somewhere in a dreamless sleep, and the sounds from the world outside of sleep were slowly pulling him back to awareness.

REPORTER: It was a harrowing day here at Queens National Bank. Many gathered near the scene to see what would become of the young hostage that was held inside by three armed robbers.

A hand was gently brushing through his hair.

REPORTER: Police and FBI were at a loss until our local hero, Tony Stark (also known as Iron Man) offered his assistance to the authorities. We now know that the 16-year-old hostage, Peter Parker, has been working with Mr. Stark as his intern for over a year at Stark Industries. Mr. Stark cultivated a positive working relationship with the teenager; therefore, he wished to help out in any way that he could.

A soft, familiar voice was talking to him, offering words of love and encouragement.

REPORTER: Mr. Stark first helped authorities by identifying the men inside as Jackson Grey, Albert McMann, and Xander Hanes. These men have been robbing banks and businesses around the country for some time, putting them on the FBI's "Most Wanted" List. When the FBI arrived on scene, Mr. Stark convinced them to follow a daring plan in order to rescue young Parker.

Another voice was there. It was calling to him, asking him to open his eyes. He wasn't ready yet. He just continued to listen.

REPORTER: The three men were lured onto a Stark Industries helicopter, where the Iron Man planted a trap for them. In an unconventional move, the criminals were tranquilized on board, and Mr. Stark remotely piloted the chopper to Avenger's Tower where the authorities were waiting for them. Unfortunately, the robbers had intended to prolong Mr. Parker's captivity by taking him along on the helicopter. The positive side to this turn of events was that the doctors on staff at Avenger's Tower could provide immediate medical assistance to Parker upon arrival.

"Peter?" A voice called to him. "Can you open your eyes for me?"

Slowly, he lifted his eyelids... once... then twice... then closed them again.

"That's good, Peter. Try to focus on me." The woman said.

"You can do it, Peter." Another voice called with encouragement while squeezing his hand. He recognized that voice as Aunt May's.

Again, he lifted his eyelids... once... then twice... then focused on the figure leaning over him. The light was just too bright, so he shut his eyes once more.

"It's okay, Peter. Take a moment, and then try once more for me." The voice encouraged.

REPORTER: We received word that the young Mr. Parker is doing well. He was shot twice during his captivity, but we are told that he is now in stable condition and responding well to treatment.

He pulled his eyelids open again... once... twice... and now focusing on the woman wearing a doctor's coat.

She smiled at him, "That's good, Peter. Very good. I'm just going to check your pupils."

A light entered his eyes, making him blink.

"You're doing well, Peter. Could you look at me again?" the doctor asked.

He followed the directions, and opened his eyes to look at the doctor. She was a beautiful Asian women with kind eyes.

"My name is Dr. Helen Cho. I work as a geneticist and doctor here in Avenger's Tower. We needed to give you higher doses of antibiotics for..." she was trying to explain things to him, but Peter found himself distracted.

The TV he heard reporting on the bank robbery was on the wall behind Dr. Cho. It was showing videos and pictures of what had happened at the bank. He could even see the footage of his three tormentors being led to police vans by the FBI, each one in handcuffs with chains going down and around their feet.

REPORTER: As for Grey, Hanes, and McMann, they are now in the custody of the FBI and will be extradited to Texas where they will be put on trial for the death of a family that was killed in one their very first jobs. Many feel that these men will likely face the death penalty for their crimes.

**CLICK**

The TV was turned off. Aunt May held the remote in her hands.

"I'm sorry, Peter. You did't need to see that," Aunt May said. "You'll never have to see those men again!"

Peter blinked at his aunt before turning his attention back to the doctor.

"Did you hear me, Peter?" Dr. Cho asked. "We used a high dosage of special antibiotics to work with your metabolism. The infection around your first wound is clearing nicely. I suspect your body will be able to heal in at least half the time as anyone else in a similar condition."

Peter didn't speak. He just blinked at her and tried to nod his head to show that he understood.

The doctor furrowed her brows in thought, studying him. She offered him a small smile, "You'll need something to eat. We gave you lots of fluids, but I would like to see if you can eat something. Do you think you might be able to give it a try?"

Peter thought for a moment. He supposed that he was hungry, but he mostly just felt drowsy. He turned his head to look at his aunt.

May smiled at him, noticing how tired and unfocused his eyes were. She raised a hand to his face, brushing some hair off of his forehead. "You're tired," she simply stated. "It's alright, sweetheart. Just rest... we'll wait and get you something to eat when you're feeling more up to it."

