Well if there's one thing I've learned, ya'll really only love chapters where Peter gets hurt. Lol!
If any of you think Peter is recovering a bit too quickly…well you didn't think getting him out of foster care was going to be the only plot arc did you? 😊 I've got a lot in store and hopefully I can keep everyone engaged with the story until the very end.
Also the formatting got weird on this one, at least it looks weird to me. I'm sorry, I tried to fix it but short of rewriting the entire thing in a new file it wasn't working.
Peter looked worlds better; that was a huge relief. "Pete, give me just a second." He knew they needed to have a talk, but he wanted an update from Bruce first, following the other two out.
Bruce was quick and to the point. Peter was off dialysis, he'd ate and better yet kept down a solid meal, blood work continued to look promising as were scans of the internal damage. All in all, he was headed in the right direction at a surprising but positive pace.
Heading back in he sighed as the door shut behind him and he took in the sight of the teen. He'd gone from happy to so broken in a matter of seconds. Tony ran a hand through his hair, trying to gather his thoughts before moving to sit where Steve had previously. "Kid...what have I told you?" he wondered, picking up the cards, "You're a horrible liar. Poker is not your game. Stick to blackjack, but never count cards in a casino." Cards stacked he set them aside, they could no longer be a distraction. Peter was silent, eyes a bit downcast.
He sighed, "Shit this is gunna suck." He said mostly to himself. "Alright." He made a motion with his hand, "Hit me with it."
Peter only stared silently, the teen not even really staring at him but looking slightly downward toward towards the tabletop between them.
"No? Nothing?" Tony wondered, tilting his head to try and regain eye contact. "Okay. How about I start, and you pipe up if I get anything wrong?" Peter didn't disagree, so he continued. "Alright, so. So, you get pulled out of school. Taken to a stranger's house." Because Aunt May had died. Tony left out that depressing detail. "You called, you did. You called Happy- Pete...is there any reason you didn't use the emergency line? Did it not work?" There wasn't accusation in his tone, Peter was in no way at fault, but Tony had to know why the teen didn't call him directly- or if he had, why it didn't work.
Peter shifted, glancing up for a moment then away again. "It... It wasn't an emergency." He hadn't been in imminent danger.
Tony stared, a hand went over his mouth for a moment as if to block an outburst, rubbing at his scruff. Collecting himself he spoke very calmly. "Pete. Your Aunt had just passed away. This was- in every way- an emergency." He was horrified to think the teen didn't feel his situation warranted use of the emergency line.
Pete drew limbs up around himself, knees to his chest, arms wrapping around, "I called…" His voice broke and he hid his face. He called, Tony hadn't come for him, he assumed the worst. It was what Tony figured, but he needed the kid to admit it- even if he didn't want to hear it. The rolling bed tray was pushed out of the way as he shifted. Peter trying to hide his breakdown.
"I know...I know you did kid. And I fucked up." He didn't bother watching his language around the teen- he'd made far worse mistakes recently. "And if you want me to leave, or you wanna yell at me, or anything...Pete. I deserve it." There were extremely few things in his life that Tony felt guilt over, but he always went to great lengths to try and make up for them, whatever they were. Just how he could make this right with the teen he had no idea.
The teen didn't react- or at least he didn't do any of those things and Tony was really at a loss. He wanted to explain, not to give himself excuses to use but to just try and make sure the teen understood. Tony didn't know he was in trouble and came the second he did.
"Pete...do you want me to leave?" He questioned, he was the cause of this, all of this. He wouldn't stay to satisfy his guilt if it wasn't what Peter wanted. Despite curling in on himself Peter shook his head, that was all Tony needed before leaning in and pulling the teen against him. "Easy...easy" He'd never really had to do this, he certainly hadn't been on the receiving of it. His father wasn't the touchy feely sort and Tony didn't much consider himself to be either. He just did what seemed right, not really sure if it was working given how the teen broke down, but at least Peter wasn't pulling away- that was good right?
