iii.

Tony raised the mug to his lips, studying the holographic plans. Project Hot Wheels, as Peter had named, was going splendidly and really, he couldn't even begin to describe how well Peter had taken to the idea.

After Tony had pitched the idea, they had spent an entire Saturday afternoon designing the schematics together. Over the next several days, Peter had picked colours for the cars, Pepper had chosen the leather seats and May had selected the design of the rim for the wheels. The last thing Tony expected was for it to sort of become a family project but well, what the hell? Peter came to the workshop each time smiling so brightly Tony was sure his cheeks must be hurting. It wasn't something Tony was going to complain about when the kid was actually, for once, receptive to something that Tony wanted to give, out of the world of Spider-Man.

"Hey there, Mr. Stark," Peter greeted, entering the apartment. "So I've got this really cool idea … Actually it came from Ned…"

"Guy in the chair," Tony acknowledged, to let Peter know that he actually did remember the kid's best friend.

"Yeah, so like, we're thinking of putting a little spider, nothing obvious. Just something small, maybe like at the side of the hood… As a – as a nod to Spider-Man without it being a total giveaway… Thoughts, Mr. Stark?"

"Sure, no harm," Tony shrugged, shaking his head when Peter gave a delighted whoop. "Got a species in mind? And you better think twice before saying widow spiders…"

"What if I did say black widow….?" Peter challenged, a smile playing on his lips.

"Then get out of my house."

As Peter's arm moved through the air, the light reflected off his Fossil watch and while this wasn't the first time Tony had seen him wear the watch, it still fill him with some warmth. They had talked about it over Hot Wheels – he would learn to come to terms with being handed things, especially by Peter and in turn, the kid would try not to reject the things Tony gave him. It was a lesson for both of them in trying to accept things, and while there was no major improvement overnight, there was some progress.

"How's school?"

"Oh, it's alright," he answered.

He kept his phone away after texting Ned the news and plopped down on the stool by the kitchen island, waiting for Tony to finish preparing a plate of lasagna for him. Progress, Tony thought, because the Peter he knew three weeks ago would have immediately insisted that Tony not trouble himself or that he had already eaten before coming.

"Practice was good. MJ's going to increase our practice hours, so it'll run for three on every alternate Fridays instead of the usual two. It's going to be so confusing to keep track so she's making Ned do up a roster to be distributed to everyone and she wants all of our calendars to sync."

Tony's face scrunched in displeasure, inciting a laugh from Peter.

"Sounds like a tough task master."

"Yeah," Peter nodded. "MJ's cool but she can be a bit terrifying, you know? Kind of like Ms. Potts with you – "

"Hey!" Tony called out, shooting Peter a look.

Peter met his gaze, unfazed. "You are sometimes afraid of Ms. Potts. Anyway, MJ really wants us to win the nationals but like she's not the only one… I want to win it too. I just wish she could chill a little or something."

"Kid," Tony said, coming around to place the plate in front of Peter, "take it from me. When Pepper wants something done in a certain way, I just let her do whatever the hell she wants. Same thing here – three hours practice? Do it. If she's as terrifying as you said," Tony smirked, "then don't put yourself in the crosshair."

"Yeah, okay."

"Hmm," Tony hummed, pleased that Peter was actually listening to him. "That field trip still on?"

If Peter was in high spirit when he came in earlier, Tony's question was the needle that deflated it.

"Doesn't look like it," he said morosely. "The bus had a bit of an accident after the robotic team's field trip. Principal Morita told us that the bus is in the workshop for some repairs, won't be back in time for ours. So our field trip's been postponed. We're looking at other alternatives," Peter explained.

Tony was confused and it must have shown because Peter opened his mouth to say something but Tony beat him to it.

"What – there's only one bus?"

"Yeah, only one," the kid affirmed. "But no worries, Mr. Stark, I'm not disappointed or anything."

"Could have fooled me," Tony muttered.

"Alright, maybe I am, a little. Ned and I really wanted to swing by Shane Confectionary. He read it off some Philadelphia website for tourists and it seems like a really cool place."

Tony pushed the tray closer to the kid, a silent invitation for him to have a second helping. Peter scooped a generous portion into his plate and the rest to Tony's.

"Pete, the Hot Wheels' not ready but there is a car in the garage that belongs to you. You could take that car and drive it up to that store with Ned during the weekend," Tony suggested. "We'll put Hot Wheels on hold."

The kid raised his head, cocking it to the side as if thinking the suggestion through and for a moment there, Tony really thought that he was going to bite but Peter merely shook his head.

"It's alright. I'm thinking now that I'll have more time for patrol and to be Spider-Man."

"May and I had this talk with you, kid," Tony interjected. "School always comes first."

"Yeah, I know," he said, shoving the food into his mouth. He swallowed before answering, "but it's the bus, right? It's out of my control."

At that, Tony sighed. The kid did have a point.

"Why is it that your school only has one bus?"

"We have two others, Mr. Stark, but it's being used to shuttle the other students to and from school. The bus for excursion and trips, well we only have that one. It's the school's budget, I think. It's always a race to see which team can book the bus first. It's actually half the fun but it also gives some bad blood between team leaders. Like, did you know, the head of robotics is getting so much flake from the leader of the chess team? Their excursion is right after ours and now, they can't go too. I mean, it's not Hazel's fault the bus got into an accident after their trip but that's how it is, I guess."