Peter focused on his aunt's gentle touch, relishing the feeling of it. It felt like it had been so long since anyone had treated him with such genuine love and tenderness.

He found himself closing his eyes once more. While focusing on his aunt's loving touch, Peter once again found himself pulled into sleep.

Sleep was a welcome pleasure.

He was safe.

Tony was exhausted. This day had taken more of a toll on him than he could have ever imagined.

He thought he knew what it meant to feel fear. He had felt fear when he was captured in Afghanistan. He had felt fear when the Chitauri invaded New York, and he carried the nuke through the wormhole. But the fear that comes with losing someone unexpectedly... the fear of not being able to say goodbye or letting them know how much you care about them... that fear was overwhelming. He never had the chance to say goodbye to his parents, and he never wanted to experience that again. He didn't even realize that he feared facing that kind of loss with someone else until today, and today had been too close. He feared that he had been too late to save Peter, and he thought perhaps those men had killed his kid after all.

It was such a relief when F.R.I.D.A.Y. detected Peter's heartbeat. It was an even bigger relief that Helen Cho knew how to treat someone with Peter's genetic mutation.

Peter would heal; so, maybe he would have the chance to let the kid know just how much he meant to him.

"You alright, Mr. Stark?" Jenkins asked.

Tony had been so lost in his thoughts that he forgot that the captain was still there.

The captain stayed, wanting to be sure that Hanes, Grey, and McMann were taken care of, and the FBI agents ensured him and Tony that the men would get what they deserved for the crimes they committed. Tony had never been happier to see anyone taken away in chains. Their arrest had been a most welcome sight.

"I'm alright... at least I am now that I know that Peter is getting the medical care he needs," Tony responded.

Jenkins nodded, "Your doctor is most impressive. There probably aren't too many medical professionals with the knowledge on how to properly treat super-humans."

Tony smiled and nodded. He had plenty of things that he could say about the doctor and her qualifications, but his mind was on other things. "You think the public will buy it? You know... about how I'm treating Peter here because he's my intern?" Tony asked.

Jenkins smiled and his eyes held a mischievous twinkle, "You mean... do I think the public will believe that Tony Stark finds his medical team to be superior to any other medical team in the city? Do I think the public will buy into a story about how Tony Stark will only allow the best to treat a kid that is working for him? Is that what you're asking?" Tony didn't miss the playful sarcasm in the older man's voice.

He laughed a little, "I suppose that is what I'm asking... yes."

"They've already bought that story, and they see you as even more of a hero because of it. You're Iron Man, Tony. There aren't too many people in New York City who wish to question your actions," Jenkins explained.

"So...it's just as I always suspected. They love me!" Tony said, playing up his grandiose personality for a moment before sobering. "I guess that's good in this case." Tony commented. "I should thank you, captain. You helped us to keep Peter's greatest secret. I know the kid will appreciate it, too. He'll most likely want to thank you in person as soon as he's feeling up to it."

Jenkins shrugged, "I'm happy that I could help. I meant what I said earlier... If it hadn't been for you, my son would have been killed on the day of that alien attack. Keeping this secret is the least I can do. Thanks to you, I have a grandson!"

Tony smiled a little, but before he could say anything clever in response, Jenkins asked, "You know what my son named him?"

Tony shook his head.

"My son named him Anthony David Jenkins. Anthony for the man who saved his life and David... well, that's my son's first name," the captain explained.

Tony would be lying if he said he wasn't honored. But Tony was still Tony, so he answered by saying, "Excellent choice. So much better than a name like Thor, or Clint, or Bruce, or... worst of all... STEVE! Don't ever name a kid Steve!"

Jenkins gave Tony a look, "Did I mention that my first name is Steve?"

Tony's eyes went wide, "No kidding! Really? Well... as long as it's not in honor of that other captain who once dared to call himself my friend!"

Steve Jenkins shook his head a little and smiled, "What can I say? My father was one of his biggest fans! He had quite the collection of Captain America memorabilia, too!"

"Now I know you're kidding!" Tony accused.

"No... I'm quite serious!" Jenkins said, not at all offended. The man had clearly expected this reaction from Tony. Most people knew that Iron Man and Captain America had a falling out after the situation with the Accords. While Jenkins had plenty of questions about what really happened between the two men, he figured those questions could be saved for another day.