It wasn't perfect, and there was so much still left to say, but for the first time since May died, Peter didn't feel alone.
Bruce gave the pair as much time as he could, monitoring Peter's vitals remotely. They spiked and fluctuated but that was to be expected, he was sure the pair had some serious talking to do as Tony was the only one among them who really knew the kid and what he'd gone through.
In the end, before he had a chance to check in on them he found a nurse bringing up a tray of food along with an entire package of cookies. At his look of confusion she simply commented, "Mr. Stark placed a remote order."
Damn it Tony. "Thank you, I'll take it." She nodded and handed over the items which Bruce, in turn, carried in. Peter was still sitting up, eyes a bit puffy but otherwise appearing well. He'd scooted over to one side of the bed and Tony was stretched out alongside him, Peter carefully tucked under the blankets while Tony laid on top. The pair seemed to be watching the room tv so even though it was clear both of them still had emotions to deal with, at least they were on semi stable ground.
Honestly Peter wasn't sure what to make of Tony at the moment, not of his earlier contact or how he'd continued to remain close even after Peter had gathered himself back up again. It was simple really. Peter had cried. Tony said he screwed up, eventually- like men, they both got control of themselves. Tony asked Peter if he wanted to punch him, Peter declined. Tony had asked if Peter was hungry and well, yeah, he was. Like really hungry, so here they were.
"Cookies Tony? Really?" Bruce berated, setting the tray down but snatching the cookies away before Tony could grab them, ignoring the sour look on his friend's face.
"What? The kid deserves some cookies" Peter for his part, didn't know if he should look angry, mortified or something else entirely. "Come on Pete, eat up. I bet if you do, Brucey Bear will give you five cookies."
"One cookie." Was snapped back instantly as Bruce made his rounds, checking everything.
"Four."
"Two."
"Three."
"Two." The banter had Peter smiling a bit and Bruce realized that was the whole point of it. Sneaky Tony, very sneaky.
Tony sighed dramatically, "Well there you have it kid. Two cookies." He offered with a 'what can you do' sort of gesture.
Peter offered a small smile at the antics, thanking Bruce for the food that was set in front of him.
"Well Bruce?" Tony called, "I'm not on restrictions." He motioned for the other to hand over the Chips Ahoy container.
"I'm serious Tony, two is pushing it. Peter. I know you're smarter than him, okay? Remember, you're the one who'll be sick later if you don't take it easy." Sobering words as Bruce relented and handed over the snack. "We don't want to shock your system with a ton of sugar."
"Sourpuss." Was Tony's flippant response as he tore into the packaging, sticking one cookie between his teeth before offering the container to Peter who simply shook his head, content with his rice for now. Tony rolled his eyes dramatically and made a show of eating another cookie just for the hell of it.
Tony allowed Peter to finish his meal without interruption before, "Alright kid. Question time. I got'em. Bruce has'em. I know you must." He tapped his fingers quickly on the tray. "Let's hear'em."
Peter blinked, glancing between the two. Him? First? "Me?"
Tony nodded with a 'go on' gesture, "Yeah, we'll go around the room, round robin style. So go, shoot." Ask away.
"Are uh...are all the Avengers staying here? Like a team again?" Peter wondered. Cap and Bruce had said as much but he wanted confirmation. Even if he and Tony still had a long way to go to rebuild what had been damaged between them, Peter still looked to him for guidance.
"Okay, see that was two questions, but I'll let it slide." Bruce rolled his eyes. "Most of them are, off and on. And yeah kid. Same side. Bruce." He punted the conversation to the other.
"I'd like to know what impacted the right side of your body."
"Oh...uh, the ground." Pete offered, both adults gave him a look that made it clear he better continue. "I uh...see I stored the suit on the roof, 'cause that was safe and all, but then I found out that there was gunna be roof work done, so I had to get it before they started work only...only I couldn't wall climb-" Bruce tilted his head but Tony waved him off wanting to hear the rest. "So I… I just had to do it the old-fashioned way and I kinda...slipped...coming back down?" Tony was giving him a look that said he was somewhere between extremely worried and completely pissed off.