"I'm not sure why you kids put up with all these minor inconveniences. If your school needs help or funding, your principal should be able to ask for it," Tony groused. "He's got my number, he should have called."

"Why does my principal have your number?" Peter narrowed his eyes. "Are you checking up on me?"

"No, give me some credit," Tony rolled his eyes. "Your principal however do know that he is supposed to call May and then me, in that order, the moment your grade slips up and – "

"Spider-Man will be suspended. Honestly, Mr. Stark, I've heard this lecture ad nauseam," Peter huffed. "So he's got your number 'cause like you're listed as one of my guardians?"

That gave Tony paused. The only people whose contact details were recorded in the school system are parents and legal guardians. He was none of those and yet….

"Yeah, I'm listed. Is that okay?"

Peter looked at him and Tony resisted the urge to actually squirm under the kid's gaze. He didn't know why Peter's answer was important but it made him anxious.

"Yeah, Mr. Stark, that's cool."

Tony let out a breath.

"Back to this problem at hand," he rerouted their conversation, "say the word, kid, and I'll get your school a new bus… an entire fleet."

Across from him, Peter was already shaking his head.

"Come on." Remembering the talk he had with May about actually giving Peter a choice, Tony tried to rationalize. "It's a contribution to the school. People do it all the time. Hey, I gave some funds to the kids at MIT – how's this any different?"

Tony knew it worked because for once, Peter wasn't actually protesting. Instead, he sat there, mulling it over.

"That's not – that's not a bad idea, Mr. Stark. The school really needs a bus or two buses. It's always a mad rush to reserve the bus before another team could…"

"And this gift won't be for your sole benefit," Tony pointed out. "You get to share it this time. Remember what we said about learning to accept…"

"Yeah," Peter nodded. "It's for the school."

"So it's settled then," Tony rubbed his palms together. "I'll get in touch with Principal Morita. We'll have a chat about this and the state of your science lab. I don't really like what I'm hearing from you about some of the equipment."

"Mr. Stark," Peter pleaded, "please try not to go overboard."

"It's for the betterment of society, kid. Relax. Go text your girlfriend and your guy in the chair. Tell them the trip is still on."

Peter blushed and the red was such a stark contrast against his pale skin.

"She's not – not my… She's my classmate."

"Sure," Tony shrugged, "whom you have a tiny bit of crush on."

"No – We're not talking about this."

"Why not?" he asked. "Who else are you going to talk about girls with? You talk to May about that? Come on, I want to give you some dating advice."

"I – I don't need it!"

"Yeah, you don't," Tony smiled softly, patting his shoulder. "You just be yourself kid. If the girl can't see how big a heart you have, it's her loss."

"That sounds like something May would say," Peter shot him a look. "You've been spending too much time talking to my aunt. Are you guys exchanging notes?"

Tony peered at him, searching for a sign or a clue that the kid was angry about it but there was none, only open amusement.

"Eat your dinner," he ordered.

With anyone else, after giving that command, Tony would have left them alone and make his way to the workshop but he didn't. He stayed there with the kid. As Peter ate, Tony scrolled through his phone, looking at several catalogues at once.

"How's a bus with Wi-Fi on it sounds to you?"

"That's awesome!" Peter nodded enthusiastically. "That'll be so cool. Is it – Is it going to cost a lot of money?"

"Don't worry about it," Tony waved his question away. "Look who you're talking to."

Silence descended on them, punctuated occasionally by the sound of Peter's cutleries hitting the plate. When he was done, without any prompting, he stood up to clear his and Tony's plate.

"Mr. Stark," Peter turned, leaning back against the sink, "thanks for the bus. And – And for letting me stay at your penthouse whenever May's out for work."

Tony lifted his gaze.

Peter's nightmare ever since Tony had gotten him out of the soul world had been bad. Both May and Tony realised slowly over the weeks and months that followed that a quiet environment and the stillness of it was a trigger for Peter. It brought flashback to a time when he was trapped in a void.

Their apartment in Queens was constantly filled the voices of their neighbours and noises from the streets but May was always careful not to leave him on his own for long periods of time at night, in case it became too quiet. In case he got trapped in a nightmare alone and his aunt wasn't there to pull him out of it ….

So Tony had stepped in, taking the kid in when his aunt had to work especially over the weekends. Two days without an adult around was two days too long and it wasn't a risk May and Tony wanted to take. Peter was still healing and they needed to watch over him without being too suffocating.

"It's just me here when Pepper's gone for Stark Industries business… Having you around is no trouble. You're keeping an old man company so no need for such things, Pete."

"Really, Mr. Stark, thank you. I – I just feel like that needed to be said so – so you know that I – I'm really… Really just thankful that -"

"I do know," Tony stressed. "Now come here, let me show you this bus…"

He didn't just buy the kid expensive things. He always gave the kid his time, a place in his home, it might have taken a while but also a space in his heart. His only problem was that he couldn't put that into words. He didn't know how and giving the kid material things that he thought the kid might need was his way of showing.