"Well... I'm glad your son had the good sense to choose the name of a REAL hero!" Tony teased. "I'll bet Iron Man is the kid's favorite hero, too. Right?"

"David is a huge fan of yours, Tony," Jenkins responded. "My grandson, however, has his eyes on another hero."

"Who?" Tony asked, worried the poor kid would have taste as poor as his great grandfather.

Jenkins laughed a little, "Spider-Man, of course!"

Tony's face lit up, "Now that is an EXCELLENT choice!"

The two men continued to walk in a companionable silence, heading towards Peter's room. Captain Jenkins had wanted to see how Peter was doing. He needed to get a formal statement from Peter, but he would hold off on that until the kid was feeling better.

Dr. Cho exited the room just as the two men approached.

"Doctor!" Tony called to her, "How's our patient doing?"

Helen shrugged her shoulders a little, "His vitals look good, and he seems to be responding well to the antibiotics that I'm giving him. I was hoping that he might be awake long enough to eat something. A fast metabolism like his will need nourishment in order to recover, but it seems that his need for rest is winning at the moment."

"He was awake?" Tony asked, looking over to Jenkins and then back to Helen.

"Not for very long," the doctor explained. "May is still sitting with him if you'd like to join her."

"Did he say anything while he was awake?" Jenkins asked.

"I'm afraid not," Helen answered. "He was still quite drowsy. Between the gunshot wounds and other bruising, the damage to his body was considerable."

"Thank you, Doctor Cho," Tony said. "I appreciate the update." He looked at Jenkins, "Would you still like to see him?"

"If you don't mind, I would like to see that he's doing alright. It would be nice to see him resting peacefully," Jenkins remarked.

Tony nodded and pushed the door open, gesturing for the other man to enter first.

May had her chair pulled up to the head of the bed on Peter's left side. She was leaning forward and gently running her fingers through his hair.

May smiled at the men as they entered, "He hasn't let me do this in years. I used to help him fall asleep by running my fingers through his hair when he was younger." Her smile faded a little as she took in her nephew's appearance, "Now... he only let's me do this when..." she brushed a tear from her eye and cleared her throat, "...when he isn't feeling well."

Tony was quiet, but stepped closer to look at Peter's vitals. It was as if he needed to see for himself that Peter's vital signs were good.

Jenkins was the first of the two men to speak, "Well... he seems to have more color in his face then when I last saw him. That's a good sign.

The doctor nodded.

"From personal experience," Tony commented, "The physical wounds aren't the only things that will need to heal."

"It seemed unlike him to be so quiet when he was awake," May added. "Even when he's tired... Peter always has something to say."

Doctor Cho looked at Tony, "You might be the only person who can help him with that area of healing, Tony."

He nodded, "yeah... I think I have a few ideas."

Captain Steve Jenkins listened quietly, not knowing what to say to help matters. Finally, he said, "I don't want to get in the way here. How about I check in tomorrow and see if he's ready to give a statement?"

Tony and May looked to the doctor, who nodded an affirmation. "He should be feeling up to giving you what you need by tomorrow, Captain," she confirmed.

He nodded, and looked at Tony and May. Both looked content as they watched over Peter, so he said, "I'll see myself out. I'm glad we could get Peter back to you." He thought a moment, "I should also check and make sure that my men made out okay with Mr. Jones' family," he said, referring to the deceased bank security guard.

Again, Tony and May nodded. May called to him as he began to step out of the room, "Thank you, Captain Jenkins. For... everything!"

The police captain smiled at her, "It was my pleasure, Mrs. Parker." He looked at Tony, "I'll reach out to you tomorrow."

"I won't put you on hold," Tony remarked.

Before Jenkins could comment, Helen Cho said, "I'll point you in the right direction, Captain Jenkins."

With that, the doctor and police captain left May and Tony alone with Peter's sleeping form.

Tony listened to Peter's steady breathing, pleased with how healthy and strong it sounded.

May seemed comfortable with resting in her chair next to Peter's bed, so Tony sat on another bed that was in the room.

Neither May nor Tony felt the need to talk. They were both content to observe Peter as he slept. They needed to see him comfortable and safe if they were going to be able to get any rest of their own.

May placed her head on the bed by Peter's side, and Tony found himself leaning back on the bed.

Neither one had intended on falling asleep. They had merely intended to rest their eyes.

However, both adults found themselves pulled into a peaceful sleep knowing that Peter was safe with them once again.