"You fell off…" He shook his head, no he needed a better question. "Okay, the suit. You mailed it back?" His tone requested Peter elaborate and the teen squirmed a little.
"Well...Yeah. See, I tried to give it to Ned originally, but he said I might need it so I kept it but I had to keep it hidden and they were going through my stuff and like after the first few days my Spidey sense was gone and then other stuff too so...So I thought the roof was safe but then the guys were working on it so I brought it down but Toby almost found it so I knew I had to get rid of it but Mr. Stark it seemed like a bad idea to just toss so I sorta...took some money and I mailed it to you."
"I'm sorry… you 'took' money?"
Peter looked meek but managed a, "Mr. Stark...you said only one question…" Bruce actually laughed at the dumbfounded look onthe billionaire's face.
Peter looked unsure of himself, they weren't yet on solid ground but when Tony surrendered with an annoyed, "Touché." The teen smiled.
"When can I get out of here?" Was Peter's next question, realizing that could sound ungrateful he immediately floundered, "I mean, not that I don't appreciate everything Doctor Banner. I really do. Honestly I feel so much better."
"Actually, I was gunna suggest tomorrow if you keep doing well. I'd like you to wear a medical band for a little bit longer but no need to stay in the medical wing." Bruce answered before, "Okay what exactly is a…" And he was using a highly technical term here. "Spidey sense?"
Peter looked embarrassed for a moment, cheeks even flushing, it seemed silly to hear someone else say it out loud. He didn't have time to flounder though as that very same sense fired off and he ducked his head away just before Tony tried to flick his ear. "Onmi-directional early warning alert system. Completely organic." Tony offered, spouting it off as if bored before smirking as he knew Bruce would be extremely interested in it. "And clearly, it's working again."
Peter blinked, Tony was right, his Spidey sense had worked just then.
Tony could see the gears turning in the teen's head, knowing that at least one power was returning, patting his blanket covered knee Tony rolled off the side of the bed, "Alright kiddo. I think that's enough for one sitting." He sniffed, tongue clicking against his teeth. "Me and Brucey need to talk about a few things. You good?" Peter nodded, maybe a little too quickly. With that Tony took the lead out of the room. Bruce had no issues following the other out.
"You two seem to be getting along well." He started but Tony simply kept walking, all the way down the hall. Bruce, dutifully, followed in confusion.
"If his Spidey sense is back his others might be too." Tony pointed at the side of his head, "Advanced hearing." The brunette added it to the mental list of other traits and abilities his patient had. Tony wanted to be out of superhuman earshot just in case.
"Fifteen and all that?" Tony's look said yes, and even more, "Geez and he didn't go rip off a Best Buy first?"
Tony smirked, "Naw. Kid's got a good heart." He seemed oddly proud about that. "Too good."
Bruce could read between the lines, "He forgave you?" He ventured and Tony sighed.
"Yes? No? I don't know...We didn't talk all that much about it."
"But he doesn't hate you." That much was clear. Tony shook his head, no, Peter was too good for him, really. "If you want my advice-"
"I don't. Just so we're clear." Tony cut in quickly, Bruce fixed him with a flat look, daring him to continue. Tony decided to absently pick at his nails.
"Let him go at his pace. Clearly he's glad to be here. Maybe his abandonment issues catch up with him, maybe they don't, but if he's ready to just pick up and move on…" He shrugged, "Don't hold him back. Trust me. I know a thing or two about pent up emotions." Tony snorted at that, "I'm gunna go talk to Lang, I've been having some of the lab techs to the basic testing on the samples and want to get some more input on his ideas he was right about the oils. I think it would be a good idea for you to start thinking more long term."
Tony gave him a look, "About what?"
Bruce sighed, "About the kid, Tony. We're getting him back on his feet but what's the plan. Hell, am I guilty of kidnapping? Is CPS going to come knocking on the door? Where's he gunna stay? Kid seems bright, he's gunna be worried about all that and more."