Someone was snoring lightly.

Or was it more than one person snoring?

For a brief moment, Peter felt a sense of panic as he starting coming to awareness. "Is it THEM? Did they take me with them after all? Where am I?"

Slowly, Peter pulled his eyes open, blinking a few times and allowing his eyes to adjust. When he was finally able to take in his surroundings, he was relieved. "Oh... right... I remember this place. I think I'm in the tower. There was a doctor and..." Peter turned his head towards the sound of the closest snore. "... and Aunt May. I should have recognized that snore," he thought with a small smile. Then Peter tried to focus on the other source of soft snoring. Beyond his aunt and sleeping in a position that looked not at all comfortable was Tony Stark. "Mr. Stark? Why is he in here? Did he get hurt?" Peter raised up his head trying to get a better look at his sleeping mentor. The room was dark with only a little light coming in through the window, indicating that dawn was approaching.

He hadn't intended to wake anyone, but his aunt sensed his movement and sat up suddenly, "What? Huh?" She gazed at Peter, eyes still clouded with sleep, "Peter... sweetheart... are you alright? Are you in pain?"

Peter settled back down on his pillow and closed his eyes, feeling annoyed with himself for waking her. If she was awake, it wouldn't be long before...

"What's happening? Kid... you need me to get Doctor Cho?" Tony's voice asked, sounding a little frantic and concerned.

"Mm... f-fine" Peter croaked out. He opened his eyes and looked at the two disheveled adults staring down at him. Both looked tired, but their concern for him would likely keep them from falling back to sleep any time soon. He couldn't understand how he kept messing things up. They didn't deserve to have their time wasted worrying over him. Peter let out a sigh and turned his head away from them.

"Peter?" May tried again. "Honey... please... you need to tell us what you need. Are you in any pain?"

Peter kept his head turned away and didn't answer.

Tony noticed how Peter stared at the wall, keeping his head turned away. He also noticed the way Peter was making fists with his hands. Tony knew Peter was fighting an internal battle with himself.

"Pete," Tony said, using an authoritative Iron Man voice. "Do you know where you are right now?" He wanted to make sure Peter didn't let his thoughts and memories take him back inside that bank.

Peter furrowed his brows, looking confused. "Yeah... I think so," he answered. He slowly turned his head in Tony's direction. "The tower... I think... um... I think I remember hearing something..." he paused and took a breath, feeling a little dizzy. "There was something about... Avenger's tower?" Peter looked at Tony, waiting for the other man to confirm if he was remembering things clearly.

Tony nodded, "Good. That's good, kid. You're at Avenger's Tower. Doctor Cho and the medical team here are taking good care of you."

Peter blinked at Tony and nodded a little, choosing not to say anything further.

May squeezed his left hand, "Peter?"

He lifted his eyes to look at her.

"Do you remember what happened?" May asked.

Tony studied him carefully after May asked the question. He noticed the way Peter clenched his jaw and swallowed hard. He noticed the way Peter's eyes widened a little. He didn't miss the haunted, far away look that crossed his features as he nodded to his aunt in confirmation.

Peter was quiet for another moment. He swallowed past a lump in his throat before answering, "It hurts, May."

Some part of Tony wondered what was hurting more... the gunshot wounds or the memories.

"Oh, Peter!" May said, giving his hand another squeeze. "You rest a little more and take it easy. I'll see if I can't find a nurse or someone who can get something for the pain."

As she got up, Peter asked, "Wh-what time is it?"

It was F.R.I.D.A.Y. that offered an automated response, "It is currently 5:02 AM."

Peter looked worried, "I... um... I didn't mean to wake you. I'll be... ugh... f-fine."

Neither May nor Tony missed the wince of pain that crossed Peter's face as he spoke.

"It's no bother, Peter. Why do you think we're here?" She bent down and gently kissed his forehead. "Don't worry so much, okay? I'm going to find a nurse, and I'm sure Tony has someone around here who can bring some coffee for us."

Peter smiled a little, knowing his aunt was probably right.

"Uh... tell whoever is on duty that they should probably get the kid something to eat, too" He gave May a look. "They should take time to be sure that they're getting him just what he needs."

She nodded, knowing that he wanted a little time to talk to Peter alone.

Peter hadn't really paid attention. His mind was elsewhere, going back to the source of his pain. The source of his humiliation. How in the hell was he supposed to be Spider-Man after this?!