Stark had to agree, "Ignorance is bliss. And I'm not so trust me. It's all worked out." And Peter Parker was in no way ignorant either. It was something to chew on but while others may think him impulsive- which he was, Tony was also a forward thinker. He had a plan in place and already pieces of it were being carried out. He just needed to see if Peter liked said plan, which was more talking about things and they hadn't managed so well the first time.
Bruce seemed satisfied that Tony was taking this seriously, "I'm off. I'd like to test some of those samples against his blood- I'll let you know if we have to keep him away from Christmas decorations." With that the pair began to head in separate directions.
"Remember! Nothing from that house of horrors gets near the kid! Nothing!" Tony shouted as he headed back to Peter's room. Entering, he had to shake his head. Just a few days prior the kid looked like death. Pure and simple. Now he was sprawled out, mostly on his stomach, face turned to the side and cheek pressed against his pillow with one arm somehow tossed over the guardrail of the hospital bed.
While Tony settled in, Bruce headed out in search of Scott who was with several others in the open common area.
Introductions to the team had been somewhat quick but they'd fallen into place easily enough. First with welcoming Asgard to Earth, then in the coordinated 'keep Tony from doing something stupid' operation that had lasted over the last few days. "Scott." Bruce called, flagging the other down. "I wanted to talk with you about your theories." Yet fully tested but it seemed like it was true that the oils in the house were the cause of the toxic build up, but Lang apparently had more to share, "Nat mentioned you think you know what he's allergic to?" It wasn't that Bruce didn't believe the other but Scott wasn't a doctor, nor a scientist.
"Yeah I was doing some checking and I think it was the mulch. Stuff was cedar and that's a no go for a lot of insects. If we're talking major allergic reaction, I'd bet good money on that."
From one of the couches Sam tossed a few popcorn kernels at the other, "Do you even have any money?"
Lang gave him a look, "Hypothetical money, okay?" There. His attention turned back to Banner. "Listen, Peppermint, Citronella, Eucalyptus." He counted them off, rather animated as he did, "All really bad for bugs. You mix that, over the course of two months then toss in fresh cedar and your run of the mill yard pest control and bam." Bruce listened, having heard bits and pieces already, it seemed far fetched, he hadn't believed it at first but Scott seemed convinced. "To someone who actually has spider DNA- I mean he does right?" he wasn't exactly sure, "That could all be really bad news. Also, can we talk about this?" He looked around, trying to gain attention.
Sam was on the couch with Clint in a nearby chair. Steve and Nat were across the way at the kitchen island looking over something spread out on the counter. Everyone seemed perfectly calm. Sure, Scott and the rest had interacted with the kid in Germany, but he'd assumed he just had some sort of fancy tech suit, much like himself. Not that he was actually super powered. "I mean is no one weirded out by the fact that the kid is part Spider?"
Steve tilted his head, "Aren't you Antman?" He knew the answer of course but was more surprised that Lang seemed so worked up about another bug.
Scott was still for a second before, "Well...yeah but I don't have ant DNA. The kid makes webs! Like, does that come out of him?"
"No." Sam called over from the couch, not even bothering to look away from the TV, "I already asked."
"Sir. You wanted reports on any activity that tripped our sensors?" The soldier wondered as he reported in.
"What do you have for me?"
"Tony Stark pulled a kid out of CPS's hands three days ago. Had his lawyers draft it up legally."
A kid? "What's the name?"
"Uh...Peter Parker sir."
Parker…"Put in a prisoner transfer request. Adrian Toomes." The line was cut then as he leaned back in his chair. Well, seems like the info Toomes had was accurate after all, now how to use that to his advantage to finally nail Stark once and for all?
So there we have it. Can I add a *dun dun DUN* to the end? Yes? No? I want to toss in some more fluff I have planned but ya'll seem to love Peter in danger so we'll see how things go.
As always drop me a line and let me know what you think!