Tony slowly sat down in the chair that had been vacated by May. "Earth to Parker," Tony tried. "Come in, Spider-Man. Do you read me?"

Peter scoffed a little, "Spider-Man's not in the building right now." He answered, but he never lifted his eyes to look at his mentor.

"Then who the hell am I looking at? Please don't tell me we rescued the wrong guy!" Tony playfully joked, hoping to spark something in Peter and find a little of the kid's sense of humor.

Peter finally looked at Tony, his face full of disgust and annoyance, "Rescue?"

Tony gulped fearfully. "Shit! I made him mad! I should have gotten him out of there sooner! He's mad at me."

Peter seemed to notice the fearful look on Tony's face and softened his expression, shaking his head a little. Peter shuffled a little before speaking again, trying to find a comfortable position but coming up short. He let out another frustrated breath, "Spider-Man shouldn't have needed a rescue, Mr. Stark! I never should have let this happen!"

Tony blinked at Peter, "Oh, right! sure... you let this happen."

Peter didn't miss the fact that the other man was being facetious. "I'm serious!" Peter said, tears threatening to spill from his eyes. "I have never felt more pathetic in my life! What kind of hero can't defend himself against bank robbers?! What kind of hero let's a bunch of assholes keep him captive?"

Tony watched as the tears in Peter's eyes spilled down his cheeks. He leaned forward and put his hand on Peter's, giving it a squeeze. "Do you think I'm a hero, Peter?"

This caught Peter by surprise, "Well... of course! You're Iron Man!"

"What about Barton? Is he a hero?"

Peter continued to look confused, "Hawkeye never misses a shot. He's a hero, too!"

"And Romanoff... is she a hero to you?" Tony questioned.

"Of course! Yes! They're all heroes! So much more than I am!" Peter argued.

But Tony persisted. "What about Thor? Do you think he is a hero?"

"Why are you doing this?" Peter demanded, tears still falling down his face. "YES! You're all better than me! I get it! I'm NOT FIT to be an Avenger!" Peter let out a broken sob, embarrassed to break in front of his mentor.

Tony let Peter settle a bit before speaking. "That's an odd thing to say," he said.

"Wh-what?!" Peter asked.

"It's just... you made it sound like getting captured or put in harm's way isn't something that happens to a hero," Tony continued.

"EXACTLY!" Peter said.

"That doesn't make sense," Tony said again. "You claimed the rest of us were heroes, but I was captured in Afghanistan. Barton was controlled into forced service by Loki, Natasha was captured by Ultron..." He looked at Peter to see if the young man was listening.

Peter was listening, and he was beginning to realize the point that the older man was trying to make, "And Thor?" he asked.

"Did you know that Point Break got hit by a car and then sedated in the hospital afterwards?! What kind of hero gets hit by a car and sedated with a needle to the ass?!" Tony asked, his voice full of humor.

Peter couldn't help but to smile. "Oh..."

"Oh?" Tony asked. "Is that all you have to say? Oh?" Tony patted Peter's hand reassuringly, "Don't be so hard on yourself, kid. You're not the only hero to get knocked down."

Peter looked at him, wiping away some tears. "You still think I'm a hero?" he asked.

"Duh!" Tony answered. "I had eyes inside that bank, Pete. You did what you had to do. You even took one hell of a chance trying to fight back. That took serious guts, kid! I could tell you were hurting, and you still broke free and managed to break Grey's nose like it was nothing!"

Peter shook his head, "That wasn't exactly my finest moment." Peter looked down towards his injured leg. "It didn't really end well. Plus... you said it yourself... you saw what they were doing! You saw how they..." Peter swallowed.

"What?" Tony asked. "It helps to talk about it, kid. And I know what it's like to feel trapped and vulnerable. Trust me... I've been there. More than once, actually."

Peter let out another choked sob, "But you don't! You don't know what he... what he..." Peter closed his eyes, "They teased me and they tormented me, Mr. Stark. They... touched me in ways that made me really uncomfortable... and they just laughed about it!"

Tony swallowed past a lump in his throat. "God, Peter. I'm so sorry! I know... I know that Hanes has a reputation, and... I know that he was... trying to make you uncomfortable. I'm so sorry, kid."

More tears spilled down Peter's face, "It was almost worse than getting shot. He treated me like a play thing! He made it sound like... like he wanted..." Peter couldn't even finish that thought. "Why would he do that, Mr. Stark?"

Tony sighed, now fighting tears of his own. "Evil comes in many forms, Spider-Man. The enemy will do anything to feel powerful. They use all sorts of tactics to make us feel powerless."

Peter took some steadying breaths before continuing, "Did the enemy ever make you feel powerless?"

Tony let out a humorless laugh, "Absolutely. They did it in the last 24 hours."

Peter looked confused. "What? How?"

Tony swallowed and reached a hand up to wipe away a tear that managed to escape from his own eyes. When he removed the tear, he looked at Peter, wanting to be sure they were looking one another in the eye. He answered, "When they threatened to hurt someone I cared about. That... that, Peter, is just another way that the enemy seeks to make us feel powerless. They look for that weak spot, kid."

Peter looked thoughtful and uncertain of how to respond. "I didn't mean... well... I'm sorry, Mr. Stark."

"For what, kid? Being so damn lovable?" Tony asked.

Peter looked a little surprised. "No... I mean... I don't want to be a weakness."

"Stop! No... that's not the point at all!" Tony scrubbed a hand over his face. "Is your aunt a weakness to you, kid?"

"What?! Of course not!" Peter thought a moment. "I mean... I love Aunt May, and I would never want anyone to hurt her, but she's not a weakness... she's just someone I'll protect no matter what!"

"Exactly, kid," Tony said. "When the people we care about are threatened, it makes us feel powerless... makes us feel helpless. We go weak in the knees with worry because we never want our loved ones to be harmed. But they're not a weakness, kid. The people we love are our strength! It's what separates us from the enemy! We're not like them because we care about other people more than we care about ourselves! Do you understand?"

Peter studied Tony carefully, "I think so... but..."

"What?" Tony asked, trying to encourage Peter to continue.

"Are you saying... um..." Peter fumbled over his words, "... that you care about... me?"

"Kid, you have the biggest heart of anyone I know! I care about you a lot, Pete. I'd do anything to keep you safe. Somewhere along the way, kid... you became family," Tony said honestly.

"Wow..." Peter said, feeling so many emotions. It was like he was on a crazy roller coaster ride on the emotion express. "Thank you, Mr. Stark."

Tony just smiled.

"So... you think that I still have what it takes to be a hero? Even when morons like that could get the better of me?" Peter asked, finally sounding hopeful.

"Thor was hit by a fucking car, kid! They still call him the God of Thunder despite that embarrassment!" Tony joked.

Peter finally smiled. "So I'm not too weak to be an Avenger some day?"

"Having a weakness and being vulnerable doesn't mean you're weak, Peter. It just means you're human. You will be a vital member of the Avengers someday." Tony smiled, "You'll be the heart of the team, kid." His smile widened, "I'm already the brain, so you can be the heart."

Peter laughed at that a little.

"Facing a challenge and being knocked down a little is all part of the hero's journey, kid. These are the things that make us stronger," Tony said.

Peter nodded.

He added, "You just have to promise to talk to someone, okay? Don't hold in what you're feeling. Trust me... PTSD is real! You need to let people in, okay?"

Peter nodded again as May came to the door with a nurse.

She knocked on the door frame, "Is anyone hungry? This kind nurse has some soup and crackers if the patient is feeling up to it." She stepped into the room, noticing how the two men were trying to hide the fact that some tears were shed. She continued, "Peter, it would be good for you to eat a little something, and then Nurse Brenda said you could try to take some pain medication that Dr. Cho left for you."

Tony stood up from the chair and offered it to May. She moved over and sat down next to Peter. She noticed how her nephew seemed to have a little more life and hope in his eyes when he looked at her.

"Yeah, Aunt May," Peter said. "That sounds good."

She grasped Peter's hand as the nurse slid a table over and adjusted Peter into a seated position on the bed in order to eat something.

"I'm sure you two would like to catch up a little before Pete needs more rest," Tony said, moving towards the door. "How about I grab some breakfast for you, May?"

She nodded, "That would be nice." She looked at him, "Thank you, Tony. For everything."

He smiled, knowing she was thanking him for more than the offer of breakfast. "Anytime."

And he meant it. He would be there for the kid anytime there was trouble. Yes... somewhere along the way Peter Parker found a place in Tony's iron heart. He definitely had a weak spot for this kid, but that was perhaps his greatest strength. Pepper was right... Tony Stark had a heart after all.

A/N: Sorry for the delay with the chapter. It's been a busy semester. The Epilogue will be next.

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